t was an absolutely gorgeous weekend.  The breezes coming off of the bay had a cool, autumn-y touch to them.  Yesterday I made dinner to take down to Momma’s of chicken BBQ on soft potato rolls, summer pasta (made with fresh garden tomatoes, farfalle/bowtie pasta, fresh mozzarella, minced garlic, fresh basil, olive oil, salt and pepper) and also a pound cake with melted milk chocolate glaze.  Momma made a crisp garden cucumber salad.   We all ate and then relaxed and had a wonderful time watching the kids swim.  The children were a bit hesitant about jumping in the pool (with the cooler nighttime temperatures here the pool water is a wee bit cold) but quickly got over it and my boys and my sister’s girls had a great time splashing about like playful seals.

I wish I had pictures to share but with all the food items that needed to be transported (and kids and kids’ stuff) I forget to take my camera.

My boys are getting so tall, tanned and handsome…growing up much too quickly.

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I finally got my parents’ 50th anniversary book (the one I worked on for so long last year) uploaded to Shutterfly and it should be here by the end of the month.  I’ve been promising them a printed book since last year!  I also decided to do one of the party and our vacation last year too…that’s a surprise for them.  I used one of the Creating Keepsakes books, the Year in Review template, and I think it turned out very nicely.  My goal is to do one for this year’s vacation too…when I can afford to!  *smile*  The books are not cheap, especially those that go over 70 pages.

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The twins have been doing half lessons of school daily…letting them enjoy the final days of summer.  Their Latin is coming along nicely too.  On Friday, they sang Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes, complete with all the body gestures, to me in Latin.  *smile*

I’ve been thinking about purchasing the Waldorf inspired Oak Meadow’s preschool curriculum for Quinn.  He’s still not ready for kindergarten work.  The Waldorf philosphy of learning is a simple, nurturing, hands-on approach.

Our homeschool co-op’s first meeting/class is coming up too…need to get together with my friend, Lisa, to make the yearly welcome folders.

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Per a request for a closeup of the little fairy dragons.  *smile*

My Momma has been watching…I just view the highlights.  Thought this little gadget was quite cool.  NBC has a bunch of different ones (just click on “More Widgets”) if you’d like to add one to your blog too. *smile*

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Created in Photoshop - Click to Download

Click to view full-sized image.

e took Quinn to see his endocrinologist, Dr. Karen, this morning.  We received some great news…his thyroid levels have been running almost normal the past couple of labs (he’s been on medication for almost 4 years now) and now normal and we’re going to wean him off of his Tapazole during the next month and a half.  Bloodwork in late September should determine how it’s going.   Your prayers are most appreciated.

Some birthday photos…

Watching from my Kitchen

Little Blue Heron

Great White Heron

Great Blue Heron and Great Egret

Little Blue Heron and Great Egret

Snowy Egret and Great Egret

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Little Blue Heron

Snowy Egret

There was a distinct hint of autumn yesterday morning whilst watching the boys swim at my Momma’s and again in this morning’s cooler temps.  Summer is slipping away and I realize that there are so many things yet that I want to do…

• Visit the Farmer’s Market
• Take the boys for an after-dark ice cream run
• Go antiquing down on the Eastern Shore
• More cookouts with my family
• Spend more time with my family, especially my parents

…and ALL very easily achieved.  Thank you, Dear Lord for all my many, many blessings.

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My Favorite Summer Sandwich

2 slices of seedy, grainy whole wheat bread
1 sliced of aged cheddar
lots of sliced garden cucumbers and tomatoes
leaf lettuce
a smidgeon of Hellman’s mayonnaise
Salt and Pepper

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       Bed in Summer

Heart Doll Portrait

…and my version of one of the ball jointed doll layouts from HAUTEDoll Magazine.

Click on images to view full-sized.

uzanne Woolcott is my new favorite artist.  I just love her little painted dolls.  At her main website, gorjuss ART, she offers some free PS and PSP brushes, all with generous terms of use. 

little gorjuss things
a few wee ramblings…

gorjuss.etsy.com

gorjuss ART

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Reminds me a bit of these little images that I created many, many years ago in Paint Shop Pro 4.  (I know mine are no where near as cute but hey, that was over 10 years ago and I have gotten better…I have, haven’t I?)  Offered in PSD format, they are suitable only for web graphics; created before I became aware of image resolution and size.  *smile* 

They are faceless but you are more than welcome to draw on some eyes and blushy cheeks if you wish.  Click to download zipped file.

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I’ve been fighting a headcold the past couple of days…it’s winning.

Click to view full-sized image.

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ARTSY PLACES TO VISIT:

Dawn has some pretty bird and birds’ eggs images to download.

Matthew Mead’s blog is always filled with creative ideas.

Art and Ghosts’ Flickr Photostream.

Dorothy Wallace Photograpy…stunning galleries, especially the Fairy Gallery.

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My twins are back home safe and sound (except for a little incident with a pocket knife which resulted in a few stitches for Connor) and yesterday we celebrated Quinn’s birthday with a pizza and pool party.