Straight from the 100 acre wood

at mom's house

Some things I admire:
morning companion study
attention given to my cutie
refinished chairs- do you remember these?

Welcome little Vy to the world!

I am hoping that the Carpenters put up some pictures of the newbie soon
but since I haven't seen any shared here are a few shots I took when
she was just brand new in the hospital- probably a day old.
We like her.

Welcome to the Carpenter's!

I have been meaning to share these with you since my visit to Sherwood's Forest a month ago. Right on the edge of hiking trails, wilderness and wildlife you don't remember that you are in L.A. Driving through the many fun windy streets to there house (little john, arrow way, sherif court, nottingham...) Several kind elderly neighbors wave while walking there dogs. Walk up an inviting entry but don't ring the doorbell- that is the neighbors- You have to walk through their bedroom, through the landry room, past the bathroom and kitchen and you've reached a comfortable place to sit and play wii fit (everyone has to weigh in for themselves or your mii personality might go bonkers on the tightrope and jump to her death) or stroll out to the back patio where the turtles and many beautiful plants live. Through my camera lens for a second I thought I was in El Salvador it was looking so green and full of life. They will share a spider or two with you so bring a pot. Though it may be small they have taken advantage of every space adding shelves, hooks and elevating their bed for additional storage. You know Ivy lives there when you see the monkeys and ducks- you can't miss them! There are little shirts, lots of diapers, and a purple highchair waiting the return of the littlest carpenter. We were received graciously by wonderful hosts- definately a place to visit!

Christmas

With the heat I have been feeling
over 100 still this week
Fall is far from my mind let alone winter
Nonetheless-
Here it is:

The Christmas List

Heather has Julie
Holly has Catherine
Julie has Jonathan
Catherine has Elisabeth
Jonathan has Michael
Elisabeth has Ivy
Michael has Heather
Ivy has Holly

If you're sending it in the mail remember to get it off in plenty of time.
In the meantime- A very merry august to you
and
isn't my shepherd cute?

San Simeon

yesterday was...

Annette's birthday! YEah ANnie! I baked you a neato cake- do you like it? It took me a while to frost it and so you get it the morning after (okay, so really it's just a picture fun mad hatter sort of feeling cake, but I would like to try it some time). I love my sister and I wish her many more happy returns of the day- well deserved.

Pioneer Parade

Pioneers raced or paraded past us today on their bikes or scooters on their way for some ice cream. Each year the children that parade up our street get less and less as do the spectators. A few adults lined the path and threw candy at the pioneers as they passed. I dished out ice cream, Russ visited with buddies.

Nutmeg's progress

Here it is- a little late but, well... you can see that she's doing great. Now if we could get someone to look at her foot- Nutmeg's, not tali's.

Happy Father's Day

For your sacrifice, sleeping out on the hay, long Sunday talks, long evening walks, teaching me to drive a tractor, fun ideas, support, and love.
Thank you.
Right now for your love of my children and the amazing love they have for you.
Thank You.
For your example of high standards and doing your best,
Thank you.

I love you Dad.

Click here for your message of the day.

Johnson's flowers

Some people are so well known for some things- say... cooking, for example- that we may not notice other amazing talents. I mean, I must admit that there are times when my charm and stunning good looks cause my intelligence to be overlooked! Don't you want to visit this beautiful garden?

Cami's great great great uncle Cliff

. How neat is that? How many people get to meet a 3x great person?! Well, I am around great people all the time- but this visit was special in it's own right. So glad Holly had the inspiration to bring over her birthday lunch before church- (many reasons) (which also was yummy of course). There are some people, that though you have never met, you feel an immediate closeness with them. There are some fun stories to most of these pictures which I will tell you all about- some other time

Awww!

Cute huh?

Raising the May pole

Went to the swedish festival a while back and arrived at the end of the parade to see them raise the may pole and dance around it. Met up with Jennifer and the boys. It was HOT! I love the street. I love the costumes. I love dancing, weaving harps, library sales and wooden shoes.
Really though I am trying to learn something about blogger and this is my experiement. If it doesn't work- it will signal that my body needs sleep to function after all.

In the Jungle, the mighty Jungle, the lion sleeps tonight!

more pix