Growing up Hopkins Week 6

Holly had an issue with her headband during naptime.

Her favorite bed - daddy's chest.

J.D. in mommies arms.

beautiful boy!!

Growing up Hopkins 5 weeks old

Can you believe how adorable these babies are?

I know I'm a little prejudice but really - I can hardly stand how cute they are. Holly isn't chubby - except for her sweet cheeks.

They're starting to smile.

Meanwhile Jim and Liz are exhausted....but happy!

Photography - the backyard

I think photography might be my next hobby. It's fun and easy. I'm visiting lots of blogs about photography. One thing I've learned is that pictures capture moments - they tell a story. So I'll take pictures that mean something to me and if someone else likes them that's fun, but if not I've captured a piece of my life as I enjoy the passage of time. Here's a challenge - take your camera to the backyard and find some stories.

We planted grape vines a few years ago. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of laying under my grandparents grape arbor on hot summer days.

I planted this apple tree thinking my grandkids would need a tree to climb.

My sweet friend Michelle planted these - they're called "hot lips". Now that she lives far away they're a reminder of the fun we had.

These blackberries burrowed under the fence from the neighbors yard. They took over the corner of the back yard. They're delicious but painful to prune after the last berry is plucked. But prune them we must or we'd have no yard - just a blackberry jungle.

What stories does your backyard hold. Capture them with pictures.

Growing up Hopkins 1 Month old

Pretty nice photos of Holly if I do say so myself - I'm learning how to use the camera but it's hit or miss for now.

J.D. is growing up - such a handsome boy.

Last day of school 2009

Johnny is happy that summer is here. He's a sophomore now! Time is going too quickly....

Can there be too many baby pictures? I don't think so - here's sweet Holly.

Is there anything cuter than baby toes?

J.D. growing bigger by the day - here's Liz's life - feed the baby, burp the baby, put the baby to sleep - repeat... it doesn't get any better than that!

With all that's wrong in the world and all there is to be concerned about - there is so much that's right. As long as we have each other we're going to be just fine. Every day is a miracle!

Growing up Hopkins #3

At the doctors office for their check-up. Both babies gained 11 oz. Great milk Liz!

Cute J.D. - sporting his surprised look

Holly with her version. They're starting to focus in on faces and spending some time with their eyes open.

I had to add this picture of Uncle Johnny and Holly. John says he can't wait until J.D. can give him a high 5!

We just love these babies, they're perfect in every way!

My Life 6-1-09

Outside - It's overcast and breezy - strange for June 1st - also there are dead tomato plants on the patio table...sad but true...
From the Kitchen - brown rice is cooking for a quick warm up in the microwave for dinner - the rest will be frozen for another day.
From the Reading Room - I've been reading about camera lenses, just ordered a new one - it's all about the baby pictures.
I'm wondering - How easily Dave and I will agree on carpet...
I'm wearing - Jeans and a black turtleneck
I'm hoping - I can get the grandkid room cleaned out, painted etc. before the families come for the baby blessing. I work well with a deadline! Pictures to follow!
I'm praying - We'll paint the family room before we get new carpet - not really praying for that... praying that life continues to be so wonderful!
I'm hearing - Dr. Laura on the radio.
My Favorite thing - No question Holly and J.D. right along side my kids - plenty of love to go around.
A few plans for the week - picking out carpet, painting, cleaning...