Aging with Grace

Changes - Sunday Snapshot

2012-01-29T14:45:00.000-06:00

There's been a couple of pretty big changes happening this week for Grace.
She had her ears pierced (completely her idea)
and she got glasses.
I think she looks quite grown up and studious in these pics.

I didn't need glasses until ~ 4 years ago and I'm still adjusting to them.
My husband has worn them since he was 5 years old.
Grace is starting at 9.

I still remember when I got my ears pierced
at 13...it was very exciting.

She's embraced both changes and is acting very responsible about taking
care of her ears and brand new glasses.

We found out Grace is nearsighted,
she was having difficulty seeing the clock's numbers
in the classroom.
We think she's beautiful!

4/52 and Favorite Photo Friday - Celebrating the year of the dragon

2012-01-26T21:20:00.000-06:00

{lion dance costumes}

This was a first for us as we joined our local FCC group
and participated in their Chinese New Year celebration.

Grace loved the crafts and made a few beaded items,
a bookmark, and various other things.
She was in heaven!

Will was in a parade with the golden dragon.
He also met a friend from his kindergarten class
who has a twin sister.
The three of them hung out the entire time.
He was delighted to see Hope and Stella there.

One of the highlights for us all was the Lion dance.

There were 6 lions dancing around the large room.
This was the first time that Will got to put hong bao in the lion's mouth.
(so fun!)

The other highlight was seeing this Chinese dance group perform.
The peacock costumes were designed and hand made in China for this event
and shipped back here.

There were also performances by a kung fu group,
singers,
of course fireworks (bubble wrap)
and plenty of food.

We definitely will be back next year!

(Sunday Snapshot) - Xin Nian Kuai Le!

2012-01-22T18:50:00.000-06:00

{Chinese New Year Portraits}

Chinese New Year started a little early for us.

Saturday was our Madison FCC celebration.

I took advantage of the fact that Grace and Will

were dressed in their Chinese silks and took some portraits.

It's fun to see how much they have grown in a year.

8 years ago we celebrated Chinese New Year

for the first time

with Grace's travel group.

Grace was 17 mos. old.

Every year we try to do something.

Xin Nian Kuai Le!
(Happy New Year!)

Gong Xi Fa Cai!
(Congratulations and Be Prosperous!)

Wishing you a healthy, blessed and prosperous Year of the Dragon!!

(Just enough) - Beyond Layers week 1

2012-01-20T10:55:00.000-06:00

{just enough}

Keeping it simple with oranges in a white compote.

Favorite Photo Friday - Snowy days

2012-01-19T18:50:00.000-06:00

Old man Winter has finally arrived in these parts,
with snow and more snow this week.
Tomorrow's forecast is another 6-8 inches and there's already
talk of school being cancelled (which rarely happens here.)

This is our pup Zoe's first Winter and she LOVES it.
I think because she's a lab/husky mix she's absolutely built for snow and cold.
She and Will are big fans of laying down in the white stuff.

I have fond memories of me as a little girl playing for hours with my siblings

making tunnels and snow caves.

Why is it that children don't seem to notice cold faces and frozen fingers?

It's because they're having so much fun!

My snow bunny Grace.
I love the snowflakes in her hair and on the hood of her jacket.

I shoot quite a few snow pictures here in Wisconsin,
thought I'd give my camera settings:

F/ 2.2
1/2500 sec.
ISO - 160
50 mm lens

Edited with Florabella's
Classic Workflow Photoshop Actions.
I used Classic Color at 50%
and Basic Color Boost at 25%,
with Highlight Protector added and a little sharpening.

3/52 - preparation

2012-01-17T11:45:00.000-06:00

Chinese New Year Lantern

We have the house decorated and ready to welcome the Year of the Dragon that starts Jan. 23.

I've been asked to give Chinese New Year presentations

to both of Grace and Will's classes this year.

It's been fun to prepare and we're pretty excited.

Edited later to say:
So I've been asked about resources and what am I presenting?
I try and keep it age appropriate, Will is in Kindergarten so
I'm reading Bringing In the New Year by Grace Lin.
I'll show the class where the country of China is as related to the United States
on a globe or map in the classroom.
We'll do a craft and make a paper dragon,
have a snack of oranges
and hand out red envelopes with chocolate coins in them (at the end).
We may play a game.
For Grace's class(3rd) we'll do a little more.

A great resource that I highly recommend is the book,
Chinese New Year For Kids, by Cindy Roberts.

Both of the above books are found on Amazon and I linked to them.

Some other web sites I love are
China Sprout for everything Chinese and culture related.

Oriental Trading for red envelopes, items for a party, etc.

Please let me know if anyone has other resources,
would love to find out more!

2/52 and Favorite Photo Friday - He's a rock star!

2012-01-13T04:00:00.000-06:00

The other day while I doing something in the kitchen,
I heard the sound of Will's
guitar. (A favorite birthday gift).

I sneaked around the corner to spy for a little while.
I simply watched, no photos were taken at first.
Then the guitarist started to play a second song...

perhaps we have another Eddie Van Halen or Eric Clapton!
(Complete with a blue tongue from a popsicle). ;)

Ah...little boys.
I adore this one.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.
Stay warm, we had our first big snow yesterday, can't
wait to get the kids outside.
I have to say I was gettin' pretty used to 50 degree temps in January!

I Heart Faces - Best Face Photo of 2011

2012-01-09T08:50:00.000-06:00

Grace (age 8) - Summer 2011.

It wasn't hard for me to choose a photo for I Heart Face's Best Face of 2011.

Taken on July 2, 2011, Grace and I had spent part of the morning at a local botanical park

for a photo assignment for a class I was taking.

We were almost ready to leave and stopped near the gate to sit down.

She looked up at me and I think I love this so much

because it's such a natural expression for her.

Check out more at i heart faces.

1/52 - journey

2012-01-06T04:00:00.000-06:00

It's a new year and pretty natural
for self reflection and looking ahead.
I was recently thinking about how it was just about 3 years ago
that I received my first DSLR camera.

My journey with photography has been interesting to say the least
and I couldn't have possibly ever seen what was ahead.
I've had a fun year, and my photography continues to change and grow.
I'm very much looking forward to learning more
and seeing what 2012 brings.

Probably the best part for me personally has been that I've been able to give back.
A few months ago I was asked by An Orphan's Wish to be
one of their photo editors.
I have the great pleasure of choosing and editing photos each month
for their web site home page.

An Orphan's Wish provides a loving, caring environment for orphaned children in China.
It specializes in helping children with medical conditions, special needs and cerebral palsy.
I hope you'll click on the link and meet these special children.
The huge bonus is that I get to fall in love with these precious ones
as I edit away.

Hoping the New Year is all that you hope for and then some!

Kodak Brownie Hawkeye camera (circa 1950-1961).

Cupcakes and cocoa

2012-01-03T13:02:00.000-06:00

About 5 days before Christmas

Grace expressed the desire to have a little tea party with a couple of her friends.

It was hard to squeeze it in before the 25th, but we managed to have

a little get together just before New Years.

She had a little notebook and had written down
everything she wanted.
She's a list maker like her mom.

Marie Grace was invited,

as were Lydia and Izzy.

The tea party theme eventually turned into cupcakes and hot chocolate.

(Definitely their favorite Winter time drink.)

Grace and I baked and frosted the cupcakes the night before.

If you ever bake mini cupcakes, you fill

the papers about 2/3 full and bake at 325 degrees for 15 -18 minutes.

They turned out perfect.

3 sweet girls who happen to each live only a few houses away.

They're beautiful on the inside and out,

we're so thankful for best friends!

Favorite photo Friday - Looking back

2011-12-30T04:00:00.000-06:00

As the end of 2011 rapidly approaches, I thought I'd choose 12 of my best photos.
Really 'favorite' would be a better word to use.
As I went through hundreds of pictures, I had a couple of thoughts...
these two have grown like crazy and we had quite a year!

Taken just about a year ago in their Chinese clothing to celebrate Chinese New Year,
these two made me smile.
You can see so much of their personalities.
I'm making a note to self to get out that backdrop out and do it again
in January.

January 2011.

Grace in contemplative moment.

Late March 2011.

Easter Sunday, playing and jumping on the stones
outside the restaurant we were at for brunch.
I love this candid.

April 2011.

Swan Lake.
Grace's first Spring recital, she's in the background if you look closely.

May 2011.

Will with shades on, swinging.
Our sweet Molly looks on, she lives in heaven now.

June 2011.

Door County, WI vacation.
I bought 2 little vintage Kodak Instamatic cameras off e-bay for the kids to play with.
They were a huge hit!
This series was one of my favorites and I use this image
on my thank you notes
for clients.

August 2011.

Will holding a yellow leaf.
You can see so much of his personality in this one with his sparkly eyes.
He's a mischievous one. ;)

October 2011

Portrait of Grace that was used for our Christmas card.
I love the light and her expression here.
It was an extremely windy Fall weekend and cold.
My camera was acting up and I went with what I got that weekend.
Grace's hair was flying everywhere in almost every image-
like straight up in the air.
Some cloning was done.

October 2011

Playing at the dog park, one of my favorite candids.
It's real life and my 2 little loves.

November 2011.

Grace before we left for the Nutcracker, about two weeks ago.

December 2011.

And finally, Will on Christmas Day (which is also his Birthday).
While doing a little photo session, he spun around
and gave me this look, (this is so him).

December 2011.

