Snapshot Saturday ~Decorating With the kiddos

 

Enjoyed spending our Saturday morning transforming our herb patch into an All Hallow's Eve cemetery. The kids are too cute just clumping cobwebs like cotton candy all over everything. Oh, well... there will be plenty of years for "just right" decorating when they're all grown up. For now, I love having their special little touch added to our home :)

Added Tip!!!
Next time you prune the trees in your yard, put a few large branches aside. They make FABULOUS "narly trees" to lean against the front porch or even lay down in the window box. We added some orange lights and cobwebs  because... well... you know... Our lives are run by kids. BUT... can't you just see some silicone dipped lights and gilded pumpkins? Someday!

Oh... and if you didn't get around to pruning those trees, most husbands are willing to go lob one off for you right now for the small promise of homemade soup. *Which he does NOT have to know you were in the process of making anyways ;)

 

Day at the shore...



This week's "Snapshot Saturday" was an easy one.
We packed up the kiddos Wednesday, and went down to our favorite beach.
It was THE MOST PERFECT DAY in every way...
(I'll try to remember how much I love Rhode Island when we're buried under 3' of snow mid-winter... LOL)

Is that a cardboard cow?

*Snapsot Saturday...

All of my country and farming friends may get a kick out of this one...  We city folks have to make do with what we've got... LOL!

Hannah, Caleb, and Rebekah spent last week enjoying our parish's summer bible camp, "Son Harvest County Fair". It was a wonderful week learning all about the fruits of the spirit. They enjoyed the fun and games, the crafts, and the fellowship with all of their friends. But their favorite part was the visits to "Uncle Zeke's Red Barn" where they made their own homemade butter, cinnamon bread dough, and strawberry jam. And as you can see in the photo, they each had a chance to "milk the cow". Since cows are rare in these here parts... a cardboard cutout and dish gloves had to suffice. Bekah was so excited to show me her newly learned skill :)

   

Snapshot Saturday ~ "Young Love"

This "Snaphot Saturday" was an easy one. My nephew, Andrew, and his girlfriend, Marissa, went to her Senior Prom last night. They welcomed me to take a few shots of them at her parent's beautiful home. It was fun to feel the energy of all the girls as they gathered in the patio area waiting to begin such a memorable evening.

Life is so full of chapters. And although the future is just beginning, there are those few 'last things' that are such a part of closing the special chapter of those early school days... Concerts, Awards, Plays, Prom, and finally graduation. Marissa is a bright and beautiful girl. I know she will be successful at anything she puts her mind and heart into. I'm so glad my nephew found such a special person to share this time in his life with. They are both very easy to love :)

Saturday Snapshot~"Just Like Daddy"

 

Ever since Jake was born, he and his daddy have had a special bond. He lights up when my husband walks into a room. He imitates everything papa does. They've had a special "handshake" since before Jake was a year old (initiated by Jacob, and continued daily!). Whenever he sees Mike wearing a hat... that's it.... Jake has to confiscate it and put it on his own head.

So, the other day, when Jake disappeared around the corner from the kitchen, and returned just a moment later with Daddy's hat crookedly perched on his head, and the boots on his hands... Well, you can imagine the reaction he got from Dad. I thought Mike was going to melt into a puddle right there on the floor in front of me.

"They" say actions speak louder then words, and this was a great big "I LOVE YOU", that I just could not resist capturing, and sharing in a "Saturday Snapshot".

Update: Special Thanks to Creating The Hive for featuring this blog post on their site.

 

Snapshot Saturday/ "Stinker & Doodle"

This is my life right now...In a nutshell.
And I'm a very happy nut :)

(I could look at that expression on my grandaughter's face a thousand times, and still crack up! I can't tell if she's looking guilty, or if she's thinking "don't make it obvious goober, maybe she won't notice")

Winter's Icy Hand

  I tried to capture the sunlight magically dancing on the frozen tree branches, and didn't see this "Icy Hand Of Winter" until after I downloaded the pictures! The icy hand of wintergrasps us ever tight.As we dream of warmth and springtime,throughout the frozen night. And in the sunlit morning,as the vines and branches glisten.There's a silent song that's sung,for hearts that stop to listen. For in the warmth of love's embrace,where light is welcome still,the icy hand of winter melts.And spring... the springtime will.  

Snapshot Saturday and a Little Magic...

It seems there's been some magic going on around here.*You see... I just brought this baby home.*All I did was blink my eyes...

And all of a sudden, this big guy appeared!

