We went from this…

to this…

It’s bright, it’s light, it’s green, and I love it!  Than painted all the trim, I was in charge of the roller (and only spilled a little paint…) and the kids occupied themselves for a day and a half remarkably well.  I can’t wait to dream up some vinyl wall art for my “new” living room.  Here are some more comparisions:

They finished the painting at home, enlisted my help with some vinyl stickers, and ended up with this fun version of Lightning McQueen.

The day of the race, Katya played around with friends while Nathan cheered on his car and the cars of his friends.  No prizes were claimed, a bit to the boy’s disappointment, but it was a fun experience and he’s already thinking ahead to next year.

A bit of an improvement, don’t you think?  (Check back on the old post for a before-after comparison if you’re not sure…!!)  Now, stay tuned for another fun home update coming your way soon…

Prince Michael, by Nathan   (Wonderful! wrote the teacher)

Once upon a time there lived a prince.  The prince’s name was Michael.

One day, Prince Michael met a magic cat.  The magic cat was under the spell of a wicked witch.

Prince Michael saved the magic cat by giving him a wife.

The magic cat told Prince Michael that he could have 3 wishes.

Prince Michael wished for a castle, jewels and horsemen.

And they all lived happily ever after.

The End.

Wondrous truths, and manifold as wondrous,/God has written in those stars above;/But not less in the bright flowerets under us/Stands the revelation of his love.  –Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

This quote actually fits the picture, for once!  I think one of the things that amazes me most about God is not that He created the grand cosmos, but that He created such intricate beauty in so many tiny, temporary places.  I am awed when I think of the detail of His care for each individual living thing–me among them.  That is a love that is so big and so deep and so incredible.

Soft Pretzels with Homemade Honey Mustard (recipe originally found here)

P.F. Chang’s Lettuce Wraps  (recipe originally found here)

Veggies and Artichoke Dip

Quick Blender Salsa and Chips  (recipe originally found here)

Craisin Scones

Melt-in-Your Mouth Chocolate Cookies  (recipe originally found here)

Chex Mix

Sprite with Rainbow Ice Cubes

Yummy!  And I get to pat myself on the back for actually using a few recipes from Pinterest, instead of just collecting them…

Friday brought our first snow day of the season, and it was a wonderful one!  The snow started falling on Thursday night and didn’t stop until almost noon on Saturday.  It was so fun to stay home and be cozy.  Poor Than shoveled and shoveled and shoveled (not so good on the back eventually…) but the kids did come out to “help” a little.

We enjoyed having some neighbors as our guests for Friday night pizza, a spontaneous get together arranged during a snow shoveling session.  (That ruler on the picnic table shows 14 inches!)

The sun came out Saturday afternoon and the snow has already begun melting, but hopefully some more will come along–we haven’t made a snowman yet!  (Here’s a photo of the garden from May and one from February).

…a teapot, a baby bottle, a Gideon New Testament, two used gift cards, a play credit card, a baby phone rattle, and old cell phone, a bottle of toothpicks, two bracelets, a flashlight, a flower pen, a rhinestone hair comb, a broken keychain, a key, an allen wrench, a Lego dog, and about 15 or 20 assorted bits and beads and buttons.  What’s in your purse?

A new take on sheet music, that’s for sure.