Alice's Photo Wonderland

The writing on the wall....

2012-01-15T21:16:00.000-06:00

I guess some days I was a better mother than others.... We are preparing to redo the flooring in Emma's room and emptying it completely out. This is what I found in her closet wall. I don't even know which one did this. Time outs all around!!

Wizard Wisdoms....

2012-01-09T20:14:00.000-06:00

The room is almost done. There are a couple steps left but overall it's about done.

I just applied one of those wall decals. It was a custom one I had made. I really liked the quote and felt a special affinity due to Lauren's upbringing with the Harry Potter books. I didn't even know if it was going to work. I put it on a textured wall and those decals specifically advise to apply to a smooth place. I will likely use a wall decal in the future. I learned some lessons with this application though about sizing. Done again, I would have gone BIGGER!!!!

Three = Imagination

2012-01-08T19:03:00.000-06:00

I can't believe she is three. Here's her cake and cuppycakes she made.

We gave the kids plain cupcakes with paintbrushes and several colors of icing gel on a plate and various choices of sprinkles. They got to 'paint' their own cupcakes. This went over well. I anticipated the kids spending time painting their tongues with the icing paint which they did do.

Three is good. Really. She is so imaginative and has some wonderful conversations with her dollhouse figures. She is much more communicative and understands when you explain things. She is starting to be able to reason things through. This is all very good stuff. Very good.

On the other hand, the weekend was once again too short.

Losing it....

2012-01-08T00:34:00.000-06:00

I know practice makes perfect but heavens sometimes I think I'm losing it.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMM.......Cake

2012-01-07T22:22:00.000-06:00

Is it wrong to make a three year old child make her own birthday cake?? Actually she made cake and cupcakes. She did so good and really enjoyed it. And what's the best thing about cake--a little one with the beaters.

Battery low...

2012-01-05T22:33:00.000-06:00

Probably one of the worst things to hear when your only halfway through your walk.

I was in the midst of Jimmy Buffett--- Ok now everybody sing!! You know you wanna

"That's why I wish I had a pencil thin mustache
The boston blackie kind
Two tone Ricky Ricardo Jacket
and an autograph picture of Andy Devine"

and lets not forget---" Bryll Cream, a little dabll do yah- Oh I could do some cruisin too"

Nice thing today though, driving to work and I notice my jacket smells of bonfire. I love that smell.

Fresh Starts....

2012-01-04T21:52:00.001-06:00

Today felt good.

I had a full day at work. Because of the newness of this job the days go by so very quickly.

After work Tom took us to dinner to welcome his mom into town. I felt good about that as well. Not only did I not have to cook or clean up after...but I also made good food choices. Afterwards It was time to take a walk. It was nippy out and my shins have been sore (we'll talk about my need for new tennis shoes later) But I went anyways. A nice brisk walk with a wonderful friend and good conversation. It feels so good when your done and your skin is tingly and your muscles feel rewarded for doing the right thing.

So, here is to a fresh start to a fresh new year. But not quite---I still have to wrap up photos from last year before I will feel fresh enough to move forward. Hopefully I can get that headed in the right direction before the weekend is out....In the meantime this photo is long overdue.

Christmas crafts...

2012-01-03T20:05:00.003-06:00

Emma is gonna be crafty. She will do one project after another after another. It's her favorite thing, to paint and glue and make things. Some crafts are tastier than others. (by the way, I got this quick craft off Pintrest as well!!)

Map to my heart....

2012-01-02T19:37:00.001-06:00

Funny story. I had made the pictures shown for the guest room. The frames were really nice and on sale incredibly cheap (already pre-matted) and the road map was 5.00 at Half Price Books. I just got some nice scrap book paper to go under the map hearts and that was it. One is Dallas, one of hometown Fredericksburg and the other Pittsburgh.

After I used it I then took the road atlas to work with me. In the job I do I actually review a lot of estimates for very rural areas of Wyoming and the Dakotas as well as other places and I had hoped the maps would come in handy.

Also, know that the office I work in now is very secluded from the rest of the building and you actually have to have a special pass card clearance to get in. I don't think the special clearance is cause we are doing anything highly secretive or specialized, I just think it happens that section of the building used to be the old human resources department and they do have super special secret files.

Last week an executive comes walking through the area however, I think he had security allow him in. I remember this guy from Virginia from about 15 years ago and I know this guy is somebody. I ask him if I can help him with something and he says he is checking to see if anyone there has a road atlas. Really.

Why yes, I have a road atlas which I promptly bring out. (Alice the Hero) I explain he is welcome to the Atlas and It should serve him well unless he needs Fredericksburg, Dallas or Pittsburgh. He looks at me very strange and says that he precisely needs Fredericksburg and Pittsburgh and I'm pretty sure he thinks I'm kidding. I repeatedly explain to him I used those pages for a project and he can't fathom why I would cut out the two pages he needs. I explain again that the road atlas was my personal purchase in case he thinks I'm destroying company property. This gets awkward. I know that look he's giving me and it implies I'm some kind of kook. He checks the pages repeatedly to make sure they aren't hiding somewhere. I finally google the maps he needs and print them off and send him off on his way., Ironic huh?? Gimme a break--it's only day two of blogging--you gotta give me time to warm up here.

As you can see though, I totally stole this map idea off my new favorite site PINTREST . I actually have a lot of ideas that will be coming to fruition from Pintrest. The guest room isn't done yet but it's close. It needs the shelving unit I want and tchotchke's to fill it. (Did you know how to spell it??)

Welcome 2012....

2012-01-01T21:12:00.000-06:00

The normal thing to do at this time would be to contemplate the past year.

It was such an amazing year. The time spun out of control and so much happened but as always there was not enough time for everything I wanted to accomplish.

SO, Luckily for me I have 2012 to try and meet some added goals. With the heavy training I did for my new job I really lost control of a lot of things . I wanted this new position so much and I valued the training I would receive so was willing to sacrifice some things to make it happen. Three months of making this job my number one priority. So, here I am. I'm trained and am doing the job I worked so hard for. It was worth it. I love the job. I am so happy with the decision to do this, and it's quite possibly one of the best choices I've ever made. (pretty big statement huh) But I am just recovering from the draining effect it all had on me. I'm still too raw mentally to effectively analyze this past year.

I'm just not ready to look too deeply at it all. At myself. At where I stand now and where I'm heading with myself. Some basics I know I want to gain control of again are the weight and fitness, this blog, and the photography. I'm gonna have to go slowly on juggling and balancing all these pieces of myself.

For now, I'll start with the weight and fitness and with this blog. I'll add to that later. I don't know where this blog is going but we shall see. My camera has been quite quiet as of late so we'll see.

I do however, wish you all a happy and blessed new year.

Remember me????

2011-11-27T16:15:00.000-06:00

I actually had trouble remembering my signon and password for this thing. I have months worth of blogposts to read. I have mental stuff to purge and photos to post so hopefully I'll be around for a bit and won't disappear again. (at least not for a while)

First thing I'll mention is the new job since that is what has taken me away from this blog.

