Maderville

Manners are FREE
This has been the longest I have gone without a post. I think the one about my Mother really wore me out. On a happier note, my Daddy is being honored by having a room in a building at the Army base in Ft Knox, KY. He was the Adjutant General there when I was about 5. I am so proud of him and his accomplishments. He hasn't been in the Army for 25 years so for them to honor him now is pretty special. I have to get them some pictures of him so they can display them. I can't wait to see it!
So much as happened in the last few weeks. I don't know where to start. Landry astounds me every day. She is really talking up a storm and has over 200 words in her vocabulary now. She is starting to put 2 and 3 word sentences together and is starting to really understand concepts like in/out, up/down, and on/off. She can tell you just about anything she wants or thinks and I know I'm a proud Mama but dang she is smart! One of the things that makes me the most proud is that she is starting to learn some really important manners and while I know that she might not completely understand why she is saying 'Thank you' (or Tan tu) she says it without prompting almost every time someone does something for her or gives her something. She's been saying it for quite a while but I still get a thrill when I hear it come out of her sweet little mouth. She ALWAYS says 'please' when she asks for something. I think that one of the most important things that you teach your children is manners and respect for one another. They are paramount to having happy, successful relationships and they are FREE! I want Landry to always show her gratitude for whatever it is that is done or given to her her. She is off to a great start and I couldn't be more pleased. When anyone hears her say 'Thank you' I get the best reactions from them. It reinforces what she is learning and establishes a life long lesson of gratitude.
Her latest obsession is her life jacket. I bought her one so we can have it when we go to Parish Weekend with the church. I wanted to make sure she had one in case we go on the paddleboats. There are 4 clasps that hold the jacket on and she quickly figured out how to fasten them together. She will sit there as long as I will and snap them together. She asks for more 'please' when she gets them done and she goes to town again. She'll do that for an hour! I get so much joy out of seeing her learning and being so proud of herself for her accomplishments. Her motor skills are really good for a 15 month old.
I had a day of mini-sessions in Crystal Springs, did a portrait sitting that will go on the Methodist Childrens Homes Easter Card. They are sending out 15,000 of them and they all have my logo and info on the back. Hopefully, I'll get some business from that. I just loved the children I shot for it. They were small miracles and it made me realize just how blessed the Mader family is. Those two children were a beautiful example of God working through His servants. I hope they stay with their foster family and eventually become their 'forever family'. I would have taken them home in a heart beat! They are loved and so happy now. I pray that God continues to keep them safe and blessed.
On a final note, we have a big trip planned! It is a trip Mike had on his 'bucket list' and I was able to make it happen for him. I can't wait!! I'll detail more in my next post!