Halsey Happenings

Happy December!

2011-12-02T18:55:00.001-05:00

Happy Veterans Day!

2011-11-11T16:59:00.001-05:00

Thank you to the men and women who have served, are serving, and will serve at a moment's notice. Thank you to the families and friends behind the scenes, keeping your loved ones strong while they keep our precious country safe. It's a sacrifice from many for many.

Away

2011-10-11T13:38:00.000-04:00

I've been trying to get settled in the midwest for quite some time. I've been preoccupied with so many different things, that I've let my blog slide. Business is going well and we have found a church we love, so we are definitely moving in the right direction.

Here are a few recent shots... all over the board.

I miss South Carolina and my friends, the weather, the beach and my life there, but I'm adjusting quickly here. Last week was amazing. I had a photo shoot, lunch with 2 friends (new friends), went on a field trip with Campbell's kindergarden class, and a date with my husband while the kids were at the Y for kids night out. Everything is falling into place.

Happy Fall!

What have you been up to??

Fall Wreath

2011-09-03T17:06:00.001-04:00

Made this as a knock off of a wreath I fell in love with on Pinterest.

Fall Pillowscape

2011-09-03T16:59:00.002-04:00

I love to change my pillows up for the season.... it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Now I'm ready to eat chili and watch some football!

Back to School

2011-08-09T15:28:00.000-04:00

Since Missouri has a Sept 1 cut off for Kindergarten, sweet Campbell will be a kindergartner again. Creighton will be in the primary program at the Montessori school. Back to school means... back to school pictures!

Here are a couple I shot in the basement today...

A little Before & After

2011-08-07T22:12:00.003-04:00

My "Mom Cave"....

The New House

2011-07-28T06:30:00.021-04:00

A little blood, sweat and tears have gone into our new home. A move across the country isn't easy, especially for my 3 year old - this is his 3rd move and our 5 year old - this is her 4th home. We are tired of moving and want to stay put for a while. The pictures have yet to be hung on the walls and we have major amounts of projects we want to complete to get our house to where we want, but we are happy with the progress we have made considering that a month ago today the movers showed up to move our boxes on to the giant moving van. I miss my friends and I miss my old life, but we are beginning again in a great city and we are excited to see what is in store for us here!

2nd Summer

2011-07-27T16:41:00.000-04:00

Since we moved right in the middle of summer, we have had 2 wonderful summers. One in Bluffton and one in Kansas City!

Here are some recent shots of the kids, the friends and the fun!

Moving On

2011-06-21T17:41:00.000-04:00

It's right around the corner and I find that I have finally grieved this loss for so long that I am ready to move across the country.

I think I must have some sort of "disorder" that keeps me from getting close to people until it's time (or close to time) to leave. As soon as I know we are moving, I finally let people in. Then, I just get mad that I have to leave all of the great friends I have made and I regret not doing it sooner. Live and learn, right? Next time I will allow myself to get close to people sooner and not fear it.

The packers come at the end of this week and the beginning of next, followed by the loaders. We will be in Kansas City by the end of next week... making new friends.

I will miss this place so much.

Just a few photos from sleepy little Downtown Bluffton, SC

Summer Begins....

2011-06-02T08:43:00.000-04:00

Our daily routine of gym, swim, nap, dinner will be interrupted at the end of June by a move to Kansas City. We will be so sad to leave our Bubble and all of the amazing friends we have made here. I don't know how I will again love a city without a beach, but thank goodness that some of my best friends are close by and grandparents are within a couple of hours.

It's been a while since I have blogged.... Here's a quick update.

My furry friend of 13 years left us about a month ago. It was terribly sad. I miss her so much. This was a photo taken right before I had to say good bye.

We drove 20 hours to get to Kansas City to see the house we bought ON LINE! We are so happy with it!!

Our 5 year old graduated from Montessori Kindergarden. We are very proud of her!!

I have been refinishing furniture that I buy at thrift stores. This was $39 at Habitat for Humanity. I'm super excited about my new found love of refinishing furniture!