I spent several weeks in Texas 'pre' training and then I was sent to Virginia for more intense training. Intense is the kind word for it. Long days of studying. Then more studying and more studying. Day after day after day. It was a relentless process.

I have been in stressful situations before, I've worked hard before. I just don't know that I've been in situations like this for this length of time however. This was a never ending month. If I really had comprehended what I was going to experience-- would I have trusted myself to make it through. I suspect not. In this case it's best that I went into it blind.

Somehow, this ole gal made it through. I know about cars now. I know a lot about cars. Lots and lots.

I still have several weeks of training left here in Texas but hopefully it will be at a more manageable pace for this old brain.

The upside to the trip out east?? Autumn.

I got to see Autumn in the east coast. A lot of years since I'd experienced that. The air was crisp and the sky was blue and the colors were amazing. I got to see family and friends on the weekends and took myself on up to Pittsburgh one weekend and saw Lauren.

Ultimately it was worth it.

Cha- Cha- Cha- Changes

2011-10-01T15:38:00.000-05:00

So, these photos are specifically for Lauren. I told her we would keep her updated on the Home remodel projects as they take place. As of now our study has been emptied and the carpet and baseboards have been torn up. Tom thinks that jacked up gold trim ceiling fan is going to stay there--but it's not.

I promised you I'd dish out all that's been going on so I'll try to give a feel for how things are going here. Firstly, Lauren is in college and we all survived the transition. I think each one of us knew what our boundaries and sensitivities were and are regarding this but overall it's gone wonderfully.

Lauren is very happy at college. Busy and having a wonderful time. Meeting people and I suspect finding her own brand of trouble. As it should be. Sometimes I miss just sitting straightening her hair or goofing on people with her. Skype is wonderful--but it's not the same.

Tom is umping and helping to coach Lauren's High School Fall ball team so he as well, is keeping busy. It's different not having Lauren to focus on when it comes to his softball, but he is truly enjoying the "no pants required" attitude of our new household. I think he also enjoys the casual attitude of our days. If we want to go somewhere we do. If we don't want to- we don't. (work excluded of course).

The home remodel projects?? Well, I think he is enjoying that aspect as well. Again, it is at our own pace really. The goal is to have this guest room relatively done by Christmas for Lauren's visit, but that's a pretty stressfree pace. I suspect the room won't fully be finished at that point. Of course the flooring and paint will be done but then there is bedding, wall decor, knick knacks and just the couple peices of furniture that will go into the room. All those items will be lovingly accumulated by me and I'm not gonna rush that just to say it's 'finished'. It is the room that Lauren will stay in when she comes home since her room has been gutted. (Eventually Lauren's former room will be the Man Cave but for now it's just the place holding spare furniture and boxes for storage.) This new room will NOT BE "Lauren's room". It will be the guest room. I hope she likes it and I really want it to be nice for her when she comes--but it won't be her room. It will be made up to my tastes and desires.

I think that's a step in the right direction. I've been making strides to a guilt free me. I don't feel bad that Lauren has no room in this house---reality is she won't be coming back for good. I don't think she will ever be here on a permanent basis again. Oh heavens, if she did then we would move heaven and earth and certainly furniture to accomodate her but ----she won't be back to live. Why would I leave all this space unused for 4 or more years just in case??? Silly.

Let's see what else. I got the job I wanted at Geico. Really excited about this. I'm going to be an Auto Damage Adjuster. I waited till Lauren had graduated to pursue this because the 12 weeks of training is pretty aggressive and requires travel. The day before we left to take Lauren to college the jobpost came out for it. Talk about amazing timing!! I really hadn't anticipated seeing this job opportunity for anywhere up to 6 months after Lauren left. The interview process was pretty long. Some parts were pretty nerve wracking and some parts really reassured me this would be a good fit for me. After several weeks of various steps the job offer came about. Monday will be day 1 of that new venture.

Health and Fitness front.....as I mentioned I had great big fat lardy backslide on that the first half of the year. I'm back pounding the pavement walking however and moving in the right direction. Although I've been really diligent about the walking and eating habits the process is so much slower this time. I suspect last time I had greater weight loss initially because I had really been so inactive before then. This go around I'm healthier so I suspect I'm not shocking my body so much. Oh well, I will persist.

I'm sorry about my lack of posts. But then again, It's the new guilt free me and I'm doing what I want so maybe I'll post, and maybe I won't.

Happy Buggy Day

2011-09-29T19:27:00.000-05:00

I know I've been gone for too long. I have things to say and I'm hoping to sit and spill this weekend, but for now here's a couple pics from sweet girls birthday. Her clever mama went to mymysteryparty.com and put together a great party for 18 ten year olds. Everyone played along and dressed the part which made it so much fun. Now I guess all these kids have halloween costumes ready!!.

Bipolar

2011-09-06T22:14:00.002-05:00

This toddler runs the gamut of emotions....I told you I'd show you something pretty of Emma.

Terrible 2's...

2011-09-05T08:35:00.002-05:00

Sometimes you just have to laugh....however, the some mall patrons did look at me as if I was an ogre as I calmly sat and photographed this scene playing out. It's not all smiles and giggles.

Don't be sad. I got some lovely shots of her I'll post later this week. In the meantime. Have a wonderful Labor Day. (we finally got respite here in Texas and are going to have a gorgeous day without temps varying anywhere from MidSun to Full On Hell)

Whirligig

2011-09-04T14:44:00.001-05:00

The public library has this new art display outside. I really liked it a lot. I can't help wondering how much in tax dollars it cost however.

Repeat Performance

2011-09-03T15:05:00.002-05:00

We went to the library today. First time Emma would experience "story time". I am a pro when it comes to 'storytime'. Oh the many times I drove children to this library. Made our way to the childrens library. The back corner where the walls are shaped like a castle and entered the door shaped like a drawbridge. Emma was not interested in sitting down with the other children and decided to take to the back of the room with me. Miss Library Lady picked up a book and Emma immediately was entranced. She didn't need to be asked twice to move to the magic carpet (the same magic carpet which I've seen so many times before). Front and center. Totally immersed and totally engrossed. She loved every story and every song and every activity. She got a little antsy and roly poly but overall it was a successful time. Library time, feeding the ducks followed by yogurt and grapes and naptime. All so very de ja vu.

Bathroom Wisdom

2011-09-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

Not a great shot but I learned how to take this shot and download it off my phone. I spotted this printed frame in the bathroom of a reststop and I didn't know how I felt about it. I just grabbed a quick shot with my cell phone. Can you imagine me going to the car and reentering the restroom with my large camera??? I just don't think the folks in Tennessee would quite understand. It would have made this particular post much funnier though I guess. I did find the actual print online but then again it would change the nature of this particular post huh??

