We have had some awesome visits to the shelter recently. Our volunteer work is so rewarding. Being able to love and play with all of these cats brings us so much joy and happiness.

Capturing photos of them playing and being loving in hopes of attracting their future owners is quite the experience. Photos of any animal is challenging, but cats that are unable to romp and play at their leisure is a whole new ballgame! Trying to keep them on spot in a confned area for a portrait is work. Then you capture shots like the ones below........and well, it is all worth it.

The harsh reality is seen below. Even though Cesar is loving and beautiful and just wants to be loved and played with...........he is in a cage. In an awful twist of fate all of these cats have ended up here waiting to be loved again. They are confused and scared and their pleas from behind a locked cage door will tear you apart. I can't look at this photo without it bringing tears to my eyes.

Back To School!

Today is the day I have been dreading all Summer long! I am one of those crazy parents that actually love having their kids at home! We had such a fun and relaxing Summer and I really hate to see it end.
This is the first year that Alyza and Garrett will be attending different schools. Will be nice for both of them to not be in the other's shadow. Gman plans on ruling the school and Alyza is hoping to not get lost or forget her locker combination.
I am dreading the homework, the papers to be signed, the forced routine, enforcing bedtime rules and the laundry that I must stay on top of so that every outfit is washed and ready for the little diva.
It was a great start this morning. Both up and ready without a fight or drama. Made Alyza her favorite breakfast and baked Garrett his favorite brownies for after school.
We plan on diving in the pool and discussing our days while floating on our rafts......holding on to one last summer ritual before the leaves start to turn on us.





Seamus is missing his kids. I think our dog loved having the kids home more than me.

He is trying to cope

Fun at the River

Every year my Mom's family gets together at my cousin's beautiful home on the Monongahela River . We grill, we swim, we boat and enjoy catching up with each other.


A few pics from the great day!

The secret to great legs is discovered.

Washington Area Humane Society

My children and I have been volunteering at our local animal shelter and have been falling in love with all of the terrific animals that can be found there. On Thursdays we go into Pet Smart and care for the cats that have been placed there in hopes of finding forever homes. Alyza and Garrett take turns getting the cats out of their cages and socializing them. The cats really like being taken to the bird cages and stretching their legs.
This beautiful cat is named Dusk. She is a diluted calico and enjoyed hamming it up for the camera. The photos I have been taking are being used on the web and in promotional materials for the shelter.
It really is true that the more love you give away, the more you receive.

All of the photos I have taken can be seen here:
http://cr8ingwaves.smugmug.com/

Great 4th of July!!

Just a few pics from our family 4th of July.

We sat in the rain for over an hour waiting for the parade to start. Canonsburg is 2nd to Philadelphia for July 4th parades in PA. I went every year with my dad and it was great fun to be there with my son while Alyza was in the parade with her cheer squad. We had house guests for the weekend and it was really nice to play the hostess. Glad the sun decided to shine so we could enjoy some quality pool time.

Summer of Scraplovin

We are really looking forward to all of the Scrapbooking and Fun that the great design team has in store for us.

Would love for all of my friends to join in!

New Creative Path

Photos now available for purchase.
Capturing moments in time is very valuable to me. Still shots provide something special that can't be caught on video.
It brings me great pleasure to now be able to share them.


http://cr8ingwaves.smugmug.com/

Dandelions

Who knew that weeds would play a part in a few of the best photos I took this spring?

Spring in My Backyard

After working with the family getting the yard cleaned up I sat and relaxed with my zoom lens. The price of the seed to attract these beautiful yellow birds to my yard is worth every penny. It is amazing how much joy I get seeing them at that feeder.

There were other sights to enjoy while sitting in the sun:

Wrestling Banquet

Wanted to throw this up and will be back later to update the details of the banquet.
I am the secretary for our Wrestling Club. This year I also acted as Team Photographer. I wanted to make something special for the 6th grade boys that will be moving up to JV next year. When I saw this Wishblade file for sale at Paperthreads
http://www.paperthreads.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=66_81
I was immediately inspired.

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Signs of Spring

Celebrating any holiday or season at our house involves our pets







This is Seamus our Bullmastiff. He LOVES stuffed animals. He always greets us at the door with something. Usually it is my slippers, unless he has a new favorite stuffy that day.












This is Mocha. I rescued her from the cold winter last year. She is your typical cat hiding out most of the day in some secret spot and then showing up at bedtime to keep your feet warm. Here she is hiding between the Easter Baskets.












Here we have Smorz, our Calico . She is Alyza's cat. Here she is drinking the water from my daffodils. It isn't enough that she splashes all of her water out of her bowl, she has to drink out of whatever can be found on the dining room table as well.

Word Books

Wanted to share some of the custom Word/Name Books I have been creating for sale. These were made using a DCWV stack. Both Lauren and Celina are 12 yr old girls and these are the color combos they chose. The books are gifts that were purchased for them. In the package with the books I am including journaling blocks that they can fill in and place where needed . Easy to produce with stamps and left over CS.

This is the Day

That I start Blogging!
I would like to introduce you to the main characters in my life:
This is Colin, my main squeeze! He plays Semi-Pro Football, competes in Power lifting and is a computer geek. He keeps my PC running smooth and is good for moving heavy furniture. He makes everything in life more enjoyable.
















This is Alyza, she is in the 6th grade. She is an honor student and member of student council. She loves being in the chorus and performing in the High School musical. They are putting on Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat this year. She scraps and bakes with me. I love having a daughter to share with.



















This is Garrett, he is in the 5th grade and is a gifted Math student. He plays football and wrestles. He is gearing up for a chance to go to the State Championship for Youth Wrestling. I love having a son that enjoys life.