{pieces of my digital journey}

And here comes the cold...

2011-10-26T20:31:00.000-05:00

October 26? Really? Where does the time go? A month ago I was lamenting the passing of summer and here it is on the heels of a cold front and Indian summer is behind us. Today, was quite chilly with highs in the 40's but with the brilliant sunshine it felt a lot warmer. The cold is always more tolerable with the sunshine.

I haven't gotten the new blog up yet but I am making progress in a lot of other areas so all in good time. Throwing myself back into real estate with a new class, Ignite. Perfect timing to once again jump start my career after taking some time off of prospecting.

Autumn Arrives

2011-09-24T19:11:00.000-05:00

Autumn has arrived as much as I long for the warmth of summer days. Already missing my flip flops, capris, shorts and the longer days. I miss the warmth the most - really detest being cold and now realize why the older folk around here head south at the first sign of cooler weather (or for the holiday oriented shortly after the holidays.)
No new blog yet. Got 2 ideas floating around my head but haven't gotten them set up.

Really?

2011-09-02T12:40:00.000-05:00

Really? Its been how long since I have posted on my blog? Its not because I don't have blogging on my mind, quite the contrary, have given a lot of thought to where I want to take this blogging so stay tuned...going to take a bit to dust off the cobwebs.

A change of mind

2009-01-03T18:35:00.003-06:00

After a lot of thought I decided it would be better to keep this blog for various photos, layouts, and rambles so I created a new blog, Project 365 by Kathy for my Project 365 so I can keep that blog clean and simple.
Glad to have made the change early on. Thanks for stopping by!

Day 2 - Office View

2009-01-03T12:40:00.003-06:00

Another photo for Project 365.
Prompt today was a view from our computer.
I chose our bowl of golf balls. The jar hold golf tees but evidently we have used most of these.
I am right on target with my photos just off on uploading.

2009-01-02T17:06:00.012-06:00

Our New Year Bash.
Where we were betting on the ponies!
I was a winner! Won big - almost $4.00

Who needs Madonna when Teri is in the house.

Only the best stemware for champagne for this classy bunch.

The young set think we are cool enough to hang out with.

Party hat in place adorned with confetti.

Mmmm - not sure who this babe is?

Young and beautiful {biotches}

Shots New Year style.

Teen age boys - need I say more?

Clearly, drinking and exercise don't mix well.
What a blast we had celebrating the New Year. Lots of good food, drink and friends.

Happy New Year - Project 365

2009-01-02T14:00:00.004-06:00

Yesterday's photo for Project 365.
Actually it was taken Dec. 31st for Jan. 1st.
I am getting my prompts from Bec at Scrap Orchard and seeing she is on Australian time our prompts come early.
To start us off Bec had us do a self portrait - sigh!
Elle helped me out with this one.

Autumn Festival

2008-10-12T18:16:00.006-05:00

Oops. Fell of the blogging wagon again. No surprise there but as always I am going to try and be more regular with my updates. It has been a celebration of autumn colors here in Minnesota. It almost feels like this weekend was our peek. So the kids and I went to the pumpkin patch for photos, pumpkins and more. Went back to another favorite from when the kids were small, Pine Haven. Unlike last year, Pine Haven didn't have all the cool photo ops. Just seemed too commercial and too cutesy not the rustic atmosphere of Berry Hill Farm. This was one of the few photo ops we found.

Maybe we can find some more places to visit when the kids are

off this week for MEA.

There's another autumn festival going on in the Scrap Orchard? Where is that?
Right here online. And it started today!
And today's free"bee" is by the very talented Irena Alexeeva.
I love her stuff! She is Scrap Orchard's newest designer.
I am so lucky to be able to CT for her.
Only one layout done so far.

From her Cloud 9 kit. Love this kit.
Find all the information here.
Day One
So grab your 1st freebie now. It will probably expire around noon tomorrow.

1st Homecoming and 1st....

2008-09-29T11:09:00.006-05:00

STREAKERS! Not one streaker, but 6 of them bad boys.
It all started when last year, when the weather was nice, I didn't go to homecoming {have never been to our high school's football games.} And I missed the streaker that was all the talk of town.
So, this year another very warm evening and I know a few of the kids on the team {Jerry was suppose to be starting quarterback} and I thought I ought to go plus I had hopes of seeing a streaker...tee hee.
Kris and I joined Missy and her DD and friends {mostly juniors} who kept us updated on the streaking agenda.
It was fun to be a part of homecoming: the band, the people, the hoopla but the game was not good at all. First quarter the score was 0-21. Ouch and it wasn't pretty.
Half time - no streakers.
Update from the girls in the know was that it was going to be after 3rd quarter being the police presence was high to ward off streakers during half time. Getting a bit bored with the bad beat after half I wasn't too tuned in to the game but sure enough with about 3 minutes left on the clock during 3rd quarter there they were....
Oh, the excitement they created. The crowd went wild! At first I think there were 4, with 2 stragglers behind them and only one police officer chasing him that dropped his walkie talkie from the get go. Isn't this hilarious? They jumped about 2-3 fences. The last fellow in the bottom photo I know by sight - too funny. Rumor has it that 2 out of 6 were caught.
I found these photos on MySpace.
And for the record, the game started out in the low 80's and was still 73 when it was over - that's awesome weather for football in MN. Many homecomings mitten, jackets, blankets aren't enough to keep the cold out. Oh, and I almost forgot, end score was 0-39 - ugh!
So, I am one step closer to having completed my life.

Dream big...

2008-09-25T15:17:00.002-05:00

Despite all the national despair over this entire economic diseaster I have hope. I bought a lottery ticket today worth 2oo million. Don't buy them very often but there was a little note at the counter at the convenience store that said "omg, lottery 200 million" and I'm like over all of that. So, for 1.00 I can dream big. With that amount of money my new bail out tax won't hurt like its going to do. I asked the cashier, an older guy, and he is like no, I don't gamble. Is it gambling? Perhaps, but I like to think its a dollar to dream really big versus being preoccupied with the national economy (maybe I should turn off CNN).
I also think that all the bankers, lenders, politicains, etc. that got us in this mess should pool their money and go in and buy a bunch of lottery tickets and they could pay off part of the debt if they won.
So, I am dreaming big but I have a few questions.
Whats going to become of the protesters gathering in at least 20 cities, Mpls. included?
What if you are unemployed, do you still have to pay your part?
What if you are one of them that lost their home due to foreclosure/short sale, do you still have to come up with the funds?

