Giving Thanks ...

Briella came home from school on Monday with one of the assignements to talk to your mom & dad about what you're thankful for. So the two of us compiled a list (you know the scrapbooker in me wants to hold on to those thoughts) of what we're thankful for. Although, her's would be so cute to share, I just wanna share my thoughts on this blog:

1. A chance to be with my grandma before she passed away.
2. A chance to talk to my grandpa just 3 days before he passed away.
3. A chance to spent some time with my family at home (although it would have been better
were it for other circumstances).
4. My ever so beautiful & adorable little girls who as much as they drive me in sane sometimes
know exactly when I need them, their hugs & kisses & kind words the most.
5. For my ever so pain-in-the-bud husband & the good times in our roller-coaster marriage.
6. For my always-being-there-for-me, even over 5000 miles- parents.
7. For our health.
8. For our home; to keep us dry & cozy in weather like today, warm when it's cold, a backyard
with a (small but big enough) pool in the summer to chill, the flowers in our garden, our comfy
beds, a fireplace, space to call our own.
9. For - as little and simple as it may have been too often lately - the food that we can afford to
put on the table to nurish our bodies & minds (& a little treat here and there).
10. For Derrick's parents to help us out in so many -not being able to list all - everyday ways.
11. For our jobs, as lowsyly paid & stressful they are.
12. To be blessed with a talent or should I call it urge or calling to create thru scrapping, sewing,
knitting, etc.
13. For the time (even mostly just a couple of minutes here and there) to read a great book.
14. For a really really good movie. (Watched in the comfort of my home.)
15. For nature, outdoors, walks, fresh air, blue sky, ...
16. For when all the laundry is done, the house is clean & there's actually still some time left to
enjoy the weekend.
17. For finally arriving home after work.
18. For my - even if we sometimes don't hear from each other for some time - really good
friends. You guys know who you are and I am so glad to have you in my life & know you. I
truly hope that each of you has a happy holiday and can be thankful for something despite
these cruel times.
19. The simple things in life: flowers from the garden in a vase, beautiful scented candles, hot
chocolate with -of course- regular vitamin D 2% milk, Nutella, treats from home, calls with
my mom, breakfasts together on sundays, bubble baths, dancing with Derrick & the girls to
Prince in our living room, relaxing to music, ...
20. A very nice anniversary lunch at the Philadelphia Water Works with a really great appetizer
(that I can't name here) before that.
21. For my brothers.
22. For extended family.
23. For Briella reconnecting with her aunt Valerie thru their artistic genes/ vibes/ whatever you
wanna call it.
24. For the chance of tomorrow, another day, next year; another chance to do & be someone
amazing (or sometimes, to just live and have made it thru another day).
25. For fruit tea (strawberry tea from home & many others).
26. Inspirations.
27. A car that's working and paid off (hope I didn't jinks -is that spelled right? - myself here!)
28. My dad's genes & training to be a do-it -yourself kind a girl.
29. My mom's lessons in cooking & baking.
30. Making pancakes sunday morning with my girls.
31. Nadya's progress with her speech (and I'm so so proud of my terrific 2nd grader).

Well, that was 31 (my age exact) and came by pretty easy too. Hope everyone that reads this blog has some things to be thankful for & hopefully better days are to come for all of us. Love ya all!!! Happy Turkey Day!!!

Charm Design Bags and Totes $50 gift card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

These bags are truly to die for. I went to her etsy store & checked out the collection, trying to narrow my favorites to three but I stopped after just two, since it was impossible to find just on or two or even three. So two of my favorites are the Red Bird Granny Bag & the Laef Dot Orange, ...
Thinking of some great X-Mas presents.
Charm Design Bags and Totes $50 gift card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Muffin is THREE!!!

