Just Thinkin' in pictures

Come Move with Me!

2010-11-18T14:42:00.000-08:00

Missing me and my pictures?
I'm now thinkin' in pictures over at
the Colour 4

I hope you come over and join me! (and feel free to un-friend here too ... no offense taken)

My Surprise = I'm moving ...

2010-10-19T19:19:00.001-07:00

No, not physically moving ... already done that once this year and I'm cool with that, lol.

Moving ... as in I'm moving in the internet blog world

It’s like when you have two kids and people jokingly ask; “Which one do you love more?”

Or one of the kids asks … then it’s not quite as jokingly … and you have to answer ‘You of course’ even if it’s not true at that moment.

I have two blogs.

One for writing. One for pictures.

I feel like I have a split personality … so in order to avoid the which do you love most question … and to piece myself back together … I took my favorite parts of both blogs and combined them into one brand new part-of-me blog!

Don’t you wish you could do that with your kids sometimes?

So … what are you still doing here?

Come visit me at my new home:

The colour 4

It's still under construction a bit, but I would really really really love for you to come join me here too!!!!!!

Hunting some Pictures!

2010-10-18T22:01:00.000-07:00

Sunday Scavenger Hunt ... on Monday night

close enough ...

1. Side Lighting

Am I the only one who takes pictures of random stuff around the house? This is Audrey's walker ... and it happened to be sitting in the sun ... and I happened to have my camera nearby ... and here's a picture of a walker lit by sunlight coming in through the nearby window!

2. Jack O'Lantern

My mom bought this Jack O'Lantern for us ... and when it's not Halloween you just turn it around to the other side and it's a decorative circle thingie ...

3. Faces formed in Nature

Ok, so I cheated. You can't tell me you never have ...

really?

Well, when I saw this on the October photo hunt I was like, well at least I have a month to figure this out ... and then Ashley chose to feature this theme here ... so I cheated. I'll figure it out later (i've been busy, lol)

4. Sunset

So, not my favorite sunset ever, but I took it this past week, and I'm totally into the silhouette pictures.

5. Warm

What is warmer than flannel Princess PJ's on a fall morning? Oh, and they are pink! even better :-)

So ... I have a big announcement coming up super soon ... I hope you come back to check it out!

Weekend Perfection

2010-10-14T05:22:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I came outside to a mess ... a glorious fun mess. Leah was soaked to her bones and Andrew was chasing her around with the water hose. Quickly I grabbed my camera, to take pictures ... and also to have an excuse not to get sprayed by water!

Here's a favorite of Andrew spraying water. The sky was a bit overcast on that day, so I took a moment to warm up the picture.

The picture was taken with my Kodak Z915, and I used picnik.com to edit. My recent favorite effect is the tint (faded to ~80%)

These are the moments I never want to forget. The fun that comes from being soaked while watering plants seems to rival fun sought after on expensive vacations.

This is perfection is the smallest way. Spontaneity that I wish I had, but at least I have a camera to capture it all.

What have you noticed about the little things recently?

Happy Wednesday

2010-10-12T22:42:00.000-07:00

I hope your Wednesday brings you much happiness and joy!

Couple a pics

2010-10-12T19:43:00.001-07:00

Today at the Trendy Treehouse is Shutter Love Tuesdays

The theme is Babies. I was inspired to look in my archives; so here's a pic of Leah holding a week old Audrey...

Faith at Simplicity

Theme is Light

I'm new to this one too!
The theme is Vivid Color
I chose my flowers my Dad and I bought at the Farmer's Market this last weekend.

Hope you enjoyed looking at my pictures! I'm working on remembering to watermark them ... which is why each one looks different, lol!

Scavenger Hunt

2010-10-10T06:34:00.000-07:00

Pink

Yesterday my Dad and I participated in the Race for a Cure downtown Birmingham ... with about 16,000 other people (no joke). I have a-gazillion pink pictures from yesterday, but my favorite has to be the fountain dyed pink!

Books

I love Leah's collection of books! We always read one before bed, and last night bedtime fell during the Auburn game. She picked on the of the longer books, so instead of reading the words on the page I made up my own words and we were done in super time, lol.

Fall Colors

Ok ... I know I took the cop-out with this theme, but I love the way this picture turned out.

Leaf

Wait ... don't eat that leaf ... or let mommy take a picture of it first!

Orange

Did you hear that the Auburn Tigers are 6-0? WAR EAGLE! in other news ... Alabama is 5-1 :-D

Join Ashley every Sunday for her scavenger hunt!

oh, and if you want to try something new today ... don't forget about 10 on 10 ... take one picture every hour for 10 hours on the 10 of every month!

WW: Timeless

2010-10-06T05:07:00.000-07:00

To me; black and white conversions just have this way of making the photo seem timeless.

and now I'm going wordless

Aunt Lucinda Pics

2010-09-27T05:25:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, my Great-Aunt Lucinda passed away. Yesterday was her funeral. It was beautiful and sad and fun all at the same time. I am so glad my mom didn't care if I took pictures, because I think I would have been lost without my camera. Here are some of my favorites:

The flowers that the pall bearers were wearing.

Aunt Lucinda was a huge Auburn fan. I wish we had a shaker or two, but my sister did have her ticket from yesterday's win.

The whole extended family

If you would like to read more about my Great Aunt and what she meant to me -- click here

Where is my camera cord?

2010-09-23T20:26:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh guys I am so sorry! I have totally let you all down! I have some absolutely wonderful pictures on my camera (ok I think they are wonderful, lol), but ... I can't get them onto my computer!

Oh yeah ... did I mention that we moved this last weekend? And then the day after we moved I started my new job? Oh, and the worst thing yet ... I discovered that Blogger is BLOCKED at my new job!!!!!!!

I'm going through picture with-drawls y'all ... so here are some old pictures ... just because I can't post on my picture blog without them!!!!

These are some of my early attempts at photography from a visit to Calaway Gardens is Georgia. I am so excited that our Thanksgiving will be there this year ... and know that I know so much more about photography I am so ready to take pictures there!

So here you go ... completely 'un-educated' and un-edited pictures (and they are smaller because I don't feel like re-sizing them ... sorry guys):

It's like being in Kindergarten again

2010-09-16T11:36:00.000-07:00

Today ... I'm having Show and Tell on my blog! I'm going to show you and picture; then tell you why I like it, and then maybe also tell you what challenges it is entered into!

Vandy Spirit

People having 'team spirit' for Vanderbilt is kinda like that puppy that is so ugly he's cute...you just wanna say "awwww, you're so cute" and pat them on the head. Lol ... I always pull for Vandy as long as they are not playing Auburn!

Oops

I found so many fun photos while walking around campus! Someone parked their motorbike on the sidewalk, and I don't think the police agreed with their parking place!

