Archive for the ‘Events’ Category

The “Habitat ReStore” is part of Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles (HFH GLA) that sells new and used home furnishings and building materials to the general public. I had the privilege of shooting this private event last month. The event was held to thank the many friends and family members, including donors and board members of HFH GLA.  The Habitat ReStore is there to provide an additional funding source to support the low cost housing that HFH GLA provides to the community and families. Read more about the mission here. All of the items sold at this store are marked at 50% below retail value.  It’s worth a stop if you are looking for something specific for your home, or just want to browse. They are constantly receiving new items. My main focus was to take pictures of “stuff”…may I say such cool stuff I wish I had another home to decorate.   Here are just a few of the pictures I took that night.

What are the Uilleann Pipes you may ask?  When one thinks of bagpipes, you instantly have an image of a Scottish man, dressed in a kilt, playing the “Highland” bagpipes. But, what many people don’t know is that the Irish also have bagpipes.  The differences are quite distinct.  The Scottish play with their mouth, forcing air into a bag, and then pushing the air out with their arm. The Irish don’t use their mouths at all. Instead they have a separate bellows that forces air into the bag in which they press through the pipes. The sound is much more subtle than the Scottish bagpipes. The Scottish traditionally used them in times of war.  The Irish use them in times of song and drinking. :) But, don’t quote me on these facts.

My husband became obsessed with bagpipes after seeing a band from Australia called “Brother” play the Highland bagpipes. It was a great mix of rock and bagpipes. Looking to purchase his own set he stumbled upon the Uilleann Bagpipes. He soon found a club in Southern California that meets to play and learn about these beautiful instruments called the “Southern California Uilleann Pipers’ Club”.  

We had the privilege of attending an amazing concert held down in San Juan Capistrano of some very talented artists playing these amazing instruments.  The first was a man by the name of Ivan Goff. He’s originally from Dublin, but now living in New York.  The second guest was Kevin Rowsome.  To hear some tunes check out this website and enjoy the sounds of the Uilleann Bagpipes.

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Ivan and Kevin playing a few tunes together.

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As you all know adoption holds a very special place in my heart.  Adopting our beautiful daughter was such a gift from God.  Our very close friends adopted a little boy the same year we did.  Our lives have been parallel in many ways, from marrying the same year, to our shared infertility struggles, and now as we both approach adopting a second child.

The adoption of their son was different then what we have experienced and what is normally experienced when adopting through the County. They’ve become good friends with the birth parents of their precious son, and have built a close relationship with them.  Much to their surprise, on a Sunday afternoon when the birth parents came for their monthly visit, they announced that they were expecting.  The birth parents had thought long and hard about this new baby, knowing that they are in a different place then where they were a few years back, but knew in their hearts they wanted to give this baby to Jen and Andy, and for little Lance to have his full biological sibling.

It’s amazing how things happen.  Neither one of us, 11 years ago when we married, thought we would have each adopted a child let alone a second one.  We are so incredibly happy for our dear friends, and can’t wait to welcome this precious baby into our hearts and lives.  By the way, IT’S A GIRL!  Lance prayed for a baby sister for over 1 year.  God hears the cries of his little ones, and HE does answer our prayers!

Jen’s sister-in-law Tina, threw such a beautiful baby shower.  I loved all the details and the location.

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Here’s Tina and Jen, sharing a hug and kiss after Jen gave her a thank you gift.

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Jen’s a hair stylist, so this gift was so perfect.

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Here’s the family, Jen, Andy and Lance.

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