Yikes - I can't believe it has been a week since I posted a picture!!!  Sorry Grandpa!

I have been a busy Mom since Emme got back to school.  My camera has not been out much.  I am hoping to change that soon, since I am part of a challenging 6 month class that starts in October!

The "Little Bean" had a dentist appointment today to get her first filling.

When we got there, the dental assistant asked her what flavor lip-gloss she wanted...

Emme looked at me, and said, "I want to go.."  You see, Emme equates lip gloss

to hospital stays where they put you to sleep with a mask using lip gloss to make it smell good.

She was not crying, or dramatic..  Just very matter-of-fact, that she was not playing this game today..  So, like any great Mom, I offered my IPhone up for bribery...  Nothing..  Not buying it.

Hmmmm...  I found a toy that she liked at the dentist..  Again, not worth the lipgloss trick.

To give you the picture, I am holding her, and she is not moving out of my arms..  I finally talk her into just sitting in the chair..  Again, she is not engaging in the plan..  Finally after negotiating with her for 5 minutes, I said to her...  "Emme, if we can just do this, we can get out of hear.."  She thought about it for a second, and then she very dramatically, with an exasperated sigh (and I am pretty sure an eye roll) exclaimed, "FINE!"

That was that, the mask went on, cavity filled, and we were out of there 10 minutes later!

Good grief, what is she going to be like when she is 16?  Hopefully as funny and charming as she is today!!

I really don't have to elaborate much on Emme's first day of pre-school..  She has been waiting for this day for three weeks since her sisters started back!  She was ready and excited to go!  

She picked out her outfit, made sure she had a bottle of water in her back-pack ("Pack Pack" in Emme speak) and off we went..  She let me take a few pictures, and she patiently waited for Jeff in the parking lot...  But, once she saw him, it was time to get the show on the road!!!!  Our little extrovert was ready to take on her new school!!!!  I know what a blessing this is...  

When I picked Emme up today she was all smiles!!!! Ready to go back tomorrow for more, "My School!"

Happy Pre-School Emme Jade!  We are so proud of you!

Every once in a while God brings special people into our path. Special friends that will leave a lasting impression on your heart.  Friends who share part of your story.   An instant connection that makes friendship easy.  A few weeks ago, Emme and I were blessed to meet some new friends.  Through re-location they are here.  A difficult season on many levels for any family.  Even more difficult when you have teenagers starting over.  This family is making the most of it.  Working through the hard days, and creating beautiful memories in their new found home.  A few people told me I should meet this Mom.. We do have a lot in common..  But after spending time with this amazing woman, I understand a little more why God introduced us.  Not only am I in awe of her many gifts, I am in awe of her story.  In a very short time, I have been blessed by her faith and her journey.   Jody's blog is amazing..  Real, poignant, raw, beautiful.  Gifted writer, talented photographer, amazing Mom...  I encourage you to check out her blog.  It is a beautiful and inspiring story of survival and grace.  

There is another reason I had to meet this Mom... Her name is Bella!  Bella is her gift from China.  A sweet, funny, adorable miracle...   And the best part..  This tiny package with the precious pigtails and charming everything, is the same age as Emme Jade...  These two pretty much had each other at NiHao!  After 10 minutes, this little girl became, "My Bella" to Emme Jade.  

Friday, Jody and I had a spontaneous lunch/play-date at their house..  A gorgeous setting.. Photographer's dream.  There were two little girls that this Mom just had to take pictures of...  Two little cuties from the same country..  Forever home, piggies swinging in the wind, silly, adorable... 

Simply Happy!

Thank you Jody and Bella for sharing your day with us..  And thanks Miss Bella for being the best little model ever!!!!  You made my day!

Thank you Lord for the gift of new friends!

The first photo was taken with my D700

Shot in Manual RAW

Exposure 1/400

Aperture f/3.5

ISO - 500

Sigma Lens for Nikon:  70-200 Shot at 86mm

Processed with Florabella's new Color Play Actions:  Subtle Color/Peace

Check out other Sunday Snapshots at Stef's blog!  Have a great week!

P.S:  A little shout out to Aunt Bop!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY big Sis!!

I have had so much fun spending time with Emme Jade this week..  We have been able to take advantage of our beautiful weather while her sisters are back to school.  One of my favorite moments this week was a little tea party we had Wednesday after she got her hair cut.  During this sweet time Emme entertained me with her singing, and her cute little stories.  Emme is our little charmer.  She loves to talk and talk and talk..  Her enthusiasm is contagious.  I love spending time with her!

I had to choose a picture from our tea party for Lisa's "Favorite Photo Friday."

Shot with my Nikon D700 and Sigma 70-200mm lens.  Processed with

Florabella's new Colorplay actions.

Stop by Lisa's blog today for some more Friday Favorites!  Have a great weekend!

I have had a few questions lately here, so I thought I would take the time to answer them..  We are three days into school and things are going great for the girls!  Sienna stated this evening, that she loves school!  When I asked her what was her favorite thing so far, she proclaimed, "Everything!"  I can't tell you how happy that makes me!  Ainsley and "Coach Jeff" started volleyball today!  It's sounds like it's going to be a good season for the sixth graders!!

Yesterday a blog reader asked me if Sienna and Ruby were in the same class this year.  The answer is, yes!  We put a lot of thought in to that decision.   After praying about it, and talking with their Kindergarten teacher we all agreed another year together was a good decision.  I have written about it before..  This relationship is the result of a lot of hard work by two special little girls..  What has resulted is two sisters that need each other..  And, one that gives the other an extra boost of confidence just by having her close...  So in these early years we are thankful they can share this experience and watch out for each other.  We know it might not always make sense for our duo...  We will take one year at a time!

I have also had a few inquiries about the girls skirts from the first day of school..  They are from Matilda Jane.  Our school has a dress code, so they will be wearing lots of skirts and dresses this year!  As you can probably tell, Sienna and Ruby are pretty girly..  They love dressing up..  Each night their clothes for the next day are picked out!  

I am enjoying this time with Emme..   She is enjoying her one-on-one time with Mama too.  We had a sweet tea party today.  Emme will start at a new pre-school on September 10th.  She will be going 4 mornings a week this year.  She is excited about going back to school.  I hope to take advantage of that time to get organized around here.  I have a lot of catching up to do!  (Including Pearl River catch up if there are any sponsors reading this!!!)

It's time to sign off..  It's a school night after all!!!

It was Back To School for the "big" and the "middles" yesterday!  My day started with Sienna waking me up at 6:00..  Her words, "I am so excited for first grade!"  What a great way to start my day!!!  As always, there was lots of excitement getting ready and getting out the door!!!  The first reports from all three was that it was a great day!!!  I am very thankful for that!!  We ended our first day, with Jeff making us a delicious dinner!!!!!!  He also cleaned up the kitchen!  He was speaking my love language!!!!  THANKS Honey!!  You are the best!

As I post, Emme is happily creating a house with lego's..  I am creating a list in my head of everything I did not do this summer, and the sixth grader and the first graders are busy getting back in the groove!  We had a great summer... Praying for a fabulous school year for all!!!  Pre-School starts on September 10th..  Emme already has her back-pack packed!!!   My little social butterfly can't wait!!