FreezeFramePhotography

A Whole new me

2010-02-01T21:41:00.005-05:00

This post is really just to let you all know that I am in the process of moving everything over. I have decided to do a combo blog/website instead of having the 2 separate. I don't know how it will end up but I do ask that you bear with me while I get all the kinks worked out :-) So, please head on over and take a look, and feel free to offer whatever input you may have! Thanks!

heathersons.squarespace.com

Merry Christmas , Happy New Year, Happy Valentines......

2010-01-12T19:37:00.002-05:00

Haha! Jk! Although, it has been so long since my last post that you all may have wondered where I went. I have had the most difficult time getting back into the groove after the holidays. I have woken up late every day fr the last week and a half and still have yet to get it together! I can not figure out what the issue is. I mean, I was in such a zone before and now it's crazy! I'm not even gonna tell ya how many times my boys have been late to school these past couple weeks. Oh well, I hope it gets better and I am sure that it will!

This has been a very wonderful year so far. My brother is home, and he has been away for 3 years now so it is such a wonderful blessing to have him home with us. He and his boys came over this weekend and it was so wonderful to have time with them after so long! Here are just a couple snaps from the day.

"Family"

2009-12-15T20:16:00.002-05:00

I say that because that is what they are, my family :-) Oh we may not share blood but I can assure you that we share everything else. These 2 couples are like the family I've never had. They have been there for us in tough times with prayer and kind words and help out where no one else does. Although I do have family to call my own, we are not as close as I'd like us to be. That is where these guys come in. I speak to them on a daily basis and know them as well if not better than my own family. So this is why I say they are my family because in all the ways that matter, they are :-) And that is why it is always such a joy to shoot them especially the little ones bc I've been shooting them from the beginning and I just adore watching them grow up.

My girls

2009-11-18T07:01:00.002-05:00

I say MY girls bc that's what they are. I have boys so it was decided long ago that these would be "my girls" and I just love them to pieces. They are so very precious to me. I remember when J was just a baby and we spent the days together while her other mom was at work and she really gave me a run for my money. I was reminded the other day of how she used to eat baby wipes. No seriously, she did. They were like candy to her. Every time I would turn my head she would go for the wipes....I have no idea what they put in those things I mean they will take out just about any stain you can think of and yet are non toxic enough for a baby to chew on. NO I didn't intentionally let her but I mean come on, I wasn't there all the time either and do you have any idea how tiring it is to chase around a baby when you're having one yourself??? No walk in the park, but she was "my girl" and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Well 13 years later and she isn't such a little girl anymore but she will always be mine. My brother and his family are packing up "my girls" and taking them halfway across the world...... or at least to CT :-( and I am gonna miss them like crazy! I hope they know they are taking at least 1/4 of my heart with them when they go...... Here's a few shots of "my girls" J sure has come a long way from chewing on baby wipes ;-)

Fall is here!

2009-11-11T22:59:00.002-05:00

and we chose to celebrate by heading out to our local Pumpkin Patch for an afternoon of fun and games with the kiddos! We really had the best time! We only had the 3 with us as my 12 yr old is just too big for his own good. He's going to be 13 in just a couple months and already he thinks he's grown. Ugghhh! He kills me! Anyway, we jumped in a bounce house, petted the animals and did the duck races. There was also a hay ride, huge sandbox and a store! What could be better?

The kids had a wonderful time and were just angels so it made the day that much better! Here are a few snaps of our day.

We hope your Fall is as enjoyable as ours has been!

Homecoming

2009-11-03T08:12:00.005-05:00

It was such a wonderful experience. We had the honor of escorting our beautiful niece and godchild during her last year as a Bulldog Cheerleader. Next year she will be too old to cheer for this squad and so it was truly an honor to be asked to do this. My Jenna is just the sweetest girl you could meet. She is beautiful inside and out and has the biggest heart! She is loved by al who know her! As we were walking down the field all we could hear were the shouts from all of her fellow teammates and the screams from the younger girls.... "we love you Jenna" In the words of Nick, "It made my heart smile" This is just one shot from our day with "our girl" :-)

Look at this beauty....

2009-10-16T00:23:00.007-04:00

He is one of the most unusual creatures I've ever seen. I can't figure out what he is. I've googled and everything, so if anyone has any clue I would greatly appreciate it! I call him a spider crab, but we had the hardest time getting the little bugger to hold still so I could shoot him! LOL! Good times, good times!

It's that time again!

2009-10-16T00:11:00.003-04:00

Time for FALL! Yea, I seriously think this is my absolute favorite time of the year! I just adore the colors and the coolness:-) Not too hot, not too cold! I just adore this time of year :-) Anyway, I've been super busy these past few weeks and naturally the blog has been neglected..... so sorry. here are a few from some recent sessions.

This first is a beautiful young lady that I have done pics for before and as usual she was an absolute joy to work with.

And this pretty lady is my cousin, who has some big things in the works that I am not quite able to discuss at the moment, however, I KNOW she will do well and she too was so fun to work with! It's always a joy to work with beautiful people ;-)

Beach Weekend

2009-09-13T19:50:00.005-04:00

What a blast we had! It was so nice to get away, even if it was but for a little while. We all went together, the hubby tool off of work and we all took off for a night of sun and sand! For the first time EVER I woke to watch the sunrise..... what a beauty it was to see. The pics don't even begin to do it justice but they do keep the memory fresh and after all, isn't that what it's all about?
But before I show you that, I should start at the beginning, which was the evening before. Right after we got there we went for a walk on the beach to explore and watch the sunset.

Now that is something I've photographed many times before but it still never ceases to amaze me :-) My oldest started out finding this really cool starfish and I just thought it deserved a shot all it's own....

And then came our breathtaking sunset.....

Truth be told, this is one of my favorite shots from the weekend.

But this one ranks a close 2nd.....

This was seconds before it actually rose and it was just...... amazing! I hope you all have a wonderful day, and try to take some time out today to enjoy the world around you!

Growing up.....

2009-08-26T21:42:00.003-04:00

That's what they're doing. And I really don't know who gave them permission to do it. I mean really, it seems like just yesterday when they were just tiny sweet little babies and now? Now they're this!

I mean you see what they looked like in my banner? That was not that long ago.....or was it........ hmm, come to think of it that was about 2 years ago. My how time does fly.....

B - the oldest is in 7th grade now... 7th grade! I have a 7th grader! WOW! It is mind boggling bc I swear I just changed his diaper yesterday ;-) Well, obviously quite a few yesterdays, but it sure doesn't feel that way. This summer he has found a passions for skateboarding. He is really good too- although I simply don't have the stomach to watch him. I just can't but he is good. He has started a new school this year, a great Christian school that has been a blessing to him and his attitude and we are only in the 2nd week.

Nick, who's the youngest is just as funny as he can be. I mean he really is. He forgets not a thing, no matter what. If I told him today I was gonna take him to Disney 2 years from now in October, he would remember it. No really, he would. It's crazy! Anyway, he's still my sweet little baby but I know it won't last. Tomorrow, I'll be having to watch him grow up too. Actually, today! They are both growing so very fast, but between these 2 and their dad, I feel complete and I wouldn't tradr a second of it.

Kimber

2009-08-26T21:37:00.003-04:00

So this......

this is my sister Kimber. My sweet , quiet, loving, wonderful sister..... who may I mention is going to College now and will probably turn into some wild child while she is there. You know it's the quiet ones they say you have to worry about the most right? Anyway, this is her before picture and I'm sure when she comes home next week for her first break she's gonna have multiple piercings and tatoos and purple hair..... hey,I'm just preparing myself for the shock you know ;-)

Fun times @ the beach

2009-08-06T20:21:00.004-04:00

Since being layed off, I have been trying to make the most of it and take this opportunity to spend some much needed time with my boys. So we have been spending a ton of time at the beach. Now, if you know me well, you know that I HATE the beach. No really, I do, can't stand it. So much so, that when I have friends in town and they want to go, I give them directions. I know it sounds mean, but I just can not stand all the sand and unfortunately there is no beach that I know of without it. I KNOW, crazy!

So now when I say I have been spending time with my boys, at the beach, you know what a big deal this is! LOL! Anyway, great friends make it much easier to stand, and of course I am getting some much needed sun, another great benefit!

Here are a few of my favorite shots from this past week. Aren't they just about the cutest things!

Don't they look so sweet standing there together?

He is just getting SOOO big

This is a "flyin horsie" I'm sure you've seen one but in case you haven't now you have.

Rain, a Church and a belly

2009-08-05T22:13:00.002-04:00

and pretty much in that order. I had a session this week with a beautiful young Mom to Be and we had planned a beautiful location to shoot at, unfortunately as the day wore on, the weather looked less than stellar...... ok, so it really wasn't all that stellar to begin with but I had high hopes( I was really excited to shoot at this location. The weather held out all the way to the meeting spot and as we neared our destination, the sky opened. I mean really, it was like it just was NOT meant to be. Fortunately for us, the sky looked good ahead so we continued on to a fav local of mine and carved out about 45 minutes before the rain followed us. Normally, I would have rescheduled but this young lady is moving to OK and we were out of time, so I am thankful for the time we had and I can wait to meet her little one soon :-)

Here are a few shots from the day:

12 Years and counting......

2009-08-02T18:20:00.002-04:00

As you might have guessed, today is my Wedding Anniversary! So, in honor of that, I thought I would tell you all the story of how we met ;-) I know everyone has a story and ours is not so different from a lot but special to us nonetheless :-)

It was my freshman year in High School and he was actually a Junior. I thought he was cute, and sweet and he liked me. I mean, COME ON, he was a JUNIOR! LOL! Anyway, as fate would have it, we "dated" for about 2 weeks during which time I thought he was just as sweet as he could be. He walked me to classes and carried my books, he had a car and gave me rides home. It was pure bliss..... for 2 weeks. I mean I was just getting started with High School and I was such a snob! You see he wasn't considered cool by any means and that was super important to me at that time so being the inconsiderate, bratty, snob I was, I dumped him. I mean I could try to make it sound all pretty and tell you we parted ways as friends, but that would be a lie. We didn't. We were far from it, because he knew what a snot I was and so it just wasn't pretty.

Fast Forward to MY Junior year and he had graduated but his steady girlfriend was in my grade. They had been together for a while and so he was always around after school. Again, as fate would have it, I missed my bus one afternoon and he JUST happened to be around and offered to take me home. AND seeing as how I had no choice I accepted the ride. Well, of course he had a GIRLFRIEND and I was not that kind of girl anyway so it was nice of him to offer:-) Well, lets just say that it was not the last ride he gave me. Apparently, he and his GF were not on the best of terms and so they split just a few days after that and as they say, the rest is history :-)

He has been the BEST thing that happened to me and I am so very thankful for missing the bus that day! ;-) 12 years and 2 beautiful children later I look forward to every day God gives me with him. There have been many ups and many downs but through it all we have been there always together and for that I am so very thankful. I could not have asked for a better husband or father for my boys! I love you G! Happy Anniversary!

and because no post is complete without a picture here's a preview of a post coming up, check out this beautiful momma ;-)

The first Day of many......

2009-07-27T15:32:00.004-04:00

So today is the first day of my unemployment. I have never been here before so I must say it is a touch unnerving, to say the least. Of course most of you know that I am a Photographer at heart and I do practice my photography but I also have a full time job as well....... or at least I HAD one ;-) I have been employed with a cabinet company for the past 2 years and I have enjoyed every second of it! Unfortunately, due to the economy business has been slow and like many other companies we had to do lay-offs. Being a lowly Office Manager/Photographer on staff, I was the first to go. Fast forward to a week later and after many many tears and much praying I have come to terms with the facts and am moving forward to whatever the Lord has in store for me next.

I am looking into a few different options and when things are more certain I will be sure to share the details with all of you! For now, I'll be muddling my way through the trials and details of unemployment while being prayerfully thankful for the time I have been granted with my boys :-) They say that all clouds have a silver lining and you have only to look for it, so this is my silver lining. My boys have about 3 weeks left before summer ends and school begins and I plan to make the most of it. They are especially happy about the beach time they'll be getting!

So for now I'll leave you with one more recent from the session with the 3 yr old, because it makes me smile.... and really guys, is there any better reason:-)

Now, this shot just screams to me- "FINE, just ONE MORE shot! I really want to play;-)

VERY happy 3 year old!

