ed.annette

2010-12-25T10:07:00.000-08:00

Just sending our love at Christmas!

Mia learning photography update!

2010-11-23T08:25:00.000-08:00

We hit the streets of Lafayette and had some fun.

I haven't shown her Marilyn Monroe yet!

I loved how she commanded the shots

Thanks and love you all,

from us :)

Welcome, Poppy Louisa!!!

2010-09-07T06:39:00.001-07:00

She is just an arm full of sweetness.

Love you, Poppy!

whenever I see her smile.....

2010-08-02T14:41:00.000-07:00

not that long ago.
She was way over there, I still sat here wondering and praying
if love was alive, if there would be an opening, a way for "us"
not that long ago.

I realized how few times I truly had trusted Him. I realized how tiny my faith was.
I saw all the questions in people's eyes, I saw how tired my husband's eyes were,

But there was always hope in her smile.
I read a thousand thoughts into one smile. She was way over there,
not that long ago.

and then the day came.
The city was strange, the language even stranger, but the strangest was knowing she was behind
one more door.
And then I saw her smile, there were a thousand lights and answers to prayer,
it seemed Mia could share hope with us in that smile!

I will always have the memory that God gives the greatest gifts to us for no reason I deserved
whenever I see her smile......

Mia!

2010-07-31T08:56:00.000-07:00

She may need this translation book for awhile :)

This is the victory sign!

The hat Kait gave to her

She loves photography!!!!!

We love her so much!!!!!

It's time!!!!!

2010-07-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

We are flying out today to pick up our Mia!
We are pretty excited and sort of running around in circles.
I will try to blog from China!

P.S. I learned our Asian neighbors are Christians when I was setting up our "cooking classes". Yeah and praise the Lord!

love you all,
Annette

We miss you, Alan

2010-06-28T20:30:00.000-07:00

Alan is back home again, I miss Kurt and Alan's loud laughs and yelling around already. He left the dearest note for me, saying we would always be his USA mom and dad, he also said we were the most unique couple he has ever met! (is that good or bad?) hehe -I will always remember his cute accent and curious questions.

could you repeat that please!

2010-06-20T20:46:00.000-07:00

-this little sweet song was posted by Ashton, long ago, mine sends you to youtube annoyingly with commercials plastered around it. I still love the theme -

Is love alive. I have been praying it is. Thanks Ash, for the inspiration,

We have our travel approval to China, it's July 9th to the 24th, for Mia, ahem.... yeahhhh.

so, yeah.....there is some good news to share!

2010-04-26T19:55:00.000-07:00

It's a big heart full of a lot of emotions around here.
---some quotes starting out with thoughts of adopting:

Kurt- "are you crazy, we already have six kids, .......and why another girl"

Ash- "I just think every Christian home, that can, should adopt"

Andria- "I can't take it serious ...until it's more real, so I am not disappointed if she doesn't really come."

Ed- "I need some time with this" ......"I need more time" ......."this feels very unknown"

Clint- "Mom, that's great, she is sooo cute, so dad's finally letting you adopt?"

My sister Joyce- "are you sure you won't find another one when you are over in China, I think you need two."

Alan (exchange student)- that's awesome, man! ....are you sure you are taking this seriously?

Kait- "mom, this is a big deal!"

Jenny- "Oh mom, I am just going to be quiet about this, I don't know what to think."

......this was a very small sampling of all the conversations over the last seven months..... I love the honesty and grace my family has shared over this time.

For myself, I am mostly tripping over prayer that seems to be hidden by bigger fears in front of it. But eventually I found more quiet time and soul searching. There wasn't a huge pull or slamming conviction which way to go. In the end, I imagined the faces of my grandkids, in an orphanage, I broke down and really bonded with the little girl, growing into an adolescent and simply couldn't leave her behind, no matter what. Ed has come in and out of conviction over time, it's just hard to move ahead on something so distant and not able to calulate. He is leaning on my gift of relationship/connecting heart with this one.

Mia hasn't even arrived, yet she definitely has changed me already. So the journey begins......
and here are some follow up quotes that might bring a smile:

Kurt: "I think I am open to this now, I think we may have a chance to reach her" (spiritually)- this was after an amazing retreat he attended.