Our little muffin is officially out of the terrible two's stage & exploring 3. After denying her upcoming birthday all week, she finally did enjoy it waking up on Friday; even wanted her birthday cake for breakfast. We took her to Toys'r us & Ikea to pick out something for her train set (dates back to Brie but she was never quite interested like Nadya; she's obsessed with "HER" trains), picked up Brie from school and headed over to Chucke Cheese for some fun playtime. Great timing, as barely anyone was there. After two-something hours there, we went back home for some cake and ice-cream. Although, she refused to blow out her candles, as soon as they were of the cake, she didn' waste a second to get her fingers into the frosting. After all, she had to wait all year to destroy her own cake, while everyone had to hide their cakes from her sneeky little frosting-stelling fingers. Can't believe what a big girl she is.
Enjoy the pics (thru the title link)!!!

from sick to Miley concert ending with muff's birthday

After a more or less rainy Halloween, I woke up Sunday with a sore throat and by the end of the day was clearly sick. Monday was no chance of going to work - but I needed to get better - Yesterday: two hours in traffic to go to the Miley Cyrus a.k.a. Hannah Montana concert with Brie at the Wachovia Center (pics to follow). Late night and someone didn't wanna wake up this morning (besides me)! But at least I'll be off tomorrow for muff's 3rd birthday - "3". How crazy is that, wasn't I just pregnant? Surrounded by all my wonderful coworkers!!! You all know that pics of cake eating will come on Monday. (Unlike every child, she's denying her special day, she doesn't want toys, cake or ballons. How about that?! Especially, since she's been so crazy lately about drawing/ painting, etc for everyone else's birthday.) Well, we'll see!!! Have a good weekend (hopefully rain-less) everyone.

Aunty Ollie $100 Gift Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Aunty Ollie $100 Gift Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

How adorable!!! Not sure what's cuter, the outfits or the models. So much to choose from for my two little muffins.

Shabby Apple Dare to Design Lawn Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Shabby Apple Dare to Design Lawn Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Another fabulous design - and my favorite color!!! Surely would love to own this one.

Shabby Apple Dare to Design Limoncello Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Shabby Apple Dare to Design Limoncello Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!
Wow, Katheleen - How gorgeous. Best wishes in the contest. The dress looks so beautiful.

Quick Check-in

Man, what a crazy week. Last week ended with lots of rain (Thursday thru Sunday morning) but spent the day with my girls at the Please Touch Museum. We were there for hours and it was pretty empty. Had a great time and they both fell asleep in the car.

Tuesday Derrick & I had a beautiful anniversary lunch (9 years!!!) at the Waterworks Restaurant. Really nice the way they re-did everything. We used to go there 10 years ago all the time when no-one else was there.

And while the rest of the week has been just gorgeous, what do you know, more rain to come tonight and tomorrow. Well, gotta clean the house anyway for our little Halloween Party (that Brie's been planning). But we hoped to take the girls to some parks, spent some time outside. We'll see!

Brie got her school pics back yesterday. Not too crazy, about the bit of hair standing up on the side (don't they make sure that their hair's brushed down) but sooooo much better than last year. - WOW, do these pics show how much she is growing!!!

!

Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!
OMG!!!! These costumes are just unbelievable. The details are mindblowing. Would like to know where the shots were taken. Great location. You are so so so ... talented. I think I can sew but looking at your creations, I'm an amateur.

FINALLY!!!

LOVING MY NEW BLOG!
Still not final - would love to get a pic of the girls in that grid space on the banner but Photoshop is like learning Chinese for me. I just don't understand that lingo - IMAN, where are you to help me???
Otherwise nothing new today. Can't wait to upgrade my blog some more in the next weeks and months to come - well, gotta keep myself busy at work, and I'm not a digital scrapper, so can hardly do that (or for that matter, sewing) at work.
OH, and Kristine, just wanted to let you kniw that the girls got huuuuuuuuge smooches when I got home. Brie just giggled, when I told her it's from you.

Happy Happy Birthday!!!

This one goes out to Kristine - Wishing you the best of Birthdays. Hope you get a chance to enjoy your special day despite the circumstances. Was hoping to brighten your day earlier in the morning with this memory below but it didn't work out that way. (Both Harrison & Erika are working here, now!!! - Yipppeeeeeee!!! - Wait til Alicia finds out. I'm gonna surprise her tomorrow with the news.)