Well, another year has come and gone.

Wishing you blessings, health, and lots and lots of love and laughter
in the New Year.

xo
Gail

52/52 and Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-28T10:09:00.000-06:00

Our Christmas

2011-12-26T22:26:00.000-06:00

Will (on Christmas Eve) looking pretty pleased as he's checking gifts under the tree.

Our tradition for Christmas Eve typically is pretty relaxed and low key.
We attend the children's service at our church,
then come home
and unwrap a few family gifts with our oldest son and his girlfriend.

Milk and cookies are left for Santa...

This year we let Grace and Will stay up a little later than normal
and they slept in until 7:30 am, that was a first!

Santa left some awesome gifts for 2 children that were awfully good this year. ;)

I spent about two hours Christmas morning just watching them enjoy their gifts,
listening to them talk and laugh,
and play together.
Time that was precious to me.

I hope your Christmas was wonderful!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T04:00:00.000-06:00

Behind all the commercial-ism of the season
is the simple story about a family trying to get through difficult times.
And a baby born in a manger.

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

~ Luke 2:10-11

Merry Christmas!

May you find the blessings of Christmas - peace, love and hope...today and always.

Nutcracker

2011-12-21T08:11:00.001-06:00

(My sister and I had similar jewelry boxes with a twirling ballerina when we were little.)

It's a tradition that dates back to when my oldest son
was a little guy and we'd see the Nutcracker in
the San Francisco bay area and later in Chicago.
And yes he dressed up and looked adorable!

Grace and I have made it our little tradition since she was 5.
She chose the dress all by herself, and it's very 'Grace.'

Each year before we leave for the Nutcracker,
I take her picture in front of our Christmas tree.
This year I tried something different and captured Grace in her room
with one of her favorite dolls.

(I gave her a ballerina and nutcracker ornament to remember this special afternoon.)

At the age where her favorite things are Barbies, American Girl Dolls,
playing with dear friends,
her ipod touch and listening toTaylor Swift,
I'd like time to stop for a very long while.
I relish these days with my daughter.

A moment in time captured of my little girl who is 9.

Merry Christmas.
I have one or two more posts this week.

51/52 - Christmas memories

2011-12-19T19:48:00.000-06:00

What is Christmas?
It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present,
hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow
with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path
may lead to peace.

~ Agnes M. Pahro

(The majolica platter and plates belonged to my late mother-in- law, and the framed photo shows

my late father-in- law at age 3. The little shoes were his too.)

It was out of tenderness for the past that I was inspired to capture these images,

and remember

Grandparents and parents who have passed on.

I'm reminded of them of when I hear certain songs, read a handwritten recipe or look at

ornaments they owned that are now ours.

It is said that all hearts come home at Christmas.

Sunday Snapshot - A Merry (Birthday) Christmas

2011-12-18T04:00:00.000-06:00

Guess who's 6 years old?

Will!

His birthday is Christmas Day but we celebrate it
a little early. Otherwise there's just
too much going on and his birthday gets lost
in the day.

At age 6, Will is:

confident,

handsome,

smart,

athletic (he may be teaching his hip hop class pretty soon),

funny,

a love bug,

loves Kindergarten, his teacher,

and his family.

He's grown more emotionally in the last year
than in the previous 2 years combined.
When I look at these pictures, I see a very happy little boy.
We've come a long way
and I'm happy we've made the journey!

Favorite Photo Friday - celebrating the Holidays at school

2011-12-17T10:30:00.000-06:00

Yesterday these 2 had their holiday programs at school.
I didn't take many pictures but got this one before we left
and we shot video of the performances.
If you pause the playlist at the bottom of my blog,
you can hear all six Kindergarten classes at Grace and Will's school
sing and watch Will. He's awfully cute!

50/52 - the adventures of Max and Elfred

2011-12-14T04:00:00.000-06:00

This is our second December with these two

and their names were chosen by Grace and Will.

They show up in unusual places like among the wine

bottles (above).

Sometimes they're mischievous

and do naughty things like squeeze toothpaste out of the tube.

Occasionally I don't have a clue what to make them do.

Pinterest has inspired me with some of their adventures.

It's been great fun for us all.

The man in the red suit

2011-12-12T04:00:00.000-06:00

(Taken yesterday afternoon).

There's been a great deal of anticipation

and talk about Santa around here lately.

Last year was our first visit

and it definitely was a huge success.
Previous to that they both were a little afraid to speak to him
and get up so close.

I think the best part for me is to listen in on the conversation...

whether they've been behaving well and

what they'd like for Christmas.

Thankfully Santa's got it covered...Will is asking for a 'Ninja Castle'

and Grace a 'Holiday Barbie.'
I love seeing Christmas through their eyes, I know this stage doesn't last long
and it's just precious to me!

We have a busy week ahead with final dance practices, the rehearsal for the Christmas recital
next week and their school has it's Holiday program on Friday.
I still have my Christmas cards to address and send.

Favorite photo(s) Friday - in search of the perfect tree

2011-12-09T04:00:00.000-06:00

In years prior when we visited our favorite tree farm in early December,
we have for lack of better words...
basically frozen our rear ends off.
This year was a pleasant exception.

I did notice that I didn't get a shot of Dan actually cutting down the tree,
but I'm sure you get the idea.
This is obviously one of our favorite Christmas traditions and after the tree is tied to the top
of the car, we go inside
the little house on the property to warm up and have hot apple cider.
I find that I look forward to this experience almost more than actually putting up the tree
and decorating it.
Grace and Will have so much fun here and can race up and down the rows.

Hope you all are enjoying this season
and taking time for yourself too.

(Will and his Daddy, they are best buds).

49/52 - tree kiss

2011-12-08T08:36:00.001-06:00

Sunday afternoon we went to cut a live tree,

this is the first year there was no snow and the temps were fairly mild.

I have more pics to post tomorrow and the kids had a blast.

Will was quite taken with what I call the "Charlie Brown trees,"

the small ones, some of which were kind of scraggly and sparse.

He went around kissing a few of these little guys and I found it incredibly cute.

I've heard of tree huggers but never a tree kisser.

Texture Tuesday - Celebrate

2011-12-06T10:00:00.000-06:00

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world,

and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.

~ Norman Vincent Peale

Ornaments from my husband's Grandmother that have been handed down.
I don't hang these on the tree, I put them
in a bowl or on a platter in the dining room.
Up high from kitty paws and doggy tails.
The glass ornaments remind me of days gone by and of a simpler time.
And I hope to pass them down to my children some day.

I'm linking to Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday where her theme
is 'Celebrate.'
First I desaturated the image to my taste,
then added two layers of her texture 'Lookup.'
the first at soft light at 35%
and the second at exclusion at 11%.
I loved the vintage feel they gave to the photo.

Favorite Photo Friday - Deck the Halls

2011-12-02T04:00:00.000-06:00

'Tis the season.
For decking the halls, bringing out the bling and sparkle,
and putting up a tree or two with lights and decorations.

I love Christmas time, and everything about it.
I love sending cards, listening to the music, looking at the lights and baking cookies.
I love my home at this time and how it looks, feels, smells and sounds.
I love our family traditions that bring back memories of my own childhood
and Christmas' past with friends and family.

(The important task of tree decorating requires close concentration for William).

My husband Dan was out of the country for work this week,
so I enlisted 2 helpers that happily complied.
This was the first year that the tree was decorated
in record time, without me finishing it by myself.
It wasn't completed in the above photo but
I think they did an amazing job!

(Grace even decorated Jack with a little Santa hat.
Obviously it didn't stay there long!)

Our December is already filling up quickly.
We have cookies to bake, a couple of trips to Chicago planned, school programs to attend,
a Christmas dance recital,
Grace and I will be going to the Nutcracker
later in the month and Will's 6th Birthday is coming up soon.

I'm trying not to focus on the time frame and enjoy each of these special moments.
And reflect on the true meaning of this season...
of Jesus' birth.

(Each year I buy my kids a new ornament.
Grace is holding a handmade Paris inspired one for the little white tree in her room).

Please check out more Favorite Photo Friday images
on Lisa's Long Road to China blog.

While you're there see what's up for today
at the "12 Days of Giveaways"
to benefit orphans in China.
It's a wonderful cause.

48/52 - 'Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house we go!'

2011-11-27T21:39:00.001-06:00

Grandma and Grandpa's house was our Thanksgiving destination.

Will is holding my brother Jim's dog, Patron.
Will called him 'trombone' which we thought was awfully cute.
Since our 6 month old puppy Zoe is now the size of a small horse,
Grace and Will were fascinated with this little dog.
Grace thought he looked like a stuffed animal and I have to agree!
Patron is a sweet little guy and loves children.

Our son Nick, his girlfriend Lindsay and our littles.

Gosh I love these 4 people.

We had a fabulous Thanksgiving with lots of delicious food, we all pitched in to help my Mom.

I'm most thankful for the gift of my family and know

how blessed I am to have my parents healthy and active.

The above is Will serenading us with some Christmas tunes.

Is it just me or does he look awfully comfortable with a microphone is his hand?

Especially in the pic on the right side with his hand in his pocket.

He's a natural!

I'll get some video of him singing.

47/52 - Farewell to Fall

2011-11-23T04:00:00.000-06:00

(Taken yesterday morning before school).

Fall is now turning into Winter.
The leaves are mostly gone and there's a permanent chill in the air.
Thanksgiving is almost here.
Which means Christmas is around the corner.

