michelle ward

days of our lives

The class of 2012 has left the building.  Proud families and friends cheered and waved.  There is so much to reflect on as we turn the page on high school for Sam and usher Fallon into becoming a senior, where we will do it all over again next year.  The calendar keeps speeding by, and we are rolling with it as best as we can.

Lots of activities filled the weekend with my parents visiting....we went to the shore, only to be met by a random raging storm.  The boardwalk emptied out and we had great seats for a fun lunch and a lightning show over the ocean.  No swiming or amusement rides but the salt-water taffy is always good.  Then we spent a day walking around the stunning campus of Princeton.  The Art Museum had a special exhibit of the college's Gothic Revival architecture - pages of beautiful renderings and plans for the construction of the famous university were on display.  On another day we camped out in Brooklyn for the flea market and Renegade Craft Fair.  Pilss of cool stuff - fun to walk among like-minded people with appreciation for handmade goods.  It was fun to be near the water and see the Manhattan view from the other side....and it's always nice to spend time with family.

 

 

We survived the heat and are bracing for next round.   I'm wrist-deep in a very fun project, chasing another deadline.  I'll be back when I'm done.  I'll pass out the popsicles.  What's your favorite flavor?  Mine's cherry.

cut it out

The new Somerset Studio arrived.  My column is about making stencils and masks.  I've updated the tutorial page with information about cutting your own.  I love investing time in making some cool patterns to use over and over but I also advocate for making a stencil or mask that is fleeting, made from just a scrap of paper, that can be used directly on a page once it has served its purposed by guiding an application or two of paint. 

Visit the tutorials link on the right sidebar, or go directly to the new stencil page, click HERE.

I've been absent from here as it has been a busy week with school wrapping up.  Thanks for sticking with me and offering your congrats to Sam for his performance at the Special Olympics.  As I mentioned earlier, it is a milestone month.  Tomorrow my parents arrive and Thursday he graduates.  I'll be back with pictures and other news soonish.

Happy Summer ~ it's here!

Everyone's a WINNER!

I am so filled with pride, and gratitude after a very incredible weekend at the summer games.  On the global scale it was amazing to see the entire production beginning with the Opening Ceremonies, followed by two full days of sporting events, with lots of extracurricular activities for teams and families.  There were literally hundreds of volunteers who offered their help and hearts to host these summer games.  It looked effortless which is a tribute to the preparation and dedication of the amazing Special Olympics organization.  They were depended upon, and delivered, the tasks of staging, escorting, directing, supporting, congratulating, awarding, and many other important roles. 

On the local level I am touched by, and impressed by our coach, his parents, and his team of assistant coaches.  We are blessed to have these individuals in our lives as they care about our kids, and believe in encouraging and celebrating their abilities.  Many hours have been spent planning, practicing, and preparing for this event.  This weekend wasn't just a commitment of showing up at the track - it was much much more.  Each athlete was required to spend the weekend in the campus dorms with their coaches and chaperones.  For many of us it was the first time letting go of our child for an overnight away from family.  Imagine handling that?  There was alot of responsibility placed on their shoulders as they managed everything morning through night - bedtime, dressing, showering, eating, travelling, and finally, performing.  I'm certain I can speak for all the families of our team when I say we are never going to forget what our coaches have done, and what a gift it was to participate in such a memorable event. 

 

 

 

cheer for us!

And we're off!  Heading down to the Summer Games for Special Olympics New Jersey.  The Law Enforcement Torch Run began early this morning, winding its way through the state, meeting hundreds of runners in many townships, then arriving to light the cauldron tonight at the opening ceremonies where we will watch our team parade into the stadium.  We are so excited!  Pray for sunshine.  LOTS of photos to follow.

Post-Prom Photos

It couldn't have been more perfect.  A handsome young man and a pretty young girl going to their high school prom.  They didn't know it, but their moms were sitting nearby watching all the dates parade in, then enjoyed a few hours in the lobby restaurant getting updates via text message from the guardian angels on the inside.  From a distance they looked like every other couple, but we know it was much bigger than that.  These are memories we will cherish always - as a family.  How cute are they?

 

Peter couldn't be with us to see Sam and Brianna as he had to work but he got to see the tuxedo'd Sam before the carriage turned back into a pumpkin.  His prom was three years ago, photos HERE.

milestone month

Look at that sweet face.  Seems like yesterday that I set up the sheets, and wrangled the boys into the linen coat and saddle shoes, then took photos with real black and white film that I actually had developed. 

Today I will be a photographer again....how many rolls of film would it take to cover this day?  This month?  All the memorable moments will be captured on a small piece of plastic inserted into my camera.  How is that possible?  And how is it possible that this little one will depart in a dapper tux, with a lovely girl, and attend his senior prom?  I am a wreck.  Full of joy but a bag of nerves for this big day.  I was worried the fancy attire would be an issue but Sam tried it on and modeled for me like it was no big deal.  Even the shiny shoes.  I am wagering he might be the first on the dance floor.  Yes, really.  Crossing fingers that the chaperones text me every ten minutes as I sit with Brianna's mom in the hotel bar, anxiously waiting for reports.  It's good to know the insiders.

 

Prom tonight.  Special Olympics track meet next weekend.  Graduation on the 21st.  Milestones that fill us with pride.  And happy tears.  Pass the tissues.

I'll be back tomorrow with photos!