VBS...

Hello friends!

Just checking in from the land of Nana & Abuelo's house (My folks!) Seth is having the greatest time chasing dogs and riding tractors, and Lucas is getting spoiled. Nothing but LOVE for these 2 rascals of mine, LOL!

Today's adventure involves a shopping trip at the nearest outlets, a motercycle ride (for me) and the closing events at my dad's church's VBS.

BTW~ it seems EVERYONE's Vacation Bible School is this week... is yours?

MIA....

No I'm not MIA... But....

I am going to visit my parents and sisters this week. Then I'll be leaving Seth with my mom. when I come back in a week.

THEN, we fly out to Orlando for our big Youth Group convention (LIFE) the following Tues (the 3rd) and won't be back till the 8th.

So I will not be around for the next 2 weeks.... if our Orlando hotel has WiFi I may be able to check email, but I'm still not sure about that.

Miss me a little!

Photo Tip Friday~ Devise A Master Plan

Before you set up your camera or invite your subject to pose, think about what story you want the photo to tell. Then pick clothing or props that will tell your story. A little girl's flowered dress captures innocence, while a simple white outfit draws attention to a child's face.



Adding familiar props, such as a favorite toy or hat will help put your child at ease. Sometimes this can distract and take more effort, but you will end up with some charming images that truly reflect personality.


Try to envision your photo before you capture it... but also be aware that you might not capture what you want. So go with the flow and relax. Children can sense frustration and will react to it.

Also, another tip... keep small candy, like jelly beans, on hand. When they've done a good job reward them.

CHAT!

Tonight at 9pm EST you'll find me chatting it up at DST! Come on over and hang out!

WooHoo!

She....

My new all about me page for TDC Staff LO's...

Journaling reads:

SHE

loves to run

hates to run

cooks by taste

prefers chocolate

dreams in vivid detail

prays for her boys' future wives

pulses with music

is passionate for a fantastic photograph

is captivated by laughter

still tries to impress her husband

smells like paradise (I Do! Its the name of my perfume... LOL!)

for credits: see HERE

Speaking of running......

Ugg. It never fails. It looks like I am going to lose my toenail. Again. For some reason, I always build up a blood blister under my 2nd toenail on my left foot. So it looks like I have a black nail, and the nail is actually raised up. Once the blister is drained... which I have to do... because Oh The Pressure! it leaves the nail bed hollow. Then the nail falls off. This happens every running season for me. I'm not sure why either.... my shoes fit right. It doesn't matter if I'm on a treadmill or outside, because I've tried both. This usually happens to my 2nd toenail on my right toe too... but its actually looking ok right now. It is a bit tender, but at least its not black.

We are getting ready for our LIFE convention trip. It's going to be over the July 4th holiday in Orlando. Its this HUGE event where Christian & Missionary Alliance Youth Groups from all over the country (And some from around the globe) get together for a few days of powerful speakers, wonderful concerts, and area work projects. It is life altering for every teen who goes. Its held every 3 years, and last time it was in July 2004 in Phoenix, AZ... and I was very pregnant with Seth, LOL! great times.... Anyways, I CANNOT wait! Hey! If you click on the LIFE link, you'll see Jimmy Donaruma in the bottom right hand corner... he was my very good friend back in college. What a nut, and what a great friend, I can't wait to see him again!

Oh-dokey-dokey. (Seth speak for okey-dokey.) I've written a novel today, and I have to dash. I've got some great new things up my sleeve that I need to finish!

;)

Da's Day Recap....

So it sounds like Photo Tip Friday is a good thing? LOL~ alrighty! You approved, so there will be a second installment this coming Friday.

Father's Day went really well yesterday. I think that Nate had a really great day. After church we came home and grilled out. We had melt-in-your-mouth Fillet Mignon, grilled shrimp, mashed potatoes & horseradish, and sweet corn. For desert was a warm lava cake.

Nate laughed when he opened his card and saw a pack of gum inside.

;)

I didn't laugh, but I think he got the idea.

Then Seth brought over his gift, and he REALLY loved the frame and photo. The rest of the day was really relaxed. We just hung out and vegged out.

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Just a fun reminder that this Thursday at 9pm EST, I will be having a chat over at DST. Come on over and visit! Its going to be a lot of fun!

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I am such a girl, ya know? Why do I let things affect me? These past couple weeks I have had a few things happen.... and even though deep down I know its not personal, I've taken it personally. I really wish I wouldn't... but the devil inside of me whispers that if *I* had been better it wouldn't happen, or that *I'm* not good enough period.

And then I get mad, that I'm even letting it affect me. ARRG! Is all just so dumb anyways.

