scrapologie : August Photos and PS Brushes

I know, I am a terrible blogger. So bad that I forgot my Typepad password. To boot, I didn't think I could retrieve it, as my account was linked to an old email that is now obsolete, which is probably why, if you tried to email me from the blog, it didn't work. I finally remembered the password thank goodness! I then went and updated my account email, first thing. I was panicked there for ahwile, but I suppose I deserve it for ignoring my blog for so long!!

Some of you may have read that Bobby lost his job in February. It was devastating news given the uncertain economy and recession, but I have to say we have really been blessed. Both of our families provided us lots of support and in the process, Bobby got to do some introspective thinking about what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. He decided that after a long stint working for various insurance companies and companies in the private sector, he wanted to be his own boss. After a series of rigorous interviews, he was finally accepted by Nationwide Insurance into their agency training program in May, and we're very excited about what the future will hold. We're happy that he is going to be self-employed and since he's very motivated and a hard worker, I feel good about what the future holds knowing that he is the master of his own destiny.

I have also been dealing with some tough health issues in my family, both parents in and out of the hospital over late spring and summer. Mom has had several surgeries for diabetic retinopathy and has lost much of her vision, which has been very sad because she is such an independent person, and has hated being dependent on my father this last year. Even worse, she has been getting really tired and had to go to the hospital twice for a low red blood cell count. I was really scared after I researched the causes of a low RBC count on the internet but all of the tests so far have been negative, though they still haven't figured out what's going on. She is getting iron therapy intravenously until her hematologist determines what the cause is. She is so strong, never complains and always stays positive, no matter what. I owe so much to her and I am so glad and grateful that she has been a part of Alekha's life.

All these years both Mom and Dad have just been rock solid strong and truly God-given parents - they are just wonderful, good-hearted people that are the embodiment of kindness. Watching them age has been hard and I am doing what I can to spend extra time with them.

Apart from that, I've been taking lots of photos and papercrafting when I can to stay sane. I wanted to share some randomness -- a recent photo shoot at the Park of Roses again. I need to find a different venue, but I am trying to get as many outdoor shots as I can while we still have warm weather.

I used these Photoshop brushes from Rhonna's website and some older ones, I think the French themed ones are from Sande Krieger available at 2 peas. Love them and love the possibilities on my photos.

The dress is a French design from Eliane et Lena, which I purchased online from Zulily, which getting to be one of my favorite online boutiques for children's apparel. They have great deals on unique clothes, shoes, and accessories for kids, but offer a lot more for sizes 6x and under; I wish they would have been around when Alekha was younger. Maybe that's a good thing. Because if she were little again, I'd be spending way too much money there.

School starts Wednesday, so we're going to try and have one last enjoyable summer weekend before the school year starts. I hope your summer has been memorable and wonderful. And I'll try to keep in touch more often.