Andre and I like to think of food as fuel for our bodies. Hence the reason we enjoy drinking yummy juices that are filled with delicious fruit and veggies.

This morning after I taught my mom how to ride her bike (our mother’s day gift to her) I had the pleasure of getting her back for making me eat that disgusting liver and those overcooked beets as a child… only she enjoyed the experience.

juice recipe
beets, blueberries, frozen goji berries, strawberries, carrots, celery, banana

I started off by juicing 3 carrots, 1 celery, and 1 large beet. Then in my favorite blener, the magic bullet, I combined all the remaining ingredients, added the juice with some crushed ice and blended it to my desired consistency. it’s simple, fun, and beautiful! now I feel great and I’m ready to tackle my day! it’s a juice thing…

yummy for my tummy! and focus for my day.

I wanted to wish all you Father’s out there a Happy Father’s Day… and to those of you willing to go that extra mile or willing to step out of your comfort zone for your little ones… good for you!!!

To my babies Daddy… I love, admire, and appreciate the father that you are to our children and the man that you are to me. Thank you for all that you do and for all that you are willing to do.

Since a post is not cool without a photo… I wanted to share this family group shot of us celebrating Lana’s birthday… Alice in Wonderland style. A few nights before Lana’s birthday party we realized that Lana would be the only one dressing up, so Andre wasn’t haven’ it. So he and I ran around town collecting things for our outfits. Andre didn’t want Lana to be alone and was willing to CoMpLeTeLy step out of his comfort zone and dress up just to let her know we’re in this together… NO MATTER WHAT! He’s truly the best dad I have ever known. I am honored to parent our children with him.

P.S. Andre’s Mom made Lana’s dress. Thanks again Mimi for your time and talent. You did a fantastic job! We love you….. love your weirdo family… LOL!

Miss Marley has been a distant Hawaiian friend of ours for over four years. I met Marley’s Mom, Katrina, on the wonderful worldwide web in a not so faraway place called Downsyn.com. It’s an online community of parents and families with children who have Down syndrome. Becoming a part of downsyn.com was filled with so many blessings, including but not limited to: friendships, knowledge, resources, understanding, compassion, gratitude, and sooo much more:-)

As they say, “It takes a whole Village to raise a child.” In some ways, downsyn.com was that community of valuable resources and priceless experienced wisdom. It was where many of us discovered that we were not alone and that our emotional roller coaster(s) were a normal process in understanding our new life with a child that has special needs. It’s where we found out that it was okay to have those indescribable emotions that take over you without a moments notice. It’s where we laughed and cried with sharing milestones and challenges. We found out that we were not alone, and we had a place to speak with people that TRULY GOT IT. The evolution of our new life’s purpose blossomed. We learned from each other and developed together. It helped me to realize that, “I am the Lucky One.” (insert you tube video link).

I’m so thankful to have been chosen to be Lana’s mom and to have been given the opportunity to experience this wonderful life with so many beautiful people. Marley and her family are only a few of those beautiful people that I have had the pleasure of meeting and befriending.

Marley has the coolest (level-headed) demeanor of a child, her age, that I have ever seen. She will quietly observe then find that beauty within…well…everything. At times, it seems like nothing is strange to her. She is extremely giving and gracious. She is sweet, kind and an undeniable friend to all. She is Marley!

When she arrived we were so excited to see her and her growing family. It seemed more like a play-date with good friends than work. Yes, we love our job!!! Marley gave us some unique and fun photos.

Marley and family, Thank you for being a part our day! It was wonderful seeing and catching up with you all.

Now for a flashback from the past… A group of us from downsyn.com were able to meet up in Texas for a Get Together in 2007. I dug up the video that I had put together back then to share our time together. Warning, it’s almost twenty minutes long and the photos are prior-to me becoming a photographer. LOL!

We had such a fun time with the Greenlee’s yesterday. We can’t wait to share more images from their shoot, but until then here’s a sneak peek.

We’ve been told that it takes special people to care for and Love a child with special needs.  As parents to the child, we love our children because they are a product of us…but to a brother or sister, it’s a different sort of love and respect.  They don’t always understand why people make such a fuss or what makes their brother/sister special…they simply see the person.  Families that are blessed with such a gift become an inspiration just by loving and providing. We had the pleasure of meeting such a special family last weekend. 
 
The Garbe’s started the morning off in the good ole Texas HUMID heat.  Even though it became extremely hot it didn’t stop us from having a fun-filled-family on-the-go photoshoot.  It didn’t take long for us to relate to the Garbe’s and photograph that “togetherness” that they share.  Each person has their own unique role in the family making a fully functioning team.  
 
Sheridan and Brooke are adorable sisters with their own separate agendas.  They kept us on our toes throughout the shoot and provided us an ample amount of photographic opportunities.  When I settled for a bit, I had the pleasure of sharing cuddle-time with Brooke as she sat in my lap while I continued to photograph her sister, Sheridan.  All I could think was, “future photographer” as she oohed and ahhed at the preview of each shot taken;-)  And when Sheridan held my hand as we walked to the next spot, I knew her heart.  It was the same sweetness that our son shares with others.  A special bond ties these girls together and will enrich their lives together through the years to come.  Here are a few photographs of this beautiful dynamic family.

such a sweet moment. I love Andre’s angle on the left and mine on the right.

Nate helped me with the selects of these images. On the image below he said “Oh Mom, you have to use this one. I love how her eyes are in focus.” I just had to share my proud Mom-photographer moment with my little man. Not to mention how gorgeous Sheridan looks.

This past Saturday the Garbe’s braved the dreadfully humid Texas heat for their lifestyle family photoshoot. Here’s a little peek from our active time together.

What a personality!

Emme was not feeling well due to a severe allergy attack and took some time to warm up to us. While her mother tried to keep her distance, Emme made sure that she did not roam too far away from her site. Once she got the feel for our time together, she started to let loose. The strong wind blew across her face and the sun shone so bright that she had to close her eyes while breathing in deep. A smile lifted her lips and she began to dance and run in-between the parked trains. Witnessing her love for her mother and her carefree spirit, warmed our hearts and put smiles on our faces. She is a priceless LIFE treasure.

Is it just me, or do Emme’s eyes take your breath away? I adore her beautiful brushfield spots! A unique characteristic of 35-78% of children with Down syndrome.

Leah and Roddy waited patiently for their baby to be a part of their lives. Although their lives were changed the moment she came into it, they embraced their new life with acceptance and optimism. They took on Laiken’s first year with strength, compassion, pride, and a whole lot of LOVE.

It’s always a blessing to see people with a real desire to be parents be given the opportunity to raise and nurture a child, especially a child as precious as Laiken.  Both the parents and child will only benefit from the beautiful relationship that they share. Together they make one special family.  

Here is our first family showography that we created to share the Neff’s united love.  Enjoy!!!