I'm going to be {RICH}!

Ok, not really, but close;)  This past Saturday evening I went to a photography class that Mr. D had bought for me as a Mother's Day gift (yes, I just barely redeemed it, it's effing HOT in TX, I wasn't going to walk around outside in a thousand degree heat for photos!).  This was a 4 hour class and definitely well worth the information!  I learned SO MUCH more about my camera (I have a Nikon D5100) than I think I ever could.  

After the first 2 hours we were given an assignment sheet to capture certain elements outside.  First up was a Close-up/details (shallow depth of field), such as a flower, grass, berries, etc.... 

This one was my favorite I took. 

Our instructor for the evening thought this one I took was a good one (I still  like the one above this one better, but I'm not a professional so what do I know?) 

We had to pair up for the assignment, this woman was my partner (her name was Deborah, we laughed a lot, maybe too much at our mistakes!)  But if you didn't guess, our second assignment was to photograph a portrait (shallow depth of field).  I think I captured her well, you'd hire me right? 

Third up in our assignments was to photograph a waterfall (movement).  We had to play with our ISO as well as to do a fast and slow shutter movement on these ones. 

I think I accomplished the assignment pretty good.  I think I had way more garbage photos than good ones though, but that's probably normal, right?  Right?? 

Last up on our assignment sheet was to photograph a scenic landscape (deep depth of field).  I think if I edit this particular photo it may be my favorite of the night:)

All these photos were taken in RAW format so no editing has been done on any of them.  If I upload these into my Lightroom software I could be RICH!!  (Come on, work with me here!)  I had so much fun at this class, the 4 hours breezed by!  I would actually take this same class again to get even more out of the class.

So, who wants to hire me first for their photography needs?  (*Disclaimer: I am not responsible for horrible photos.  I'M KIDDING!  not really.)

Take me all the {way}!

This little one has taken a real liking to Maroon 5.  This is her absolute favorite song and if she hears it on the radio she can't help but dance and sing along.  Kids are freaking hilarious!  I was trying to film her inconspicuously but that's hard to do in the car so she kind of knew but nonetheless, she still sang and danced like she does every time this song comes on.  The end cracks me up the most:)

Par-{Tay}!

I think I'm noticing a pattern within myself.  Whenever school starts I get the ache to entertain of some sort.  I'm certain it has to do with the season changing and awakening me back up from the heat of the summer.  I've always loved fall, the sweaters, the crisp leaves, the colors changing all around, the smell in the air, it's my favorite!

Now, I need to figure out what I want to do.  Think. Think. Think.

Got some ideas!

1: Educational party:  Have someone come in and teach a certain skill or technique (get your mind out of the gutter you pervs, I'm classier than that).

2: Nothing but giveaways and hors d'oeuvres

3:  My Favorite Things (this one is hard, you don't want crap but you also don't want to exclude those who may not have the means to pay for nicer things to exchange)

4: Progressive Dinner

5: Sip & Swap (swap your gently used accessories for another persons)

6: Crunchy Mama Night (make all natural cleaning supplies, lotions/potions, etc... all to take home in a cute basket)

7: Night of Elegance (several course meal, dress to the nines)

Hmmm, which one should I choose to do?  What other ideas do you have for me that are amazingly fun?

And then there was {one}.

And by "one" I mean, just me:(  After 10 years of being a SAHM and always having a child tagging along with me everywhere I go (doctors, dentist, Target, Whole Foods, Christmas shopping etc...) I'm officially what my friend has termed, "a day drinker".

Preschool finally started for this little one this week, she was SO excited but nervous, she was full of questions;)  As I got her ready I asked if I could put some hair pretty's in her beautiful hair and I got a, "Sure!  But mom, I want lots."  So I asked her if I could do pigtails like I had (I was going to work out after dropping her off and I always wear my hair in pigtails) and she said, "Yes!  And I want two of them!".  I obliged so she is sporting my same hair I wear when I work out, but she looks much cuter than me:) 

Finding a seat in her classroom:) 

Before I left she had to use the bathroom, she was so nervous, I felt a little bad but as soon as I took her to sit on the rug with the other little girls playing with the box of marine animals she seemed to calm right down:)  I gave her a hug and many kisses good-bye to my last baby who started school and is the reason I'm starting a new phase in my life:(

I could NOT wait to go pick her up at the end of the day!  Apparently every other parent was just as excited to get to the school as I was literally at the back of the line to get my baby.  When I got her, she was so happy and full of smiles, she clearly had an AMAZING first day of preschool!  Makes me sad to think of her setting off in life because she'll be in college before I know it:(

This is the email I got from the preschool to mark her first day of school on 9/4/2013:

We had a wonderful first day of preschool today! Today we became acquainted with our preschool and the routine.  We learned  everyone’s names and took a tour of the building.  We sang a song about going to school called, “Today is a Wonderful Day.” We sang a song about learning names and making friends called “ The More we get Together.”   We talked about  our school rules and why they are important .We learned how fun preschool is when we blew bubbles, and  popped corn while singing songs. We painted and glittered birthday crowns that we will wear on our birthdays or special days coming up this year.   We read the stories I Like School, and Baby Bop Goes to School.  The math center was patterning cards with colors and shapes, the language arts center was playdough letters, the small motor center was bead stringing, and the dramatic play center was house and dolls. The Pony Lady brought Giddyup and gave  rides in the pony cart too. 

1st day o' {school}.

School is officially back in session for 2013-14!  Little R is a big 2nd grader and our G is the big man on campus, he is in 4th grade now!  It's weird that this will be his last year in elementary as our district moved the 5th graders in with the 6th graders deemed the "intermediate school" new this year.  I'm not sure what I think about this new change but I'm hopeful it will be just fine and my head will shut up:)  Plus, actually a HUGE plus to help me feel better was when we drove up to the school on the first day and G got upset and wanted to know why I was parking...."I thought you wanted me to walk you to your class?" "No, I know where it is!".....And just like that, he was off, wouldn't hold my hand, wouldn't give me a hug good-bye, nothin'!  I got Little R snuggled into her new classroom and walked up the hall way to make sure G made it to his class ok, yep, he was filling out his 'all about me' worksheet and was already back to goofing off with his best bud from 3rd grade, Logan:)  

After we got the two older ones secured in their new classes Baby R and I went to drop off G's med at the school nurse's office but the line was out the door (it bothers me this many kids have to have something the nurse administers, the health of the world needs to change...but that's another topic)!  So to waste time to get into the nurses office we went to the library where our school has their annual 'Cheers and Tears' for the parents.  Baby R enjoyed a muffin and some water and got to play with all the other 4yo's who were just shy of being able to enter Kinder this year:)  It also took Baby R's mind off of being sad and confused on why we weren't going to her classroom yet since she didn't understand her school wasn't starting for another week:)

Good luck this year everyone!!