A Happy Journey

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T17:35:00.000-06:00

all photos made with my iPhone.

the top one is an app called red stamp.

they have great little cards you can mail or email.

Noah wearing his shirt from San Fran that his cousins sent him :)

photo made in instagram

finding love in the front yard on the tree.

made in shakeitphoto app

My hand made card to Joel and Noah

One of my favorite poems.

and another lovely app from Cartolina.

she has some wonderful old vintage cards.

she has another app to mail cards in the mail.

and from where I stand

I found a heart made from salt rocks.

They were all over the side walk and street from the snow the other day.

Made me happy when I saw all those little hearts :)

I used the labelbox app for the label.

Wishing you a wonderful day filled with love.

Happy Valentine's Day xoxo

Happy Boy, Happy Friday

2012-02-10T14:21:00.001-06:00

He got a hair cut last Friday.

He finally sat for me to take a few photos.

I love when he will sit for me!!!

He melts my heart.

Happy Friday everyone xo

new website

2012-02-09T15:44:00.001-06:00

So I have a new website here.
For my photography.

Have been working on it for a while.

Kind of never ending with changing and adding things.

And seems to never get finished.

So anyway, I just thought I would share it with how it is :)

Happy Thursday xo

365+1 week 5

2012-02-05T23:20:00.002-06:00

day 29 - some tulips

day 30 - same tulips :)

day 31 - die cut birds from a craft project

day 32 - photo walk at a near by park

day 33 - valentine craft

day 34 - tree tops and planes passing by

day 35 - another gray day

a busy and fun week.

Happy Sunday xo

365+1 week 4

2012-01-31T22:36:00.000-06:00

day 22- driving in the fog made for some wonderful photos.

day 23- Noah doing his daily dancing.

day 24- making photo cards. so relaxing to do.

day 25- little sock monkey that I find all over the house.

day 26- more rain...nothing new, it always rains here.

day 27- there was a huge amount of birds out back. I ran to get my cameras.

with the sky all grey it was hard to get a focus and only a few shots came out.

day 28- making the best of gray skies.

It was a great week.

I finally opened my Etsy store last week :)

So very exciting! Trying to learn my way around there.

It is exciting to check things off my goal list for the year.

Here is the link

Hope you had a happy Tuesday xo

daily exercise

2012-01-24T14:11:00.001-06:00

Noah dancing in circles.

One of his favorite things to do.

I don't know how but he never gets one bit dizzy?!

Happy Tuesday xo

365+1 week 3

2012-01-22T23:30:00.000-06:00

day 15- We took a drive down town and I jumped out at a few places. They sky was really beautiful!

day 16- I took a photo walk in a little town near us. I love the old neighborhood and the big old homes.

day 17 - put some flowers in my Grandmothers vase to brighten the table.

day 18 - some reading and writing things I am thankful for each day.

day 19 - some snow falling on the back porch.

day 20 - found a little heart cloud in the sky!

day 21 - our church steeple. I never get tired photographing it.

Hope everyone had a great week!

Happy Sunday xo

356+1 week 2

2012-01-15T23:00:00.000-06:00

8. cleaning day.

9. bunting/flags/banners found in a car lot

10. dandelion in macro using lensbaby.

11. cypress bush with rain drops.

12. we got some snow. thought this guy looked neat riding by in the snow.

13. a found leaf in the snow

14. one of my iron pigs with wings and his shadow.

So far so good. I have remembered to take a photo each day.

day 14 I only took 2 photos but happy with the two I got.

I love this year started off on a Sunday and it makes it easy for me to keep in order for the week.

So each week is Sunday - Saturday.

This is my Second time to do a 365 and it feels a little different.

The first time I had no idea what I was getting myself into and had no expectations.

I learned a lot in that year. It was fun and so rewarding in the end.

This time around I feel like I want a "type" of photo but most days I am just home.

I guess everyday life is good to capture for my 365 :-)

Did I already tell you I'm doing a 365+1 with my iPhone too? I am and I"m crazy!

Have a great week everyone xo

365+1 week 1

2012-01-08T23:11:00.002-06:00

week 1 of my 365+1 with my camera

1. we made a New Year's Day banner. I wanted Noah to hold for a pose but he didn't want to lol

2. first snow fall. We didn't get a lot but it was fun.

3. I got Joel to stand still for a few shots for his birthday :)

4. my one little word shot.

5. lucky to still have wishers in the yard.

6. sunrise we saw after taking Joel to the airport.

7. Joel left us a message while he is away for a few days.

I hope to post my 365 each Sunday.

I just hope I can keep it up :)

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Happy Sunday xo

my one little word

2012-01-06T22:12:00.000-06:00

So, I picked Soar as my word the for the year.

I am pretty excited for this new year!

It has started out really great.

I had many creative goals met by the end of this last year.

I was happy to get the courage to start selling my photos on Society 6.

I had a photo licensed back in Aug for a greeting card company.

Just last week Getty Images invited 5 of my photos. Such a dream!

I was asked last week to license another photo.

I am no expert on photography but it is a hobby and I love and think of it all the time.

I never thought these things would have happened for me and I feel so blessed and thankful.

So, I hope this year to soar!

Some of my creative goals are...

To push my self and get the courage to open my Etsy.

To have a showing of my photos locally.

To sell a lot of my work.

To license more photos.

To have more of my images invited to Getty.

Continue learning more about photography and photoshop and selling.

Just yesterday I got an offer on one of my images to use on a TV show on NBC.