Trying this again....

2008-09-24T14:18:00.002-05:00

I finally blogged yesterday and as I uploaded my pictures the internet froze and I lost it all. Really hate when that happens. Ugh.
Now if I can remember what I wrote about. lol
Actually it was about the changes that fall brings and the newest ones we face today nationally.
Between the presidential race and the collapse of some major financial institutions. What a mess.
I am really concerned what this means for me and my family as well as my community. Definitely scary times.
Fall is always a time for change and reflection. One change is both the kids are in high school and that brings new challenges.

Almost 16

Sweet Melody kit by Bren Boone

last game

Little Stars by AmyLeigh Fennell Designs

I've been scrapping a ton and the layouts above are about some of the changes with the kids.

I guess its harder to recap yesterday's post which was quite long so I will leave it at that.

Michigan album - so far...

2008-09-01T19:19:00.005-05:00

Hard to believe but that's it. Done. Finished. Over.
Summer is done. Again.
I am always a bit sad with the conclusion of Labor Day weekend and the Eve of the kids going back to school. A bit bittersweet.
Time to start anew.
And I love fall.
Its what is around the corner that isn't always welcome - winter.

Been working on a gift album for our friends in Michigan.

This is the 6 of us ready to take Laurie to work and eat in Sutton Bay.

Credits:
Still Life by Annick Philibert at Scrap Orchard
Time Word Art by Elegant Wordart by Bethany

Last Sunday on Long Lake {Mike and Christy's Lake}

2008-08-26T12:03:00.013-05:00

Man, here it is the end of summer already.
As always it has gone by way too fast -only one more big hurrah left: Labor Day.
Christy and Mike had us out to their place for a BBQ.
What a great place to hang on their 10 acres overlooking the lake.
We boated, jet skied, talked, 4 wheeled, giggled, ate good, drank, campfired and basically were merry.
Shannon and Belle were both in a wedding the previous day and brought their dresses to show us. What a fabulous idea.
Here are a few of them - unedited.

Isn't she the cutest thing ever? And she has such an awesome personality.

Mom Shannon is way awesome, too.

Who is this hot dog? Dang~!

Who is the hot dog in the lake? Dang~!

Been doing a bit of scrappin', too. Got to play with this fabulous kit last night. Love it and so easy to work with but can't tell ya anything more because it hasn't been released yet.

ETA - Bren Broone Design's new kit, Sweet Melody, is an exclusive at Scrap Orchard for her guest designing the month of Sept.

...off for girls weekend.

2008-07-18T09:16:00.005-05:00

Its here. Girls weekend up on Eagle Lake. Will head out once I get some work done and get Elle to her US Soccer Cup game this afternoon.
But 1st I have to show you what really made my day back in June - the Bloody Mary stock photo I used on the invitation reminded me of what one of the gals did for me after creating a last minute grad invite for her son.
Yep, a Bloody Mary basket! Can you believe it? I about died when she gave me this. So sweet and generous! Vodka, mix, salt, olives, red pepper and meat sticks which my hubby ate. Love this. Thanks so much Wendy!
I looked at this basket for a month when I finally had myself a Bloody Mary at the lake over the 4th when we had a morning Texas Hold 'Em game on the patio. So very good but no other Bloody Mary drinkers in the bunch. And it was an excellent game, too.

Thanks again Wendy. See you this weekend.

At the lake

2008-07-10T08:14:00.004-05:00

I haven't blogged in forever.
Seems only a short while ago that I was going to use my blog to record all of our summer activities and here it is after the 4th of July and I have barely been here.
We spent the week at the lake last week for 10 days. I can easily say we got over 500 pictures and the one above is one of my favorites of my DD even though she doesn't agree.

Another busy day. DD and I are leaving soon for a bit of garage saling and shopping. Tonight I am helping out one of the bunko babes and hostessing her bunko party here because she doesn't have air which means some more cleaning around here - ugh!

Credits: B-Creative Designs's Too Much Joy kit at Scrap Orchard.

2008-06-19T22:33:00.002-05:00

Amber.
One of Jared's best friends.
Wanted to do some fun single photo layouts and Amber's recent photos are so fun that she is letting me use some to catch up on my designer work.
Isn't she beautiful?

Trendy Chick by AmyLeigh Fennell

Elle and Nick

2008-06-06T09:18:00.004-05:00

I did this last night for Elle to put in her gift album to Nick.
I just love these photos and brings back such good memories.
It was the only time the 3 of us were alone of our party of 26 in Mexico.
Wasn't real sure what was going on with these 2 but I thought I should snag some pictures just in case - so, capturing these were a bit awkard but I am glad I did.
Over 3 months later they are still together.
Credits here

Today I am heading over to Nick's mom to dice and chop in prep for his grad party on Sunday.
Elle and Jessie are going to put together a story board.
Nick graduates tonight so Elle will be going.

No sun yet. Cool. Cloudy.
Where did summer go?

