There's no place like home!

Dorothy
Originally uploaded by bonniemomof5

I have been working on this apron and finally finished it this week a few days ago. It is a parting gift to an incredible teacher my son Jonathon had this year. She loves anything Wizard of Oz so I felt inspired to make this for her. On the last day of school I wasn't finished with it. So, I took the front panel to her and told her my plans and asked for her phone number so I could drop it off at her house when I was done. She was absolutely delighted. It's funny how inspiration works. She told me that as of late, she has been looking for an apron to use in the kitchen and hadn't bought any yet because she couldn't find any cute ones. I really enjoy sewing. It is satisfying to create something out of a few scraps of fabric.

Beautiful bloom

Hibiscus with water
Originally uploaded by bonniemomof5

On Monday, a very overcast and partly rainy day I was rushing to my car when I passed this beautiful bloom. I dropped my purse in the car, took the keys out of the ignition and returned to the house and grabbed my camera for a quick photo. I knew when I returned from my errand, the water droplets would be dried up. Capturing the beauty of flowers is one of my favorite activities of late.

Little love

Little love
Originally uploaded by bonniemomof5

I didn't get any super great shots of Aeron. But here is the cutest. It's so easy to take pictures of him. He's so cute he loves to say "cheese." I love watching his joy and delight as he discovers the newness of life. He's such a blessing to our family. He is also one of my most loving children. He loves his mama. He's my biggest fan these days. His affection provides a healing balm on those days that have been difficult with Ethan.

Father's Day Photo Shoot

Steven
Originally uploaded by bonniemomof5

Here is Steven's picture from the other day. He hates being in front of the camera. He feels very awkward and self-conscious. He is so much like me personality wise. He's very self-contained, he lives in his head.
But finally my sweet son showed his smile. This is the Steven I know and love. I treasure those pure smiles of happiness and joy I get to glimpse every once and a while. Thank you Steven for showing me your smile!

Father's Day collage

Playful pose
Originally uploaded by bonniemomof5

My friend Janelle posted her Father's Day pictures of her kids and it inspired me to take some of my own. What better way to commemorate a father and husband I love? Here is my favorite of Jonathon. It captures his spirit and personality so well. He is such a free spirit, he is sensitive, and loving. I am grateful for his willingness to let me take his picture.

Apron Strings

I have recently developed a fondness for aprons. I especially enjoy seeing the vintage aprons, with the awesome vintage fabric. I especially like the ones made out of flour sacks. During WW2, I think, they made aprons/children's clothing from flour sacks because resources were so scarce. They made do and were creative!

Last week my friend Teresa and I and celebrated our friend Robyn's birthday by going to lunch at the Corner Bakery. It was a nice treat. I wanted to get my friend a nice gift. But, what do you get for the woman who has everything? I decided to make her an apron. Robyn loves pigs and recently at a get together at her house, I was helping clean up and asked her if she had an apron. She said no. So, I made her one themed with pigs.

It was a labor of love. I enjoyed the process. I even enjoyed sewing with Aeron sitting on the table next to my sewing machine and him taking the thread out of the spindle. It kept him occupied for a few moments and allowed me to work.

I wish I would have gotten a picture of him helping me on the table. It is just so typical of our home. And he is such a momma's boy. He and I have such a bond. I often see some of my expressions on his face. When he is annoyed or mad his brows scrunch up and so does his nose, I do that too sometimes. My favorite thing about him is his loving nature. He is always giving me hugs and kisses. I love it. It is especially comforting on those days when Ethan is having a rough day. Jonathon is also very demonstrative with his love. He loves to give me kisses.

Alas, I have digressed again. The whole point was to talk about aprons. Right now I am in the process of cutting out another apron for Jonathon's teacher, Deanna Grace. She is such an amazing woman. I am going to miss her. She has been so good for Jonathon and I love how she gets on the kids just like a mom does. She has a passion for The Wizard of Oz. So, this weekend, I travelled over to Ginger's Quilt Shop, somewhere I had never been before and bought some Wizard of Oz fabric. I am going to make her an apron to say thank you for such a great year. I'll load up a picture of it when it is finished.

Right now I need to go capture Ethan. He just used the broom to knock down my keys and opened the front door. He wants me to take him to get a chocolate donut. And, I also need to call the doctor. Aeron is sick with what Ethan had earlier this week. I believe he has a double ear infection and upper respiratory. He needs to be seen.

My most recent photos

Here is a few of the plethora of shots I took on Wednesday after a FREAKISH night of lightning, thunder and rain. The lightning strike sounded like a bomb going off. It caused a bunch of the car alarms in the neighborhood to go off as well.

Thankfully, the next morning after more rumblings and rain, it cleared up and after dropping off the kids at school I fixed breakfast for Ethan and Aeron, got Madison a bottle, blanket and put on a movie for her. They were content for a little bit so I could go outside and photograph the neighborhood flowers in the morning light.

My friend Jennifer is right! The morning and evening hours are a good time to take pictures. The light is great.

Photography is my passion right now. I love it. I love shooting pictures of the kids, my chickens, my backyard garden, and most especially flowers. I love capturing their timeless beauty. It reminds me what a blessing it is to live in the beautiful world that Heavenly Father has created for us. In these time of turbulence, economic struggles, and depressing news, gazing upon these images gives me a much needed lift.

My next piece of equipment I want to buy is a "nifty fify" lens or a macro lens. I would have such fun with it - I'll have to save my pennies. With my current lens, I can only get so close. But, it works, as you can see. For that I am grateful!