Note to self...

Just because a #2 bamboo needle fits between the slots in the water feature pump DOES NOT mean that it will pull out the cotton wood fluff that is impacted in there. Very possibly it will get out a few bits of wet cottony mess before cracking and breaking off. You will need a needle nose pliers to get that needle out of there.

Just start out using the pumpkin carving knife. You know the one - the little orange handled thing that came in the kit from Target. Those little jagged edges will grab onto that yucky stuff right away.

Another belt

Ian tested last night for his striped gold belt. We're so proud of him. He had all of the correct motions BUT tended to go at super speed - to slow down is one of his goals.

action shot

good focus

Trying to give the "ninja eyes", but got a smile instead

Fun weekend

We had a fun weekend in the Dells. Lots of swimming and relaxing.

Hey...that's my brother

Ian was so excited that Simon tested and got his gold belt on Thursday night. Simon worked really hard listening and showing his skills.

Tadpole update

The tadpoles that we brought home didn't fair so well. We have 2 that are still alive BUT the ones at the park are the size of huge green peas.

The boys took their gear down to the park to catch frogs. They really wanted to bring some home. They had all of the arguments down as to why they should be able to have one, but we stood firm. Frogs belong in the pond, not their bedrooms! Even IF the kindergarten teacher has one in her classroom and the best friend has two in his bedroom...

On the look-out. They were quite stealthy. I think this was the quietest Simon has been (when not sleeping) in ages.

Got It!

Here is the one eyed frog that they caught...twice. I've seen pictures and watched programs about how pesticides and other environmental toxins are affecting this population and to tell you the truth it didn't really hit me until I saw it with my own eyes in my backyard.

Kal watched all of this from a safe vantage point with the dog. Neither of them was having any part of touching the frogs.

A bird in the hand...

Ok so that is not the right saying, but take a look at the new jewelry I got. A co-worker makes a variety of earrings, pins, necklaces. She uses new and up-cycled products. I saw these and immediately knew I needed them.

Robin's eggs

Tomorrow night is craft night at one of the schools that I teach at. My planets have all aligned and I actually get to attend. In that white basket are the projects that I am going to work on. I'm taking some projects that are almost finished and some that still have a long way to go. I am not going to start a new project!

The quilt is quilted - now the binding.

There are about 14 green ends to weave in and then it is DONE!

Barn raising squares. This is an on-going project. 42 squares? I'm thinking it may take me a couple of years.

The leaves need to be blanket stitched to the pieced squares.

This is the newest project started (a few weeks ago). A baktus scarf that is an alternating project with the barn raising squares for knitting in the car.

p.s. Does anyone know how to create a photo mosaic - a simple program preferably free. I really need to make that one of my tech. goals for the year.

Mother's Day Weekend

We went for a picnic and walk at Rowan Creek Wildlife Area near Poynette yesterday. There were 3 boardwalks and several bridges, which were the highlight for the boys because they could get down close and personal with "wildlife in its natural habitat". We saw frogs and turtles sunning themselves (with Ian's eagle eye looking out for wildlife).


p.s. I know there haven't been many crafting updates, but I have been working on "stuff" - hopefully there will be more pictures of that this week.