Treasure Chest

I got a plain treasure chest from Michael's and then looked online for ideas of how to decorate it... let kids have input and choose the images. Turned out so well! They get to choose a treasure from this when they reach the end of their board game that they earn turns on during school time. It takes them a couple weeks to reach the end, so they better be great prizes! :) I am going to have Eric add a latch to the front. So much fun!

Anticipation

I realized that I enjoy the anticipation of events and books and stuff just as much as the actual thing. I bought a magazine and haven't even opened it yet, but I love seeing it there on the bedside table with all its anticipation of good things to read.

Where Does Inspiration Come From?

I been thinking about where I find inspiration to create art and I've discovered it to be much more varied than I would have thought. The easiest place for me is in photographs because I am having so much fun making personalized collages with photographs.

But where else do I find it? Yesterday, I was totally inspired by the movie, Bright Star, about John Keats. It was absolutely visually beautiful. Awesome. I'd like to go again just to check out the backdrops more carfeully.

I also find inspiration in songs- a line of a song will trigger a thought or a picture or an idea of something to chase creatively.

So.... look around you, listen, observe... find inspiration. Then write or draw or pray or glue or decorate or plant flowers... get creative and get yourself out of your mommy brain!

love you!

What Is a Family?

Been reading another great book lately called "What is a Family?" by Edith Schaeffer. She articulates many points about families that I wholeheartedly agree with. So, you shall be hearing from her several times coming up.

"There needs to be a homemaker exercising some measure of skill, imagination, creativity, desire to fulfill needs and give pleasure to others in the family. How precious a thing is the human family. It it not worth some sacrifice in time, energy, safety, discomfort, work? Does anything come forth without work?"

Keep on keepin' on, dearest mommies!

I am so disappointed.

UCSD cancelled the mixed media book arts class. I am so sad. So very sad.

Small in the grand scheme, big in my small scheme.

Organization!

My favorite topic! I am so excited to have gotten my homeschool stuff organized, purged, and labeled (I love my label maker!). The best find of the day was the clear pocket shoe rack for the puppets! $8 at walmart with the exact number of pockets I needed. (Thanks, God!)

Some of the Monday through Friday bins for when the kids are looking for an activity. Filled with games, puzzles, and other things that I would rather them not have all-access to.

The extra supplies drawer. (once again, blogger baffles me as to why it rotated image..)

My favorite new organization cupboard!!! I love it. I even labeled the individual cubbies in the various organizers. (The plastic bin says "bingo daubers" - I need to find some remover and re-abel it "flashcards.")

The new puppet organizer!!!

Ah... I makes me breathe deeply and smile.

Book Arts!

I am so excited to be taking a class! It starts this week at UCSD. I am hoping for inspiration, new skills, and relaxed time for my stressed out mommy brain. Anyone want to join me? :)

Click here for details