Takin a break

These weren't shot today. They were from a fabulous birthday party we attended on Saturday. I love the excitement on our birthday girl's face. Just precious.
Tonight I'm finishing up stuff for my sister in law's wedding so I don't have a lot of time! I can't wait to get around to everyone's blog and see what's new. Also, this weekend I will be helping shoot my first wedding! Stay tuned!

Happy Birthday Caleb!

I don't even know where to begin. 1 year and 9 months ago we found out that baby number 3 was on the way. SURPRISE! We had decided that 2 was a good number, got rid of all of the baby and maternity things and were a happy little family. We didn't know that our family was missing a vital piece. The thought of doing it all again took a little getting used to but we started to get really excited. When we found out we were having a boy I felt like it was just meant to be. My oldest had the special first spot. My middle had the special only girl spot and along came the last and the baby spot. He arrived 3 weeks early, much to the dismay of my mom who really wanted to be here! His siblings adored him immediately and we can't imagine life without him. Yes, it is crazy sometimes. But I wouldn't trade it for the world. I love watching them interact and learn from each other. Sibling lessons, things I can't teach. I've watched Isaac become mature and responsible. Livi is the perfect little mommy to her brother. Caleb is a gem. He seems like so much more of a baby than my other 2 at this age. I think it is because I am letting him really live that role! He is slowly gaining that independence that is sure to come but I must say that I am absolutely loving having a baby! Slow down. Stay little forever. Happy Birthday little Sugar Bean!

This morning we just played. He got some new toys at his party yesterday and had a lot of fun trying them out today.

I made hats for the party. . .

But Caleb wasn't very fond of his.

With the passing of the year comes the flipping of the car seat! He is sleepily watching for his big brother out the window. He kept looking at me-quite amazed that now he can really watch me drive.

We went to an Italian restaurant for a family dinner and Caleb wanted nothing to do with opening presents. His siblings were happy to help him out.

The spaghetti, however, was a HUGE hit!

Man, oh man, did he want that cake! We had special cupcakes yesterday, so today I just bought a small cake. He recognized that sugar right away and couldn't wait to get it in this mouth!

This is my competition. Daddy always has the video camera in hand and I am always hollering-"Did you get that on the camera too?!"

Favorite family tradition. Naked time before the bath. He loves to watch his brother and sister run around and be silly. He can almost keep up!

And what day would be complete without stories and snuggles with mommy. Thanks honey for snapping this shot. Happy Birthday Baby!! I can't wait to see what your future holds!

Project Green- Take 6

I had to finish the project as I started it- right out my front door. However, when i started these little plants were just starting to grow and now they're HUGE!

Today we had my son's first birthday party. It was supposed to be a play date in the park. But as you'll see from the pictures above, the weather had different plans for us. I hate to admit that the pics I took of the party today are not very good. It was dark and dreary inside and I didn't put on my flash. Plus, I was playing mommy and hostess and I just didn't shoot very many to begin with. Shame on me! His actual birthday is tomorrow and I will dedicate the entire day to him. (Makes me a little weepy just to think of my last baby turning 1!)

Project Green- Take 5

I haven't forgotten about the project! I just had a little business to attend to. I was delighted to find this green construction truck on the same lot that my yellow trucks were on. The lighting today wasn't nearly as good but I'll take it. There was also an abandoned shopping cart with this lovely green seat belt! I was sure today that I was going to get in trouble for trespassing. The lot I was on is in a new subdivision and there were plenty of people about today. Luckily, the only trouble I encountered was the red dirt in my shoes!

P.S. If you haven't already, PLEASE with sugar on top, post your favorite photo back on my 100 post.

My favorites

I promised to post this morning but we had a birthday party and a busy day planned. I thought and thought about my favorite images. The first image I ever fell in love with is the image of the french couple kissing. It is photo journalistic in approach. It is a private moment beautifully captured.

http://www.robertdoisneau.com/largehotelkiss.jpg

There are plenty of images that left an impression although not a settling one. I won't post them here because they are disturbing. The little girl running away from the napalm, a man with a gun to his head, an aborted baby. These tell stories of terror beyond anything I have ever known. I am glad, I suppose, that someone took them and shared them with the world for education. However, they don't go down in my book as favorites. That is why I'm not a photo journalist covering world news.

I do gravitate toward people but not in that fashion. I'm a romantic, and a mother. Therefore, my favorite images from my life have very little to do with technical no how and everything to do with how they make me feel. I've posted this one before but I'll post it again because it is an all time favorite. (For more about why- look back to "Capturing the past")

I have several that I've taken of my children that I'm absolutely in love with but my scanner isn't working and I'm limited to what I have on digital file. From those, I think, this takes the cake.

My favorites are always changing and most have been posted here for all to see. I'll keep striving to capture real moments in an artistic way. Thanks for sharing. I look forward to more responses!

A 100 Challenge

In honor of my 100th blog, I'm going to do things a bit differently today. I'm going to ask you to post your favorite picture. Either one you've taken or one that just affects you. I know that there are a lot of you that stop by and I'd like to hear from you. You don't have to have a blog- just leave a link. I'm going to see if we can get to 100 images. I will post mine in the morning.

He's getting so big!!

Do you remember this little guy? He's been on this blog since he was still on the inside! And he just keeps getting cuter.

Project Green- Take 4

Okay, I'll admit it. I wasn't really thinking too much about the project today. I was busy capturing a little baby. (I'll post those next!) But my camera must have known that I needed a little green and found it anyway! Yes, it reached 80 today and the squirt guns came out! Luckily, we had a green squirt gun.

Something a little more me

While I am enjoying these projects and they are teaching me to have a better eye, I must say that I still prefer shooting people. And I really needed to showcase the new teeth for grandmas and grandpas. I love the connection between the person and the camera. I think that it is amazing and special and unique.