Nat & Derek....

Here are photos I took of my cousin and her boyfriend... they were such naturals! And willing to do whatever, LOL! I adore how these turned out! These were done on North Beach, Miami.

Miami, Part 2

So, not all of my Miami trip was sadness. There were some good times mixed in.

We stayed at my Tia's (aunt's) house, because her house has more room than my Abuela's (grandmother's). Everyday was so great because I got to eat foods I hadn't had in the longest time, awesome Cuban Cuisine. My Abuela can cook! And she doesn't have any of these recipe's written down, so I was watching and writing stuff down all week. I can not wait to make her Arroz con Pollo (chicken and rice) very soon!

Wednesday we didn't do anything. We were all zonked from being up so late at the funeral home the night before, and of course we were still grieving. We did walk on down to the beach. Tia lives about a half mile from North Miami Beach, and because its a residential area, the beach is not crowded with tourists.

Thursday we went through my Abuelo's few belongings and split most of it between my father and my Tia. I've already mentioned what I was able to keep (shirt, bible, photos & letters). Thursday afternoon I went and did a bit of shopping with my cousin Nataly. There is a 9 year age difference between us. I've never felt so dumpy and dowdy in my life.... browsing in shops on South beach while these beautiful twiggy latina's and surgically enhanced blondes milled around me. It did make me more determined to lose this weight! That evening right after dinner, Nataly, her boyfriend Derek, and I ran to the beach for an impromptu photo shoot.

I am in love with these pictures! They came out so beautifully and natural looking! I'm still proofing, but you'll love them when you see them too!

Friday we spent the afternoon at Aventura Mall, where I found a dress at Gap. I had been eyeing this dress forever, and lo and behold, it was on sale for half price and in my size! (Ok~ a size smaller.... but my usual dress size, minus baby weight.) after the mall we went to the Ceviche House for dinner. Ceviche is a Peruvian dish of fish. The fish has not been cooked traditionally, it is mixed with onions, cilantro, and lots of lemon juice. The lemon juice "cooks" the fish in the fridge, and it is a cold dish. YUMM! I have my family's recipe if you are interested, just leave me a little post.

(sidenote.... I am Cuban, but I spent the first 5 yrs of my life in Peru, so we have some food dishes from there as well.)

After dinner my Tia, who loved Nataly's photos, wanted some pictures of her and her boyfriend, so off to the beach we went again! These also turned out beautifully!

Saturday morning we hit the beach again one last time. There really is no beach like Miami beach. Clear green water, and fairly shallow quite a ways out. After our lunch, I packed up and off to the airport to come home.

I was really lucky on all my flights. (I had 4, a layover each time.) I had registered Lucas as "Infant in Arms" because they are free that way up until 2 yrs. I only ended up holding him on the very first flight to Cinci. The other 3 flights had an open seat next to me and I was allowed to bring his carseat on the plane and set him up next to me. He was a champ and slept or cooed on all the flights.

The Elemental Collection

I am so excited to present to you, the Elemental Collection!

Air

Air is the first kit in the Elemental Collection. It features soft and airy colors, and dreamy butterflies. Air includes 6 papers that have been artfully worn and distressed. Also included in the kit are 3 brads, 3 flowers, 2 frames, 2 tags, 2 ribbons, a swirl, and word art.

Earth

Earth is the second kit in the Elemental Collection. It features the warm and earthy colors of the world we live in, and a couple bugs as well. Earth includes 6 papers that have been artfully worn and distressed. Also included in the kit are 3 bug bubbles, 2 folded flowers, 2 tags, 2 word art, a frame and photo corner made from dirt, a ric rac frame, ric rac photo edge, and a felt vine.

Fire

Fire is the third kit in the Elemental Collection. It features the swirls and passionate colors of light that fire gives us. Fire includes 6 papers that have been artfully worn and distressed. Also included in the kit are 3 gems, 2 flowers, 2 frames, 2 ribbons, 2 tags, 2 word art, and 1 glittered edge.

Lunar

Lunar is the fourth kit in the Elemental Collection. It features the dark and moody side of night, along with some celestial influence. Lunar includes 6 papers that have been artfully worn and distressed. Also included in the kit are 2 flowers, 2 frames, 2 ric racs, 2 tags, 1 bead trim, 1 gem, 1 knocker, 1 moon, and 1 star.

Solar

Solar is the fifth kit in the Elemental Collection. It features many of the colors of the sun in all its warm glory. Solar includes 6 papers that have been artfully worn and distressed. Also included in the kit are 2 flowers, 2 brads, 2 frames, 2 sun bubbles, 2 tags, 1 beadstrip, 1 sunburst, 1 word art, and 1 tied ribbon.

