What we've been up to

A LOT has happened since July fourth. Evelyn's changes alone are too many to list. But to sum things up quickly, we are still loving California (but haven't even gone to the beach...can you believe it!!!?). Evie can say some words and crawl, but it's more like a scoot with one leg in front and one sorta behind; I should probably take a picture of that now that I think of it. And speaking of pictures, I am working on getting some professional photography gigs! I just started up a new blog, so add it to your reader :). It's kara-rush.blogspot.com. Here is one of the images:



So stop by the new blog and let me know what you think!

Happy 4th!

Mike had to work when we took this pic but he says happy Independence Day too!

My Girl

I LOVE HER!

Internetless Life

There are so many things I want to post about but we don't have internet where we are living! This is the first chance I've gotten in a long time to sit down and do a quick update while my sisters are watching Evelyn.

Mike is loving his job and it's keeping him very busy. He hasn't been getting many days off, but luckily this weekend he didn't have work! We went to Disneyland on Friday night (Mike's parent's got us annual passes!!!) and on Saturday it was my sister's birthday. We ate at a Mongolian BBQ...yum. Here is Evelyn before we went to the restaurant. Pictures courtesy of my phone camera.




My cousin got married on the 15th in San Diego so we went down to celebrate. Here's Evie and I at the Reception.



Ok, this girl has been teething for AT LEAST the last 5 weeks and there are still no teeth to show for it! I really want to round up all the pictures I have of her chewing on something and post them on here. There are tons, cuz all she ever does lately is chew. Poor baby. I hope the teeth come soon and relieve her (and me, because she's been waking up at least 4 times a night for those past 5 weeks)!

Here is a cute picture of her and Mike. Love that beanie!!



Well, that's pretty much the extent of my cell phone photo album (plus a few photos of a chair that are on my other blog).

Hope everyone is doing well!!

Etsy News

I sold my first painting on Etsy!! It feels great to know someone loves my work enough to want it in their home :)

Here is a photo:


I sold it on the same day I made a watercolor for a church service auction. Karma? Perhaps...

So Far...(and 6 months)

We love it here. First we noticed how lovely and green everything is, along with the contrasting blue skies. Of course I was quick to appreciate the variety of architecture just in the homes lining these Brea streets. Evelyn has been on multiple walks each day (partly because the place we're living is a 5 minute walk to my parent's house). Mike is flying this very moment. This place definitely feels like home.

We're sharing a house with another family and it is so fun! Their kids are 3, 18 months and 6 weeks. It's a wonderful house and we are especially excited about the garden full of kale and spinach :)

ALSO...

Today Evelyn is 6 months old! I think she knows it too, because just over the last couple days she's decided to start sitting up by herself and she can hold onto the edge of her crib and stand if we position her there. Today she started saying babababa in this cute little soft voice like a pixie. Her grandparents are loving having her here and she loves it too!

Face Montage

Here is a montage of Evelyn's silly facial expressions for you to enjoy.





Sorry this one is a little blurry!


And two more that I just love:


Haha! This last one cracks me up! Look at that string of drool!

Teething Time

Our little baby is teething. I'm just glad that's what it is, and not an ear infection or a cold! I bought her biter biscuits today and she loves them...so much that she fell asleep with one in her hand.

Better Late Than Never, Right?

Happy Easter everyone!

Exciting, Amazing, Awesome News

Mike, Kara and Evelyn Rushforth are moving to California!!!

I am so proud of Mike for working super hard to get a job there; he's really wanted to move back home since Christmas. The new job is at Torrance airport where he will flight instruct, do some corporate flying and eventually even whale watching tours. We will love being back with our families and friends there. I am happy that we will be able to call Evie a California girl :) I hope our family will enjoy many future moments at this place...



It definitely feels real, we're moving in less than 2 weeks! We just sold our futon tonight and are surrounded by boxes and messes. It's going to be a crazy couple weeks, but so worth it!!

Evelyn's First 'Big Girl' Meal

Evelyn had her first rice cereal dinner about a week ago. She wasn't too impressed with the mushy new food. But thanks to the advice of friends and family she now loves her rice cereal with a touch of applesauce.


One of the first bites


Not so sure about this stuff...


Mom and Dad what are you guys doing to me???


Yuck, I've had enough!

Evelyn Goes Swimming

Evelyn had her first swim in a giant pool! She wasn't too sure if she liked it, but she never cried. These pictures capture the essence of her demeanor during the entire event.





Maybe next time I'll be able to get a smile out of her!

Fun With Photo Editing

I've always used photoshop to edit pictures, but today I decided to try picnik. So fun! Here are the two pics I messed with.

Before

After (60's effect)

Before

After (cinema effect)

Sunsets and Stuff

Lots of things have happened, and I have yet to blog about them. I've got loads of great pictures from our vacation to California in December, updates about Evelyn and other fun stuff. But lately, blogging has not been the priority, sorry! Today I just wanted to say hello and show you all this beautiful sunset we enjoyed a few weeks ago.

IF I WERE A...

IF I WERE A __________ I WOULD BE...

DAY: Monday, I like new things and new weeks.

TIME: dusk (5:00pm-ish)

DIRECTION: west (to California and the beach!)

TREE: this tree (don't know it's name, do you?)

TOOL: bandsaw

FLOWER: dahlia

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT: violin

COLOR: magenta

FRUIT: grapefruit

ELEMENT: water (I was gonna say mercury, like from the periodic table of elements, but couldn't find a good pic).

FOOD: A margherita pizza from Italy (the most crispy delicious thin crust EVER)!

PLACE: Amsterdam

MATERIAL: paint

SCENT: coffee

OBJECT: a Danish modern chair

SONG: Not EVERY song by Bjork, but most of them.

Advice Time

We're thinking of getting a jumper or walker for Evelyn. She loves to be held in the standing position and I think in a month or so when she's a little more stable she will really enjoy something like this. The one I was liking is from Baby Einstein. I like that it can fold up super compact, but it only allows for jumping, not walking. I've seen others that can do both but they are way bulky.

Do any of you have advice or recommendations? What have your kids or your friend's kids enjoyed?

Patina Sneak Peek

Click HERE to see some photos of my watercolors at Patina.

2 Pieces of Exciting News

My new Etsy shop is up and running! You'll find my lovely watercolors, most on handmade paper. The new name is:

Second, I would like to introduce you to

Patina is a local art and craft venue where I have been invited to show my watercolors from January 20th to February 13th!

Here is a little more about Patina in the owner's words, "Patina is more than your average boutique. Our shop will feature a weekly-rotated group of local artists, small craft classes and a place for the whole neighborhood to come admire, purchase and learn about great handmade art.

Patina feels like a retail store – it’s open 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday – but with a homey, inviting touch. It has a great easy-to-find location on Main Street in Pleasant Grove.

Patina offers a variety of unique, stylish handmade items all in one place – and because the selection changes weekly, there’s always a reason to come back. Everyone who visits Patina can learn about the world of art – artists and not-yet-artists alike. Local artists/crafters/creators can gather to sell their creations AND learn from each other".

Isn't that rad?! I love the whole concept and am VERY excited to participate. Please spread the word about Patina; if you or anyone you know would like to apply to show your creative awesomeness click HERE.

Come see me and other super talented people Jan 20-Feb 14!
More pictures here.