SMI Photos

Slideshow, in black and white

2011-06-04T15:50:00.005-05:00

Slideshow of two cousins

2011-06-04T15:46:00.005-05:00

Sneak peak: fun with cousins

2011-05-29T11:19:00.004-05:00

I had so much fun playing with these cousins. They were amazing! It was super hot, but they just did their little boy thing and played hard.

Doesn't this just melt your heart?

Love when little ones pretend...
Oh. My. Sweetness.

I just had to see this in "chocolate!"

Thank you for the fun morning together!

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A few new photos of a happy boy...

2011-05-28T10:14:00.004-05:00

I can't stand it, isn't he too cute?

Thank you for letting me take your photo!

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2011-05-22T11:28:00.000-05:00

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A rehersal

2011-05-09T06:48:00.003-05:00

Little Miss Baby P!

2011-05-08T12:27:00.002-05:00

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Sneak peak: Communion

2011-05-07T21:56:00.003-05:00

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Haloween, a l;ittle late

2010-11-04T21:14:00.001-05:00

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A family start to summer

2010-06-29T09:26:00.005-05:00

It was the perfect beginning to summer vacation: grandparents, great grandma, Zia and uncle, and COUSIN L!!!!

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Cousins

2010-05-17T19:22:00.002-05:00

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Introducing, Miss K, as PHOTOGRAPHER!!!

2010-04-24T11:23:00.002-05:00

Miss K took each of these photos. She asked me for a bit of advice regarding settings, then ran off and posed these, composed them, and shot them. I added a bit of contrast, and tried to help a bit with color as they were backlit, early evening light, through the trees and grass color casting issues... but they on whole hers. Please, if you stop by, leave a little love for the nine year old photographer?

Check out the action shot- and Miss S's shoes-on-the-wrong-foot- jump!

Hobie is a great sport, isn't she??
This one makes me chuckle.

I don't know what they were doing here. It's just funny.

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Catching up again...

2010-04-24T11:03:00.007-05:00

Allow me this: a moment of sentiment.

Our precious little man, my nephew. This year and a half has been such a joy.

I love

the boyness,

the special treatness,

the once in a while you are our world for a weekendness,

the belly laughingness,

the curiosness,

the adventurousness,

the let's go findness,

the little boy who you are,

the cousin and nephew we love.

Thank you for your patience with my silliness...

And now, for some catching up photos:

LoVe this photo... a girl's love for her Nonna.

There's something special between cousins...

Pouting. 'Nuff said.

A quiet moment.

Peek a boo, little man!

Love those bubble pictures...

Hillarious! Nine cousins, this is my favorite blooper :)

Some more snow!

2010-02-27T13:55:00.010-05:00

Miss S staged a silly photo shoot in front of the window where I took my shots from inside. This is the one I LOVE.

Our street's stop sign, today before we were plowed out:
Today's skies are a welcome blue, sunny and fairly warm. Made for pleasant shoveling!

This tree across the way was my favorite sight through the storms. It's still hanging on to it's dead leaves!

The storm breaking up yesterday evening.

All of our cars, buried in the snow! Look for the little purple hood! The waving Dad in the background too.

Our entry way, yesterday afternoon.

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The storm!

2010-02-26T11:27:00.006-05:00

Here are three from our last storm, on 2.10. We really do love our snow!

Although it's continuing to snow, it's been such a beautiful 24 hours I had to post with some of the photos I have so far.
I LOVE this photo of the tree tops from yesterday...

This is what the stop sign looked like this morning:

This is what it looked like yesterday afternoon:

A frame of reference from this morning:
Our grill, with Miss K as a point of reference:
Just yesterday afternoon:
We are very fortunate. We have power, we have our cable and telephone. Our trees are up. Some of our friends and family haven't fared as well. We hope everyone stays safe!

Some January snapshots

2010-01-25T19:02:00.003-05:00

The following snapshots are from the Knickerbocker Ice Festival, a class bear, a shot of my preteen Miss K with her DS, and a fun shot of some fun from a sleepover. It's been a long time, so I thought I'd post a few! Enjoy.

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Sneak peeks: Little Miss A

2009-11-27T16:15:00.005-05:00

Thank you, for allowing me to come and meet this sweetie! Here are just a few...

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Sneak Peek :)

2009-10-12T23:04:00.003-05:00

I had so much fun playing this Sunday morning! I'm grateful for the opportunity to share a gorgeous fall day with such a fun and loving family. Thanks again!

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Miss S's first day of Kindergarten

2009-09-02T21:03:00.009-05:00

And so, here we are: no more babies at home. Our little Miss S is no longer so little, for she is now a school aged Kindergartener! This is her response to, "How are you doing?"

This is our typical, first day of school outside the house shot; every kid has one.

The bus is stopped, waiting fore her to climb aboard. I can almost hear her thoughts, can't you?

She is so lucky to have a big sister, goading her on, cheering for her, racing down the hill to the bus stop...

This one almost hurts to look at. The anxiety in her face, her curled up little fists. The good news is, this was one brief and flashing moment.

Just in case you thought Miss K was being ignored, we have a shot or two of her as well- much trickier at her bus stop with casts of thousands (well, at least 10).

And this was my way of fighting back the anxiety of Miss S's bus home being 14 minutes late... smile for me, Dad! For the record, Dad was calm and never once imagined the calamities I gave in to. When did I become anxious Momma???

Miss S reports her first day was great, that she "LOVED IT!" and is excited about returning tomorrow. She was full of news, and remembered more and more fun details to shower us with (which of course we ate up every bit of).

I went to my office to set up for school's start for me next week. It was too hard to stick around an empty and quiet house. Still, I didn't cry.

I saw a mom and young girl strolling to get their mail, and then walk hand in hand to their car. I was saddened that I don't have my Monday (day off) sidekick anymore. BUt still, I held it together.

But now that the kids are in bed, my pictures are up, and it is again very, very quiet, I can't quite stop the tears from pouring. When did my girlies get to be so big?

Don't get me wrong, I don't begrudge the beautiful girls they are growing up to be. I celebrate every moment (well okay, a lot of moments) and cheer them on as they leap closer toward the fabulous people they are developing into.

But the Momma in me just can't help being a little sad the golden moments of young childhood are coming to a close.

I love you, my girls!

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Love you guys!

2009-08-09T01:52:00.004-05:00

We miss you already! Miss S has been practicing "burps" so she can email CJ- ?I don't get it either, but hey, she's four and he's an Amigo. And the glow sticks Jamie put up during our sleepover are still up, because Jamie made them. You are all so much fun, I wish it wasn't a once a year/decade event!

