Worth It All

Mill City Ruins

2011-07-10T00:14:00.000-05:00

Enjoying the beautiful afternoon, walking on the stone arch bridge and taking in the sites.....

For anyone not familiar with Minneapolis, the large bridge in the background (below)
is the new 35W bridge after the old one collapsed back on August 1, 2007.
Its still hard to believe something so unimaginable could happen.

Up, Up and Away

2011-06-14T21:16:00.000-05:00

Wow.....I totally need to update my header since it is WARM now. :0)

Our little bull in a china shop is officially a walker. Those rolly polly thighs move most every second she is awake. Olivia walks for practice. She walks for sport. She paces the living room in circles, always holding something in both hands. She has found her freedom....And she loves it!

So much has happened in a month and a half since my last post. Olivia has turned one and Ella just had her first dance recitals. Thankfully, I have had more of a chance to pick up the camera and take pictures now that Olivia can get around herself. I totally see that "second child" thing has happened. There's certainly a lot less pictures of Olivia than there is of Ella. I really gotta do something about that before I forget how small she once was/is.

And just for good measure....a picture of Ella. :0)

Time Flies When Your In Love.....

2011-05-06T15:19:00.000-05:00

Today marks our 11th wedding anniversary. It's unbelievable to me how fast time goes by. I love how life works though....Between all the different paths Keith and I have taken in our lives, together and apart, it has led us to where we are today. It was purposeful and it was fate, and there's no place else I would rather be.

My Tiny Dancer

2011-04-27T13:43:00.000-05:00

I cant say that while I was trying to get pregnant or even going through the last couple of years that I envisioned myself being the Mommy of a little girl who was in dance class. And if I did, I certainly didnt think about doing her hair and makeup in preparation for pictures and a recital.

So last night, while I was knee deep in curling irons and hairspray, blush, mascara and cute little costumes....it hit me. The whole week leading up to last night I kinda had anxiety because now it was my turn to be the one responsible for putting my little girl together, not the other way around like it was when I was in dance class. I was the Mommy. Would I do the make up correct? Would her hair stay in place? Would she have all the little pieces of her costumes she needed?

Yes, on all accounts. She was as close to perfection that I can imagine, if I do say so myself. :0)
Now we just have to do it one more time for the actual recital.....

April Frost

2011-04-21T21:19:00.001-05:00

Macro lens attached on each photo. Fun little toy! :0)

Lens: Chunky, Film: Kodot Grizzled, Flash: Off

Lens: Tejas, Film: Ina's 1969, Flash: Off

Lens: Kaimal Mark II, Film: Kodot Grizzled, Flash: Off

Lens: Chunky, Film: Ina's 1969, Flash: Off

Lens: Tejas, Film: Kodot Grizzled, Flash: Off

Macro iPhoneography

2011-04-18T21:15:00.000-05:00

Pinecone
Lens: Tejas, Film: Ina's 1969, Flash: Off

Pineneedles
Lens: Tejas, Film: Ina's 1969, Flash: Off

Tree Stump
Lens: Tejas, Film: Ina's 1969, Flash: Off

Thorned Bush
Lens: John S, Film: Ina's 1969, Flash: Off

Cracked Acorn
Lens: Tejas, Film: Ina's 1969, Flash: Off

Buds Fallen From Trees
Lens: Tejas, Film: Ina's 1969, Flash: Off

Tiny Feather
Lens: Tejas, Film: Ina's 1969, Flash: Off

Day 100

2011-04-10T18:03:00.000-05:00

Today is Day 100 of my Hipstaprint A Day project. I am enjoying it much more than I realized I would. I think because I am able to use my iPhone, it makes it so much more convenient to take a picture a day. That being said, my beloved Nikon seems to be collecting a little dust. :0(

I am hoping now that the warmer weather is here, we will be outside more, and Olivia is able to crawl/walk on her own that I will have more time to take pictures with my dSLR.

But in the meantime, the wonderful Hipstamatic app is helping me enjoy iPhonography like I never thought I would! It is like a whole new take on modern photography with all the different lens/film combinations. I'm a junky....that's for DAMN SURE!

Check out my other 99 days thus far, and thanks for sharing in my journey!

Team Up Thursday - Design

2011-04-07T07:54:00.000-05:00

This weeks theme was Design. I racked my brain on what to do for this theme. And then I walked past the gate at the top of my stairs and saw the two layers overlapping eachother. It was design in my eyes!

Christina on the other hand, has quite a talented daughter. Nadia likes to be a clothes designer.....but quite the talented little artist as well! :0)

For more Team-Up Thursday diptych's, head over to Megan's and check out the groups Flickr page.

Team Up Thursday - Food

2011-03-30T21:46:00.000-05:00

How many types of delicious and delectable foods can you think of wanting to look at? Dont even get me started! Thats why I find it funny that even though our theme was FOOD this week, Christina and I both managed to portray the theme using these sweet little hands.

For more Team-Up Thursday diptych's, head over to Megan's and check out the groups Flickr page.

Still Waiting for Spring....

2011-03-25T07:24:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling a tad envious of the ladies who have mentioned how beautiful the weather is and being barefoot and fancy-free this week. It can only get warmer from here! :0)

Team Up Thursday - Spring

2011-03-24T07:32:00.001-05:00

Mine on bottom, Christina's on top. Look at the detail in the hairs on the tomato vines. Fantastic shot C! I longed to get outside and get a Springy shot too, but the weather did not permit it for most of the week....So I had to improvise! :0)

For more Team-Up Thursday diptych's, head over to Megan's and check out the groups Flickr page.

WW - Raindrops

2011-03-23T14:00:00.001-05:00

For more Wordless Wednesday images, click here and here.

Team Up Thursday

2011-03-16T21:16:00.000-05:00

This weeks theme is MUSIC. I think its great that our shots are complete opposite of each other. Christina's portrays the theme in an almost nostalgic way, where as mine is of modern day. I love the contrast between the two this time around.

For more Team-Up Thursday diptych's, head over to Megan's and check out the groups Flickr page.

Team Up Thursday - Upside Down

2011-03-10T09:11:00.000-06:00

Yup, you can totally guess which is mine and which is Christina's! I am loving the jewel tones of blue in her shot....The blanket, her shirt, her eyes. It looks so beautiful.

I just happen across some upside down cards playing Go Fish. Nothing special....except for the game with my big girl!

For more "Team-Up Thursday" diptych's, head over to Megan's and check out the groups Flickr page.

A Peanut Feeding A Monkey

2011-03-04T13:35:00.000-06:00

I tend to be a little uptight sometimes especially when it comes to the kids....wanting to get from point A to point B as fast as possible, get in get out, no side tracking sorta thing. Ella had been asking me for weeks if she could feed Olivia so this day we went for it. I had to ask myself what's the worst that could happen? We had all the time in the world and she might just need a tubby by the end of it....or both of them!

I got some good shots off before Ella got frustrated and had yogurt all over herself from Olivia swatting the spoon, shaking her head back and forth and spitting at her. ;0) Even if it wasnt the sisterly bonding that she had hoped it would be, atleast I gave into the moment for once.

I allowed Ella to do what she wanted, Olivia was down to her diaper sticky with yogurt, and ironically those messy and carefree times seem to be when I enjoy my camera the most.....

Team Up Thursday - Everyday Beauty

2011-03-03T11:13:00.001-06:00

This weeks theme is Everyday Beauty. Even though we are in the middle of winter, I automatically think of nature and flowers. So did Christina, although I love her little "touch of Nadia" to add a bit of sweetness with perfect focus.

Ella and I went to the flower store and I let her pick out some for herself. She is totally going to be the type of person that goes and buys fresh flowers just to cheer herself up when she gets older. She loves them!

