"Hey mom, art rhymes with fart!"

Yes Gus, you're right.

While he might not be a poet, Gus is turning out to be quite the artist these days. He's been taking classes at the Monart School of Art - just a few blocks from our house. He really loves it and has brought home some fine stuff for the Kenmore Gallery (our fridge.) I think as long as he's having fun, we'll keep going. Especially since I don't see him suddenly becoming interested in soccer or basketball. Team sports have never appealed to Gus - but Playdoh, paint and markers, you bet.

A Tranquil Mobile

Some friends of ours are having a baby any day now, and I volunteered Eric to build them something special for their new arrival. (Nice of me, I know. I do it all the time. It makes us both look good.)

The item they desired, was a very unbaby-like mobile – three large, abstract rainforest leaves made of cherry wood veneer.

It looked pretty simple and easy to construct, but you would be surprised at the level of complexity this piece proved to be. You have to understand, Eric's used to building furniture - pieces that are solid and heavy and built to be used, not just looked at. Everything about this mobile was so delicate – the thin pieces of veneer, the hairline-hinged assembly, and the fine piece of fishing line that connects it all together. Plus, it had to balance JUST RIGHT, or it's not much of a mobile, is it?

But I never had a doubt that Eric couldn't make it. And it turned out just splendid. We hope it brings many tranquil moments to the new baby and the new parents. Congrats Lindemans!

Easter 2009

Who doesn't love Easter? Coloring eggs, more chocolate than any one human being should possibly consume, and a good old-fashioned egg hunt. My kids are no exception. I tried to put their Easter baskets away today, and there was an instant protest from Gus and Bea.

OK. OK. We'll keep them out a little longer. Now where did I hide that last Reese's Peanut Butter Egg?

You're never too old to hug a giant rabbit.

Last weekend was time for a favorite Easter tradition at the Denneler House: Cero's Candies. I think I've taken Gus and Bea to see the Easter bunny there every year since they were born. Although, I could only find a few of the photos from years past (that weird transition time between "humm... should I use my film camera or digital camera?")

This year though, Gus had to go solo because Bea's been sick with a terrible flu bug. And nobody wants to see a rabbit get vomited on, especially not me, so we left her at home.

We always pick out a few chocolate treats for our baskets and give the big ol' bunny a hug.

Fireside Chat - Part 1

One of Eric's winter projects was to build this custom fireplace and mantle for our friends Lathi and Paul. Eric and Paul have discussed building this thing for probably four years now, but finally managed to make it happen this year. And last Sunday, during the Birthday Blowout Party for Lathi and Paul, Eric installed this monstrous piece in their master bedroom. (There was lots of cutting, trim work and miscellaneous assembly that had to happen on-site.)

There's an electric fireplace insert that slides into place, once Paul gets it primed and painted. I'll do a follow-up post to show it in all it's painted glory. In the mean time, I think Lathi needs to start shoppin' for a nice bearskin rug, don't you?