Ash: "I think it might be really hard, but I still think we should do this work"
Andria: "I am really getting excited about Mia, I just had a feeling she would really be yours."

Clint: "So, when is she coming, what's new with Mia?"

Alan: "I see after ALL this months of paperwork and more paperwork, you are serious."

Kait: " I am excited to try and connect with her."

Jenny: "Mom, you have tried to support my dreams, I want to be there for yours"

Ed: "She is going to need a dad..... I can't imagine what she must be feeling, finding out someone wants her, finally." (when she received our pictures and a gift we sent.)

So, with no further details but a lot of joy sharing with all of you, ....

here is Mia, she just turned 12. We plan to travel to China the first of June to welcome our new daughter!

God bless, Annette

no, I didn't die ...... it's just been a long absence from the blogging world!

2010-02-18T15:15:00.000-08:00

This is Avo's homecoming to Indiana and Luca's Birthday celebration!

This is what I found 2 weeks later after Luca left, I kept him for awhile when Jen and Luke were in Ethiopia, He loved this plant stand...... and I am guessing found a way to imitate it in is own unique way with some antique spools from my basement. It made me ask the question, if he is building a look alike from what he saw in my home and honestly, with his activity level , I wouldn't have thought it in him. How much more did he take away of my spirit in those day he spent with me? It was a sobering, funny and scarey thought. I miss you, Luca

I felt pretty much like these bears after the whoop-a-la was over for the two and a half week mark! I was hoping no one would notice my pasted on smile of overstimulation!

This is Kurt and our exchange student, Alan----- tough guys, ehhh

I thought I would shock everyone and come out of my blog "freeze"

because........ there are too many things to let slip by unnoticed.

I think I will start nice and easy again with a few pictures: - nice checking in again! -Annette

Hilton Head '09

2009-08-07T14:12:00.000-07:00

I know..... it's been ages!!!!!! I couldn't get my video to download, dread..... I pouted for like a long time.

I just told Ed I was bored with editing more senior pictures and an hour later this massive load of rock was delivered to my driveway. 23,00 pounds to be exact! The wall must go up though. Our lot beside us sold, although I like the new neighbors I don't like sharing my tea breaks with them when I sit on my porch, I know, spoiled comes to mind.

Ed gave me a budget and I found a great sale! Garrison, the excellent chap that he is has finals this week and I vowed not to distract him, he loves projects and is working for me this summer.

Kurt flew the coup for his infamous IL, but he has helped a ton (pardon the pun) even without music the last couple of days!

So I fiddled with taking butterfly pictures (not very good ones) and then the dog who is my lone helper tonight. He doesn't look too bright in the picture.

I will keep you posted!!!! Annette

Time out for vacation!!!!!

2009-07-03T14:25:00.000-07:00

Woops! I meant to splice out some of that racie song!!! I will try and post the right one:)
Here is Hilton Head. It's long, but I will shorten it later.

love you all,
mom

This is a little blurb on "Ed"

2009-03-02T17:46:00.001-08:00

I will improvise the questionaire that I enjoyed on all your blogs: We will be married 30 years in April. It's time to salute the "us"!

This guy has to read everything, preferably while checking espn and snacking. He hasn't successfully sat through a show of any sort without getting restless and walking around.

We have very different approaches to life---- sometimes I see how this balances both of us out, sometimes it just wears us out. He is focused on future and past, while I drag him back to the present..... often.

Our shared pastime would have to be traveling---- anywhere. Ed doesn't like the newness of a country or town right away, three days in he starts to warm up to the culture. He has to figure out all their systems before leaving. I think it is viewed as a job, especially when he randomly interviews people. We are on Kait's senior trip to California in this picture!

This depicts Ed the best......... everything is pretty much in high intense gear. His shoes down to his tooth brush just get plum worn out fast. He is colorful and challenging to anyone's ordinary life. He loves the hard questions and delving into conflicts. He also easily changes direction if proven wrong and apologizes fast for any offense. This is a great attribute since he is direct and speaks his mind freely. I think we will live out ours days still understanding each other, but it's kept the journey interesting and since my biggest fear is being bored, I am really thankful for him!

~love you hon.

Annette

Luca is two!

