Shake, Rattle and Roll.....California Livin'

We just had an earthquake here in Southern Cal. Jolts, rolls, booms, shaking, all different things people felt here in San Diego County. We just stopped what we were doing, stood still to see how long it would last, took some deep breaths and then went on with business as usual when it was over. Crazy California livin.'

Dahlia...layers three, four......

One more week to go on our Dahlia....still more leaves to add, miskit to remove and soften, petals to darken, and background to finish. Patience is the key on this one. Layer by layer, and step by step painting calms the soul. =)

Dahlia....Layer One....and Two....

We are working on a new painting in class and continue to learn more and more new techniques. New to me that is. Who knew there were so many! I really enjoy painting flowers and all of the detail that is involved with the different varieties. This time the painting is a dahlia. Hmm, maybe now I will start working on a garden. I am such a green thumb ya know. Can you hear the sarcasm in that last sentence. =) More things to learn.....and the fun continues.......

1st Day of High School!!!!

Oh my gosh our "baby" started High School this morning! I can't believe it. Only yesterday she was in Kindergarten. Okay maybe not yesterday but it sure seems that way! I can't believe we have a 9th grader. Wow! We are so excited for Tatiana..today is the first day of the rest of her life. =) What an exciting time! Tat was up at 5:00am getting ready and then we dropped her off at Destinee's at 6:30 (can you say early) so Brenna, Des and Tat could all finish getting ready and then go to school together. The picture above is the 3 of them on another day because they wouldn't let me take any pics this morning without their hair done! Teenagers. Don't they know that Mom's have to have the first day picture!!?! C'mon now. Well I snuck one picture in before Tatiana left for Destinee's. She will not be happy I posted it, but hey the first day memories are the first day memories hair done or not! =) At least from the Mom's prospective! Happy first day Tatiana!!! We love you bunches!

Happy Birthday Serina!

Today we went to Serina's birthday party/barbecue (hosted by her husband Mario) and we hung out all day and into the night. Jamie ran into people he hadn't seen in years, we met a bunch of new people and saw a bunch of old friends. Good food, great company and fun times!

Happy birthday Serina! Let them eat cake....

The birthday girl =)

Us.....
Serina and Jamie

Summer Painting.....

All done with the Sunflowers...what a perfect painting for Summer. =)

More layers added....finishing up this week. Such fun!
Sunflower Summer painting....we started working on a sunflower painting in class. Here is the first layer. This one is so relaxing. The colors will come together and look more like the picture once we start adding more layers. Watercolor sure teaches patience. One step at a relaxing time. =)