kids in a box . . . 30 years later

 I have wanted to recreate this photo for years.  The original was taken I believe in 1989 . . . 

It has always been one of my favorite photos of the four of them.

We had gotten a new tv . . . and of course being kids, they were more excited about playing in the box than watching the tv.

We finally did it!  Richard pieced together a bunch of cardboard . . . the kids recreated their clothes.  They were good sports doing this for me.  I laughed so hard when Sarah walked out in her pink sweats and black patent leather shoes.  Then I laughed again at Jacob's expression when he saw her. 

30 years . . .

They have grown up . . . most of them have become parents themselves.  I have watched them become adults . . . but they will always be my kids.   

I'm working on this tonight . . .

Our Avery Rose will be turning three soon.  

I am working on the photo frame for her birthday party.

. . . just a small family party this year.

I can't get enough of this unique little girl!

Happy Birthday Avery Rose!

Deuce . . .

I swear he poses . . . and then just waits for me to get my camera

and snap a few pictures.  

"In ancient times cats were worshiped as gods:

They have not forgotten this."

~ Terry Pratchett

photo challenge 1/31/16 . . . self

Just be yourself.  

Let people see the real, imperfect, flawed, 

quirky, weird, beautiful, and magical person that you are.

 My final post for my January Photo Challenge.  It has been fun and gave my creative side the little bit of a kick start that it needed.  I like messing around with photo collages . . . just a simple one of me and some of the things that I like.  Clare, Sis, Mom, Planet, Clare Helen, Amma  . . . whatever name I go by - it's still me.  From baby to nearly 57 years old - it's still me.  

I've changed a lot over the years - its' still me.  

Sometimes I look in the mirror and wonder where that young person went . . . but it's still me. 

 I can say I lost myself a few times along the way . . . but not for long.  

I have learned that I have to be true to myself . . . 

I just have to be me.

photo challenge 1/29/16 . . . inspiration

 This is not a very good picture . . . but there is something about this tree lit up at night that I just love.  The picture below was taken earlier this month - I may have even posted it already.  

It reminds me that there is magic in this world . . . and if we look for it we can be inspired by that magic every single day.