I know...

I know... I've been away for a very long time. I promise, I'll soon be back en force and with big deal type news. Yes, this is just as much a promise to myself as it is to you.

Novice Nation Album

Corbin's godfather has a band, Novice Nation, and John and I did the artwork for their new album. I did photos and John did all the other design work. You'll have to buy the actual album to see the rest of the way-cool packaging complete with a mini-vinyl looking disc, but you can check out their music on lala, buy their album at DFJams, or stalk them via their myspace or facebook fan page.

I bought myself this book for my birthday last week because I loved it the moment I saw it. I simply couldn't put it back on the shelf. It is too awesome. I have a thing for hand written and drawn books, and this one is full of smart ideas and ways to become a more keen observer of the art and joyful details that exist in life. It encourages creativity, resourcefulness, documentation, collection, constant observation, comparison, and a general astuteness of mind. It also has a bunch of guides and suggestions for exploration projects, and all of the ideas for activities in this book are free, which is fantastic. I love this book. I love it so much, in fact, that I'll be using it as a a loose textbook for a kids' art class I'll be doing this summer.  This is a book that has something to teach to people of all ages.

More Uno Party

Ah, Uno. (Continued from the first Uno post.) What a great theme and such a fun game. Check out this awesome Uno deck. We made party hats and then ate... there were corn dogs, beer battered fish, aunt Darlene's awesome broccoli salad, mini caramel apples, cotton candy, all manner of melon, Red Vines, Skittles from the candy dispenser that used to be John's grandpa's, orange chocolate cupcakes, and sparkling lemonade. Yes, crazy too much sugar.

What?  Time for gifts?

My babies are Converse babies.  I'm pretty sure they're the only shoes Corbin could walk in now.  Well, Chucks and mud boots.

The thoroughly overwhelmed birthday boy.  Notice his hat?  Not one, but two 4s.  And nothing else.

I LOVE that my mother in law knits sweaters for the kids.  Corbin is cool like Mr. Rogers. And that's saying a lot, I love Mr. Rogers.  Corbin's favorite gift by far from the party?  The green fold-out T-Rex card that came with Aunt Darlene's gift.  He's been carrying it everywhere and the night of the party he slept with it under his pillow.  There was almost an incident when he brought it into the bathroom and Petra splashed it after he bath.  That was a close one.

Petra found her own presents and dug through them, stopping only to read books and play with this pop-up card from Auntie Karen.  She got this beautiful dress from my sister.

She stood for the longest she ever has and she seemed very pleased with herself... but she still wouldn't walk to mama Tasha.

Sweet happy birthday girl.

Well, crazy straws really are the best.

Those who were willing to expose their age showed it with Uno cards. That's my daddy.

I scanned my Uno cards and made little prints that I taped to toothpicks for cupcake toppers.  I've got files of scanned Uno cards if anyone wants them.

Corbin had a green 4 on his cupcake, but Pete needed help blowing out her Uno.  Petra's trick candle was the only one that kept re-lighting.  Corbin got a kick out of that.

SMUSH...cupcake time.  She did NOT like the super sweet frosting, and Corbin only ate his frosting, so Petra ate both cake parts.  First sweets?  Yeah, right.

Snuggles with grandma Tricia, it's tiring being the center of attention.  And what are John and his dad doing?

Still going strong, much later.  Nice baby.

I really love balloons.  Such simple decorations... so cheap and beautiful.  It was a great party, fun was had by all.  But even my new party-sized table doesn't hold parties the size we have, apparently.  That's why we have zillions of other chairs.  Sometimes it looks very strange having all the chairs when our house isn't mid-party.  Another year passed... it hardly feels like it.  But things are well at the Kelley home.  Very well indeed.

Uno Party

Here are the kiddos, wild haired and ready for their big Uno birthday party tonight in the shirts I made them.  I thought I'd take some photos while they were still clean.  That's right, thinking ahead. Petra turned one on Tuesday and Corbin turns 4 on Tuesday. So, either before they care or to get them used to it (haven't decided yet) we're doing a double party. I saw the idea for an Uno party at the Made blog and thought it would be perfect. I also used her 90 minute shirt tutorial and freezer paper stenciling technique to make the shirts.  Corbo's all time favorite color is green, so he's a green four. And well, Pete is Uno. More from the party after it happens. :) I should probably go make cupcakes instead of posting this right now.