a quick hello...

Well, summer vacation is upon us and we have hit the ground running. Last week the kids and I made our first solo (as in only one adult) road trip and it couldn't possibly have gone any better than it did. Caleb and Molly slept all the way from the driveway to Benoit. Logan fell asleep about ten miles outside of Coleman and woke up about ten miles outside of San Angelo. There was not a single peep of discontent from anyone. The entire trip. It was blissful. I think, perhaps, Lynn could learn a thing or two from his children when it comes to road trip etiquette...apparently he was not quite as delightful on his trip down with his sister and my brother as the kids were with me.


sunset at baby brother patrick's graduation

The weekend was a fun one. We watched Patrick and about 150 or so of his 670 sum odd (how do you spell that?) class mates graduate from high school (thank goodness they started with the Z's this year), played a lot of Wii Sports, visited with family and even did a little shopping (the San Angelo Dillard's has a new and improved ladies department for anyone interested...)

Oh, I made some lampwork beads this week too:



They're the first I've made since Molly was born AND they're the first sculptural beads I've EVER made that I was really, REALLY pleased with the final outcome. They are charms I made for Theresa's Paperbag Swag Album.

Here's the overall spread:


All cut paper collage...made with a whole new layer of appreciation for what artists like Theresa and Ellia. That tiny little panda took me FOREVER and several attempts before it was satisfactorily completed :). And just so you know, there is SO going to be at least one stuffed panda made in the near future.

Here's a blurry picture of the clip I made to keep the swag pocket closed:


There's more to show and more to talk about, but I'm about to turn into a pumpkin. So, until next time, take care and I hope everyone's having a great summer so far!