I had today off too and it’s been really wonderful and calming especially since I am not overloading my days and really trying to keep to a quiet schedule. After we did our morning stuff, we all sat down to watch Despicable Me today and it was super fun. In the middle of it, I had to pack my boxes for CHA and we got an empty one and put it over Nathaniel.
In case it’s not clear, he loved it.
laughed and laughed.
and I just kept snapping photos.
then it was lunch and nap time. While the kids had quiet time, I sketched and worked a bit on my art journal and even took a nap myself. Then we played some more and got David ready for soccer.
Here he is trying not to smirk.
and here’s Nathaniel “hiding” from Daddy.
and my wonderful, amazing son. I am so so blessed to have him.
I’ve been working on going more slowly. Trying to not finish as much as work in layers and slow down my process and just see how things go. So yesterday, while the kids stamped, I made this.
Today, I added some birds.
and now i am slowly coloring them. It might take a few days and that’s ok. There will be more layers, too. So I won’t produce as many pages but sometimes going slowly helps me see things better.
That’s it for today.
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful I am taking some time off, I feel so much better due to it.
2. I am grateful I get to spend some time with my hubby tonight. Love hubby and me time.
3. I am grateful that most of my CHA work is done and shipped. I have one more assignment set and then I am done.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I got a new toothbrush {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that i played with Nathaniel.
3. I am grateful that we watched Despicable Me.
I decided to take today and tomorrow off work just to relax a bit and spend time with the kids. This morning as I relaxed, I saw David feeding Nathaniel. It made me so deeply happy.
We did all of our morning stuff like sketching, reading, etc but everything at a slower and calmer pace. It was lovely. I had promised David that we would play with stamps today so when Nathaniel’s nap was finished and we took our walk, I got out a bunch of stamps and coloring pencils and the kids just went for it.
I got some self-inking ones for the little boy.
and they were both very happy.
especially Nathaniel.
he kept watching me and David stamp and asking us to do things.
and then colored.
so did David. He tried to match the stamp’s colors perfectly.
He liked the self-inker too.
I just watched them.
And snapped photos in an attempt to get some good ones.
and just enjoyed seeing them happy.
and focused.
we played for quite some time and then david played on the phone for a few minutes and Nathaniel was right by his side of course!
in just a little bit he leaves for swim class and then we’re going to go to Target to get his uniform. I am trying to be organized and prepared for the new school. Let’s see….
My plans for tonight involve journaling, reading, and working on Soul Restoration. I really really want to make sure I slow down and take it all one step at a time.
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful I was on paperclipping roundtable earlier this week. It was such a joy but I was so super-duper nervous.
2. I am grateful i took some time off and feel like I am already relaxing.
3. I am grateful that I spent some time playing with the kids today, it was so so wonderful and we will be doing more of it.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that we played with stamps {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that i have swimming class.
3. I am grateful that we’re going to go to Target.
I am grouchy. I’d like to say why but I have no idea. All I know is I am grouchy grouchy grouchy. Alas, it shall pass.
The little boys are a lot of fun, though. They have been playing together and with cars a lot. Here’s the little one walking on his tippie toes.
And David watching him.
playing with his cars.
making noises and funny faces.
the big boy bummed that Nathaniel has some of the cars he wants.
but smiling at me anyway.
and now so is the little one. always imitates big brother of course.
and in an attempt to improve my mood, I put some music on as I worked and the kids decided to dance.
and here we are. i am about to go upstairs to start the night routine. and then i might get to art journal. i haven’t done it so far today. or i might just lie on the couch and be lazy. let’s see…
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful I sent my first batch of CHA layouts.
2. I am grateful i might be taking some more time off this week. I got a ton of work done today in preparation for it.
3. I am grateful that I spent some time working on my Soul Restoration homework tonight. I like doing that work so much.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I played cars with my brother {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that i got to play on the phone.
