Happy Birthday Young Lady!

Time to wish lovely lady I once knew a happy birthday. She turns 18 is just a few short minutes. I have not been able to speak with her since she was 7. Over the years, I have shed many tears over her and my forced separation. I have long-awaited the time when we would be able to speak again. That day is nearly upon me, and now I find myself hoping she will be open and receptive to communications.


Serina Mae Thomas (aka: Sera), I love you so! Years apart have only made that love grow stronger. I hope that one day you and I will be able to speak again... you have only to send me a note or look me up on Facebook, and you will find me there. I hope this day is simply wonderful for you. Happy, happy, HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sera!!!

Upcycle Project: Toy Couch out of Box

This past week, after a full day of doctor's appointments, the boys wanted to go to the mall. We were to tired that night, but went the next day. Of course, you know that "the Mall" is code for Build-A-Bear Workshop and Game Stop. While there, Jack decided he liked the fold-out couch.

Jack was considering saving up the $20 to purchase it. During the week, Jack made a bed out of a small pillow, an empty storage basket, and a few of his favorite Fat Quarters of fabric (sheet and “blanket”).


Still, Jack kept talking about the actual couch. I got the idea to repurpose a sturdy box, that was just the perfect “couch” shape. Tonight, we took this Crest box (18”w x 9”h x 6.5”d), and designed the cushions for Jack’s Teddy Bear, “Babi”.


We drew and discussed at least four different cushion options before Jack decided that two cushions (like our own couch) were best, so the bear can “build a fort” with them later.

Jack helped choose the fabrics out of his scrap bag, and insisted the cushions needed zippers. We even had some zippers in his favorite color Jack “had” to have at a recent fabric store excursion. Jack handed me fabrics and snipped threads… when he got bored and started cutting into the pieces, Tom took him out to the garage and they picked out a color to spray paint the outside of the box.


By the time they came inside, the first cushion was ready to be stuffed… which Tom and Jack did with a bag of old rags.


The cushions are both made with the same fabrics, but are different on top and bottom so that Jack can flip them over depending on what mood his bear is in. I thought it was very interesting that Jack's Bear's Favorite Colors are Red, White, and Blue (which are quite different than Jack's favorites of Red, Green, and Orange). Notice that some of Jack's favorite colors still made it into the cushions.


The only thing missing are the throw pillows that Jack insists Babi needs… perhaps we’ll make those tomorrow.


All in all, a fun project and I am so glad that I finished it within a day of thinking of it, and in just about 2.5 hours, start-to-finish of actual production time.

Testing a Blog Board

I skim lots of blogs. As such, I've already forgotten (just since yesterday) where I heard the term "Blog Board" and found the link to MCP Actions. I just tried out their free "Try-Me" blog board though, and I must say, it's very cool!

During our last Arizona trip, the boys were helping their Great Aunt clean up some fall debris from around her house.

This "blog board" action was super easy to use! Now, I'd like to figure out how to create my own templates for this type of thing. So, if any Photoshop savvy readers are out there and can tell me how to do this type of thing, I'd sure appreciate it! I already know a bit about working in Photoshop and creating Actions, I'm just not sure how to create the steps where photos are loaded (and resized) into the proper layer positions.

Oh yeah, I also used the "Soft & Faded" action from The Pioneer Woman's Free Action Set #1.

Biological Lessons

When we woke to wind and cloudy skies (with rain on the ground), I groaned because of putting off the zoo yesterday. Two hours later we arrived at the zoo, to find blue skies, 58°F-68°F temperatures, and a deserted zoo full of frisky animals (thanks to the rain). Today was our third week in a row we've gone to our Biological Park for the morning. I don't realize just how many times I press that shutter... until I get home and download over 270 photos from just 2 hours at the Zoo. Here are the top 10% from today:

Jack is quite pleased that he's starting to be able to read words like "zoo".

There are several photos of the boys as they walk (backwards), but I love this one where Jack is looking up to Frank.

You've got to love Photoshop Actions where you can save even a fuzzy, out of focus photo, and make it look "aged" or intentional! Thanks again Pioneer Woman for your amazing (free) Action Sets! This photo has the "Heartland" Action, from Set 2, applied to it.

Ever since the 6th Grade I've been interested by Flamingoes.

Just because I had knobby knees, weighed under 60 pounds, and wore hot pink all the time, that wouldn't have had *anything* to do with said "interest".

No matter the reason why, I do like flamingos and am quite pleased that the exhibit at this zoo is front and center by the entrance/exit. I can stop and watch them coming AND going.

