Everyone needs a little Elmo.

Elmo
photo by Simon

Battling winter colds around here yesterday and today. Right now Simon is all bundled up on the couch watching Monsters, Inc.

A couple days ago we discovered a great little Elmo video that is a free download from iTunes called Happy, Healthy Ready for School (part of the Learn Along with Sesame program). For some reason I can't seem to post a direct link - if you use iTunes it is listed under TV Shows/Kids/Learn Along with Sesame. As you can see from the photo above, Simon is really enjoying the video (talks about putting your backpack in a cubby, snack time, letters, numbers, etc - all the things he does in his school).

And thanks to Stephanie who sent me a link to The Foundation For A Better Life site yesterday. Uplifting.

I also wanted to share what my Mom wrote in the comments section yesterday regarding those photos she took on the coast:




Thank you for the compliments on
the photos. Ali was correct I used auto-focus on the Digital Rebel XT.
The photos are unedited. The camera was a gift from our three children
to their Dad on Father's Day last year. Both Al and I have really loved
the camera and the digital capabilities.


The location of the photos is Clam Island, in the Coos Bay estuary,
of the Oregon Coast. It is available only on low tide. We were the only
ones on the island that day as Al dug Butter clams and Gaper clams.
It's just what Simon loves, as he can run free and investigate on his
own....with Grandma Pati following at a slow walking pace.


Simon has been going through a phase where he doesn't want to get
his shoes wet. We bought him a new pair of rubber boots and he followed
me as we splashed through the puddles together.


Thanks to Ali and Chris for sharing Simon with us. We are always
thankful to have the opportunity to be with Simon and help him see and
experience the coastal life and the great outdoors.



pati/Mom



I am really lucky. Love you Mom.


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47 thoughts

  1. jennifer davis says…
    02/21/2007

    Simon is so lucky to have your Mom and Dad in his life! What a sweet, sweet thing written by your Mom!

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Amy Hummel says…
    02/21/2007

    Thanks for the info from your mother. She takes wonderful pictures! I love the photo that Simon took as well. It looks like he will be a great photographer as well!

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Tracy in NC says…
    02/21/2007

    Hi Ali,
    I just love your mom's pictures. I have a question, that you've probably answered many times. I loved your article in CK's top ten issue, was wondering if you had more details about the stamps you used. I love them all. I really enjoy your style.
    Thanks, Tracy

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Flo says…
    02/21/2007

    you are lucky - your mom is the best - so glad i got to meet her and spend a few days with her - a special person!

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. JUDE :) says…
    02/21/2007

    OK, totally tearing up at what your Mom wrote... Give a girl a heads up so she can get some tissues next time!! LOL...

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. denise says…
    02/21/2007

    okay . . .crying now . . .just love the way your mom expressed her love for simon and being able to spend time with him. you are one lucky gal ali . . . and the best thing is you realize it. i too have an amazing mom who loves to spend time with ethan. guess we're both lucky.
    denise

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Glenna says…
    02/21/2007

    OMgosh, love your mom Ali. It sounds like you come from good stock!!
    My own mother had a stroke when I was 9 so I long to have my mother able to be a part of my children's lives that way and to be able to express it as well. I am thanksful for the fact they can have a relationship at all.
    Cherish her, as I know you do!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Rachel says…
    02/21/2007

    your mom rocks.
    Are they looking to borrow anymore grandkids? I have one boy who would loves the beach! ;)

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. iralamija says…
    02/21/2007

    so sweet and cute!
    Bety :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. maryjo says…
    02/21/2007

    loving all the love!
    good stuff.
    thanks for always sharing so much of yourself & family.
    also loving that foundation for better life site.
    mj

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Marty says…
    02/21/2007

    love your mom's comments and her pictures; am envious that Simon has grandparents to spend time with and to love and cherish him - my parents have long since passed away and my husband's parents and relatives live in Britain!
    Ever since you put a link to Sesame Street Elmo's alphabet game, John has loved it! Thanks for that!
    have a great rest of your week! :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. MandyK says…
    02/21/2007

    OMG Pati is awesome! I love how she writes about Simon you really feel her love for him it must be amazing to see it in person wow! Ali you are one lucky girl to have a wonderful mom like her. I remember reading the journaling on one of your layouts about spending the day together scrapping and your mom teaching you how to use the sewing machine, everytime I see you write about her or see her in photos I always think about the bond and love you 2 share it's an awesome thing for sure!!! Simons picture of ELmo is great!!The little dude sure does awesome with the picture taking!