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rain, rain

2009-07-31T15:47:00.004-05:00

Miss S recently hopped up on her grandparents's window ledge to watch an intense thunderstorm. Her grandfather came to get me to ask I take her picture. This is what I found when I got there:
Thanks, Da, for looking out for photo moments!

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Playing with backlight

2009-07-24T19:23:00.003-05:00

This was my last attempt:getting closer. I wish I'd read the amazing updates to Anne's original post, with great information from Paul and Anne. Then I would have known that I'd end up battling the green cast.

I know- too much flare, not sharp enough- but I just love it. It feels like my SIL- just cool.
I was lucky to catch a happy Miss K, who had just run under the hose at Nonna's. She really is a fish- ahem- mermaid. She's most happy when in water! Just look- a REAL smile :)

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The amazing four day growth of a determined four year old.

2009-07-16T09:17:00.004-05:00

This is the story of a girl who decided this year was going to be her turn to learn to swim. She talked about it all year.

So Friday the 10th, she got in the pool. She kept saying, "I need to practice. I'm learning to swim" although she wasn't floating or putting her face in the water yet. But she was sooo determined. So I offered to give her floaties, not inflated all the way.

She swam. She swam in the deep end. She swam across the pool. She kept telling herself, "Concentrate. Concentrate!"

Mind you, this was TOTALLY coming from her. I encouraged her, but did not put any pressure on her. When she got stuck, I'd give her a helpful hint. But this was totally Miss S, being her determined, self motivated self.

Once she swam across the deep end, she was hooked. She took the floaties off, and went back to practicing.

At the beginning of the day, I told my parents, "She'll be swimming in two weeks! She's so determined to do this!" After the deep end, when she got herself moing a stroke or two without help, I told them "One week! Can you believe this??"

Then, she slipped off a step. Her eyes were open. She saw her sister's mermaid fin swim by. She burst out of the water shouting, "I did it!!! I saw (Miss K) swimming!!! I was UNDER THE WATER!!!!"

That day, she jumped in the water from the steps. She went under the water over and over. And SHE SWAM. I'm not exaggerating. She was swimming.

The next time she was in the water (the 12th), she discovered she could jump in from the side of the pool. And she held her breath a little longer. And swam a little further.

The next time she swam was the 14th. She was a little more reluctant, and hit an obstacle. Toward the end of the day, I taught her the game of having an underwater tea party. She was hooked. And she realized going LOW in the water was FUN.

Now we're up to the 15th. I kid you not, this kid is SWIMMING, underwater. She is swimming under my legs. She is diving for diving sticks. She's having underwater picnics with her pool turtle toy, "Cookie." She can swim about 10 feet underwater, a quarter of the distance of the pool.

And I am so proud, and so amazed by my four year old kid, who decided she was going to swim. And did.

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Our vacation week PIcture HEAVY

2009-07-16T08:49:00.004-05:00

We spent 10 days with Nonna and Poppy, which of course was a blast! Here are a few highlights:

Miss S, being a model for a new lighting technique.

Miss K, being Miss K.
My favorite ride in any amusement park, with Miss K and Poppy!

The kids started our amusement park adventure with a ride on the ferris wheel with their grandparents.

Sing it with me: Up on the Roof...

And yes, they are nuts! I was being the nervous mom INSIDE, watching from the window. Of course I made them pose for me.

The coolest! The local children's museum has a mock SportsCenter studio. The kids LOVED it!

Miss S's kite.

Miss K's kite

Miss K's turn.

It was a fabulous vacation- the same one where all the photos in the slideshows below came from. We can't wait to go back :)

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My godson's Baptism... hoping this works!

2009-07-13T21:10:00.005-05:00

http://

and this one too... YES, I AM GETTING CARRIED AWAY!

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OuR LiL GrAdUaTe

2009-06-12T00:26:00.005-05:00

It's funny how these little milestones creep up on us and to remind of, "One day you will look back and realize the Little Things were actually the Big Things". I simply love that quote, and it is so totally appropriate today. Our little Imp did great in the circus as a performer, and was reportedly "scared" as a graduate- though she did great during that piece, too. We're so proud of you, S!

Opening parade.

The grands came to see you, too.
A little scared.

Pomp and Circumstance- yup, I was teary!

Performing her juggling rountine!

Please leave a note for me to read to our little star- you'll make her day! :0)

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Labor Day, a week later

2009-05-31T10:28:00.006-05:00

We had a great time relaxing and playing with the Grands! It almost felt like summer, enjoying outside and each other.

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BumbleBee buzzing

2009-05-29T23:41:00.001-05:00

Look who I caught while snapping photos of my current blooms outside! I can't wait to share with the girls tomorrow.

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Happy May!

2009-05-03T17:47:00.002-05:00

I simply LOVe the month of May... we married in May, graduations, celebrations, flowers finally in bloom. It's just a beautiful month. It's a great time to stop and celebrate our blessings, and in the tough times, to remember our blessings. So with that in mind, Happy May!

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Swirl Girl

2009-04-06T19:05:00.004-05:00

SOOC:

For every season, there is a purpose... a time to dance!
I'm not sure if this post processing works or not, but I kind of liked it. I caught K as she danced and swirled around the yard, high on feeling beautiful and loved. It's great to be a little girl.

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First haircut

2009-04-05T23:44:00.007-05:00

Today was the day. Big sister's communion pics were to be taken, and Easter is next weekend. TIME for the first haircut. After trying to convince the kids to go to a BEAUTY saloon, I decided to cut it myself. After all, I've been cutting their bangs :)

So, this is S's "before" shot. Her hair is almost to the stool (When totally pulled straight, it's past her heiny).
During (thanks, dad). S kept herself busy with my ipod, listening to a little Jimmy Buffet while trying to pretend her hair isn't getting shorter.

She was convinced she's ugly. Before getting up, mind you. Just because it's hard to be four and to lose your long hair. She still isn't convinced it's great, but we are.

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A few from a week ago...

2009-03-31T22:55:00.003-05:00

The feet- playing with the idea of Scott, New Photo Biz had a tutorial on his website... with a twist.

And the boy and his Poppy.

And my delicious, lovey nephew boy L. I could just play with him and kiss him and smoosh him all day long. Being an aunt is every bit as great as I had hoped. I love you, little man!

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Reflections, LOL

2009-03-30T11:00:00.003-05:00

My friend on 2 Peas created a challenge for "reflection" self portraits. It's really funny. And because I am who I am, I take self portrait reflections often :)

I think it started so I would be in the family albums too...

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A quick shot from yesterday

2009-03-15T12:02:00.004-05:00

What do you do when you're four and the big kids are playing big kid games?

