Here are the photos from Jessica’s other birthday party, with my dad and sister and her kids. This is the cake that took me 4 hours to make. You can feel free to check my facts with this guy.
The reason this cake took me so long to make is because the only things that I didn’t make from scratch are the candy poles, nor did I spin the thread into ribbon on my own. However, I did make each and every animal cookie, all the frosting, the cake itself, the flags and the carousel. Good thing she’ll have vivid memories of her first bithday for the rest of her life …
posted on January 31, 2006| 5:21 PM EST
After Jessica’s crib broke, with her in it … we finally bought her a new one this weekend. We spent half of Saturday trudging around Grand Rapids in search of the perfect, yet sturdy crib. And we tested EACH and EVERY crib we saw - some Jessica even tested by jumping up and down in them herself.
The testing composed by Aaron and myself was more along the lines of shaking the crib vigorously to see which parts were secure and which ones were “wobbly”. Among the 40 some cribs we looked at and tested - only 3 of them were worthy of our purchasing power (Under $400) and passed our tests. Three. Consumer, Beware.
We chose this one.
And she approves, too.
posted on January 29, 2006| 11:21 PM EST
I finally retrieved my easel which has been stored in a myriad of places - but alas is finally safe in my kitchen, or basement … or closet. Where ever it is at the moment that it is.
Tonight I unfolded it, and although that took 15 minutes because I’m handicapped in carpentry logic, she’s still standing and works better than I remember.
And I finally jumped back into painting. This isn’t what I had in mind, not sure if I’ll ever be able to paint from my mind’s images - but I tried, and this is what I got. I’m not sure what I think yet.
posted on January 27, 2006| 10:05 PM EST
In chicago this weekend we happened upon a wonderful tea store, Teavana. I ended up buying half of the store in tea - but it was well worth it. I bought 4 kinds, all delicious beyond comprehension and one of them Jessica can have. So I make it and then cool it in ice - and we have sweet tea with breakfast in the morning.
Complete satisfaction. Tea with my daughter.
posted on | 9:18 AM EST
Aaron and I have decided to move into the digital photography world. We’ve both had extensive practice in 35mm film photography and have loved it dearly. Me especially.
I just loaded the last roll of 35mm film into my Minolta SLR camera. My pappy bought this camera for me and I’m having a hard time getting rid of it. Although I know it’s stupid to keep 5 cameras - because, people, that’s how many we have between the two of us; it’s still hard. We already sold Aaron’s camera and lenses on Ebay and I’m selling my medium format camera and accessories along with 2 of my Minolta lenses now too.
So - as an ode to my beautiful camera that has taken many a beautiful photos that have captured the mood, the essence and the feeling of any given moment or memory - here are some of my favorites of the past year:
posted on January 26, 2006| 3:39 PM EST
