Daddy's Day Weekend....

Camping was a blast and a success! Well.. if you discount the thunderstorm ALL of Friday night, LOL! We got into Rocky Gap State Park about 3 pm on Friday afternoon. Just as soon as we got the tent up, the rain just started pouring! The first night was difficult stuck with 2 kids in such a confined space. But the next morning was beautiful, and we went to the beach.



We had to return home Saturday afternoon, because Nate was preaching Sunday. And wouldn't you know... as soon as we loaded up the car to come home... down came the rain, again! Phew! We're talking about going again, soon, and for a longer period of time.

Father's Day Sunday was great! We had brunch at church, and Nate's message was sweet. We came home and after Lucas got up from his nap, we feasted on grilled fillet mignon and lobster tail! Nate insisted on grilling it himself, so who was I to argue? ;)


LOL, Lucas wasn't having much of photos that day, but my other 2 boys are handsome!

Our county suffered three HUGE water main breaks Sunday night, and we have been restricted in our water usage AND now we all have to boil water for the next 3 days due to contamination risks. I had to drive over to the next county, 3 store later, to find 2 gallons of drinking water. Soo... good times.

Super Ses....

My "Ses" is really into super hero's right now. He has this pair of Superman PJ's, complete with dashing cape, that he loves to wear ALL. The. Time.

Seth has entered a new phase... and its not one we like. He has started to "tell tales." He specifically called Nate a name the other night at dinner, that we BOTH heard... but for the next 10 minutes Seth changed his "tale" quite a few times. Its so sad, and it makes me nervous for the future, if he's already doing this now.

Speaking of wee beasties.....

All the kiddos are at home in their tank now. From left to right is Fox, Lola, Lil' Fella, & Grover. It really is fascinating to see them swim and eat. Its also neat to see the new creatures come out of our Live Rock... little hitchhikers!




This weekend we are going camping! How much fun! Tent, sleeping bags, S'mores and all. Seth is SO excited about this. I already have their Safety Tattoos set out to apply right before we leave, LOL!

Tag... I'm it!

I was just tagged by Priscilla, who now has her very own teeny Lucas.....

Random / Weird Facts About Me:

1. I cannot be in my house unless I am comfortably dressed. I will change into sweats, loose shorts immediately upon entering my house and heading to my room.
2. I really like Hannah Montana and Life with Derek on Disney (LOL P!)
3. I want a baby girl so bad, I can taste it! I need some pink and pierced ears in this house!
4. I love my new dentist and her receptionist (HI Beth!) I'd go and hang out with them and eat lunch with them if I could.. they are so cool and funny!
5. When no one is around... I may bust out a mean pirouette or plie in the kitchen....
6. squash makes me gag. I also hate cucumbers, but love pickles.
7. I love to rock the Sega Genesis with Seth... we are really good at Mickey Mania and The Lion King.

TAG! YOU are it.....

Poor Bubba....

Do you know, that in the 4 years of my having children... we've never experienced vomit in this house. And I always thought that when the day came, I'd have to call Nate to come home from work, b/c I would be too GROSSED out to help clean up.

Imagine to my surprise yesterday, as poor Lucas couldn't hold anything down... that it was me holding him, and me helping him over the bowl. It really is an amazing thing... to be a mother. To want to take away your child's pain. To look past your own fears, just to help your baby.

Poor darling... we have no idea what happened. After he woke up from his afternoon nap, it was just violent and the rest of the evening. He was listless and lied on me the whole evening. Lucas never spiked a fever or anything.... and its funny the thoughts that race through your head. I'd feel him burp or whimper and know what was coming... and you just feel so helpless.

He fell asleep for the night around 9:30 and woke up this morning as cheerful and normal as ever.

you....

::: you :::
snuggle
laugh in my ear
pat my shoulder
walk surprisingly tall
yell "DA!" and laugh at your own joke
scream murder at bathtime
pack food in your cheeks to store for months at a time
love "Lellefant"
love me
and that is the best
of all

{lucas elliot~14.5 months old}

Now Available....

What was once DST's June 2007 exclusive Designer kit....

can now be yours!

Summer Lovin'

Filled with soft and airy colors, these are perfect for golden afternoons and splashy beach pages.

Included in Summer Lovin' are 6 pages, 3 buttons, 3 raffia twill and 3 raffia bows, 3 tags, 2 flowers, 2 frames, 2 rub ons, 2 sets of stitching, 1 dragonfly, 1 wooden scallop, and 1 wordart.

Get it HERE!

This is perfect, b/c there is a store wide grab-bag going on now too!

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

In other news... yesterday we lived through a tornado! Tornados are rare around here, but after lunch the wind started blowing... the sky turned black, it was raining sideways. Just in time for the boy's naps, there was thunder shaking the house, and I saw tree branching waving madly. There was a HUGE "CRACK!!" and our power went out. One minute later I heard the sirens....