For more "Team-Up Thursday" diptych's, head over to Megan's and check out the groups Flickr page.

Team Up Thursday - In the Distance

2011-02-24T13:48:00.000-06:00

Is it really Thursday already? Why yes it is, which means its time for a Team Up Thursday diptych! This weeks theme is In the Distance.

Wow did this one stump me. I literally did not take this picture until last night at like 9pm. Hubby and a friend had a few shots of Tequila sitting on the table, and this scene came to mind. I toyed with making the bottle the one that was in focus....but I am not one for Tequila, so for me....it being in the distance was fine by me!

My partner Christina has determination on her mind. She is currently studying to be a nurse and this portrays her future....in the distance. Loving the reflection on the table of this cute little nurse and her interpretation of the theme.

For more "Team-Up Thursday" diptych's, head over to Megan's and check out the groups Flickr page.

Team Up Thursday - Blue

2011-02-17T07:49:00.000-06:00

Christina and I are jumping back into it with a new Team Up Thursday diptych. This weeks theme is BLUE.

Look at how cute Christina's shot is with her shoes and blue jeans. It's funny to me how the focus is on her blue jeans, but I am drawn more to the shoes. They are so cute! If only my feet were that small and cute!

Mmmmm, M&M's......Only BLUE, of course.

Looking forward to seeing everyone else's this week!

For more "Team-Up Thursday" diptych's, head over to Megan's and check out the groups Flickr page.

My Big Sister

2011-02-06T21:46:00.000-06:00

I love my big sister......

......And my big sister loves me.

WW - First Beach Experience

2011-02-01T21:58:00.002-06:00

For more Wordless Wednesday images, click here and here.
Also, thanks to Melody for the link to the free action! :0)

Vacation Was A Success

2011-01-29T22:01:00.000-06:00

We arrived home today from our vacation to Florida. We did SO MUCH...although it is the norm whenever we go to Florida. My family lives down there and we went this time to introduce Olivia.

First stop...Fly into Orlando, where my aunt and uncles live. Next, we headed down to West Palm Beach to see my Grandmother. Then, we headed to Hollywood to stay at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel for the night. A vacation really wouldn't be a vacation unless my family gathered at a casino. It's just a fact.

Then it was time to head north back to Orlando. LOTS of traveling in the first few days. 3 hour flight. Close to 8-9 hours in the car the next couple of days and then back to home base in Orlando.

The rest of the week was spent swimming in the hotel pool and going to Disney's Animal and Magic Kingdom's (which we visited both in one day!) It was really great to bring Ella back again. The last time we went was 2 years ago when she was 3. It was a whole different experience in just 2 short years. The rides and characters she was/is interested in at those two ages are completely different. Also, Olivia was excellent for the most part. She did great on the flights, the long car rides and the long day spent at the parks....The down side was that she barely slept more than 2 hours at a time during the night and she was recovering from double ear infections, which made us all more exhausted than we already were. *Fingers crossed* that she sleeps better in her own crib tonight!

Part of my exciting and busy week was making sure that I took my Hipstaprint A Day picture. I was determined to not fail my 365 project just because I was out of my normal routine. I really had a great time taking pictures with my phone and found it so much fun trying to find things to shoot to be my pic for the day. But I must say....It is good to be home. :0)

Olivia Outakes (Group 2)

2011-01-21T12:43:00.000-06:00

WW - Angel In Hipsta-Land

2011-01-18T21:21:00.002-06:00

For more Wordless Wednesday images, click here and here.
You can also check out my 365 project, a Hipstaprint A Day.

Olivia Outtakes (Group 1)

2011-01-17T21:51:00.000-06:00

It's been quite some time since I picked up my Nikon. Thankfully, I have been able to use my iPhone/Hipstamatic app lately to make up for it. I'm addicted! Since Olivia was born, I dont have as much time to take my camera and just play around and shoot what I want while Ella frolicks beside me. It bums me out sometimes.....which is why I decided to do my Hipstaprint a day project, so I can continue to be creative and take pictures as I enjoy doing.

That being said, I did manage to sneak in some time the other day and get some shots of Olivia. These are just a few.....

Hipstaprint of Today

2011-01-09T19:46:00.000-06:00

Ella got some glow in the dark stars for Christmas that we put on her ceiling. Since our dog died just before xmas, we decided to make Lulu a big shooting star right above her bed. The other small stars are me, Keith, Ella and Olivia. It comforts her to see it every night. :0)

Lens: Melodie
Film: Kodot XGrizzled
Flash: Off

Christmas Vacation

2011-01-06T15:27:00.001-06:00

Christmas vacation turned out to be looooong.....I forgot what it was like to have Ella home all day, everyday for 2 weeks. Between her and Olivia, they wore me down!

Thankfully we were lucky to have Ella's cousin Jack over for a day to play. I could see after only an hour or two that staying in the house all day was not going to be an option. I thought they would keep each other company but it was more like they came to me and said they were bored! What?! Go play with all the toys downstairs you silly children!

My sister in law Crystal must have known better, having 3 children of her own, she brought over Jack's snow gear thinking we might play outside. That we did! I sent Olivia up to my Mom's and camera in hand....off we went to the hill up the street.

Besides Ella barely making it up the hill with the sled at times, it was actually more fun than I expected since I am not a snowy winter kind of gal! Jack and Ella teamed up to get the sleds up the hill. Jack was at the top and Ella would push the sled as high as she could until Jack could grab it and pull it up. At that point, Ella only had to worry about getting herself up the hill! Clever little people I tell ya, and great teamwork!

If you like, take a gander at my Hipstaprint a day project.

Favre Out...Hipstamatic Style!

2011-01-02T12:07:00.000-06:00

Article in the Sunday paper for Vikings last game....Favre will be on the sidelines.
The heading says, "Enigmatic, Charismatic, contradictory Favre departs."
Meet Joe Webb.

Lens: Helga Viking
Film: Float
Flash: Off

A Hipstaprint A Day 2011

2011-01-01T23:23:00.001-06:00

So I am taking on a little challenge for myself by doing a 365 project. I am not big on committing myself to these projects, but I love the Hipstamatic camera for the iPhone so much that I use it almost every day anyways. Why not just post one a day? Novel idea, right?!

You can view my daily Hipstaprints on my Flickr page. I have also made a link for it on the sidebar. Let me know if anyone cant see it. I try to block the masses of unknown from seeing my photos so I am not sure if I did the permissions right.

These are my presents from Keith and the girls for my birthday and Christmas. I love them!
Funny how I haven't changed my signature to say 2011.... I'll get right on that. ;0)

Lens: Helga Viking
Film: Kodot XGrizzled
Flash: Off

Olivia: Getting Lots Of Belly Time

2010-12-30T17:23:00.001-06:00

Looking in the mirror here...

Strength and Vulnerability

2010-12-28T19:57:00.000-06:00

When it was time to put Lulu down a couple of weeks ago, you can probably imagine the pain I felt about Ella having to deal with the loss of her best friend since birth. Most things Ella does on a day to day basis are all about puppies. She acts like one as she crawls around pretending to fetch a ball. She draws one in almost every picture she does, and she sleeps with almost a dozen stuffed animal puppies every night. Of course, they all stem from her love of Lulu. Half of them are named Lulu, she pretends to be Lulu and she draws Lulu.

It has been difficult watching Ella mourn the loss of her dog. She was terribly sad when we told her Lulu needed to go up to heaven and be with Jesus. We had been telling her for a week or so that Lulu was really sick and she had been with me to the vet several times. Ella got to be with Lulu for almost 2 hours before we put her down. They layed on the floor together as she watched cartoons for most of that time. Ella laying behind Lulu with her arm around her neck and her head on Lulu's ear. An hour or so after Keith took Lulu away Ella was bouncing off the walls as if nothing had happened. I was a little thrown off, but needed to roll with it.

