Haute Couture

We had a lazy weekend.  Didn't do much of anything and I believe pajamas was what I wore all weekend but that didn't stop Em from making an entrance.  You don't have to ask her twice if she wants matzoh ball soup.  She carefully selected her new rainbow dress, her silver sandals and donned one of her colorful hats.  With sunglasses to add the finishing touch, she emerged ready to take her dogs (stuffed) in a stroller walk to the local kosher deli.  As the story is retold to me, she made it as far as the mailbox before proclaiming pushing the dogs was hard work and she was ready to go over in the car.  Only a real gentleman would oblige this lovely young lady who was breaking in new shoes.

Happy Birthday Twinkie

Twinkie is Emme's favorite dog.  I only learned a few months ago HE was a SHE.  Twinkie is worn for she goes everywhere.  I recently bought a backup but gave it to her.  We now have Twinkie and Princess the lab twins.  Last Friday night Emme proclaimed it was Twinkie's birthday and we needed to have a party.  Oh the pressure!  On Saturday morning we gathered all the guests, provided refreshments, a card and party hat for the guest of honor.  Needless to say a good time was had by all.

This week it was Puppy's birthday and today was Baby Dog's birthday (aka baby Pluto).  I just think someone likes cupcakes!

Photo-rific

One of the reasons I've been somewhat negligent in maintaining this blog is the time I've been spending commuting which I've never had to do.  The other reasons is my camera.  I am nearing the end of the photography class I began in March and what a wonderful journey it has been.  After waiting over a year to get in, I had the absolute privilege of being one of Karen Russell's students.  I've learned a lot, particularly I have stopped shooting in automatic and am now a manual girl.  I still prefer shooting aperture priority but I keep practicing.  Becoming a mother made me want to take a lot of photos since when the day came and she asked I wanted to ensure I had many captures of our life since there were none from her first 15 months.  This spiraled into a real hobby, the purchase of my first DSLR, an arsenal of lenses, books, NAPP membership and lots of goodies.  I'm far from professional but my images have come a long way.  I like natural light through I struggle with indoor shots.  This time of year is great so I can practice a lot outdoors though my main subject is less than cooperative.  I do prefer lifestyle photography but am less equipped to shoot subjects on the move.  I do love it and hope to continue to grow.  Some of my favorite shots.

Ketch-Up

My blog has been severely neglected.  It's hard to keep up with life sometimes but we're back in action.  Empress Emme is wonderful and is enjoying being four.  She discovered princesses 2 weeks ago and has been sporting a tiara and heels at every opportunity.  Her favorite is Cinderella and I am waiting for the right opportunity to give her the hidden blue dress and princess shoes which are hiding in my closet.  My hope is just catch her doing something so sweet and so nice that I just have to give her a little treat.  We'll see if I can hold out until family day on 6/20.  It's hard to believe in just a few short weeks, we will celebrate two years together as mother and daughter.  Emme is registered for full day universal pre-k for September and will attend with one of her "besties" which I think will help them both adjust more easily.  I'm so grateful to her parents (both teachers) who found the school and gave their stamp of approval.  Despite the girl drama they sometimes create with one another, I know they'd be sad to be without each other.  I'm hoping A and I will have some fun with them shopping for big girl school supplies in the fall.

Emme, mom-mom and I are going on a 9-night cruise next month and can't wait!  I am hoping it will be restful for me and an opportunity to spend much fun in the sun for us all.

So without further ado, some photos of my curly haired cutie who just this weekend mastered riding a big girl bike.

Please Help

My dear friend "L" needs your help.  She and her husband were LID 5/2006 (China).  She later divorced and CCAA approved her to continue her adoption as a single parent since she was logged in prior to the May 2007 rule change.  Other than being single, she meets all the requirements, even today.  She has a career, a home and a lot of love to offer a child who waits for a family.  At less than 60 days from referral  CCAA reversed their decision without a valid reason which contradicts their earlier decision.  While we know they have the right to make these decisions, we as an adoption community are outraged knowing this is morally and ethically wrong.  If you want to offer your support, please stop by her blog (set up for this purpose), write your local legislators, etc.

www.waitingformagpie.blogspot.com

Exciting News!!!!!

Please join my excitement as the final documents are completed with the state and IRS to form a non-profit organization to benefit women and children around the world.  We already have a potential first major project in China.  Please visit the temp website with basic info and join the mailing list and Facebook Fan Page.

www.morethanwordsinternational.org

Be Still My Heart

Look at those shoes!!!!!!!!  Look at the photography!!!!
http://www.joyfolieblog.com/

Contest Entry

“I REALLY want to win a seat to Love Affair Workshop. GO read details and sign up to join in on the fun! http://www.loveaffairworkshop.com”

The Prettiest Rainbow

Just Beachy

It was 90 here today.  We went to the park to fly our first kite.  We hit the playground and then the beach.  Em wanted to play with her sand toys and she built all kinds of cute things in the sand until we decided to check out the waterfront.  Needless to say, this was how our afternoon went......