My ________________ Life

Mission Haiti - Has Just Begun

2011-06-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

Mission Haiti Photography

2011-03-13T14:43:00.001-07:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Getting Healthy Update

2011-03-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

Wooo Hoooo! I am officially Under 200 lbs. TODAY! NEVER GOING BACK THERE!
19 lbs. down, 64 to go!!!

I see that my last post was February 27th- I am Happy to say that I have lost 7lbs. since then and Bob is COMPLETELY on the wagon now! Amazing- I am so thankful to the Lord for Bob's change of heart regarding exercise and eating. He is saying to me daily that he is noticing that buffets and fast food are losing their appeal due to the work he knows is involved in shedding off the extra calories from eating there. Yay!

At first, he was steadily losing just by walking a little bit and only minor changes to his eating habits, but once the first few lbs. came off and he kept looking forward to seeing the numbers decrease- he found himself fitting in more and more exercise. Now he walks during his lunches PLUS he walks 2 or more miles from the bus towards home until he is picked up. If he doesn't do that he walks 3 miles at Lake Pflugerville. Since gas prices have gone through the roof recently, we are grateful to have the track around the lake that is close to our house.

I was starting to get shin splints after running at the lake, so I figured it was time for some new shoes. I did some online research and found a New Balance style that is made for stability and doesn't bend in the middle. I have orthotics, but the right shoe makes all the difference for my flat feet! My friend Suzanne gave me her expert advice to ice, massage, and stretch. I had been soaking in the hot tub or in the bath tub and that was the exact opposite of what I needed- So Thank You Suzanne!

Last Thursday I was able to run continuously for 1.5 miles at the track and then keep a good interval pace up and complete the route in 38 minutes! I am so excited to see progress and the 10K that is 2 weeks away seems doable!

I need to take the time to do the weight training on my alternate days- so that is a goal of change for me.

Progress

2011-02-27T08:45:00.000-08:00

I made a discovery this week.
I was so frustrated with working my butt off in the gym and seeing slow results I decided it was time to reread my Biggest Loser book and Whatdya know! Just by changing my eating plan to include more fresh fruits and veggies and remove the "lean cuisine" that I had been having for lunch, AND making my dinners lighter Tada! I went from 212 to 205 this week! AMAZING! I feel so awesome and my jeans are definitely looser.

It had to be all that sodium in the lean cuisines- eh?! Well, it's really encouraging me to stay on track. Speaking of track- I'll be going to the Lake Pflugerville 3 mile trail today to get my 'Big Run' in for the week. I'm hoping to get a yoga class in tomorrow to stretch and recover.

Musically- I am finding the songs that have the right beats per minute and the right combination of inspiration to give me a mental kick:

Phil Collins: I can't stop loving you
Phillips Craig Dean: Revelation Song
Bonnie Tyler: Hero
The Proclaimers: 500 miles
Def Leppard: Pour some Sugar on Me
Mercy Me: Beautiful
Toby Mac: Get back up
Avalon: Everything to Me

What's on your workout playlist?

Yum!

2011-02-26T08:57:00.000-08:00

Who knew food that is good for you could taste so much like dessert!

I tried this recipe for salad that is in my Biggest Loser Cookbook this week- It IS RIDICULOUS! It tastes like strawberry cheesecake salad!

1 Cup Fresh Spinach- stems off
1 Cup Romaine Lettuce
2 Tbsp. Crumbled Goat cheese
1/4-1/2 Cup Fresh, sliced strawberries
1/4 Cup sliced chicken breast
1 1/2 Tbsp.Kraft Light Raspberry Vinaigrette

Holy Cow! I loved it so much I had it 2x this week.
The easy peasy tip is to get a rotisserie chicken and just peel a breast piece and shred it or cut it up.

I've never had goat cheese before and I had a hard time finding it at the store. I finally found it in the Deli display in a crumbled option and a tiny little cylindrical portion. Goat cheese has 6grams of fat versus the 9 grams that cheddar offers.

1st Milestone...

2011-02-25T09:10:00.000-08:00

Wowiee!
10 lbs. down!
73 to go!!!!!!!!!

Cross Day

2011-02-24T09:48:00.000-08:00

No-I don't mean Easter... The 10K training plan I downloaded here has Wednesdays marked out for a Cross Training day-- which means no running- just biking, swimming, kayaking, etc.

So- I did 10 miles in 40 minutes varying the tension between 10 and 12. My cooldown was 5 more minutes in which I knocked out 2 more miles. Felt So Great!

I am getting the hang of staying within my optimum heart rate zone while I accomplish the prescribed distance and time.

The other thing I noticed is that if I don't make sure to eat 30 minutes before and get some protein and carbs I crash and burn. The previous day I didn't eat before my workout and suffered through 2 miles barely running at 4.1. My legs killed me and people asked me why I was limping.

This is going to be a long haul, but eventually I know I will be fit and healthy. It has taken 18 years to get out of shape, lethargic, and unhealthy-- It's now time to stop being sick and tired and eat right and get out and do it!

Friends Are Friends Forever

2010-10-09T11:11:00.000-07:00

Birth Day

2010-08-19T18:17:00.001-07:00

It is my birthday! I have to say that it has been one of the best I've had in a while.

This morning I slept in until the beautiful sun streamed in my window and woke me up. A while later my oldest son went and got me a Starbuck's Mocha and brought it to me.

While I was driving to the Salon for my pedicure Caleb and I shared some music and spent some quality time together. During my pedicure I relaxed, enjoyed the massaging chair, and relaxed some more.

We had our family photos done by a professional photographer! I can't wait to see how they come out!

For dinner, the boys made me waffles with strawberries and whipped cream.

Jake and Nate massaged my feet.

I am lounging and checking all the facebook birthday wishes and getting ready to do a scrapbook page.

