Making Art Not War

There's Kaylee earlier in the month on her 16th birthday. She recieved paint and transformed an old pair of sneakers. Hopefully they'll survive the snow and the slush! I've tried to tell her she should design t-shirts, maybe she will some day.

Holiday Happenings

It was hard to entice the boys to open their gifts . The truck with its real radio and room for two was fun even though there was no room to drive it in the house! The excitement of children is what makes Christmas fun. The gingerbread house never got finished, but at least it stayed upright! Nana tested the washable markers on Connor and yes it did come off.

Thanksgiving in New York-Out and About

These pics are a sampling from traipsing about the city. My favorite subway platform was at the Museum of Natural History. The mosaics were beautiful and I just loved the elephant. The ever changing scenes of the M&M video screen were comical. The unique building located near the piers was like a chameleon changing colors. Its simply astounding what photographers and printers can do these days as evidenced by Kaylee mocking the cutout at the NBC store. Kaylee bought the handmade hat she is wearing from a vendor in little Italy. (she was being grouchy and wouldn't let me take her picture) Mom, Howard, Colleen, Kaylee, and Leslie posing in Battery park before we stood in the longest line EVER to go to Liberty and Ellis Islands.

Thanksgiving in New York-The Met

They need to offer slumber parties at the Met! Could have spent the entire vacation there! Sensory overload! The enormity of the building should have been a clue that we would burn out before running out of things to see. Kaylee was excited to see Salvador Dali paintings and I picked up a book at the museum store on the artist for her birthday. Lost mom and she left her cell at home. Definitely want to return and peruse the exhibits instead of hurriedly scurrying about like a mouse looking for crumbs in the middle of the night with an eye out for the cat. Even in a museum Kaylee and Leslie are goofs. I had to take a moment and breathe by the waterfall.

Thanksgiving in New York-Dinner

The first time not having a home cooked Thanksgiving meal was spent on a dinner cruise. I thought it would be nice not to have dirty dishes or the challenge of finding room in the fridge for the leftovers, but no sweet potatoes or dark meat! The meal may have been just ok, but after all it was Thanksgiving and what I was thankful for was spending time with my family.

Thanksgiving in New York- Parade

Blue sky full of sun made for a good day to watch the parade. West Johnston wasn't actually playing as they passed us by which was disappointing, but videos can be seen at youtube.com. I have not yet watched the tape of the tv coverage which I hope to see before the weekend ends. For those who say residents of large cities aren't friendly just might be sending out their own negative vibe and its just coming right back to them. If not for a man lending me his step stool when the band passed by, I would have only gotten the tops of hats!

Thanksgiving in New York

I traveled with my daughter Kaylee and my mother to NYC to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in which my nephew Aaron Jarvis was marching in with West Johnston High School. We rendezvoused with my sister Colleen, her husband Howard, and my niece Leslie and stayed in a condo at W 68th & Broadway which was a great location. So much to do so little time! The same can be said about blogging, so I'll be adding info on the trip as time allows.

Snow, Snow, Snow!!!

The snow has fallen steadily and often! Beautiful crisp clean snow clinging to all it touches for it knows its life is fleeting.

Lovable Garret

My son Garret, who still hugs his mom and tells me he loves me. Social introvert, but if he lets you in you see how compassionate he truly is. Doesn't care about the status quo. Does care about the injustice mankind suffers due to prejudice. He has vehement opinions of those who persecute and the intensity of his disgust is evident in his voice when he discusses such topics. Uncle Garret is a role he serves well. He will make a truly loving father someday.

Brushstrokes

My daughter Kaylee is an amazing artist and I'm not just saying that cuz I'm mom! Painting is her primary passion, but that doesn't stop her from stealing utensils from the cafeteria and making a sculpture from them. Her favorite artist is Salvador Dali, which helps explain some of her art! I can't wait to go to the Met and MOMA with her over Thanksgiving.

Nana's Little Man

Four years ago I was a Granny for Halloween and didn't need a costume! This cutie is sooo headstrong I'm glad I'm not Mom! He doesn't like to share with his little brother, but will wrestle which has resulted in a few banged heads.

Cute Little Monster!

Don't let this cute mug fool you - he's got a temper! He's Grandpa's boy and they like to make faces at each other. He said DeeDee (the cat) before he said Nana. He no longer pulls the cats tail, but he still tries to pull my hair! He just might have curly hair like Nana -unless his hair is up to mischief and it is just trying to give him a tickle on the neck!

Blog On!

Will this be another one of the activities that I take on then push aside like that second piece of pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving that looked sooo good, but have no room for? Only time will tell!


So where to begin? It seems like I vent alot, but that would be good for a chat room like Bitch Dot Com (Is there such a thing? Never been to a chatroom and don't intend).


Ah the kids - the ones that drive you crazy, spend all your $, and move back in with your grandsons in tow. Until I get a life of my own (will that ever happen!?) I guess that would be my focus. Did I say focus? I never feel focused!



I have to get some pics on my computer. My daughter's art would a good place to start.