pictures of pictures

Here are some of the latest works of art in our home:

The first is Andrew's newest masterpiece! He drew and painted this himself in art class. The assignment was to draw the rose as close to the live "model" as possible. Andrew's teacher told him his was the best! I'd say. I got a lovely frame at a rummage and painted it bright to match his background. Cool, eh?

Next up are a few shots of the kids from JC Penney photo studio. Ahhh, this was the first time I really spent too much. But, this one framed piece was really really marked down so I HAD to!!

Last, a little grouping of the kiddos in their Easter outfits. The two simpler frames are also painted rummage frames. Sorry, I can't figure out how to rotate it. Won't they look smashing together on a wall? I think I'm going to have to paint a wall first... heh heh.

Father's Day!

Look at that father, ain't he cute!? We had fun celebrating him on Father's Day. The kids all made Daniel cards that they gave him the moment he rolled out of bed. We also managed to make "big pancakes" (a Stewart favorite) in the morning and still "make it to the church on time!"

This one is too funny--Andrew's just about to sneeze!

After church we gave Daniel a Bocce Ball set, aka lawn bowling. I had to get it for Father's Day since it is a great portable outside game (good for apartment dwellers) and it was the first thing we did together after Daniel came home from his mission! Awww. We've had fun playing in the courtyard here and at the park. Let the good times roll!

Charades

Ok, for family night last week we played charades and Andrew was SO FUNNY acting out "slippery". His "slipping" on the floor turned into this bit of ridiculousness. I couldn't decide which one to post, so enjoy both!

Save the date!

July 22nd plan on having a big party! Because that is the day we close on our house! Phew. Only one thing stands in the way of being "done" and that is our buyers must pass the home inspection on THEIR house as they are selling theirs simultaneously. Once that happens, we are home free! (No pun intended.) Now, when you party you can't have TOO much fun, it's not like we made money (or even broke even, sniff sniff) on this deal. BUT it's better to have the house off our shoulders. So, that's the news!

My two new loves

The gym and rummages (that's Wisconsin for garage sales).

Beware, this is a nerdy post.

When I signed up for the gym membership I didn't realize how much I would love it. I thought running on the treadmill would be a bit of a drag (not being outside and never going anywhere). However, I actually think it's fun to be sort of mathematical about the workout. I can adjust inclines and speed to various combo's to make myself work hard. I don't have to think about my rout, waiting at stoplights, weather, or strange dogs either (sorry, Dad). And when I'm working really hard but feeling tired I have to make a conscious effort (pushing buttons) to wimp out--whereas when I'm running outside I may just slow down without even realizing it. Thus--I think I work harder. Ahh, it feels good to exert one's self.

And the weights--I love doing weights! Who'd a thought. The guy at the gym gives me a workout and will change it up as necessary. It's cool (no extra $ either). Originally fearing intimidation, I actually found it's energizing to work out when other people are in there. Especially when people are really pumping iron! We're all in there pushing ourselves (though their pushing involves a lot more metal than mine!). And lest you think I'm pushing a size zero...please...I weigh the same as when I started! If I could just kick my dessert habit. Come on, I gotta live a little!

And...rummages.

New York, Iowa, and college life in Utah and Colorado somehow each had reasons to have few garage sales or little ability to get to them. But now, now there are TONS and I can go live the life I envied in so many of YOU!!! Trikes for $5, toys for pocket change, games for a dollar, and random household stuff for a deal! It's probably good we're not in a house or I'd be tempted to fill it too fast!

Watch what I can do!

Bits 'n' Pieces

Here are some bits 'n' pieces of the recent goings on: (none really deserve a post of their own!)

Daniel has been moved from teaching the youth Sunday school to being the Young Men's first counselor. So far so good!

Katie has been asked to be the primary secretary. It's a big change from teaching the little critters to making sure their names are on the rolls and all teachers are accounted for...I'm learning!

Today at church Andrew raised his hand in front of all of junior primary. He had something to say about the teacher's drawings--he was polite, but to the point. "The three girls you drew don't really look like girls. They look like cave men."

Eliza's favorite words are poo-poo and poop. She throws them in wherever she pleases. Especially to punctuate the end of a phrase or a song.

Eliza also has a funny affection for the words sometimes, since, and because. They often come at the beginning of sentences when they are unnecessary. It's a cute little experiment.

Eliza is petrified, PETRIFIED, screaming bloody horror petrified of bugs. If a little gnat is flying around her face, based on her reaction you might believe she got her arm cut off!

Abby finished preschool a couple weeks ago. Andrew has a week left of 1st grade!

The weather! We had our first tornado warning last night. LOTS of thunder, wind and rain. The rain has continued on today and now the thunderstorms are returning. It was amazing last night to see the storm coming--half the sky was light harmless clouds and the other half was ominous blackness. And in it came.

But, BEFORE Saturday's storm we made it out to Harrington Beach on Lake Michigan. It started out pretty chilly--we're learning it's like the Oregon Coast--about 10 degrees colder than "inland". But as the sun came out we warmed up. It was so fun to play in the sand and run around. We even bought our first real cooler. Ooohhh. We were amazed at the vastness of the lake--it's like an ocean. Small waves lap at the shore and you can't see the other side of the lake! It's huge!