Aaahhhhhhhh, it's such blisss.

2010-08-18T06:18:00.000-07:00

A phenomenon has occurred this week with both of my older two boys. It is a sign that parents hope for, but somehow it caught me off guard that it is happening so soon.

Maturation.

First- Caleb and I test drove two cars--one of which had 4 doors, power windows and door locks And an Awesome stereo system that has a connection for the iPhone And a remote! The other car was a 2-door car with manual windows, door locks, and a plain radio and Cassette deck. The first car had 153K miles and the 2nd one had 71K miles. I would have thought that the stereo, power locks and windows would've appealed more to Caleb-- but he said that of the two he would like to get the 2 door because it had less miles and would last longer!!

Second- Jacob called Caleb to come get him and bring him home because he was bored and no longer interested in spending all night playing video games when he knew he had football practice the next day.

!!!!
This is SO awesome that my boys are making these mature decisions!

**I am so proud****

Recent Faves

2010-08-15T18:31:00.001-07:00

Prayer time focus: 140 days of prayer for our nation. Download Dr. Stanley's Prayer Guide here

Breakfast: Orowheat Multigrain Sandwich Thins with cooked egg white and turkey bacon. Mmmm Healthy McMuffin!
Breakfast drink: Zen Tea

Bonus Drink: (If I'm at Brack) Douwe Egberts coffee with half n half and Splenda

Lunch Drink: Fresca (In an effort to avoid colored diet sodas)
Fruit: Mangos mmmmmmmm

Lunch: Lean Cuisine Spa Collection...favorite: Lemongrass Chicken

Fun: Purple frosty eye cream (Revlon) with Black and Smoky Eyeshadows.

Super Fun: Stampin'

Digi Scrappin'

2010-08-15T17:26:00.001-07:00

Cooool Idea!!! Just take a template, add blog journaling and pictures and Voila!

Kewel SB digi pages!

Journaling Class

2010-08-05T12:47:00.000-07:00

Woo Hoo! Elle's Studio is having a Free journaling class that begins Monday!!!
Sign up and do it with me!

Quest '09

2010-07-19T17:02:00.001-07:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Title Needed...

2010-07-12T10:35:00.000-07:00

Scrappin' this awesome photo taken by Audra at Quest last year....

Growth

2010-05-16T23:58:00.001-07:00

Look How much Kenzie has grown!

Kenzie is 3!!!

2010-05-16T23:15:00.003-07:00

I had the privilege of photographing Meckenzie's 3rd Birthday party today.
What a cutie!

Birthday Cake!

Anti Noise!

2010-05-15T20:01:00.000-07:00

Wow! Nik's Dfine 2.0 noise reduction is PHENOMENAL!

Check out this Before...

(Click on it to REALLY see the noise! (What is noise??? =Annoying pixelations!)

AFTER!!!!!!!!

Nik Filters!

2010-05-15T18:39:00.001-07:00

I went to the Austin Photo Expo today and learned about some Awesome Photoshop Plugins!

Here is my photo SOC (straight out of the camera) of the beautiful Miss Gracie...

And here it is after using the "Viveza" plugin to amp up the sky and brighten Gracie's shirt...

One of the most awesome parts about it is thta it only took about 5 minutes AND no selection tool required!
Awesome!!!

HannahQuickExports

2010-05-13T20:45:00.001-07:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Sweet!

2010-05-08T15:47:00.001-07:00

AND

Maternity Shoot!

2010-05-08T15:30:00.000-07:00

My Friend Raquel and her beautiful family allowed me to gain some practice shooting today.
Perfect Timing for Mother's Day!

Here is her sweet daughter:

2010-04-05T06:16:00.000-07:00

Who Loves Photoshop!
I took some 'spur of the moment' pics of Caleb on Saturday morning and wanted to share...

You, too can have professional quality photos...(I sound like an Advertisement!)

This is the SOC (Straight out of the camera)

Photoshopped!

Yes....that IS IHOP behind him :D

Thanks for Looking!

Crafty-ness

2010-01-05T07:38:00.000-08:00

My muse has returned! Over the New Years' weekend I got inspired and I have been making baby tins. This first one is for my dear, sweet friend Melissa's baby girl- Elizabeth. Here is a photo of her at 3 months.

Isn't she Adorable???

Here is the tin.

I have made these for friends before, but have never seen if they actually took a photo from each month and mounted them on the mini scrap pages. They can also be used as dividers for photos organized a month at a time.

Thanks for looking!

Allette

Nate is 13!!!

2009-12-29T04:28:00.001-08:00

Wow! My youngest is no longer a 'Tween' but an Official "Teenager"!!!
Nate turned 13 on December 9th and there is no looking back....

Click here to view these pictures larger

...actually, I HAVE been looking back. Twyla gave me an AWESOME Christmas present: She transferred my old VHS home movies to DVDs! I watched Christmas 2000 on our big TV on Sunday evening and got VERY sentimental. All the boys hugged me and consoled me....it all goes so fast!

I am so proud of my Natie. He is a big, strong, handsome, witty, intelligent, sweet young man. *Sigh. Thank you Lord for him.

In Print...

2009-12-18T10:10:00.000-08:00

"What am I, 3?"

This is the first line of Caleb's Newspaper article in the PHS newspaper this month concerning the school's 'Tardy Tank' in which students are compelled to sit in the cafeteria for the entire class period--missing the important information being taught during that time. In another article, he wrote about his experience attending college citing the differences such as-- the teachers won't track you down if you miss class or don't turn in your work.

I am laughing so hard because Caleb's transition to manhood is in FULL force! He has worked very hard this year to make his straight A's and it is the first time I have really seen him truly achieve by diligently studying. --Just in time for college.

