"It's a jellyfish!"

Her artistic ability and creativity absolutely amaze me.

It's been seven years.

These are my anniversary flowers from Ryan.  We've been happily (and some days not-so-happily) married for seven years.  WOW.  And... blessed with two beautiful daughters.  Love them.  Love him!  

Nana Mati

I used to question just how loyal Mati was to the girls since she's my living shadow. But I've noticed today how she hasn't left Cora's side. Cora has circled the coffee table playin with socks and Mati's been on her heel.

Secret Recipes

Not really. Well, really yes they are secrets, but... we're not sharing them.  Sorry. 

I just wanted to show you my new recipe cards!!!

Booo Virus

Go away nastiness. You've made our household sad for the last week. First Cora and now Elayna. You're no fun.

Juju's so supportive. And even more of a lover since Elayna's not feeling good. (Letting him sleep with her again during naps might have something to do with it.  She kicked him out of her room for a few weeks.)

Pink Dinos

These are what my birthday girls will be wearing at their party next month. I'm not exactly thrilled with my work, but definitely happy enough to not do them all over again. (Since Ryan's birthday is right between theirs, think I should make one for him too?)

"God put a rainbow in the sky..."

What a beautiful way to end another awesome worship service!

Here's another.  You can see the rainbow a little better.  Even though Elayna looks a little off.

Tiny the Dinosaur

Just in case you didn't catch it the first time, hahaha.  I could totally watch Meet the Robinsons over and over all day long.  It's such a good movie.  Part of this clip is in the trailer, and that's what made Ryan & me pay to see it in the theater.

Dino Appliqué

So instead of purchasing birthday shirts for the girls (at $20+ a piece!), I decided to try my own hand at machine appliqué.  I've done all of none before and was extremely nervous.  I found a great tutorial here and decided to just go for it and save myself at least $30.  Except, now I'm wanting a bigger, better sewing machine with a hundred stitch options... so... yeah.

Well this is my practice round.  Would you let your child wear it?

When i asked Ryan if he knew it was a t-rex without me telling him, his response was, "Yeah.  I can see its big head and little arms."  !!!!!!!  He cracks me up!

And the brachiosaurus with a wonky tail.

Well, given that these were my first attempts, I'm happy.  I think I'll brave the t-shirts tomorrow... if the girls are nice enough and sleep at least three hours.

Itsy GIANT Spider

Meet our not so welcome porch guest. That mega-web spans across our whole entryway. Fortunately for him, that huge hiney packs his bags and is gone by morning.

Mmmm... Yummy...

Mac n' cheesy broccoli and carrots. Emphasis on yummy broccoli. She's crazy for those greens.

Our Okra

Mmm... fried straight out of the garden. Yummy!

Funny Faces

My Inner Eighties

Mav & Mati

Meet Maverick.  We picked him up from a local shelter for the Belgian Malinois Rescue.  He's been staying with us the past few days and will leave this weekend for a more permanent foster home.  He's a cutie.

And a playful little snot.  

Never leaves Mati alone.  You can see how hard she's trying to get away from him.

But he anticipates her every move. (That's him on the right.)

Maverick leaves Saturday, and I don't think Mati'll miss him.  She's usually the fastest dog on the block, but he's on her heel the entire time-- nipping and grabbing at her.  She's not used to actually having to race for a ball and did not appreciate his annoying, competitive spirit at all.  It was fun having him though.  Even if he had no manners and zero self-control.  He was extremely affectionate and never missed an opportunity to show us some love.  And he was really good with my girls, thank goodness.

Snapping Beans

Oh how our garden grows!  We've been picking okra and green beans for two days.  Here's my little helper who really loves to snap beans.  Elayna would do three at a time and then exclaim, "I'm so strong!"