Cardinals vs. Cardinals

 

      The boys had the opportunity to go to the St. Louis Cardinals vs. Springfield Cardinals game Monday. This was actually the game that was cancelled last year because of weather.  We were lucky to get tickets since they sold out so quickly. And even luckier to get Red Bird Roost.  I think they got their fill of brats, hot dogs, nachos, and soda.

Natural Light

      I enjoy working in the studio but I love working with natural light.  I still have tons to learn but I always enjoy the challenge and creativity that comes with natural light photography.  One of my projects, and I have Many, is to install a large window near my studio so that I can give my clients both options in their sessions.  It opens up a whole new world of backdrops, props, and flooring.  Hmmm, wonder if I should take a trip to Lowes today?????

Point and Shoot Camera

      Many people think you must have a professional camera in order to take great pictures.  That is just not true.  This picture was taken with an old 5 megapixel point and shoot camera.  We just sat the kids in the grass and got a great shot.  There are many things you  need to consider like angles and lighting but the cost of your camera doesn't always equal great pictures.  The best advice anyone can give you about your camera is just to get out and shoot.  Take the kids to the park or follow your pet around the yard.  When you come up with an image you love, you will remember how you got it and will be able to do it next time.  Happy shooting!!!

Homeschool Resources

      Part of homeschooling is using all of the resources available to you.  Including anything you can get your hands on that is free!  This is a list of a few of the sites we use.  There are many, many more!!


http://www.earthalbum.com/
Click anywhere on the earth and look at pictures and information people have posted about that region. It gives you a bird's eye view of the landscape.  I could spend hours looking at this site!

http://jigidi.com/
A web site devoted to the puzzle lover.  You can create a puzzle or just play a game.

http://www.starfall.com/
A great web site for teaching reading.  Bryce enjoys the games and stories.  It starts out easy and gets progressively more difficult to keep them learning.

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/
A good site for information regarding homeschooling.

donnayoung.org/
Homeschool resource and printables.

http://www.rethinkingschools.org/just_fun/games/mapgame.html
Map game.

http://www.artcyclopedia.com/index.html
Art encyclopedia.

http://www.flashcardexchange.com/
Create your own flashcards to study.

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/education-templates-collection-FX101842224.aspx?CTT=97
Free templates to use for teaching.

http://artinthepicture.com/
Art history web site.

http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/index.html
State and county quick facts.

http://www.daylightmap.com/index.php
Shows where the sun is at that moment.

http://chartsbin.com/
World facts.

http://www.drawastickman.com/
Fun art site.

http://www.easyfunschool.com/
Homeschool resource.

Six Years Ago

     
      What was going on in our lives in January six years ago?  We were getting to know this little blessing that had just entered our lives.  I keep all of my personal images organized by year and month.  For example, this was in the folder 2006 and sub folder January 2006.  It makes it easy to reference events or pictures that I would like to go back and use.  I cannot imagine what a mess it would be looking for a particular shot if they weren't organized this way.  I usually shoot like crazy and the editing is an afterthought.  It's fun to go back to old folders and relive old memories.

Be Kind

      One of my favorite boards on Pinterest is my board titled, "Words to Live by..."  I have no idea where the quotes come from or who originally posted them but they all seem to be little aha moments.  I love being challenged and reminded of these simple concepts that are so easily forgotten.  This quote just spoke to me today.  I often fall into the habit of simply surviving my day.  I have to run to the bank, pick up groceries, take the dogs to the groomer, schedule and shoot sessions, on and on.  I forget that every person I come in contact with has their own crazy life.  I have a choice.  I can contribute to the difficulty of their battle or I can make it easier.  Sometimes that means letting it go when the cashier has an attitude with me.  Or smiling when you get a nasty look after your child just knocked the display of toilet paper over.  Often easier said than done but a choice nonetheless.

Christmas 2011

One of our favorite parts of Christmas is the time we get to spend with family.  We have our old traditions like the tree and gifts,  then we like to change it up and create new traditions.  Our theory is as long as you are with family, it's Christmas.  This year we will be making a trip to the pool for a little holiday swimming.  Who knows, next year we may end up at the beach!  One tradition we started a few years ago was the Christmas pajamas.  It's never anything fancy, just a simple pair of pjs, but the kids always enjoy it.  We live in a society that tells us the more we love our family, the bigger the gift should be. For our family, the joy seems to exist in the small things.  A take-out dinner while we watch a Christmas movie.  Hours of conversation about anything and everything.  Papa spending time in the workshop with the kids making their latest invention.  Watching the deer, turkey, and wild animals out the window.  No stress, no worries, just a wonderful family Christmas.