Since he has been attending college 2 nights a week and driving himself everywhere he is now starting to appreciate the difference in how high schoolers are treated versus college students. He has always been 'independent', but his new sense of freedom and responsibility gives him a whole new perspective.

It is amazing to watch this season of his life and how much he has changed over the past 6 months. His aspirations to be taken seriously and to be treated as a mature young adult are slowly coming to fruition and I couldn't be prouder!

Who Loves Photoshop!

2009-11-29T11:38:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to show the difference between Straight out of the Camera Shots and AFTER the Majic of Photoshop!

Fall Photo Shoot

2009-11-28T13:41:00.001-08:00

Fun Family! What a pleasure to capture this precious Bunch!

Thankful

2009-11-26T16:14:00.000-08:00

This is a photo from today. Wow! We have so much to be Thankful for. Heather is smiling again. That in itself is a wonderful blessing. Adriana felt well enough to be able to come share the Thanksgiving with us. Look at how all the grandchildren are growing!

Seriously?

2009-11-24T14:50:00.000-08:00

November 24 is already here??? It feels like November 4th, not 24th! Thanksgiving is only 1 day away and is quickly followed by the Entire Christmas Celebration! I haven't even had our family photo done yet!!! AAaaack!

Does anyone else feel like December has crept up and is about to spring a surprise attack on them?

I downloaded Jessica Sprague's Holidays in Hand prompts for my December 1-31 prompts, but I have yet to print them and make a cute reminder clip board... I really want to savor every precious moment this year with my family.

Maybe it's because Caleb is a Senior and driving now. Maybe it's because I visited my Mom's and reminisced about so many treasured memories with our family... for whatever reason time is speeding up and I want it to slow down.

Senior

2009-11-07T12:51:00.000-08:00

Caleb's Senior Photos--Round 2

Lawn Man

2009-11-07T12:44:00.000-08:00

It's a rite of passage and Nate is right in the middle of it.

My little boy is mowing the lawn! Great job Nate!

Concert

2009-11-01T15:08:00.000-08:00

The Jeremy Camp/Bebo Norman/Natalie Grant concert was AWESOME!!!!!! Here is a clip just for FUN

Birthday Boy

2009-10-26T13:26:00.000-07:00

Jacob turns 16 this week. Wow! SIXTEEN... Let's review a few photos:

2000- 7 years old -Happy Camper! Party at Peter Piper Pizza! That's Matt Effland there on the right!

2001- 8 years old Awesome Sleepover Party. This was the year we earned the 3 room tent selling scouting popcorn, so we had a campfire complete with s'mores and bunches of friends.

2004- 11 years old- Our neighbor Rojit and Joshua were in attendance. Jake got to decorate his own cake with various candies--gummy worms, red hots, etc.

This was 2007. The 'not so thrilled' look on his face is due to the fact that he found out on his birthday that he was going to have surgery on his foot. Notice that he lit his own candles--He was 14.

*Sigh* They grow up so fast. Stay tuned for for his 16th birthday pics!

Licensure

2009-10-23T17:34:00.000-07:00

Caleb got his Driver's License!!!
My Firstborn son is loose on the roads! Well, maybe not loose... His first Solo was to Cristine's House, of course ;) During the same evening he was promptly made the new family chauffer by his 2 brothers. Nate needed picked up from the dance and Jake conned him into dropping him off at his friend's. Grumbling was heard, but we knew he was lovin' the opportunity to drive, anyway!

PS Rocks!

2009-10-18T12:34:00.000-07:00

Original SOC (Straight out of the camera)

Picasa Edit

Photoshop-RAW adjusted then fine tuned in PS.

Photoshop Fun!

2009-10-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

Original

Levels, Saturate, PW Action: Warmer, Unsharp mask x 2

PW Action BW, history brush to recolor.

Type+Writer Day 8

2009-10-11T08:58:00.000-07:00

Day 8 Journaling
Nate/Nathaniel/Natiebug

Today I am thinking about Nate. My sweet youngest son. I have been thinking that he does not get as much attention from me as I would like to give him. It is a symptom of being the youngest, I think, but I would like to change that.
He is such a neat kid. I admire how he can get up early every morning and just bounce out of bed eager to meet the day. I would say that he is Daddy’s boy, but he is my boy, too. Bob takes Nate with him on errands and makes a point to spend time with him. Bob and I were discussing this and I noted that it is probably easier for me to relate to the other 2 as grown up men than it is for Bob. This would be different if we had girls. Nate is in transition. He is in 7th grade now. I remember thinking that Caleb was easy to talk to and so grown up when he was in the 7th grade. Why don’t I think of Nate that way? I think it is because he is my baby and I may not be ready for him to grow up too fast.
Nate is such a friendly guy. He hugs everyone he meets. He always has complimentary things to say, which is why he has the nickname “The Silver-tongued Bandit”. He is clever and witty. He is so fun to be around because he is constantly trying to make me smile and laugh. He has served on the student council at school for 2 years and this year he is the vice president. I sense that he is frustrated with the scheduling conflict this year. His football games are on the same night as the student council meetings. He also plays a mean trumpet. Originally, he wanted to play drums, but we signed up for try outs too late and all the percussion slots were taken. He has quickly learned to read music and make his instrument sing. Last week, at the ‘Battle of the Bands’, he looked like he was having a blast being a band geek. Time will tell if he decides to stick with the Band or pursue football.
On a daily basis he can be found at a friend’s house. I am glad that we chose to live in a subdivision where he can easily walk to many different friends’ houses. The other main attraction Nate enjoys is playing games on his computer. Out of the 3 boys, he is the one who is most likely to play games.
His sense of style is only beginning to develop. Mostly he just wants to be comfortable. He will routinely arrive downstairs with tattered jeans and an ill fitting T-shirt. Most of the time he can get away with it, but periodically he is sent back up to find something nicer to wear by either his brothers or me. He bought himself a Navy blue bowler hat last summer. It definitely suits him. He looks very handsome with his stylish glasses, hat, and trademark dimples. His older brothers remark that they remember not caring about what they wore at his age either. Jacob decided that it’s okay for Nate not to look cutting edge because then the girls are not as likely to come after him.