Anyway, hope you're having at least a little more fun than usual. Happy Birthday again - I'm thinking of you!

XOXO, muffin mom

Orange Poppy Necklace GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Orange Poppy Necklace GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!
Are they gorgeous or what. I love "stuff" like this. I personally would either pick the "autumn poppy" or "solana beach". But the green/ blue floral one is my absolute favorite!!!

Back from Space

I think I have a really good chance in winning if there were such a thing as "The worst blogger award". I now that my life is not that crazy compared to some other mom's schedules but man, do I wished that I could stop time and just catch up to everything on my lists.

Last week was a top notch crazy one though: On Tuesdays after Nadya's speech therapy, she locked the car from the inside without me noticing it. I buckled her into her seat, shut the door and then then it just went "CLICK" - and I new a mommmy nightmare just happened. Trying not to panic and terrify Nadya (who actaully seemed to think for the moment mommy the whole situation was really funnny), i started brainstorming - most neighbors where of at work (and if you didn't guess so yet, yes, my car keyes, house keys and cell phone were all in the car, which I am usually overly careful of never doing), but I did remember seeing one neighbor's car who is usually way gone by now (it was about 10AM). I ran over there, and thank heavens (GOD does work in mysterious ways - I must have said a million prayers a minute) he was home and let me use the phone to call 911. I don't even think that they help people if they locked the keys in the car but I think the fact that my two-year old was in the car, made it an emergency. (Turns out, his wife just locked herself out of the house a short while ago, with their infant in the house and had to call the cops as well.)

Anyway, long story short, 1/2 hour later or so, the nicest cop ever showed up and "rescued" my little trouble maker. When I had returned from the neighbors, she didn't think that the situation was still funny. I tried my best to entertain her and I think she did really great.
My heart was pounding so hard, I could still feel it after arriving at work.

And not enough, I was at a committee meeting that evening and daddy was in charge. After returning home the girrls were still not in bed, Brie had a religion test the next morning, but since the teacher wrote down the wrong chapter to study, we spent hours trying to figure out why she's supposed to study for a chapter they haven't even covered yet. And no, that was not it, when Briella changed into her PJ's (I was at the mtg) I was told that Nadya took her blouse. Well, and the next morning that blouse was no-where to be found. Brie had to wear a size 4 (she's 7 - thank God a small 7) to school. Nadya denied all day hiding her sisters blouse. the search continued after arriving home that day. No blouse anywhere (at least, the next day was gym day). That evening, when Brie aksed me to get her some PJ's, I went into her drawer, and guess what I found in btw a drawer full of PJ's - you guessed it, her white blouse!!! Now you asked yourself, why does she only have one blouse? The school just swiched from the fall to the winter uniform and it's a new school, and the blouse we have was the only one in her size that I got my hands on, after running to several stores.

Although, our days aren't always that extreme, that's my life! I really do miss not having my parents, siblings or any other family around.

On top of that, my camera is broken again. They'd better send it back before Halloween or I'll be one MAD mom. Last time I had to send it in, I was whitout a camera for 6 weeks (one of the roughest 6 wks of my life).

Brie's school doesn't seem to be working out that great. I finally gave in and paid almost $4000 for a private school and it's like going from aggravated for free (if not counting the school taxes) to paying $4000 to be aggravated. So this afternoon I called in mtg with her teacher. Let's see how that will go.

Despite all this though, there things all around me that show me that life goes on and eventually things will work themselves out. After Nadya being locked in the car and me stressing to get het to my in-laws (she spends the days there) and rushing of to work, I asked for just a small sign of hope for brighter days (my work is really a large stress factor in my life) and while I was on my way to drop her of, I noticed in the distance, but not too far, an opening in the clouds and the sun rays passing thru it as clearly and beautifully as can be.

