Quarantine Challenge: Paint a Beach Landscape

Day 91/366
I am not an artist and I haven't painted in... I can't remember the last time I painted something! But I decided today's quarantine challenge would be painting a seaside landscape, inspired by a video posted on the McHarper Manor Facebook page (you can also watch the video on YouTube). McHarper Manor has been doing a Facebook Live art project every day for the past two weeks and we've enjoyed doing a few of the projects. The kids and I each created a painting and I was actually pretty happy with how mine turned out. It's not perfect, but one thing I love about my painting is how the waves look. It was fun to try something new and create something to remind me of warm ocean breezes and beautiful seaside sunsets.

Quarantine Challenge: Build a Boat

Day 90/366
I decided to give the kids a quarantine challenge: build a boat that would float with available materials at our house. I set out a bunch of various supplies that they could use to build their vessels and let the creative juices flow. They had so much fun! We decided to try the boats in multiple areas: the stream in the gully, the river in Mount Vernon and the pond at Donald Park. The favorite water venue by far was the river in Mount Vernon. Jevin's boat even had a little captain named Spoony, fashioned after Forky from Toy Story 4. The weather was beautiful this afternoon and the kids have made it clear that they want to build boats again in the near future.

My Sipila Sweater

Day 89/366
My finished Sipila sweater... I decided to throw it on to take a few pictures and chase off some of the afternoon gloom. This was my first time actually wearing the sweater and it fits perfectly. The color work is done with a gradient yarn that I hand-dyed at a local yarn store last summer. The sweater is super soft and comfortable. I can't wait to actually wear it out of the house.

All Things New

Day 88/366
Another sign of spring, cultivating the hope of new life, warm breezes, green grass, and bright sunshine.

"And He who sits on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.'" Revelation 21:5

A Play Break

Day 87/366
After two weeks of essentially staying home, working on school work and getting in each other's space, we took a much needed play break today. We explored the stream in Mount Vernon and played at the park. It made my mama heart happy to see my big kids play like little kids on the swings and teeter-totter. The weather was warm, even if the sun was still hiding behind the clouds for most of the day, and it really felt like spring is just around the corner. A much needed breath of fresh air!

Filming at the Cantina

Day 86/366
Since he has a little more free time on his hands, Jevin started filming his next stop motion video. He's working on a story set in the Star Wars cantina. It's fun to see the behind-the-scenes set up for his videos and I can't wait to see the finished project.

Making Macarons

Day 85/366
We've wanted to try making macarons for a while now (most certainly a side effect of watching every episode of The Great British Baking Show and Zumbo's Just Desserts), and figured this seemed like a great quarantine activity. They turned out beautifully! They baked up perfectly without any cracks on the top and we filled them with vanilla buttercream. A delicious and delicate treat to brighten our afternoon! Next time we want to try lemon flavored macarons with lemon curd filling.

Silo Sunset

Day 84/366
I was struggling to find something I was interested in photographing today. For most of the day we had gray skies and little motivation to do much. It's hard to be creative when your environment changes so little and the day is not giving you much in terms of light and color. Then the sun peeked out of the clouds just before it set and I went outside for a few minutes. I was looking to capture some of the golden light that was falling on the field in front of me, and then I turned around and saw the barn and silo silhouetted again the sky. I love the perfect sun flare I was able capture just as the sun disappeared behind the trees.

Whirlpool

Day 83/366
Sometimes it's good to get lost in a new book, especially one that was written by one of your good friends. Rachel, Jevin's and Enavi's friend, recently launched her book into the world. The kids have both read it and highly recommend it. I started it last night and I'm already hooked. It has a super hero, adventure and intrigue - what more can you ask for? I'm so impressed with Rachel's dedication. It's pretty cool to have your first book published when you are 16!

Interested in getting your own copy? You can find it on Amazon.

In the Gully

Day 82/366
We call the wooded area behind our house "the gully" and every spring there is a stream of water that runs through the low-lying areas, run-off from the fields that lie above the valley. The stream is pretty robust right now, all of the rain and snow melt working together to create a steady flow, perfect for exploring in new rain boots.

Power of the Sun

Day 81/366
We enjoyed a gloriously sunny day! After several days of cloudy skies, gloom and rain, not to mention the whole quarantine thing, it was such a treat to see the sun. I found myself wanting to soak up every minute. Enavi and I went for a hike at Donald Park (which had more cars in several of the parking lots than I have ever seen before) and spotted some buds and other signs of spring. The air was crisp, but the sun felt wonderful on our faces. We climbed some rocks, enjoyed the views and just basked in the light. After we got home, I decided to go for another walk before dinner - I just needed to be in the sun, soaking up the power of its rays. And then, just as the sun was starting to set I walked up to the farm field behind our house and watched as the sun slipped behind the clouds near the horizon and gave a beautiful show as it slowly sank behind the clouds.

Puddle Jumper

Day 80/366
After two days of rain, we had some pretty epic puddles to explore. This girl has always loved mud and puddles and has no fear about getting dirty. I love how this picture captures her spirit: pony tail flying, muddy jeans, water spraying as she runs with joy in her heart. After being cooped up in the house for a few days, if felt really good to visit a park and burn off some energy, even if we came home soaked.

Toy Story

Day 79/366
Jevin's treasured toys are Blankey and Twinkle. Blankey has been loved and adored since Jevin was a baby. It was the blanket he snuggled with every night before bed, insisted on taking in the car whenever we left the house; it was the one thing we always made sure we had before we left on a family trip. It was THE toy he had to have when he was sad, tired, angry, happy; it was a comfort and a friend. Before Jevin could say Blankey, he called it his nah-nah, probably because we always said, "Time for night-night," when we handed it to him before naps or bedtime. While he doesn't drag Blankey around with him anymore, it will always hold a special place in his heart (and mine!).

