Thursday, September 19, 2013

Pizza and Movie Night

Have you ever had one of those days? A day that you are so tired and have absolutely no energy. We had leftovers in the fridge, but I'm getting tired of eating chicken casserole. It was good, but it makes so much and I just wanted something new. After Katie got all of her chores and homework done, we loaded up in the car and picked up a couple of pizzas. Katie requested that we watch "Hocus Pocus," while we eat.  She told me that I was the best mommy in the world.  I hope she remembers that when I have to say no some time down the road.  LOL!

Colton is so funny.  One morning, we dropped Katie off at her school.  Colton didn't have school and he was very disappointed.  Out of the blue, he informed me that he wished he could go to school every day and he could take his chocolate milk with him.  LOL!  He absolutely hates the fact that I won't let him take his chocolate milk to school.  He makes up for it as soon as we get home.  LOL!  He is adjusting to his flavored water pretty good, it's progress.

Colton and I were waiting on Katie to come out of ballet.  He was singing a new song that he learned from school.  As I was paying attention, I noticed he was trying to spell the word "red".  He sang, "I can spell red, R-N-D, R-N-D, R-N-D.  Say it louder!  Say it louder!  R-N-D, I can spell red."  I thought it was so cute.  He can count to 10.  He still gets the number 5 mixed up, but that's okay.  He tells me about the stories that they read in class.  At home, he loves for me to read "The Little Old Lady that Swallowed a Book," "The Stinky Cheese Man" and of course the superheroes books.

Katie is still loving school and ballet.  Katie was excited to tell me that her new friend had joined the same club as she at school.  Third grade has been a challenge, but I have faith that she will prevail.  Some of the math problems that she has to solve, leaves me asking what grade is Katie actually in because I don't think I covered this until my 4th or 5th grade year.  Wow!  She is doing great on her test scores.  Of course, Katie faithfully asks God to be with her during test time and that she will get a good grade.  Poor baby.  She gets so nervous during test time.  Last week, Katie got to learn the 5th position in ballet.  She was so happy to tell me something new because they have been reviewing positions from last year.

This week in photography class, we finished going over shutter speeds and aperture settings.  Our homework is to create art by taking pictures that inspire us with words (verses, poems or quotes).  She wants one good photo, but we can bring as many as we would like to class.  I love this week's homework assignment.  Below are two of my favorite photos that I created, but if you would like to see or learn more CLICK HERE.

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My favorite poem is from Robert Frost, "Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening".  The picture says to me that God has a specific purpose in my life and He is not done with me.  

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I love the Live, Laugh, and Love saying.  I've used it quite a bit.  I really thought this picture fit the meaning.  I've mentioned before how I can get my kids to do exactly what I want, if I interact with them.  It's a lot more fun and I don't get aggravated.  This time, I told them the Peter Piper tongue twister and asked them if they could repeat it back and forth to each other.  It was a hoot!  We all were laughing at each other trying to say the tongue twister.  Perfect Picture!

Mirya

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Johnny Appleseed

This week was Colton's first class field trip. They have been learning about Johnny Appleseed and had the opportunity to visit an apple orchard. It was very educational. They had different stations set up: Johnny Appleseed Story; Learning about Bees and the importance of pollination; Nutrition and different ways apples are used; How the apples are gathered from the orchard and how the trees are cared for. The orchard staff passed out little goody bags and each student got to take an apple home. We've bought candy apples, apple butter and fried apple pies from this orchard and everything that we've bought is so good. Of course, Doug and Katie gave me their order before we went to the field trip. HAHA! Katie LOVES their candied apples. The orchard will be hosting a Scary Trail and Haunted House that the owner told me wasn't going to be that scary this year. Katie has made it very clear that she would love to go so she can try the bloody punch. HAHA! I'm thinking a photo op next month at the scary trail. {hmm}

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Colton waiting on his buddy to arrive - boys climbing the apple tree

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Learning about the nutritions of apples and the different types of apples


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Must have been a granny smith apple - LOL! 


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Learning about the importance of pollination


My photography class went real well this past week.  The class liked two of three pictures that I turned in.  Ms. Theresa really liked the water fountain picture and challenged me to take it again, but using my shutter speed and aperture settings.  We studied about photos in motion.  Very interesting and inspirational ideas came popping in my mind for during the rainy season and hopefully snow this winter.  Our homework this week is going out and capturing life in motion.  Thankfully, the county fair is in town for the next week.  WOO HOO! Below are just a few of my favorite photos this week.  If you would like to read more CLICK HERE.


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I still like the fountain in slow motion more than the flowing

HAPPY PHOTOS AND ROLL TIDE!!!

  Mirya

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Football Season Has Arrived!