Borrow Daddy's iphone and play your own games, of course :)

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Sneak peek : )

2009-02-17T23:53:00.003-05:00

From the shoot today with baby "M". We had a ball, more to follow...

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HaPPY VaLeNTiNe's DaY!

2009-02-14T11:34:00.004-05:00

From our Imp...
And Dreamer!

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And this is Sammy

2009-02-12T19:37:00.005-05:00

And this is the other cat, Sammy. He's your usual I'll-hang -out- with-you-if-I-choose-to kind of cat. He's also smart. And, I have to admit, he has a beautiful coat. If there were a cat I would like, Sam is probably the closest I'd come.

Sam is the one who sits in my kitchen windowsill, drinking up the sun and chewing any flowers or plants I place there. He's the one who climbs on my wall unit, and sits for hours watching the fish tank. He will at times become attracted to the TV, and sit under and watch it with us. He makes me laugh, but he's also a cat. It's a character flaw I just can't seem to get past.

Both cats understand. They know I don't wish them harm, but I don't like them. Not really. I'll feed them, and at times even pet them. But still.

Of course, that means I'm the one they come to. When I sit on the sofa, Rocky immediately jumps in my lap, nomatter how many times I put him down. No matter how often I sit at the desk, Sammy comes over to watch the computer screen and head butt my arm, shoulder, etc. When I sit in the office chair, they take turns jumping on the back of it.

When I come down in the morning, they meow a greeting. I don't let them out from the basement until everyone else is up, because we close the rooms upstairs to the cats. They've learned theat, and don't cry to come out. They just give a morning meow. Just in case :)

We are unable to have dogs at this time. We don't have a yard, and we're just not home enough for it to be fair to a dog to be cooped up and then not have the yard to excersize in. And the girls just really needed a pet. And as K said, "But I can't play with the fish." Point taken. Every kid, if they can, should be able to have a pet at least once in their childhood.

So cats it is. So long as we have our understanding. I wish you no harm. I admit you're cute. I just don't particularly like you, so much. But I love the love you share with my girls.
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Rocky

2009-02-09T18:18:00.001-05:00

He's not the smartest cat, not even by a little a little. But he's super affectionate, thikns he's a dog, and finds a way to almost be downright loveable. Well, for a dog person. But he's cute, and my kids think he's terrific.

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2.6.09

2009-02-07T16:52:00.002-05:00

This was the scene at our house last night... a little Wii, a little iphone, and an itouch to watch a movie. I couldn't resist snapping the moment!

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a few from Christmas

2008-12-29T11:33:00.003-05:00

Thought I'd put up a few that caught my eye...

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Dear Santa

2008-12-24T23:16:00.002-05:00

Uh oh.

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Happy 8th Birthday, Miss K!

2008-11-12T06:59:00.005-05:00

Eight years ago you came into our lives, slowly and easily. And you've brightened our days ever since. I love you, my darling girl. I hope your day is filled with sunshine and smiles...

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The almost great cake

2008-11-10T21:08:00.003-05:00

So, my oldest daughter turns 8 on Wednesday. We had her "Nutcracker Suite" bday party on Saturday with a few friends and family. When I found this giant cupcake cake mold, I knew right away that this would be perfect!
I have to tell you, I had several misadventures getting to this cake, too complicated to get into without writing a whole chapeter. However,at 7 pm the night before the party I finally got all my ingrediants together and then hopped in the car to get the eggs that someone didn't quite get to do for me, despite having taken the day. We do now have some lovely new pieces of furniture, however :) But, I digress.
At 7:30, I made half the pan in vanilla and half in chocolate. The cake baked up nicely, although slowly, and popped out easily, to my great relief.
The next morning, I iced the cakes with my favorite little helpers. I have to say,two days and several hours total really felt pretty good.

Fast forward a few more hours, and the girls were having a fabulous time. They decorated individual gingerbread houses which they took home at the end of the party. BUT- and here's my rookie mistake- THEY DECORATED THE HOUSES BEFORE WE HAD THE CAKE! You know where this is going, right???? Not one child had a piece of cake. It was so sad. Not one.

At least it looked pretty.

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The I family

2008-11-09T23:25:00.004-05:00

This picture makes me Laugh Out Loud. Really. I knew when I tok it that it would be silly. However, today as I was catching up on editting my pictures, this one gave me pause.

We were out getting pumpkins at our local nursery, and were playing around in their garden center as is our usual routine there.

After seeing heather's avatar outakes, this one smacked me upside the head. It just makes me think of some groovy urban English band album cover.

Or us, playing around on a sunny a Sunday afternoon. TFL!

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My nephew :)

2008-10-30T22:10:00.003-05:00

Here are some of my "official" welcome to the family pictures of my favorite littlest man. He is of course, the best thing to come along the pike ever. i'm not sure who is the most excited in our family to have our little BoBo. Hey, BoBO- "I BoBODeBo*"

*girls made up language, based on the nickname we made up, all of which means I love you.

My settings were everywhere; please post or email if you want any specifics!

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Welcome, BoBo

2008-10-04T08:02:00.000-05:00

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2008-10-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

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2008-10-04T07:58:00.000-05:00

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girls

2008-10-04T07:57:00.001-05:00

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Girls photo shoot

2008-10-04T07:54:00.001-05:00

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Into each life, rain must fall...

2008-09-07T19:18:00.002-05:00

...so we teach our children to celebrate and revel in the opportunity! Couldn't resist, once, I saw these the quote jumped into my head. We fortunately only had a downpour as the tail of hurricane Hannah passed us by. The kids had so much fun jumping in the puddles and running around.
I had to play with some of the new BnW techniques that were posted in my challenge on 2Ps. I'm likng this one a lot. I converted them in channel mixer, then did a slight cureves adjustemnt. I'm really digging black and white at the moment. Don't be surprised if a few color shots show up tomorrow, though- the rain makes all the green so vibrant, it's hard to pass up.

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First day of second grade

2008-09-05T20:10:00.003-05:00

She was thrilled with herself- a big kid off to her big kid school- grades 2-5. Ever the princess, my oldest. She is just getting so big so fast. Sometimes I'd like to freeze a few days. Wednesday morning was one of those times, for sure!

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A few favorites from the beach

2008-08-14T13:31:00.002-05:00

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I found a mermaid!!!

2008-08-01T13:34:00.003-05:00

What do you think- she taold us if we captured her, we got one wish. Mine came true.
:0)

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Miss "K"

2008-07-28T19:12:00.004-05:00

I was inspired to shoot while up at the lake. Unfortunately, my model was determined to not have fun. I'm generally pleased with these, but am mad I didn't diffuse my flash or shot with it off camera, as I ended up with pinlights from using it for fill. I WILL NOT HAVE FUN.

