Polka Dots

I have spent the last 5+ hours cleaning my entire apartment, so I thought I would take a break to post on my blog. I have had these pictures on my computer for a while and keep forgetting to post them. As I was making dinner one night a couple of weeks ago, I was inspired by the blog "Orangette" that I like to read. She takes pictures of the food that she makes and posts them on her blog with both a story surrounding the process and the recipe for all to try. There are very few blogs that I keep up with on a frequent basis or any basis at all, for that matter, but my friend Jennifer introduced me to this blog a while ago, and it immediately caught my eye. Her writing is a wonderful mixture of humor, truth, and inspiration. I haven't tried any of her recipes yet, but for those of you who like to cook, I'm sure they are wonderful! Anyway, after I made dinner for myself a couple weeks ago, I was suddenly inspired by the combination of the colorful food presentation with the polka dotted background and couldn't resist taking a picture to post on here.

First, the swirly red onion I cut into...


Now...the food!


Coming soon: pictures from my friend Michelle's art show!

A tribute to...

My dad. I am grateful for his unending love and support. It really does mean the world to me to know that he'll be there for me no matter what happens in my life. Here's to our many trips and shared time together --both those in the past and those still to come...

Posting Frenzy!

I am on a posting frenzy since I have been out of the loop and off the radar for so long. You thought I wasn't ever coming back, didn't you? You were wondering where the heck I have been; I know you have! Just because I might disappear for a while doesn't mean I won't have interesting things to say and fantastic pictures to post later. Always stay tuned! (I blame this gibberish language on the late hour, famished state of mind, and a burst of creativity gone awry.)

I have to post pics from when Alison came to visit not too long ago. I have to admit: I don't know if saying goodbye to your best friend and friendship soul mate ever gets easy! It has GOT to be one of the worst things ever when you wave goodbye out the car window as you drive away from the dinky RDU airport terminal knowing that you won't have THAT much fun again for a long while (or at least a few weeks whereby you might meet up again in Vegas, as is the case this particular time).

Unfortunately, we only took all of three pictures on this short weekend visit. That might be a record for us: the least number of pictures taken on a visit ever! I'm only posting two of them; the other one is funny but only to certain people. So, enjoy these two!

First, my accidental art shot:


And then the old faithful shot of the two of us:


*If you can guess where we are, I'll mail you something superb. *

Valentine's Day Weekend

I had completely forgotten about these pictures I had taken of Annie Allen and Lucy Linh when I was taking care of them the weekend of Valentine's Day. We spent the morning at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham, which is where I took these pictures.

I never quite realized how exhausting it would be to be a single parent until I took care of those two girls all weekend. They are wonderful kids--absolutely amazing! You couldn't ask for two better kids in this world. Yet, it's still exhausting: getting up at 7am Saturday morning, eating breakfast, getting everyone dressed (including me--no time for a shower), making sure we all have a snack for later, getting the diaper bag ready for Lucy Linh, getting the car seat ready, getting everyone in the car, driving 30 minutes to Durham, spending two hours at the museum (changing diapers, holding jackets, etc.), driving back to Chapel Hill for lunch at the Loop, driving home so LL could take her nap while AA and I watch a movie (I might have fallen asleep for a bit), play together when LL gets up from her nap, prepare dinner, eat dinner, bath for LL, shower for AA, put LL to bed after reading books together, spend time with just AA, read books together before she goes to bed, and then finally taking a breath at about 8pm--only to realize that a shower must be taken before I head to bed! Getting up at 6:30am the next day...

Despite all of that craziness, I had a great time because these two girls can make me smile no matter what else is going on! They are truly the best kids I know, and I feel lucky to still have an opportunity to be a part of their lives!!!!!!

(You'll be able to tell from my pictures that I am still getting used to taking pics in low light--trying to make sure they are clear and the lighting is right. Bear with me as I continue to learn! :))

Building blocks--always a favorite starter activity!


What is AA going to build?


Uh oh, where did LL go? Apparently finding blocks behind the box.


Stack it up!


A cloud making machine!!! What a great idea!!!


Powerful wind forces moving the clouds...


Almost ready for lunch? I think so!


But first...coloring!








I remember these from when I was a kid. Wow!

Baby Dane

Julie and Kevin--Thank you for letting me photograph your beautiful baby boy! It was such an honor and an absolute pleasure!! I hope that I will be able to have the opportunity to do it again sometime! Love you both, and of course, Dane! :)