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I'm starting to itch to re-do the blog. So.... I've got to scheme out what I'd like to do.

Have a happy Monday!

Nicolai....

This little guy was REALLY busy and really distracted by the car. But I think I captured a few cute ones! This first one is my fave, b/c he was quite the little ham...

******** Still Learning********

I also learned about the Sponge Tool for these proofs. (Yes, I admit, I don't know everything, LOL!) When I was proofing, I kept noticing these over-saturated color casts... an over abundance of yellows in his face and TOO much greens in the grass.

So someone mentioned that I try the sponge tool set at Desaturation at 8% and then lightly stroking the area. It worked! (If you try it be careful you don't lose too much skin tone!) Here is the before....

I also learned that photoshop compresses the image in order to fit in on your screen. So to get an accurate representation of the picture, you need to view it at 100% - when it is huge. The 'splotches' are likely just what happens to certain areas of a picture when they are compressed so tightly to fit on your screen. The issue is much better if you look at the picture in PS at 25%, 50% or 75% or 100%. It's the in-between viewing sizes that can cause problems.

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How would ya'll like a "Photo Tip Friday" for a while? I've been thinking about doing this for a little bit. Maybe a photoshop tip one week, a Photography tip the next, and so on... would ya'll be interested?

Father's Day Gifty....

Nate comes home tonight, and I am so excited... more excited about actually getting a break, LOL! Those of you who do it by yourself often... you are super heroes! My house is a war zone and I need to clean it. I want it smelling nice and looking presentable for the King's return, LOL!

I put together Nate's Father's Day gift... I know, I'm shameful.... I guess I'll always just be better than him at these things... ;)


Its for his office.

Seth is still doing pretty good on the p.o.t.t.y! He just finished taking himself over to do number 2! (insert dancing smilie!!) WOOT!

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Have you seen THIS THREAD at DST? I strongly suggest you participate... there's a nice prize involved.....

I have a couple new element packs up in the Boutique!

Buttons Galore

This is an Explosion of Buttons! All sorts of buttons to choose from are included in this element pack! Three different types of buttons, 2-hole, 4 hole, and glittered!

Buttons Galore Explosion includes 30 buttons, 10 of each color and style. Not all are shown in preview.

Elementary Tags

This is an Explosion of Elementary Tags! All sorts of tags to choose from are included in this element pack! Each tag is made from lined elementary paper! The tags come straight and curled!Elementary Tag Explosion includes 24 tags, 12 straight and 12 curled. Not all are shown in preview.

Both are 20% OFF today only!

OK... really! I must get up and start to clean!

Three Months....

Happy Three Month Birthday to my Lucas! Does anyone else think this is going waaay fast? I need to take his monthly picture with the Pooh Bear today.

Yesterday's Pediatric visit was somewhat funny. My 3 month old is 15 lbs and 2 oz.... and he also has swimmer's ear! What the heck! Totally my mom's fault, she gave him his bath when we were visiting there last week, and I distinctly remember my sister standing next to me asking if his ears were supposed to be underwater like that.

(sigh) Anyways! We have special drops to put in his ear for the next few days.

I got another page done... and I think this is one of my new favorites....

Journaling reads: milk breath, sweetly sighing, all is well in the Land of Nod.

For credits see HERE.

I have an actual paid photo shoot tonight. I was supposed to do it Friday night, but that was the night tornadoes rolled through and the cars broke. So we rescheduled for tonight. Its going to be of a darling 18 month old boy. So cute!

Nate is gone the next couple days... he took a few of the Youth Group boys on a Backpacking trip.

BREAKTHROUGH! Seth hadn't gone number 2 in 2 days.... so we had him n.a.k.e.d and asking him constantly if he had to go... to which he always replied "Yot Yet." (Seth-speak for "not yet"). All of a sudden he said "Gotta P.O.O.P!" ran to the toilet by himself and proceeded to go. YESSS! He also tore all the TP to bits, but ah well, we'll let that slide, LOL!

My Blue Eyed Boy....

Tagged! And this time I was Tagged by Theresa. (thanks girlie!)

So here goes:

Four of my favorite jobs:
1. Digi Designing! (really!)
2. Photographer
3. First Grade teacher
4. Photographer at Camp Toccoa

Four of my favorite local places
1. Pitsburgh Zoo
2. Pierson Park
3. Ross Park Mall
4. The Waterfront (and PF CHang's ;)

Four of my favourite foods
1. chocolate
2. Starbucks' cinnamon dolce latte
3. shrimp & filet mignon
4. ice cream, with chocolate in it

Four of my favorite international places
1. London
2. Scotland
3. Egypt
4. Australia

Four names of people I am tagging
1. Shawna
2. Kellie P
3. Kimberly
4. Amy

And can you believe it? I have gotten some scrapping done! (clap clap!) YAY!




