very now and then I will enter a contest! Just did, for Oopsy Daisy Photography! Hope I win.
cravings-alishascupcakes.blogspot.com
www.oopsydaisyphotos.com
Check it out!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Hobby
I have been thinking a lot lately about how I do not have a hobby. Growing up I had all kinds of things I would categorize as hobbies. I ran, I played a million other sports, I hiked, I made stamp crafts, etc. Now, I take care of my kids, clean my house, work, and shop. That is a very true, if succinct, version of my life.
Now my free time is filled with reading and Facebook. There is nothing wrong with that, but when I grow older and retire, how do I want to spend my days? I know I want to travel, but what about when I am home? What do I envision myself doing when I don't have my kids needing me every second? My in-laws have their hobbies that keep them busy, and fulfill that need for doing something for themselves. My mother in law quilts, my father in law is extremely handy, and builds things out of wood. What do I do? I don't play any instruments, I don't sing, I don't enjoy any craft particularly well, I don't paint or draw or sculpt, I am not a philanthropist, nor do I particularly enjoy community service. This is not a pitty party, I don't really believe in those. This is a desire to discover something I WANT to do.
One thing I know I enjoy is looking at other people's photography. I could spend hours looking at photography blogs. The whole concept of exposure, shutter speed, ISO, etc. is like a foreign world to me that interests me to no end. I do not want to become a photographer in a career sense. Not even a little bit. However, I would LOVE to learn about photography, for me, for fun, as a hobby.
So, that is what I am going to do. I am going to start by reading the whole manual for my new SLR camera. I am then going to take a class at Allen's camera, and look for other workshops offered by photographers I love, assuming I can afford them. So, anyone who knows stuff about photography, knows about classes, or wants to help me out with this, it would be really appreciated. I think everyone should find hobbies, so if I can help you with one of yours please let me know.
Now my free time is filled with reading and Facebook. There is nothing wrong with that, but when I grow older and retire, how do I want to spend my days? I know I want to travel, but what about when I am home? What do I envision myself doing when I don't have my kids needing me every second? My in-laws have their hobbies that keep them busy, and fulfill that need for doing something for themselves. My mother in law quilts, my father in law is extremely handy, and builds things out of wood. What do I do? I don't play any instruments, I don't sing, I don't enjoy any craft particularly well, I don't paint or draw or sculpt, I am not a philanthropist, nor do I particularly enjoy community service. This is not a pitty party, I don't really believe in those. This is a desire to discover something I WANT to do.
One thing I know I enjoy is looking at other people's photography. I could spend hours looking at photography blogs. The whole concept of exposure, shutter speed, ISO, etc. is like a foreign world to me that interests me to no end. I do not want to become a photographer in a career sense. Not even a little bit. However, I would LOVE to learn about photography, for me, for fun, as a hobby.
So, that is what I am going to do. I am going to start by reading the whole manual for my new SLR camera. I am then going to take a class at Allen's camera, and look for other workshops offered by photographers I love, assuming I can afford them. So, anyone who knows stuff about photography, knows about classes, or wants to help me out with this, it would be really appreciated. I think everyone should find hobbies, so if I can help you with one of yours please let me know.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
My Homeless Model
I got a new camera, and I am trying to figure out how to use all the settings and things, so I have had Lexi, Dillan, and Derrick be my guinea pigs. Lexi thinks it is because she is so beautiful. She asked today if she could be my model. I was in my office working, but thought I better humor her. Haha I probably should have done her hair first. It is so hard to get her to smile.
Her poses usually turn out looking something like this...
Lack of Sleep!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Pretending it is summer
We love Summer at our house, and enjoy it while it is here, then wish for it every moment it is gone. Yesterday was such a nice day that we spent a great deal of it outdoors. Last night we decided to BBQ for dinner, and roast marshmallows over the firepit in the backyard. The kids had so much fun, and Brett started the fire with flint and steel. He is practicing up for Survivor. haha Then he read the kids their bedtime stories by firelight while I put Derrick down. It was such a nice family night, and made me excited for when summer is here for real!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
As Promised...
As promised, here is a recap of the "adventures" we have had the past couple of days.
Yesterday was National Pancake Day, and since we are ever in support of the Children's Miracle Network, we went and got our free short stack of pancakes and made a donation to Primary's. Of course, taking three kids to a restaurant, even IHOP by myself is bound to be an adventure. Derrick loved the couple sitting in the booth behind us, and kept trying to share sugar packets. Lexi was in a terrible mood, and Dillan just wanted bacon. It was fun! The best part was when the server looked at me with horror in her eyes when I let Dillan order a Mountain Dew as his drink. I know it is full of caffeine, etc. but I decided to pick my battles, and he never drinks his drink anyway, so why fight with him about it? Instead I offered him other options, and let him stick with the MD. I think he drank about three sips before he commandeered my water glass.
It was such a beautiful day that after our lunch of "Mancakes" (as derrick has termed them) and sides, we headed to the park. Oh man was that nice. We mostly played on the swings. I can't believe how challenging it is to teach kids how to pump their legs on the swings. I think Derrick had the most fun of us all. When we got home we put a blanket out on the lawn in the backyard and Alexis promptly fell asleep in the sunshine. It was wonderful.
Today's adventures were just as fun. We went to the mall because TCBY has $1 waffle cone Wednesday's and we love ice cream. We went and looked at board games, and the kids loved the Kinex rollercoaster thing, so we watched it go about 50 times. We had our stop at Bath and Body Works so the kids could put on all the various lotions, and we played at the treehouse/dinosaur, indoor play thing. No adventure can truly be an adventure without an upset, and it came with Derrick having a major poop that seeped onto his pants. He needs more pants anyway, so we bought him a new pair, and let him run around commando. It required frequent reminders that he did not have a diaper on, and several trips to the bathroom, but we made it home without any accidents.