The falling leaves, the birds leaving us, the full moon up with the sun, right across from each other, when I drop of my kids in the morning, ... that's life too!!!

Well, this should really make up for my lost days of bloggin. And as soon as my camera will be back, I'm planning to put all my layouts and some fantastc new mini's have been working on on my blog. Can't wait to check that of my list.

Happy Tuesday everyone!

The Pleated Poppy GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

The Pleated Poppy GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!
This is so stink-in' cute. Loooove the crayon pocket holder. I did something similar like this for all my knitting needles.

Vintage Ginger Peaches Mixed Media Art GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Vintage Ginger Peaches Mixed Media Art GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

I need some great looking art pieces in my house - BADLY!!! And how cute are these pieces. I have a thing for things that are different, just artsy. Beautiful work!

Indian Summer Shirt and Skirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

Indian Summer Shirt and Skirt GIVEAWAY!!!!
This is simply gorgeous. Love the cut of the blouse, the colors, the shirred/ ruffled collar, the cute skirt. Man, would I love to see this on one of my little two angels. Awesome job, it looks so FAB!!!

Made by Rae Jackpack Backpack GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Made by Rae Jackpack Backpack GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

"What a great backpack! Somebody must be really good!" That's how my 7 year old just responded to these pics. Would she love to own one ? - Bet'ya!!!

This one's for you, Iman!

Since I forgot to enclose it in the earlier blog, Here it is: Michael Vartan is back. No, unfortunately not in Alias but as a Doctor. Surgeon, I believe to be precise. He's starring next to Jada Pinkett Smith, who looks really great herself, I gotta say. But since we don't care too much about her, and more about Mr. Vartan's character, here are some pics I pulled up, just for you, Iman. I really hope you're getting this. Check in with me.

Lost in space

Man, do I feel like the worst blogger or what. It's been 3 weeks that we've been back from Germany and I still have not added videos and pics. Well, one of these days. These days I feel that time just flies by:
Summer will be here next Sunday. Brie just finished 1st grade and really really well, too. (I took her to get her nails done and then we went to Rita's.) Nadya is well into getting rid of pull-ups and diapers. She was dry all Saturday, Sunday, even when we went out for a couple of minutes, thru her nap and the night. I have her wear only undies at home now (thankfully we have all hardwood floors). I just love when my little potty queen comes running: "Mommmmmy, peeeeeeeee!" The first times I thought she had accidents, but it just means that she needs to go and she's been doing awesome. She really started as we got back but last week took really off, well, and then this weekend. I am so so proud of her. Even at the dentist office with Brie this morning she went like 3 times (but only had to go once.) ... OK, I know it's a lot of potty talk but all mommies who've been thru these can so relate, I bet.
Anyway, my grandma had her 80th birthday last Monday and while we thought that she might really not make it (she had been back in the hospital not a week after we left) she some sugeries, though, refused to have them at her age, and a couple of other procedures, but seems to be doing the best in months. I hope that she'll get better, 'cause seeing her so weak and ill, I just don't want her to suffer and not be able to enjoy life while she's still with us.
Well, I hope that everyone will enjoy the summer. As many know, I wished that it were over already. I really do love fall the most.
Life has been painful for me since we've been back, as I don't have a camera. I dropped it at home and thank God, Nikon can fix it but the part is been backordered. I hope I'll get it soon, I can't take this. All the opportunities for pics ... PLEASE COME BACK MY BELOVED CAMERA!!!

Marseilles Dress SHABBY APPLE GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Marseilles Dress SHABBY APPLE GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

OMG!!! I know that I say this about everything Kathleen does but "Man, DO I LOVE THIS DRESS". Not only does the cut look fabulous but it would go so well with my heavenly blue eyes. Gosh, I would love to win this dress!!!

Checking in!

So, we've returned. I planned to blog while away but somehow, it didn't work that way. I can't believe that I hadn't been home for 4 years. Everything & everybody seemed to have changed to much. But there were also a lot of things that stayed the same, as it alwys is that way.