3. I am grateful that I can quit gymnastics (yesterday didn’t go so well).
Late last night I found out that I didn’t have work today. I honestly had no idea, is that not weird? Anyhow, it made me feel so much better as I had a commitment in the middle of the day today. So I woke up and got my personal projects done and then played with the kids. Since I knew I was going to have to be completely alone, I told David we could download some free games for the iphone for him to play with during my meeting.
Then I put Nathaniel down and David went to his room to play so I could do my meeting. Then they came back down and it was time for lunch which Nathaniel likes to play with more often than eat.
And wear on his head. He’s recently learned the work HAT!! and likes to say it often.
And here he is saying choo choo. And Truck Fell! which he likes to say often, too.
A split second of attention.
And these are the shots David’s giving me. I take what I can get.
As I worked on some of my Soul Restoration homework the kids picked through their toys and discovered new ones.
And played with cars and trains at the table.
You can’t see it but David’s actually being kind to Nathaniel here and building some cars with him.
I feel like today went by too quickly. I didn’t fill it to the brim or relax enough. I often feel that way lately. Not enough. I am going to work on this because it’s not the most productive or positive way to spend my days. I get a lot done and yet I feel a bit empty so I want to work on what would help me with that so I can enjoy each day in its own way. Some days more relaxing and other days more productive.
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful for an unexpected day off.
2. I am grateful for a fun opportunity today. More on this later this week.
3. I am grateful that there was a Soul Restoration class today. I love each of them.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I have gymnastics class {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that i got some games on the phone.
3. I am grateful that I took lego photos on the phone.
Today has a lot of photos, mostly because I wanted to demonstrate how I like to take photos that tell stories and also give you a little glimpse of the craziness here. I know it’s fourth of July but we didn’t really do anything special for the holiday except hang out. While I sketched in the morning, David played on the phone and Nathaniel was watching him as he often does.
Then they sat at the couch and David drew Nathaniel a picture.
Nathaniel was quite excited.
Here’s the masterpiece.
Then David wanted to add more but Nathaniel wanted to have the toy back, and so is complaining.
And when that doesn’t work, he’s “crying”. I love David’s look here.
So David kindly gives it to him.
Nathaniel is still not 100% sure about the whole thing.
But is taking a closer look.
Then David takes then pen to add a bit more.
Which sends Nathaniel back to his meltdown.
So he gets the pen back and is finally happy.
Then they roughhouse a bit.
Finally Nathaniel is drawing.
Focusing hard with David watching.
And then he’s bored and walks away so now David gets to play with it peacefully.
A typical few minutes in our house. Happens many times over many different toys. Having two is so much more than having two individual kids. The interaction takes it all to another level. (often good and sometimes draining)
And I wanted to include this shot only because Nathaniel looks so very very much like me in it.
There you go. Our day was relatively quiet and typical here. We did go to a local path to take a little hike together but it’s been really really hot here so staying indoors is actually considerably more fun. Happy Fourth of July to those who celebrate it. I was grateful for the little extra time off and time to relax a bit more than usual.
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful for a nice short hike with my family.
2. I am grateful for my simple but truly wonderful life.
3. I am grateful that this will be a short and relatively light week at work.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I drew a picture for my brother {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that we went on a walk.
3. I am grateful that I had chocolate milk.
A lovely Sunday here. We changed the schedule around so the first thing we did was to take family photos.
We had some sweet ones.
And then went right into tickle time.
Which was so much fun.
That I just didn’t want it to end.
We tickled and tickled.
Then Jake and David played wii for a bit while I sketched.
And Nathaniel watched.
Then it was nap time and Jake worked while I did my art journal and other list items. David got to play some more wii. After that we had a friend come over with his son and they all played together.
Nathaniel enjoyed sitting at the table with the bigger boys.
And he was just his usual happy self.
Especially with Daddy.
Now the day’s winding down and we’re all relaxing. I have some books to read tonight. I feel so relaxed and peaceful. I hope it continues to be so.
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful I read two wonderful books today.
