Sidling up

I have joined PiBoIdMo. It is a 30 challenge by an amazing blogger, Tara Lazar, and if I could figure out how to post the badge on this blog I would. We, those who accept the challenge, write a story/idea for a picture book every day for the month of November. What a fabulous and scary adventure.
Yesterday there was a grand post from Emma Ledbetter about sidling up...how she begins to read and the children gather around to listen. In our house that happens when ever a book-sketch, lined, published or otherwise appears in somebody's lap. What a great thing to share with the world, our child friendly ideas...sometimes with adult themes or kid tradgies. My daughter decided that she would take the challenge with me and busted out one of her many spirals and began an illustrated story about a dog. I am grateful for the talent God granted me, that my mother shared with me that I can share with my children and so many others. I hope that my pictures as well as my words are something to sidle up alongside.

One less, is one moore

Never did I imagine that when I sent "Before I met you..." to the Spartenburg Artist Guild Show, that it would be the last time I laid hands on her. To my delight, and a small saddness that feels, I imagine, like when a child leaves the nest, she was sold last night. How wonderful it felt as I watched them place a red sticker on her. She also recieved the Upcycle Award, which I feel a special honor with because I enjoy giving new life to disgarded elements and objects. My children sealed the night's joy with their big smiles, and glorious hugs. What a fan base I have acquired!

Halloween manners

This Halloween my son made me think of something very important: Halloween manners. He made me so proud as we walked down the street in the holiday fashion from door to door, he was very careful about being sure to say thank you when he was given his treat. It may have been more adorable as he would yell walking down driveways, i said thank you again! As candy is his favorite food group, and what could be finer than a holiday created for giving away free candy, i was super proud that he used his manners.

Kindergarten Homework

This was our first big Kindergarten Homework Assignment.

In the mind of four year olds

In the mind of a four year old living in my house, this is a hot air balloon letting out it's hot air to get to the moon.

First Day of School

Today is my baby girl's first day of school. With wide brown eyes and a beautiful new aqua and white dress she set off with her way to big for her zebra backpack. She said her stomach was excited but she was a little nervous. I walked her into her room where she was greeted by name. We put her bookbag in her cubby, her lunch box where lunch boxes were kept, and I said, "Do you need anything else from me?" "One last hug," and she squeezed me tight and went to sit with the other kindergarteners.

My little girl. The very small six pounds six ounces that I was afraid to carry around because she might slip out of my arms. My very perseptive, kind, loving, smart little girl has started her school career. I look forward to the tellings of her adventures, of the challenges that lie ahead. I know just how her stomach feels, excited and then nervous.

Ninja Fruit

If you are able to download apps you may have downloaded Ninja Fruit, a fun time wasting game where the player slashes fruit. It is lots of fun and can be the best way to avoid laundry. I do believe there should be a clause involved before you allow your four year son to play it and then help you make dinner.... I am still picking up the celery pieces....