Mosaic trains

Have I mentioned that Braedan loves trains? It has truly been his passion since before he could walk. At about 10 months old he had about a week long interest in matchbox cars, but then we showed him Brinley's old Thomas trains and it was love at first sight. Now at almost 5, that love is still going strong. I bought these cool mosaic tile kits from Storyland this summer and gave them to him for Christmas. He spent about 4 hours straight finishing this all by himself. He loved it! And I was so proud of his determination.

When I bought the kit, I thought the tiles would be really big, but they're only about 1/4 inch!

It's so fun to see him accomplish something and be so proud of it! Almost as proud as I am of him! :)

Art Class

This year, we are starting to incorporate art in our curriculum. I got the book Art Treasury from Usbourne and this is our study of Van Gogh. 

Brinley took it very seriously and had fun with the bright colors and making different swirls with her paint brush and plastic fork. I had fun using my new tripod and the awesome way it allows me to get overhead shots. Too fun.

Love, love, love homeschooling!

And my girl.

Such a small thing

A few days ago, I was given the gift of some sewing time and whipped out the second and final pillowcase that I have been working on. Finally, hubby and I have matching pillowcases.

I know, I know, it seems like such a small thing, but it's been a long time since our pillowcases have matched (lost pillowcases, etc.).  So, I am just happy to finally, once again, have matching ones. And I must say I love the fabrics, too. 

And added to them are the new ones that Brinley made for us. I think it looks just perfect.

Cozy Sewing

I am so proud of Brinley's sewing. She is into making pillows right now. She made one for Nathan and now is working on one for me. She now ASKS to go to Joann Fabrics which is music to my ears, and is so cute choosing her own fabric and taking it up to the cutting table and requesting the yardage she wants cut all by herself. She is very decisive, unlike her mother who makes two or three rounds of the fabrics before finally making a choice. I thought she looked so cozy this afternoon sewing my pillow by the pellet stove, with Cooper snuggled up with her. 

I don't know who I was more jealous of- Cooper getting a nice warm nap, or Brinley getting to sew peacefully by the fire. I guess I was happy for both of them and lived vicariously through them, if only for a moment.

Our Pets

I wanted to take a moment to introduce our pets- there are four currently since the demise of two fish.

First is Cooper, our Boston Terrier puppy. He is nine months old. He was completely a spur of the moment purchase last summer, when I decided I wanted a smaller dog to take camping with us, for a lap dog, etc. He is a sweet little dog and has quickly attached himself to me. I'm afraid I have a hard time seeing his faults and the rest of the family roll their eyes at me when I call him my "little lamb" when he's been naughty. What can I say, I'm in love. 

Shelby is our nine year old Cocker Spaniel. I truly can't say anything bad about this dog. She has been with us through both kids and has never even growled at either one of them no matter what they do to her (or anybody, for that matter-until Cooper who she has to growl at in self defense). She is sweet through and through. I love this picture of her with Braedan even though it's a bit blurry, because they just look so sweet all snuggled up together. Braedan isn't a huge pet fan- Brinley's our animal lover. He likes them, but doesn't pay them much attention except to give them occasional squeezes and kisses in passing or yells at them when they knock over his trains.

Sebastian is our himalayan and he just turned 14 on Christmas Day. He is a pretty gentle cat unless he thinks you haven't petted him enough, and then he might give you a good bite. He spends most days now sleeping on either our bed or Brinley's and keeps himself pretty scarce since we got Cooper. We have just dubbed him Brinley's cat since she gives him the most attention and he spends most of his time with her.

And our final pet is totally Brinley's- Daisy the guinea pig. She is over 3 years old now- pretty old for a guinea pig. She spends her days eating- that's all- just eating. In the summer we put her outside during the day and it's amazing how much grass she will mow down. The pig part of the name is appropriate.

Land's End

I guess this is as good a time as any to mention that Nathan and I both got new cameras for Christmas. They are so fun, and we keep looking for places to try them out. So, we ended up at Land's End yesterday evening right about sunset. It was freezing cold and we all about froze, but got some good shots, I think. Our winter days are very short right now, so even though it's cold, we try to get out as much as possible. 

Braedan standing on a frozen tidal pool.

Brinley and Cooper.

Hubby wearing his new Christmas scarf that Brinley knitted all by herself.

When we get professional pictures of the kids, I am always drawn to the close ups of their faces. It looks like that will be reflected in my own photography. I love this picture of my girl!

There is something magical about the combination of beach and sunset, don't you think?

Welcome 2009

New Year's this year came in quietly with us all being tucked away in bed before midnight. We have much to be thankful for in 2008- we are all healthy and happy and had a very fun year. My wish is for 2009 to be as wonderful. This is my silly and wonderful family. My dear husband who is truly my better half and keeps me grounded, spoiled and forever in love with him. Brinley who is eight (can that be possible?!) and is our night owl, photographer in training and electronics queen.  Braedan is four and fills our house with laughter from morning until night. He is loving and showers us with kisses many times daily. He loves trains, trains and more trains. But is starting to branch out a bit by becoming very good at crafts, drawing and writing. You will be hearing much more about all of them in the future. Oh, and then there's me- the mom who is so blessed to be able to stay home with them and play teacher, nurse, cook and (ahem) housekeeper.