Type+Writer 1st Layout

2009-09-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

I am taking Jessica Sprague's Type+Writer journaling/scrapbooking class online. It is Awesome, but I am already behind!

I am so excited about getting this first layout done! Click on it to see it larger!

Mawage

2009-09-27T16:59:00.000-07:00

Mawage...it is what bwings us tugevuh... This quote from Princess bride brings a smile to my face. Bob and I will be celebrating 17 years of wedded bliss next month. I am looking for a good picture of me for a journaling class and I came across this one. It was taken this year on our trip to Niagara Falls. My sister mentioned the movie "Fireproof" and I can't believe we haven't seen it yet. I will definitely be putting it on our Netflix.

Tipping my hat to Jessica Sprague's Type+Writer class, I will now make a themed list as a tribute to marriage, Our marriage that is:
Commitment
Friendship
Flirting
Arguing
Discussing
Planning
Enjoying
Experiencing
Caring
Serving
Talking
Loving

These are verbs. Marriage is a constant state of action and requires work and upkeep. I am so grateful for the man that God gave to me to be my husband. I would not be who I am today without him in my life. Through 'thick and thin', good times and bad, we are in it together and I look forward to the next 17 years + spending it with my love-Bob.

The Waiting Game

2009-09-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

Jacob patiently waits on the sideline for it to be his turn to play. Gentle Giant.

Of Laptops, iPhones, and Digi-ness

2009-09-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

Fry's has got to be CRA-SEE! I Love that I have a 5 YEAR warranty on my laptop that also provides a loaner laptop when mine's in the shop! This is the 3rd time this year I've had my laptop in the shop. It might be the final time. IF that is the case--I get to keep this Brand-spankin-new one! SHINY!

In other news...Caleb is waiting anxiously for his new (refurbished) iPhone to come in. He has already located about 20 'apps' including The Bible! *How Cool is That!*

On to the Digi-ness...I just signed up for Jessica Sprague's Type+Writer class. It's true-I love to make visually impactful scrapbooking layouts--but when it comes to adding the journaling to the page to tell the story I suddenly have a creative block. I am hoping that by taking this course I will unlock the stories to go with my pages.

I am having a hard time getting to Photoshop to install for some reason... BUT I will get there.

2009-09-10T18:21:00.000-07:00

Wow! Caleb is a Senior. He is so independent...within a few weeks he will be driving by himself, he goes to college, he is found studying at all hours of the day...It's incredible, my little boy is a man. *Sigh*
I am so proud of you, Caleb. You are so brilliant, talented, sweet, loving, handsome, funny, witty, insightful, creative, spontaneous, mature, affectionate, ...I could go on and on.

Love, Mom

Dylan Preview

2009-09-07T13:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a preview of unretouched photos from the photoshoot today! It was Awesome! He Smiled! Such a little miracle.

Hook 'Em

2009-09-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

Jacob sold enough tickets to qualify for a drawing and then won tickets to the UT game on Saturday. We all went downtown to find the Arthrex Tailgater--Our first!
Once we finally found the place it was time for Bob and Jake to head to the game.

JV Panthers VS Lions

2009-08-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

For Jacob's first game of the season he played Strong Tackle. Unfortunately, the other strong tackles on the Gold team are Juniors, so Jake got a total of 3 plays during the entire game. He was disappointed to say the least, but he is taking it in stride and using it as motivation to push harder to show the Coaches that he is the man to play.

Dylan Jaymes Johnson

2009-08-29T19:30:00.000-07:00

Dylan Jaymes Johnson arrived at 3:59 p.m. today. He was a perfect 7 lbs. 13 oz. and 21.5 inches long. Congratulations Stacy, Jamie, Sierra, Ayda, and Cheyenne!

Sportsmanship

2009-08-18T05:58:00.000-07:00

Fall Training

2009-08-18T05:22:00.000-07:00

Fall Football Training has begun in Texas! Even in the 108 degree heat the Panthers still train for what is going to be an awesome 2009 Season.
Jacob is working hard, slimming down, and buffing up with constant training before school starts. Before the Blue and Gold Scrimmage, he was playing Center. It's easy to find him in the photos because of his blue underarmor....Plus, he's the biggest thing out there! The coaches told him yesterday that he will be playing Strong side tackle! Bob and Jake are SO excited! I personally don't TOTALLY understand what this means, but I can deduce that it's a really good thing :D

Night Shots

2009-07-29T21:06:00.000-07:00

I used my new lens and here are some shots from the campfire last night at the Leubners. Fun!

Leubners!

2009-07-29T19:55:00.000-07:00

We had an AWESOME visit with the Leubner Family!
From Left to right: Caleb, Bob, Paul Jr., Nate, Nick, Paul Sr., Sam, Natalie, Stephanie, Jake, Tiffany, Tim, Billy in front, Ben, next to Tim: Emily, Lisa, Baby Danny, and me! When I get home I will post the photo from 4 years ago :D

Ellis Island

2009-07-26T06:05:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of us at Ellis Island waiting for the Ferry.

Vacation-Virginia!

2009-07-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

We spent the afternoon @ the beach right in front of our hotel. It was a wonderful, relaxing time looking out at Chesapeake Bay.

Pioneer Woman

2009-07-15T17:26:00.000-07:00

My friend Andi Maddux told me about the "Pioneer Woman" website a long time ago, but I have never taken the time to download the actions for Photoshop.
These are SO cool!