Tonight Dillan and Brett are at the BYU game. We will see if Dillan manages to get up early enough for school tomorrow, but a missed day is worth it for him to get to spend some manly time with Dad supporting Jimmer! haha
I should be working, but instead I am browsing jobs, housing, and rentals in Hawaii, and dreaming of days with warmer weather so our adventures can be more exciting than a trip to the mall. What does tomorrow have in store for us???? Who knows. I am thinking a nature walk, weather permitting, or maybe swimming at the local rec center.
Yesterday was National Pancake Day, and since we are ever in support of the Children's Miracle Network, we went and got our free short stack of pancakes and made a donation to Primary's. Of course, taking three kids to a restaurant, even IHOP by myself is bound to be an adventure. Derrick loved the couple sitting in the booth behind us, and kept trying to share sugar packets. Lexi was in a terrible mood, and Dillan just wanted bacon. It was fun! The best part was when the server looked at me with horror in her eyes when I let Dillan order a Mountain Dew as his drink. I know it is full of caffeine, etc. but I decided to pick my battles, and he never drinks his drink anyway, so why fight with him about it? Instead I offered him other options, and let him stick with the MD. I think he drank about three sips before he commandeered my water glass.
It was such a beautiful day that after our lunch of "Mancakes" (as derrick has termed them) and sides, we headed to the park. Oh man was that nice. We mostly played on the swings. I can't believe how challenging it is to teach kids how to pump their legs on the swings. I think Derrick had the most fun of us all. When we got home we put a blanket out on the lawn in the backyard and Alexis promptly fell asleep in the sunshine. It was wonderful.
Today's adventures were just as fun. We went to the mall because TCBY has $1 waffle cone Wednesday's and we love ice cream. We went and looked at board games, and the kids loved the Kinex rollercoaster thing, so we watched it go about 50 times. We had our stop at Bath and Body Works so the kids could put on all the various lotions, and we played at the treehouse/dinosaur, indoor play thing. No adventure can truly be an adventure without an upset, and it came with Derrick having a major poop that seeped onto his pants. He needs more pants anyway, so we bought him a new pair, and let him run around commando. It required frequent reminders that he did not have a diaper on, and several trips to the bathroom, but we made it home without any accidents.
Tonight Dillan and Brett are at the BYU game. We will see if Dillan manages to get up early enough for school tomorrow, but a missed day is worth it for him to get to spend some manly time with Dad supporting Jimmer! haha
I should be working, but instead I am browsing jobs, housing, and rentals in Hawaii, and dreaming of days with warmer weather so our adventures can be more exciting than a trip to the mall. What does tomorrow have in store for us???? Who knows. I am thinking a nature walk, weather permitting, or maybe swimming at the local rec center.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Adore my little devils
There are days when facing my life seems unbearable. I have a great life, but there is sometimes monotony in the idea of waking up, getting my kids ready for another day of school, cleaning up another round of messes, procrastinating another set of articles, etc. I crave adventure and excitement and change. I am not a sedentary person, and that is okay with me. However, picking up and roving when you want your kids to learn how to read and write, and you are unwilling to homes chool can sometimes be difficult. So, I have decided to try and find adventure in the life I have.
Yesterday's goal- Adventures with Derrick. Boy did we have fun. He is my little shadow, never more than a few feet away if he can help it. We started out playing in his big brother's room. Dillan was at school, so no one to get mad. It did not last long. Mid play with a die cast car, Derrick conked out face down on the floor. I covered him with a blanket and went upstairs to do dishes. We later went and got ice cream. I can't believe how big he is getting, choosing his own flavor, debating over toppings, and then sharing his Dad's ice cream because the cake batter mixed with nerds combination was not quite what he expected.
He is starting to talk like a champ. He offers full sentences, and has real opinions. This of course leads to mini-melt downs when I do not understand what it is he needs or wants. Like yesterday, he cried for several minutes when I couldn't figure out what he needed. What did he need? He wanted to go somewhere, who cares where. He just wanted me to put on my shoes, grab my keys, and go. I had no idea! lol
Today I hope to have an adventure with Lexi, of course just wading through the pink and sparkles of getting dressed in the morning is an adventure in and of itself, but I will let you know what mischief we decide to get into this afternoon!
Yesterday's goal- Adventures with Derrick. Boy did we have fun. He is my little shadow, never more than a few feet away if he can help it. We started out playing in his big brother's room. Dillan was at school, so no one to get mad. It did not last long. Mid play with a die cast car, Derrick conked out face down on the floor. I covered him with a blanket and went upstairs to do dishes. We later went and got ice cream. I can't believe how big he is getting, choosing his own flavor, debating over toppings, and then sharing his Dad's ice cream because the cake batter mixed with nerds combination was not quite what he expected.
He is starting to talk like a champ. He offers full sentences, and has real opinions. This of course leads to mini-melt downs when I do not understand what it is he needs or wants. Like yesterday, he cried for several minutes when I couldn't figure out what he needed. What did he need? He wanted to go somewhere, who cares where. He just wanted me to put on my shoes, grab my keys, and go. I had no idea! lol
Today I hope to have an adventure with Lexi, of course just wading through the pink and sparkles of getting dressed in the morning is an adventure in and of itself, but I will let you know what mischief we decide to get into this afternoon!
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