2009-07-02T11:47:00.002-04:00

This little boy was the epitome of happiness, I mean he really was. He had so many different expressions it was just unbelievable. I loved the fact that even after a morning spent on the beach and a short nap he was wide open. I think he could have run a marathon and not even blinked! I really need to figure out how to bottle this energy to use on the days I would rather not get out of bed. Anyway, on to the session, he was as cute as can be and he really looks almost the same as he did when I did his pics last year.

But boy what a difference a year makes! He was just as energetic but not quite as talkative, and his favorite showed has changed from spongebob to Wall-E, and of course he's just as cute as ever!

But I have to admit, he was quite a challenge to photograph, there was not a single moment he stopped unless mom held him down. So I had to be very fast and get lots of shots on the fly. Thankfully he did manage to acknowledge my presence for a few shots and I think mom will be pleased! I had a great time although it was quite warm.... ok HOT! but he was a trooper so of course the adults couldn't let him show us up ;-)

So, here's just one for now......

Short Week!

2009-06-29T11:35:00.002-04:00

How exciting! I simply can't wait for Friday- a day to spend time with my family, just the 4 of us. With a husband in law enforcement who works nights it is not often that we get a day off together since I work M-F til 4:30 and by the time I get home, you guessed it- he's gone :-( So I am really looking forward to this day! It will be so much fun. Anyway, enough of that- I don't think I ever blogged about my baby sisters graduation day!

I know! Shame on me. You should never be too busy to have a moment to bask in the glory of your baby sisters graduation! What an awesome day it was, hot too, of course, it always is in SC in the middle of June so it was expected.

My dad and step-mother were absolutely thrilled! I was just so excited for her- and she is off to the University of Virginia this Fall to pursue her degree in Forensic Science. So very happy for her, and beyond excited to see where she goes. Ok, Ok I'll stop babbling and move on to the real reason you're here....... the pictures:-)

I <3 Faces! Contest:-)

2009-06-29T11:18:00.006-04:00

This photo is from the one wedding I've done (for friends) as I am NOT a wedding photographer....but it was a wonderful experience and I got some great memories for the couple to remind them of their special day. This was one I caught when i heard the bride ask this sweetie for a hug. I happened to look over at just the right moment :-) I just loved the simplicity of it in all the chaos around them, it was as if time stood still for that one special moment.

Be sure to click the link to head on over to I <3 faces and check out all the other wonderful entries this week! Just click the button below!

I'm seeing red, red, red!

2009-06-16T13:46:00.003-04:00

And I don't mean like the red you see when you're angry although it probably does look like that in the sunlight;-) No I mean the red that I have on the top of my head! YES, you heard me right, I let the absolutely fabulous Kyli color my hair red! Now, for me this was no rash decision! It sure was not!

You see Kyli has been my hairdresser for about 5 or 6 years now and in all that time my hair style has changed VERY little. And the color- well lets face it, I didn't even let her do my color until about 2 years after I started going to her and then I only had it done once a year- because I have NO PATIENCE to sit in the chair for that long:-) So she did a simple foil that was close enough to make my color blend and that allowed me the leasure to be able to sit through it ONCE A YEAR!

So now here I am and for the last 6 months I have wanted something different and I decided that was red. But, again, let's face it, we are talking about me here and since change has to come slowly I had to ease myself into it. You know, kind of like when you were a kid, or maybe an adult and you're trying to get into the pool just a few weeks before the water is perfect? Yea, yea I know your mom says that it's better to just jump right in but she lying. Really, she is, It's so NOT better- slow and steady is the way to go. Ok, that was harsh, she isn't lying, she just doesn't know how cold it really is ;-)

Ok- back to the point- I have to like dip my toe in and out for a while before I can get in all the way. So that is what I did. I ALLOWED her to do a *tiny* amount of red almost a year ago. Then the last time I went in- she did full red BUT she followed it by putting A LOT of blonde over it so the red was not the main color- but THIS TIME, here is what we have........

Now please remember these were taken at almost midnight so I am not my best. I look like I can barely hold my eyes open but hey, you get the point!

one more for kicks:-)

Until next time!

Random weekend shots....

2009-06-08T14:10:00.005-04:00

I had simply the BEST weekend:-) There is just no other way to explain it! It started out with a school function on Friday night that I attended with my mother in law who made these adorable little confections for the cakewalk! I so wanted to win them but- it was not to be so I am counting on her to make me some soon;-)

This is a shot of my oldest and his closest cousin as they are only about 8 months apart in age......and are just the best of friends. They will miss each other next year when B goes off to his new school :-(

and here is a shot of my youngest who can always be counted on to be a silly little boy and in doing so he always brings a smile to my face:-)

and that brings me to Saturday- The hubby had to work this weekend so I made him get up a little early to spend some family time with us and we had a wonderful day! We made it out to the blueberry farm before the rain began and had an awesome time and we loaded up on the SWEETEST berries I've ever had:-) Oh so yummy:-)
This is a shot of Blueberry Lane:-) I LOVE it!

That's it for now and I hope you all had a wonderful weekend as well:-)

Three Things bound to ruin anyone's morning.....

2009-06-04T13:30:00.002-04:00

1) You go to bed thinking you are going to get to sleep late in the morning(ahhh blisss) only to be awoken BEFORE 7am by your 7yr old who can't seem to dress himself - even though you KNOW he can but refuses and continues to do so until you have NO CHANCE of getting back to sleep.

2) You go to the library bc there is a super great book out that you've been itching to get your hands on and you figure you'll just "borrow" it instead of buy bc you go through them so fast......ONLY to find out that you have $23.40 worth of late fines and to top it all off they DID NOT even have the book you were looking for to begin with, BUT you don't want to look like a moron so you pay the fines and check out the books you did find- of course you'll probably end of buying the title anyway since you want to read it so badly at which point it will have cost you $30 to read instead of the $6.

3) You go to your LAST P/T conference of the year (happy bc it is the last one) only to be confronted with FOUR others who share with you that your baby(the same one who woke you early) is not going to be promoted to 2nd grade bc he doesn't like school enough to show the teachers just how smart he really is............

So there ya have it, and all this BEFORE 11am.......I'm thinking I should get BACK in bed and start over but since that's not really an option- here''s to hoping the afternoon is better than the morning :-(

New Additions.........

2009-06-01T11:42:00.007-04:00

We have several new additions to our household- although they were quite unexpected they are most certainly welcome;-)
Our cat had a litter of kittens last week and I am so clueless I had only just figured out that she was expecting! LOL!

So I came home Thursday afternoon to these beauties.....

Ok so they aren't really "beauties" YET! LOL! What's that they say about babies and mom's always thinking their baby is beautiful no matter what? Ok so you can see where I'm going with this?! LOL!

This momma

thinks her babies are the bomb!! ;-) And I'm NOT gonna argue with her!

But I have NEVER seen her so tired as she was after this event- I mean you know guys- I hear NATURAL childbirth is tough!

Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave the tired momma some love ;-)

Turning over a new leaf....

2009-05-28T10:23:00.002-04:00

or at least I'm going to try to do that:-) I am so not good at the whole blogging concept, I mean it's definitely NOT the chatting about my life part that gets me but the consistantcy is where I lack. I try, I really really do but at the end of the day there is just so much going on around me that it gets forgotten and I am really going to make an effort to change that. I have so much to say.....clearly! LOL!

I am amazed at how the time flies by and you can't even begin to imagine where it all went. I have been making an effort to really reach out to my boys lately. They are growing so fast and before I realize it I believe these precious moments will be few and far between and I'll be attending weddings and births of grandchildren and will begin to wonder again just where does the time go? So in an effort to remember that they really were young once the posts you see here will be more about my boys and our everyday reality that is our life:-) because I don't want to forget a single moment of it and if I don't write it out, let face it......my memory has never been my strong point!

So with those things in mind- I invite you to join me in my quest to slow down and be more diligent about the memories I want to remember forever:-) If you blog, I'd love to read yours so PLEASE link me to it so I can take a peek. I have several that I go through on a daily basis and I would love to add yours to the list:-)

Well, those are my great words of wisdom for the day- if you have any of your own to share I'd love to hear them or just your thoughts today.

In the spirit of a new beginning here's a flower (or 2) just for you;-)

Beauty {Modeling Head-Shots}

2009-05-20T15:13:00.003-04:00

I did these about a month or so ago and this young lady was just fabulous! She was a super fun model and is beautiful to boot! I had a blast working with her and I just know she will go far:-) I'm sure you will agree when you see her shots. I tried a new location for these and I must say I was extremely pleased with it. I will definitely be shooting there again....... and maybe even taking my boys for a walk around the nature trail:-) So here are a few of my favorites from the day. Chime in and let me know what ya think:-)

Busy as a bee!

2009-05-12T10:54:00.002-04:00

Yep that's me! I have been going non stop for about 2 weeks now and it is really starting to catch up with me! I've had several sessions of which 2 are completely finished and another is *almost* there, and I have a wedding waiting in the wings to go next. It exhausts me just thinking about how much work I have to do right now.

Add to that, that I am now looking for a job a bit closer to home. You see we moved recently and the drive in itself is killing me but this week my company broke the news to me that they simply can not afford to continue covering my mileage. Soooooo... naturally I am on the hunt for something closer to home where I can afford to cover the mileage myself. You see when you travel around 100 miles per day, it makes for a pretty pricey gas bill! So that is added to my to-do list as of this week.

I am so excited to share these with you, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing a great friend this weekend at her wedding and it was truly an honor that she would ask:-) That being said- many of you know that Weddings are NOT my forte so this was definitely out of my comfort zone AND it reaffirmed for me that I just don't know if I'm cut out for the thrill of it all! LOL! It is so much faster paced than one of my normal sessions and I quite enjoy being able to mosey around to find the right spot or the perfect little nook and set up the shot just how I like it. All in all, I think she will be very pleased with what I got and so I'll leave you with just these few for now :-)

One Hot Mama :-)

2009-04-28T21:40:00.002-04:00

haha! I told her that was gonna be the title of the post so of course I HAD to do it! LOL! This is my good friend Deb who also happens to be the person who does all of my design work including my Logo and business cards. She has an amazing talent and I know she will go far:-) In addition to the photography and design work she is an excellent knitter and sewer and just about anything creative you can think of! She seriously is one talented lady! We had a great time (aside from the bugs) doing this session and I look forward to working with her again! Deb- you can photography me anytime! So here you are, the EXTREMELY talented Deb (who just so happens to be...... One Hot Mama!) TFL:-)

And be sure to hop on over to and check out all she has to offer!
Camera straps and logos and pretty much anything in between:-)

The dark cloud......

2009-04-27T20:56:00.006-04:00

WOW~ ya know, had you asked me a week ago if I believed in that saying, I totally would have said no way! LOL! So here I am a week and a half later and I would not be so quick to answer!

Last week on Thursday I had a rock hit my windshield and crack it, luckily in the great state of SC the insurance co. has to fix it free of charge! Love that law:-) So ok- no big deal-moving on not thinking much about it and then comes Friday.......

I leave to go to lunch and when I come out my tire is completely flat! Ugggghhhhh! Like I need this ya know- so after WASTING about 3 hours of my time getting the tire patched and fixed up and having the very nice gentlemen balance my tires for me
(which BTW- the car now shakes like crazy!) I was on my way back to work..... what a great start to the weekend!

So I'm guessing you think the story ends there? OH NO.... it gets better, just wait.

I head downtown to wait for my husband and I park to walk around for a bit while I wait or shop..... whatever. I come back to my car to find that in my absence I had gotten a parking ticket for parking in a handicap spot( which was SO CLEARLY NOT marked well AT ALL!) I would NEVER have done that knowingly! In addition to that I have an expired tag ticket as well since I haven't gotten that taken care of.

Ok so, we've got a cracked windshield, flat tire, and 2 parking tickets....... they say bad things happen in 3's so I should be covered now right??? WRONG! Thank fully the weekend looked up with a modeling session on Saturday and a session swapped with a friend on saturday which resulted in yours truly on the WRONG side of the camera:-) ! More to come on that later.
So I THOUGHT my bad streak was over but it turns out I thought too soon and when I was on way home tonight, I was pulled over for speeding. Yep you heard me so after a half hour on the side of the road and a 1 headache later he let me go with a warning:-) Thankfully!

