Last Sunday & Monday, April 29 & 30

Just a few shots from last Sunday and Monday.  Cute nephews, one scary picture of me and some pictures downtown Columbus.  Enjoy!

May Day!

First off, here is your 'May Day Basket' for the day!  I hope you like it.

Now, moving on...

The month of April was not a great month.  I have never been a particular fan of the month of April owing that it is my namesake and I often get a lot of questions about my birthday (not in April), the common April fool's jokes and inevitable April-May-June references that people, for some reason, find funny.  (It all started when I was a child with adults badgering me about my name and it has only grown stronger since.)

Anyway, I can not begin to express how happy I am that April 2012 is over.  It was a terrible month.  Personally, I haven't had many months that were worse.  So I sit here today, on vacation from work, thinking about May 2012 and the rest of this year.  How do I want it to progress? 

Ultimately the outcome of this month, and all others, is up to me. My decision to make it how I want it to be.  It is not up to fate, destiny or any of that other crap that people prescribe to, to determine how my journey will continue.  I am, as many of you know, very interested in moving on from my current situation.  But, I have come to realize, it is not just my job I want to move on from; but my entire life.  I want to run away.  I want to start over.  I want...change.  No, I don't want it, I am desperate for it.  My life has become tedium and I am beyond capable of describing the horror in which I feel living every day of my 'normal' life. 

So, here it is.  My new beginning.  Hopefully.  It won't take a new job and moving (though that is what I ultimately want), but a change in my mind, attitude and overall outlook on life.  Today it starts.  I'm going to start with my house, my diet, and my lifestyle.  I've been lax with my blog postings (mainly due to laziness when it comes to photo editing) and I need to work on that.  I have stopped creating things as I normally do (sewing, crafting, baking, etc.) and that has to change as well.  My life is my own and I will determine now to change it.  

Today is May Day.  A day celebrated around the world for various reasons.  In the United States it is actually Law Day, a day used to commemorate the law.  As declared by former President Dwight D. Eisenhower, "the world no longer has a choice between force and law. If civilization is to survive it must choose the rule of law.” 

It is also a day to celebrate the struggles of laborers for centuries looking for fair and decent working conditions.  Something, even in my 'horrid' job I take for granted EVERY single day.  Even if my boss isn't the best, I still have so much more than those before me did, especially as a woman.  (Yet, this is not to say things are completely changed.  As a woman in a male dominated field I am still subject to discrimination on a regular basis and have been stunned myself at the attitude of men and WOMEN in this, the 21st century, in the working environment.  Discrimination and demoralization is still running rampant in this country.)

However, what I will choose to celebrate today is the May Day of Spring.  The passage into a time of blooming, growing and new life.  I choose to use the month of May as my starting point.  I will start anew, even while still living the same life and make myself over to who I want to be, not who I feel forced to be confined to. 

I apologize for the rambling and the personal edification in a blog that is meant to be photos and crafts; but today is a new day.  Today is my day to become new and I'm ready to do it.  Please think of me and pray for me and wish me well in this endeavor.  I've tried before and failed.  This time, there is no going back.  I'm 31, almost 32 and it is time to start new. 

Here we go...

The Weekend Past: Home...

This last weekend I did something I haven't done for 2 months.  I went home, to Smithville, my hometown.  I went to visit my family briefly.  I haven't seen my parents, niece, nephews, brothers, sisters-in-law, or baby bump nephew, I was beginning to forget what they all looked like.  It wasn't that I hadn't wanted to, just that...well, I had needed some April time to be.  Now, I'll be home again in two weeks for Easter.  Then, before long, it will be time for Logan to be born (just about 6 more weeks).  So my hiatus will be at a close. 

Anyway,  I took a bunch of pictures of the kids, and in my parents garden.  I hope you like them.  I REALLY do!  Enjoy!

Isn't she something?  She had on fancy shoes and wasn't allowed to leave the porch.  So, I had been having this image of her wearing my Wellies anyway and when she got upset, boom, it hit me.  Put her in the Wellies.  Yes, they were HUGE!  But, she loved them and we tramped all over the yard, the garden and back.  I love this photo.  She is so beautiful!

Pooh is a big believer in Fairies and I for one love that.  As I was taking this shot, she is squatted down with me and is just in awe.  'April, isn't it cool that the Fairies do this.  They put all this water here.'  I hope she stays this innocent for a while longer.  I adore it!  Makes me want to cry.

Tell me she isn't beautiful?!  I love her freckles.  She says, 'we'll put them on you!'  She obviously is not a fan.

Kayla's hand and mine on a tree while we were 'exploring' the front yard at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Nicholas' hand and mine while we were out exploring.

Okay, this is not attractive.  But, here it is.  Nicholas took this picture.  I always let the kids take a few shots.  This was one of his.  I was teaching them about sandstone and he wanted a picture of the sandstone and this is how he 'set' it up.  I didn't edit it at all, just framed it.  Sorry, I look horrid.

Nicholas' other photograph.  His choice of subject again.  He was going for the leaves and base of the tree.

Kayla's first photograph.  What's sad is I also took a photo of this flower and mined sucked.  A 7 year old took a better shot.  Go figure.

Kayla's other shot.  She really didn't know what she was shooting.  I told her it was abstract and that's really cool and popular.  She'll be all the rage.

Back to Aunt April's work.  My hydrangea, all dried out.

Of course the truck will drive in the leaves.

I love this picture.  Look at Paul's face.  He is so sweet. (Looking.)

awwwww.....

You can see the demon, right?  But he is so lovable.  My baby...

Oh Nick.  He was being sooooo uncooperative!  But, he is a rowdy boy and I wouldn't have him any other way!  I love him.  Such a good looking young man!  And he is getting so big!

Grandma and Kayla.  Love this.  Of course Kayla is actually bawling.  This is right before my idea of the boots.  Grandma is one of her favorite people and they are just so much alike.  Look at them.  My goodness....genetics.

How handsome is this child?  Look at him all dressed up and ready to put on a show.  Nerves of steal too.  He is about to have his first piano recital.  I'm so proud!

Nicholas' mom, Angela.  My sister-in-law.  Loved her with the flowers.

Playing his second piece.  The Donkey.  He did EXTREMELY well.  No nerves, just great playing.  It was beautiful.  I was a very proud Aunt!  I have a video too!!!

Paul slept through the entire recital.  Thank you Jesus.  Some days things work out just right.  Look how sweet this is.  Even with my big bro in the picture!

He did not want me to take his picture.  However, I am his Aunt and I don't care.  I usually win.  Ha.  And he is sooo cute!

Much happier and ready to get into trouble!!!!

Nicholas with his Piano teacher.  Great job baby!  I am so proud of you.  You are learning well and doing a great job!!!

Strouds Run Winter Hike #7: Set 2