Juice and Oil

Yesterday, while at the grocery store, filled with madness of holiday shopping, the boys and I were gathering items in the baking aisle, a confused woman (probably in her 70's) came up to me and said she couldn't find the juice. Said she thought the aisle sign said juice, but she didn’t see juice anywhere. I told her that juice was about 3 aisles over, she nodded and turned around. A few minutes later, I saw her approaching me again, and was now teary eyed, and explained she had had a stroke and sometimes forgets things, and what she really needed was oil. This elderly woman was on the brink of crying. Before I knew it, I had my arm around her, and gave her a hug.

She smiled, and then seemed relieved to see the shelves of cooking oil. I felt compelled to ask if she needed anything else? Did she need my boys to gather the rest of her items on her list? Did she need help getting checked out? Gosh, did she need help getting home?? All these questions entered my mind. She seemed collected after finding the oil, and I didn’t ask, then we headed toward produce while she inspected the items on the shelf. Should I have gone back and asked?? I don't know.

All I can do is think, when I'm that age, confused and fragile, in a grocery store filled with chaos, that someone will stop, and help me find the oil.

Engaged

These are two people I love dearly. And they have excitedly announced their engagement. I had a fabulous time capturing their engagement photos and will post some soon, but this one in particular, tugged at my heart.



Congratulations, David and Holly!

Happy 45th

After years of preparing homemade meals for us, and considering you have temporarily sacrificed your own kitchen (and home) for my business, you more than deserved this lovely set of All Clad.


Happy Birthday Honey!

Is There Life After Marching Band?

I have no idea how they do it. Music is only half of what Marching Band is about. The Drill (the actual marching and formations displayed on the field) takes up the rest of the practice. Practice that occurs after school for 2+ hours, and in the early fall in Central Texas, that means practicing in scorching heat. Then comes performing. Coming home at midnight after a Friday night football game, and to rise and be at school early on Saturday morning to travel during competition season, is the icing on the cake.

But he loves it. And he's never once complained. And when I'm beyond exhausted (and sometimes a grumpy mama), because I have to get up at midnight on a Friday night after a long work week, or 4 am on a Sunday morning to pick up my teen, I have comfort knowing that I'm not going to retrieve him from running the streets, but instead, knowing he was making music with his peers and an award winning band.

Sharing some photos cumulated from this season's performance, from the field and the stands (which I cannot take credit for). But I hope to be able to capture some of my own next year, by spending some time chaperoning, or if I'm brave enough, in the pit.

Capturing Real Life

Meet Corbin



I LOVE this kid.

I do.

He's one of my Terra Luz kiddies and for those who know this little man, know why I am in love.

Last weekend, I had the priviledge of hanging out with Corbin and his family on a Saturday morning. Sharon's good friend from London was visiting, and they wanted to capture some moments of their young children together. And even though I see little Shephard several times a week, for the first time, I actually got to spend time with this sweet and cuddly bambino, and I'm quite smitten.

There was such a warm feeling in their house, and it reminded me of how it was for me growing up, with music playing on Saturday mornings. The good stuff.

SO many great photos, but here are a handful.

My Gift

La Paz, Mexico :: Summer 2009

I went to see The Horse Boy this weekend. And boy, the first 20 minutes hit home. Hard. Rewind 12 years. I was there. I had almost forgotten. I had almost forgotten because of who and where my son is now.

He went with me. At 17, he watched this film, as the Isaacson family gave us a painful look into the daily routine of their lives. He says he doesn't remember the challenging parts of his childhood. When my now 3 year old daughter, has her [normal developing] meltdowns, Domi more often than not, is horrified at her behavior, especially if its in public. I chuckle when I witness his response, and I gently remind him this is normal development for a 3 year old, and that he did it too. Tenfold.

And then he smiles. And he tries again with her.

The inconsolable tantrums have been replaced with sophisticated conversations.
The self-stimming hands have grown into refined hands that create beautiful art.
Hands that create music with his vintage Bach trumpet and baby grand piano.
The unsociable child is now a humanitarian, surrounded by a strong circle of friends whom he loves.

Time moves so quickly.

Years ago, going to the grocery store was a daunting task, and often ended in both of us crying. Now, I'm relishing what time we have left with him under our roof. I ask for his company when I go to the store. I look forward to, and cherish, our short morning commute, with a stop for a cafe au lait and a mocha while listening to NPR. It's a routine that I've grown to love because I'm enjoying the young man he has become, and at 17, that time left with him at home, is slipping away.

Like the Isaacson family I, too, have had my own little miracle, and seeing this film, helps me remember, that my amazing son, my son with Autism, is my gift.

Turning Two

When Natalie's family asked if I would take photos to commemorate her 2nd birthday, I was thrilled because look at this darling I got to spend time with. Natalie enjoyed showing me her all of her toys and vast collection of books. Thank you, Val and Mike, for allowing me in your home to capture these moments.

Remembering You On This Day

1954-1992

We think of you all the time, but this day, this 16th of September, always brings me back to that time and place in 1992.

In Loving Memory, Papa

With a heavy heart,
Andrea

The Day Before She Was Born

No words needed.

Hello Blog

Hello?

echo echo...

...

I know, it's been quiet around here, but I haven't forgotten about you, blog.

You see, with some [exciting] changes for my preschool--purging, packing, stopping and putting the brakes on to pack the family up to take our trip to Cozumel and New Orleans, coming back to moving the very next day, cleaning, placing huge orders for materials, answering phone calls and emails galore, assembling furniture (thanks honey!), setting up the new space (still not done, but its close enough to start), wearing 5 different hats for my business (even though I'm still a small program, we've had a large spurt in enrollment and hiring a director to take over the administrative portion has crossed my mind more than once!!), throw in appts galore for my children (I was able to knock out 2 physicals for the teens and an appt for the tot in only 3 hours) oh, and top it off with a 3 day trip to San Antonio for Jay's baseball tournament the days preceeding my open house.

Was it a surprise that one of my parents showed up earlier this week while I was setting up with a six pack of Dos Equis? (Thank you, friend!)

Can't wait to come back and share photos of the space, and also photos I've accumulated over the summer.

For now, I'm putting my feet up, and enjoying what's left of that beer...

Partida | Maternity

Mandy and Paul are expecting their first kiddo any day now. I've been friends with Mandy for over a decade and I'm so incredibly happy to see her enter the crazy world of mommyhood. I tried talking her into entertaining the *crunchy* ideas of homebirth, cloth diapering, babywearing, having a blessingway, etc. without being " that" pushy friend. Anybody who knows the both of us know that even though we have different views on many things, we get along beautifully and love each other dearly. I did show up at her shower with a traditional cake instead of this one that I [jokingly] told her I ordered (giving her a heart attack...I know, bad friend) but I did gift her a Beco for her shower gift though. Hey, even the mainstream mamas are babywearing now. ;)

She also told me straight up (cause that's how Mandy is) that she would not be showing her exposed belly, or anything of the sort. Although I was a tad disappointed, I had to respect that (but I did ask a couple times during the shoot if she changed her mind. Heh). I captured many beautiful images of Mandy and her hubby, and am posting some of my favorites here. And of course, they're not the most traditional ones of the batch, so Mandy, your hair may not be perfectly groomed in all these, but I love what I see here.

A beautiful, expecting woman with her husband-- who is incredibly in love with her.