Hmmm so.... any suggestions? should I lock myself in the room until this week is over? or is it just a silly superstition? haha! I am just not so sure anymore, but I truly hope the rest of the week proves to be uneventful! Here's just 1 shot for now from my swap session on Sunday, I'll have more to share later:-)

MCP Actions.... A Photo Contest.....

2009-04-17T14:40:00.003-04:00

I am entering this photo in the MCP Actions/Color Inc. Win a Gallery Wrap Canvas Photo Contest at http://mcpactions.com/blog. I certify that I took this photo and give both parties permission to use this photograph on their blogs/sites.

This is one of my favorite shots right now of my boys! They are NEVER this affectionate to each other, or at least the moments are few and far between so to have causght this rare moment of brotherly love was a pure joy:-) I would ADORE a canvas of this shot:-)

To those of you who have seen this shot already, I apologize for the duplication:-)

Easter.....a little late:-)

2009-04-15T13:40:00.003-04:00

We had a wonderful Holiday this year. The only thing missing was my hubby, who could not make it to Dinner bc he had to work but other than that.... it was PERFECT!

We went to Church in the morning, it was a WONDERFUL service! Such a blessing as always! After that, my boys and I went to my inlaws house and spent the entire day there. We rode the bikes, the golfcart, had an egghunt......It was just a blast! It was truly a great day, the boys got along all day long and it was absolute bliss. You know it is not often when they completely and totally get along, with NO arguments, or spats or even a general disagreement! Those days are just few and far between, so when they do come along I tend to cherish them:-)

Here are a few shots from our day:-) I hope you all had as wonderful and blessed Holiday as we did!

Prayers Please

2009-04-10T12:47:00.003-04:00

for a good friend of mine who is in the hospital right now. She was having some MAJOR headaches last week and finally was able to get in to the Dr's office who said she has an ear infection and swollen Lymph nodes and should feel better by Wednesday. By Tuesday evening her headaches were so bad she could not take them anymore and she started to feel numbness in her left side so she was taken to the ER where they (thankfully) admitted her to run some tests and check things out. Well, it turns out she has 2 bloodclots in her head. Some pretty serious business for anyone and especially puzzling for young people bc apparently it is not a common thing for people of this age(she's under 30). It looks as if they MAY let her come home this weekend but she will be on some pretty serious meds for a while and they still have very few answers. So I ask all of you to PLEASE PRAY for my dear friend that God will guide the hands of the Dr's and give answers where they are needed and relief from the pain as well. Thanks so much for your prayers and to put a face with the name, here is a shot of Jaime from my cookie party in December:-)

She is the one in the black and white top in the middle)

Thursday

2009-04-09T10:32:00.004-04:00

After a day of rest.......um well maybe not so much rest but at least a day from work! N has pink eye and so he managed to escape TWO FULL DAYS of school this week and then he has spring break after today so needless to say he is a VERY happy camper! However, he does not like his eyes glued shut and swollen, nope he does not like it at all! So we stayed home, had a visit with my mother at her shop for lunch, I unpacked another 2 or 3 boxes and THEN we went to Awana. Sounds like we got tons of rest right?? Well, considering the chaos of a week we've had, TRUST ME that was relaxing! LOL!

We still have more stuff to move but at this point I am SERIOUSLY considering donating every single thing left to whoever will come and get it! I mean really, how many cups does one family need? How many toys can you play with at a time, and needs all those light at Christmas, I mean we all KNOW it's Christmas right? and I'm sure the neighbors will have some, can't we just share? What we really need to dump is like half of the hundreds of thousands of tools my hubby has in his garage! now THAT would make for an enjoyable conversation! haha yea right! Not in a million years he'd say! I NEED all of those. hmmmm sure ya do!

In other news, we ARE at least settled into the new digs. The boys are loving their rooms(probably has something to do with the fact that they can move in them but what do I know) which I am very glad for. N is so happy he does not have to go up and down the stairs anymore and B has told more than 1 person how awesome it is so I guess they are adjusting quite well. Now if I could just get out of the bed a minute or 2 earlier in the am then I MIGHT make it to school on time! LOL! Oh well, thats for another day.

Here is a shot of my boys both together, *seemingly* happy....well to me anyway, although the older looks like he is about to spit nails or something, I'm told that comes with the age and I have many enjoyable years ahead..... I can't wait for them! So I'll leave with you with just this one for today bc I need to get a little more sleep before I able to pick up the camera and snap something new, at the rate I'm going that may be sometime in about 5 years or
so!

Moving Weekend!

2009-04-06T10:08:00.002-04:00

SO this weekend was THE weekend! I am SO VERY tired right now, it is NOT EVEN funny! I am hurting in places I had not even realized were there. I'm told that at least it will jump start the rest of my weight loss so I suppose we will see. I am so stinking tired I can barely keep my eyes open so I will post as soon as I get a minute some recent pics!

Just another Manic........Tuesday? What?

2009-03-31T15:28:00.002-04:00

Yep, pretty much, this has been one of the worst days..... EVER! I was not even out the door good this morning before B calls from school to say one of his teachers wants him to stay after and could I please pick him up? Um..... yea.... sure I can work that out...... I hope. Then as I get to work it progresses to me getting an email from ANOTHER one of his teachers telling me that he is NOT doing well in her class either. GREAT! Just what I needed to hear on this wonderful day at 9am!

So moving along we get to the fact that I CAN NOT find anyone to get B from school until I FINALLY am able to locate someone who takes pity on me and helps out so I don't have to ask for time off to go and get him. THANK YOU! ALl of that BEFORE lunch and I forgot to mention that I also got a letter from N's schools telling me about the conference they have scheduled for 9:45 NEXT Tuesday morning.....GREAT! That mean I can miss like 3 hours of work to sit and listen to them lecture me on how terrible a job I am doing and how they think he needs to be retained for next year! Um NO THANK YOU!

So I am just sitting here waiting for 4:30 so I can go home and try to make the best of what is left of this crazy day and hoping that tomorrow brings just a tad more peace than today....... MAYBE??? Please???

And since no post is worth a darn without a pic I'll leave you with this one from N's bday party this weekend :-D My "baby" is really growing up now :-( wahhhhhhh can't they stay small for a little longer? Here's my little Jedi!

another year older......kind of

2009-03-26T09:34:00.002-04:00

haha.... My Nicholas is just about the sweetest little boy you can meet. And from the day he was born he has always had his mind set on whatever HE wants. I remember a time when he was about 6months old and I was feeding him bananas for breakfast. We were at my grandmothers and he was just having an absolute fit. Well I knew it was bc he wanted sweet potatoes, which was his food of choice (you should SEE the orange pics of him) anyway, my GM did not believe that was the problem, she insisted he was too young to have a mind about him like that....sooooooo I got out the sweet potatoes to show her he did! and she was floored! She could not believe it. Well, to this day he is still the same. Just this morning he told us that he WAS NOT 7 yet bc his party was not here and according to him "you don't get the number until your party" LOL! and "if my teacher asks I will tell her the same thing" so I asked that he make sure she knew I had TRIED to explain this was not the case bc I didn't want her to think I was crazy, at which point he informed me "what are you talking about mom? Jesus made your face JUST fine" hahhahhahaha..... So there ya have it, I have no idea WHAT he thought I meant by crazy but I'm sure he has it all figured out! What a card my Nicholas. Happy Birthday sweet boy! We <3 U!

A "NEW" me! ;-)

2009-03-20T15:14:00.002-04:00

SO...... yesterday was a very liberating day for me.... HAHA! DH is out of town finishing up his training and so what do they say... "While the cat is away the mice will play" SO I'm not quite a mouse and I did share with him what I was doing BUT I have NEVER done anything so drastic to my hair.... at least not INTENTIONALLY! There was this one time when the stylist was on the phone.....not pretty! So anyway, I decided to take the leap. A while ago I was feeling daring so I let her add in some warm tones to my usually light blond hair and I LOVED IT! So that inspired me to make the decision this time to just go for it. Now I have made this decision before mind you, but I usually end up UN-making it when I get in the chair! I'm a big old chicken I tell ya! But I trust my stylist completely so i let her do it and I must say..... I. absolutely. love. it.! The cut, the color, the red, the blond, everything! Well..... except for the FOUR HOURS it took to complete, but otherwise, yea I love it! So do tell..... Do YOU agree?
I'd love to hear your thoughts!

6 Days and counting.......

2009-03-19T10:34:00.002-04:00

Until the much anticipated graduation of my DH from the academy! I absolutely CAN. NOT. WAIT! I am so super excited for him and also quite proud! This has been a ton of prayer and deliberation over this event and I am so excited to see it FINALLY happen for him! He is super excited and also quite nervous bc he does have 1 more test tomorrow before it is official that he graduates but I KNOW he can do it! With Prayer all things are possible! So here's to him and if you are in the mood to send up a prayer or two on his behalf we would sure appreciate it!

AND bc I know that no post is worth looking at without a picture, here is one to pass the time with. He looks like he feels like we do most days..... "Tired and in need of a boost, good thing he's got a Pepsi handy!"

AWANA Games!!

2009-03-12T22:09:00.004-04:00

This is a much anticipated time of the year around our Club and this year was no exception. We had a blast and I can't wait to show the kids all the fun shots I got. I really need to get on the ball and get the slide show done. Anyway for now I wanted to share just this one of a *little* friend ;-) She is just the cutest thing, and this day was no different. This was a quick snap and if I had it to do over....... I wouldn't change a thing! LOL! So here's a smile for today.... for all of us!

England???

2009-03-02T20:27:00.003-05:00

So I have to blog this before I forget it happened.... not likely but still a possibility! So I'm tucking Nick in for bed and we say our prayers and everything and as I'm leaving the room he asks one of those innocent 6 yr old questions, you know the ones..... yea those... that you have absolutely NO IDEA where in the world they get this stuff and more than that, WHY do they want to know? LOL!
So Nick says..... out of the blue...... Do they get told what to do in England????
WHAT?? Seriously??? Is this a joke bc I feel certain it is..... Is he and his 6 yr old brain trying to trick me? MOI??? the mastermind of the century??? I mean I AM the mom you know?

So as covertly as I can, I answer......... "yep, they sure do" and I wait for what I'm thinking will be the grandest revelation of all time and guess what he says??........

NOTHING! That was it, he just wanted to know I guess. Where he got the thought? Who knows but I'm just glad he didn't ask anything more serious bc who knows if I would have been able to keep up the facade of the "Mom who knows everything" for now anyway! LOL! I'm sure the day will come soon enough that he won't even ask me what time it is for fear I can't tell anymore but for now, I know it all.... at least in the eyes of my 6yr old. Now the 12 yr old? THAT"S another story!

And just for fun here's a shot of my 2 favorite people! I am so very proud of them!

Beef Barley and Apple Salad

2009-02-27T14:32:00.004-05:00

Yummmm. just so you know, THAT was my lunch today and it was oh so good! I am having 1) The BEST week I've had in a LONG time and 2) The LONGEST week ever! LOL! How in the world do these 2 go together you might ask? Hmmmm well let me explain, My super awesome friend Colleen is now selling Premier Jewelry and so we have been dutifully appearing at all of her parties( or at least as many as we can manage) Well, I had one a few weeks ago for her and several of our friends booked from that SO naturally I HAD to go to theirs??? RIGHT! Absolutely! and don't let me confuse you, I was NOT FORCED to go at all! LOL! I love it, so much fun to be had and just an all around great evening. So I go. and I stay.... and stay..... and stay....... until almost 11 pm! Now I remind you I have to be up at 6am the next day so I am really cutting in close so to speak. Anywho, by the time I get home, showered, in bed and actually ready to fall asleep it is well past midnight! YIKES! and from that time on it has been something every night this week! and I am completely and utterly EXHAUSTED! WHICH reminds of how I felt a few weeks after Photographing these 2 cuties! Whew! WHAT .......A........DAY! Mom is truly a special person to be able to keep up with these 2 sweeties on a daily basis. Of course I have always thought that God reserves a special place in Heaven for the parents of twins!

So this day was just the most I have worked out in a long time! Everytime we got one to sit and ready the other would move! I must say they were MUCH easier when they were newborn. haha, but still I loved spending time with them and have already let Mom know, should she ever need a sitter for them....... don't call me! LOL, but if you need someone to come hang and have a cup of coffee and tell you what a great job you're doing..... I'm your gal!

This is one of the happiest days of my life!

