Made It

I haven't sat down at my computer in almost a week and I feel like my knack for technology went back about two generations. Not even ten minutes had gone by and I had to get up, push in my chair, and walk away from the screen because looking at it was giving me a rising headache. This is what driving cross-country for a whopping total of 27 hours will do to you. So three ibuprofuns later and I am ready to post on my blog.

I'd like to tell you more tonight about our amazing drive to the southwest. Or about our house that we LOVE. Or about our great family who has helped us out a million. But there are about 20 boxes in our spare bedroom that are screaming at me right now as we speak. Need to take care of boxes! Aaagh.

Still busy...

• packing
• cleaning
• organizing
• craigslisting
• refinishing furniture

• and finding time to take breaks and blow bubbles

I'm Busy Today...

... but we had a really fun weekend. (Heather I need copies of group shots!)

I Call it Marble Madness

Jason made this really REALLY cool marble toy last year. Pictures don't even describe how cool it is. It's a toy that Drew asks to play with every day, and Jason and I get caught up playing with as well. The best part is that it was made from scratch of wood, nails, glue, wire, and a little elbow grease. His creativity too. (My help in the paint and design department.)

It's a marble run of two different tracks that begin at opposite sides. Drop in a marble in one of the orange cups on top and watch your marble go through a series of obstacles.



Like this Plinko board. Tink, tink, tink, tink, tink, tink and your marble might end up on either of two runways.

That lead to the final marble house. Which of course has a hinged magnetic door to let out the marble avalanche when full.

Or the swirly vortex of terror. Which Drew thinks her dog might enjoy. (Try not to be distracted by her shirt. Yes I gave in to the licensed character tee...but I argue it is only a pajama shirt.)

Or your marble might run through the forest of windmills or past the mirror wall.

But you can be sure your marble will be watched over by the marble queen.

This isn't even the half of it, guys.

Pros and Cons of Jason Being Done with School:

Pro: I get these two picture mails on my phone of Jason and Drew's big bus ride into the hospital... while I relax and turn another page of my book.

Con: I leave Jason organizing and packing up the closet while I go grocery shopping. I come home to find he has uncovered my old journals and is having a good old time laughing at my expense. He has found enough material to last him for a while.

Fine Art

I have been more interested in art lately. I have been looking at a lot. Confession- not because I want to be more cultural, but because I need more wall art for our new house. I'm not particularly interested in abstract fine art, but one of these pieces in particular really speaks to me. Can you tell which?

Yes. It is this last beauty. Created by up and coming artist Drew Patterson. Story behind the painting- she needed something to do on another cold Iowa day. Her choice of colors and brush strokes tell me a story. Breathtaking.

Guatemalans

I'm really looking forward to mine and Jason's vacation next month. I browsed through all of the photos of our last real trip together, which happens to be Guatemala from four years ago. I loved seeing the sites and tourist locations, but I loved most seeing the way of life of the people. Seeing other's circumstances really popped my little American bubble I have lived in all my life. Here are some shots that might give you a little taste of Guatemala life.

And a shot of the lovebirds 2005.