2009-02-16T10:20:00.000-08:00

Jekyll Island is just dreamy- but perhaps not always "kid friendly".

grandpa bonding time.

Eating at the "Top" in Gainsville.

Luca creating his own white sandy beach of sugar.

This is my story entry called "Luca Love"......

It all started with Luca not owning the right match box cars at the little play yard at Haile, evident by the real tears he was sporting when he had to give back the cars to the rightful owner and head home. Jenny was the tough love mom and looked at me like "get a life". I guess I have graduated to the soft grandma heart. Jen and Luke proceeded to take their jog workout while I babysat the sad Luca, now sadder because mom and dad just dissapeared out the front door. It was time to introduce myself as no ordinary grandma indeed!!! tada, I remembered we just bought a train table, complete with trains and tracks and bridges, you get the idea. We oohed and ahhed together as we cut open the package of boxes and plastic wrapped wonder of the train world. Yes, I was rating higher by the minute. Time for my shower break, I had just jogged before my Luca shift. Surely he would be content with all this new stuff, and honestly I didn't know I was suppose to throw the lock on the front door for Luca's easy exit plan. So my story ends in suds, and a frantic grandma wrapped in a towel, running out the door, calling Luca back in the condo from his successful bolt just at the right moment before my shampoo rinse. I must have been more commanding than a scary looking godzilla suds monster, because he did run back in with me.... and we did laugh about it....later. I am most thankful their front door bangs really loud. love you, Luca, your capable babysitter,

Grandma

2009-01-06T12:29:00.001-08:00

a new couple coming...... as soon as I catch my breath

It's Brogan and Coty!

Jason and Rachel........

2008-12-14T18:58:00.001-08:00

I can't begin to tell you what a pleasure it was working with Jason and Rachel.... even in the snow!

Sandra, please check out the rest of the pictures- www.photographybydelisa.com/florence/index.html

love you both- Annette

2008-11-23T20:43:00.000-08:00

and here are some more Christmas pictures!

take two---

2008-11-23T20:29:00.000-08:00

Jen. how do the flowers hit you! A little bold I know..... I called the other picture a Christmas pastry and you said we looked pasty, that's just a no go pasty pastry picture.

so it's the votes, -keep working on another idea or this one stays!

2008-11-18T17:24:00.000-08:00

just some happenings at the Bahler house.....

we had an early, early Christmas since Jen and Luke were here!

Hence the Holiday picture- I am not sure it's "the one" yet, it looks a little like a Christmas pastry! I am still editing.Andria and Kait sing us a Christmas song~

Clint and Alesa, -Alesa, thanks for jumping in with both feet in our intense, crazy family.

O.K. I will find one with your eyes wide open next time, you're still cute, Bryan.

the Gutwein clan~ It was so so good to bond with Luca again. We are looking forward to March, Jen Thanks for the memories!

Inrtroducing Brant . Karen

2008-11-12T17:52:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the family Karen

2008-11-12T17:47:00.000-08:00

Love you both!

Tagged - I'm it

2008-10-12T21:24:00.000-07:00

1.I get through a problem or project by telling myself I can have a "comfort" drink after it's done. I make a chai latte and sip it to my heart's content. ... and then, nibble on dark chocolate.

2.I love looking into Noah and Adrian, Jude and Luca's eyes. It's like I am reading their little thoughts, which I am sure I am not. They always repay my attention with the cutest in the world grin for me.

3. I am most relaxed when a "big" event, (company over, my girls weddings, graduation etc) is just over. I linger around the last bits of fresh memories and drink it all in, finally exhaling.

4. I can over study a word, until I'm confused on how it is spelled! It's so annoying....

5. If someone is pouty or has a bad attitude for very long, I start trying to fix it or reflect the bad attitude back at them- Not the most effective course of action.

6. I stand pigeoned toed too much. Who actually named it that or studied pigeons once upon a time?

7. I think my voice is hard to take serious because it is high pitched and sounds whimsical.

perhaps because it is 12:50am this has progressed to surface trivia.......
but it's been fun, thanks Jen-

a little sweetie pie!

2008-10-12T20:54:00.000-07:00

This is Braylyn Gudeman...... she's too cute.

and Cara's newest daughter, Morgan~

2008-10-01T20:13:00.000-07:00

Hi, I am in Nebraska with Ed for a business/get-a-way.

