Shut the Box

While cleaning out some drawers this weekend I found this game . . . "Shut the Box".  In English pubs it is traditionally played as a gambling game.  Simple game . . . and fun.  Richard stuck it in his truck . . . so we played this rather than cribbage when we went to dinner last night.  Italian food, a good beer, a fun game, some time to relax, and great company . . . life is good. 

charlotte . . . not so happy

Our dear little Charlotte had to have shots yesterday.  I guess when the Dr. handed her the lollipop . . . she stopped crying.  From the looks of those red cheeks - she must have been quite upset.

A squirrel, tennis, and paper cranes . . .

I didn't get my doll finished last night.  My husband had to go in and pick up something from work, so we decided while we were there we would play some tennis.  As much as I wanted to spend sometime in my craft room . . . it also gave me a chance to take some pictures and drop some of my paper cranes on campus.   Peace ~ Love ~ Cranes . . . I am hoping to get some feedback on the paper crane that I stuck in a book that will be delivered to another library . . . I guess we will see.

I would have loved to get closer to the squirrel in the top photo - he wasn't really to worried about me, but when I took one more step he ran off.  I wish I would have had my other camera - then I could have gotten a closer shot.  Squirrels always remind me of my dad . . . and thinking about him - although it makes me sad . . . the memories also make me smile. 

Lily Doodles

The weather has been beautiful here the last few days.  We are supposed to get rain this week - which we desperately need, but for now I will enjoy the sunshine and warm temperatures.  Lily and I decided to take a walk yesterday . . . I quickly discovered this is something I need to do more often with her.  She notices everything . . . and stops to pick flowers and investigate bugs. She insisted on sticking 4 large pine cones in her backpack so she could feed the squirrels.  She also learned how to draw peace signs this week.  :)  I have a feeling my desk calendar will be covered with Lily doodles . . . "Lily Doodles" - I like how that sounds. 

 I am telling myself that I will get my doll finished tonight.  I am not really sure what I want to do to her yet . . . I guess it will come to me.  Maybe I just need to get in a creative "Lily Doodle" mood.

things that made me smile today . . .

 . . . seeing this note on my vanity this morning.

 . . . a venti caramel macchiato from Starbucks

 . . . a special visit from our million dollar miracle baby - Aleena.

 . . . cute decorations for the father/daughter dance at our school tonight.

Since Lily's dad lives out of state . . . the uncles decided to all get together and take her to the dance at school.  Unfortunately, at the last minute Uncle "Jabub" couldn't make it.  Brent has a son and another son on the way - so this may be the only time he gets to do the father/daughter dance thing.  These uncles are so good to Lily . . .

I love this second picture . . . and my crazy, silly family!



Flashback Friday . . .

I thought my family who follows my blog (especially my aunt) . . . would get a kick out of these.  I have always liked the top picture. 

Big brothers are wonderful things . . . even if you don't fully understand that until years later. 

 

"What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life - to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories."  ~George Eliot

paper cranes at lunch . . . .

 

It is nearly the weekend . . . it has been such a busy week that I haven't had time to do much of the things that I enjoy doing . . . other than folding some cranes.  I have a doll nearly done . . . that I have been working on for way too long.  I have my kitchen all tore apart - cleaning and reorganizing.  I get this way sometime . . . going in all kinds of different directions.  I am pretty sure it drives my family crazy.  :)  I am really looking forward to this weekend . . . no special plans - but I just have that feeling that it is going to be a great couple of days. 

those eyes . . . .

. . . love our Charlotte! 

I look at her . . . and I am gently reminded of what life is really all about.

Monday morning . . .

I love three day weekends . . . the extra day to sleep in, play, and relax.  That's my kind of Monday. 

We have been trying new recipes lately . . . this simple breakfast idea is very good.  You simply cut an avocado in half - remove the pit and about two Tbsp. of the avocado (to make room for an egg).  Break the egg into the avocado and bake at 425 for about 20 minutes.  We topped with pepper and green onion - but you could put anything you liked on top. 

simple little things . . . mean so much!

 I received this birthday card earlier this week from a friend.  She makes the most wonderful and creative things . . . take a look - Paper Vernissage.  It is way too cute to tuck away where I can't see it.  It will have to find a special place to sit in my craft room.  Thank you Lorraine!  I love it!

Here's to a wonderful Valentine's Day . . . a quiet Saturday afternoon . . . and a long weekend.   

color . . . hearts . . . silliness . . . play

Peace - Love - Cranes





local brewery . . .

We went to a local brewery last night for a special beer tasting event they put on.  The beer was just so-so . . .  but the music, tamales, and people were great.  Always nice to see a local company doing good.

STOP . . . in the name of LOVE

Of course they are going to dress up today . . . .

STOP . . . in the name of LOVE!

If you know me . . . you know that I take great joy in simple little things . . . like cute cards and three simple words!

All you need is love . . . Love is all you need!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Ooh la la . . . .

Today's heart . . . ooh la la!

"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.”

~ Henri De Toulouse-Lautrec 


Love PINK!

 

random happy wednesday . . .

chalkboard heart . . . love and a miniature crane . . . wonderful new hairbands that Richard surprised me with . . . Shabby Charlotte doll hair . . . and a steamy heart . . . .

Just some random stuff on a Wednesday morning.  I am not sure what sets my mood each day.  I try to always start each day with a positive attitude, but for some reason today is more than a feel good day.  I seem to be in more than a happy mood -  for no specific reason . . . in such a simple way - that it would probably complicate it to try to explain it.  So I will simply enjoy it.  :)