fingers to toes 365

day 73

2009-03-19T21:04:00.000-07:00

Little girls...

Today I had a photo shoot with a fun family - here's my favorite from the session :) You can see more on my blog Northern VA Photographer

Hope you had a great day!!!

Day 72

2009-03-18T20:16:00.000-07:00

Awaking....

Today, it was beautiful, and the world around me is starting to awake...it's really amazing!!

Day 71

2009-03-16T22:28:00.000-07:00

Gosh I am so behind - but never fear - I am working my way back.

Finially the website is up, mostly, gotta add some music to the galleries but other than that. Got all my supplies ordered, working on a new thank you card with info about print care ect. YEAH things are going in the right direction! :)

Here's a few that I edited tonight...such a sweet little man! :)

Day 70

2009-03-12T21:48:00.000-07:00

Business...

Gosh, today was a day - LOL

1. I changed over the DNS to my website tonight, so hopefully by tomorrow when you head to www.fingerstotoes.com you will be greeted with my new website and blog - got a few little things to fix, and hopefully by tomorrow night they will be done! :) - So I will be 100% paperless for clients, and using a website that's 100% wind powered! WOOT!!! I love being "green" - and the design goes with my new "green" status, in dark browns, olives, tan and dark purples!

2. I bought some packaging - WOOT, I had been basically "winging" it - nicely, but just going searching locally for "things" - bags, ect! Well today, I got folders, clear bags, stickers, raffia, new and new business cards. :) All in my new colors!

I am so excited, I sure hope all this pays off, I have another session booked on Sunday, then have one on the 20th (with a fellow single mom), and 2 in early April! :)

So, I thought I would share my new business card with ya...Tracy from Sugar Lime Designs did an awesome job, on my website (she did all the graphics and I did all the HTML/CSS), business cards, new logo - she did ALL the graphics!

Day 69

2009-03-11T20:48:00.000-07:00

Infants...

Gosh I love infants, I miss having one, they grow up to darn fast! But today I got to play with the sweetest little boy, he was just fun! :) I would love some blog love (and will return it) but here's my favorite from the session (So Far) (Oh my business blog is Northern VA Photographer)

Day 68

2009-03-10T20:15:00.000-07:00

Meet...

The new "kids" - to my kids that is...our new family of webkinz - Aubrey loves these little guys, she already had 2, which were set to "expire" with in a month, so of course we had to get more, right? (Yep I am a push over!)

So tonight I was practicing with custom white balance and my flash bracket - and these guys were just begging to be photographed!

Meet "Tree" - This one is "Zachary's" he named him and everything!

This is the beautiful "Bee" - Aubrey's

And this is Hopscotch the frog, that she calles "Hop" for short.

Then here's the gang! :)

Day 67

2009-03-09T20:37:00.000-07:00

The sky...

I just love the sky, as a kid I remember laying on my back often just looking up, in the dark looking at the stars and during the day at the clouds! It's amazing, and since the kids were not into me taking any of them today - I thought I would share a sky with you.

Day 66

2009-03-08T20:04:00.000-07:00

Random...

Today is my father's 61st birthday - we headed out to dinner, I love this place with it's water. ducks and fountains.

The moon was also really beautiful - both before and after dinner.

We also went yesterday to a dress fitting for Aubrey - she's going to be in a fashion show for our local Nordstroms, she's really excited, and the dress is really beautiful though this photo does NOT do it justice, I forgot my flash so I had to use the one attached! EAK!

See I told you this was random - this is the light in their dressing room - I thought it was kinda neat! :)
Little Rylan is also going to be in the show - but the photo I got of him was SOO crazy it was not savable :) But he's got a cute little face!

And one of Zachary - LOL we got to the park at least on Friday night, the rest of the weekend was not exactly what I had thought, hopefully we will ge back there tomorrow before it starts getting cold again :(

Day 65

2009-03-05T21:00:00.000-08:00

Fruit...

This is such a unique gift idea. My sister won this one at work, for being an amazing, awesome and wonderful teacher (really she is amazing) - but you can really order them - I should ask her were, but it was beautiful - and yummy too! :)

Day 63/64

2009-03-05T10:07:00.000-08:00

Not a photo...

Gosh I have been behind huh? Visiting blogs, posting to mine and even taking photographs! Today I was supposed to have a photo session with a beautiful little boy, but because I woke up with a "pink eye" I cancled to reschedule - I am not sure what's going on with that thing!

I do have a cool shot for you today - and a cool new way to give back as a photographer! Introducing - Turing Lemons Into Lemonade: The Single Parent Project"

Day 62

2009-03-03T22:31:00.000-08:00

Still Snowy, and SOOO COLD!