2009-02-23T13:34:00.002-05:00

Well, it comes in pretty high at least! I am so very thankful for the faith God has given me and the patience and prayer of all my friends!
My husband found out today that he got the job he has been praying for for quite some time now! We are so very blessed and this has been a long road but it has been well worth the wait. The joy and thankfulness I feel at this moment can not be measured in words. So I will just say that I am so very very thankful and so incredibly blessed at this moment! I am thankful and now I am rambling.... LOL!! I just wanted to get this all out of my head before I forget the joy I feel at this very moment! Our family has been praying for this day for almost an entire year now and it is finally here- but let me just say that it is not in the way we thought it would be but the Lord has His way doesn't he? and isn't it amazing how His way ALWAYS turns out to be the BEST way! and I am so greatful for that, and I think that before I bore you all to death I will end this post for now:-) Thanks to all of my friends and family for their love, support and prayers during this time because without all of you I don't know how we would have made it here still sane!

Patience and Prayer

2009-02-10T10:11:00.002-05:00

Those are the 2 things most on my mind this beautiful February Morning as I sit waiting for my dear husband to call and tell me how his interview went! This has been a long road with lots of forks and many bumps in it but I am praying we are finally on a straight away for a little while. Gary is interviewing today with JCSO and if he gets the job it will literally be a dream come true. He has been itching to get back to Law enforcement since he left and God willing he will do just that. This will be a huge change for our family but all in all a good one I think. Over the years things have gotten pretty crazy and I for one am looking forward to slowing down and getting back to what is really important second only to God and that is our family. So if you happen to be reading this post today and wouldn't mind sending some prayers our way they would be greatly appreciated! And while you're at it if you can pray for some serenity for me too that would be great! LOL!

So this weekend my Mom and I went to the Southern Women's Show and I must say we had a delightful time! It's the 1 day of the year when it's just the 2 of us and we spend the whole day hanging out and shopping and watching the fashion show....... it's just a great time! So here is a shot of me at the end of the day after getting my super snazzy makeover done:-) I know a post is really not as exciting without a picture so this one will have to do:-) and don't just love the background scenery? LOL!

~Happy February~

2009-02-05T13:59:00.004-05:00

I know I must be like THE WORST blogger in history! Seriously, it's like I just can't keep up with it! I have so much going on at any given time that I always forget. So here, at this very moment, I am making a solemn vow to try my very best to be a more faithful blogger, and before you ask, NO I did not put my hand on the Bible but rather on the Blogger logo on the computer. WHAT? That totally means something I'm sure of it! SO anywho, now that we have covered that issue, we shall move on to bigger and better things..... like photos, of course! I have shot very little personal over the last few months and since I did say I was gonna shoot more of that I will just go right ahead and let you know that I am really working on it. I shot bot of my sons this week for their Valentine Cards and I was simply thrilled with the results for a change. B was actually a trooper and WANTED his done which was a shock! He is usually not the one to want to take pics so that was a wonderful surprise and I think the photos I got really do show his personality. I haven't edited all of them yet but I've done the cards so I'll just share those for now since this is February
:-) So here we are, B with his beloved Guitar

Now the back has a saying adn his name but this was a share from 2peas so Thanks goes to Tori for sharing:-)

And this is Nick's, now this one is near and dear to us bc my grandma passed away last year and frogs were her most favorite thing always:-)

and this one has a cute little poem on the back and we carried the froggie over:-) These were both printed in a 4x5.5 format and I am planning on putting lollypops on them:-)

As always, feel free to comment and until next time, I hope you all have a Happy Valentines Day <3

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2009-01-02T09:05:00.010-05:00

Welcome 2009! I for one am VERY excited to start a new year! I am looking forward to seeing what's in store for us as a family and I am praying it's a better one than last year. We have been truly blessed all around but with the way things are right now with the economy we have been hit really hard. Having a husband in construction at this time is not an easy task. SO...... I am welcoming 2009 with a smile on my face and a prayer in my heart. I am excited!
New Years Eve was my oldest's DS's birthday and so we set out to have a grand time, I took them to the www.island-playground.com, which is this really cool bounce place and we had the best time. I was quite busy jumping so there are no pics from the big camera but I did pull my phone out for a few:-)

This is B the Bday boy, who did NOT think I would show this pic to anyone:-) Hey, what are parents for?

And N who LOVES for you to show his pics to everyone;-)

The others were pretty blurry doe to the phone. It's tough to get a pic of moving target with it but it does pretty well in a pinch:-) Happy New year to you all! I hope it's a great one for every one!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2008-12-27T23:10:00.008-05:00

I have not been a faithful blogger:-( I have been so busy as I'm sure you all have but I confess..... blogging is the furthest thing from my mind these days. Oh I would LOVE to have the time to let you all know how my days are spent but I barely have the time to register it myself. The month of December is a big one for us. We are a 4 person family with 3 out of the 4 having birthdays in December. 2 of those have passed with the third coming p on New Years Eve. On top of that I host an annual cookie party every December and add to that the fact that my office is moving to another location So needless to say this has been a VERY busy month for me:-) So for now I have a few pics from the cookie party and one or two from Christmas. We had a wonderful Christmas this year by the way, my boys got just enough to know we love them and I think we still have money in the bank!

So the cookie party would not be complete with loads of these!

and then we need a few of these to take care of all those cookies:-)

So a great time was had by us all! I LOVE having this every year and each year I am reminded of how blessed I truly am to have the friends and family that I do:-)

And now for a few from Christmas....... My boys:-) They are getting so big........

and a couple of ornaments just for fun!

Thanks for looking and I wish you all The Happiest and Blessed of Holidays!

Happy Holidays:-)

2008-12-04T13:58:00.007-05:00

So, it's been a while again since the last time I posted and WOW has it been busy! The month of November just flew by as little more than a blur! We had our women's shopping trip with the Church which as usual was an absolute blast! We always enjoy that but really come on now, who wouldn't? Well except the men maybe, which is why we leave them at home:-) So we had a blast and found tons of great deals(wish I had more $$ to spend oh well, maybe next year:-) So here's the gang at California Dreamin (our absolute favorite place to grab a bit when we shop! We've actually never been anywhere else:-) oops those may be for another day as I don't have them on here, they must still be on my phone!
Moving right along, we also had our Thanksgiving dinner at Church and the real one on the actual day, at my home, which I (being the steller Photog I am got not the first pic of! Can you believe it? I sat down for the first time that night and realized that I had not picked up the camera all day! Shame on me! So you'll have to take my word for it that it was a total blast:-) Good food, friends and family, a wonderful day was enjoyed by all:-) I also had the great fortune to shoot not one but TWO gorgeous families this Month and both were a joy to be with. The first family was visiting from New Orleans and had the entire clan in town for Thanksgiving and although we wanted to shoot outside, weather was not in our favor so we had to settle for indoors. With a family this large there were bound to be some less than thrilled with the picture taking but all in all I think we did pretty well:-) I had a blast and I hope they are as thrilled with the results as I am!

This next family has been a repeat customer all year so I must be doing something right:-) This little guy is just about the CUTEST thing ever and his newest shots look straight out of a baby magazine! Yes, he is that cute:-) I'll let the shots speak for themselves but he is always a joy to shoot and I can't wait to watch him grow:-) Is a year gone already???

And WHEW! like I said what a crazy busy month and December promises to be just as busy if not more so but I promise myself I am gonna shoot more personal memories this month:-) You'll see:-) I will............

Trunk R Treating

2008-11-03T09:44:00.008-05:00

Well, we had a great time doing this this year and who knew the cake walk would be such a hit? LOL! I opted to run that bc I needed to be free to take pics and from the time I started it I don't think I was able to leave it! We had SO MANY people donate baked goods for it they were coming out of our ears:) Which is a good thing..... well unless you're on a diet and then it's maybe not so good;) Anyway, what a blessing it was that we had so many children and adults come out for the night of fun. It was such a blast! Here are a few shots from the evening, nothing too major but still a day to remember:)

Our resident popcorn popper:)

The CUTEST lobster I've ever seen!

Who say Adults are too old for facepainting?

and no post would be complete without my Nick! Even if he is on the verge of tears:)

A great time was had by all and I look forward to the next gathering! The Holidays are just beginning:) :)

A Day at the Fair!

2008-10-28T13:57:00.007-04:00

So Sunday we decided to take a family day and go to the fair, and by we I mean the REST of the family bc honestly, I don't like the fair:( Well, I mean sure I loved it when I was a kid but it has gotten much smaller since then...... or I've gotten bigger, not sure which;) So, I was dragged along, against my will, and after all day walking and waiting and sweating (yes sweating) and it was a mildly cool day too, I must admit, I had a lovely time. I really did. The boys loved it and that made the whole thing worthwhile, well, that and the fact that I captured some moments to prove it:) And while these shots are not news worthy they are full of memories I will treasure for a lifetime:)

This is totally NOT why I went but hey, it didn't hurt!

My Oldest DS must have ridden this like 10 times!

Just look at that smile:) HE was so psyched he got to ride the "big kid" ride

The oldest in his glory:)

And the last one I'll bore you with today I processed a little differently bc this is what the fair will always be for me:)

Camera Club Competition

2008-10-14T08:53:00.003-04:00

So I know it's been a while and I totally stink at this blogging thing because, well, life! That's what does it:) ANyway, this month is a Camera Club Comp and I am really excited about it because I enjoy being a part of the club:) It's something that I do solely for myself and that feels great! The theme of this one is streets and while this was not the toughest them, it definetly got you thinking. I mean, as all of you know there are streets everywhere but you can't just go out and shoot a pic of the road, come on:) you've got to do better than that:) So I knew WHAT I wanted to shoot from the beginning but I wasn't sure HOW I was gonna shoot it. I ended up with this one bc I think this is the coolest building in our town! No seriously, I do! I mean, sure Target's great and all but it doesn't have the memories this building does! This building has been here FOREVER! Can you imagine what it's seen? Ok, I'll rest on the history lesson but I just thought I'd share the pic and see what you all think:) Feel free to leave CC, I'm always open for it and it's greatly appreciated!

A Day in black and white....

2008-09-08T13:47:00.006-04:00

So after looking through some of my pics and realizing I haven't done many BW's lately, I decided to go back and convert some favs that I think will do well in BW:) This is what happens when a photo junkie gets bored see? We HAVE to have something to do that involves pics so here I am! So this first one is a BW of Nick, I posted the color the other day and though I love the colors in the BG and I know he does too, I thought they distract from him and so I knew this would be a stronger image in BW, what do you think?

Here's another of our sweet new kitty, she just LOVE to have her pic taken:)

And that's all I've got for now but maybe I'll have more later:) You never know when boredom may strike! LOL

As Hannah Banana heads our way........

2008-09-04T15:45:00.006-04:00

Or maybe not, Who knows? I personally don't think anyone really does until she's closer but oh well! I do know that the kids are out of school tomorrow because of said storm, so..... I get another day off:) Gotta love that! I must say, I wish the stupid thing would just turn around and head back out where it came from...... Not likely huh? Didn't think so:( I was able to get out and shoot this weekend, FINALLY! I could not get anyone to pose for me long enough to get a good shot but at least I got something, right? Oh wait, Puff Dog was actually quite a trooper, now that I think about it, especially considering he HATED my flash, and I do mean HATED! LOL! But alas, he listens better than the children when I tell him to stay:)

Who wouldn't love a face like that?

And from my Nick, I get this. Hmmmmm I think I may be losing him, or at least his willingness to pose for me:(

TFL and CC is always welcome and appreciated:)

Monday, Monday, Monday.....

2008-08-25T11:29:00.005-04:00

Oh how I wish it was next Monday;) Paid Holiday day:) Can't wait! I LOVE long weekends, who doesn't? LOL So I am TRYING to be more faithful about updating my blog(yea right) for now anyway:) I was playing with some older pics of my Nicholas since I don't have anything new to play with really right now. We have had terrible rain lately with the storm out there coming in so I haven't had a lot of opportunities to shoot:( Oh well, gives me time to re-edit right? Everyone does that don't they? LOL! My boys( like most kids) started school last week and as all of us mothers know, they aren't gettin any younger. He is my big first grader this year and I can hardly stand it......... Why oh why can't they just hit that great age and stay there? Can anyone explain that? Well, I mean I feel that way now but I guess after about 5 years of a 5 yr old.............hmmmmmm....... yea ok......:) So here are a couple I chose to do a little something different to. Rest assured though, I will be getting some more new stuff when my new lens comes in this week:)

THAT SWEET INNOCENT FACE....

