Is it Done?

I pick this one up every once in awhile and fiddle with it some more. Tonight I added a few more buds, some more leaves, deepened things a bit, and finally thought, "I think I'm close." After I took a picture of it I put some more yellow in the middles, and scratched a couple of highlights. Shall I quit before I do something I regret? :)

Mixed Bag...Of What Do You Suppose?

When I'm teaching, I always take a moment to explain any idioms I use in conversations with the kids. This week I said someone was "asleep at the switch", and then explained what a switchman was, and how disastrous it could be if he were neglecting his duty; asleep at the switch. Then we get back to the lesson. Because of that habit I instantly wondered where the phrase "mixed bag" comes from. We use it when describing the weather, or the day's activities, or multiple subjects within one blog. Because I wish I had some, I think it should refer to penny candy, back when you picked from a candy counter and the salesclerk put your selection into a bag. What do you think?
But, back to the blog. I think pictures are the best part of everyone's blog, so I like to include some, even if they are a bit random.
I dropped by Jennis's house last week because I missed everyone, and the kids were on the tramp. That was hysterical. Taylor will not be denied, and seeing her bitty body jumping, and rolling, and running, and flopping between Jacey and Luke was funny! It should not be hard to pick my absolute favorite, because how she looks represents how I feel. And I say, Why not! --- Let's all jump around in whatever we want, holding whatever blankie makes us feel happy and secure, squeezing everything we can from the experience. The heck with our hair! Have some FUN!
I think the far-away family likes seeing the monthly dinner pics, so there are few of those. Lucas loves playing with the big boys, and it is so very good for him to wrestle with someone as tough as him!
Next: I'm thinking it's time to take the plunge, I think I'm going to go get my business license and market this artwork of mine. I've got jewelry coming out my ears (and off my neck, ankles, and wrists) and I have to sell some so I can justify making some more. I have watercolors begging to be notecards, hand crochet-edged baby blankets ready to welcome a newborn, etc, etc. I know those who have been there might think I'm crazy, but hey, I already admitted that! After going around in my head for several years I think I've settled on Beach Breeze Studio. (Imagine it in a pretty font, if you would) What do you think?

8 days old, and thriving!

Here's an update of Asher, and didn't he change in one week? Look at those cheekies! He hit five pounds this week, got all his oxygen removed, his bed is no longer warmed and he is holding his own temperature just great. He is due to get his feeding tube removed as he is eating on his own. If he can prove he doesn't lose any weight he'll be ready to go home. He never jaundiced, so he didn't need the UV light. Let's see; Bryant has the apartment just about perfect, Dad is going up today to help lay laminate in the bathroom, just about all that's left. It should be any day now that the family is reunited and home at last. Hooray for everyone!

Tah-Dah!

With Amanda's permission here are a few pictures of Asher's First 24 hours. He arrived May 4th (Auntie Ranie's birthday, too!)and weighed in at 4 pounds 12 ounces, and started out this journey 17 3/4 inches long. He is just so darn cute! My first impression was how much he looks like Harley; they are going to be a pretty cute matched set of siblings.
He is shown here with "just a whiff of oxygen", as well as various monitors. One for heart beats, one for oxygen levels, one for body temperature, one for--oh, I forget what else. His second day he got a little more oxygen assist, so that he still works, making his lungs stronger, but not quite so hard, which tires him out. The tiny mask fits over his whole nose, and is a little bit bigger than a nickel. They gave him a feeding tube the second day as well, which is about as big as a piece of dental floss, so that he can have constant nourishment until he can eat/breath/swallow comfortably. By day three he had only lost one ounce, and that's great.
Amanda was checked out yesterday, and is staying at the Sunshine house next door. She went home tonight for the first time, and will be back there Sunday. She is doing great, walking and getting stronger every day. Bryant has done a fabulous job taking care of Harley, and his Mom, and cooking/cleaning/all while remodeling the apartment for his family to come home to. I'm very proud of him, he's done an awesome job.
Just want to thank everyone for their fasting, and prayers on behalf of Asher and Amanda. Many people went to visit,and call, and send cards, and Jennis watched Harley lots so that Bryant could concentrate on building. I know that the faith of all of us who love them strengthened Amanda during her forced rest, and Asher while he got a couple more weeks to mature before his little body was ready to be born. Miracles have not ceased in our day, we witness them all around us. It just takes eyes that see. Love you all, mom

A Few More....

There are only a few things you can do photography-wise when your little subject is enclosed in a glass cocoon. I was right in the little guys face, but he didn't seem to mind.

On Blogger- Part 2 Looks Like Part 1-Oh, Well...

REALLY?!

I can't believe how fast time flies...it's May, wow. My 7:30 meeting was canceled this morning, so I thought perhaps I'd make a quick post with that gift of time. In starting that project I realized I haven't downloaded my camera THIS YEAR! That's ridiculous. So I did that, then I took some time to play with the options and the photo-shopping features of iPhoto, then, of course, it's time to go to church. Attended to the welfare needs of the ward, made a home visit combined with Dad administering the sacrament to a shut-in, visited Amanda, and now I'm back! Doggonit, determined to do something with this!
I'm going back to February, because these Valentine's Day pictures are too dang cute not to share. I'll try to catch up, but I'm not making any promises.
We were lucky enough to have Joni and Jacob in town, and they joined us for dinner. The house was awfully full- of laughter and food and good times! I didn't catch everyone, but here's a representative sample of this clan!