Spring Sale

I have been mulling over some ideas for a Spring Special ---- I'll be posting the details soon. Stay tuned.

A gorgeous day

A beautiful, BEAUTIFUL spring day. My favorite kind of day. Warm sunny skies. This day is truly a gift.

Happy to spend it with my superhero.

The tooth fairy visits again....

Addie's second tooth finally came out. Her older friend, Kate, suggested she just pull it out and so she did (do I need to worry about peer pressure at this age??!!). This all went down at the Y before swim lessons on Monday. The tooth fairy paid a visit. And, the tooth fairy paid TWO quarters this time. We're still in a recession after all!

Ugh

My friend Kelly found a gray hair on MY head today.

Enough said.

cute guy needs a haircut

sweet little guy. love him.

addie has a loose - very loose- tooth. will be coming out in a matter of days, so be on the lookout for a second tooth fairy post.

Charlotte, NC sessions available in April

I have planned a trip to Charlotte, NC to visit family and have a bit of time to do some sessions. The dates are April 14-16th. Let me know if you or anyone you know may be interested and we can work out the details. Just send me an email - info@stephanieantshel.com. Thanks!

Roller Derby

Look who learned how to roller skate this weekend...


Roller skating is near and dear to my heart, as I was an avid roller skater in my younger years!!! I had a FABulous pair of blue and yellow roller skates and I wasn't afraid to use them! I'm pretty sure my mom still has them in the basement, do you mom?? I remember my parent moving the cars out of the garage so I could skate in my very own roller rink! I also remember going to the local roller rink -- what what the name of it??? --- as I recall it was a shady place, I think it was on the bad side of town - not a place I went often. It was dark, and the music was loud and the disco lights flashed all over that glorious rink! My, oh my, those were the days! I wonder if there are any roller skating rinks anymore... probably not.

So, Addie now loves roller skating. She'll be flying up and down the sidewalks this summer.

hi there!

too cute to resist posting!

The President

Funny conversation with Addie today.

Addie: Barack Obama (pronounced correctly) lives in Washington.
Me: Oh really. Who is Barack Obama?
Addie: (with a "duh" look) He is our new PRESident.
Me: Oh. (laugh). What does the President do?
Addie: He is like the mayor!!!

I thought that was super cute! I am so impressed that she a.) knows who the President is and b.) can correctly say his name and c.) sort of knows what he does!!!!

A special day for Mr. J

Big Man J had a big day over the weekend. He was baptized! Many of his adoring family and friends witnessed his big moment and I was so happy to be a part of the day.
Check out the stained glass at the lovely church. I think I need to attend a mass at this church... I do like to visit other churches every once in awhile - a new fresh perspective on weekly mass.

Since it was his day, he was allowed to enjoy a yummy bottle while being blessed. Life doesn't get much better than this! Seriously. In the presence and grace of God, nourished by food, being held in loving arms, surrounded by family and friends??? Lucky little man!

Did I mention adoring family? I think Grandpa loves him just a little. Uhm... shall I say A LOT! How do I know? Couldn't keep his eyes off the little guy, big smile and cooing voice... It's love!

J is totally in love with his family, too. He thinks his Auntie is super silly and funny!

Thanks for allowing me to be a part of the day. You are such lovely people!

Twins on the go!

Oh, how I love mild days in March! Even though it was a bit gray outside, the temperature allowed this lovely family to have a fun session this afternoon.

I love this first image - playful, fun, spontaneous. But... my favorite part of the picture is how Miss M is holding onto her daddy's finger. Can you see it? I love it!


Sweet moment with beautiful Mama.

The girls chatted and talked a lot! I think Miss R was practicing her "uh oh!"

Perhaps my favorite! Love it!!
Sweetness!
Thanks, thanks! I enjoyed meeting you and your adorable twin loves.

Dreaming of the garden....

Many of you know that we have quite a lovely garden at our house. The woman who lived in the house prior to us was an avid gardener to say the least. I believe the gardens were on the Garden Tour a few times. I have tried to maintain the yard as best I can over the several years we've been here. It has been very rewarding. I have made several changes --- I've amended it to meet the needs of our young family (creating more green space to play) and my time restrictions (raising two little ones, working part-time). More importantly, I made changes so that the yard became ours.

Every year around this time I start craving the dirt. I want to dig, transplant, nurture and see the beauty that our yard offers. I have several projects in mind this year --- big projects!! Stay tuned for some of my ideas. I may even offer photo sessions in the yard --- perhaps even a barter system -- you bring your gardening tools and help with the pruning and weeding and I will take pictures of your children!!!!!! I'm only half kidding!

Jack is excited about the garden, too... even in the cold of these remaining winter days.

I think I'll "dig up" (no pun intended) some of my garden pictures.... stay tuned for some of my new ideas for the yard this year.