I hope you love these, it's like 30's today with REALLY strong winds, wow it's cold! :)

Spring where are you?

Day 61

2009-03-02T21:40:00.000-08:00

Ready For Spring...

Today was a long day full of running around, and shoveling. It started with shoveling, then my dad took Aubrey and I to the eye doctor for her (she has an eye infection), then home to go with a friend to urgent care...so I did not get any shots of the pretty snow - I will try tomorrow though...but for now, I am praying for spring!

Day 60

2009-03-01T20:45:00.000-08:00

Snow?

Yep that's right - they are calling for 4-8 inches by morning - the kids already have been called out of school, so here's to hoping that it does not snow TO much! :)

Day 58/59

2009-02-28T23:12:00.000-08:00

Been working hard...

Been working hard on the new site - things are moving along - it's looking good if I do say so myself!

Here's a preview since I have not edited photo's in a couple days! :D

My new logo thanks to the awesome Tracy at Sugar Lime Designs!

Day 57

2009-02-26T22:13:00.001-08:00

New Site...

Oh what a feeling, I have decided to go "green" with Fingers To Toes, a new web host, that uses 100% solar. A soon to be new "client site" - where clients can see more info, sign there contracts and all online, no more paper work, and to go with that a brand new website with new, richer colors - I am so excited...

So, for today an older photo, of days past - and hopefully soon to come again!!!

Day 56

2009-02-25T21:13:00.000-08:00

The sky...

Need I say more...the sky can offer so much inspiration, and all you have to do is look up!

Day 55

2009-02-24T20:46:00.000-08:00

Aubrey...

So today I took Aubrey outside to get a few shots - for my blog post over on Northern VA Photographer, I thought I would share with you too...at least one.

Then, when coming inside this plant caught my eye, I loved the lines...

Day 54

2009-02-23T22:01:00.000-08:00

Snow...

Yesterday morning we woke up to this...course it quickly turned to rain, but it was pretty! (Though I am READY for SPRING!)

Day 53

2009-02-22T20:09:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Girl...

Aubrey is going to be a "flower girl" at a wedding coming up. So, yesterday my sister took her out to get her dress. They found a beautiful dress - so I thought I would show ya.

Not sure what she's doing in the first one, but it was pretty darn cold she just wanted to be "done already".

(Click on the photo's to see more detail)

Day 52

2009-02-21T20:48:00.000-08:00

Sorry All...

I have been lax in my blog visiting, honestly I will catch up...I have been busy editing photo's for clients and today I got to work with the precious little boy I saw on Wed. again. He was not very happy on Wed. but today we had quite a bit of time with a happy little man.

So little baby J is my photo for today...

And tomorrow you will get to see Aubrey in her flower girl dress - she's in a wedding in a couple of months. I should have edited them tonight - and my sister's gonna kill me, but I am beat - and my eyes are killing me. (Fancy this, I seem to have gotten pink eye in BOTH eyes! Life stinks, With glasses that were new um, when I was in highschool this will be a fun week.)

Day 51

2009-02-20T21:31:00.001-08:00

Just a couple...

Signs of life are peeking though...a dear friend visited...and Zachary's being cute, as always.

Spring...it's coming?

Smiles!

Always telling me something...

Another bud...

I could not decide which I liked best --

I love the sun hitting on the trees in this one...

But love the flare, and son color in this...

Dear Friend...

Day 50

2009-02-19T20:59:00.000-08:00

Pizza Man...

Zachary's preschool is such fun, they are always doing something unique and fun. Today was the "pizza man" day as Zachary calls it. (Did you know your school can ask to have a pizza man come visit? I had no idea!) Well, this guy from Papa Johns has been visiting the kids in the preschool since before Zachary got there - the first time, he HATED it, this time he could NOT stop talking about it, he was soo excited he even had a hard time sleeping last night.

Then today, he played with the doh, he "made" his pizza, and then he ate 4 slices! I could hardly believe it!

So here's some photo's from Zachary's "Pizza man" visit!

So it begins...

Can you tell someone is excited?

Helping Hands...

He did NOT want to stop to have his photo taken!

Even the pizza that's not cooked tastes good...

See he made his pizza and it looked pretty good too!

YUMMY!!!

Look mom no hands!

Day 49

2009-02-18T21:06:00.001-08:00

Little Boy...

Today I had the opportunity to photograph a beautiful little boy! :) He as not so happy so I am heading back on Saturday morning but here are a few from our time together! (HE'S SOO CUTE!)

