Our big project

We spent a lot of time planning this landscaping project out, it was on our "to-do" list since last fall, but it didn't make sense to work hard and then have to re-do a lot of it in the spring. So today was the big day, we've been working on the details all week and spent a whole day gathering up the plants we had in our plans. Work started at 6:30am this morning and it's finally finished - with enough daylight to take some pictures.

BEFORE










AFTER






I put that box there to cover a long pipe that sticks out of the ground (there's no way to have it placed underground).

Distractions

This morning I got up to find that my kids were already awake and waiting patiently for me to make breakfast. Jared was sitting in his "favorite" chair, it's a place of magical comfort where he has a full view of his fish swimming around in it's bowl. David is insanely jealous of this spot. He has his own chair, but it's no fun because Jared doesn't want it. There's no competition for it. Well this morning was no exception to other mornings, Jared ate his breakfast while David whined loudly that he wanted to take turns and sit in "that spot." I told him he'd have to wait until Jared was done if it was that important. As I turned my back to make my own morning drink, I could see David's face from the corner of my eye. He looked like he was about to spill a bucket of horse tears at any moment. I couldn't help but feel a little bad for him.

Jared finished his breakfast and went to shower while I cleared the "magic spot" of his dishes. I moved David's things over to that spot and tried to move him. He wouldn't budge. He became an instant lump of sadness, tears spilled over and he cried, "I wanted that spot firrrrrst." I tried to comfort him and talk him into taking the spot, but nothing was working. Then a stroke of genius hit me, distractions ALWAYS work. So I said, "David, you can feed your fish now instead of after dinner." He looked up with fresh tears, wiped them away and I could just see those sad eyes begin to light up. I gave him the fish food and he fed his fish. Afterward, he slid over to the "magic spot" and ate his breakfast. Problem solved.

Camera Fun

I went to a local nursery with the local photo club and took photos of flowers, leaves and garden decor. It was a lot of fun for me, I took my old Kodak Duaflex for some through-the-viewfinder shots. This one is my favorites....



My latest photo shoot was for a client I consider to be a "regular." I took her maternity photos, newborn photos and now his 6-month old photos. We had a good time and I enjoyed his gummy smiles! It also turns out that Larry is an excellent assistant, he was able to get this baby to smile at just the right moment.



Ready for work!


It has been nice having Larry home for these past 3 months despite the situation. I will miss him when he goes back to work next Monday. It's interesting that many couples are at each others throats when they spend too much time together, but Larry and I are just the opposite. We have been much happier.

Larry got a job offer!

We are so thrilled that Larry will soon be working for an international company. The offer was great and it's an upgrade in pay. Larry is still jumping up and down right now (literally) and the phone call came about 20 minutes ago. It's a 45 minute commute so we don't have to move. For those who sent prayers and positive thoughts our way, thank you so much, we appreciate it!

Sweet sweet babies

I had a lot of fun with these twins! They were sleepy and perfect, I was able to do whatever I wanted with them. We dressed them up and dressed them down, I put an itchy tutu on the the little girl and put the little boy on a football. They were good sports! I always tell people to bring their newborns in within the first week or two of delivery because they are so easy to work with.

Here are a few of my favorites....

My pretty neice

Kylee turned 8 recently, she and Jared are about 6 weeks apart in age. We went to her birthday party and I got a cute picture of her. The next two pictures are for your viewing pleasure....... or displeasure. WARNING: Make sure you've already eaten, haha.








Well you can't say I didn't warn you.

I can share these now....

I took some photos within the last couple of weeks that I've been dying to share. However, I entered them into a local contest and I don't really know who knows about my blog, it's out there so I had to be careful. It's suppose to be anonymous until the contest has ended and all of the votes are in.

This one took 2nd place for the "Reflections" contest....


These others I considered entering, but didn't (only one entry allowed per contest)





I have more photos for the black and white contest, but the contest hasn't ended officially so I'll have to wait. Here are the photos I didn't enter.....

Something old, something new

I did a wedding with a friend yesterday and she brought a really cool toy. This Kodak Duaflex has a large view finder.


I pointed this antique camera at my subject and then used my digital camera to take a picture of the view finder. What I got was this really neat vintage effect.....







I'm going to be on the prowl for a camera like this to add to my collection because I really enjoyed what I ended up with.

I also got to meet up with my super awesome friends, we had lunch and enjoyed our time together. I miss hanging out with friends, I really need to do that more often.

Idaho Pole Dancer - hilarious!

This made me laugh today.

For Tara

My sister wanted an update and I haven't blogged in awhile so here is the latest. Larry went to a job fair in town and there were more than 1000 people that went in before noon yesterday. It was crazy! I saw the line on the news and it reminded me of pictures I've seen of the Great Depression and the men who would line up for work each day. Larry was waiting in line just to get into the building for about two hours and it was cold outside. He was afraid his resume would get lost in a sea of resumes, but he was able to talk with a person who was in a position to hire for about an hour. He spent time with other people who were also in a position to help him and they were all impressed with his resume. That was precious time considering there were hundreds of people swarming around this convention room. He was very grateful and he felt good about the day.

Even though we didn't do anything special for spring break, the boys enjoyed having more time at home with their dad. Today I thought it was time to update our family portraits so I pulled out the camera to play.

It is evident in his face that Jared really loves being alive. We love his energy and spirit!




David was not in the mood for pictures, but I managed to pull a little smile out of him. Even without a smile, he is so expressive!





Larry was mostly just messing around with poses, but I did something funny and got a real smile out of him.



And of course, there's me. Larry took this photo. I am never really comfortable on this side of the camera, I feel much better as a photographer than the model.



Last week, Larry and I went on a night shoot with the local photo club which I am a member of. It was raining and only a handful of people showed up. Everyone else decided to scrap the evening, but I didn't drive all that way to go home empty handed so I went shooting anyway. The nearby bridge normally has lights that come on and they didn't for some reason. However, I found a boat dock nearby and took a few shots there. Larry held the umbrella over my camera while I had my fun (what a sweetheart!). We both enjoyed the evening out.