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.

Project Green- Take 3

This project has been hard for me. I am seeing so much green but nothing that is just screaming to be shot. I headed out tonight to visit the site of a new market in town. The whole building is a beautiful green. I was surprised to see the rust on pipes. The store isn't even open yet! I'll keep hunting and see if I can find you all something else exciting tomorrow!

Project Green- Take 2

I have a confession to make. . . I almost just used the photo below. I took it a while back of a passing train. I hadn't shot today. I also had a shot of one of the graffiti walls below but I wasn't happy with it. I had cut out part of the word "lazy". Then it hit me, I was being lazy. I promised a shot a day and here I was cheating myself out of valuable camera "me" time. I headed out hoping to catch the last of the sun to re-shoot the lazy wall. I found some more graffiti on the way home and pulled over to shoot catching the last of the sun. I'll try not to cheat anymore!

P.S. Thanks for asking about little Liv and the bike crash. Other than the bumps and bruises she is back to normal! I have a feeling that our first hospital trip will be with that child. She just isn't what you would call cautious!

Project Green- Take 1

First, an apology. My loyal blog stalkers-mom, dad, Ivanna, Amy. I'm sorry I didn't post yesterday. I was "looking through" lots of laundry and mop water. Some days I really just have to clean! I'm back and am on to Anna's next project. There is so much green around right now that it will be hard to find something unique!

and last but not least. . . I wanted to get a picture of Olivia's beautiful green eyes today. However, you'll notice that in this picture I also got the results of a horrific bike crash. She landed straight on her beautiful little face. Heal well baby. Mommy gave you extra kisses tonight while you slept!

Project Looking Through -Take 4

Daddy's girl,

through his eyes.

I'm DOUBLE/TRIPLE posting!

I've been more conscious of having my camera in hand because of these projects and, therefor, I've taken A TON of photos. I wanted to share some more with you from yesterday and today.

Look, a DIFFERENT park! I love the lines of the bridge. Enlarge the photo below, I think it looks like Olivia is floating! These are from yesterday. You'll notice that no one was wearing sweaters today!

My preschoolers were actually ASKING me to shoot them today! Being the wonderful teacher that I am, I obliged!

I've got to label this next set good or in the future I'll swear that it's 4th of July. Our day ended today with a picnic with some wonderful friends.

Project Looking Through -Take 3

I didn't realize that I am solar powered until the sun came back out this spring. I just can't get enough! My mood is better, my whole outlook on life is better! Of course, be cautious and lather on the sunscreen , but ENJOY! Two guesses as to where these were shot. I promise that tomorrow I will find a different location!

Yes, I realize that he is a baby and I shouldn't be giving him suckers. BUT if his hands were busy, he would leave his hat on and that kept his hands busy for a LONG time!

These are for daddy

Daddy is in Virginia for a job interview. I promised to video our last swim lesson of the season. Problem is, I didn't take the video camera! Here are some shots to hold you over honey- I took a TON more. If you watch them in a real fast slide show, you will see them swim- I SWEAR!

Sorry the shots of Isaac are a little shaky. I was shaking. Watching my son jump from something that high, into that deep of water, with no one down there, on his own, did something to me!

And this one, daddy, is just for you. Your darlin girl misses you!

Project Looking Through -Take 2

No project, just my day!

Let me introduce you to my preschool bike gang. They're a rough bunch, let me tell you!

If only my eyelashes looked like this:

We were at the park and I looked over at my friend and noticed that even while her sweet baby was sound asleep he was still holding on. I think that baby hands are one of the best things on the planet.

We ended our day at the fountain at IU. Caleb was absolutely mesmerized by it. When the wind would change direction he would get quite the spray of water- which he thought was a lot of fun!

Project Looking Through -Take 1

I stumbled onto another photo project that I was debating becoming a part of at : http://blog.markwill.com/. It is called "Project Looking Through" and you are supposed to have the sensation of looking through something. I thought about it all day and these are my take on the theme. Not my best shots of the day, but they fit the bill!

Project Yellow Take 3

My world is really pretty small right now! We were back at our park today lovin the sunshine. Isaac's bus was parked right in front of me and I couldn't help but think of project yellow! I've wanted to incorporate more people into the project and Livi playing on the pole fit the bill. I've always been much more drawn to people than to things but I must say that this project has helped me look at things a little different. There is a plethora of personality in many objects! (Especially yellow ones!)

Project Yellow Take 2- the park

I'm seeing yellow everywhere now! These are at the park today. And yes, the park definitely needs a makeover! But it is our park and we love it. There is something so old and sweet about it. And because it is less than fancy, it is rarely busy.

Project Yellow Take 1

I frequent another photographer's blog: http://annacpics.blogspot.com/. She has an amazing sense of color. She is in the middle of Project Yellow. I've decided to join with some photos. If you see "Project. . . " it relates to her site. Check it out!