Water

Water is the sixth kit in the Elemental Collection. It features shades of blue with a touch of wet green. Water includes 6 papers that have been artfully worn and distressed. Also included in the kit are 2 flowers, 2 buttons, 2 tags, 2 gems, 1 beadtrim, 1 brad, 1 heart, 1 frame, 1 glittered wave, and 1 splash of water.

And the whole collection~

Elemental Collection

The Elemental Collection includes all six of the beautiful kits featuring the elements all around us. All kits are completely mix and match and is sure to bring that special touch to your special page. Each kit includes 6 papers and a variety of elements.

All of the kits, and the entire collection is on sale for 20% off from now until Wed. May 23!

Miami, Part 1

Hello, Hello!

Sorry about that... I kinda left everything hanging, didn't I? Everything became so rushed and to the last minute, I hardly had time to breathe.

Monday we finally got the word that they were going to perform an autopsy of my Abuelo Monday evening, and that they weren't quite sure when his funeral would be. So to be safe I booked a flight at 7 am Tuesday morning, and planned on staying through Saturday so that I knew I would be sure to be there for the funeral.

Tuesday we were up and getting ready at 4 am, so that we could leave the house by 5, to be to the airport by 6. PHEW! Rush! I waited in a long security line, which surprised me for it being 6:30 am, but made it ontime to the plane. I had an hour layover in Cincinnatti, and then from there all the way to Miami.

Driving back to my Tia's I learned that my Abuelo had diabetes and a heart condition that together caused a hardening of his arteries. He died basically of a heart attack. We also found out that We (my parents had also just flown in) had just made it, b/c Abuelo's viewing/ funeral was that night.

Now, Cuban viewing/ funerals are very different from english ones. Usually at an english viewing, you stand in line, you say you are sorry for their loss, and then you go home. Cuban viewings are often 24 hours long, by my Abuelo's was only from 6 pm till 11 pm. And EVERYONE showed up, and stayed the whole time. It was kinda like a party.... without the food and laughter. At 10 pm my dad said a few words and then my tia's pastor gave a short message. We finally left about midnight, and by the time we got back to my tia's I had been up 22 hours.

It was really great to see family I hadn't seen in 5, 10, and 15 years. Many of them made comments about how much I'd changed and how beautful Lucas was... (I had to leave Seth home...) I heard a lot of "Aye que linda!" which is a spanish endearment for children and their cuteness, LOL!

(I'm not sure I've ever mentioned it... but my dad is 100% Cuban. Born there and all. My Abuelo brought the family over to Miami right before Castro came into power. I am 50% cuban, my maiden name is Lopez. I was fully bilingual as a child, and sadly just semi-bilingual now. My kiddos are now Quarter-cuban.)

My Abuelo was a special man... he only had a 6th grade education, and he really did accomplish some great things. He was able to build his own house here, and my grandparents were able to "pay the way" for other family members. Back in the 50's and 60's they paid around $2000 (a HUGE sum back then!) and then new family would be able to come over from Cuba, and then my Abuelo helped them build their houses here.

Thursday morning all of us went through some of his belongings and split some of the stuff up. It was neat to see his treasured photo album of us granddaughters (nietas) and then photos of the boys stuffed in. I was ble to keep an old work shirt of his, some photos and letters, and my favorite, his old beat up Bible. Its missing its cover, but thats OK. It makes me giggle because its a spanish catholic bible... and now an english protestant has it, LOL! I really love it though because he has a tab on the Book of Job. My Abuelo had some tough years, and he didn't think much of himself, so seeing that tab takes on a whole new meaning.

Well... I'll save everything else for a new post, all the happier stuff and photos. I was able to get in 2 amazing photo shoots of my Tia and her boyfriend and my cousin and her boyfriend on Miami Beach.

Its good to be home!

On This Mother's Day...

This morning the Lord called home my Abuelo (my grandpa.)

I haven't yet heard the reason... though my tia (aunt) just talked to him last night, we are thinking something fast like a heart attack. All of my family are still waiting to hear details... they haven't released his body yet to the family, so we don't even know about a funeral day yet.

I am so sad, and I am grieving.

Two Months....

Lookie who's two months young now? Lucas has completely lost his newborn look... in fact he really has chunked up and become "all baby" LOL!

I am so tickled with myself! I finally got around to scrapping a couple pages! Its only been 9 weeks right? LOL~ here are my first couple layouts for Lucas~

Michelle Coleman's Chelsea's Dream paper, ScrapArtist Simple Pleasure's buttons, tag, and frame, Amber Clegg's stamped hearts, Nancie Rowe Janitz's stamped dates, Holly McCaig's stitched alpha, and Natalie Braxton's Big Ribbon. Batik font.