Construction Guys

I also saw these guys doing some work on campus. I have no idea if the older guy has teeth, lol!

Now I have some B photos to share:

B is for buzz buzz bee

B is for beautiful butterfly

(i love the detail in this photo!!!!!)

B is for Brown

I chose this photo as an entry for Paper Mama's Brown challenge ... I'm not the biggest sepia fan, but I think it works here

B is for beautiful girl

Leah splashing into the pool! This photo is also entered into Simplicity's challenge theme: Water

and finally B is for best friends

My friend Kala (Brooke's mom) took this picture. It is super special ... Last night was the last time we will see Brooke while we still live in Nashville (we move on Saturday). I don't think the girls really understand it, but we will miss them ... alot ... *sniff sniff

I won a photo challenge!!!! My 'fitness' picture won Mama and the Dudes's Photo Challenge. You should go check out her blog ... her boys are way too cute! Thanks Mama!

I hope you enjoyed my Show and Tell class today!

Letters Here; Letters There

2010-09-16T09:04:00.000-07:00

I'm always inspired when I see photos of letters that are found in the normal everyday things. I remember one time I was shopping with my parents, and they were so excited they went out and took like three pictures of a tree branch that kinda looked like an 'E'. And then Life with Kashion interviewed a fabulous photographer who had this super cool poster showing off the letters of Paris.

and I thought ... I can do that. So ... I did. I went out and walked around and looked like a fool taking pictures. I now have the ABC's from around as far as I wanted to walk from Vanderbilt's campus.

ok ... I know it's missing 'Z'. I have a Z, but I can't figure out how to add it to my collage that only offered 25 photos ... so now it's a Z-less collage, lol!

That was fun! I challenge everyone to go find letters and shoot them! Next I think I'm going to do my name ...

Painted Sky

2010-09-15T07:23:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up ... walked outside ... and was greeted by the sky.

I imagine it is God's way of saying "Good Morning Christy!"

"I wanted you to know how much I love you ...

... so I took a couple of extra minutes to paint the sky."

and in mornings like today when I wake up with boxes and packing and stress on my mind

I am refreshed by the beauty I see around me

"Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
make music to our God on the harp.
He covers the sky with clouds;
he supplies the earth with rain
and makes grass grow on the hills."
Psalm 147: 7-8

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." Psalm 62:1-2

all these pictures were taken this morning 9/15/10
May you have a blessed morning and day!

Is there anything special that reminds you of God's presence?

Hi There

2010-09-14T10:31:00.000-07:00

hmmmm ... in case this doesn't start working this is for Beep Beep Click

maybe I'm waving?

maybe you have to push the button to find out?

too many boxes

too little time

I'll try to share more pictures

maybe

Have you ever waved at a random car just to see the reaction?

Fixes

2010-09-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

Today is editing fun day with I heart faces! Here are my fixes ...

Original: (copied with permission)

Edit 1:

Edited using the free version of Picnik.com

Resized and crop

Rotated

Sharpened and increased exposure a bit

Boosted color slightly

Tinted with an orange tint (faded to 77%)

Cross Process edit (faded to around 70%)

Edit 2:

Edited with Picnik too

Resize and crop

Sharpen

Boosted a little bit

Black and White edit

Guess what!?!?!?! My friend is coming this afternoon to put Photoshop 2 on my computer!!!!!!!

Did I mention for free...hehe

She's my new favorite person ever!

Signs around Campus

2010-09-09T09:50:00.000-07:00

Today we are capturing signs. Yesterday I took my time to slowly walk home and take pictures of this campus I have spent the last two and a half years at. Here are some fun signs I found around Vanderbilt.

That's the chairman of my department

Imagine that ... I found a lot of 'V' around Vandy

and here is my favorite sign:

did you miss that? It said:

LOL!

Audrey

2010-09-08T09:33:00.000-07:00

My precious Audrey

Baby Love

The above picture is entered

Happiness is my baby's eyes and the joys and wonders that fill them.

A is for Audrey

Snapshot

Audrey learning to clap -- a snapshot of my day

Happiness is watching my baby learn and enjoy the little things in life.

can you just stay little forever?

Week 1

2010-09-08T08:40:00.000-07:00

Day 1

9/1/10

Today was the first day to my last weeks at Vanderbilt.

Day 2

9/2/10

Tiny little flowers outside our apartment

Day 3

9/3/10

I call these 'Parking Lot Fairs'. Leah got to ride 3 rides and had a wonderful time.

Day 4

9/4/10

The return of college football, and Auburn showed up scoring 52 points!

Day 5

9/5/10

Leah coloring in the sun with her markers.

Day 6

9/6/10

We had a play date with my best friend and her kids. Audrey (9 months) is in the skirt, Isiah (3 months) is in the blue, and Kensley (3 months) is eating her dress.

Day 7

9/7/10

Good morning sky

I think this week, I'll try to pick pictures with faces in them, lol.

Coloring on a Sunday

2010-09-07T11:48:00.000-07:00

I took a lot of pictures this weekend ... and editing already sounds like a nightmare. Maybe that's why all my photos seem (to me) to just have a very basic edit on them. Sometimes I think they lack that *punch* or something different, special and unique; something more than just the way the photo is taken. So, I'm going to try something different. I'm going to convince myself that I don't have to churn out all my photos in one day, and take my time and play with my favorites ... well, because I can!

SOCC:

It's not a big edit, but I think it gives the picture a bit of something extra ... what do you think?

Lazy Day Saturdays

2010-09-04T06:25:00.000-07:00

I love looking at other blogs. I love the inspiration that comes from ~~stalking~~ enjoying other people's work. I love the will that I have to go out and use the inspiration, to tweak it into my style. So, I'm going to share it with you, because I also love people who share their latest inspirations for me to be inspired by as well!

Hence week one of Lazy Day Saturdays. Lazy -- because I don't have to blog, I'm lazily ~~copying~~ sharing other people's work with you!

Enjoy

{Divas and dreams Photography}

You have to go read her post The Naked Truth.

{WhileWondering}

Etsy shop from Daily Cupcake

{Dropped Stitches}

Note cards ... this and more found here at her Etsy store
Erin just started taking pictures for her note cards, and I think they are wonderful! I hope to one day be able to sell my photos as prints or cards!

{Studio JRU}

I love how she takes Bible verses and displays them as beautiful wall art!

Hope you enjoyed my latest stolen inspirations

Is this something you would like to do too? Let me know ... I'll add a linky next week...

If you were featured, would you like a button?

A Balancing Act

2010-09-03T14:31:00.000-07:00

There are some new photo challenges popping up in Bloggyland ... and they want to know about me ... with pictures. So, I'll share some of my deep thoughts that I usually only bother the followers on my other blog about, lol.