This one freaked me out a little when I opened it, because she doesn't look 7 to me. She looks much, much older. Please don't rush growing up, my little girl.
Rebel without a cause. I couldn't resist. I told you she didn't want to sit for me!

Thanks for looking. For anyone who is interested, here are my settings:

All were taken with my 100m lens. ISO 250.

1. 1/200, f/8; TV mode (b/c I was using fill flash and couldn't figure out what I was doing!!!); flash at -1/3 ex.
1/320, f4.5, manual, no flash. +.25 exposure in ACR.
Also manual, fill flash. 1/200, f 6.3, 250 ISO.
same :)
1/200, f6.3, manual, fill flash at -1/3.

Thanks for looking, and as always, cc is appreciated!

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My DH (Dear Husband)

2008-07-16T21:05:00.002-05:00

He's so good to me. I was frustrated when I shot a few quick shots with my "go to" 100mm and they were soft. So I asked him to stay still for a few minutes so I could figure out what was happening (backlit, so contrast was a bit dull). I love his expression here- "Really, if you need to... but you know I hate this, right???" mixed with amusement with my persistance in pursuing nailing the image.
Love you, Buddy!
Settings: 100mm, ISO 250, 1/100, f/4, exposure compensation -0.33 (AV mode).

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Pet of the week, Lil Frog

2008-07-15T23:03:00.003-05:00

So here's the Pet of the week. S saw this little frog in the grass at Nonna and Poppy's house this weekend. So, Nonna let her build a habitat in their water table on the deck. The first one is Captain Frog aboard the SS OH.NO.
But she's afraid of flies????

Look at how TINY this little guy is. Nonna picked a leaf from the fig tree to be his float. Lucky froggy!

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Sisters picking clovers

2008-07-11T10:45:00.002-05:00

This one jumped out at me when I was uploading the weekend's pictures. They are spending a few days with Nonna and Poppy- I miss them!!!

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SnuggleBug

2008-07-05T22:00:00.003-05:00

"I'm tired. I've been sick. I've got my Daddy. Step away from the camera." that's what I'm reading in her eyes...

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S's Pet of the Day

2008-07-02T12:30:00.002-05:00

My crazy S. She loves animals; birds, dogs and cats. And bugs that crawl. She's terrified of flying bugs, and come to think of it, isn't to fond of bugs with feet either. Unless they're long and worm-ish. What can I say, she's odd. When I was gardening, S created a "worm garden"- a whole little habitat in a glass bowl with the things worms need- dirt, leaves, sticks, a pebble or two, and an occasional flooding of water (so they can be happy!). She finds interesting bugs, worms etc. all the time. This particular critter was at Hobie's house. As you can probably tell, after swimming. She lovingly held him, talked to him and had great plans for how he could happily co-exisit with our two cats. That is, until he tradgically fell off the picnic table (he was sharing dinner with us) right between the slats in the deck (lucky guy- the fallt hat probably saved his life). Because he certainly was NOT traveling in our NEW CAR up to our home to live in a jar in S's bedroom as was her plan. Anyway, without further ado, we are pleased to introduce, "Inchy"

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Our fig tree

2008-07-02T12:23:00.003-05:00

My FIL has a few fig trees,that have matured in the last few years. My DH, along with many others in our family and friends, love the fig trees. After some research, I found that fig trees can be grown in containers, and brought in during our cold winter to be dormant but not freeze. It was a great surprise, and he is now uber excited about his "fig farm"- because he is who he is and of course wants five more : 0
This is a pic of a few of our baby figs. It tickles our Italian American family roots, and those of our neighbors as well. So we're celebrating our heritage, while putting our NY-American, living in a townhouse, spin.
I plan to take a photo every few weeks to document our new venture.

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Thanks JenH!

2008-06-29T20:27:00.003-05:00

Thanks for sharing your vintage actions, Jen!
I've had lots of fun playing with them tonight. Here's one from a photo from mother's day I really like...

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Baby K

2008-06-22T00:57:00.003-05:00

Just a few peeks at Baby K, who we FINALLY got to meet today! The girls and I were to happy to met our friend J's baby brother. I really was just snapping away in the late afternoon/early evening yummy sunlight, and wanted to share these few that just made me smile. Sorry, no sharing his beautiful little perfect face with the whole of Blog World.

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Poppy

2008-06-12T18:47:00.004-05:00

This is Poppy. He is another man in our lives who has our respect and love. He has a special place in my heart because he is so similar to my wonderful DH. He is so easy going, and always has a million different ways that he shows his love to his family. Between building, gardening, driving, chipping in, being there- Poppy is always on it.
Poppy allowed Miss K help him prepare the ground for the garden. He taught her so much, and she loved spending the time with him.
He gave the girls turns riding/driving the tractor. They felt like they were the coolest kids around. Hey, they were!
And here's a shot basking in the sun with DH's grandma, his mom. Family is so important to him; he treasures geneology and hertiage. He has a vast collection of family photos, films, DVD's, 8 mms, etc. as well as books about Italy and American politics. But we won't talk about politics :0)

Poppy has an amzaing ability to listen, and make you feel what you have to say is important. He loves to laugh and have a good time; when he finally finishes his projects of the day, and after dinner, it's all about laughing and sharing good times.

So, today I thought I'd share why we love Poppy so much.

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Another chapter in a novel of life

2008-06-11T20:27:00.004-05:00

"The Da"

It's time to talk about the Da. That's an Irish word for grandfather, and it's what my kids call my dad. I call him Da now, too.
This picture just makes me laugh. It's a silly snapshot I took last ime he was over for a little get together; I'm sorry to say it isn't very flattering (he's a handsome guy, I have to tell you!). But if you look at his eyes, you can clearly see the twinkle of mischief. He is always into mischief. He loves to tease, and loves to laugh. I love that about him. He and I can get going, so that we are just giggling and guffawing at some silly something. He can have a "raw" kind of humor, or he can just delight in the latest political goof up.
My Dad is a wonderful life partner for my mom. He is a lot of fun; but he also will stop and talk and have great debates. He is very knowldegeable about current events- a friend of the family teases that she feels the need to "read up" on current events before they get together.
My Dad has a kind heart, and is compassionate.
He chips in to do his share, making sure that he does his part. Growing up, Saturday mornings were for cleaning. Dad, Mom and I all were equally busy (of course, I always thought they made me do all the hard work :) ), each taking part in keeping our home clean and sparkling. Dad is the one who cooks, and as a general state of being, is someone you count on.
Dad is someone who loves to pull pranks, and who growing up would share all sorts of fun stories. I used to wish I knew Dad as a teen and young adult- I think we would have had a ball together. Now I know I would have had fun- but I wouldn't want anyone else as my dad.

