Go BIG or Go Home

Between purses, I've been able to squeeze in a couple projects here and there. In a book that I just got for Christmas (discussed in a future post), it has ample games and activities sure to keep a toddler learning, busy and happy. One of said games is a bean bag toss... So bean bags are the EASIEST thing to make in the world!!! Take a rectangular cut of fabric, sew up both sides, turn it right side out and stuff it, then sew it up! So I had to make it a little more challenging and got to use my new fetish- the wonder under. So I spelled out Riley's name with each letter on a bean bag. Well, my first attempt (Riley's name) was kinda lame and I learned a valuable lesson when it comes to applique letters. Size does matter! So my second attempt went much better and even better, I get to hand deliver them this week!!! Sorry I forgot to take pictures of Riley's- but seriously, they are very unimpressive and you hardly even notice the letters.

Africa

Please keep my husband, John and the team he's going to Africa with in your prayers!!! Here are a couple of specifics...

1. Positive attitude and a servant’s heart as they minister to the people in the village of Kanuwloe

2. Health and safety as they travel, do construction and work with the children

3. That they will take every opportunity to share Christ’s love with every one they meet

4. That God will be glorified in all they do and say

Although I am terribly bummed not to be able to go with them on this trip, I am keeping very busy and time is sure to fly while we're apart!

Family Portraits: The Johnston's

A good friend of mine asked me to take some pictures of her and her beautiful family. I do LOVE playing Photographer!!!!

A wrench was thrown into my photo editing since we got the iMac for Christmas. With no more PC in the house, I discovered that Corel products are not made for Macs-- boo!! So I uploaded a 30 day free trail of the cheaper version of Adobe Photoshop to see if it would suit my needs. It totally does! I'm thrilled that I don't have to start saving for the $600 out of reach Photoshop CS4 and that the $80 Photoshop Elements 8 is just what I was hoping for!!!

Here are a few of my fav's!

Inspiration turned to reality!!!

With the new year HERE(!!!), I don't think I'm alone as I reflect on the past year and ponder how to make the next one even better. For my resolution (I don't formally do the whole yearly resolution, but more I have ongoing desires/goals) I have been particularly inspired by this blog I stumbled across. I've always wanted to be the kind of mom that takes the kids out to learn from experiences and have fun doing things together. Until now I have felt like Riley was too young to benefit from the activities that I had in mind, and although he still might be on the early end of understanding I am ready to get going!!!! We started our adventures with pudding painting, which come to think of it, I remember seeing this on Jon and Kate +8 too. Anywho- here was the result...


1 box vanilla pudding: $2
Food coloring: $3
1 Clean Tub: Elbow Grease
One happy toddler: Priceless!!