Journaling reads "who knew something so small would take up so much room in my heart?"

Sonbird Avenue's Folk Art kit by Jan Crowley, Meredith Fenwick, and Shabby Princess. Pea Jenny & P22 Dearest Swash Fonts.

Journaling reads: When we first met, I was so overwhelmed to see you. You looked so tiny to be making all of that noise! But once you were laid on my chest you quieted down, and then nuzzled in. You were mine, my new boy, we had been waiting a long time for you. And here you were just looking at me with all the wisdom of the world. It was like you were telling me, “I’m here, and now the adventure can begin.”

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Today Seth gave me a wonderful early Mother's Day present. He ruined Lucas' baby book. He found a pen and scribbled everywhere, on every surface! On Lucas' ultrasounds, on my pictures, all over the pages! Lucas' footprints from in the hospital... the signatures of his visitors, all things I can't recreate! I was beyond livid. In fact, I offered him up for sale over at the Digi Chick.

The only solution we can come up with is to get a new baby book for Lucas, and me start over.

The stuff that I can't recreate, I'll just have to cut out of the old book and paste into the new. (GAG. I don't want too... but the old book is beyond ruined.)

Excited....

Well, I did it! I finished the collection. And it's really yummy if I say so myself! So in celebration~

Mark Your Calendars!

Friday, May 18 at 9 pm EST, come to a special chat at The Digi Chick's chat room!

The Collection debuts that night in the Boutique. Come and chat with me! You just might win the ENTIRE collection of SIX kits!

Want an exclusive sneek peek? Here you go.....

Can anyone guess what the collection might be? LOL!

Burn Baby Burn....

For some reason I've been receiving Fitness Magazine in the mail lately... LOL~ I didn't order a subscription. BUT~ there was some neat info in there I thought I'd share.

*Stand up activities, like RUNNING burn more calories at a higher level than those in which your weight is supported, such as cycling.

*Myth: Mile per mile Running & Walking Burn the Same. Not even close. Running is a more energetic activity, becasue you're jumping off the ground with each stride. Per mile, RUNNING burns about twice as many calories.

Calorie Burners: (based on a 140 lbs weight. You burn more if you weigh more, burn less if you weigh less.)

Running, moderate 10- minute miles burns 640 calories per hour.
Stadiums (running stairs) burns 480 calories per half hour.
Trail Running burns 575 calories per hour.
Walk-Jog intervals burns385 calories per hour.
Power walking (about 4 mph) burns 320 calories per hour.

Workouts that keep working: Push yourslef completely in the red for 60 seconds.... as in run as fast as you can for the last minute of your run.

Feel the beat: Research shows that music helps you move faster without feeling like you're working harder.

Take it outside: You may go a lot faster when you walk or jog outdoors, which burns more calories.

Turn up Your Daily Burn: Caffeinated coffee can be a matabolism booster, as can green tea. The result isn't dramatic, a few calories a day, but every little bit adds up. (PLUS~ its a dieretic... suppresses appetite, LOL!)

Cool, huh?

Tagged....

I was tagged by Kim to tell 7 facts about myself, here goes:

Here are the rules: Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. You need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

I used to be a very outgoing person , but in the last few years I have actually become pretty shy.

I am slightly OCD. I must have the same number of candy, chips, etc. And they must be an even number. For instance, I can't just eat 3 m&m's.... it must be 4.

I play the flute. I have played the flute for 18 years! I've played in Giant Stadium, Disney World, in the Wimbledon Center in London for the Queen, and Biltmore Estate. I currently lead a flute ensemble in my church.

I have 2 tatoos. I used to have 9 piercings... but now its down to 3 (today, LOL! ;)

I once did something so wild in college, I'm sure they'd revoke my diploma if anyone read it... being that it was a small Christian College. Get your minds out of the gutter! NOTHING like that! I can't even write it, b/c I'm sure some of my youth group girls read, ROFLOL! But if Steph Cooper reads this.... remember the drive to NY? With the BB guns and the mountains? BWAHAHAHA!

I married my college sweetheart, and he's the only man I have ever been with.

I think I have winter depression... I need sunshine to live happily, I think.

Tag your it:

Carrie Stephens
Kimberly Giarrusso
Melanie Colosimo
Sarah Petrie
Theresa Hernandez

OK, I know that's only 5... but if 2 more of you would like to do it, Awesome! :)

Never a Bridesmaid.... till now

Ssshhh... I'm not supposed to be doing this right now! I'm really supposed to be in the attic Spring Cleaning with Nate. Its so gross up there....

Look what I caught.... Lucas' first smile on camera. Isn't he just so sweet? And can you see his eyes? I really hope they stay blue. Just like his daddy's!

