Finally framed....

After all, I only made this last summer and intended to give it to my father on his birthday.........forgot about it then......so, ok.....one of his Christmas gifts, forgot about it again. It wasn't until I stumbled into Hobby Lobby with my son and noticed select frames 50% off. The best part about it...the perfect frame that I envisioned was one included! So, with my excitement from finding this frame on sale, I got right home and finished my project for my dad.

He loved it, but decided he wanted to give it to my mother.....something to help her hold onto those memories. When he took it to her, she glanced at it a minute or so and immediately said...."Aggie.........oh, Paul there's Aggie and you and I". To him that was priceless, not only did she reconnect to a part of their lives together.....but the joy she had, that she could do that.....actually remember, was the best by far!!

So that gift was twofold......happiness to my father and mother as well. Just wish I would have remembered sooner!

Now, whenever I do something nice for my dad, I try to do something for the hubby (just so he knows he's important too). Well, I made this cast of characters into his favorite treat....Oatmeal Scotchies! Well, now I have unleashed something. Both my son and hubby are on a Scotchie kick now and I have made these 2 times in the last week! I offered chocolate chip with pecans.....no way!!

Well, if practice makes perfect........then I will be able to master the perfect Oatmeal Scotchie this side of Michigan!

Practice and more practice.......

Well, with four days off, I thought I'd practice my photography skills. With one son, I can only take so many of him before he gets annoyed. Especially if he's still lounging around in his pajama bottoms. The hubby doesn't like to pose too often, unless he is holding one of the cats......then it's fair game! So, that leaves me with the cats.......cause they never complain, they just start ignoring me and walking away.

Here are a few I was able to capture, when the sun decided to poke through, with all the snow falling.

I've decided to look into a macro lens, because I love the close-ups best! Now just to decide between the 50mm and the 60mm.












This next one is my screen saver for now........my favorite so far.






So, bear with me a bit with all these pictures of the cats..............just learning and improving one snapshot at a time. Maybe when I take a class this summer, there will be some variety. I promise to experiment on more than just flowers and cats! Maybe my nieces and nephew............watch out Darek, Brooke, Rachel and Nicole.......Aunt Linda will be coming your way, no hiding either!!

Baby it's cold outside...........

When you're a teacher, you learn to appreciate these lovely burst of frigid temps and blizzard remnants, because it means one simply Divine Truth........SNOW DAYS!! This little 'Great Lake affect blizzard' couldn't have come at a better time, it allowed for a nice 4 day weekend!


I woke up this morning and couldn't wait to take more pictures of it's beauty........white fluffy snow has such a purity to it!


This pic reflects the -17 degree temperatures that have come our way........and yes!........baby it is cold outside!







Our back yard (pool area) is covered with the stuff. It is so beautiful to look out at while surfing the net, I love the tranquility.









This slide has seen better use....the only thing sliding down that are mounds of snow!

Jade took one step outside....retreated to the warmth, and licked her frozen paw off!

My son has kept up on the drive........and the best part is, he volunteered!! A heart of gold I tell ya!!

So, I won't complain.........well, try not to, when I have to go out and face the below zero temps!

Brrrrrrrrrr!

Serving always warms the heart and soul.....

Last Saturday, amongst the cold and snowy weather, my son and I served along side our Ditto in-laws. There was no other place we wanted to be. We all were so pumped, that the cold didn't seem to bother any of us!

The church that I am affiliated with, Granger Community Church, hosted the Food Drop '09. We unloaded 4 semis full of food into 8-10 smaller trucks, and took the boxes of food door to door to help those that might be struggling to make ends meet.

Here is my sister-in-law and I. She is my pillar of strength with her faith, always strong no matter what is thrown her way! She faithfully serves every weekend, helping with the children ministries. She also keeps the torch lit under me when I get frustrated with my mother's Alzheimer's.

My in-laws......what a good looking group!

I borrowed this photo and the one above from one of the church photographers to show the group together.

Colton with his cousin Rae, I am so glad he is close to all of his cousins!

Perfect end to a perfect day of serving. My sis and brother in-law at Hacienda trying to thaw out a little.

I am very pleased that my son loves to serve along side of me. He has a heart filled with compassion, and that, I am most grateful for!

Coolest Pinata ever......

My son and his friend had this project to finish over winter break for their Spanish II class. He kept asking me to buy all these supplies, and I kept asking......"are you sure you need all these things for a pinata (the superman necklace)?" I should have trusted that he new what he was doing. It turned out superb!


Here are a few picture of the artists and their masterpiece!

His teacher agreed.....it was one of the best she has seen. She hung it in her room instead of breaking it during the celebration.

I'm on a snapping frenzy.......

It has been a daily ritual. Now when I come home from work, or go anywhere I grab my new camera and snap pictures of anybody who is willing. Here are a few of my family.......I guess you could include the cats as family too!

The hubby loves his steaks and did not mind the 23 degree weather ......or the snow for that matter

I need to invest in a macro lens...I love close ups!

Curious Jade......

Mason looks like he's praying........maybe, "lord please, make her stop and leave me be!"

I love this one of Jade!

My dear father....I love that smile!

My sister, the best friend anyone could ask for!

Colton spent the afternoon with grandma Ditto.

This is one of my favorites.....gosh, they look so much alike!

I like the ones in natural light better.

Most of these were taken SOOC and in automatic mode. Oh, I can't wait to release the full potential of this camera once I learn more functions!


I know what I will be doing this summer!!