I forgot my camera so it's a pretty sorry blog! But for Ash and Kait, thanks for being home tonight to grace Kurt with your presence. He was excited you were coming, I think partly because he will actually have food to eat.

there is a sweet-sweet downtown here called the Market Place. I found an eclectic home store that's perfect. Ed even liked it. Sooo maybe it's not too early to Christmas shop, huh?

Anyway, we will be home late Friday- love to all
Annette

John and Marla

2008-09-18T19:53:00.002-07:00

This was a cute, beautiful family I got to know.

... yet another surgery!

2008-09-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

it's been 3 weeks now since the actual break and surgery and brace. I can't seem to be able
to even get Kurt to keep his brace on. His words were "I already fell and landed with my arm up" ummm, I hope that works for him. It was a soccer injury again.
this little picture is for Jenny, can you see the countertop around my chocolate cheese cake that I absolutely love to make? I would have put a "countertop only" picture, but I thought it looked too scary. -Never mind that the sample was not anything like the granite that actually came. I say the countertop found me, it's a little crazy- wild but a nice accent.

CK surgery complete!

2008-09-06T19:16:00.000-07:00

Aren't these just "smashing" glasses. My friend Jody Klotzle lent me these so I could see the song. I never had the silly 20+ pairs of reading glasses I own, when I needed them. This post is to say I got CK surgery. It took 6 minutes to actually accomplish the proceedure, but several hours of worrying time before. End of the story is, it's worked great, perhaps I should pass the good news to my friend, Jody or give her my 20+ pairs I don't need now. Annette -PS That cute boy to the right is Braiden from California, going to college there. That hairy arm to my left belongs to my "still cute husband" Ed! His ancestry comes from the Swiss Alps......what can I say.

just saying......

2008-09-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

Checking in tonight to say, my blog has been stiff lately. Sorry

Soooo, here is my tonight happenings - Ed and I went out (about 8:30pm) to catch a bite at "Red Seven" it's a place in Lafayette that gets the community feel pretty well. I can't say I measured up to a stellar date. I was pouty and quiet. Why???? I felt jilted a bit. Yes, that high maintanace stuff again. Ed really hung in there though, past his patience. He tried all kinds of opening lines that I let fall with no energy back. He told me I looked great..... I didn't care what he thought.
All said, I just hadn't had any time with him, enough time to feel like a team anyway. We set
some focus/vision stuff for the fall and more talk and tadaaa~...... relationships just take time.
You would think after about 30 years we'ld have it covered. Nope.

We went on the walking bridge after our talk and found a whole church "outreach" with a small band singing on the bridge. They were talented singers, but the amps were way too loud and it smashed the sound.... very unfortunate. We walked past as we were hit by three or four people with "are we Christians?" question

-What do you think? Ummmm, I listened to the comments of other people passing by, it wasn't favorable. I felt bad for the whole situation, especially the small bands of people in prayer circles. It was too in your face and yet their hearts seemed right. We need to reach souls for Christ, but how? -or maybe they were on?

It made us tired and we went home.
So this is my straight talk for the night instead of stiff stuff.

good night all, Annette

Seniors Pave the way!

2008-09-05T10:35:00.000-07:00

Amber~

Megan~
Alyson~ We've hit the streets of Lafayette........and had fun!

can you believe it ..... I'm back

2008-09-02T19:45:00.001-07:00

This is a tribute to Jeff, Gretchen and Joah.....
They have just moved to IL -and we miss them so much already

I know where ever they go, they will be an incredible asset. God Bless you!

It's finally here! It works even

2008-07-08T07:03:00.000-07:00

vacation time!!!

2008-07-02T18:43:00.000-07:00

"the gang"
oh joy!
Hmmmm......
the gathering
and so....

pictures are coming, ...... soon!

2008-06-26T19:57:00.000-07:00

Chad and Heather

2008-06-05T21:16:00.001-07:00

God bless you both~ What a great couple you are!

Erika's little sweetie! Quinn

2008-05-30T18:57:00.000-07:00

Well, he's past a tiny newborn age now, but these will remind us of the time he was.