Yesterday I was asked to be in a wedding party this coming December. I felt so honored! Its a friend of mine in my church, and I just know its going to be such an elegant affair. I've never been a bridesmaid before. I was my sister's matron of honor, but you know how that is, LOL! All my friends in college asked me to photograph the wedding... never become part of it, LOL! ;) So I was so happy yesterday when Kierstin asked me.

Oops! Nate caught me, I have to dash... back to the attic I go!

Spring has finally Sprung....

Isn't little miss Hailey just a doll? This shoot proved to be rather difficult, because I did alot of backlighting. Also, the sunlight was still pretty strong, even though this was done at 5:30 pm. A couple may seem soft, but its becasue I added a softening/ glow conversion to them, and they look much nicer in their real size. And how about the Vintage Conversions? Aren't they cool too?







Seth jumped in for one too.... Can anyone spy something a bit naughty? ROFLOL!

Well, I have a very busy past few days. yesterday I had to cook and clean for some dinner guests last night. All this morning I was finally packing away my maternity clothes and bringing out my summer stuff. Yet, also, I was cleaning out the attic a bit and weeding out clothes I know I won't wear anymore.

I have been doing really great with keeping up with my running. I am up to 3 miles at a time now. Yes, its slow, but I'll build my speed as my endurance grows. I am so excited to tell you that in 2.5 weeks of running and cutting back on portions, and cutting out sweets... I'm already down 5 lbs and a pant size! WOOT! 10 lbs to go to get back to pre-pregnancy weight.

Now... I just mentioned that I cooked for some guests last night, and I am about to share a yummy recipe with you! Very easy and very tasty!

Lemonade Pie

2 (5 oz) cans evaporated milk

2 (3.4 oz) pkgs lemon pudding mix

2 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

2 (3 oz cream cheese) cream cheese, softened

1 (12 oz) can frozen lemonade concentrate, partially thawed

1 ready-made prepared graham cracker crust

Garnishes: whipped cream, fresh mint sprigs, lemon slices

1. Whisk together evaporated milk and pudding mix in bowl 2 minutes or until thickened.

2. Beat cream cheeses at medium speed with a mixer until fluffy. Add lemondae concentrate, beating until blended; add pudding mixture and beat till blended.

3. Pour into crust; freeze 4 hours or until firm. Garnish if desired.

YUMM!

May 2....

Just a quickie of the kiddos this morning.... Its their first time matching. LOL~ half of you are going "Awwww..." the other half are gagging. ;)

I have a fun photo shoot this afternoon... a green field filled with yellow flowers... there will be a little girl and possibly some angel wings and twirling! I am excited!

Happy May!

Well, now I really have seen it all, LOL!

Yesterday as I was running on the fitness path at our local park.... I saw a woman on the path pushing her dog in a stroller.

And yes, the dog was wearing a leash as well. Wow. (giggle)

Did You Know??

At three minutes and four seconds after 2:00 on the 6th of May this year, the time and date will be 02:03:04 05/06/07. This will never happen again, and I think that this is pretty cool and amazing.

Thoughts....

Are any of ya'll Tara Whitney fans? I really enjoy her blog and I really enjoy her wonderful photography. She has really been the one to inspire me the past year or so.

Well, if you read down her blog a bit you'll see that she shares an impactful story about a family who lost their newborn son, because his foot tangled in his umbilical cord.

Click HERE for the story.

Its really just had me thinking the past few days... see~ remember Lucas' cord was wrapped in a knot, and we didn't discover it until after his birth. The story Tara shared makes me realize just how serious it could have been, and now Lucas is even more precious to me.

And on a related note, have any of you seen the new Gerber Baby commercial? The one where the women are laboring and giving birth? Then Gerber closes by saying they are "proud that they come in a strong second for working hard for babies"? That commercial makes me cry.

every. time.

New Discovery....

Some from yesterday... kinda Urban in feel! I just discovered this garage door... and its been in my backyard this whole time, ROFLOL! Can you believe that?

This first one is in response to me asking him to show me his "Mommy Face." LOL!

I can't get over how grown up he looks in these photos! Where has my first baby doll gone?

This is the 2nd night in a row of bad nights with Lucas.... we were doing so well with him getting up at 4 and then again at 7! Man~ the last 2 nights its been 2, 5:30, and 7. We are pooped! We are thinking of switching him from the cradle in our room to the crib. We kept Seth in the cradle till he was 5 mos! (But he was sleeping through the night by 10 weeks.) Maybe we'll do the switch at 8 weeks for Lucas....

IE: Lucas' portraits, I was able to somewhat re-create what I wanted at home yesterday, but need to do some touch ups today.