And here is a coffee table that I bought for $15 and refinished. It had crackle paint and green legs before. Stripped, stained, painted and poly'd. Love her!!

My sweet little girl learned how to swim yesterday. She's like a fish.

And my handsome boy. I love him. He can just sit around and be sweet.

And a final shot of my husband and our little man and me with the kids. Summer will be so much fun!!

Habitat for Humanity

2011-04-26T16:42:00.002-04:00

Where I live currently, we have the BEST thrift stores!! When I drive my kids to school every morning, I watch the Habitat Truck being unloaded with peoples unwanted things and wonder what I would find if I went first thing in the morning. Today after kick class, my friend and I went in search of window panes. What I found instead was 2, old, green, beat-up adirondack chairs and 2 little matching green tables. I have always wanted to lounge around in an adirondack chair (I think they are so comfortable!) and the tables were an added bonus. I paid $29 for each set. Then I went to Lowe's and bought spray paint. I borrowed my friend's sander and went to work!!

Here is what they looked like when I brought them home...

I had a hard time picking the color because I want everything to look just right. Eventually I decided on this...

I'm pretty happy with the outcome! And the money I spent at Habitat goes for a good cause! Happy Thrifting!

I'm off to find flowers to put in my pot.

Spring in Hilton Head....

2011-03-10T20:22:00.000-05:00

Sunday is for ...

2011-03-06T19:13:00.000-05:00

Kites on the Golf Course.

I ❤ Faces - Anything but the Face!

2011-03-01T12:52:00.000-05:00

A photo that tells a store of a place and time is all I could as for. I believe this photo sets the scene of my sweet little girl, nervous to go to her first soccer practice. She wanted to bring her little puppy along, keep her silly bands on and wear lots of pink. She was beaming and anxious... I think the shot speaks for itself.

If you want to join in, head on over to I ❤ Faces and link up!!

I ❤ Faces - Phone Photo Challenge

2011-02-21T18:47:00.000-05:00

I shot this last month with my iPhone. We were at a hockey game in Charleston. My little girl wanted to be Batgirl!! I pulled this into ACR and added a preset I had made. In photoshop I cropped it, reduced the graininess and sized for web!

Show us what you take photos of with your phone!!

Head on over to I ❤ Faces and play along!

Happy Day of Love

2011-02-14T12:29:00.000-05:00

Remember to tell all the people you love that you love them! I am so glad my family is complete today. I am truly blessed.

Happy Valentines Day to all my bloggy friends!

Every Day Is A Gift

2011-02-03T12:33:00.000-05:00

Celebrate the small moments.

I ❤ Faces - Best Face of January

2011-01-31T13:30:00.000-05:00

An impromptu 3 minute photo shoot with my kiddos produced this fave of mine! Grab your Best Face Photo and link up at I ❤ Faces! Do it today! It closes tonight!!

My Love...

2011-01-13T10:14:00.000-05:00

As he climbed in bed I just wanted to remember the moment. I snapped this shot of his big brown eyes and subtle smile. I love this boy!

Soooo Cold...

2011-01-12T14:08:00.002-05:00

I ❤ Faces - Smile

2011-01-10T07:55:00.000-05:00

Without a doubt, this was one of my favorites ever captured! Happy Monday! Don't forget to head over to I ❤ Faces and check out all the smiles!

This Weekend....

2011-01-09T16:10:00.002-05:00

We played, decorated (and wished Spring was here) and baked. What did you do this weekend?

Today....

2011-01-07T20:24:00.000-05:00

I played with my macro lens.

Patiently Awaiting .... {6/365}

2011-01-06T19:25:00.000-05:00

Happy Thursday!

5/365... Too Bad I missed day 3 & 4

2011-01-05T15:32:00.000-05:00

Jody at MCP Actions is doing a 52 week project and you can join in on Flickr. This week's theme is "Around the House".

Here is my daily shot....

I ❤ Faces - Best Face Photo of 2010

2011-01-03T11:02:00.000-05:00

Here's my entry! If you haven't played before, head over to I ❤ Faces and check out the contest!!