Watch my thoughts and watch my words--that just seems very difficult to me. In concept I would like to be a kinder and gentler Alice but I think I'll probably continue to be the sarcastic and bitchy Alice that seems to be me. I think the important people (important to me), like me the way I am. I make them laugh. I definitely make "ME" laugh.

Actions becoming habits. I think that is a large one for me right now. I read once you repeated the same action 18 to 254 days (averaging 66 days), you have developed a long term habit. Well, since I fell terribly off the healthy eating and working out wagon--I've jumped back on. I hope to be diligent and develop that habit. I'm hoping it's like me quitting smoking--I had to quit that several times but I did finally beat it. So here is to day 4 of healthy eating and working out.

Character and Destiny. Seems pretty big right now. I'm just trying to get through the next couple months trying to get used to being an empty nester and trying to be diligent about breaking my skittles habit!

Tea Time...

2011-08-30T07:01:00.000-05:00

My girls have always had braids in their hair. Emma's hair is finally past that baby stage and is accepting braids that won't fall out in 3 minutes.

Her new favorite thing is playing tea party. Everybody gets tea and everybody must play.

The gift...

2011-08-29T06:50:00.000-05:00

I wanted to leave her with something. Not so much a present as perhaps 'a gesture'. An acknowleging and recognizing of what was happening. This new step she was taking. Actually, the steps we all were taking.

We were just going to be too busy to deal with going to get her a tattoo and that probably is best to be left for her own devices.(another story another day maybe?). So this had to be something different. Unlike a traditional gift where a recipient opens it in front of the giver---I think this was important to be done on her own so the directions for the gift included that this be private for the 3 girls.

It started with the thought of glasses and non-alch champagne for the girls to raise a toast. Well, it grew and grew as ideas do.

Initially I was on the lookout for her college colors. Green and Gold. But I went to the craft store and this beautiful box jumped out at me (on sale- so much on sale it was close to free!!!) Obviously some things are meant to be. It had more of an adult feel to it which I also thought was important for this so I stayed away from the typical neons or cliche animal prints that are out right now. I made the flag banner on the top of the box and put each girls initial on it. So then I started spending time collecting items for in the box. As you can see we have snacky stuff, a room diffuser smelly thingy and electric candles (they are not allowed to have anything that burns in their room so real candles were out of the question). The box filled up quicker than I thought so I had to move onto the bag.

The bag I decorated with some vintage feeling scrapbook papers. I also used the papers to make a bunch of origami envelopes and mini boxes. Inside the boxes were little directions for things the girls should do. I won't go into details but it was very "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" (which it was suggested I should get for the box--I just ran out of time and room!!) I added a scroll which they should read first for the directions for the gift and ta-da.....it was finished.

I was told they were up till 3 am dissecting the box and following all the tasks and they loved every minute. Mom Success Acheived.

Car-B-Que

2011-08-28T08:03:00.000-05:00

I'll wrap up some of my driving pics here.

Welcome home....

2011-08-27T23:43:00.000-05:00

The Pennsylvania sign is not my shot. When we arrived it was way too dark to be dealing with the camera. The other shots are on my way home. So why doesn't Texas have a sign?? Oh well, there is no mistaking where you are when you get here. The bridges in Texas always make it clear.

All Roads lead Home....

2011-08-27T07:55:00.000-05:00

I don't know if that is necessarily an accurate quote but I'm hoping our path gets us home quickly today. I'm absolutely sick of bein in a car. I just want to be home and do laundry.

Well, my first rejection from my daughter happened last night. Wasn't able to skype because they were having such 'late night activities'. As it should be.....

From our drive yesterday....

Homeward bound...

2011-08-26T04:42:00.000-05:00

This morning we will leave Pittsburgh. I hope this city is good to her, she really deserves it.

"The" Room....

2011-08-25T22:16:00.001-05:00

I know a lot of family and friends want to see the space where Lauren is staying. The photos aren't very good but I think you can get an idea of what it looks like. I was pretty exhausted by the time we took these shots and there was still a bit of 'organizing' going on.

Three girls share the space and it's actually not cramped in there at all. We lined up the three dressers to seperate the room into two areas. One with their beds and one with their desks and such. The bathroom must be from 1923 so I didn't bother to take a photo of it.

She is on the bottom half of the bunk beds and to the left of her wardrobe closet is a single bed for another girl. Notice the Superwoman cape in her wardrobe??

We put sheers around the bedding which she can drop for a little privacy if she choses and has some fairy lights in there as well as a reading light and a personal fan.

The wardrobe is one of those metal cosets. Pretty old and beat up but will work for what she needs. The dressers actually fit a lot of her clothes and lined up the way they are the girls can put posters on the back side of the dressers facing their desks.

Tom and I are very excited for this opportunity she is getting. Neither one of us ever had a traditional college experience. For a while I shook my head wondering how she was going to do in this environment, however, after settling her in today I suspect she will be just fine.

Roadworthy News??

2011-08-25T05:47:00.003-05:00

I was quite tired on my last blogpost so I didn't download the odd n end photos from yesterday. I'll put them up now. It's storming here today so I think Move In will really really really suck.

Things to remember on the way back to Texas--

I40 in Tennessee has police every two miles. It was crazy.

Make Tom stop at either the Corvette Hall of fame or the Dinosaur Park. I'm guessing neither will happen and he will instead want to 'make time' and get home in 12 hours. (I hope we don't get a ticket on i40)

Try to get you a picture of the sign I saw "Used Cows for Sale"---Kentucky, please explain this to me.

Lauren introduced me to Soundhound when we were having a debate as to wether we were listening to Neil Diamond or not. . It's a phone app which is amazing. You hold the phone up and let it hear a song that is playing on the radio or whatever or even that your humming and the app will tell you all of the info on the song. The song, the artist, etc. It even scrolls the lyrics as the song is playing so it's a virtual karaoke machine in your pocket. This phone app makes me consider a smart phone being in my future.

We were a couple cars back when this happened. People do not understand the braking limitations of a semi truck.

This is actually a Radison hotel in Cincinnati. Just made me hum the Jetsons song...."Jane his wife..."

Shaken not stirred.....

2011-08-24T22:59:00.000-05:00

So, as I gather all the family and friends in Virginia were fine after the earthquake. Shocked but quite alright.

Years ago when Geico built their building in Fredericksburg the floors felt really funny. They have 'floating' floors. I was told it was for earthquakes. I thought it was ridiculous but was told then that the area was actually right near a fault line. I still thought it was ridiculous. I guess I was wrong.

We've made it to Pittsburgh and look forward to getting her moved in tomorrow. It was a long day of driving.

Day One.....

2011-08-24T00:38:00.001-05:00

Oh to sleep all day and tumble all night.

This sign was in Texas and Tom and I got a tickle out of it. I suspect the sign will be a bit heartbreaking on the drive back home.

I don't know what this wetness stuff was on our windshield. This was in Arkansas, obviously we have nothing like this in Texas.

Did you see the headlines on her wedding???? American Princess....Really??

