Confirmation, a Blessed Sacrament

Becca was confirmed today.  I am very proud of her.  She spent a couple years preparing for this sacrament with prayer, studying and service within the church and community.  My sister, Kendra, was her sponsor.  This was super special for Becca.  She has always had a soft spot for this Aunt.  The neat thing is the Archbishop here in Omaha, NE was the Bishop in the Springfield, IL area when Kendra was confirmed about 9 years or so ago.  So, Archbishop Lucas confirmed Becca here in Omaha and also confirmed Kendra in IL so many years ago. Also? I was Kendra's sponsor.  Anyway, today was a special day and I am very happy for Becca and thankful for Kendra.

Anna's Babyshower

Today we went to Lincoln, NE to my sister's babyshower.  Kendra and Amadeus rode with me so that I did not have to make the trip alone.  I enjoyed the company.  The shower was nice and Anna received a ton of great gifts.  I spent the majority of time with Imagene recording the event in photographs.  Here is one I thought I would share with you.

Illinois Visitors

I am soooo excited!  My family is coming to visit for the weekend.  I really do not feel quite prepared for the company- can't really say why- but I am very excited.  Anyway.  This photograph is very random and maybe it is because I need to dust before they get here (...I *always* need to dust. ugh) but I really like it and I am happy for the inspiration.  I can't wait for them to arrive!

Headshots with Imagene

A friend of mine had a 'photo emergency' and asked if she could book a session with me.  Thankfully, we were able to find a date that worked for both of us during the day.  She needed some professional headshots so I met her at this awesome location that she turned me onto (thank you J!- can't wait for the snow to melt and get Big Funny Kid out there!) and we went to work.  I had a riot photographing her- she is funny, super nice and very photogenic- which is always great!  Lynette was able to accompany me and help out as my grip.  This is always awesome for me as well because I could not ask for a better pair of extra eyes and hands.  So, thank you, Lynette! <3

I am using one of her headshots as my image today because J needed these super quick and I spent the majority of the day/evening working- taking about a couple hour break for a playdate with friends after school.  I did not have time to photograph something else for the day and besides, I fell in love with this image.  Thanks, J!

Just a lil' something...

So, lately, Imagene has been neglected but the 365 project has not.  In other words, Imagene has not been the go-to camera for this project lately and that makes me a tad sad because I do not just want to use her for 'work'.  I like to get her out and play so I am not sure why other than it is so easy just to point and shoot when I have a ton of irons in the fire like recently.

Anyway, today slipped away from me and as I was getting ready for bed I realized that I needed to photograph something for the day.  I grabbed Becca's p&s and quickly decided I was going to photograph the inside of one of my dresser drawers. Of course, yea for not having much control over this particular camera and it's settings, the photo didn't turn out like I had previsualized it.  At first, my initial thought was to photograph something else. Then, as I looked at it I realized that for me, there was beauty in the 'mistake'. I decided to keep it.  For me, this photograph reminds me that even though none of us are perfect we all have something to offer the world and can be beautiful in our own regard.  I did play around with it a tad in PS adding texture and burning the edges.  Here's the final result.

 

Me.

I was working on editing some images from a Boudoir Shoot I did and decided I needed to take a break. I don't know why I decided to snap a photo of myself with Becca's point and shoot- probably because I am silly like that to be honest. Anyway, I think this selfportrait albeit a snapshot speaks volumes about me.  My dresser is covered in books (shocking), photographs that I have printed out for myself that I have yet to have framed (shocking) jewelery and a diet coke that I had been carrying around with me.  I work a lot from my bedroom and I cannot tell you why I do this..except that maybe I am more comfortable there than at my other computer or desk area? Anyway, the tv is on in the backround which is really just on for the greys as I don't watch tv during the day and I feel like it leaves them with a sense of comfort when I leave the house or whatever. Anyway. I like the photo. Oh yeah- and the blue painter's tape? Yep, that was Steve's way of trying to encourage me to paint...a year ago. I don't like pressure. haha

Ebony and Ivory...

...live together in perfect harmony. Gosh I haven't heard that song in forever. Anyway, I photographed this because it struck my fancy to do so. That's about it, really. :)

Just for the Taste of It

Mmmm. Diet Coke.  I am an avid diet coke drinker. I love it. Fountain and can are my favorite but I won't turn up my nose to any Diet Coke.  I love that bite that it has and how it isn't overly sweet (for a soft drink). *YUM*  Sophisticated- not overcomplicated. ;)

Self Portrait...