Yesterday the Kindergarten classes at Will's school had a Harvest Festival
to celebrate the end of Fall.

All the children dressed as scarecrows.
The above photo shows Will acting the part.
Quite well, if I may say so. ;)

This boy is a nut!

The wink was a bonus!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving.
We'll be spending it with my parents, my siblings and their families.
We have a lot to be thankful for!

12 Days of Giveaways

2011-11-22T09:55:00.001-06:00

Starting this Friday Nov. 25th through December 23rd,on each Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Lisa, Stefanie and Diana will be hosting a very special event.It's called 12 Days of Giveaways and it'll benefit orphans in China.

If you'd like to make a child's Christmas better,and maybe win a gift for yourself or get a gift for a special someoneon your Christmas list,please join in!!It'll be fun, I know I'm going to be there.

Favorite Photo(s) Friday - my children

2011-11-18T04:00:00.000-06:00

"They know me in a way no one ever has.
They open me to things I never knew existed.
They drive me to insanity and push me to my depths.
They are the beat of my heart,
the pulse of my veins,
and the energy in my soul.
They are my kids."

~ unknown

I didn't write the above but surely could have
because I've thought and felt every single one of those statements.

They make me laugh until I cry.
And sometimes frustrate the heck out of me.

I couldn't possibly love my children more than I do.

(His idea to use 2 sticks to make a mustache).

And couldn't have ever imagined that I'd be in my middle age years
and be a mama to two young children.

I'm grateful for this second and third chance at motherhood and thank God everyday
for my 3 children.
(the big and the 2 littles)

46/52 and texture Tuesday - the Phoebe eDition

2011-11-15T20:05:00.001-06:00

We're transitioning to Winter here in Wisconsin...yes it's coming soon.

I've been in denial about it's arrival, but need to come to acceptance.

The snow will be here.

Taken yesterday of these cattails on a marsh overlooking a pond

near our home.

I used two layers of Kim's 'Phoebe' texture,

one in overlay and the other in soft light.

Favorite Photo Friday - November

2011-11-11T08:44:00.001-06:00

Ah...November.

In our part of the world it is -

beautiful late afternoon light

wind blowing leaves off the trees
a first snowfall

and the anticipation of Winter days.

For me it's squeezing a few more outdoor sessions inwith my children.

Last weekend I took Grace out for some portraits

before the snow starts falling.

The light was amazing in this field.

Last year I took her here out on the train tracks.

It's pretty amazing to see how much she's grown in one year.

This girl is awfully patient with me, it was a little chilly when we did them.

I love how she managed to find some levity!

Grace's beautiful hair flower (the eggplant colored peony) is by Sophia Jane Boutique.

And her pretty outfit is by Matilda Jane.

I thought they went together fabulously!

Have a great weekend.

I'll be staying warm and toasty indoors. :)

45/52 - dreaming of...

2011-11-08T18:55:00.000-06:00

Can it really be true?
Halloween has come and gone and you know what comes next.
We barely get to celebrate or observe Thanksgiving, which is a little sad to me.

My littles were reminded last week when the above catalog arrived.
If you look closely, there are drawings, arrows pointing and names written of some things that
they'd love for Christmas.
Will even highlighted the coupons in the back for me.

As a child I remember my siblings and I perusing the Sears Wishbook.
The times have changed I suppose...
but maybe not?

I've started my Christmas shopping.

The hard part is finding a good hiding place.
There are little people here that like to look. ;)

Favorite Photo Friday - no tricks, just treats

2011-11-03T19:01:00.000-05:00

Halloween started with a costume parade, followed by class parties at Grace and Will's school.
Will's class were all Monarch butterflies and that's him flying away from his teacher.
In the evening he became Green Lantern.

I fully intended to take a lot of pics of the evening but it just didn't happen.
When our oldest (Nick) stopped by to see the kids in their costumes and then
volunteered to pass out candy,
Grace and I ventured out with a friend of hers.
Dan went with Will and some of his friends.

It was definitely a success as far as candy totals went...

I think Grace counted 142 pieces for herself.

Yikes!

44/52 - Halloween fun

2011-11-01T09:44:00.000-05:00

Just a glimpse of our Princess from India and Green Lantern taken the day before Halloween.

This year I decided to take a few pics of Grace and Will

before trick or treating because that evening is pretty wild and crazy

and I usually don't have time to get any of the two of them together.

I'm saving our Halloween night ones to put on the blog Friday.

I did get a few snapshots of the festivities.

Sunday Snapshot - Chicago

2011-10-30T17:17:00.004-05:00

'But when I go to Chicago, I know I'm home.'

~ Hank Sauer

(The Chicago Theater, historic Michigan Ave. walking north and inside Macy's on State, formerly Marshall Fields and Co.)

'I miss everything about Chicago, except January and February.'

~ Gary Cole

(The Cloud Gate - Millennium Park, Chicago)

The Cloud Gate also has a nickname of The Bean because of it's bean like shape (it's curved underneath like a bean).
I guess the sculpture was inspired by liquid mercury.
It's very cool how it reflects and distorts Chicago's skyline and as you can imagine it's a
popular place to take pictures.

My two favorite cities in the U.S. are Chicago and San Francisco.
So when my friend Grace wanted to make a little trip to Chicago,
I jumped at the chance for a weekend away to show her some of my favorite places
in this beautiful city.

(At the Art Institute of Chicago, one of it's iconic lions is in the top pic,
a Degas ballerina and one of many Buddhas in the Chinese collections).

Grace and I spent almost 5 hours in the Art Institute, something I haven't done in years.
It's hard to find words to describe this treasure trove of priceless collections
from around the world.

(Grace standing on the main staircase in the Art Institute).

My personal favorites were the collections of art by Monet, the Degas ballerinas,
anything by Toulouse- Lautrec, and pretty much everything
in the Chinese collections.
It was a thrill for me to see a few antique pottery bowls from my daughter's
birth city in China.

Last weekend Chicago showed us it's friendly people and it's beautiful Fall weather.

We did a lot of walking, a bit of shopping, some people watching,
took many pics (these are only a fraction of them), there was lots of laughing
and mostly catching up
with what was going on in our busy lives.
This little visit and time away were truly a treat for me...thank you so much Grace!
Please, let's do this again soon my friend.

(Michigan Ave. looking South)

43/52 - 4 more days

2011-10-27T18:58:00.000-05:00

In our house there is a 9 and a 5 year old who are practically giddy

with anticipation about one little day that happens to fall on Oct. 31.

Costumes are ready for wearing and candy's been purchased.

(It's been hidden somewhere and I just hope I can find it in time). ;)

42/52 - this and that

2011-10-19T04:00:00.000-05:00

(Taken over the weekend)

~ Fall truly seems to be here in Wisconsin. We were recently spoiled with at least 10 days

of an Indian Summer.

Now we're back to crisp days, cold nights and Winter coats that are presently being worn.

We're starting to bundle up now and ready or not, it's here.

We still have some leaves on the trees and I'm sure they'll soon be gone.

~ My camera is doing strange things and I'm concerned.

Over the weekend it started having issues and I'm getting a little stressed.

Especially since I just sold my old camera (kind of ironic, you think?)

~ Thursday I pick up my friend Grace at O'Hare airport and we'll be having a girlfriend

weekend in Chicago.

Grace had been wanting to visit the Windy City and hadn't experienced Fall in a while.

I need to remind her to bring a warm coat.

Can't wait to get together again, show her a few of my favorite places in Chicago

and maybe get a little bit of Christmas shopping done for my family too.

I'll be back to blogging next week.

Favorite Photo Friday - walk in the woods

2011-10-14T04:00:00.000-05:00

Bittersweet October.
The mellow, messy, leaf kicking perfect pause between
opposing miseries of Summer and Winter.

~ Carol Bishop Hipps

Besides the Autumn poet sings,
A few prosaic days
A little this side of the snow
And that side of the haze.

~ Emily Dickinson

falling leaves
hide the path
so quietly

~ John Bailey

How beautifully leaves grow old.
How full of light and color are their last days.

~ John Burroughs

A little bit of our Sunday afternoon.
A walk in the woods with acorn and leaf collecting thrown in for good measure.
And enjoying the peace and tranquility of this beautiful place.

41/52 - hip hop

2011-10-13T09:47:00.000-05:00

Last Spring Will and I were buying tickets for Grace's Spring recital at our dance school.
We were in a large open room waiting in line.
Will suddenly decided to do a long series of beautiful cartwheels across the room,
that ended with the splits.
A young woman came up to me right after that and asked if
Will could join her boy's (age 5-7) hip hop class in the Fall.
Will had a huge smile on his face and asked if he could try it.
Of course I said, yes.

These were taken last night, it was his second class.

He's the youngest and the smallest and can you tell he's lovin' it?!

By the way I was giggling the entire time I was shooting these...

This boy cracks me up.

Texture Tuesday - (Red)

2011-10-11T12:29:00.000-05:00

I had to participate in today's Texture Tuesday because red is my favorite color.

Taken recently of 2 sisters wearing red and plum colored pettiskirts,
I used one of Kim Klassen's textures called 'Thursday' on overlay and removed it off their skin.
This image has a lot of contrast and I thought the texture added a nice finishing touch.

Favorite Photo Friday - apple picking season

2011-10-06T21:50:00.000-05:00

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird

I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.