Old Friends

2011-01-02T17:44:00.000-05:00

Today some old friends of ours came by. It was so much fun to laugh and share stories. Our little ones had a blast together, too!

After a long day of being a superhero, we finally rested....

And just because...

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T18:54:00.000-05:00

I don't want to make empty "resolutions" or promises that I don't keep, so I won't be listing off my New Year's Resolutions. I don't think I'll be doing a 365, however, I felt compelled to take one photo today and here it is. I do hope to eat healthy, keep my family member's love tanks full and see the positive in every situation. Happy Beginning to 2011! I can't wait to see what this year has in store!

Whew... and I'm Back

2010-12-30T15:42:00.003-05:00

It's been a long and wonderful month since my husband came home. Here is an abbreviated pictorial recap of the last 30 days...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I ♥ Faces - Selfie

2010-12-06T14:48:00.000-05:00

This week at I ❤ Faces, the theme is Self-Portrait. I took this right after I dyed my hair REALLY DARK! I didn't like it when I did it and I was trying to prep my husband for what I did to myself. Show off your own personal self-portrait and join in this week!

Sweet Shot Tuesday

2010-11-23T07:52:00.000-05:00

Two weeks ago tonight, after a year of being deployed, my husband came home from Afghanistan. This photo pretty much sums up the night. Thanksgiving has a new meaning this year for the kids.... the "Gift" is that Daddy will be home for Thanksgiving this year! So thankful.

All I Need is LOVE

2010-11-18T12:33:00.000-05:00

At the homecoming ceremony, my little girl was quite emotional. My friend Melissa shot the photos for us. Here is one of me holding my sweet little angel. Happy Thursday!

I ❤ Faces - Orange

2010-11-08T12:22:00.000-05:00

My little man's absolute favorite color is orange! He wears it almost every day. I do laundry in whites, darks and ORANGE! Here is a photo I took a couple weeks ago next to a grocery store, in front of a field of yellow weeds. Happy Orange day! (If you haven't seen my Military Homecoming Slideshow you should check it out here.) If you want to play along with I ❤ Faces Orange theme come on over and join in!!

The End of this Road....

2010-11-05T18:43:00.002-04:00

If you want to see the story unfold, head on over to my photography blog.... (and bring the kleenex)!

Happy Halloween! {Take 1}

2010-10-29T16:20:00.000-04:00

I ❤ Faces - PINK {In Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness}

2010-10-24T19:17:00.000-04:00

Women's Healthcare issues and Breast Cancer Awareness are very near and dear to my heart. I also have quite the love for the color pink! My sweet little princess let me do a quick "Pink" photo shoot today for I ❤ Faces and this is the end result!

If you haven't played along before, join in now! Head on over to I ❤ Faces and link up your pink photo!

{Red Chair}

2010-10-23T12:17:00.001-04:00

I have been thrifting a lot lately. I have been in search of the perfect chair to spray paint red. I have been envisioning a red chair in a yellow field. Yum! I finally found a $2 chair and went to work.

Here is a part of my vision....

This Weekend....

2010-10-09T21:04:00.000-04:00

My little boy became a Big Boy and got his "Big Boy Bed"! I'm happy and sad all at the same time.

We also went to the pumpkin patch with some friends and played - here's a preview... more pics to come.

Sweet Sunlight and a Yellow Field

2010-10-06T20:10:00.000-04:00

I stumbled upon this field (next to a sports bar) this morning and couldn't wait to bring the kids there tonight. It was so beautifully illuminated by the setting sun. Here are 2 of my favorites from tonight!

On another note, the fabulous Becky from "Life With Kaishon" interviewed me! Go and check it out!

Shadow & Light

2010-10-02T10:52:00.000-04:00

I always seem to be drawn to brightly illuminated faces. Shadows are beautiful if done correctly, however, I never felt as if I did them "correctly". Mine always ended up being the nasty shadows under my kids eyes shooting in bright sun at high noon. YUCK!

