Back in August I wrote a post about personal goals I wanted to accomplish in my creative life. One of those goals was all about photography and taking a picture that grabbed some attention.  I have another website some of you know about, some may not www.mydigitaleye.com I am by no means a professional, its just something I love doing. So a friend from church told me about a competition that The Middle GA Art Association was having for all Middle Georgia photographers. The competition is called “In Celebration of Light” so I thought, what the heck lets give it a shot. Well I got a letter today saying I was selected as a finalist for both of my photos! They will be on display in their gallery for 1 month. I can sell them if I choose to. The grand prize is $250. If I win I can get that ipod touch I so desperately want! Anyway, I am very excited. The two photos you see are the ones that will be on display. Now I must get them printed and framed.

I love photos, all kinds. I want to give a shout out to my friend Marcus who has a website called www.invisiblegreen.com he takes incredible photos, and offers great advice. Also Kelly over at www.easycheese.net who takes wonderful photos of all the kids, and who I secretly try to out do but never can. Her skill pushes me to keep trying harder. Also…..Jackie thanks for encouraging me and telling me I have talent. I love you very much. Should I thank the Academy? Opps outta time, I hear the music.

This is his serious look.

Now I know why people say, “Ohh just wait until you have kids!” When it comes to finding time to get things done, one of two things can happen. You either do not have the time anymore, or you kick it in high gear and you get more done then you ever thought you could get done. Lately I have been finding you can get a lot done, and still have fun! Jackie and I have been working hard around our house. She is the Queen of lists, so usually my “Honey Do List” turns into the “Holy Sweet Mother of all that is Holy in the World List”. I think this weekend set the record for us on what got done. So where am I going with this you might ask? Well, Desmond and I made time for a video this weekend! We gotta keep the fans pleased, and they have demanded more! The number one thing I hear the most from people after they see a video I have made of him is, “you have way too much time on your hands!” Actually no I don’t, but I sure do love my little boy, and finding time for him is easy. I hope you enjoy his latest adventure! :)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WskOR2XzIB8[/youtube]

Long ago in the hills of Lough Gur Ireland a Prince who’s father, The Earl of Desmond and Mother Queen Áine placed  a spell on the boy to teach him a lesson. He had the ability to take any shape or form and was turned into the last thing he was which was a raven. To break the spell he had to ride his horse around the lake 1 time every 7 years until the horses silver shoes wore down and broke. Only then would the spell be broken, and he would be free to change back to himself. Some say the spell is broken, and he swims with his mothers spirit around the lake in the form of a swan. Others say he still rides around the lake, every 7 years. Queen Áine died and was buried on the hill my Nana lives on. She was buried with her large treasure of gold. That treasure and her grave have never been found.

These are the kinds of stories my Nana would tell me before bedtime when I spent the summers at her home in Country Limerick. My imagination would run wild at the ideas of finding such a thing. I would get up early in the mornings and roam the hills looking for clues. I would dig holes for hours and days all over the country side. I have made many a farmer mad, been chased by my fair share of bulls, I have been stuck in barbed wire, shocked by electric fences, you name it I did it. All to find a treasure.

My Nana turns 80 today.  She is by far the most entertaining woman I have ever known. She has given me some of the best memories of my childhood in Ireland. I spoke with her earlier and she had a suprise party this past weekend. They did a big thing at Bunratty Castle,they did not get home till 5:30am. That’s what I mean, she rolls like that, and she is 80! Happy Birthday Nana, thank you for all the wonderful stories that I will get to tell Desmond for years to come. His imagination will run wild just like mine. I just hope I can tell the stories as well as you did.