(i went over 3 pictures ... sorry ... sometimes I'm a rule-breaker)

Now that I'm a mom, I have to balance doing stuff that I enjoy with my kids. I enjoy fantasy football. It has always been something that my husband and I could do together, starting off when we were dating. We joined our church league last year, and this year had a live draft. While everyone else made fun of other people's picks, planned who to take next, and focused on football ... I had to split my focus between football and my two darling girls.

'Christy it's your turn to pick ... you have 2 minutes.' What! I don't even know what the last 5 picks were because I was chasing a baby around a non-baby-proofed house.

Everybody else studied their picks ... while I made a bottle for the baby

and then ran around the house trying to make sure my 3 year old wasn't breaking anything while playing with the other kids there (all 7 and older)

Pets

and then for the last half hour or so, I gave my cherished camera to Leah so she would stop whining about wanting to go home. She took this picture ... I love it! to me ... this is the balancing act that mother's go through ... this is me ... balancing mommyhood and fantasy football

sporting my Tennessee Titans jersey!

I had fun ... you know ... the kind of fun where you want to go home and have a beer to relax from the fun

(yes I shared this before ... but it's from that night and fits, lol)

Perspectives

2010-09-03T12:10:00.000-07:00

I'm average to short when it comes to height (5' 3") so I'm used to looking up at pretty much everything. So as a challenge, I decided to look down while hanging out with my girls and taking pictures. Here's what I got ...

... the above picture is entered here ... oh, and we have a sandbox; hence the sandy feet, I'm not just dirty, lol

Challenges on a Thursday

2010-09-02T12:09:00.000-07:00

For a little fun on a thursday ...

Self

Audrey and I -- me sporting my Tennessee Titans jersey -- before a fantasy football draft this week

Love

My Mema giving my Audrey a kiss ... love is the bond between a Great-Grandmother and her Great-Grandchild

Fitness

Fitness is trying to ride your bike in the grass ...

and

Day 1

of my 365 Project Journey

Yesterday I got a call that I have been waiting for ... I have been offered a new position in Birmingham Alabama. We are moving in 2.5 weeks, so I put my 2.5 weeks notice in at my current job. I have been here for 2 years and 2 months. Its going to be a bittersweet next 11 days.

August Photo Hunt Pictures

2010-09-01T11:15:00.002-07:00

It's time to reveal my August 2010 Photo Hunt pictures! Yay! First off, I would like to say a big, huge thank you for people who voted for my Sweet Dreams picture in the June Challenge. I am so honored to say that I won a category! I told my husband and he said 'that's nice, dear' ... so now I feel better for celebrating with y'all!

1. A flag that represents you

I found this flag while walking around Mt. Laurel in Alabama. I think the tear in it adds an extra value than just your run of the mill American flag, and then being able to see the stars through the tear just sealed the deal for me.

2. Something comfortable

What is more comfortable than sleeping in your bed? Seriously ... I wish I was in my bed right now. This is my oldest Leah (she's 3) sleeping in her bed.

3. Something in season

It's football season! Down here in the South, we live for football season! This picture was taken from our local church during the skills training for Upwards football.

4. Feet

I had tons of photos of cute feet, cute kid feet, and such, but I went to take Leah out of her sandbox when I noticed that she had been standing in some sand that spilled over and left some super cute footprints! I just knew this was perfect for the 'feet' theme.

5. Repetition

Walking is pretty repetitive ... put one foot in front of the other ... oh sorry, didn't mean to break out into song on ya, lol. I love the contrast between the shoes and pants in this picture. That's one of the fun things about working at a Medical Center / University ... you get undergraduate students walking next to hospital doctors.

6. Culture or ethnicity

So, I might be pushing it a bit here, but I was really stuck with this theme. We try to instill a culture of love and hugs with our girls!

7. Contrast

I really liked the contrast of the bright yellow flower versus the darker green foliage.

8. An indulgence

Cupcakes from Leah's birthday party. Yum, yum, chocolate cupcakes is for sure an indulgence around here, lol!

9. A macro or closeup

This is a hopscotch rug that we keep on the porch for fun playing time!

10. Something masculine

I may be outing a bit of my tomboyish, but I love playing fantasy football ... even if it is normally considered a more masculine activity.

11. Something feminine

What girl doesn't like flowers and necklaces ... oh and terrific natural lighting

12. Light

This is the shadows of a street lamp shot from my parents backyard.

13. Eco-friendly

This is the close-up shot of a solar panel used to light street lamps in a neighborhood near my apartment complex.

14. Business

Another shot from Mt. Laurel. This is the General Store! I was so sad it was closed when we were walking around, because it had some of the cutest antique stuff inside. I took pictures through the window, lol.

15. An arrow

and a third from Mt. Laurel ... it was a fun place to shoot

16. Something wet

Water droplets on a freshly watered flower

17. Something dry

Leah and my husband Andrew. Leah got a Princess towel for her birthday. She loved it, especially since it had a crown on it!

18. Butterflies

19. Heart-Shaped Clouds

So I spent the past month with my head literally in the clouds looking for a heart-shaped cloud, but I never found one. I even took random pictures of clouds just to see if one of them may look like a heart. This is the best I got ... and you have to use your imagination a bit for it ... see, it looks like the top of a heart, and the bottom is hidden behind the building. Uh huh ... that's my story and I stinking to it.

20. Strength

This is my youngest Audrey. At 9 months old, she is showing off her strength and pulling up on everything she sees!

Thank you for looking through my photos! I have enjoyed taking these this past month, and today starts Day 1 of my 365 Project!

Sweet Shot

2010-08-31T11:48:00.000-07:00

Have you ever taken a picture you thought was just another picture to be wow'ed by it later? This is how I felt when I looked at this picture later, so I'm sharing it as part of 3 Boybarians Sweet Shot Tuesday.

Also, I'm really excited to join Madeline Bea Photography and her wonderful follower in starting the 365 Journey ... or taking a picture once a day for an entire year. I see this as not only a way to grow, but as a way to find beauty in every day. So, with the August Photo Hunt coming to a close today (I'll be posting them tomorrow), I have loved challenging myself to grow in that way. I look back at the June Photo Hunt and I can see my pictures improve! I can not wait to see how well my skills improve over an entire year of challenges!

I have been a bit down lately, so I'm really excited about seeing the small things ... the beauty ... in all days, even the crappy ones ~~where you have an fussing argument on the phone with your husband while sitting in the break room~~ ... everyday has a bit of beauty in it

I have a flickr page, and I will post my daily photos there with probably a weekly sharing of photos here, but I would really love to learn how to use a flickr page to the fullest. Do you just join groups and comment on other peoples' pictures, kinda like blogging? Can't wait to learn more!

Thanks!