 "Happy Birthday" my baby Jake.*Thank you for each and every magical moment :)  

"Adleigh and Jake" / Snapshot Saturday

This Snapshot Saturday photo is one straight out of the cell phone camera!  You know I have a "thing" for black and white and/or effects, but this photo really is a "snapshot" into my every day life, bright colors and all :)

As you can see, a few months makes a big difference, and the two months that seperate my son, Jacob and my grandaughter, Adleigh have begun to get less and less obvious. We've grown tired of correcting folks who bless us on our twins, and just smile at each other. Funny thing is... they  look almost exactly like our twins, Joshua and Sarah (Adleigh's mom), did 22 years ago...

What I really love about this picture is that it is "so them". No posing... just two sweeties enjoying a late summer afternoon, side by side. Adleigh's sweet smiling eyes, and Jacob's extreme joy just bursting out in his wide open expression.

As I sit to type this, Adleigh is napping, and Jacob is nudging her... trying to wake her. They love each other, and it's getting really fun to watch them interact. They crack each other, and themselves up with the simplest little things. I could watch them all day, and it's a good thing, because that's pretty much what I do all day!

Fortunately, today I also have my new Prims Magazine to peruse while they crawl, toddle, and climb all over the playroom. (I dragged my 3 daughters and my grandaughter out in a tropical rainstorm to get it last night... LOL!) I love seeing so many of my friends' work in this edition!!! Sooooooo prim perfect!!!

 

"The Whole World In My Hands"

You know that feeling? Every mommy has it every now and again... "will this baby ever just fall asleep, so I can actually get something done today?" So, we tend to his every need.... fed? yep. diaper changed. uh ha. Pacifier in place? absolutely!  We hum, we dance, we cuddle. Then... just when we're about to give up, we feel that undeniable heaviness that sets in. AAAAAAAAAAhhhhhhhh.... he's getting comfy. He leans back, and nuzzles in. Then he takes my hand and cups it on his sweet little face. I kiss his temple, and he giggles that tired little giggle. Then... at last... he drifts off to dreamland... cheek resting in my palm.

So... what's a mom to do? A house in need of an overhaul. Laundry reproducing in the hamper. A crockpot waiting to be filled. And a canvas; stark white... longing to become "something".

But suddenly... there's no place else in the world a mommy would rather be. And there's no activity quite as pressing as watching my baby sleep, knowing he's safe in the palm of my hand...

This "Snapshot Saturday" photo credit goes to my hubby ;)

 



Friendship

I figure since I did so much "Mommy blubbering" about my Bekah's 1st day of kindergarten, I would combine my "Saturday Snapshot" with a follow up ;)

 

As I expected, her first day was wonderful. Of course, it always helps when you know your bff is by your side :)

 

This is a snapshot of Rebekah and her bff, my god-daughter, Alannah, walking down the hill to their first day of kindergarten. I'm glad they have each other...

 

 

Our "Rock" weekend...

We spent most of the day yesterday at one of our favorite places... Purgatory Chasm. We had gone just a few weeks ago with Caleb's cupscout pack, but our Hannah who LOVES outdoor adventure was not with us because of a prior committment. So, we promised we'd return soon. The bonus was... we brought BIG BROTHER along!!! Josh was amazing. He has spent the last 11 years of his life on all sorts of outdoor activities, and spends a lot of time at the chasm with friends.  He brought the kids up onto high ridges (WAY TOO HIGH), and into deep caves (WAY TOO DEEP). It may have taken a year off my life to watch it all, but I placed my trust in the Lord, and the fact that Josh loves his younger siblings more than life itself. 

To watch him with them is really quite an experience. He is so patient and tender. He got quite a physical workout. And he spent just as much time teaching along the way as guiding their footsteps. Hannah, in particular, loved spending that time with him. And she was able to maneuver some of the trickier caves and passes that were just too much for the younger ones. She enjoyed that trust and freedom. She was in her element with one of her favorite people...

And look who else enjoyed his day exploring the chasm! Jake definately seems to have an adventurous spirit, and just loved every moment "hanging around" with his dad ;)

Saturday afternoon, we headed out to a local "Summerfest Concert" where Josh's band, "Guilty Pleasures" was performing. The music was loud, the crowd was young, and our little family, (double stroller in tow) stuck out like a sore thumb... LOL. But I figure if he could spend time with us rock'n with us on Friday, then we could do the same to support him on Saturday...

You know, it's funny... Like lots of young men, Josh has had his share of rebellion these last couple of years. But watching him on that stage, singing his heart out, I couldn't help but think about his dad and the rock bands he fronted for so many years... or the ardent love of nature and outdoor activity that they share. (shhh.... don't tell him, but they are an awful lot alike ;)...)