First Day

2008-06-05T23:42:00.007-05:00

of
Summer Vacation!
which I love. Kids first day off today.
Going to try and blog everyday of summer so once it speeds by I can go back and see what we actually did. Here in Minnesota we have to cram in so many activities that summer goes by way too fast and by August the mojo starts slowing down.
It started out way hectic yesterday.
I picked up Elle at the high school and Jared and 6 of his friends from the middle school. And we head to the grocery store? Am I nuts? Ya! But I had to go - it was the chain grocery store's dollar days which happen once every 3 months and no way am I missing the good deals. Grocery store was nuts. No carts available so had to walk out to the parking lot to grab one. DD and I made a good team but I didn't keep my eye on my middle schoolers. Check out lines were long and all the kids had gathered with me and I ran into a Mexico friend so got to chat away while all but my DS & DD got kicked out. LOL
Home for golf league. Surprisingly the sun came out as did the humidity - can you say a bit hot in jeans and golf shoes. Round started out OK, went way downhill and then I totally rocked it the last few holes.
Susan and I took my cart over to Kris's where they were having drinks in the gazebo with Joel and his girlfriend - good laughs and chatter. Eventually I loaded them all on my golf cart and brought them to the Haven where one of my young friends wanted to chat about "buying a shack."
Most of Jared's friends were gone but a few were still there. Nick was over. Ian and Nate stayed over.
Woke up today and as forecasted it was overcast. Elle and I really wanted to garage sale but she had a student council meeting, 10- 3, ugh! The boys slept in, hung out and Kendra came over to be with them.
Eventually all those kids left and Elle went to hang out at Jessie's with Jordan - Nick and Jerry made it there, too, at some point. She really wanted to spend the night but we got a crazy day tomorrow and heck, Jessie is her BF's sister.
Thunderstorms have been rolling in and out most of the evening.
Sitting here today it felt like summer with the ominous feeling of a big storm.

down by the docks

2008-05-27T10:55:00.001-05:00

I wanted to get a ton of pictures this Memorial Day weekend.
The weather was so-so but on Sunday we had blue sunny skies and temps in the 80's which made for a lot of happy campers - me included.
I believe I met my goal and ended up with a ton of pictures.

(Shoot, I wanted to include a photo from starting out but I don't have a grasp on my new network so will save that for later.)

We went on a walk to one of my favorite photo shoot locations.
Here is one of them - already scrapped.

down by the docks.
jared and cristy.

A Mother's Love by Scrap Orchard designers and Sticks and Stones by Ziggle Designs.

Kris and I

2008-05-20T00:41:00.004-05:00

Another vacation photo of my friend and I in the Yucatan Jungle about ready to Zip Line.
I am going to frame this for her because we both agreed that it was a pretty decent picture of the two of us. I know for me, its a real blue moon to get a decent photo.
And this brings back good memories of our adventure into the jungle - it may look like we are drinking something strong there but it was only water. It was very hot and they worked us...walking and biking...and this was all in the beginning.
Stay tuned for my Memorial Day photography challenge coming soon.
Brand new kit, Coca Bell, from the very talented ScrapShana.
Coca Bell

Cool, rainy weekend.

2008-05-12T10:34:00.003-05:00

Man, I miss these days!

Hanging at the pool or in this case, playing at the pool.
Photos are from our vacation this past Feb.

I had visions of being at the pool this past weekend as the pool was opening this weekend at our campground. Not. Too cold.
We went down to our campground to open it up for the season.
Saturday morning was cool but in the early afternoon it started to drizzle and then the rains came and came - didn't stop. Ugh!
I am so waiting for summer - feels like it will never get here.

AmyLeigh Design's kit Big Sister

2008-05-06T11:16:00.002-05:00

ScrapOrchard.com is having a "So You Think You Can Design" contest and the submissions are coming in and look great. This is Queen Pameladah's entry, Shore Leave.
You can still get your designs in - deadline is Wed., May 7th.
Info is here
If nothing else, check out the site for all the freebies!

Personality Test

2008-05-04T00:54:00.002-05:00

OK. So I'm a bit bored and decided to take an online personality test. There fun to take and I don't know how much of it is true but this one does seem to fit me fairly well.
Find out for yourself who you are here.

2008-05-04T00:53:00.004-05:00

n ENFP

The Inspirer

You love being around people, and you are deeply committed to your friends.

You are also unconventional, irreverent, and unimpressed by authority and rules.

Incredibly perceptive, you can usually sense if someone has hidden motives.

You use lots of colorful language and expressions. You're quite the storyteller!

In love, you are quite the charmer. And you are definitely willing to risk your heart.

You often don't follow through with your flirting or professed feelings. And you do break a lot of hearts.

At work, you are driven but not a workaholic. You just always seem to enjoy what you do.

You would make an excellent entrepreneur, politician, or journalist.

How you see yourself: compassionate, unselfish, and understanding

When other people don't get you, they see you as: gushy, emotional, and unfocused

What's Your Personality Type?

First Freebie~!

2008-05-02T09:23:00.007-05:00

I have a little freebie for you today!

Two bracket templates!
And if you like these head over to ScrapShana's blog
and find a whole bunch more and you will have yourself an entire album.
How cool is that. And what a neat Mother's Day gift.

The background can be used or cut off to make a bracket album.
And seeing this is my 1st freebie, let me know if you snag it.
And don't forget to grab the others.
Download here.

Bracket template and A Mother's Heart kit by ScrapShana

Still reading...

2008-04-27T21:50:00.003-05:00

I am back. Computer up and crashed and burned a week ago Friday! Luckily it was still under warranty with the geek squad. Unluckily I hadn't backed up since I bought my EHD-back in early Dec. One of the reason I hadn't brought it in to fix the intermitten USB ports.
Well, fast forward a week and quite a few hundred dollars later, my old computer is with the geek squad. All of my pics, digi stuff and all the other stuff is safely backed up on my EHD. I have a new Dell computer with the Vista operating system. I swore I was going to hate this system but you know, there are a few things that just make computing easier so that isn't all bad.
And I am back up and scrapping again - little behind with my CT work but rolling again.

Jared, loves to read, and being on vacation, means all the more books to read. And just like our trip to Cabo and Cancun, he didn't bring enough books so I had him try my Jodi Picoult book, Plain Truth, which he loved. He is now a huge fan of hers. He has read the 10th Circle since we got home and once I find where I put My Sister's Keeper he will read that, too.

I gave him Wally Lamb's She's Come Undone, today, one of my all time favorites.

This page was done with Amy Leigh Fennell Designs kit and add on, Happy Day

Party Poolside

2008-04-16T22:02:00.005-05:00

Ahhh, the memories of our vacation.
Hanging at the pool is always an all time favorite. It sure helps when ya got a group of fun people. Plus we met a lot of super fun people, too, including Gilligan and his wife, Laurie.

I really like this picture Kristy captured when we had to switch to the other side of the pool to get more sunshine. Quite a few from our group plus a bunch we met and we are all just a jabbering away - this particular photo just didn't work on the layout so saving it for another.