Day 48

2009-02-17T21:32:00.000-08:00

Photo Shoot.

Tomorrow I have another photo shoot - a little one, only 2 weeks old tomorrow. So tonight I have been editing from my last session (an esession!)...

This couple is soo cute! :) These are a couple of my favorites so far.

Day 47

2009-02-16T20:10:00.000-08:00

Chick-Fil-A

Today the kids and I went "prop shopping" I had heard that target had some fun blankets on sale and so I wanted to pop over, we actually went to 2. The first one I found nothing, so then we traveled over to Chick-Fil-A and had some yummy lunch, the kids also had some play time. (It's to cold to go to the local park sadly.)

Then on the way home, I figured what the heck - so we went to home goods and target - I finally found the yummy blanket I had been looking for (though only one of the 2), I also got a "wood plate" though I am debating that one! :)

I plan to head to our other local Target tomorrow to see what they got, it cant hurt right. I have a newborn on Wed so I hope to find some fun new props!

Then we got home, so Aubrey could talk with her dad - and we did nails too :)

Tonight Zachary was just to sweet to not photograph!

Day 46

2009-02-15T21:30:00.000-08:00

Kids...

Can anyone tell that the kids are the light's of my life? My joy and sometimes, it feels like at least, the one true meaning for being on this earth?

My kids, drive me nuts, they sometimes are constantly NEEDY, they whine alot, they are always wanting something -

And yet, more than I could ever explain I love them...there silliness, there kindness, the way they wrinkle there little noses up at me when they think I am being nuts. Even the way they pout, or when they get upset.

I love it all, I treasure it all...and when they grace me with the opportunity to photograph them my heart sings - because not only do I get the chance to "hang with them" even if just for one photo - I get the chance to remember a memory, and to one day when they are older share that memory with them.

My kids - silly, crazy, amazing - and growing up to fast!

Day 45

2009-02-14T21:37:00.001-08:00

Valentines Day...

To all of you with "valentines" I wish you a wonderful day and a wonderful year full of love and happiness!

Day 44

2009-02-13T20:39:00.000-08:00

Flower...

Blooming and growing a flower is forever beautiful...

Day 43

2009-02-12T20:45:00.000-08:00

Addiction...

There's so many different kinds of addictions in the world - from the "bad" kind to the "good" or at least "better" kind.

Lately since photography work has been slow (though I have a shoot tomorrow and another on Wed.) I have been addicted to learning - that CANT be a bad thing right?

Yesterday I took Jodie's Curves Class and today I took her Color Class, if I could only say one thing about both they were/are, AMAZING! (Really I learned soo much in the course of 3 hours I did not think it possible!)

Anyway, on clickinmom's our week's challenge was/is addiction, so I took a photo to show my current addiction!

I think i love the comp here best.

Anyway, now I am hungry for more, I am not such a great "book learner" it works so well for some but for me, I need to see it, and hear it - to gasp it. So now I am looking for more - anyone know of any great photography classes or photo shop classes? I am on a high from all this and I want to do more more more!!! :)

Day 42

2009-02-11T20:41:00.000-08:00

Abstract...

So I thought I would give you another photo to help aid you in yesterdays challenge.

So, what do you think now?

Day 41

2009-02-10T20:15:00.000-08:00

DOF...

So, tonight I was playing with my lens and DOF, so - can you tell me what this is and what it's part of? First one to get it I will send you something fun (coffee anyone?). BTW stop back on Saturday my photo of the day will be the "bigger" version of this...and announce our winner, so be sure to check back!

Day 40

2009-02-09T19:27:00.000-08:00

Play Time...

See the chalk on my nose mom - take a picture!

Blue chalk...

The sun, going down...

A heart for Valentines Day

Cheesey smiles for mom

The very blue sky of today...

Biking...

A bud already?

Berries...

Day 39

2009-02-08T21:02:00.000-08:00

Rylan...

He's one amazing little man...

Blowing Bubbles...here they come - right in the face!

I'm thinking about it mommy!

You better be careful, these bubbles are coming for you!

Huffing and puffing...

Here comes more!

A smile, for a toy that's making music.

You're not gonna catch me!

Mommy is always one step behind me now!

Daddy, help me please?

Come-on mommy lets go!

Day 38

2009-02-07T20:52:00.000-08:00

Colonial Day...

In 4th grade, one of the fun things the kids get to participate in is Colonial Day. Each of the children dress up, as they would in colonial times, they learn a colonial dance (and they get to dance with a boy for the FIRST time LOL), they also have colonial activities they can participate in. There's actually 8 different activities, and the kids got to choose the 4 they were most interested in learning.