I feel really blessed and I am very thankful for every encouraging word

and comment from everyone.

Thank you!

Happy Weekend xo

my year of self portraits 2011

2012-01-04T08:56:00.000-06:00

I had planned to post a photo each month but it never happened.

Then I thought a collage of every 6 months and that didn't happen.

So here is my year in self portraits of 2011.

My first year to do this.

It is very hard for me to be in front of the camera and to see my self.

I plan on doing it again this year.

I will be playing along this year with this flickr group

If you would like to play along go to the group and ask for an invite.

* I picked two winners for the calendar from FB and they are on their way!

A very happy Wednesday to you xo

2012 Calendar....my first giveaway

2011-12-31T15:30:00.001-06:00

I am excited for my first giveaway!

Just like my FB page and like the Calendar album.

I will pick the winner tomorrow!

thank you for your support this year

xoxo

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T12:51:00.000-06:00

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

I hope you have a wonderful time with your family and friends.

We are off to 5 pm Mass for the first time instead of midnight.

But, Joel wants to try to make a midnight Mass over at another church.

Spending the night at home just the 3 of us making cookies, eating, and movies.

Tomorrow going to my sisters for dinner.

Merry Christmas xoxo

The finished snowmen and string of lights

2011-12-21T14:30:00.000-06:00

Noah working hard at painting :)

He is very gentle in his strokes

the cause of so much trouble....dried paint and sensory issues :)

we made 4 small 4x5 and 1 5x7

we tried working on them last night but the markers were not working to good.

so make sure it is nice and dry first.

I plan to add some string on the back so they can be hung.

I asked Joel to finish up the string of lights and I guess he didn't hear me and made them into ornaments instead. lol They are still cute with Noah's little finger prints.

a finished 4x5

and a finished string of lights

maybe we will do the lights on canvas next year too?

both projects would be nice to make into Christmas cards.

we have a few more projects but not sure if we will get to them. sigh...

Happy Wednesday xo

making Christmas art

2011-12-20T16:16:00.000-06:00

more Christmas crafting today...finally.

He loves to paint until the paint starts to dry on his hands.

So between projects I let him free paint after washing hands.

making snowmen hand prints on canvas and finger prints Christmas lights.

Hope to finish them up tomorrow after they are dry.

Hope you are having a wonderful holiday season so far.

we are having fun here...making cookies, watching Christmas movies, crafting, singing carols :)

Happy Tuesday xo

Happy Friday

2011-12-16T14:45:00.000-06:00

Hope you had a good week.

It went by fast here.

Still no snow and I hope we have a little for Christmas :)

1. Finally wrapped two gifts :)

2. I love photographing Noah's sweet hands any chance I get.

and them busy and loving on something is all the better.

3. Chai Latte and Santa cookies makes it all seem better.

4. love seeing Christmas/winter scenes through the house. makes my heart happy.

We hope to take Noah to go see Alvin and the Chipmunks later.

He is so excited and talking about them all week.

I finally found his DVD of the first movie and he is oh so happy :)

Have a wonderful weekend everyone

Happy Friday xo

making merry and bright

2011-12-13T16:57:00.002-06:00

had to go out and buy tiny Christmas brush trees since my are all packed away somewhere

I save jars because I think they are cute and will one day come in handy :)

We also bought fake snow and used some of Noah's little animals.

we used double sided tape to keep everything in place but you could use glue.

we had fun making these snow globes and Noah loves them. we have them all over the house.

and they are fun to look at and Noah loves playing with them.

shake, shake, shake lol

I love when he loves a craft/art project!

Happy Tuesday everyone xo

visit with Santa

2011-12-12T13:02:00.000-06:00

Hello! It's been a while. Was busy with my family here from back home.

And been busy with editing photos for my new shop over at society6

and trying to get my Etsy open. No idea how people make running an

Etsy store look so easy. It's hard work...sigh!

Anyway, my Mom and I took Noah to see Santa before she went back home.

He loved it and they talked about sock monkey's. lol We have our sweet skinny little 7ft Alpine tree up.

With just lights and candy canes because we never found our Christmas stuff yet.

We have been Christmas crafting and singing carols and having fun and just enjoying this time of year.

Hope all is well with everyone and you are enjoying this time of year as well.

Happy Monday xo

30 days of gratitude - days 7 - 12

2011-11-14T16:02:00.001-06:00

day 7- Thankful for Joel. Joel baked all day to make my favorite orange cookies :) he is good to me

day 8 - thankful for beautiful weather we have had

day 9 - I adore dandelions and their beauty

day 10 - thankful for these two... my family xo

day 11- thankful for beautiful November days

day 12 - thankful for mail from far away and friends I have met on IG, flickr and blogging.

my heart is full with gratitude for these friendships and support.

Happy Monday and have a great week everyone xo

30 days of gratitude - days 1-6

2011-11-07T15:14:00.000-06:00

My second year to do the 30 day of gratitude on flickr.

day 1 - thankful for my sweet Noah

day 2 - thankful for the sweet moonlight and sharing it with the ones I love

day 3 - thankful for a wonderful field trip to Columbus to see the Shifting Perspectives exhibit

day 4 - beautiful fallen leaves

day 5- ice cream and the happiness it brings Noah

day 6 - the start of a new year to fill with gratitude

Happy Monday xo

Halloween Day

2011-11-02T11:14:00.000-05:00

Noah made a sweet Buzz Lightyear.

He only kept in on for an hour but the hour he was happy with it and excited.

We only went to one house and then back home and gave out candy.