Everything is by April Staker.
Find it at her store here DigitalApeDesigns.com

Blossoms In Mexico

2008-04-13T23:00:00.004-05:00

Who would have thought that my DD and our best friends' son would make a connection on vacation. Never was quite sure what was up but there sure was a lot of flirting and hanging out.
It was all good and they had a blast.
And they're pretty much inseparable since they got home.

Kit is by Chaos Lounge, Chaotic Spring

Is it really April 11th? It can't be....

2008-04-11T22:41:00.008-05:00

April 11th and we have snow? I suppose we should be happy that it only ended up being a couple inches and not the 8" or so forecasted

but who ever heard of making a snowman in mid April.
Can't believe these 2 were up for just that.

Now how cute is this...boyfriend/girlfriend snowmen. lol

Please, tell me this isn't what it looks like. Can't be my daughter.

I see Elle embellished her snowman which didn't go unnoticed by Nick.

Cute but an awfully cold butt.

Definitely good weather for a snowball fight. They both aimed at me
but I was like I have the camera. Yikes.

So there you go, teens making snowmen.
And for those of you that don't have teens, the poses are
so typical of our teens these days.

Jared and Libby

2008-04-07T20:55:00.001-05:00

Jared fell in love with my sister's dog, Libby, on Easter.
Libby is quite the unusual dog - a poodle English setter mix, I believe.
Jared was very amused with his scruffy appearance - to me, she is so funny looking, that it makes her so cute. Jared has offered to babysit her so we will see if that ever pans out.

April Staker's kit, Vintage Blues and her chipped alpha

Pretty Eyed. Pirate Smile.

2008-04-01T08:33:00.003-06:00

I really like this self portrait of my DD from last fall.
The fun, edgy but yet so girlie kit from Kami/Ziggle Designs made it super fun to do.
You can find it here. Pirate Punk
And did you hear?
Today Kami and 3 other designers are having their Grand Opening of their new store.
ScrapOrchard
No foolin'
Check out the fun FreeBees they are having all week.

A dozen eggs

2008-03-31T17:11:00.004-06:00

Last weekend the kids actually dyed Easter eggs.
This is Shana's Easter kit, Easter Eggstavaganza and Yin's template.
Shana was so kind to help me altered the template from a 12x24 to a 22x8.5, but something went awry and this is the wrong dimension.

Last day of March and it is snowing like crazy.
It almost seems like winter is never going to leave.
So ready for some hot sunshine spring like weather.

Kids are back in school after being home for 10 days.

Beautiful Babes

2008-03-18T21:04:00.004-06:00

Ellary and Jessie are our serious tanners of the group.
We always find them early in the day on their loungers oiled up.
These are favorite photos of mine with the matching color swim suits and the crisp blue of the pool. This was a favorite spot for our group to hang - right by the swim up bar, the buffet, and the grill. Fairly quiet when these were taken because it was before 10:00 am but things always livened up a lot throughout the day.

Kit is Pastel Bloom by ScrapShana at GoDigitalScrapbooking.com

Puppy Love?

2008-03-18T20:32:00.002-06:00

Elle, Nick and Pixie, the puppy. We babysat Brad and Joanna's new Pekinese's, who is 3 months old. Elle wants a puppy in the worst of ways so thought it would be fun to have one around for the weekend. And Pixie is super cute. Not sure how our cat, Punkin, felt about her but they managed OK. We should get Pixie again as Brad and Joanna go on a ton of fishing trips. Elle is already wanting to go out and buy her clothes.

Kit is Sweet Pea by April Staker
Alpha is Sweet Cream by April Staker.
Both found in her store, DigiApeDesigns.com

Look who is having a birthday...

2008-03-17T17:09:00.004-06:00

Yep - April Staker.
Big savings at her store to help her celebrate!
Digiapedesigns.com

Here is a layout with one of her newest kits, Sweet Pea.

Senior Frogs

2008-03-14T15:02:00.003-06:00

The kids when they went into Playa Del Carmen with Brenda and Nancy.
Love these pictures but I wish I knew more about photo editing. Ugh.
Might have to play with this some more.
Sunday is picture sharing party for our group so need to get copying files.
Happy Weekend.

Kit is by Sara Ellis and Danielle Engebretson, Spring It On. Find it at either Gotta Pixel or Digital Freebies.

Gringo Dave's

2008-03-10T21:12:00.003-06:00

Another 2 pager done for our Riviera Maya vacation album.
13 of us went to dinner at a fun little cafe ran by Dave with free margaritas that were way yummy. Jeff and I both had the steak and lobster for 20.00 and it was pretty good. Lobster was very good, Mexican style, but not near enough. And with free margarita our tab was 40.00. Was happy with that because the Cancun area is nothing but spendy.
3 years ago a beer outside of the airport was 2.00 - they are now 6.00.
Beers on the transfer bus used to be 1.00 and are now 3.00.
So, it has become very spendy. So it was nice to eat out under the stars and get a good value, good food and good company.

Kit is Tuscan Romance by April Staker at DigiApeDesigns.com

Zip Line

2008-03-07T20:18:00.003-06:00

My first Caribbean layout from our 2008 Maya Rivieria.

Nature Walk kit by Scrap Shana
Notepaper Alpha by Misty Cato

Trip Photos

2008-03-03T23:16:00.005-06:00

These are the photos from our trip - last day. So sad to be leaving
this wonderful paradise.
These are the photos I want to scrap next - still looking for the right kit.
Also want to use the layout for Gotta Pixels new
March Madness challenge.
Don't know what happened with my camera as these photos are so washed out.
Ugh!
Check back and see what I create and see if I can fix the photos.

M.O.R.P.

2008-03-01T14:44:00.005-06:00

My sweet baby Elle all dressed up. She loved this so much even
though she was going to her first big dance solo.

Nick, being a senior, didn't want to go to M.O.R.P. but picked her up early and they met everyone at the bowling alley. It definitely looks like something more than the magic of the Caribbean.