THAT LOOK OF BOREDOM.....

That's all folks! (for now)

Another lazy Sunday.......

2008-08-24T11:27:00.002-04:00

What a blessing it is to be able to sit here in the quiet of my home (yes I said quiet) and do nothing:) Well, at least not HAVE to do anything is probably the better way to put it. This week has been so draining, as I've had this nast cold all week and then Friday night I start getting what feels like the flu but only in the am? What is that? And I KNOW what you are thinking;) Trust me I know but it's not that! I had my tubes tied when my Nicholas was born so I should be safe on that front:) I just don't know what it is but I do know it kept me home from Church today, and though I don't like to miss, I have to admit, I am enjoying the peace and quiet of having the house to myself:) I have listened to last weeks sermon on the internet adn done my nails and am now blogging! I mean.. really, how much better could it get right? God is so good! he always knows exactly what we need at the very moment we need it and I think today he knew even though I didn't:) Big shocker there:) I am in awe of his glory and grace always! So to those of you reading, Happy Sunday and God Bless!

Work.....

2008-08-21T11:26:00.005-04:00

So I know I've never done this before but I just thought I might show you all what I do. I mean, Of course, Photography is my <3 :) But I do also have a "day" job now since my boys have gone on to bigger and better things... like..... school:) LOL! I work at a Cabinet Company as an Office Assistant :) I love my job and all of the wonderful people I work with, which in my opinion is rare;) But what I love MOST about my job is that it affords me to do what I love 1) bc I am off every day at 4:30 and don't work weekends and 2) bc I shoot all of the finished projects we do to add to both the company and my personal portfolio. I don't know that it can get much better than this. Life is pretty good and I feel very blessed to be where I am both personally and professionally:) So now I though today I would share some images from the company for you. These are a few of the houses I've done that I am quite please with. To explain, we are a custom shop so we build the cabinets from the ground up. We design them and build them to fit the space we are working with. So in the pics, the cabinets are the main point:) Just wanted to let you know that:) TFL and as always CC is welcome and appreciated:)

I am in LOVE with this chair;)

been a while

2008-08-01T14:50:00.006-04:00

I've just been so busy I can hardly breathe:) I know that happens to me often but this is the first summer I have worked in quite a while and it is tough. The kids have been on the go so much they are running me ragged:) LOL Anyway, here are a few recents, I haven't shown any in a while and these are just a few of my favs. We had my Mom's bday at the beginning of the month and we made a trip to the beach for that. You know when you live by the beach you just don't go very often at all. So we went to the beach bc that's what she wanted to do. And other than that I've just not shot much personal lately. Most of it's been sessions and I must say, although I lOVE what I do I also am missing the joy of shooting just for the sake of capturing memories for myself....... so with that said I will leave you with a few recents and get my butt in gear and go shoot something for me this weekend:)

Here is the Bday girl!

The party...

As always CC is welcome and appreciated:)

The Prince & Me 2 The Royal Wedding (2005)

2008-07-10T12:51:00.001-04:00

Trailer: The Prince & Me 2 The Royal Wedding (2005)

For all of you who think I'm crazy......

2008-06-26T13:52:00.004-04:00

and I show favoritism to my youngest DS, these shots are for you. I get a lot of these comments bc my desk, I will admit is covered with pics of my Nicholas and few of my firstborn. Now I know that sounds wierd bc if you are going to pick favorites it should be the firstborn right? Well, I decided that I would give you all just a small sampling of what I get when I turn the camera in his (oldest DS's) direction. This is the view I get.....

and I will have you know that he turned that hat that way just for me! LOL! Don't I feel special?
Now here is what I get whenever I ask YS to look at me:)

So You tell me which you would take more pics of? LOL I mean a Mom can only have so many shots of her kids head or hat or back in the home.... right?
TFL and as always CC is greatly appreciated:)

A Week in the life....

2008-06-23T15:08:00.002-04:00

Well now wouldn't that be fun? NOT..... Our lives have been so totally and completely crazy that I have not had time to do anything let alone blog. Last week we had VBS at our Church and though it was a tremendous success and a wonderful blessing, it was also a TON of work! I mean, seriously, for those of you who are able to take your kids to VBS please take a moment and thank the helpers that are giving of their time to make it possible bc although they are doing it for the Lord it's still nice to hear a heartfelt thank you for their efforts. I have had the distinct pleasure of directing VBS at our Church for the past 2 years in a row and without the support and help and love of all of those volunteers and helpers it would not be possible. So enough with my ramblings, I want to take this moment to wish a heartfelt "thank You" to all of those volunteers that give so willingly and lovingly of their time, talents, and thoughts! You all know who are;) Thank you! and as soon as I recoup from the week I will blog away:)

My boys!

2008-05-27T12:43:00.004-04:00

So most of you know I have 2 little boys who hold the key or keys ;) to my heart. Well, my youngest if just such a card. He will let me shoot him whenever I want and will do just about anything I ask him to..... Now, the older one......... not so much. He is rather difficult, as he hates to stand still long enough for me to get a shot of him Is this the norm for 11 yr olds? I just don't know! Anyway, on Sunday, we were out in the yard just hanging out when my little N wants some pictures:) So being the good Mommy I am I oblige, and I think I got some really great ones. Actually these were all shot with the 85mm that I have for sale, or HAD for sale:) LOL I think I may just hang on to it fo ra while:) LOL So here are my 2 little monsters in all of their glory:)

And this one, I am not quite sure what I think of it, but would love to hear your thoughts;\

Thanks for looking and I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

For Sale!!

2008-05-23T12:53:00.004-04:00

So I have a coupe of thing that I am listing for sale, one of them is a Nikkor 85mm 1.4 leans. It is a beautiful lens and I do LOVE it but for the amount I paid for It, I just don't use it enough to keep so I have decided to part with it. I am asking $750 for it + shipping. It is the imported version but I have NEVER had an issue with it. B&H sells them new for $930 so this is a very reasonable price. I do not have the box or paperwork for it but it does have both lens caps.

The second thing I have is a Nikkor 24-85mm 2.8-4 macro and it is in perfect shape as well and I do have the box and all paperwork for this lens. I purchased it about a year ago from Wolf for $680 and it sells on B&H for $569 and it is out of stock. I am asking $500 for this one + shipping.

I have a couple of others things I will be listing as I go through them so check back often:) And if anyone is interested just leave a comment:) Or you can peamail me if you came to this through 2peas:)

Thanks for looking:) Here are a few pics of the 85mm, I can take some of the 24-85 later if anyone wants them:)

Another Cutie:)

2008-05-13T16:03:00.004-04:00

She was just as cute as she could be! And when Mom put a Saints Jersey on her I could have died laughing:) Apparently she is an avid football fan and even requires it sometimes to quiet her. I mean really, the guys are gonna be lining up at the door! I hate to tell you Dad but this is not the way to ward them off:) LOL Anyway, it was my pleasure to spend time with this little doll and I can't wait to watch her grow:)

Whew!

2008-04-19T16:45:00.002-04:00

Been a few days since I was last able to blog. I've been crazy busy setting up my new website:) Yep, you heard me, a website! I've finally decided it was time to move on to a better site since the one I have been using just doesn't show the best quality for my pics, and well, ya know, I want people to SEE the quality when they preview their gallery or when they look through my portfolio so I had to find something to do that with:) I happened across these wonderful ladies a couple months ago on ILP and finally after much dragging of the feet I ordered:) LOL So between that and the shoots I've been doing I can hardly think, but for now I'll leave you with a fav from the weekend:)

Twins:)

2008-04-14T21:23:00.003-04:00

Could there be any better word? LOL Yes! That you have the best of both worlds, 1 boy and 1 girl! I love it and am so very thankful that the Lord saw fit to give me mine ONE at a time;) He knew just how much I could handle:) But can you imagine what a ride it would be:) How cool (says me who doesn't have to wake up for 3am feedings;) LOL So this session was such a blast! I loved it. It was a friend of mine that I've known for a couple of years now and she called me up last week to ask me to take pics of her new little bundles of joy and of course I said YES! I wouldn't miss the chance for the world! Now as I said, it was a joy and the are just about the cutest little things I have ever seen! Seriously. I mean their skin and coloring is just GORGEOUS. But every single time one of them would fall asleep the other would be screaming so I took what I could get and went with it. Mom loves them and I am thrilled:) Could there be anything better than twins? Not that I cn think of at the moment:) LOL

So.......

2008-04-09T10:02:00.004-04:00

Today I want to talk a bit about growing up:( My BABY specifically is the one growing up and it so darn hard. I mean I know it's inevitable but come on! Does it have to happen so fast? I so wish I had my archives to show you him as a baby baby but I don't and plus they would be film anyway so it wouldn't matter;) LOL But ya know????? So here's the deal, we're sitting down to eat dinner this past week and DS says "Mommy, my tooth hurts, I can't eat" So I tell him to let me take a look and upon inspecting I calmly explain to him that he is gonna lose said tooth and it must be before bedtime tonight bc everyone knows you can't go to bed with a tooth hanging by a thread! You could choke, Right? Happens all the time........ anyway, of course he is upset bc he doesn't want to lose his teeth. So I convince him to finish dinner and then big brother explains the concept of "The Tooth Fairy" and miraculously DS is ready to yank that sucker right out with nary a thought of the pain anymore for the $$$$ he will receive. Great! Fine! Perfect! I can handle that, except I have no cash, but that's another matter entirely. So after 2 good pulls said tooth is free from his mouth and we can all sleep peacefully knowing he won't choke to death that night! (I'm tellin ya it could happen) So my pic today is of DS with his newfound toothless grin:) He is so incredibly proud of himself! He told DH that night on the phone the "I just don't know what I'm gonna do though Daddy bc if I lose ALL of my baby teeth I won't be able to eat anything!" LOL
I laugh but he was serious! LOL So all's well that ends well and just so you know the Tooth Fairy did vist our home that night or morning rather when she remembered. She just "borrowed" a few bucks from DS's piggy bank! :o Hey, Don't worry I (I mean she) put it back! LOL TFL:) So after the life story here's the pic of my Big Boy:( Why can't they just stay little and cute forever? LOL

Oh and for the record, I did take a couple shots focused on his tooth but this was my fav:)

Spring is beginning to show

2008-04-05T21:48:00.003-04:00

Finally! LOL! JK, I know some of you are still getting snow and boy do I feel for you if that's the case! We actually don't get snow here........ to be honest we don't really even get cold;) I mean MAYBE 50's here and there but that's about it! But of course everything does die off and we wait hopefully for the spring when it will bloom again. Well, now is the time for the blooming:) I LOVE Flowers....LOVE THEM! So here is a shot for today of a bloom I found on a walk down my in-laws street on Easter Sunday. IDK why I waited so long to go through this but oh well;) Such is life!I would LOVE to wake up to this view every morning;) Remember I would LOVE to hear your thoughts:)

This view wouldn't be too bad either though! LOL

Family Shoot

2008-04-03T21:50:00.004-04:00

So here's the latest shoot from last weekend. This family had 5 dogs! LOL:) What a crazy afternoon we had! Whew! And the bugs, Oh my they were horrible! Everytime I lifted my arm to take a shot, they swarmed me. I mean COVERING my arm. Not pleasant! Not at all! So anyway, I'll quit rambling and show you the pictures already but remember I would love to hear your thoughts on these:)

Just one for today

2008-04-02T13:52:00.002-04:00

And it's of my Mother. An amazing woman in her own right and I am eternally blessed to call her mine:) She lives about an hour away from me and yet still manages to come over AT LEAST once a week to share lunch with me and visit her grandchildren. So this week's visit began with lunch and ended with a new haircut for her and of course I HAD to snap some shots of her. Now if you knew her you would know that she LOVES her picture taken (yes, I said LOVES!) however, I find that as she ages she is liking it less and less. So being the WONDERFUL daughter that I am I assured her that I could make her look both younger, AND thinner! And just like that she was in;) So without further adieu, here she is! My Mother:)

32.5 LBS!!!

2008-03-20T13:17:00.004-04:00

In 65 Days! I am so happy to finally be losing this weight! I mean really, my oldest son is only 11 and that's where it all began! LOL! and the younger is 6 in just a few days and that one didn't help either;) So finally after 12 years of this heaviness I am finally doing something about it and I couldn't be happier. I am over 1/2 way to my goal and it feels so great! I feel so much better than I have in years. I am eating better and teaching my children how to eat better and loving every minute of it. My DH just left for the Police Academy for 9 weeks and my goal is to reach my goal by the time he graduates and I just know I can do it! I have 8 weeks left to lose 30 LBS and would LOVE to make it 40;) But I would be thrilled with 30! LOL! I KNOW I'll make it and with the comtinued support of my friends and family I'll love every minut of it! SO today, I'll leave you with a picture of ......... ME! Not a full body shot NO WAY but a headshot and trust me you can see the difference already so this is before....