Aubrey chose, games, making corn husk dolls, needle point and making yummy smelly stuff. She had the best time, though she was "worried" about dancing with a boy, but in the end she had fun - and honestly I think they did too. I love how this year the teacher's are REALLY incorporating fun activities into the school year, the kids got to envelop themselves into what it would have been like to be living in colonial times. It's neat!

Here's some shots of her, enjoying her day with her classmates (and even her teacher got to dance!)

Day 37

2009-02-06T19:55:00.000-08:00

Science Fair...

Last night Aubrey had her science fair (she got an A on her project). The kids really did some interesting projects; Aubrey and her partner's project had to do with volcano's, but we also saw projects on ocean waves, static electricity, light bulbs, ect. It was a fun night!

Here's a few from the night...

Day 36

2009-02-05T20:09:00.000-08:00

V-day revisited...

Tonight I had the honor to accompany Aubrey to her Science fair, afterward we had to make the local Party City, for a costume for Aubrey to wear TOMORROW for Colonial Day. (She's known about this for some time, but kept saying she had something to wear - until today when I found out she needed a costume!)

Stay tuned tomorrow, for photo's of the Science fair - and tomorrow's Colonial Day!

So, tonight - I spent all my time working on V-day greetings for both Zachary and Aubrey to give to there classmates! I am excited about Aubrey's - though we dont see eye to eye on which one to order, and Zachary's is going to be so cool - going to do his on Metallic paper! Which I have been dieing to try!

So, which do you like best for Aubrey?

Then here's Zachary's...

What do ya think?

Day 35

2009-02-04T21:43:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day -

Photographer's kids are NOT good at getting there photograph taken, gosh they are jaded, not even candy can encourage them to participate or the thought that the photographs are for something FOR them!

I have been trying to pin down Zachary and Aubrey for um weeks now, to TRY to get some photographs taken to use on there v-day cards. Did they want to do this? They sure said they did. But alas when it comes time to actually working WITH me, yeah - that's not happening!

We did get a few though, I think they are keepers - but then they are my supper cute kids!

Enjoy, I am working on the cards now, those will probably be my photo's for tomorrow!

Day 34

2009-02-03T20:55:00.000-08:00

Sleepy...

Kids are amazing; Kids are crazy; Kids are a pain in the butt sometimes; Kids are a lot of work; Kids are precious; Kids are silly; Kids are sweet; Kids are dirty; and Kids are beautiful when they are sleeping.

You cant find anything that has more peace than a sleeping child....

Day 33

2009-02-02T19:56:00.000-08:00

Abstract...

Have you ever seen the commercial where the lady is walking though her day "touching" everything but feeling nothing? Do you ever feel like that, where your just looking at something but not really SEEING it or touching it with out FEELING it? I sure do.

Walking though the world it seems like I am always so busy, never stopping to really "see" everything - though I am blessed as a photographer I do take SOME time to "see" but not enough, not the little things, the details - the abstractness of the world and the things around us.

So this afternoon I took the kids to the park, and practiced "seeing" the abstractness of the world around me. (Hope you enjoy.)

Course no day would be complete with out a sky photo and a couple of the kids (trying to get them to STOP was a feet let me tell ya, Aubrey never did sit still)

See I told you she would not stop (that's her on the far right, Zachary is next to her)Very serious boy, dont you think?
UGH MOM, not again!!!

Day 32

2009-02-01T20:11:00.000-08:00

Rylan...

Rylan, Katherine and Brian all came over today - it's super ball Sunday after all - so while the q-t was here, I decided to snap a few photo's - he's so cute, he blows kisses now, and he puckers up to give kisses! :)

Day 31

2009-01-31T20:48:00.000-08:00

Oldies...

Today, I did not get my camera out once! Sometimes taking photographs is a freeing experience, something that relaxes me and frankly can put me into a trance of fun! Today, I just did not feel like picking it up though, which also was freeing in it's own weird way.

Though tomorrow I assume you some new photo's - gotta do my number 1 - since it will be my 1 month mark! :)

These are my daughter, she took some riding lesson's - she really enjoyed them, I wish I could find somewhere, where she could take them again that did not cost so much. (I would love to learn too, horses are my favorate "real" animal (unicorns are my fav.)!

Day 30

2009-01-30T22:03:00.000-08:00

Relaxing...

As a single mom of 2 kids, relaxing is not something I "get" to do often. Honestly my nights are my time to "be me" to relax and do what *I* want to! Weather it be to work, take a shower, listen to music, read or watch TV - it's my time. (Hence the reason you might find me chatting away, or editing a photograph at 1 AM!)

