Update:


In case you haven't noticed, there is an additional child in our family photo. I would like you all to meet the newest member of our family. She is the pretty little 7 year old in the purple dress. "Eloise" now has a little sister. We have decided to call her, "Amelia Bedelia".

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Call The Nutrition Police........



Normally we opt for good old cereal & milk, for breakfast,
but yesterday daughter, hubby, neicy, and I splurged.
We feasted on Funnel Cakes, Steak, & Eggs.
I'm sure it wasn't the healthiest option, but it sure was good!





After breakfast we headed upstairs for a mini art lesson.
Below: two pictures of our new classroom.





For those of you who were unaware,
we will begin homeschooling in the Fall.
This is our computer lab/marker board.
For only $8, Hubby covered the wall
from floor to ceiling,
with a piece of white board from Home Depot.
After he hung it, I simply hot-glued a border around it.
The only negative is that it is not magnetic like expensive boards, but thats ok, because my next project is to paint the closet doors with paint(from H. Depot) that will make them magnetic.


  
Sorry for those of you who suffer from A.D.D.
This wall is a little busy, but I have a plethora of subjects to cram into one room.
I will post pictures of the art/craft section, walk-in closet, & the library later.

~Me~



Thursday, June 24, 2010

Grape News!


Look what we just picked from a large pot
on the patio.
They are a little bit tiny & a little bit tart, but I didn't even know if they would grow here.




This is the second bach of figs on this tree.
The first batch fell off before they got this big.
I hope these mature into ripe figs.




Here are some of the Eggplant that we harvested.
I battered them in Japanese Tempura Batter, then covered them with french fry seasoning.

**The Tempura batter box gave me the solution to my frying problem. We use cloth napkins, so I do not buy paper towels. This usually isn't a problem, except on the occasion that I decide to fry something. I don't know why I never thought to use a collander or cooling rack perched over a baking pan to drain off excess grease. My thanks to the Japanese.**


 

This is just a random bonus tip:
Sometimes, when I am cooking Eloise's eggs in the morning, I throw in an extra egg or two. After they have cooled I chop them and throw them in a bowl with some tuna, mayo, & seasonings. I now have a jump start on lunch. It is so much easier than boiling & peeling the eggs, and it's just as tasty.

~Me~




Friday, June 18, 2010

What An Amazing Week.....























































We Can't Wait Till Next Year!

P.S. For those of you who are members of the Sister Melody fan club, I have added a link to her blog on my side bar.




~Me~

Monday, June 14, 2010

Who Says Summer Has To Be Relaxing?!?





Eloise & I spent the last week at Loyola University
attending Summer Fest.



The camp was put on by the
Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestras.



The children had time to take breaks and unwind each day.




There were a wide vatiety of instruments and ability levels.



Eloise made friends from all over the metro area, as well as young people from Houston and Alabama.



The camp ended with  a wonderful performance Friday evening.
The above picture is of the older participants & their director Dr. Montez.



Here Eloise is concentrating on one of the five pieces her group performed.
My favorites were: Overlords & I Dreamed a Dream.




I do believe Eloise had a blast.
She is going to audition to join GNOYO in the fall.


Now I have to fold & pack the laundry that just finished drying...
we are leaving for camp Kumbaya at 4:00am.

Love & Prayers,



~Me~


Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Mommy Stuff...





One might wonder what it is that women do
while waiting for their little darlings to finish orchestra camp each day.
Here is what a few of us did today:




After sneaking downstairs to find a table, This lovely lady demonstrated her quilting magic.


I worked for a little while on this bread basket liner, but I am so easily distracted.


Another mother got me started on this, and I worked on it for about 30 minutes, but there is so much going on with all of the different groups practicing all over the building. During the guest performance/lectures, we sneak in the back of the auditorium to observe.

Eloise is having a blast.
This is all very new and a bit daunting,
but the older more experienced musicians(teenagers) have been very helpful.


Here is a sneak peek at one of my next projects.
It will probably be a while, before I even get started, because as soon as orchestra camp is over, we have to pack for Camp Kumbaya.
I love being a Mommy!

~Me~