In some ways, Dad and I are a lot alike. So no one can make him crazier than me (except of course his mother, but that goes without saying, right? ;) ). We used to get into the typical teen- I wanna be a grown up versus adult- you are my kid and will behave accordingly- which I love and respect him for. But even though we can both get crazed, and even though we both get fairly loud, he taught me some of the most valuable lessons of anger.

-getting loud is just volume- it doesn't mean you lose repect or care for the other
-being mad is temporary
-shouting might feel good, but it doesn't help you be heard :)
-always, always say sorry when you are calm and mean it
-always come back after tempers are lost, and talk out the problem with reason.

My dad taught me that a temper can be loud and uncomfortable, but he also ALWAYS came back after a row to "fix" it. It was never framed as "I'm right, you're wrong". Well, it was sometimes, but only if he was. It was more about, "I'm sorry I lost my temper. What I want you to know is...". It is such a gift. I grew up knowing anger is something that happens. I grew up knowing a good fight doesn't mean a thing in the feelings you have for someone else, so long as you "fight fair". I grew up knowing that although he might be furious with me, my dad always, always loves me.

That is such a powerful gift to give me.
In addition to the family gene for chocoholism.
And love of a great story.
And the joy of laughing till you cry.

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Self Portrait challenge...yikes!

2008-06-06T22:11:00.002-05:00

It's harder than it looks! I dragged out my shutter release (THIS is one of the things you would use this for, Mom!), tripod and trustly 100mm lens to try to get a self portrait. I had to change my focus lock back to the shutter so I could focus; I needed to be in apperture priority so I could ensure I was in focus, and I had my apperture cranked to between 8-14 for the whole shoot. The first one posted was underexposed- it's not so easy to meter for yourself when you aren't sitting in the spot to get a reading! So I had to increase the exposure in ACR. All shot at ISO of 500.

1/60, 8.0.
1/30, 14. same as above, different crop and in color.

I'll try to get to posting the outtakes. At one point S came out to "help me"! Too funny...

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A picnic with the girls

2008-06-03T20:46:00.003-05:00

So, we had a picnic for dinner last night :)
We are in week three of Daddy working till all hours. Sunday was the first day he was home with us in two weeks; he's been coming home 11:30 and later at night. It's been hard on all of us. Not to somplain- we have it a lot easier than most, but... we miss our favorite guy.
Unfortunately, when Daddy is working so much, it throws off our whole family center. Suddenly, we're all a little more cranky, a little less likely to be nice, a little needier, and just YUCK!
It's a bit tougher when it is also Mommy's stressful time of year. Children in school are becoming anxious with the year winding down, and adults are feeling pressured to "get to " all the things they want to accomplish around all the fun things that happen in June in school. Everyone is just a hair less tolerant than they have been.
And my girls just miss their Daddy. I've mentioned that, haven't I?
Ugh. So, we had a picnic. We packed up some sandwiches, watermelon and grapes, grabbed the blankets and camera, and headed outside.
Thank goodness! We just needed a little fresh air, laughing and unwinding time. We needed to not all be on top of each other. And we all needed to have some fun.
So, it's a picnic. To remind me that all around me might be chaos, but when I take the time to sit and just be with my girls, life can throw in a little picnic.

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A beautiful girl

2008-06-02T17:52:00.003-05:00

I love when K. decides I should take her picture... and then cooperates as I snap away! I loved the golden evening light, and her affection for her , "Just like me" doll named Rose. Life is good when you have a good friend!

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Cool Storm clouds...

2008-06-02T10:40:00.002-05:00

Isn't this ominous?
M called me to grab my camera when he saw these clouds outside while grilling our dinner~ does he know me or what???
This is my favorite of several very cool pictures.

1/500, 2.8.

100 mm

ISO 250

Increased contrast in ACR to +46.

Defog, and increased contrast in layers.

Thanks for looking!

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Flowers, "She's FINALLY HERE!!!!"

2008-05-30T20:20:00.006-05:00

Flash back four years ago... (looking for a digi pic from that time frame has made me realize 1~ my baby has grown into a totally different young girl... 2~my photography has grown, too... 3~I love that I used to date my pictures so I can readily figure out when it was taken... 4~ I need to scan in some film pics of K at this age in her dressups. I don't appear to have any, other than actual dresses- yes, this is a dress she is wearing- from that time digitally. But Great Scott, Batman- I digress!!!)

Four years ago, K fell in love with Barbie movie, "Fairytopia". For those not blessed by this particular experience, I can tell you that Elina lives in her own flower home, Peony.
I wish I had a picture of my young princess to go with this post- she was 3 years old, dressed in her pink ballerina dress up, ballet slippers and probably a purse or some other finishing touch. I know this, because she LIVED in that particular ensamble for about a year.
Anyway, when I was in Walmart getting my annuals, I noticed peony bulbs. Knowing nothing about them, I decided to treat my princess to her very own peony. We just knew our very own fairy would happily move in.
What we (I) didn't know is, it takes four years to mature into bloom. Ugh!
So, without further ado, our first bud of the year...

...has blossomed into full regal, magical beauty today!!! Oh, the joy and excitement.

All taken with 100 mm. Bud 5.29.08; blooms 5.30.08

1/125, 3.5, ISO 500

1/320, 5.6, ISO 250,

1/160, 8, ISO 250.

All run with strong contrast curve in ACR;

defog and screen light layer at low opacity.

First bloom with "cloudy" WB,

second with "shade".

Thanks for looking!

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Flowers (5)

2008-05-29T19:46:00.002-05:00

The before and after... a zinnea bud

and bloom.

1/80, 2.8, ISO 400. Manual. Defog, increased contrast, crop.

1/100, 2.8, 100 mm, ISO 500. Manual. Defog and clight crop.

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A different view of gerberas

2008-05-28T18:59:00.003-05:00

These daiseys are pretty from every angle. The color is so sunny and happy-

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Gerbera daisy

2008-05-27T20:06:00.008-05:00

Ahhh. Now that I've planted my flower boxes on my little deck, I love sitting out there in the morning with my morning coffee. It's a little slice of peace and happiness, waiting for me at the beginning of my day, and there greeting me when I return home. My flowers, tomatoes and herbs almost never fail in bringing a smile to me. Ahhhh.

This one I popped the color; for some reason it's fairly muted when I upload.

1/125, 6.3, 100mm; manual.