He loves handing out candy to the kids and gets excited seeing them dressed up.

We did a simple craft before trick or treat.

He loved the finish pumpkin but hated getting sticky glue on his hands lol

Hope everyone had a great Halloween!

Happy November and Happy Wednesday xo

The Boy I Love! - day 31

2011-10-31T15:18:00.000-05:00

Noah the boy I love with the little extra chromosome :)

Its been a great month for Down syndrome awareness!

ready for Halloween here

got some things out for Noah to wear

we shall see what he wants to put on later :)

Happy Monday and Happy Halloween xoxo

thankful at the stop light - day 30

2011-10-30T13:15:00.001-05:00

four little birds

I was in a panic the other day when I got lost from the air port until I saw these guys.

They made me happy and calm and I knew we would find our way home :)

1 more day of 31 for 21

It is hard to put into words what Noah has brought to our family.

We all love him and accept him just the way he is.

He has made life much richer, more beautiful and filled with love.

I would like to think I have always been the person that I am

but I know that having Noah has made me better.

I might be a little crazy, scattered, and tired but I am better because of him.

We are all better because of him.

I am so thankful for my sweet Noah.

Happy Sunday xo

Getting Halloween ready - day 29

2011-10-29T15:32:00.000-05:00

taken at Sam's Club :)

I can not find the costume I wanted Noah to wear this year.

It must be in the hundred boxes I have yet to unpack in the garage?

But, he does have several others he likes to dress in but couldn't wear in Texas due to the heat.

I never know if he will like having a costume on or not until the very moment. lol

He likes to dress up but when he feels like it so we shall see how Monday night goes.

He has been watching Halloween shows and movies ( trying to get him in the mood) :)

I think we will have a lot of kids this year trick or treating?

We always buy a ton of candy and then only get a few kids. Our first year here so we will see how it goes. Joel wont be here so I will only take Noah to a few houses and then back home to hand out candy.

He loves having kids come to the door and giving them candy.

Hope your Halloween is wonderful!

Happy Saturday xo

An Autumn Day - day 28

2011-10-28T22:35:00.000-05:00

Wow, the clouds were beautiful today!

Really beautiful!

Busy day doing laundry, helping Joel pack, school, and signing a new lease for this place...sigh.

So wish we were moving home instead of signing a new lease.

Took Joel to the air port.

Got lost leaving the air port. oh my!

It took me three highways before I got on the right road.

Joel has duty this weekend and then needs to take care of a few things for us while there.

He is lucky to spend time with the family and eat good food :)

Happy Friday xoxo

cowboy - day 27

2011-10-27T16:59:00.000-05:00

my sweet cowboy

his new favorite boots :)

he would rather wear nothing but if he has to...these are it :)

finding peace - day 26

2011-10-26T14:48:00.000-05:00

lovely day at the park sitting on the dock. Found a little peace here :)

We have had a rough week.

I am letting go all the worry and just sitting with the peace.

Happy Wednesday xo

injured birds field trip - day 25

2011-10-25T11:34:00.001-05:00

we took advantage of the great weather yesterday and went to visit the injured birds.
We love going to see all the great owls and Eagles, hawks and other birds.
Noah loves going and he talked about them all night :)

Happy Tuesday xo

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Special Olympics - day 24

2011-10-24T22:55:00.000-05:00

This video is older but still a great one to see.

I love it!

When Noah was in school last year in San Antonio he got to do a lot of SO practice.

He did a lot of bowling, running, ping pong, and something with a ball toss ( my mind is blank).

He loved it all and had so much fun.
All the volunteers were high school kids and they were great.
Special Olympics is great!

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a happy journey - day 23

2011-10-23T15:29:00.000-05:00

Our journey has been a blessed one.

As long as we have each other life is good.

It's not perfect but it is...a happy journey!

Happy Sunday xo

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Birthday Happiness - day 22

2011-10-22T13:35:00.000-05:00

We always wake and take photos of Noah on his birthday.

He was sleepy but started singing right away.

Oh, he makes my heart happy.

I love my sweet beautiful boy!

We had a little party for him with just the three of us.

Before we went to his party at my sisters house later that night:)

Happy Saturday xo

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keep reaching - day 21

2011-10-21T05:00:00.000-05:00

I finally got this guy with my camera :)

makes me happy!

Happy Friday xo

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more alike than different - day 20

2011-10-20T05:00:00.000-05:00

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some inspiration - day 19

2011-10-19T05:00:00.000-05:00

Ira Glass on Storytelling from David Shiyang Liu on Vimeo.

Found this inspiring and wanted to share with others who might feel inspired as well.

It really applies to all areas... life and art.

Happy Wednesday xo

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21 things Noah loves - day 18

2011-10-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

Just a short list of things he loves :)

Happy Tuesday xo

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Happy Monday - day 17

2011-10-17T21:14:00.000-05:00

Great clouds this weekend!

I'm busy trying to get stuff together to open an Etsy shop.

Hoping to sell prints, cards, post cards and calendars.

And some day when I unpack my jewelry stuff I can sell some of that as well :)

I'm on my third try at the calendar.

Have printed sets one and two and it was awful.

Took me just over two hours to work on a third set today...sigh.

I think I give up if the printing is awful ...again!

Not sure if I am cut out to do this but I wanted to give it a try :)

Happy Monday xo

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Birthday party - day 16

2011-10-16T23:00:00.000-05:00

Saturday was such a nice day.

Noah and I made his cake.

We went to mass.

Had a party at my sisters house.