For the times when Mom is taking too many pictures, the boys get going on their own with a "C'mon MOM!"

Like water on a (Carolina Wood) Duck's back, I tell you!

Now THIS is the kind of Birthday Portrait I've been after for the past two weeks... well, minus the raincoat and sun hat, but this expression! That's what I'm talkin' about!!!

Got sun, just add tree branch.

Instant shade AND a snack all in one!

Such a funny expression and pose.

The orangutans are given cardboard and paper; which they play with, sit on, and eat (not necessarily in that order).

The exuberant young'en reminds me of my own...

Right down to monkeying (pun DEFINITELY intended) around during meal times!

Another shot showing how the little guy looks up to the big one.

There is a small Parakeet aviary at this zoo (we've been finding many new areas during our weekly excursions).

Ever wonder why there are so many green parakeets? Natural camouflage, baby!

You knew that Koala's are nocturnal, right?
You knew that Koala's are from The Land Down Under (Australia), right?
You knew that Koala's are marsupials (carry their young in pouches), right?
You know that Koala's hardly drink any water because they live by eating Eucalyptus, right?
DID YOU KNOW, that Koala's have five digits on each limb, but on their arms, they have three fingers and TWO THUMBS? Neither did we... until today!

I think Jack actually has a hard time holding a "normal" pose for a photo!

Just yesterday, Tom was telling the boys about his SCUBA diving days. The boys were delighted to watch the workers cleaning the Seal & Sea Lion Tank today.

Actually, they wouldn't leave the area until the three SCUBA diver's exited the exhibit!

When I tickle Jack JUST before the camera goes off... then things look more natural!

And THAT was our third visit to this zoo. We are finally getting our groove on for what to take, how long to go, and how to relax and enjoy ourselves while there (which I am learning from the boys!)

"Vampire Tooth" Tooth Fairy Pillow

Jack putting his First Tooth Lost in the brand new Tooth Fairy Pillow.


The mouth is open along the top for the tooth to go in. He was also quite specific about the placement and shape of the eyes.

The fang shaped "Vampire Tooth" is TOTALLY his pattern design. I had something MUCH different in mind, but it is his pillow.


On the back, we used a bit of blue and black batik fabric. Thanks to Becky for the fabric for this little project!

Play, Play, Play!

Brother/Uncle's for morning swim.


Mom/Grandma's for afternoon BBQ.


Friend's for evening meal, playtime, and sleep-over.


Raid friend's sewing room for obsessive scrap sewing (these blocks are cut 3.5", the record holder (in this group) has 24 or 25 different pieces of fabrics.


Come to think of it, this may also be my record for the most blocks pieced in one sitting!

Crazy?

I think so!

But, oh-so-much-fun!!!

They do say "a picture is worth a thousand words."

Umm... I think the photo speaks for itself...


Jack was poking his face through the door to look at Frank.


Then Jack squeezed the door closed... on his frames.


While having them in cleaved might seem a problem for Mom & Dad, Five-Year-Old-Boy finds new ways to play with Glasses-In-Two-Pieces.


Jack finds humor in everything in his life... even broken glasses.


Tape? J.B. Weld? We'll see what Dad comes up with when he gets home.


In the meantime, Jack's happy as can be, broken glasses or not!



Jack. Broken Glasses. EXACTLY 700 days after getting his first pair.


(and just a month before we were planning to get him new ones.)

Rest & Relief

After the stresses of college, unemplyment and a move. The boys and I are resting for a few days at our families places in. Personally, I have slept 22 hours in 2 nights... more than I have in the past week. (Actually, I am ready for a nap!)

The boys are enjoying being able to play and visit without lots of places to go, things to do, or the general chaos that comes with moving.

The biggest relief came this morning, when Tom received a job offer with Siemens. He will start work in two weeks, and so is planning to fly up here to join the boys and I on our camping trip. We'll start with Yellowstone (on Memorial Day weekend... not necessarily the ideal time to go there (it will be BUSY), but SO GLAD to be able to go out together as a family).

Now, for that nap...

Vacation Flashback

I just went to use an old back-up drive



where I found pictures from our last family vacation


(yes it was back in 2006).


The boys were 2 & 4.


This was the boys' AND Tom's first trip to Wyoming.


Oh!


They were so CUTE and CHUBBY!!!
The Boys, not Tom! ;)


Enjoy!

This Vacation Flashback brought to you compliments of Keith's Gift Kaser Portable Vault Flash Drive.