This is the original:

This is the "Heartland" Action (After I photoshopped it with a texture layer and JSprague Clipping mask)

This is the 'Colorized' action

Click on any of these to see them bigger.

A Father's Love

2009-07-15T15:16:00.000-07:00

Who Loves Photoshop!!!

Before

After

Grid Scrapping!

2009-07-15T12:46:00.000-07:00

Ali Edwards has a weekly tutorial on her blog and this week she invited Cathy Zielske to share. I have seen this style for quite a while, but never put together the fact that it could really provide me a HUGE breakthrough to overcome my perfectionism and actually Get some of my photos Scrapped! I was perusing the photos from Christmas 2004 on my backup drive and it struck me that I could use this to present all the snapshots... so here it is!

Jacob's Baptism

2009-07-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

I got a cool template from Jessica Sprague and did this one digitally first. I printed the large photo on matte presentation paper and the series on glossy photo paper. Twyla will laugh because on the template the photos are supposed to be straight, but when I started my placement I like them better skewed :)

Thank you for looking!

Allette

Baptism Pages

2009-07-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

Yay! I'm scrapping the baptisms from last year! I wanted to keep the pages simple and put the emphasis on the photos. My Digital Rebel is @ Camp with the guys, so the clarity and color isn't Super, but I wanted to share:

Scrap-a-thon!

2009-07-12T13:10:00.000-07:00

Page 1

Page 2

Full Layout
Yay! All the guys are at Quest and I'm luxuriating in 3 days of uninterrupted Scrapping! I want to share my first Scrapbook page in over a Year! The supplies are from the Backporch Memories Medley Kit I bought last October and never had a chance to use. Page sketch credit goes to Jana Eubank of "My Feathered Nest"

I am actually using the awesome Epson Stylus Photo 1400 I've had for over a year and not really used. It is so cool to be able to Photoshop my photos and crop them to the size I want and Print them without leaving the house!

Photo Editing

2009-07-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

Photoshop has been a passion of mine since 2004. Some people have asked me to see some before and afters, so here are a few:

BEFORE

AFTER
This is a vintage look using layer adjustments.

Freebie Fun

2009-06-18T04:12:00.000-07:00

Ana Cabrera posted a link to her "Creative Craftess" Blog that has Loads of digital freebies.... It's a goldmine!

http://www.sewingdistrict.com/blogs/creativecraftess/2009/06/17/world-wide-inspired-link-and-win/

I went to TLR Digital Darkroom and picked up some awesome Actions for Photoshop!

Their Black and White conversions are excellent! Here is a quick one:

First, I edit my original:

To look like this:

And then use the cool B/W Action--and Voila!

Check it out and post a comment here about which freebies you found useful.

First Photo Shoot

2009-06-12T16:19:00.000-07:00

So... when I was taking photos at the new church building I noticed how great the wall were for photo backdrops. It occurred to me that I could offer some amateur photography as a fundraiser for Quest. To make a long story short- My practice shoot was Tuesday. The Johnson Family indulged me and they were GREAT models! SO much fun!

I am SO excited!Bethany has agreed to help me (she has a degree in photography)and I know we are going to have so much fun!

I am so excited about how these first photos came out!

Jacob was a HUGE part in making it happen. He and Stacy constructed the lighting and helped so much in making the shoot work.

Here are a few of my faves:

Lately

2009-06-12T16:15:00.000-07:00

Last week I only exercised that one day when I rode my bike to work. I even went out and bought a new seat and I STILL haven't used it!

This week has been me hitting a brick wall, too! I wanted to go to the track last night and there was a thunder,lightning, hail, and tornado storm!

Tonight, I see that there is another one cooking, so I'm going to have to be determined to get my butt to the gym or exercise with my video.

On a good note--I am down to 185 :)

Free Class!!!

2009-06-12T16:13:00.000-07:00

Wow! Jessica Sprague is celebrating her site's 2nd anniversary by giving a free class on photo editing!

Don't miss out!

Another Milestone!

2009-06-01T18:44:00.000-07:00

I rode my bike to work this morning.

That seems so simple to say.

I haven't done that since February of 2008! It is 8 miles. It was NOT simple. I had to dig deep to keep going, feeling the burn in my legs and breathing through every uphill grade. Of course, the fast downhills were awesome and the variables in the course made it possible to keep going. The strategy of doing the ride TO work made it impossible to give up and go home or call for a ride. That is the beauty AND the scary part that kept my legs pumping no matter how slowly or how many times I shifted into a lower gear.

When the hospital was in view I didn't have the same rush I remember feeling the very first time I did that ride. Maybe it was because the June air was sticky and humid, but I was glad I had made it. I am determined to make it a regular part of my week.

It is just one more mile along the road to getting healthy. It feels really good to be going down the road. I can envision myself in a month from now jogging a half mile, walking a quarter, jogging 3 quarters, walking a quarter, and finishing with a half mile jog. I can envision myself riding the 8 miles in 35 minutes and breezing through it.

It's a healthy, strong, energetic, "athletic" me that keeps getting stronger and healthier.

188!

2009-05-31T15:05:00.000-07:00

Broke the 190 mark! What a roller coaster ride! After last Sunday's weigh in I made the mistake of weighing myself on Tuesday a.m. and was @ 193 :( I was NOT a happy camper. I was frustrated to say the least after having told 193 goodbye forever! Lesson learned, though-pay attention to what week of the month it is and don't freak out to much. (Isn't it GREAT being a woman **sarcasm intended**)

Anyway, THE weigh in is tomorrow, so I'm off to get the groceries so that I can be back in time to do a 1 hour bike ride.

See ya!

Progress!

2009-05-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

2 lbs. Well, not bad...considering how busy this week has been. I worked my butt off at the beginning of it and then got messed up for the remaining 3 days (as far as exercising). It feels great to be close to finally be leaving the 190's.

