New Backgrounds!

I have some new backdrops and I love them!  Here's one of them...Lela modeled for me.  She wasn't exactly thrilled about the prospect but she's a cutie anyway in my book.

They Get Me Around

Random photograph of my feet.  Like I said, they get me around. :)  Also?  I've noticed I have a thing for photographing feet....

Abstract Art?

Green Leaves

I know that it's the end of August.  I may be jumping the gun.  I'm already feeling a bit sad that summer is over.  (School has started so it's over, okay?) Which means that pretty soon as this beautiful green ALIVE nature is going to gone.  Don't get me wrong, fall is beautiful. Winter is drab and cold and dreary and boring and cold and drab and dreary and boring....and cold and drab and dreary and boring.  I'm going to miss the green.

The Never Ending Story of My Life

This is the job that is NEVER finished.  I know, I know.  I whine about this particular chore a lot.

Sitting and Waiting

The start of the school year means many things.  One of those things for me is sitting in the parking lot waiting for the girls.  Only this year?  Lela gets out so quickly I beat the traffic!  It's refreshing, actually. :)

"Oh that's cooooool!"

That's exactly what Lela said when she saw this image.  Then a bunch of questions ensued about how I "did that".  She has always had an interest in photography but recently since she has aquired a 'real camera' (her daddy gave her a point and shoot that's NOT a fisher price) she has gotten serious about her shooting. She is photographing EVERYTHING.  I love it.  Next thing you know she'll have a DSLR on her wishlist. 

Biker Becca

Steve wanted a picture of his bike.  Becca wanted to sit on the bike.  They both got what they wanted.

My Fountain

Michelle gave this to me.  I love it.

Texture on my Interior

Lifesavers

I Have no Idea, I Just Find it Interesting

Best Friends

Becca and Maddie are best friends.  They went to gradeschool together and now attend different highschools but that doesn't keep them from getting together and having fun.  Tonight they are on their way to their first highschool football game at Prep and then on to the Prep Welcome Dance.  I think they're going to have a great time this evening. :)

Highschool Here We Come!

Becca's first day of school- excuse me, highschool- is today!  Steve is going to be the one to take her to school in the mornings.  I'll miss the morning chatter but I bet they really enjoy the time together.  I took a bajillion photos of her this morning, too.  It was quite entertaining.  She, much like Lela, was a very good sport about it.

Her Profile

Back to School!

Today is Lela's first day of school!  She was up at the crack of dawn.  It was quite amusing.  We'll see how long this lasts...I bet in a week she is begging for "5 more minutes".  Becca curled her hair this morning and of course, I took a bajillion pictures.  She was a good sport.  I love this photo because it makes me smile.

Back to Normal

Steve is back to work and the facial hair is gone.  He looks like himself again. :)

My Handsome Man

Steve didn't shave while he was gone on his Sturgis trip.  He hasn't since he's gotten home yet.  I actually kind of like it.  He'll shave it once he returns to work tomorrow when his vacation is over but for now he is going to have to put up with me photographing him.  He just looks so different!

Reflections

I heart them. :)  In my first black and white film photography class at Metro here in Omaha, taught by Kally Malcom, I actually explored self portraiture through reflections as my final project.  I really enjoyed it.  Both the class and the project.  This image was not part of the project and I shot it with my digital camera.  It just made me think of Basic. :)

Broken

I still cannot bring myself to throw this lampshade away. I have too much fun photographing it.

A Mirror Image?

WoooHoooo, They're Back!

Steve, Dad, Lonnie and Joe made it back from Sturgis today! It's so awesome to see their smiles and to hear all the great stories.  I love it!  I'm so glad that they were able to make this trip, enjoy themselves and each other and made it home safe.

They Say It's Your Birthday!

Happy Birthday, AnnieBananie!  Today we celebrated my sister's birthday.  Lela made the cake.  It was awesome. Anna picked enchiladas, spinach tortellini salad and chocolate cake for her birthday meal.  It was pretty darn delish.  Best part?  Lela made her wear a crown. :D  Love you, Anna! xoxo

Buddy Boy

Buddy is our schnauzer mix.  He has long legs and likes to chatter like a greyhound when he gets excited.  Only his chattering is more like chomping.  He's a sweet boy, understands English (or so he has us believing), very loyal, sleeps with Lela every night and is a fantastic watchdog. Believe me that's what he is best at- barking.  Here is Buddy just hanging out in the bedroom.

