Birthday Coaster Set

So yesterday was my little brother's birthday. He was a little distraught when I took my bear coasters with me when I moved out of the house so I made him his very own, very nerdy, set. Since this was an artistic endeavor, I am going to post progress pictures.

Arik (my now 20 year old baby brother!), my sister, Kema, and I used to play N-64 together. Some of our favorite games included Super Smash brothers (I was always Pikachu, Kema was usually Yoshi, and Arik switched, but was usually Kirby), Mario Kart, Kirby (something about Crystal Shards?), Paper Mario, and one or two of the Zelda games (the Ocarina one and something about a mask...). In collaboration with Kema, we decided to do these four characters: Link, Mario, Kirby, and Pikachu. Though Bowser was sadly left out... Here are my initial sketches:

Then I went to Got Paint in the mall and this is what I came out with. (Keep in mind, these are not the finished products).

And the back sides:

A handful of days later, I went to pick up my project. Here is what we have:

 Turned out alright, yeah? Even my mixed colors came out. Happy birthday little brother! I think he liked them and I think his housemates will enjoy them, too.

Gardening Endevors Part One

Those who know me know that I like plants, but I have a brown thumb. I tend to kill them, apparently by simply being nearby. My mom inherits most of my plants as I am incapable of keeping them alive.

Despite this, I brought home a clipping from an old aloe plant that we have at my dad's house. This plant is HUGE! I hope that the plant is happy enough that I won't be able to kill it, no matter what I do. Isaac and I named him Barnabas. Here is a picture of him:

Isaac likes plants, too, and is a much better gardener than myself. With that in mind, I bought a couple of small troughs and some seeds for him for Valentines Day. We finally bought some soil and planted our seeds a couple weeks ago, "my" planter has mini carrots, peas, and green beans (and an adorable owl decoration) and "Isaac's" has oregano, basil, and spearmint. After moving them inside two or three times for all of the cold storms, we still had no results. But today when I went out to water the plants, I found this!

Yes! A sprout! In "my" planter, no less! This is one is from one of the peas! I was so excited! So until fall, I will keep you posted on our little gardens!

In Honor of Mother's Day

I'm sure lots of people feel this way, but I am pretty sure I have the best mom in the world. I didn't realize how great until I got older and could understand the sacrifices that she's made for me and my siblings. Although we don't always get along or see eye to eye (and we have definitely had our rough spots), she has always been there for me.

My mom and me. September 1988

She is super supportive and non-judgmental. She's always been the "cool mom" and most of my friends have a bond with her. She supports me emotionally, mentally, and financially. I've called her late at night for rides and once at 3am to use her bathroom (long story). She runs errands with me and we have fun together. We love to get coffee and chat. Growing up, I don't think I could have had a better mother. So mom, thank you for all you've done for me.

And here is a wonderful picture with my mom, Nana, and Gramie. Four Generations of women!

May 1988