The other night I decided to work with some new (to me) lighting and high ISO. I cranked my 2007 model camera up as high as it would go {ISO 1600} and held a lamp in my left hand to light half of my daughters face. Here is the result.

I love the moodiness of it and the grain. Pretty happy with it. I may even try it again!

The Conclusion....

2010-09-23T16:49:00.001-04:00

How In the World Did {THIS} Happen?

2010-09-22T02:00:00.003-04:00

It was 3 years ago last night that I went to bed looking like this....

When I woke up (as if I slept)... we went to the hospital where I gave birth to my sweet little man, Creighton. 3 years ago I had no idea what a blessing he would be to my life. He is AMAZING in every way. I am so blessed to be his Mommy. He makes me laugh and cry every day. He is learning and growing so fast that soon he won't need me anymore. I just can't believe it's been 3 years since I first saw his beautiful face.

I woke up last night and looked over to see his angelic face. I just stared and stared as if I've seen it forever. It brings me happiness and peace.

Happy Birthday, Little Man. You make me proud and you teach me more than I could ever teach you. I love you more and more everyday and I wish time would slow down so I could hold you forever. Yup... today you are 3. My heart is breaking because time is just moving too fast.

I love watching you grow and play. I love your imagination and your love for Buzz and Woody! So cute!!

We've had a long year and counting down is what we do best (as any military family knows). Your birthday is just another milestone that Daddy has to miss this year. Notice the days we are counting down until he gets to see you again?
The good news is that we can make cupcakes again for his homecoming!!

I love you. I love you. I love you. I love that your sister is your best friend and that at the end of the day you want to be just like her. I love how she makes you laugh and you could have dance parties in her room everyday and think your life is perfect. You are a great little brother!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Sweet Creighton. May you have 100 more amazing years of happiness and may all of your dreams come true!

I ❤ Faces - Smirk

2010-09-20T09:08:00.000-04:00

I love this week's theme over at I ❤ Faces. The theme is SMIRK! I can't wait to see everyone's interpretation of this funny expression.

This is my daughter's 5 year old photo I took in the front yard. This expression cracks me up! Come on over and join in the fun!

Black & White Wednesday

2010-09-15T12:37:00.000-04:00

I gave birth to my perfect man. He cuddles with me, grabs me by the face and tells me how much he loves me, he thinks I'm funny, he scratches my back and helps me with the laundry. I LOVE HIM!

In one week he turns 3. My baby will no longer be a toddler... a pre-schooler is emerging right before my eyes.

Speaking of eyes, I love his big brown inquisitive eyes. They grab my heart like nothing else.

Sweet Shot{s} Tuesday

2010-09-14T14:08:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I blog a couple of photos and sometimes I do a photo dump! My husband has been in Afghanistan for 10 months and one day. These are for him to see what we've been up to. If you have a photo to share, head on over to Darcy's blog and play along for Sweet Shot Tuesday!

I ❤ Faces - Vroom!

2010-09-13T13:03:00.000-04:00

This week at I ❤ Faces, the theme is "Vroom, Vroom"! My husband sent my daughter an awesome scooter for her 5th birthday. She LOVES it! She decided that she wanted to dress up with my shoes and her biggest tutu and ride her scooter like a princess. This is the end result!

Head on over to I ❤ faces and join in the fun!

Black & White Wednesday

2010-09-08T13:00:00.000-04:00

Creighton has a birthday coming up and all he wants is a "Really Big" Buzz Lightyear to hang out with his buddy Woody....

Little does he know that UPS delivered him in a box about a week ago. Thanks Daddy!

Happy Sunday

2010-09-05T10:37:00.000-04:00

A Little Vintage Western

2010-09-02T14:52:00.000-04:00

I have been dying to use my camera more lately, so I made my sleepy kids join me in the back yard for an impromptu session after nap time yesterday. Can you tell who wakes up happy and who is grumpy pants?

I used PW's Heartland action on both of these.

Fall - I love the Fall!

