{this moment - inspired by SouleMama} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
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Friday, March 29, 2013
This Moment::Friday, March 29
{this moment - inspired by SouleMama} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
13/52::March 28
Today was warm and sunny - a perfect park day!
Michael likes sitting way up high on the final step of the slide, funny boy :)
I hope to see you again tomorrow!
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Sunday, March 24, 2013
Friday, March 22, 2013
Results from Photo Competition::March 22
The results are in:
The Stuff Dreams are Made of- 1st Place Assigned / Reality
Smelling the Flowers - 1st Place Open / Reality
The Ending is the Best Part (altered reality - computer effects) - 3rd Assigned / Altered Reality
Wahoo!! I'm very excited! :)
The Stuff Dreams are Made of- 1st Place Assigned / Reality
Smelling the Flowers - 1st Place Open / Reality
The Ending is the Best Part (altered reality - computer effects) - 3rd Assigned / Altered Reality
Wahoo!! I'm very excited! :)
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
He looked so sweet I couldn't resist::March 20
He was lying on Karen's bed looking so sweet, and the sunlight was coming in just right, so of course I had to take a picture!
He is 5 days old today :)
He is 5 days old today :)
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Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Entries for the Photo Contest::March 19
Theme: "In Dreams" The Stuff Dreams are Made of Waking Up  The Ending is the Best Part (altered reality - computer effects) Open - not held to a theme Drifting (altered reality - computer effects)  Modern Day Gargoyle  Smelling the Flowers |
Monday, March 18, 2013
Baby Bentley::In Pictures::March 18
On Thursday, Karen had a doctor's appointment. At the appointment, the midwife said that the baby had completely dropped, but that he hadn't grown in the past two weeks. So, they did a stress test; the results made them want to induce her that day, but things came up, and they decided to induce her the next morning.
So, at 6:00 a.m. Friday morning, she & I met at the hospital.
She asked me to be her support person. What an honor!! I also took my camera. I knew we needed pictures of this little guy that we've been waiting so long to see! I asked her if she wanted me to take pictures for her, and she said she would. She said she'd even like pics of the delivery - I won't share those with you - and I asked her whether she wanted me more at the head of the bed to support her, or to be around her taking pictures. She said that since delivery goes fast for her, to go ahead and take pics. In between taking pictures, I went over to her and offered words and touches of encouragement.
Things were pretty uneventful until a little after noon. She sent Josh and me to the cafeteria to eat, saying it would be fine, nothing would happen while we were gone. Famous last words! ;) About 15 minutes later we got a call from her. Her water broke! So we rushed back to her room.
From there, she dilated a centimeter every few minutes until it was time to push.
Can I tell you that she is a rock star?! First of all, she was totally relaxed the entire time. She was given pitocin from the beginning, and she opted for the epidural early on, since pit. makes your contractions come close together. Then she relaxed and visited and watched tv right up until the time she started to push about 30 minutes after her water broke.
From there, it took 20 minutes tops. Bentley James was born at 12:48 p.m. He measured 19.5" long and weighed in at 6 lb 12.2 oz
And this is what happened after that:
Everyone was so excited to go and meet Bentley!
Aiden has stayed with us, since Josh had to work. Boy have I missed that boy! I have loved having him all to myself :)
Today she is coming to our house to stay with us for a little while, so that I can help out with the baby. I'm so excited! I have her room all ready to go, complete with a pack and play for Aiden and a cradle for Bentley.
She'll be here in a few hours, and Josh will be here in a few hours to pick up Aiden. It is time for the changing of the guards :)
May today be a peaceful one, full of love and sunshine ♥
So, at 6:00 a.m. Friday morning, she & I met at the hospital.
She asked me to be her support person. What an honor!! I also took my camera. I knew we needed pictures of this little guy that we've been waiting so long to see! I asked her if she wanted me to take pictures for her, and she said she would. She said she'd even like pics of the delivery - I won't share those with you - and I asked her whether she wanted me more at the head of the bed to support her, or to be around her taking pictures. She said that since delivery goes fast for her, to go ahead and take pics. In between taking pictures, I went over to her and offered words and touches of encouragement.