I "jogged" for the first time yesterday, I did 1 mile and then speed walked another. I am sore today but am anxious to get out there again.

I am so procrastinating... There is alot of work for me to do!

Disappointed....

Ok~ So I took Lucas to A Picture People yesterday.

(sigh)

I should have known better. BUT~ I don't have lights and backdrops, and I wanted my new little one's "official" photos to go up and be similar to Seth's first photo's KWIM?

Anyways, the pics were NOT that great. Thier whites were pretty hot, and they caught alot of weird faces that Lucas made... along with chopped limbs and edges of the blanket exposed, and their close ups of his face were waaaay too dark b/c the "photog" (HA!) cast a shadow.

I do admit that I did buy a pose, just to get his pic up on the wall next to Seth. But I am mad b/c of these poor quality pics, and I can't afford my own light system yet, NOR afford the kind of photographer who is quality, KWIM?

So I am going to try and recreate what I REALLY wanted today.

A photog aquaintance told me to "to the chalk board and write 100 times..... I will never give money to the picture people again......."

LOL!

Yesterday wasn't a total bust. Old Navy was having a great sale and I picked up 3 shirts for $30. I am loving that flowy empire/ kimono shirts are in style right now! Perfect for post-partum bodies!

And on that note, I had my 6 week post-partum check up yesterday, and am all clear for everything! RUNNING here I come! I start today. I plan on running one mile and speed walking a second. I'll do this for 2 weeks and add another mile to it.

I stuck a Running Updater over to the right, so ya'll can keep up... and hopefully keep me motivated! I have got to shed 15 lbs by July. Totally doable!

So Snuggly!

Here is the newest of my 12 lbs chubster in all his chunky glory. I love his chunky thighs, LOL! I wanted to get some shots of those too... but being a boy he wanted to display proudly...urm... other things, LOL!

Have Some Lemonade....

Pink Lemonade Complete Collection (click me)

The Pink Lemonade Charity Collection was designed in loving memory of Lorenzo Bela Rissolo who lost his battle with neuroblastoma on May 21, 2004 at just 16 months of age. We honor his memory with this beautiful kit that so many talented designers generously contributed their time to help create. All proceeds from this collection will be donated to Alex's Lemonade Stand.

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (a registered 501c3 public charity) is a unique foundation that evolved from a young cancer patient's front yard lemonade stand to a nationwide fundraising movement to find a cure for childhood cancer. Since Alexandra "Alex" Scott (1996-2004) set up her front yard stand at the age of four, more than $10 million has been raised towards fulfilling her dream of finding a cure for all children with cancer. Lorenzo had the same form of cancer that Alex had. She lost her battle not long after Enzo.

This complete collection includes all 32 patterned papers, 11 solid papers both complete element packs and the pre-made album at a considerable savings over buying them separately. Contributing designers include:

Amanda Stevens
Andrea Burns
Barb Speck
Bree Clarkson
Bren Taylor-Boone
Helena Jole
Kathy Moore
Katie the Scrapbook Lady
Kim Hill
Lena Brandenburg
Sherrie Looper (SherArt Designs)
TaniaJPS
Theresa Hernandez

Chubby Chunkerson....

I had a long day filled with stuff yesterday, so I thought I'd fill you in.

We had Lucas' 1 month appnt yesterday morning. Can we say CHUNK?

12 lbs 4 oz
22 in

Four pounds in one month!

The doc was like, "You don't supplement?" I just LOL! Then he started talking about how he doesn't want Lucas to get "fat" so he suggested that when we feel the time is right to go ahead and start some cereal. He said that BM is much more caloric per ounce than cereal. Dude, whatever, I'm not feeding cereal quite yet.

He also suggested we use some Hydrocortizone for Lucas' baby acne, and that we wash some of our (adult) shirts in Dreft to see if that helps.Then, I asked him about Lucas' u.r.e.t.h.r.a. See I've noticed that his u.r.e.t.h.r.a is like a round hole, rather than a split. Doc took a look and said, "Yep, thats gonna be a problem later."

He says that if the hole doesn't grow with Lucas and "split" like it should, we are looking at having to see a Urologist and some surgery to "widen" it up.

Heaven help me!

You know... I don't think it is very often you ask your Doc if your one month old will be able to have a family one day, LOL!

After that I drove to Pittsburgh for the day. Nate is there a few days this week at Conference and I wanted to catch up with a couple other Youth Pastor's wives in the district.

Oh! Lucas only got up once last night.. at 4 am.. then again at 7... so hopefully thats progress.

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I heard the neatest make-up tip the other day on the Today Show. You know how sometimes you knock your blush or eyeshadow off the sink and then it shatters into a million pieces? And then you think its forever broken and ready to be trashed b/c of the fall?

