New Toy :0)

I love new things... especially things I can play with like new software.

Yes, I got Photoshop Elements. I have been taking an online class and I am just loving it.

Can you see the difference betweent the two? The bottom picture is the original and the one on top the edited version.

Kind of a grunge look.

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What do these eyes see?

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"The eyes are the windows to your soul." Who said that?

When I meet people, the first thing I usually notice about them are their

EYES.

I envy those who have colored eyes. Mine are boring brown.

Sometimes they are really dark

BROWN.

The eyes below... yes, they belong to my daughter.

They are beautiful Green, Blue and Hazel.

"Where does she get them?" is the the most common question I get. Her sister has beautiful Sky Blue eyes. Yes, I envy both of my girls eyes.

Well, their dad has Green eyes and all of his maternal side has Blue eyes. On my side (complicated story), my biological father has Bright Blue eyes. Apparently, I have an ancestor from the Mescalero Apache Indian Tribe who had blue eyes. Who knew? Yet, my eyes are still boring Brown.

Bailey loves hats. So, we went outside and took some pictures of her and her hats. I just love this one. She is a soulful person. Loving, caring, thoughtful, bratty (11 years old), giving and very warm. Her long black eyelashes accent those pretty eyes. I'm glad she has them.

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click on the image to see her pretty eyes up close

Do you like the color of your eyes?

XO

A Magical Time

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Even though I live in New Mexico, I never seem to tire of traditions/events that happen at the same time every year. Like Balloon Fiesta. There is something magical about the balloons when you are walking out on the field. Time seems to stand still for a few moments and every where you look, people are happy. It does not matter if you go for balloon glows or get up at the crack of dawn to watch them inflate and launch above you...the magic is there. I hope if you have never experienced it first hand, you will make it an item on your bucket list. There is nothing like being here in person to experience it first hand.

Our tradition is camping at the balloon park rv camp with thousands of others from around the world. Some of our friends and family think we are nuts to camp 10 miles from home, but for us it is three days of fun. The buses come around and drive us to the entrance and take us back when we are done. Or, we just wake up, grab a good warm cup of coffee and sit with a blanket as the balloons float over us. This year about 10 friends camped with us. Some of the faithfuls that come every year, and some new friends who are now hooked on this tradition.



My favorite balloon is Darth Vader. While I have never seen any of the new Star Wars movies and probably could not tell you anything about the originals way back when, Darth always seems to call my name.

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Come and join us next year. Our house is always open.

XOXO

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Starts & Finishes

"The way to get started is to stop talking and start doing."

Walt Disney (1901–1966)

Lots of things to get started as fall approaches, and lots of things to finish.
Most of the time when I get home from work, all I want to do is sit around and relax.
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But... children bring me back to reality.
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Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the changing colors and fresh air that blows in the house. I love all the leaves falling in my yard. I love sleeping with the window open as the cool air comes into my room forcing me to get another blanket or snuggle up to someone a little more to stay warm. And, this is about the only time I like to bake. Somehow baking is easier when it is cooler. So, Bailey and I will start baking. MacKenzie only likes to eat.
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~ Happy Fall ~

~ believe ~

~ believe ~

my FaVoriTe word. and, lately it seems i need to

say it,

hear it,

live it,

more.

it is hard to believe when others blame you for their misery.

it is hard to believe in your kids when they don't BeLiEvE in themselves.

it is hard to believe in yourself when...

one of my favorite pictures when i was in madera, mexico. we stayed in cabins near a lake and i woke up one morning to explore. i found another missionary walking with GOD.

~ believe ~

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~ shadows are all around ~

Keep your face to the sunshine and you never see the shadow.

Helen Keller

This frog was captured by a young boy I met in Madera, Mexico.

critters of summer

I think I say this every year, but, "where did the summer go?" I have been off for 6 weeks recovering from ankle surgery, and the time just flew by. The pictures below are some of the critters we saw this summer.

a dragonfly hanging out on top of the camper
horses grazing on the side of the road in madera, mexico

pigs i saw at the orphanage

baby humming birds that had a nest right above our entrace way

this beautiful bald eagle showing off for me at the indian market in santa fe