Since then, the way she expresses her grief is to continue to draw pictures of her dog while adding “I love you Lulu” on each picture. She mentions her several times a day, whether it be that she says she misses her or something like, “good thing Lulu’s not here to be scared of the squeaky dryer” or “good thing we don’t have any Lulu hair on the carpet anymore”. She knows it’s ok to cry and miss her. She also knows that she is not coming back, but that she will be in our hearts forever.

It has been an interesting experience watching how strong Ella can be, yet still be just a 5 year old little girl that I don’t think can grasp the situation fully. The innocence she exudes while coping on a day to day basis is amplified by her sorrow. Keith and I also had a really hard time with Lulu's death, but watching Ella persevere, whether she is conscious of it or not, gives me strength. She is my strong and beautiful, but vulnerable and innocent little girl. I wish I could make everything better for her.

BSM - Cozy Home

2010-12-20T14:36:00.000-06:00

I don't go down into our family room much unless Keith is home. Keith games downstairs and whenever I nap or something he and Ella go down there. During the day, I usually stay upstairs with the kids because my laptop is here for work and then the kitchen for all of the kids needs. Seems I'm always getting a drink/bottle or its time to make lunch or a snack.

I went down there the other night to find this cozy little setting. Ella had taken my nest ornament, set it on a little bench and curled the branches of our tree around it. It's hard to see too, but she took Keith's little white matchbox car that he keeps on his desk and parked it just to the left of the nest.....making it it's own garage.

What a cozy little scene, I thought. Along with the nest and car were a few Littlest Pet Shop animals, so I know she was having a good time with it. Her creativity blows me away everyday. Surprisingly, I wasn't even bothered that she rearranged the ornaments and was playing with the nest. All I thought about was her being a child at Christmas. With how mature she acts, sometimes I forget she is just a little girl who wants to play, explore and have fun.

For more Best Shot Monday images, head over to Tracey's.

Rest In Peace Our Beloved Lu

2010-12-15T21:43:00.001-06:00

We lost our beloved Lulu today to kidney disease. She will always be in our hearts and part of our family. We love you and miss you Pooh Bear, but happy to know you are now in peace.

BSM - Snow, Snow, Snow

2010-12-13T12:39:00.000-06:00

Some of you may have heard that the Midwest got pummeled by a blizzard this past weekend. 17 inches was the official total I heard here in Minneapolis. We got so much snow that the roof of the Metrodome caved in (cool video) forcing the Vikings to move their game from yesterday to tonight and to play in Detroit rather than at home.

It was actually quite beautiful as it fell from late Friday night through all day Saturday. It seemed like it would never stop. And until the temperatures dropped to sub zero degrees with nasty wind chills, Ella had SO MUCH fun! Her little boyfriend down the street came trudging through the snowy roads that hadn't been plowed yet and the two of them frolicked carefree for quite some time. Barely seeing their legs as they played in the yard, building snow forts and eating the freshly fallen snow is what winter should be all about.

For more Best Shot Monday images, head over to Tracey's.

Team Up Thursday

2010-12-02T07:19:00.000-06:00

Christina and I took a break last week for the holidays, what I didnt realize is that so did everyone else! In any case, we decided to catch up with ourselves and do thankful this week. Coincidentally, we both chose nature as a root. It's very hard not to be thankful for the beauty nature beholds.

I'm sure she wont mind me sharing.....These are Christina's exact words in her email to me, "No, I can't really say what it means...it just for some reason embodies thankfulness that was in my heart at the moment I snapped it." Once I opened the picture I completely agreed that no words needed to be said about the thankfulness in her heart at the time she took the picture. Unfortunately, we can usually look at visions like this longer than they can last.

I live in a suburb outside of the city. By no means am I on farm land or live in a development where the houses are far and few between. So it always amazes me how many deer come in to our yard several times a day to be fed. Last year we had 21 deer at one time. Sometimes at night, while feeding Olivia mostly, I can see their forms against the white snowy ground. The other night as I was starring out the window, the first thing I thought was, deer make me happy. They are so peaceful to watch. And unless they feel threatened, the way they compose themselves and swagger around slowly seems to make time stop for me. I don't mean like in the movies when two lovers meet and they gaze into each others eyes as things turn slow motion. I mean that during those times when I watch the deer, everything goes quiet and nothing around me matters. For giving me that feeling, I am thankful.

For more "Team-Up Thursday" diptych's, head over to Megan's

WW - Let The Festivities Begin

2010-12-01T11:30:00.000-06:00

For more Wordless Wednesday images, click here and here.

BSM - Piggy's

2010-11-29T10:21:00.000-06:00

Guess what Olivia had for Thanksgiving dinner? Yuuuuummmmmy!

For more Best Shot Monday images, head over to Tracey's.

WW - It Came And Went Too Quick

2010-11-23T22:27:00.001-06:00

For more Wordless Wednesday images, click here and here.

Team Up Thursday - Peaceful

2010-11-18T08:37:00.001-06:00

Peaceful.....A puppy watching over her "person" as she sleeps. I wonder if Christina and Nadia are dog people yet? How could you not be with a sweet little scene like this.

We had our first snow fall of the year this past weekend. The weight of the snow on the tree in our front yard was beautiful. An early Sunday morning with no one in sight. That was peaceful to me.

Hope your joining in this week for Team Up Thursday.

WW - Acorn Cap Through the Wash

2010-11-17T08:03:00.000-06:00

For more Wordless Wednesday images, click here and here.

BSM - First Snow

2010-11-15T10:49:00.001-06:00

For more Best Shot Monday images, head over to Tracey's.

The Changing of Seasons

2010-11-12T12:43:00.000-06:00

Fall will be officially over tonight since the Twin Cities are supposed to get 4-8 inches of snow over the next 24 hours. We've had a great Fall season though. It was almost 70 degrees just a few days ago. Why is it that I always start to enjoy taking walks and being outside just as the seasons change? Though most of the leaves are off of the trees, one of my neighbors had a bush that had it's last remaining leaves on it and they were such a beautifully, brilliant shade of red. They were tiny and petite, but packed a punch of color. Let's hope this storm tonight doesn't pack quite as much of a punch. I could totally do without Winter this year......

Team Up Thursday

2010-11-10T20:46:00.002-06:00

This week Christina and I chose LEARN. It seemed appropriate since Christina is so enveloped with school lately. A take home test goes better than she thought. Yay! And for me, to think that there would be a lesson on how to "be me" seemed too good to pass up!

Hope your in this week for Team Up Thursday!

BSM - Needed

2010-11-07T18:48:00.000-06:00

For more Best Shot Monday images, head over to Tracey's.

Team Up Thursday

2010-11-04T00:19:00.000-05:00

Christina and I chose hands this week and we each looked at them from a different perspective.

I like hands. Some people like legs. Some people like feet. I happen to think hands are interesting. Hands are unique. I love those gritty black and white shots of aged hands that look like they are hard worked. The ones with wrinkles and liver spots that have so much character in them. There are the strong hands of a parent that radiate protection and love. The often dirty hands of a child that explore with such curiosity. And the soft hands of a baby that provide him/herself comfort and show so much potential. Hands tell a story about each person and leave me with questions about their lives in any scenario. I like hands.

What did you show this week for Team Up Thursday?