Noah loves to see all the cousins.

He got a bit overwhelmed at dinner and before the cake.

But, once the happy birthday song started he was so happy.

He loved opening his gifts too.

Poor guy was so tired by the time we got home.

It was a great day to celebrate my sweet boy.

Makes me so happy that my sister and her kids and their kids love him so much!

Happy Sunday xo

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Happy 10th Birthday Noah! - day 15

2011-10-15T15:19:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday sweet Noah!

It has been 10 blessed years with you.

You changed our world for the better

and make us better people.

We have enjoyed every small and big mile stone and accomplishment

knowing how hard you work at every little thing.

We are blessed with all the wonderful people

you have brought into our lives.

And blessed by all the love our families and friends give to you.

You are pure sweetness and joy and we love you to the moon!!!

Happy, Happy Birthday Noah!!!

Happy Saturday xo

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last day to be 9 - day 14

2011-10-14T23:00:00.000-05:00

Today is the last day to have a 9 year old.

He had a fun and busy day.

I think he had a great year.

lots of changes and he has done well with it all.

I am always so proud of him :)

Happy Friday xo

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frome where I stand - day 13

2011-10-13T16:42:00.002-05:00

These were taken over the weekend.

I have to laugh because the chickens were in love with my red toes nails.

They kept pecking me :)

I still have this crazy cough. I may need to go to the Dr. I just hate going to the Dr!

Our mornings have been crazy the last two weeks.

I slipped and didn't give Noah his vitamins for what seems like months.

So we started them back up again two weeks ago.

He is fighting every drop of liquid and pill form...its a fight.

After I am exhausted and drained.

Oh the drama!

He took them fine before.He didn't like it but he took it and no fight.

So this is new.

I have cleaned up more spit out than I care to.

The good news is he can now swallow a pill!

Everything has to be in liquid form for him to take, everything or a spray.

He took one chew of a chewable fish oil and had a fit and now he swallows it.

So, I guess this is all a good thing to happen just to know that he can swallow a pill.

I'm so proud of him.

It really is hard to see my little guy so upset and crying.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that next week will be much better and the drama will be over!

I have faith!

Happy Thursday xo

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dreaming of hippotherapy - day 12

2011-10-12T16:34:00.001-05:00

We visit this sweet guy when we go see my sister.

Noah loves visiting with horses and riding them.

When we lived in Texas we would take Noah in the cooler months

to ride horses on the base and he so loved it.

I wish we could afford hippotherapy for Noah.

He would so love it and benefit greatly from it.

There are free programs where we lived in Pennsylvania but

the ones in Texas were crazy expensive. Have not found anything

near us here in Ohio yet. I hope to find something and free would be great!

Happy Wednesday xo

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Apple Butter Festival - day 11

2011-10-11T12:18:00.000-05:00

We went to an apple butter festival on Sunday.

It was such a nice day, almost like summer but with fall color.

I lived in this little town as a small kid and it was nice to see my old school and familiar things.

We went up the road to my sisters house after the festival.

Her grand kids were there and Noah loves being with his cousins.

Her chickens have grown so much and the kids had fun running around with them.

We visited the mules next door and enjoyed giving them some love.

We are loving this great warm weather we are having.

Trying to be out and about as much as possible before the cold and snow get here.

Happy Tuesday xo

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all the little lights - day 10

2011-10-10T18:36:00.002-05:00

this was taken this summer with my phone and just edited the other day.

allergies have taken a good hold of me the last few days.

I have a cough that wont go away for several weeks

and now these allergies make me just want to shut my eyes and sleep. sigh!

I wanted to get on here and make my post for 31 for 21.

hope you had a great Monday xo

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imagination - day 9

2011-10-09T11:21:00.000-05:00

Noah has a wonderful imagination.

I love watching him play and act things out.

Some times I have no idea where he gets things from but he is funny.

Life is good!

Happy Sunday xo

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the great runner - day 8

2011-10-08T15:24:00.000-05:00

He is a great runner.

He loves to run.

It makes him happy to run.

Happy Saturday xo

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a day in the life of Noah - day 7

2011-10-07T14:07:00.003-05:00

a day in the life of Noah

we are loving this weather we are having.

wish it would stay like this all year!

Happy Friday xo

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photo shoot - day 6

2011-10-06T13:34:00.000-05:00

Had a photo shoot with Noah yesterday. Well, I tried.

He was not happy to put clothes on with buttons or zippers.

He kept telling me, Come on and that he was sick. lol

Then he asked for everyone in my family back home in Texas and his boy cousin here in Ohio.

I think he thought they would come save him from having to get dressed.

So, when we got outside I told him to run and that made him happy.

He ran and ran and then wanted to climb the trees to look for Alvin.

He doesn't exactly pose or do what I want of him so I have to take a lot of photos.

If I get on my knees then so does he and we all start laughing that I can not get a good photo.

I did get a couple of good ones finally for his birthday photo so I am happy.

I love this boy!

Happy Thursday xo

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bird watching - day 5

2011-10-05T11:03:00.000-05:00

Noah loves looking for birds just like me.

this little guy came and sat for a long while in the tree out front.

It is so much to take a nature walk and bird watch during our day.

We both enjoy it, get fresh air and some exercise.

Happy Wednesday xo

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pink blossoms - day 4

2011-10-04T05:00:00.000-05:00

been working on some photos from last year.

I love spring blossoms and even better if they are pink.