This stuff was piled up on the back of a semi. I just thought it looked cool.

Day one in the car and we ended up in Tennessee.

Farewell Texas.....

2011-08-23T10:44:00.000-05:00

Today we leave.

Tom and I will staighten out the debris strewn room when we get back but apparently anything of 'importance' has been put in to our trailer.

Two slow days in a vehicle and then I suspect it will be a mad dash whirlwind. I've already had requests NOT to post photos of Tom crying like a girl. Since I am the keeper of the camera we all know what side of the lens I will be on.

This postcard photo I took from Postsecret.com . I suspect most folks are familiar with it, but if not you should check this out.

Time to execute....

2011-08-21T12:00:00.000-05:00

It's no longer just a concept or an impending date. It's here. College is going to happen. We got the trailer already and it's ready to be loaded. We'll leave on Tuesday and between the trip there and back will be spending many more hours driving than I care for, but it must be done.

I've been gone for a while but I hope to be more active on here when we return from Pittsburgh. I have a lot to share.

In the meantime, go visit a new blogger at http://www.uscexperience.blogspot.com/ . She is a little girl that I've known for over a dozen years. I am really impressed with her take on things and have quickly become engrossed by her blog. She was Lauren's first Camp Buddy. They went to HorseRiding Camp in Girl Scouts about a million moons ago. They were young. Second grade maybe? Possibly too young for going away from home for that many days. Her mother and I were both a bit frazzled at having them away from home so far, so young, so long. The girls were undaunted and excited by the adventure. I find it interesting that she went to college far away on the West Coast and Lauren is traveling far out to the East Coast. Both so brave and still unafraid to be away from home. She is so talented. I think you'll like it. So go take a peek.

The Many Faces of Emma....

2011-08-01T21:32:00.000-05:00

One day in the future I'll be able to set her down and do a traditional protrait session with her. In the meantime, I'll have to settle for shots as I can.

Wrapping up July...

2011-07-31T12:16:00.002-05:00

These are the last few weeks of Lauren being home. She saw her last tournament this weekend and unfortunately twisted the ankle and ended up riding the pine for most of the weekend tending the wounds and cheering her friends. Luckily enough it wasn't serious just a bit startling as this has been her first real injury while playing softball. Not to say that she hasn't had her own fair share of bumps and bangs and bruises but nothing that would stop her from playing.

So now we will have a couple weeks of hanging around, finalizing her packing and just enjoying her company. In the meantime, Miss Emma was with us this weekend. Such a little girlie girl. And such a ham.

Can I also mention I'm glad July is over...here in Texas it's been miserable hot and the closer we get to cooler temps the better.

Responsible Journalism/Photography/Publishing....

2011-07-24T11:43:00.001-05:00

I've seen this photo on Yahoo all day. I shouldn't repost it, but it is the subject of this posting.

I was driving home one day and ended up at a stop light. I looked over and the woman next to me was crying in this way. Total uncontrollable anguish. It is a feeling women can relate too. This is a soul jarring, life changing outcry. Infidelity, death, broken dreams, infertility-- this cry is loss beyond all reason.

My question is--should this be up for photographing?? With this tragedy that has occurred I've seen many poignant photos. Many that tell the story. But what crosses the line??? When is it too much. The photos in the church?? The mourners?? The bodies on the shoreline?? This womans face??

I take advantage of public places. I love photographing people-sometimes with or without their knowledge. I love their faces, and their expressions and taking a vicarious snippet of their lives. I do however feel confused-- that in this case there were a lot of people looking a the photos before posting them and they have all felt they are acceptable to post.

I know the arguments...freedom of the press. I even can imagine folks saying that the photos are a success--that they've done what they intended by generating such a strong emotion. I understand all this, but in the end it still feels morally wrong.

Cucumber King...

2011-07-17T22:52:00.001-05:00

In AD 931 the then King of Burma - Theinhko - ate some cucumbers without the permission of the farmer who had grown them. Whereupon the farmer killed the king. Theinko’s Queen, fearing civil disorder, smuggled the cucumber farmer into the royal palace and dressed him in royal robes. Later he was proclaimed King Nyaung-u Sawrhan and was known as the "Cucumber King". The new King later transformed his former cucumber plantation into a spacious and pleasant royal garden.

I discovered this Gatorade flavor a couple months ago at a random Shamrock store during a softball tournament about an hour away from the house. It was a 'questionable' little store and I didn't quite know where he got these things from also note the bottle is not in a language I normally speak, but I tried it anyways. I'm not a huge Gatorade drinker- I leave that to Tom and Lauren. For this flavor however-- I'm a fan. I've spent 2 months looking to find it again and now I've found them in a store close to home. I warn you--if you find them you will either Love them or Hate the.

Hackneyed

2011-07-12T18:52:00.000-05:00

I went out this weekend to shoot some spots...Too bad it was already too late in the morning and the lighting was just not very interesting.

Senility...

2011-07-10T16:52:00.000-05:00

It's been almost 6 weeks since I've played this game. I go back to it tomorrow and I suspect it will be ridiculous. I have trouble remembering the rules every other week. There will be pointing and mocking and laughing.

Broken Balls

2011-07-04T23:02:00.002-05:00

So this is Lauren's and my craft for the day.

I spotted them done with baseballs at http://www.ellaelaine.blogspot.com/ . Just seems to be a perfect fit for girls and softballs. I think Lauren may do a similar version of these for she and her roomies dorm doorway.

Family Traditions..

2011-07-03T16:48:00.000-05:00

The more things change, the more they stay the same. For anyone who has every hung around my house these shots will be all so familiar.

Spent one dollar on this little wooden birdhouse and it kept her busy for at least 2 hours. She painted it completely black. And then completely pink and then green. And so on, and so on.... I can only imagine how many layers of paint is on this thing. At one point she had an itchy face so she ended up with black all over her face. And then finally she let me know she was done with photos.

Planet X

2011-06-30T18:12:00.000-05:00

I love to fly (besides the part about the other idiots on the plane). I'm kind of a selfish partner to fly with though. I always get the window seat. I press myself close and some days it looks like another world out there. The window is mine. Always. Always. Always. End of story.

Just cause....

2011-06-29T22:10:00.002-05:00

Whoring out the hubby.....go see him at http://fastpitchumpiring.blogspot.com/

PPU

2011-06-29T17:00:00.000-05:00

Just some added shots I took while at the college. There were so many fun things to point the camera toward. I'm sure they'll be more coming.

Rejects

2011-06-28T17:30:00.000-05:00

I'm clearing through files and downloading to my harddrive. These are some of the photos from the the past 10 months we took. Lauren had considered using these for her 'senior photo' but they didn't end up getting used or seen. I'm posting them here cause I think it's a waste not to have had these seen. I do think it's funny how she's changed over the year.

Do you cross the bridge...

2011-06-27T06:04:00.001-05:00

or do you fade away??..Elton John. I could have gone to the cliche 'Bridge over Troubled waters."