2. I am grateful for art journaling, I really love it.
3. I am grateful that Jake’s friend came. It was great to see all the kids playing together.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that we had a playdate with Nico
2. I am grateful that daddy played wii with me.
3. I am grateful that I will play connect-four with daddy.
We had some guests last night and there were more people than usual so we had to bring in one of the tables from the backyard to put the food on and we didn’t put it back last night. This morning, within minutes, Nathaniel had already claimed it as his own.
We did end up chatting late into the night so we both overslept and it meant everything was delayed. But nonetheless, we did get family photos after I exercised.
I love Nathaniel’s face in this one. He’s doing the no-no laughing face.
And I am laughing in this one. Jake was making jokes I couldn’t resist.
We had tickle time of course.
I really love these laughter shots.
And each of them make me super happy.
After we were done, I managed to catch this gem.
Then I got to work on my layout, sketching and other daily todos. Right around dinner, I snapped this of David.
And a few of Nathaniel. He’s saying Bob here which always comes with a hand-raise.
And here he’s saying “oh no!”
He is sad that Bob is over.
We are going out for date night tonight. Just to the movies but it will be nice to get away with Jake even if I didn’t get through all my todo list for the day. When I come home, I will try to do some art and I am hoping my jaw will feel better by then.
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful I got a package in the mail from amazon. Some books I wanted to read.
2. I am grateful for class videos that have been keeping me company as I exercise.
3. I am grateful that we get to go out tonight.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that Daddy will play wii with me. {* his pick for the journal} thank you Caroline!!
2. I am grateful that I got some pokemon cards.
3. I am grateful that I played wii.
Nathaniel’s gotten into Bob the Builder lately and says “bob bob” while raising his hand when he sees anything Bob the builder related. We’ve been watching a few intro movies on YouTube together.
And every now and then I say “Nathaniel” and he says “what?” It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve already said it, he keeps answering. I love that.
David had “David day” today where he got to do several things of his own choosing. One of them was to play Wii.
Here’s more of Nathaniel watching Bob on my computer.
Look at that smile. His joy is so visible.
Jake’s brother and sister in law had a baby today. Little Jonah. I wanted to take a moment to congratulate them and wish all of them a long and prosperous life. Another cousin in the family. We have a bunch of guests coming tonight so I have to run but I wanted to take a moment to apologize for neglecting the emails and comments lately. I will catch up this weekend, I promise.
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful for the weekend. Really really grateful.
2. I am grateful for guests coming over tonight, it promises to be fun.
3. I am grateful that did two layouts last night.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that it was David Day. {* his pick for the journal} thank you Caroline!!
2. I am grateful that I played wii.
3. I am grateful that I had chocolate milk.
Another shot of my kids sitting on the couch together. I can’t get enough of these.
David playing with the iphone (taking pictures) while Nathaniel naps.
My super-duper handsome boy.
And another.
the little one with his sweet smile.
trying to snap some shots over dinner.
and not being super-successful.
Feeling better today. A little step at a time. I took it slow all day. Ate a bit more than usual but tried to still keep it nutritious. I have plans to scrap tonight, I hope I can get some inspiration. It took me a long, long time to do the art journal page today and I almost gave up on three separate occasions. But I love the page I ended up with so I guess it was worth it.
Here we are at the end of another month. June was fast, uneventful and a bit chaotic all at the same time. I hope July will be super-calm, quiet and restful. A girl can wish…
I wanted to remind you that my newsletter goes out tonight. You can subscribe on the right side of my homepage. There are free downloadables and some thoughts from me.
That’s about it for tonight. Off to do my June check-in, put the little one down and scrap.
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful for a sweet email that came as a pleasant and unexpected surprise.
2. I am grateful that I got some wonderful and happy mail that had new Maya Road and Authentique Paper.
3. I am grateful that today was a better day and that I was able to walk toward peace a bit more.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I got angry birds in the mail. {* his pick for the journal} thank you Caroline!!