FOR GOOD.

I was discussing will power with Bob this morning and I tell myself

"It's only food. I have the rest of my life to taste it. Right now, to reach my goals this year I can go without that taste and WITHOUT the frustration of seeing the scale go up!"

According to my chart on the Biggest Loser Club website, my original BMI was 36.4 "Obese" range. Now, I am at 32.6. My goal is a BMI of 22

My goal for this week--May 24-30 is to lose 3 lbs. and get 4 workouts in. This will be a challenge since I'm planning to spend a LOT of time on my computer finishing up 3 videos and Thursday is my sister's birthday :)...

On another note--Jacob has lost 17 lbs. and is at 333 on HIS quest to reach 300! AND Bob has decided that he's ready to work out at the gym! He is down to 280 and determined to get down to 260!

I am so excited that our entire family is motivated to get healthy!

Growth

2009-05-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Nate the Great is growing FAST! I can hardly believe that my baby is pretty much finished with the 6th grade! This school year has flown by for me, maybe not for him, but definitely for me. Nate was on Student Council, Beginner Band, and in Choir this year. He sure was busy keeping up with all of his commitments. I am so proud of the young man he is.

Spring Concert

2009-05-23T06:49:00.000-07:00

One of the joys in life is going to the middle school concert as a parent. The progress that this band has made in less than 9 months time is AMAZING! I mean, I do know that the beginner band took home some High Honors and some big trophies last weekend and they have been practicing hard--but to hear them play now versus at the Fall concert--WOW!!!

I had a a REALLY hard time getting photos of Nate from where I was sitting, but I want to share them anyway.

Poser

2009-05-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

Jacob is funny-He loves to make goofy faces when I'm trying to get a shot of him. In this one I was trying to show his haircut.... got the eyebrow!

Spring Shoots

2009-05-20T16:16:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's mid to late May already...but I'm finally getting a chance to post some photography of the blooms in my front flowerbed. This is my beloved Clematis all lit up with the afternoon sun.

This is a Bird of Paradise

And its leaves and branches.

Teen Driver

2009-05-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

Aaack! Caleb is driving! It's been delayed as long as possible... and now we present THE PERMIT!

It's all part of the journey to manhood I'm telling myself. I'm just glad that we don't own any sporty cars--just two boring minivans with airbags ;) Congratulations Caleb!

As you can see in the picture, Jacob is right behind him waiting for his turn.

New Lens!

2009-05-17T06:13:00.000-07:00

My new lens came today!
Jake wanted me to take his picture and look what came out! I'm lovin' this wide aperture. This shot was taken with only my bedside lamp!

He is getting so grown up!

20#

2009-05-15T13:14:00.000-07:00

Woooo Hoooo! I hit the 20# mark this morning!!!
Never thought that the scale saying 192 would feel so good!

Now, on to the next 20!!!
I am in Medium Scrubs (probably size 14ish)

Yay!

New Adsense

2009-05-14T13:56:00.000-07:00

Hahaha! I just added Ad Sense to my blog and the first ad to come up is Jillian Michaels of the Biggest Loser! That is hilarious because I joined the biggestloserclub.com and got the books and that is the workout program I have been using! Welcome Jillian! :P

Feel the Burn

2009-05-14T13:40:00.000-07:00

Ouch Ouch Ouch. My shoulder will not let me forget that I had a good workout today! I am being very careful and methodical to have correct positioning when I do anything with my right arm at the gym. I do NOT want to send myself back to the doctor! However...I do need to remember to take the ibuprofen before I go. I may need to sit up against some ice tonight.

I really hope my new lens is coming in the mail today or tomorrow! My niece's birthday party is Saturday and I'm hoping to catch some good shots!

Well, we're NOT going to be able to see D.C. this summer as we had planned. I put in my leave request at work and it was denied because another tech had already requested that time slot. I resubmitted it and we will be leaving July 22 for Williamsburg, VA to visit Bob's friend Sherry and her family, then to New Jersey to visit the Statue of Liberty and say hi to the Story family in New York. From there we will head up to Buffalo to visit the Leubners and go see Niagara Falls on the USA side, then to Auburn to see Bob's family and have a family bonfire night and play cards and hang out. On our trip home from New York we will make a stop in West Virginia to see Jeremy and Emily Carpenter in their new home and THEN for the finale we will spend a couple of days chillin' on the beach at Myrtle Beach with Jenny and Orion!

That is a LOT of stops in a lot of different places! AND A LOT of Family to catch up with! My head will be spinning--but in a Good way :)

What are your vacation plans for the summer?

It Fits!

2009-05-13T03:15:00.000-07:00

I just put on my "Grey's Anatomy" Scrubs I bought a year ago but haven't been able to wear. I put them on about a month ago just to see where I was at and wasn't even close. I managed to wear them to work last week, but was grateful that I wear a gown over them most of the day-still a tad too tight.

They are actually just right today! Looser around the middle and butt! It's so exciting and rewarding to see the work paying off.

I have taken my "Biggest Loser" Fitness book with me to the gym the last 2 times to follow the exercises and make sure to do them right. It makes me a little uneasy...but why do I care what total strangers think? I dunno, but I did it anyway.

It sure does help the motivation factor when your muscles ache and your feet burn to be able to get yourself back to the gym when you're seeing progress both in the inches department and on the scale!

I still have a long road to go, but at least one mile of it has been overcome!