The best big sister, Allison

Here's to a beautiful life to share!

2008-05-21T19:35:00.000-07:00

pictures, more pictures

2008-05-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

Hey Kait, my little graduate......I'm really going to miss your spunk in spirit, out of the blue thoughts and off the wall humor! Such a great combination of intense drive and crazy all in one.
If you are not dancing your beat around here, it's going to be "dull as tombs"

love you so much- mom
Natalie and Blair's sneek preview.

some of their shots are up on the web under lucca. Their whole wedding was a light, sweet, beautiful event

it's another new post.....

2008-05-19T15:32:00.000-07:00

Heather and Chad's shower, last Friday. Their wedding is in 2 weeks-

they were just a lot of fun to be with! Engagement pictures are the best.

These are the computer wizards of the future-

Wish me God's speed on the Graduation reception for Kait, Saturday......

Kait and Janessa are hitting the event together here, which will be more exciting and half the cost I might add :)

It's a new post......

2008-05-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

We've got company!

Jen's play group came and tasted the "Gobena.org coffee". It was so good to see all the girls and little one's. This is Bella and Brecken~
we miss you guys!
snuggling with Luca, The play group! and

The mighty swordsmen-

I'm pouting.......

2008-04-30T22:41:00.000-07:00

I've finally got a few pictures to share!!! But alas, Ed is out of town with all my downloaded pictures on his lap top. Plus, you know, talking about the whole affair of India with Ed is being missed, little incidents that need massaged with more words. So thanks once again for being the friend in the night where I can type and be heard.

- Of course, it's almost 2:30 a.m. I am pretty sure I should be sleeping, but I can't figure out which space of time I am inhabiting yet.

I do know that I've left my normal stomach somewhere back in India. -O.K. so that's the last of my pouting.

It is enough to say... India has much to teach us.

I would like to share one little story before I fall asleep, that I am still pondering:

On an early morning walk with Ed, I glanced over to see a really bad smelling turned over trash bin, but also sitting beside it was a 20ish looking young man, I had seen so many beggars by this time, wasn't this just another one? I don't think so, this was different, he made no attempt to beg or even connect, he was just surrounded by a deep loneliness that I still can't shake. His stature lent to a thousand words, sermons I had not heard before. I thought I knew desolate, but his tired face gave it an entirely new meaning.
I scrambled my brain for a quick fix, you know, the kind America tries to force in a small span of time, because of the freedom we feel and the aboundant love (we should possess anyway). but all my heart was silence by this man that accepted no answers. There was a clear understanding of not being able to reach him in a land I'd never known,...... but he was so young, and actually attractive, I know, why should that matter, but possibilities that all of us seek at that age, plans, life, purpose. these thoughts were such a stark contrast to what this man didn't have. I just kept walking and hurt about the whole thing.
Clint explained later when I asked what could be done. He's an "untouchable" some Indians after being in the area with them are suppose to go and cleanse themselves in a temple. What?????
This man is to accept his lot, being born into it, if their parents were untouchables, then he would be, something about the orgins not being accepted if they are a mixed race. I had heard enough, a whole life wasted, what God given talents, never sought out, days full of no future. And this is where I leave it, for some reason, his sermon of silent mourning is still teaching me. It's my biggest lesson in India, not at all figured out yet, but still pondering. If nothing else the good Samaritans and Lazarus, and the beggar all became clearer in context.

Until later- hopefully when there's more time and pictures.

I intend to enjoy everyone elses amazing blogs. Thanks for all the stories of couples meeting, babies coming into the world and everyday life shared together! love you, Annette

just random pictures......

2008-04-08T10:29:00.001-07:00

because Kait graduates in May (last picture) and basically we are going to Louisianna and then (yeah) India to see Clint and Alesa for the rest of April. I am up to my eyebrows- painting any awful spot I can't live without changing before I open my doors to a reception here. I really don't think people care, or will notice that I dug up four huge bushes, yesterday and moved them down the lane to hide an ugly transformer utility thing, but hey, it's an incentive.

