By henryjn, on January 29th, 2008%
Birding: Ian received binoculars, a birdwatching guide and a birdfeeder this past Christmas. On Christmas morning he was less than thrilled to receive such a gift and practically threw it aside and looked for the next gift- hoping it was some plastic toy with Lego written on it. With that in mind, I jumped at the opportunity to go out with him and birdwatch, he even wore his backpack that I gave him for his birding things. It was a backpack that I made a few years ago and I just added a cool pocket with a bird applique’. During our first little venture out to find some backyard birds we discovered that the binoculars are much more fun to look through backwards and that is just the way that Ian wanted to use them- even though I tried to convince him that he would be able to see farther with them the other way around. He’ll figure it out later. We did see a cute little bird on the feeder, but it was so small and so quick we could not tell what it was, but we think it was a Goldfinch.
Sailing: I snapped this shot because I love the image of the two boys standing side by side looking out together imagining where they can go. Maybe to far away places with their swords in hand defending their ship from the threat of pirates at sea.
Hard at Work: After a conversation this morning about how money is earned, because he wants to buy a Bionocle, Ian decided to rake leaves for money. He got himself ready and found a rake and brought the wheelbarrow out front and started raking the leaves into piles. We decided he would get 25 cents per wheelbarrow load and we kept track of the loads. He earned $1.25 this morning and worked hard with a good attitude. Sean even helped out even though Ian didn’t want his help because he thought he would have to pay him. But, I convinced Ian to let him help since Sean was a volunteer. I was really pleased with how it went and we talked all about what happens when he uses his money and buys the toy. He’s not so sure he wants to give up all his money just yet.
By henryjn, on January 23rd, 2008%
These photos are from a little walk we went on to get outside and stretch our legs. Erin was on my back and the boys ran around in their boots. Ian, pretending and having his own dialogue with himself and Sean, following me with his walking stick and spinning on the tire swing. We came across a duck nest hidden in the mulch right on our path by the pond.
I’m going to try and add three photos each week. Join me and others for a look at daily life over here.
By henryjn, on January 18th, 2008%
I’ve always admired milkglass and I am always scouring the thrift store for some. So, to my surprise, some milk glass was discovered out in the barn and no one wanted it so I became the proud owner of a few vases, a footed bowl, a pair of candlesticks, a large bowl type candle holder and a bell. I new that I wanted to display it on my mantle, so I cleaned it up and removed all the Christmas garland and stockings and it now sits proudly above the fireplace along with a new paper cutting. I don’t think I’ve mentioned my newest interest here before. I discovered it here, here, and here and since then I have played around with some designs from this book and used pictures and other templates for desgins. Over Christmas I made a Nativity scene; the design came from an old Southern Living book from 1989. I also made one as a gift for my nephew and his lovely bride from a wedding photo.
I happened to glance at this book the other day and thought that the image on the back was just lovely and I wanted to make a paper cutting and then I added the text from the nursery rhyme. I found other illustrations from the popular rhymes that I thought would make good cuttings, traced them and then printed out the rhymes and framed them in simple black frames with a white matte. I love the simplicity of silhouettes; the little details that are left for the imagination.
For more paper cutting goodnes check here and here and this book is a good one too.
Enjoy your weekend and I’ll see you around next week!
By henryjn, on January 16th, 2008%
Do you have one of these? It’s a cupcake stand by Wilton. It was out on my counter after Erin’s birthday and I kept looking at it when I walked by it. Everytime I thought that I needed to put it away until I looked at for the 10th or 20th time and glanced at the bag of tangerines we just brought home. Then the thought came to me about putting them on the stand. Genius I say! Oh, how cute it looks on my counter and I don’t want to put it away now. I want to think of other things that can go on it when we have eaten all the tangerines. Maybe apples, dyed eggs, flowers or miniature pumpkins placed on my dining table as a centerpiece? The possibilities are are endless.
It’s the little things that make me happy and make me want to keep on goin’.