Twinkle is a Build-a-Bear creation and has been a bedtime companion for years. When Jevin and Enavi used to tell stories to each other before bed, Twinkle often played a starring role. We'd hear the kids laughing upstairs when they were supposed to be in bed and ask, "What's going on?" We'd often hear a call back, "Sorry, but we just need to finish this story. It's so funny!" So, evidently, Twinkle is a master comedian as well as a soft, snuggly bear.

Drip, Drip, Drop

Day 78/366
We woke up to a fresh blanket of snow, but it didn't last long. It was a gray day with alternating rain and drizzle, and it looks like more rain tomorrow. We kept busy with school work, fun art projects and music, so the gloomy weather didn't bother us too much.

On Top of the World

Day 77/366
We took advantage of the beautiful weather and went for an extended hike in Donald Park. We climbed to the top of the Mount Vernon overlook, and you really do feel like you are on top of the world. With the leaves not yet on the trees, you can easily see the stream running through the valley. Enavi took us on a couple of off-roading adventures, we found icicles hanging from rock faces, we threw fallen branches into the stream, we got good and muddy and we soaked up the sun.

Make Some Art

Day 76/366
Sometimes you just gotta create some art, especially on a gray and gloomy afternoon with nowhere to be but the kitchen table. Enavi was well prepared with lots of Pinterest inspiration for everyone.

Promise

Day 75/366
Even with all of the scariness of the world, we can look around at the beauty outside and be reminded that God is good, He is on His throne and His promises will never fail... including the promise of spring. The lilac bush has budded! It was so encouraging to see these little sprouts of hope as we walked around the yard just before sunset.

We read these words in church this morning. What a glorious reminder of who God is!
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
The Lord Almighty is with us."
Psalm 46: 1-3, 7a

Comfort

Day 74/366
This is another one of those pictures that I've had in my head for awhile. I wanted to document my kids with some of their favorite toys that they still have and love, and maybe share a story about the toy as a way of remembering their important place in the kids' lives. Enavi's purple bear, aptly named Violet, is a toy she received from my long-time friend Susie and her husband Dennis. They visited us in the hospital after Enavi was born and they brought this bear as a special gift for our new baby girl. When Enavi was very little, she often slept with different stuffed animals each night, but as she got older, she became more consistent with wanting Violet to be the lovey that she snuggled with at bedtime. Eventually, Violet became the only lovely that she would sleep with, even travelling with us on different adventures. Enavi still sleeps with Violet to this day. As you can see, she looks well loved, with her matted fur and a button eye that was added some time ago in emergency surgery, but this only adds to her beauty and charm.

Pottery Project: Plates

Day 73/366
This was our last class working with the wheel and we made plates. All of us were very pleased with how the plates turned out. The kids each made two and I made one. I liked my first plate so well, I decided not to jinx it by attempting to make another one. I'm really looking forward to next week when we get to glaze all of our projects. I love the look of concentration I caught on Jevin's face. If the tongue's out, you know he's working hard at creating something amazing!

Literature and Lucky Charms

Day 72/366
I don't usually buy sugary cereals, but Enavi asked for Lucky Charms in honor of St. Patrick's Day, which actually made me laugh and I couldn't say no. Here she is, starting the day off right with some Lucky Charms and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

Morning Fog

Day 71/366
We woke up to a thick fog so I set out early to take a few pictures. This is at Donald Park, not too far from our house. I really like the depth in the image, which captures the dense fog cover in the valley.

Name That Tune

Day 70/366
Me: Hey, would you be willing to walk over to the barn, sit in the hay and play your guitar while I take pictures.
Jevin: Sure!
What a great kid! He's always up for photo adventures. He played the same song for me three times while I took pictures... and then he asked me what song he was playing. I knew the band, but I wasn't 100% sure of the song. Just in case you're wondering, it was My Lighthouse by Rend Collective.

Rainy Monday

Day 69/366
There was a steady rain for most of the day, but we didn't mind. The snow is almost gone and the promise of spring is in the air!

Dreaming of Spring

Day 68/366
She has so many plans for the spring, but today we enjoyed the warm sunshine and gusty breeze with a walk and a visit to the barn.

Game Night

Day 67/366
We played a few rounds of Exploding Kittens to top off our Saturday evening.

Pottery Project: Bowls

Day 66/366
Our second week of pottery class was really fun. We had a little bit of experience under our belts, so the process felt more natural. We each made two bowls and I was really pleased with how my first bowl turned out. Next week's project: plates.

Bedtime Snack

Day 65/366
Is there anything good to eat?

The Expanse of the Heavens

Day 64/366
I love the scale of this image and the beautiful colors lingering in the sky just after the sun set. Sometimes we feel so small and insignificant, wondering where we fit in such a big world. It is encouraging to think that not only are we significant, we were created for a purpose and each of us are dearly loved by our Savior.

"The heavens are telling of the glory of God and their expanse is declaring the work of his hands."
Psalm 19:1

Spark

Day 63/366
I love her sweet smile and carefree giggle, but she also has a fire inside. Her eyes glow with a spark; she has drive and determination. When I showed her this picture we agreed she looked like she was saying to the world, "Bring it!"

Soaking Up the Sun

Day 62/366
Longer days and lots of sunshine... yes, please! It feels like winter is ready to say goodbye and spring is about to make an appearance.

Lesson 1

Day 61/366
Jevin had his first driving lesson today... but there wasn't any actual driving involved. Davin took him through all of the important indicators, knobs, blinkers and mirrors and showed him how to check the oil, wiper fluid, brake fluid and steering fluid. Jevin even received a bonus lesson on how to jump start a battery since the Subaru wouldn't start. He's ready for the next lesson: moving, steering and stopping.