2. I am grateful that I have swim class.
3. I am grateful that I took pictures with the iPhone.
I must not be getting enough sleep cause I am still too tired and worn out. But today was still a better day. While I sketched in the morning, the two kids sat together and David read to Nathaniel.
Even though the light was bad I still love these.
Then I did more art, worked, Nathaniel napped, I read to David, he read to me etc etc. When he woke up we went on a quick walk and the kids were in better mood.
We watched a few Bob the Builder on YouTube.
which is Nathaniel’s new favorite.
Even David watched a few.
I am wiped wiped wiped. I want to work on my watercolor homework and my Soul Restoration homework and I have emails piling up that need and deserve replies. Same for comments here. Just too tired. I am not ignoring you I swear. Will get my stuff together very soon!
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that Jake came home and took the kids out so I could get some much needed peace.
2. I am grateful that some of yesterday’s grouchiness appears to be gone.
3. I am grateful that Jake went to buy us more fruit and dinner. I am eternally grateful to him for his graciousness and kindness to me.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I made two pictures for Daddy. {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that we got take out for dinner.
3. I am grateful that I played on the computer.
I am feeling grouchy at this moment so I will do this quickly. I have been working on improving my handwriting so I practice and practice in all sizes.
I love how my boys sit together sometimes, each doing his own thing but sitting next to each other. I love that.
I also love the “please take the photo already” smile David gives me lately. It makes me smile.
What I love the most is when they play together. Roaring like dinosaurs.
And stopping to give mommy a big smile.
And laughing at his brother.
Who can do a mighty scary roar.
I love taking these photos. Looking at them when I am grouchy is even better. Nothing went wrong today. Just a few small things. Like I have some scrappy stuff I have to do but I am not in the mood and deadlines always worry me. Like how I don’t like my sketch or art journal page from today. Like how it’s raining and I can’t go on my walk. Like how I am feeling tired and hungry. All of which are really nothing and there are happy sides to all the coins too. So I am going to let it all go. I will do some reading tonight. Some journaling. And a lot of resting. Tomorrow, I will get up, scrap, be thankful and start another day. Thankful for another day.
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that Jake came home and played with the kids so much while I had my meeting. It was so nice to hear them giggling upstairs.
2. I am grateful that handwriting practice is paying off, super-slowly but nonetheless.
3. I am grateful that I have some more homework for both my classes. They are keeping me busy but happy.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that Daddy’s back. {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that I did subtraction Khan Academy with Daddy.
3. I am grateful that Daddy pushed me around in the laundry basket with Nathaniel.
We had music class this morning for Nathaniel. David got to have a new book to read since he has to come to class with us and be quiet. He was a total angel, completely quiet and perfect. Before we left, they were both in a fun mood.
Nathaniel played with the pillow.
And just made himself laugh and laugh.
I just snapped photos and let him play.
Then we came back and they played more and then it was naptime, then walk time, then more play time. David and I also read our book and watched some Khan Academy movies and did exercises. He played on the computer and I worked. Nathaniel played quietly.
And sometimes less quietly.
David was great all day and I felt bad for not snapping enough photos so I snapped one more. I need to snap more of him in action. I’m going to work on that.
Jake comes home tonight and I miss him so. I am feeling tired but content like most days. I have worked a bunch, did a bunch of art, played with my kids and exercised. Life is full.
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that Jake comes home.
2. I am grateful that David and I are spending some great time together where I read to him, he reads to me, we do math, we take walks. I am so thankful.
3. I am grateful that Nathaniel and I are finally taking a class together. However small, it’s good to spend some time focusing just on him.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I watched addition four video. {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that Daddy’s coming home tonight.
3. I am grateful that I played with Woody’s round-up lego.
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projects for twenty twenty-four
projects for twenty twenty-three
projects for twenty twenty-two
projects for twenty twenty-one
projects for twenty nineteen
projects for twenty eighteen
projects from twenty seventeen
monthly projects from previous years
some of my previous projects
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