I miss these guys a lot. They probably look more indianish now-
Ed's been out of town all week, so here's him. He hates "projects" so I better type fast and finish the bedroom one.
I said random---- this is my parents cutie wedding day"goodbye". I miss dad this spring.
here's to the girls, my sisters and sister-in-laws, minus MaryAnn. They just make me happy.
here's the gatuate --- Kait says you are all invited! May 24th! we stayed up till 1:30am

to finish these silly invites, well, there were four sides to the card. Yeah, we need a life.

The sad story

2008-04-01T15:33:00.000-07:00

The photography seminar was a concentrated informational dump for mostly two hours for the first half session. It was all good but I was so tired from Colorado I toyed with leaving early. My mind started justifying all the reasons why I could. I am so glad I stayed. Here's what's up.

The speaker took us through inspirational footage after the "burn out" he was experiencing.

They shot just ordinary, kick back no pressure stuff with unique twists. Then he announced to the audience "if anyone is pregnant in the crowd, the next segment has some emotionally charged scenes you might not want to see." WHAT was coming........

An adorable photographer on the video, about 30ish starts her story how she got a call at the end of a busy day from the hospital. The couple wants her right away, they had seen her pictures all over the walls and loved her work. The photographer explained she had kids' obligations that evening but would come first thing tomorrow morning. The reply was "it would be too late." She took two assistance and went right away. Their newborn little boy, Cameron was dying. He looked perfectly healthy but if the tiny tubes were removed he would not live. They photographed the baby with the couple for all the shots they could think of for 25 minutes. The photographer was aware of the fact that if she stopped the little one's time would be over. What a thought. Knowing she was finished, she left the two alone and would come back. They wanted pictures saying goodbye to their son, the last moments after he died.

They waited forty-five minutes until a nurse came out with the reddest puffest eyes and knew Cameron had indeed died, as they entered the room the peace that surrounded them was amazing. All other pictures before didn't compare to the beauty of love and acceptance with death that these gentle passionate pictures and moments held.

The photographer knew they could only give this as a gift from their hearts. They put together a cd for them. When the couple came back for the pictures, the event became real again, they could tangibly hold a picture and see Camon for a healing, for some healing. These ladies realized that a lot of other children didn't have this last memory in beautiful pictures and decided to call a new organization "now I lay me down to sleep." honestly, I can't say that name without tearing up. I can't imagine going through this sad goodbye as a couple.

The web site is http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/ I haven't checked it out yet. I was just getting my tea, (comfort drink) and going to the sight. I got a call today from a new mom, Ericka Gerber's little Quinn for newborn pictures. I wanted to tell her to hold him so tight and celebrate his little breathes of life, you know, but of course I didn't. She was celebrating him without saddness. So that's why I blogged about it,..... thanks. I am considering doing this if there's a partner in the area that we could share availability with. Kait said she was in. Probably all you med professionals out there deal with much more than this on a daily basis, but it's still tender.

glad to be home, Annette

2008-03-27T06:34:00.000-07:00

We are off to Colorado for the weekend, Ed has a talking engagement with a church there. I am happily along for the ride. I am excited about coming back through Chicago and catching a photograpy seminar! I need to catch up on more new digital news!

On a health note----- Anyone out there get headaches with extreme temperature, weather changes? I was looking up magnesium because I've heard it helps for this situation. It seems halibut (3 oz.) is the highest food source, then almonds (1 oz), spinach, grains, beans etc. Does anyone have any other insight here?

A talk with Andria this morning about a parenting magazine article went something like this- Grandparents aren't the elbow macaroni, pipe cleaner crafty, undivided attention all day long stereotype they used to be......Grandparents used to complain..... if they hadn't had a visit with thier grandkids. Now we have a huge agenda, we are healthier, more engaged in every little or big community, job, church or advanced education. Hmmmm I don't think it's all good or all bad. What we took away as a conclusion was. Grandparents still need to invest the "who" they are in the lives a precious new generation and the belief that they aren't a babysitter but a role model with unconditional love and support for the grandkids. Ann, did I pick up on that right?

just thinking, Ed's now rushing around with that last minute energy. Bye......

2008-03-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

It's finally up and running.....!!!!! Thanks so much Ann -

www.photographybydelisa.com

"paris" is the client proofing name for Amy and Jon

I hope to be back to blogging again now.

from cowgirl ----to ballerina~

2008-03-19T22:12:00.000-07:00

Picture retreat.....

