2013 Pumpkin Patch Field Trip

2013 Pumpkin Patch Field Trip

This was a fun little trip for the kids.  We were on a live farm with loads of fun things to do. 

The farm had ponies, goats, sheep and pigs, making all kinds of noises.  The kids loved it!  All except Colton and his buddy.  I kept trying to get him to pet the animals and talk to them, but the only thing on this little boy's mind was having fun.  I could just see his little mind turning.  Thinking, what can I jump, climb or slide down.  

This is called the black mamba.  It is a huge slide, the biggest I've ever seen.  Colton LOVED it!!  I couldn't get him away from it long enough to do other things.  

This is the Johnny Jump.  It reminds me of a enormous trampoline.  Sand is nestled all around the Johnny Jump to catch the kids that jump too hard or high.  You've never heard so many giggles. 

Play Barn - down stairs has a bend full of corn for the kids to play in it.  Upstairs is a big open area to run around and go down the slide.  

Colton having a great time on the Johnny Jump - he found the dump trucks in the sand

Silly lil' punkins

Colton with one of his buddies - Colton hates having his picture taken

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.

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.  

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!

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}

 

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

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

Must have been a granny smith apple - LOL! 

 

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.

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

HAPPY PHOTOS AND ROLL TIDE!!!

 

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.

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.

 

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:

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!!

 

A Week of Catch-Up

The kids had a great first week of school.  Katie is slowly turning into a perfectionist like her parents.  LOL!  I say that because she has worried herself into a ulcer over crazy stuff like "mom, did you sign and put all the papers back inside my book bag?  Oh my goodness, I can't remember which basket Mrs. B told me to put each paper.  What am I going to do?"  {crying and going ballistic}  "I may need help with subtraction because I didn't finish my (4 minute timed) quiz." First of all, she had to answer 50 subtraction problems within 4 minutes.  She answered half of the problems and got every one of them correct.  She did this because I have been beating in her head during the summer for her to take her time on math problems, don't get in such a hurry.  I would rather her take her time and get the problems correct than answer all of them and not have a one correct.  I might be wrong in this theory, but it makes sense to me.  Mrs. B said that she's doing great in class.  Of course, you probably know that not one single girl from her class in the past two years was assigned to her class this year.  Bummer!  The only two kids that were in her class last year are two boys and she is currently sitting by them.  Thankfully, they all like each other pretty good.  The night before school, Katie had terrible butterflies in her stomach and I tried my best to keep her calm.  After the first day of school was over and I picked her up, she let me know that she made new friends with at least two girls in her class.

First Day of School Morning

Katie is in love with Mrs. B's personal library in the classroom.  She loved that she had the Judy Moody and Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.  A couple of days ago, she was introduced to "The Weirder School" series and has fallen in LOVE.  She has always loved funny books.  She just prefers them over any other like the "Black Lagoon" series.  So funny!  What is crazy, we all went to Books-a-million last week and I tried showing Katie these books I found in the Intermediate Series called (ta-da) "The Weirder School."  Just reading the back of the books, they sounded very funny and right up her alley.  Nope, she wouldn't give me the time of day because she wanted another "Magic Rainbow Fairy" book.  She still likes to read the fairy and princess books every now and then, but honestly she can't remember what she read very well.

I joined the PTA again this year, purchased our school spirit t-shirts.  Even Colton wanted a shirt this time.  That's my boy!  I really like the shirts this year, they are a pretty blue and the lettering is white and pink polk-a-dots.  I love polk-a-dots!  We've got spirit week coming up next month, I just wish I knew what the themes were going to be so I can be prepared.  Poor Katie, her cowgirl hat has bit the dust.  I found it in the bottom of her closet all mashed.  Yeah!

Katie was happy to be back in ballet.  She said that she missed it.  This year, her color is light blue.  She said that they just went over a few positions and steps from last year.  She sounds so grown up, when it comes to talking to her about ballet.  It is her LOVE!

Colton is such a big boy.  For him to be a big momma's boy, he was ready to go to school.  I know it won't always be this easy, but so far so good.  Each school day, he can't wait to get to school and see his friends and get to play with the toys.  I know he does do work because he brings it home, but like most kids it's nothing to really talk about.  Instead, he would rather tell me who got into trouble and if they went to the playground or not.  He doesn't know any of his friends' names, but he can tell me what color or type of shirt they were wearing that day.  LOL!  He is so funny.  He also has been very motivated in being good each day because at the end of the day, he gets something from the treasure box.  LOL!  Friday, he got an awful looking black plastic spider from the treasure box.  Yuck!  He put it in sissy's seat, to scare her when we picked her up.  Sure enough, Katie squealed when she saw it and then threw it across the car.

The golden anniversary plans are trucking right along.  Peggy and I met with the cake decorator on Wednesday.  Peggy picked out the most beautiful cake.  It was decorated with calla lilies, but we will probably place fresh white hydrangeas instead with a 50th pick at the top.  Trust me, it is going to be beautiful.  We've got the caterer in place.  Doug and I will try to meet with him about the food sometime next month.  I discovered Ole Time Pottery and went crazy.  I got some really good deals for the party.  I can't go into too many deals, but trust me.  It will be so pretty!  I'M SO EXCITED!

