Freebird Photoblog

Baby Liam Is Finally Here!

2011-07-11T22:46:00.000-07:00

Liam finally arrived! After two weeks of waiting :) So totally worth it. Things are a bit busy right now, but I am loving it. I will have to share the birth story sometime soon! Hope all is well with all of you!

Nineteen Months

2011-06-28T20:42:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that my baby is already 19 months old! Time has gone by so quickly. She has changed so much already and it is so fun to watch her grow.

She is such a lover of life. She takes it all in and is so curious and adventurous. Watching her grow, learn and experience things for the first time is so much fun.

Seriously...what did we do before her?

What a blessing her little life is. She makes our days full of fun. Never a dull moment :)

We love you little bird!

A Visit From Mimi

2011-06-26T22:09:00.000-07:00

About two weeks ago my mom flew into town so that she could be here for the birth of Liam and to hang out with Lila when we go to the hospital.

Little did she know she would still be here waiting for him to arrive :) By the time he gets here and she gets some time with him, she will have been here about a month! My poor father is missing her so. But, of course we have loved having her here!

Lila has especially loved having her Mimi here. She has been amazing. Hanging out with Lila and cleaning our entire apartment.

Aren't moms the best? Still no Liam (now 10 days late) But, we are trying to keep busy until he arrives. Hopefully he will get here in the next few days! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Father's Day Flashback...

2011-06-25T21:21:00.000-07:00

I know its so last weekend :) but we had a great fathers day last Sunday! It was such a fun day celebrating my husband and what an awesome father he is.

We spent most of the day at the beach, since both Lila and and her dad love the ocean.

I was hoping that Liam would get here as part of his father day present but he is still hanging out in there. 9 Days late now :) Hopefully I will be writing about him soon! Hope you all had a wonderful fathers day weekend!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-18T21:46:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say happy fathers day to the BEST DAD EVER!

Lila sure does love her daddie, and soon Liam will too!

What a blessing this man is to our family in so many ways.

We are so very thankful to have him!

Happy fathers day Jeremy! We love you SO very much!

Baby Liam Is On His Way...

2011-06-12T13:35:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that I am already due in less than a week! We are expecting baby Liam next Friday the 17th. Although, I am sure he will not come on that specific day. :) Either way he will be here soon and we couldn't be more excited! I haven't been as good this time around about photographing the baby bump. But here are a few photos from the last few months when most of the growth has taken place...

And BAM! About to pop any day now!

Can't wait to meet you Liam Jacob!

My Little Bird Turned Eighteen Months Old!

2011-06-11T00:34:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe that my little bird is already 18 months old. Yes, a year and a half! ALREAY!?
It's quite crazy.

Lila Mae is such a joy. She brings so much love and excitement into our simple little life.

Everyday with her is a precious gift from God.

Many days I wonder what I did before her?

We love you Little Bird. Happy 1 and a 1/2 bday!

Click It Up A Notch

2011-05-20T22:48:00.000-07:00

I am very excited about this new blog I just found tonight called "Click It Up A Notch". It's a great website for anyone who loves photography and wants to learn more about it. It even has a great link up where you can share what you learn each week. The reason I started this blog was to learn more about photography therefore, link-ups like this one are perfect for inspiring me to actually LEARN MORE :) So anyhow, as I said in my last post, this week I have been working a bit with adding textures, and I am loving it, although it is still very new to me. In the photo below I added a bokeh type texture to give it an extra dream like look.

I am really enjoying learning about textures and when to apply them (when not to) etc. If you have any great websites/blogs about adding textures please do share :)

Also, be sure to check out the "Click It Up A Notch" blog and join this fun link up!

Having some fun...

2011-05-17T00:07:00.000-07:00

For the past year I have been doing my editing off of a really old jankedy computer. Back in January I was given a new computer from the hubs and it has been fabulous. Except for the fact that I haven't been able to run Photoshop Elements on it, unzip files, etc. Well, over the weekend my father (in law) touched up my computer and got it all taken care of...because he is a genius. So I can now edit pictures on my new computer with lightening speed. And it has been amazing! Now I can finally catch up on the literally hundreds of photo's I have not edited! I am so excited and inspired now. I have even downloaded some fun new actions from Paint the Moon. And textures too. (which are very new to me) Tonight I have been playing around a bit with textures. It is so much fun! However I have a lot to learn. Here is my official first photo with texture added.

SOOC

Adding Paint the Moons "angelic" texture

and adding Paint the Moons action "hushed softness" from the Blessings action set

and also with a fun frame also from Paint the Moon's "Vintage Frames" collection

And I think I might be addicted :) It is fun working with textures and frames. I think I could really get into this and I am loving Paint the Moon. Let me know if you have any great websites/actions/textures etc. that you would like to share with me! I would love it :)

Simply Bliss - Childhood Photography Class Summary

2011-05-04T21:12:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back I posted about the Simply Bliss Childhood Photography Class I was taking. The other week we finished up the class :( It was such a great class as all of Faith's classes have been. This was the third class of her's that I have taken, and they have all been a great experience. Here is some of the my work from weeks two, three and four.

Week Two: Outdoor Light

Outdoor light collage: photo's taken of an object with a face in different types of outdoor light. SOOC

Imitate a photo: SOOC

Portrait Challenge: Edited

Week Three: Crop

Detailed Shot: SOOC

Negative Space

Imitate a Photo: Passive Engagement

Negative Space "Big Picture Shot" - SOOC

Detailed Shot - SOOC

Portrait Challenge

Week Four: Perspective and Focus

Perspectives Collage : SOOC

Imitate a Photo: No face in the photo (SOOC)

Portrait Challenge

So anyhow, that wraps up the class! Thank you for viewing my work! Again, this was a fabulous class. If you are interested you can visit Faith's Blog to find out more about her classes

Mother's Day

2011-04-28T00:08:00.000-07:00

Just made mother's day cards for my mom and mil. They have really cute ones and they are on sale right now!

5x7 Folded Card

View the entire collection of cards.

Easter Photo Overload

2011-04-26T22:58:00.000-07:00

Happy belated Easter everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful day of celebration :) We had a great Easter and week last week! We spent the week in Palm Springs for our spring break. And then got to return to celebrate Easter with our little family of three (almost four!) I will have to post photo's of Palm Springs soon! But for now, I just have a Easter photo's overload for you :)

Our Easter was wonderful! Always a bit lonely due to the fact that our family's live in Indiana :( But, this year we managed to have a bit of fun just the three of us.

We had a small little Easter egg hunt for Lila!

It was her first Easter egg hunt so we weren't quiet sure if she would get it...

But she totally did! And she LOVED it!!!

She was very determined to find all the eggs. And kept signing and saying "more"

She eventually found every last egg. But not before one split open and she found out what was in them...

Ahhh! What's this!? That's right...it's a peep!

At first she wasn't too sure about it. She just kept saying "duck". But then she took a little taste.

and she seemed a bit interested. Although, I don't think it's love. Probably a good thing because they are pure sugar...and our little bird doesn't really need the extra energy :)

I got a little crafty and made Lila's Easter basket. I am not the craftiest person but I did enjoy it! It's really simple due to my lack of craft skills :)

Gotta make sure she has all her eggs...

Hey... I think I am missing one?!

Oh thats right...I already ate one :)

First Easter egg hunt was a big success!

Okay that is all for my Easter photo share. Can't wait to catch up with you all and see how your Easter was!

Little Bird - seventeen months

2011-04-11T01:12:00.000-07:00

Last week my little baby bird turned 17 months old! I can't believe it. She is already almost a year and 1/2 old. crazy. I saw this idea on Pinterest and I thought I just had to try it...

Isn't that a cleaver idea? people are creative. I thought it will be such a great way to kinda document her life from now on, and soon baby Liam's life too!

Here are a few other shots of her on her 17 month "bday"

Lila has really grown up in the last few months. She no longer feels like a baby. She is in full toddler mode.

In fact, I think she has graduated from "baby bird" to "little bird". So that's what she will be from now on. My little bird. It works out nice because it will leave an opening for Liam to be called "baby bird" for a little while.

Sometimes I can't believe how much I love her. It hurts. Life is so much better with her in it. She adds so much excitement and pure joy to everyday.

It's crazy to me to think about life before her. What did I do with my time? and how many more times a day do I laugh now that she is here?

Just look at that little rascal face. She's thinking about what trouble she will get in to next.

Happy 17th months Lila Mae.

We love you with ever fiber of our being...always.

I Heart Faces - Shadows

2011-04-10T22:00:00.000-07:00

This weeks "I Heart Faces" photo challenge theme is

"Shadows"

Lila loves riding this horse down at the playground. On this particular day their shadows joined in the fun :)

Link up your shadow shot too!

Simply Bliss - Childhood Photography Class

2011-04-08T23:48:00.000-07:00

This week was the first week of Faith's Simply Bliss Childhood photography class. This is the third class of Faith's that I have taken and they have all been amazing. This week is off to a great start. She covered indoor light and how to take a great shot indoors. This is a great topic for me because I really struggle to take a good indoor shots due to light. I have a really hard time finding good light in my apartment. I feel a lot better after this weeks lesson. For the first assignment we were to take a simple object and take photo's of it in different light and from different angles and perspectives. For my subject I choose one of Lila's little people. She was a happy little model and kept a smile for the entire shoot...

Our second assignment of the week was to imitate a photo that Faith took of her daughter. I had a hard time with this one. I couldn't get the light that I wanted. Also, Lila is in this phase right now where she doesn't want me to take photos of her. So it was a bit of a struggle. So this shot isn't an exact imitation because I ended up giving Lila her toy phone to distract her.

Here is my SOOC shot...

and edited version...

and the final assignment was a portrait challenge with the focus being on indoor light.

SOOC

and edited version...

I was so excited when I read Faith's blog tonight and saw that this photo of Lila was chosen as one of her I heart Friday features! I feel so honored!

Hope you are all having a great weekend and please let me know if you are taking this class or any other class, I would love to hear about it!

PS...some of my side buttons are missing all the sudden? does anyone else have this problem or know what's going on? :)

I Heart Faces - Slice of Life

2011-03-27T23:05:00.000-07:00

This weeks theme for the I Heart Faces photo Challenge is

"Slice of Life"

This photo was taken on Lila's first birthday celebration at Disneyland. We were riding the flying elephants and as you can see she was very happy! We had fun celebrating her first little "slice of life".

Join the fun at:

Paper Mama Photo Challenge - Green

2011-03-22T23:00:00.000-07:00

This weeks Paper Mama Photo Challenge theme is "Green"

This photo is of my little baby bird frolicking around in the green grass in her bare tootsies. One of her favorite pastimes.

Join the fun!

Simplicity Photo Challenge - Sweet

2011-03-21T22:40:00.000-07:00

This weeks Simplicity photo challenge theme is "Sweet"

For this challenge my mind naturally took me to food first, blame it on the baby bump :) But, I also thought of my sweet little baby bird. So I thought I would include both of them :) Last week she discovered Popsicles for the first time and she is LOVING them. As is mommy :)

Want to join the fun? Link up over at Faith's blog:

Spring is in the air!

2011-03-18T23:52:00.000-07:00

Spring is here! And it is making me so HAPPY! I am loving this sunny weather and looking for any excuse to be outside. Lila loves being outside even more than I do. So she is really enjoying fromping around in the backyard barefoot :)

There is somethign about this spring that is more inspiring. It smells better even. I am feeling some serious spring cleaning coming on. Perhaps its a bit of my nesting kicking in too. :) We'll see if it all actually gets done. Anyone else starting their spring cleaning?

This weather is also making me really excited about taking more photo's. I am gonna be looking for any photo opportunities I can get my hands on this spring. Getting excited for a few in particular...

Faith's new Childhood Photography class is gonna rock! You all should really check it out:

And BOOT CAMP! Round Two. Can't hardly wait!

and I have been meaning to join the fun and I am doing it this week for sure over at:

Exciting! What other photo fun activities are going on this spring? Please share if you know of any!

I hope you are having a lovely spring and a wonderful weekend!

The Sunday Creative - "Two"

2011-03-10T09:24:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since I have participated in The Sunday Creative. Mostly because I have been away for so long. But, I have missed it, along with many other photo fun activities.

This weeks theme is "Two" in honor Maegan's daughter turning two. Which I am sure will come much to soon for Lila as well :)

This prompt makes me think of my TWO favorite people...

The Hubs and my little baby bird. I love these two so much. They fill my life with joy and LAUGHTER.

They both make my everyday life so beautiful and exciting!

Join the fun and link up at The Sunday Creative...

Wordless(ish) Wednesday

2011-03-09T14:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Wordless Wednesday Everyone!

The weeks half over...

YIPPPPIIIIEEE!!!!

Indie Biz 3.0

2011-03-08T23:20:00.000-08:00

So this week I began an Indie Business Class.

And I am loving it! I saw this class offered last year, only it was Indie business 2.0, and I new that I would have to take it one day. I am not ready by any means to start my photography business yet...but one day! And this class is a great way for me to prepare for it! It has been amazing thus far. Anyone interested in starting a small little independant business of any sort should for sure check it out! One of our first little assignments was to decorate our class buisness binder, which is always fun :) Just wanted to share mine...

This class has assignments everyday that are very helpful. But you can also work at your own pace too which is very helpful. There are also a few projects like the one above as well. I am really excited to start on the next one which is creating your style portfolio. Anyhow, just wanted to share. If any of you are taking this class as well please let me know! Or if you are taking any fun classes right now please do share :)

The Paper Mama Photo Challenge

2011-03-07T21:32:00.000-08:00

It's been quite some time now since I have participated in a photo challenge, and I have missed it! This weeks theme over at The Paper Mama is "Simple Beauty"

How can a mother not think of her daughter when hearing the phrase "simple beauty"

Are You a Shy Photographer?

2011-03-07T15:24:00.000-08:00

Just had to share this amazing FREE download with any of you who would consider yourself a to be a "Shy Photographer". Like myself! Hope you enjoy it as much as I will!!!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW!!

There are also four more days of free give-a-ways at Photography Concentrate so be sure to check them out!

First Virtual Coffee

2011-03-01T06:18:00.000-08:00

This is my first time participating with the Virtual Coffee over at Lucky Number 13

So to be honest it's a little intimidating. I mean if this were our first time having coffee I would think that it might be a bit uncomfortable at first. Then we would sip and talk and relate and before we knew it we would be chatting for hours :) I like to think that would how it would go. It seems that we would all have a lot in common anyhow. Blogging, loving some type of art form, lots of us mommies, etc. So I am sure we could find a thing or two to talk about.

I would probably ask you a lot of questions. To get to know you. Here are a few for starters...

What city and state do you live in?

What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?

What most inspires you at the moment?

What are your goals for this spring?

and What was one thing that happened in the past week?

(I would love if you actually answered one or all of these in your comment)

I would probably talk about my Lila. I just can't help it :)

It amazes me how fast she is growing and how much I love her. I just can't get enough of her.

She is turning into a such funny, vibrant, independent little girl and I love every moment with her. You would probably have to cut me off at some point because I could talk about Lila for hours.

I would talk about her father too ;) About how much I love this man and what an amazing hubby and father he is. See, doesn't he just look like fun?

I would also probably have to talk about my pregnancy and how I am now 24 weeks which seems crazy to me!

This pregnancy has gone so much faster and to be honest has been a lot easier than it was with Lila girl. Could it be that I am a pro now?...Doubtful :)

I would also have to talk about Liam and how excited we are about his arrival!

Lila likes to give him lots of Hugs and Kisses!

Actually, I don't think she has any clue what's coming :)

I am looking forward to two things especially this week...

1. Anne of Green Gables

I get to watch it tomorrow night! I netflix-ed it and it's due to be here and I just am so excited because it has been too long!

Are you an Anne fan?

2. Lila's Shopping Cart

I saved up my money's to get it for Lila and I couldn't be more excited for it's arrival sometime this week! Do you think she will like it? I hope so :) It will go great with the kitchen set her grandma and granddad got her for Christmas.

Well, this was fun! We should have coffee again sometime soon! Don't for get to answer a question or two, or three or all :)

Hope you all have a great week! If you have never linked up with Virtual Coffee you should check it out, it's fun!

Well Hello Camera

2011-02-25T23:08:00.000-08:00

So I finally dusted off my camera the other day and started snapping away. Lila was of course my subject of choice. You all are not going to believe how much she has grown up!

Where did my little baby go!? I think the pigtails make her look older (note to self...no more pigtails!)

It felt so good to hold the camera in my hands again and click away. I forgot how therapeutic it is. I am looking forward to getting acquainted with my camera again. That's if the third trimester doesn't get it's way :) Speaking of...Liam is kicking up a storm right now! My favorite part of being preggo, feeling them move.

These are Lila's best friends :) She is so into playing with her stuffed animals and dolls right now. It melts my heart.

But her favorite is "Duckie" by far. (shhh...don't tell the others)

I think it has something to do with the fact that she can say "duck" now. So it makes the bond a little more tight.

Yum, lunch break.

Anyhow, it felt great to take and edit photo's again. Looking forward to doing more of it. Which is why I am going to be joining up with this fun little project next week.

It started at the beginning of the year, so I am a bit behind. But, they are having a catch up week coming up so it works out nicely. Are any of you already playing along? Please let me know if so! If not check it out, it's not too late!

Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend!

Loving Being Back!

2011-02-22T21:57:00.000-08:00

I am loving being back in the blogosphere! It's just so pleasant and reading blogs is so much fun to me! It's been fun catching up with some of you and I am looking forward to catching up even more, I MISSED SO MUCH! The other thing that got ignored during these few months is my camera :( Sure I would take photo's from time to time, but not everyday like I was. And now I am dragging my feet and feeling a little uninspired. I really want/need to get back into it because it makes me so happy! I think some projects and classes will help :)

I am really excited about Faith's Class coming in April:

I think this will do the trick on getting my creative juices flowing! Check it out if you are interested in childhood photography.

Oh man, I have to just say - While reading Cottage 960 the other day, I learned about this website called Pinterest and I am in love! It is a perfect place to keep track of all your favorite anythings! You have to check it out if you haven't already. I have been gone for a bit so I am sure this is old news, but it is AWESOME! There is a bit of a waiting list, but it only takes a few days and is totally worth the wait!

Random Note: I can't wait for this movie to come out on DVD so I can see it again! It's amazing.

Hello Strangers!

2011-02-17T23:19:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness! I have been away for so long now! But...In my defense I do have to say I have a pretty darn good excuse...

Yes, we are going to be having another baby sometime around June 17th, and we are so very excited! This time a little boy (unless the ultrasound turns out to be wrong) Baby Liam. So for the past few months I have decided to take a break from blogging and my computer in general. Just to rest up and relax during that dreaded first trimester. But, now at week 23 I am feeling great and missing the blogosphere! I am so excited to catch up with you fellow bloggers and see all the amazing things I have missed and what you all have been up to. I am not sure how much I will be blogging in these next 4 months but I at least hope to be around a bit more. I have missed you all and can't wait to catch up!

Hope all is well!

Halloween

2010-11-01T00:51:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Halloween has come and gone already! We had a fun festive week with a few holiday celebrations. This was kinda a sad holiday for me because it was the last time Lila celebrated a holiday for the first time! Every other holiday...been there done that. She had a blast celebrating! She was lucky enough to have a few hand me down costumes given to her, so she was able to dress up as different things for the different events. This week Lila was...

A Ladybug

Eyor from Winnie the Poo

and a Garden Gnome!

Ha. This actually the outfit we picked for her to wear on Halloween because it made us laugh. She didn't keep the hat on for very long so we ended up saying that she was a Lolly Pop Kid, from the Wizard of Oz. I have more fun photos and stories to share, but for now I am tired and off to bed! Hope you all had a fabulous Halloween and can't wait to see your photos and read your stories!

The Pumpkin Patch & Some Photo Challenge Fun

2010-10-27T01:20:00.000-07:00

The other evening we decided it was time to take Lila to the pumpkin patch!

She loved it. Well, she was a bit tired to be honest. But, I think she still enjoyed herself enough :)

This photo ended up being my favorite of the day. I feel like Lila is thinks she is doing something bad and has that look like, "Am I gonna get caught!?"

It didn't stop her though. She continued collecting pumpkins with out a care in the world :)

She enjoyed climbing on the pumpkins.

And just chillin' in them.

She even got to "ride" in this one. :)

There were rows and rows of pumpkins for her to explore!

Every now and then she would sit and rest and regain her energy.

She also had fun pretending the pumpkins were cell phones with daddy. She is so into cell phones right now! ugg, but I keep telling her she won't get one till she graduates high school :)

Her favorite pumpkins were the itty bitty ones, because they are easy for her to hold on to!

This weeks theme for YOU CAPTURE is Orange. All the shots above are the ones I shot with this challenge in mind, all though it was kinda easy taking orange shots at a pumpkin patch :)

Ha, this photo is also one of my favs of the day. Cracks me up.

It was so fun, they even had a Tee Pee, TP? not sure how to spell it. But there was one and it was AWESOME.

Lila loved the hay. I was kinda shocked she didn't try to eat it.

She loved looking at the Ponies! This is also my portrait shot for the SIMPLICITY photo challenge going on now!

Oh, and this shot for THE PAPER MAMA "black and white" photo challenge!

And then I decided this would be a fun collage for the TRENDY TREEHOUSE Shutter Love Tuesday Theme. I just found this one and I am so excited to participate!

And sum how, I even managed to make it into a photo! Okay, it's really no big deal, I just had the hubs take it. I just need to do it more often so that I can remember that I was actually there, I am getting better at this!

And miracle of all miracles, we even managed to get a FAMILY PHOTO!

I wish Lila was looking, but still, it's a family photo!

We had such a blast. Fine holiday fun. Have you all made a visit to your local pumpkin patch yet? If you have and blogged about it, I would love to see, just leave the link! Hope you are all having a great week of festive fall fun!

I Heart Faces Photo Challenge : Pink

2010-10-25T21:59:00.000-07:00

This weeks theme for the I Heart Faces photo challenge is PINK (in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month)

I immediately thought of this photo of Lila in her pink sweater. I am blessed not to have a personal story to share when it comes to this specific type of cancer. However, many women have been affected in one way or another by breast cancer. That's why it is so great that we have a month completely dedicated to spreading awareness about this disease and encouraging women to get their mammograms. It's great that so much is being done to find a cure for this type of cancer, it gives us hope for our future generations.

Photo Sesh with My Girl

2010-10-24T22:54:00.000-07:00

So I realized the other day that while I have a ton of photographs of Lila and Lila with other people, I really don't have very many of Lila and I. So, after a long and rainy week, Lila and I ventured to the back yard to have a little photo sesh.

It was cold out. Well cold for out here. Cold enough to wear hats.

And it was impossible for me not to snap a few of Lila on her own. :)

I think that Lila was confused by the fact that mommy was in the photo rather than sitting there with the camera glued to my face :)

She was a bit distracted with my keys though. Why do babies love keys so much?!?

It was fun taking a few photo's with my girl. I took a ton and only had a few I kinda liked. I am glad I did it though because now I have a few new updated photo's of my and my little gal. :)

Click the button above if you are interesting in joining the self-portrait fun!

This & That

2010-10-24T01:02:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to post a bit of this and that tonight. For starters, I fell behind on editing all my 365 photos. I had been taking them everyday, but got about two weeks behind on editing, yikes. But, I am happy to say that I am now all caught up! Here are my collages for the past two weeks:

It has been such an amazing experience thus far and I feel like it is actually going fairly fast. You should all really join in the fun! Visit "Life Set to Words" to learn more.

Okay also, very very excited!!! Today I just ordered my new camera bag!!

I first heard about this bag from Stephanie over at "Home at North Fillmore Street" She purchased the yellow one a ways back and blogged about it and I have been in love with these camera bags ever since. I have just been dreaming of the day when I could get one! Well, it is now on its way to me and I couldn't be more excited! The hubs actually is getting it for me as a gift to celebrate my year of nursing. Isn't that sweet of him!? Anyhow, can't wait for it to get here! You guys should check them out, there are a ton of lovely bags. Just click on the photo above if you are interested.

Okay also, so in love with Sufjan Stevens and his newest CD

Here is a little taste if you are interested in listening!

What about you all...how are your 365's going? Any new items on your wishlist? or songs you are currently playing on repeat? :) Hope all is well!

A Little Time "Away"

2010-10-23T02:21:00.000-07:00

So, I've been away from my blog for a bit. I didn't really intend for it to happen. But, guess I must have needed some time away. But it does feel nice to be back and I am gonna have fun catching up with your blogs! I haven't really been up to much, just kinda hanging out with the Hub and the babe. Sometimes it's just nice to take a breather from my computer.

So anyhow, I thought the best way to share what I have been up to is to share some photo's from my 365 and sum it all up.

Lila and I explored playing with sidewalk chalk. I think I had more fun than her :) She made a few scribbles but then tried eating the chalk.

It's been raining so much here lately. So Lila and I have been stuck inside, left to make our own fun. We built many forts, and Lila enjoyed the simple things, like wearing these headphones and getting the biggest kick out of it :)

Finally the rain started to clear and we needed to get outside! We took some walks and played in the backyard to get our fix before the rain hit again :(

This cold weather makes me wanna drink a lot of hot cocoa with tiny marshmallows, so I do :)

I have also been feeling really festive lately and in the mood for all the holiday fun that is about to hit! So Lila and I ;) made these pumpkin cookies the other day.

Oh yea, and then I got sick, Lila got sick, and the hubs got sick. It was not fun. We are just now finally all getting over it. I guess it just goes along with the cold weather, it wouldn't really feel like fall without getting sick and having a bowl of chicken noodle :)

So, there it is. That's what I have been up to. It's not much. I can't wait to see what some of you have been up to! what have you been up to? Fill me in or tell me to visit your blog and catch up! I am off to catch up a bit now actually! It feels nice to be back.

Simplicity SLR Class

2010-10-12T23:47:00.000-07:00

Last week I finished off my second Simplicity E-Class.

I enjoyed this class so very much! Faith is offering a few classes coming up this fall and winter so be sure to check it out if you are interested.

We had a lot of great assignments and I wanted to take a moment to backtrack and blog about them.

Here are some of my favorite assignments and my photos..

For a few assignments we were asked to take photos of simple objects, here are a few of mine:

Some flower shots:

And we worked on water shots:

And action shots:

Portraits:

Mood Shots:

Shoot where your at assignments:

A day in your life collage:

Photo walk shots:

and Photo Quotes:

There were so many fun assignments and again I really enjoyed this class! Thanks for looking at my work and don't forget to check out Faith's Class. Do you guys now about any other fun photography classes online out there? If so, please let me know!

My Best Friend and Her New Baby

2010-10-10T23:09:00.000-07:00

The amazing women in this photo is my best friend Vikki. We met in college and have been besties ever since. She lives back in Indiana, so I don't get to see her nearly as often as I would like :( If it were up to me, I would see her everyday. Literally. It might seem like I am joking, but I totally mean it. In fact, one summer we LITERALLY saw each other everyday, and I never got sick of her. We got in only one fight (over a parking spot) in which she picked up her pillow and sleeping back, and said she wasn't going to stay the night. At that point, I proceeded to chase her through our college campus begging for forgiveness and talking her into coming back. It was a quite a ridiculous sight to see. Thank God no one did :) Anyhow, I love her. She is the best friend a girl could ever have. I can talk to her about anything. But, I can also have crazy stupid fun with her.

We are both so easily amused and love laughing. So when we get together, we somehow ALWAYS have fun.

Did I mention that I miss her?!?

Anyhow, here I am with her son (kinda like my nephew) Elijah about a month or so after he was born.

It was love at first sight, can't you tell? Ha, this was before I had Lila so I wasn't really sure how to hold a baby I guess? :) I love this kid so much. He calls me cookie, and it makes me happy.

And now, the best part...Last Sunday on October 3rd, Vikki and her husband AJ had their second little baby, this time a girl!

Ali

Uggg! Isn't she just adorable! I have to wait till December to hold her and it is killing me. I can't wait to meet her. I have a feeling this time the photo of me holding her for the first time will look a little different. :)

I love you Vikki and I am so happy for you and your little family of four!!! Can't wait to meet your beautiful baby girl.

365 Update

2010-10-06T22:33:00.000-07:00

About a month ago I linked up with a 365 project group run by Maegan at Madeline Bea - Life Set To Words

I was a little nervous at first. I didn't really trust myself to be honest. I often fail at projects in general. I am really good at starting them, but not at finishing them. And well, I am far from finishing this project but am feeling really good about my chances. I think it has something to do with the fact that I am love with taking photographs. So, alas, something I might be good at, or rather, something I might actually complete! :) Only time will tell...

Yesterday completed my fifth week of the project, here are my shots from week five:

At the end of the week it really helps me to put together a collage. I think it encourages me mostly because I think if I miss a day then there will just be a blank spot in my collage...silly I guess, but so far it is working! I am feeling so inspired by this project, and I feel like I have learned so much about my photography and myself. Not to mention, when I am done, I will have a really cool photo album of the last year :)

My favorite shot thus far is this one:

I think I like it the best because it was the week after Lila started walking. The Hub and I decided to take her down to the beach to put her newly walking tootsies in the sand, ya know, experience the beach with her toes instead of her bum :) She LOVED it! We had so much fun watching her make tiny footprints in the sand.

If you would like to see the first four weeks of my project you could click here...

Are you participating in a 365 project? If so let me know so I don't miss it, and also keep up the great work! If you are debating starting one up, you really should, it's an amazing experience.

On a random note, I am writing this post while watching "That 70's Show". One of my most favorite shows. And this just happened and almost put me on the floor. It makes me so happy. I love Kelso here. Check it out if you are bored and need a good laugh :)

Simplicity Photo Challenge - Flower

2010-10-05T21:44:00.000-07:00

Woopsie! I am posting again about the Simplicity Photo Challenge because I got the theme wrong :) I have been a little off lately. Anyhow, the real theme this week is "Flower"

It's been raining here lately. I really like the way flowers look after the rain, in fact, I think they kinda smell better too!

Join the fun!

Photo Challenges

2010-10-05T15:16:00.000-07:00

The Theme for the Simplicity Photo Challenge this week is "Light". I immediately knew I wanted to use this photo of Lila walking into the light.

I also really wanted to participate in The Paper Mama photo challenge this week because Lila has so many faces and looks of confusion :) This is one of my favorite faces she makes. I feel like she's thinkin'..."SAY WHAT!?"

And a new challenge I wanted to participate in this week is the Shoot and Tell Photo Challenge. This weeks Theme is "Solar". It made me think of this shot I took over the weekend while in Las Vegas. It was early in the morning and of course we were waking up early with Lila. I looked over and saw the most beautiful color reflecting on the wall. I ran and pulled up the shade to find this. It was a beautiful sunrise. And the sun flare is all crazy I am guessing because I had to take it through the thick glass window. It was a beautiful sight!

Photo challenges are just so much fun! You should join in on the fun this week if you haven't already. Or let me know if you have so I can pop over and see your take on these themes.

Home Again, Home Again...

2010-10-04T23:50:00.000-07:00

We are back from our road trip to...Las Vegas!!! We had a great time! However, it feels so nice to be home again safe in our little world. I have a lot of photographs to edit and stories to tell. But they will have to wait because for now my pillow is callin' me :) Hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

Road Trippin' With My Two Favorite Allies

2010-09-30T14:34:00.000-07:00

We are heading out tonight on a road trip! I can't even wait! Road trips are my favorite. I am gonna be with my two favorite allies, listen to music with the windows down and eat road trip snacks! What could be better? Road trips always make me think of this song...

Where's the last place you road trip-ed to? Hope you all have a great weekend and can't wait to catch up with ya when I return..

Another Week Down...

2010-09-28T23:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I just completed week four of my 365 project and I must say I am really surprising myself! I am loving this project. This week was the hardest so far, there where times when I just wasn't feeling inspired, but I after I would take a shot I felt better somehow. Camera therapy? Anyhow, I am feeling good about making it the entire year! I know I still have a long way to go but I am just having so much fun! How are your projects going if you have one? Are you loving it?

On a random note...have you seen the movie "Babies" yet?! It just came out on DVD today, and I went right away to rent it. I have been waiting to see it for so long now. It is AMAZING!

The Sunday Creative - Abundance

2010-09-25T00:32:00.000-07:00

An Abundance of hair bows :)

Flashback Friday - Taylor Swift

2010-09-23T23:29:00.000-07:00

A few years back I got a chance to see Taylor Swift in concert. This was before she was as big as she is today. She even took the time to take photographs with anyone who wanted one! Here is my friend Anita and I with Miss Taylor. Isn't she stunning! And TALL! I thought I was tall, I am 5'7 and she is still towering over me. Look at her dress, isn't it so sparkly and fabulous. It was such a great show, and I love flashing back to it!

Join the flashback fun!

Projects & Photo Challenges...

2010-09-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

The Paper Mama - Fingerprint (Footsie)

This is Graham. He belongs to one of my best friends Erin. He is only one month older than Lila and when we went home to visit this summer, they fell in love! So this shot shows them playing fingerprint footsie :)

Simplicity Photo Challenge - Mood

Pure Joy
My Father (in-law) and my niece. This was taken in a moment of what I like to think of as "pure joy"

Also, I just finished my THIRD week of my 365 project!!! Here are my photo's from this week...

I have a LONG way to go, but I am having so much fun! If you are thinking about doing a 365 project, I highly suggest it.
Click her if you would like to see more!

Happy Wordless-ish Wednesday!!!

2010-09-22T02:34:00.000-07:00

Go Dodgers!!!

Stuff & Things (part two)

2010-09-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

Don't forget...

Today is Peace day! Click on the image above to find out more. Happy Peace Day All!!!

I am very exctied that I found a blog called "Kind Over Matter"

It is such a great blog, jam packed with goodies! You really must check it out. They have fun stuff like this:

Click to check it out!

And now that I have Photoshop elements, I am so grateful to Stephanie from "Home on North Fillmore Street" for showing me this lovely website...

Man o man, there are some fabulous FREE actions and such to be found there!

Also, I am in LOVE with this song this week, it is basically on repeat everywhere I go. It's a great song to put on in the car! Have a listen if you like...

What stuff and things are you loving lately??

Shadow Shot Flashback

2010-09-19T01:23:00.000-07:00

Found this shadow shot that I took a few years back at the Michigan dunes. Apparently I have always loved shadow shots! Man, how could ya not am I right? :)

Happy Shadow Shot Sunday All!

Three Hundred & Sixty Five Days Of Life (Week 1 & 2)

2010-09-16T00:07:00.000-07:00

I am enjoying my 365 project so much! It is such a great way to collect memories of your day to day life. I am happy to say that I have made it through the first two weeks! I know I still have a very long time ahead of me, but I am feeling very determined to complete this project. I have been inspired by Brooke of Brooke Martin Photography (Visit her blog, it's amazing!) She has a 365 project as well and is making collages of her work each week & I really liked this idea. So I have decided to make collages of my photo's after each week. So here are my first two weeks worth of photos...

Man o Man, it has been so much fun! I have been following a lot of you have 365 projects as well...am I missing any of your projects!? Let me know if you have one so I can follow along!

Here is where I am keeping my project...

All About Lila - Photo Fun

2010-09-15T08:12:00.000-07:00

I missed "Transforming Tuesday" yesterday and I really didn't want to, so I am gonna go ahead and post it anyhow...

Yesterday, I let Lila have the spoon. She always wants to feed herself and I never let her, but yesterday I thought, ya know what...why not. She is transforming from a baby to a toddler soon, time to let her...right? Well, she was a mess but she sure did have fun :) I know that it's nothing too exciting but give me a break, when you are a SAHM, the little things can be extraordinary :)

Also, for the first time ever...HAPPY WORDLESS(ish) WEDNESDAY EVERYONE!

and a fun new little photo challenge from Paper Heart Camera (check it out) called "A Day In Your Life"

Here is what my day looks like...

Everyday Lila makes this face at least 20 times. I love it. Not sure what it means, but I hope it never goes away :)

Have a great Wednesday all!

Classic Book Club & Baby Weight

2010-09-13T22:04:00.000-07:00

My mom (who recently retired) & I are starting a classic book club. Meaning we are just gonna read through some of the classic's together! I am not sure how much we will talk about it (because she lives several states away) but it is just fun to know you are reading along with someone else! I have decided I want to make a list of the books we will eventually read and was wanting a little help in deciding which books to choose? So any suggestions? What classic's are a "must read". Right now we are reading an american classic, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou. So yes, if you have some suggestions please do share! When I am all done with our list I will post it and if anyone wants to join in just for fun feel free!

Also, I have decided this week that it is time to lose the last bit of baby weight that I have been holding on to for sentimental reasons. Ha, not really I just have been putting off losing it! But, Lila is going to be 1 in two months, and that seems crazy to me! So I figure, no more excuses. So with that being said I am gonna try to lose 10 pounds by her birthday! I think I will continue to walk but also throw in some running and portion control. I am not good at dieting really so I don't think I will do that. But, anyone have any other suggestions?

Have a great Tuesday All!

Stuff and Things (1)

2010-09-11T01:04:00.000-07:00

Right Now I am really loving...

Yes, it's the paper mama, and she has a photography blog now too and it's already AWESOME

and this...

I am a total gypsy when it comes to the wanderlust part. This blog is so wonderful!

And I really, really want this...

man o man, isn't it sooo cool!? I NEED it for winter, don't I? ha. Christmas wish list fur sure.

and I can't stop watching/listening to this...

WOW! The first song especially just makes me melt. Again, I am such a gleek :)

I am also really enjoying my 365 Project

and this face :)

What stuff and things are you really loving these days?

Have a great Saturday everyone!

GLEE!! & Some Other Stuff...

2010-09-09T00:52:00.000-07:00

This week I have been very busy downloading Glee music, getting very excited for the new season to start! Lila is really loving the music and has been dancing every time it comes on. Right now this song is her favorite!

Are you a Gleek? If not you really should be!

Oh yea, I have also been giving my blog a makeover...if you haven't noticed :) Yes, yes, I know, I give my blog makeovers all the time! But, I really think this one might stick because I put a little more time into it. We shall see.

The Simplicity SLR class officially started this week too!

It's going to be so great to learn more about my camera.

Here is my first assignment shot...

We were asked to take a photo of a stuffed animal by a window. Then we were to take two photo's focusing on the aperture...one at f/4 and one at f/11. This is my f/4 shot. I turned in a SOOC shot but for my blog I edited it just a bit... because it is just far too tempting! And I love editing way too much!

I have also been working on my 365 project a lot! And I am so excited that I haven't missed a day yet! The first week is done and I feel like I might actually make it through. Here is one of my shots from this first week...

The other day we had fun as a family playing a variety of "sports" with Lila. She mostly wanted to roll the basketball around and practice taking steps!!! Her dad preferred the football of course :)

Hope you all are having an awesome week!

Shadow Shot Sunday - A Father's Love

2010-09-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes on our evening walks Lila and her daddy hold hands.

Happy Shadow Shot Sunday Everyone!

The Sunday Creative - illuminate

2010-09-04T01:43:00.000-07:00

The Sunday Creative theme for the week is "Illuminate"

Illuminate vb 1: To supply or brighten with light: light up 2: To make clear: to bring to the fore 3: To decorate with designs or pictures in gold or colors

The sun illuminates down on Lila through this rickety old fence.

This causes her to need Mom's shades...

But, it's all good because she loves wearing shades these days :) I think it makes her feel like a big girl.

Time to go now....but don't forget your shades!

Join the fun...

Hope you all have a great holiday weekend!

My 365 Project

2010-09-02T14:19:00.000-07:00

Okay, I am officially doing it! After reading "Life Set To Words" I have been inspired by Maegan and the many others who have joined her in starting their 365 project! I am so excited, I have been wanting to do this for so long now. This is the final kick of inspiration I needed! I really want to be disciplined this year about taking a picture a day and learning as much as I can about the wonderful art of photography. I can't wait to grow and learn daily. I am going to be taking a photo a day and then uploading them to Flickr a few times throughout the week. So, I might not upload them daily, but I will be taking them daily. It is going to be so great to look back in a year and see my collection, and also what a great way to remember the daily activities of the year :)

I started yesterday on the first because I like how that feels. So I will go from

September 1, 2010 - August 31, 2011. Here is my first photo...

I figured why not take a photograph of the two things that will be journeying along with me...camera and Lila. After all, I am sure a good chunk of my photographs will feature her in them :)

So, I am going to be adding this button...

To my sidebar, and it will take you to my project on Flickr if you ever want to have a looksie.

Are you joining or currently working on a 365 project? If so please let me know where I can view your pictures! I want to be able to see what others are doing for their projects too!

Transforming Tuesday - Lila is an Artist!

2010-09-01T04:02:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite blogs/bloggers has just begun a new link up day! You must check out her blog and recent post at The Angela Project. She is such an inspiration with the ways she has been transforming recently! You just have to hear about it for yourself. It's so perfect that she would then start "Transforming Tuesday"! And what a fun way for us all to turn Tuesday into an extraordinary day by celebrating transformation? Check out her blog and join the fun!

For my first Transforming Tuesday, I want to talk about my new role as a mommy. I have been transformed from a single...to married...to mom, all in a few short years! One thing I have come to realize about being a mom is that you have so much influence on this little person.

This is very exciting and also overwhelming! As parents we are given the opportunity to love, teach, inspire and influence the person our child will become one day (or is becoming daily).

Lately I have been trying to take my job as mom more seriously. Not that it has to be all serious, because that's really no fun. But, I have been trying to be more intentional about what we do, how we spend our time, etc. In my attempts to do this I have been trying to find new and fun activites for Lila and I to participate in together.

So, on this transforming Tuesday I did my best to make Lila's day a little more interesting! It is also extremely important to me to introduce Lila to the arts as a baby. I really want to encourage her creativity as much as possible.

So we got out some brushes and a bucket full of water and hit the pavement :) Lila was so excited right away. I took a brush and started making smiley faces and writing her name to see what her reaction might be. She instantly joined in, grabing a brush and swooshing it around on the pavement. Yes, there were times when she was painting with the wrong end, and there were many, many moments where she was bitting on the brushes! But, all in all, she seemed to really enjoy herself!

So on this seemingly ordinary Tuesday, right before my very eyes, my Lila was transformed into an artist!

Ps. that is not paint on my poor little Lila's face, though I wish it were, it is her first boo boo and now scab. She only cried for about 20 seconds though :) She's such a big girl now, almost 10 months! If you are ever bored you can read all about her personal blog :)

Fun Stuff Coming...

2010-08-31T00:36:00.000-07:00

So excited! I officially signed up for Faith's second e-class tonight! I took her first e-class and loved it...so I thought why not take her second course too? I am especially excited for this course, because I have been wanting to get to know my camera for so long now. This class starts on the 6th so it's not too late to join up!

Also, I am very excited to now own Photoshop Elements 8. I have had it for a few weeks and have been intimidated to say the least. To be honest I haven't done too much with it yet, besides uploading some photographs to it. So the other day when I asked for your advice you gave some pretty cool suggestions. One of which was to check out Kim Klassen's e-class. So I did. And now I am signed up for that too! I think it is going to be the perfect class for learning Photoshop! I can't wait to dig in to this class too!

I am hoping to feel more acquainted with my camera and my PSE after both of these classes!

You guys should check both of these courses out and please let me know if you will be participating!

TMMPC - Music

2010-08-30T13:38:00.000-07:00

The "Two Mom's Made a Photo Challenge" theme for this week is Music.

This one is fun for me because Lila LOVES music, which makes mommy very happy! Right now her favorite instrument is the tambourine. She likes to play it almost as much as she likes wearing it on her head! :)

Shadow Shot Sunday - Wall Rainbow

2010-08-29T03:02:00.000-07:00

Saw this shadow upon my wall a few weeks back and have been wanting to share it ever since. My favorite part was the little rainbow that came along with it :) Shadow shots are so much fun!

Join the fun at Hey Harriet!

Simplicity Photo Challenge - Birthday

2010-08-24T00:11:00.000-07:00

The theme for the Simplicity Photo Challenge this week is "Birthday" in honor of Faith's bday! I so wish I had a photo of Lila on one of her birthdays, but since she hasn't had one yet I thought I would use this one of my hubs blowing out his candle on his bday this year! It is also the first birthday cake I have ever made! (I don't really bake) Although it was good practice for me because I really want to make Lila a really cool cake for her first birthday in a few months :) Anyhow, I thought this would be a fun photo to share for this challenge (even though I added film grain to it and really wish I could take it off now but can't find the original, blah)

Join the fun @ Faith's Blog!

ALSO...BIG NEWS! While I was home I finally got Photoshop!!! I am so very excited and also so very lost! I can't wait to dig in...but I am a little overwhelmed on where to begin? Right now I am just trying to transfer over some pics and learn some of the basics! Please help me friends! What should I do first? And where should I go for more info on what to do!? Thanks you for any advise you can give!

Flashback Friday - Notre Dame

2010-08-20T12:35:00.000-07:00

Okay so this flashback doesn't go too far back...just a few weeks ago, but I wanted to share anyway :) While we were home we went to walk around the Notre Dame Campus for like the bazillionth time. In my family, we are all big Notre Dame Football fans. :)

So whenever we are all home together it's almost a must that we go spend a day walking around the campus, it is so beautiful there! One of our stops always includes the duck pond.

The kids really loved looking at the ducks...

or chasing them...

Lila especially enjoyed seeing ducks for the first time!

She just enjoys hanging out with daddy in general :)

My Brother and his whole family even had a few moments where they all got to enjoy (which is rare to find the kiddo's both sitting still for that long)

and the trip wouldn't be complete without visiting touchdown Jesus!

and my favorite statue...its just so beautiful!

it was a great day, and yet another trip to the beautiful Notre Dame Campus!

Join the fun and flashback!

The Sunday Creative - Ethereal

2010-08-19T15:00:00.000-07:00

This weeks theme for The Sunday Creative is "Ethereal" - meaning Celestial, Heavenly, Exceptionally delicate, airy, dainty.

This made me think of my niece Kamryn. The other week while I visited home I got to spend some much needed time with her. She is such a sweet, fun loving little girl. She is also a dainty little thing. She has always been delicate, even when she was a baby. She has a way about her, its almost airy. She is so upbeat and lighthearted...it's almost heavenly :)

Here are a few more fun shots of her playing around in her tutu...

Join the fun at The Sunday Creative!
Can't wait to see what some of you thought of when you heard this word prompt...I'm off to have a looksy! :)

Back Home From Visiting Home

2010-08-18T21:17:00.000-07:00

Well...we are back home (in California) after spending a few weeks "back home" in Indiana. It's strange to feel as though you are home in two different places but it happens every time I return to my hometown. It feels good there...safe, and well, like home. Then when we return to our home here in California, it feels right too!

We had such a wonderful few weeks spending time with family that we don't get to see enough :( And as always, I took A LOT of photo's! So, hopefully I will be able to edit all my favorites at some point this year!

One of my favorite things about being at my parents house is the time we spend outside by the pool. My mom has so many beautiful flowers everywhere and they just make me feel happy. I was lucky enough to be home when my mom's first sunflower bloomed! It was beautiful, like her and all of her flowers.

I really missed blogging and reading blogs while I was gone. But, it was also nice to get a break from technology. It's weird because blogging is good for the soul, but I am finding that time spent away from my computer can be equally refreshing.

Can't wait to spend some time catching up on some blogs this week and I look forward to seeing what some of you have been up to!