And this photo worked well for ChrissyW's template challenge at DigitalCandy.ca.
Tammy Kat's kit, Be Still My Heart also at DigitalCandy.ca

He's a Puzzle

2008-02-06T17:06:00.000-06:00

Just finished these layouts today.
Idea came to me when looking at whats been going
on with my DD and a conversation
we had on the weekend.
Kit is by Kami of Ziggle Designs
15 Across, 42 Down
at DigitalCandy.ca

Shift Happens

2008-02-06T13:44:00.001-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMcfrLYDm2U

Interesting video. What do you think?

Birthday Girl

2008-01-30T14:00:00.001-06:00

~ Diana ~
Diana on our birthday outing a few weeks back.
Haven't taken a lot of pictures the last few weeks except for basketball shots.
Wish I could find a photo of the day site.

Amusement

2008-01-22T13:56:00.000-06:00

How do we amuse ourselves in the bitter cold days of winter?

We take pictures.
Lots and lots of pictures.
And are amused for awhile.

Winter in the City

2008-01-14T16:36:00.000-06:00

Headed into the city for some shopping and photo opportunities
around the lake. The only problem was it was bitterly cold
with the temperature around 24 but the wind chill made it feel
more like zero. Brrr. But what fun it was to snap these. We
laughed a ton. Can't wait to go back once it warms up.

Playing basketball?

2008-01-12T13:12:00.001-06:00

First time bringing my camera to a game this season.
Not a bad gym for taking pictures as the bleachers were real close to the court and I didn't need my big lens which is good
but my shots were horrible. :(
Elle had a fantastic game and played almost the whole game :)
So we are going to review these pictures to see if we can see areas for improvement on your game.

It might help if you opened your eyes while playing.

Do you think it would be easier to play if you pulled your shorts up?

This is good, you are not being double teamed.

Tiptoeing through the tulips?

Are you looking at the refs? If so, I'd be giving them a dirty look, too, because they really allowed for a way too aggressive game.

Just having a little fun with Elle.
She really did great against a super aggressive team - actually her team really made a great effort and it wasn't a blow out like it could have been.

2008-01-11T12:51:00.001-06:00

Look at those muscles. Dayum!
That is my boy at his last wrestling invite for the season.
His first match he was pitted up against an iron man so it was nice he could redeem himself on his 2nd match where he looked good and pinned his opponent.
Those pictures were blurry - so hard for me to shoot pictures in the gym.
Going to try again tonight at the basketball game.

And he wins! What a great way to end the season.

My Style

2008-01-10T15:23:00.001-06:00

Jared came home from school yesterday and insisted I take some pictures of him to capture his new style despite me feeling under the weather so I did little more but shoot from the snack bar. My friend, Diane, was visiting Jeff and I and told funny and a bit dirty jokes to get a natural smile.
Not sure I see a new style but I guess its not American Eagle or Hollister...but the white collar shirt is from Abercrombie, maybe he forgot that.
Now that its my birthday I have to get the new year started and get serious with my camera before our Mexico trip.

Remember when...

2008-01-09T16:55:00.000-06:00

Looking for the right picture for a kit I am going to work on and stumbled across this one.
Summer '06
Created by Elle for her myspace.

FEB 2008

2008-01-08T08:29:00.001-06:00

My DD and her friend on New Year's Eve.
ScrapShana's kit, Young Love and this photo made for a winning combination for her Feb. calendar.
Credits: Young Love by ScrapShana http://www.godigitalscrapbooking.com/shop
and alpha by Petite Moineaux

Young Love

2008-01-07T22:25:00.000-06:00

I love this girl, Jared's girlfriend.
Taken a few days ago for my photo of the day challenge.
They were the epitome of young love.
Always a lot of smiles and laughter.
But young love doesn't always last.
I did not see it at all but they broke up this weekend.
I am sad about that but that is how young love is.
I am going to miss this girl.
She was a true gem~!

A layout

2008-01-04T23:39:00.000-06:00

I 've been so busy digi scrappin' tonight that I haven't been able to upload my photo of the day.
And because I want my friend, Shana to see this, this will have to be the photo of the day.
Stay tuned tomorrow for wrestling pictures.
Credits: Believe kit by TammyKat Designs at Digital Candy

2008-01-03T13:49:00.001-06:00

"I am a baller, not a bubble maker"

Elle on her way to basketball practice while trying to blow a bubble.

Winter Sunset

2008-01-02T22:27:00.000-06:00

This was a pleasant surprise when looking out my window this evening.
And I had to look at what looked like a jet trail?
And no, it wasn't, but isn't that just cool how it appears that way.
Colder than ever here so maybe this sunset means it will warm up like the weatherman is forecasting.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T23:09:00.001-06:00

OK, its another New Year and another attempt at taking a photo a day. This was actually taken yesterday in the bright sunlight. I didn't realize it was so cold...brrr. But its even colder today so we have been snuggled up inside all day.
Do you know what bright sunlight and white snow does to your eyes? Well, it is so bright it can blind you or at least hurt your eyes as you can see here. Makes me kind of chuckle when I look at Elle trying to open her eyes.

Oh Oh

2007-12-09T07:18:00.000-06:00

I'm falling behind. Dang!
Life gets busy.
I get forgetful. Dang!

Day 6

2007-12-06T22:14:00.001-06:00

Oh oh!
I'm late getting up!
And I lost my picture so this will have to do.
This is our tree.
Boring.
But its too late to snap another one.

Love on the 4th Day

2007-12-04T23:34:00.001-06:00

Love.
A big deal in our house last year with my kids.
I don't understand it exactly
but both of my kids really like the opposite sex - a lot!
Boyfriend.
Girlfriend.
Pretty much the norm around here so my ornament for 2006 reflects that.
Young love in all its glory.

On the 3rd day...

2007-12-03T18:42:00.001-06:00

I am following someone's blog that is also doing the 25 days of Christmas and today's photo prompt was something fun.
I think my dice fall under that category.
It was my ornament for the year 2004 to represent my Bunko group.
Twelve wonderful and very fun gals I get to hang with for our monthly Bunko gathering of mad dice throwing and much laughter.

On the 2nd Day of Christmas...

