Just a Little Photo Love

I took some family portraits on Saturday and I really loved them.  I just wanted to share a few that I took.

Lost Tooth 12x12 Layout

Supplies are from Memory Works Express

Please note that the photos are actually straight on the layout, but I couldn't crop it correctly in Photoshop.  It's not the best layout.  I did it at a retreat and had no "Teeth" related items.  So, there you have it.  I'm sure Maddie will forgive me one day!

Book Club Book

So as some of you may know we started up a book club on Facebook.  We have chosen to start reading

We will begin by September 1st.  If you want to join, please let me know.

Back to School Pics

Before we get started, let's say goodbye to summer vacation.

Maddie and JoJo's 1st Day.  They started August 1.  

Wolfie's first day. He started August 14.  We decided to change his school to a local one.  He has been going with me since daycare.  It was a terrifying experience to actually send my child off to school when I won't be there.  I'm not even in the same town.  I can't imagine sending a five year old off on their own.  Erik is now responsible for taking him to school and picking him up.  My neighbors are helping out too.  He's really liked the adjustment.  He has new friends.  He got invited to a birthday party this weekend that we can actually attend.  It's always awkward to attend a party as a teacher/parent, especially when a parent is a very frequent complaint maker at your school.  It's also very difficult when you live 25 miles or more away from the party.  The best news...no uniform!!!  Wolfie wasn't that thrilled about school shopping.  I probably could have done it without him.

A Few Book Recommendations

I've read a few books over the last few weeks.  First let me say that Heller's Decision is out!!!

J.D. Nixon is one of my favorite authors.  Of course I read the new book in a day.  I loved it!  It was very funny, and I chuckled my way through it. The first book, Heller is a free ebook.  She also has the Little Town Series.  The first book, Blood Ties is also a free ebook.  You won't be disappointed if you decide to read those two books.

The next is the Shattered Hearts Trilogy.  The three books are about a girl who dropped out of college and starts a new life in another town, where she meets Adam.  The only problem is that her high school sweetheart comes back after a year long absence...he's been on tour...he's a rock star.  The series overall is a five star read for me.  It was real, and it dealt with real and heartbreaking issues.  The first two books were 99 cents last time I checked.  So worth the read.

Private Book Club

I know some of you all read this blog for book recommendations.  I started a private group on Facebook for us.  This is a place where we can share books, author links, and discussions.  If you are interested please contact me and I will surely add you to the group. You can leave a comment or email me at mariahashbaughathotmail.com

Happy Reading!

Dear Maddie:

Dear Maddie:

You are my artsy boy.  You love to color, draw, and make things.  You are so handsome with your pretty blue eyes.  Everyday, you grow more handsome.  Sometimes you ask my why you're different because you like the color pink and wear bracelets.  I'm sure glad you are different.  You're not boring, and you're not a follower.  You attract people like a magnet with your quirky personality.  You love music.  You have to listen to Michael Jackson and Dolly Parton daily.  It wasn't long ago that you would blast your music and dance in secret.  This summer, you learned to moonwalk.  I mean real actual moonwalking.  I attempted this when I was a child as well but was never successful.  You are a lover of things from my generation.  You love to watch Full House.  Just the other night, we were discussing Jurrasic Park.  I told you it was a movie I watched when I was a kid.  You were shocked.  You couldn't believe I had color television when I was a child!  I'm not that old, silly boy!  I love this picture of you, because I can hear you saying to me, "Really, Mom?"  Keep being you, keep being special and funny, and smart, and loving.
Love,
Mom