~George Eliot

It was a gloriously beautiful day Saturday and we made the little trek down
to our favorite apple orchard.
As I recall Grace and I first came here on a pre-school field trip when she was 4.
We've made it a little family tradition to come here every Fall.
One year it was so cold that we had our Winter coats on and it even snowed a little.

We still have plenty of apples left, and now I'm thinking I better get going on some baking this weekend.

And if you're interested, my favorite of this series is the below image,
a candid of Grace and William picking raspberries.
I love Grace's expression.

Happy Friday!

40/52 and {Texture Tuesday} - gratitude

2011-10-04T08:22:00.000-05:00

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.

~Thornton Wilder

Two days ago I captured the image of this milkweed with it's pods opening. I loved the contrast of the natural textures of the pods,

the seeds and the fluffy white parachutes that carry those seeds away.

The theme for this week's Texture Tuesday is 'gratitude.'

I'm grateful that I have eyes to see and I'm able to experience the change of seasons at this beautiful time of the year.

The sun was just setting when I shot this and I could see a little bit of pink in the horizon.

Textures I used were 'Thursday' at overlay

and 'Subtly Yours' at soft light.

Favorite Photo Friday - Almost October

2011-09-30T10:12:00.001-05:00

September has flown by and October is nearly here.

Grace and Will have adjusted quite well to getting up early, their new school year starting
and a very different schedule to their day.
Not sure that I'm used to the 3rd grade homework yet (the amount)...
all I can say is, yikes!!
Grace has taken it all in stride.

I couldn't be more proud of my Kindergartner Will,
his teacher is perfect for his personality and brings out the best in him.
He loves school...every single thing about it.

These were taken last Saturday afternoon at a local farm that sells
pumpkins and mums.
2 orange tabby kitties came out of the barn to greet us.
I think Grace wanted to take one of them home.

Hope you have something fun planned for the upcoming weekend!

39/52 - happy boy

2011-09-27T12:03:00.000-05:00

Hope you're enjoying Fall, however it comes to you. At least in some small way.

Taken on Saturday at a little farm on the side of the road that sells pumpkins, mums

and gourds. We bought 2 big pumpkins for our front porch and Mr. Will

had to check them out. A very happy, smiley Will.

I'll have more pics from that little farm visit later this week.

I Heart Faces - People's Choice

2011-09-26T17:17:00.000-05:00

This week's theme on I Heart Faces is 'Best Face Photo from Summer 2011.'

I had several favorites and it was very hard for me to choose one.

We were staying in Door County, WI in early August for a little R and R at the beach.

I love Grace's expression, the light and the way the wind was blowing her hair.

For more best face photos, go to www.iheartfaces.com

Favorite Photo Friday - country road

2011-09-23T04:00:00.000-05:00

I have a propensity for getting lost when I'm driving out in the country.
Not sure why.

Grace has kind of become my 'guinea pig' as far as trying out new locations for clients.

It's fun because I end up with lots of pictures of her and though
some times things don't turn out the way I thought they might.
I find that's usually okay...

Tuesday night I thought I remembered a cool old barn next to a stone building on a certain road.

Of course I hadn't written down the name of the road they were on.

We did find a dirt road next to a yellow soybean field.

With beautiful light.

No barn or stone building, but Grace got to pick 'fuzzies'

as she calls them.

And we both got to take in the quiet of an early Fall evening.

(Those fuzzies came home with us and now reside on the kitchen counter in a little vase.)

38/52 - Autumn

2011-09-22T15:01:00.000-05:00

The Autumnal Equinox arrives tomorrow (officially at 9:04 am).

I googled it, normally I'd never know such a fact.

This morning I was out and about and found a
beautiful tree, leaves changing color and starting to fall.
I love every single thing about this season!!

Favorite Photo Friday - September evening

2011-09-16T15:50:00.000-05:00

'Autumn - the year's last loveliest smile.'

W. Bryant

Even though it's not officially Autumn on the calendar quite yet,

it seems to be here in Wisconsin.

We're starting to see some leaves change

and our Summer clothes are pretty much put away.

It's our favorite season for so many reasons...
the beautiful light,
cooler temps, low humidity and clear blue skies...
vibrant golds, russets and oranges of the changing leaves,
and yummy harvest foods of pumpkins and apples.

Football season, pumpkin and apple picking and Halloween...
we love it all!

This is my first time participating in Lisa's 'Favorite Photo

Friday,' I shot this little series last night as the sun

was starting to set.

We took 4 month old Zoe to one of the beautiful dog parks nearby.

I hadn't taken Grace or Will's pictures in what seemed like a long time

and it felt great to get out and watch them run and play!

Have a wonderful weekend!

37/52 - selfie

2011-09-15T20:36:00.000-05:00

Ah the self portrait...also commonly known as the 'selfie'

in photography speak.

They are something I've avoided like the plague.

It's kind of interesting to say the least to have your face 600 pixels across

on your blog.

Thank you Grace for suggesting it...and see I did it!

36/52 - school days

2011-09-12T21:54:00.000-05:00

(Arriving home from school)

I'm playing catch up with my weekly photo project...I'm about a week behind so will post 2 this week.

School is going great for everyone. (Grace, Will and me).
Both kids love their teachers and school. I was a little worried about Will and how he'd do but he's doing great with full day Kindergarten and has reported to me he even fell asleep for a while during rest time.

My house is very quiet during the day but I've been able to get a lot of editing done for clients.
It's starting to feel like Fall and getting down into the 30's at night this week!

black and white Wednesday - saying farewell to Summer

2011-09-07T09:40:00.000-05:00

So as school has started and my kids are getting settled

into their new routine (very nicely I may add).

I was going through the many photos I took over the Summer

and found this one of Captain America that never made it

to my blog until now.

A serious Captain America of course.

We've had cooler days, which I heartily welcome.

Fall is a-coming and it's my favorite season!

This is the last black and white Wednesday,
Lisa's decided to change it up a bit
and will host a 'Favorite Photo Friday.'
Black and white Wednesday's have been great fun,
but change is good too!
.

35/52 - first day of school

2011-09-02T09:40:00.000-05:00

Last month we were busy getting ready with new backpacks, school supplies,

some school clothes and shoes.

Yesterday they were ready...more than ready I thought.

I thought I was too until the time of the drop off.

Mama got a little teary (but I didn't think they could tell).

Grace and Will had awesome first days.

I couldn't be prouder and especially of Will because it's full day

Kindergarten here. It's kind of a long day for a little guy.

Here's to a wonderful school year for these two!!

And those red shoes that light up were completely Will's choice!

black and white Wednesday - 8 years

2011-08-30T23:02:00.000-05:00

I shall be called by a new name, embraced by a fresh pair of arms,but I shall come and go, the eternal me.

~ Rabindranath Tagore

Late Summer is the time of year that I'm brought back to China,

because it was on the evening of

August 31, 2003 our lives changed forever.

In a hotel room in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province,

a beautiful 12 month old baby girl named 'Fu Lan Li'

was brought into our room. I will never forget how easily she came to me
and gave us a shy little smile.

'Lanli' as we called her in China, would become 'Grace Lanli Elizabeth'

when we arrived home to the U.S.
A joyful, loving and kind little girl, she's many years of hopes and dreams come true.

The years have flown by and our gift of Grace
led us to adopt William.
When I think about how much our lives have changed in the past 8 years,
it's pretty mind boggling.
The changes have all been good.

What we didn't know 8 years ago was that it
wouldn't be as simple as a child joining our family,
we would become a part of a very large extended family all
held together with the common thread of adoption.
It's an adoption community of kind and supportive people,
who encourage and help in anyway they can.

'
Recently I was asked
why I wanted to adopt in the first place and my answer was,
"Well, I knew there were many children out there that needed a mommy
and I wanted to be one.
God did the rest."

Our dearest Grace, we cannot imagine our lives without you.

Taken Sept. 11, 2003 in Guangzhou
before we left for the U.S. consulate ceremony.
The red shoes Grace is wearing in the picture now
reside with some other keepsakes from China
in a little cupboard in her bedroom.

34/52 - Zoe pup

2011-08-27T02:00:00.000-05:00

I think if you haven't had a puppy for many years, you kind of forget what it's like

and how much your life changes.

In my opinion it's pretty similar to having a newborn.

Except that newborns don't chew your furniture, or shoes or pretty much anything that's on the floor.

Zoe is a sweet girl and has a lot of Lab in her we think.

The house training is going well and she's crate trained.

We have found out that she is a huge fan of water, she loves to swim in it, bite it and stand in it.

Several times I've found her standing in her water bowl.

The puppy days don't last long and I'll miss them when they're gone.

She's also growing crazy fast!

(Zoe weighs 22 lbs. now and is 13 weeks old)

a sweet celebration

2011-08-25T02:00:00.000-05:00

Last week Grace celebrated her 9th birthday with 7 of her friends
at the Bloom Bake Shop in Middleton.
Occupying an absolutely precious space in the downtown area,
the bakery has definitely found it's niche.

Annemarie, the owner can really throw a party!
The girls got a full tour of the shop,
learned how to make a batch of yummy chocolate chip cookies (which they each took home later),
and played a game of 'Pin the candle on the cupcake.'

After choosing a name for the bakery's newest bright green Kitchen Aid mixer...

they decided on the name 'Clover,'

(which we thought was perfect...)

The girls then made a little craft project (a pin)
and learned the proper way to frost a cupcake.
It has to have the perfect swirl and Annmarie made it look much easier than it is to do.
After singing Happy Birthday to Grace,
the cupcakes were eaten immediately and declared delicious.

