More stunning pics from the family reunion!

I had so much fun taking photographs this year at the reunion. I absolutely LOVE my camera! I'll post a few more later.

A BabyPhotoshoot

What do you do when you go to a family reunion and realize you haven't given a new baby in the family a gift? You immediately pretend like you are dying to take pictures of them, run home, print them out, throw them into a frame from Joann's, and wrap it up. Drive back over to baby and present new parent's with pictures. They absolutely loved them and these are definitely the beginning of my photography portfolio!

Another week . . . another entry!

Here's my entry for the TI race this week. We had to do a Halloween themed recipe and a LO with 20 eyelets on it. It was scary and noisy in my house this week! LOL!

WHEW! Made it!

Entered a contest at Timeless Inspirations this week. It's called the Amazing Crop Race (or something like that). Here is what we created. We had specific rules for what we have to do each week. There is elimination that takes place after each week. Should be interesting to see how this all goes. The winner wins a DT spot and a gift certificate to the store. FUN STUFF!

Come join us at the ONLINE CROP!

Scrapbooking Swede is having an online crop this weekend. This is the BEST onine community anywhere. I truly think you would enjoy these girls as everyone of them is very friendly. Also, the store has great product! The challenges are always fun and the game are competitive! Come check it out!

OOPPS! I totally missed the event!

Ok, so here was my day on Thursday. First, my DD had tech rehearsal for her dance recital. Then, we had to get dance recital gifts for all her little buddies (WHY did we start that 7 years ago?). Then I had a 4-H Treasurer's book that HAD TO BE FINISHED BY 3:00. Then I had the drama of getting hair perfectly slicked back and glittered to eternity along with makeup application for my DD (once again) dance recital. THEN we went to the dress rehearsal. Then we went to DD (AGAIN!) swim meet where she had a personal best in freestyle as she ran into the pool to join the heat (seriously, it was almost like that). THEN I went to pick up my DS (yes, I do have another child) and chatted with my sis in law from Ohio. THEN i took a shower and crashed with wet head, pjs, and no underwear. Too tired to find any!

So, with that being said, I totally missed out on the Secret Sister reveal. I've had the pleasure of spoiling the cutest secret sister. Is this picture not adorable or what? Yes, I stole it from the veggie site to post here. I'm sure she won't mind! Although i don't know her at all, she seems like a super sweet person who always makes nice comments on the veggie site. I joined this swap to make new friends and if appearances mean anything at all, she looks super sweet and someone I'd love to call my friend. Can't wait to get to know Sarah Kristiansen more.

On the other end . . . I've been spoiled by an AUSSIE! She totally rocks! Although I must announce that i hate her. She sent me these totally sinful chocolate Koala bears and yes, I um, ate them all in one day. Thank God there wer eonly 12 in the bag. I would have had to have my stomach pumped if there would have been anymore! LOL! She also sent this stuff called VeggieMite. Let's just say, it's interesting! I don't know that I'd walk across the street for it, but if she was holding it, then for sure I'd walk across the street just to have some of it with her! She also sent some fabulous other scrapbooking goodies, but for sure, the food really peeked my interest!!!!! Thanks so much Rachel Kelly! You ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DT work for Timeless Inspirations . . .more

We were given a sketch to create a LO. Here's what I did with the sketch. It's so fun to see how everyone does something different!!!! SUPER CUTE!!!!!!!!

Let's Expose . . .SHUTTER SPEED

1st lesson on shooting in Manual Mode. BEAR WITH ME PLEASE!!!!!!!!!


The combination of shutter speed and aperture is exposure. In this lesson, we will focus on shutter speed.

Shutter Speeds are written as fractions of seconds - 1/x s(seconds). The shutter controls the amount of light that reaches the film (or digtal sensor) with the time it remains open. For instance, 1/16 s allows light to reach the sensor for 1/16th of a second.

1/1000, 1/500, 1/250, 1/125, 1/60, 1/30, 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1,2, 1 full second

Shutter speed on the left of the spectrum let in very little light whereas the speeds to the right let in more light. As the fraction size increases, more light is let in.

For example, 1/250 of a second lets in half the amount of light that 1/125 of s second lets in. And simliarly, 1/125 lets in twice the amount of light as 1/250 lets in. See the relationship of halves and doubles?

With shutter speed, you control the amount of movement (blur) by choosing the appropriate speed.

So everytime you take a picture, you must decide which shutter speed to use based on wheter you want a sharp subject of a picture that shows movement or blur.