2007-12-02T21:19:00.000-06:00

Red berries.
One of my favorite Christmas accents is the red holly berries.
Add sparkles, snow, glitter, crystals and they are all the more merrier.

ps. DQ ice cream birthday cake was very yummy.

31 Days of Christmas.

2007-12-02T18:59:00.000-06:00

I love all the things of Christmas that sparkle, glitter, and shine. So why not capture a photo a day to capture the moments and the things that are special to me this Christmas of 07. I have my photo from yesterday, already posted a day late but don't have a photo yet today but in a bit here - after Amazing Race airs - I will be getting the camera out to snap shots of Elle with her birthday cake. Once we got home last night we got busy and forgot to eat the cake.

This is Elle on her 15th birthday yesterday. Her friends were over, and they did what used to do endlessly quite a few years ago, dress up. Of course, Elle was the princess, to go with her obsession with princesshoodness. Her friends sported a fun look, too.

Here are her oh so fun friends.

They sported this look when we went out to eat at the local clubhouse bar and grill.

Birthday non-alcoholic strawberry pina colada compliments of the clubhouse.
She could have had another free cocktail when an acquaintance of ours offered to buy her a drink. He was beside himself when we told him she just turned 15. lol

And more Hawk Nelson

2007-11-14T00:59:00.000-06:00

More.
I never cease to be amazed at the cell phones that shine throughout the arena.
Makes me remember the days of lighters.
And that ends our Friday night which was a sampler of what was to come on Sat.
I liked KJ52, Hawk Nelson, Alecia Woods, the Drama Team and Chad Eastman a lot but not 100% sold yet.
Ran into Nola, Megan, Paige and others from Our Saviours. Fun.
Even bigger surprise was to run into Katie from the campground.
She's a beautiful girl.

More Hawk Nelson

2007-11-14T00:58:00.001-06:00

Same night.
Clothing change.

Hawk Nelson

2007-11-14T00:58:00.000-06:00

Headliner!
The crowd was on its feet when they hit the stage.
I have heard of them but haven't really heard their music before.
Hate when I do that because its way more fun to know the band when you hear them live.
I thought they were pretty awesome.
This guy is a great front man.
A way lot of energy.
Fun to watch.

Hea

KJ52

2007-11-14T00:52:00.000-06:00

This white rapper guy was excellent. He really got the crowd on its feet.

Revolve Tour

2007-11-14T00:45:00.000-06:00

Revolve Tour Mpls. 2007
I liked the way we did this - arriving only minutes before the conference got started.
This was the first place we checked in...its at the Target Center so you can see it is a big, big place.

I actually like this shot better as it shows the Revolve logo. Elle is with her friend Julia from Horizons. Really neat gal, is into the whole urban, cool, design, creative mindset that Elle is in.

And my son.

2007-11-07T07:18:00.000-06:00

And here is my son, Jared, with the pumpkin man on the tractor. It was so cool to be at the pumpkin patch with my teenager and friends and have a great time even though it catered to the little ones. More pics tomorrow.

Silly Daughter

2007-11-06T08:49:00.000-06:00

My daughter, Elle, is such a silly girl but a lot of fun.
I have all these awesome Halloween pictures but haven't gotten them uploaded so I am going to try and post my favorites this week.

Sights on a Hayride

2007-10-29T14:21:00.001-06:00

138 pictures! That's right. A whopping 138 pictures from our pumpkin patch visit which makes my day. Have had a lot of trouble getting the focus right lately but almost all of them are in focus which makes me very happy. Getting a bit better with photoshopping and this picture could use it, but I just want to get it up.
I love the pumpkin patch and so did the kids. The one we went to is geared for the little ones but my teenagers enjoyed it a lot. I am so glad that they went.
More to come...

I'm going to do it.

2007-10-24T22:33:00.001-05:00

I said yes. I accepted that part-time sales job at Lakes and Loons, a local publication. Definitely had some reservation that I wasn't anticipating before our meeting. But I am brushing them aside and going to give it a whirl. It should be good. Starting already tomorrow. Nothing like digging right in. Yikes.
So, with this big news, I have no picture.
Tomorrow...

Monday 's Colors

2007-10-23T21:09:00.000-05:00

Another beautiful fall day with warm temperatures and the kids were off of school. Wanting to make up for Saturday's lost photo ops I stopped off at a new place...a public boat landing that was very quiet. The colors, in their peak, were so beautiful in the autumn sun light. The girls weren't expecting a photo shoot on the way to the thrift stores looking for halloween costumes but they are always up for photos.
And they want to go to the pumpkin patch this year and carve pumpkins. Oh, that makes me so happy. Last year neither one of them wanted anything to do with pumpkins...so, stay tuned for pumpkins to arrive on my blog in time for halloween.

I am back...again!