Grace and her friends (love those beautiful smiles on the girls).
What a fun way to celebrate age 9!!

black and white Wednesday - Summer recital

2011-08-24T02:00:00.000-05:00

The beautiful costumes.

Hanging out with a good friend backstage.

Lining up and waiting...there is a lot of waiting.

And finally...it was their turn!

These beautiful dancers were photographed on Saturday at the 5pm performance of 'Alice in Wonderland' put on by Grace's dance school.

It was an honor for me to help the girls with their costumes and makeup.

Find many more black and whites at 'The Long Road to China.'

And Happy Wednesday too!

33/52 - introducing . . .

2011-08-18T04:00:00.004-05:00

our newest addition to our family...12 week old Zoe!!!
I'm sure I'll have many stories about her in the coming weeks.

She won't replace our beloved Molly but we wanted to have another dog in our lives.

Zoe is a lab/husky mix who we found through a nearby pet rescue.
Okay, I know I'm a little bit biased...isn't she adorable?

black and white Wednesday - late Summer

2011-08-16T09:20:00.000-05:00

Grace and Will on the beach as the sun is setting, on the last evening of our vacation.

I have more pics of our time away but will put them up on facebook sometime this week.
Our Summer has flown by, it's hard to believe that September is only
2 weeks away!

Sunday snapshot - vacation days

2011-08-14T09:13:00.001-05:00

So as I look back at the many pictures from our little getaway recently,
I can't help but smile and remember this special place.
I think I'll call it one of the best kept secrets as far as vacation spots in the U.S.
My husband and I started coming up here before we adopted Grace, so this
was a first for our two littles.

There are quaint little villages that have Norwegian, Icelandic and French Canadian influences,
that have names like Egg Harbor, Ephraim, Fish Creek, Sister Bay, Bailey's Harbor
and others.
We stayed in Ephraim which is known for it's views of Eagle Harbor off Green Bay,
and it's charming white buildings and stone fences.
You can see why Door County is sometimes called the 'Cape Cod of the Midwest.'

(At historic Anderson dock in Ephraim, WI as the sun is starting to set).

Some of our favorite parts of the trip was our time at Wilson's Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor,

swimming twice a day, the beautiful sunsets, delicious tart cherries, perusing a few antique shops, the food,

seeing the lighthouses, wine tasting and watching the sailboats on the bay.

The best part...spending time with the people I love the most, my husband and Grace and Will...just us.

Looking forward to returning again soon, someday!

32/52 - birthday girls

2011-08-12T09:25:00.001-05:00

They were nursery mates in their orphanage in China and share the same birthday.

We first met Julia's parents in our pre- travel to China group meetings almost exactly 8 years ago.

During the Summer they see each other frequently and Julia's mom and I make sure it's a priority to

get these best friends together.

These were taken on their birthday at Julia's house.

Their personalities compliment each other perfectly...we're so happy that the girls have each other!

black and white Wednesday - a day at the beach

2011-08-10T04:00:00.149-05:00

Smile and say 'cheese!'

"Happiness is a summer breeze, sand between your toes, and your best friend by your side."

~ unknown

(Will showing a little of his gymnastics capabilities).

Living in Wisconsin we appreciate Summer, no matter how hot and humid it gets
because Winter lasts just way too long here.

I'm making a promise to myself to look at these pictures again when I'm shivering in January and February
and longing for warmer days.
They'll help me remember our time last week at the beach
in the quaint little town of Ephraim in Door County, WI.

We brought sand pails, shovels, a raft and Will's fish floatie.
And though they were all used and played with, it was the 2 vintage cameras
that I brought that were the biggest hit.

Even though it was all in fun and not for real as far as them taking pictures,
the element of 'pretend' is still much of Grace and Will's play.
(which I dearly love)

Below is Will just before he went out in the bay (with Daddy of course).
And also one of him as he's taking a little rest wrapped up in his towel.
Swimming (rather kicking with a floatie supporting you) evidently is hard work!

(Will getting ready to hit the waves).

(And Will taking a little snooze).

The Summer has flown by.
Yesterday I registered both kids for school...when I look at the calendar
we don't have much of this season left.

We start school Sept. 1 and I have mixed feelings about that.
I'm going to miss these two being with me during the day.
So we'll be making the best of the time they have left.

It's Wednesday!

See what's going on at Lisa's ' black and white Wednesday' for many

more black and whites and some fabulous photography.

31/52 - Door County, Wisconsin

2011-08-07T11:17:00.000-05:00

Catching up on my weekly photo project...this one's from our vacation last week.
I walked down to the little beach which was in front of our resort and found these chairs sitting in a row.
The sun was setting in a cloudy sky over Green Bay which is just off of Lake Michigan.

I haven't even begun to go through the pictures I took but will do a couple more
posts this week about where we were and what we did.
We had a fabulous time and came home relaxed and refreshed!

Grace is 9

2011-08-06T04:00:00.014-05:00

On the other side of the world does she remember and wonder?
We share a daughter.

I think of your birth mother often but especially on this day...the day of your birth.

I know very little about her except that

she tried for a while to keep you, Grace.

And I believe she loved you very much.

I wish I could meet this woman some day and tell her what you're like.

I know she'd be incredibly proud...

Could she have ever dreamed that her beautiful baby girl would become

a sensitive, thoughtful, smart, joyful, compassionate and funny 9 year old?

Who loves to laugh, play games, dance, draw and create.

Grace is a wonderful friend and sister, daughter and Granddaughter.

Those who meet her, never forget her.

Happy Birthday!
You are 9.

May all your hopes and dreams come true on this special day...my sweet, sweet Grace.
As we celebrate your day of birth I also honor this woman who gave you life 9 years ago in China,
and say thank you...

30/52 - treasure hunt

2011-07-28T04:00:00.002-05:00

Like her mommy,
Grace has a fondness for things previously owned, that are maybe a little worn and loved

by someone else.

On Sunday we traveled to the Sandwich, Illinois Antique Fair.

I have some great memories of that place because it's where

we found a beautiful old dresser, a large basket for toys,

and a quilt for Grace's baby room before we traveled to China to adopt her

almost 8 years ago.

This time we found some more treasures.

For Grace a Raggedy Ann doll and a vintage doll trunk from around 1950.

I found a red step stool and an old 'peely' painted wicker table,

which were just up my alley!!

It was a fun mom/daughter day and made for some wonderful memories for us.
I love to see what's considered 'vintage.'
Definitely some things from the 1950's to 70's but I think for it to be truly considered an antique
an item has to be at at least a 100 years old.

I'll be taking a break from blogging (we have a vacation coming up), but will be back soon...
hope y'all are having a great Summer!

black and white Wednesday - green chair

2011-07-27T04:00:00.123-05:00

These 5 images were my 'final' for an online class I just finished.

I've taken photography workshops previously but they were

all on location with professional photographers.

And all technical classes.

This was the first one that talked about style.
What makes my style 'me.'
Was I being true to my style?
It required a fair amount of introspection that sometimes
is hard for people.
I liked that part very much.

And discovered some things that were always there

that I wasn't noticing until now.

Like why do I create photographs?

I decided that I want to create something beautiful.

I also want to be challenged.
What makes me happy?

I found out that some of the things that make me feel happy are spending time with my children,

hearing them laugh, seeing them smile and seeing color.

Especially red but any other vibrant one will do.

It

It was also the first class that the instructor gave

feedback on the pictures that I took.
I learned that I compose for color, whether intentionally or not.

And that I use natural textures in my images, in a way that isn't 'too much.'

Pretty cool to find out all of this...and it was right there in front of me all the time.

It's always been hard for me to describe my own photography style,

and now I just did. :)

Check out more black and whites at Lisa's blog, The Long Road to China.

black and white Wednesday - 3 years with Will

2011-07-20T04:00:00.088-05:00

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

~ Robert Frost

And who would have thought that through a series of events

that our adoption journey would change directions and we would adopt a 2 and 1/2 year old little boy.

Who is now a funny, affectionate, giggling, cute little booty-shaking, adorable, brave, polite, gifted,

ticklish, intense, super hero loving, cartwheeling, and soon to be Kindergartner boy.

He has changed in ways that would have been hard to imagine 3 years ago.

And all in good ways.

In the last year he's blossomed and grown in his emotional maturity

and shows great compassion to others.

He's a caring, loving child.

Happy 3 years my youngest son,

I love you to the moon and back.

We have been endlessly blessed to have you in our lives.

Love,

Mommy

xoxo

Per Will's request, we'll celebrate his 3rd Forever Family Day with Chinese noodles for dinner
and a Lightning McQueen cake for dessert. ;)

(Taken 4 days ago of our handsome guy.)

For more black and whites, please see Lisa's blog
at The Long Road to China.

29/52 - Lincoln Park Zoo

2011-07-18T04:00:00.026-05:00

When I was a single mom with my oldest son Nick, I used to take him

to the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, so have many fond memories of that lovely place.

(And it's free by the way).

So when our travel group wanted to meet there on Saturday I was thrilled.

It was hot and muggy but the kids sure didn't seem to notice.

They raced around, played and we did get have some great animal sightings along the way.

The moms chatted and chatted some more.
Something we do very well! ;)

It was great to be with these people who have become family, and we can't wait till the next time.

28/52 - sweet Molly

2011-07-14T18:41:00.000-05:00

12/24/1999 - 07/14/2011

One of the last images of Molly, taken a few days ago.

