There are a great many benefits to where my new stamping studio is located, but Numero Uno for the family is the fact that it's in a little courtyard right across the street from my kids' school.

In the morning, it's smooches for everyone at the corner and then they cross with Loula (our friendly crossing guard) to the school yard where they meet up with their friends. And then at 3:20 when the bell rings, Serena picks up her little brother from his class and they cross the road back to me.

When they come in, it's a big production.. and I can usually hear them for a good 3 minutes beforehand as they giggle and chitchat about their respective days. Then they throw their backpacks about the foyer, raid my mini fridge for water bottles and snacks while I pack myself up to get ready to walk us all home.

But on nights when I have a class to teach, then they hang out with me here until it's time for Daddy to walk them back...anytime between 4-5. Do they use this time to do their homework??? No way!

It's ALL ABOUT THE STAMPING!

Serena's in charge of everything: she helps Morgan pick out his stamp sets, his inks, she even teaches him techniques...I think Poppin' Pastels was the most recent one she showed him how to try.

This afternoon they decided to work on their end-of-school cards for their teachers. Everyone say it with me... "ahhhhhhhh!" And best of all, unlike my husband when he comes to stamp, they CLEAN UP after themselves. Sweeeeeeeeet!