Monday, May 25, 2009

Playin' Catch Up

Seems the past several weeks have been so hectic. School is winding down at a fever pitch and with a holiday thrown in the mix that makes for alot of activity! Caught my breath for a few hours at the lake this weekend. Really nice to just BE. Armed with a couple magazines and a book, I spent most of my time on the chaise lounge and enjoyed the chance to relax and take it all in.
Mom and Dad's place is lovely this time of year. Everything is so lush and green. I especially love the dappled sunlight that filters through the trees creating a woodland feel in the upper part of their yard. Here are a few shots I took when I managed to get up from my respite. By the way, I was on the look out for all those bluebirds my dad is always saying hang out at his place. I didn't see even one. Boo!




Today, I'm back at home trying to play catch up. Errands to run, lots of work around the house that needs to be done and wanting to cram in some family time to see a movie and prepare Brady for the end of the school year. Hope to carve out some time this week to catch you up on some of the other fun I've had this past month, too. Lots to say, photos to share, but no time to get it down here-yet.


Hope you are having a great holiday weekend!

Monday, May 11, 2009

Dearest Mother's Day


What a wonderful Mother's Day I had yesterday. I was able to spend time with both my mom and Jeff's mom as well as my two boys. Of course, my sister was along for part of the day and always makes our celebrations even more fun. The two of us took Mom to lunch at "Cam's place" - Max and Erma's. That way, I got to see him a little, too. Next Sunday, will be Mother's Day Part Duex when Missy and I take Mom to see A Chorus Line at the Fox-we can't wait!




The night before, I made this for Mom while watching a movie with Jeff. When it comes to doodling I am most often inspired by Pam G, but recently discovered this GAL and was inspired by a couple things I saw on her blog and the gift she made for her PAL.



I didn't have a vintage photo album page in good enough shape for the base so I grabbed a mat at Michael's and used vintage French book paper for the cutout. The flowers have a vintage feel, but are new and a Prima item Michael's is now carrying-love these.



And although I copied alot of elements from the original, I personalized it a bit here and there including the vintage paper I chose. The Rose of Sharon has always been a favorite of my mom's and she tells stories of how she and her sisters would use the blooms as dresses for their clothes pin dolls when they were little girls.



And the two phrases I used are favorite quotes of mine. This one from Mary Engelbreit. I was proud of myself for breaking out of the box a little (baby steps, you know!) and completing this project.


One of the things that touched my heart this Mother's Day is what a privilege and gift it is to be a mother. Often taken for granted and many times belittled, it is the greatest role we can fulfill. And so, in celebration of this wonderful privilege of being a mom, I leave you with this poem created by one of my students. May God bless each of you mothers as you care for your little (and big) ones. It is truly the most important and rewarding job on earth!



The Most Precious Sound


The most precious sound might be
the sound of my mother talking to me
telling me she loves me.



The most precious sound of all is
the sound of my mother's lullaby
in my room helping me to go to sleep.



As I lay dreaming the most precious sound I hear
is my mother's sweet voice whispering in my ear,
"Good night sweet child of mine".




















Saturday, May 09, 2009

i got nothin'

one of the kiddos at school always says this when he is trying to get out of doing his work. "i got nothin'," he'll say as if that will give him an automatic out to coming up with the answer. well today friends, i've got nothin'. i'm on my second round of antibiotic for this croop that's made a semi-perminent residence in my head and chest and i'm just...kapoot! my body is tired and so is my brain. just nothin' left after a week of trying to get through the end of the school year. who knew it could be like this?! we are all in full countdown mode including the kiddos. i'm hoping once the school year ends the croop will leave and my creativity will return.


until then, while i've been tryin' to get over this yuck I've been making a few more yo yo's and have been inspired to make these after seeing them HERE and HERE.



made some manly ones for brady's teacher's gift this week, but didn't have a chance to snap a pic. they were just like these only burlap and black & white ticking. they looked great tucked into the raffia on the kraft paper wrapping. my favorite thing about these though are the little flags cut from an old spelling workbook. love that pink line across the bottom. ;)



the art teacher at school gifted me with a mini sketchbook to keep me busy in my "downtime" when not grading papers so i've been doing alot of this "in class".



however, some of the girls have spied me doodling and one got in trouble for drawing instead of listening to the teacher this week. oopsie! my bad. just trying to keep the creativity comin' if only a bit here and there.


hope to be back with a mother's day post tomorrow or monday.
until then, i got nothin'...in particular.
















Monday, May 04, 2009

along came pretty little May

One of my favorite Rogers & Hammerstein tunes is June is Bustin' Out All Over from Carousel. And one of my favorite parts is when they sing about pretty little May.

Then April cried and stepped aside
and along come pretty little May...
click HERE to see a clip from the movie

You can certainly see the effect of all the April showers we've been having. The irises are particularly showy, but I've also noticed that the azaleas and now the snowball bushes are in full bloom as well.


Received this jewel from my pal Shirley today. We share May birthdays so we both have an affinity for lily of the valley. Just love these delicate little bells.


Here's to May flowers and welcoming summer. I am SO ready to see the sun and enjoy the warm temperatures. Do you think it will ever arrive-and stay?!?