Mother's Day Dinner

2009-05-12T11:09:00.000-07:00

Grrrrr... I finally hit 193 on Sunday and was good all day:
1 cup shredded wheat, 1 cup nonfat milk for breakfast
Orange for snack
Turkey wrap (whole wheat) for lunch
and even worked out! Jake went with me to 24 hour fitness and we did our Biggest Loser workout :)

The guys took me out to Texas Roadhouse for dinner and I had sparingly ate 2 cheese fries --that is "2 fries" not 2 servings of fries, 2 yummy melt in your mouth rolls and 1/2 of a steak kabob, a few pieces of steamed broccoli. So....Monday morning BAM! I'm 196! Hate that!

So, I ate right yesterday and I'm down to 195 again...and I'm spending an additional week making up for the 2 rolls and 2 cheese fries on Sunday :( It's so maddening!

Anyone else experience this? I know that I am still going to continue losing, it's just so frustrating to go backwards with such effort!

New Equipment

2009-05-10T18:00:00.000-07:00

My Mother's Day presents are AWESOME! (Can't wait until they arrive :P)
My family got me this awesome photographer's backpack

A remote control

AND!!!!!!
A new lens!!!

I will post some new pics on here when my lens gets here!

Growing Boys

2009-05-10T15:59:00.000-07:00

I whipped out my camera and caught Caleb and Jake Saturday evening. Man! They are growing fast!

Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-10T15:00:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day this year was awesome! I was greeted with hugs, kisses and a big present first thing (after they let me sleep in). After breakfast (which was going to be an omelet until Caleb discovered there was no eggs :D)we went to see the new Star Trek movie. It was such an incredible feeling sitting between Bob and Jake and watching the incredible effects.

After the movie, Jake went with me to work out. We got back and showered and cleaned up- ready for dinner. They took me out to Texas Roadhouse and we had a blast.

Hello...

2009-05-09T20:10:00.000-07:00

"Hello, Agent Friday? I think I found Agent Big Foot's ShoePhone" Caleb goofing off with Jake's new shoes. We are all amazed at Jake's Mammoth size. Caleb's femur is about the size of Jakes sneaker!

Mother's Day Flowers

2009-05-09T20:07:00.000-07:00

Yay! My Clematis are blooming!
When I first planted this clematis it didn't grow right away, in fact, we didn't even see it for the 1st 2 years! God used this plant to give me hope for my children one day in the middle of some tough teenage antics. I had just dropped each one off at their schools and I remember that we had lots of head butting that morning.

I was feeling down and feeling like I was not a good Mom and that my kids were not learning the lessons I had tried to teach them about who the Lord wants them to be. As I pulled in to my driveway I saw it--A brilliant burst of purple, ONE bloom poking its head out from behind the bush. The Holy Spirit spoke volumes to my heart that day. He was conveying to me that it's my job to plant the seeds and that He is faithful to provide the sun and the rain for their hearts and minds--that it's not solely up to me--and I will see the beauty grow. I received so much encouragement from that little vine that day and now, every Spring more and more blooms develop even more beautiful than the previous year. I thank the Lord for that reminder. I love that this year my clematis bloomed 2 days before Mother's Day--reminding me that God made me a mother and He is in control!

Cardio Pump

2009-05-05T08:50:00.000-07:00

Wow! I AM pumped! Isn't it interesting that now that I have decided to lose weight and get in shape 2 people have stepped up and gone to work out with me! Last week Kim invited me to work out at her gym @ her apt. This is way cool. It is so hard to go to the gym after a 12 hour shift, but somehow having a friend doing it with you it seems easier. Yesterday I went to a Cardio Pump class at Gold's Gym with Lupita. Wow! The Squats and Lunges Kick my Butt!!! I was still feeling sore from last week, but I was thinking it would be good to work that lactic acid out.

My whole body except my abs feel like they had a good workout. I will have to do some ab work after my treadmill time today.

She says she likes to go to those every week and I can go too. I think I will change my membership to Gold's. It is cheaper and I can work out with Lupita.

This morning when I weighed I am at 195!!!!!!! over the weekend my weight had gone back to 197 and then Monday it was 196 again. It is great to see that 195 on there.

Caleb wrote me the sweetest note yesterday morning. It is the best mother's day gift ever! It is so encouraging. I won't share all of it, but here is part:

"I am so proud to call you that: "Mom". I was looking at your goal sheet on the fridge, how you have consistently lost 3 pounds every week! I may not know how hard it is to stay away from the junk food, but just hearing you become so frustrated when you are tempted with it just breaks my heart. When I saw that you would be 165 by vacation I thought 'Wow!'"

God has done an amazing work in him. I am so lucky to have a him for My son!

What motivates you?

Progress...

2009-05-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

I went to the Efflands for dinner last night and was concerned about the menu. We had sausage wraps, watermelon, potato salad, coleslaw and chocolate silk frozen pies for dinner! I was very apprehensive about the menu and eating late, but I had 2 sausage wraps--1 without a tortilla, about 2 tbsp of potato salad, and a piece of watermelon. For desert I had 2 slivers of chocolate yummy goodness and this morning I am at 196!!!!! Praise God!

I got called in to work, so I will have to work out after and get groceries late tonight.

My legs are still Mega sore from my workout Thursday. I know, I know--I need to work out to get the lactic acid out. I will do that today!

I am so excited to see progress in the way I look and feel and the scale!

2009-04-30T22:00:00.000-07:00

I worked out with Kim after work yesterday. I did interval training and actually jogged for 11 minutes at 5.0 rate and some 6.0 rate! I need to create a playlist that does moderate tempo for 10 minutes and then a high energy set for 10 and then another walking tempo.

I think it will be good to alternate workingout with Kim with working out on my own at 24 hour fitness.
The roughest parts are that my feet KILL me at the end of the workout and the next day AND that I don't get home until really late and I don't have ANY energy left for my husband or my family.

I am so pumped that I weighed 196.8 this morning! I have been vascillating between 198 and 197 for several days(about a week I think) and so now that I am increasing my exercise level I am confident that I will be able to continue the descent. I have adjusted my goal for this week to be 195 by Sunday instead of the 192 that I thought I was going to be.

