Science Fair Projects

If there is one thing I could cross off my to-do lists, it would be science fairs. I'm up to three a year now, and thinking of new ideas gets harder each year. Out of necessity, we were looking up how to get rid of fruit flies and found this contraption. Works like a charm. Fruit flies find it easy to go down, but can't find their way back out. Porter tested which kind of food caught the most fruit flies. Hands down, pear. With the cold weather approaching they're finally gone, but tuck away this bit of info for warmer weather.

The Best Birthday Present Ever

I know this photo doesn't elicit warm fuzzy feelings, or any ooohh's and aaahh's, but these are my hiking boots I got from my mother in fifth grade. Lets just say that they were really big for a very long time, but over the years my foot has gradually grown into them. I love them. They're the only shoes right now that don't make my feet hurt at the end of a long day. I didn't love them when I got them, but I'm sure glad I have them now. Way to go Mom! What have been your best birthday presents?

Hope

"Hope has the power to fill our lives with happiness. Its absence—when this desire of our heart is delayed—can make “the heart sick.” Hope is a gift of the Spirit...a principle of promise as well as a commandment, and, as with all commandments, we have the responsibility to make it an active part of our lives and overcome the temptation to lose hope. Hope in our Heavenly Father’s merciful plan of happiness leads to peace, mercy, rejoicing, and gladness." Dieter Uchtdorf

Art Class

It was my second art class. You can see the cute "hand" bat on Cooper's desk. He's one of my best students ;-) It always amazes me how everybody can look at the same example, and make one totally different. That's what I love about art - different perspectives.

This is Cooper. He's number four. Having three older, capable brothers that succeed at everything is pretty daunting. Having two younger brothers that require a lot of attention, and get a lot of attention, is pretty overwhelming at times. Sometimes he gets lost in the shuffle. Sometimes he feels like his glass is only half empty. We're helping him to feel like his glass is always at least half full. He's very creative. We've found that creating makes him happy. Making him a blog made me happy. Cooper's Creations can be found under my family bloggers.

Men in Black

I was a little intimidated to drive up to my house and find this man and his ladder here.

Then to see a second man in black and another top hat really piqued my curiousity.

But they were here to clean my fireplace and chimney - good, old fashioned chimney sweeps who were as delightful as Mary Poppins herself. Now we can enjoy the fire place!

Blenko Glass Factory

There were beautiful displays of glassware throughout the store...

There were a few visitors admiring all the beautiful colors...

There were a few visitors that were trying to do this...

And we certainly didn't want it to end up looking like this!

Blenko Glass is one of the few places left in the United States that makes glassware using the ancient craft of blowing glass. It's a great factory tour, great shop, and interesting museum all for free. Put it on your list of to do when you come visit me!

Applebutter!

It's not a witches brew...

Actually, looks like no witches are involved at all...

It's apple butter. A West Virginia fall tradition. Made by men, and enjoyed by all. Requires constant stirring with a special paddle, a large copper pot of applesauce, and lots of cinnamon. It is delicious! We like it better than syrup on waffles. Add a little whipped cream and you have apple pie waffles for breakfast. This year it was a fundraiser for scout camp.

Mourning

It was a beautiful shot. One of my favorite persons. And it's gone. Erased by inexperienced hands. I will try, but no guarantees that it can be recreated. Sorry for the delay.

Having Help...A Beautiful Thing in the Morning

You know your morning is going to be good when you get out of the shower and see your boys outside, already dressed, and the dog getting a bit of exercise. Thanks Uncle Zach! We're so happy you've come to visit!