My sweet girls

This last week the girls went to Vacation Bible School. They had such a great time, and are making good friends at church. At the Family night, Annie was a little girl's best friend. Annie went on the big slip and slide with her, and wasn't even asked. Annie enjoyed helping her. Abby was with me cheering all the kids as the ran down the slide. She made a friend, and then they chased her friend's baby brother around. Colleen was playing with her friend that she met in her class. I only saw her on the slip and slide. Then she was gone again. In the girl's mind all kids have the same beliefs that they do.

Friday night we went to a get together at a guy the Adam works with. We had a blast! The guys wanted to take their bikes to this trail down the road, so the kids jumped in my truck and off we went. The girl's VBS cd was in the radio, so they were singing along with it all the way there. Then one of the little girls told Annie that God is not real. Annie was in shock! She was mad that she was saying that. Annie told her that he is real. The little girl said, "You can't see him! So he is not real!" Annie asked her, "Can you see the wind?" Then I told them to stop yelling at each other. At 5 years old, this little girl was told not to believe in God. Annie gave her a great answer that she learned in Sunday School in Oklahoma. My cousin Heath talked to the kids about the wind, so she was obviously listening.

On the way home, Annie told her sisters what the little girl said. Abby asked what we should do, because she needs to understand the God is real. I said we can pray, and the next time we play with her they can tell her about God and that He IS real. It was a quiet trip home that night. All three girls were in the back praying for this little girl.

My Prego Friend!

I love the pregnant belly! I also was the one who will not touch the tummy because I know I got tired of it. People who do not even know you will ask to touch your belly. Or, even worse, they just touch it without asking. Anyways, I got to take pictures today of my friend's belly. It was so much fun! She was relaxed and didn't care what we did. Makes it even easier ;)

Little man

Got to take pictures of a little guy we met today. I had such a great time. Learning with every picture I take. He is such a calm 6 month old, so he made it easy on me. My favorite effect is still the older looking pictures. I was very nervous when we started. Being new, I don't want to screw up. After college I am not going to like these pics, but now I love em! :)

I am getting me a edumacation!

Last year I went to a technical college in South Carolina. My goal was an associate degree in computer programming. The college didn't offer a degree in Photography, so when I got to Alabama I jumped on the opportunity. In 2 months I will be back in school with 6 classes. I have one more year to use my GI Bill. Not only do I get to go to school, but I get paid to go! Since the money I am getting goes toward college, Adam said I could get Photoshop. WooHoo! I am not done with computer programming. I think in two years I can get both.

I am very excited to take pictures of a little 6 month old boy tomorrow. I told his mom that I am not a professional, but I am sure I will get some good pics. Those pictures I get to add to my portfolio. My first photo shoot ;)

Then Saturday I get to take pictures of my friends prego belly! She asked me yesterday! She is having a girl! She also has a daughter that will be playing with us! Off to draw out layouts for the pictures!

Prayers

Today the girls asked if God answers all prayers. I told them that he listens to all prayers. He answers them, but there are some answers we may not like. Well, at 11:00 pm it was Colleen's turn to get an ear ache. We have the ear drops that the Dr gave Abby and Annie for pain. Only problem is I don't know where Adam put the drops. I wake him up and he didn't know where the drops were. He looked out in the van while I looked in Abby's room. I searched low, and he searched high. About 10 minutes into it, I told Adam to go to bed. He has a test tomorrow, and needs his sleep. Colleen "helped" me look everywhere. I decided to double check the van. I grabbed my keys and looked in the van and the truck. "Please Lord, help me." I decided to look on the back porch, so I unlocked the door and checked. Nope, nothing. Tossed my keys on the counter, and I missed. They landed on the floor. "Don't forget to pick up the keys later." Drawers, bags, short pockets (in case I put it in my pocket for safe keeping,) washer, dryer, in couch, under couch, behind everything... I give up! I give Colleen some pain meds and a hot cloth for her to put on her ear. "Don't forget keys." I go to pick up the keys and the t shirt under them. I toss the shirt in the laundry room, and there are the drops. They had fallen off the counter, and the t shirt was tossed near the laundry room on top of the drops. I am not going to say who put the shirt there, but after fathers day I will let him know. See, He answered my prayer. If I had not missed the counter, I wouldn't have picked up the shirt to find the drops. "Thank you" He answered it quickly, but I needed to look around before I got the answer.

Colleen is sleeping, Adam is sleeping, and it only took me an hour!

I love a good deal!

Last night I made a big purchase on a lens for my camera. I should have waited, but "Wow! That's a low price!" jumped into my head. I can and will use it. I just don't NEED it. If I wait till I NEED it, the price will be jacked up again. So, I got it! I know, I don't NEED it. Opteka 650-1300mm High Definition Telephoto Lens for Canon EOS 50D, 40D, 30D, 20D, 10D, Digital Rebel XT, XTi, XS, XSi, & T1i Digital SLR Cameras

Ok, off that. Coupons, a great thing to get involved in. Free is always good in book. Another movie flash pops in my head. Bedtime stories with Adam Sandler, and he says "For Free!" Oops, got off topic. Where was I, Coupons. There is a website that has a bunch of tips on how to use coupons. I thought I knew, but I guess not! I got 6 boxes of cheerios and 3 packages of Keebler cookies for $8.00. That is a savings of around $22.00. With Coupons and BOGO deals. I KNOW! My issue is would I normally purchase cookies, No. But, keep this in mind, the cookies were free with purchase. Do, I need that many boxes of cheerios? No. They will get eaten in my house though. I couldn't NOT buy them though. The website, Southern Savers and it is wonderful!