So when this week's challenge word came along today - "Relaxation" I had to think for a while to decide what I could photograph that might show what relaxation means to me - so now while I write this post, I am listening to Evanescence, editing photographs, drinking some hot coco, and getting ready to turn in to watch a little TV.

Though I am not sure any of these are worthy for the contest - they were quick snaps of my "relaxing time" now that the house is quiet and I am alone! :)

(OH and the frogs, wow I bought them for the kids, but honestly I find myself watching them and getting lost in there games - they are such fun!)

Day 29

2009-01-29T19:53:00.000-08:00

Fire and Ice...

As you have read before - if you read my blog that is - I am a member of an amazing photography forum - (I love it there). Anyway, this week we had a challenge - we were given a word, and told to run with it. This week's word was "Fire" - did not have to be a photograph OF fire, but something that meant fire to us...

Well, as you know I did some burner photo's - then I was thinking "Fire and Ice." So I again went back to the burner, and tried ice cubes but really - it was not working.

So alas, we got SNOW and ICE, duh - fire and ice! Since it was raining, we (my sister helped) pulled some snow/ice inside (on her table) and played with fire and ice.

These are some of the images I got...

Then here's the one I entered....

Day 28

2009-01-28T20:05:00.000-08:00

A Day Off...

Yesterday it was snow, today it was ice. Over night we got at least 1/2 an inch of ice on top of all that snow (around 2 inches), so of course the kids did not have school (yeah, here in Northern VA we are "sissy's"). So the lucky kids got to go SLEDDING - what kid (and unassuming adult) does not like sledding? Not me, and certainly not the kids! They had a blast.

We actually went to my sisters house, she has a HUGE hill right in front of her house...it's steep, but fun - Zachary kept going down flapping his "wings," "just like a bird mommy!" (What was I thinking.)

I also got some great ice shots, I think at least - course the 2nd time we went out (Zachary and I) I left the camera inside, it was RAINING!

Day 26/27

2009-01-27T21:17:00.000-08:00

Computers and Snow

Well yesterday things when NUTS with my computer, it seemed like for several days one thing after another went by the waist side - first it was the CD drive, then the speakers decided to be hit and miss, then yahoo started to stop working, Photo Shop also stopped opening photographs - so today, I ended up reformatting - oh that's fun! :) Though I think I got it all up and working now, and back to normal! This is a GOOD reminder...back up those computers!!! Thank goodness I saved all the photo's to my external!

This morning I got shaken awake by my daughter telling me that I was going to get my wish today - I was like HUH? Then she said, "The grass is white mom, it's white, it's SNOWING." I kinda grunted and rolled over! :) I am SO not a morning person! Though it's been just BEAUTIFUL! Tomorrow it's supposed to turn to rain, but today was just beautiful and the kids had such fun in the snow!

Day 25

2009-01-25T19:56:00.001-08:00

Fire...

I am a clickinmom's member - LOVE the site! Anyway, each week, we are challenged by a "word" - this word is quite broad and we get to interpret it in our own way...this weeks word is "Fire"

I had some thoughts, but not sure I love these - so I am going to give something else a try tomorrow...but what do you think?

Day 24

2009-01-24T21:24:00.000-08:00

Chickfila and Euchre

Today, the kids and I ran a few errands - course we did not finish running the errands due to what I thought would be a short lunch break - which turned in to an hour and a half at Chickfila. We ended up meeting a mom and her 3 boys. Aubrey and Zachary had a BLAST playing and running around with them they did not want to leave - so we stayed - I talked with there mom (whose name I sadly did not catch, however I did give her my business card) and the kids played! It was kinda nice!

This was sitting on the table, so pretty!

Zachary, eating, and wanting to go back to play - I was like "Just one" so he gave me this look..

Then tonight, we (sister, BIL, dad and mom) played a card game - Euchre. My papa used to play it with us, and between him and my dad (and mom) they taught my sister and I to play. It's fun, quick and WOW can tempers flare! We (my mom and I) did not do so well, only won once - but my sister and dad - they cleaned our clocks! :)

Day 23

2009-01-23T21:10:00.000-08:00

Flash, Manual and the D300...

Yep, you read that right - I got it OUT OUT OUT of AV, AND used a flash! I am so proud...With all of these I used my SB-600, bounced, either on the sealing or wall - I am kinda proud, they all turned out pretty good ;) (Course I had some awesome models too, though they were not all to excited about it!