She adored Grace and William.

Today our Molly went to heaven.

This is hands down the hardest decision I've ever had to make.

Our hearts are broken, and we will never forget you... sweet pup.

Black and White Wednesday - swing

2011-07-13T04:00:00.026-05:00

Cool dude on a swing (with Molly watching behind him), the color version.

And black and white.

Oh to be 5 again!

It's Wednesday, so please see many more black and white's at

Lisa's "The Long Road to China."

Sunday Snapshot - Superman

2011-07-10T05:00:00.016-05:00

"We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today."

~ Stacia Tauscher

"To become a real boy you must prove yourself brave, truthful, and unselfish."

~ Pinocchio

Well Will has certainly got the traits that Pinocchio describes

to become a real boy.
And he is one brave little guy.

I'm truly astounded at how his recovery has gone.

He's now day 11 post-op and tomorrow has his first visit with the surgeon.

She'll removed some stitches inside his nose.

We notice that a little crease that was above his lip pre-operatively

has disappeared now. We're very pleased with how his nose appears.

Everything has healed beautifully and it's my opinion that the surgery was a huge success.

Will AKA 'Superman' has been back to his regular activities.

Which means cartwheels and round-offs ad lib.
No leaping over buildings in a single bound, please.

(These were shot on Friday for an online photography class I'm taking).

27/52 - Summer fun

2011-07-07T08:56:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we went to a splash park and Grace brought a friend.

Nothing says Summer better than playing in the cool water on a hot day!

We went to get ice cream afterwards.

Will was with us too.

His bandage is off now and the bridge of his nose has a little bit of swelling,

but for just 1 week after surgery, I'm amazed at how good it looks.

The change is subtle.

I'll get some pics of him this weekend.

black and white Wednesday - saying goodbye

2011-07-06T04:00:00.112-05:00

"She is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are her life, her love, her leader. She will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of her heart. You owe it to her to be worthy of such devotion".

~ Unknown

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."

~ A.A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh)

How can you say goodbye to your best friend ...one of your family...one of your children?

There are no words that can adequately describe the feelings of loss or diminish the pain you feel.

When you lose a loved companion, you lose a piece of yourself. That world is over and now you have to move to the next version of the world.

Dear Molly,

We love you so much. There has never been nor will there ever be, another like you.

You have been such a loyal, reliable and effervescent part of our family. God has blessed us with your presence and we are so thankful that He did. You have been there for it all ~ birthdays, Christmases, welcoming Grace and Will when they arrived home from China, good times and hard times.

Through it all, your smile and love never faded.

The brightness of your personality never dimmed.

I can’t even imagine coming home to a house without you.

Life will go on once you’re gone but the world will be less happy and a little hollow without you.

Thank you sweet pup!

You have made our lives richer and the world a more beautiful place.

You have taught our whole family about devotion and unconditional love.

We will miss you so much darling and can only gain comfort in knowing that you will greet us again someday in heaven.

Love always,

Mom and Dad

Molly was adopted at age 9 weeks in Feb. of 2000. She was an 8 lb. bundle of love.
Our son Nick was 14 years old.
She has been the light of our lives for 11 & 1/2 years and is a funny, kind and gentle sweet soul.

2 weeks ago today, we received the heartbreaking news that Molly has 'osteo-sarcoma' or bone cancer in her right lower jaw. We've been told the tumor has been there for quite a while and her symptoms didn't show until it was quite advanced.

We've been spoiling our pup with treats, taking her to the dog park, rides in the car (which she loves),

and time spent in the backyard lying in the sun watching our young children play with friends.

I notice she is sleeping more and sometimes it seems hard for her to chew,

but her quality of life is still fairly good.

We're taking this one day at a time and won't let her suffer.
I don't know if she has days, a week, 2 weeks or months left but we're blessed to have these days with her.

I know this was a sad post but it is our life right now.

All Molly's wanted is to be loved and give her love to us,
and it's just so difficult to say goodbye.

fun on the 4th

2011-07-05T09:33:00.001-05:00

We had a fabulous and festive July 4th.

It started on the 3rd with a cookout with friends and that dinner with our 2 families

turned into a neighborhood get together!

We truly have the best neighbors who are dear friends.

On the 4th we continued with our tradition of attending a charming local small town parade.

I think the best part for Grace and Will was getting candy.

Both of them don't like the big professional fireworks displays...TOO loud!

So we had our own low key celebration with sparklers and then some other small fireworks Dan set off.

You would have never known that Will had surgery 5 days before except for the bandage on his nose.

He's doing awesome!

26/52 - the patient

2011-06-30T11:38:00.003-05:00

The past 2 days have been long for all of us but Will did outstandingly well on surgery day and post-op.

We couldn't be more proud of our brave boy.

I cannot say enough about the people at the American Family Children's Hospital in Madison.

From his caring and gifted surgeon, his ENT doctor and dentist, and the nursing care he received.

As a former RN, I can say Will received medical care at it's very best.

We're happy this is behind us and hope Will's recovery and healing continue to go well.
It's going to be hard to keep this active boy from doing cartwheels but we're going to try
to get him to rest today. :)

Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers for Will yesterday, the 3 of us felt them.

And thank you to our friend Carla who took care of Grace and our dog Molly.

We'll be laying low on this long 4th of July weekend.

Have a fun and safe one!

Sunday snapshot - Will

2011-06-26T04:00:00.077-05:00

Bright and early Wednesday morning, Will, my husband Dan and I will travel to our

nearby children's hospital that's in Madison.

Will is having a rhinoplasty of the tip of his nose (in layman's terms that's nose surgery.)

With yearly visits to our cleft team, we're following the recommendation of his surgeon.

She feels that as he's growing older, the tip is starting to point down.

I did ask that she keep the integrity of his beautiful Asian nose.
We know he'll have a few more surgeries in the years ahead related to his cleft.

The ENT doctor will be checking Will's ears and replace tubes if necessary.

Will is also having cavities filled by our ped dentist and some other dental work.

We're happy this will be only a one night stay and

Dan and I are staying with our little boy the entire time.

Post-op, he'll be receiving some surprises (a couple of new toys)
and ad lib amounts of TLC and snuggle time.

Please keep Will and his medical team in your thoughts and prayers Wednesday.

I have great confidence in these caring people and trust his wonderful surgeon implicitly.

Taken last week of our handsome guy.

black and white Wednesday - Summer portrait

2011-06-22T04:00:00.063-05:00

At nearly 9, Grace has become my little social butterfly.

She has many close friends and truly has the nicest little group of girlfriends.

This week she started Summer school.

She's taking art and a reading/writing class.

We're already starting to plan her birthday party...and this is a girl that loves parties!
She and I have a couple of things in mind for it.
On Thursday I'm taking her down to the Chicago area
and she'll stay with her best friend Julia for about 4 days.
So far she's had a fun Summer.

This was taken at a new location I've found and I plan to return with Grace
to take some 9 year old pictures, hopefully in the next few weeks.

The color version was processed with MCP actions, "Mini-fusion" action.

For the black and white, I used Florabella's "Film" action.

It's Wednesday, so many more black and whites are over at Lisa's

"The Long Road to China," be sure and stop by!

25/52 - farmers' market

2011-06-20T04:00:00.002-05:00

Saturday we got up bright and early and spent a little of our morning at the Dane

County Farmers' Market.

It's the largest producer-only Farmers' market in the country.

The grounds around the State Capital are a perfect setting.

I know that for my 52 project, I've tried to stick to 1-2 pictures but I couldn't choose one.

The variety of textures and many colors of the fruits, vegetables and flowers were

truly a feast for the eyes.

We bought strawberries, asparagus, bread, bagels, lettuce, kosher dill pickles, popcorn and flowers.

Oh...and cheese of course! We do live in Wisconsin.

I first became familiar with the market when my brother was in college here.

(Will is eating a rainbow sugar cookie below.)

24/52 - Summer garden

2011-06-17T04:00:00.012-05:00

(If you look really close at the image on the right side, there's a bee on the daisy in the foreground.)

Summer is in full bloom here in Wisconsin.

These aren't mine, I found them near the Mill from my previous post and pics

about Grace and her friend Lydia.

I'm a flower and garden lover going back to as long as I can remember.

Happy Friday, hope your weekend is wonderful!

black and white Wednesday - best friends forever

2011-06-15T04:00:00.055-05:00

"If you're alone, I'll be your shadow. If you want to cry, I'll be your shoulder.

If you want a hug, I'll be your pillow. If you need to be happy, I'll be your smile.

But anytime you need a friend, I'll just be me."

~ Author Unknown

"I like her because she smiles at me and means it."

~Anonymous

(Local coffee shop that's within walking distance of our home. I loved the pink wrought iron tables and chairs.)

"A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be."

~Douglas Pagels

Lydia and Grace first met 5 years ago.
Grace was nearly 4 and Lydia was 3. The two hit it off from the start.
And they only live 2 houses away from each other!

Their friendship has been easy and it's been a joy for Lydia's mom
and I to see their friendship blossom
and flourish.
We are fortunate to live in a neighborhood with many children
and there are several other girls in the same age range.
They all get along extremely well.
It's no surprise that their mommas do too!

Lydia recently had a birthday and I took portraits of her, like I do every year.
These are some of the candids of the 2 best friends.
I brought them to our favorite local coffee shop to get ice cream for the girls,
and then to an old Mill (that's now a quilt store)
for more pics.
The girls had a blast (and so did I!)
The pictures show the fun they had together.

