Just for Fun!

So out of no where the other night, I decide I don't have any pics of Ayden in the bath tub.. Now, I don't know why these are so important to us moms, but they are! Every mom needs at least one really embarrassing image that we loom over our children's' heads as the "one we'll show your boyfriend/girlfriend"! This silly notion of embarrassing our children was as I am sure, started many years ago by a fed up mom. Fed up that every time you go someplace in public with your children or have friends over the kids decide- without your consent of course- to act like wild monkeys jacked up on espresso... (I think Molly started it- she has the BEST stories of taking her son Chance out shopping with her! I can just see the entire display of pickles crashing to the floor! That tickles me every time!)

But don't worry- there is nothing exploitative about my images. I would never display my children in a harmful way- I just thought these were too cute not to share! And I took some the next morning that I love too. They really express his personality BEFORE his feet hit the floor- from there it is a whole different inning in the ball game that I am sure would stump even Dr. Phil.. I keep asking God about it and He assures me He is working on an answer for me but doesn't know yet what happens to my sweet and loving little boy between 7:45a.m. and 8 o'clock! "The world may never know..." But this is my life and I would not trade it for the world!

Diving in Cayman

So, on our cruise we took absolute pleasure in a dive trip with Neptunes Divers and I have to say that it was the most amazing dive trip EVER! (I think this may have been pretty close to my very first dive trip in '05 where I found an megladon shark tooth the size of my palm!) The images hardly do justice to just how beautiful and vibrant everything is... You know.. it would help if I knew how to use a point and shoot camera too! This was the first time that I really had an opportunity to shoot with a camera underwater and I have to say, and not as an excuse either, that it is very different than shooting on land! You have to take into account so many things- first everything is in constant motion- the fish, even the coral and things that look still are being moved by the water and of course I am moving so it is a lot harder than the guys with National Geographic make it look. (That's for sure!) When I view these images it is almost like looking through aquarium glass, and that is sort of what it feels like too. I think the hardest part is editing them because you don't want to take away the fact that you are in very blue/teal water and everything looks, well, blue/teal. But at the same time if you don't do some color enhancing the water takes away from some of the reefs. Again, I did not dare do justice to the amazing beauty and mystery that the ocean holds. But I gave it a shot and I really thought overall I did ok for a first time experience- I think however, more practice is in order so that I might continue to get better. Of course the only way to get better is to keep diving! So who's with me and up for a trip to Grand Cayman??? (I'm packed and ready to go!)

Let me know what you think...

Mr. & Mrs. Tunderman

Meet Mr. & Mrs. Tunderman:

We had such an incredible time in Grand Cayman Island and Jamaica with Gwen and Matt where they were married on February 5th. We can't wait for the anniversary cruise... More to come soon.

A Stroll in the Park

You know some days are just so beautiful that the only thing to do is go to the park. I personally love this particular park because I never see the same thing twice and the people are always friendly. We saw a group of friends playing a friendly yet very competitive game of kick ball in one corner and skate boarders being photographed in another... And the whole thing was eagerly taken in by Ayden as he pedalled along on his radio flyer tricycle... or his "trike" as we call it... Bailey rested on a blanket in the middle so she could go between the ball game and the skate boarders. (Evidently skate boarding is a new passion of hers to learn???) But me, I was taking everything in all at once. I love days with my children where words are not necessary and we are too busy soaking in the moments to be arguing about unimportant things... These are the days that don't often happen enough, but when they do, the memory of it sees me through to the next one...
~S.

Celebrating Gwen...

I think one of the things I love most about this stage of my life is the simple fact that it is o.k. to have a bachelorette party without strippers... If it's your thing, I have just left more for you I guess... but we had a such a nice evening with a really classy group of women. (And you too Carl....)