I let myself just sit and do nothing on Monday. I really need to go workout first thing when I'm off for the day and not let myself sit all day on the computer.

I am also determined to get a handle on this menu planning without breaking the bank. I don't think I will totally be able to use the auto generated menus here on this site because of the variety of the meals. It is really impractical to buy groceries for that many diverse meals for a family of 5.

Farewell Julia!

2009-04-28T14:41:00.000-07:00

This my friend Julia, she is a L&D nurse from Canada. She moved back there last week :( She spent Thanksgiving with us last year and got to see an "American Thanksgiving"
We'll miss you!

Biggest Loser Club-1st Post

2009-04-27T09:24:00.000-07:00

Wow, I'm going to take the plunge and chart my progress. I have lost 14 lbs. so far on my own since March, now it's time to pump up the urgency and get on track with this program.

I was so frustrated trying to plan meals for my family that they would eat--that now I am turning to this program to help me. So far I am encouraged. I know that they will eat pork tenderloin.

My main concern is the 12 hour shifts that I work: Will I be able to get the workouts in that I need? I can't see myself eating everything on their menu if I can't work it off every day. I will take it one step at a time.

2009-04-26T17:07:00.000-07:00

Crazy Monkeys! Evidence of our midnight visitors! The Racoons had a feast on watermelon, hamburgers, and hotdogs!

Other Campers...

2009-04-26T16:46:00.000-07:00

Bob and Nate!

Still more Camping Pics!

2009-04-26T16:29:00.000-07:00

As you can tell, the day was overcast, but we had a relaxing time anyway :)

More pics from Camping Trip

2009-04-26T16:16:00.000-07:00

Family Camping Trip!

2009-04-26T16:12:00.000-07:00

2009-04-26T15:35:00.000-07:00

Wow! I can't believe that I haven't posted since November!

I am really loving being on day shift. It did take some getting used to, but I think I am finally really enjoying it.

I am looking through my photos and it's almost been a year since we took this photo!
time to get back on track! A lot has happened in that year.

Click to view larger

I will do my best to catch up!

More pics from Grandma's Visit

2009-02-22T18:23:00.000-08:00

My hero!

We got the whole family together before church.

Family Time!

2009-02-22T18:22:00.000-08:00

Spite & Malice!

This must be where Nate gets his Hamminess!

Teenage Angst??? Nah

Aunt Teresa, Grandma, Donnie, Tiffany, and her cutie.

Grandma & Teresa's Visit

2009-02-22T18:15:00.000-08:00

Adriana, Grandma, and Meckenzie having a Great Time!

She is so beautiful--AND a formidable card player, too!

Goofy Cousins!

They look guilty, don't they?

Back To Days

2008-11-10T14:18:00.000-08:00

This has been an incredible 2 weeks in many ways.
The usual running uphill on an escalator pace has really started to affect my family and after talking with my kids and realizing a few things I have decided to finish this semester and then put of school indefinitely. It is a hard choice and it is an easy choice. I am very relieved and I KNOW it's the right choice.

The day before I left for my Mom's, Bob and I had started to discuss it and on the airplane I was able to really read "The Age of Opportunity". I had begun to read this book 2 years earlier, but not really at any great length. On that plane, the Lord began to reveal some truths to me about who I am called to be. Who it is that I am called to disciple and minister to. While nursing is a high calling in itself, being a mother to my 3 boys and a wife to my husband IS the highest calling of my life. In the scope of eternity, getting my RN isn't even on the map. The realization that I only have a year and a half left before Caleb will be a high school graduate added to the poignancy of the choice. Yes, I did think that I could do it all. --Yes, I still could do it all---but at what cost? The sacrifice is too great to continue, it is time to get back on the road that the Lord has first ordained for me 16 years ago.

That being said--when I returned from my trip, I immediately had an exam to retake, lectures and labs. I went to school on Wednesday to take the exam and about an hour and a half into the test, I did some calculating and decided that I wouldn't be able to improve my test score by completing 3 more hours of essay--so I opted to opt out. When I asked the testing center staff to shred my papers they looked at me in disbelief and then told me that my husband had left a note. Apparently, I was so focused on the exam that I had not noticed him coming in. I read the note and found that fter Bob dropped me off for my retest, the van broke down 2 blocks from the college. I had already gone into the testing center and begun the test, so he couldn't reach me but by walking back and leaving a note. I called him and he was still waiting for the tow truck. So, it was fortuitous that I had decided to scrap the test.

While we were at the mechanic's waiting, I called my supervisor and told her my decision and she was very concerned and empathized. She then informed me that she had just been discussing the new positions for the expansion with our Director and that they were going to have an 8 hour day shift available now!!! I could hardly believe it! God is so amazing the way that he paves the way without us even asking. It is a real confirmation that the change is His will. Praise the LORD!!!

Now that this weekend is done, I only have 2 more night shifts!!! I am feeling relieved already. It will be so great to be a day person again! I will do 12 hour day shifts until my class is done and then switch to 8s in December!!

Patricia Komara

2008-11-10T14:11:00.000-08:00

Wow! I found another awesome designer to admire--Her style is amAzing!!!

Here is her gallery on Scrapbook.com and she also has a blog to follow: http://plkomara.blogspot.com/

I'm definitely going to be scraplifting some of these in the near future!

Enjoy!

Fall Layout

2008-10-29T11:09:00.000-07:00

I was in the mood for a change to the blog. That is what I LOVE about this blog. All the posts stay there and just the look changes!

Credits to Dana Zarling of Designer Digitals for the Digi Kit: "Up in the Attic"

I will probably change it again for Christmas, but I was feeling in the mood for the Fall colors :)

(Who loves Photoshop!)