THEY ARE ON THEIR WAY....

They are on their way? Just who you might be asking is on their way to where? My brother and his family are on their way to Kentucky to visit for a few days! It's hard to believe that we havent' gotten to see them since early last December and my, how the boys have grown. Now that the time is nearing for their arrival, this aunt is getting quite excited!In fact, I am not sure who will be more excited...three little guys set free from a very long road trip or me?



Although we have no definite plans for the next few days except to spend lots of moments together, I am sure there will be at least one water fight of some kind (it is July and it is hot! right?)whether it is with grandpa's garden hose or water balloons, games (there are always games), movies for snuggle times, plus lots of giggles, laughter, tears and attitudes! (Oh and lest we forget but let's keep this one a secret: lots of pictures!) Yes, the Queen of Photography will be snappity, snap, snapping for the next few days!

I have said it before and I will say it again: family is one of God's greatest blessings! But it is so easy to let too much time go by without staying in touch! Re-connect with a member of your family today! You might just be surprised and blessed by the memory made!

Blessings to you!

Farewell to Gilligan!



When I was shooting pictures for my Christmas Cards last fall, my friend, Sheryl, offered her ferrets as models. Ferrets? To be quite honest I was very nervous...don't they bite? Aren't they scary? I mean these are like long hairy rat creatures - right?

I must say that photographing Angel and Gilligan was one of the most fun shoots I had last fall! These two were hilarious, leaping, jumping, hissing, so skinny the lil outfits would not even stay on them! I know I laughed until I cried and have told everyone about these two. In fact, my granny says that she wants one for a pet. I can just a ferret loose in our house!! Lol!

ANGEL IN THE CHRISTMAS BAG!

BRINGING A PRESENT JUST FOR YOU!

Today, I received the sad news that Gilligan passed away in his sleep! Maybe it seems silly to mention this event in a blog...as he is only a ferret. But he is a ferret who has brought joy to many and has endured much. I know Sheryl and Angel will miss him greatly! I am so glad I had my opportunity and took advantage of the moment! Now Sheryl has some cute pics of this little guy to remember him.

GILLIGAN...A CHRISTMAS STOCKING STUFFER!

Growing up, pets have always played such an important role in the life of children. Sometimes as protector, sometimes as a friend and best pal, sometimes as therapy, and sometimes as teachers of responsibility. While recently sorting through pictures, I found several of our family pets that have come and gone through the years. What a trip down memory lane! But then there are others of whom there are no pictures...I am sure we planned on it but it just didnt happen!

May I offer a suggestion: take a moment and love on your pal or take a photo of your children playing with their pets! They are such an important part of your family!

Joy 2 u!

Happy 4th of July

Since i am sittin stuck in traffic waiting to depart the grounds and yet trying to keep my July Resolution (since it is only 4 days old) I am bloggin on the road! I will post firework pics soon..just not sure how to do that from my new phone! Technology is a grand thing! I am so thankful for the freedom that we have today. In all the celebrating, I would be remiss to not count my blessings! Even as I write, Klove is asking for prayer for our troops...adopt one today! They need our support as they fight and sacrifice to keep America..the home of the free and the brave! May you and yours be safe!

A Lesson in Table Manners

Although I have been privileged to be in the right spot at the right time for some incredible wildlife photography, raccoons are still one (of many) elusive animals still on my list!

I remember last fall when Jeanette and I went to shoot the moonbow at Cumberland Falls. There we were coming down the sidewalk and out of the corner of my eye, I saw something move by the trashcan. My first thought..a skunk or huge rat! Then it was like a Real Raccoon. So we tried to tippytoe quietly closer but this guy was too smart for us girls so this picture is as close as we got!



A few months ago, I was talking with my cousin Ernest. I could hardly believe my ears when he told me a raccoon was becoming quite a frequent visitor. Since he lives on a busy street kind of in the city, at first, I thought he was just teasing me! But no, Bubba and Ernest have become pretty good buddies. How amazing is that?

Well, today I received a picture today that just made my day and I just had to share them with you! Imagine this: a great big fluffy kitty cat named Trashcan teaching three young raccoons table manners!



No other words are necessary! Take a look around your world today...what brings a smile to your face!

Joy 2u!

Cosmic Skate Competition 2010

The skaters from youth center look forward to National Skateboarding Day in June each year. However, this year the day-long event held at Woodland Park was complete with pro demos, give-aways, and competition was stormed out. Much to the exceeding joy of the skaters, it was rescheduled for last evening. Believe me, an evening skate competition is much better than a hot summer day one!

Although none of our local skaters placed in the competition, I was proud of their efforts! Great job guys (and Samantha!!)


I thought this sidewalk chalk drawing was a pretty cool welcome to the park.


The Tattooed Tree of the Park...with lots of love and best of luck to the competitors


I must confess to messing up a bit....somehow we couldnt tell when the practice session ended and the actualy competition began. So standing not too far away from the concrete, we still missed the first group of skaters which meant that I also missed Elijah and Chris. So Sorry Guys!

Cope is up


Gearing Up For a Run


David


Chris


BooBoo


Samantha...did an awesome job showing up the guys!


Justin...just a cruising along


Dakota


Elijah...after a full day of skating, he is still going!


We have missed Shannon and his brother, Darren, since they moved to Lexington. It was good to see him and show our support. He was the only advance competitor with local ties!




Rounding up the boys.....


Do you know how hard it is to get teen age boys to act right? For just a few seconds..


I guess it is true...boys will be boys!


Finally...all together....the Headbanging Bunnies and Friends!




Justin...loaded down with his souvenirs


Wesley...just one last trick


Turning the corner, to our surprise...we finally stumbled on the door to where?


Feeding some hungry boys!




A full day of fun and good times...but all days must come to end and what a beautiful ending for this one.


A star was shining bright as I arrived home!


What have you done today to invest in a young life?