Goofing off on the steps...

What do you think, does she LOVE having her photograph taken or what?

Yep, it's love!

Rylan was a somewhat willing model (I hate the balls behind his head in this but LOVE the face)

Mommy and Rylan!

You can pick your friends and you can pick your nose, but you can't pick your friends nose...

Got a haircut!

HUH me?

A smile! :)

She loves reading, I used inspiration for this from a fellow 365'r I read http://lauras365.blogspot.com/ (is her blog)

Day 22

2009-01-22T20:43:00.000-08:00

Parks...

Today was an interesting day, my poor brother in law woke up this morning unable to move and in severe pain - luckily my dad was able to go pick up Rylan, and Brian's dad took him to the ER, they ran tests, and it appears to be a kidney stone; he's home now, and on drugs but apparently they ain't as good as he hoped they'd be. In addition to that, they (sister, brother in law and the baby) also woke up to no heat, it keeps going on and off, so they are going to have it checked but gosh, waking up to a freezing house is NO FUN!

Anyway, amitzed all the fun, I went to pick up Aubrey, I ended up leaving earlier than I thought, so I decided instead of reading though my manual for the D300, that I would just go shoot with it...SOOO I went to a little park by her school, I love this place - the water and the steps are such fun, I cant wait till spring I have only been there in the winter and I bet it will be beautiful!

Not so happy with this one, the focus is a bit lacking, gotta get used to this camera!

It's really a beautiful area...

Exposed for the light in the water...can ya tell?

The stairs....

Gosh how I wish this was snow!

Day 21

2009-01-21T18:31:00.000-08:00

Lazy Day...

Today was a day spent being lazy, I feel horrible, so I did not feel like doing much. Then this afternoon Aubrey had a friend come over to work on there science project. So today my photographs are not very thought out! :) We have this light thing on the mantel, Zachary loves it and nearly every day it's turned on by him...he just loves touching it or watching it.

Also, I am selling my Tracy Joy Bag - I just got it in early December, but I used it only once...it's a great bag just like new, in a fabric that she has discontinued, it just sits here in my house - so I thought, why not find a loving home! :) I am asking $50 plus shipping, so leave a message if you want more info!

Also, been working on a cool new program for Photographers - it's just beginning with only 2 photographers in the "program" right now - but it's something that's VERY close to my heart - it's a program for single mom's - called "The Single Parents Project - Making Lemons into Lemonade" - it's a program designed to offer an ongoing special to all single parents, they deserve awesome custom photography too, but as one, I know it's not something that's easily affordable. (More details, and a fun graphic coming soon.)

Day 20

2009-01-20T21:37:00.000-08:00

Sick...

I am getting sick, well, I think I am sick (those that know me would say I am always sick, in the head). But my throat is killing me, got a nice runny noise and sneezing constantly. So, today was spent watching the inauguration with the kids, though they did not seem to be taking it all in like I was...I even teared up at different parts though out the day...what a glorious day in our nations history - I am proud to be part of it, though I wish I was there (though, living in Northern VA and seeing all the people, it was crazy but I would have been there in a heart beat if I knew someone else crazy enough to want to go too!)

So we were snug as a bug in a rug - watching and enjoying...

The kids even watched some of it...

Zachary kinda got into it...for a little bit...

But they also played and I braided Aubrey's hair for her...

Day 19

2009-01-19T22:28:00.000-08:00

Puppies...

Or should I say dogs...today I took a few photo's of our doggy, Lucky. Though, only one made it to the blog (it's late and I am tired and not feeling well), so hopefully I will be adding more soon.

One thing that got me thinking about adding little Lucky to the blog was going to see "Hotel for dogs" - such a great movie, Aubrey and I really enjoyed it, so go love on a puppy today, they deserve it, sleeping's hard work!

Day 18

2009-01-18T20:27:00.000-08:00

My Kidlits...

Today I decided when I got home from a photo shoot with a beautiful 3 month old little boy (he would love some love too if you got time), to try to get some photo's (also for my blog, tomorrow) to promo a V-day special I am running - so, I thought I would share a few with you....

They love doing this pose....

AWW they do love each other (course I had to bribe them with Chocolate Kisses)

She's so beautiful - and growing up way faster than I can handle.

This is what you get when you ask her to "open her eyes more" LOL....

Another beautiful girl photo...

Now, she looks WAY to old for me in this one...thank God for the pig tails they bring a little more "girl" to it.

Who has heard of a boy who does not like cherry...mine does not - so I bribed him for this one...

Being cute..

Watching something but who knows what...

Look mom, I'm not eating this thing!

