Shayla - One Year Photos

The Littlest Niece had her first birthday

in November.

This little girl with bits of blond fluff

and blue eyes is just a doll.

Shayla loves books... and dogs...

and toddling around just looking at things.

Sitting for pictures wasn’t her favorite thing,

but we did the best we could!

The little sleepyhead in her pjs

had just woken from a nap.

 I had to snap a few of our brother and sister-in-law’s 

chocolate lab, Chloe!  

She’s beautiful!

  

“Sing praises to God, sing praises; 

sing praises to our King, sing praises.”

Psalm 47:6

Photo Canvas Project

Last week I tried something new for me – taking a photo 

and making it look like a piece of printed canvas wall art.  

I just can’t bring myself to shell out the $ for photo canvases! 

I did this one for a surprise for my brother and sister-in-law.  

 I’d taken a few photos of my niece, Shayla, 

while they were gone on a vacation, 

so the whole thing was a secret. 

Very fun!

 The project was easier than I thought it would be, actually.  

That’s nice for a change! 

The blank artist’s canvases came from a Michael’s craft store 

when they were by-one-get-one-free. 

I get my prints done online from Mpix.com.  

This one is a 12x12.  The only other things I used were 

Mod Podge, and some white craft paint for the edges of the picture. 

Oh, and a paintbrush and piece of canvas-like

textured fabric to apply the Mod Podge.

And coffee. 

But that's optional.

I spread a thin layer of Mod Podge on entire back of the photo

 and centered it on the canvas.  

Then I painted with white on the edges of the canvas 

and overlapped the photo a bit to create

 a brushed looking edge.  

 When the paint was dry the whole thing got covered 

with a layer of Mod Podge.  

 Since I wanted it to look like a canvas texture

 and not shiny and smooth, 

I laid a piece of fabric with a canvas texture 

over the wet Mod Podge and then gently lifted it off.  

The texture impression stayed behind.   

Unfortunately my fabric had some lint on it 

that I hadn’t thought about – next time I’ll make sure it’s lint free, 

so I won’t be furiously digging bits of fuzz 

out of the Mod Podge before it dries, 

forever embedded on someone’s nose. 

 And there you go – that’s the finished product. 

 Now I just need to find the time to update some 

of our own family photos to hang on the wall. J

“But let all who take refuge in You be glad; 

let them ever sing for joy. 

Spread Your protection over them, 

that those who love your name may rejoice in You.” 

Psalm 5:11

Creedon Turns One!

Here is Creedon.  He’s my only nephew.

I soak up his cuddly boyishness every chance I get!

Most people only see his more serious side,

but when he’s comfortable his goofiness comes out.

When he smiles with those clear blue eyes you can’t help but melt!

We took these pictures in Grandpa’s cabbage patch.

It was one of Creed’s more serious days,

and no matter what we did, he wouldn’t crack a smile.

But he’s cute anyway!

 Last week Creed turned One.

When you have your First Birthday…

You play with your excitable cousin, Shayla,

(These two are such opposites!)…

 And cuddle with your Grammy

while the ladies get the food ready.

 Your Mamma has made a sweet whale cake because she’s super cool…

 And since your sister’s birthday was last week she gets a jellyfish cake.

(It’s princessy looking because she really likes that kind of thing.)

Your biggest sister discusses lose teeth with your cousin…

 Your Daddy helps you blow out your candle…

And then they let you TOUCH the cake! 

 It is nice.

 Then Mamma hauls you off to look in the bathroom mirror… 

 And washes you clean.

 Grandpa serves the chocolate whale cake 

to all the uncles and aunties and cousins.

 Then it’s time for presents!

 You get lots of TRUCKS!!!

I love you little Creed and am so happy to be your auntie! 
I pray you will grow into a passionate man of God.

"My son, if your heart is wise,

then my heart will be glad indeed;

my inmost being will rejoice

when your lips speak what is right.

Do not let your heart envy sinners,

but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.

There is surely a future hope for you,

and your hope will not be cut off."

Proverbs 23:15-18

Watermelon Baby

It’s one of the last of the juicy summer

watermelons from her Grandpa’s garden.  

  Wouldn’t it be fun to take pictures of

a pretty little lady with an enormous piece? 

  Little Shayla was delighted to have

her own huge slice. 

 

“Mum, mum” she said.  

 Juice dripped down her chin

and squished through her fingers. 

 Her cheeks puffed out as she munched.  

The white dress turned sufficiently

 watermelon colored.   

I love this darling niece of mine!

"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for his name’s sake."

Psalm 23:1-3