Manmade beauty

2011-06-26T10:28:00.000-05:00

I love bridges. I really do.

Crabby Patty

2011-06-25T15:15:00.000-05:00

We popped through our hometown of Fredericksburg and weren't there but 24 hours. In that time however, we did manage to get some yummy seafood. We do miss that here in Dallas. Did get a couple of shots in.

Something Old and Something New....

2011-06-24T16:59:00.000-05:00

Pittsburgh does a wonderful job of mixing the architecture of 1800's with the contemporary buildings and features of today. Everywhere you look there is something special to see.

Ups and Downs

2011-06-24T04:58:00.000-05:00

----Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

----A habit cannot be tossed out the window. It must be coaxed down the stairs a step at a time.
Mark Twain

----A man's health can be judged by which he takes two at a time- pills or stairs.
Joan Welsh

----Some people are like Slinkies and not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

Greensulate

2011-06-23T17:26:00.001-05:00

Lauren's new bank in Pittsburgh. It's the side of one of the buildings, about 6 stories. They get extra points for being clever. Apparently there are some environmental benefits to this plant wall, but honestly I don't care. I just thought it was neato.

Photobomb

2011-06-22T17:28:00.000-05:00

Really, it was just supposed to be Lauren and the Ketchup dino!

Passion....

2011-06-18T05:33:00.000-05:00

It starts when they are young.

Swag Bag

2011-06-16T17:44:00.000-05:00

My camera got to play at a star studded charity event. Yummy food and drinks and of course the swag bags. So this is how the other half lives??

Glee

2011-06-15T18:44:00.000-05:00

I have hundreds of photos I haven't even looked at. So expect a mish mosh of things. Last nights post are from a high school talent show. These as well.

Lost words

2011-06-15T00:04:00.000-05:00

I know I've been missing a lot. I think I may just have to try to post more photos. I seem to have lost my words (or maybe I've just lost my mind). Even when I'm quiet my head seems empty.

Isla

2011-06-04T22:28:00.000-05:00

These shots made me happy. Babies always make me happy though.

Open Letter to my Baby

2011-06-03T01:17:00.000-05:00

Dear Lauren,

Today is your graduation day from High School and I have so many things to say, yet I find myself struggling for the right words. There have been so many firsts and lasts and accomplishments along the way, but this is a biggie. Really big.

Throughout the years your dad and I have not been shy about telling you how much we have enjoyed watching you grow. The days on my lap reading books, the days finding new crafts and adventures and of course all the talks and laughs. I'm grateful that you never turned away from us and you didn't do the typical teenage thing and shut your emotions away from us. You continued to talk to us and let us know the person you were.

Not every step was easy for you, but you chose your destination and have taken your own unique path to get there. You made choices and you were not afraid to pursue your vision of what you wanted your life to be. There were times you made mistakes and had to re-evaluate and refocus but that just showed your maturity and willingness to bend and learn. You sincerely listened when we pointed out your mistakes and sometimes you would follow our guidance and othertimes you would still forge ahead in your own way. (I begrudgingly admit sometimes your choices were better than my suggestions. Those times usually pointed out how much better of a person you are than I----I still stand firm however, that some people need punched)

I'm so Proud and Impressed by how brave you are. It does take courage not to follow the pack. To venture into the world so far away from everything you know. To constantly be setting new goals and aspirations for yourself and not letting your self doubts get in your way.

So here you are taking those steps ....your first steps. The first steps to your future. I will watch you walk the stage and the tassel will move from one side to the other. There will be friends and family and laughs and tears. We will all be full of Pride and Love for you. (especially me) Thanks for letting us hang around and be a part of this.

Love--Mom

First day of Kindergarten----

Fair Park shots

2011-05-16T23:13:00.000-05:00

Just some wrap up shots of our day down in Fair Park. It really is pretty down there.

Graceful Wings

2011-05-16T06:03:00.000-05:00

Emma's new friends. Oh, we spent over an hour here. Initially the area was overflowing with a couple of school field trips, but in just a bit Emma was the only one at the tank and she had no intentions of going anywhere. There was petting and feeding and playing. If she looked deep in the water they would come by and splash her in the face. She was quite wet when we left this part of the aquarium and had prunish little fingers, and smelled a bit fishy as well.

Here Fishy Fishy...

2011-05-15T20:04:00.001-05:00

Took Emma down to the Childrens Aquarium in Fair Park. It was a regular aquarium and they closed it for quite a long time. They were converting it specifically to a Childrens facility. So, it's open now and I figured Emma and I would go check it out. WTG me. I really enjoyed our day and can't wait for us to go back there.

Emma visited with the turtle and noticed the fish underneath. I did think it was funny they didn't have a plaquard explaining this relationship but they didn't. I looked it up. I think it's called a remora, I stopped reading after that and just looked at the pictures. Yes, apparently I am 4.

Next time I'll introduce you to Emma's new best friends.

allison

2011-05-14T10:04:00.001-05:00

Well, we are closing in on Graduation. About 3 weeks from now. I just finished editing one of my last seniors. There may be a last straggler or so, but I think this is it. I have fun photos to share so now to start editing those for you.

Happy Mothers Day....

2011-05-07T08:51:00.000-05:00

So I hope all the mom's out there have a wonderful day. I will be at work--working.

I did get a special treat yesterday however. I went to the book signing of my favorite author- Jen Lancaster. I love her. If you've read her, you understand. If not then you are missing out. A friend of mine and I bought the book and waited along with the masses. She came and did a reading from the book and had a really good question/answer session. Then we left.

I know that completely defeats the whole 'signing' thing huh?? I did the same thing last year. I really don't need her signature in the book and I was hungry.

So we went to Fuzzy's Taco's and debated wether it would be in poor taste to buy the resteraunt tshirt for a lesbian girl, or if it would be as funny as I imagined it to be.

Country girl...

2011-05-06T16:22:00.000-05:00

This girl was great. She came on with a big box of clothing options and props. Had a clear vision of what she wanted. I didn't necessarily agree with all of it, but it was fun to try new things. Most of the times seniors just stare at me in a frightened way and they all say the same thing..."what should I do with my hands?"

Yeehaw....

2011-05-05T23:21:00.001-05:00

Just a creative edit that I did from a recent Senior Photos session. I'll post a couple of those soon.

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T13:41:00.001-05:00

Water Lily's.....

2011-04-23T09:52:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter my friends.

Sweet little Magpie...

2011-04-23T00:15:00.000-05:00

Funny shots for today. Chasing birds and ...and I don't know why she thought that little boy was a stair rail.

Sarah.....It's a wrap...

2011-04-20T17:23:00.000-05:00

Sarah....take 2

2011-04-19T17:34:00.000-05:00

Sarah...

2011-04-18T22:15:00.000-05:00

It seemed every shot I took of this girl was just beautiful. This was natural light from a window. A nod given to the rocking chair as I believe the baby's great-grandmother rocked her babies in this chair.

