i have a big black notebook

Lately I've been ending each day by "thinking aloud" in this sketchbook. Somehow having space to doodle helps me process my thoughts and feelings better than a regular journal.  One topic I always seem to come back to is how art should fit into my life right now.  I finally realized that the answer is much less complicated than I've been trying to make it.  The reason I keep thinking about this is because I feel an empty space when I'm not creating something.  And that is reason enough to create.  I don't need an audience.  I don't need to make money doing it.  I don't even need to change the world.  I can create because it makes me happy and I love it.  That's enough. 

This idea was so liberating.  I've had a creative block for months now, and after working through these thoughts I finally got some ideas.  Yes indeed, I'm happy when I'm creating.

Pacific Atlantic

So we moved to Florida.  Brandon pursued a job transfer and we're pretty excited to be out here near his family (very near, actually, since we're living with them until we figure out our life.  Any thoughts on buying vs. renting?) We sold what possessions we could and packed the rest in the Camry (a very liberating experience that I recommend to anyone).  But before leaving we spent a week in Oregon with my side of the family.  The picture of us at the coast is so very Kiser.  All growing up we never went to the beach without building a sandcastle.  And we built it as if our lives depended upon its structural stability and aesthetic beauty.  I love the Oregon coast.  We've enjoyed lots of trips to the beach out here in Florida this past month too.  It's a bit more crowded, but you can swim in the ocean.  All day.  And not get hypothermia.  Amazing.  The second picture is of Paisley with her Great Grandma Carol, courtesy of Aunt Jenna.  Precious, huh?

our little man

 You would not believe how many people tell us Sawyer looks like a little man. Or maybe you would.  I don't know if it's the receding hair line or his funny expressions.   All the comments inspired this impromptu photo shoot.  The poor little guy puts up with a lot. 

ps we've had a lot of crazy life changes lately.  more on that soon.

Happy Happy Happy!

 Happy #1: Happy Birthday Mommy Hack! We love you!

 Happy #2: Happy Father's Day Dad! Here's a little gnome for the garden.

Happy #3: Happy Father's Dady Papi! Settin' sail for the Sunshine State!

p.s. For anyone wondering, Brandon drew the stork in the last post and this underwater scene.  Isn't he fun?  I did the little mushrooms.  We inherited a box of the most amazing sidewalk chalk.  At least, I thought it was for sidewalks.  It doesn't wash off very easily.  No wonder it works so well.

so that's where they come from . . .

first outing

Funny how having a new baby makes you want to document everything.  Well, this little trip to Mount Charleston really felt like a big deal to me because I got an epidural headache soon after the birth (crossing my fingers that it's totally healed) and have pretty much been on bed rest since.  It was so nice to be outdoors again!

 look at these cuties

 Paisley shows off the rock and stick she found

The hiking diva--no outfit is complete without shades and jewels.  We were so impressed that Paisley walked most of the trail.  Just two years ago she was the one in the sling.  Ahhh memories . . .

big sister

Paisley has done so well assuming her new role. She loves holding Sawyer and giving him kisses.  We've been surprised to see that she's become very independant and helpful.  She gets the milk out of the fridge, throws away dirty diapers, and gets Sawyer clean outfits without being asked.  Her independance has also been expressed in some not so helpful ways, like shutting herself in her room with a pack of gum and a bottle of Pepto Bismol and trying on mascara for the first time.  At least she hasn't put the makeup on Sawyer yet. 

everybody loves a good before and after

Welcome baby Sawyer Emmaus Smith