Sitting and Staring at the Ceiling

Literally. And so I photographed it.  I found the light interesting.

Seeing Spots

It's Awfully Quiet

Just two days ago this deck was full of people.  There weren't any empty seats.

Wild Hogs

And they're off!  Today the guys left for their Sturgis trip.  Here are a few images from this morning.

My Dad's Birthday! :D

Happy Birthday, Daddy.  I love you. <3 xoxoxo

Today we celebrated my Dad's birthday with a barbeque.  It was a great time.  Lonnie, Larry and Rhozine, Michelle and Tony, Anna and Ben and even Lynette came to help celebrate his day!  Joe made it in this evening just in time for the festivities.  Tomorrow is the big day!  They all leave for Sturgis. :)  Anyway,  earlier today Lonnie and Dad went for a ride.  I snapped a quick one before they left.  This is by no means a 'perfect' picture.  It is in fact quite more a snapshot...and a technically crappy one at that....  I love it though.

 

Dresser Doors

My Little Miss

My Daddy's Here! :D

So Sturgis week is officially kicked off! :)  My daddy arrived in Omaha and we are happy he is here visiting.  He decided to come up a few days early.  Today, Steve and my dad decided to clean their bikes.  It was an all day affair. ;)

Boudoir Photography

Blue Skies...

"....I scream at sunsets
Give applause to what I can't control
Then somehow laugh at how the moon divides an ocean solar....."
~Lyrics from Blue October's Blue Skies

A Part of My Foot

Truly, it is an image of part of my foot.  Can you tell which part?

Hiho Hiho It's Off to Work I Go...

Following suit from yesterday.  Here is one of my gnome yard ornaments.  Don't get me wrong.  You would have to go on a hunt to find my gnomes.  And to be completely honest?  They're not really my gnomes.  They're Steve's. It's true.  He has a thing for gnomes...and so does my mother. *big sigh* So one might ask themselves why the fascination for gnomes? How does one end up with gnomes in one's yard or landscaping?  How does one MARRY somebody that has a thing for gnomes?  Believe me.  I ask these same questions myself.  The only difference is I know how this all came about and I think you should be privy to the answers as well. 

So, imagine Steve and I registering for gifts for our wedding.  I had the scan gun in my hand (smart me).  Well, Steve really wanted to have a go at scanning so after awhile I reluctantly gave in to his antics (stupid me).  Now, did he prove to me that I was worried for no reason? NO!  He proved to me that he CANNOT be trusted with a scan gun.  I turn my back for one second and he was off, cackling like a madman and wildly (and irresponsibly I might add) scanning GNOMES.  (This is where I always question how I went through with it- the whole marriage thing.  Then I remember that a weird somewhat funny fascination for gnomes is one of those things that fell into the 'I can deal with it for the rest of my life' category.  Besides, it's good material to poke fun with and truthfully we both always get a good laugh whenever the gnomes come up in conversation.)

How does my mother come into the picture?  She's a traitor. She purchased the gnome for Steve because (and I quote here) "What?  Steve should have the gnome if he wants a gnome."  ARE YOU KIDDING ME WITH THIS MOM?!?! *another big sigh*

This particular image is not a photo of the original registered for gnome that became a wedding gift from my mom and dad.  Oh no, this gnome is actually one of several that she has given us over the years AND there are little gnomes underneath him on the shovel. 

I really think they mock me.

My Angel

I haven't photographed my angel for a long while now.  I figured it was time.

Babysitting Jameson

Jameson was visiting us again today.  He is such a sweet baby boy.  Lela loves it when he comes to visit because she enjoys 'babysitting' him.  She is the best babysitter and she will make sure she tells you this- more than once. ;)  Anyway, here is a snapshot of the two of them.  Jameson is napping and Lela is cuddling him while watching her 'kidshows'.

Random

I was just playing around with a point and shoot. I needed a picture for today and it was time for Lela's bath and well, this is my image for today.

