Fantabulous Photo Shoot Extravaganza

We had a little photo session yesterday because we are too cheap to pay for professional photography and I thought you might enjoy some of the results.

Our first model is E.






Up next is A. She takes her modeling very seriously.






We can't forget N.






And finally, the twins showing the love.

Artsy Phartsy

I have been trying to improve my artistic skills, such as they may be, and thought I would share what I I have been up to with the class. I did these folders for the girls.

This is a snippet from an illustration in Ferdinand by Munro Leaf. I LOVE that book.

Obviously, this is from Thumbelina. I spent hours of my childhood staring at this picture. It made such an impression on me that I saved it all these years.

Last but not least, is Toad from the Frog and Toad series. Toad kills me. I identify with him, as sad as that statement may sound.

One of my favorite illustrators of children's books is Jan Brett. She is so amazing. Even if you don't have children I strongly recommend checking out her work. Especially The Hat and The Gingerbread Baby because there is so much going on in every page. So what are some of your favorite children's books?

Trick or Treat

Just try and tell me you don't want throw candy at your computer screen right now. They were so excited about trick or treating this year. All in all they made out pretty well. They even scored some good chocolate for mommy and daddy :)

Drum Roll Please

And now presenting the a-mazing E! Watch as this 6-year-old girl makes dogs out of balloons--after only seeing it done twice--right before your very eyes!

If only I were technologically advanced enough to maximize the technology that I possess and knew how to transfer what's on my video recorder to the computer, but I can't so I suppose we will have to settle for a still photo. Please try not to cry, I know you are disappointed. I have to say my jaw about hit the floor when I saw her do it. She seriously only saw them do twice and then retained that information overnight to perform it the next morning. Kids are amazing.

My favorite word

My brain has been under attack for the last 3 weeks. It is currently being held hostage by the word "pernicious". I am completely obsessed with the word and am experiencing supreme frustration trying to find ways to incorporate into conversation. Any suggestions for its casual use would be greatly appreciated. Then, perhaps, I could get it out of my system and stifle its constant tickling at the edges of my consciousness. (Have I mentioned I have issues?)

Also, if any of you happen to know how to correct this formatting issue I am having, I would be eternally grateful. I can't get it to stop centering all my posts and shoving my sidebar to the bottom. Thanks.

Thank you, Noggin.

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This song has been stuck in my head for 2 weeks, and I'm sure it will continue to be until after Halloween. Now, it is my gift to you. Enjoy.

October Eye Candy

Every fall I am overwhelmed with the desire once again feel the crisp autumn air, see the trees blazing with red and orange leaves, and taste fresh apple cider while waiting to take the hayride out to the pumpkin patch to pick our own pumpkins. I love fall in Indiana. The problem is I am not in Indiana. I am in southwest Florida where the air is balmy and heavy and all our apples are imported from Washington and Michigan. Where I laugh heartily at the selection of parka-like Halloween costumes at Target which are good for nothing down here but inducing heat stroke. The other day I found myself getting downright cranky about Florida's flat refusal to recognize that there has, in fact, been a change in season. Then I stopped by my grandma's house and was somewhat consoled by this:



I may not get my favorite version of fall weather down here, but I have to confess that Florida fall does have its charms. Like this:





Be forewarned that despite all this flowering loveliness, I will still complain bitterly about not being able to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal because it is too daggone hot and that it never feels like Christmas here. I'm just keeping it honest; I do it every year. On those days, remind me to look back at these photos:


Sometimes these extreme close-ups of orchids seem like a violation of the flower's privacy.






What is fall like where you live? Do you like it or dislike it? What is your favorite season and why? I am burning with curiosity, please share.