2010-08-31T09:20:00.000-07:00

Wow, thanks guys! I feel so honored ... I got two awards last week! Ok, so I'm usually horrible about these things, so I really want to take the time to honor the two blogs who passed the awards on to me. What is even more amazing, is that I'm new to both these blogs, and just starting to enjoy their awesomness.

The Muffin Monster Bubbalug Blog has deemed me Kreativ. Cool ... thanks!

The Punk Rock Mom has passed this one along for rockin' her socks off. Thanks! I could totally need some socks ... I can never find them, ever!

Both of these awards come with the fact that I am supposed to pass along 7 things you don't know about me.

--When doing simple math problems, I use my fingers to count.

--It annoys me when people say 'bad' instead of 'badly', but I don't say anything because there is always a possibility that I could be wrong.

--Dissecting mice does not bother me one bit, but if I were to see one in my house I would probably still jump up on a chair and swat at it with a broom. (oh yeah, I'm a research scientist ... that might help with understanding my last statement)

--I have a slight addiction to T.V. shows, mainly fictional dramas; the crazier the better. I blame the 15 years I spent watching ER.

--I am a huge football fan, and a huge nerd at the same time. What do I mean by this? I tell people that I went to every single game of Auburn University's undefeated season in 2004, and then follow that up by saying because I was in the marching band!

--Last night on the news the newscaster said something like "Your genes may be a reason for ...." and I looked at Andrew with this crazy look on my face; then turned back to the t.v. About a minute later I went "oooooohhhh, I get it", to which Andrew looked at me and said "You thought he meant 'blue jeans', huh? Aren't you a scientist?"

--Can a sitting position be passed along by genetics? Leah sits like I used to when I was a kid, but I have never seen anyone else sit like this.

awwww, wasn't I such a cute kid!

ok, there's my 7 random things, and honestly I hate passing these things along ... so if you want an award, then take it because everyone who reads this post makes me smile and deserves an award!

Learning new Ideas

2010-08-30T08:49:00.001-07:00

photo via flickr

photo via blogger

What do you think? Do you post via flickr or do you just upload and post on blogger? Just wondering? Would love help ... email if you wanna c.killion@yahoo.com

Picture Hunting

2010-08-29T07:37:00.000-07:00

Bokeh

I shoot with a 'point and shoot' camera, so getting a bokeh effect is pretty much always a goal when I take pictures. I really like this picture because it's small flowers within a larger flower, and I thought the leaves in the background made a nice bokeh.

Business

This is the General Store in Mt. Laurel, Alabama. I love the way the antique store front looks against the blue sky.

Eco-Friendly

Really, I'm not loving this picture, but I'm kinda stuck at this theme. This is a solar thing ... they have them next to light posts and streetlights to help run the lights at night.

Repetition

Walking ... that pretty repetitive ... this shot was taken outside my work at Vanderbilt.

Music

This is the book I learned my scales from as a child. I started playing piano when I was 8 and loved it! When I moved out of my parents' home, I took all my original piano music with me with the hopes that one day I could use it to teach piano to my children. Here's just a sampling from the first notebook I had.

Editing

2010-08-27T07:51:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been trying to figure out my 'thing' when it comes to taking pictures. I guess, kinda like my feeling or what makes my pictures unique. I want to have those pictures that make people go WOW, those are awesome. Or pictures that I can blow up onto canvases and put around our house and have people ask me where I bought my pictures from.

I uploaded like 90 random pictures to facebook yesterday ... just because I could. While showing them to my husband (who knows nothing about photography, but he does know what looks good to him), I said something like ... I like the vivid colors of my pictures. But the more that I looked at them; the more that it seemed like the vivid colors are just too bright and become harsh. That's not what you blow up and look at everyday.

I love looking at other people's photos especially for inspiration. I love the soft edits, the added textures, the pink overlays ... but I don't have any sort of editing software. and we can't afford any editing software (yet). So ... I'm stuck. I feel like my pictures aren't as good as they could be ... but then again, I guess that's what makes us better...always re-evaluating and improving ...

Vivid facebook pics

and since I'm focusing on editing ... here's my Iheartfaces Fix it Friday entries ....

Original photo -- downloaded with permission

Edit 1 (vivid colors)

Edit 2 (my attempt at a soft edit)

Edit 3 (black and white b/c it's always fun)

My Parents' Garden

2010-08-26T10:48:00.000-07:00

Somebody said "Get Outside"

I said 'Yay!'

While at my parents' this past weekend, I took a tour of their yard

my parents love to work in the yard and maintain it beautifully

I love to take pictures of it ...

Dad told me 'my sister and i' had it easy because we never had to mow the yard since he and mom enjoyed doing it

I said ... 'that's fine with me!'

this is his favorite picture ... he said it looks just like him and mom

Dad reading the paper and Mom drinking coffee

they are so cute! 31 years together and still in love

look at these guys ... they were eating this flower and the Sunflower plant too ... creepy

and I will leave y'all with this picture ... make sure you visit You Capture for more outside pictures ... my favorite place to be!

Babe with Flowers

2010-08-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

This is my 100th entry on this blog. Cool, huh? So, you may have noticed I changed this blog up a little bit. I don't know why I was trying to keep it separate from my other blog ... but I like it better this way. My other blog is Just Thinkin'. Soon after I started it, I started really taking pictures too. I was totally bogging people down with entries and photos all the time ... so I started this blog. and now I've changed the title to Just Thinkin' in Photos...this doesn't mean that I don't post photos on the other site or not write on this site ... but yeah, I think y'all get it :-).

So, if you wanna know more about me, feel free to visit me here too --

Now -- onto photo entries!
The Paper MamaFlower

my youngest -- Audrey

Wishful Lamb

Messy Faces

Elise -- one of the girls at Leah' party

In a Yellow House

Trees

The Sunday Creative(button not working?)Orient to set in a definite position esp. in relation to the points on a compass

It's my Party Mommy

2010-08-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday my Leah turned 3! Her party was Saturday. It was a big success!

the Punk Rock mom has a new photo challenge with different themes ...

I'm entering the above picture in the 'a person from...' theme

We had an Isa's Garden party complete with gardening in the sandbox, making thumb print garden t-shirts and cupcakes with Isa, Dora, and flowers!

Also, tomorrow is Faith (over at Simplicity)'s birthday! Her photo challenge is for birthdays, perfect for our last weekend! I'm entering the above picture into her contest!

and hugs and fun times were had by all!

Leah is already planning for her birthday next year!

A wee bit of Me

2010-08-18T11:58:00.000-07:00

I'm jumping on the band-wagon and playing along with 'a wee bit of me' Wednesdays! Visit My Leigh Ashley and play along too!

{one} who’s the funniest person you know?

my lovely husband Andrew ... he always makes me laugh!

{two} were you a michael jackson fan?

nah ... I was a baby in the '80's ... missed out on that ...

