Girls Easter Celebration

Today Gabby and I participated in the 4th annual Girls Easter Celebration at our friend Judith's home. Judith and her sister Amy provide the crafts, Easter egg hunt and the home for a lovely event. It was such a sweet time with the women in our church and meeting some new women from another local church. We ate well and created some beautiful things. Thank you Judith and Amy for a wonderful time! Here are some pictures of Gabby at the party today.

LOL

Photo Lesson #3 ~ Field Trip

Here are some highlights from my photography lesson field trip. Random people and dogs were my subjects.

Ballet and Tap

This past Saturday at Gabby's ballet and tap class parents/family were invited to observe class. Gabby started taking ballet at this dance studio last January. Just recently Gabby switched over to a ballet and tap class. She just loves it! We got a sneak peak of her ballet and tap performance for the recital in May. She did such a great job! We all enjoyed watching her perform.

Photo Lesson Part 1 & The Scary Princess

Yesterday was my first day of photography lessons. I received a gift certificate from Greg for my birthday. I finally got the first class scheduled. I learned the basics of photography, shutter-speed, aperture and/or F-spot and ISO (film speed). My photography instructor, Gary was able to show me all these modes on my Nikon D60 and how to change and modify them. In the words of Lauren Sykes, "It rocked my world". Wow! This is awesome stuff! I am starting to see the light! I am enjoying being the student for a change and learning something new.

Today I played around with all these different features and was able to capture some really cool shots. Here they are...

These first two images were my first attempt at panning. The background is blurry and the main subject, in this case Matthew and Gabby riding their bikes, stay focused. Pretty cool effect.

This evening the whole family was out and Alex and I passed this dress and bridal boutique and immediately when he saw this he said "oh, scary princess." I am still laughing as I write this. Later on in the evening I got my camera out of the car and was able to use my new knowledge and capture this picture of the "Scary Princess" in all her glory.

Fever & Canker Sores...Oh My!

Today marks a week since Alex woke up with a fever. The fever has remained consistent for about a week and then the canker sores appeared. This is the second set in 3 weeks and these are bad. This picture does not do it justice. I was able to take some other pictures with his lip pulled down and they are NOT pretty. They are actually quite gross. So, I will show you the PG version.

It has been a long week. Sunday I was able to bring him to the Dr.'s office and they said it was viral. They did blood work to confirm. The canker sores will pretty much get worse before they get better. It has not been fun. Canker sores and a 2 year old do not mix well. Once Alex gets Motrin and some Kanka on his lip he is much happier. But as soon as it all starts wearing off, he becomes cranky, clingy and starts crying. For the last several nights we have been up once or twice through out the night. It reminds me of when I was nursing.

If you think of Alex, please be praying for him and a full recovery. Hoping that you stay healthy this season.

My Birthday Celebration!

Yesterday was my 30 something birthday! Once I hit 30 I keep losing count. I have to ask Gabby, "how old am I?" She is quick with the response and then reminds me of Greg's age and then I don't feel so bad. Yesterday started off with home made Challah bread french toast that Greg and the kids made. For every birthday we decorate the kitchen table and they went all out and did a tropical/Hawaiian theme. So here I am in my lai and grass skirt.

My sweet husband served me breakfast on our fine china!

That evening the whole family went to J. Alexander's for dinner.

After dinner we came home and I opened some precious homemade cards by the kiddos. Here is Gabby's card.

I received a certificate (created by my sweet husband, pictured above) for photography lessons. I can't wait to going with these lessons. Looking forward to learning how to use our Nikon D6o to its fullest potential.

Gabriella, one of my precious gifts from the Lord!

A magnify mirror from my in-laws Kate & Herb. Now I will be able to see all those imperfections and wrinkles that come with this age.

Alex really enjoyed the 10x side of the mirror!

Yippee! A manicure, pedicure and facial at the Ponte Vedra Inn and Spa! SWEET!

A delicious marble cake with a chocolate mousse center from Defore's.

Friends to celebrate with. Danielle and Rich thanks for celebrating with me!

Genesis and Catherine joined us as well for some cake and ice cream.