wow!

so i checked my stats on blogger...1003 views last month. Who knew?

Today i ran 3 miles. That's really good for me. Panic hasn't started kicking in yet, but i am sure it will soon. I can't believe I am going to attempt 13.1 miles in a few short weeks. Jay told me that if a runner doesn't finish, a bus comes around and picks up the stragglers. I hope to goodness I can avoid the bus, but Jay keeps teasing me about it. Even if i do succumb to the bus ride at least I will have attempted something that most people I know wouldn't dare try. What's worse - not attempting, or attempting and failing? Obviously you know my opinion :)

classic avoidance...

....I decided to blog while my kids destroy the kitchen. Rylee has one cabinet that she is allowed to play in and get pots and pans out of. They are currently strewn around the kitchen and living room and Jayden is weighing in as well by grabbing every item he can reach. At least they are occupied for the moment. Rylee played outside for HOURS yesterday. I feel kinda sad that she doesn't have anyone to play with (yet!) but it won't be long and her brother will be out there with her.
I was packing the van last week and glanced up to see Jayden watching me between the raised headrest and the seat. I grabbed my camera and snapped a shot.
Rylee getting her first birthday gift for her 2nd birthday.
Grampy and the kids
I can't believe she can ride this thing - she hasn't gotten the whole pushing the pedals thing conquered yet but she loves riding it around the kitchen and patio.
And yet another one of those games...you know...the ones where they make up the rules as they go along. Pretty sure this semi-truck counts as interference.
Every good baseball game needs the bases (aka broken frisbees) brushed off now and again...with a blade of...grass? Where do they come up with this stuff?Dudley looks on with fondness and some arrogance.
Luke showing off his skills

What a Monday...

...and yes, I know today is Tuesday. I got lots done yesterday.
1. Swept the house - check
2. Laundry done - check
3. Unpacked 2 suitcases - check
4. Cleaned kitchen - check
5. Dishes put away - check
6. Mowed front, side and back yard - check
7. Used the weed wacker/trimmer thingie around trees, house etc - check
8. Ran 3.3 miles on treadmill - check
9. Studied my photography lessons - check
10. Made ribs, green beans and cheddar cheese biscuits for supper - check
11. Kept track of 2 little kids the whole day - check
12. Started a book by Dee Henderson - check

Felt like I got a good chunk accomplished. Why so much in one day? I try to get lots done on Mondays so I can work the rest of the week. In this case I left my charger/adapter thingie for my laptop at my parents house so I couldn't work anyway. I ordered another one and it should arrive sometime today so I can get back to working for actual money *wink*

This morning I took my photography test for the second unit and got an A - hmph - missed 3 questions but who needs to know about agitating film in a dark room anyway?

Well I have a fussy 8 month old sitting in my lap, so off to put him to sleep for his first nap of the day. Have a good week!

Far from perfect...

I tried again with the kids...still no luck at getting them both to smile at me at the same time. The little wooden truck was hand made by my Grandpa Collingsworth. It adds something sentimental to the photos that would be passed over by anyone else looking at them.

Not-so Posed Pictures

Thanks to my hubby for allowing me to enroll in NYIP (New York Institute of Photography) I am loving what I am learning. These aren't perfect but I am learning to use light to my advantage. This first one is a 'mommy goggle' picture. Meaning it isn't technically correct, but is perfect for a mommy to remember her little gal playing with her kitchen pot and wooden spoon.

He was super mad about something. He isn't usually like this, but it shows his 6 teeth!

I am not super fond of this shot, but I like the warm summer tones.
:)
We haven't gotten the whole eye contact thing down yet. One year olds apparently don't know what "look at mommy" means.
Hmph - loved this shot....until I zoomed in and realized she has a lot of 'stuff' running out of her nose. Grr!
Apparently she was squishing the dandelion onto the daffodil...such a destructive child :)
Not sure why she looks so orange-ish but i still like it.
Ever tried to get two kids to look at the camera at the same time...let alone smile? Didn't think so. Anyway, it looks to me like she is telling him something pretty funny.
Not at all happy about this photo opportunity.
Maybe it was the promise of getting to go outside that straightened things out?
Another diva breakdown - it wasn't this cute when it actually occurred in the abandoned house's front yard, but hey....
Mr. Smiles, Mr. Dimples, Mr. Blue Eyes - all nicknames for this little guy. Jayden 8 1/2 months
So she totally did this one on her own...not that i could pose her if i wanted to? Rylee almost 2 years
Thanks for looking.