It's amazing as a mother, how much of your childs pride and joy that we actually feel in our hearts. Last night was our Awana's award night. I've spoken about Awana's before. It's an amazing program that teaches kids the word of God. They memorize bible verses to forever be tucked safely away in their hearts. Each child is given a handbook which they try to complete by the end of the year. If a child succeeds at completing the handbook, they must then go back and review for their leader each and every verse (not all at once though. At the child's pace).

Throughout their Awana's experience they earn badges, crowns and jewels for their vests. Tara is a "Spark". She has been filling her vest for 2 years now and will for one more year before moving up and getting a new vest of a new color. She wanted me to make sure I included these two pictures on my blog: 

Tara finished her book along with about 4 other children in her age range. But Tara was the only one that also completed the review as well. So let me take you through the night. This just happens to be one of those posts with a TON of photos. What can I say? I'm a totally proud mama!!! The children sat on the stage and waited for their name to be announced to receive their "participation certificate".

Each certificate/ribbon/plaque which is given to the kids for their achievements, is so proudly received.  Here, Tara received her certificate of participation which every child gets.

And here, she receives her 2nd book completion ribbon (she also got one last year for the previous book).

Our Awana's program goes from pre school all through high school. One child from every grade receives an incredibly special honor. It's a Merit Award. The leaders of each class discuss and determine which child is most deserving of it. This year (as I wipe a tear away), Tara was chosen. She did not know and neither did I. Here, she is admiring with pride her second book ribbon when her leaders began to explain why they chose the child they did, but not yet giving the name...

As Tara admired and listened, she realized "they're talking about me” ! And this next photo was the exact moment that the light when on.

The excitement began to well inside her (as well as me!) and her eyes and smile will paint the entire picture...

And then her friends began to realize it was her...

Until they finally announced her name. Notice her leaders faces in these next few photos. I think they were as proud of Tara as I was...

And a picture really does paint a thousand words. I'm sure we can all feel her excitement. Look at this face (as if the previous 2 photos weren't adequate enough)!...

She was holding the medal in complete amazement.

And then at home, I had to get a shot of the shabang...

But most importantly...here is reason why Tara was awarded the Merit Award Medal. She was very hard working, not only completing her hand book, but also the review. She was always very enthusiastic. During each Awana's meeting, they have a period of time for socialization, play with friends, and to color. Tara (and this I did not know), sacrificed her playtime all year long so she could sit with other children to help teach them their verses. Now this is one amazingly special child. How can I help but to be totally in love with her? I am so blessed.

Great job Tara !! I am SO proud of you!!

I spent some time today "playing" with a few photos. It's a rare occasion that I actually don't in some way edit a photo. I thought it would be fun though to show you the before and afters.

With this photo, I desaturated about 50% of the color out, played with the exposure and lighting, softened the focus, and added a texture and vignette.  Here's the result: 

Pretty big difference when you can see the straight out of the camera (sooc) shot along with the edited verison.

In the next picture (Madeline still upside down on the recliner), I pretty much did the same as the first. Here's sooc...

....and here's after

In this last picture...you'll see the sooc shot....

But unable to leave well enough alone, I readjusted the lighting, softened the focus, added a vignette, and desaturated this photo by 50% as well. I love how it turned out .

Well hello little bird...

What's that you say?

You see your reflection in my window?

And you think your reflection is a "fine prospective partner"?

Silly bird. Go find a real mate. You've wasted your entire day courting my window!

Madeline is learning how to read. Tara is a great encourager and teacher. We still have Madeline in Speech Therapy, but she has come a LONG way!!

It's always nice to put a voice with a face, so here's her precious little voice

We put the feeders out about a week and 1/2 ago. Patiently we waited...

Feeders filled with a rich 1 part sugar 1 part water solution to help replenish their energy reserves from their long journey. We'll water down that solution in a couple weeks. Patiently we waited through this cold snap we've been having. We wanted to be ready for them so they would have a tasty treat to come home to....

And last night he came. I was laying on the couch (Seems I've been doing a lot of that this past week) when I spotted him. He's our first hummer. I got this picture this morning....

And this one was taken this evening. I'm sure when they all come back, I'll get some really great shots .