Nates Work in Africa

http://ascribeimages.com/weblog

My good friend Nate who took the photos of the girls and I just returned from Africa. Nate's work has never been of posed photos, weddings, formal settings etc. The gift he has is for capturing the innocence of children and the wise expressions of the old. The link above is a sample of his work from Africa. The images are breathtaking and makes me admire him even more for the work he does! Enjoy.. I sure did!

Catching up with the Chopps

Week before last the Chopps and I met at Anthonys in the Harbor to catch up. The kids are all grown and off to college so it was a night for the grown ups. Michelle's dad Glen joined us. Glen was doing fabulous after a long hard year of beign sick. These 3 are so special to me and have done so much for me over the years. I am so lucky to have them as a part of my family. Thanks so much guys for a fabulous evening of appetizers, wine, laughter and friendship!

Spring Time Pics

The girls, me, my sister and Scarlett had some fun spring time pics done a few weeks ago. I had posted some teasers earlier on but here is the link to the entire slide show. Some of them are pretty funny. My good friend Nate that I have been friends with since college came down and spent the afternoon with us. It was full of fun, laughter and a ton of silliness! Enjoy

http://ascribeimages.com/mmslideshow/

Beautiful blushing brides

Today I had conferences at school and when I arrived back at my moms house the girls were knee deep in dress up clothes. After owning the shop all those years we sort of have a collection of old bridal gowns laying around. My mom will use the fabric, beads and trim for an array of projects. My girls however just love to dress up and be playful among these fabulous frocks! The dresses were so big that Gracelyn kept falling over. There was so much laughter and many many smiles.

You two are the most beautiful baby brides I have ever seen! Smooches girls!

Music n Motion

After swim class on on Tues and Thurs Gracelyn goes to a music n motion class at the Y. This day I was able to catch her dancing, playing music, singing and running around with her friends. The kids just love it and are really learning to follow directions thru music!

Super Pike

Sneak Peak

Nate came down on Sunday to snap a few pics of the girls. I got these two as teasers and am eagerly awaiting the rest.

Smile :)

Garage art

If you know me at all you know that for as long as I have lived in my house you have never been able to park a car in my garage. Not because I am not organized because I certainly am. There has just always been so much crap that I never knew what to do with so I would close the door, turn the light off and walk away. Well after some shelf building, tote buying and a few trips to the goodwill and dump you now officially can park a car in my garage! I decided to set up a table in the center of it so the girls could make masterpieces. They had a blast and not only is it our art studio but yesterday it was used as a stage for music videos too!!

1 year ago... Feb 28, 2009

One year ago I spoke to and met my biological dad Scott for the first time. One year later after meeting my siblings, family dinners, holiday parties, coffee talks, lots of laughter and jokes I got to sit at dinner tonight, hand him a card and say thanks for one of the best year of my life. I am so thankful and grateful that I found you and that you have turned out to be such a wonderful dad. I am excited for the years to come and I now know where that missing piece of me has been my entire life! Thank you :)

Girl Scout Cookies

Mara sold 200 this year! Yipee, yahoo, great job!. The girls were organizing, sorting and labeling everyones cookies. Gracelyn wasn't really doing anything other then being thrilled to be by her sissys side. These two are quite the pair but they got it all done! Now for the delivery...

Toys R Us

Last week Gracelyn and I had a date with the toy store. After puchasing a Glo Doodle and Bendaroos art we decided we needed to ride on the pooh car. I sware I could have forgotten the toys and just kept on refilling this ride with quarters and she would have been just as happy!

Dr. Dian Fossey

Mara had to do a biography project for school and she picked Dr. Dian Fossey. This was the lady who worked with the gorillas and helped preserve their life. The movie Gorillas in the Mist was a movie based on Dr. Fosseys life and experiences.

Mara did a fabulous job and really learned a lot about scientists, gorillas and how hard it can be to really follow thru with something that you love. In Maras research she learned that Dr. Fossey was killed by poachers in her forest cabin. Although it was very sad, the work of Dian Fossey carries on today and we now have many funds which give aid to the gorillas because of her work!

Great job Mara!