Turns out the lighting took down a huge tree a mile from our home, and it hit power lines and blacked out most of our community. Nate came home, via a new route, and being that I couldn't cook dinner, loaded us up and took us half an hour away for Japenese. (A shame... I know! LOL)

We returned home around 8:30 pm, to see that the lights were back on. All the schools have been cancelled today b/c of no power still, and there is plenty of clean up. Some people lost their homes in the next town over, and we aren't w/o damage. A tree branch fell on our car and scraped the side, but Nate thinks he can buff most of it out.

I'm, just so thankful we are safe!

Meet Lil' Fella....

A couple months ago, out of nowhere, Seth looked up at me and said oh-so-clearly,

"Mama, I want a Nemo fish, and I will call him Lil' Fella."

How could anyone resist that? Little did Nate or I know what was involved.

{Meet Lil' Fella}

And now.... $500 later......

((Groan!)) Saltwater tank, liverock, live plants, 3 crabs, care books, it all adds up so quick! Right now we only have 2 fish in there. Saltwater eco systems are fragile... you can only introduce so many fish at a time, so as to acclimate the water and plants to waste. There is also a shy Blue Damsel (bright blue with yellow tail) in there. We plan on getting a Royal Gramma (fushia head and yellow tail) and a Coral Beauty (purple body with rainbow sides) in the next couple weeks. And then that's it. We only have a 16 gallon tank, so for swim space, should only put 4 fish in there.

And there you have it.

Great Advice....

100 Things I’ve Learned About Photography

Thursday....

Happy LOST Season Ender day! Woot, can't wait for 8pm!

Thanks for all the lovely comments yesterday! I like that new pic of us...

And just because we haven't seen my little men in a while... here they are....


Love these shirts! the Thing shirts came from the Universal Studio store in the Orlando Airport.... And they did number up to Thing 5, and from child to adult sizing.... I haven't been able to find them online, but if you can, I'd love a link!

We've been doing a lot of landscaping and grass-seed planting in the past week. When we bought our house, everything was brand new inside, but nothing had been done outside. Everything was overgrown and misshapen, and definitely NO curb appeal. After we paint the exterior, I'll take the AFTER pic and share what we did... I think ya'll will be amazed!

along with our landscaping, we got our first small veggie garden going in the backyard.

We planted regular tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, green beans, sugar snap peas, and a blackberry bush. I couldn't find a green pepper plant anywhere... so maybe next year. I've also been told that the blackberries may not produce till next year, but that's OK. Nate and I have also been looking around at nice patio sets... but I'm not sure we can do one this year. Right now we have a 4 seater plastic table... but I LOVE this set at Target



Hmmm.. maybe an end of season sale might sway Nate, LOL!

I saw these in Parent's Magazine and wanted to share them here too... Have you seen these Safety Tattos?


Its a temporary Tattoo with your phone number, so that if you are at the zoo or park with your kid, and they get lost, your number is readily visible. I think I'm going to order some. Its only $20 for 30 tats.

I'm pretty excited. Tomorrow night I have a Bellies and Babies Photography seminar in Baltimore. Good times! This afternoon Nate and I head to our Community Office to finally get our Pool ID's... its part of our HOA here, and now we'll have membership to 15 pools in the area.

Seven Years in the Making....

Nate and I had a really fabulous anniversary. This anniversary, we didn't really exchange anything. It was really just about US, about our FAMILY.

We started the day by taking the whole Burns clan hiking on a nearby path. Last year we took everyone to the Zoo. Nate and I were talking about how we like the idea of doing something together as a family in the morning, and then date night. It kind of reaffirms what we pledged 7 years ago... commitment, family, unity....

A couple pictures, taken with my remote and a tripod at the side of our house~




Our very first teen-aged babysitter came over around 5 pm and Nate and I scooted out of there. We went to dinner at The Melting Pot. We had a cheese fondue appetizer, the Mojo-based Pacific Rim fondue dinner (with steak, chicken, shrimp, duck, pork, and pot stickers), and the Chocolate-Caramel fondue, with bits of brownie, cheesecake, marshmallows and other fruits and goodies.

It was just delicious! Here we are with our cheese fondue....



Afterwards we went to a movie! I love going to the theater, and when you have kids, that is just a luxury you don't get to experience anymore. We saw Indian Jones & The Crystal Skull.. and it was great. Good ole' classic Indy... with a few surprises.

We had a good night of holding hands and sweet nothings.... LOL! Perfect, I tell you!

7 Years of Luck

Seven years ago today, I married....
my best friend
my confidante
my rock
my balance
the best father to our boys
a goofball
a renaissance man
my heart....

