Little Cottonwood Canyon

I'm up in Utah for a few days, and this afternoon I drove up Little Cottonwood Canyon to shoot some of the beautiful wildflowers and just enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Here are a couple of my shots.

It's going on a year since I started my blog, and I've been pretty regular about posting. But this past few weeks have just been so stressful and crazy, I've not had any time for my usual digital scrapbooking, or even just a quick blog message or two. But hopefully, while I'm enjoying a few days off work, I can finally catch up on some of my creative projects and backlog of digital responsibilities! I may not write much, but I am always planning something creative and will continue to try to post as often as I can. I appreciate those who stop by to see what I've been up to, and I always love it if you'll leave me a comment.

By the way, today's my oldest son Ian's 30th birthday! I can't believe he has reached that milestone, especially since I'm not a day over 39. (I know, you don't believe me, but I certainly don't FEEL like the mother of a thirty year old!) Happy Birthday, Sweetie!

Baby Jack

Our friend and talented photographer Julie Campbell took these wonderful photos of little Baby Jack last Saturday. She gave me permission to put them on my blog. We'd love it if you'd stop by her website here, or her blog here to see more of her amazing work.

Isn't he just too sweet? He's such a little man, love those intense eyes and expressive hands. I guess I'm just a sucker for a beautiful grandson.

Surf's Down!

I have to laugh each morning as I watch the loyal gang of surfers who pay their homage to the California surf.... waves big, or wimpy. Last week there were several days of practically nonexistent surf, but the faithful were out, often shooting the breeze instead of shooting the curl. They were surfing waves that never even broke. But I guess I just don't understand the heart of the true surfer. Their spirits cannot be broken by glassy seas and interminable waits. What a life!

Cool woody, though, eh? On Friday when I took the photo of the woody, no fewer than 6 very old woodies passed me going the opposite way on Pacific Coast Highway. They must have been going to some sort of Woody Rally. They were fabulous! I was glad the red woody was waiting in its usual spot, just perfect for me to grab a few good shots.

Stephanie & Luke

Last night Bruce & I went to the Blue Ridge Pickin' Parlor in Granada Hills, to attend a concert featuring couple of amazing musicians: Stephanie Bettman & Luke Halpin. Stephanie is a phenomenal fiddler, vocalist & songwriter. Her partner Luke is the son of one of my dearest friends Nancy Halpin. I've watched Luke grow up, and his talent as a mandolin picker, guitarist and vocalist is just unparalleled. I had such a hard time getting good photos of his fingers- they were just a blur! They really harmonize beautifully, and the songs ranged from sweet love songs, to upbeat funny songs, to sad ballads about suicide and death. Both of them had great stage presence: light patter and a comfortable segue from one song to the next. Most of the songs were original, and interspersed into the program were a few hot instrumental numbers. Luke's voice & delivery reminded me so much of his dad, Phil Halpin, a brilliant musician and wonderful vocalist & songwriter. I hope these photos do them justice, it was really a fun evening.
(Click on the photo for a larger view)

Family Ties

I just had to scrap the adorable photo of Bruce, Alec and Baby Jack, and since it was time for the weekly digital challenge at 2 Peas, I used the challenge (to have part of an element in front of, and part in back of, or the 'paperclip' technique) to weave together my thoughts on family. It doesn't get any better than this, folks!

More Pics for Your Viewing Pleasure

I'm planning on scrapping these, but had to add them to the mix. It doesn't get any better than this!

The New Center of the Known Universe

Amazing how such a little person can rock your world... Here's Jack, looking a mite prettier than in the photo below. I am so in love with this little guy, he is quite perfect, beautiful, and sweet-smelling. I had almost forgotten that soft, nostalgic baby scent, and holding him close brought back so many touching memories of my children when they were first born. Alec is just the proudest Dad ever, Alicia is an amazing Mommy, and all of us grandparents are ga-ga over a 7 1/2 pound bundle of sweetness.

Jack Has Arrived!

Our beautiful, brand-new grandson arrived this morning, here's our first glimpse of the little guy!
Alicia went in to labor early yesterday, and by early evening, they headed for the hospital. It was a very long night. We got a call at 6:15 am to get ourselves over there, but when we arrived at 7:30, things hadn't progressed as smoothly as hoped. Although Alicia was ready to push, Jack had other plans. He held on for dear life! By 10:30 the decision was made to deliver by cesarean section, and 11 am was the moment of birth. Jackson Robert Eskander was 7 lbs. 14 oz, and 20" long. It was wonderful to be there for this birth, we didn't get to see our other grandson until he was 5 weeks old. Both sets of grandparents were there, to celebrate this new chapter in our lives. Welcome baby Jack!

What a Colorful Crew!

How lax I've become- I haven't updated my blog for a week! Tsk tsk, I must do better!
These adorable kids & teens are members of my church. Sunday evening we had an open house for a dear family that is moving away (We'll miss you Tanya!!) and as the families gathered for socializing and refreshments, the kids hung out outside (one, literally- hanging from the tree!) just being themselves, and hamming it up for the camera. Ok, I'm not saying the adults were boring, but honestly, the photos of the kids I snapped were so much fun, I just had to put a layout together celebrating their fun & bright personalities. Most of these kids were my little singers in our children's organization- I was their music director for about 18 months, and they were the most wonderful little troupers imaginable. It was so fun to get to know them and work with such a talented bunch! (Click on the photo to get a closer look!)