I showed all the color versions but I really liked them in black and white as well. I just think on these the lighting is so soft I enjoy the creamy colors. I have more to show you tomorrow!!

Red Paper Wasp....

2011-04-12T20:39:00.000-05:00

Get out of my damned mailbox!!!! I keep knocking off his nest and he keeps rebuilding. This is not acceptable

Dance with me......

2011-04-11T20:14:00.000-05:00

Her final prom...

What's up Peeps??

2011-04-10T10:39:00.000-05:00

Lauren got woken up to a bit of a prank the other morning. Peeps on a stick and a ton of plastic eggs filled with clues letting her know who did this.......So, now all we need is REVENGE.

Blue Bonnets....

2011-04-08T15:56:00.000-05:00

Really didn't take any effort to make theese shots happen---I just put her int he neighbors front yard. The only reason I'm posting the shots is because she accidentally looked at me!!!! She still is stubborn about not wanting to look at the camera.

Cheap labor...

2011-04-08T02:51:00.000-05:00

Sharkarosa....

2011-04-07T20:37:00.000-05:00

Been meaning to post these for a couple of weeks....happy for spring!!

New beginnings....

2011-04-07T12:01:00.000-05:00

I took these shots quite a while ago....but I've just run across them and become re-enamoured.

Friday Night Lights...

2011-04-04T23:23:00.000-05:00

Naptime

2011-04-03T21:09:00.000-05:00

Since we've taken off the side of her crib and she has free reign....naptime has changed.

Hoopty....

2011-04-03T14:04:00.000-05:00

Lauren made some upgrades to the car this weekend. The admissions office sent her a school decal and she added it. Then she decided to repair the rear bumper. A fellow came by the neighborhood offering to fix it for a really reasonable price. The bumper keeps knocking off the clip and hanging down about a foot from where it should be. $3.49 for duct tape was oh so more reasonable than what that fellow was offering.

More faces....

2011-03-28T22:29:00.000-05:00

Summertime....

2011-03-26T16:37:00.001-05:00

The hair, the light...makes me think of summer.

Eye Spy...

2011-03-17T15:50:00.000-05:00

Just a quick shot I did....this girl has crazy eyes and yes very real eyelashes.

Sorry I've been MIA. I hope to be back soon......really.

Everyday Zebra Spots

2011-02-23T18:49:00.000-06:00

Still she is just too busy to bother with having photos taken, but here are a couple of snaps I got of her. She is getting bigger everyday. Bigger and smarter and badder. Nobody is surprised at this right??

toupee

2011-02-21T23:13:00.000-06:00

Duck with a wig?? Afro duck? Toupee?? Actually it's called a Crested Duck. Silly looking huh?

Persnickity Pup....

2011-02-20T22:42:00.001-06:00

If we go to the dog park Buffy will not drink out of the communal water bowls. I wonder why??

Oma

2011-02-10T19:42:00.002-06:00

4:20am and I get a text. "Oma has passed. Have a good day."

Oma. The German name for grandmother. My maternal grandmother.

I wont drag it out for you and make you feel empathy for me in this situation. Not a tear was shed, nor will there be. Her body was taken to a teaching hospital to be used for 'whatever'. There will be no services, no toasts, no tears, no remembrances or gatherings. There is not one person left to mourn her passing.

I will however, spend a little time writing about how someone actually got to be such an alone woman. I guess I'm putting this to bed for myself as well. I'll finally have to accept that I will not be getting what I want in all this. I'll share a couple of photos I have of her. I got those photos a couple years back and was quite tickled to have a piece of the puzzle, but I never got the stories. (Her husband had a thing for photography and I have quite a few mildly risque shots of her in these pin-up style shots) I really wanted her words though, but now that will never happen. Everyone has a different version of events that transpired. In most situations one person is not lying over the other--perhaps memories are just clouded by what part we play. I really wanted her version, her reality and her truths. But life got busy and I never seemed to make the time to spend with her, to actively pursue her truth.

Since I was 10 years old (and possibly beforehand), I was told stories about my grandmother which painted a picture of a terribly wicked witch. Who was I to question those stories then??
As the most recent decade has gone however, I started to question the stories. Do I believe she was abusive?? Yes. Do I believe she was materialistic and shallow?? Yes. However, I have repeatedly wondered how she got there. What was her past?? Why did she do what she did? And some of the stories where she is portrayed as being the person in the wrong--I think now she likely wasn't.

I think I understand her more than anyone else in my family does. She was a child at some point but it seems she didn't make it out of her teen years without being irrevocably damaged. She was a very beautiful and elegant woman and came to America during the time of the Kennedy's and their Camelot. How magical that must have all seemed to a girl from the European countryside in the era of World War II. Too bad her real life wasn't picture perfect like the 50's were meant to be. I suspect most of her ogre tendencies arose because of the unrealistic expectations she had for herself and her family.

There were years of pain and hurt. But as the years went the family always seemed to come back to her like a moth to the flame. It would always end negatively and nothing ever resolved. She was intelligent, more so than a lot of people I know from that era...I just don't understand why she never put an end to the constant cycle. History repeating itself in so many ways. Nobody would ever get satisfaction. I wonder if she was so terribly ashamed of the story that she kept it in perpetual hiding. If she couldn't make peace in the family why did she keep letting them come back?? I never could muster the courage to ask her, I wonder if anyone really did. So she never spoke and everyone left one by one. Each one looking for a family connection and not knowing how to make that happen together or apart.

So, if history repeats itself and everyone has their own truth, what part do I play?? I suspect I know.

From my hotel window....

2011-02-06T16:14:00.000-06:00

Pittsburgh. Probably not the ideal time of year to visit. It's a steel town. It's hard and it's cold but it has a lot of old architecture and the people could be described as 'characters'. With this Superbowl thing going on I guess it exacerbates their personalities and my sister describes the state as being "ate up with their sport". I just don't know if this is a city where I want to let my youngest attend college. It's a city..a big confusing maze of steel and bridges. Will she be lost in all this bigness??

As always the camera came with me. I was ready to explore a new city and hoping to find some new interesting things to look at, but we were in town for bigger things and the camera sat quiet for the majority of the trip. What I will show you are a series of images I took from the hotel window while I was decompressing from every stress this trip had wrought.

Our first morning in Pittsburgh we crossed one of the rivers to a unique college campus. A college campus which spreads vertically more than horizontally. Fewer than a dozen buildings but they all appear to be 15 to 20 stories high. We finally luck out into a garage parking space and make our way to admissions. We arrive about a half hour early and are greeted by security. Tom noted that the security personnel were not the 200 pound armed marines that he would have assigned to overseeing the safety of his daughter, but later in the day did begrudgingly admit that security seemed adequate.

Since we did arrive early we were directed to a student cafe for some coffee. The halls were not busy at this time and it appears most students were either in class or more than likely as teens go they were probably still bunked out asleep and hadn't quite crawled out of bed.