2010-08-31T19:05:00.001-04:00

Today, I shopped. I shop in the Fall because I feel the need to nest. I apparently nest by painting my fingernails and wearing sparkly shoes. I may need therapy. I shop when I'm lonely, I shop when I'm tired, I shop when I need to exercise and I shop when I need things. I did not "need" nail polish, however, I wanted a new fall color or two (or 4) and lipstick to match and new shoes to go with the cute jeans I got for the fall. I guess it is what it is. Maybe I'm filling the void of my sweet husband being home with STUFF. Or not. I shop when he's home, too. Oh well. Here are a couple of my purchases from today!

Make sure you head on over to Darcy's blog and link up for Sweet Shot Tuesday!

Before & After

2010-08-27T13:39:00.000-04:00

Here is my I ❤ Faces "Fix-It friday" photo. This is NOT my photo, just a photo that I got to edit for fun!

If you want to play along, head on over to I ❤ Faces and jump in!

Edited in CS4 using my own actions.

First Day of Montessori

2010-08-24T09:56:00.000-04:00

We tried this last year, but Creighton was not quite ready to be away from Mommy. This year... much better.

Here they are leaving for their first day!

**Tear**

I'm so proud of both of them. They are such amazing little people.

Beach Fun @ I ❤ Faces

2010-08-22T23:25:00.000-04:00

You know the contest, you know the rules, now come on over to I ❤ Faces and join in the fun!

This little guy was having a great little starfish snack while I snapped photos of his sandy toes! I love the BEACH!

Birthday, Etc....

2010-08-22T10:06:00.000-04:00

Last Thursday my little girl turned 5 and I made it half way to 72 {We share our birthday}. Yikes! Here are some shots from the last few days.

The 5 year old princess:

Because....

2010-08-17T21:10:00.004-04:00

I love them so much.

End Of Summer

2010-08-16T11:31:00.000-04:00

I can't believe how fast the summer flew by. Time for pencils and school clothes. A brief photo to remember the long, hazy days of summer.

Sweet Shot Tuesday

2010-08-03T07:37:00.000-04:00

No words today. Just smiles.

You can see the rest of this shoot over here!

The Visit

2010-07-27T15:07:00.000-04:00

I just love it when Nana and Papa visit! It's a fantastic break for me and I get to watch my children enjoy and soak up all the love that is their Grandparents! Here are a few shots from the beach.

I ❤ Faces - PURPLE!

2010-07-26T08:08:00.001-04:00

Just a beautiful shot of my daughter with a gorgeous periwinkle sunset! I love the color purple and can't wait to look through everyone else's entries! Join in over at I ❤ Faces!

Happy Saturday

2010-07-24T18:54:00.001-04:00

We had fun making art projects for Nana and Papa today!

You Capture - B&W

2010-07-22T12:56:00.000-04:00

Head on over to Beth's Beautiful Blog and join in!

Parenting.....

2010-07-21T14:37:00.000-04:00

Is full of long days and short years. I can't believe how big my sweet babies are getting!

f/1.8 ROCKS!

2010-07-16T21:36:00.000-04:00

Happy Weekend everyone!

FB Fan Page - Woot!

2010-07-15T17:45:00.000-04:00

Finally, after a lot of requests, I created a Facebook Business page. I'm not really sure what I'll be doing with it, but it's pretty fun and I feel so official, LOL!

If you would like, you can "like" me on FB. I think I'll be having some specials and giveaways soon on there, so here's the link!

The other night after I got done with my gray, overcast, dark, flat session with a beautiful family, I drove back towards home to pick up the kids and this is what emerged....

I also got a new lens in the mail today... Thanks UPS! I love the roar of that big brown truck!!

It's a 50mm 1.2. It's creamy, dreamy, and I will have to learn how to nail the focus when it's wide open at 1.2. Here are a few test shots from today!

Happy Thursday!!

Slow Blog Season

2010-07-12T16:20:00.000-04:00

It's been a wild and crazy summer. Mostly I'm blogging over here, but here's a little story board of some of our trips to the beach! Happy Middle of July!