{three} what was your favorite book as a child?

a small child? I memorized one of the 'Spot' books by Eric Hill and would 'read' it to my family all the time! I even read it upside down!

source
I read all the time growing up! Probably the main reason I got in trouble as a child was for reading at the dinner table. I loved the Babysitter's Club books, Ghostwriter books, and Mary Higgins Clark mysteries. I even read the occasional pick-you-own ending book ... whatever happened to those?

{four} what’s the most delicious meal you’ve ever eaten?

I honestly do not know. I've had awesome meals, but I guess they weren't memorable? The first time I ever at a tuna steak was pretty good though ... my husband grilled it for me. It was our first meal in our first apartment after our 'honeymoon'.

{five} if you could eliminate on thing you do each day in the bathroom so you never had to do it again, what would it be?

shaving for sure! Leah calls my legs prickly (and then she added, like Grandma's LOL!)

{six} if you could ask barak obama one question, what would it be?

Do you even look at the people's polling results? / Do you even care what the people think?

{seven} what’s the best place near you to get a drink?

ummmm ... I'm a working mom with two kids and a husband that works the opposite shift as mine, so I would have to say ...
my kitchen?

{eight} what kind of music can you just not stand to listen to?

metal that screams at you or rap that gives me a headache

{nine} who and when was your first kiss?

I was 15 in the school courtyard with my boyfriend Chris. It was homecoming dance my freshman year and we had our first kiss under the stars ... and the seniors who were probably drinking (now that I think about it...)

{ten} what 3 things do you think will become obsolete in the next ten years?
hmmm...very interesting question! land-line phones, newspapers, and only wearing a shirt with your tights

I really enjoyed playing along with Leigh Ashley today! I'd like to invite people to visit my other blog for another (new) meme that focuses on you... Self Reflections Tuesday

Thanks for coming by!

Can you Feel it?

2010-08-17T13:25:00.000-07:00

I've started to feel it

that slight breeze that hangs in the air

yeah that's right

Fall is approaching

and with fall comes

football season!!!!!

Football is more than a game in the south

it's almost like a way of life

At our church we host a local football league with Upwards Sports

Upwards Sports is awesome!

It is a Christian based ministry that sponsors sporting leagues all over America.

in Upwards Sports everyone wins

no one is ever picked first or last

and everyone gets a trophy

I think Upwards is a wonderful way for young kids to develop sports talents and learn about working together as a team

I am honored to be a part of Upwards Sports with our church and our community!

Welcome to Nashville, TN and Upwards League at Our Saviour Lutheran!

Sunglasses Galore

2010-08-16T11:18:00.000-07:00

Today at IheartFaces the theme is Got to Wear Shades. I love this theme! Leah loves her sunglasses, and I have so many adorably cute pictures of her it was so hard to pick just one ... but I did!

This is my younger sister Allison and my oldest daughter Leah ... love this picture!!!!

Fix it Friday!

2010-08-13T07:23:00.000-07:00

I'm playing with I heart faces today with their Fix-It Friday challenge!

Original: (not my picture ... copied with permission)

I have a slight problem -- I can't do just one edit, lol!

My favorite -- I used piknic.com and rollip.com (vintage edit)

My *close* second favorite -- used picnik.com and rollip.com (classic edit)

and of course -- a black and white edit! used piknic.com (the adjustable threshold feature)

If you want to play along ... visit I heart faces!

I'm Around

2010-08-12T13:34:00.001-07:00

Sorry I've been gone for awhile.

Internet is gone from home. Life is still in limbo. I update my other blog more because I have internet at work, but transferring pictures is harder.

I've been told that God is testing mine / my husband's trust by making us wait.

I don't know how much I agree, but taking a breather and relying on Him more is always something I can use a reminder on.

Hopefully I will be back soon!

*picture from Fall Creek Falls Tennessee*

Flashback

2010-08-04T09:46:00.000-07:00

Our internet is out as our life is in limbo here. I'm waiting on a hopeful call-back about a new position in a new state, so everything is on hold. I hate this feeling ... but anyways we canceled internet/cable to save for a move ... so posting new pictures is hard for me. My pictures are on my home computer, and the internet is at work or my husband's cell phone.

So, that's a long way of saying that I'm posting an old picture here that I just love!

This picture is from 2008, and is 4 generations swinging on a swing set.

Starting from the back

Mema (my grandmother)

Leta (my mom)

Allison (my younger sister)

Leah (my first born)

Farmer's Market Love

2010-07-30T10:02:00.000-07:00

I love Farmer's Markets. Like almost to the point of obsession.

If I could, I would spend all my time between farmers markets and bookstores

So when we went to Birmingham this past weekend, I dragged my husband downtown to Pepper Place

First I got lost, then I found Pepper Place. Totally worth it though

There is just something about Farmer's Markets that just draw me in.

Hard working people selling the fruits (sometimes literally) of their labor

People excited about their unique purchases

my mind (and photographer's eye) is just overwhelmed by all the pictures I see

expect that Andrew (hubby) told me to stop taking pictures at the market

because my battery was going low

I'm entering the above picture into Yellow House Challenge theme "Urban"

there is just something that gets me with the mountain man looking guy showing off his adorably cute baby

and he wanted to make sure I had enough juice to get pictures of Leah playing putt-putt

I did, and they are cute!

but lucky for you ... there is also a Farmer's market every Thursday at my work!

but sadly I only have a few pictures to share

because I meant to leave work early, but I forgot

and I had to catch the shuttle so that I got home in time for Andrew to not be late

seriously I love Farmer's Markets

Happy Friday

go out and find a Farmer's Market this weekend!

Look what I just found! Really! I wrote this post, then found this challenge ... probably won't get to link up though b/c we don't have internet at home right now ... anyone want to link my post up for me? :-)

Parking Lot Sky

2010-07-30T09:01:00.000-07:00

I love clouds and as I stepped off the shuttle bus I just had to take this shot! Linked up with Sky Watch Friday!

Sweet Audrey face

2010-07-27T23:03:00.000-07:00

I started thinking about why I started playing in black and white Wednesday ... with the intent to one day start a wall of pictures featuring all black and white photos. So, today, I'm posting one picture, a picture that one day I will hang on our wall!

My sweet baby -- Audrey

Photo Votes

2010-07-27T12:35:00.000-07:00

The following is taken from the Photo Challenge website. It is a site that hosts a bi-monthly challenge of 20 pictures. It is super fun, and a new one is starting in August!

but until then, you can vote for your favorite picture in the categories from June. Head that way, and vote if you want! I've starred the categories where my pictures made the top list!

Have you voted for all of your favorites in the June 2010 Photo Hunt?? Here is the Index of where you can find all 20 categories! Feel free to copy and paste this to your own blogs to encourage others to look at all the wonderful, creative photos!!!