Happy Tuesday xo

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Homecoming Queen - day 3

2011-10-03T05:00:00.000-05:00

Watching this makes my heart so happy!

pink blooms- day 2

2011-10-02T10:00:00.000-05:00

Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.

Anne Frank (1929 - 1945), Diary of a Young Girl, 1952

Happy October - Down syndrome awareness month

2011-10-01T14:48:00.000-05:00

We are celebrating Noah and all his sweet friends this month.

My heart fills with joy when I look at his face,

when I hear his sweet voice, when he gives me a hug...

He loves like no other.

I am blessed to be his Mother and to walk this happy journey.

Happy October and Down syndrome awareness month xoxo

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running at the sunflower field

2011-09-28T22:13:00.000-05:00

You can not see but he had hold of the iPhone and did not care to be at the sunflower field.

Then I told him he could run and he got all happy.

Running is his favorite thing to do.

He must bend over for the "get ready, set, go".

He is too cute.

Off he goes.

He ran back and forth over and over.

He makes me happy!

Then he got tired.

He does this when he wants to go home.

Or when he wants out of doing something.

Or from answering a question.

Hand goes on head and he says, "I'm sick", or "head hurts", and "go home".

So home we went. :)

Hope your Wednesday was great xo

my bird

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

He told me he is a bird

after putting on the wings.

He is just an angle to me.

heart snacks for the bird

I thought these were cute.

Noah thought they were broken. lol

Happy Tuesday xoxo

his new hair cut

2011-09-26T19:44:00.000-05:00

Noah finally got a hair cut.

Took me a few days to get him to sit for some photos.

I'm so happy he finally let me snap some photos.

His smile just makes me so happy :)

Happy Monday xoxo

coca-cola

2011-09-25T14:33:00.000-05:00

We tried a Mexican Coke the other night.

It was really good.

We saw them back home all the time but never tired them.

made with real sugar.

yum.

Happy Sunday xoxo

Happy Fall

2011-09-23T14:10:00.000-05:00

Noah and I went to Kroger yesterday and we took some photos.

I wanted him to sit on the huge pumpkins they had but he didn't want too. :)

I look forward to fall this year to see and enjoy all the fall colors and weather.

It has been 7 years since we spent our last fall in Pennsylvania.

I loved fall so much there, it was my favorite season.

Lots of rain here today.

We will just spend the day inside.

Noah dancing and singing and me taking photos.

We are having fun so far :)

Happy Friday and Happy Fall xoxo

books and flowers

2011-09-21T13:56:00.002-05:00

Pulled my camera out yesterday.

Noah and I pulled some weeds/flowers

and then I set them on my vintage French books.

They make me happy :)

Happy Wednesday everyone xoxo

happiness

2011-09-19T15:41:00.001-05:00

Taken when we went on a field trip to the sunflower fields last week.

He wouldn't pose near the flowers but rather run up and down the lane.

I couldn't be upset, it made him so happy and I love to see him happy.

He ran and ran till he was all tired out lol.

I love this boy to the moon and back!

Happy Monday xoxo

twenty three years ago

2011-09-16T14:39:00.001-05:00

Joel and I met 23 years ago today.

I can hardly remember him not in my life.

He is my best friend.

My perfect husband.

A wonderful Dad.

A good and honest man.

He keeps me laughing after all these years.

He is the wind beneath my wings...

Happy Friday xoxo

busy week

2011-09-14T17:50:00.000-05:00

My sweet Noah. Taken Monday.

We have been busy this week.

We drove to look for sunflower fields on Monday.

Noah didn't want to get out of the car at first but finally did and then had fun running :)

Yesterday, we went to the Columbus Zoo.

It was a beautiful day.

We got a little lost and by the time we got there we had two hours to run through and see as much we could.

I'm was shocked they closed so early. I'm pretty sure the San Antonio Zoo closes much later?

Anyway, we had fun. Noah had been asking to go for days and wanted to see monkeys.

They are the last things we found before closing :)

We met another family with a sweet boy who also has ds.

love when that happens :)

We found a Jason's Deli to eat dinner at and then we found a Whole Foods.

We miss having both of these places near to us...sigh.

I think we got home around 8 pm?

Happy Wednesday xoxo

Happy Monday

2011-09-12T13:29:00.000-05:00

It was a nice weekend. Lots of sun and great weather.

We are dog sitting Harley again.

My sister's dog. He is so good.

I took him a bath yesterday and he was not too happy.

We enjoy having him with us.

Took this when we got home from Mass on Saturday.

Had to take advantage of the long shadow with sweet Harley by my side.

Hope everyone has a wonderful week.

Happy Monday xoxo

remembering

2011-09-11T14:28:00.000-05:00

Remembering 10 years ago today

xoxo

Happy Friday

2011-09-09T16:24:00.000-05:00

Printed some new photos of Noah. Now I need to buy frames. For now they look good on the line.

I splurged and bought myself a Fuji instax camera a few weeks ago. I'm in love!

Now I wish I had my old Polaroid from when I was a kid!

I am on the hunt for a sweet Polaroid that works!

Just some fun photos I took the last few weeks.

Summer fun, Noah getting love from his cousins and my niece and nephew.

I just ordered more film and it is on its way :)

I look a lettering class.

You can check it out here
I have been buying new pens and finally using my note books and journals.
I love stationary!
I hope to get better at my lettering style! I need to practice, practice!

We are dog sitting again but this time for over a week.
Have a great weekend!
Happy Friday xoxo

the last few days

2011-09-07T16:16:00.000-05:00

Friday we went to eat pizza at our favorite place.

