Placemats and Cloth Napkins

I had made a cute little placemat for my nephew, Jax, and my sister-in-law loved it so much that I made her a set (with cloth napkins). The top is the pretty blue and the back is a bright yellow polka dot fabric. I just love the blue and yellow combination!

When I left

I was 19 when I moved away from home to attend college. My dad drove me from Iowa to San Diego, a city I'd never been, to drop me off for school. I was nervous but ready. My parents were heart-broken and not ready but they encouraged me anyway. They had raised me to be a responsible, capable adult and this was the first test. Would I make it? Would I be too homesick to branch out of the nest? I know a lot of people who would rather keep their kids at home as long as possible. My parents wanted me near them at all times too. But they knew it wouldn't be best for me. I was a growing adult and needed to grow on my own. And they took the hardship, knowing it was best for me. I am so thankful for them.

Flash Mob

Ever the performer at heart, I was shocked that I had never heard of "flash mobbing". Apparently, it has been a very trendy performance art in Europe and here in the States. A flash mob is a large group of people who gather in a very public place (train station, courtyard, etc) and perform a meaningless act and then quickly disburse. There are several various of acts, some flash mobs will freeze in place at the same time (200+ people), some will start one person dancing and then one by one, everyone will jump in and dance. Because it lifts my spirits so much, here is a video of my favorite mob performing a dance to "Do Re Me" in a Belgium train station. Hope you love it!

Easter Weekend

My dad came to visit for Easter weekend. We took him up to Mt St Helen's which was so snowed over, the park rangers pulled us over and advised us not to drive any further. We ignored their warnings (very politely, of course) and had an amazing (and scary) time off-roading through the snow. Later we wondered upon the best bar and grill in Cougar, WA. The burgers were great! We will be returning!

Brenden and Dad smoked pipes outside the barred "gift shop".