Things were pretty uneventful until a little after noon. She sent Josh and me to the cafeteria to eat, saying it would be fine, nothing would happen while we were gone. Famous last words! ;) About 15 minutes later we got a call from her. Her water broke! So we rushed back to her room.
From there, she dilated a centimeter every few minutes until it was time to push.
Can I tell you that she is a rock star?! First of all, she was totally relaxed the entire time. She was given pitocin from the beginning, and she opted for the epidural early on, since pit. makes your contractions come close together. Then she relaxed and visited and watched tv right up until the time she started to push about 30 minutes after her water broke.
From there, it took 20 minutes tops. Bentley James was born at 12:48 p.m. He measured 19.5" long and weighed in at 6 lb 12.2 oz
And this is what happened after that:
                |
Aiden has stayed with us, since Josh had to work. Boy have I missed that boy! I have loved having him all to myself :)
Today she is coming to our house to stay with us for a little while, so that I can help out with the baby. I'm so excited! I have her room all ready to go, complete with a pack and play for Aiden and a cradle for Bentley.
She'll be here in a few hours, and Josh will be here in a few hours to pick up Aiden. It is time for the changing of the guards :)
May today be a peaceful one, full of love and sunshine ♥
Saturday, March 16, 2013
This Moment::He's Here!!::March 16
March 15, 2013 12:48 pm 19.5" long 6 lb 12.2 oz  And I'm the proud Grandma ♥ |
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
10/52::March 13
Michael, hiding under the back seat of the van. :)
The van is his favorite place in the spring time, summer time & fall. It means we are going somewhere... and even when we're there, very often he likes the van better anyway. ;)
He loved sitting in there today while Jared worked on his scooter. The temperature was upward of 70*! I even broke out short sleeves for Michael and me, and flip flops for me. It was the first time in months that I've complained of it being too hot in the car after a trip in the store....and I loved every minute of it! The older I get, the warmer I like the weather.
I hope that you had a sunshiny day and as fun as Michael did :)
The van is his favorite place in the spring time, summer time & fall. It means we are going somewhere... and even when we're there, very often he likes the van better anyway. ;)
He loved sitting in there today while Jared worked on his scooter. The temperature was upward of 70*! I even broke out short sleeves for Michael and me, and flip flops for me. It was the first time in months that I've complained of it being too hot in the car after a trip in the store....and I loved every minute of it! The older I get, the warmer I like the weather.
I hope that you had a sunshiny day and as fun as Michael did :)
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Random Ramblings::March 12
So, we only have two more Person of Interest episodes before we are caught up with everyone else. I will miss watching several in a row every evening!
I have learned that I love watching it with the lights shut off best. That way, the darkish scenes are brighter. Have you ever noticed the cinematography on that show? It is beautiful! Perfect lighting every time!!
In other news: .... there is really not much new....
We are waiting for Baby Bentley to make his appearance. Karen is due on the 30th, but she doesn't go to the due date. My guess is sometime this week or next.
She said that she was thinking that the 13th would be cool, but Josh said the 17th and she agreed. A St. Patrick's Day baby would be fun.... especially if born a ginger :)
Really, though, anytime he is ready, we are all ready to snuggle him and kiss him. A new baby with baby smell to squeeze and kiss and love. Yes please!
Aiden was here yesterday. He grows so much from one visit to the next. He is really able to communicate thoughts now, which is amazing to me. Wasn't he the new baby we were smelling and squeezing and kissing only yesterday?
Amber and Tino are looking to buy a house. They have put two under contract so far. They fell in love with the first, but then it had such structural problems they backed out. Amber said that she loves the new one even better! The inspector will be out in a few days. Cross your fingers!
As for me, I feel that I have been sick more than well this winter. I think stress has torn my immune system down. I need to learn to worry less!
Steve has a bulging disc, much to his sadness. He has loved exercising, and in the past few months learned of an exercise plan that he has loved! But, calf pain and now lower back pain has indicated that his body is protesting. He has been told that he can exercise lightly (walk, don't jog) for now, until the pain and swelling goes down. Then he will be given a new exercise routine to build up weak spots that have created the problem in the first place. Then he can get back to the plan that he loves.
Daylight Savings Time sure does a whammy on me. I was ready for bed when I woke up this morning! I'll be glad for the jet-lag feeling to go away in a week or two!