"My New Bling"

That's how Lela keeps referring to her new Harley hat.  Today, Steve, Lela and I went to Harley after Becca's swim meet.  Upon entering the store, Lela immediately started talking about how she wanted to spend her "one dollar".  I laughed.  I had to explain to her that there is NOTHING in the Harley store for "one dollar" so she should just put her money away and we could look for fun.  That's when she got that look in her eye and explained to me that she really wanted a Harley hat because she is the only one in the family without a Harley hat and most importantly Becca had a hat and she didn't and of course that's not fair and blah blah blah.  So we went and looked at the hats.  Now, just to set the record straight (Lela has her facts wrong)  Lela and I BOTH were the only ones without Harley hats.  As it sits now, I'M the only one without a Harley hat.  Although, I don't think Lela really cares.

A Recent Picture

So, we received a piece of mail today from the highschool Becca will be attending this fall...well, in a couple weeks.  My how the summer has flown by again this year!!  Anyway, this piece of mail requested that Becca send in a 'recent picture'.  Well, how much more recent can you get that a quick photo op that very day?!?  I asked Becca if she was up for it, she agreed without hesitation (told you she is a good sport) and off we went to make a recent picture of her.  She threw on what she plans on wearing to the Brooks and Dunn concert tomorrow and the picture taking commenced.  Here is her most recent photograph.

First Highschool Venture

Becca's first highschool adventure was today. Her 'big sister' picked her up to go to lunch and officially meet each other.  They've talked on the phone just briefly a couple times this summer.  Now of course, me being me AND me being a photographer, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to document the 'event.'  Becca is such a good sport.  Anyway, I harassed her while she was getting ready for lunch.  Here is one of the images I captured.

She's so darn beautfiful!

Bookworm

Becca loves loves LOVES to read.  So do I.  This evening while I was working on the computer, she was sitting on the couch reading next to me.  It was nice spending time together.  Sometimes, it's in the quiet moments.

All Geared Up!

Today was Lela's first official practice!  She LOVED it.  I got such a kick out of watching her.  She was all smiles.  Of course, before practice today we had to go and get her swim gear.  We made a trip to Sports Authority and purchased a couple competition suits, goggles, swim bag, swim cap and kickboard.  Here is a photo of her right before we left for practice all geared up.  The highlight of her evening aside from all her new stuff?  She got to show her team how to backflip off the wall.  That's right, she thinks she is hot stuff.  Just wait until she learns how to actually flip turn for real. ;)

Lela the Lemon Shark!

Today, Lela tried out for the same competative swim team that Becca swims for and she made it!!!  She starts swimming tomorrow for the team and is super excited about it.  She is really proud of herself and so are we.  Here is an image of Lela right before we left the house for her tryout.

Toy Story 3 with the Troesters!

Movie Matinee Day!  Yea!  Today we went to the movies to see Toy Story 3(D) with Anna and Ben.  The movie was really really good.  It actually made me a little teary eyed.  I'm not going to lie.  And who would have thought that would happen? Certainly not me.  I ate too much movie popcorn, pretzel bites with cheese and soda.  I have to say the thought of movie snacks makes me sick so we'll see how long that lasts.  Lela looked absolutely adorable in her 3D glasses.  Ben was upset his weren't smaller like Lela's. We all laughed out loud several times and just had a great time all the way around.

Pool Time!

We spent the ENTIRE day at the pool- all four of us as a family.  It was great!  The Milittis joined us in the evening and it was a fun time for all.  We packed it up around 8:30 this evening and called it a night.  I love these summer days when we actually have time together.  I live for days like today.

Flowers For Her Hair

Last night Steve took me to Stir Concert Cove in Council Bluffs, IA to see REO Speedwagon and Pat Benetar.  It was a super fun night with my husband!  REO was amazing- they put on a great show that was full of energy.  Pat Benetar was good but I think she should have opened for REO instead of the other way around.  Anyway, it was great to be out with Steve just the two of us.  I really look forward to our next evening out.  What does all this have to do with my image for today?  Well, I wore this clip in my hair.  Steve actually liked it. :)

Two Peas in a Pod

My pilot and me.  Two halves that make a whole. I love this vehicle.  It is so roomy and comfortable.  I'm so happy Steve bought me this automobile.  So here's a self portrait for today of me and my pilot.

A Sad Day

I went looking for the baby bird today.  I found its remains; it met an ugly demise.  I'm wondering when this could have happened and I feel bad for it and its family.  I looked up in the tree and the nest looks pretty disheaveled like perhaps in a fit of sorrow and rage the bird family tore the place up and flew away never to return.  I hope they make The Best Nest somewhere else and have babies that prosper.