This is why I can't wait for a DSLR camera

Google is celebrating 10 years and they had posted that 'Google is turning 10' and a link that said, 'Come celebrate with us', so I had to check it out by viewing the timeline. Well, I found this web page that showed 25 of the most amazing macro shots. Here is a link if you would like to see them too, http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/09/21/25-beautiful-macro-photography-shots-photos/. I thought they were so astonishing, that I really had to fight hard to resist the urge to go out and buy a DSLR camera and lens right then and there. But, oh man........I can't wait now!!

So, here are a few that I thought were so amazing, with the photographer listed above their shot.



The photo is taken by Kristina Buceatchi.





The photo is taken by Lux Tenebra.



I must have an eye fetish or something, because these two were my favorites. Well, these eyes anyway.........you'll see what I mean if ya' check it out!

That is the kind of love.....

A fellow blogger friend of mine, Diane of http://nelliesnest.blogspot.com/, left me a nice comment with a link to this blog: http://www.amazingpapergrace.com/how-to-dance/. Becca had posted a story that really related to my life in relation to what my father faces from time to time. So, I wanted to share it with you because it is such a terrific story.

How to Dance in the Rain

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80’s arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.
I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor’s appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.
The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer’s disease.
As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late.
He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.
I was surprised, and asked him, ‘And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?’
He smiled as he patted my hand and said,
‘She doesn’t know me, but I still know who she is.’
I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought,
‘That is the kind of love I want in my life.’


True love is neither physical, nor romantic.

True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.
‘Life isn’t about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.’

Keep dancing in the rain Dad, keep dancing!! I am so proud of the man you are and the examples you show me every day on how to live life!

I can only imagine....

We moved my mother into a new living facility that actually has a memory care unit. The one we had her at previously said they were, but in reality, were not set up that way. So after giving them over a year to "get things right"; like helping my mother brush her teeth, keeping her clean (she kept getting wounds on her body that became infected) and changed on a frequent basis, they still had troubles. Most of the problem was under staffing, untrained nurses aids and big time turnover. A person with Alzheimer's needs individuals trained on how to care for them and deal with the outbursts of anger, without lashing back to the person. The old facility would have one girl care for 25 memory affected individuals at one time. Then if the under staffing wasn't a problem, having a new face to connect to every week was just as frustrating for my mom. Equally frustrating was knowing my father paid over $6,000 a month for their "lack" of care.

So, my father, sister and I made a decision to move her into this new facility. I hope my mother never has to go through another move again. It took us 8 hours to complete the move; unpacking, loading the truck, paperwork, med change, unload and finally unpacking. We took great detail trying to get everything back as close to her room at the other facility, so it would seem familiar to her (pictures on the wall just the same, photos placed in their correct places..etc.). Well, within those 8 hours I could begin to get a better grasp of how she interprets life now. I have gained a great respect for my mother's strength as she faces life crippled by this disease.

I know it was hardest on her, but I came home so defeated. A few times she did not know us as her husband or daughters. She thought at times we were taking her things away from her. She asked me why I would want to take things that were not my own. The toughest part was when we told her to come see her new room, she looked at my sister and I and said, "Why are you trying to get rid of me? I thought you were my buddies, why are you throwing me out to no longer live with you?" As she was saying this, tears were running down her cheeks. I immediately started to cry, as I always do when I see anyone cry, in person or on TV, or in a movie. I tried to explain that it was because we loved her that we were taking her here, to get the best care possible for her. She said, "it is easy for you, you go home and I am left here alone with no-one."

That I hope, will be the hardest time I will face. Actually, I know the times will get worse. My heart aches for my mother. I can't understand why something like this would happen to her. She was so giving to anyone she'd meet. She volunteered at the local hospital, service league, home for mentally challenged individuals to name a few. I know there is a reason, I just can't seem to find it's meaning or purpose in the scheme of things quite yet.

I just know that in honor and love for my mother I have tried to follow her footsteps. I want her to know that her life mattered, she has and continues to touch so many people. There is something I will learn from this part of her life too, something truly meaningful I am sure.

I will be patient......I realize that I am fortunate that I still have her in my life at all! I'll not stay defeated!

Today she's 80!

We celebrated my Mom's 80th birthday today. I was hoping, on the way to her assisted living facility, that it would be a good day. We were lucky the evening turned out so good. She kept forgetting it was her birthday, and kept asking my sister Sharyn if it was her birthday. As the night went on she starting connecting everything. The best part was seeing her smile. She liked opening her gifts.....and was happy with all that we did. I brought a cake and she loved it.....Chocolate Turtle Cream Cake.....yum! I loved watching my father tease her, as he has always done since I can remember. We watched a Neil Diamond Concert on DVD and when her favorite song Sweet Caroline came on, her eyes lit up and her feet started tapping to the beat. Just like old times.......the times we try to help her hold onto!

The pictures below are from the past, as Alzheimer's has changed my mother so much physically. But, this is the same smile we got tonight and we feel they are priceless!



This is years ago when some of my parent's college friends hosted a surprise party for my mom. I think it was 30 years ago, her 50th.



When I think back....I don't remember a day that my mother did not have a smile on her face. She was always happy!





So, Happy Birthday Mom..........I love you so very much!

It's his Baby J......

My hubby noticed again that I have posted pics of Mason and not any of Jade recently. Well, I have to keep it even.......so, here's his little girl. I mentioned she has him wrapped around her little paw and it is not an understatement. I'll have to catch a video to share of when he gets home from work and how excited they both get to see each other.....and to think my hubby wasn't a big fan of the feline species before he met me.....you'd never know it now!

