I've created a monster!

It's an amazing phenomenon: the house is quiet, the children are playing nicely with each other and the mother sits down at her computer thinking she'll enjoy her frappaccino while finishing her latest design project. As the lid of the laptop is lifted, the little darling's ears perk up. They throw down their toys and scream down the hall...because at that precise moment they have to get on the computer.




Is it innate desire to fill their brain with more phonics via www.starfall.com?


No.





Is it the fun and silliness (and money management!) of Webkinz World that ignites this amibition?


Nope.





It's Photoshop. You know, the official program of all photographers, artists and graphic designers everywhere. It takes tons of practice for a professional to have some sort of proficiency. I've spent years trying to master it. And my children are quickly becoming the newest gurus.

Here's M figuring out how to change colors to make rainbow circles:

Just when I think the computer is all mine, I have to share. And maybe their interest will lead them to a career where they can have their own computer!

So if you ever wonder why this blog isn't updated as much as it used to be...it's because my little designers are perfecting their latest creation. At least their digi-art isn't very messy! :)

Georges Seurat, anyone?

On a whim today we read Katie's Sunday Afternoon by James Mayhem. Well you just can't read a book like this without experiementing with a little artistic technique. We explored the art of pointillism, perfected in the late 1800s by Georges Seurat (soo RAH). He used the tips of brushes to make the fine dots that blended into many colors; we used q-tips. :) Here is a sample of his work:

The moon

We, along with at least 80% of the world, watched the lunar eclipse tonight. One of my children is old enough to care--a little--and was interested in the redness. Do you know why it turns red? (Okay, I'll admit this: I had to google it because Google knows everything!) I found out that the earth's shadow is red. Space doesn't have all the dust we have, so shadows are red up there, whereas on earth we only see gray shadows. Interesting, huh?

Home from the hospital

The American Girl doll hospital, that is. A few weeks ago BB made her way inside the house while we were away. She did quite well having the entire house at her disposal. She did chow down on Mabry's Bitty Twin, Thumper, though. (Don't ask me where his name comes from. I honestly havne't a clue.) So off to the doll hospital to have surgery on his foot. The UPS man delivered him safe and sound this morning.



In other news...
Micah loves him some zwiebacks. :)

 

Happy Valentine's Day from my vibrant crew!

It's amazing what you can do with a V-day potholder from Target and a little photoshop background! I printed these pictures for Matthew and put them in the kids' handmade cards.

Official school has actually been hit-or-miss this week...but the girls' have learned a lot about writing thank-you notes and blessing others with V-day goodies. You know, no workbook compares to real life. :)

From the randomly useless files...

In only 3 years and 3 months we put 100,000 miles on our trusty Trailblazer. As we were on our way to Moe's for Kids Night, we hit this great milestone, and thought all our fond memories: the installation of an unplanned baby seat, the art gallery that stains the back upholstery, the time all three girls--at the same time--succumbed to a stomach virus, the hand of God that surrounded this vehicle only last week when we narrowly avoided two catastrophes, and many many more...

And don't worry, everyone is safe...I was not behind wheel when I took this picture. ;)

We had cheeseburgers for supper

and M created fashions from her cheese.

If you ever thought my kids were silly...here's proof. :)

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile...

CG got a Webkin for her birthday, so my personal computer time is scarce. :) I just told her to go fold one of the laundry piles, so that I could have a few minutes to bring you up-to-date on the happenings here in our rowdy zoo lovely home.

Last Tuesday CG turned 8 years old and Baby Micah turned 8 months old. They both are quite fond of their special bond.

CG received a camera for her birthday, which is amazingly YouTube and eBay ready. A little much for a young kid, I'd think, but she loves it. (What exactly did we do as children without the online activities to keep on busy?) Just don't go surfing YouTube for her videos because you won't find them (I'm not ready for her to hit the world-wide stage), but you can check her blog for baton lessons. :)

Recently M and K began a study of Mirette on a High Wire. So today we made a "high wire" out of an old dust mop placed between two stools--you know, you just have to use what's available. Here's our very stylish M trying to focus like Mirette and holding her balance: