Foto Friday ~ Some "Rain Rain Go Away" Inspiriation

It is essential to our well-being, and to our lives, that we play and enjoy life. Every single day do something that makes your heart sing. - Marcia Wieder

Since love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul.
- Saint Augustine

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. – Helen Keller

Risk-taking, trust and serendipity are key ingredients of joy... -- Rita Golden Gelman

If a little dreaming is dangerous, the cure for it is not to dream less but to dream more, to dream all the time. – Marcel Proust

Quote-eful, Thought-ful, Foto-ful Friday

“Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be.” ~ Karen Ravn

That quote makes me think of these pictures:






I have my last wedding of the entire year, before my bff's wedding in Sept. I'm kind of nervous. I'm not usually nervous, but I am. It's my cousin's wedding and I want her pictures to be perfect. I want the pictures to be perfect every time, but I just want to end my wedding year on a bang. A good bang.

My hubby and kids will be there and I think that makes me especially nervous. Well, not so much nervous, but anxious. I have to not only pack an overnight bag for myself, but the kids, too, and then also pack up all my photography equipment, etc. I had a dream last night that I forgot some of the most important things. The battery for my camera and I only brought one memory card. Not that I could use that memory card because without the battery, I can't even turn on the camera to take a picture. Hopefully that's just my conscience reminding me not to forget those 2 very critical things!

It's going to be a quick trip down to southern Illinois. I wish we had more time to really enjoy the trip. It's where Neil and I went to college and we haven't been back there for years, and it's one of our very favorite places in the world. It's nothing extra super fabulous, but it's where we spent lots of time together every day, experiencing parts of life that would mold us for the rest of our lives. I loved college. I think he did, too.

The neat thing is, one of my college classmates, also a graphic design major, will be second-shooting the wedding with me. I haven't seen Patty for a couple years now. She just graduated last year with her Master's in photography. So this will be a fun experience for both of us. I'm really looking forward to seeing her and what she might teach me. (She's completely opposite from me in how and what she shoots. She's very abstract and modern, so I hope some cool things that she does will rub off on me. I'm always up for learning new photography tricks, skills and poses.)

“Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be.” ~ Karen Ravn

I need to post-it note that on my camera bag :)

Happy weekend, my friends!

Foto Friday ~ "Ready, Set, Jump!"

Today I . . .

. . . woke up earlier than usual and actually had time to sit down with a cup of coffee before taking Noah to school.

. . . stayed at Noah's school today for two hours shooting pictures of he and all his schoolmates. It was really fun. I love watching children of all ages learn.

. . . watched Maia be a big girl and play on the play equipment with all the "big kids". She doesn't need me so much anymore. It's hard for me, but I'm happy for her making a stride in independence.

. . . took the kids to the library and saw Noah and Maia sit down at the table and read to each other. Talk about a tug at my heart!

. . . leave shortly to step foot in mom and dad's new house! They close on their house in just a little over an hour. I'm so so so excited for them. Now I pray they can sell their old house. Will you pray, too? The market just is not good right now.

. . . ask you to pray for a friend's loss. She had a miscarriage at 12 weeks a few months go. Then not long ago she found out she had a viable pregnancy (with a heartbeat and sac!) and today at her ultrasound she found out the baby died. I know what she is going through and I know that the only thing that will carry her through are prayers. Please pray.

. . . have to go to the store to buy a new belt for my vacuum (I can't go a day without vacuuming and already it's driving me crazy being unable to and it's not even been 18 hours!) and also Oreos for friends, Beth and Rodrigo. Tomorrow I shoot their maternity photos and Beth is craving Oreos. I thought I'd be nice :c)

. . . leave you with a picture for Foto Friday. Noah's all ready for the weekend. Are you?

Foto Friday ~ Reasons to be Happy

Cupcakes.

And just getting to be outside.

Foto Friday ~ in Oklahoma

Foto Friday ~ part II ~ 1st day of Pre-school

Today went really really well. For Noah, anyway. I probably acted like I did very well, but my insides were turning. I was still so nervous as I left the school and as I was stepping down the steps leaving, I so badly felt the need to cry, but parents were still trickling in, and I couldn't look like a total wuss. So, I took a deep breath, and Maia and I headed on to the grocery store, just the two of us.

Noah went straight into the gym, where all the other kids were, and where they meet every moring before school. He just stood and observed, because that's his nature with everything. Then he stood in the circle with the others while they sang a song, said a prayer and recited the Pledge. His teacher, Mrs. A, then told them to all line up, and guess what? They all did, including my boy. He didn't even turn around to give me a kiss, say goodbye or even wave. Boy that was heartbreaking, but I know he didn't even think twice about those things because he was just that excited.

So I'm thankful that this is how it went this morning. I'm thankful that he fit in right away, that he couldn't wait to learn, that he started talking with the kids right away. And when I came to get him, he didn't want to leave. I'd say that's a really good sign. He gave his teacher a hug and off he went with me. My boy is growing up. I'm so thankful to be seeing this day with my son, but wow, is it ever bittersweet.

Picture time!!

First of all, on Tuesday, Noah received a package from his Uncle Brad, Aunt Michelle and cousin Ella. He was thrilled silly to get it. What was the surprise? A pencil pouch filled with stickers and paper and pens. Even a pad of paper for Maia. They both had a great time with their goodies (thanks, Aunt Chel and Uncle Brad!)(click on me to see pictures bigger)

Then that evening, we had a picnic gathering with the rest of the kids in Noah's school, their parents and the teachers. Afterwards, we all went over to the school, we got to see Noah's room, meet the other kids and parents and get to know the classroom a bit better. We had a great time, especially Mr. Ready-to-Learn!

Here are some pictures from the picnic and his classroom.

Then today. We all know how today went. And here is my very happy, very excited boy on his first day of pre-school. A moment that is stamped in his mommy's heart forever. (click on me to see pictures bigger)

Foto Friday ~ Neil's journey to Germany

www.flickr.com

Click on this picture badge above to see all of Neil's pictures. And if you take a peak, be so kind and leave a blab . . . he would appreciate it! :c)

I dedicate my Foto Friday . . . to Johanna

I am so proud of Johanna. So proud! Molly, too!!! She and Molly walked the 3-Day Breast Cancer walk in Chicago last weekend in the 100-degree heat for THREE DAYS all for Breast Cancer Awareness and those souls we've lost due to breast cancer. She was walking for my grandma Libby and thousands more. I couldn't be more proud of this chica! She has inspired me to want to do the walk next summer. Michelle said she might join me. If these pictures don't inspire you to walk or at least CHECK THOSE BOOBIES, I'm not sure what will!

This is Jo and Molly - you go girls!!
Jo's dad, mom and hubby, Jason, who is also one of my hubby's dearest friends/cousins! (Hey Jas, see ya soon, hopefully!)





Jason and their baby, Norah, cheering on Jo and Molly at the day 2 stop/cheering area (am I right, Jo?)






Great job, Jo & Molly! I wish we had been there at your celebration party! But know that I was thinking of you guys all weekend long! I so hope I can do it with you next year! You are an inspiration!!!! Love you, girl, and THANK YOU!

Foto Friday (and I need your expertise!)

So this probably will not be a photo that you find enjoyable or soothing to the eyes, but I need your help.

The previous color of the walls in our new kitchen was a mustard yellow. I painted it a butter yellow. But as you see in the pictures, there were some troubles. And this problem area still sits unfinished because we aren't sure what to do.

There is a clear caulking that runs along the backsplash wall and the countertop. It's impossible to paint over. You are probably wondering why I would paint over it, and my answer is, because you can see through that clear caulking to the (what I think is ugly) mustard yellow. It's not a nice site to see my nice fresh butter yellow and then the mustard yellow along the edges because it makes my painting look incredibly sloppy and just . . . ewww.

I tried painting over it. The caulking absolutely resists the paint. I tried painting over it 3 times and it then began to take to the paint a little bit. But when I took the painter's tape off, it pulled up the paint along the edges because the paint was just not taking to that caulking like I thought it was. And now it looks terrible.

I got so frustrated with the darn thing that I just said screw it and I just pulled the tape off in a rage of frustration because I was tired of looking at the tape. Now I'm tired of looking at, what appears to be, a really crappy paint job. And if you know me, I'm very articulate when it comes to my painting. I'd call it a compliment if you called me anal with my painting.

So what can I do? We bought a scraper, but I'm scared to do it. I am afraid I'm going to ruin the bead board (which I so love). Anyone have any idea at all? If you can help me solve this problem, you'll be my new BFF.

See what I mean??

Foto Friday ~ 8 years ago

Holy cow . . . 8 years ago I graduated from college! Actually, both Neil and I did, from the same great school. Hearing about so many people graduating . . . kids "graduating" to kindergarten, junior high, etc., has made me think about my last graduation. Maybe also, however, because I had the wackiest dream last night. I dreamed that I was back in school and suddenly decided to stop going to half my classes because they just didn't interest me. At the end of the year, I realized that I was going to fail every class and I freaked! (Duh!)

So here's my Foto Friday . . . some fun memories of college and then the actual graduation day . . .

(The clarity and quality of these photos aren't so good after they've been scanned and transferred over and over from computer to disk to computer . . .)


There's nothing quite like your college days . . . I really miss it sometimes . . .

Foto Friday (with thanks)

Thanks, everyone, for your smiles, hugs and thoughts of concern. I'm ok, just overwhelmed with home life and work life. It's all working out. I will update one day . . .

As far as Foto Friday, this is one of my favorite recent pics. I also put it up at my VWC blog because she deserves to be recognized.

This is Heather and I at my last wedding. (Re-reading this, it makes it sound like I get married all the time, doesn't it?! ha!) She is the bestest assistant ever, and the bestest friend. She really is amazing, and isn't she cute?! :c)

Happy Memorial Day weekend. Hope it's splenid for everyone.

Foto Friday

I can't believe it's Friday again already. What a week it's been. Yesterday my internet was out - how frustrating! I'm ready for a vacation, to sell this house, for everyone to be healthy, for something?! Hoping this weekend will be a good one. I hope it is for you, too. (We are showing the house tonight - send a prayer up for us please?! We haven't shown it for over 2 weeks!) Here are some pics from a few weeks ago. Thought I'd share. Hope they start your weekend out on a happy note. They do me. :c)

Foto Friday (with thoughts)

I don't really have a lot to say today . . . nothing too important, anyway. Not that what I say is ever that important, hehe, but you know what I mean ;c)

I do have this cute picture of Noah that I took when we were in Chicago. I thought it would be a fun one to share today on Foto Friday. Isn't he a goof ball? Noah is finally -- finally! -- letting me take pictures of him. He will pose for me even, which he is trying to do here, but by being the goof ball he is . . . like mother like son, eh?



Wait, I guess I did want to say a couple little things.

One, I don't if you're all up-to-date, and I hope you are because you've been praying and keeping informed by visiting her blog, however, if not, the news is that my mommy-blogging friend, Heather, made it out of surgery! Her best friend and husband have been posting updates at her blog. My mouth dropped open when I read that the doctors took out a tumor the length of a dollar bill and she is surviving. If that is not a miracle, I'm not sure what is. What a blessing.

As for our (potentially) very minor set-back in Maia's life, her appointment with the orthopedic doc is June 15th. I hope it's all fine and dandy so I can celebrate at the wedding I am photographing on the 16th! The couple are some friends of ours, so I'm invited (and Neil!) as a guest, too. I'm looking forward to it. Being a guest at a wedding is always fun and being both a guest and photographer is just . . . special! I know it will be a great time.

Speaking of Maia, thanks to everyone for responding to my post about her "problem". I appreciate all the caring thoughts. And, Anissa, I need to talk to you about H!

This morning I worked out at my mom's at a garage sale that we had at her house. We did pretty well despite the pouring rain. I'm always amazed at the people who "garage sale", like it's an athletic competition, because they are always there rain or shine. I am hoping tomorrow will be more successful without so much of the wet stuff because I really want to get rid of more baby things!

As for those baby things, I almost cried yesterday looking at all the things I was selling. Every single thing we've ever had for the kids and no longer use, we are selling. And you know what made me the most sad? Seeing the baby bath tub sitting there. Man, I'm a wuss. I guess because I can so vividly see both Noah and Maia in that bath tub taking their first baths.

But that's just it. I'm not so sad about selling those things because that's what they are -- just things. I think it's the memories (no I know it's the memories) that make getting rid of things like that bittersweet. But having those things sit in the basement never to be used or seen again don't make the memories last.

And then I remember, after almost completely losing it over a silly bath tub, that it's the pictures I take with my camera, especially the memories that I hold in my heart, that stay with me forever. And then I smile.

Hope you all have a great weekend! I'm looking forward to mine. Garage sale tomorrow, hopefully money in my pocket come Saturday afternoon, a children's shoot on Sunday, and then relaxation the rest of the weekend. Love and God bless you all.

P.S. My follow-up post to the photo storage has not happened yet, I know. It will, it will. Promise.

Foto Friday

We had the great chance this past week to take quite a few walks on our block and admire the beauty of spring emerging all around us. The house on the top left is ours. (It's for sale if anyone is interested?!)

Last night I got up around 1:00 to get my daughter a drink of juice and this is what I found in the hallway. Usually he doesn't fall asleep (he does this quite often) but he was out cold, so I left him there so I could get some sleep. Otherwise I risked the chance of waking him and then him being up for an hour . . . or two . . . or three.
A couple days ago I got our the chalk and the kids did their magic on the sidewalks. I think Noah just loves having someone to do things like this with.
Then last night after I gave them their baths, Maia refused to get dried off, then grabbed Noah's potty seat, took it into the living room and sat down! I hope this is a start of a beautiful potty thing!
And today my friend, Heather, is moving, so I'm watching her doggie, Syd. The kids loooooove him and I think Syd is pretty fond (sometimes) of them also. In this picture Maia thought she'd share her puzzle with him. He likes sitting at the door hoping his mommy will be home soon to rescue him.

Happy weekend everyone!