...sorta?  I walked into my daughter's room and grinned.  I knew what I wanted to photograph for today.  This past week has been filled with lots of candy, some wine, pizza, soda, and just generally lazy food choices.  Fast forward to today.  Seriously, ridiculous. Chocolate, Famous Dave's, chocolate, Jolly Ranchers, chocolate, soda, chocolate, Jolly Ranchers and then Chinese for dinner- and yes, I upgraded for $1.75 so I could have the soup and eggroll with my entree AND ordered crab rangoon. Don't judge me!  It was good and I was having a mom/daughter date. Anyway, I am stuffed to the gills.  Hope you enjoy my self-portrait (sorta). :)

Whooeee! Pigpigpig Whooooeee! Pigpigpig

Mmmmmm. Coffee!

I really enjoy a good cup of coffee. Lately, I have been enjoying *several* good cups of coffee. Okay, maybe a pot a day.  Is that a lot?  There are several things I like about coffee.  I enjoy the smell of  it brewing, I like the pick me up it provides, I enjoy how it tastes and how it compliments something sweet.  I like my coffee strong and I am not particular about what time I drink coffee- although a morning cup is a must.  Yum.

Mycoplawhat?

Both the girls have been feeling under the weather.  I really thought it was just a winter cold.  No fever or anything to indicate they were super sick and both had the same symptoms. Except for Lela-she kept breaking out in hives FOR NO APPARENT REASON.  I was baffled.  We hadn't changed anything in her diet, no new shampoos, soaps, lotions, medicines, detergents, etc.  I couldn't figure it out.  So, when the school called twice because she had broken out in hives-once in the morning (I called the doctor to make an appt) AND then again in the afternoon (which verified that yes, she needed to go in) I was relieved that my AWESOME Pediatrician (I heart Dr. Kaufman and his staff at Children's Physicians) was able to see my girls.

He knew right away what was going on with the girls. Apparently, they have mycoplasma pneumonia.  This is why Lela kept breaking out in hives.  Apparently, this bacteria is the cause of walking pneumonia and atypical pneumonia and is the *only* (from what I understand) pneumonia bacteria to cause hives or skin leasions (now, I don't think you always break out in hives but I'm no doctor and this blogpost is in NO WAY meant for anybody to glean a dianosis from- go see a doctor if you are sick.  I'm just blogging about my personal life here.) Weird, right?  Talk about RELIEF that the unknown cause of hives has been answered by my very competent and awesome girls' pediatrician.   Thank you and your staff, Dr. Kaufman!!

Anyway, here is a snapshot of lil Lela waiting to see her doctor. (Have I mentioned it is almost blasphemy to even allude to a wait time? - We actually got in earlier than our scheduled time and may have sat in the room of all 3 minutes before he came into see the girls.)

Foolin' Around Camera Fun....

....pretty much sums up my image for today on the 365.  I had already taken an image to share on my E. Vining Photography blog today after reading about  GPOYW on Photojojo yesterday (links are shared on my other blog if you are interested.)  I just realized that it might be slightly strange that my blogging tonight is about my blogging this morning on a different blog...hmm.  If Steve's reads this he is going to call A&E to get an Intervention.  *shrugs*  Anyway, my photo for this evening is a reflection and yes, it has everything to do with blogging...and me :)

"You'll be sitting quite a bit here...

We're going to call it the Becca Table."  That's what Steve said to Becca this evening when they returned from Preregistration for the highschool she wants to attend.  He was teasing her about how the amount of homework is just going to continue to increase the older she gets and the further into her academic career. She still had a smile for me even after reviewing how many college credits she can take during her highschool studies (up to 24) and qualifying for the honor courses based on her placement tests and Steve marking the course booklet with crazed parental pen scribbles all OVER the place in advanced this and overachiever that...I think maybe I should go with her for Registration night.  Somebody needs to balance this act. :)

Books are either my..

...best friends or worst enemies.  I haven't decided which category they fall into yet. I love books.  I belong to a bookclub. I collect books. I hate to part with books.  I share books, I recommend books, I give books to friends as gifts, I like to receive books as gifts.  I'm not partial to any one type of book....I LOVE BOOKS. 