HOMEWORK: SHOOT OUT SIDE IN THE SUN. You will be taking 2 different pictures of a moving object. One picture will show an example of a moving object that is SHARP (use a fast shutter speed) and the second one will be BLURRY (use a slow shutter speed).

YOU MAY NEED TO REFER TO YOUR CAMERA"S MANUAL TO SET SOME SETTINGS. Set your camera to it's MANUAL mode. Set ISO to 100 (the digital equivalent to FILM SPEED). Set your F/stop (more about f/stops next lesson) to f/16. Now, change your shutter speeds to see what happens when you let more or less light in as you take each picture.

FYI, in case it's too hard to see, the shutter speeds go from 1/60, 1/100, 1/200, 1/400 and the f stop stays at 16.

This child . . .

Driving me BANANAS! He has been talking non-stop about WHO KNOWS WHAT! He just told me that "His country does not allow pictures of him because it destroys the Inner Possum of himself." QUE? And then he starts pointing to his nose and calls it a "food holder." WHAT? And now he is discussing the "hole in the bottom of your booty" that makes goofy noises. This child is totally nuts. The phone is ringing and he just started screaming, "WHAT IS THAT NOISE!?" This child is driving me IN SANE! He just looked at my blog title and said, "Officially nuts? Pretty much describes you! They nailed that one down didn't they?" This is like the POT calling the KETTLE black.

DT work for Timeless Inspirations

I'm so excited to be the guest designer for JUNE at Timeless Inspirations. The girls on this site are so sweet. Michelle, the owner, is so upbeat and positive. She really goes out of her way to make everyone feel welcome. And the DT coordinator, Share, is super organized and great at what she does. The DT is uber talented as well! This was the first DT I ever tried out for, so I have a special place for it in my heart, even if I was only asked to be a guest for a month. God had other plans in store for me and that was OK by me! I like this DT stuff because it stretches my creativity to try things I may have never tried before. For one thing, I wanted to make sure I used ALL the supplies I was sent from Michelle. Trust me, I have a few scraps left over and I'm hoarding them to maybe create a card or add to the mini album I'm making. I think it's really important that as a DT member, you utilize all the supplies to the max. After all, it's not MY money I'm playing with. The owner deserves quality examples of projects customers can complete with their store product. So without further aideu . . . I present to you my first guest DT LO for Timeless Inspirations. A mini album and a sketch LO is coming SOON!

alTER mAnIA

Good grief, I've been an altering fool this weekend. Here's another fun little project I engaged in. I must have been in the sewing mood during this project because I basically quilted with paper. I think it's kinda fun, but what a battle to make the paper look right. And then there's the drama of trying to get the painted sides to crackle. I pretty much tried 4 different crackling techniques on each side. I'm still not convinced I got it right so I don't really feel like I have a painting technique to share with you yet. I also obsessed over buttons this weekend. I've used them on EVERYTHING I've done this weekend. I haven't even posted some of the goodies I'm working on yet because they aren't done, such as the WILD AND CRAZY apron, the letters L-P-A for an altered letter swap, 4 circle journals, and an altered board book and a sketch LO for my guest DT spot this month. Boy, I'll be glad when these projects are done because I think I'm already tired thinking about them. CIAO!

just a lil somethin' somethin'

maybe for someone "secret", I mean special . . . .

Photoshop BARGAIN of the CENTURY!

At Scrapbooking Swede, I'm going to be leading discussion with other DT members on improving your photography for scrapbooking. One of the ways I like to play around with my photography is by using Adobe Photoshop Elements. There are so many FUN things you can do with your photos to give your scrapbook pages that extra WOW factor. I know that some of you might not have this program, so I wanted to supply you with an INCREDIBLE purchase opportunity! ::HIJACK::This program is not required because in reality, the only thing required in life is to (1.) die and (2.) pay taxes (if you live in USA, not sure about Canada). And, I might add, many people do a FINE job of eliminating step 2! I, on the other hand, haven't figured that art out yet. ::HIJACK OVER:: After rebates, the program is less than $20!!!! BUT . . . this special is only good until June 18 so HURRY!!!!!!!

Will I be the mother of an Olympian someday?

I often wonder this. REALLY! My daughter LOVES to swim. She is really good at it too! Swimming will take over my life until July 22. Today was a truly special day and could possibly be a turning point in Miss Mad's swimming career. She had the pleasure and joy of attending a swim clinic with Josh Davis, a four time Olympian and captain of the USA Men's Olympic Swim Team. This is TRULY a class act. This guy was very motivational for the kids and he had a great message for parents to hear too. So many times we get wrapped up in "helping" our child improve as soon as they finish a race and we forget to say, "I am so proud of you!" I don't usually forget this, but I'm quilty of being quick to point out what she did wrong or how she could've improved that swim. Funny thing is . . . do you see my butt out there racing my heart out? Nope. No way no how. So today, I've made a decision to only tell my daughter how incredibly proud I am of her when she comes out of the water. No more constructive criticism. By the way, he really is THAT good looking!

facelift?