Team Up Thursday

2010-10-27T21:00:00.000-05:00

Signs. A person could go in many directions with that theme. Christina took the mysterious route. Signs of a new puppy? Ahhhh, she had me at tiny wet paws! I love this adorable showing of whats to come. I on the other hand took the obvious route with just a picture of an actual sign. I couldn't resist the UGLY MUG!

Hope your in this week for Team Up Thursday!

BSM - Fluff

2010-10-24T20:46:00.000-05:00

For more Best Shot Monday images, head over to Tracey's.

Team Up Thursday

2010-10-20T20:57:00.000-05:00

Christina and I were a little behind this week for Team up Thursday. I don't think we picked a theme until Tuesday! We ended up choosing FOOD because I thought it would be easy. Ha Ha on my part since I hadn't been grocery shopping in a couple of weeks!

Christina and Nadia had this one down though. Ants on a log...How fun! Ooey gooey tasty peanut butter with celery and raisins. A great nutritious snack. While I on the other hand, may not have real food in the house, but we have donut holes! It's like our naughty obsession in this house and a quick and easy breakfast for Ella before school sometimes.

For more "Team-Up Thursday" diptych's, head over to Megan's

I've Fallen In Love

2010-10-16T20:35:00.000-05:00

I've fallen in love. It was instant and it was powerful. In person and through the lens. The second I looked into his...or was it her (don't judge, we didn't get that close.)....eyes, it felt like the rest of the world had disappeared. I kept clicking because I wanted to remember every single second of that moment. All the noise in the room went silent and I could only see the gentleness in his eyes. His long flowing eyelashes were reminiscent of Mr._Snuffleupagus. How could I not get a warm and fuzzy feeling? His beauty took my breath away. His sheer size and ease of movement was amazing. There was no fear. He was in the spotlight. I was in awe. The moment was surreal. I've fallen in love.

- Thoughts from my inner child who has apparently never been to a circus.
No other part of the event had me mezmorized like this beautiful creature.

Team Up Thursday - Change

2010-10-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

Changes. We all go through them many times in our lives, and since Christina and I were away from the challenge for a few months, we thought we would show you some changes that have happened in our lives.

Nadia. Beautifully growing Nadia. That's what Christina is portraying in her shot. I LOVE the wonderful mother-daughter relationship they have. They are like two peas in a pod! I know over the last few posts Christina has made, I have commented on how big and tall Nadia looks. She has really lost alot of her chubby little baby cheeks from the early days of the blog and is turning into a beautiful little girl. Sweet Nadia....You get more and more beautiful with every post!

In my shot, I opted for the obvious. Little girl + new baby = Busy Mama...and loving it! The relationship Ella has with Olivia has already bloomed into something wonderful. Olivia could be screaming her head off and once Ella comes into sight, the whole world is better. Even more so when Ella almost rips her arms off and makes Olivia dance. Oh how she laughs. I absolutely love having two little girls, but more so, I love the relationship that they are going to form as they grow up together. I know it wont be all happy pink and pigtails forever. They will probably be at each others throats at some point. But I am enjoying this love while I can!

For more "Team-Up Thursday" diptych's, head over to Megan's

A Tale of Two Anniversary's

2010-10-09T20:51:00.000-05:00

There's a couple of anniversary's happening lately in my life. One of them caught me completely by surprise, while the other is the reason I am here.

The first anniversary is my parents. 10-10-10 is my parents 39th wedding anniversary. I am so happy and proud to have them in my life and in Ella and Olivia's life. We built the addition on our house just over a year ago for them to move in, and it could not have worked out better. I love how much we are able to share and be there to help each other out when needed. Keith and my Dad play games online together many nights. We often used to joke about my Dad being upstairs while Keith is downstairs and they are fighting each other in a game. At the time we didnt know it would really happen. :0) My mom is retired so she is home all day, as are the girls and I. We often go out to lunch and make those 5 weekly trips to Target (Its an addiction, I swear)! Ella just adores them and when Olivia gets a little older, she'll be right on Ella's heels crawling up those stairs to see her Amoo and Eppay every day too. We are all so glad to have them here, and wish them a wonderful anniversary.

On the same note....I work from home for my company and my boss asked me if I could come into the office the other day to have a meeting. He told me it was about one of my duties that is probably my least favorite thing to do in my job. So whatever, thats fine. I was going in anyways to have lunch with my friend Stacy. I asked my mom to watch the girls and I was on my way in.

All was pretty normal. I get along with my boss really well so the normal joking around ensues. Also, Stacy was there working and waiting for me to get done with my meeting to go have lunch. I said hi to a few people along the way to the conference room and my boss and I took a seat while waiting for one more person to join the meeting.

Then the door opened and there wasnt just one more person walking in, there was about 7 or 8 people walking in. In the span of about 1/10th of a second as I saw all the people standing there, my mind went crazy and stupid all at the same time. Is it my birthday? No, its not my birthday....Was I getting fired and this was a going away party? No, thats not reasonable. Crap! There's the president of the company....but wait, there's Stacy too....What the heck is going on?!

Come to find out, they were surprising me with a gift for being with the company for 10 years. I was blown away. Rendered speechless. I absolutely thought I was in there to have a meeting. They presented me with a plaque and a fantastic gift. They handed me a bag, which itself was a new camera bag. Inside the bag was 3 lenses. I KNOW!! I am still freaking out when I think about it. They got me a Nikkor 70-300mm zoom lens, a fisheye and (brace yourself...) a 650-1300mm lens. A total paparazzi lens! Along with the bag and lenses were a set of 3 filters, lens cleaner and a lens cap keeper.

I must mention that about a week or so before, my friend Stacy told me that her aunt had a camera store that she had closed and she had a bunch of lenses that she thought she could get for really cheap. She wanted to know which lenses I was interested in as a combination present for my birthday and Christmas. I found it a little odd, as she had never told me before that she had a family member with a camera store....since I am into photography and all. But never the less, I gave her a list of a few lenses I would like, thinking that maybe if they were at a really good price, I would buy some for myself too. This was all a lie to get information from me. I was played the fool! They made a sign on the computer saying, "Stacy's Aunt's Camera Shop Closing Sale One Day Only 10/5/10." There was no aunt and there was no camera shop!

As they presented me with my gift, they pulled out 3 large pieces of paper and layed them on the table. Stacy and my boss had gone onto my blog and put together a few collages of my photography to show everyone. I think that was what got me the most. The time that they took to put them together and the thoughtfulness that went into it blew me away. In that surreal moment, it was as though I was suddenly having my first exhibit! LOL. All kidding aside, it was a fantastic surprise and I could not have been more thankful.

I havent even tried out any of the lenses yet, but as you can see from the pictures accompanying the post, I have been loving the weather and colors around here. Keith and I are going to take a nature walk tomorrow with the girls and I hope to get some good pictures. It is supposed to be close to 80 degrees tomorrow!

Team Up Thursday - Fall

2010-10-07T07:48:00.000-05:00

I have no idea where 2010 went, because here we are in October already. The season up here in Minnesota is moving along quickly. Just last weekend I was taking pictures of the leaves and they had just turned yellow with a tad bit of orange. Here we are on Thursday and the pictures I took yesterday are almost full on red.

As I was shooting yesterday with one of my new lenses (70mm-300mm...more on that in an upcoming post), I zoomed in and saw this leaf flickering in the wind. A heart. A perfect little heart was inside this leaf. Ella and my Dad were standing there with me and my Dad said, "What a creative little bug to have eaten a perfect little heart." Creative indeed!

Christina provided a picture almost completely opposite of mine. It just goes to show how different things are down in Texas this time of the year. I love this view with the lines directing my eyes to the bails of hay on the right. The way she processed it gives the image a baron and deserted feeling showing the end of the crop season. Even though there are no bright yellows, oranges or reds, you know the cooler weather has set in and it is FALL.

