8 Years

'Til death do us part.

I love you.

New in the Shop

Meet Angus, Winston and Jack...a playful trio!

ND

Around South Texas in 5 Days

My kids, mother and I recently took a trip around South Texas to visit family. Here are some highlights of our adventure:

*Playing with the nine dogs owned by my aunt and uncle. When we arrived at their place, they welcomed us to what they called their "animal rescue shelter" aka their house.

*Entertaining sweet baby Heath. My daughter asked if we could take Heath home and leave Finn there. I guess it's a lot easier playing with someone who's not yet old enough to voice his opinion.

*Driving the Polaris for the first time. From this little experience I've learned that 1. my daughter is a speed demon, and 2. she's not getting her driver's license until she's 30.

*Riding ponies and horses. Horse riding is always a favorite when we visit PaPa, and I'm sure riding Itty Bitty will be a must every time we stop by cousin K.K.'s.

*Stepping out on a pier in Corpus Christi. It was a windy day, and Audrie lost her favorite visor. Finn would go to no one else but his great-grandpa, so they sat and watched the windsurfers together.

*Exploring the huge, sea-weathered park on the coast. Finn, looking at some tires that were half buried for kids to climb on, informed me that we needed to put the tires back on the tractors. He was very adamant about the whole thing, until his sister needed some guidance on the monkey bars. "Stop, Audrie! You're too little! That's dangerous!" I believe were his exact words.

*Getting acquainted with the newest member of the family. The filly, which Audrie named Callibry Xane, was very interested in Audrie, but paid no attention to me when I attempted to pet her. Oh well, it was fun watching the curiosity she had towards the kids, and the familiarity she showed with my dad. (She tried to eat his hat, which I assume she's attempted before.)

*Helping PaPa out around the house....which means feeding animals, riding a tractor, chasing chickens, discovering "treasures" and getting covered in red dirt. At one point, I found Finn relaxing in a hole dug by Rowdy the Corgi. It's just how I imagined a little boy to be.


*Eating ice cream at the DQ. What could be better in 107 degree weather than a Butterfinger Blizzard?

We had a wonderful time visiting family. Calling Jonathan to give him a report of all we were doing, he said that it's a wonder our kids don't rebel, and refuse to come home to our critterless house lacking in acreage and big machines to drive. I still don't know how we manage to drag them away when it's time to leave. But, I'm thankful for these experiences gained, and for portable DVD players to ease the lengthy trip home!

IF: Poof!

With school just around the corner, I feel as though someone took summer, set it in front of me, said abracadabra, and POOF!, it's gone.

Enjoy these last few lazy days of summer before the busy schedules begin!

Nessa Dee

Illustrations

A couple of full page spreads for a book.

ND

The Interview

This interview took place last night. It was conducted by Mr. Frog, a puppet "friend" who lives in Finn's toy box and speaks with a heavy Texan drawl. The interviewee was 27 month old Finn, miniature superman and daredevil extraordinaire. Here's what transpired:















Mr. Frog: What's yore name?

Finn: My name is Finn Masmus.

Mr. Frog: How old are you?

Finn: I'm two years old.

Mr. Frog: What's yore sister's name?

Finn: His name is Audrie Superman.

Mr. Frog: What's yore daddy's name?

Finn: His name is Soccer Ball Gamer.

Mr. Frog: What's yore mommy's name?

Finn: His name is Pink.

Mr. Frog: What's yore favorite color?

Finn, looking at his shirt: Umm, white.

Mr. Frog: What's yore daddy's favorite color?

Finn, looking at his daddy's shirt: It's white.

Mr. Frog: What's yore mommy's favorite color?

Finn, looking at his mommy's shirt: His favorite color is pink.

Mr. Frog: Finn, what are you goin' to be when you grow up?

Finn: I'm going to be a hippo, a hippopamus.

Mr. Frog: What's yore sister goin' to be when she grows up?

Finn: A orange hippopamus.

Mr. Frog: What's yore daddy goin' to be when he grows up?

Finn: A pink hippopamus.

Finn: Mr. Frog, your going to be a dreen hippopamus when you drow up.

Mr. Frog: I am?

Finn: yes.

Mr. Frog: What's yore mommy goin' to be when she grows up?

Finn: A choo choo train.

ND