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Cat Writers' Association Muse Medallion Winner World's Best Litter-ary Award Winner Nebraska Golden Sower Award list 2012-13 Illinois Monarch K-3 Readers' Choice Award list 2012-13 NY State Charlotte Award list 2011-12 Delaware Diamond Award list 2011-12 Storytelling World Award Honor Title 2011 Bank Street Best Books for Children 2011 Wanda Gág Best Read Aloud Book Award 2011 Honor Book Society of School Librarians International Honor Book 2010 Smithsonian Notable Books for Children 2010 NSW Premier Reading Challenge Book (Australia) 1st grade Read-Aloud Choice, 25th Annual Read-Aloud Day, Bridgeport, CT

Last month, I was given the opportunity to create a family portrait for an expecting mommy and her expanding family. This was one of the most enjoyable commissions I’ve received thus far. She was such a joy to work with and this is just about the most laid back family I’ve ever met.

The thing(s) I enjoy most about private commissions, is that there’s a bit more freedom in terms of what I add to each piece, whether it be playing around with new textures or brushes or a new technique etc. Private commissions allow me to grow which is just about the most rewarding experiences one can receive as an artist.

Yayers. Hope the family enjoys this as much as I do!

My Daddy turns 70 today!


Here we are in '84.  Look at my big glasses!

Dad is one of the most family oriented guys I know.   For years, we spent every summer Sunday at either Misquamicut Beach or Holland Pond.  All together, just hanging out.  Does it sound similar to my Family Monday's? 

See Dad, I learned a little something from you!



Here we are at my brother's graduation in '85.  I'm way over on the left.

And again at my wedding.  The lady in pink is my Mom!



He's always been there for me, ready to listen and be my sounding board.  He taught me about respect . . . honesty . . . and hard work.  I used to spend whole days working at his gas station, pumping gas, just so I could spend time with him!

He taught me about unconditional love.

Nothing makes him happier than for all of his kids and grandkids to be together in one place at one time.  Here we all are at a Lavallee wedding in '98.  My cousin Chris', I think.   I'm between my brother and Dad. 




Here he is with his first grandchild, Alex . . .



when she was just 5 months old.  Oooooh, did he spoil her rotten!  I'd fuss so . . .  "Dad!" I'd whine.  "You never let meeeeee have soda with breakfast!  Why do you give it to her?" 

Alex would giggle hysterically at my outburst, while Dad would grin from ear to ear. 

I'm not sure who was having more fun! 

One time, after I'd chastised him (well, kind of) for spoiling her, he told me he'd spent plenty of years sweating the small stuff with his kids.  Now it was my turn.  HE  could now do all the things with his grandkids that he wanted to do with us and couldn't.  He was going to spoil them.   




Now that Alex is 19, I can confess that it hasn't hurt her any.  



With my brother's recent announcement, he now has 11 and 1/2 of them to spoil!

Today also marks my parent's anniversary . . .



Have a wonderful day you two!!  Love you both!