Emily is back at school full time. I'm hoping that she is ready for it.
And That's All Folks! Have a wonderful day!
I have learned that I love watching it with the lights shut off best. That way, the darkish scenes are brighter. Have you ever noticed the cinematography on that show? It is beautiful! Perfect lighting every time!!
In other news: .... there is really not much new....
We are waiting for Baby Bentley to make his appearance. Karen is due on the 30th, but she doesn't go to the due date. My guess is sometime this week or next.
She said that she was thinking that the 13th would be cool, but Josh said the 17th and she agreed. A St. Patrick's Day baby would be fun.... especially if born a ginger :)
Really, though, anytime he is ready, we are all ready to snuggle him and kiss him. A new baby with baby smell to squeeze and kiss and love. Yes please!
Aiden was here yesterday. He grows so much from one visit to the next. He is really able to communicate thoughts now, which is amazing to me. Wasn't he the new baby we were smelling and squeezing and kissing only yesterday?
Amber and Tino are looking to buy a house. They have put two under contract so far. They fell in love with the first, but then it had such structural problems they backed out. Amber said that she loves the new one even better! The inspector will be out in a few days. Cross your fingers!
As for me, I feel that I have been sick more than well this winter. I think stress has torn my immune system down. I need to learn to worry less!
Steve has a bulging disc, much to his sadness. He has loved exercising, and in the past few months learned of an exercise plan that he has loved! But, calf pain and now lower back pain has indicated that his body is protesting. He has been told that he can exercise lightly (walk, don't jog) for now, until the pain and swelling goes down. Then he will be given a new exercise routine to build up weak spots that have created the problem in the first place. Then he can get back to the plan that he loves.
Daylight Savings Time sure does a whammy on me. I was ready for bed when I woke up this morning! I'll be glad for the jet-lag feeling to go away in a week or two!
Emily is back at school full time. I'm hoping that she is ready for it.
And That's All Folks! Have a wonderful day!
Sunday, March 10, 2013
What I (re)Learned Today::March 10
I found this on facebook this morning. As I read it, I began to cry; the tears came for many minutes after I was done reading. What a powerful (re)learning experience!
(click on it to enlarge it)
I have my own experiences with spanking....
I've watched what happens when I spank a kid: They get angry, stop listening, hurt someone littler than themselves, and eventually feel like they "deserved" to be hit. I don't like my kids feeling any of those things.
My older kids got spanked more than my younger ones. I had to learn too, I guess. I've learned that it takes more time to teach than to strike, but lessons learned are much better.
My real learning experience came when I spanked Michael. I only did a couple of times when he was little, and then I never did it again. When I did, he'd go around hitting himself off and on for the next little while. I had never seen such behaviour, and he inspired me that there were better ways. I was reminded of my times spanking him and his reaction when I was at the store the other day. There was a mentally handicapped young lady there with her mom; the girl kept saying things to herself in a mean tone of voice and hitting herself. It made my heart break. It made me wonder who treated her that way - where had she learned it?
There are other methods of discipline. I try to remember that the word "discipline" comes from the word "disciple"; Jesus had disciples - he treated them with care, concern, and kindness, and He is the ultimate example.
It's hard growing up and realizing that I've made so many mistakes. I'm thankful that I've had opportunities that have shown me the error of my ways, and I hope I can always keep improving.
(click on it to enlarge it)
I have my own experiences with spanking....
I've watched what happens when I spank a kid: They get angry, stop listening, hurt someone littler than themselves, and eventually feel like they "deserved" to be hit. I don't like my kids feeling any of those things.
My older kids got spanked more than my younger ones. I had to learn too, I guess. I've learned that it takes more time to teach than to strike, but lessons learned are much better.
My real learning experience came when I spanked Michael. I only did a couple of times when he was little, and then I never did it again. When I did, he'd go around hitting himself off and on for the next little while. I had never seen such behaviour, and he inspired me that there were better ways. I was reminded of my times spanking him and his reaction when I was at the store the other day. There was a mentally handicapped young lady there with her mom; the girl kept saying things to herself in a mean tone of voice and hitting herself. It made my heart break. It made me wonder who treated her that way - where had she learned it?