Although, she made it all through our visit. I went to see her a lot and was so glad that her and most of my other family got to meet Nadya and see our now young lady Briella again. (She even lost her third tooth 3 days before leaving.) I also was so glad to visit my granddpa's grave and spent a beautiful day with my other grandma.

As usual, time flew by and Brie had a really hard time leaving uncle Andy and Doreen, his girlfriend, behind, we spent some wonderful moments together. In time, as promised before with other pics, I'll be uploading everything to fickr soon, hopefully.

TG it's a holiday weekend, to recharge from the jet lack and since today it's straight back to work and school for us.

To all my family who reads this blog, thanks for such a memorable time together, as always.

One total bummer, I dropped my camera half thru the trip and wasn't able to catch some awesome photos, especially when we went to Dresden, which by the way our President Obama will be visiting shortly. Everyone there is so thrilled about it.

Well, I could write forever, but I think that the pics will talk for itself.

When I started my blog, I had no clue what to name it and no time to find a fabulous one either. So, I just called it "life as ii is", as I wanna use this blog to stay in contact with friends and family about my/ our (my little family) life/ lifes, the things that we do, etc. Anyway, here's a "life" moment. We're all four flying to Germany on Thursday and I only booked the flight yesterday. Talk about last minute decisions. Well, my maternal grandma had been in the hospital for 3 weeks and was just released this week with not much hope by the doctors of making it much longer. Since I just lost my grandpa (dad's side) in February and really all of my grandparents aren't doing too well, I checked with Derrick and he is being so lovingly supportive for all of us to go. I had hoped to see all y grandparents at least one more time (since my last visit home in 4 years ago) before they would pass. Unfortunately, that has not happened. I wouldn't be able to live with myself, if I wouldn't take the chance to go again. We had planned originally to visit under different circumstances but with the economy and Briella going to a new/ private school next school year, the funds have been little tight. Also, none of my family but my parents has seen Nadya and she'll be 2-1/2 in Wednesday.
I'll sadly be missing the India. Arie concert with Betsy and Tiffany on the 9th but I know they'll have a blast for me. India, your new CD rocks. Love the songs.
Got the new prince one too, thanks to Betsy's alert.
I'm a little crazed at the moment but hope that everything will turn out OK, seeing my family, save travels, no swine flu impact, etc.
Talk to you next from overseas.

Picnic Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Picnic Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!
OMG!!! Is this dress beautiful or what. And the location really embellishes it so well. It was a bit too steamy for me this weekend. 90's in April, no thank you.
Where did you guys shoot the pics. What a fabulous place.

Simple Skirts GIVEAWAY!!!!

Simple Skirts GIVEAWAY!!!!
How beautiful would these precious simple skirts look on my two princesses. Just imagine little muffin in the pink or yellow and Brie would of course go for the blue, her favorite color. How perfect my two girls are the perfect age group.

Back from the-almost-dead

Oh man, oh man!!! Where has the time gone? I can't believe that it's almost been a month since my last post. I think I was sick last time I posted. Well, this time it hit me much harder. No need to get into details. I just felt so cheated, since I took the week off to spent with the girls. But instead we spent spring break mostly apart. Brie was at my in-laws most of the week.

Anyway, really not much else has happened here between rain and some more rain and then some rain and more more rain

and then in the midst of all this rain -

Needless to say, we did get more rain. I was able to grab my camera just in time when I came home from work on Friday (4.6.) to get this shot from my backyard. It was huge and very bright colors. And guess what, we're supposed to get more rain tomorrow thru Thursday. I understand that this is April, but this has got to be the rainiest April ever!!!
Well, in between me getting sick and Brie getting a fever, we did menage to catch a beautiful Sunday (before Easter) to visit Bunnyland in Linvilla Orchard with Brie's friend Kaylah .

Hard to believe, that Nadya is only 2, Kaiden is 4 and Briella and Kaylah are almost 7.

I'll try to catch up and put some more pics on flickr for everyone to see.