This weekend was fun, busy for sure. But lots of fun too. Friday night was not fun…..Jackie and I had to get ready for a yard sale Saturday morning. A wife directing her husband to get rid of his crap from the garage can lead to one or two melt downs. I am pretty sure thats normal. Borrowing your father and mother-in-laws truck so you can load all your crap into it is one thing, but when they pull up in the truck and its FULL of all their crap, the confused look on my face as they pulled up I am sure was priceless. But it all worked out. Thank you Mom and Dad C for letting us keep the profits of your crap :) It sold like hot cakes!! People loved your crap more then my crap :)

At the yard sale Saturday Desmond was an absolute doll as he always is.  He will just chill and hang out like its no big thing. However it seems the 24 hours following the yard sale, he had extended moments of just wanting to be held. If he was not being held he was crying. Today he fell is asleep in my arms which he has not done since his 1st weeks on earth. It was nice. Thanks Jackie for the picture

Today we did Amy’s Birthday at Johnny Carino’s. Here are some photos from the event.  It was good times as always. Little Ivy seems to have a streak of Jealousy between Desmond and Amelia. Amy came down to our end of the table to see Desmond, and Ivy yelled from the other end, “Mom! No holding Desmond! You are not allowed hold him, No No…” She had this look, she meant business, even I was nervous for Amy. (See Photo)

Jackie made a most awesome Snickers cake! However I tend to say dumb things when I am eating something good people have made. Last time it was with Danyelle’s cake I asked the question “are there nuts in this?” When there was not. This time I asked Jackie “is it supposed to be like this?” When clearly it was. From now on I am just going to cram my mouth so full I can’t ask any questions about what I am eating.

Awww, Aunt Amelia!

Ok, Here is a birthday wish from Dylan and Ivy. Then some songs by little Ivy, she is so sweet and precious. This is just priceless video. American Idol anyone?

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3sFjA5KnoA[/youtube]

Desmond loves his mom, and no one can comfort him more then his momma. When he gets upset, to the point of really crying (it does not happen often). When he does, he does this little thing that sounds like mumumumumumm over and over its just heartbreaking and cute at the same time. He needs his momma, and momma makes it OK. When he needs a good old fashion goofy time, that’s when I step in! I LOVE making new noises for him, the newer the noise the more reaction I get from him. His thumb sucking is going excellent, I think it has a lot to do with him sleeping through the night. He has scratched his face up a little in the process, but he is figuring it out. I also just LOVE taking his picture. He is my finest subject! So enjoy a few from Monday afternoon.

p.s The quality of updates has been lacking on my part, and I apoligize for that. I just have a lot going on! I will find time again soon. Thanks for keeping on visiting. :)

Desmond has been reaching new mile stones recently. Today was his first day in childcare at church. He did really well. He actually seemed sad to leave. Of course the whole hour during church, Jackie and I are thinking about him in the back of our minds. The next big step is tonight. Tonight is his first night in his own room! He is currently in his crib sleeping. This is a big step for us and him. The last few nights he has been sleeping longer (9pm-5am) give or take a half hour. I pray this becomes a trend and he holds onto it. Jackie and I have not had a full nights sleep in 3 months. So I welcome this new found sleep and rest.

My mom is in Ireland currently and has not seen Desmond since he was born, only through pictures. Thanks to the power of the internet, webcams and skype, she got to see him on the computer screen up close. I sat Desmond up on the desk, maximized the video feed and they got to look at each other. It was a touching moment for me. He seemed interested in the person on the other end. She got to see his bright blue eyes, he got to see his Maimeó, (pronounced, M-a-m-o, its Irish for Grandmother). I love the internets. :)

I had to do it Danyelle, it was just too much fun to pass  up :)

From Serious, to Shocked, to Surprised! 3 Months Old!!

Month 1 and Month 2

Well after much digging trying to find a theme I like, I finally settled on this one. I have of course changed a few things to make it more personal. I am happy with the results. Because in the end, its all about the kids.

We have full thumb sucking contact! Life is Sweeet!

Mom and Desmond love the Internets!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3ucK6X-mSw[/youtube]

Desmond learns the sounds of a Monkey/Gorilla, and likes it!
Or he just likes that his Daddy is goofy.