Happy Anniversary Nate! I love you!

A new favorite song of mine.....

Awww..... Love!

me: "Nate! Look at this necklace! You can engrave your monogram on one side and a secret message on the other."

N8: "Uh huh."

me: "I'd get you "Don't be Rated G." {inside joke followed by maniacal laughter} "What would you get me?"

N8: " 'Chill out'. "

Anticipation

Anticipating Summer..... and all of its yumminess..... for dinner tonight.....

Summertime Chicken

1 cont. (8 oz.) lowfat plain yogurt
3 TBS balsamic vinegar
8 boneless chicken breast halves

Tomato-Mozzarella Topping

1 TBS olive oil
1 onion cut into 16 wedges
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 TBS water
1 pound plum tomatoes, cored, seeded, and chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
8 oz. (soft) mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2 inch dice
1 cup fresh basil, chopped

Chicken:
In small bowl whisk yogurt & vinegar and combine in plastic bag. Add chicken and marinate for 20 minutes. Heat Grill.

Tomato Topping:
Heat large skillet over medium heat. Saute onion 5 minutes. Add vinegar and water and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until liquid has reduced to a sauce, about 7 minutes.

Increase heat to med-high. Add tomatoes, salt, & pepper and cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool 2 minutes. Stir in Mozzarella and Chopped Basil.

Remove chicken from bag, and grill 4 minutes per side. Place chicken on Lg platter and scoop 1/4 cup topping on each piece.

**note: you want the cheese to still be chunky, NOT melted through.


Rosemary Potatoes

Preheat oven to 425*. Cut up red potatoes and put in a sealable bag.

Toss in 1/2 cup olive oil. Also toss in Rosemary Leaves (fresh or dried) garlic salt, and pepper to taste. Mix together well.

Line a baking pan with foil. Spread out potatoes evenly. Bake for 30 minutes, toss potatoes once during the duration of cooking.

Broil on HIGH for 3 minutes for a nice browning.


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 lemonade concentrate, beating until blended; add pudding mixture and beat till blended.

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

Delish!

Goodies....

Credits: Love, Seth, Wild Rumpus, and Crayon Alpha by Andrea Burns at TDC. Meredith Fenwick Stand Up flourish, Kate Hadfield star, Natalie Braxton alpha, Kelly Mize Epoxy Alpha.

Journaling reads: What a messy face, you crayon eater, you! I can't seem to keep you away from those thankfully non-toxic delights. You just look at me with those big eyes as if to say "More please!"

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

To my fellow sisters in Christ~

I wanted to share that recently I came across a neat Christian magazine geared towards real life women/ moms, and wanted to share it with ya'll too.

P31 Magazine

From the website:

What is the P31 Woman? The P31 Woman magazine is a full-color, 16-page monthly publication packed with information and inspiration. The articles challenge and inspire women on a wide range of topics, including spiritual growth, marriage, quiet times, organizing the home, parenting, managing busy schedules, developing friendships, prayer and mentoring. The magazine's biblically-sound content provides readers with a Godly perspective on the issues facing today's busy women.

It is shorter, but I find that the content is wonderful.... Sorry of this sounds like a commercial, LOL! But I just ordered a subscription, and I thought I'd pass the link in case any of ya'll wanted to help support their ministry.

Enjoy, and have a great day!

Portrait Party Goodness

A few weeks ago a dear friend of mine hosted a Portrait Party for me. I had a full day of 5 sessions. Here are some of my favorite images from that day...





OK, if that doesn't make you laugh, then you have no soul....










Portrait Parties are fun! I have been really blessed that my hostess set up sessions with all women that I totally want to befriend. Good times!

(all of the above taken with my new 17-55mm 2.8 lens)

Big Swing Scaredy Cat

I admit it....

I am afraid of heights.

Or, rather, I am afraid of falling from high spaces, LOL!

So, a couple weekends ago at Youth Retreat, I couldn't help but try the Big Swing during free time. I walked past the tall pole, I went right on by the Ropes course, I laughed out loud at the rock climbing.... are these people crazy?!?!

But a swing? Why not?




Here is a close-in crop of the above picture... I think my face says it all...


On the way down....

And back up again.... Nels, you nut!



And here, for you viewing pleasure.... the video of it all....

And after that? I went and Zip lined into the lake. I was on a roll, I tell ya!

Mother's Day Goodness....

Pictures of my booth at the Art Show on Saturday..... I hope to have made some great contacts and potential clients.


I'm really proud with how our display turned out. Nate did a great job with taking my sketch and turning it into reality.


I plan to use it as more shows become available, set it up at future Portrait Parties/ Open Houses... even when clients come to my home for consultations or sessions.