Only they were busy and it would be an hour wait.

we were hungry so we left and walked the little town looking for food.

everything was closed. lol

We also dog sat Harley my sisters dog for the weekend.

It rained a lot and the weather got really cool.

I finally unpacked Noah's room. Now to sort and organize it!

Monday we drove into the city of Dayton.

We just drove around and then found a place to eat dinner.

I wore my new Mary Jane's from Clark's :)

Joel had off both Monday and Tuesday.

We drove to Cincinnati yesterday to look for shoes for Joel.

He found nothing but I got a pair and Noah got two pair :)

Again, lots of rain and cool weather...fall is here.

Joel is back to work today.

Noah and I just hanging out having fun and keeping warm.

Happy Wednesday xoxo

Happy Labor Day

2011-09-05T16:30:00.004-05:00

wishing everyone a wonderful day!

xoxo

some iphoneography

2011-09-04T14:04:00.001-05:00

some photos I took with my iPhone last month.

I really love what the little iPhone can do

and how creative you can be with it. :)

It opens up a new world, so fast and easy and right in your hands.

Lots of rain here today.

Happy Sunday xoxo

Happy Friday - pink daisy

2011-09-02T15:29:00.001-05:00

took some photos of my one and only daisy bloom.

I used my photojojo macro lens for iPhone

and the hipstamatic app to take the photos.

love the pink color that came out :)

We have nothing planned for the long holiday weekend.

We were going to Niagara Falls but that got canceled.

I guess I should finish unpacking this house? lol

Happy Friday xoxo

summer's end

2011-09-01T13:53:00.000-05:00

The pool closes on Monday.

We have enjoyed the pool this summer so much.

We went yesterday and the water was so cold.

Only one other family was there besides the swim team.

Noah didn't care. He loved every minute of it.

dancing, jumping, making friends and laughing.

It is going to be hot the next few days so we will be going a few more times :)

So sad to see summer end.

I do love fall though :)

Happy Thursday and Happy September xoxo

Noah the runner

2011-08-31T13:42:00.000-05:00

I just love this photo of Noah. He melts my heart!

He loves running just like Joel.

and I love the faces he makes while running.

he is too funny!

He is such a perfect boy

I and I love him to the moon

Happy Wednesday xoxo

Friday at the fair

2011-08-29T13:23:00.001-05:00

Noah was so excited to go to the park and see the fair.

He road on the crazy bus and the dragon ride

when he saw Haley's comet he freaked out and kept asking to go home...sigh

He didn't even want to ride the pony.

all he wanted to do was go home

so after about 25 minutes we left the fair lol

He wanted to take a quick run around the field first.

and I found a heart in the grass while waiting :)

Happy Monday xoxo

Happy Sunday

2011-08-28T13:26:00.000-05:00

love all the beauty of flowers in the summer time.

Taken with my phone. I used the photo jo jo macro lens for the two on the right.

I just got a new speck phone cover at Target a few days ago and love it!

I can now use my photo jojo lens with out having to take off the phone case every time :)

Wishing everyone a very Happy Sunday xo

summer festival

2011-08-26T16:49:00.000-05:00

on the way home the other night we passed the little park near us.

It was all set up for a festival.

They were not open and we felt bad since Noah was so excited but, I got some photos.

They open today and we are taking Noah as soon as Joel gets home from work.

He will be so excited and I cant wait!

We have had a good busy week back to school :)

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and a

Happy Friday xoxo

summer on the roller coaster

2011-08-25T14:18:00.001-05:00

Noah loves this little roller coaster so much.

I have no idea what we will do when he out grows it?

I cannot see him on a big one for many, many years!

I just love how brave he is :)

Happy Thursday everyone xoxo

Special Exposure Wednesday - life is good

2011-08-24T14:38:00.000-05:00

yes, life is good :)

He wanted a chocolate shake and so we just got back from getting one :)

Happy Wednesday xoxo

for more special exposure Wednesday photos click here

first day of school

2011-08-22T23:06:00.002-05:00

Ok, he was not very happy with me taking photos with three cameras :)

He got a little upset and well... that was it for the photos.

I may retake photos after the holiday and see how that goes?

This week and next we are doing review of what I know he knows.

I look forward to a good year

and hope for a good school year for everyone else!

Happy Monday xoxo

from where I stand

2011-08-19T14:33:00.002-05:00

These were taken April through now.

I am camera shy so from where I stand photos have been wonderful for me to do self portraits.

We start school Monday although we have been doing school all summer here and there unschooling.

I need to plan and take first day photos. Although with Noah I never know if he will be willing or not :)

I look forward to the new school year and watching Noah grow and learn.

Wishing everyone a great weekend!

Happy Friday xoxo

five things

2011-08-18T05:38:00.001-05:00

I plan on printing these two photos in poster size to hang in the house.

I thought I would list a few things about Noah :)

1. addicted to his iPad even more than a year ago. ( I don't mind as it is learning fun for him)

2. has added the word "pal" to his favorite phrase, "no way pal" ( we hear this when he doesn't want to be bothered)

3. loves the pool this summer :)

4. laughs his head off at the old Donald Duck movies

5. loves to dance all day long :)

Happy Thursday xoxo

Special Exposure Wednesday- at the pool

2011-08-16T23:34:00.000-05:00

we went to the pool again yesterday.

Noah had a great time as usual.

I loved these photos of him.

Summer has been so great! I will enjoy every last moment of it!