We had a full schedule Friday.  Woo!  Doug took the kids to school for me because I was going to get our grocery shopping out of the way that morning.  When I got my phone off the charger, I noticed that I had a message from my niece.  She is a volunteer for a Pro-Life organization here in town and she needed my help.  I am all for fun projects.  Their having a fundraising banquet in a couple of months and left Leslie in charge of invitations.  She knew the right person to come to.  LOL!  I'm joking.  She really liked how her wedding programs that I made for her and Chase and knew that I've done invites in the past.  I was just thrilled that she asked me help.  Groceries, in my book, can WAIT!  She came right over after I returned her call.  As soon as she told me a little bit about it and she gave me her idea, I had the perfect picture for front of the invite.  I took a few pictures of Avery on the day of her Christening.  I love taking pictures of babies toes, fingers, etc.  I had a precious photo of Avery's toes with her gown on and one of her little toes were sticking straight up.  I showed Leslie what I could do and she said that she really liked it.  We finished by lunch time, loaded the final on a jump drive for her to take to the printers. Another successful job DONE and a customer . . . HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!

Dad is standing talking to Kirk.  I know he was having a hard time hearing in there because it was so loud, but I don't know why it took him so long to finally sit down.  LOL! 

My dad celebrated his 79th birthday on Wednesday and because it was a school night, we decided to celebrate his big day on Friday night.  We left it up to him as to where, he wanted to go.  It all ended up that several family members and friends met up at a local restaurant for some chicken wings, fried pickles and a EKG.  This is one of those restaurants that you can't eat there everyday because everything is FRIED and I mean EVERYTHING.  You can actually feel your arteries clog up.  I had the garlic chicken wings and fried dill pickles with a sweet tea.  It was good, but man I'm going to have to hit the gym first thing Monday morning.  LOL!  When we drove mom and dad home, he went on and on about what a good time he had.  I think he really enjoyed himself.  All the men sat together and us ladies sat together.  I had a blast, between my mom, sisters and niece.  We acted like idiots, but laughed and laughed.  Leslie got me in touch with a friend of hers that makes these t-shirts with the patterned front pocket.  Most ladies have their initials monogrammed on the pocket, it's the popular style around here.  Whell, Leslie showed me a shirt that her friend recently made that is crimson red shirt with houndstooth pocket and a script letter "A" on it.  She is making one for Leslie with RTR monogrammed, but I really liked the "A" for Alabama.  Very pretty!

Now, last but not least.  I took my time and finally finished all 221 pictures of the wedding I photographed a week ago Friday.  It was an evening wedding and I don't have the correct equipment for an evening event.  I hated it and I let them know before agreeing to do it.  I just appreciate them thinking of me to photograph their wedding.  I won't put all 221 photos on this blog, so breathe easy.  tehe! Here are a few of my favorites. 

I can't believe that there is only one week left in the month of August.  Where has time gone?  Our summer time weather has decided to arrive right before the month ends with high humidity levels, no rain and HOT HOT HOT!  Doug and I are so ready for Fall.  Walmart has been stocking the newest fall flavor Glade air fresheners.  We picked up some pumpkin spice today and it has the whole house smelling so good.  

Next weekend marks the first official football season - YAY!!!  We are so excited to watch Bama play Virginia Tech.  I hope they will have a good year because I really don't like it when sports announcers are in favor with Bama.  To me, it's a bad omen for my favorite football team.  I would rather hear all the haters tell us much they hate us and don't expect Bama to win or be successful.  It's just a little meat dangling for my players to get a taste.  They've got to want it!  I just hope they do.  

ROLL TIDE Y'ALL! 

Back to School 2013

We had our Back to School and Katie's 8 year old photos done today.  It was a perfect summer day for a photo shoot.  We had a cool front come through last night, making the temps in the upper 70s and low humidity.  YAY!  I'm loving it, but very unusual weather for Alabama that is for sure.  

I'm posting two of many favorites from today's photo session.  If you would like to see more, please check out my photography blog or just CLICK HERE.  

I used props this time around, for the whole "back to school" theme.  We had lots of fun, especially when we tried keeping the apple on our heads.  I'm definitely a beginner in children's photography, but I've found out that kids like the interaction like playing peek-a-boo, find the camera and keeping something from falling.  It makes it a lot easier on me because the kids are not faking their smiles and making the photo experience bad.  I'm also learning that we have to keep our photo sessions to at least two different places, NO MORE.  The kids get too bored and tired.  I'm loving the photography journey and love that you are sharing it with me.  

I really need your prayers tonight and tomorrow.  I've got my first wedding tomorrow night.  I'm so excited and nervous at the same time.  I've given my butterflies and nerves over to the Lord.  I have faith in God and know that He will be there for me, Lord willing operating the camera.  LOL!  It's a lot of pressure on me because . . . IT'S THEIR SPECIAL DAY.  I want all the pictures to turn out just PERFECT.  I'm kind of a perfectionist.  Thus, the many many prayers.  Thank you!  

Stay tuned to see the big day . . . 

Wordless Wednesday

 

 

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Chili Recipe

 

Prep: 5 minutes; Cook: 6-8 hours; Servings: 10-12

1 Sweet onion, diced
1 15-oz. can pinto beans
1 15-oz. can light kidney beans
1 15-oz. can black beans
2 15-oz. can tomato sauce
1 15-oz. can sweet corn
1 15-oz. can Rotel with chilies
1 packet taco seasoning
1 Tbsp. cumin
1 Tbsp. chili powder (can reduce this amount for less spiciness)
1 Tbsp. minced garlic or 2 garlic cloves, minced
3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 package shredded cheddar cheese
Favorite tortilla chips

Combine beans, onion, corn, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, garlic, taco seasoning in crockpot.  Place the chicken on top and cover.  Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 6-8 hours.  Before serving, use a fork to shred the chicken, and stir to mix.

Serve over tortilla chips or cooked rice and top with shredded cheddar cheese.

Option: Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and jalapenos.  For additional flavor, squeeze a little fresh lime juice to taste.

I found this recipe from Pinterest, posted by Skinnytaste.  We threw it together Saturday for supper.  It is very good that even Katie likes it.  The leftovers taste good too because all the flavors had a chance to mingle together.  We are definitely putting this on the regular recipe cycle.