Baby Connor

The arrival of Connor means the chance for another newborn photo shoot for me. I've been looking forward to this and did a little online browsing to see what I could learn to make this one a little easier. The posing part went a lot smoother with the right tools, but don't let that cute little smile and sweet face fool you, newborns are work! I spent about 6 hours with Shannon over two different days for about 1 hour of picture taking. But the results are well worth it.

Isn't he the cutest little guy. I've been so excited to try this pose and I am even more excited with the results.

There may or may not have been a little photo editing to make this photo "G" rated.

I know he looks like a heavy sleeper, but that was just a little moment in time while I was there.

Congratulations Nic & Shannon for such a sweet addition to your family.

Special Delivery

I certainly didn't know my innocent visit to a quilt store last fall would challenge me to learn a new skill. Knowing there was a special delivery due this spring, I couldn't resist buying the pattern and material for the cutest baby boy quilt I saw at the store. The material sitting in the sack would haunt me until the days grew closer for Shannon to deliver her baby boy. Finally, a few weeks before her due date I decided I needed to jump into very unfamiliar ground.

Starting from the beginning was a bit overwhelming, good thing I have a friend who is a quilt wiz that could answer my beginner quilt questions from "do I have to use adhesive?" to "do I really have to hand finish the binding?" Thanks Lisa!

Trying to lay out all the squares making sure I had a good pattern mix was my first challenge.

Next came the sewing. This picture is just my little proof that I really do have a sewing machine and know enough to barely get by. I was surprised how quickly things came together once I set my mind to it. 

The finished product and the self satisfaction that I could do it!

All folded up and ready to be delivered. Wait, what's that? How did that sock monkey get in there? Well, while making several trips to the quilting store I couldn't resist making this sock monkey that would stare at me every time I went to the store. By now I'm sure you're starting to realize I'm a little compulsive when it comes to projects! But now I'd like you to meet the special delivery that started all this; Connor, the proud recipient of my first quilt making efforts.

The sock monkey also made it's way into some grateful arms. I think she likes it!

Bullet Bikes

The day has finally come that Bob has been dreading, the boy's have bullet bikes. They've talked about them for a few years, but when they are still in school and can't afford them it's easy to just say "no." Now that they have jobs and their own money the most a parent can do is strongly voice their concerns. Boys will be boys and make their own choices and the parents are left with the constant worry of their safety.

How your perspective changes as you get older. I remember the summer days of jumping on the back of a motorcycle wearing shorts, flip flops, and no helmet. Were we better drivers back then or is it just the volume of traffic today that has taken those care free feelings away. Every boy should be able to experience a motorcycle on the road, the risks just seem much higher in todays world.

So be safe boys and enjoy the thrill! Obviously you now need to wear different apparel than your dad or I did back in the day.

Helmets, jackets, long pants and safe shoes are required now. Be smart and be safe! 

It's Basketball Time

It's State Tournament time and the Fremont High fans made an impressive showing, as well as the #41 fans! 

My nephew has had a great senior year. Region Champs in football and making it to the final game in State and now Region Champs in basketball and making it to the semi-finals in State.

State play brings a whole new level to the game. It's packed with adrenaline and emotions. I left each game exhausted!

They played great, even though they had a tough loss in the semi's. I'm so proud of these boy's and what they have been able to accomplish this year. Great job #41!