Ok, kids are up. Time to run around! Oh, I didn't make it 10 minutes without checking my computer. I am addicted.

Sorry no pictures lately. Been really busy and not taking any. Shame on me :(

No TV day!

I told the girls this morning there will be no TV while Daddy is at work today. I could make it an entire day, but I can't make Adam give it up. It happens that today it is raining! It didn't start that way, but it has been thundering for about 2 hours. So, what did the girls do? Abby, still with an ear ache, slept. I wish I could do that. Annie and Colleen, colored for a little while and are now playing with play dough. I helped a bit keeping them busy by taking them to the reading program that the library put together. They also planned an outside day, so they had to change their plans too. It is so quiet and calm though. The sound of the rain, and no TV. Every once in a while the girls will start to sing something. Colleen has been stuck on the good ship lollipop. All morning it was "It's my party and I'll cry if I want to!" When she gets a song in her head, you hear one part of that song over and over again. I think tomorrow will be no computer....that would be hard for me. Till Daddy gets home though. The girls are great without TV. I just needed some peace and quiet. Now, off to check on Abby and finish my book.

of all days...

My sweet Adam had a test this morning. I was worried he wouldn't wake up for a test, so I checked the clock through out the night. I got him up at 4:00, crazy I know, just like he requested. Said goodbye and watched NCIS. Today is going to be an easy day, right? I, once again, was wrong. I invited Abby's friend to spend the night. I thought they would play together all day, but Abby has an ear infection. Poor princess can't get in the pool. She has been laying down all day. I feel bad for her friend too, because our house isn't much fun with Abby down. Annie and Colleen can't get in the pool, because it wouldn't be fair. So, I am tired. The girls are snappin' at eachother. And, I don't have anything that could really make Abby feel better. Did I mention I am tired.

Adam came home, and he is so sweet. He said, "Honey you have bags under your eyes." Thanks, I love you too! I, too, have been up since before 4:00. I have been dealing with 4 girls all day. I am tired! And yes, I now know I have bags under my eyes!

Ok, enough complaining. My wonderful husband passed his test. YEAH! I am so proud of him. WooHoo! As many times I have said I am tired he has mentioned he has passed his test. So, I changed what I was saying to see if he would change what he was saying. "Hey honey, You passed your test today!" "I know! Isn't that great!" At dinner he was telling the girls about his lecture for the day. They all had faces like he had something growing out of his head. I told them to say, "Oh! That is cool!" to everything he says. So we did, and he smiled. As long as Adam thinks I care, we are good. Then when I show them pictures I have taken I expect, "Oh! That is cool!" See, we are both happy!

Adam also made dinner, Fish Tacos, and dug a hole for me to plant my flowers. What else did he do? He washed the dishes and is folding clothes right now! Where did I find this great husband? Ha! He wants to go shooting his bow after work tomorrow. He is trying to soften me up. I already agreed. I do love him! I wonder if I can get him to rub my feet...

Babies

I was reading a misc blog today about a woman who was trying so hard to have children. Nothing was working for her. A year ago we found out a friend has breast cancer. She was going to go through the treatment, but afterward would not be able to have children. After Adam and talked, I asked if the Drs. took any eggs for later. She said they were ok not having children. I then told her I would be a surrogate mother if she wanted. I loved being pregnant, and I know we will never be able to have more children. She said no, but in a nice way. I told her my uterus is always available if she needs. Just reading how heart broken this other woman is made me think about it all over again.
I love my girls and I would have more if we could. I am not certain if I would get to 7 or 8, but that is because I am not patience level is not that high. If I had the patience, I would have 12. Only if I could have all girls. I don't know what to do with boys. They scare me...

haircuts!

My three pretty girls got their hair cuts today. Laura did a wonderful job! I hope she never moves! Abby walked in saying, only a trim. She got over 5 inches chopped off. They each put in their requests. I went behind Colleen and said she wants a trim. I showed Laura the back that I agreed with her only getting a trim, but I showed 2 inches of hair that needed to be "trimmed." Abby had a picture of what she wanted. Annie explained what she wanted. I agreed with both, so I didn't say anything. When we got home they allowed me to take their pictures. Then they all jumped in the pool...

Garage Sale

I love garage sales! I got this center piece. The detail is so pretty and vintage. It looks perfect on the table I got for my birthday. Tomorrow, more garage sales and antique stores. Maybe that consignment store from the other day. So the plan for the garage sales is 3 hours long. We leave at 0600. Who is with me!!!!