Well, some make-up lady on the Today Show said to take a couple drops of rubbing alcohol and pour it into the broken mess. Then use a butter knife to press it all back down and together. After a couple minutes, when the alcohol has dried/ evaporated, it should be good as new!

Isn't that a neat trick?

Happy Thursday!

The Crocs Have Landed....

In the mail a few days ago we recieved a pair of Lime-Green Cayman Crocs for a certain little 2.5 yr old at our house.

Can I tell you..... Seth is in LOVE with his new shoes! He hasn't taken them off, LOL! He wore them all day and then insisted in wearing them to bed. I took this below picture at about 11 pm, while Seth was sweetly snoring.


After I took the pic, I quietly removed the shoes and put them on the floor. At about 6 am, Seth woke up and started screaming. He wanted his shoes! LOL~ he was so upset that they weren't in the bed anymore.

Since then he has worn them everywhere! He tried wearing them to church too, but I was able to talk him into his cowboy boots at least.

And here he is, just yesterday afternoon~

LOL~ Can you tell Daddy dressed him for the day? In a shirt too small. Now, I do believe that Seth was the one who unsnapped the Onsie.

And just b/c I can't leave him out... look who loves his Pooh Mobile? LOL~ doesn't it look like Lucas is going "YAY!"

And here is sweet Lucas at one month old. I'm telling you, this baby boy has really chubbed up the last week, and he's lost a lot of that newborn look. His One month Checkup is tomorrow and I am anxious about hearing his weight. (This is his first checkup... our Ped doesn't do the one or two week check like most docs do.)

****************

In my personal world, I am feeling stressed out. Taxes are due today, and we are getting them in the mail as I type. We owe, again, but thats not really a surprise b/c Nate is considered Self Employed. This is where its a bit discouraging being Clergy... our taxes are so complicated. We are considered Slef Employed... even though a church employs us. We also live in a Parsonage (a house that belongs to the church ) that is a perk and benifit to us, yet we have to pay taxes on that. Uggg.

I am also stressed b/c Nate is leaving for 3 days and nights for Prayer Conference in Pittsburgh. He was gone for a few days last week too, and it is hard work to mind after a toddler and a newborn by myself so long.

***************

I posted this a couple different places, but in case you missed it.....

I know that the country is focused on the terrible tradgedy that happened at VA Tech yesterday....

and when I called my mom (In MD) to talk about it, she mentioned another story making headlines in Baltimore. I wish it was National News too, b/c How SAD and Heartbreaking is this?

Some MONSTER went to a playground and poured Sulfuric Acid on a slide. And then a sweet little 2 or 3 yr old boy slid down the slide, and is now in the Hossy with 3rd degree burns on his bum and "other" area.

This really makes me ill and so sad! My mom warned me to check the slide before we let our son go down, and I warn you to do the same. Just make sure it is dry!

Here is the newspaper story on it~

Boy burned by acid on school slide

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Scrap-Related~ I have a huge and fantastic Collection Idea! Just letting you know that something neat is coming your way... ;)

Profound....

Lately, I've been spending much more time over at ILP. You know...... you think you know things, or you think you have a talent for something. And then you stumble across a forum of professionals and hobbyists... and you realize there is SO MUCH MORE to learn and grow. I am just in awe of some of the images created and posted over there. It makes me feel truly humbled as a photographer. It makes me ITCH to do more. Make my images come even more alive. I am thirsting for more, more, more.....

And then I found myself getting frustrated. By lack of equipment, lack of time, lack of... "whatever."

Until I read this. I am about to share something profound. You can read it as a photographer, as it is meant... or very easily apply it to digital scrapbooking, or whatever art form is in your life.

A very cool and very different photographer wrote it~ her name is Cheryl Jacobs... be sure to check out her site.

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What Every Aspiring Photog Should Know


- Style is a voice, not a prop or an action. If you can buy it, borrow it, download it, or steal it, it is not a style. Don't look outward for your style; look inward.

- Know your stuff. Luck is a nice thing, but a terrifying thing to rely on. It's like money; you only have it when you don't need it.

- Never apologize for your own sense of beauty. Nobody can tell you what you should love. Do what you do brazenly and unapologetically. You cannot build your sense of aesthetics on a concensus.

- Say no. Say it often. It may be difficult, but you owe it to yourself and your clients. Turn down jobs that don't fit you, say no to overbooking yourself. You are no good to anyone when you're stressed and anxious.

- Learn to say "I'm a photographer" out loud with a straight face. If you can't say it and believe it, you can't expect anyone else to, either.

- You cannot specialize in everything.