Yes....Jade likes to snuggle too (with Colton), and on HER terms!

She needs her 'alone time'.......to just sit and chill before she's off at 90 miles an hour again.

Oh, and she just loves to daydream out the window!

She is just too cute, you can't help but love her and her playful, diva personality.

Take a peek at my better half......

Last night I was creating and burning a photo/audio DVD of Ohio State pictures for my father. He so badly wanted something to show my mother, on her television, for her to remember that major part of their life together. They were college sweethearts and attended nearly every home game together, after they graduated (1951), up until 2003 when my mother's Alzheimers made it impossible for her to go.

So, as I am searching my files for all my photos, I came across this video my son shot of my husband last summer from his point-and-shoot camera.
It was captured at a resort in South Carolina.

Come get a peek of what I deal with on a somewhat daily basis.....






You know, I wouldn't trade it for the world.......he keeps me balanced.

Oh, I just love my happy-go-lucky, fun loving guy!

Ahhh, to see him smile...

I get the most joy out of seeing my son smile and enjoy life! He has several good friends and loves to capture the times they share. He enjoyed his last day of summer vacation with Ashley at our club's pool. He's thinking on life guarding there next summer.




Here is Teila and he (they have been friends for 9 years!) goofing around before his school's Friday night football game!




Now this I captured last Sunday. My sister-in-law Kim and her kiddos were down while the brothers played golf. As I returned from visiting my parents, the ice cream truck came clanging around the neighborhood. The cousins thought it would be fun to run after it. Here are a few pics of their treats. They are such goof balls together!







Ahhh, I love his smile!

Lessening the load.....

Ok....so last week I was a little stressed. Well, not only because of the typical start of a new school year, but I like being a "Yes Girl" and helping out whenever I can.

So, I said:

*Yes....I will accept working six hours straight with no prep, 27 students in some classes (alternative students) and a 15 minute lunch to save the district some money.
*Yes, I will also teach two nights a week 3-8pm. (along with my regular teaching 8am-3pm M-F).
*Yes...I will continue to coordinate student volunteers to help at the Senior Center.
*Yes....I will lead the Student Senate (so they know they are valued and important) because there never had been one before I came on board.
*Yes....I will teach a service based learning class to have our students contribute and give back to the community.
*Yes...I will take on Master's classes every Friday and Saturday so I can renew my license in two years (teachers have to obtain a professional renewal license within 5 years by taking 18 additional credits, then 6 every five years thereafter...got to keep us fresh and up to date!).
*Yes...I will be our school representative and negotiator for the district's teachers union.
*Yes...I will faithfully visit my mother (she has Alzheimer's and lives in a home) every Sunday.
*Yes....I will do my father's laundry and visit him every Sunday, as I want to never regret that I did not make time for them.

Well, I started looking like this.........



So, I went to my director and had to tell her that I can't do the two nights a week 3-8pm. I felt so bad, as I love my adult students. They really value this education that they are fighting so hard to obtain. Well, they were able to find a replacement for me. So, yesterday was my last night and most bittersweet. The students hugged me and did not want me to stop teaching them, but they understood. That touched me because, although I had taught a few last year...I was only a teacher to some for 4 days. It was so hard to say no to this because I love what I do. I want to make a difference to each and every person I meet, no matter who.

Well, to make a short story long.....(I am know to do that!), I now can:

Say.......

*Yes....to getting my son to tennis practice and picking him up.
*Yes....to watching ALL of his tennis matches.
*Yes....to spending more time with the hubby (one of my favorites)!

AND the best of all.....attending church on Saturday evenings with my family. I'm hoping my professors continue to let us go a little early!

If I could do it all, I would very happily! I just couldn't balance it all at this time. I'll just continue to be a Wonder Woman want-a-be! My hubby always thought Linda Carter was a hottie!

What a guy........

I started my Master's this weekend and as I came home from a long weekend of classes (friday night and ALL day Saturday!)

From here......


I thought I would have to tackle housework and laundry. So, I was prepared for this battle..............





But instead I came home to my hubby vacuuming the house. To my amazement....the whole house was sparkling!! What a nice surprise!!!!
I didn't expect it, but was so grateful!

I was able to enjoy the rest of the day!

He's too cute.....

While I was at class, my hubby and son captured some really cute pictures of Mason. He loves to lay on that blanket........no matter who has it on them (just ask my mother-in-law!).

Total comfort......

I just loved this one. Almost looks like he's covering his mouth and snickering!



You know, we have lucked out with cats. I would just hate to have a pet that wanted nothing to do with me. Especially since cats are very independent creatures. Not Mason, he wants to be near you always!

Well, all I do know is that we love this very small creature that God has blessed us with and we are lucky he likes us back!

Nothing like the last minute.......

Well, I finished decorating my classroom today at 3:45 pm and had family coming over at 4:00 to swim and cookout. I seem to work better under pressure and at the last minute. I can't say I am not stressed....I just seem to kick it into full gear and get more accomplished.

Well, I had forgotten to take pictures and ran back at 8:10 pm to get pictures (since I forgot my hubbies camera at the school).

This school is old, build in the 60's and was originally an elementary school. Now it is used for the Alternative and Adult Education. Also, the Administrative offices are in this building. So, I get to see the Superintendent every day! The facility is in need of many repairs, but this is last on the agenda for updates. It houses a day care, gymnasium and has a fully functional 22 station computer lab, so it's not so bad. You can see how old it is in the following pics of my room!









I just love my new poster with the dog wearing the heart shaped glasses. It reads....ACCEPTANCE is seeing with your heart and not your eyes.