Can I stay home, and you shop for me?

I made a summer schedule for the girls this summer. Today it went in the dirt. It didn't help that I slept in till 9:00. Last night I told the girls I would take them to the library, so it was first on my list. I love that they like the library, but kids books are not always where they should be. It isn't the fault of the library, but it still gets to me. I end up look through all the books for the one book Colleen is looking for. She then reads it on the way home and is done with it, but hey she is reading!

I have driven past a consignment shop in Athens a few times, and today I wanted to look inside. I ended up with 2 dresses and 2 skirts. Abby said one dress looks like it was made in the 60s. That might be why I like it. Not that she would know what a dress in the 60s looks like. The other one has all 3 girls' favorite colors. They all agreed I should get it. I had more that I wanted, but I couldn't spend over $50. I promised myself. I didn't promise that I wouldn't go back tomorrow...

We then went to eat and then to Walmart. I went from something I love to do to something I hate. Shopping in Walmart kills me. Then they made it worse by remodeling the store. I couldn't find anything I really wanted. Crafts are easy to find, but I walked around in circles looking for expo markers. They are the one thing I had to get for Adam. Then a lady stopped me to ask where are the boxes of Jello. I understand that most Moms know where Jello would be, but not me. But she asked me in a way that made up for it. "You don't look old enough to have these 3 girls. Do you know where the Jello is?" I wanted to start off about my life story to make her regret asking me. I just sent her to the chips across the store. She said that was too far, so it wasn't important. So you are saying that it was important to stop a mom with 3 kids going in different directions, but not important enough to go get it. I was wrong anyways. They moved that stuff last week, so nothing was in that area. Then we get to one of my pet peeves. I can't stand cashiers who bag meat products with fresh vegies. The meat isn't always completely sealed. The juices could get all over my baby spinach. I know this is one of my things, so I don't say anything. I just pull out the spinach and politely ask for another bag. In turn she gives me an evil look and hands me a bag.

Last but not least Lowes. I love shopping at lowes. I hate shopping at lowes. I know I shouldn't ever shop at lowes. I have so many feelings when it comes to Lowes, because I worked at one in South Carolina. I loved working there. I loved the customers and the store. It was the employees that always ticked me off. Even now, when I go, it is the employees that get me. There are the ones who work so hard, but they are at lunch when I am there. Then there are the three talking 5 feet away from the register when there are 6 people in line. The cashier calls overhead, "Code 3 outside lawn and garden." One of the three comes up to the register, the second one goes inside because it is too hot for him, and the third vanishes. Why did the cashier have to call overhead? They could see us standing there! Why does he get to go inside to the AC and I have to stand in line for 15 minutes in the heat? I know. I shouldn't shop at Lowes.

Now, the girls are outside in the pool. I have a sunburn, and sitting outside wouldn't be good. I guess I could clean, but that would be crazy! Nah, I will wash my new dresses, so I can wear one to church tonight. :)

Since I don't have any pictures, check out People of Walmart. It explains everything!

Adam cuts his hair

When Adam got out of the Navy we were so excited that he wouldn't have to cut his hair. He let it go for a while, but today he broke down and cut his hair. He is still as strong as he was before he cut it, so we are still good.

Now what does a haircut mean? Well, he walked outside and Tink started to growl at him. He played with her for a few minutes, and went inside. He came out a second time, and she growled at him again. After playing with her a second time, and petting her for a while I thought she was good. I was wrong. A third time he came outside and she growled at her. Him not having hair was a big deal for her. Maybe she will know who he is tomorrow.

Birds

I sat outside to see if the birds would trust me enough to eat while I was out there. It didn't take long. They were mainly females, but they are still very pretty.

The one flying is the girl who stayed the entire time. Food is much more important than anything for her. There is a boy right in front of her, and she chased him and his two cronies off when they upset her. Mainly the boy though. The other two girls just tweeted along with the boy. They also didn't get as much food as the other girl.

Fireflies

So I wanted to get some shots of fireflies. I told a friend of mine I would try to get a shot of them in the yard. I am still not sure how I should photograph them, but with this picture I set it up on the tripod and delayed it 2 sec. The shutter speed is set as low as my camera would go. They turned out ok in the jar, but they just were not bright enough in the yard. I might have the ISO too low. Tomorrow night, if it isn't raining, I will try again with a higher ISO. Something about a bug that can light it's behind is SO cool!

Wild Flowers

Adam and I went for a drive a few days ago. We passed these flowers almost the entire drive. I finally made him stop for me to grab some. I put them in a mason jar, because I couldn't find anything else to put them in. They are so pretty, even in the mason jar. I grabbed the basket to show how pretty they are.

Old Pictures/New Pictures

Making new pictures old.

I am learning new tricks with Photoshop. This is the newest one that I have found. This is a picture I took in my backyard. It isn't an interesting picture, but making it look old was interesting. I wish it was as easy to make old pictures new as it was to make new pictures look old. Now off to play with more pictures!

To get this outcome go here!

I am not sure if this one has the look I want, but it still is a cute one of my cousin's kids.