Favorite Hilarious Out-Takes
Favorite Creative Crop
Favorite Sun Flare
Favorite Sweet Dreams **#4**
Favorite Work
Favorite Play **#4**
Favorite Cookout/Picnic
Favorite Transportation
Favorite Money/Currency
Favorite Fountain
Favorite Night Scene **#10**
Favorite B&W with Selective Coloring
Favorite Something Old
Favorite Something New
Favorite Something Borrowed
Favorite Something Blue
Favorite “Something Musical” Photos
Favorite Something Purple
Favorite Something Yellow
Favorite Something Scenic **#4**

Entries

2010-07-22T11:43:00.000-07:00

I love taking pictures to enter into a theme! It really helps with inspirational thoughts and new views. And there are a ton of challenges, so I like to put them all into one post ... so here ya go:

Landscapes

Fall Creek Falls, TN

White

Leah in her flower girl dress

Action

Leah on the Slip n Slide

(yes, I am in love with these pictures)

Black and White

Audrey standing up by herself
where has the time gone ...

So, I'm also reformatting my blog and in this process, I'd like to add a challenge page ... so if you're hiding out there with a challenge I haven't found yet ... let me know, I'll play along and add your link!

Before and After

2010-07-22T08:58:00.000-07:00

My friend just introduced me to Photoscape, and I used it to make a picture for my Sister - in - Law!

Here is my before and after --

Before

After

I used an Antique photo overlay, the reflection tool and then faded it into a lavender color. It was fun!

Check out Pixel Perfect for more inspiring Before/After edits!

landscapes

2010-07-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

I know I usually share pictures of my adorably cute babies, but today I'd like to share something different. I've been trying to expand my picture taking skills, so today I'd like to share some black and white landscapes!

I think this one may be my favorite!

Check out more wonderful shots here --

Ago

2010-07-19T19:23:00.000-07:00

the past comes often

a look, a smell, a sight, a breeze

a song, a thought, a picture, a face

the past comes back from

5 seconds ago, 5 minutes ago, 5 days ago

5 years ago

the past re-appears

happy, sad, frustrating, exciting

embarrassing, glad, furious, love

the past

it will come back again

Look at Auburn

2010-07-18T09:04:00.000-07:00

or rather the city of my college years
Today, I'd like to show you all around Auburn, Alabama ... where I spent 4.5 wonderful years ... where I met my husband ... home of the Auburn Tigers, and known as 'The loveliest Village on the Plains'
"The Deserted Village"

1 Sweet Auburn! loveliest village of the plain,

2 Where health and plenty cheer'd the labouring swain,

3 Where smiling spring its earliest visit paid,

4 And parting summer's lingering blooms delay'd:[...]

-Oliver Goldsmith

I love walking around downtown Auburn. It has the charm of a small town that comes alive on a quiet summer Saturday. Summer is the best time to explore a college town!

Cheeburger Cheeburger ... they serve their kids burgers in paper Cadillacs and have Trivial Pursuit cards on the table to play while you are waiting

Here you will find arguably the best cup of hand squeezed lemonade ... also possibly the most expensive ;-)

Here are some 'charm' pictures I found on the streets of downtown

The marque bell tower on campus. I would love to walk all over the town and take pictures, but my battery died ... which was probably a good thing considering we had a wedding to go to that evening. Perhaps one day because this town is truly beautiful and charming

Orange and blue flowers in front of Samford Hall

Playdate

2010-07-13T22:00:00.000-07:00

Meet Marissa --

She came over to play with us this last Saturday and again on Monday. and when I say play ... I really mean we watched her while her mom worked...10 hours on Saturday, 8 on Monday. She's a spunky 4 almost 5 year old with an attitude.

Leah and Marissa played ...

and played ...

and Audrey chewed ...

and I broke up fights ... tried to teach little girls how to share ... hid toys to end arguments ... explained to Marissa that Leah was younger b/c she was younger ... and accidentally took a 10 minute nap on the bed during quiet time.

We had fun ... ummm ... they had fun ... I did too ... I think ... I'm still tired from this weekend.

And guess what! She's probably coming back in two weekends

I'm tired already thinking about it ...

For more black and white pictures visit Lisa at The Long Road to China

A wedding shot

2010-07-13T05:13:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday was my sister-in-law's wedding and my oldest was the flower girl. It was tons of fun and she did a great job ... except when she got to the front of the aisle and wanted to pick the flower petals back up. So, as the bride and her dad are walking down she screamed "I wanna pick up my flowers!!!!!" but it was cute ... and a bit embarrassing ...

I took some shots, so here are my two favorites of Leah and Kaitlyn

and a couple of other entries --

Water

Make me Laugh

Clean

Vote for Leah...

2010-07-07T09:21:00.001-07:00

Would y'all kill me if I asked you to vote for Leah? It would mean a bunch to both of us!

VOTE HERE!

I love you all! ...yes, I know this bugs some of y'all ... but whatever ... ummm ... she's cute, right! We are number #308 ... at least we could get into the top 100, right?

3 Years

2010-07-06T20:34:00.001-07:00

Today three years ago on 07/07/2007 I stood here

and gazed deep into his eyes

I repeated the vows from the pastor

and we both cried (a little)

I held his hand

He squeezed mine back

We put rings on each other

and said (and meant)

"Till death do us part"

and then I kissed the love of my life

and two

became

one

Visit Lisa for more Black and White pictures

**these pictures weren't taken by me, but rather by my best friend's little brother Ben, who was our photographer for a gift card to somewhere ... I don't know, but he's really freaking talented!**

Let Freedom Ring

2010-07-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

"While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer. "

God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home.

June Photo Hunt

2010-07-01T20:51:00.001-07:00

So, onto the photo challenge! All of the photos were taken in June 2010 and fall into the 20 listed categories

1. Hilarious Out-Takes

2. Creative Crop

3. Sun Flare

4. Sweet Dreams

5. Work

6. Play

7. Cookout/Picnic

8. Transportation

9. Money/Currency

10. A Fountain

11. A Night Scene

12. B&W with Selective Coloring

13. Something Old

14. Something New

15. Something Borrowed

16. Something Blue

17. Something Musical

18. Something Purple

19. Something Yellow

20. Something Scenic

Photos

2010-06-30T09:18:00.000-07:00

Summer

How people enjoy food

...

they eat it!

Yellow

Travel

...

It's supposed to be a picture from your travels, but since we haven't been anywhere in a while ... here's a way you can travel ... by bike!

Splash

...i know, i know ... you've seen this picture before, but I love it!

This one is different ... Faith is having a daily link up and today is a video! You have to go watch the video at her site too ... so funny!

I was trying to take a video of Audrey making her little squealing sound ... and yeah ... you see who wants attention ALL the time in our house!

