TIDBITS AND TRINKETS

Today, I finished up the ATC's from last night's meet. For those of you wondering what ATC's are(?), well, Artist Trading Cards. Small file cards like the one's you find in a Rolodex, except these are altered with various types of mediums, trinkets, inks, etc. Just fun, little tidbits to spur creativity and display. Some people actually make multiples of the same card and swap them. I prefer to make one set and keep them for inspiration. The four I made are altered from the original design. (I don't know the name of original credit) Anyhow, I am not going to post pictures of the originals, but my own take on them. You see, I have a "habit" of never following the exact instructions given to me. I prefer to stray "off the road" a bit and make things a little more personalized to me!

WOOF

Have you really ever stopped to think about a dog's daily life? Sleep, play, eat and poop! No worries, no work, no bills to pay. I think they have it made! If you threw me a cookie every now and then, I would sit or laydown. I'd even stay! (for another!) I would however, require to sleep in a warm cozy bed at night, wear boots and rain slicker when it's cold and request someone shovel a path in the snow, so I could pee in the grass. Just thinking.....

"TEARS OF LIFE"

That is my description of last week. Emotions running like soft waves, then crashing on the rocks. Cravings for donuts and chocolate milk, only to find the milk has soured. Tears of Joy, tears of Sadness. Life begins, life ends. One never knows.

We found out my oldest son and his wife are having a baby girl. Her name will be Ava Elizabeth. A pink bundle of joy, this little girl will be. An addition to our ever growing family. My future side-kick, to share my knowledge of crafting, my paints, my brushes. Lots of color, lots of mess, lots of laughter. Her and Me. Me and Her.
.....Soft waves; Tears of Joy.....

My daughter, my pink bundle of joy, had her heart broken. It broke mine too. She lost her bundle of joy many weeks into her pregnancy. Her joy was lost. Now, time and love, will mend our hearts and heal the wounds.
.....Waves crashing on the rocks; Tears of Sadness.....

BUDDING CHEF

I am a messy cook;

I'm in a challenging position; having to learn to cook and bake gluten free for health. Is there a difference... OH Yes! Today I am trying out my own recipe for Honey-Oatmeal bread. It's put together and in the pan resting. 60 minutes or one hour. Then it will have to bake over an hour. Bread making is not a quick process or do you want to rush it... unless you want a flat,dense loaf that tastes like cardboard.

My assistant; making rice soup(aka... rice and water) He is a particularly handsome man and very smart. He measures everything out and he doesn't like to be hurried! Only the very best ingredients goes into his creations. His tastes are exquisite, fine juices, tasty fruits and vegetables (cut in a medium dice, not pureed), and OH... the cheese! Just call him "Chef Gray-soun", that is, with a french accent!

FAMILY CHRISTMAS 2010

GRAYSON DECORATING HIS COOKIE

SHOWING OFF HIS NEW "THOMAS THE TRAIN" BACKPACK AND CONDUCTOR HAT

UNCLE MICHAEL TRYING OUT THE CONDUCTOR GEAR

MATTHEW AND ASHLEY


Sunday, we celebrated Christmas with all the kids and their families. Roast Beef, mashed potatoes and all the fixins! Ashlyn baked Christmas cookies, a first. I usually do the baking and the kids decorate them. This has been our family Christmas eve tradition since the kids were little. This year we decided to change things around a bit, since every one's work schedules are different. Grayson ate the frosting and sprinkles and left the cookies! Next, on to the gifts. Grayson was so excited, ripping into each gift and loving it all! Papa and I (Nena) got him a train table and train. Thomas the Train is his all time favorite!! Something for Daddy to put together! It was a fun night and all the kids had a good time, so did I. It was nice to have them all together, the noise, the laughter and all the fun!

MICHAEL AND SAMARA

ASHLYN AND JAMES