2007-10-22T22:02:00.001-05:00

OMG, its been way too long since I have been here. Have gotten some great photos during my absence and wanted to post but I haven't. Hard to get back in the groove and get that first post up.
Thinking I am going to change things up a bit. Still wanting to get the photo a day up but want to write more. More about life. More about parenting teenagers.
I still haven't learned my camera...being the slug that I am. It is on my list...seriously, just have to find that particular list. I have really made leaps and bounds in the digi scrappin' world and had thought about starting a digi scrap blog, but I think I will just post the random layout here, now and then.
So, what was the trigger that got me back here? This photo. This is looking out my office this past Saturday on a gorgeous fall day but I was determined to back up photos on my computer but once I looked out and seen the sun had finally arrived I so wanted to get out and take some shots...even texting Elle to see if she wanted me to join her and her friends at the park for a photo shoot. Never heard back but she did call me to tell me she had lost her phone. In the woods. Not a good thing and this is not her style. She was pretty upset as was I. The cell phone was only a couple weeks old. Well, it didn't take long and she was calling me to come get her so I told her I would come out and help her look, thinking I will find it. Ha!
So, one of my best friends, Diane, and I head to a nearby park we have never been to with camera in hand. Park was surprisingly nice. Seeing Elle I could see she wasn't a good candidate for her usual model self as there was evidence of a lot of tears. Optimistic, the 3 of us head out down a paved path for a mile or so, take a short walk on a grass trail to the woods. And here we start our search. Mind you, like most teenagers, her volume is turned off even though I call in hopes of hearing a vibration. Elle gets confused in the woods as this isn't a clearly marked trail. We call the boys and they run out to help us get on the trail again (they had a fort a mile or so into the woods-don't ask). We get to the fort on our own and no phone. There are so many photo ops that I wish I would have brought my camera, but then again, my mission was a cell phone not photos. It reminded me of looking for golf balls but so much worse. Once we get back to the beginning of the trail, we call it quits as night will be upon us soon.
We get home and the tears are falling. I am frustrated because I hate losing stuff. There is talk of shutting off the text messaging and promises made.
Later on I get the idea that if we go out in the night we would see this new phone light up...there has been little wind and no rain yet so the phone would still be good to go. I tell Elle but she is concerned we could get hurt in the dark but I am no, we will have flashlights. Her Dad, out of town on a hunting trip, thinks its a great idea.
So with our flashlights, her ex, Jake, we head to the woods. We see deer on the road in the park. We walk the tar path and there is a bit of moonlight but I am saving our flashlights for when we have to navigate that trail. Its kind of fun. Kind of spooky, too. Didn't want to think to much about horror flicks. We find the grass trail easy enough and find what we believe to be the path into the woods. On goes the flashlights... and our first call to her cell and we are all thinking about light, bears, being butted by a deer, etc...and there was a flicker of light right away...thinking it was a reflection from our flashlight...Elle takes a closer look. it is one new cell phone. Unbelievable. That was just too easy. There would be no navigating of trails in the dark, no fear of getting lost in the woods or encountering a bear. Our big adventure came to an abrupt end. Who would had ever thought. We were all so incredibly happy but no one happier than Elle. Ex might have been a bit dispapointed that his time with Elle would be shortened by this stroke of good luck.
I want to go back and get those many incredible shots that I missed. I also and going to remember those promises made to keep text messaging.

Oops. Missed these favorite teams

2007-07-17T22:54:00.000-05:00

Brazil was really whooping it up.
So colorful!

Blurry, but can't miss the plaid skirts.

I love the Caribbean so had to capture the Mexicans. They had the coolest hats.
The thing to do is to exhange club pins and my DD ended up with quite a few from Mexico.
She also was given a Mexican jersey.

USA Soccer Cup Opening Ceremony

2007-07-17T22:23:00.000-05:00

The main sponsor, Scwann's, mascot

And the teams roll in...

2007-07-17T22:22:00.000-05:00

And the teams start to come in. It is very exciting with a lot of hoot and hollerin'.
This seemed like the closest thing I will ever get to what is similar
the Olympics. I took a bunch of pictures and these are just some of them.
Cropped in Picasa as needed and uploaded from there as well.

This is the biggest youth soccer event in the USA as well as the
Western Hemisphere.

Japan & Sweden

2007-07-17T22:19:00.000-05:00

This group from Japan was a lot of fun~!

I was happy snapping pictures of the various teams. I tended to snap the ones with the older kids as those are the ones our girls might meet at the dance.
Those Swedes are a nice looking group - don't you think?

More teams plus DD's soccer club

2007-07-17T22:18:00.000-05:00

Snapped this Florida team for any POTD'ers from there.

Unlike last year, the teams came in from 2 different sides. We had great seats but unfortunately my DD came in the other side. Past visitors will probably know she is the 1st blonde on the right.

Sky Divers

2007-07-17T22:16:00.000-05:00

Here I thought I might be a little bored. Not so. Once the program got rolling it was quite entertaining. Planes, sky divers, Italian national anthem and a wonderful firework display.

England

2007-07-17T22:15:00.000-05:00

Lots of flyovers from various sponsors.
The team below, from England, lit the torch.
They were the only team from England and I believe these are the girls my
DD will be playing.
Poor thing, that big flame did not want to light.

Our team

2007-07-17T22:14:00.000-05:00

Here is our team...well, 7 of them. Amazes me that the entire team didn't make it because it is quite an experience but maybe because it is in our backyard some don't perceive it as a big deal.

The band was quite good. Looks a bit like Bon Jovi?

After the Ceremony

2007-07-17T22:13:00.000-05:00

One of the biggest highlights for the girls' is meeting all the boys from around the world.
These boys were from Iceland, above and Mexico, below.
There are lots of activities throughout the week. Our girls are doing the Wave Pool and the Dance.

USA Soccer Cup

2007-07-17T17:47:00.001-05:00

Last night was the USA Soccer Cup opening ceremonies. This is DD's first year in the week Cup, last year she did the weekend Cup. The weekday event is a much bigger deal. So, all of this was new for us. Here we are meeting up with the rest of her team and soccer club amongst many other teams around the world, to get lined up for the ceremony. Wasn't sure what to expect, actually thinking it might be boring, but it was anything but. Quite entertaining and exciting to be a part of the world event.
Lots of pictures to upload later tonight.
***
Thanks again for all the comments yesterday. I will try to lighten them and get them reposted next week.

Pearls - teenage style~!

2007-07-15T22:08:00.000-05:00

My DD and her friend wanted to do a photo shoot at one of my most favorite locations, an old picnic shelter, while at the lake last week. Luckily I caught my son before we left. Like to keep him in the pictures, too.

Pearls were all the rage with the kids this year in all sizes and lengths.

Playing with Virtual Photography...I think this was Diffused.

Wrong Footwear?

2007-07-15T13:40:00.000-05:00

Which one isn't wearing the right footwear at our friends annual golf tournament?
Not me in the blue.

DH trying to dance on the green on a par 3

Rick follows suit.

We did OK for a scramble - came out even. Par is 36, ended with a 36.
The winners won with a 7 under.

These were all taken with Kodak Easyshare which is suppose to be my purse camera but it seems to end up with my DD most of the time. It was left at a friends house and we had a hard time getting it back and once we did, it was broken down. Ugh. There is no preview window anymore.
Cropped. The top one a lot which might be the reason for blurriness.

Fashion Statement?

2007-07-14T13:10:00.001-05:00

Fashionable?
Trendy?
I am not sure but DD does seem to carry it off fairly well despite a few second looks.
We were at my nephew's graduation party playing a lawn game and the photo itself is rather shady so used PSE5.0 to pop the high tops.