It's been quite a rockin' weekend so far. I hope I can find a little quiet space to do some sketching tomorrow... I hear it's going to rain =D

"Mumzie's Girl"

When I learned I was going to be a grandmother for the first time, it was quite a traumatic experience. It's not even that the news was unexpected, and not the way I had always dreamed, but I don't need to get into all those details. I'm sure there are multitudes of moms who have walked in those shoes, and know that when things don't go the way you planned, you just "pull up your big girl panties" and deal.  The most important factor to me was that this precious little life was on it's way, and in the midst of all the emotion, there was nothing but love for our little grandbaby.

So, why the trauma? Oh... did I mention I was pregnant with my own precious little boy and was 43 years old? Ya. I won't get into every ugly detail, but let's just say no little home should ever have that many hormones exploding around at one time. I already thought my hubby was a saint, but surviving that experience definately seals that one. As always he was my rock.

But anywhooooo.... that's not even the point.

Here's the point...

Once I adjusted to the path we found ourselves on, I knew the only thing to do was focus on the positive, and the impending blessings of grandparenthood. I was excited to help my little grandaughter come into the world and envelop she and her mama with all the love and support in the world. Needless to say, there were challenges with my own newborn son, and the exhaustion that accompanies newborns. Did I mention their two births came at the height of swine flu season? And I have 3 school-aged children who all were sick and home from school for 3 months?

But again... that's not the point.

Here's the point... again...

The day my daughter came home with her precious little pink bundle, we were sitting on the family room floor just admiring every inch of the new princess' beauty. I was so happy to be her grandmother.

Then "it" happened.

My daughter (talking 3rd person on behalf of my 3 day old grandaughter) called me "grandma".

Good thing I was already on the floor.

How had I overlooked this? I was sooooo happy to have a grandbaby, but it never occured to me that I was in no way, shape or form ready to be "grandma".

My husband had always known that when the blessings of grandparenthood arrived, he would stick to his French/Canadian heritage and proudly embrace the title "Pepere". Having mostly the same heritage, I figured, I'd follow suit and be "Memere" so we could be a matching pair. However, it didn't take me long to realize that's just not "me". And besides, my mother-in-law is Memere to all of our children, and it just didn't feel right to share that honored title.

Grandma, like my mom was? Seemed natural until my daughter uttered the words.

Gram? Na... the paternal grandmother already snagged that cute lil' title and I didn't want to create a competitive atmosphere...

ugh... What to call a grandmother who's got her own newborn baby and is not quite ready to be labeled with the usual bun and rocking chair titles.

It came out of nowhere.

My daughter is a Brit-Com freak. Well... she's not a freak, but she has a passion for every Brit-Com carried on American television. You name it "Allo Allo", "Are You Being Served", "As Time Goes By", "Keeping Up Appearances", and a whole bunch I can't stand being in the room while they play.

Yes, this "IS" the point...

I blurted out in my best "uppity" British accent; "Why doesn't she just call me Mumzie?"

My daughter looked at me like she did when she was 3 and wanted a pony.

She said "Please tell me you're not kidding, and she can really call you that?!?!"

Why not?

And so... I... old fashioned, prim artisan, who loves everything Americana and traditional... am "Mumzie".

Should have looked it up first. Apparently it means "1: Dowdy: Unfashionable and dowdy." (they just had to get "dowdy" in there twice).

Great. Now "that's" what I was going for... LOL! My hubby in his ever loving manner said; "well, you'll just have to redefine it then". Love that guy.

Definition #2 was a little better; "2: Motherly: Kind and motherly in a gentle sweet-natured way".

Ok. I like that one better.

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be known as "Mumzie". And I'm not sure my other five children will appreciate all of their children calling on me with a name inspired by their sister's love of goofy Brit-Coms, but... that's how things happen isn't it?

And somehow it fits so well. I love being her Mumzie...

Snapshot Saturday & Room Re-dos Are Coming!

I took this shot of Bekah pulling petals from a daisy recently. I love the contrast of the rustic ground and the delicate tulling all bathed in dappled sunlight. I'm working on some mixed media and/or digital artwork with this one.
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Other goings on around here are that we're attempting to do a major re-assigning of rooms, including having a permanent home for my studio. It will not be a fast process, but I'm really excited about it, and looking forward to organizing and decorating it... all in "Early American Flea Market" of course... LOL! I'll take pictures, I'm sure :)
.
But more pressing is preparation for my Bekah's Birthday Party next weekend. Looks like we're having a "Tea Party"!!! (might be a Strawberry Shortcake or Hello Kitty Tea Party; the jury's still out... LOL) Oh, to be a little girl....