The color is showing up a little wonky, not too sure why. This is SOOC, with defog and crop (strong contrast curve in ACR). IRL, it is a VIVID orange. thanks for looking, and CC always appreciated.

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flowers

2008-05-26T20:03:00.002-05:00

Yay, I'm going to love this week's theme, too!
Unfortunately by the time I finished planting today, made and ate dinner, washed the kids and myself and got them to bed, it was dark. Oh, well.
Here's two from our last visit to Nonna and Poppy's house. I believe they are both apple tree blossoms, but I might be wrong.

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Happiness is...(6) sniff

2008-05-24T21:54:00.005-05:00

"M". It's been 19 years growing up together~ and yes, we met when we were 19. So I've known you half a lifetime. You set my heart on fire, most especially when I see you playing with our children, working with your Dad, helping your Mom, advising your sister. You know me better than most other people on the planet, and you love me anyway. I may talk your ear off, and want to process my thoughts and feelings. You may be the quiet one. You are the strength to keep me going when all the roles I play at this point in my life crash into each other. You patiently wait, and help me put the pieces together. I love laughing with you. I love holding and being held by you. I cherish every day we have; raising our family, supporting our families, creating a life for our family that we can be proud of. And I don't tell you often enough how proud I am of you. How I watch you struggle to keep discomfort at bay so that the kids can still jump on your stomach, just for fun. How I watch you methodically deconstruct a problem, so that it can be solved appropriately. How I know you love me, even with all my craziness! And support my ideas, even when I get carried away. I love you, Buddy. You are my best friend, and I am happy to be creating this family life with you.

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Happiness is...(5)

2008-05-23T19:21:00.002-05:00

Getting to be a Mommy for the day! In a perfect timing sort of way, I happened to be off from school today (a give back from lack of snow days! Ha!). And it just so happened to be K's school "recital"- two first grade classes put together performances based on information they had learned about Hawaii. It was too stinkin' cute!!! It is amazing how well they did, and how much they had memorized. It was a glorious day to be a mom.
I wish I could post more pics, but won't post pics of others' children.
And my contribution to the calss party. It was super easy, and got rave reviews by kids and moms alike!

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Happiness is... (4)

2008-05-22T20:38:00.004-05:00

...being able to play with something beautiful, and create something new. This is one reason why I don't want to make photography into a business. I love to play with art, not have to worry about if someone else likes it or wants it or want a change to it, etc. It is fun to experiment, and either love the result, or shrug and walk away. I love the ffeling of pride and fun in the "doing"- taking the picture, loading it (did it come out as I'd hoped/ Did I get it?), and ultimately playing with it in pping. Bringing out the best in what I saw. So you can see what I saw. I love that!

These are blooms on my newest addition to my little garden, a gift on Mother's day. I wish I had a little more wiggle room on the full bloom on the right, but a dead bloom was just plain in the way. I wish I'd seen it when I was framing the shot! But I'm otherwise pleased with how this shot came out.

SOOC- (with same ACR as below, and defog)

My play.

ACR- strong contrast curve, increased contrast slightly.

A slight color pop (my own)

purple rust texture (my own)

crop.

I wish I could find my camera settings, but Browser is not cooperating with me tonight.

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Happiness is... (day 3)

2008-05-21T20:11:00.003-05:00

Driving home into a gorgeous sunset. I had my camera with me, and was riding with my family and inlaws back from a family party. I decided to try to capture some of the amazing sky. This is pretty much SOOC, except a bit of cropping and defog. Even riding at +60 on a highway, God's goodnight kiss to us is something remarkable, isn't it?

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Happiness is...

2008-05-20T20:45:00.004-05:00

...being "rainbow hunters" with my girls! We were so excited to find this one outside our home yesterday when we returned from running errands. Happiness is teaching my children to look at the world around them, and to take the time to savor the joy of the moment.
And happiness is having the moment last long enough for me to run inside and get my camera, so I could capture our find.
And happiness is being able to share it. Happy day, everyone!
My settings were: 1/800, 9.0, ISO 200. 100mm lens (it was on my camera when I grabbed it!). Basically SOOC, except: defog and cropping. Thanks for looking!

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I know this is old, but...

2008-05-19T08:32:00.002-05:00

...with the theme being "happiness" this one jumped out at me! What could be happier than a little one "hanging" out in the woods on a beautiful day with both of her parents to herself? For Little S, nothing else!

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For you...

2008-05-17T18:13:00.004-05:00

Just for fun. My girls were really grooving on the dandelions last week! Although her expression is a little puckered, I can't help but love the bouquet she picked for me on Mother's Day.

Happy Sunday!

1/125; 4.5, ISO 200. 100mm lens.

Not overly sure what pping I did to this, though I'm fairly sure I increased the contrast quite a bit. I may have decreased the saturation a bit in both ACR and pping; I had a little clipping in her dress. CC is always welcome :)

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"Catchlights"

2008-05-16T22:04:00.004-05:00

From last weekend's family party. This image blew me away, because it was late afternoon, inside, without a flash. I was so excited when I opened it!
This is a picture of one of our cousins and her terrific daughter. D is one of those folks where I can step into her kitchen and feel immediately comfortable. We can laugh, realte on the parenting stuff, and talk out the things that happen in life as we go along. Our girls have a nice, easy relationship too. Sadly, they live a distance away so our gatherings usually occur infrequently. I suspect it makes us appreciate when we do get together even more.
My settings were: 1/40 (can you believe that was hand held???); 2.8, 100mm lens, at 1250 ISO AV mode.
I did a strong contrast in ACR, and then did a defog and crop in pping. I believe my edditing includes a light color pop, and ran a noise reduction filter (although this really wasn't noisy, I like the softening effect on the skin).
And I've got to figure out how to copy the EXIF so I'm not writing all this stuff down! :)
I may be slightly off in my descritpion of pping- I've editted almost 45 pics from last weekend between last night and tonight!

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Mom

2008-05-15T20:12:00.005-05:00

"Mom"

It's been a while since I've posted about my mom.

She lives by and practices the Serenity prayer:

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

I have the unique privledge of having worked with my mother for a year. So I had the pleasure of seeing how much respect and appreciation others have for her too.

I mena, she's my mom. I think she's amazing. No, I know she is amazing.

She has this amazing ability to remain centered and calm in the midst of chaos, to see the "big picture" and to summarize it back succinctly, as well as diplomatically. Her counsel is sought out by many friends, as well as family. And all the while, she listens with respect, letting you know that you matter.

This is an amazing gift to the listener. And it is a great talent of my Mom's.

Mom has taught me so many great life lessons. Like to have the courage to be true to myself, even when it means standing alone.