There are other methods of discipline. I try to remember that the word "discipline" comes from the word "disciple"; Jesus had disciples - he treated them with care, concern, and kindness, and He is the ultimate example.
It's hard growing up and realizing that I've made so many mistakes. I'm thankful that I've had opportunities that have shown me the error of my ways, and I hope I can always keep improving.
Friday, March 8, 2013
This Moment::9/52::March 8
{this moment - inspired by SouleMama} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words (I always break this rule) - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
9/52 Playing with his helicopter - the blades on top remind him of a fan, and we all know how much he loves fans! :)
(This pic was taken with an external flash. I took a few pics with the lamp off, but didn't like them as well - the lamplight didn't add much light to the picture itself, but it adds a warmth that is aesthetically pleasing.)
Have a wonderful weekend!
9/52 Playing with his helicopter - the blades on top remind him of a fan, and we all know how much he loves fans! :)
(This pic was taken with an external flash. I took a few pics with the lamp off, but didn't like them as well - the lamplight didn't add much light to the picture itself, but it adds a warmth that is aesthetically pleasing.)
Have a wonderful weekend!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Cinnamon Roll Model::Jared!::March 5
If you haven't tried Maverik's cinnamon rolls, you are missing out!! They are delicious & only $1.50. They are super soft, very moist, and the icing is gooey and yummy!
But the real reason I took this picture was for the awesome natural light that was going on. It doesn't get much better :)
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Steve & I have been watching Person of Interest. First of all, I love that show! I'd love to be like John Reese: cool, calm, collected; getting in and getting done whatever is needed. He's awesome.
Second, the lighting on that show is magnificent!! I love how, no natter how dark the scene is, they manage to *always* get just the right light on the characters' faces. It never looks fake or over done. Perfection every time. I wish I could do that!!
As an aside, I've never been into cityscapes. I am a country girl through and through! But because of their cityscapes I long to go on a photoshoot in the city where there are cool buildings and bridges and places to take pictures from way up high!!! Ahhh...... that show appeals to me on so many levels and makes me want to improve myself and my abilities. It's a keeper!
Now go buy a cinnamon roll for heaven's sake! They are delicious! ;) And if you eat it while watching Person of Interest, all the better! ;)
But the real reason I took this picture was for the awesome natural light that was going on. It doesn't get much better :)
Steve & I have been watching Person of Interest. First of all, I love that show! I'd love to be like John Reese: cool, calm, collected; getting in and getting done whatever is needed. He's awesome.
Second, the lighting on that show is magnificent!! I love how, no natter how dark the scene is, they manage to *always* get just the right light on the characters' faces. It never looks fake or over done. Perfection every time. I wish I could do that!!
As an aside, I've never been into cityscapes. I am a country girl through and through! But because of their cityscapes I long to go on a photoshoot in the city where there are cool buildings and bridges and places to take pictures from way up high!!! Ahhh...... that show appeals to me on so many levels and makes me want to improve myself and my abilities. It's a keeper!
Now go buy a cinnamon roll for heaven's sake! They are delicious! ;) And if you eat it while watching Person of Interest, all the better! ;)
Sunday, March 3, 2013
8/52::March 3
Our family went to the zoo last week. We let Michael use the wheelchair because it is hard for him to walk a long way. Or sometimes he just doesn't "want" to walk any further.... if I could always figure out what he was interested in or what was bugging him, AND if he could always be reasoned with, AND if he would always listen and obey, I might not really, really, really desire to take the wheelchair or wagon everywhere we go. But, Michael being Michael DOES get bugged, and then he peacefully protests by sitting down and will.not.get.up. It can make an outing super exciting. I don't always want excitement. ;)
So, Daddy pushed him in the wheelchair most of the time and he walked some of the time and peacefully protested occasionally and eventually ended back up in the wheelchair mostly by his own choice.
When we were in the elephants' area, the whole family was looking at the elephants and the sleeping baby elephant.
Everyone except Michael, who liked to watch the ceiling fan instead. :)
Having a kid whose brain works differently can sometimes be humorous, can sometimes be frustrating, but is always enlightening. Michael has brought me to the point where I truly believe that we all think differently. Most of the time we all come to the same conclusion, but the way that we get there might surprise the next guy. :)
Wishing you a wonderful day, full of all of the goodness it can hold!
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