Tolentreasures

Another tree up this evening,                     I had some amazing little elves helping me.   We decided that Kamden’s strong point was not putting lights on the tree,  so he was sent to the yard to do some winterizing tasks. Kendall ended up with two baby Jesus.    Apparently, she had two complete nativity sets set up as one.  We did a little editing and back to normal.  Jesus was not a twin.        Insomnia set in and I finished aprons  and hemmed a pair of pants for JWS.       

    The blonde one in the middle with the brown sweater used to come to our house after school.  Somewhere along the line, I think possibly prompted by JWS,  she hid salt packets all over my house, and I mean all over.  It’s been two years and I am still finding them. They sightings are getting farther and farther apart and unless she reads this,  she is not going to know how much  I have enjoyed finding them!   These four,  always fun.  Thrown together as sisters,  20 years ago,  ups and downs,  they are still there for one another.            That brings us to the Shelby Tree. This little tree that stays decorated    and has stayed decorated for many years,   through many moves  to many houses,  has always had Shelby’s preschool picture on it. We have always called it  The Shelby Tree.  It is always a sou...

Waiting on the January slowdown and it’s not happening.  I know the time,  less shop traffic,  home in the evenings,  slower days to recuperate from the holiday rush. Where is it? Every evening, I drop into my chair, throw a few stitches in this and promptly pass out.  Everywhere I look, something needs my attention and  I don’t know what to tackle first!  Ever have a time like this in your life?l

Canfield Fair My home fair. I don't make it there every year, but sure like to go as often as possible!  Gracelyn had never been there,  she has always been in school by fair time.  The view from the ferris wheel.  The kids like the archery shoot. And the food offerings are always unique and yummy!  And then this had us scrambling and running  for the car!  But, what a fun day! 

Gotta love a boy and a smile and a toad!  Kids playing outside until long after dark. Swimming until they are waterlogged. Scooters and bikes and outside snacks. And stories between cousins on a raft in the pool.  These are the days they will remember.  And so will I! 

It started as an idea... like they all do, and then it grew... again, not unusual. Art Journals for all the grandchildren for Christmas. Can anyone tell me why those ideas don't come to me in January... or November... and anytime before Mid December.   But there it was. So off to the local Walmart for sketch books and sets of pens and markers. All age appropriate. And here I go, brainstorming.   And they are almost done. I have just a little more work and all seven eight will be done. Oh, I thought of another little person that would enjoy it.   So, want to make one of your own?  Here is my list. 1. To start, draw yourself. 2. Now draw your family. 3. Draw your favorite ornament on the tree. 4. Before the Christmas tree comes down, quick capture it here. 5. Fill each area with a different color or pattern. (squiggly lines) 6. What do your see when you look out your front door? 7. Dra...

I have seen all the pics. Perfectly dressed and coiffed children under lovely spring blossoms... not happening in this house.  This is the best we get.  If I get them all in the same frame we have accomplished something major!    Tyler, who informed me that I was not to get him in any pictures.  Apparently he is creating his own  social media presence and  running around a yard with a pink bucket  does not fit his image.      These two don't care,  they are off to find the golden egg!  Three of them scrambling for one of the prized golden eggs.    Kamden using a mode of transportation to find all of his.    And how well my overgrown landscaping worked to hide those eggs!   I knew that,  that's why i didn't clean out flower beds!  

  This kid.. cracks me up.  He always has a story to tell.  Wednesdays with Kamden, I show him my camp. He says,  " But where are you going to cook?" Too much logic there.  I need to go and deliver. I tell him to load up.  He doesn't want to go.  He wants to stay with Papa and Aunt Jenn.  I tell him there might be treats. Papa tells him there might be treats.  He says, "You can go much faster without me," I think he has heard that before.  Finally the daily ritual when it is nice.  "let's go out and sit in the grass and snuggle and wait on my mom" How can you turn that down?  And that's when he tells me, "the policeman stopped my mom and gave her a piece of paper" I love these kids! 

  What a fun night!    Cousins making memories! If we could only freeze them in this moment...   If they would only sleep in... But it's 6:30 and they are stirring... Hurry up, Coffee!   

They are  toys and messes  and  hugs and  giggles. They are  car washes and smiles and  laughter and tickles and "I love you Mamaw's" They are the best! 

After a really stressful week,  at least I can look back on these  two beautiful evenings. And one awesome day with these cuties and their mother at the  Children's Museum in  Pittsburgh.  Such a fun place! 

Logan and I will be starting our fifth puzzle of the winter. Gracelyn made her first garment on her sewing machine, from a pattern!   These kiddos made s'mores and hot dogs in the fireplace.   This one has been visiting me every Thursday.   Persevering through a "not too bad" winter.