"Every boy should have two things: a dog, and a mother willing to let him have one."

Well, Momma's got a new toy! A new photo editing software, strictly for light editing that I can do for large galleries & big groups of photos. The single photos that are to be printed, will continue to be photoshopped, but I just find this program, "Lightroom" a little more "bulk-friendly" as far as quick editing goes.

Here are some pics from today - LJ & I took Rookie to Duke Gardens for some play time. We WORE him out! LJ walked Rookie all around the park, (with me following and Rookie looking back every 5 seconds wondering why I wasn't the one with the leash). It was a good lesson for LJ to be responsible for him, and I think things like this steer their LOVE/HATE relationship closer to the "love" side :)

Hope you enjoy the pics!

"A shaky child on a bicycle for the first time needs both support and freedom. The realization that this is what the child will always need can hit hard."

~Sloan Wilson

I thought this was a sweet picture. I had a little boy who was having a rough day - we all have them. Frustrated, tired, whatever it may be, and as I watched him ride off on his bike, (probably fed up with his momma ;) ), I thought about the depth of him doing that on his own.

We were in Duke Gardens, by the way. I have a session coming up there, and I wanted to find our bearings before I brought the family. BEAUTIFUL! Plenty more pics to come!

"A person always doing his best becomes a natural leader, just by example. "
Joe DiMaggio

Well, hello there! I'm sorry I haven't written in a bit, but we just got back from Atlanta, and I didn't bring my computer. My camera - yes, but my slow, memory completely-filled computer - no! It's crazy slow right now because of all the pictures I have on it, so first thing, (after this blog, of course), I'm going to put those pictures on a hard drive. I just have to figure out how - shouldn't be that hard, right? I have extra motivation, though - there are pictures on my camera that I need to get off, can't wait to edit, but won't fit on my hard drive. Many to come soon!

We had an AWESOME time in Atlanta. Caught some fantastic family and friend time, had great meals, watched some baseball, now we're back in Durham for the week. It's a great place to be. Birds chirping in the morning, green grass and trees, hot humid days at the pool -- what's not to love?!!!

Just wanted to let you guys know we were doing well and touch base. Lots of pics to come...as soon as I make room! Have a great rest of your week!!!

Well, we made it to our first Bulls game last night, and we had a blast! The weather is awesome. Aside from the rain that came later in the game, we LOVE having the high temps and moist air. I could just soak it up all day - it's wonderful to be back in the south! LJ had a wonderful time meeting the mascots and as promised, he got the new jersey and hat. He's fine with any move we make as long as he can get the new team's jersey :) Go bulls! That's Wool.E. Bull and the Blue Monster, (there's a big blue wall in left field they call the "blue monster")

"We may not have it all together, but together we have it all!!"

Wow! Well, so much has happened in so little time! Where do I begin?

At the beginning, I guess? Lance had a few teams to choose from, so in a hurry, he had to choose one. The best option for him ended up being back in the Rays organization, (AAA) in Durham, North Carolina. So, in a hurry (about 24 hours!) we packed up the apartment, turned off the utilities, found flights for the next day that allowed Rookie, arranged for the cars to be shipped and for the apartment rental furniture to be picked up.

The following day, we hopped on a plane to Durham, NC via Charlotte. After a little delay in Charlotte, we landed in Durham around 1 a.m. Lance had to go to the field the next morning, and then go to Pennsylvania with the team later that day. LJ & I, meanwhile, were on a mission! Month-to-Month furnished housing, and we had to have it quickly!

Well, after a lot of searching, a lot of prayer and a few begging episodes, we found something! We have a cool little 2 bedroom apartment in downtown Durham, really close to Lance's field. There are groceries in the kitchen, some clothes in the drawers, and a happy, momma, boy and dog! Lance gets home tomorrow, and we will have to give him directions to his home! It won't be the first time :)

We are so thankful, so blessed and loving being back in the south. I promise to keep you posted on our little journey. An added blessing: Lance plays in Gwinnett next week, so we'll get to see some family! Just a sweet little reminder of God's love...as if we needed one!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I introduce to you, your V.I.P. for the day! Yes, it's been on the calendar for quite some time, and it is officially June 1st. LJ, the V.I.P. will be opening the door for you today, leading the line, changing the day in the calendar, and sharing his Show & Tell, (His Dad). After he is done, a t-ball game for the class until school is over! So, what do you think? I think he was the best, cutest V.I.P. yet!