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.

My Worry Stone

So, Lela found a worry stone.  That's what I tell her anyway.  It fits perfectly into the crook of my hand and is very smooth.  Anyway, I left it outside this weekend on the table.  I think it's time to bring it in the house and to pick up the extra beer caps that were left on the table from late night Sunday night visiting with the Davis', Troesters, Lynette and my mom.  Probably a good idea although I got distracted at how they had all been pushed aside together and had to stop and photograph the still life.  All the objects are still sitting in their designated spots on the table.  I wonder if I leave them there how long will it be before anybody decides to pick them up?

Ceiling Fan Love

Here's a random image of my ceiling fan.  Actually, it isn't all that random.  I was babysitting Jameson today and he, like Lela when she was a baby, enjoys looking at a ceiling fan when he is slightly crabby....and only on low otherwise it is a bit overwhelming for him, I think.  So, we stood under the fan just a couple times today.  It worked like a charm every time. :)

Sour Cherries..

...or Sweets for the Sweet.  I bought these candies for my daddy.  I forgot to give them to him with everything that was going on this weekend.  Perhaps I should stick them in the mail?  I think he would just want me and the girls to enjoy them.  I'll pick some up the next time he comes to visit.

 

Get Your Motor Runnin'

Steve took the bike out today.  He was gone for quite awhile but that's cool with me.  He really enjoys it and besides, I had mom and Sara to visit with this afternoon.

Lincoln, NE Reception

So Anna and Ben had a Lincoln Reception for all their guests that couldn't make it to their wedding in IL.  I have to tell you they packed the house.  I was kind of shocked that so many people were able to make it to Lincoln that were unable to make it to Quincy.  It made it a lot of fun to see such a good turnout.  Although their wedding night reception in IL was the real deal and much more fun I can't complain about this Friday night reception- it was fun, too!  We danced the night away.  Here is a snapshot of Becca and me that I took with Becca's point and shoot.

I Couldn't Resist!

I had to go look for the little guy again today.  He is so darn cute!  Look how spindly and oversized his foot looks (like a chicken leg) and the fly is almost as big as his darn eye!  He always stands really still acting as if I cannot see him if he is not moving.  The birds that he belongs to have a fit whenever I come out to photograph him and if they happen to be down on the ground with him they run squawking away from me and then fly to safety from the yard and into the neighbors tree where I can feel them staring down at me watching my every move.  They should know by now that I just want their picture.

I Think I Found...

...it's momma!  Or maybe it's sibling? Or maybe it's dad?  I'm not sure but here, in the same tree I found yesterday's baby bird image under, sits a larger bird. I'm pretty sure it's related somehow.  :D  The girls think this is SO COOL. Just like me. :)

I Just Love Babies!

Look what I found today in our landscape!! We have a little teeny tiny baby bird.  I believe it's a dove.  I think. I have no idea, really.  How CUTE!?!

I Heart my Flowers

This daylily grabbed my attention today.  Talk about remind me of summer and sunshine.  So beautiful.

Happy Fourth of July!!!

May God continue to bless this beautiful country and all whom inhabit her lands.  Thank you to all whom have fought or are fighting for our country.  May God bless you. :)

....My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing....
http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh697.sht

Party Like a Rockstar

We got a jumpstart on the 4th! :)  Tonight we all are having quite a great time hanging out on the back deck.  We've grilled out some really yummy food- brats, burgers, zuchinni, vegetarian brats, polenta, and then had some yummy brownies, homemade salsa, and a variety of other munchies.  The Milittis and the Perez' came over and visited.  The boys mostly hung out front while us girls laughed and laughed out back.  We've even seen some fireworks but that is not surprising because Omaha, NE is crazy when it comes to the 4th of July.  Anyway, here are  Sara and Lynette showing us how to pose in a picture.  I think....

Yippee! :)

My sister and her family are coming for the 4th and I am stoked!  They will be arriving later today and I simply cannot wait!  Matt and Sara and their girls come every year to celebrate Independence Day with us in Omaha.  The kids - and us adults, too!- love the fireworks here.  Everywhere you look the sky is exploding in color.  Anyway, I was out front this morning and noticed my daylilies and thought they really remind me of the fireworks I will be seeing later this weekend.  They are shooting up, tall and beautiful in color demanding my attention.  I just had to photograph them to share here on the 365 with you. :)  Enjoy!

It's in the Shadows

At least, it is for me.  I was walking through the house and had to stop and photograph my ceiling.  This is what I captured.  I think it's a fun photograph.