This is after 17 LBS......

And this is today........ After 32.5 LBS!!!

TFL and CC is always Welcome and much appreciated!

1st Place and Honorable Mention.... Not bad

2008-03-18T21:14:00.003-04:00

Not bad at all:) LOL! My friend Deb and I participated in a local Camera Club Competition and we did pretty well. I won 1st place for this image

and Honorable mention for this one
!

The really exciting part though was having my image critiqued by Mark Staff. For those of you who don't know who that is you can find him here... he really rocks and to think all this time he's lived right in the area and I never knew. His work is incredible! So anyway, enough about that and on with the news of our wins:) Deb won 1st place for one of her images as well and if I had it I would show it to ya but I don't so maybe she'll blog about it herself? LOL! So just thought I'd share my joy from the evening:)

Finally ! Some new pics:)

2008-03-17T14:03:00.005-04:00

Here are a few recents of my nephew, he is just growing like a weed and is like the happiest little thing ever! Everytime I pointed the camera in his direction he was smiling. I m betting he's gonna be a model;) LOL! Anyway here he is in all of his 3 month old glory.........BTW... HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY!!

As a side note I have lost 30 LBS so far on my diet and I am beginning the 2nd phase which is very exciting to me:) I can't wait to lose all the weight!

Trying to work my way out of my slump!

2008-02-06T15:07:00.000-05:00

And I think I am finally getting there:) We have my sister and her family staying with us right now so quite a house full!(She has 4 kids!) But 1 of them helped me to break through the funk I've been in lately and pull out the camera and get to snapping! So I though I'd share a few and see what you all think, they are just some snaps, nothing much in the way of spectacular but they are of my new little nephew so that makes them special in their own right!LOL! Anyway, all with nat. light and my 85mm on the D200! CC is much appreciated!

Diet Time! LOL!

2008-01-21T21:15:00.000-05:00

Yes, you heard me right:) It's diet time, or at least it is for me. I started actually a week and a half ago and so far I have lost ......
8 LBS!! I am so excited! It is hard but I know I can do it and when I step on the scale and it says less it keeps me going and since I have absolutely NO Willpower anything that helps to motivate me is a great thing! So my diet is Metabolic Research Center and I have seen so many people around that I know that have lost weight on this program:) I would love to hear other thoughts on it though if any of you have done the program:) I am just so excited about it right now:) So hopefully I'll get the nerve to post a before pic one day this week so that I can keep track...... but I don't know....... we'll see ! LOL!

Whew!

2008-01-05T00:44:00.000-05:00

Man I thought it was supposed to slow down after the holidays and here I am just staying so busy that I can't see straight:) Had to go back to work on Wednesday and the kids don't go back to school until Monday so that made it harder for me to get up. Not to mention it is so stinking cold here that I so do not want to crawl out of my nice warm bed! LOL! I know some of you will think me nuts bc it's not like ~~~~~ snowing~~~~~where we are BC it just does not do that in SC:) Fortunately! Anyway, so I've been working on my BW conversions and wanted to get some opinions on these pics:) I know that they are not all the greatest BW pics to begin with as one of them is a high key but like I said I would really like to get your opinions on the conversions more so than the pics themselves. So with that in mind............

Thanks for stopping by and I look forward to hear your thoughts:)

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T11:33:00.000-05:00

~MAY YOU ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL AND BLESSED 2008!~

I don't really have any new pics to share today. My son's bday was yesterday and so I've been super busy and haven't yet uploaded from the party:) But I still just wanted to wish you all a Happy New Year and I hope you have a wonderful day spent with family, friends, and loved ones:) So I don't have any new ones but I do have a few I've been re-working:) These are from a year ago........

And I'll leave you with those:) So far I have yet to shoot anything this year;) LOL!

Merry Christmas! & Happy New Year!

2007-12-27T12:14:00.000-05:00

I'm a little late for Christmas, I know but at least I'm early for New Years:) LOL! I just thought I'd share a few shots from Christmas Day. We had the most wonderful day with our Family and I think I got some great shots:) So feel free to tell me what you think. I know most are just snapshots but as the day went on I went into Photographer mode and started lining up the shots I wanted;) As best I could anyway. So here's to a SAFE,HAPPY&HEALTHY New Year to all of you:) God Bless!

Here's DS in all his excitement:)

And my other DS who as you can see is a HUGE Vikings fan:)

This is my Neice, I used a preset on this one, what do you think? Yes? No?
href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IiOuCWYQobw/R3PfuT_eJ0I/AAAAAAAAAVk/H3WKspS4o0Q/s1600-h/DSC_0040.jpg">

And I just love how small he looks in this one. My Baby is growing up:(

And I could go on but I'll leave you with those for now and I might post some more tomorrow bc I know you all are just on the edge of your seats waiting:) LOL! TFL!

Happy Birthday!

2007-12-04T21:29:00.001-05:00

To me:) Wow I thought last year was a big one but man! 30??? I feel like......... an adult! I mean a real adult:) LOL:) Like one that people actually consider an adult? KWIM? I just don't know if I like it though. I was growing pretty fond of my 20's..... Ya know? Isn't that always the way, that just when we get used to something, it goes and changes on us?LOL So yes today was my 30th Birthday and what a day it was. My Mom took me out for lunch to have my favorite thing.... sushi:) yummmmm....... I love Sushi:) So after a delicious lunch of Sushi and an afternoon of shopping, I finished it off with a kick my 30 year old butt class of Taekwando! Man what a day:) And not that I have hit 30 I can honestly say........ Well, I wish I were 25??? LOL! What did you think I'd say? I'm glad to be 30? NOT!

So I'll leave you with a favorite from a session this weekend with some close friends:) Makes me smile:)

`Tis the Season :)

2007-12-03T19:32:00.000-05:00

And I just love it:) Merry Christmas! I know it's been forever since I've blogged but I just can not find enough hours in the day:) I mean between life and work and pictures I am totally swamped! LOL! My kids are getting ready to be out for Christmas break as I am sure everyone else's are as well so I am trying to prepare for that and getting ready for Christmas. Whew! I am exhausted just thinking about it but wow! it's awesome. To me Christmas means food, family and friends..... not nec. in that order.LOL! So I've been working on my Cookie party invite, yes you heard me, a cookie party! As if I didn't have enough to do but you know everyone just LOES it! This is the 4th year in a row I've done it and it gets bigger and bigger every year:) I can't wait and I would love to know what you all think of my invite:) Please excuse the black blotches as this is my personal info and while I know you guys are all wonderful upstanding members of the community, I just like to play it safe;)

Halloween

2007-11-04T21:39:00.000-05:00

We had the best time at Halloween this year! Our Church had this thing called Trunk or Treating! and boy did we have a blast:) We had a great time and an awesome turnout along with most of our Awana kids came too! Of course I had to take the pictures. I mean come on.... someone had to right?? haha! So of course I would be the one to step up to do it! I think I got some great ones. Maybe even some of the best I've ever done thanks to some awesome Mentoring I've been getting! So without further adiu.... I really don't think I spelled that right but oh well:) Here are some of my shots! CC is always welcome, and greatly appreciated!

Sunsets:)

2007-10-22T15:19:00.000-04:00

Ok so I know you guys probably get sick and tired of seeing all of my sunset shots but I just can't help it:) LOL! I wasn't even looking for them this time. We were out looking for my inlaws so we could drop DS off to spend the night and I happened across this scene.....

and I couldn't resist:) I pulled the car over, got out and snapped a few... dozen or so;) DH and kids were waiting so I had to be quick. Anyway, I am just such a sucker for a beautiful sky:) I think I may be better at capturing Nature than people ? I just never get this kind of response from them:)

I just don't know how you can look at that sky and not thank God for the beauty of it:) I just love it!! TFL!

Fall Color

2007-10-16T16:03:00.000-04:00

These are a few recents I did this weekend while out trying to find some Fall color. Well, if you have ever been to Sunny SC you know that there isn't much color to be found so PS was definately my friend here!LOL I don't usually go to this extreme but I kind of liked it I must admit:) Compared to the cooler tones in the originals these were a treat. I think I may print these. Of course, I am partial so I'd love to hear what you think:)

2007-09-30T07:59:00.000-04:00

So I know it's been like ages but I have just been so swamped I haven't had time to post. This little guy was just so cute that I couldn't resist! He turned 7 today and had his own special outfit to proove it:) So moving right along, this session was quite a way out of the norm for me as I've never really done pet photography before, but I will say it was a blast! And although, I have yet to a newborn, other than my own, I'm thinking this is a lot like that because he didn't talk back:) Not even one bark! He was the most well behaved little guy I think I've ever met. My kids could take a lesson or 2 from him! Ok Ok one with the pics! Now in order to understand why he's dressed the way he is, you have to know the deal, his Mom is writing a series of children's books that are going to feature him! So he is dressed to follow the themes of them:) I think he's just a doll!

This is hils little raincoat(which I don't think he was too thrilled with:)

and this was his favorite outfit of all:)

Well, thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a great Sunday! CC is always welcomed and appreciated:)

Man I stink!

2007-08-15T20:06:00.000-04:00

I have just been soooooo busy this summer I haven't been able to keep up:( I have no clue what week we're on but I'll just post a few of my recent fav's! For those of you that have seen these on 2peas, sorry. Anyway, School starts this week so just maybe I'll be able to keep up with my posts.......... hmmmmm..... then again, I'm not so sure I'm gonna be any less busy.LOL! So for the very few of you that still stop by my blog, here's a few new ones! Oh and I ran these though portraiture! I just love it! Thanks to Lauren, who was kind enough to show me how GREAT it is! Oh and to Renee, for the group buy of course:)

Thanks for stopping by and as usual any CC is greatly appreciated!

So you got me!

2007-07-28T08:48:00.000-04:00

I'm forced to blog again tonight because Mommyg tagged me. Such a low blow!LOL JK! anyway this is a tough one..... so personal......I don't know if I can think of 8 things y'all would care to know about me but I'll give it a shot:)Oh and just an FYI for those who didn't see the board, I ordered the bag from snaptotes.com.....and now for the fun part:)

(Players list 8 facts/habits about themselves. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning before those facts/habits are listed. At the end of the post, players then tags 8 people by posting their names and makes sure they know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment at the tagee’s blog.)

1) Going with yesterday's post...... I am a total handbag nut..... LOVE designer handbags. Have a ton, need some more. An obsession I know but I love them and have a husband who after 10 years of marriage( Aug 2) lets me get a new one more often now than he did then;)

2) I too love my toenails painted. and my fingernails done.As does DH so sexy you know, and he loves all the funky things I let them do, all the designs and whatnot. I don't want people to know I'm gonna be 30. My Awana kids may not like me anymore:) I can actually grow my own but the polish doesn't stay on like on acrylics so I get them done. Nuts I know but I consider it MY time(except in the Summer) and I love it. Although I hate how long it takes....hmmm... wierd!

3) I actually love to edit pictures! I hear so many people dread it but I don't. I love it. and I love having others to edit besides my family which is why I went into this business. First and foremost it is a passion that I love and I pray it stays that way. The second it becomes something I dread, I'm done.

4) I am probably the most shy person I know. No one knows I have a blog! I'm serious( except my friend Deb) who shares my photography passion. I wouldn't want them to read it. I'm that shy. If I KNEW you guys I probably wouldn't share half as much as I do. I simply can not talk to people I don't know! I know I know, not the best business tool but I'm working on it:)

5) Housecleaning????? People still do that? LOL. DH actually just hired someone recently to clean our house.. I was so thrilled. This has never been my strong point, only took him 10 years to come to terms with it. He's OCD.. seriously and so I could never clean it to his liking even if I tried:) I love him for hiring someone though... Wow what a feeling!