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Laura Reaux says…
    02/21/2007

    I also teared up reading your mom's post. I'm a little emotional right now due to my mom not quite understanding my little boy Camden the way I do right now. I would bet your mom is very patient and understanding with Simon.
    And I love seeing the pictures Simon takes. Camden is so into taking pictures lately. I love seeing things through the eyes of a 3-year-old.

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Patti says…
    02/21/2007

    Hey Ali... Love the new photo up top. Can you tell me if you used a special lense for it? I just got my XTi and only have the one that comes with it. I adore your new photos of Simon!! I am not sure if your Mom took the one in the title or if you took it, but interested in knowing. The pictures are just so peaceful! And, if I am actually lucky to get a response (I am a HUGE fan!) do you use an external flash? My photos are coming out way too dark :( I look forward to reading your blog almost daily! Thanks Ali for sharing your life with us! Patti

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Jen says…
    02/21/2007

    Thanks for the link to the Sesame Street stuff- both kids love Elmo- they will surely love these videos (which btw- did you see there are I think four of them to download? :) )
    Loved the post from your mom- so sweet and loving- made me tear up.

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. AndreaWiebe says…
    02/21/2007

    what an amazing mom...such beautiful words!!! have a great day and hope Simon feels better soon!

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Kimberly White says…
    02/21/2007

    Sounds like your mom is just as wonderful as mine! It's so cool to watch her with my little man and the fun they have exploring the world! Thanks for sharing this Ali! Hope you have a wonderful day!
    Kim

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. PROLIX from la Normandie says…
    02/21/2007

    SALUT ALI!!!
    1ST of all,
    I wanted to tell ya I've got MIKA in ears in buckle (?) all day long via myspace (I love "relax" one), and it's just
    TA FAUTE!!!
    ;oD
    bwhahahaha!!!
    I'm a MIKA addicted now!
    because you made us discover him this génie!!!
    2° point :
    I put the first inside pages of your manifesto challenge on blog :
    sorry, but it's
    TA FAUTE too!!!
    ;oD
    gros bisous to Simon!!!
    ;o*
    {ThE fReNcH tOuCh}
    http://prolix.typepad.fr

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. maria says…
    02/21/2007

    Your mom is AMAZING! I love the sweetness of her words. Her sharing, wonderful personality comes right through! Thanks Ali for sharing your life and precious moments with us all!

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Dana Barbieri says…
    02/21/2007

    wow, that really brought tears to my eyes!! so sweet

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. jenn says…
    02/21/2007

    Got all choked up reading your mom's words. My kids have a phenomenal relationship with my parents, and I can see that Simon has the same with yours. Just wonderful and sweet and so the best thing.

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Daphne says…
    02/21/2007

    Hi Ali!
    Thanks so much for sharing your journey with Simon. We have a 9 year old with Asperger's Syndrom (diagnosed when he was 6). He has come so far, but sometimes the reality of it all can be so much. It helps to know we are not alone. Today I found out he is hitting and kicking...really nice kids. I feel so lost and along, and helpless. Where do you go? What do you do?
    {{Hugs}}

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Alisa Noble says…
    02/21/2007

    Family is so Awesome! Some of my best memories are of summer's spent with my grandparents, traveling around the U.S. Lucky Simon!

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. elsie says…
    02/21/2007

    i always want to post links from itunes too. sucks that you can't.
    the photos that your mom took are SO amazing! :) She is a gem! :)
    Really inspired by your badge for Simon. That is really cool! :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Kim Cherry says…
    02/21/2007

    i love those photos so much. isn't it awesome to watch your parents with their grandchild?? it's a bit surreal to me sometimes.
    i love your blog and work...i always find so much inspiration through you!
    thanks!
    Kim

    Reply 0 Replies

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