How about a house facelift? This is what I've been up to for the last 4 days. House painting. OK, I admit, I'm not actually painting, but I'm cleaning out the garage to be painted. This, my friends, is a job only the brave should attempt. The garage. YIKES! But it is clean now. The best part about this whole home improvement project is my GORGEOUS red door! So inviting! Tim noticed it this evening as we were leaving to go out to dinner (to the most amazing restaurant EVER I might add). I think he has used that door 4 times since we've lived here. I didn't think he would ever notice it. Good news . . . he liked it.

I think I'm in love

I absolutely bleed KI Memories. This paper makes me so happy!

The photo makes it really hard to read the journaling and the scans I do are even worse! I wanted to share the journaling so that the title makes sense!

"According to you, it's all about the shoes and Halloween is no exception! Those RUBY RED SLIPPERS should go into your shoe Hall of Fame because you wore them to death . . . DOROTHY!" Halloween, 2002


PRODUCTS USED:
KI memories - Organized Frosty Stars
KI Memories - Organized Skinny Stripe
KI Memories - Alphablox Cardstock Stickers/ Organized
Bazzill - Avalanche Textured Cardstock
red & white dot ribbon
buttons
Yellow Wool Felt star
Post-it

College friends are the best!

My son had a 4-H contest in Davis, CA this weekend, so the whole family came to it. All 4 of us! I think it is official, I have a teenager on my hands that would rather look COOL than do something right. He gave a speech and although I was very proud of him for getting up in front of people to give his speech, he looked as though he could care less about doing it and that I drug him there by his toenails and could barely move. I mean, GOOD GRIEF! When it was his turn, it took him 5 minutes to set things up! And all he had to do was take his skateboard out of his backpack! UGH!!!!!! But I love him dearly and now I've discovered I need to pray for patience, regardless of whether I fear my MIL coming to live with me! LOL!

But the best part of the weekend was dinner with my college roommate and her family. We went to her house in Woodland. She has 5 kids under the age of 11. EECCKK! It took her 10 minutes just to sit down and eat! WOW! We brought a bottle of Sterling Cabernet Sauvignon to share and boy . . . .GOOD STUFF! There is nothing better than sharing a bottle of great wine with fabulous friends. I really miss EM. She is so fun, so jovial. She makes life easy. She doesn't judge, and loves life. So getting caught up just made me miss her more. Truly, I need to pick up the phone more often and call her. It's not like we live light years apart!!!!!


Oh gosh, the funniest part of the weekend was discovering my daughter is ruined. RUINED I TELL YOU! So we show up to the last hotel room in Davis, which happens to be a bed and breakfast. She is clutching me for dear life as we travel up the steps.
"Madalyn! What is wrong?"
"This doesn't look like a place that has those Heavenly Beds Mom. This makes me nervous."
"Madalyn, you are gonna love this! Think of it as a sleepover in someone's house!"
"Oh that freaks me out Mom! Mom, who is that lady on the wall. Why does she keep staring at me?"
"That would be the Mona Lisa, Madalyn."
"Who is she?"
And then of course, her teenage brother chimes in and says something stupid like, "Ah, she used to live her but she's dead now."
Thanks Hayden. That's calming for the nerves!
But the good news is, I slept like a log . . . ok, a log that kept turning and was hotter than hell last night, but of well. It was an experience. I can't WAIT to see what she does if I ever make her sleep in a MOTEL 6!

Hormones unite!

Oh yeah . . . just completely and 100% busy with the last week of school crap. I cannot wait for this stuff to be done! 60 sixth grade students will be converging in my pool on Friday around noon. Think and pray for me . . . and for their ability to control hormones and not take it behind barns and places I can't see! LORD HELP ME!