6)I absolutely hate the ocean! I know! I told you I'm wierd. It's the water. I have a fear of the unknown, can't stand not being able to see.. ewww! Now if were to live.. say .....in the Bahamas. now that ocean I could get used to. I do love the beauty of the Beach and yes I take my kids I'm not a total drag but I don't get in. And people think I'm nuts cause I live on the coast.....literally the beach is in my backyard but I seek out the pool! Never fails though when company comes they HAVE to go to the beach so I save up all year for that time!

7)I live for CSI.... it's the best show ever. I love it. That or forensic files, I love to see them figure it all out. I will watch the reruns anytime I can find them on. My fav is Miami but I watch them all. I don't watch anything else really, not a TV nut. Matter of fact it doesn't come on until I sit down after the kids are in bed with my laptop and I turn it on for bg noise( unless CSI is on)

8)I absolutely love technology! I mean really love it. The next new thing the simplicity of it. Anything that makes my life easier has to be mine. Some people would love to be in the country cut off from the world and all that, not me, give me my latte and sushi and sit me an a corner with my iphone and let me be. I love to be in constant contact with people. If I want to call someone or check something out. I want to do it right then not wait til I forget... I love the internet. Greatest invention of our age! Never ceases to amaze me! The knowledge and freedom it gives us. And for those of us who were not in line when god gave out patience I can't tell you how wonderful it is. To be able to track packages in the blink of an eye... I could go on all day but if you've listened to me ramble this long you're a trooper, so I'll give it a rest... Now for the pictures.......

Well, I haven't had a lot of time lately to shoot anything new but I did get to get my framed shot from the paper today. I so love what they did to it with the framing:) Such an awesome job! Anyway, thanks again to all you great gals who voted for me....I really appreciate it:)

So here it is! Do you love it? I know I do! I hung it in my Dining Room so everyone will see it when they come in:)
This is the best I could do with it being dark out and I tried to spare you the reflection:)

A little closer:)

So there it is! And now I have to tag some people and I have no idea who's been tagged:( And 8 people is an awful lot...... So how about we just say that if you haven't been tagged, consider yourself tagged now:) TFL!

2007-07-27T23:59:00.000-04:00

So, It has been forever since I've posted and I have no excuse( other than the usual) kids out of school for the summer and life is just crazy! See, I knew you wouldn't accept that. Like all of your lives aren't crazy and you still find the time to post:) Well, I just don't know how you do it! And some of you are not even SAHM's! Man! I salute you..... I mean, I really do! I'm not just saying that because I really do mean it! Anyway, on with my post, since as it seems, if it follows pattern it will be the only one this month:) JK
So on my previous post I put up a shot of my son and said how I loved the look on his face. Well, I know some( most) of you have seen these on 2 peas,(sorry) but I used that shot for the backpack I ordered with a pic on it. See I have been really trying to get my name out there more and get more exposure so when I saw these bags I thought they would be great advertising. So far, ( in the ONE whole day I've had it) everyone really likes it. I even have some requests from the family for some of their own. Christmas here we come...... and hey, more free advertising:) So here they are:) The photos of my beautiful new bag... and they even let me put my logo on them. Most companies from what I'm finding, won't let you do this:) TFL and visiting! And who knows maybe I'll post more than once this month.... strange things have happened:)

And an inside view so you can see how it looks:)

and I am still so in love with this shot.... It's the look on his face:) Oh and that beautiful logo was made for me courtesy of my good friend Droller(20,000 frames of mind) She rocks!

Oh can anyone tell me what week we are on??? So lost!

2007-07-10T22:11:00.000-04:00

Woo hoo! Twice in one week! Well, I haven't taken any new ones but I do still have a few left to share from the other day I thought I'd share. We went to the pool again today and I got scorched:( Ouch! I hate getting sunburned! Anyway, I didn't get any new shots since I was too busy trying to ignore the drunk guys out there ranting and raving to be too concerned with photos. Not to mention the sky just wasn't as beautiful today! So anyway here are the rest from the other day. So feel free to let me know what ya think:) TFL
I swear this kid is so photogenic! This was a split sec. photo I took as he was running to jump in the pool and he looked right at me:)

I just love the look on his face:)

And finally, what post would be complete without a sky shot:)

Thanks again for looking:) CC away!

2007-07-09T21:32:00.000-04:00

And here I am falling behind again!! I have just been so busy with the kids out of school for the Summer. It's really hard to find the time to get on the computer lately. Anyway I don't have a ton of time to chat tonight but I just thought I'd share a few pics from the pool on Friday. I am really partial to some of them but then again..... I took them:) So how about you tell me what you think. I still haven't gotten that shot of my pic in the Library yet:( (Told ya I have no time lately) Anyway, I will get it.... eventually:) So here goes:)

You know I can't resist an awesome sky:) Even if my son is under it:)

and my nephew.....

Who thought sunscreen was just like fingerpaint!

And one more so you can see just how beautiful that sky was:)

So thanks for looking and with a little luck I can make it to the POTD at least once more this week:) TFL! CC away:)

Nothing Special

2007-07-01T19:23:00.000-04:00

Just some random Macro's I took while out on the golfcart today. I've been in kind of a funk lately. Every since that big shoot really, and sitting in front of the computer editing all day. I just haven't wanted to photograph anything.....well, scratch that I've wanted to I just haven't been able to"find" anything....KWIM? Anyway, today I got my groove back:) LOL sounds like I'm Stella:) Anyway I went out with the kids for a ride down to the beach and on the way there......nothing, but on the way back....poof! There it was just like that I was seeing all these things I wanted to shoot! I kept passing things up and turning around and it was driving my son nuts!!! Ha! I'm so happy! So here are a few of the shots I got! I get to join in Macro Monday for the first time in like a month!! Yea!!! So anyway feel free to CC!

Here's the flower my DS gave me:) He's such a sweetie!

And these were just some random tiny little flowers on this bush by the road:)

And there ya have it:) Like I said nothing major but they at least made me smile! TFL!

Where has the week Gone??

2007-06-29T19:00:00.000-04:00

I have been thinking all week that I would have time to get on here and update and it's already Friday!!! I have been so busy trying to figure out what to do to entertain my kiddos for the rest of the summer...any ideas? Ha! I've got what like 6 more weeks or something!! Oh well, we need to just go to the pool.........if they only had internet.......:) JK! I'm not that bad:) I've actually been trying to nail down my new lens. Oh and for all you guys that voted for me in the local paper photo contest.... THANK YOU! I WON!! I actually met with the lady last night for her to hang it in the Library and WOW! It's huge. I mean they really did a nice job! I was so thrilled! Unfortunately I don't have the pictures dl yet but when I do I'll show you how it turned out......Until then here are a few you can let me know what you think on! I ran these through this new NW program I got. I've never really messed with NW before but since switching to RAW it seems I have no choice:( Oh well, I think I'm partial to softer features anyway:) So here goes

I just love the look on her face!

And one for the road;)

As usual TFL!

Closer????

2007-06-23T11:41:00.001-04:00

So most of the comments I got you guys said you'd like to see less sand and more of the people......So I'm wondering if you can help me out???? I have a few of course that do show less sand but they are not cropped to a normal printing size:( I don't know how to show less sand and yet still keep the correct dimentions for printing, not without cropping to a larger size and printing smalller than that to make it work.... make sense? I've never shot a family this big before and I want to make sure I have it all figured out before I start submitting their print orders, KWIM? Anyway any suggestions you guys have would be MUCH appreciated:) So I'm gonna throw in a few more from my shoot for you to CC on! Like I said before they really were a great group. Oh and someone mentioned the shots were too posed.....I did have to stick to 3 major "poses" bc of time constraints and the families wanted the one where they were looking at me with the ocean in the bg. I would have loved to have had a lot more time with at least some of them bc I could 've had a blast, but it just wasn't to be! I have already gotten another offer to do some friends of theirs when they come down here for their reunion so this was definately great practice:) Thanks again for all your help guys!

What do you think of this ?

I just love this one:)

The kids had such a blast jumping the waves:)

Ok, Ok I've kept you long enough, I'll cut it for now:) Can't wait to hear what you think:)

;)Just had to add one more sht with my new lens:) LOVE IT!! This is SOOC:) !!!

Ok Tell me what you think......

2007-06-19T23:12:00.000-04:00

I've been missing out on the POTD this week bc I've been doing VBS and proofing like a fool:) My shoot on Saturday went really well! The families were just as nice as they could be and I got some great shots:) I had my proofing session today and she LOVED them! I was so excited:) Anyway, there were like 11 seperate families and they of course all wanted to be shot individually and as the whole group.........Like I said, exhausting to say the least......So here are just a few shots I got. We were on the beach in the late afternoon, sun was a little much in the beginning but I had to start early enough so I didn't lose the light(and of course most of them were late) All in all I think it worked out well....... I took my reflector this time:) Not that I was able to use it on a group of 45!!!! But I did take it:) So here ya go...... let me have it!!(gently) haha jk! With the group being so large and the families so many I stuck to like 3 poses for the families, walking away down the beach, towards down the beach and posed in front of the ocean.......

I have to take out the flip flop on this one...LOL this is what happens when you edit after midnight:)

This is a little boy and he was just about the cutest thing, and I like the mid. sep on these bc they look so dreamy:)

Do you love this little girl?!?1 What a doll!!

Ok I had to add one more.....This is diff. bc I used my new 85mm1.4 and all I can say is.......I'm in LOVE!!!

Ok so that all I've got for you tonight, we'd be here all night if I showed all the famillies...... but I'll share more in the week....what do you think so far? TFL!

Whew! What a Day!

2007-06-15T21:32:00.000-04:00

I spent all morning getting my forms in order which is something I've been meaning to do for a while and finally got it done..... That's a relief:) I have Bible School starting on Monday and this year I'm directing it!! So the last half of the day was devoted to making sure I'm ready for that...... I spent half the morning waiting(as I was doing my forms of course) for UPS to bring my pics.....finally around 12:30 I find out that of all the places in the US, I live in one of the few where you must request AM delivery...otherwise it only has to be delivered by 7pm! Of course, as you know, I had to have my prints postmarked by 5pm so that was no good...... good thing my Mom has a UPS friend who tracked my driver down and got him to meet me at the PO... Thank Goodness!! So then the rest of the afternoon was spent getting my refund from CVS and shipping my prints out. So.................... as I sit here and breathe....I type this:) LOL Anyway.... just to give an update on the CVS thing, I took my WHCC prints in there to show them so they could see I was not making it up.......guess what she said.......The paper's different!! Can you believe that???? I mean you should have seen the difference in the prints! The colors were like night and day! and she blames the paper!! Whatever! Like I said, just another reason to stay away from CVS! So........ Whew! What a day! and also what a weekend it's gonna be:) Oh well! not like I'm any more busy than anybody else....right:) Happy Summer:)

Obviously, I didn't take this:) LOL but I've been thinking about my Grandma who recently passed away and this is her:) My how far we've come huh? And this is an improvement from some that we found! I scanned all these in and made a slideshow for her service.........This is how they used to "color" photos.

This one is by no means perfect, but I took it a few days after getting my very first DSLR a few years ago and I treasure it now:) I did run a vintage wash on it recently:)

And that's all I have for you tonight.... As you can see there was NO time for me to take any new pics....but tomorrow I'll have some for you or rather Sunday as I'll be at the Church tomorrow:) TFL:)

CVS Stinks!!

2007-06-14T23:01:00.000-04:00

Ok so I know that everyone always talks about where they get their prints done and the views are mixed on the "local" places but let me tell you.... My Jury is in! So here's the story...........I wake up this morning thinking I'll get my Calander Contest shots in the mail today as they have to be postmarked by tomorrow(yea I know...Nothing like the last minute:) Anyway, as I'm checking the site last night for the mailing info I come across the fact that I can submitt 3 prints..... so I go through all the prints eligible(had to be taken on a certain day only) and find a couple I love! Now I just have to get them printed....no problem right???? WRONG! All we have locally are CVS, Walmart, and Walgreen's..... CVS is closer and I can upload so I take that route..... 1hour and 22.00 later I pick up my prints.......Horrible! Just awful! The color stinks, the ink is not smooth! They were really horrible! So after panicking bc I figure I cna't print them and then calling WHCC(the ones who printing the first shot) and who I love..... They are shipping the order overnight.... I had to pay double to assure they got printed today and 6.00 to ship overnight and it still only cost me 6.00 more than CVS!! So now that I've bored you with my day I'll leave you with some shots! Oh and you know what the lady at CVS had the NERVE to suggest? That it could be MY shots!!! Well! I never!LOL I plan on taking the new shots in to show them when I go for my refund! As if!! So anyway, here you go:)

Moral of the story - Always leave yourself JUST enough time to get the prints you need from the place you love:) And shop CVS for your prescriptions not your prints!!