To see more special exposure Wednesday photos click here

Happy Wednesday everyone xoxo

pool days

2011-08-16T15:54:00.000-05:00

Noah had a great time at the pool yesterday.

I think about 3 other people were there, it was empty and nice.

Noah played with some pool diving toys but picked them up with his feet.

He still wont put his head under water.

It was relaxing.

Oh, and the pool is open till Sept.5th...nice!

Joel and Noah drove ahead of me and I went to meet them later.

As I pulled out of the drive way and drove down the street

I could hear a cat crying. I pulled the car over and turned off the car.

I was so scared of what I would find and my heart was racing.

Thankfully a girl waking with her dog and kids came to help me.

The kitty jumped out from under the hood and then jumped back up there.

We tried everything to get her out. Finally a neighbor were I pulled in front of

came out to help. We finally got kitty out and she was fine. She was so tiny and so cute.

She had a collar. She was shaking and so was I. The neighbor took her in the house

and called the base police to come get it and find the owner. Sigh.... what a thing to happen to me!

I'm just glad kitty was ok!

Happy Tuesday everyone xoxo

Happy Monday

2011-08-15T17:32:00.000-05:00

Noah got to take a carriage ride on Friday night before dinner.

He had so much fun. We all had a great time and the drive in the country was pretty nice.

Hope to get some time to edit the rest of the photos.

My sister made it back home to Texas safe on Saturday.

Getting ready to head out to the pool to enjoy this last week before they close for school.

Happy Monday everyone xoxo

a summer day

2011-08-12T05:05:00.004-05:00

we had a wonderful day with my sister Lynda on Thursday. Noah, Lynda and I went to lunch at a local mill.

We have loved going there for years when ever we come to Ohio to visit.

The weather was beautiful. After lunch we walked to the covered bridge and took some photos.

Noah loves running in the bridge and he was happy with the toys I bought him at the mill :)

We enjoyed the drive back home... the sky was beautiful and so were the farms and views.

Lynda goes back home to Texas on Saturday. We will miss her so much.

Noah has loved her being here. He misses everyone back home so much and so do I.

We will be spending the day shopping with my sisters and dinner with the whole Ohio family

tonight for a farewell dinner for Lynda. We will have another great day!

Have I mentioned how much I have loved the weather the last few days? Well, I love this weather

we are having!!! low 80's -70's and cool nights... my kind of summer!

Happy Friday xoxo

summer freckles

2011-08-10T17:47:00.000-05:00

Noah at the pool the other day.

I adore his summer freckles!

Joel took Noah to the pool and I have some time to myself for once.

It is really nice to be alone some times.

I am rarely alone, Noah is always with me.

My sisters just left when the boys went to the pool.

I am on the computer for a bit and then heading to the store.

The weather has been great the last two days.

I hope it stays this way the rest of the summer :)

Happy Wednesday xoxo

ps. wishing my sister Margie back home a very Happy Birthday! Wish we were home to celebrate with you xoxoxo

Happy Monday

2011-08-08T20:58:00.000-05:00

Just some photos from the weekend.

1. St Helen's on Saturday

2. Noah in the car waiting for pizza

3. Joel waiting for waiting for pizza

4. me standing on a manhole

5. on the way home from the grocery store

6. Noah with two Woody's going into Mass.

We had a nice relaxing weekend.

My Sister is in town visiting.

she brought some goodies from home :)

Hope everyone has a great week!

Happy Monday xoxo

Happy Friday - our week in photos

2011-08-05T13:23:00.000-05:00

Some photos from the week. We made it to the pool a few times. Noah had a blast playing with the kids. We took a drive to our favorite little town for pizza (its the best) and we saw a lot of corn fields on the way.

We also made it to a county fair. It was not very big but we had a good time. The drive there was nice. It was so hot once we got there. Noah lasted about an hour and a half and then he was done. He had a pony ride and pet farm animals and rode several rides before asking to, "go home now". Would love to go to the Ohio State Fair this weekend but hate to drive all the way there and then Noah want to go home :)

Have a great weekend!

Happy Friday xoxo

Summer days

2011-08-03T14:01:00.000-05:00

We have spent a lot of time at the pool this summer. More than other summers. Noah loves the pool this summer and it is awesome. He dog paddles his arms while his feet are still touching the bottom and he goes really fast. It is the funniest thing ever! He still will not put his head under the water. He does all the tricks he learned in swimming lessons and its nice to know he remembers them.

We have finally cooled down here but still humid and its been raining. I will take this over the hot, hot days.

I was up so late last night editing photos. I forgot how much fun it is to see a photo come to life and make it look different than what you started with. The above photo was one of the photos I worked on. I just love his face and I love him to the moon :)

Wishing everyone that made it to San Antonio for the NDSC conference a wonderful time!

So wish we could have made it back home to go and meet everyone!

Oh well, one day we will make a conference.

Happy Wednesday xoxo

Happy Monday

2011-08-01T13:58:00.001-05:00

It sure has been hot here. feels so much like being back in Texas.

Noah does not do well in the heat. So we try to keep inside or

go out when the sun is down. He is always hot even in winter :)

Hope to go to a Fair on Thursday. I want to get some photos and Noah

have fun on the rides and have a good time. I so do not want summer to end!

Happy Monday xoxo

Happy Friday

2011-07-29T14:05:00.000-05:00

He loves this jar of cookies and he is not into sweets much.

He made me happy just watching him enjoy every bite.

We have been with out cable/Internet for over a week.

It is so, so nice to be back on line and have cable again.

Noah just didn't understand why the TV, computer and ipad were not working.