Sweet Shot Tuesday

2010-07-06T14:09:00.000-04:00

Now that my visitors have left, all I have is photos. : )

Here are some shots of this kids playing on the 4th at the beach. Happy Tuesday! Don't forget to head on over to SWEET SHOT TUESDAY and link up!

Visitors {Sweet Shot Tuesday}

2010-06-29T17:29:00.018-04:00

I love it when we have visitors! An amazing friend from college came to visit with her family. We've been going picture crazy, especially over her latest edition. If you want to link up at Darcy's blog to show off your favorite Sweet Shot, please join in!

I ❤ Faces - PETS ONLY!

2010-06-27T22:37:00.001-04:00

Here she is.... my sweet beast Elmo. To know her is to love her. I got her from the humane society while I was in grad school in 1997. She is definitely starting to age. I am absolutely in love with this photo of her. She looks so wise and contemplative : ) For a DOG! Anyway, if you have a photo of your Pet or any random animal that you would love to show off... head on over to I ❤ Faces and SHOW IT OFF!

Sweet Shot(s) Tuesday

2010-06-22T07:51:00.002-04:00

One sweet little dragonfly. And my silly little dragonflies.

Show off your sweet shots over at Darcy's blog!

My Beautiful Life

2010-06-21T20:50:00.001-04:00

I've started looking around more and seeing beauty in the EVERYDAY. Some things from my weekend....

Macro Love

2010-06-19T09:31:00.000-04:00

I just love my macro lens. It seems I rarely use it, however, because I'm taking photos of people (such as these gorgeous people)... which is great, but sometimes I just want to lose myself in the unseen world of macro photography for a few hours.

This was taken in my back yard. It was the best of 5 shots I got of this little bud. I am truly amazed at what is out there the we don't see until we look with a microscope. AMAZING BEAUTY!

Happy Saturday.

A Rare Shot of My Own at the Beach

2010-06-17T08:18:00.001-04:00

If you want to see some other "Best Shots" link up with Lolli for Give me Your best Shot!

I ❤ Faces - "All About Babies"

2010-06-14T07:53:00.000-04:00

Today will be so much fun at I ❤ Faces! I love to see all things baby. This is from a recent shoot I had with a little 19 day old angel. Head on over to see all the newness!

10 Things

2010-06-10T13:34:00.000-04:00

Today... 10 things I love about my little girl.

1. She is sweet. She says the sweetest little things and will give me hugs for no reason. I love that.

2. She is FUNNY. The child makes me laugh. She has been saying some things lately that just blow my mind. Out right hilarious child.

3. She is very smart, but never makes anyone else feel "dumb" in the process. She is very good at explaining things to help other little kids understand her.

4. She is a leader. We were told this by her "teacher" in her preschool when she had just turned 1. Boy oh boy was she right. She wants everyone to follow her lead and do as she says. I love it because it will be an amazing quality as she gets older.

5. She has a big heart. No explanation needed.

6. She is very creative and loves to make things for other people.

7. She is giving. She came in the other night with an old stuffed animal in hand and said, "Mommy, I want to give this to charity. Some other little kid might need it and I'm done playing with it."

8. She's a great model for my photography. Thank Goodness!

9. She's super independent and outgoing. She has never met a stranger and can adapt easily to any situation. Being an "army brat" (I hate that term) is okay with her. She'll just have friends everywhere.

10. She's mine. All mine. I'm so lucky. I love you, sweet girl!

Sweet Shot Tuesday

2010-06-08T07:41:00.000-04:00

As the kids played in the pool on Sunday afternoon, I realized it had been a while since I picked up my camera for anything other than work! This was my favorite of all the photos I shot... too bad no one's face was in it!

(Doesn't her swimsuit look like a target?)

I ❤ Faces - Play

2010-06-06T20:19:00.003-04:00

This week at I heart faces the theme is PLAY! I love this photo of my little girl's best friend sliding down the slide and into the water. What a fun afternoon! Do you have a picture of someone playing? If so, just head on over to I ❤ Faces and link up!

Little Girl Love

2010-06-06T12:41:00.000-04:00

I am madly in love with this sweet little angel.

