Spent the rainy day creating something fun for my nephew to be Logan. We are expecting him any day now.  Every newborn needs a banner these days.. so he will be no exception.

I practiced my embroidery stitches, and discovered an awesome new stick that my machine makes.  It was a great day to just take my time and figure out some new things.

Its number 17 on my machine. Its a pretty cool stitch huh? In real life it looks embroidered.

Next time I think I will make the name stand out more. But I loved this fabric to much to separate it.  I wish I had a million yards of this nicey jane by heather bailey.

Sorry for the multiple entries so late. I have been sharing the computer with lego batman. AND LOOSING. 
If it didn't take 25 steps to exit the stupid game.... maybe I would be more caught up on blogs, and emails.  That and the problem of "saving" valuable progress. 


This game is the ultimate motivation. A part time job for Matt. So his room is cleaned, clothing picked up and dogs fed all by 6:45 every morning. 


So... enjoy catching up with the coffelts!

This week we are into drawing out the adventures of  "super-baby".  Matt came running inside asking me for pencils, a new binder and lined paper.
He was creating a journal. (i think he is watching me)
I asked him what he was putting in his journal, and he reported back to me, this thoughts, drawing, possibly inventions. Then he asked me, how many inventions would he have to make to become famous? 
My answer.. "a lot".
So off he went. Our front porch has become artist headquarters. The creature is super baby... or soccer baby... or lightening baby.. or razor baby.. or diaper baby. 
Whatever the case.. the pictures are great. After school now he draws. I guess we are not trading cards this week.  You are looking at "version two". 






I found this picture also in the journal. Ben his best buddy did this picture. I love the last line.  "no wun els"... or...  "no one else". 

My dad did feel like it was his responsibility to give dutchess, my brothers new dog... her first sip of Starbucks. It was going to happen sooner or later.  Sorry Brad and Amy !

We love firepit days. We don't confine ourselves to evening fires. 
This was a gloomy afternoon in which three boys needed to do something with their hands. So they attempted to burn wet wood. They would not take no for an answer.. so James brewed up a pot of coffee and let them figure out this one on their own. They did chop the wood.. tried burning any possible scrap mail, paper they could find. Matt did take a stack of good computer paper.. hum.. but.. with all that hard work.. this was the best it burned.
I think they now understand wet wood just doesn't burn.. even if you really, really, really want smore's.

We taught Einstein how to read.......

She is concerned with keeping life simple... I can't wait for her ideas..

I happened upon this picture.......

It says so much to me. I love the way James loves Matthew so much. It shows in everything he does and says. I love how he is always ready to listen and spend time with Matt. He can always get Matt to smile, even in the worst of moods. They have their own language... that is for sure.
This picture was taken at the cemetery where James' mom is buried. And Matthew at age 5 was so introspective and aware of the deep sadness of this place. He is wise beyond his years.
Matt impresses me in so many ways... but mostly with his heart. He is sensitive and thoughtful, a thinker and question asker. He is sweet and loving.... and I know God has something special for this guy.

This year for the class Valentines party Matt asked me to take him on a special trip to pick out the cards. This was only to be he and I. No dad.  So we parted our ways from Dad and headed down the Valentine aisle in Target. I had a feeling something was up. Sure enough. He told me he would like to find something "special" for Abby  in his class. Like what? I ask.
Well, like this....  or this..... or maybe this..
Items such as the large bear holding a heart or piece of candy. A pair of socks with hearts on it. The little heart shaped box with candies. 
Oh boy... 
He has had a soft spot in his heart for Abby since the first day of first grade. She is an older women however... 3rd grade.  So we agreed to a little dog finger puppet. A smaller item... to not bring so much attention to him.... or her....
The party was a success. And she liked her special gift. Matt endured many taunts and jokes from his buddies... but was un-phased. 
Here is our conversation about her, 
"matt, what do you like about her?" 
" I just do.. she is nice"
"what makes her nice?"
"just.. well she is nice.. she chases me"
"what else about her?"
"she loves Jesus"
"you don't have to be thinking about girls right now, lets focus on your spelling"


And yes... that is her in the background of this picture. Her mom took a picture of both of them, and she asked matt if he would like a copy of the picture. 
He replied,  " I would like that very much"


LOve is IN the Air...........

We have the worlds strangest, best, costly, unusual russian spy mutt dog. Einstein. Yes... she is a girl with a boy name. It fits... trust me.

The long awaited last session of Lost has started. And we celebrated the first episode with James making his famous Carrot Cake. This time.. he went low fat.. thank you very much James. Last year I believe he confessed there was a pound of butter in the cake. This year..apple sauce.