[On my pc, the screen distorts photos...makes them wider. Now, I can't tell if the distortion is here or not. Does anyone know how to fix that?]

*Thanks again for the helpful comments. Shooting skate shots at the end of July*

Skate. Life. Art. Progression

2007-07-12T23:04:00.000-05:00

I missed the shoe but got the board.
I did get the falling water bottle.
One of my pictures that is recently featured as subject's myspace profile picture
as of the last few days.
I think that is kind of cool.
Going to try and get some skate action shots one day soon.
*****
Thanks for all the comments. Makes my day~!
I did have a question about the post below.
The horizon line is way off.
Do you think that should be straightened and if so, how would I do that.
Played around a bit with PSE5.0 but it wasn't working.
Thanks.

Above picture cropped and Virtual Photography conversion

Barefeet

2007-07-11T22:35:00.001-05:00

Does barefeet fit the theme?
I just seen this one today and it cracked me up.
I have zillions of tubing pictures but this one has to be a favorite of
my DS and DH.
And you know me,,,,very sooc~!

My DS Away at Camp

2007-07-10T22:58:00.000-05:00

Life is not all about red shoes.
This is my DS at the start of Bible Camp with his buddy and counselor.
Wet?
Yea, right after we checked in, the storm erupted. I left them there with no electricity.
There was talk about taking the bus this year but DS really wanted me to come and take pictures. What pictures? Once he gets to camp he is off and running. No time for pictures.
When his sister used to go, her and her friends liked all the picture taking.
So, I made sure I got a few before I took off.

[I am missing that kid.]

One Red Shoe

2007-07-10T22:41:00.001-05:00

I took this without even knowing this week was shoe week and it is not cropped. [Post it on camera - check upcoming themes.] Another attempt to get creative in the backyard. Combining 2 of DD's loves.

Now I am off to the laptop to get a picture of my DS.

The Funny Side of Red Shoes

2007-07-09T22:34:00.001-05:00

Oops!

Walking on high heels is harder than it looks.

Can't hold on!
My DD and I were looking at recent photos today and I came across these and they still crack me up.
Just too funny! Maybe tomorrow I will post where she was going in such a hurry! Was going to post them before but forgot to post them before vacation. Seeing the theme this week is shoes, I thought you might find them funny, too!
All sooc.
I did download VirtualPhotography today and have played with it a bit.
[Disregard those weeds in the flower beds.]

A Tighter Crop

2007-07-08T20:51:00.001-05:00

This is a tighter crop from one of the pictures below.
What do you think?

Got back last night from a week's vacation - just to the lake/trailer. It was a blast. Not as many pictures as I would have liked unless you count the zillions of tubing and fireworks. I need to get busy and get them uploaded.

The Corkscrew

2007-06-30T15:19:00.000-05:00

Pictures from the other day at Valleyfair.

More Red Shoes...

2007-06-28T23:50:00.001-05:00

More red shoes.
My DD and I had fun taking these.
Found these shoes at a garage sale last week and knew they would make for interesting photo props.

Red Shoes

2007-06-27T21:37:00.000-05:00

DD and I had a photo shoot this afternoon around the yard.
I shot this and she photoshopped it. Thought it came out really cool, but looks a bit washed out.
CC?

11.5 hours

2007-06-26T13:08:00.000-05:00

Here is where we spent the day yesterday, our annual trek to Valleyfair, which is similar to Six Flags. Weather was ideal if not a bit hot at over 90 degrees. More pictures to come.
sooc.
Nikon program mode...300 mm

More Soccer...

2007-06-23T01:10:00.001-05:00

I liked these shots of DD playing soccer. Do you think on the lower one she knew the camera was on her? CC? They are sooc.
3 soccer games tomorrow - both the kids have tournaments. Leaving here at 7:30 for 1st game and between the 3 games, and a whole lot of miles, the earliest I will be home is 7:30. DD is camping so might hang with them for awhile.

Back again!

2007-06-22T13:39:00.001-05:00

Wow, I can't believe how long I have been away...dang!
Part of the reason was I ended up with a broken lens kit. Don't know how it happened but it happened Memorial Day weekend...just found it that way. So that took away some of the get out and shoot desire.
Worse was bringing it to the camera store w/replacement warranty and it is going to take 6 to 8 weeks! That's nuts! Same to have it cleaned...another 6 to 8 weeks! Grrrr!
Anyways, I am past all that and am shooting solely with my 70-300 mm.
I love the photo above because of the way the ball is positioned.
TFL

At the resort...

2007-05-27T10:42:00.001-05:00

My DD and her GF at the resort. We were going to do a photo shoot at my absolute favorite location but the wind coming off the lake was too strong and cold. A bit later we went out off the resort for a photo shoot. They will be up for tomorrow.
I finally loaded the software onto my laptop so I can share photos while away from the PC.

Celebrating

2007-05-26T10:20:00.000-05:00

Last weekend was not only busy with DS's birthday and soccer games it was also our...
our Anniversary! 16 years! This is my wonderful DH above. Our friends, top, had us and other couples over for a steaks on the grill. Steaks, Tequilaberry salad, watermelon, cheesy potatoes, steaks and more. Yumm! A little later in the evening, 3 out of the 5 couples playing Catch Phrase were celebrating an anniversary that weekend.
And about the pictures. The middle guy is one of my dearest friends, Rick. When viewing on the PC, I thought it was distorting him, but here it is on the laptop and he still has a distorted neck and looks like a dwarf....tee hee. Not so in real life.
I am out of town for the holiday weekend at our resort. Beautiful outside but so very cold. brrrr
Maybe only in the 40's.
Anyways with this new program, Hello.com, I can send my pics real easy between the computers. Love that.

Transportation...

2007-05-24T22:06:00.001-05:00

...out of town and its not going to be on a bus!
The kids won't be on the bus tomorrow afternoon because we will pick them up around noon to head to the lake for the holiday weekend. So looking forward to getting away for a few days. Forecast is very dismal at best. Cold, rain, wind...so, it doesn't look very pretty but that is so typical for Memorial Day.