Happy Sunday!

One Willow Lightroom Presets

2010-06-01T20:20:00.001-04:00

Have you heard of them? Miss Jessica Paige of One Willow Boutique creates AMAZING Lightroom presets. If you haven't used presets, just download a free trial of Lightroom and you will be hooked! Jessica is just amazing at adding little touches to RAW images in Lightroom and creating magical images with one click!

At least check out her website!

These are out of her brand new FAIRY TALE SET.

SOOC (shot in RAW)

Country Road

Vintage Lace

Sweet Dream

Golden Fields

And here's my confession for today... I did buy Lightroom because of Jessica's presets. I love them and they simplified my workflow by 100%!!

Last Day of School

2010-05-27T10:44:00.000-04:00

In August I took a photo of my princess on her first day. Today, a couple inches taller, a few pounds heavier, with a brain full of knowledge, I send her off to school for the last time before Kindergarden. We gave each of her teachers home made pralines and a photo of Campbell that was taken during the year. She has really enjoyed Montessori and I think she has come a long way in a year. Next year her brother will be joining her. He has no idea it's coming. :)

Last Night

2010-05-26T10:00:00.001-04:00

I had one of those nights. Ya know... nothing goes right and I have no one to blame, so I get mad at the Army for taking my husband from our family for a year and leaving us to fight silly battles without him. He fixes things, he's our rock... our hero. As we sat in the parking lot with the car not able to turn on I got more and more frustrated. I couldn't find a number to find out if I had roadside assistance from our insurance company, our AAA Membership had lapsed, and I was worried about how I was going to get these poor little kids home before it was really dark. Finally, after a good hour, a good samaritan came and asked if I needed a jump. Of course I "jumped" at the chance for a life line and as his wife and 3 kids looked on I was so elated that he helped me out. After it worked and the car started and I thanked his wife for letting him rescue us, I told his kids that he was a hero. The word is over used in a super-hero sense, but I do believe we are all heros in some way. I'm tired of running this house, doing everything by myself, not getting a break. I'm lonely and I miss my husband. This photo is a reflection of how I'm feeling lately. Don't forget everyday heros. Someone you rescue from a dead car battery may have so much more going on than just that little pain. Thank you good samaritan. You made me believe that there are good people out there willing to help. Thank you Army for making me a strong woman even though I want to curl up and cry sometimes.

{Sorry for the rant.}

Hello Yellow {I ❤ Faces} Challenge

2010-05-25T21:41:00.000-04:00

Apparently we don't own a lot of yellow around here. Time to go shopping!

Thank goodness the big wheel handles were yellow. If you want to check out some amazing shots with Yellow in them, head on over to I ❤ Faces and check it out!

Sweet Shot Tuesday

2010-05-25T11:19:00.000-04:00

This one is for Daddy! We miss you! Maybe Skype will work this week. If you want to join in Sweet Shot Tuesday, head on over to Darcy's AMAZING blog and check it out!

Hello MURAL

2010-05-21T15:17:00.002-04:00

I have been meaning to try out some other canvas printers. I found one that was doing a "Garage Sale" of sorts and sent them my latest favorite image. I am in LOVE!

This is so huge! It's a 60x40. Holy Moly!! I love it!

(The photo doesn't do it justice. It's beautiful without 800 ISO applied. I still had a shutter of 1/40. I need more light in this room!)

What do you think?

P.S. The colors are wonky on my screen. It's colored perfectly in "real life". :) Happy Friday!

Sweet Shot Tuesday & Communal Global

2010-05-18T08:13:00.000-04:00

A shot of my princess. Can you tell she's all glowy? This was taken during the 2 weeks while her Daddy was home. They were the best 2 weeks of the year! If you want to play along this week, head on over to Sweet Shot Tuesday or Communal Global (or both) and link up!

I ❤ Faces - And Flowers

2010-05-17T09:18:00.003-04:00

I love this sweet little face! I took this last Fall just after her 2nd birthday. What a little angel.

