IF: Memories

Somewhere, in the depths of my mind is a room. It sits, still and calm, until a familiar smell, a melodious song, or joyous scene triggers the retrieval of a memory that was filed away in years past.

This was very hastily executed, but I like the idea so when I get more time, I'm going to try to paint this again.

ND

First Day

Well, I'm back from a week long hiatus of visiting more family in Texas. I went with good intentions of planning out the first semester of Audrie's homeschooling, completing a painting for Etsy, finishing an illustration for IF, and organizing my life. You know, the usual stuff. Instead, I came back with some home decor from a shopping extravaganza, a few extra pounds, and a nasty cold that won't go away. It seems like every time I get together with family, any rules regarding work, i.e. continuing to do it, fly out the window. It's as if time stops for that week and resumes once I'm back. So, last night, between popping throat lozenges and trying to relieve the pressure that was squeezing my head, I was planning Audrie's first week of school. Oh, and I forgot to mention that in preparation for my husband's upcoming class reunion, we started a new workout program that includes a diet. How I wanted to bury my face in a bucket of carb-filled goodness, but I had to settle for scrambled eggs with spinach. And I can't tell if the aching in my neck and shoulders is from my cold, or the ridiculous amount of push-ups I did yesterday. Needless to say, I skipped this morning's workout along with Jonathan who inherited my cold, and opted for a trip to Wal-Mart to stock up on cold medicine and donuts....for the kids. We started school a bit late, but with the help of some Sudafed and caffeine, we ended up finishing early. I got Audrie to piano lessons and soccer practice, and managed to hold a decent conversation with the other soccer moms given my foggy headedness and toad-like croak that has replaced my already mannish voice. Both kids are in bed, having been fed supper, given baths, and read three chapters from our current nightly book, The Tale of Despereaux. I am now looking forward to taking my morning bath at 10PM.

I'll leave you with a few pictures from our trip, and our yearly first day of school pics:

Audrie and new cousin Gavin.

Finn and Audrie with their Popsie on the big green tractor. Popsie wrote Audrie's name in the grass.

Morning donuts at MiMi's....or was this the afternoon donuts? Really, why haven't my kids rebelled and refused to come home with me?

1st day of second grade.

And Finn's attempt to hold up two fingers to show his age.

XO

Nessa Dee

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