The other day my DH saw this praying mantis at the gas station.  We saved it, brought it home, and released it.  It was so interesting to watch.  Would have loved to put it in a jar and watch it but felt it best to be free. 

Gothic Glory

The church replaced its slate shingles, and no one wanted these wonderful top pieces.  So, of course, I did my duty and loaded them up before they were taken in for scrap.  Now, if we can get our greenhouse up, wouldn't these "top it!"  Or what about some garden borders.   Any other ideas?

4-H projects

Phew... long time no talk, but thought I'd start by sharing some fun 4-H projects we worked on with our kiddos. Here is a clock I had an idea for and RJ was very excited to take on the project. He won the champion recycling award at the fair and a purple at the state fair. 

He also designed this shelf from the PB Teen catalog to fit his room.  He received reserve champion in Design Decisions and another purple at the state fair. 

We repainted these picture frames we found at the Salvation Army store with homemade chalk pain.  We used left-over paint with a bit of grout added.  Turned out fairly well.

CJ made these note pads for a computer project.  There are six different designs in every notepad.

RJ made this sun from old copper.  The middle spins to show a turbine for power of wind.  Love it in the yard. 

CJ made this rocket.  He drew a gator head and then we copied it and shrunk it on water decal paper.  He had the champion rocket at the fair.