Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas 2012 to all my friends and family.

60 years of Love

Happy Anniversary to my mom and dad, Donald and Honey (ok, her real name is Estella) Shaw

They met outside the house where they still live today. Mom had come to North Dakota to visit her older sister Shirley following Mom's High School Graduation. What she didn't expect to happen, was fall in love with Bob's (Shirley's husband) younger brother.  She spent a year here in ND finding a job with Toman's and as mom says developing "heart trouble." This quiet shy younger brother had stolen her heart, and a wedding was planned. Mom returned to Maine to prepare for the wedding.

In a small country church in Maine they were married on Dec 13, 1952 by Rev Lovejoy (what an awesome name for a minister!).  They honeymooned at the family's 'cabin' for  a few days, then started the long train ride to North Dakota.

   Mom did not see her family again for 7 years (except for Shirley who was here in ND), when they made their first trip back to Maine for a visit.  She said she would have never made it through the years of homesickness, if it wouldn't have been for the love of the Shaw family especially Alice Shaw (my Dad's mother) who was one of the most loving persons one could ever meet.

Mom, we're so glad you made that trip, and have stayed a team with Dad all these years.  You've showed us all what love really is, and that love never gives up!

Happy Anniversary!

Donald and Estella (Honey) Shaw

We will be hosting an open house to celebrate 60 years for Mom and Dad on December 29th from 2-4 pm at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Mandan. Come by that day and wish them Happy Anniversary!

Todd's BD and MHS Band Concert

I'm a little slow in getting pictures up lately, but here's a couple shots from the past few weeks.

 Todd celebrated his 52 birthday. After a yummy meal at the Texas Roadhouse, we went to LaRue and Tracie's for some cake and ice cream.  Of course it's "Crazy Cake" also know as Uncle LaRue's favorite cake, but hey, it's my favorite too.  Been a family 'birthday cake' tradition for years!

 Kristi had her first band concert with MHS on Nov 19th.  Because CBII is small, they performed with CBIII for a joint concert.  

 Kristi here on the end.  Sitting about 7th chair out of 13 flutes! (not too bad since she hasn't been in band for the last two years) That's a lot of flute players. But in CBII there is only two players. The girl that plays piccolo and Kristi.  As a flute player myself I was so proud of Kristi, and I have to say she's one of the few girls that holds her flute properly. (I wonder why?  Proper posture is a big thing with me while playing flute.  Kind of drilled it into her too)

 Rest, 1, rest 2, rest 3... or was it 4?  I always hated counting out the rest time, I always would loose count. Thankfully Kristi didn't. :-)

 Kristi's friend Kodi Rose on the end her with the clarinet.  I've known Kodi's mom since she was 11 years old, and remember the day Kodi was born.  (which means Kodi's mom is way younger than Kristi's mom. LOL)

Mr Boehm taking a bow.  I found him to be a very good director.  He is also a graduate from MHS.  Mandan knows how to grow good stock of musicians!

Great job kids, was an enjoyable concert (except for the drunk guy across the aisle).

Stretching and Learning- Cows and Christmas

Recently I was asked to do some photography that really stretched me. They aren't areas where I know much about.  The first was photographing a Livestock Auction Barn and the Second a Home that was on the Holiday Home Walk for the Symphony.  I'm not sure I did a great job on either one, but I tried my hardest, and I guess that's all I can do.

Napoleon Livestock Sale Barn

 Of course what I find the most interesting is the people at the barn.

I also went out to Bitz's Feed Lot for a few pictures

 Lined up to eat. 

Holiday Home Walk

 Their home has this adorable storage shed built like a gingerbread house. Talk about cute!!

 The home was also showcasing a local artist's paintings.  They were just as awesome as the home decorations.

 Different stores help sponsor and decorate the home. 

 Loved this violin hanging above their door.  

 Loved this fountain, and how the purple lights reflected in the water.

Both shoots were a challenge, but also a lot of fun.  I know I have a lot to learn, but this is one way I can learn.