- You don't have to go into business just because people tell you you should! And you don't have to be full time and making an executive income to be successful. If you decide you want to be in business, set your limits before you begin.

- Know your style before you hang out your shingle. If you don't, your clients will dictate your style to you. That makes you nothing more than a picture taker. Changing your style later will force you to start all over again, and that's tough.

- Accept critique, but don't apply it blindly. Just because someone said it does not make it so. Critiques are opinions, nothing more. Consider the advice, consider the perspective of the advice giver, consider your style and what you want to convey in your work. Implement only what makes sense to implement. That doesn't not make you ungrateful, it makes you independent.

- Leave room for yourself to grow and evolve. It may seem like a good idea to call your business "Precious Chubby Tootsies"....but what happens when you decide you love to photograph seniors? Or boudoir?

- Remember that if your work looks like everyone else's, there's no reason for a client to book you instead of someone else. Unless you're cheaper. And nobody wants to be known as "the cheaper photographer".

- Gimmicks and merchandise will come and go, but honest photography is never outdated.

- It's easier to focus on buying that next piece of equipment than it is to accept that you should be able to create great work with what you've got. Buying stuff is a convenient and expensive distraction. You need a decent camera, a decent lens, and a light meter. Until you can use those tools consistently and masterfully, don't spend another dime. Spend money on equipment ONLY when you've outgrown your current equipment and you're being limited by it. There are no magic bullets.

- Learn that people photography is about people, not about photography. Great portraits are a side effect of a strong human connection.

- Never forget why you started taking pictures in the first place. Excellent technique is a great tool, but a terrible end product. The best thing your technique can do is not call attention to itself. Never let your technique upstage your subject.

- Never compare your journey with someone else's. It's a marathon with no finish line. Someone else may start out faster than you, may seem to progress more quickly than you, but every runner has his own pace. Your journey is your journey, not a competition. You will never "arrive". No one ever does.

- Embrace frustration. It pushes you to learn and grow, broadens your horizons, and lights a fire under you when your work has gone cold. Nothing is more dangerous to an artist than complacence.

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wow.

Did I Say Sale?!?!?

Its a BIG Sale! 40% off of everything! PLUS 50% off saome items I am retiring forever. Yup, forever. So go stock up!

Andrea Burns Designs

50% Off Retirement of

April Day

Blue Nile

Little Miss Me

Little Rascal

Mudpuddles

(And sppppt! I am pulling the seperated paper and elements packs of my newest kits... so if you were eyeing , say just the Lovenote Elements, go grab them before you can only get them in the whole kit! :c) )

Easter 2007

What a day yesterday was, LOL!

Lucas gave us a horendous night's sleep Sat night/ Sun morn. He was up from 1:45 till 3:30, then again at 5 and 7. It made for a looong day yesterday.

But then last night he gifted us with an Easter Miracle, and slept till 4:30, and then was up around 7:30, and we all slept till almost 9.

Despite our exaustion yesterday, we had a good time with everyone. Nothing like your 2 year old Hopped up (hee hee) on no nap and all chocolate. We had a few time outs.

Anyways, dinner was great. My Pear & Raspberry Cobbler was divine! Recipe at bottom ;)

Anyways, here are some pictures from yesterday...

And the customary Family shot!

Pear-Raspberry Cobbler

Filling:

1 c sugar

3 TBS flour

1/4 tsp each nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger

4 lbs firm, ripe Bartlett Pears

1 TBS lemon juice

2 c frozen raspberries

Dough:
1 1/2 c flour

2 TBS + 2 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 c butter

1/2 c + 1 TBS buttermilk

Directions:
Preheat Oven to 350*.

Filling: In bowl mix sugar, flour, and spices. Peel and cube pears to core. Add pears, juice, and raspberries to sugar and mix. Pour into 13x9 baking dish.

Dough: In bowl mix flour, 2 TBS sugar, and salt. Cut in butter. Add 1/2 c buttermilk and stir to form dough. Between 2 sheets of floured wax paper, roll thin. Invert dough over filling, and cut a couple vents on top. Brush with remaining buttermilk and sprinkle with remaining sugar.

Bake 45-50 minutes, till the top is golden brown and juices are bubbling.

YUMM!

Good Friday

I love Spring & Summer. I'd love it even more if they ever decide to show up, LOL!

On this gloomy Good Friday it is currently 30* and snowing. I've never in my life before seen a snowy Good Friday. It is supposed to extend till Sunday, so I guess the Easter Egg hunt Gramma has planned for the kiddos might be inside... then again, maybe it'll be a neat memory if we take it outside, LOL!