For more "Team-Up Thursday" diptych's, head over to Megan's

Blowing In The Wind

2010-10-01T13:41:00.000-05:00

Team Up Thursday - Hello

2010-09-29T20:11:00.000-05:00

I am super excited to be joining up with Christina again for Team Up Thursday. I cant believe its been almost 4 months. I definitely had planned on getting back into it after only a few weeks of giving birth, but it just didn't feel right. Now that we are settled into a routine, I am ready to work with what's left of my brain and get back into the swing of it! :0)

Christina came to the table with a whole bunch of ideas for a theme. Appropriately enough for our first week back, we decided to go with Hello.

I love Christina's photo this week. I think it truly embodies the quote, "A picture is worth a thousand words." I told her that I cold totally see her setting the timer and getting back to Nadia as if she was "sliding into home base". The more I look at it the more I see. With Christina's eyes, you can tell she's smiling. Nadia's eyes look like she is making a surprised face. I love the grip C has on Nadia's hand. You can just see the fun that they had getting this shot....Plus its got great bokeh.

My image for this week simply shows what I've been up to in our time away. I have been playing with my Lensbaby more and more, which has been really fun. But the Lensbaby isn't the only baby I have been busy with. :0)

For more "Team-Up Thursday" diptych's, head over to Megan's

It Was All About The Food

2010-09-27T11:22:00.000-05:00

My mom and I took the girls to a Lebanese festival this past weekend. I brought my camera expecting there to be colorful outfits with dancers and live music. I was very excited, but there was none of that....at least not in the afternoon when we went. The band was just setting up around 5pm when we were leaving, so I think we should have gone a little later in the day rather than earlier. It was in the parking lot of a church and was put on by the parishioners. There was Arabic music played over the speakers...which I totally loved. There was also a silent auction, a big bouncy house/slide for the kids to play in and fabulous food.

My great, great Grandfather on my Mom's side came to America from Lebanon. While growing up I always had a sense of my heritage, but never became interested in it until my late 20's. My Mom and I often go to a Lebanese deli to enjoy raw kibbi, tabouli, stuffed grape leaves and stuffed kusa. It is a nice treat for us to go there because neither my Dad nor Keith like to eat our "funny food", as they call it.

So even though there was not much excitement while we were at the festival, at least we got to enjoy the music and the food!

Trying to get Ella to just smile like a normal little girl in front of the camera is another story! :0)

SMILE ELLA!

NO REALLY, JUST A REGULAR SMILE....

COME ON.....

JUST ONE SMILE FOR ME PLEASE.....

CAN YOU ACT NORMAL?
THANK YOU!

WW - Nature Around Me

2010-09-22T08:29:00.000-05:00

For more Wordless Wednesday images, click here and here.

Little Present for Myself

2010-09-15T21:02:00.000-05:00

I got myself a little present that just arrived the other day..... The Shutter Sister's new book, Expressive Photography. I was finally able to sit down last night and look at it and I ended up reading it cover to cover. I just loved, loved, loved the whole thing, since it is jam packed with beautiful images and knowledge. It made me want to pick up my camera and start shooting.

Thank you Shutter Sister's for such a wonderfully inspiring book. I hope you get the chance to pick it up for yourself too!

Oh, The Tangled Webs We Weave

2010-09-13T22:35:00.000-05:00

What We Do For Fun....

2010-09-05T19:25:00.000-05:00

Bored as hell? check
Mall? check
Vivacious 5 year old? check
iPhone? check

This is what happens when my child says, "Mommy, Look!"

Now, I debated posting this one, only because.....well, I'm sure you know......But the thing is, this one was actually the funniest of them all. Ella HAD to pose with these mannequins because she wanted to be bare foot like they were. So that's fine and all, but there was little to no room in between those mannequins and all I could do is hold my breathe and pray that she did not knock them all over as she made her escape! I mean really....Couldnt you just see them tumbling over as they scatter left and right and how freaking embarrassed I would have been? OMG.

Ah, Good times.....Good times.

How Big Is Olivia? Soooo Big!!

2010-09-01T13:14:00.000-05:00

Although my life is starting to look something close to normal now, this whole newborn stage really flew by way too quickly....especially when you know this one is the last. Out goes the sleepy and squishy newborn face and in comes the beautiful characteristics and personality.

Yesterday, Olivia was officially 3 months. She coos at us, her actions are as deliberate as they can be, she is sleeping at least 3 hours at a time and I am only getting up 2 times a night. Ella has even started watching cartoons for a bit before she wakes me up. Most mornings, that means I get to sleep in until 8am. I'm giddy about that one!

Yup, both my girls are pretty much growing up way too fast.

Note to self: Stop. Take it all in. Smile. Repeat.

Amazing, Doesnt Even Cover It

2010-08-14T12:22:00.000-05:00

Amazing.....doesn't even cover who you are.
You are kind, generous, thoughtful and loving.
You are innocent and trusting. Intelligent and inspiring.
You are caring and beautiful, inside and out.

You look at me with love and admiration, yet look to me for guidance and support.
You're strong. Independent. Yet vulnerable and weak.
You make my heart feel warm and full.
Yet, amazing, doesn't even cover it.

You are playful and imaginative.
You sparkle. I'm mean, you absolutely sparkle when you smile.
You are optimistic. Hopeful.
Amazing, doesn't even cover it.

You're only 5 years old, yet communicate with such wisdom.
You are welcoming, accepting and helpful to no end.
You are unique. Perfection, to a degree I could have never imagined.
You are in every sense of the word, a miracle.

So believe me when I say.....
Amazing, doesn't even cover it.

Magical Times Are Happening

2010-08-01T15:01:00.000-05:00

One of the first of many magical times, is beginning to happen around here. Olivia will be 8 weeks on Tuesday and she is starting to react and smile at us. Nope, its not just gas anymore! She is staying awake a little more throughout the day now, which means we get to interact with her more. Ella loves to get in her face....ALL THE TIME! Did I say ALL the time? Ok, just making sure....

She is also making noises at us and trying to talk. Her little lips start to curl and tiny coos and googoo gaagaa's come out. Oh how I love this stage! With the postpartum I went through with Ella, which lasted almost 10 weeks, I really feel like I missed out on this stage with her and wasn't able to enjoy it as much as I am with Olivia.

Keith and Ella went up to the cabin with his family for the night and it was just Olivia and I. I cant tell you how much I enjoyed myself. I took a nap. I stayed up late catching up on all the shows I DVR'd. And I slept in until 9am. Granted I had to get up and feed Olivia a couple of times throughout the night, but she is at the point where she will go back to sleep after her belly is full and diaper is changed. It was great quality time!

I am so in love with my little girls....Individually, but most of all together!

Olivia and the Hat

2010-07-10T20:43:00.000-05:00

Some of you may recall that Stacy and I met for the first time IRL as bloggy friends a couple of months ago and she made this adorable hat for me as I was her 10,000th comment on her blog. I could not wait to shoot my newborn in it. Without some elaborate location to take pictures at, or the gumption to get out and find one, we did with what we had. Our living room!

I apparently wasn't in a very vibrant processing mood today because I kinda liked all of the muted tones. But in any case, my littlest angel still shined. Thank you so much Stacy for the hat! I only wish I had one like this when Ella was a baby too!

