Casey and Tatum's Sleepover - Part #1: Painting Caterpillars

Did you guys make caterpillars back in grade school?  I always did enjoy that art project.  Casey and Tatum had fun last night painting those egg cartons and doing a bit of creative art in my Mom Cave.  I think that Casey has his shirt off so that he wouldn't get paint on it.  What a silly face!

Casey at work ...

Tatum at work ...

I couldn't find the pipe cleaners, so these poor fellas didn't end up with antennas and legs.  They are still cute.  Tatum's has some eyes in there somewhere.

Nice work, you two!

~  Grandma Kathy

Mom Cave Results:

Remember a couple of weeks ago, when I entered the "Mom Cave" Contest?  (Here is my entry "Queen of Small Spaces: Kathy's Mom Cave").   Susan, over at Between Naps on the Porch was the hostess.  Thank you again, Susan!  (The winners can be found by clicking here.)   Alas, I did not win the $250 gift certificate to Home Goods to give to Lisa for her loft.  Lisa said that I was a peach for trying though.  But really, I did win.  How could I do both, win and lose at the same time?  Well, I got many new visitors to my blog because I decided to enter.  I also visited many, many blogs to see what other lovely ladies were doing.  It was so much fun!

Entering into that contest got me going on submitting my Tablescapes and my Tea Cups/Tea Settings to other "Linky" parties. I found that Lindy, over at Cottage Hill, has a special page on her blog for as many Linky Parties as she could find. Thank you, Lindy for pulling that all together for us.  Entering everything has helped others to learn about my blog, and my daily readership has doubled.  Also, I am much more active now in the "sharing" part of Blogland than I was, and have made many great acquaintances, and at least one new friend for sure (hi, Gloria!).  I hope that many more of you will become my friends too!

I am so happy for SJ, Homemaker on a Dime, for winning first place in the "Mom Cave" contest.  I liked her blog and personality so much, that as soon as I visited her during the contest, I put her blog link on my sidebar so that I could easily see when SJ posted and made changes to her home.  She is a sweetie, you guys will love her.

There were three 3rd place prizes handed out, and I was so happy to see that two of those ladies had visited me and left such nice comments on my blog: Lezlee at  Prior and Terry at La Bella Vie.  I am happy for Donna's win over at at Funky Junk Interiors too. 

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Jessa Irene as my newest follower on here.  Jessa Irene has the coolest blog, A Holiday Haven.  It is chock full of useful ideas to help us keep organized as we celebrate our favorite holidays.  Thank you, Jessa Irene for joining us here at Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy!

I do have some sad news; a loss for Blogland.  Barb, over at Bella Vista, has decided to close down her website.  Barb's blog is so beautiful, and she is such an encouraging person.  I thought that you might want the chance to go over and say goodbye to her.  Thank you, Barb, for all of your beautiful posts.  We are sorry to see you go, and you are in my prayers.

I hope that all of you  have a wonderful weekend.  We will be sitting around the radio (computer) tonight listening to Tyler's team play a huge football game in McPherson.  Go, Bullpups! 

Tomorrow our grandson Casey will be here staying overnight, with our friend Little Missy, aka: Tatum.  Stay tuned for some cute pictures of them!  We are going to do some art projects, and perhaps they will help me with a kids tablescape.  They'll be up for it ... 8 and 9 year-olds have a lot more energy than I do, for some reason.


Remember, get out there and celebrate the positive portions of everyday life!


~ Kathy

Casey's Football Trading Card:

Our grandson Casey is playing football for the first time this year.  He is still 9 for another month, and already weighs 105 lbs.  No fat, just a big, strong boy with a sweet heart.

We love you lots, Casey, and are very proud of you! 

Love, 


Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Cary

Kids Summer Fun: Family and Friends

Our grandson Casey went to the beach with his Dad and other family, and was buried waist deep in the sand!

Casey is decked out for business in the backyard pool his Mom bought him a couple of weeks ago. 

Our great-nephew Treavor (Shelly and Brian's boy) jumping on his BMX bike.  BMX racers Treavor and his brothers are taking the state by storm.  They are usually coming in first in their age groups at the races, but seem to be in the top 5 at all times.

Christian (Shelly and Brian's boy) racing in the hot sun.  On foot.  Looking good, Christian!

Two more of Shelly and Brian's crew, Isaiah and Jason, build with Lincoln Logs on the lawn.

Ryland and Tatum (April's grandson and daughter) playing in the mud yesterday.

It was a deep hole!

Tatum and Tanner swinging from a Pondorosa tree.  Strong branches!

This baby squirrel is enjoying the birdseed that Cary put out for him in the front yard.

Thank you to Kari, Shelly and April for the use of their Facebook photos for this post!

Casey goes to the beach ....

Click to enlarge for a close up view!