American Gothic

Most of you know that a new hobby of mine is volunteering at Henley Elementary School once a month to teach the students about artists and their work. My good friend, Robin, got me involved in this fun project. It gives me the opportunity to study and learn lots of new things, to look at lots of great art, and to teach the kids. All things I really enjoy.

In January I taught the kids about Grant Wood, an American artist who painted one of the most familiar works in the world, "American Gothic." It represents the hard work and determination of the American people. This painting has been perodied more than just about any other painting ever has. I showed the students parodies involving Barbie and Ken, and Pres. Bush, Tony Blair, and Osama Bin Laden. Many of the students had seen a parody on Sponge Bob or on Mickey Mouse! In most of the classes we created our own American Gothic. This picture is of two students in Mrs. DeMatteis's 3rd grade class. Don't they look great?!

I thought it was cool to learn that the Iowa quarter has an image on it that replicates a painting by Grant Wood.

Logan Talking to Grandma

I wish there were a way to get my voice out of this, because it is sugary sweet, but how else do you talk to a baby, for crying out loud?! Too much fun!

Sew Much Fun

When Jena came for the weekend we thought we'd have fun making coasters and hot pads. I have been using a mish mash of hot pads with every meal. Well good-bye mish mash, hello matching! It's been a fun project.

Grandparenting is the BEST!!!

Here is Logan getting his "teeth" brushed for the very first time! What a good mommy he has.

What a strong boy! Could any of us be held up in the air under our arms and keep our bodies perfectly horizontal??? Not me! Especially not after 5 babies and years of sitting around.

Jena and Logan spent the weekend with us while Josh was racing away in Boston. It was absolutely the best! I think grandparenting is so great because when we hold those little grandbabies who are by extension a part of us, we get to relive the immeasurable joy we had with our own babies! There is no earthly treasure greater than a smile from a grandchild. Also, it warms my heart so to see my daughter having joy in motherhood.