It's that time again, Christmas cards

Christmas is so close, not much time left. With no time to waste I started taking pictures of my kids for our family Christmas cards to send to family and friends. I have two teenagers and my husband still left to photograph. I have maybe six days to complete this. I think I can do it, provided Napoleon my oldest will allow me to photograph him. He has always felt that if you take his picture you take his soul. When he was very young he heard this on a show or from someone. He belived it to be true. This comes with the terriotory of having Autism, he takes everything literally. I have very few shots of him and the ones I do have are of him hiding or trying to make a run for it. I will try to beg him this year, crossing my fingers.

For the moment please enjoy what I do have. I really like how they turned out. I was up around five one morning to study the manual for my Canon EOS 50D. Still learning... since reading the manual I started shooting in manual. I also use a 580EXII Speedlite. I think I am getting bettter. I was going to run the images through photoshop but I quickly changed my mind and edited in Lightroom. I also learned that I really enjoyed Lightroom. Note to self pick up a book online for Lightroom. Anyone have any suggestions?

Bringing you up to speed......

Fall is banging on my door. Already!
Slow as a turtle I am adding to my blog and in the next couple of weeks updating my website with new images. The summer went by so fast and it was busy. New doors have opened up and I am so thankful to those who have recommended me. Thank you to all for your patience.

To bring you up to speed, since my last blog my daughter Ireland had her tea party, and it was a huge success. All the children in attendance had a blast, especially Ireland. What made it so memorable for me was her reaction after the party – as the guests were leaving, she came and hugged me and said “Thank you Mommy.” The girl brought tears to my eyes. She loved her party and appreciated all the hard work that went into it.
Her older sister’s friends came over that morning to help set up. I had been decorating for a week or so, and still had lots to do. We made over 100 giant tissue-paper pom-poms of different colors and hung them from the ceiling at kid level. The place looked amazing and colourful. Anyone over four feet couldn’t walk in there without hunching over--no matter, the place looked awesome. The food was a hit; they ate up all that we served to them and more. The teapot-shaped birthday cake disappeared very quickly. As the children left we gave them a food favour (alongside their loot bags). I had ordered cookies online, and these were not just any cookies. These cookies were divine, colourful, artistic and so delicious. I swear they were that good and worth every penny. Please check out their website, http://decadentcookie.com/I meant to take pictures of the cookies, but they did not last long for a photo shoot.

The children really enjoyed dressing up in the cute outfits I had bought. Even the two little boys did not mind putting on top hats and gloves. After all the planning, I was honestly a bit sad when it was over. I love the adrenalin of planning a party. The next party is for my seven year old boy. He wants a Video game party--should be interesting. He really loved the decorations and fuss of Ireland’s party and decided this year he would also like a theme party. I have two and half months. Get ready, get set, go!

taking a break.....

Still working on the manuscript...I tried not to look at it yesterday so I would have a fresh start today.

I usually have my writing pad...print out of manuscript and a sketch pad with me when and if I have a moment to sit...lastnite I started a doodle....while thinking of my book.....my doodle developed into something more and I kinda of like It ...maybe when I have time I will work on it ....drawing many times inspires me to keep at it and jump starts my brain.....I have a few weeks to finish the manuscript and I would like to leave the last two and half weeks to go through grammer and all the other good stuff....

my drawing from lastnite....still pretty rough...