A Tiny Bit of 4th of July

2010-07-05T14:29:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe 4th of July! We went up to the cabin over the weekend. It was wicked warm and humid so I didn't spend much time outside with Olivia. Her and I actually stayed only one night while Keith and Ella stayed 2 nights. I gave Olivia to my mom for the night and got to sleep my little heart out! Fireworks? Who cares when you can sleep?!! :0) Ella came home completely covered in bug bites and exhausted, but had a wonderful time. I'm hoping she sleeps in tomorrow....*Fingers crossed*....but not so likely. These are the few pictures I got of Olivia outside and one of Ella and her cousin Jack.

Its so wonderful the relationship Ella has with Jack. She has a little "boy"friend in the neighborhood that she plays with (remember the kiss?!), but when he doesn't want to do something or gets bored, he will roll his eyes and just go home. With Jack, they both accept each others eccentricities and help each other out. They have been together since babies (they are only 10 weeks apart) and they just accept each other for who they are. I absolutely love to see them together.

Little Feets

2010-06-28T12:22:00.000-05:00

I am on the way outside of the blogosphere these days.....Sorry I haven't been commenting or posting much. I haven't even picked up my camera a lot. Weird, I know! Hoping to get back into the swing of it soon, but I couldn't help it with these little feets. Lots of love to all good wishes I have received from everyone. We are all doing well. I'm a little OFF sometimes, but that's normal. :0)

My Free Spirit

2010-06-19T15:23:00.000-05:00

My Girls....

2010-06-13T15:44:00.000-05:00

When I was pregnant, there were so many things I pictured about Ella and Olivia. I couldn't wait to have my two little girls at home playing together and having fun. Ella would be able to teach Olivia so many different things as she grew up. But I realize now that what I need to do is stop jumping ahead of myself so quickly because even these quiet little moments that they have together right now are just as dreamy.

Although I know in a way the birth of Olivia has affected Ella more than I probably realize, she sure does love her little sister. Her favorite thing to do is hold her in the rocking chair and watch cartoons. What could be better in life? A new baby sister and a little Wow Wow Wubzy!

Team Up Thursday - Week 19

2010-06-02T20:27:00.000-05:00

Oh, what a week its been. Less than a week out from giving birth and I am so glad I decided on an easy theme for Christina and I this week. Black and White. How much easier could it get?

Look at Christina's wonderful piano shot. What a great subject to take in b/w because it looks like it has so much history to it. All of the fingerprints/marks under the keys give it such beautiful character....especially in b/w.

Mine is simply of a yellow dandelion that I processed in b/w. Honestly, I never noticed the curlies in the middle of the flower and it made me want to grab my macro lens that second to shoot it. It felt right to process it in b/w only for the fact that it would focus you on the curlies and not get you distracted by the bright yellow color of the original shot.

On another note, this week brought in a hospital visit, but not the one I expected. Monday night I went into the hospital thinking I was going into labor early. Nope. Ended up I was admitted for having kidney stones. Don't even get me going on how painful and uncomfortable that was at 9 months pregnant. But we survived and I am still scheduled next Tuesday for my c-section.

That being said, Christina and I will be taking a break from Team Up Thursday next week. Depending on how I feel, we will see what the next week brings for me. But I hope to be back in action as soon as possible.

For more "Team-Up Thursday" diptych's, head over to Megan's.

Team Up Thursday - Week 18

2010-05-26T23:20:00.000-05:00

I think this week will go as one of my favorites from Christina and I. We decided to do the theme Rule of Thirds this week, and somehow we both came out kinda dreamy looking. I am LOVING this picture of Nadia. The glowing light all around, the almost out of focus-ness and the beautifully content look on her face makes it all such a great capture. Those are the kinds of pictures I love to have of Ella....When you capture the moment in time just right and I could stare at it for hours.

For more "Team-Up Thursday" diptych's, head over to Megan's

Awaiting Her Sweet Arrival

2010-05-25T21:09:00.000-05:00

2 weeks and counting....

For more Wordless Wednesday images, click here and here.

Team Up Thursday - Week 17

2010-05-20T08:56:00.000-05:00

This week Christina and I tackled the theme Out of Focus. That is not an easy theme. As Christina and I talked about, you take a picture and you are conditioned to want to make it as tack sharp as possible....find a focal point and FOCUS. Not this time.

Since Christina asked on her post if you could guess who did which one...I wont give it away. Can you guess which is mine and which is Christina's?

For more "Team-Up Thursday" diptych's, head over to Megan's

Team Up Thursday - Week 16

2010-05-12T20:27:00.000-05:00

This week Christina and I tackled Motherhood. I remember at the beginning of this challenge I told myself that I was going to try not to use Ella in my photos so that I could stretch out more with photography. Well, I have used Ella in quite a few shots, and I just couldn't get around it this week either. I think Christina felt the same way. :0)

Ella drew this picture of me holding a heart. But it was more than just me holding a heart. She told me I was giving her my heart in the picture. What she doesn't realize is that she IS my heart.

Christina made a fantastic post about motherhood the other day. So when you stop by to see her Team Up Thursday, scoot back and look at the previous post. It epitomizes the feelings of motherhood, along with some more adorable shots that accompany the loving one she used for this weeks theme.

For more "Team-Up Thursday" diptych's, head over to Megan's

Team Up Thursday - Week 15

2010-05-05T20:17:00.000-05:00

This week Christina suggested we post the photo that we are going to use for A Moment In Time.

It was on Sunday, May 2nd at 10am here in Minnesota. Ella and I were just getting ready to walk out the door to meet Stacy at the zoo. It was like 3 minutes to 10am and I kept telling Ella that I was going to need her at exactly 10am. What happens at that moment? She has to go pee!! I never pushed that kid to pee so fast in her life. I don't even know how she did it, but we pulled it off. Btw, I have no postable pictures from that day with Stacy for several reasons (I didnt take too many, the ones I did take were either over/under exposed, blah blah blah), so thankfully Stacy was on top of things that day. I will be better next time. :0)

It was the same time in Texas when Christina found herself in the grocery store. What I love about her shot is how glossy it looks. The reflection of the cart on the floor is so great along with the colors on the shelves and almost tunnel like vision looking down the aisle. Ah, the things you can do with a picture of an every day task.

For more "Team-Up Thursday" diptych's, head over to Megan's

BSM - Random Shot

2010-05-03T09:41:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Grumpy! I get such a kick out of how his eyes portray a grumpy old toad like you would see in a cartoon. I am just waiting to hear him say, "Ribbit".

For more Best Shot Monday images, head over to Tracey's.

The Elusive Dandelion

2010-04-30T09:44:00.000-05:00

Finally, those beautiful weeds have popped up at my house (to my husbands dismay). Christina has been posting dandelions for a few weeks now and I have just been dying for one to pop up around here. Keith came home to mow the lawn yesterday and I found only 2 in our yard. Lots of yellow dandelions but only two of these fluffy beauties. Ella had already picked on and blew it away, so I told her, "Guard this dandelion so I can shoot it. Dont let Daddy mow over it!" So I ran inside, got my camera and plopped my butt down to start shooting.

They really are interesting little things with such beautiful delicateness to them. Of course Ella kept asking me, "Can I blow on it yet? Can I blow on it yet?" What I loved about this one was that it wasnt full. It had a little hole in it already from the wind blowing on it. I loved that it wasnt perfect.

Team Up Thursday - Week 14

2010-04-28T22:41:00.000-05:00

This week, Christina and I are doing Simplicity. The crisp shot of the dandelion Christina captured is beautiful...and simple. As is the thought provoking quote she added to it. The little red balls (or some sort of eggs?) on the leaf that I shot really stuck out at me for some reason. They lay there as if strategically placed....but are just simply there.

For more "Team-Up Thursday" diptych's, head over to Megan's

The Curves of Nature

2010-04-28T09:11:00.000-05:00

For more Wordless Wednesday images, click here and here.

Have I Told You.....