Day 17

2009-01-17T21:42:00.000-08:00

Still waiting...

So, using my D80 - I love her...but still waiting.

Sorta a self, but this is how I feel right now...stuck - not necessarily behind a lens but stuck.

Day 16

2009-01-16T21:13:00.001-08:00

Unicorns...

They have always been my favorite, though I am not sure why exactly - I don't remember something in particular happening or reading anything - but I have, ever since I can remember loved them. The shapes, what they embody - they are so beautiful and I love stories and books with them.

About 5 years or so ago, my daughter gave me one for Christmas, it's on a chain, and silver (I love silver jewelry). I had been looking for one for a long time, and well Aubrey finially found it for me. Every since, it's been on my neck 99% of the time.

I love it, and I love her, so much more than she knows.

Day 15

2009-01-15T16:35:00.001-08:00

Balloons…

This year, as a fourth grader, Aubrey gets to participate in the school wide science fair. Aubrey and her partner Mada decided they wanted to test how the different kinds of earth/rock change the way a volcano reacts, or if it does.

So last night they had their procedures written, had all the items to test and we were off for a wet and wild night.

Aubrey was the one holding the balloon, while Mada timed everything and helped “push in the pin”. We used 3 different color water balloons, 3 without tape on them, 3 with 2 pieces of tape on them and 3 with 4 pieces of tape. (The original idea was to do 3 different balloons, but how one figures out how to put the “exact” amount of water into 3 different kinds of balloons, or heck how someone figures out how to put water inside Mylar is doing better than us – so we used tape!)

Here are a few shots of the girls, they need to now graph the results (pretty much that it does not matter AT ALL what the “outside materials are” if there’s a hole and even a little pressure that stuff is coming out, and FAST!) Work on their discussion’s and then post everything to their board to be ready to present in early Feb. (They both are really excited!)

It starts all happy and dry...

Up, there goes the first one....POP! (Aubrey was not really ready for that)

This one sprayed for a while...

The effect was neat...

Mada's got the watch...

Drip...

They all came bursting open, sooner or later...

This effect is soo neat, not sure HOW I got it so perfect...but it looks like the balloon has hair.

Pop goes the weasel

In goes another pin.

And another...

Last one, not to wet...

Day 14

2009-01-14T19:22:00.000-08:00

The Butcher.

I know I know, going to the butcher - who does that anymore? Well, today my dad and I decided to make a trek to the mountains of VA for just that, to visit a butcher. My family has been to this butcher for YEARS - I mean, I beleive that even my granddaddy visited this same butcher from time to time (though I cant exactly remember, but I know I have known about it for my entire life).

Occasionally, will buy a 1/2 cow, or pig - other times, like today we went for just a "few" things - hamburger, sausage, steak, tenderloin and ribs - and so far I have to tell you the hamburger and tenderloin are awesome. I am however glad we don't have to "watch" them kill anything!

Anyway, while we were there - I got to "play" but just a little (the temp today did not get above 31 degrees!) Honestly it was such fun, there's soo much up there that's interesting and fun - course I don't live in the country, sooo it's neat for me visiting!

Hope you enjoy these, I have soo many, so be sure you will see more as the weeks go on when I need a "break" or did not get a chance to take a photo!

These were all taken on manual - with very little PP, cropping, and one I used Heartland from pioneer woman - but other than that...

EAK, there's more than I thought, I just cant choose a favorite!

*You can see more on flickr - (hint: click on the slide show)

Day 13

2009-01-13T20:59:00.001-08:00

I found some leaves.

Well, only one for today - I am beat - been working hard on my website Fingers To Toes Photography - including, new pricing, tweaking pages, adding a new invoice, ect. So forgive me!

Day 12

2009-01-12T20:51:00.000-08:00

Almost late, but I got it!

Today, is some sky photo's with the sun, clouds and tree's. Oh those lonely tree's how they long for some snow, or leaves? Maybe we will have snow soon, instead all of this rain. (It seems like it's been raining all winter long.)

These were all done in manual, been rediscovering that I "know how" to shoot in manual, been lazy working in AV lately, though now to understand how to shoot in manual with a flash!

Day 11

2009-01-11T20:22:00.000-08:00

Different light...

Tonight I was playing with my kids in Zachary's room - he was having a blast with his flash light, and "playing" in the dark. Zachary's always had some issues with the dark, so whenever possible I try to play with him IN the dark to show him that really, it's not so bad. He also had his flash light going and a night light.

His night light caught my attention, it's neat LED and it blinks different colors...so I thought I would give it a whirl.