2008-03-19T21:16:00.001-07:00

Christy Langhofer.....little sweetie
Porchia Virkler .......so lovable

Second cousins!!!!

2008-03-19T21:02:00.000-07:00

Do you think they look alike? Adrian and Christy

The Virkler's and Langhofer's came for a picture "retreat". I think mission was accomplished!

I loved the late into the night after dinner chat with everyone! It meant Craig and Racheal got home well past midnight. Nathan and Natalie- here are a few peeks at the shoot. Thanks for all the memories and great conection time.

next time we need to turn the air cleaner on by your bed, it blocks out the baby noises, if only I had remembered........

Congratulations to Paul and Dee -

2008-03-04T19:53:00.000-08:00

Anyone meeting Dee understands her endearing, gentle spirit, not to mention her beauty--God bless!!!!! They are traveling to Africa for a two month visit-

Jon and Amy.....Congratulations!

2008-02-28T12:39:00.001-08:00

Jon was perceptive and artistic!
Amy was beautiful-

here are my great assistants!! well, Ashton mostly, Kait helped at the reception. Thank you, thank you, it's huge to have that second camera

until the wedding party pictures....... I'll be back!

here's to Amy and Jon's wedding

2008-02-28T12:33:00.001-08:00

this wedding was so great to be a part of. The smiles were heart felt and plentiful!

No, it's not always about me....

2008-02-21T07:56:00.000-08:00

-for heaven's sakes I needed a photo shoot for my web page Andria is so competently finishing . I had to post this because Ed took the pictures, yes, you may want him for your next photo session, no, he didn't edit these and yes I had to use the sharpening tool on most he took. But he had such heart for the shoot. memories, memories-

But comments on if this works would be welcome, and don't tell me my noise looks big, I know!

2008-02-18T12:39:00.000-08:00

Mary Ann and I arrived on Wednesday to a very wonderful warm Florida.

We ate at "The Thrid Place" for an early dinner and gernerally thawed out in the sun.

The rain swept in and left just as fast.
Luca entertained us the whole time
So we start our adventure of the laminate. "I hate this floor " was said quite a lot.

In defense of the floor, we just hadn't done one before. The trick is -it works as unit, your current board can effect a board 16ft away if it's not against a wall or desk held by one of us. The boards could unlock at any random moment, it drove us crazy until we were rescued by Luke and Jenny's friend. Dan the surgeon, fine chap, who showed us the effective procedures.
I just wanted to hold Luca and forget it.
But Jenny did really want her floor done and Mary Ann was dauntless. Luca actually went back to his crib -for a nap of course. I'm sure the pounding didn't keep him awake ...and we actually finished the floor.

2008-02-18T12:34:00.001-08:00

Luke came home to help cut and put in his rows, I think in his sleep. I don't know how he keeps going with 100 hour weeks. Jenny and Luke are both "rock stars" to Mary Ann and I!
This is Jen's new pillow color that goes with the new picture in the kitchen. I like it a lot but still haven't forgiven the floor.
Jen went out and bought me new shoes at the cutest boutique in her village.
So the last evening was frantically spent finishing loose ends, tiling in front of the firplace mantle and playing in the dirt with plants Mary Ann bought. That was the fun part.
and we lived to tell the tale, except we didn't finish the office floor. We left that to Luke and Andria who are maybe coming to see them soon. Look, we are even smilling the next morning, We took a beautiful walk around Haile village, gave as many kisses as Luca could stand and flew off in our plane with some pretty funny memories. Jenny, we'll be back! love you all -mom

2008-02-12T16:17:00.000-08:00

2008-02-12T11:46:00.000-08:00

..... Aunt MaryAnn and I are leaving for Florida.
I love the thought of warm days and a coffee shop stop with the "ladies"! -not to mention
a Luca love kiss.

I'll try to remember the camera.....

the target project on the horizon is a wood look floor for Jens living room.

Will we finish, or go shopping? - the bets are on.

Girls Girls Girls.....