Easter was so freezing cold, I had to layer the girls so they could wear their dresses to church.

Twilight Tide Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

Twilight Tide Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!
Whatever Kathleen creates I'm just totally blown away by her talent and artistic way of showcasing it. Beautiful work again. And luckily, I just have two precious little girls like her around the same ages, so her creations are perfect. On top of that my body type (size, statuett, etc) seem pretty darn close to hers which makes me again a perfect candidate for any wins. Now we just have to keep our fingers crossed!!!
Of course we stood in line at Rita's. Freezing cold, my two girls and my nephew Jordan in tow. Even tough we weren't in line taht long, it being late afternoon, they were out of almost every flavor and as soon as we got ours, we got in the car and cranked up the heat. Still worthwhile to see their little super red tongues and eating water ice with gloves on.

Hier is' noch eener

Fuer uns Schmittl's. Gotta love it!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIyt0aoz9eY

Erinnerungen

Hab' in der letzten Zeit versucht 'ne playlist mit vielen alten Hits zusammenzustellen. Mensch, dass bringt Erinnerungen herbei. Hab' dieses immer geliebt. So fetzisch!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZelUbtGbuw

Summer of 69 Thrift Store Refashion Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Summer of 69 Thrift Store Refashion Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!
WOW!!! I just can't believe the difference, Just like you said: "night and day". I've thought of things like this so many times but always wound up doubting myself that I can't re-wamp a piece. You've given me encouragement to try the next time. This looks amazing. Finally something awesome to wear with all the yellow shoes.

Feeling Spring-ish again

Well, Spring was here again yesterday and surely today. So I took the girls outside before dinner, to enjoy the last rays before sundown. They truly enjoyed it and it felt good to breath in some fresh spring air aside from being stuck in an office all day. I also FINALLY added flickr to my blog. My problem is that for years I have an account with Kodak and all my pics are on there. I guess I also have to upload everything to flickr now so all the anxious muffin-lovers out there can follow them growing up. I'll really try to add more. For now it only shows yesterday's pics. - Happy sunny Wednesday. Enjoy!!!

I'm back

I really meant to blog earlier but I've been sick since Friday and on top of that stupid busy. I was alright Friday morning but could feel it keeping up later in the day. Anyway, Brie came home with a party invitation for Saturday at Chuckie Cheese and after soccer we received a LAST minute invite for RJ's party. So it was soccer, playground, party 1, drop of Nadya at in-laws, go back home for an hour of chores, pick up Brie, go to party 2, pick up dinner for Derrick (McDonalds), pick up Nadya - I was home after 8PM. Derrick had a side job, so sick me got no break. Sunday wasn't much better, so I took off work Monday to get some rest. Nadya & I had a nice long nap. She was so sweet all day. I would love to be a stay-at-home mom.

This is Briella and her friend Emily, who turned 6. The two of them are such cute friends.

Paper Crane Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Paper Crane Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!: "Gabriel Brothers"

Very cute, fresh and crisp. As usuall, really enjoy your photos.

http://www.barcinski-jeanjean.com/entries/endlessintrestingness/

How amazing is this??? I've just been lost in blog-world these days and came across this link. Mind-blowing if you ask me.

Being very proud these days with our little muffin and her potty training success. She's been going steadily and last evening all on her own. Another amazing thing. At least as her mom.

Spring - Yeah right!!!

Well, looks like I spoke too soon. Totally unexpected we enjoyed a snowday in March yesterday. I hoped to get a picture of my spring flowers covered in snow, but that's what they are, just totally covered in snow. Not even peeking pout a bit for me to capture them. Anyway, there's this lonely sad pansie in our front yard, that's not totally in hiding. Despite the aweful windgust, we did manage to go out in the afternoon when the sun came up and the wind died down bit. The girls had such a blast, shame it was still quite chily. Ill try to upload their pics and a video tomorrow to share. Nadya just loves the snow, just like Briella and mommy.
Today I enjoyed a beautiful lunch with my friend Betsy. Our lives as moms keep us so busy, so it was really wonderful to catch up with her again. And the date is set for a spring fabric hunt at 4th Street as soon as the first Cherry Blossoms bloom. Can't wait for that.