Credits: Andrea Burns: Brown paper (Elemental: Lunar kit) Orange paper (Elemental: Solar kit) Red Paper (Elemental: Fire kit) and buttons (Buttons Galore coming this thursday) For the rest of the credits see HERE.

Journaling reads: precious smile softly cooing snuggling close breathe deep my Blue Eyed Boy

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We had a really rough day with Lucas yesterday... he just kept crying and crying and he wouldn't eat all day.... Last night when Nate was bathing him he realized that whenever he touched his ear he would scream even louder! Poor baby! It looks like he might have an ear infection... so I'm taking him in at 1:30 today. I nursed him in the football hold last night and this morning and that helps.

I just feel bad that we didn't figure it out earlier... Seth has never been sick, can you believe it? Never thrown up or anything, so with Lucas its like learning from the beginning, LOL!

Nate did eventually get the Corolla together and we did get to the 2 parties. Today he is working on the Jetta.

Happy Monday!

Doh!

Nothing much today.... LOL! Can you believe that BOTH our cars broke yesterday? Nate was changing out the back struts in the corolla and everything is rusted, so its taken forever and sitting in pieces. THEN, when I was at the park ready to run, the window in the Jetta fell down, off the motorized track. So back home I went... turns out the piece holding it up broke in half... and the VW dealership/parts isn't open today! So 2 cars are out of commission!

I really hope that Nate can get at least the Corolla together, b/c there are 2 Graduation Open House parties that I have really been looking forward to going to today.

In other news.... we have been p.o.t.t.y training a bit here! We've been keeping Seth n.a.k.e.d for the last 3 days. Guess who has had only 2 accident in those 3 days! Yay, I'm proud! But then again, I've got him p.e.e.i.n.g every half hour, LOL! Right now he's outside "helping daddy" in his Spidey-Man u.n.d.e.r.p.a.n.t.s... hopefully keeping himself dry!

Remember the movie Clueless? LOL~ what a classic!! It's the Pretty in Pink of my generation (mid 90's high school). I watched it again last night, and just giggled at the clothes and slang. So funny how that movie started so many common terms now... "As If" "Whatever" and if you were a "cool girl" like me (umm... not so much) I bet you wore thigh high stockings with a mini skirt and chunky boots too. (snicker).

Oh yeah! Guess who was featured in this month's Ready Set Create issue? YAY, its totally fun! Check it out!

Home....

Because painting with Nunkie Butch (his uncle) and making muscles is better than going to bed any night! LOL! Maryland was GREAT, and my sisters really enjoyed meeting their new nephew.

New today at TDC!

Curled Tag Explosion

This is an Explosion of Curled Tags! All sorts of Tags to choose from are included in this element pack! All tags come straight AND curled! They are natural colored to match any and every layout and project! Curled Tag Explosion includes 20 Tags. 10 straight and 10 curled.

Curled Flower Explosion

This is an Explosion of Curled Flowers! All sorts of flowers to choose from are included in this element pack! All flowers are mix and match! Layer them, or leave them as they are! Curled Flower Explosion includes 9 flowers and 9 brads.

Both are 20% off today!

My World....

For credits see HERE.

Journaling reads: Not a day goes by that I don't experience every emotion given to women. The three of you give me an abundance of love, joy, frustration, and fear. In this often dark world, it is the three of you who give me color and light in every shade imaginable.

And here is another gem from that quick shoot of Lucas... I like both versions, LOL!

My little Chunky Monkey!

Not much new to report here.... Nate and I are off to Maryland for a couple days, so I won't be back to post till Thursday. My sisters can't wait to meet Lucas. I'm actually supposed to be packing and getting the house ready and such... but here I am procrastinating, LOL!

Let me tell you something quickly about my father. He has done something so annoying....

He has taught Seth to call him by his first name. Oscar. My dad has earned a special name (He is Abuelo to my boys) and yet he keeps encouraging Seth to call him Oscar. So now whenever Seth sees him or hears that he is coming, he just yells "OSCAAAAARRR!"

Grrr! Its kinda cute in the same sense, but come on! Everyone else can call my dad by his first name... not my boys! This will be so fun to try and break, LOL!

Coolio....

Just something I made with my new kit....

And Check It Out!!! I'm so excited about that.... LOL!

Great news in the Burns' household.... Seth finally went number 2 on the potty! My word, what a battle that was! Its off to Chuck E Cheese for dinner, LOL!

Take a look at what I caught this morning......

awww.....