If you want to see more faces with flowers this week.... head on over to I ❤ Faces and check it out!

As Quickly as He Came...

2010-05-15T08:35:00.002-04:00

He had to leave again.

We love you, Daddy. We miss you so much! See you at Christmas.

God is so Good!

2010-05-11T14:18:00.005-04:00

My Family

2010-05-10T15:19:00.000-04:00

I love spending every minute with the ones I love. These 2 weeks are a treasure and we've honestly been {{completely}} together... at all times. I've tried not to bring the camera, because I feel like it becomes a hinderance into our time as a family, but yesterday I brought it along.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T09:27:00.000-04:00

I am the luckiest Mom in the world. I've been blessed beyond my wildest dreams and I am so in love with these babies. Here is a quick look back over the last few months.

Sight for Sore Eyes

2010-05-06T09:44:00.000-04:00

My husband is home on his 2 weeks of R&R. I love this face!

Sweet Shot Tuesday

2010-04-27T07:53:00.000-04:00

If you haven't been to Darcy's Blog for SWEET SHOT TUESDAY, you are missing out!

Come on over and link up your favorite shot!

This is the sweet little angel I got the opportunity to photograph over the weekend. Isn't she perfect?!?

Happy Tuesday!

I ❤ Faces - Smiles

2010-04-25T21:43:00.000-04:00

This week at I ❤ Faces, the theme is SMILES! It's perfectly fitting for us this week because my husband, who has been in Afghanistan since November 13, is coming home on his R&R for 15 days. We will be a family of smiles for 2 weeks!! This photo of little man makes me smile every time I see it. Such a happy boy with his sporting accessories.
If you want to join in, head on over to I ❤ Faces and play along... come on.. you know you want to!

My Love Language

2010-04-23T21:13:00.000-04:00

Have you read this book? It's called THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES. To me, it's a must read before marriage. My love language is gifts. Gifts are how I feel loved. It doesn't have to be anything grand or expensive, maybe just a diet coke from the gas station that shows me that you were thinking of me when you were away. I often buy my children little gifts because it's also the easiest way for me to "give" love in a tangible way.

Well.... I love my husband. I will finally get to see him in about a week for the first time since early November. Yesterday I had the best time buying him this....

I love you, Honey!

{too bad his love language is physical touch}

Happy!

2010-04-22T20:01:00.000-04:00

Sweet Shot Tuesday

2010-04-20T09:50:00.001-04:00

I love to see all of the entries from all over the place for the blog carnival called Sweet Shot Tuesday! Darcy's blog is amazing. If you haven't been there, you should join up today!

This is plumeria that was growing on the side of the road. I pulled over, put my life in danger and got the shot. Just kidding. I was in a parking lot walking in the bushes to get it. I want it to bloom all year and I want a full yard of it! Happy Tuesday!

I'm also adding this shot to Communal Global's "Tuesday Around the World" carnival. It's a fabulous group of bloggers from all over the world showing their version of "today". Head on over!

I ❤ Faces - Collage Week

2010-04-19T17:25:00.000-04:00

I've been pretty busy taking photos lately and was eager to make this for my husband. Here are some of my lastest faves in a collage from MCP Actions! Springtime is alive and well in Bluffton, SC!

If you want to see some other collages, head on over to I Heart Faces and check it out!

Love the Boy

2010-04-16T11:26:00.002-04:00

I ❤ Faces - Fix It Friday

2010-04-16T09:38:00.000-04:00

This one was fun! She is beautiful and it's such a great shot, just under exposed. That's a pretty easy fix.

Original:

Edited:

Happy Friday!

Angel Face

2010-04-14T10:06:00.000-04:00

I just couldn't believe how clear this photo came out. I had her stand in the shadow of the garage and behind me is my husbands jeep which is silver (great big reflector). If you look closely, you can see the entire jeep and my silhouette. Pretty cool, huh? I adjusted the white balance in ACR and then sharpened and sized for web in PS.

Here are my camera settings, if you were curious! Happy Wednesday!
f/2, 1/1000, ISO 100, 85mm