Off My A-Game

Yes- I officially am- at least in the most common "production" areas of my life.  I was thinking about writing this post- and thinking about why I feel this way...and the main reason is because I havn't blogged in a while, and I havn't been in my studio in a while, nor have I finished, or even progressed with any of the projects I talked about here...so- you can understand my feeling of lack of production, right?

then I started thinking about WHY? I havn't been very productive- and instead of beating myself up about it (because its not for lack of desire)- I realized that I have a lot of other equally amazing things that I've been doing. Sure, they may not have physically tangible results- like paintings, refinished chairs, and curtians- but they are equally as important and satisfying in other ways.

I started a  new summer work schedule at the hospital recently which is something that I am adjusting to- and enjoying!  and also- most importantly, yesterday was the Angelgirl's big 0-4!  these things have kept me busy- and while they are not personally productive to me they are productive in that I am giving back to others- which is, in reality even more gratifying then producing for myself. 

I also decided- rather last minute, to plan a mini-vacation (something we've started doing since we had children- since #1- financially its tough taking a long vacation and #2- long vacations can be overwhelming for both children and maybe even more so-parents;)  SO- we leave tomorrow at the crack of dawn- and I am SOOOOO looking forward to getting away- even for just one night!!!

Back to the sweet Z-booty- I can't believe she's 4! Craziness!!!! Check out my birthday post from last year for her here.
This year was a lot of fun!  She woke up in the morning a did a little birthday dance with her brand new Strawberry Shortcake doll (Thank you Shuggie- she hasn't put her down since Thursday:) The crown was a handmade by my lovely sister- Auntie Emy- isn't it precious?

We had a loose rainbow theme happinin'...homemade playdough for party favors!

The most magical party piece was the AMAZING Ms.Julie- Z's music teacher- she was wonderful! (we bid on a musical birthday party at Z's school fundraiser this year and WON! It also included an ice cream cake and pizza!!)

(Notice- she's still holding Strawberry??!)

Moses is a baby-lover- how could you not love this little guy?

(Thank you Denise for capturing the candle blowing:)

She got a scooter from Mommy and Daddy (I opted for the 2 wheeler variety hoping she'd catch on quick)- and she made it up and down the street last night without a hitch-the streamers on the ends were a big hit!  She also got another very special handmade gift that we commissioned an artist friend to make - it's amazing!!! I will be posting it later in the week- so stay tuned!

 Happy 4th of July!!!!

A Group Painting, and a Little Ice For ZZ

We did an outdoor art project this week...

It started with a canvas board that I painted gold during nap time, then drew lines with a gray watercolor pencil into the wet paint to create an interesting background texture.

When the babes woke up (Z doesn't actually sleep FYI...just rests- translation-whines):) I had set up the materials on the grass weeds that we call our back yard:)

Then they went to town.  We did some rolling of round objects in paint and rolling them across the board which made some cool marks...

Then the inevitable happened...

 

"Portrait of a two year old"

( I have NO IDEA why he was upset? This happens throughout the day, and usually lasts, literally 5 seconds- tops) he wins the award, hands down for most dramatic in the house! (which is saying a lot)

Here's the finished piece.  We are doing an Ikea run to get a frame for it this weekend! I think it's going to live in the kitchen.

Here's the little bit of ice- and whole lot of fun for Miss Z (first skating lesson)- she LOVED it!!!
So much so that D went up to check on them 20 minutes after bedtime when they were still making noise- and she was "practicing" her hands out, knees up, march- move in bed- keeping the both of them up:) SO CUTE!