It's All In the Name of Art, Baby!

This is what I imagine the Hubby would look like if he were a great artiste who specialized in interpretive sculpture. I found him in the dining room this afternoon with what used to be our chandelier . . . I think the paint fumes might be getting to him. But, there is light at the end of the tunnel, because he is on his final room in the ceiling painting showdown. Our ceilings have never looked better and even though most people won't bother to look up and notice - I WILL! Thanks hubby. You're an artist in my book.

My little Soren and his actual artist sister Hannah have been busy all morning with the markers making "The Story Of Oatmeal's Life." No, we're not talking breakfast oatmeal, but the little brown Ewok that Soren got in a Burger King Kid's meal two years ago.

A little background : Oatmeal is Soren's unhealthy obsession. (I think most little kids have one at some time or another.) Oatmeal travels around in the pocket of Soren's pants for about 14 hours of the day. He comes out to watch Soren eat lunch, or to play with Soren and his friends. He sits in a cup (read: tub) while Soren takes a bath. He had a ghost Halloween costume made by Grammy.

At night he joins Soren in bed - because Soren's PJs have no pockets. This is where we usually run into a problem. When Soren wakes up in the morning, before he'll even acknowledge another living human being, he's head first under his covers trying to find Oatmeal. Three times now Oatmeal has been lost, and we secretly keep thinking maybe this time it's for good. But somehow, as if magically, he will turn up in the washing machine, or under a sibling's bed, or even in the pocket of a long ago worn coat! (Soren will tell you he went to visit his relatives.) So, that's the saga of how a two inch stuffed character has come to rule our lives.

Sorry for the novel sized digression . . . on to the art! Hannah and Soren created a story about Oatmeal today and taped it up in our entry foyer for all the world to see. (That will last until all kids are in bed tonight!) Hannah acted as primary artist and Soren aided in coloring and naming new characters. My favorite picture is the battle scene where evil green Ewoks are trying to destroy Oatmeal and his happy life with a catapult and planes. Also, in case you were wondering, Oatmeal marries Starburst in this story.

I just love art and creative children. :) Long live Oatmeal.