Day 10

2009-01-10T20:33:00.000-08:00

Let them eat pie...

...pumpkin pie that is...
Aubrey made it, then she was more than happy to have a piece!

We also got to see little Rylan tonight, he's growing so much, and now he's WALKING - not only walking but playing, clapping and well just walking EVERYWHERE! :)

Look mom, no hands...

...you better watch out, soon I will be running AND reaching those door knobs!

Day 9

2009-01-09T21:13:00.000-08:00

Dear friends...

Tonight, a dear friend of mine came over for dinner. Jasmine, has been a friend, confidant, and someone who no matter what can make me laugh for nearly 13 years now. She is amazing, with a wonderful heart and a beautiful soul.

She is someone that will always be in my life - she is someone I will always love.

She's actually the person who supported me, and loved me all the way though my pregnancy with Zachary. Since knowing her I have never truly been alone.

Thank you for sharing all the up's and downs with me.

Day 8

2009-01-08T19:22:00.000-08:00

Sleep...

Zachary has always been a high need kid, right from the moment he was born, he demanded attention 24/7. Back in the day of babyhood, he nursed what seemed like 27/7, he slept on me, he bathed sometimes with me. I was NEVER alone, we later found out that he has Sensory Problems, as well as speech problems. It's not been easy, especially with Aubrey – dividing my time between them has always been hard. Even potty training was a HUGE deal, he did not train till what some would consider late, 4, and required the help of his teacher and I to make a concerted effort.

Well last night he announces, "I am going to sleep in my own room, and without my diaper." I of course am thinking, “um ok.” But after hours of going back and forth, he finally went to sleep around 11 – and this AM at 6 he was up, announcing to the world that he had “made it” – he was SOOO proud of himself. He did have a tiny accident, on his way to the bathroom this AM – but other than that he was not only clean and dry but he had slept all night in his own room!!!

So, how could I not use that story as part of my 365!

Day 7

2009-01-07T19:23:00.000-08:00

Oh yummy...fudge - but not just any fudge - homemade, creamy, amazingly delicious fudge, all via my Papa's (grandfather's) recipe and al-la my dad!

Day 6

2009-01-06T19:42:00.000-08:00

WOW nearly a week - and still going...minus the sick day! :)

Zachary got a "computer" for Christmas, thanks to my dad. He loves it, we just got it set up last night...he's got a new desk, new "computer" IN his room - gosh, what a cool thing for a 5 year old. It's called "Cool School" - it hooks up to a "real" computer, but once your in the system you cant get out with out a password - so he cant "access" the "real" computer with out me, thus saving the computer!

He does not mind, he says he's "sending email," and he's working on his letters, numbers, drawing, math and more. He loves it!

Now, he's got the Click Start (computer), Leapster (hand held) and the V-Tech (game that hooks up to the TV) ACK!

Poor Aubrey - she came home sick today - darn tummy stuff keeps going around!

Day 5

2009-01-05T19:33:00.000-08:00

Down the road from our house - they are building a house. It's been quite the treat for Zachary, he loves going down and seeing/watching the progress. Though it's sad too, because there were 2 little boys (and a baby girl) Zachary's age that moved so they could tear down the house - so he misses them.

Today was pretty nice, only 50 LOL - so we went down to watch for a little bit...Zachary's so intense!

Then, the owners stopped by with the boys and the baby - I grabbed a quick shot of the baby!

Day 4

2009-01-04T20:48:00.000-08:00

Welcome to day 4! Or should I say night? Today, I had a photo shoot with a sweet little 3 month old, which went well - so I thought I would share one of those...Then I was out shopping with my sister (SHH) and while waiting on her to finish, I was outside with the sunset - the colors were amazing so I thought I would share -

Day 2 and 3

2009-01-03T20:41:00.001-08:00

Well, yesterday I was sick, so :( Sadly I did not get anything posted - so today I am posting more than just one to make up for my day!

Such fun, we got to go see some animals - the kids LOVED petting them, and playing with them, though it was pretty chilly. The babies were just too cute!

Zachary had a blast - this is one of the few smiles I get lately!

Then the fire, oh the fire, beautiful and smelled soooo good! I miss them, we have gas in the house now.

See you tomorrow!

Day 1

2009-01-01T19:46:00.001-08:00

We got Frogs for Christmas! We have 2, they are such fun, watching them swim around in there small tank. Zachary enjoys feeding them and watches them often.

A face only a mother could love? Full of mischief and do you see those circles, they are real people - he stayed up to welcome the New Year in with us, and he was up this morning at 7:30! Kids!