MERRY CHRISTMAS 2007

This particular Christmas was so fun. Luke and Makayla are at an age that every little thing that makes Christmas special is truly delighted in with eyes of wonder and great anticipation. We went to a Christmas eve service and cracked up when Luke proceeded to plug his ears during the Christmas carols. Makayla has been sure to point out every Christmas treasure to her little brother and has had fun telling him all about Santa and how Santa and Jesus talk and both know who has been naughty or nice. Our home was the hub for Christmas this year as both sets of grandparents and Aunty all celebrated with us. It was a true Christmas gift to be together.

HERE'S TO YOU GRANDMA PATTY!

My Grandma passed away today at 4:40pm. A friend was with her as she slipped away. My mom and I were talking on the phone from 4:20 to 4:44(any one who knows me knows that the #4 has significant meaning in my life), this would have been right in the window of time grandma was taking her last breaths. As I hung up my cell phone and arrived home, my sister was dropping off Makayla after horse riding lessons and we hugged in knowledge that we might be losing grandma soon. My sister headed home and the kids and I inside...as we entered the house the picture that scrolled pass on our computer screen saver was that of Grandma holding her first great granddaughter Makayla as a new born...I was struck at the timing as just then the phone rang and it was my mom to let me know that grandma was gone. She really must have missed grandpa as he has only been gone 45 days. We love you grandma, give grandpa a big hug from all of us and tell him to hug you back. I will forever remember your laughter and love.


FOR YOUR LOVE ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES...
May the treasures you find in heaven be far greater than any treasure you held dear in life. Rest in peace grandma. We will miss your loving smile as we have missed your humor and laughter for some time. May your reunion with loved ones be as sweet as you and I pray faith took you into the very arms of God, the greatest treasure of all.

FOR YOUR LOVE OF MUSIC AND SONG, NOT TO MENTION WHISTLING...
Mares Eat Oats- Mairzy Doats -
Words & Music by Milton Drake, Al Hoffman and Jerry Livingston

If the words sound queer and funny to your ear, a little bit jumbled and jivey

Sing "Mares eat oats and does eat oats and little lambs eat ivy"
Oh! Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy diveyA kiddley divey too, wouldn't you-oo?A kiddley divey too, wouldn't you?

FOR THE LOVE OF ALL YOUR MANY DOGS...
My dogs live here, they're here to stay
If you don't like pets, be on your way
They share my home, my food, my space
This is their home, this is their place

You will find dog hair on the floor
They will alert you're at the door
They may request a little pat
A simple 'no' will settle that

And if I'm sad? They're by my side
And if I'm mad? they circle wide
And if I laugh, they laugh with me
They understand, they always see

So once again, I say to you
Come visit me, but know this too...

My dogs live here, they're here to stay
You don't like pets, be on your way
They share my home, my food, my space
This is their home, this is their place...

KNITTED COMFORT!

A gift came home from work with Scott today. A dear lady in our church made this for us as a Christmas gift. I am in awe of the patience one must have to accomplish a work of art like this. I think I will stick to pushing a button and hearing a shutter flip! This beautiful blanket is about 6'x8'! I found it a comfort today because I find myself discouraged with a recent diagnosis of quite progressed Aostio Arthritis in my lower back. It is good to finally have a diagnosis after four years of chronic and sometimes debilitating pain. Now it is time for me to move forward with proper pain management, good nutrition and exercise. Other wise I may just have to take of knitting after all! This blanket also comforted me as I was wrapped by its warmth while talking to my mom on the phone. Mom shared with me that we almost lost grandma last night. Grandpa died just last month and now Grandma is incredibly fragile after suffering another stoke. She made it through the night but today is more or less in a comma like state. How precious the bond between husband and wife and how lovely the mother/ child relationship is as my mom sat with her mother today gently near by as a comfort. I LOVE YOU MOM.

TINKERING WITH LIGHT!

WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT

I've been playing with my camera all day and I want to share these shots of our manger scene. In the craziness of the season, I want to take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. As I pursue this dream of photography, I lay it at the manger as a gift! May my heart and yours be reminded of His great love for us as we celebrate Jesus birth! Merry Christmas!

This picture was e-mail to me from a friend and was a source of inspiration for the above pictures of Baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph. I absolutely love this!

TIS' THE SEASON!

Luke woke up from his nap today and mommy was in the midst of Crafty Christmas treat mayhem! He couldn't have been happier , especially since I let him eat the ginger bread mans legs!

SNAPSHOTS BY THE TREE

Our pastor and his wife, they look real stiff and serious...don't they... no fun at all?

Dallas Alliance Church staff and spousesWonderful new friends
Couples and kids to hang with....We are so blessed by friendship Not every snap shoot is easy!

ORNIMENTAL REMINDERS!

I had so much fun taking these shots. I am in the process of learning more about my camera and exciting things are starting to happen with some hints from the pros. Playful images are coming to life with a deeper understanding of what ISO, Shutter speed and Aperture can accomplish.
Thanks for your inspiration Me Ra , Brian http://www.merakohblog.com/
and Carey http://barefoot-memories.com/

Happy Birthday to our TINKER BELL!

Newborn Princess

12-16-2001

Makayla at 3 months

12 3

4
5 6
Happy 6th Birthday Makayla...

We love you very much!

Love , Mom and Dad

WHAT A CRAFTY DAD

The kids absolutely loved this craft. I was so impressed by Scott, He did this from start to finish with the kiddo's, all I had to do was drink allot of coffee and provide empty Coffee Mate containers. He went and bought the buttons, eyes and fabric all on his own, he even went on a hunt for twigs to bemade into snowman arms. What a great dad and didn't these fellas turn out cute?

HERE COMES THE BRIDE!

Great anticipation is building as two weddings are fast approaching. I will be photographing not just a dear friends wedding, but also my very own wedding dress as it once again makes it's way down the isle. What an unbelievable blessing and turn of events, God really has a way of bringing things full circle. The first wedding is on December 29th, it will be small and intimate. The second wedding January 9th, a much larger affair and extra special because Scott will be officiating the ceremony. Congratulations to the brides and grooms. It will be an honor and privilege to share in this very momentous moment in your lives.

OH CHRISTMAS TREE, OH CHRISTMAS TREE!

What fun to venture out in our new town to locate just the perfect Christmas tree. Our first stop was at Dutch Brothers for hot cocco topped with whipped cream of coarse. It was precious to look back at our kiddo's smiling faces all filled with excited anticipation of the season. The world may choose to say, "Happy Holidays" but as for us and our house we will say, "Have a Blessed Christmas and a Joyous Celebration of Jesus Birth". Oh and enjoy some cocco too!