Ode to My Second Born

Eight years ago tomorrow (30 minutes from now), we were blessed with our second son, Nolan Laytham Rogers. Because he was breech, he was taken by C-section 2 weeks early and weighed 8 lbs. 12 oz. Our lives forever changed. We now had two boys to enjoy. Since that day, it has truly been a joy to be his mother. He has taught me more about life than any of my other children. We have had our challenges along the way, but they pale in comparison to the joys, laughter, and love he has brought into Gary and I's lives. He has overcome so much in the last several years of his life and will have to overcome many more obstacles in life for the years to come. But his family will be here right alongside him. Just a few of the things we love about Nolan:

*The simple things in life bring him happiness.

*He is a hard worker.

*He is sharp and witty.

*He loves to be around other people.

*He would sweep your driveway, take your trash out, rake your yard, or vacuum your house in a heartbeat.

*What you see is what you get. He is an open book. And I love that about him. (Most of the time.:))

*He wears his heart on his sleeve.

*He loves his brother and sisters with all his heart. Their relationship is not perfect, but it will last for their whole lives.

*And he loves God.

Happy 8th birthday to my sweet son, Nolan!

Life in Moderation

Lately I've been thinking about how life in moderation can help me live life to its fullest. Sounds funny, right? Let me explain. Over five months ago I started accounting for every piece of food I put into my mouth. I started eating in moderation and the results are better than I even hoped for. I feel better, have more energy, and can enjoy my life more. Especially when it comes to doing things with my kids. Now I'm looking to other areas in my life where I can do things more moderately. Next up, monitoring what comes out of my mouth. Proverbs 18:20-21 says, "People will be rewarded for what they say; they will be rewarded by how they speak. What you say can mean life or death. Those who speak with care will be rewarded." This is a CONSTANT struggle for me, especially on those more stressful days as a mother. I am sometimes disappointed in myself at what has come out of my mouth. The words and tone of voice that have not been spoken with care. I am trying to be more mindful about what I say and how I say it. I am a work in progress. And thankfully those loved ones around me are forgiving and love me despite my shortcomings.

Journal for My Kids

After rehashing my blog a few months ago out of boredom, I realized that this place here is a pretty good way to "journal" and document life for my kids. When they are older, hopefully they'll take a gander at some of my thoughts and passions for life and know me better. So after a year of not posting, here I am again.

These paintings right here are the results of a color study I did on miniature canvases. This was the last time I sat down to create, which was over a YEAR ago. I will eventually get back to finding my creative outlet. Life is just busy and a little overwhelming at times right now. But I wouldn't change it for anything. And as a mother I am Blessed to see the ultimate Creator's handiwork in each one of my children. During those stressful mothering moments, I need to step back and remember that they are His masterpieces given especially to my husband and I as a gift. I read a quote about creation a while back that really spoke to me. It's by Max Lucado:

"The hand behind it was mighty. He is mighty. And with this might, He created. As naturally as a bird sings and a fish swims, He created. Just as an artist can't not paint and a runner can't not run, He couldn't not create. He was the Creator. Through and through, He was the Creator. A tireless dreamer and designer." So beautiful and so true.

Sunrise Sunrise

Last night Nolan told me he wanted to see the sun this morning. So on our day off from school, he woke up at the painfully early time of 6:20. After making him stay in bed until after 7, he quickly put on his coat and shuffled outside in his old man slippers, pjs, and coat to watch the sunrise. I watched him from the kitchen window. He stood very still and actually watched the sun rise over the eastern horizon. For a boy who is constantly moving and getting into things, he amazes me sometimes. He stops to notice details in things and takes joy and pleasure in the simple things in life. This is one of my many wishes and prayers for my children, to notice and take joy in simple things, like nature. Things that other people might just hurry by and not notice or pay attention to. And most importantly to see God's handiwork all around them....like in a sunrise.

Faux Stained Glass

This past weekend we had our annual gift exchange for my art club. We each drew a name and created a gift for that person. The theme was, "All that glitters". So upon walking through Hobby Lobby I came upon these really cool glass blocks that you can paint on, do collage, or fill with different items. I was inspired to paint one and put a light source inside to make it "glitter". I decided to try a faux stained glass paint technique. I would like to try it again on a bigger glass block. I think my technique needs some work. The painted flower was inspired by Georgia O'Keefe because the friend I created it for is originally from New Mexico.

Someone's in the attic.....

Yep, someone is in the attic....and it's Nolan these days. For the last several months his new area of intense interest has been attics. That and old houses. Hey, I'm glad he has an appreciation for history. Ever since we went on a tour of our deceased great Aunt Peggy's 130 year old house, he has been in awe of attics. He could tell you which of his teachers at school has an attic, if there are stairs or a ladder leading up there, if there is a light, and if they utilize the space. And ours happens to be easily accessible so guess where I find him some days? You guessed it, the attic. If I need something put away up there, he's my man! So for several days of good behavior and no meltdowns, he earned another tour of Aunt Peggy's house. And I have pictures to prove it.

I do love this little boy. He is so unique and has such a passionate nature about him. And I love how he shares his passions with EVERYONE around him!

I'm Back

Here I am almost 2 months later. For some reason I have had an aversion to blogging. Sadly, I had wanted to do this follow up post 2 months ago to share the artwork inspired by the touching photo of Brendan helping his daddy. I wanted to try to do scratchboard again since I hadn't attempted it since high school. Scratchboard is a board covered with a thin black layer. You use a sharp tool to scratch away to the white, sometimes silver underlying layer. It was difficult for me to demonstrate texture and depth, but I had fun trying! So here is my rendition of one of my favorite photos on scratchboard.