"Two Temples"

A builder builded a temple,

He wrought with grace and skill;

Pillars and groins and arches

All fashioned to work his will.

Men said, as they saw its beauty,

"It shall never know decay;

Great is thy skill, O builder!

Thy fame shall endure for aye.

A mother builded a temple

With loving and infinite care,

Planning each arch with patience,

Laying each stone with prayer.

None praised her unceasing efforts,

None knew of her wondrous plan,

For the temple the mother builded

Was unseen by the eyes of man.

Gone is the builder's temple,

Crumpled into the dust;

Low lies each stately pillar,

Food for consuming rust.

But the temple the mother builded

Will last while the ages roll,

For that beautiful unseen temple

Was a child's immortal soul.

Hattie Vose Hall

Happy Mother's Day

Littlest Lawnmower

It was too rainy to mow the lawn today, but that didn't stop Little Mister Busy from taking a turn with the mower. He loves being outside and is not afraid to get dirty...he's ALL boy!

A Free Moment

As we speak, my students are taking their midterm, so I get to sit back and take advantage of some quiet time. So, what better opportunity than this to send a hello out to everyone.

~

Once again, we have the Teeples to thank for this batch of photos. We had a birthday picnic dinner at the park up the street, and what fun! It sure gets chilly right when the sun dips behind the trees, but that didn't stop the little whipper snappers from playing their hearts out, despite cold finger tips, runny noses and rosy cheeks. We enjoy Seth more every day! Thanks, Cortney and Jason, for sharing your talent...you certainly know how to capture the perfect moment!

You can almost hear the squeals of delight coming from that cute little slobbery mouth!

Taking a break to re-energize via one of Jenni's deliciously adorable cupcakes from Mom. There's always time for dessert!

One of my most favorite expressions from our little guy. He loves to point and say "ook!" (look!). Oh to have the same excitement and wonder again over a new discovery.

This usually happens when it's time to leave. We wrestle him into the stroller, tears are shed, we're promptly forgiven for calling it quits at the park, and we enjoy a leisurely walk back home, only to repeat it all over again another day. :-)

Test subject

A few weeks ago, our friends the Teeples asked if they could test out their new camera lens by doing a photo shoot of Seth in their studio. What fun! It was more than difficult to choose just a few favorites, but these truly made me the laugh the hardest, squeal with the most delight, and more or less melt every time I saw them. Jason and Cortney, we'll be your photo guinea pigs any time! Thanks for sharing your talent with us.

I'm on top of the world, lookin' down on creation...

Last week I had a meeting at work on the 76th floor of the Columbia Tower, the highest floor of the tallest building in Seattle.

By no means is this a declaration of self-importance, but the views were too breathtaking not to share, and by a stroke of luck I had my camera to capture some snapshots of a rare sunny day. For once it pays off to be forgetful (like forgetting to take the camera out of my purse)!

Ferry returning from Bainbridge Island

I-90 bridge connecting to Mercer Island, with the Cascade Mountains in the distance

I-5 with Lake Washington in the distance

Just beyond the edge of the building is Qwest Stadium and Safeco Field

Stream of consciousness is a wonderful thing...a fancy term for daydreaming. As I looked out the window at the stunning view, all I could think of was my wish to share it with my two favorite people. How does the rest of the song go?

And the only explanation I can find

Is the love that I've found

Ever since you've been around:

Your love's put me at the top of the world.

So although I felt literally on top of the world for a while, I'm really reminded of I so appreciate the supportive, encouraging partner I have in Matt and the sweet, deliciously loveable son I have in Seth.

Budding Artist

Tuesday was all about snails at library story time. All the books were about slimey, squishy snails and slugs...creatures whose grossness is in itself fascinating to kids and adults alike. After stories were through, Seth got in line as usual to get his hand stamped and his coloring project. I decided this was the day to try out his new Tadoodles paint he got in his Easter basket. All I can say is thank goodness for the small print that says washable.

I didn't get a photo of him in the act because I was too busy keeping him from painting the table, carpet, his fingers, his clothes, and me. We managed to get some swipes on the paper and this is the finished masterpiece.

Someday I'll just cover the floor with butcher paper and let him go to town with his paints. For now, Mr. Snail is proudly displayed on the refrigerator as a welcome-Dad-home-from-work present. Talented AND generous...aren't we lucky!

Number One Flying Ace

Yesterday was free admission day at the Museum of Flight, so of course we're going to check it out! Click here to see other museums and dates that are free admission around Seattle. There's a new interactive space exhibit, and the Personal Courage Wing is my favorite. Of course, Seth was mostly interested in going up and down the stairs, except for a few brief moments in the kids' area. We'll definitely be back another time to see the Concorde and Air Force One!