2010-04-26T19:43:00.000-05:00

....that my 4 year old daughter had her first kiss? I KNOW! I'm as shocked as you are! She plays with a 6 year old boy down the street a couple of times a week. Always at our house, I might mention, and always under our supervision. Well apparently, they were on the side of the house out of our view for 5 minutes, and he asked her for a kiss.

After Billy left that day, Ella whispers to me, "Billy and I kissed, but don't tell Daddy."(The name of the little boy has been changed to protect his identity). First of all, DON'T TELL DADDY? What does she think Daddy is going to do and where did she get the idea that Daddy shouldn't know?! I choked, but quickly tried to compose myself as to not look shocked and want to grab my child and ask her what she was thinking....or chase Billy down the street with a broom. Many things were running through my head like...

Isn't she too young for this?
Did I really hear what I thought I just heard?
Oh crap, how does my face look right now?
Breathe...Breathe again...Keep breathing.
Stay calm!

As she came in the house, I was able to not look at her face to face for a second and compose myself. As I was getting her something to drink I said, "So tell me what happened."

Ella: "He asked me if I wanted to kiss and so we did."

Me: "Where did he kiss you?"

Ella: She pointed to her lips.

Me: "Where did this happen?"

Ella: "On the side of the house while we were playing by the tree."

Me: "Well I have to let you know that you are too young to be letting boys kiss you and I don't want it to happen again. If Billy asks you again, you will need to tell him you are too young and should not be kissing, ok?

Ella: "Ok."

Talking to Ella was the easy part. Deciding how to tell Keith....A whole different story. I did tell him later that night and after seeing his reaction, I felt like I was the one who had kissed a boy! Awkward.....

Keith ended up talking to Ella and Billy about it together and then he spoke to Billy's Mom. She didn't seem that shocked as she told Keith that Billy just asked a 14 year old girl at a soccer game to come over after the game. She said, "What would we do at your house?" He said, "Watch movies and roll around on the floor."

Again, I KNOW! Ya see, Billy has an older brother and sister, both whom are teenagers. You wonder where he gets this stuff. I guess its all part of growing up, but my sweet and innocent little Ella.....probably not as innocent as I think because some of the things that come out of a 4 years old mouth shock me anyways....But she's not even 5 years old yet!!She IS innocent!!

We've all gotten past the incident and Ella has continued to play with Billy, at our house only, and no more kissing has ensued. I'm so not ready for my child to grow up anymore past this point. And now I am going to have another daughter to worry about? Eeek. God save me now!!

Team Up Thursday - Week 13

2010-04-21T21:09:00.000-05:00

Since last week, I chose the theme of down low, Christina chose this weeks theme of looking up. For some reason, I had a hard time with this one. Nothing tickled my fancy....in so many words. But after several days of good rain, we are now going into full bloom here in Minnesota. So the only thing to capture was the glorious sun shining down on the new flowers.

Christina chose trees this week too, yet the warm yellow glow of her shot while laying in a hammock gives the picture a completely serene feeling. I love how nothing is quite focused on except for the hammocks metal bar leading you UP into dreamland!

We both captured a little sunlight and a little bit of nature, but to me, there is quite a contrast between the two shots.

*I should note that my original picture orientation should be horizontal. I apparently had a hard time matching it with Christina's vertical shot. The original shot is pictured correctly on Christina's blog.

For more "Team-Up Thursday" diptych's, head over to Megan's

Team Up Thursday - Week 12

2010-04-14T20:28:00.000-05:00

This week Christina and I focused on a "down low" point of view.

Christina got a sweet down low view of what being a little girl is all about. Cute little sandals and scrapped up knees are perfect for the season. I feel like this one shot with those adorably banged up little legs could tell a thousand stories.

Even though I chose the theme this week, I found it a little hard to get low to the ground. It was a beautifully warm day when I took this shot of my parents dog, Buttons. If the neighbors were looking out their window, they would have gotten quite an eyeful.....Me in the grass, my over sized cleavage hanging out the front of my tank top and my butt high in the air so as to not lay on my belly. I got as low as I could go. At least Buttons smiled for me! :0)

For more "Team-Up Thursday" diptych's, head over to Megan's

WW - Peace

2010-04-13T20:41:00.000-05:00

For more Wordless Wednesday images, click here and here.

BSM - The Delicate Details

2010-04-11T20:17:00.000-05:00

For more Best Shot Monday images, head over to Tracey's.

Team Up Thursday - Week 11

2010-04-07T20:11:00.000-05:00

This week, Christina and I chose New Life. I have plenty of new life popping up outside my house this Spring, but then I remembered this key chain that I bought a few weeks ago. I love items that have sayings on them, and I always seem to find them on key chains! So I saw this one and it was still in its wrapper here until I took it out the other day to shoot it. I knew it would come in handy some day!

With the new life that will be coming into my world in 9 short weeks, celebration is what comes to mind when I think of our theme.

Christina's cactus is popping new life, but its her processing that I am in LOVE with this week. The grayish green antique color on the shot gives it a wonderful ruggedness. Along with the tact sharp focus, C portrays this simple yet detailed image perfectly.

For more "Team-Up Thursday" diptych's, head over to Megan's

WW - Loving Spring

2010-04-06T20:25:00.000-05:00

For more Wordless Wednesday images, click here and here.

BSM - My Easter Girl

2010-04-04T20:23:00.000-05:00

For more Best Shot Monday images, head over to Tracey's.

Team Up Thursday - Week 10

2010-03-31T20:18:00.000-05:00

Christina and I are doing NOISE this week. How funny that we were both on the same page with this one? We each have sweet little girls either making or listening to NOISE.

I love the expressions on both Nadia and her cousin's face. One listening intently and one enjoying. And their wavy hair flying everywhere is adorable. Ella loved being my model this week, along with being able to make the noise. :0)

For more "Team-Up Thursday" images, head over to Megan's

WW - Birdwatching

2010-03-30T20:53:00.000-05:00

For more Wordless Wednesday images, click here and here.

BSM - From One To the Next.....

2010-03-29T10:35:00.000-05:00

Tracey asked if we found time to create something magical this weekend....Kinda, but not really. We have gone from one sickness to the next. We cleared up the ear infection and pink eye, just to go back to a stuffy little cold again. How does that happen?

What IS magical about having a cold, is the wonderful way we get to snuggle! I cant complain about that part at all. :0)

Also magical? We are looking forward to 70 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday here in Minnesota, so I know Spring is here!

For more Best Shot Monday
images, head over to Tracey's.

Team Up Thursday - Week 9

2010-03-24T20:14:00.000-05:00

This week Christina and I went with the theme Negative Space. We debated doing the theme Spring, but when we talked, Christina had snow in Texas and everything here in Minnesota was brown and dreary. The funny thing is, we both agreed that our shots could have been used for a theme of Spring as well. Weird how it worked out that way!

I have been into the trees around my house lately because it really is the only thing that is starting to change and show some life around here. The new fuzzy buds just tickle my fancy.

I'm so glad Christina chose a dandelion. I think that they are so delicate and detailed. I told her I cant wait for those weeds to start popping up around here again so I can shoot them.

For more "Team-Up Thursday" images, head over to Megan's

BSM - Hidden Messages

2010-03-22T08:19:00.000-05:00

Coincidentally, this week happen to be about messages for me and over at Best Shot Monday. Sometimes they are obvious, like the message on Tracy's shirt. At other times, they are hidden and you have to search for them. I prefer the ones that are right in front of your face....and you just have to be open enough to see them.