These construction trucks remind me a lot of my life right now. Bright, interesting, building something new, and VERY DIRTY!

Another fabulous party

Sweet sweet magnolias

One of my favorite parts of spring are the magnolias. Our neighbor has a gorgeous tree that my camera has been asking to shoot. They are so elegant and regal. I can just imagine tiny fairies inside of them.

The last thing that caught my attention was how many petals were on the ground! So sad. Spring is so beautiful but so short!

Eatin' grass

I know, these are from yesterday too. But I had to share. I was shooting Isaac and Livi when I noticed that Caleb was being VERY quiet. He had his back to me and I couldn't quite see what he was doing. As I saw his hand reach out I sort of knew what was coming.

I slowly snuck around to see if I could catch him in action. So far, just feeling it.

And thinking about it.

Ah, there it goes. And he hasn't noticed mommy.

Really pushing it in there. BUSTED!

Kinda like seaweed, or spinach, man, it's good!

Saving some for later.

The joy of discovery.

I missed yesterday!

Last night I was having connection trouble with the internet and was unable to blog these! We played outside from 12:40 until 7. It was absolutely gorgeous. Let the housework pile up, bring on the grass stains, I'm gonna play with my kids!

A little walk

My camera felt lonely. After so much use over the weekend I didn't touch it at all yesterday. It was so beautiful and I PLAYED all day long! I wrestled, and rolled in the grass, and painted barefoot. WELCOME SPRING! Tonight I grabbed the camera and headed out to find some flowers. These are in the middle of an old run down putt putt place that isn't open yet. Just close your eyes and breathe deep- they smell great.

Finally, a few shots from the party

This darling 6 year old is a good friend of ours. I couldn't get enough pictures of her- she was cracking me up! She is so full of life! The series below needs a little explanation. I'll caption them.
"Hey have you guys ever seen that show where someone gets cake pushed on their face?"
"Should I put my cake on my face?"

"DO IT! DO IT! DO IT!" (Holler 10 6 year olds)

Others soon followed suit!

These are the "High Flyers". They put on a great show! Here is just a sampling of what we saw.

Brown County State Park

I know that I said I would post some party pics, and I will. But I had to post a few shots from Brown County. What a beautiful park! It will be much prettier when it gets green again but even with a lot of brown it was breathtaking! The older two just wanted to run and were not to cooperative with mom's camera. Caleb hasn't quite learned the "no paparazzi" stance. We enjoyed a wonderful warm spring family day. May many more follow!

500+ shots today

I feel like I shot a small wedding! We went to a friend's birthday today and I took A LOT of shots. It was a great party at a local gymnastics place. It even included a group called "High Flyers" that put on a great show. There are so many pictures that I need to go through and pick some favorites. I'll post them tomorrow. So, instead of the party, I'll show you how my day started. Olivia loves her doll house. She and Caleb were playing side by side this morning- it was SO SWEET. It amazes me that he is getting old enough to "play" with his sister!

Friday night means one thing. . .

PIZZA, PIZZA, PIZZA! And family time and usually a movie. I must say that I made a VERY tasty pie tonight. I tried a new dough recipe and threw on some tomatoes, red peppers, green peppers, mushrooms, garlic, and onions. And of course my secret recipe sauce! (By secret recipe I mean that I usually don't remember what I threw in last time and just make stuff up.) Sometimes it goes well. Mmmm.

Penelope

This is my other baby. Penelope has been on my mind a lot lately. We adopted Belly in Chicago shortly after we were married in 2000. She was my first baby. I used to hold her while I cooked! She sleeps under the covers right next to me. Her nickname Belly comes from her wonderful chunky middle. Some days she looks just like Jabba the Hut! She adores Isaac and climbs his ladder to sleep with him. Lately she has been limping with one of her back legs and tonight when she tried to climb Isaac's ladder she fell. It was so sad. I put her up there so they could snuggle a bit. Time that seems to fly so fast anyway goes even faster with animals. She is already at least in her middle ages!

A little pet rock

Feel like a bath?

I did until I saw this!

Yesterday I took a black out day from blogging because we laid to rest Grandpa Sam. The service was very well done and it was nice to see so much family. There were times, like the 21 gun salute, and the look of joy/grief as stories of Sam were told, that I really wanted to have my camera in hand but as a family member I knew that that was the last thing that I needed to be doing. We arrived home around 9:45 last night and I headed up to throw 3 tired kids in the bath. SURPRISE! The wall of my bath was missing! These pictures are from tonight when it is half way fixed. What I saw last night was a gaping whole complete with very wet squishy wood and soaked insulation. To get to our shower downstairs you had to wade through the flood water. Just what I needed to come home to! We had loose tiles and when our landlord started to investigate the problem just kept getting worse. Again, praise God we're renting! When is our move out date?! Hopefully, tomorrow I'll be back to normal photos.