Friday, November 28, 2008

Photo Hunters - Metal



The Photo Hunters were looking to photo something "metal." What an interesting theme. So make sure you stop by TNChick's place for a look at tons of creative ways that metal can be displayed.

The metal I've chosen for my photo is more than just stainless steel. I'd call it metal with a mission.

While we were in Ethiopia picking up LemLem and Bear, we took several containers of donations to an place called AHOPE. "AHOPE for Children is a non-profit organization whose mission is to serve the children of Ethiopia, with a primary emphasis on caring for orphans infected with HIV. In Addis Ababa, AHOPE's two pleasant, well-staffed Children's Homes care exclusively for orphans who are HIV+ and have no extended family to care for them. Many of these children are now finding their forever families through adoption. AHOPE's Community Outreach Program enables orphaned children to remain within their extended families and culture, while receiving medical care, education, food, and other services."

This summer, in order to raise awareness and financial support, AHOPE began selling these stainless steel bracelets. Right away, we ordered one for each member of our family old enough to wear one.

Photo Hunt - Metal




"Each stainless steel AHOPE bracelet features the AHOPE logo, the first name of an AHOPE child, and the Amharic word for "hope." The bracelets serve as a reminder of the special children at AHOPE, and raise awareness of the plight of HIV+ orphans in the world. By wearing an AHOPE Bracelet, you join our efforts in caring for these children."


You can find more information about AHOPE, here.

And you can buy yourself an AHOPE bracelet at the online AHOPE Store, here.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

We have much to be thankful for...

Happy Thanksgiving!


from all of us here at The Production





Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues,
but the parent of all the others.

Cicero



Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord.
Praise ye the Lord.

Psalm 150:6



As we express our gratitude,
we must never forget that the highest appreciation
is not to utter words, but to live by them.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Monday, November 24, 2008

Homemade Craft Ideas

My friend, Antique Mommy, is hosting a fantastic Homemade Holiday Craft Carnival, featuring the best in hand-crafted holiday gifts and decorations from around the world wide web. You better believe it.

We like making homemade crafts as presents for people and so have posted several times on different projects we have tried.

You can find out how to make these nifty record bowls right here.

One GROOVY Bowl


And the instructions for making cute sparkly Christmas ornaments like these are right here.






Now, head on over to Antique Mommy's Place for more great ideas and don't forget to add your own ideas. Come on, you know you have them!

Thematic Photographic - Broken

Carmi's Thematic Photographic Challenge for the week was "broken." Carmi and his Thematic Photographic contributors have come up with some very creative photos expressing the theme. For instance, check out Barb's amazing sea shell pictures! The ocean sure is rough on shells before it tosses them upon the beach.

Sometimes life can be rough on us and toss us around too.



Ouch!!

Friday, November 21, 2008

Photo Hunters - Reflection



"Reflection" is the Photo Hunters theme of the week. Today I thought I'd showcase the photography skills of my two older daughters. Sweetly(13) took the first photo of her brother #1Son and Sweetanlo(16) took the second one of Bear.

Photo Hunt - Reflection




reflection: am image seen in a mirror or shiny surface.




reflection: serious thought or consideration.




More reflections here.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Thematic Photographic - Rows

"Rows" was the theme of Carmi's Thematic Photographic Challenge for the week. Well, this weekend I finally took a couple a photos that fit the challenge.

At my favorite coffee shop, rows of delicious pies and cakes and other yummy looking treats tempt me.



Upstairs, rows of something else tempt me too.



Wow, I love this place!

Friday, November 14, 2008

Photo Hunters - Ruin(ed)



Pesky sun - ruined this picture of my boys.

Photo Hunt - Ruin(ed)





They're still pretty cute.




Look here for more ruined things.

Saturday, November 08, 2008

Photo Hunters - Together

We waited a long time for all our children to be together.

Sometimes it feels like a dream that now they actually are.

Photo Hunt - Together





click to enlarge



Togetherness.

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Thematic Photographic - Autumn

Carmi's Thematic Photographic Challenge for this week: Autumn!

















Note: I've included the pictures of hot air balloons because they truly are a sign that autumn has arrived here. The cooler weather offers prime conditions for the balloons to go up. When we start to see the balloons in sky in the mornings, it's a sure sign that autumn has come.

Thematic Photographic - Night

I'm barely squeezing in under the wire with Carmi's Thematic Photographic Challenge this week. He challenged us with "Night." I found this one to be tough.

Just so happens that Halloween fell during this week when we were looking for photos of "night" and so afforded the opportunity to grab a fitting photo.




And while searching my archives, I found this picture of #1Son at a Seder celebration checking the door for Elijah. He was proud to have been chosen to receive this honor.

Saturday, November 01, 2008

Caffeine Anyone? - The Winner!



Thanks to everyone who participated in my Bloggy Giveaway!! A winner has been selected.





Congratulations to Jean, not a blog writer but definitely a blog reader!

Email me your address Jean and I'll get that $20 Starbucks giftcard in the mail to you on Monday. You'll be enjoying a Chai Tea or Latte in no time. Hope you stop by and see me again soon.

Photo Hunters - Blue



The Photo Hunters are searching for photos of "blue" this week.

Photo Hunt - Blue




Gotta love a clear blue sky dotted with hot air balloons. It just never gets old.

There's more blue to see here.