Anthropolification Boyer Cream Cardi GIVEAWAY!!!! GIVEAWAY!!!!

Anthropolification Boyer Cream Cardi GIVEAWAY!!!! GIVEAWAY!!!!
What a beautiful yet simple statement this sweater makes. And as usually, just love your photos and your talent. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Puss Ann Guest GIVEAWAY!!!!

Puss Ann Guest GIVEAWAY!!!!
What a beautiful location for these images. Ever since I found your blog 1-2 weeks ago, I am visting it daily and I am just blown away by your talent and the locations you pick for your photos. From your Valentine's blog I understand that you live in the Philadelphia area. Whenever you shoot your images at public locations, is it too much to ask to list the location. I am orginally from Germany, married to an American and although, I've lived here for almost 10 years, I am still looking for beautiful places to take my girls to. Thank you so much for all your beautiful work. -Claudia

Spring has sprung

SPRING HAS SPRUNG-
Briella has been asking me since Groundhog Day when spring will be here. Well, we've been counting down the days and weeks, as much as we love a good dose of winter, which we unfortunately haven't really gotten again this year, unless March will hold some surprises in that regards. Anyway, when we came home yesterday, we went in search of spring in our gardens and found several signs. Brie pointed out the singing birds in the trees and we found our tulips, daffodils, crocus, hiacynth, ... sprouting. I really would have loved to get a good shoot of the crocus or tulips with some sun light on them but there was no sun to be found. That's my best shot. We're ready for spring now, ready to spent time outside and get some fresh air before the hot, humid and nasty summer will be here ...

Mama Manifesto: Talk Back: The perfect date in the perfect dress

Mama Manifesto: Talk Back: The perfect date in the perfect dress
Ok, pick and choose. Not as easy as it seems but I narrowed it down. After delibarating with my self, I am going for the wool tweed dress and a totally relaxed and easy-going day in an idyllic natural environment, with snow-capped mountains in the background, picnic in the grass by a clean cold clear river, horses running in the distance, ... (can you see it?)

The Conservatory Overcoat GIVEAWAY!!!!

The Conservatory Overcoat GIVEAWAY!!!!

These pics are just too beautiful. To think, my hubby & I have never had pictures of us done, and next year it will be 10yrs that we've been married. And Longwood Gardens is so perfect, especially since we live outside Philly.
Love the coat. It has a beautiful cut.

Another Blustery Day

Good morning Monday, weather-wise a replay of Friday; cold & blustery.
We enjoyed a quite weekend. Brie hit the only goal for her team on Saturday and not only that but it was from like 12 yds and both her daddy & I missed it. Derrick was working and little bad Nadya needed my full attention, to not interfere with the game. Great job Briella! Here's her picture. I really do hate these dated colors and that marble look but that's all they offer and I'm not to swifty with Photoshop to know how to change the background, yet.
Saturday was also the day my grand-pa was laid to rest. I wished that I could have been there. He had died in his sleep on Feb 5th, the day after my mom's birthday. I am so greatful that I still got to talk to him 4 days before he passed away. Even though, he wasn't my real grand-pa, he's the one I've always known as my grand-pa and I have so many fond memories. His last words will stay with me always. So below, in his memory is a picture of him as a young man. He would have been 90 on October 25th.

Briella's First Manicure

Just to add a little something. My big girl had her first mani this week. My boss took her and her grand-daughter down the street to have their nails done since they were both off school and here in the office on President's Day.

Hello Blog -World

Well, I finally did it. After spending so much time checking out so many awesome blogs and cruising the world thru fellow bloggers, I am starting my own blog. Let's see how it will go. Not to much of a computer whiz but it would be fantastic to stay in touch with my family this way, who are all overseas. I hope that over time I will figure out how to use its potential. For today, not much else. Gotta get some work done.