Free. What could be better than feeling Free? I have a sense of that now that I am pregnant again. It has been a long journey to build our little family. Due to that, we have decided that having 2 children is our limit. We feel fortunate to be pregnant for a second time and feel that after I give birth, we are Free to move on with our lives and our family.

There truly is nothing better than being at peace with where you are in life and being comfortable enough to go forward.....Essentially, I am Free.

For more Best Shot Monday images, head over to Tracey's

Sometimes, She Is Just Too Much

2010-03-19T12:57:00.000-05:00

My daughter absolutely cracks me up! She is an actress to the N'th degree. Pink eye and an ear infection has stricken her this week, but you would not know by the way she is acting. Thankfully, after just one day of eye drops and antibiotics, you wouldn't even know that she had a highly contagious eye infection that could spread like wildfire!

Stuck at home the other day, under quarantine basically, we managed to laugh until we peed our pants. And let me tell you, while pregnant, its not hard at all to do that....

She stuck on these glasses from a bathtub swimming puppy she got for Christmas. But the highlight was when she put the hat on to go with it. She sat there with this goofy face on while I could barely hold the camera still to take these pictures because I was laughing so hard. I don't know how she was not laughing....especially in the last shot. She KILLED me...Just KILLED me!

This distant glare off into space was all in the moment. I could not have asked for a better expression with these goofy glasses on! She is such a silly dork in this shot! :0) I just love her....

Team-Up Thursday - Week 8

2010-03-17T19:18:00.000-05:00

This week, Christina and I did HOME. What I find interesting about both our shots is that neither one of us took a picture from our actual homes. Also, the fact that we both chose to display trees.

Christina chose this fantastic view of a road that she takes to get home. If you visit her frequently, you know that she has taken pictures of this road before during the different seasons. Each time I see this scene, I wish it was a road that I could travel home to everyday! With that fantastic line of beautiful trees, each scene is perfection.

My photo for this week is the home of a family of Cardinal's that was left over from last year. We had such a great time watching those birds grow up and fly away. Since we have seen Daddy Cardinal flying around in the last couple of weeks, along with the wonderful group of Robin's we get each year under our deck, we are hoping that they will decide to make their home in this tree again.

For more "Team-Up Thursday" images, head over to Megan's

WW - Coloring

2010-03-16T19:42:00.000-05:00

For more Wordless Wednesday images, click here and here.

BSM - Heaven Let Your Light Shine Down

2010-03-14T19:58:00.000-05:00

A *fantastic* 60 degree Sunday in Minnesota! If I had any summer maternity clothes, I would have been in shorts and a tank top.

Alas, wearing a t-shirt and jeans, being barefoot and pregnant topped off my perfect day. Heaven indeed, let it's light shine down!

For more Best Shot Monday images, head over to Tracey's.

Team Up Thursday -Week 7

2010-03-10T20:28:00.000-06:00

For week 7 of Team Up Thursday, Christina and I chose the theme Lines/Patterns.

Since it has been rainy and dreary here for the last few days, when I look at Christina's photo I can just feel the warmth of that beautiful sun flare coming through the blinds. What a way to wake up in the morning and what a perfect interpretation of Lines. I also love that she took the shot at an angle, adding depth.

For mine, I have these lilies (youre not crazy Christina...I called them tulips by mistake before) that have held on forever and ever so I thought I would utilize them while I could. I placed the flower in front of a lamp that I have. The shade is sort of a metal like grid and when I shot the photo, only the intersections of the grid showed up.....It also illuminated the curved lines in the lily.

Let another week of Team Up Thursday begin!

For more "Team-Up Thursday" images, head over to Megan's

WW - The Only Colors I Can See

2010-03-10T08:54:00.000-06:00

I know...Its now March and we still have our lights on the tree. :0)

For more Wordless Wednesday images, click here and here.

BSM - Bubbles

2010-03-07T21:51:00.000-06:00

The joy that children get from blowing bubbles is just amazing. Ella pulled out her bubbles about a week ago and has not put them down. Each and every day she has to blow bubbles....Inside, outside, out the back door to the deck, in my face, in Daddy's face, on the dog, up in the air, down on the floor, over the banister....and through the woods to Grandmothers house we go!

It must be some sort of internal clock she has, because it has been 40-50 degrees outside ever since she pulled them out. Even though March is supposed to be our snowiest month, it sounds like a sure sign of Spring to me!

For more Best Shot Monday images, head over to Tracey's.

Team Up Thursday - Week 6

2010-03-03T20:22:00.000-06:00

Its Thursday....I have so been looking forward to Thursday's since joining this challenge.

Its week 6 and Christina and I chose the theme SOFT. I have to admit that what seemed like a simple task kinda felt a little difficult to me. As a matter of fact, Christina and I found out yesterday that our intentions for this week were the same thing! Both of our first thoughts were to shoot our little girls blankies. While Christina was successful....The closer I got to Ella's blankie, the more it looked like a worn out and dirty rug to me. So I had to kabosh that idea.

I love how Christina chose to put some texture in her shot. She has always been very good at adding texture, whereas I never mastered that skill. Besides the texture added in post processing, the texture of the blanket has a strong presence in the picture too. A soft "security" blankie is something a child never forgets! Knowing that it is Nadia's, I just look at it and find myself wondering so many things....When are the times Nadia feels she needs her blankie....Where she got it (as it looks handmade)...When she decided that this specific blankie was going to be "the one"...And so on. It leaves alot of room to figure out the feelings of what the blankie represents. I love an image that makes you think more, no matter what the subject.

So as I said, I found this to be kind of a trying theme since my one and only thought didn't work out for me. I didn't want to do the obvious...but the only other thing that kept sticking in my head was feathers. SOFT feathers. While shopping at Michael's the other day, I came across this feathered boa that was all wrapped up. It was SO SOFT and I thought, "I have to make this work..or I'm screwed." :0)
Thankfully, I am pretty satisfied with my shot for this week.

Looking forward to seeing everyone's dip's!

For more "Team-Up Thursday" images, head over to Megan's

WW - The Paint Pot

2010-03-02T20:19:00.000-06:00

For more Wordless Wednesday images, click here and here.

BSM - The Dead of Winter

2010-02-28T18:48:00.000-06:00

This is the most I've got around here to take pictures of when I am outside. I envy the red berries people come up with at this time of the year. Everything is cold and bare here. Today was close to 40 degrees though, and I didnt wear a coat. I could almost smell the scent of Spring being right around the corner. Could've been wishful thinking......

For more Best Shot Monday images, head over to Tracey's.

Team Up Thursday - Week 5

2010-02-24T20:06:00.000-06:00

This weeks theme was SELF PORTRAIT.

Yup. EEEK was my first thought. But....I decided that I could find a way to get creative. Last week when it was mentioned that we would all be doing the same theme of self portraits, there was no mention of "face only" (I just read your post Megan) :0) So seeing that I am 6 months pregnant, I figured the best way to show what I am all about right now would be to get in the BELLY! Plus, Christina has been asking for a belly shot. So this one's for you C! I had a plan in my mind and I think I executed it ok. It's not as clean and crisp as I would have liked it, but it was the best I was going to get.

I love how Christina made hers so casual and told a little about what she loved. Who wouldn't love these new kickin' boots she just bought?! The processing of muted colors with the black and denim is so great to me. I also like the texture and angled lines of the fence she is sitting on.

Also, it seems every week that unintentionally each person has matched so well with their partner on their theme's. I am expecting that will be different this week for self portraits. I just couldn't get Christina to do a belly shot no matter how hard I tried! :0) In any case, I would normally put her photo ahead of mine, but I liked how when I positioned them with mine first that we are facing each other.

Looking forward to seeing everyone's shots for this week!

For more "Team-Up Thursday" images, head over to Megan's