Question what you are told, sift through with what you know, and take from it what is useful, helpful and meaningful. Leave the rest.

Others' feelings don't have to be yours to take as your own. Everyone can be mad, hurt, sad, etc. You can hear them without taking it as your responsibility, or your fault. Just be. Often anger just needs to be released. The solution is sometimes just giving opportunity for voice. Listening without engaging doesn't make me weak; it makes me reasonable.

Listen to your heart.

I was brought up to think through the whys of my values. To listen to what my religion taught me, then to ask why and how. Those are not traits frequently found in a Catholic girl. It helped me develop a very strong sense of faith, as well as spirituality. When I am overwhelmed, I need quiet to refind my center, to allow what I know to be true to come back to me.

My mom also taught me how to be bored. We spent long summer afternoons ding N O T H I N G. Not camp, sport or other organized activity. Not all summer, but for periods. I learned to take a walk, let my mind wander, to create things to do, to let my imagination soar. I learned to be okay with being by myself, and to be okay with down time. I don't need much to keep me happy.

My mom taught me to treasure the heart treasures. A good friend, making the world a better place one small thing at a time, leaving a person something positive after being with them, finding the good in each person, finding the good in every interaction (well, almost every one), realizing that all of us are just doing the best we can at the time with what we have- so be careful with judging others. Mom taught me the heart treasures, helping others, making someone's time a little better, a little easier, a little more fun is why we're here.

My mom is the definition of a good friend. A good wife and mom. A good Christian. And an amazing woman.

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Wishing you...

2008-05-11T11:38:00.000-05:00

~Wishing you a Happy Mother's Day~!

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Poor Kid!

2008-05-09T08:03:00.002-05:00

Yesterday my childhood neighbor, now an oral surgeon, pulled FIVE of K's teeth! My poor kid!!!

The teeth

The well medicated kid

She was such a trooper. She was thrilled that her Dad and I got her a Nintendo DS; she spent all day yesterday playing an "Little Mermaid" game.

My heart! Poor kid!!!

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Ladies in my life...

2008-05-07T20:28:00.004-05:00

It's "GG"!

This picture was taken at my cousin's wedding in August '05. I cannot express what this woman is to me, to her family, to her world.
She is a force. She is powerful. She is propriety. She is about changing the rules. She is about creativity. She is about helping others. She is about children. She is about laughing until tears roll down your cheeks. She is about compassion.
She is the one who brought a young man into her home who didn't have anyone else to care. He is, her other son.
She is the one who became a shelter when a nearby town flooded- opening her home to strangers and friends alike. For a LONG time.
She is the one who drove her son to a far from home each day to attend a tutor who was able to "teach him in a way I felt he needed" until she felt he was ready for school.
She is the one who found other children my age, so that when I came to visit I could have buddies to hang with when I went for sleep overs.
She was the one who made up errands for us to run that she "needed (my) help with" so she could drive me all over the state of CT, telling me stories about my Dad, her childhood, and find out all about me. Of course, we always ended up at an ice cream stand, "just between us".
She was the one who I turned to when I needed to have a home away from home.
She is the one who has taken care of each of us in my family, at some time or another.
She is the one who has wacky ideas that just somehow fix the problem (somehow at the same time creating other, sometimes larger problems, but that's okay!).
She is the one who could make you feel like you are the most important person in the world.
She is also the one I want to know that her creativity, humor and sense of making the world a better place have impressed upon me to be
a better daughter
a better mother

a social worker
a spiritual person

a party goer
a party thrower

a scrapbooker
a saver of any little thing;
both for its potential future use
and
its significance as a momento to remember a moment

a person who savors a beautiful piece of jewelry
a person who savors a scenic car ride

a person who thinks outside the box
a person who tries many possibilities

a person who cares about and nurtures others
a person who wants to leave something for
future generations to be proud of.

My grandmother: one of my role models.

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Leading ladies...

2008-05-05T18:41:00.002-05:00

the best place to start is with my youngest little lady. Her example of self-posessed humor, taking life by the horns, and knowing what it is she wants are all strongly lived by my littlest little girl.
A little less of the know ing what she wants would be okay by me, as her parent. But, oh the trip she will take us on as she grows with us. Savor life!

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It's the color!

2008-05-05T06:26:00.002-05:00

This picture just calls out to me the excitement of spring! I love the vivid color everywhere. I have to say, S's wonder of finding this corner of the world was contagious. Happy, happy spring!
70-200mm, 1/640, 4.0, ISO 160. I increased the exposure, then contrast, a lot! in ACR; next ran defog in pping. Thanks for all comments, cc the most!

The tractor

2008-05-04T07:52:00.002-05:00

The girls loved driving Poppy's tractor with him all over the yard. They laughed really hard when they steered at their sister and mother. Fun times! thanks Poppy, we really had fun.

Water girls

2008-05-03T02:53:00.002-05:00

These pictures actually make me want to upload fairy wing brushes to paint on the girls... isn't the scene perfect?
The pictures are a week old, but I'm trying to get posting. This stream they are exploring is in the woods behind Nonna and Poppy's house. Magic was everywhere!
Exposure: 70-200 lens @70mm; 1/250, 4.0, ISO 160. I bumped contrast in ACR, and ran defog and cropped in pping.
Same settings, but had to adjust exposure in ACR. I sacrificed her shirt to bring up the color around her. I also did a screen light layer at a low opacity to lighten more.

Let me know what you think!

Cheating... Wednesday thru Friday!

2008-04-27T22:44:00.007-05:00

Thank you, my friend!

And I stayed and spent time with my friend. It was so great to laugh and talk, walk and take photos. Thank you, friend!

The girls played by the water afterward. We met up with my dear friend, and then the girls were off on their "sleepover" at the grandparents for two whole nights!!!

Thursday. The girls and I met up with Nonna and Poppy at the aquarium. We all had a fabulous time, and loved the facility.

Wednesday afternoon. We found a new Nook, which we named "secret Island".

Sisters sitting on the roof...

2008-04-22T20:05:00.003-05:00

...of Daddy's car! I don't know why this was thought to be a good idea, but when I saw the geniune smiles, the beautiful light and Daddy's girls loving the time with him outside, I grabbed my camera and snapped away. So, we'll have to explain why it was okay this ONE time. And understand when it takes a while for them to stop asking to do it again!
Out-take.
Stinky feet= evidence odf a day hard at play. Could she look prouder of herself???
Just because it makes me laugh!
All of these were taken in AV mode, 250 ISO, various ss. I dialed up the EC to +.75 to comepensate for the backlighting. There was no metering, just shooting as best I could. All things considered, I'm pretty pleased.
Thanks for looking.