We did however pass several giggling squealing kids dressed in shorts and legwarmers, cut off shirts,tights and other random odd pieces of clothing. They all were greeting each other and appeared to have a lot to discuss. Dancers. Well, this does make sense since this happens to be a very large arts school heavy in theatre, dance and communications. Up to this point Lauren had been pretty subdued and quiet--too cool to really show much enthusiasm and I'm sure already contemplating how embarrassing we (her parents) were going to make this day for her. However, upon seeing these students I did notice her eyes light up slightly and the corner of her mouth kick up a notch. Oh, almost a smile--not a mocking one, but a happy one....that makes sense as well. Although Lauren does not participate in any of the arts, she is however a huge fan of anything artistic. She loves dancers and actors and painters and singers. She can discuss it all and understands a wide array of topics associated---she is an avid spectator. Her father and I were less impressed at this point, mentally wondering what this small liberal arts school was really going to offer our science and math jock.

Then the school tour takes place. This really would have been a time for the camera as there were quite a few artistic shots. As I mentioned before the architecture is old world and full of grandeur, and very Harry Potterish. The library is a converted bank and is full of marble and brass carvings. The stairways are so ornate and one of the study areas is the old bank vault room with the massive door of the vault still intact. Most of the buildings are from the 1800's. I amazingly did abstain from going tourist mode with the camera as our tour was moving along quite fast. (apparently our student tour guide was cutting it close to class time).
I honestly will say it was beautiful, but not overly impressed. I come from a historic town so this would not be enough to sway me into offering my youngest into this environment.

Next we visit with admissions once again and discuss the Intelligence Program. This is why we are here after all. Only a handful of non military schools offer a true Intelligence degree. Most offer a variance on criminal justice or homeland security but it truly is not what Lauren has been wanting. At this point I suspect Tom is won over. The CIA adjunct is discussed, the intern programs with the various intelligence departments and the curriculum which includes such tasty items such as domestic and international terrorism, Arabic, World War II, Ethics of Spying, as well as interrogation techniques. We discuss graduation rates and this is when I discover there are less than 100 students in her program. That means every professor she is in contact with will know her face and know her name and she will be accountable. Hmmmm, that may have gotten the mom's seal of approval.

At this point we move on to visiting with the softball coach and some of the softball girls. We go to lunch and learn more about that program. I like her. She is a mom. She looks a bit like Jennifer Lancaster and it takes me everything not to spew out that fact during lunch. Ms. Lancaster (my favorite author ever) has a tendency to throw around the F-Bomb and I didn't know how coach would react to that connection I'd mentally made. I secretly hoped she had a sense of humor and would have been flattered at the reference.

Lauren went to practice with the girls and we were summarily dismissed after (practice was less than stellar on Lauren's part). Lauren then went with the girls after practice and stayed the night in the dorms. The next day I called her around noon and it was quite obvious I had just woken her. I was immediately nervous....how were these girls going to get ready, go eat breakfast and be at practice by one?? I asked Lauren what had happened to them the night before. I'm still not exactly sure but it apparently involved HoHo's and Swiss Rolls. Somehow the girls managed and we went to watch her second practice/tryout.

Let me interrupt myself here and point out that this part of the process really sucks. In a matter of a couple of hours it's decided if your kid is 'good enough'. Lauren states later she wasn't stressed and had a lot of fun playing with the girls. I on the other hand fell out into seizures repeatedly and Tom was a litany of negativity with every misstep that was made. Thank goodness we were watching from a balcony and could neither be seen or heard by any of the girls or staff.

In the end Lauren was offered a position and she accepted before Tom and I could even blink. Our trip to Pittsburgh ended with a trip to the school book store for a Point Park University Sweatshirt and Tshirt. Something that would be soft and keep her warm against the hard steel of this city.

Here Kitty Kitty...

2011-01-23T10:28:00.000-06:00

I took a ton of photos and likely it will take a week for me to process. I think I'm going to enjoy that.

Don't be fooled by the handler rubbing the tiger's chin. I also saw the cat attempt to attack several photographers for getting too close to the cage perimeter. Photographers were jumping back from that cage into the mud in very fast fashion.The cats could literally still reach their paws (and their big sharp claws) out of the fencing about 2 or more foot, so you had to be ginger in backing up quickly.

Meow...

2011-01-22T12:06:00.001-06:00

This was amazing. Up close and personal...

It was freezing out and you can see the tigers breath....

Peekaboo....

2011-01-19T22:08:00.000-06:00

You ever walk into a room and look around. Not for anything specific, but maybe just because for whatever reason it's just a room in your house not being used very often. So, every once in a while you just go in and look.

That's how this blog has been. I jump in here and look around. Not quite inspired lately to do a lot with this room, but I come and look.

My camera has been quite still as well. But, I'm hoping there will be quite an opportunity to use it this Saturday. I hope to have something fun to show you next week.

In the meantime, what has been inspiring me?? A new little challenge I've set up for myself. A triathalon. Well, a mini triathalon of sorts. It has motivated me enough to put me back in the gym and work out hard every day. Somewhere along the past 3 months I gained the same 15 pounds that all the rest of America gained during the holidays (well, not 15 but trying to get there ha)...so, it's time to get it back together before it becomes an issue. I don't want to diet. I may have to. But for now, lets just see if I can excercise myself back in line...if not..well, we'll deal with that when we get there.

In the meantime, wish me luck over the weekend and hopefully some exciting pics are forthcoming.

Texas Snow...

2011-01-09T22:23:00.001-06:00

This crazy snow thing here in Texas is getting more and more common.

2010 wrapup

2011-01-01T13:12:00.000-06:00

Christmas Eve, Christmas and Birthday. This blog is heavy on the photos and I'm not even gonna bother captioning them. I'll leave that to you all.

With Bated Breath.....

2010-12-24T12:54:00.001-06:00

I don't even have a photo for you.

I just decided to write while I had a minute. I know I've been MIA on this blog and I hope that changes soon, but who knows huh???

So, I decided to blog about just that. We are ending 2010 and heading right into 2011 but I feel like it's way premature to do that. I feel like there are too many loose ends and I am having trouble wrapping my head around the fact that a new year is coming.

I can look back this year and say it's been good to me. Really really good.  Not that every thing that has happened has been good necessarily--but I feel overall good about who I've been and what I've done. (maybe this is selective memory setting in??)

A friend talked to me about the movie/book 'Eat, Pray, Love' and asked me what my word was. I told her for now I think it's 'change'. Good and Bad change. Controlled and sometimes Not Controlled change. Maybe this is what being in ones 40's is about?? I've seen other 'mature' women discuss this decade as the best--how great would that be? But overall I've been at peace with the change no matter what it's been.

With all that being said why can't I go into this New Year?? Oh, but of course I can and will--it's gonna happen like it or not right??

This year past has been one of unanticipated goodness. Unanticipated being the key word.

