Swinging outdoors

We finally figured out a place to hang Mason's outdoor swing. I know that sounds weird, but all of the trees in our yard are less than 10 years old, so finding a branch that is strong enough for our mighty man has been a challenge. He had a great time with his daddy while I took pictures (have to document as much as possible, right?!?!). When Mason is quietly content, he sticks his right leg out and bounces his foot...he did that for 15 minutes.


AND THEN, I step in to straighten him in his seat and started to pull on his legs to get the swing going and all bets were off. You would have thought I skinned him alive with the level of screaming and tears. So I'm guessing the swing is a daddy/little man thing!! NOTE: I didn't take pictures of that ;)

7, no wait 8

I'm not joking about the title, we are really having a hard time keeping up with the tooth count. Seriously, Mason is unable to do this process one at a time. Rather than cutting one tooth, taking a break, cutting another tooth, take a break, etc. his body loves putting him through the paces. He's our little two-at-a-time man.

Hard to miss the four top teeth wouldn't you say...I think the tooth fairy is going to need to get another job to start saving for those teeth when they come out.

His bottom teeth are a little smaller in scale. He just finished cutting the second tooth on the right and is presently cutting the second tooth on the left. To say we've been a little cranky would be an understatement. If this process is any indication of our future, our little buddy seems to have a low pain threshold.

Mason & Layton

Wanted to share a few pics that Amy (Layton's mom) took of the boys. We helped host a couples shower a few weekends ago for one of the Shearrer cousins. The party was great and the boys had a great time walking around (with help, of course) in the backyard. After dinner, the boys wandered over to the back fence and Amy was able to catch some really cute pics.

Discussing the real estate across the fence, perhaps?!?!

Mason holding on for dear life or going in for a hug...who knows!

Left hand up, protecting the coconut as he walks...this is how Mason gets around these days.

Cactus blooms are coming

The prickly pear are starting to strut their stuff with a beautiful show of color. This is the only time of year that I'm grateful our fence lines are full of cactus. I just love snapping shots of the cactus blooms...it's such an unexpected pop of beauty on such a thorny bush. Could their be a lesson from the Lord in that?!?!?





Couldn't resist this macro of a thistle bloom. JP has taught me a lot about catching the tight shot.

Dabbling in the paint

I've always had a bit of an artist lurking within. That is part of the reason I've always enjoyed graphic design. But I have always wanted to be one of those that can express myself with a brush and paint. Coming from a legacy of leisure artists (Granny and Mom), I've been exposed to all the "training" I could ever hope to get, but I've never found my niche when it comes to painting.

Well, we're working on a redecorating project at our church (new accent walls, framed paintings and other art), with plans for 6 custom paintings for the sanctuary. Mom, Maureen and I have been seeking inspiration for several months for the paintings with no success. After a girls day together a few weeks ago, we finally hit on the inspiration we needed.

So I got started with the first painting that I've wanted to work on and I'm so excited with the finished product. It's been almost 10 years since I picked up a paint brush for artistic endeavors. I'm happy to report that I've begun my second painting and am enjoying the artistic struggle of "seeing" the art in my head and getting it on canvas. Can't wait to see what bubbles up next!!