We started off at Gwen and Matt's with so much food and champagne- as always, Gwen totally out did herself! (And Matt being the great guy he is helped her all day with cleaning and getting ready for the big night...) Harry, from A Luxurious Limo, picked us up in a beautiful Escalade Limo ~ and I have to admit, as hard as I closed my eyes Monday morning and tried to imagine a stocked bar, great music and a driver, I couldn't get past the smell of spoiled milk and the sound of cherrios under my feet. And my reflection in the mirror only reminded me that like the maid, chef & dishwasher I have at home- it is still only me behind the wheel... {sigh}

Seriously, we had a great time at The Gypsy Comedy Club in beautiful St. Augustine! As always, my very dear friend (and "aunt") Jackie was an incredible hostess! I have to admit that it is one of my favorite places to go when we have a chance to get out for the night. We always laugh and have such a great time and this was just that! But better with so many of us to cut up with! The Comedians were Shane McConnaghy and Faye Woodruff, a.k.a. "Grandma from Hell". If you get the chance, go see them both- they are super funny and very personable to hang out and chat with!

Thanks to everyone who came out and celebrated with Gwen and helped to make this her night!
~S.

The Most Beautiful Woman....

This is an exerpt from a daily devotional that I enjoy. I find the simplicity of it graceful and love the way it made me stop and think for a moment. The one thing I certainly try to stress to my daughter is that you never decide how you feel about a person by the color of their skin or by their appearances... It is always most importantly what is on the inside that counts. I believe that if you try, you can find something beautiful in almost anything. Enjoy this- and I hope it changes the way you see beauty. ~S.

A successful beauty product company asked the people in a large city to send pictures along with a brief letter about the most beautiful women they knew. Within a few weeks, thousands of letters were delivered to the company.

One letter in particular caught the attention of the employees, and soon it was handed to the company president. The letter was written by a young boy who was obviously from a broken home and living in a run-down neighborhood. With spelling corrections, an excerpt from his letter read, "This beautiful woman lives down the street from me. I visit her every day. She makes me feel like the most important kid in the world. We play checkers and she listens to my problems. She understands me and when I leave she always yells out the door that she's proud of me."

The boy ended his letter saying, "This picture shows you that she is the most beautiful woman. I hope I have a wife as pretty as her."

Intrigued by the letter, the president asked to see this woman's picture. His secretary handed him a photograph of a smiling, toothless woman, well advanced in years, sitting in a wheelchair. Sparse gray hair was pulled back in a bun. Wrinkles that formed deep furrows on her face were somehow diminished by the twinkle in her eyes.

"We can't use this woman," explained the president, smiling. "She would show the world that our products aren't necessary to be beautiful."

"Gwen-O-Licious"

The title being compliments of my ever "dramatic" daughter (her description also)... Thanks Molly for being such a huge help with this very enjoyable afternoon and to my very tantelizing model- Gwen for being so patient with my ideas...

You know, sometimes it is just good to get together with a couple of girlfriends and feel like women- to hang out and chat or to dress up and feel sexy! I think this is something EVERY woman deserves- for herself... and if you want to surprise your honey with a few sneak peeks- then let me know and we can schedule your very own private session.

~S.

Gwen's Bridal Luncheon

Ok, so most of you know that my friends Gwen and Matt are getting married (in three weeks?) on the beautiful island of Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Geoff and I have the honor and priviledge to be attending the festivities with them. I can't say how excited I am. Anyway, Gwen's bridal luncheon was this Sunday past at an incredible restaurant called Sterling's here in Jacksonville. What remarkable food! And I can't dare forget to mention that the service is just as great! I had such a nice time with everyone who attended! I was so scared when I came in with my decorations that they would look sort of goofy because of how nice the room was, but with Gwen's additions, the decorations were perfect! Please let me say to everyone who attended- I can't take all of the credit for the decorations- It was Carl's idea to decorate, and I merely offered to help. And Gwen came in with a huge box of stuff to compliment it... so although I am a genious sometimes, ok, most of the time- ok really, hardly ever- it's fun to think myself a legend- even if in my own mind... :oD Enjoy the slide show- we had a really nice time!

~S.