So last night when everybody went to bed I started one of the books that I got yesterday (of course wrapped up in my Snuggie slanket with the chocolate nearby). I finished it this morning. Ridiculous.  Sometimes I wonder what makes me tear through a book.  I mean, you would think because I enjoy reading so much I might take the time to relish the written word.  Nope. Not me.  I gulp the story down like a thirstcrazed lunatic.  It's over before it's even began and then I am left wanting more; my thirst unquenched. *sigh*

 It was a good book. I think this is the part where I recommend it. ;)

Snuggie + Chocolate = LOVE :D

Happy St. Valentine's Day!!!! 

So, I was lavished with gifts today. Chocolate, snuggie, more chocolate, jewelery, new blouses, and the company of a good friend and my family!! (even my sis, Anna, made it over and it has been FOREVER since we have spent time together!)  What a wonderful day!

You may laugh but I was excited about my 'slanket'.  Most people refer to them as snuggies but I feel slanket (sleeves + blanket = slanket) a more appropriate name.  Regardless, I live in the midwest and it keeps me cozy.  (Me + cozy = happy!!)  Tonight was perfect.  I wrapped myself in my new Blue Slanket (brings out the color of my eyes-hahaha!) and munched on an assortment of chocolates while watching tv in our COLD now TOASTY (thank you, snuggie) basement with my family.  I have to say today fell into the priceless catagory.  :)

 

Gina aka Iza Sure Bet finds her forever home :(

Our old girl, Gina, our foster greyhound, found her new forever home today.  She is about 5 minutes from us so that is comforting.  I am happy for her but so sad to see her go; she is a great hound!  Gina was known on the racetrack as Iza Sure Bet.  She was retired when she broke something racing and the KS Greyhound Rescue took her in so that she could retire in style and be somebody's pet.  She first went through their KS Jailhouse Program where she was trained by a prison inmate in KS.  There, she was taught how to sit, stay, lay down, shake, and sing!  She is one smart cookie!  From there, she was adopted out to a nursing home here in Omaha, NE.  She lived for quite awhile at the nursing home until she was too old to be cared for properly..that is how she came to be our foster grey. 

Gina fit right in with our other hounds and Buddy.  She was a sweet girl and loved everybody she came across.  She will be missed by us but she deserves her forever home.  Bittersweet is the only way I can accurately describe today.

Mmmmm...

Texas Roadhouse!  *yummilicious*  This evening my family and I went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner.  We all love it and haven't been in awhile.  My husband has a giftcard from his parents that we thought we would use but he did not have it with him.  We decided it was best just to go instead of running back home for the giftcard because it was already 4:30 on a Friday night and we had not called ahead. (Texas Roadhouse does not do reservations but they do 'call ahead seating' and I highly recommend it because it does make a difference- at least in Omaha, NE!  That place is *always* packed)  I wasn't really keen on waiting forever because the natives were getting restless (aka the girls were hungry) and had it gotten much later we would have been looking at an hour plus wait time. Anyway, here is the funny part.  We had stopped at the mailbox before we left the house.  I don't like opening the mail in the car so I just sat it in the console and we went about our business.  When we got home fully satisfied from our scrumptious meal I sat down to open the mail.  My inlaws had sent me a birthday card and when I opened it guess what was inside?  A giftcard to Texas Roadhouse. HA! I had to laugh. 

Now, you probably think it would have been nice had I opened that card before we went to eat.  I might have agreed with you before I had time to think about it--- not so much now. I figure it is the best thing that could have happened because the way I see it is like this:  Steve still has a giftcard to share (he promised) and I have a giftcard. (....I made no such promise!) *grins*  Looks like I made out like a bandit. Thanks Mom and Dad Vining for thinking of me!  I can't wait to enjoy my filet. ;)

Oh it's good to be home! :D

1) I already miss my family.
2) It was a great visit.
3) It's good to be home!

I really enjoyed being in IL and seeing family.  Part of what made the trip so amazing was knowing that my hounds and house were in good hands!  Lynette was so helpful and very kind during our vacation.  She stayed the entire time at my house and held down the fort while we were away visiting.  Have I mentioned how much I love her??? 

I really cannot tell her enough how much I appreciate our friendship- and not just because she did me such a huge favor- but because she loves beer!  I heart her; it was great catching up tonight.  It was all cameras, beer, good food and lots of laughter.  I love you, LMR!  Thank you again!!  Btw, you can view Lynette's blog here.