By henryjn, on January 15th, 2008%
Forget the Sahara we’ve got Kellerosa Farms. My sis’ is an animal lover and her hubby is an avid hunter/entrepreneur. They recently acquired some deer including a couple of bucks. I’ve never seen deer in a pen like this, except for the zoo I suppose. We rode on little carts watching them run around with their white tails in the air and hand fed some of the does apples and carrots. Thanks Aunt Leslee for taking us on a safari!!
Erin enjoyed the apples herself and was not interested in sharing!
I couldn’t help myself and I changed the look again. This theme has pages and the columns on either side of the main content which I like. We’ll see if I can get some help customizing the colors; not sure I like the burgundy and the pink background. Picky, picky!
By henryjn, on January 14th, 2008%
Thought I’d share some more photos from Christmas. Sean and Nathan ended up getting along towards the end of the two week visit. I think they worked it out in their own 3 year old way.
:: Sean and his cousin Nathan playing a game of Othello always ready for the camera with a smile.
:: Dressing up together
By henryjn, on January 12th, 2008%
Well, I thought it was time for a new look. I spent way too much time browsing the different styles and adjusting things around here. Don’t get too attached to this look, I’m sure I’ll change it soon. This one does not have page options and I know nothing about html and I can’t seem to get this computer guy to help me out. Dont’ know why he doesn’t want to be on his day off?
After Christmas I took a bunch of books here and then came home with some new-to-me books on dollmaking after trying my hand at it for Erin’s Christmas gift. (I need to take a picture of Erin’s first handmade doll, which was inspired by these an these.) Anyway, this post is about this cute new doll that is now in the hands of my niece. She was made especially for her birthday; she turned two and she’s such a cutie. I won’t hold it against her that she tossed the doll aside when she noticed the Potty Elmo that was in the bag as well. We were returning it to her since we are done with it and I threw it in the bag last minute, anyway Elmo was a big hit and this doll was just in the way, but I’m sure she’ll appreciate my hard work some day!
I like how this doll turned out, especially the felt mary-jane shoes. I followed the directions for the face and I think I would change the nose and go with a less piggy look next time!
By henryjn, on January 9th, 2008%
Yesterday we celebrated another birthday, Erin turned ONE. Did I just write that? I can’t believe she’s a year old already. I know everyone says that, but it’s so true. Where did the year go? It’s a big blur really, full of many changes, milestones and fun.
The cousins were a big part of the celebration, helping get the party decorations ready. We had a Happy Birthday banner made by Becca and birthday crowns by Abbey a day in advance. They were so excited and eager to help. They both helped me the day of with the party food; waffles, sausage, bacon, muffins and fruit salad. I surprised the kids with a pinata, which Ian has always wanted and Jay was the “tree” since we did it at night and didn’t have light in the yard. It was a great farewell for the cousins since it was their last night before they headed home to Arizona. We had a great time and we will miss you all Stephens’ Family!!
Over the holiday, these 2 cuties showed up and they decided we were a good family to have. So we now have two new outdoor kittens, butterball and mittens.
The celebration will continue today with my family at a triple birthday party for my Mom, my niece and Erin. Two cakes are always more fun than one!
By henryjn, on January 1st, 2008%
We’ve done some of this…..
and had fun with these….
and had a blast with this too!
The fun is still going on through Christmas and now on to the New Year – family is still here and we are playing and eating and enjoying all the cool new toys that appeared on Christmas morning. I’ve not seen much of the boys since they have so many cousins to play with, there are a total of 9 cousins visting. Sean and Nate both three are tolerating each other and Ian and Gabe, 5 and 6 are best buds and sleep together on the floor.
Thanks to everyone who comes by to check in on us and see what’s new on Emerald Lane. Once things calm down around here I have plans to make some new things from some very fun crafty books I got for Christmas. Oh, and if I can get pictures of the things I made for Christmas I’ll share those too!
Happy New Year from The Henry’s!
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Welcome I am Nancy Henry, mother to three really cool children, wife, designer, crafter, camera girl and a struggling writer. I share some of our life here when I get the chance. The focus is on the everyday and the beauty it beholds. Enjoy your stay and let me know you stopped by!
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