I was about to go mad :)

We kept busy and tried to keep out of the house during the day

and rented movies at the red box at night.

we made it, but I am happy it is over with!

Dog sitting for my sister again this weekend. They drop Harley off later today.

Still so very hot here.

Not sure what our weekend plans are?

Hope you have a great weekend!

Happy, Happy Friday xoxo

from where I stand...relaxing

2011-07-15T17:06:00.001-05:00

We are just relaxing today and it feels good!

last week was crazy!

I finally finished up Noah's school year and found a teacher to sign off on his work.

It feels good to have it done. Now to wait and hear back from the county

for the ok to homeschool this coming year.

Now to relax for a while before getting school ready AGAIN!

Happy Friday xoxo

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T12:34:00.000-05:00

Wishing everyone a happy holiday!

We are headed to my sisters for a cook out.

Happy 4th of July xoxo

Have a wonderful holiday weekend

2011-07-01T19:00:00.000-05:00

Joel got home today and Noah was so happy to see him.

We are dog sitting my sisters dog this weekend. He is a sweetie but

I swear he wants to go out every 10 minutes. Making me crazy!

I look forward to the long holiday weekend!

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday xoxo

Wednesday

2011-06-29T15:59:00.000-05:00

Joel left for California today. He will only be gone for two days.

I am already bored.

We are headed out the door to go do something. Not sure what yet?

All I know is I have to get out of this house.

If I hear "There's a party in my tummy" (from yo gaba gaba) one more time I may go mad. lol

here's the link in case you never heard it Party in my tummy

Noah plays it over and over on his iPad.

Joel thinks it is funny.

Happy Wednesday xoxo

movie day

2011-06-27T15:13:00.001-05:00

We have been wanting to take Noah to the movies for a while and just never seem to get the chance.

We finally took him yesterday to see Kung Fu Panda 2.

He really enjoyed it. He loved all the action. He ate a ton of pop corn.

I think this was the first movie he was not nervous?

Maybe because there was not very many people at the showing we were at?

But, he was relaxed and had a great time.

It was a cute movie and Joel and I laughed along with Noah :)

Happy Monday xoxo

Happy Friday

2011-06-24T14:22:00.001-05:00

The week went by so fast. Crazy that today is Friday already.

Tonight the base is having a family appreciation day event.

Food, live music, fun, fly overs, and it all ends with fireworks.

should be tons of fun!

It is all right across the road from our house so I hope it is not too loud for Noah.

It will be nice to just sit on the front lawn and watch the fireworks.

Wishing everyone a great weekend and a very

Happy Friday xoxo

batman

2011-06-22T14:40:00.000-05:00

he was so excited to put on his new batman shirt

he ran to the mirror and made a few face

he is too cute :)

Happy Tuesday xoxo

Father's Day

2011-06-20T11:16:00.000-05:00

We had a great day yesterday. It was a Happy Father's Day!

I cooked Joel a nice breakfast, lunch and dinner :)

I bought everything to make a cake but once I was getting

started I found I have not unpacked my cake pans...sigh.

So, we had fresh fruit instead.

Joel cut the grass after his run. He also cuts the elderly neighbor's grass.

she lost her husband a few months ago. And he cuts the girl next door

who's husband is deployed overseas.
He is a great husband and a great father to Noah.

We are so blessed!

We ended the night with watching Night at the Museum 2

and Noah loved it.

Happy Monday xoxo

from where I stand...heart ache

2011-06-17T15:07:00.002-05:00

Me and Mom

a few weeks ago

Margie and me yesterday

before they got on the plane back home to San Antonio

My heart feels sad. The house feels lonely.

I need to keep busy. I have tons to do anyway.

We will see everyone soon I hope.

I hope to be able to go home soon and visit.

Mom and Margie got home just fine around midnight.

Everyone is happy to have them home again.

So happy my Mom was here for the two months!

Have a great weekend!!!

Happy Friday xoxo

Happy Thursday

2011-06-09T10:47:00.000-05:00

I am so excited! My sister will be here in about 6 hours!

I have a lot of cleaning to do....sigh

photo above of Noah waiting for pizza at our favorite place.

He loves pizza and this place has the best sauce. yummy.

Better get off here and finish cleaning.

Happy Thursday xoxo

a cup full

2011-06-08T10:26:00.000-05:00

I love the smell of coffee. Waking up to it every morning has been wonderful with my Mom here.

I love coffee in the winter not so much in the summer.

I'm going to miss waking to the smell once my Mom goes home.

Her last week here. I know she is looking forward to going home and to her routine.

Really, I am shocked that she has stayed so long but I am happy she has.

I hate to see her leave and my heart will break and I will be so home sick again.

Happy Wednesday xoxo

The weekend

2011-06-06T16:26:00.002-05:00

love summer nights. It has been a little warm but that's ok!

We found the jogging stroller in the garage. So, thankful for this awesome adaptive stroller that we got last summer. It took months for us to finally get it and a lot of phone calls and we still do not have all the parts. but, we love it just the same. Noah loves running with Joel and that makes me happy and he fits perfectly!

First day at the pool this year. He had a blast! He held tight just like the last two years. Then we took him to the 3 foot area and he could touch his feet and wow... he let go and was on his own and not scared at all. he was running and jumping in the water and oh so happy. We hope it is the start of him feeling good in the pool again and not being scared. Keeping my fingers crossed!

It was just so awesome to see him so happy and relaxed. He had such a good time.

I am loving the Summer so far!

Happy Monday xoxo