Celebrating Family

Happy Easter! I hope the day has been full of love and hugs for you. I spent part of the day with my family. Here are a few pictures of our wild and crazy crew...

"Are we ready for the hunt yet?"


"I found one!"


"I may look tough, but I'm a lover."


"I'm so hot from running around!"


"Stand up straight and smile."


"Direct hit!"


"I love my Peeps!"


"Uncle Chris that tickles!"


"Aren't we beautiful?"


"The Eternally Happy Couple!"


Hope your day was blessed.

Hugs,
Jenni

Artful Monday Musings... Disneyland

During a recent trip to Disneyland I took a serious look at the beauty of the art work. Whether it be paintings or architecture, Disneyland is overflowing with works of art. I remember being a little girl in awe of the ride, "It's a Small World." Every time I visit I'm sure to head over and take a trip down memory lane. Every ride is full of art that inspires you to picture yourself in the fairytale. It's no wonder children fall in love with Disneyland. Next time you take a trip somewhere be sure to look for the artistic side of things.

Hugs,
Jenni

Knitting a Block a Month

I've been working on a block a month project. The blocks all come from the book, "Building Blocks," by Michelle Hunter. I just finished my block for March, so I might get a head start on my block for April.

Hugs,
Jenni

Raising Chickens

I'm on the lookout for a chicken coop. Christopher and I have decided to get chickens. I think we are going to start with two and see how it goes. I'm excited to finally be in the prepping stages. We have talked about this for two years, but haven't been ready until now. If anyone has tips or advice on breeds or raising chickens I'd love to hear about it.

Hugs,
Jenni

Goodbye Baby

Today was a tremendously difficult day for me. I had to say goodbye to my baby, Dyson.

We arrived at the vet's office, and then had to wait about 30 minutes in the waiting room. We were surrounded by loyal companions and their parents. We discovered that the end of the day is reserved for appointments that do not have a happy ending. I noticed that as each parent came out, muffling their crying in a tissue, they were presented with a white package from the vet. When it was our turn we went in the office and got to spend a few more minutes with our precious baby. They laid him on the table and he snuggled into us as he finally fell asleep forever.

On our way out of the office, we were presented with a white package. Inside was a candle and a poem attached to it. Here is the poem:

My Forever Friend

I know that it must be different,
Now that I am no longer here.
I realize how much I was loved
And how all of you did care.

I know it will be hard at first
When you look around for me.
Expecting to find me in my bed
Or beside my favorite tree.

Someday you will begin to see,
Although it'll take some time,
The happy times you shared with me,
The memories are yours and mine.

I'll remember you, my family,
And how much you meant to me.
So please don't grieve and don't be sad,
It was just my time to leave.
************************
Now that you may be crying yourself, here is my note to Dyson.

Dyson, I will miss coming home to your hugs and kisses. I will miss our cuddle sessions on the bed while watching TV (especially after daddy left for work in the morning). Most of all, I will miss how no matter where I went you had to sit on my lap. You were the largest, but definitely, the best lap dog I ever had. You were loved beyond belief and will be missed every day. I love you baby.

Hugs,
Jenni

Deliciously, Yummy Yarn

I'm working on a project with this deliciously, yummy looking yarn. It is so soft and I just want to wrap myself up in it. I will share when it is finished.

Hugs,
Jenni

It's Recipe Day! Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

It was chilly this evening and I wanted a hot beverage. I pulled out my Peanut Butter and Company cookbook and found the perfect tasty treat.

Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/2 cups light cream
2/3 cup Dark Chocolate Dreams peanut butter (To 1 cup of smooth natural peanut butter, add 2 tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips, gently melted.)
Mini marshmallows, whipped cream, or Marshmallow Fluff, for serving

Process:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and vanilla until hot. Whisk in the cocoa and sugar and continue stirring until dissolved. Add the cream and peanut butter and let simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

2. Serve in warm mugs with mini marshmallows, a big dollop of whipped cream, or Marshmallow Fluff.

Makes 4 servings
*Recipe compliments of Peanut Butter and Company.

Hugs,
Jenni

Sketchbook Inspiration

After spending some time in my sketchbook today, I came up with an idea for prints and a notecard set. This is a preview. I'll be finishing a set this week and posting in my Etsy shop. I'll keep you posted.

Hugs,
Jenni

Artful Monday Musings... Simple Color Wheel

I taught a GATE painting workshop today for middle school students. I introduced them to the color wheel and we created our own simple color wheel. The exciting part was that each student drew an image to create their color wheel. We only discussed primary and secondary colors, but I think everyone had fun. I look forward to teaching them monochromatic painting on Wednesday.

Hugs,
Jenni

Polaroid... Instant Gratification

Once upon a time people were in need of instant gratification when it came to photography. The Polaroid camera and instant film came about. Then we had digital photography. It brought about the ability to take multiple photos without worrying too much what they were like (we could edit later). However, people realized that they may be taking photos, but how many did they actually print and put into a photo book? Surprisingly, with the advent of digital photography we are only saving photos digitally and printing very few. Polaroid decided to tap into a possible market for instant gratification once again. Of course, being obsessed with photography and technology, I purchased the Polaroid 300. It not only provides me with instant gratification, but awesome wallet-sized Polaroids. I will post samples of my photos here on my blog, so be sure to check back for updates.

Hugs,
Jenni

It's T-Ball Time!

Christopher and I went to our nephew's first t-ball game today. It was adorable! I laughed so hard that my sides hurt. It was hysterical to watch the kids run to the wrong base, play in the dirt, and complain they were thirsty after getting to first base. If you need a good laugh, just visit a t-ball field. I guarantee it will bring a smile to your face.

Hugs,
Jenni

My Apologies... I'm Back!

I'm sorry I've been MIA this week. My unexpected trip to Utah was productive, but left me with little time for blogging. On the bright side, I did get to spend some great time with my cousins. I'm now back and on track.

Hugs,
Jenni