This was my favorite shot but I had Mindy lay down on her belly to shoot it from ground level.  I didn't think I would be able to get up if I did that.  Six of these boys have played baseball together for three years.  The one in the middle was a soccer player.  You can see his orange shoes & soccer ball. 

Beaver Missionaries

Tonight I took pictures of 8 high school seniors who have received their mission calls.  You would recognize Tanner (My sisters grandson) and Corban Martin (Malena "Bradshaw" Martin's son) and perhaps Darren Bradshaw's son, Heather Myers' son, Brady & Shanna Fails' son.  Here are a few of the best shots.  Somebody bought them Beaver ties to take on their missions.

Kelsey Kids

I thought you might enjoy some of the pictures we took when we were in NC.  Chris and Christi have this incredible room with open windows that provide perfect lighting for pictures.  Now that they have some beautiful furniture, it is my favorite place to take pictures. 

Visa Drama

Last week, Sona once again called authorities from the Ukraine to ask for a copy of the police report, one of the necessary documents for her visa interview.  The gal on the other end of the line told Sona to “Call again on April 30^th”.  Sona’s interview was scheduled for April 25^th.  Without the report, there was no point in meeting with the consulate.  Sona had plans to call the consulate on Monday to re-schedule her interview.  She waited for the mail to arrive before making her call.  Imagine her surprise when the elusive document arrived.  With the document in hand, plus a plethora of other documents, Sona met with the consulate this morning at 8:30 (last night our time).  The interview concluded with the best possible outcome, Sona was granted her long sought after Visa.  Of course, indicative of how the process has gone so far, there was one hitch.  The consulate wanted a copy of mine and Derek’s passport.  Derek woke me from a deep sleep to ask me to scan and then email a copy of my passport to Sona. Easier said than done.  The scan function wasn’t working on our printer.  After an hour of loading and reloading software, I got the thing to work.  Today, I’m dragging it but a small price to pay!  We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers in Sona’s behalf.  The Ukraine administrator’s heart was softened and I think we know why.   Next step:  Sona has two tests to take to finish up her bachelor’s degree.  She has tests scheduled for May 8^th and May 16^th.  Sona will begin her journey to the states as soon after the test as is humanly possible.  Sona reads the blog – let’s give her a big Lowe family congratulations and welcome!

Mother-Daughter

Don't you just love this cute picture of Tyff and Siennah, two beautiful girls.

Marilee in Grandma Heaven

What secrets are you hiding from me????

Michael has this facial maneuver where he draws his right eyebrow up and lowers the left one down.  It's his favorite thing to do when I'm taking pictures of him.  What a ham!!!!

A Change

I've been wanting a change in my living area. Painting the walls would have been preferable, but instead I settled for painting the entertainment center. This was my Saturday project.

Before

After

Yes, it is orange. What do you think?

I, personally, like it. The only problem is that it clashes with the stained wood in the room. Looks like I'll be painting those too. (Not orange). Then maybe it'll be time for the walls. And the carpet . . . Am I my mother's daughter or what?

Siennah

Softly?  Doesn't she look like a little Shirley Temple?  Probably you don't even know who that is!