Another reason I love Spring & Summer, are the skirts! YAY! I am very much a girly girl (if you haven't noticed by now, LOL!) and like to dress the part... when I actually leave the house. The last couple years I have very much been into wearing skirts during the summer. One, they are comfy and you instantly look pulled and put together. Two, shorts are really an unattractive piece of clothing! For me anyways.. they are just not flattering to my body type.

So, THANKS to my mom who gifted me with a bit o' post-partum-new-clothes-money and a gift card I already had for The Gap, I got the following the other day~

LOVE this stuff! I am ALL about the white skirt and the orange & yellow!

Want to know something funny? I had just gotten my Bath & Body Works mailer, and saw this purse~

Oh my word!! It totally matches my new outfits I got, and it is so cute and summery to boot. The best part? It was free! All I had to do was order ANYTHING on their website, and the bag (with some samples inside) was a promotional freebie with the code FREE4U . Go ahead and use it for yourself! I bought some Warm Vanilla Sugar & Mandarin Mango Bubble Baths. (We love bubble baths in the Burns house, and our B&BW had been out of these scents since before Christmas!)

Speaking of Purses... here is my current Princess Purse Insert that I am sporting in my Memory Purse~

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On this Good Friday, I pray that we all take time to remember and reflect what this day means. The sacrifice that our good Lord Jesus made on our behalf, just so that we might have a lifetime with Him later in Heaven.

I encourage you to spend some time in prayer today, thanking Jesus Christ for that gift of salvation, and repenting for wrongs we may have done Him.

Blessings to you all!

Recent Snapshots....

Hi everyone, I thought I'd share some recent snapshots of the kiddos!

I love this first one... it shows Lucas' size, and how little he looks on the bed. I have a similar one of Seth, and it amazes me when I look at it, to see how he's grown and stretched out. Don't you love the toys? LOL~ that is Seth so graciously sharing.

And here is Big Brother Seth, when I went to wake him from a nap. Goodness me, I opened his door and burst out laughing, b/c this is how he greeted me....

It made me giggle!

Just to let you know, I have a thing for the meanings of names. Lucas Elliot means Uplifted Light. Seth Edward means Appointed Guardian.... very appropriate for the eldest child... and these next 2 photos....

Aren't those just so sweet?

And finally, here is a picture of all the Burns' side cousins. Aunt Gen brought my beautiful nieces and nephew to meet Lucas last Monday, and I was able to get this cutie patootie shot. You might recognize them from my Photog website, LOL!

I can hardly believe that Lucas is almost 4 weeks old. It feels like it flew AND that it has been forever at the same time. Last night he gifted Nate and I with sleeping from 11:30 till 4 am. How precious those 4.5 hours were, LOL!

And can I tell you quickly how much I hate nw PA weather?!?! It was close to 80* on Monday and Tuesday. This morning we woke up to Snow everywhere, schools closing, and interstates being shut down. This is really when it gets on my nerves... like the weather can't make up its mind. The real kicker? All the beautiful Weeping Cherry Trees had just bloomed. And now they are covered in snow. (sigh)

Good News though! I am very excited to say that I ordered a Pantone Huey Monitor Calibrator this morning!

I can't wait to fix my colors! This calibrator is one of the cheapest on the market... but it is also one of the most Award Winning. Fun Times!

Happy Thursday!

The Rainbow Roper....

So, I'm about to yell at Seth for playing in the computer room closet.... when I see that my boy has gone and captured a rainbow....

Isn't that just like him?!?! <3

First Bit of Independence....

Guess who lost his umbilical cord yesterday? Awww... that makes me teary a bit. I feel like its their first declaration of independence... by shedding that lifeline.

Things are starting to get better here. Its taken 3 weeks, but I'm finally just starting to get the hang of 2 children. Adjusting from one to two was much harder than I thought!

Lucas is doing great... he is nursing very 2.5 to 3 hours. He actually had a few nights in a row where he has slept a 4.5 hour stretch. He still has a bit of baby acne and his bum is pretty sensitive, regardless of frequent diaper changes.

Seth still loves his brother, and he adores his father. Its his mother he is acting out against. I'm not sure if he is jealous or what, but Seth has taken to yelling "NO" at me, willfully disobeying, and even told me to "shut up" once. Its breaking my heart. And I know that by typing it... it may just look like terribly twos... but its not. Its his tone and the way he glares at me when he does it.

This morning when I was getting Seth dressed for church he was yelling at me... and it made me well up. I told Nate, "Why did I become a mother again? One child hates me, and the other solely looks at me for dinner."

This is just a stage right? I'd really like my darling Seth back.

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Thanks for all the well wishes and compliments about my website. I am still tweaking it here and there. I already have 2 more possible clients, and a possibly wedding in September. Fingers crossed!