Snowy Season

There is a big storm going on right now. The traffic is a mess and the roads are icy. It is a perfect time to remember the flowers. Martin Luther said "God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone, but also on  trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars." Believe it or not, I took this picture on November 11th. I can't believe this rose was still so glorious at that late date.  It helps me remember that winter is necessary and has it's own brand of beauty, but flowers are a wonderful creation. My memories of this rose will help me wait patiently for spring.

Cherene
Remember to cherish this journey we call life...your footprints are a gift from above.

Back to Blogging...

Slacker...or just crazy busy. Either way, either word is an excuse. Anyway, I am back to blogging!! I love spring! My camera and I took Jason and Jordan to the park for pictures. I guess I should try and get some of them together. Jason is Kent State bound. (Can I get a woot, woot!) I am excited for him and sad for me. But, only a little bit sad. I mean, really, who truly wants their kids to be failures and live at home in the basement until they are 40 or so? I am not saying that I won't miss him, but I am so happy for him. He has worked hard in high school. He will work even harder in college (did you get that Jason? LOL) but what a blessing and what rewards! We had a blast in the park just being silly. Well, I guess the guys were mostly being silly and I was telling them to stop between the giggles. The pictures were taken when I could get them to settle down. Can you belive they were using my tripod as a gun, Mission Impossible style? I guess I will post those pictures later.

Peace, Out! That's what these brothers would say! I really need to choose a name for my camera. Tell me what you think!

Blessings...

Cherene

Tribute

It is said that imitation is the best form of flattery. So, imagine my curiosity when I came home yesterday to find my youngest son in the livingroom wearing his black suit, complete with dressy shoes, white socks and sporting a fedora. He explained that he had been watching the memorial to Michael Jackson and several of his music videos. He was, as he put it "working on his MJ moves." I just smiled. The vision of him brought back so many fond memories of my children and I singing and dancing to music videos. We are still known to blast a beloved tune while we are in the car. We must be a sight when other drivers and passengers see our vehicle bouncing down the road! He peppered me with questions about Michael Jackson trivia. We relived memories of his older brother dancing like MJ in talent shows and that they danced just because they loved the music. He wondered out loud about what would happen to MJ's family and children. He wanted to know why everyone was now extolling the man's virtues when they were dogging him before. He was amazed at what Michael could do with music and dance that no one else could. He said he didn't believe anyone else would ever be able to do what Michael could . We went to pick his brother and his girlfriend up and my boy was still wearing his MJ clothes. He wasn't a bit concerned about what anyone who saw him might think. It was, afterall, his tribute, his way. As for his brother, he told him that he looked cool, borrowed the fedora, put it on his head and they started singing. I sang, too. All the while, I thanked God for the blessings He gave me in the form of my sons. My almost 14 year old son is secure enough in himself to remember Michael in his own unique way. My almost 18 year old did not ridicule, but supported his brother. I love their imagination, their enthusiasm, their brotherly love. I love the glimpses that I get of the men my sons are becoming. They don't mind sharing their beliefs or taking whatever stand they think is right. I took some pictures of the "temporary MJ impersonator". Come on, my camera is never far from my hand! But, I promised not to post them on my blog or Facebook. I understand. It was personal. But, I plan to tuck those pictures away for him to one day show his children. I can just see him sharing the music with them and explaining the memories that he and his brother and sister, mom and dad made to those tunes. Heck, he will probably run to his closet and put on his suit to show them some of the "moves" he will have "perfected" by then. I will , however, share one picture. I don't think he will mind. Afterall, imitation is the best form of flattery or the best tribute, if you will. Rest in Peace Michael....father, son, brother, uncle, friend...creator of music, inspirer of dreams and memories. You are in God's arms. Here's hoping your family clings to His promise.



Remember to Cherish this journey that we call life. Your footprints are a gift from above.

Cherene

Slacking"

I have been slacking. Life just seems to blow me away on a fast wind (sigh)! All of a sudden, it is two months later.... anyway, I'm back! Spring has been full of crazy weather. One clear day, I got the opportunity to walk the railroad tracks with Jason. We had a blast. So, we got some shots for his senior portfolio. Senior pics are great! We will do some this spring/summer, some this fall and maybe even some in the winter. Then, we can pick what he wants for announcements, 411 cards and graduation party invitations! Senior year is such an important time and all the memories are important. Every senior has their "style" and it is important to capture "their story". Here are some of my faves of Jason...

Walkin' the Tracks...











Love those Marvel graphic t-shirts!


Pickin" up souvenirs...







Blessings!

Cherene

Easter!...

I cannot explain why Jesus would take everyone's sin upon Himself. The humiliation, the beatings, the heavy cross, all that must have seemed like nothing compared to when He knew the separation from His Father. He did not have to do it, but He did, for you and for me. How awesome...how humbling!!
Happy Ressurection Day!! I hope you got to spend your day with loved ones like I did. Nothing brings out cuteness like Easter finery!

The Twins...


Christian...


Caleb...


Larissa...


Thank you, God, for the sacrifice of your son. Thank you for the love of family. Thank you for my children and grandchildren.


Cherene
Treasure your footprints in this journey we call life. They are a gift from above.

Soccer season is upon us...

It's been a long winter. I haven't blogged much...surgery on my foot made it hard to sit at my computer. But, I am on the mend and so is the world! I am definitely not a snow-bunny. I love the green and warmth that spring brings. I adore the sunshine, too!! So, here is an homage to the resurrection of the soccer season...

Gotta have a good soccer ball...


Determination...









Soccer games are exciting! I never get tired of capturing the action. Soccer families spend a lot of time on the field...for games and for practice. They are truly as dedicated at the players are. At every game you see all the Mom's, Dad's , Grandparents, friends...out there cheering and supporting the players. I am most impressed by brothers and sisters, though. They come up with some really creative ways to stay occupied while their brothers or sisters are on the field...

...can't leave home without the electronics





...some find a ball and play their own game or make up some other game






...great faces







...even puppies get in on the game



Spring will be here soon...won't it?

Cherene

Fall...has fallen

Fall fell...well, actually it went "thunk!!" I mean there was absolutely no transition. One day the leaves were turning pretty colors. The temperature was getting a little chilly...around 50 degrees. Some folks call it "sweater weather". Then, wham!!!the next day it was 35 degrees and it has gone downhill from there. I am just not ready for winter, but I don't get a vote. Anyway, I did manage to get a few pictures of the fall splendor as a backdrop for one of my favorite subjects, Larissa.









The fall splendor didn't last long, so I hope winter goes quickly. At any rate, I will be burrowed in my living room, wrapped in a fuzzy blanket in front of the fireplace. Hmmm...winter is starting to sound good...well, maybe a little.

Treasure your footprints. They are a gift from above.

Cherene