It's Wednesday again, hop on over to Lisa's "The Long Road to China"
to see what's going on, and lot's more photography.

Sunday snapshot - the gymnast

2011-06-12T14:11:00.000-05:00

"If you don't leap, you'll never know what it's like to fly."
~ Guy Finley

5 year old Will has very little fear of most things,

in fact he'll try anything physical.

As a toddler I'd find him walking along the outside of the staircase (holding onto the railing)

on the second story of our landing,

with a huge smile on his face.

I almost had heart failure.

Last Fall he started gymnastics and he's mastered cartwheels, roundoffs and the splits.

He's working on handstands and next will be back flips.

For the Summer he'll be moving up a level with the bigger boys.

Awesome job Will!

We couldn't be more proud of you!

black and white Wednesday - first days of Summer

2011-06-08T04:00:00.228-05:00

Then followed that beautiful season... Summer...
Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape

Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

It may not be officially Summer on the calendar but we know it's arrived when

we see docks and sailboats in the water.
It's been too beautiful not to spend as much time as we can outside.
We're so lovin' these ~~warm~~ hot temps outdoors.
We've waited a long time for them.

(Lake Mendota).

Tomorrow is Grace's last day of school.

The word 'excited' doesn't even come close to describing

how she's been feeling about it.

Do you remember that feeling?

The anticipation of it all...and to be finished with school after all that hard work.

She'll be in 3rd grade!

We're looking forward to a fun and relaxing Summer.

I try not to plan too much this time of year and love the slower pace.

Grace and Will like to play with their friends as much as possible, have sleepovers,

run in the sprinkler (which they've done for the last 3 days), swim, read,

ride their bikes and scooters and eat their fill of peaches, blueberries, watermelon and sweet corn.

Summer time food to me is the best!

(Cute little sign - in Wisconsin, Winter is never far away.)

Will is going to "Camp Kindergarten" for 3 weeks (mornings),

in July to help him transition to Kindergarten in the Fall.

All the kids here attend it.

In August is Miss Grace's birthday and then a family vacation.

We won't be leaving the country this Summer, aren't traveling far and I can't wait!

These were taken on Sunday at the Memorial Union on the shore of one of our large local lakes.

It's a great location, that's a 'just plain fun' hang out kinda place,

and is awesome for people watching.

The frozen fruit bars were a hit.

These 2 always manage to attract quite a bit of attention wherever we go,

and we get many smiles.
And they happily return them. :)

(Our 2 littles with their Daddy.)

Hoping your Summer is all you want it to be, and then some!

Since it's Wednesday again,

hop on over to The Long Road to China for more black and white photography.

23/52 - time to ride

2011-06-05T21:09:00.002-05:00

Will very recently got a new bike.

It's his first and he picked out this Hot Wheels red, white and black one.

Previously he had a tricycle and a few other miscellaneous riding toys,

and he agreed it was time to move up to something with 2 wheels. He rides it up and down the sidewalk

and has now mastered turns and getting up our driveway which has an incline.

Soon we'll attempt no training wheels, but for now he's loving riding behind his big sister as they go around the block.

22/52 - the graduate

2011-06-02T18:51:00.000-05:00

(I know I'm a bit biased but he is one handsome little man!)

Last week my baby graduated from pre-school.

Of my 3 children, he was the first to have a little ceremony at his school.

I thought it was very sweet and a great way to mark this milestone.

It has certainly taken a village to help William become the little boy who he is today.

Seeing his class perform on the little stage did get me teary.

I couldn't help but think of Deena and Mike (his foster parents in China), and the staff and volunteers

at the Hidden Treasure Foster Home.

And Karen, the teacher he's had for the last year.

All of these people love Will deeply, understand him and were/are committed to help our son.

The words 'thank you' are nowhere near sufficient.

He starts Kindergarten in the Fall,

with a new teacher and friends.

Will is extremely excited because he'll be going to the same school as Grace.

And we are incredibly proud of him!!

black and white Wednesday - (little) boys of Summer

2011-06-01T04:00:00.050-05:00

Stay a child while you can be a child.

~ Stephen Sondheim

I would have loved to have seen my expression when I looked out our
kitchen window and found Will and Miles hangin' out with their
Batman and Robin capes and masks positioned on the playset.
(Which was entirely their idea!)

I know I giggled.
And proceeded to watch the 2 caped crime fighters
run, jump, swing and pretend to fight the invisible 'bad guys.'
I used to call Batman and Robin, 'Super Heroes' and Will
politely reminded me that they are 'crime fighters.'

Little boys.

I love their active imaginations and creativity.

And endless energy.

(Most days I love the energy part.) ;)
He's keepin' me young...at least I hope so.

After a cold, wet Spring, we are delighted that Summer has finally arrived.

Come on over to Lisa's "Long Road to China" and join in this week.

Sunday snapshot - my hero

2011-05-29T04:00:00.012-05:00

Can a hero be an 8 year old girl?

Out of my own curiosity, I looked up the definition for "hero" and I found that it typically

described someone (usually male) that does brave, selfless deeds.

When I describe Grace as a hero, I think of a little girl who has courage,

who fights onward,

never gives up and tries harder than anyone I've ever known.

She inspires me...no, she inspires our whole family.

At age 2 Grace was diagnosed with a profound speech delay.

As in almost no speech and language.

She babbled some and had good receptive language (she could understand what we said to her).

She has received Speech/Language services from 2 until now (8 1/2 years old).

And she has worked really hard and done remarkably well!

As this school year has progressed and the 2nd grade work has gotten

harder and more like 3rd grade.

Something wasn't quite right.

She was having word retrieval problems.

Grace would call a word the incorrect word at times.
She would have difficulty re-telling a story or remembering details.
I could tell by the look on her face when she was struggling.
But she kept trying her best, and it didn't get her down.

In January, I had asked for her to be tested and she was diagnosed
as having a Language Based Learning Disability.

Grace is a bright little girl, who needs more time to process verbal and written directions.

During her IEP, I gave them several examples of how she processes language - if she can't

find the 'right' word when speaking to us,

she'll substitute the Spanish word (she takes it in school).

I thought that was very creative and smart.

The way Grace's learning disability was described to me is that it

has to do with how her brain categorizes words and ideas.

The words are there...it's just that sometimes she can't find them.

Grace is now reading at grade level which has come with hard work and great effort on her part.

Through it all she has maintained a positive attitude, deep love of school, mutual admiration with her teachers,

and is receiving increased speech/language services.
Add to that, loving support from me and my husband.

I'm not sure what the future will hold but we'll do whatever it takes to help her and
I know that she will keep working hard because she is as determined as we are.

As parents we want our children to be happy, healthy, safe and loved.

None of us are perfect, in fact I think it's our imperfections that make us more

beautiful and interesting people.

Whether apparent or invisible.

And now you know why she's my hero.

I recently read that 1 out of 5 people in the United States have a learning disability.
There is no 'cure' for them and they are life-long.
However, children with LD can be high achievers and can be taught ways to get around the learning disability.
With the right help, children with LD can and do learn successfully.

Taken last week, these are some of my most favorite pictures of Grace.

black and white Wednesday - recital weekend

2011-05-25T04:00:00.279-05:00

Our Saturday started early with the ballet classes from Grace's dance school

participating in a dress rehearsal for Swan Lake.

(Swans waiting their turn to perform).

Right before that Grace had her hair and nails done

so she was ready to go!

We arrived at our local high school where the performance was held in their PAC.

I was one of the chaperons for a room of 7 and 8 year olds.

My husband, Will and my parents were out in the audience to see Grace perform.

(Grace and 2 of her friends playing a 20 questions game before it was time to go on stage.)

The dance school presented "Under the Sea,"

that's why the backdrop looks that way.
Here the girls are on stage for tap.

Next back to our room, with a change of shoes to wait to go on for jazz.

The girls got along extremely well and found plenty to do.

They really had fun and had such a great attitude.

Then it was time for the swans to get dressed and ready for their dance.

Also for girls to converse or listen to music...

There were ballerinas playing their DS games.

Or with "Squinkies."

You could feel the excitement in the room build,

and then it was time for the swans to line up and wait their turn...

to go on stage.

Grace's class was the first of many that danced

in this performance of Swan Lake.

It had dancers in age from 7 up to high school seniors and adults.

Several of the school's teachers performed and did solos.

It was truly breathtaking to see so many beautiful swans on stage at one time in the finale!

Unfortunately I didn't get a shot of all of them together.

It was almost exactly a year ago that Grace

asked if she could try dance again.
She tried it at age 4 and didn't want to leave me to go into class(she would cry),

and I didn't push it. (not my style)

This year she's taken Ballet and a Tap/Jazz combo class and thoroughly enjoyed both.

What dance has done for her self confidence

has been nothing short of miraculous.

Grace has gone from a shy little girl to someone who has no difficulty

whatsoever performing in front of an audience.

We both have made many new friends through this experience and

Grace is taking Ballet this Summer.
What is most important is that she loves it and is having fun.

Now Will is asking to take a Hip/Hop class in the Fall. ;)

On a personal note, this has been just precious for me

to share these moments with Grace, getting ready for the recital

and volunteering backstage.

I'll always treasure the memories of these 2 days
and I'm happy I was able to capture the pictures
for her to look back on someday.
I plan to make her a special album.

We couldn't be more proud of our little girl!