2008-02-05T13:10:00.001-08:00

I'm late on this post.....it's actually Jan. 26th weekend, Olivia, Sadie, Christen , Kaitlin and Ash are all catching up. College weekend I miss a lot of the girls that came later.
in case you wanted to see them-
Here's to crepe night for the PYG girls group. They were great to have!
Jody is babysitting too- I think Rob Schliff's little girl.....no, they have a little boy,whose baby is this? :)

Ashley .......and the strawberry crepes!

So here is to my day and my confessions....

2008-01-25T08:44:00.000-08:00

This is where my day usually begins.... It looks calm and peaceful, but don't let that fool you, lurking around every two hours at least, is a router problem that disconnects me from the Internet. I don't know how I became one with the internet or when, but I can tell you, I am not calm in the middle of a project when it goes. No, I don't play the base violin, it's purely decorative along with the tennis ball that's placed by Noah, Adrian or Kurt. -and Nick S.if you're reading this, we are replacing the router.

This is my perfectionism contrary to what it may look like, I can not go out of

my house or begin my day too long without my bed made. I even make my hotel bed, -anybody out there that can relate. MaryAnn? So this is to post about the awesome sheets I bought at Sam's with 1,200 thread count. mmmmmm..... for Christmas, they are the best. I washed them today for the first time. no, they weren't on for a month, well, maybe 2 weeks though. -Ummmm they were not as soft, when I took them out of the dryer, dread, maybe fabric softener?
This is the confession of the tiling project that will not end. I sort of had to tear some off because I couldn't stand the corner lines not matching up, then the backing to the wall came off with the tiles and then,.....and then, yes, you're catching on. It will be the spare bathroom in our basement for guest that are brave.

I just like this picture and it was time to take a break on confessions. they are so sweet-
Confession number 2- This little innocent tree died on me, and it wasn't cheap when I bought it on sale, so I decided if people can spray Christmas trees, why could't I spray this to make it look alive again. My first guest arrived for Bible study that night and stood by the tree exclaiming "what's that smell, it's something, hmm, what is that" I was caught, it didn't smell like the lavendar that I pointed to, and it certainly wasn't evergreen scent. My secret was out and we laughed! You could spray the day ahead of guest coming-
I only like working in the basement if I have a tape of Narnia on or talking to Christen while we work. I also work with a phone cradled between my neck and shoulder if you want to talk.

This is for the Starbucks feel I'm trying to accomplish in my project/basement. Ash and I painted the fireplace, first cream then this "mocha" color wash because she got a parking ticket and wanted a job. She hates parking tickets. She's also commisioned to paint a huge picture for me to put on the fireplace, yes, I will have original art work. That's a little promotional for Ash in case she gets another ticket.

That's "some" of my confessions for now, just to let you know that they don't go away when you get older. - love to you all! -Annette

Hilton Head House rented! June 14th ....here we come

2008-01-22T11:24:00.000-08:00

Christmas dvd

2008-01-20T13:58:00.000-08:00

ACL surgery - Dec.20th

2008-01-18T11:14:00.000-08:00

This was 4 weeks ago! Kurt is up and running now. We made it through another surgery.....

A Darling Grandson!

2008-01-11T18:14:00.000-08:00

- Jen and Luke.... I was just working on pictures and came across this little cutie.

How is Tiffany's visit?

2008-01-11T08:20:00.000-08:00

2008-01-10T20:56:00.000-08:00

Engagement pictures

Blair and Natalie, they were so cute and in love. I actually had time to get to know them better.

Thanks, Kaitlin for being a huge partner in the shoot. ....now about that pay.

I'm in

2008-01-09T08:15:00.000-08:00

soooo.....I'm trying this out, the question looming in my mind is-- can I keep new post coming? Perhaps. As time will have it's way, the family might be migrating to all parts of the US. This little blog site may be a meeting place. Who knows, maybe Ed could add comments and images as well.

I want everyone to know how much I've enjoyed cruising through all your imaginative, sharing and thought provoking blogs. I laughed, I cried..... Jenny, really, that whole adoption story was too touching to say the least. Luca is such a strong part of all of our lives now, thanks for the blessing of him.

It's a quiet day here and I'm off to get something done- Annette

Ice Princess!

2008-01-09T06:42:00.000-08:00

Hey! O.K. - so we went for the "ice Princess"

look..... it was fun, but senior pictures stuff

we don't know.