Children

2008-04-21T19:45:00.002-05:00

There's my Miss K. Having fun from her twirly dress, down to her pink sparkly shoes. And Hello Kitty sunglasses. She's all girl... as she twirls around on the carousel-thing. I love that about her. She may dream in pink princess, but in her own way and on her own terms, she finds her way so that she can get down and dirty, spinning around, flying by the bars of the ride fun.
Caught laughing as she sits inside a climbing contraption-thing.
particulars: 100 mm, 1/800, 5.6 AV mode. 200 ISO (#1). Decreased brightness in ACR, adjusted for stronger contrast, and defined parameters. 1/1000, 5.6, also 200 ISO. Cropped, bumped exposure +.25 and increased brightness in ACR; screen light layer in PS. Thanks for looking!

Two snapshots

2008-04-20T21:46:00.003-05:00

A funny thing happened this weekend when I realized we were very early for a Brownie meeting~ we had the opportunity to play and explore with lots of time, sunshine and dandlions. What could be a nicer gift for a Momma and her two girls?
Ah, the gift of time...
I know S's expression is a bit odd here, but there's something about it that made me look again. Mybe because she looks like she's somewhere else, and I happened to catch her there? Thanks for looking!

The tulips

2008-04-19T08:24:00.002-05:00

I followed my own advice; we picked up these beautiful tulips on Tuesday. It's been a pleasure watching them open up...

The colors are soft and just pulled me right into them when my little S. and I stumbled across them this week. Honestly, she found them first. I completely agreed with her- they had to come home with us!

Just for fun...

A Saturday morning

2008-04-16T21:25:00.004-05:00

I love this snapshot. S is totally distracted by her current fave cartoon, but look at that look on her Daddy's face! Do I even need to say a word about why we are all so crazy about this man?

I love you!!!!

Just a ramble

2008-04-15T22:41:00.003-05:00

I am forcing myself to shake off the stress. Because I can. This is a long post filled with musings, so if you aren't in the mood, come back tomorrow. I understand.

Think big picture.

Look at all of my blessings.

Look at the world bursting back to life around me.

Dusting off the camera.

Dusting off the blog.

Dusting off my humor!!!

Remembering to play. I mean, stop, laugh, and play. Have fun with my two beautiful girls. If I don't take the time to treasure them, how will they know how much I enjoy them?

Catch myself in bad habits, and shake them off.

Reframe!

Reframe!!!

Pray.

Counting, taking a deep breath, whatever it takes.

Doing it all again.

Patting myself on the back when I change a habit.

Making the time to treasure my amazing partner, friend, love: my husband.

Making time to nurture my soul.

Call my friends!!

Make time to see friends, old and new, far and near. Especially my husband.

Remember to give back one piece of kindness to each person I interact with.

Remember to tell Mom and Dad how thankful I am for their influence on my life and their friendship to me.

Buy Jenette flowers for thinking I'm only 32-34 :)

Meditate.

Buy flowers, until I can grow and cut my own. Flowers make me smile, all the time.

Take care of myself.

Show my girls the power of what a positive, professional and happy woman can have in the world.

Show my girls the power of what a positive, happy child can have in the world.

Make family outtings and happenings happy memories and the source of a strong foundation for each of us.

Allow others to help me when I need it.

Choose my opportunities for venting selectively.

Recognize others' venting for what it is. Offer support without drama.

Make time count.

Remember easy going does not equal easy; happiness requires action and effort. And really happiness is not the goal, peace and contentment are. Happiness is the by-product.

Hey, if you read all my ramble, give yourself a pat on the back.

An afternoon out

2008-04-14T20:30:00.002-05:00

I can't catch up from a month away, but here are a few from a week ago. S. couldn't get enough of pictures, she directed my shots completely, lil' powerhouse that she is. But we all loved every moment of being out, and feeling like spring is really coming.

I messed up my exposure with the first two- the backlight, lots of brown, blond hair and bright coat just threw me off- thank goodness for shooting RAW and being able to play with my exposure! So, I'm not posting any settings. But for snapshots, they crack me up!!!

Thanks for the warm welcome back yesterday. I missed my fellow POTD'ers.

Daddy Daughter Dance 08

2008-04-14T08:30:00.002-05:00

K.'s second Daddy Daughter Dance! They had so much fun.

Two for fun.

2008-04-12T14:23:00.002-05:00

Envisioned by,
created by,
artfully arranged by... my kids. Who then told me, "get the camera Mom, you have to get this!!!"

...and they were SO right! Thanks girlies!

SMI Photos

Slideshow, in black and white

Slideshow of two cousins

Sneak peak: fun with cousins

A few new photos of a happy boy...

A rehersal

Little Miss Baby P!

Sneak peak: Communion

Haloween, a l;ittle late

A family start to summer

Cousins

Introducing, Miss K, as PHOTOGRAPHER!!!

Catching up again...

Some more snow!

The storm!

Some January snapshots

Sneak peeks: Little Miss A

Sneak Peek :)

Miss S's first day of Kindergarten

Love you guys!

rain, rain

Playing with backlight

The amazing four day growth of a determined four year old.

Our vacation week *PIcture HEAVY*

My godson's Baptism... hoping this works!

OuR LiL GrAdUaTe

Labor Day, a week later

BumbleBee buzzing

Happy May!

Swirl Girl

First haircut

A few from a week ago...

Reflections, LOL

A quick shot from yesterday

Sneak peek : )

HaPPY VaLeNTiNe's DaY!

And this is Sammy

Rocky

2.6.09

a few from Christmas

Dear Santa

Happy 8th Birthday, Miss K!

The almost great cake

The I family

My nephew :)

Welcome, BoBo

girls

Girls photo shoot

Into each life, rain must fall...

First day of second grade

A few favorites from the beach

I found a mermaid!!!

Miss "K"

My DH (Dear Husband)

Pet of the week, Lil Frog

Sisters picking clovers

SnuggleBug

S's Pet of the Day

Our fig tree

Thanks JenH!

Baby K

Poppy

Another chapter in a novel of life

Self Portrait challenge...yikes!

A picnic with the girls

A beautiful girl

Cool Storm clouds...

Flowers, "She's FINALLY HERE!!!!"

Flowers (5)

A different view of gerberas

Gerbera daisy

*flowers*

Happiness is...(6) *sniff*

Happiness is...(5)

Happiness is... (4)

Happiness is... (day 3)

Happiness is...

I know this is old, but...

For you...

"Catchlights"

Our vacation week PIcture HEAVY

flowers

Happiness is...(6) sniff