Zoe is always full of surprises. She doesn’t want to hold still too long (or keep her face from getting silly) for me to get a good picture. Especially when I don’t have a clue about my camera settings. So, we end up with a lot of interesting shots. I am so thankful for digital! But, just the other day we got this picture and I do believe it is a new favorite. It only took 2 tries!
But I don’t know. Color or B & W.
And in with the new! We are lovin’ it! I mean really…whats not to love. Latte anyone?
To say this Christmas didn’t go as planned would be an understatement. Christmas Eve was great. We did our family Christmas then since Greg had to work Christmas day. We went to the candle light service at our church and then headed over to a friends house for some snacks and visiting. All seemed well.
Then, I woke up in the middle of the night throwing up. Did that for about 4 or 5 hours. I couldn’t even get up to feed Oliver. I was so thankful Greg was not working nights. He left at around 5 (at which time I was still unable to walk upright without getting dizzy). But, the kids were great and stayed asleep until I could move a little better. Our dear friend Monica brought me some sick people food and hung out a little to let me sleep and the kids played outside.
All seemed to be going OK until Christmas night at 11:00. Zoe started throwing up. I spent the night camped out in her room. A long night. Lots of laundry. The next morning…Zeke threw up. More laundry. I still wasn’t feel great but the Lord gave me enough energy to keep everybody clean, cared for and get all the sick laundry done plus some. Monica dropped off some more sicky foods and we made it though the day. Last night everyone slept. It was wonderful! Zoe work up this morning requesting an omelet for breakfast. We’re back and it feels good.
Who doesn’t just love finger-painting? It’s always been a big hit around here. We were beginning to run out of colors (and I wanted more exciting colors than what you get from the store) so I looked up a recipe and made some. It turned out great! Greg wanted to put it to the test for color and consistency. I like the homemade better! The “red” from the store looks orangey in comparison.
Here’s the recipe:
Note: The only change I made was the temp to cook it at. It was taking too long on low so I upped it to medium It worked a lot better but watch the consistency closely. It changes fast.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cornstarch
3 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups cold water
food coloring
Directions:
In a medium pan, mix all the ingredients together to make the finger paint. Cook over low heat 10 to 15 minutes. Keep stirring the finger paint mixture until it is smooth and thick. After the finger paint has thickened take the pan off the stove and let the mixture cool.
After cooling, divide the finger paint into storage containers depending on how many colors you would like. Add a few drops of food coloring to each container. Stir the coloring in to the paint to determine the shade of color. You’re ready to finger paint! Cover tightly when storing.
Zoe and Zeke headed outside to play on our first snow day of the year. Zeke decided he would hang in the car.
Zoe decided she didn’t want to be caught on camera. She’s shy you know. I almost had her. If only the camera was a few seconds faster. Oh well, a good game of chase if nothing else.
…than your sister putting you a trash can?
How about your sister putting herself in the trash can and rolling around on the ground? Isn’t is great to have older siblings? They have great ideas.
Pure enjoyment. Kids being kids. Playing with those things you wouldn’t have imagined. I love it.
And this new found entertainment went on for a few days until I returned it to its original use (which by the way was not original, original use. At one time, yes, it was a trash can. But for the last couple of years it has been masquerading as a plant stand). Zeke was quite content to be sitting in the can. He was a bit upset when we took him out.
~ Merriann
The Bellingham Thames 