Forgotten Language

2010-06-29T20:23:00.000-07:00

Once I spoke the language of the flowers,
Once I understood each word the caterpillar said,

Once I smiled in secret at the gossip of the starlings,
And shared a conversation with the housefly in my bed.

Once I heard and answered all the questions of the crickets,

And joined the crying of each falling dying flake of snow,

Once I spoke the language of the flowers. . . .

How did it go?

"Forgotten Language" by Shel Silverstein

Picnic Shots

2010-06-29T11:09:00.000-07:00

We had our first ever Microbiology and Immunology Departmental Picnic this past Friday. It was super hot, but I think people had fun! It's sad though that I've worked here for two years, and I still don't know everyone in the department. Just shows how much us lab rats stick to our own labs!

Here are some of my favorite shots from the picnic --

Leah strutting her stuff, haha. Andrew bought her the cutest hat!

Everybody loved meeting my girls!

I am seriously in love with this picture of Leah!

I love getting that candid shot that just turns out perfectly!

I love how this picture just seems so fatherly ... but I wish I knew how to make the guy in the white shirt go away. He's kinda distracting me.

Thanks for visiting!

Sunday about Me

2010-06-27T08:48:00.000-07:00

I found this fun new blog ... Just Me who hosts Just Me Sunday. The rules are very simple ... post a picture of you errr well, me!

This is my view this Sunday morning. We are missing church because of our car. It started making this horrible clacking sound on Friday. Andrew took it in and the guy said the left wheel barring was very very loose, but they can't fix it till Monday morning. The wheel barring is the bolt that holds the wheel to the car chase ... se we aren't driving because I'm afraid the entire wheel will fall off!

So instead, I'm updating here! Usually I just do photography on here, but I thought I'd introduce myself a bit more with Keely from Mann Land 5 's Getting to Know You questions.

1.If you had 5000.00 to spend on plastic surgery what would you have done?

Liposuction ... maybe. If you were to ask my husband he would say boob job, haha

2. Do you watch Soap operas and if so what is your favorite and why?

No ... can't really get into the 'drama' of soap operas. I remember my mom used to watch Days of our Lives, like all the time!

3. Favorite clothing brand?

ummmm ... the one that fits? I like Lane Bryant, but I don't like going in there ... you know, self esteem issues and stuff. I usually shop at places like Kohls and T.J. Maxx

4. An afternoon shopping spree at your favorite store or maid service for a year?

Maid service for a year. I think the last time my house (like whole house) was super clean was when my mother in law was staying with us, and I went into labor with my youngest. She was so nervous / excited she cleaned the entire house!

5. would you ever vajazzle?

I'm pretty sure I know what that means ... I mean ... I think? If so, my answer is no.

6. Favorite Disney Princess?

I love Belle! She's like me ... loves to read and stuff. If I was a princess (growing up) I'd for sure be Belle!

7. Last movie that made you bawl your eyes out?

Oh my gosh, um almost every movie I watch. I think the last one was ... Taken with Liam Neison. Liam's daughter gets abducted by sex slaves and he goes on this killing spree to find them and get her back. The end made me cry. I won't tell ... you know, in case you wanna watch it. Freaking awesome!

8. Have you ever broken any bones and if so what?

Yes. I broke my ankle on Christmas eve when I was in fourth grade. What's that ... 8? Well, for some reason I was still wearing footie pajamas. My sister and I were being wild kids when I twisted my ankle. My mom heard a pop, and yeah ... I crawled all day Christmas day and we went to the doctor's the next day. I got to wear a pink cast and be the library assistant during P.E.

Thanks for coming by! I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday ... and no one's wheel falls off their cars, haha.

Alone before and after

2010-06-23T22:16:00.000-07:00

I picked this picture to show today with Mama Kat's Writers Workshop. She had a prompt to write a poem on a picture, so I went through my pictures for one that inspired me. I found this picture below and edited it. If you would like to read the poem I wrote on it ... click the title Alone

sooc --

edited --

I don't remember the camera I used ... probably your basic pocket point and shoot and I edit with Picnik

I Accept

2010-06-22T21:53:00.000-07:00

These wonderful bloggers and photographers put up challenges on their blogs ... and I accepted!

Self --

Water --

Toys of Today -- (like DVDs)

Talented --

Devoid of Color

2010-06-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

Birds just chillin' on a wire

taking in the world around

and enjoying the views

Fix it Friday Babies

2010-06-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

Original --

Edit --

Postcard Edit --

Booty Shot

2010-06-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Thursday -- Before and After! This picture is from this weekend taken from a friend's birthday party. My child is the one with the booty hanging out of the swimsuit!

SOOC:

Edit:

Visit Pixel Perfect to join in on the fun!

Are you still searching for the best Father's Day gift? CaA designs is offering a special -- a personalized 8x10 collage with up 5 photos for only $5! Click the button below for more info!

VBS in Black and White

2010-06-15T22:04:00.000-07:00

Last week was VBS (Vacation Bible School) at our church. Leah was a couple of months too young, but she got special permission (and I stayed at church). She loved it! I was happy that she did so well. Here are some pictures I took during the week. I really wanted to take pictures of Leah in class ... but I didn't ... you know, so she could have some time without mom, lol!

Audrey chewing down on a cup

Audrey and I took walks during Bible Study when she got fussy ... here are some pictures from one of our walks ...

The Sun and Tennessee Mountains

I title this "Abandoned Playground"

This is our pastor preaching away during Bible Study

I told Leah to go sing with her friends and not run up and down like a crazy person ... and she made this face.

I told her she could go run ... and she was happy again!

I will leave you with my favorite sign from church ...

Party Sweet Shots

2010-06-15T07:29:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun at the birthday party this weekend, and I had so much fun snapping away!

So, I have a question for all my followers and sweet shot visitors. I know many of y'all are photographers, and I've been kinda thinking about taking pictures too. I really enjoy taking pictures of children. We had a photographer take pictures of Leah last January for her portfolio, and honestly I was not impressed by her shots. I think she tried to make a 2 year old pose too often. Shortly after my husband surprised me with my camera, and I have enjoyed taking pictures ever since. But, yeah, I'll try to make this short...what advice do you have for doing family and children photography on the side?

Now onto the fun stuff ... the sweet shots!

All about Babies

2010-06-13T21:03:00.000-07:00

The theme at I heart faces is all about babies! I love babies :-) Here is my youngest Audrey (6 months) sitting in the pool for the first time!

Challenges

2010-06-13T20:25:00.000-07:00

I'm doing a fun combined photo challenge post again ~ I like doing it this way because I get more traffic than five small posts and other people may learn about challenges they didn't know about before. If you would rather have your challenge separated, just let me know!

Color Splash Sunday with Amy -- the theme is Toys of Yesterday. Technically the rules say to take a picture of toys you have now that you grew up with, but I don't have any fun photos with my blankie ... so here is a picture from the past. This is me at around 4 or 5 playing with my Teddy Rumpskin!