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

Mother's Day yesterday was just wonderful. If you remember last year my grandfather passed away, and, umm.... I was sort of forgotten.

This year the boys put their noggins together and really just made my whole day very special.


Here I am with my little Lights... the whole reason I can celebrate being a mother. These two are such gems and delights to me.

We went to Red Rock Canyon Grille for dinner, YUMM! They have such great rotisserie chicken. Delish! I also had their bread pudding... my thighs are feeling it today, LOL!

The boys got me a Lisa Leonard necklace I had pointed out to Nate one time.... the words on it really speak to me, really capture what motherhood is all about to me.


It is so gorgeous! I wore it all day, and just may put it on again for my foray to the Grocery store later.

Something else I am super proud of.... check out my very bright oldest son's signature on my Card......


Can you see it? I can! Isn't he just so smart?!?!

Happy Mother's Day to you lovely ladies out there......

Derwood Art Fair

There is an Art Fair at Derwood Alliance Church, in Rockville, MD.

It is tomorrow, Saturday, May 10, 10-2, where I have a Booth. Come on by to receive a coupon and enter a drawing for a free sitting.

There will be other booths as well, Watercolors, Handmade Cards, other Arts & Crafts, and Student Artwork for show. There will also be a Tea Shoppe with baked goods. Come on by for a good time!

All Sorts of New Stuff

All NEW!

Bead Alpha

This is a fabulous and fun alpha, where you can bead it yourself! Full alpha and number set, 21 styles of beads!

Get it HERE

Bracket Explosion 2


11 Sets of brand new brackets! Splatters, stained, cardboard.... even some overlays to grunge up your own papers!

Get it HERE

Glitter Brackets


12 Glittered brackets, all the colors of the rainbow! Colors to capture your fancy and add that perfect touch to your page! These match perfectly with my Watercolor Papers line.

Get it HERE

Watercolor Stripes


Watercolor Striped papers! A perfect companion to the whole Watercolor Solids Set. 16 papers in the Striped set. Make sure you check out the Glitter Brackets... they match!

Get it HERE

ALL 20% OFF Today!

An example by Novita.......



And... since I haven't shared a photo in a while, here is lovely Miss Elizabeth....




She did a little modeling for me a couple weeks ago. Be on the lookout... she is also my subject for my article on "Bokeh" in next month's Digital Artist Magazine.

Happy Thursday!

PSA 02

Another tip to store away....

Make sure to look BOTH ways when you come to a stop sign... lest you run into a jogger.

***like I was... yesterday. Yup... I got hit by a car. LOL!

I had already stepped off the curb, when a car comes zooming up to the stop. He was looking right the whole time, and then started to drive and turn left, thus clipping me in my right thigh. I looked him straight in the eye and said "What the HECK is Wrong with YOU?!?!" He asked if I was OK, I waved him off, and he sped away. Two men were waiting at the Bus Stop at the opposite corner, and were just looking at me with their jaws to the ground, asking if I was OK. Scared me more than anything, and I am perfectly fine... but I swear, some people! And Nate wants me to run with Pepper Spray... LOL! Like that would have helped here, HA!

PSA 01

Here is a tip worth its weight in gold.

The goo on the inside of a Glow Stick WILL absolutely melt and scar plastic.

***Especially if it hung on your car mirror and then dripped all over the gear shift console.

A Boy Kit, 2 Collections, and a Grab Bag, Oh My!

All New by Andrea Burns at TDC~

Love, Seth



Love, Seth is the sixth kit in a series of kits made with love for family members. Seth is my first son, so this kit is very bright and boyish, just for him.

Included in Love, Seth are 6 boyish papers, 4 buttons, 3 shoelaces, 2 frames, 2 circle elements, 2 gear elements, 2 journal spots, 2 curly stitches, 2 splatters, and 1 hinge.

Get it here

A couple CT samples, plus a Grab Bag sneak peek




Love Boys Collection


Love, Boys is collection of kits made with love for the boys in my family. This collection is chock full of masculine charm and mischief.

Included in this collection are Love, Lucas; Love, Nathaniel; and Love, Seth. Also included is a BONUS of 6 solid papers and a full alpha featured on torn tape.

Get it HERE

Love Girls Collection



Love, Girls is collection of kits made with love for the ladies in my family. This collection is filled with feminine beauty and unique touches.

Included in this collection are Love, Alicia; Love, Amelia; and Love, Genevieve. Also included is a BONUS of 6 solid papers and a full alpha featured on cardboard.

Get it HERE

$3 Grab Bag




This is an Amazing Grab Bag! Chock full of Creative Goodness! And for this low price you don't want to miss out! Get it now, get it FAST!

Get it HERE

****And those of you with boys... be sure to check out Karah Frederick's 3 new kits for boys as well!!!