Sick Central

It's been flu central here in our household. Ted got us started last week. I thought I had a mild form at the same time, but apparently I was mistaken, as the full-blown version hit me a few days ago, and it's pretty much been non-stop misery every since. I was hoping Cadence could avoid the whole ordeal, but she came down w/ a high fever last night, and has been sleeping on and off all day today. We've resorted to feeding her all-natural frozen juice bars to keep her from dehydrating. If the fever doesn't break by morning, I'm afraid I'll have to take her to the doctor, and lord knows what other bugs we'll pick up while there.

My mom came over on Saturday while Ted was at work to play with Cadence and to make us some chicken soup. Apparently, she picked up the bug earlier this week when she was over here on Wednesday, and she woke up this morning pretty sick. I feel bad that we got her sick, but SHE feels bad that she can't take care of us while we're sick.

The flu outbreak in our area is out of control. Take care of yourselves out there...

Love Thursday--Happy Valentine's Day!

As some of you may know (and may be experiencing firsthand), the Midwest has been seeing lots of snow and frigid temperatures for what seems like FOREVER, and we still have over a month of winter left to go. I did find this little Love Note from Mother Nature herself when I got behind the wheel Sunday morning, and it put a little smile on my face, despite the fact that it was -20F with the windchill.

Happy Valentine's Day, everybody! Spread some love, y'all. Check out other folks' Love Thursday posts on Shutter Sisters.

Valentine's Day Tea Party

Cadence and I went to a Valentine's Day Tea Party at her buddy Ada Grey's (and my friends Jenn and John's) place. These folks know how to throw a party, and I knew we'd have a great time. As you can see from this photo, we were not disappointed.

My photos can't do justice to the yumminess that was spread out before us. You'll just have to trust me on that one.

I can't say that we actually got around to sitting and eating our goodies and sipping tea. Nevertheless, we all had fun. And Ada got to wear these nifty shoes!

Best Shot(s) Monday--My Brown Eyed Girl

I recently purchased the SB-600 speedlight for a little more versatility in flash photography. One of my favorite features so far is the ability to bounch the light on the wall BEHIND me. I usually hate the way flash is reflected in the eyes of the subject as little white dots, but I think bouncing the flash backwards makes the catchlight in Cadence's eyes almost natural.

Still, nothing beats natural light in my book.

Go see more folk's Best Shot's on Tracey' Mother May I.

Love Thursday--A New Family

This photo was taken at Ted's cousin Vikki's wedding rehearsal dinner. It's the heart locket presented to Vikki's daughter Mackenzie by Vikki and her now-husband Mike.

I remember the first time we met Mike. Vikki brought him to our monthly gathering at Ted's Grandma Sophie's house. He was shy and quiet, but so sweet that I hoped back then that someday he and Vikki would get married. Over the months, I saw how good he was to Mackenzie, and how she delighted in having a father figure in her life. After he and Vikki got engaged, Kenzie started calling him "Soon-To-Be-Daddy" because I'm sure she couldn't wait for the day when she could really call him "Daddy."

I am as happy for Mackenzie as I am for Vikki and Mike that they have formed this new family together. They are such a sweet bunch!

Check out the love on Love Thursday at Shutter Sisters.