I just returned home from my Uncle's funeral yesterday. This was my fourth funeral for a family member in less than a year. And there is one more to attend. I am sad...

To lose five family members in so short a time is quite hard, and at times unbelievable. I haven't been able to fully grieve for anyone. I sit here wondering how to put into words what I am feeling. Goose seems to be handling it just fine. We talk about everyone, we have made cards for family members. Binky is another story. Just the other day he suddenly became very angry that his Great-Grandfather passed away. He was angry that he was taken from him. I was taken by surprise by this a little. But I know he is a sensitive soul and that he would be the one to have a harder time dealing with all of this death. We talked about Grandpa and how wonderful he was. We hugged a lot! At Grandpa's funeral, Binky really bonded with my Uncle. As did our whole family. So to tell Binky that Uncle died suddenly was hard. He was quiet for a moment and then moved on with what he was doing. I wonder if hearing that someone has died has become... normal to Goose and Binky, that it is a part of their everyday reality. Today we are going to honor our family members with candles and words and art and hugs, and, of course, tears. I am looking forward to Spring and new beginnings... to life.

quilting

cardstock quilt

Goose's baby quilt

Binky's baby quilt

ready for backing

Goose is reading a story called"The Keeping Quilt" about a family quilt handed down through the family. So I grabbed Goose and Binky's quilts, made by a friend of mine, to look at and talk about. After closely looking at these quilts Goose made a quilt with scraps of fabric on a piece of cardstock. She layed each piece out in a pattern she liked and then glued them one by one. Well, after making that quilt she wanted to make more! So she got to sewing a small quilt for her fairy baby's bed. She made a 3x4 quilt with a solid backing. But she didn't stop there! Goose also made a small pillow for her baby. And now this sweet little fairy baby is warm and cozy. And I must admit, Daddy helped with all the sewing! I really enjoyed watching them sew together. It made my heart smile!

field trip for shelters class

We took a trip to Truitt and White on Wednesday with both classes. Truitt and White is a local seller of lumber and building materials. Most of the tour was given by a gentleman by the name of Guy who was really great with the kids. He loves his work! We learned how to mix paint, what woods are better for indoors and out, different kinds of insulation(including some made with denim,) how doors are made and hung, and the new age of "Green Building Materials." It was a lot of fun! They really went out of their way to show the kids a good time. And when you leave with handfuls of paint samples, carpenter pencils, and a screwdriver/bottle-opener how could you not have a good time? The screwdriver/bottle-opener was questionable! But, of course, it was everyone's favorite!

a trip to the zoo

We made it to the zoo on the only day without rain this week. It was wonderful! It felt like we were the only ones there. We needed, okay, I needed to get out of the house. It's supposed to rain for the next 8 days!!! We love this zoo! Binky is studying African Elephants and they have one of the best elephant habitats around. These are only a few of the fabulous photos from the day. The giraffe one is my favorite! And that tiger is showing off! It was a great day, if I do say so myself. Sometimes you have a plan in your head and you go with it, hoping it will pan out. Well, today it did. Thank you, Universe!

more heart to hearts

While Goose and I were making valentines yesterday she got really creative and came up with this adorable doilie wreath. We had these cardboard circles with holes in them laying around since christmas so she grabbed one and tied different colored doilies to one of them.

She laced the ribbon through the doilie and then through the hole in the circle and made a knot.

After about twenty minutes she was done!

So easy. So sweet, just like Goose!

I was so inspired I grabbed my own doilie and laced it with red ribbon. There's nothing like making valentines with your Goose for the ones you love.

heart to heart

Goose and I started our valentines yesterday. She has a valentine party to go to on Saturday so she has quite a few to make this year! I love making valentines! I was playing around with some doilies and I made this very easy garland. I laced some red ribbon through the doilies and I was done. Cute, don't you think?

This is Binky, codename: Spyguy. If ever you are in need of some spyware or secret spy services, he's your guy! He is well-equipped for any situation that may arise.

I smiled when I walked in and saw Binky organizing his spy gear so meticulously. If only he could use these skills when it comes to keeping the rest of his stuff neat and organized! That's asking too much, I know. But I can dream...

photo of the day