In Order

 Since it has been so long, I think recent pictures are in order.  I am going to try to start posting pictures from my phone - that seems much more doable to me than carrying around my camera.  Again, this is something I am trying, an Instagram wanna-be.

While sweet and caring, Charlotte is also sassy, and sometimes pouty, as evidenced by this picture.  

Counting money at McDonald's.  Mickey D's is my last choice for lunch, but Charlotte was requesting a ham-bugga and it was close to Sports Clips and a Gamestop.  So while Joe got his haircut, the girls and I slipped next door to the game store to buy his birthday present.  Girls are soooo sneaky.  Wink!

Initially, I was sad that this picture wasn't a full on face shot, but then I realized it focuses on the sweet spots - her cheeks and chubby little hands.  I love her. 

Very Little

While I am sure I have a lot to report, I don't want to sit very long and type.  Here is a picture of my boy, who is about to turn six.  Whew, really...?  I remember when he was an infant and I would dream about the boy he would become, and here we are.  He loves Legos and Star Wars, -  he could play all day, and leave pieces all over the house. 

Random, again

Betsy turned one.  My baby is almost not a baby.  How sad is that?  Plus, it makes me feel old. 

 I bought some elf lipstick.  Actually I bought three tubes, because I am clueless when it comes to make up and colors.  Moral to this story, be vigilant about closed bathroom doors.

 I love this star.  Usually, I like white lights, but saw this on ebay when I was searching for shiny brite ornaments.  I love, love, love, love it.

 My favorite ornament.   Actually it is Charlotte's ornament

 We made snow globes for teachers gifts.  I saved a couple of jars that I liked their shape.  Over a day and a half I spray painted the lids.  With much anticipation we filled the jars with water, glycerin and lastly glitter.  I was so excited.  And the blasted things were leaking.  Even with outdoor waterproof glue.  Moral to this story, don't use jars where you have hit the top of lid to initially open it.  So we used plumber's tape.  David says, it's a work in progress.

 It was fun.  the whole family got into it.  Even with plumbers tape, Joseph was super excited to give it to his teacher.  She gave him a hug and walked it around showing it to the whole class.

One Year Ago

 Today is one of my three favorite days in a year.  I love my babies' birthdays, but this one is bittersweet.  The first birthday is always bittersweet.  Especially when it is the last first birthday we will have in this household.

Catching leaves and eating them while I had my back turned.

No big party plans today.  Just a roasted chicken with root vegetables (no leaves) and some type of little cake.  Unfortunately, I have to go to work for a little bit. 

Random Order Part II

 More pics from our camping trip.  We camped at Roaring River, known to be a fly fishing hot spot.  I still have more to post, and I promise it won't be like a gazillion days before I do.

Yes, at this point, with children leaning over the rock wall above the water, I was experiencing a wee bit of anxiety.

One of my favorite moments of the trip was sitting by the River with Charlotte and her leaning on my knee.

Life is busy.  Work, school, birthdays, doctor appointments, holidays and I don't even have the kids in any activities - that part makes me feel like a bum.  I have been very focused on experimenting with handmade stuff and trying to make a lot of Christmas gifts.  We will see how that works out...

In Random Order

 From our camping trip.  I tried to "glamp" it out, but since this was our first family camping trip my attempts weren't really all that above and beyond.  I learned a lot, and have already started scheming planning for next year.

This was our campsite upon our arrival and set-up

This was the scenery directly behind our site.  Minutes later, total downpour = cold wet night. When I woke up the next morning, the first thing I thought was we need FIRE.  It was like an episode of Survivor.

Of course, I didn't take any pics of the lanterns at night.  But with the fire and the lanterns lit up (@night)  it was very cozy.  Large paper lanterns are not exactly camper friendly.  Will need to find an alternative for next year.

My first sewing project, a bunting especially for the camping trip.  Thank you Josie for acquainting me with the sewing machine.

Some old doiles and baby food jars I had been saving for craft projects

Joseph manning the camera and my makeshift cutting board - a beer box

Roaring River flowed around the campsite, and there were lots of fly fisherman.

The girls by the river at our campsite.

Who knows what was so interesting on the ground.?

Oh yeah, a rock!

Baby on my back.  Cooking was always a joint effort, it was nice.

Hungry children eagerly await breakfast.

My friend Jodi brought her 1950s camper.  Loved it. 

Didn't realize the "flys" used for fly fishing were so pretty.  I may have to learn to fly fish.

No explanation needed.  Kids and a puddle.

The river by our camp sites.

Another post to come in the next few days with camping pics.