We decided to celebrate the beginning of college football season with our cousins from Louisiana. They always pull out the red carpet for us, such great host/hostess. Of course, I took my camera 'cause this photographer want-to-be needs the practice, practice, practice. Wayne, Laura and Alise were so sweet and patient with me, because I drug them off to the Bayou for pictures in the 100 degree weather and that's not including the humidity. Trust me when I say, it was HOT! Thank you guys! I think the pictures turned out really good. I'm not going to show you Wayne and Laura's picture because it is a surprise for their family and friends. Instead, I can show you our group photo and maybe a few other snap shots.

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If you would like to see other photos, CLICK HERE.

I expressed my desire for some props for my photo sessions.  I needed a child's chair and other small pieces, just to get started.  I'm not getting paid because I need to experience, I have to take my time adding pieces here and there.  I'll get there.  Well, I hit the jackpot at the Bayou Crafters in Monroe, LA.  I spoke to the store clerk and she told me that a lot of photographers come there for all their photo prop needs.  I believe it because I really feel like I got a good deal.  I will have to take photos of my pieces, to show you.  I was able to purchase a child's chair, bench and column for under $50.  I did get to make it to The Paul Michael Company.  It reminds me of a large Kirklands. They keep their sale items in the back room that can give you savings up to 60%.  I found some items for Spring/Summer photo sessions.  You'll have to just wait to see photos with them in the shot.  I get so excited when I find something that I can use.  I did love the fabric filled pumpkins for the fall season, but didn't care for the fabric used.  I wasn't going to pay the price for something I really didn't love.  I told Laura that maybe me and some of my family members (nieces, sisters and mother) can get together and come up with a pattern to make these pumpkins.  I think they would be precious and less harmful for little kids.  I'm currently working on ideas for a fall photo session, so stay tuned.

While Laura and I were shopping, Doug and Wayne took the kids over to Duck Commander aka "Duck Dynasty."  Doug called me and told me that people were lined up outside the door just trying to get inside.  It was too hot for them to get in line just to visit the store.  Laura and I were not far from there and could actually see the line of cars waiting to turn into the parking lot.  CRAZY!  We decided to wait until Sunday and take a few pictures.

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Laura and I made a nice sized spread for our party of 9 people Saturday night.  LOL!  We had a sea of dips with chips and bread, snack mix and other finger foods.  Wayne and Doug made some smokin' ribs and Donna, Wayne's sister, brought over some brisket.  YUM!  No one and I mean no one walked away from table hungry.  Everything was delicious!  We cheered on our favorite college football team - Bama vs. Virginia Tech.  I think our offense team struggled and I'm hoping they will improve by the next game.  They had a chance to blow Tech out of the water, but we just didn't show up offensively.  At the end of the day, it ended up being a victory for our Bama team.  They've got to get with it when Texas A&M show up.  I have faith in them and I know, we will have another great year.

ROLL TIDE!!

I have a passion and love for photography, I appreciate the art and history of it.  I decided to continue my education by taking a photography class at our local community college.  I attended my first class this week.  It was exciting and the critiques will put you on the spot, I've noticed.  The critique session allows you to work in small groups.  You view the photos that the instructor passes out to each group.  I think she handed us about 6 photos.  We assigned one person to make notes as we come up with words that described "how we feel" with each photograph.  Then, we had to decide why it made us feel that way.  Was it the lighting or the shutter speed?  How was the lighting applied?  Trust me, our instructor will ask you directly how a photograph makes you feel and she wants as much information as you can give her.  Nerves?  I think much.  My weekly assignment includes taking 10 photos, to use during the critique session.  Here are a few that I took today:

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If you would like to see more, Click Here.

Just a Quick Note:

The children are doing great.  Absolutely loving school.  Colton has his first field trip to the apple orchard in a few weeks.  I received the paperwork today.  We are suppose to go on a tour of the orchard, read about "Johnny Apple Seed," which is one of my favorite books and be able to pick apples.  Be sure to check back for pictures of this event.  I always love the field trips and watching the children's eyes in amazement.  Katie joined a club at school, Youth for Christ.  Now I say a club at school, but it doesn't conduct during school time and therefore is not affiliated with the public school.  Just so you know.  The club meets before school is in session, early in the morning.  Last week was their first meeting.  At first, Katie wasn't too sure if she would like it or not.  I told her to give it a chance and if it's not for her than she could just drop out.  When I picked her up that day, she gave me all thumbs up when I asked about the club.  Our church's children's minister, Miss Erica, will be tomorrow's speaker during the Youth for Christ.  Katie LOVES Miss Erica!  When I told her tonight that we have to get up early to go to our club meeting and that Miss Erica will be there, her little eyes just lite up.  During her prayers, she asked God to help her get up on time without giving mommy a hard time, so she could make it to her club meeting.  I love it!!

  Mirya