Game Night

So we finished up the trip with a fun game night.  We played RISK (never thought that game would be as fun as it was but it did get the competitive juices flowing and I now know for a fact that my sister, Sara, is as blood thirsty as I have always suspected).  We also played MONOPOLY and UNO.  This is all very odd as my family has never really been that big on board or card games but nonetheless we all enjoyed ourselves.  The girls entertained themselves by playing dressup (again) and Amadeus decided to settle in with a good book. The book didn't keep him entertained throughout the all day gameplaying event but did occupy him for a short while.  I had to take a break to catch the lil' man reading.  How cute!

Visiting Eva xoxo

Clara had school today and so Lela and I came over to Sara's to visit Eva while Clara was in school.  I needed to get access to highspeed internet (I was losing my mind and going through computer withdraws-haha).  It has been driving me nuts not updating the blog daily so I am taking advantage of Sara's pc and internet. :D  Here is an image of Eva Kaneva and Lela Lou.  They're my lil goofy grapes. ;)

More family fun in IL

It feels good to be home.  We started the morning off shoveling a bunch of snow and then pretty much relaxed the rest of the day.  You would think we'd have ran out of things to talk about by now but not so much!  Guess that's what happens when you wait to long to come back home.  We've been here for a few days and I certainly hope that old adage is not ringing true....you  know what they say about company and fish--they both start to stink after a few days! ;)   Anyway, because we did not make it back for Christmas, we exchanged gifts this visit.  It was just as fun watching the girls open their gifts in February as it would have been in December.  Sara's gift to Lela was the biggest hit!  It was a Moxy Girl Fashion Style It Head (morbid sounding but proven fun!)  Here is an image of Lela opening her head. (hahahahaha)

My HEART my nieces!

One thing my sister made certain of was a session for her family.  She scheduled one on the books to make sure we made it happen.  I love photographing my nieces; they are absolutely adorable!  Here is one of my favorite images.   This image oozes their personalities and makes me smile every time I look at it. :)

We made it home!

It's always great to get back home to IL to visit my family!  We were unable to come home during the holidays because of the crazy winter weather.  It was a funfilled evening with fashion shows put on by the little ones, catching up visiting and yummy red wine.  Here is a photograph of my sister, Kendra, feeling a tad overwhelmed by all the commotion. I love it! ;)

Going Away Party

Tonight there was a going away party for our friend, Doug.  He is moving to Des Moines, IA.  Towards the end of the evening, Lynette joined us.  Here is a snapshot of LMR and me at Tanners. :)  We took the photo together. It was a fun evening.

Mixed Media Art

My sister, Kendra, is quite the artist.  She creates art in different ways; she uses her words as a writer and designs beautiful multimedia canvas pieces. She has been generous with me and has shared a few of her unique and gorgeous canvas art creations.  I finally found the perfect spot for one today.  This particular piece features a dreamcatcher so I decided to hang it in the hallway leading to the girls' rooms.  Thank you, Kendra! <3

Catholic Schools Week

This week is Catholic Schools Week.  Today the girls' school celebrated with a pizza luncheon and family or friends were invited to attend with the children.  Thank God I was able to make it.  I have been so sick the past few days that I was seriously questioning whether or not I was going to be there for my daughter.  I was able to go to lunch with Lela and Lynette went to lunch with Becca (THANK YOU, Lynette!).  Here is a photo of Lela and her best friend at the pizza luncheon.

Suuueee! ..is apparently GET AWAY in Pig

I sure hope the Lysol lives up to its end of the bargain because I wouldn't wish this on anybody! I really think it might have been the 'swine flu'.  I consulted with my Uncle Jimmy about how one goes about calling pigs (*side note* here's a look into my thought process....'he has heifers, so certainly he knows about pigs....right?  OF COURSE, I went and saw piglets when I was a little girl on his daddy's farm...yes, just the person to ask!'....so, I did just that, I asked him.).  My Uncle Jim then consulted with his father and this is the response that was passed onto me. 

"I called my dad to get a ruling. He said the pigs don't care how you spell it. But then he gave a demo whoooee! whoooee! pig pig pig . whoooee is come and suuuee is get away."

Well, I'm shaking my fist and hollering "Suuueee"at whatever has kicked me in the rear the past few days and has had me bedridden.  I am so OVER IT.

Snow again..

It was snowing again earlier today.  I guess I cannot complain too much.  A couple weeks ago this bush was completely covered with snow.  I am just ready for spring to be here. *sigh*