Thanksgiving Break

I had a great time this weekend with Maria - we went shopping together and talked about photography. I loved hearing about school! It seems like just yesterday I was there. Well, not quite...

I also loved having Edward around!! He put the tree up which has become a tradition around here because he is so good at it. I made him some food for the freezer in his apartment. Less than 3 weeks and they'll be home for Christmas!

FlashBack Friday 185

Fall 1999

Love Thursday: Thanks

Bridget at kindergarten Thanksgiving
November, 2000

Thanks Giving

"There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."
--Edith Wharton

Birds on a Wire Backdrop...

This past Saturday, I met our new friends Mike & Sharon & their 2 kids downtown for a family photoshoot. So many photo-opps! What a fun time it was...

Within a couple tenths of a mile, we found some fall color...

Christmas greenery...

Not to mention, buildings, a park and a bridge...

And oh yes, birds on a wire!

Birds on a Wire

Such a beautiful sight, do you think?

This past weekend, I was downtown doing a family photoshoot when I saw the birds on the telephone wire. I was so excited to be standing there with my camera in my hands so I used it as a backdrop for the family because it seemed like a fun thing to do though they probably won't choose it for thier mantle!

Getting Smart!!!

This past weekend, Bridget performed in the play "Get Smart" at South Christian High School. She played the part of Jane, a student in Professor Dante's class. Opa and the Queen Mother came up to see the play also, so we had a fun fun weekend.

This play really had me laughing out loud - enjoying the antics of not only our dear sweet Bridget but also of Maxwell Smart, Agent 99, Mr. Big & his henchmen, Professors Dante & Zalenka, the other students, the blondes and many other actors.

"Jane" is learning about the explosive device being invented by Professor Dante.

During the past 2 months that they have been working on this play, the directors emphasized the value also of seeking godly wisdom - to "Get Wise."

More photos are here.

Flash Back Friday 184

Edward & his chocolate milk, 2009

One thing that is just a little tiny sad is when I go past the chocolate syrup aisle at the grocery store, I always wonder if Edward needs some...now that I think about it, I better have some in the house for next week when he's home for Thanksgiving!

Love Thursday

...I think these flowers are laughing. Wow, so sunny.

Cold Weather

Leo feels a bit trapped thinking how his happy kitty days are over frolicking in the warm weather. He seems to want in and out and in and out all day thinking one of these times, it just might be summer again.

A Different Kind of Beautiful

My New Sunflower

It's getting cold here in Michigan, but Bridgie & I enjoyed the outdoors a little more before the cold came! I liked this one so much that she finally got her own spot on the wall replacing Vincent VanGogh's sunflowers.

Flash Back Friday 181

Thanksgiving 2007

Love Thursday, Already

Bridget met her BFF Jessica back when they were 3 years old. Jessie lives in the same neighborhood, so it has been very easy for them to visit each other not to mention share rides all over! They frequently take walks together after school, so yesterday while they were out walking, I "kidnapped them" to take some pictures for LT.

They got a good chuckle about how they were dressed "incompatibly" so Bridget gave Jessie her coat for a few photos.

"Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Walk beside me and be my friend."

- Albert Camus

Impromptu Photoshoot

m-prmpt, -ty !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After church Sunday, my friend Mary asked me if I would snap a picture for them with their camera because she needed it quickly for a photo book she was making. I just happened to have my camera in the car so I told her I could use mine and e-mail them to her. When I found out they had not had a family photo done in years (I think since their little boy was born) I was prepared to traipse across the city and country with them to look for the ideal shot. We found a great spot right next door, and agreed to continue again some other day since Maria was calling from home and I needed to go home and make her some macaroni.

Happy Birthday Uncle Alan!!

Still celebrating birthday month ... yesterday, Opa Bailey would have been 100 years old!

Happy memories of our toast in the Live Free or Die State

A Feather in His Cap

I'm just talking about macaroni. Maria stopped home Sunday for lunch, so I made her favorite food. You would think I would learn, but I had another microwave explosion just like this!!! I was happy though to be able to sit and enjoy some macaroni with my colorful daughter.

She stayed to study for a bit too.

Flash Back Friday 180

Edward, Maria, Bridget study together, 2004

I was a little surprised to find this picture!

Love Thursday

Sharon made me a heart shaped red velvet cake for my birthday!

Then, my neighbor brought me over this work of art!

Later, we met Edward & Maria for a very impromptu supper at a restaurant near Calvin!

It was a good, good day with a lot of other great things in between!

And welcome into the world little cousin Annelies!!! We get to share a birthday forever.

Another Year!

My cousin Shannon went into the hospital last evening to have her baby... so I might be sharing my birthday with a new cousin! I AM SO EXCITED!

Meanwhile, here is last year's excitement!

Post 1500, Becoming Vintage

When we saw Maria this past Sunday, she asked us to bring her winter coat. We did do that, but John gave her a bonus... his vintage jean jacket from his Calvin years. She was pretty proud! I think. And yes, this is post 1500!

Always.

Since this coming week is "birthday week", Edward & Maria went to lunch with us after church at Wolfgang's because it's a good place for brunch between church & Calvin College. Maria had gotten there early and put our names in, and I just can't believe how old they are getting.

But, because I always use this as an excuse to get some photos of the 3 of them, we headed out for some fun shots afterwards.

They played so nicely together at the park!

And you just gotta love a computer engineering student who plays so well with his sisters on the twisty slide.

They will always be my kids. Amen.