In a Yellow House theme is Summer ... and even though I missed this challenge by 2 hours, I wanted to show this picture anyway!

The theme here is School. Leah is my oldest at almost three, so we are not in school yet, but we do play educational games on the computer. This is a picture of Leah teaching my dad -- Granddaddy -- how to play "Cows don't Quack"

The Paper Mama challenge is Sleepy. Nothing is cuter than a sleeping baby ...

Flowers!

2010-06-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Before and After Thursday ... Monica over at Pixel Perfect hosts this super fun blog hop/competition.

Today she mentioned we should feature only one pic. Eeekk ... I had two for yall today. So I sat and looked at my pictures and tried to figure out which one I like best ... and ... I decided rules are meant to be broken and I'm showing both! hehe ... I'll have only one next week ... promise!

SOOC:

After:

SOOC:

After:

There ya go! I love flowers and taking pictures of them!!!

Suggestions welcome .. I shoot with a point and click and edit with Picnik.

My Hero

2010-06-09T09:06:00.000-07:00

My husband Andrew is my hero.

Not only is he my best friend, but he is also an amazing father to our girls. To read about how he saved our oldest Leah's life ... click here.

Thank you Lord for blessing me with Andrew!

Photo Challenge Fun

2010-06-07T21:29:00.000-07:00

Yay for Monday pictures and photo challenges!

Paper Mama's theme is In the Sun.

Leah playing in the sun!

Color Splash Sunday with Amy is Your Choice this week! I chose to color my Wild Apple toes!

Mono Monday with Alysha aka Supermom the theme is Happy!

These faces make me happy!

This is my wedding dried wedding bouquet ... just having fun with my camera!

Weird

2010-06-05T09:32:00.000-07:00

Two Moms made a photo challenge theme this week is WEIRD. I have the perfect picture for this!

Last weekend in Birmingham we went to a super awesome game place that had an arcade in it. In the arcade was one of those DDR -- dance dance revolution game things. Apparently there was some competition going on or something, but there was this huge gaggle of teenagers all around it. And they were a bit ... unique ... strange ... weird. One (white) guy had a huge red afro, and another guy had a tail coming out of his pants. In this picture there is one guy playing the game and the guy with the tail is doing the moves on the floor next to him.

I also earned the title of becoming old because I rolled my eyes and said "Kids these days"

Birmingham Trip Pictures

2010-06-04T05:53:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures I took this weekend!

We went to an arcade place...this is Leah and I trying to jump the electronic rope.

Leah did not want to take pictures before church.

my best friend Ruth ... I am in total camera envy

Fix it Friday 7

2010-06-04T05:30:00.000-07:00

Today's picture was kinda tough for me ... not sure why ... but here goes:

Original:

Fix #1:

Fix #2:

Multiple Before and Afters

2010-06-02T21:46:00.000-07:00

I took so many pictures this weekend! The girls and I used the holiday weekend to go visit my parents! I can't pick one, so here are two before and after shots that I just have to share with yall.

SOOC #1:

After #1:

SOOC #2:

After #2:

I think I like the last one with my dad, sister and Audrey the best. What do yall think? I would love to hear your favorite editing tip as well! I'm always eager to learn more.

I shoot with Kodak Z915 and edit with Picnik

Visit Pixel Perfect for more before and after fun!

Fun Weekend Pictures

2010-06-02T03:38:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful holiday weekend that included going down to Birmingham to spend time with my parents. Here are some pictures of our weekend in black and white!

This is my oldest, Leah. Whenever she wore the headband she called herself an angel.

This is my youngest Audrey. I just love this photo!

My dad buckling Audrey into her seat. I love this picture!

Leah on Sunday morning...her dress was too pretty not to color

Mema and Audrey

Thanks for visiting! Check out Lisa's blog for more black and white Wednesdays!

Red and Yellow ... no it's not McDonald's

2010-06-01T19:48:00.000-07:00

The theme this week is RED. This weekend Leah got to ride in a red wagon ... an original Radio Flyer that was mine when I was a child. One night she went all out with her pillow and her blankets and had one fun wagon ride!

I also love the expression on her face ... it says "Woman, stop taking pictures of me ... or start paying me for modeling." hehe

and just for fun (because I was super busy and out of town) this is my photo for last week's theme "Your Town"

This is a random statue that is in the lawn outside our apartment complex. Nobody knew what they were building at first, but apparently the road I live off of is part of the original Music Highway in Nashville ... so they built a guitar with swirling instruments on top of it!

Three's a Crowd

2010-06-01T19:13:00.000-07:00

The photo challenge theme over at the paper mama is 3. This photo is from this weekend. It is my dad, my little sister and my youngest, Audrey. My sister, Allison (or Aunt Ali) loves to take pictures with my girls ... like all the time! Any photo opportunity and Allison is there, lol. I love this picture because it's my sister always wanting to take a picture and my dad trying to duck out of the picture...and of course, Audrey's just chilling.

See more 3 pictures over at the paper mama!

I see the Moon

2010-05-31T20:32:00.000-07:00

I was afraid that my moon picture would be crappy...because all I have is a point and shoot camera, although it is a pretty good one ... but still, no tripod and no super cool lens. But here is the good moon picture (out of like 20 where 19 look like blurry balls in the sky)

When I think of the moon I think of the song my mom sang to me, and the song I sing to Leah:

"I see the moon / the moon sees me / the moon sees the one / that I want to see / God bless the moon / and God bless me / and God bless the one I want to see.

I believe that God above / created you / for me to love. / He picked you out / from all the rest / because He knew / I love you best.

I once had a heart / as good as new / and now it's gone / from me to you / take good care / as I have done / as you have two / and I have none."

Fix it Friday Twins

2010-05-28T08:31:00.000-07:00

Yay! It's time to play with editing on Fix it Friday with Iheartfaces!

Today's photo is of two adorable twins:

This week's photo was submitted by JaimeLee at Candidly Grateful Here is what she wrote about her photo: "This is a photo of my twins at 6 weeks old. I love the photo because of their interaction and their faces, but I feel like it’s a little drab or flat. It needs some life."

Here are my fun fixes!

Scrapping Challenge

2010-05-27T13:35:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to enter into a 'Scraplifting' Challenge over at Stuff to Scrap, and it tells me I need a url to upload my picture ... so I guess I'll post it here first, lol!

Before and After - ness

2010-05-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

This is a super fun blog hop! Leah grabbed a hat the other day and put it on Audrey's head ... and it turned into a photo shoot. When I put them on the computer, I was very not happy with how they looked. I'm not even sure I like it too much with the edit, but oh well :-) Here's one picture from our mini-shoot:

SOOC:

After:

Visit Pixel Perfect for more before and after edits!