Speaking of MONES . . . .a really sweet girl I've met online at www.scrapbookingwede.com has been kind enough to let me know she reads every post. YIKES! The pressure! I love it that people actually read this thing. It's fun to get into people's minds and hearts. I think blogging gives me an outlet to express my feelings and find out if anyone else out there feels the same way. I usally show this in my scrapping. Not so much in a post. But I think I'd like to start that too. One thing that Christina (my new blogging buddy) blogged about was her hysterectomy. This is something I am struggling with. I know the time is imminent. I have periods that last for about 9 days, heavy. I'm starting to get hot flashes where I have to change my shirt after I dive in the freezing cold pool to cool off. I'm afraid to tell my mom about this because who knows what kind of advice she is going to give. Ugh. At least my mom is around to get me through this so I probably should just tell her. I can't imagine being in her position and not having her mom around when she went through this shit. I do love my mom. She's just great. Opinionated, but great. She means well. I think. MUAH! OK . . .kinda tearing up now . . . gotta get the MONES in check. Check.

Moving on to other topics. I am going to rechallenge myself from an earlier post to get on another DT. I applied to a new one today. First off, I absolutely LOVE the team I am on right now, so don't you DARE take this the wrong way if anyone from there is reading this. ScrapbookingSwede the sotre (CHECK IT OUT), Angelique, Julie, and the people who are loyal to that board, are just fabulous. Those girls can talk and talk about ANYTHING! We are so fun over there . . . you should join us! There are so many talented scrappers too! And we love to swap and RAK each other . . . crazy fun. They all make me wanna move to Canada. Actually, I'd have to move to Victoria. I think that is probably one of the most beautiful cities I've ever seen. I would love to raise my family there. But, back to the Swede gang. They are the bomb! I'm not sure how long my position on that team goes for, but I'll stay there for as long as they will have me.

But I did apply to a new one because I'm trying to build my resume up. Dream rambling here . . . . I'd love to be on a MFG DT . . . I'd love to have magazines call me up and say . . .your photos are fabulouso . . . create a LO for us using this this and this for this issue. But you only get that through experience and exposure . . . so time to expand. Hey, maybe I can become a household name for the US and Canada!

Oh, forgot to tell you . . . I have a secret pal from the veggie site. I have had so much fun spoiling her. I've sent her some really cool stuff. I know she loves it because she's said I absolutely amaze her. And I should also mention that my secret pal who is a secret to me has been fabulous with emails and such. In our application, I really stressed that more so than getting lots of fabulous product, because let me tell you, I've got a closet full of stuff right now and I really don't need or want for anything, I mostly wanted to establish a new friendship. I think that my friendships on the Interenet are way easier than the ones I try to establish with people I live near. Does this make sense? Dont' get me wrong . . .I'm by no means a recluse. I probably have too many friends! Is that possible? Yes . . .because what happens is each friendship is only developed for what I have time for and with too many, you don't develop them as much. My best friend, Maria, is an easy friendship. We can pick up the phone and get caught up on 2 weeks worth of stuff. She's easy. The rest is hard. That's why I like all my online friends. Everyone is around, easy to chat with, and could care less if I'm wearing shoes from Payless Shoe Shource or Nordstroms (although I prefer the Nordstrom shoes!). So to all my little buddies out there in the WWW, I just love you all. Thanks for being so great.

Man . . . the MONES are really speaking today. I hope they are nice when the fam gets home.

Oh and one more thing . . . congrats to the SOUL PATROL! Taylor was really good last night. KAtherine was good too, despite the fact Meatloaf can't sing for crap. Did anyone tell him he was on national television and that carrying a tune would be a good idea? And Prince. . .well he was awesome! My kids couldn't get over his whole name thing. So my son says to me, "Call me"the son formerly known as Hayden.'" We laughed for days about that. "The dog formerly known as Lucy." "The mom formerly known as mom." Good times.

SHE . . . is nuts (we knew that) and has a PERSONAL TRAINER!

WHAT the heck did I do today! My friend Monique calls me up a few days ago and says, "Do you still have your membership to the gym." Well . . . yes, partly because I crack up at the irony of quitting the gym when A. you never go and B. your too fat to quit the gym. Once you join, it's like a CATCH 22! ANYWAY . . .so she says, "Want to get a personal trainer with my skinny little body (oh wait . . . she didn't say it like that, but I'm sure she was thinking it) with me and we can share the sessions?" Uh . . . just so you know . . . I said "SURE!" But I only said "SURE" because "NO" sounded more like, "No, I enjoy being plump so I think I'll just keep this body how it is." LOL! SO, thus the title of the NEXT journal entry in the SHE book . . . .SHE has a personal trainer. And SHE is not sure if SHE will be able to get out of bed in the morn! Go me!

1 teacher gift down . . . 4 to go!

magnetboard
Originally uploaded by deesouza.

This is what teachers are getting from my kids for the end of the year. It's a magnet board, inspired by the project we did at the Scraps Etc. event. I had so much fun making this. I could make a ton more! Very addicting!