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

Thanksgiving is for Family...

This year we spent part of our Thanksgiving Day with my husband's side of the family. We don't get to spend that much time with each other. Everyone has such busy lives. So, it is always pleasant when everyone can get together in the same place. Everyone is getting taller, bigger, older...It was a good opportunity for me to take pictures of all the cousins! Hopefully, we don't wait until next Thanksgiving to all get together again.

Heather and JR...what a happy couple!


Ashley...


Wiliam...


Alizabeth...


Jason and Jordan...


Here's Larissa with Ashley...Larissa represents the second generation of cousins...


Larissa is posing with her uncles...


Jason and Alizabeth...


Here's hoping that we will all celebrate with our families during this holiday season!

Treasure your footprints. They are a gift from above.

Cherene

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them...
Psalm 127:3-5

Lessons from my Son...

My son Jason is taking a photography class at school. When he has shooting assignments, we like to go and do them together. He uses a 35 mm film camera and shoots black and white film. It's interesting to see him "do his thing" and I always learn something. His assignment was to shoot the same subject very close and continue to shoot by backing further away in each frame until the whole subject was revealed. His brother Jordan is always a willing subject.

Here is the first practice shot. It was too sunny so we found a new spot to shoot. Notice the detail in the aviator glasses. That's me and my "teacher:...


New location, better light...


Five paces away...


Five more...


Again...


Last time...


We had a great time. I think I will try the assignment with another subject sometime. Who says you can't learn something new, even if it is from your children :-D

We were having a good time, so we kept on shooting...love these balcony shots...






Wouldn't he make a great "Romeo"?


We found a great red wall...


I love the detail in the glasses...and the attitude...


I like the brick, too...




After we previewed this shot, we all decided that it looks like an abstract person is looking over Jordan's shoulder...


We found a reflective mirror. Do you see the photographer at work? I would rather take pictures than pose for them, but I don't mind this ...


I love this shot...


My formula for a great day...photography and my awsome sons! How great is that? What can I say but that I am blessed.

Treasure your footprints. They are a gift from above.

Cherene