--I took control of this weight issue and surprisingly found how good exercise can feel. All this walking gave me the unexpected opportunity to foster an existing friendship which became very important to me.
-- Lauren had a great softball season and really moved onto a new level and that was rewarding to watch happen.  We got to give her some new experiences which is always fun (softball trips, rocky horror, flashmob)
--Emma got to go back to live with her mom full time which was years sooner than we had considered. Tom and I love her so much but had almost become resigned to raising her forever and that isn't exactly what we had wanted for ourselves.
--We had a great trip out east to spend with a nice old man for his birthday (haha), Tom treated me to the phototrip in Caddo, and I had some good trips to and from Dallas which caused some nice experiences with family this year. There are some family members who I hadn't been close to in a particularly long time and I feel like I got some really good time to enjoy them. Not to mention "Wow" to social networking which allowed me to reconnect with folks I never would have thought I wanted to reconnect with. That's actually been a sweet little gift.
--Tom and I financially & emotionally had a ton of 'bad luck' things pop up but we somehow managed (kinda like real grown ups do it). In todays economy and things we've all seen happen I'm very grateful and we somehow continue to be blessed.

Oh, I know there's more but these are the things that are rolling around in my head right now.

So now, here comes 2011. I feel like this upcoming year isn't beginning but that it's already a work in progress. There are so many things that I already scheduled and that can be anticipated but I'm nervous. Will those things turn good or bad?? Some things I know (yet don't know)...

We are taking Lauren to Pennsylvania for her college softball tryout at the beginning of February. This is her top choice right now and honestly Tom and I want this for her so much. She's been accepted to the college and she just needs to be offered a spot on their team now.   This one makes me want to vomit. Really can we just be done with this???

Lauren is graduating on June 3rd.  There are things that have to be done before then but there are also decisions that need to be made regarding graduation parties, proms, beach weeks and such. I should admit that I've mentally assigned her senior class with the slogan "Don't Die and Don't get Pregnant"!! I just want to be there already with no damned tragedy's!!!

Lauren leaves for college. I 'feel' like this is an easy one for me. I 'feel' like I will cope with her being gone and will be happy for the next steps she will be taking. (albiet nervous for her roommate who has to deal with the smelly child) But maybe I don't know myself so well. Maybe it will be harder than what I anticipate. Maybe her being gone will ease my mind of fears I have for her safety and well being or maybe it will make me even crazier!!

Emma is living with her mother and the new boyfriend/fiance. My mother is also in the house with them. This could either be a good thing and bring peace to a very ugly situation, or it could all blow up in such a choatic explosion of drama. Truly a mental asylum with a cute baby in the middle.

Tom and I will have so much more time for each other. Will we use it to be together or will it just be easier for us to do our own things and cause a seperation??

Not to mention where does this put us financially?? Will this be a better or worse year??

Midyear, I will be applying for a new job at my work. It would be a step in a completely new direction. 10 weeks of intense training for this old brain to take in. Can I handle this?

I'm mentally challenging myself to recommit to becomming 'fit' and then take it out to the world in the form of a run or marathon of some type. I hope I don't let myself down on that.

AAAAAAHhhhhhh, It was the best of times- it was the worst of times....hence the reason I wait with bated breath.....................................in the meantime,

I hold up my glass of Eggnog to you. My friends and my family.   You become more important all the time and I Love You.

Merry Christmas.

Weekend Wonderland.....

2010-12-13T21:05:00.000-06:00

This weekend was great. Emma is not quite 2 years old and this is her first 'real' Christmas. We spent all weekend introducing her to all the traditional Christmas activities and she is hooked already.

The first stop was the mall to sit on Santa's lap. The line only took 60-90 minutes to get through (we didn't stand in line, we made Tom do it). You know how kids get so excited they almost cry they are so beside themselves with excitement--yep, that's what happened.

After that was the decorating of the Gingerbread house. This is Lauren's big thing. She decorates it every year and takes it very serious. Lauren didn't appreciate Emma grabbing every JuJu Gummy should could get ahold of and cramming them into her mouth. Emma finally got the hang of it and after I gave her some Dora snacks she agreed to leave the candy's for the decorating.

After dinner and a bath it was time to decorate the tree. She really liked this part. Isn't it funny how they always manage to get 18 decorations onto the same 3 limbs?? Then we went driving around looking at lights. She wasn't so impressed the the lights as she was the blow up characters, specifically every blow up Santa out there. Every road we would drive down she would start yelling 'more lights grandma, more lights'..I think I'm gonna get a blow up Santa for her room.

I wasn't gonna tell this story, but I have to do it as I lack all self control. Emma's mom is now with someone who is a Jehovahs Witness and that is apparently what they'll be doing at their home from now on. Eh, whatever--in my personal opinion I just think- oh well, they are Christians and that is important to me. Can I just say Emma will be a lousy Jehovah---that little girl adores every iota of Christmas and grandma is feeding into every whim and fancy of her's. We plan on ruining her with Birthday's, Easter eggs and the pledge of allegiance as well.

If you can't get rid of your skeletons,

2010-12-02T05:03:00.001-06:00

You'd best teach them to dance.....

Just a find in the woods. I don't know what it was, but more significant in size than the photo makes you believe. Probably the size of a dog. I didn't even poke around it with a stick, how's that for self control.

snapshots..

2010-11-29T21:15:00.000-06:00

Just shots that made me happy. Not portraits, not even clear or good in this case. Shots like this are sometimes the ones that mean the most. The first shot is my dad and my grand-daughter, quite a generation gap...but they seemed to have quite a bit in common after all.

Say CHEEEEEESE....

2010-11-28T10:53:00.000-06:00

My neice and her boy wanted photos done while I was shooting some of her senior shots. Let's just say some of the posing ideas were not my choice, but I do recall what it was to be this age and they were kinda cute together.

Gone to the dark side...

2010-11-27T11:56:00.000-06:00

Lauren decided to darken the hair. What do you think??

No Trespassing

2010-11-24T06:03:00.000-06:00

Those signs are totally optional and completely easy to clone out of my photos. It was so amazing to walk around downtown Fredericksburg and see all those historically old buildings with my niece and take these photos.

Found treasures...

2010-11-22T21:46:00.000-06:00

I almost deleted these by accident. I'm glad I took a second look.

Backstep 1, 2 and 3....

2010-11-21T06:50:00.000-06:00

"A declaration of the independence of America, and the sovereignty of the United States was drawn by the ingenious and philosophic pen of Thomas Jefferson, Esquire, a delegate from the state of Virginia."--Mercy Otis Warren

"I came from Mechanicsville, Virginia, where you have four seasons."--Jason Mraz

"The minute I forget to balance reality with the fantasy, I'm going back to Virginia."--Schuyler Fisk

"On the last morning of Virginia's bloodiest year since the Civil War, I built a fire and sat facing a window of darkness where at sunrise I knew I would find the sea."--Patricia Cornwell

"I am George Rogers Clark. You have just become a prisoner of the Commonwealth of Virginia."--George Rogers Clark