Here's the other 2 I chose:)

And I just Love this one:)

Sorry for all the Sunsets lately, but I just love them:) TFL!!

Finally! I get to post!

2007-06-13T22:35:00.000-04:00

This has been such a crazy week! I haven't been able to post for a few day bc I've been so busy...and I actually didn't have anything for today until a few hours ago when I was on my way to Michael's to pick up some craft supplies for Church this weekend! I can only imagine what the cars going by thoughtwhen they saw this crazy lady standin on the side of the highway taking pictures of one of the most amazing clouded sunsets I've seen in a while:) I mean I don't know about you guys but I love clouds esp. when there are a lot of them and they look like this! So beautiful.....So anyway, yes I stopped off on the side of the highway bc I happened to catch a glance in my mirror of this.......

Now I did use Tori's big color on this one just for fun but the rest of them are just resized for web. This is my interpretation of fire! Beacause what is the hottest thing you know of?? The sun! One giant fireball! man it sure is beautiful.... That's all I can do to decribe it! When I see a sunset like this it literally just takes my breath away........... Anyway TFL... CC always Welcome:)

Ok last 2:) I know they all are pretty much the same and in no way are they perfect but I just love a great sunset.....I already said that didn't I:) LOL Oh well!

Relief!! LOL

2007-06-11T18:28:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I finished the shoot and what a relief! She was super nice, it was a little nerve racking at first and I realized I need to work on a system for the paperwork, but all in all it went well! The client was pleased and I for the most part so am I:) Keep in mind these were headshots for her bus.cards....she's in Real Estate... so she didn't want anything fancy just something that when you put it on the card you can kind of see her face:) LOL She was a riot! 7 DOGS she has! Yes 7!! they are all little Taco Bell dogs but hey 7! I coudn't believe it along with 4 kids, how does she do it? I have not a clue:) better her than me! Anyway, I think I may have a family shoot from her too, and she says she has tons of friends so we'll see what happens:) Anyway here are the shots......don't hold back, I already see some things I need to work on but I won't cloud your judgements:) Let me know what ya think:)

This is one of the last ones I found and I really liked it, for her website:)

It was so hard to get her to smile, and then she liked the ones with the "fake" smile best! Oh well....

Now this was her fav. cause her little boy was in it! He was a cutie!

But just for the record I like this one ......

That's all I'll bore you with for now:) WE DID THE SHOOT THIS AM at about 9:45 and were finished shooting by about 11 but her house was not the ideal place to do it as she really had nothing that made a "great bg" KWIM? Anyway let me have it:) Oh and the window lighting on her hais was a must as she didn't want it to look too dark:) LOL Women!!TFL

Migraine.....

2007-06-10T23:35:00.000-04:00

Ok so I know this is totally off theme...... at least I think it is, I have know idea since I didn't check. I've had a migraine all day and just a little while ago found 1pill in another bag that is just starting to work so I thought I'd post while I could see. This was a rough one but at least I found my meds. and now I now I have to call the Dr. so he can get me more:( So I'm cheating:) these shots are from Friday's pool day! We had so much fun!! Now I want to go back out there! I am in love with the color in these. Anyway I can't stay I've got a lot to do to get ready for tomorrow:) I am still so excited and I have calmed down since last night:) Yes yesterday's shots were not my fav... but given the factors they were ok. She wanted this crop for her cards bc she wanted the flowers and the house in the bg as she's a realtor) Anyway thanks for all the comments and wish me luck for tomorrow:) Thank you all for visiting!! :) and I'll TRY to be on theme tomorrow:)

I don't know where he was in such hurry to but I thought it was a fun one:)

Excited....no nervous.....no excited.......

2007-06-09T22:35:00.000-04:00

You get the point... I am so excited but also so nervous! I have been studying and practicing for this for what seems like forever now and I finally got a call!! I only made the decision to take the plunge and print my cards about 1 month ago and I've not done any advertising just put my cards out....... So now I finally got a call!! This will be my first REAL NON FAMILY(or any relation or friend or anything) shoot! I don't know this woman from Eve!! But she wants head shots for her business cards and got my name from a friend who's headshots I did a couple months ago and now she wants me to do hers!!! ahhhhhhhhh!!! And she is in kind of a pinch and needs them done soon so I'm gonna do them on Monday. I can hardly breathe...... I'm nervous, I can't do it, I'm not ready, I don't know how, what if I make an isiot of myself??????? I have been doing this to myself all day, since she called! I don't know how I'll make it til Monday! I am so not good at talking to people I don't know so that is scary too. ohhh, I am just sooo scared:) Can you believe it? I mean this is what I want soooooo badly and now it's happening and I'm a basketcase.......I mean I dont KNOW her! Can I take pics of someone I don't know? Well, I sure hope so cause if not I'll never get anywhere!LOL Well thanks for listening to my ranting and forgive me for being off theme...again.... and posting "old" photos:) I thought I'd post the headshot my friend decided on for her cards so maybe you guys could cc on that and give me any suggestions you may have:) I'm going over to her house, she said she just wants some green in the bg, nothing fancy, I mean they are just headshots!! Can you believe how crazy I am?? LOL Oh well:) here ya go:)

This is the initial shot, pretty much SOOC.....It was the ideal weather for the shoot:)So color and clarity were good....I think;)

This second one is the cropped version bs she wore a less than ideal top:) Oh well!

Pool Time!!

2007-06-08T21:54:00.000-04:00

So I FINALLY got up off of my lazy butt and took my kids to do something! They've been out of school now for..........3 days....including today and I haven't done anything:) LOL Well to talk to them you'd think they were so deprived... I mean THREE WHOLE DAYS!!! Come on!!! So as opposed to sitting home and hearing how BORING it was for them again we went to the pool! Yea!! We had so much fun actually:) Not that I thought we wouldn't:) I mean I knew it would be the perfect opportunity for me to get some pool shots:) yea yea I know I'm so shallow.... I always think with my..........Camera:) LOL I know you thought I was gonna say something else:) Now Now....... Ok so anyway I got a few keepers...... and I got to practice with this Back button focus thing, which I am not really sure I like it:( Only time will tell, but here are the few I got that I like and I know at this point you guys must think how awful I am for not posting as many shots of my oldest DS, but I try!!! He doesn't pose for me and the little one will. Plus he met some"adults" LOL(they were kids(teens) at the pool and he hung with them for most of the afternoon:) I thought it was pretty cool they "let" him(like he gave them a choice) I LMBO when he referred to them as adults!!haha! They wish:) As always CC is welcome and appreciated:) Thanks for looking....... and a HUGE Thank you for all of you who voted for me:) I really appreciate it! I'll keep you updated with the outcome:)

Here's my DS playing with his car in the water:)

I just love his eyes in this one:) We were getting ready to leave and I had to pull the cam back out to get this....

This is Oldest DS sticking his head in the fountain, I can't believe he does this!!!

I must say I do LOVE to shoot ouside bc the color looks so awesome and I don't have to do anything!! I love it, these are SOOC except for resized and sharpened for web:) oops except I did whiten the whites of his eyes just a tad in the second one... and I wish I had catchlights in BOTH eyes!LOL Oh well, can't win em all:)

I found a habit!!!

2007-06-07T21:32:00.000-04:00

Not that I had to like look hard or anything!

Ok I know.... big shock:) haha! LOL! So I know most of you guys posted your coffee shots weeks ago but hey I like that I'm slow:) Anyway for me it's more of a habit than anything else, bc I have tried to quit and I just can't!! Have any of you ever had a caff. headache??? Let me tell you they are NO JOKE! I don't drink soda or anything like that other than the occasional cream soda so Coffee is my thing. The first thing I have to have when I wake up and the last thing before bed.....yes I know most people think I'm nuts bc I drink it before bed but....like I said....habit:) It doesn't keep me up or anything like that...... well not that I notice, since I'm on 2peas so much anyway:) LOL So anyway these are my coffee shots... nothing special I know but what can I say...... I spent all evening trying to figure out how to set the back butto focus on my cam. and thanks to Lorrie(dnksmommy) I've finally got....although I'm not sure how I'll like it but hey! it's set and we'll see:) Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you again to those of you who voted for my picture on the board yesterday:) I am so excited!! For those of you who missed it, my post is on the msg board at 2peas under the title SO EXCITED..... Thanks again guys:) Maybe tomorrow I'll have more time to take some better shots:) TFL!

I really like this one with the steam coming up:)

Oops! Missed A day.......

2007-06-06T21:51:00.000-04:00

So I know we are on habits, and I've been off theme all week but what can I say.... I don't have any habits:) haha! JK, I just don't have any that would be very interesting to you all:) Yet....... I do love to bake, not that I do it vert often or anything but when I do I love to make things from scratch.... Cakes, cookies, pies.... bread..... I just love the satisfaction that comes from making something on your own:) Now, I'm sure you're thinking I'm telling you all this because I'm laying the ground work for some spectacular dish I've made tonight well.........nope.. nothing great. I just thought I'd share that little tidbit. What I have for you tonight is a shot of these little goodies:) We made peanutbutter balls and I had extra chocolate so I couldn't throw it out.....right???? No way!!

So my DS loves these strawberry marshmallows and since i was tired of dipping pretzels(and I didn't want to be there all night) We decided to dip these:) yummy!!! Well, at least they look that way:) I wouldn't know as they don't jive with the subway diet:) Shame:( Oh well...what 's a girl to do.......Don't know what I was thinking, now I have to avoid thesse things until they're gone!!
Well after this we went out to take Puff for a run in the yard and since I still had my Cam. out I snapped a few more of DS. I just thnk he's like the cutest thing ever:) So I just thought I'd share this one:) He was telling me to shhhhh. so he could try and catch the cat......don't even ask why the cat runs from him........He's 5!(DS not the cat)

Oh and just for fun I thought I'd throw in a shot of my carrot cake I made for Memorial Day...(just so you can see I can do a little more than dip marsmallows in chocolate:) LOL

As always CC is welcome....... TFL:)

Way off theme but super excited.....!!!!

2007-06-04T22:42:00.000-04:00

So while doing my rounds today,(of the POTD blogs) I ran across one where someone(sorry I don't remember who at the moment) was practicing using the flash successfully:) I was thrilled! I've run across this thread both at ILP and here but I didn't pay a whole lot of attention to it until today. Lets just say I followed the trail and ending up reading an awesome thread about this. The thread really opened my eyes.....Anyway these are so SOOC it's almost embarassing but I had to see what you thought. I have been so frustrated with the flash lately and this would open a whole new world so let me know what you think ok.......I didn't run any actions or anything I just wanted to see what you thought about the flash:) These were taken in almost total darkness at around 10pm I think most of these, I focused on him and then turned the lights off and snapped the picture. Wow! I am so impressed if I do say so myself!! But anyway I'd love to know what you think:) I know this is off theme but I am still recouperating from all the proofing:) LOL TFL!!

PS. Guys I am looking at getting a new lens, and was wondering if anyone has any experience with the sigma 105mm 2.8? It's between that and the Nikkor 85mm( I'd love to have the Nikon 105 but I just can't part with 900 bucks right now......so any thoughts would be greatly appreciated:)

Beat.....

2007-06-03T23:40:00.000-04:00

i am so exhausted! What a weekend....... First the MIL, and then the Ice-Cream Social, now I'm sitting here at almmost midnight trying to finish DS Teacher Gift:) Why, because I guess I work so much better under pressure:) Not!!! (of course there has to be some reason I always do this:) Anyway I am in no way on theme tonight, unless you want to count my procrastination as a habit:) LOL!!! Anyway, here a just a few of the shots I'm including, although I'm not real happy with my photo printer now that I've been sending out so much for my prints:( Oh well, can't very well order out for the prints when you wait to til the last minute:) So here they are....just a few for you to CC, I'd love to stay and chat but I have work to do....especially since tomorrow is the last day of school!! Told you I work well under pressure:) maybe tomorrow I'll have something better for you:) TFL!

Oh, In case you were wondering, these are shots I took throughout the year at various parties and such at school and then I put them in an album for the Teachers:) They seem to enjoy them and I USUALLY enjoy putting them together:) LOL!! (a lot earlier:) Ok fine!! This is a habit of mine:)!!!