Day of Unity Walk for Joplin

Just missing Ty, Aminta, Emiliano, and Brian

Our family participated in the unity walk on the the one year anniversary of the tornado in Joplin.  So much has happened since May 22, 2011.  It has been incredible watching a community rise from such a terrible tragedy and make the best with what they have been given.  I wish everyone could hear the stories that surround that day.  The unity walk honored the the grief of those lost who lost loved ones and represented the hope that Joplin has for it's future.  It was an amazing experience!

Stopped for lots of drinks

News crews from everywhere came to cover the event

May Special! Refer a friend, book anytime, and get a free 11x14 or 2 8x10s for you and your friend. Refer two friends and get a free session for yourself and free prints for everyone.

Oaklyn Grace Willis

      I would like to introduce you to my newest little photography experiment, Oaklyn Grace Willis.  Yes I am a bit biased but I do believe I have the most beautiful nieces and handsome nephew in the world.  I had so much fun shooting this session with Oaklyn.  We just took our time and played while everyone took a nap.  She did a pretty amazing job napping during her session too.  We were able to pose and move her without her barely making a peep.  The awww, waaaa picture was the only time she even made a face.  I can't wait to see her again and kiss on those squishy little cheeks!!!

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.