I post processed all of my images using Florabella actions from the Luxe II collection.
For the color versions, Florabella's "Angel."
And "Blush" for the Bl/Whites.

Please take a look at more beautiful black and white photography at Lisa's
blog, The Long Road to China.

21/52 - Swan Lake

2011-05-23T10:46:00.002-05:00

So as we come down from the high of a full dance weekend,

my treat today has been to upload the many pictures

I was able to capture.

I was a chaperone backstage for the first time and

got to help a room of 7 and 8 year olds girls get ready for each of their different dances.

(Which was great fun for me).

I chose these two for my project 52 and have lots more to post

later this week!

20/52 - dress rehearsal

2011-05-19T11:02:00.000-05:00

This week has been a busy one with preparation

for Grace's upcoming dance recital on the weekend.

Taken on Tuesday before professional pictures and a rehearsal,

I captured Grace right before we left.

The girls have to wear foundation, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara and lip color.

I got a little verklempt in the car on the way to the dance studio,

and couldn't help but look at her in the mirror as she was sitting in the backseat.

Why was I emotional?

It's a mama thing I suppose...maybe because she looks very grown up

and I love her so much.

black and white Wednesday - my little buddy

2011-05-18T04:00:00.138-05:00

I find age 5 a very helpful one...whether it's putting away toys,

his dishes on the counter after a meal...

Or going to the flower farm to help me choose flowers to plant...

Mr. Will happily complies and goes along with me (every Friday he's with me all day)

to wherever it is that we may need to travel.

This particular day he met a new friend.

And checked out the red tractor,

then excitedly ran to tell me all about it.

We walked back and he sat on it and pretended to drive of course.

I was looking for a certain color of flower (yellow) and stopped to look at these herbs.

We walked to the back of the farm and Will navigated the wagon.

He demonstrated some awesome wagon handling skills if I say so myself.

We then hit the jackpot at the greenhouse at the back of the farm

where I found just what I was looking for...

and Will took a little rest.

It was right about this time 3 years ago that we received

our PA and then LOA (letter of approval) from China to adopt Will.

I've been moving a lot of my pictures off
my hard drive to make more room.
I found the below black and white scan of one of the first pictures we saw of Will
in his file in 2008.
I don't have an original picture, it's a copy (not a great one) but I treasure it.
I have no idea how old he was here,
but he's just precious and you can see why we said YES to this little boy!

Presently there are many more little boys than girls on the Waiting Children or Special Needs

lists for China.

If you're thinking of adopting, please consider a son.

They're wonderful.

i heart faces photo challenge - May flowers

2011-05-16T07:57:00.002-05:00

Magnolias

Our Spring in southern Wisconsin has been slow to arrive and pretty rainy and cold.

Recently we've had some beautiful sunny days and I noticed this Magnolia tree

in full bloom near my son's preschool.

The fragrance was heavenly!

Check out more beautiful flowers for the i heart faces photo challenge this week.

Sunday snapshot - growing up too fast

2011-05-15T11:06:00.002-05:00

Childhood is a short season.

~ Helen Hayes

Last week we went to one of our favorite parks to check out the new playground equipment.

As I watched Grace and Will happily play,

I was struck by how long their legs are getting

and how much they'd grown.

I've never been someone who says, "I can't wait for my children to grow up."
I don't wish away the time.

Although it is pretty great when they are a little more independent.

I am one who cherishes all these moments and different stages of childhood

and knows that living in the present is what matters most.

And I'm also well aware that one day I'll look back and remember that these will be some of

the best years of my life...and the ones that went by way too fast.

Grace getting close to 9.

And Will now 5 and 1/2.

19/52 - May

2011-05-10T21:30:00.000-05:00

I don't have to look at my calendar to see that it's May.

That's when they appear.

There are thousands and they seem almost to spring out of the ground overnight.

I have a love/hate relationship with them.

Don't particularly like dandelions in my yard,

but I like them because they are a sign that Spring really is here.

I do love their pretty color.

And that my 2 littles give them to me.

(Taken today at a nearby park, a yellow and green carpet that seemed to go on forever).

Sunday snapshot - Mother's Day

2011-05-08T16:01:00.001-05:00

My Mother's Day started out with bright and beautiful smiles and hugs and kisses.

Which went with the perfect Spring weather today, it couldn't have been better.

I received flowers, lots of them (there were more than the ones in the pictures).

And handmade gifts made with love.

A flower pot painted by Will with seeds to plant.

And a clay dish made by Grace to hold little treasures.

Tonight will be a cookout with my 3 kids and dear husband...which to me is the best gift.

Spending time with my family.

And of course Superman had to make an appearance!

I hope your Mother's Day was lovely.

black and white Wednesday - a boy's life

2011-05-04T04:00:00.007-05:00

A boy is Truth with dirt on it's face,

Beauty with a cut on its finger,

Wisdom with bubble gum in its hair,

and the Hope of the future with a frog in its pocket.

~ Author Unknown

He was born with a gift of laughter.

~ Rafael Sabatini

Tall oaks from little acorns grow.

~ David Everett

(Will was fascinated with the lichens growing on the log, so we had a little discussion about them).

What a life this little boy leads.

One of climbing, jumping, exploring, running,

playing with a stick or pretending he's a Super Hero.

Will can be... gentle but also strong.

Dirty but cleans up well.

Loud and clunky.

Quiet and thoughtful.

Mischievous and funny.

He picks dandelions and often gives them away to his mommy.

And he's always a sweet and loving little guy that gives the best hugs ever!

Last week, Will and I attended his Kindergarten registration meeting

at the school he'll be attending the Fall.

He met his teacher and spent about an hour in her room, getting to know her and the other children.

I couldn't be any more proud of him because he's worked incredibly hard to get to this place.

And what a journey it's been. :)

I'm so fortunate he's my son and wouldn't trade the nearly 3 years with him for anything.

Happy Wednesday!

Check out Lisa's blog, The Long Road to China for many more black and whites.

And meet some wonderful people too.

18/52 - hard work and commitment

2011-05-01T10:10:00.002-05:00

I've mentioned before that this is Grace's first year and experience taking dance.

In 3 weeks she'll be performing in her first recital.

She danced in a little Christmas show her school put on in December.

These girls have been working hard since last Fall for this special weekend.

She'll perform in 'Swan Lake,' and two other dances (one tap and one jazz).
You can really feel the excitement in the air at the studio...

She tells me ballet is her favorite and will also be taking it this Summer too!

black and white Wednesday - baskets, bunnies and brunch

2011-04-27T03:50:00.017-05:00

Well, this year Easter started for all of us bright and early...

thanks to Grace who got up 3 times

before 6 AM.

She was just checking to see if the Easter bunny

had left anything.
Gotta love a little girl who's watching out for all of us. ;)

And that rabbit had hidden some treats so both kids were quite happy
when they were found!

After breakfast we enjoyed a beautiful worship service at church.

And came back home where we waited for my parents to arrive to spend the rest of the day with us.

William adores his Grandma and Grandpa and

spent some of the time waiting in our front yard.

My little bunny with the blue ears was doing the bunny hop and if you look closely at his hands,

he has a tight grip on a few pieces of his Easter candy.
Which he promptly popped in his mouth after I snapped these.
I don't know if I've ever mentioned how much this boy loves chocolate.

This Easter I received 2 treats that I truly appreciated this year.
We went out to brunch (a FIRST for me for Easter).

I'm usually the one preparing our dinner,

which I enjoy but it was great to do something different.

It was at a fabulous restaurant in a charming and quaint historic stone house

where the kids could play and run around in the yard after our meal.

(Thank you Dan!)

And the second treat was that our oldest son Nick and his girlfriend Lindsey met us there.
I was pleasantly surprised that they could make it.
So our entire family was together for Easter this year.
That makes my heart happy.

Grace told me recently that she wishes we could have more pictures taken of all of us together.

So that is now a goal of mine, and I'll be making sure that happens this year!

I hope everyone's Easter was lovely.

(Our two littles hopping and playing on the stones).

It's Black and White Wednesday,

see what's going on with Lisa and check out all the links at

The Long Road to China (and back).

17/52 - Easter fun

2011-04-25T11:17:00.000-05:00

Our Easter was wonderful in so many ways.

black and white Wednesday - beauty of Spring

2011-04-20T04:00:00.165-05:00

'Sitting quietly, doing nothing.

Spring comes, and the grass grows by itself.'

~ Lao Tzu

'Is it so small a thing

To have enjoy'd the sun,

To have lived light in the spring,

To have loved, to have thought, to have done.'

~ Matthew Arnold

'And the Spring comes slowly up this way.'

~ Samuel Taylor Coleridge

To say that Spring (here) has come slowly is a bit of an understatement.
We seem to be stuck between Winter and Spring.
But I'm confident that it'll arrive.
It always does.

'Easter spells out beauty,

the rare beauty of new life.'

~ S.D. Gordon

'Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection,

not in books alone, but in every leaf in spring-time.'

~ Martin Luther

Have a glorious and blessed Easter!

16/52 - peepalicious

2011-04-18T14:01:00.000-05:00

My husband Dan is a type 2 diabetic, therefore doesn't eat such things,

but buys these colorful sugary treats for us.

They magically appeared in the pantry over the weekend.

I'm not fond of them to eat but think they're adorable.

So of course I had to capture them for my 52 project.

Will ate a blue and a yellow one.

And brushed his teeth afterwards. ;)