working on dolls . . .

I found a little time tonight to add a bag to one of the dolls that I am trying to finish.

I like adding the details and small touches that make each doll different. 

Now . . . what to fill the little bag with?

origami . . . charlotte . . . and ramen

 Charlotte saw me folding paper cranes and wanted to make some herself.  She told the that she liked origami and she wanted to do it all by herself.  

She asked for a little help at first . . . then decided that she was able to do it . . . 

. . . so well in fact, that she folded this "origami bubble gum."

I love ramen . . . I have a weakness for ramen.  I think I could eat it nearly everyday.

So finally decided to find a recipe and make some.  It turned out pretty good . . . and I can't wait to make it again and try something a little different. 

. . . .and - if you haven't seen the movie - Ramen Girl - find it and watch it! 

A bowl of ramen is a self-contained universe with life from the sea, the mountains, and the earth. All existing in perfect harmony. Harmony is essential. What holds it all together is the broth. The broth gives life to the ramen.

~ Maezumi, Ramen Girl

faith . . .

 Faith isn't a feeling.  It's a choice to 

trust GOD even when the road ahead seems uncertain.

When I chose FAITH as my word for the year . . . 

I didn't realize how important it was going to be.  

always finding hearts . . . .

messy hair . . .

I know it's not perfect, but it's life.
Life is messy sometimes.
 ~ Grey's Anatomy

Lily saw this little heart sitting on my desk this morning.  I had made it back in February when I was messing around with some fimo clay.  She told me we needed to take a picture . . . and then put it in her hands.  I love that she had that idea . . .
She isn't at all happy with her hair in the photo . . . I guess we should have taken time to fix that, but sometimes your hair is just messy.  In years to come we won't remember her hair being messy, but we will remember her wanting to take a picture, taking the time to do just that, and the wonderful time we spend together each morning.
Happy Tuesday!

needs some work . . . .

I am not completely happy with this doll at this point . . . that happens sometimes.

But then some of the dolls I start out not liking end up being some of my favorites.

So we will see what happens once I decide how to dress her and try to give her some of her own personality.  I think with the heart and the red lace . . . and tomorrow being Valentine's Day and the return of "The Walking Dead" . . . I may have to zombie her up a little bit more.

A Valentine Zombie . . . that may be something I can work with.  

sharpie therapy . . .

 I heart paper cranes!

February hearts . . .

good things yesterday . . .

Yesterday's heart . . . 

 Flowers greeting customers at the grocery store . . . 

 Some more February Valentine fun!

 Charlotte adding her touch to my Day of the Dead table . . . 

I love this little girl and the things she does.

Picking out a fun color for some highlights . . . 

 A new hair do . . . and I love how the red turned out!

Day 2 hearts . . .

February is going to be a fun month . . . 

Lily notes . . . and Day 1 hearts . . .

I spend my mornings before school starts with Lily in the office.  I know when she is all grown up it will probably be remembered as a special time for both of us.  She eats her breakfast . . . then keeps herself busy with one thing or another - yesterday it was drawing . . . fun happy little pictures that make me happy.

This will also count as my first heart for the month of February!

this week's random . . .

I take pictures all the time  . . . of everything. Sometimes they are with blog posts in mind, sometimes something catches my eye, sometimes I go for walks just to take pictures, often times the children in my life are just so much fun that I want to capture moments.  Later when I am looking through my pictures . . . there are those random photos that I just like for one reason or another.  

paper crane love . . .

Please excuse the expletive . . . sort of a private joke and perfect for what I want to write on this journal page.  I found the "love" vase at the grocery store for $3 . . . and thought it would be fun to fill it up with paper cranes.  I would like it better if the cranes were all white - so I will probably fold a few more and change that.  It has been a wonderful three day weekend . . . with today being cold an rainy.  

A perfect day to be home!

little black heart . . .

Another little button heart . . . just playing around today with some felt and buttons. 

I have to make some red ones also, but I love the black and pink combination.

some days are made for wandering . . .