Home Sweet Home...

2010-08-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday we flew home to Indiana!

We are going to be home for two weeks and couldn't be more excited for our stay!

So far, we have had so much fun hanging out with my family. Lila got to meet her cousin's (who live in Florida) for the first time...

Kamryn

and Caedon

So far we have had so much fun just hanging out and doing things like playing with bubbles.

Lila also got to see her cousin Selah for a bit yesterday and is excited to spend more time with her starting this weekend.

Not sure how much I will be blogging for the next two weeks? Hoping I will get some time now and then to update and catch up with some of you all! Hope you all are having a great week!

Flashback Friday #4 - Jill

2010-07-30T02:26:00.000-07:00

This Flashback Friday is kinda a flashback on not one event but several. More like a flashback on good times in general. But, more than that...it is also a look at the future. Sound silly? Well let me explain. In the photo above is one of my bestest friends Jill. We met in collage and have been close ever since.

When we are together, there is rarley a dull moment...

Or a serious moment at that! (unless we want one then we can have them too) It's just we tend to like to spend our time laughing...

and causing a menus to society.

Most of the time I am just trying to get her not to make this one eye face for the camera... but eventually I figured, if you can't beat em'...join em!

Ever since we met, she has been a huge part of my life!

We were even in each other's weddings! (haha although this picture is not from either of our weddings)

She was there for me when I was preggo.

And is an "Auntie" to my litttle Miss Lila Mae.

And so I was there for her too!

And yesterday, (Thursday, July 29th @8:15pm) I became an Auntie as well!

To Little Miss Elsie Lee Lehman

I am so happy you are here!

My other bestest friend Vikki is also due in a few months so can't wait to have a flashback on our friendship and a welcome to her little girl Ali!

Have you flahsbacked lately?

Cherry On Top

2010-07-30T01:32:00.000-07:00

The other week the amazing Jamie from Lyrical Journey honored my blog with this fabulous Cherry On Top award! This award is extra cool cause it makes me think of my most favorite little frozen yogurt place called "Cherry on Top" :) Haha, sorry that was random. So as I was saying...The lovely miss Jamie passed on this award to me and it thrilled me to the bone and made my day! Jamie and her lovely blog are always such an inspiration to me. Jamie is always on some type of adventure and you can just tell she has such a passion for life, photography and music (three of my favorite things) If I could, I would pass this award right back to her (but I think that would defeat the purpose :). My point, her and her blog are both a cherry on top for sure...you must check it out if you haven't already! THANK YOU SO MUCH JAIME!

The rules of this decadent award are to:

Thank the person who gave the award to you - done.
Copy the award and put it on your blog - done
List three things about you

i LOVE ice cream
My family and I are getting ready to travel home for a few weeks and I CAN'T WAIT!!
I want to live in and RV someday and travel the land as far as it will allow (with the hubs of course :)

Post a photo that you love

"Lost In A Sea Of Faces"

I took this shot at the Outside Lands Music Festival in San Fransisco back in August 2008. It has stuck with me ever since as one of my favorites. I love this music festival and wasn't able to go last year (for I was extremely preggo). I didn't know this couple but I just really loved the way they were so caught up in their love for one another...Lost in this sea of faces.

Finally, tag five people you want to pass this award on to:

(Okay now, this is the hardest part for me! There are just far to many wonderful blogs out there!) First, I think of Jamie and think I could pass it right back to her cause her blog is Fabulous! Then on top of that she passed the award on to several blogs I also would love to pass it on to....like Home on North Fillmore Street... RMontalban ...and the Urban Muser...All lovely blogs that I frequent OFTEN :) I am sending a re-shout-out to those blogs too because I agree with Jamie! So, a few new blogs...who shall I choose? Here goes...

1. The Angela Project - Such a lovely blogger who is so fun to correspond with and has a wonderful blog full of amazing journals to inspire even a boring journaler such as myself.

2. Cottagee960 - A wonderful photoblog full of beautiful photo's taken buy the lovely miss Maureen. Who is now one of the hosts of "Moral Muses". Check it out to join the fun!

3. One Black Bird- The fabulous Laurie who has been on many inspiring travel adventures this summer! Her blog is full of amazing journals that again put my journal pages to shame and inspire me at the same time!

4. The Paper Mama - This is a must read blog for any mama....even if you are a mama to pets! Chelsey and her mama blog are very inspiring. As I am a new mama, I find this blog and her photo challenges loads of fun! Not to mention she has one of the cutest little babies around

5. Ramblings and Photos - This blog is awesome for the photo lover and photo challenge lover! Ashley is the ultimate photo taker. Her beautiful photo's are inspiring as well as her photo challenge MAD SKILLZ! You must check out her blog for her fun new scavenger hunt photo challenge!

6. Brooke Martin Photography - A lovely new blog with amazing photos! Brooke takes fabulous photo's that are truly beautiful and inspiring. Her blog is also just fun to look at with a killer header!

7. Simplicity - And last but not least! I gotta give snaps to my Simplicity E-class teacher and her lovely blog! After week four of class we now draw near the end and I just know she must be exhausted! She led an amazing class and can't wait till the fall class begins! You must check it out!

Thanks again for passing along this award Jamie!

It's Almost Over!

2010-07-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

The Simplicity E-Class I am taking is almost over! :( The last four weeks have been a blast, but have also gone by so quickly. Here are a few of my most recent assignments.

The other week we were asked to take photo's focusing on a variety of different crop styles. The shot above is my example of a "Close Up" shot. Also, these photo's were supposed to be unedited which is hard for me because I so love editing! But it also felt kinda nice.

This was my photo for "negative space". I really enjoy this style of crop. Although, I wanted to edit that little right side bottom corner out :)

This shot was for the "Rule of Thirds". I also really enjoyed this style of crop. I think shots really are more appealing to the eye when this rule is applied.

For the next shot we were to take a mug and take photo's of it using a checklist we had. The checklist had us paying attention to lighting, focus, cropping, etc. Here was my favorite shot:

The light was a little more harsh than I really wanted it to be. But, it was still my favorite of the bunch. And this is literally the only cute mug I have (my favorite).

Last Sunday we had a fun creative assignment. We were asked to go to a park or a mall or somewhere where we could find little bits of beauty to photograph and then make a collage of our favorite photos from the trip. Here is my collage:

I went to a little beach/shopping town. I enjoyed this project so much. It is always fun to remember that beauty is everywhere just waiting to be captured in a photo!

So far this week we have been focusing on "Perspective". This is by far one of my favorite parts of photography. I just love how different perspectives can change the look of a photograph. We were asked to take photo's from three various perspectives. (Again with not editing- eek!) But I feel like it is good because I try a little harder when taking my shots.

"Straight On"

"From Above"

"From Below"

Now we only have one more assignment left :( It has been such a great class and I feel like I have learned so much already! I still have so much more I want to learn about photography. Which is why I am going to be taking Faith's next class. You should check it out!

Have a great day everyone!