It could be a Problem.

I might have a problem with this whole photography thing.....
But let me explain.
First, I wasn't looking for a new hobby, a new past time, a new way to spend my time in my already crazy Mommy world of pure...well....Craziness!
But it started when I began taking pictures for my "other" blog.....My other baby, my new adventure in helping other Mom's grow their business. My ability to be inspired and stay inspired...My outlet for finally being a writer... HELLO dream finally come true!!!
And I am not even 40 (okay so I am close but what the freak ever).
Back to the Togging. You see that is slang for being a Mommy Photographer... Yup, I tog now. Totally togging here. I even like saying it....Tog Tog Tog...
I am fully aware of my dorkiness in case you were wondering.
But I have a point.... And that ever important point is I own children.... Children who are growing faster and with that growing brings changes. Lots of changes. I mean Evan is six.... SIX!!!
And Ryan is FIVE. I no longer own toddlers; I barely own pre-schooler’s.... I now own boys real full on growing boys...
And if I don't take pictures of them now, of their precious little faces, of their amazing smiles and devilish grins, I may forget I may not remember.
I mean I will, but I won't.
Ahhhhh You know what I mean. I am a Mom. I photograph I just do.
TOG TOG TOG!!!
Yes, I have set backs. First (in case it wasn't clear in the first paragraphed I own boys). Two sweet, yet stubborn, little boys who have developed an extreme (sometimes cranky) dislike of being photographed. Oh sure it was easy at first... M&M's and the occasional dollar definitely helped. But that only lasts for so long, not to mention the ever knowing, ever wise and ever Mr. “Smarty Pants” who is in Kindergarten likes to lecture me from time to time on how much sugar we eat in and how that effects our caloric intake.
He means well....
The five year old however could care less. I love that about him. Carefree and goes with the flow a PERFECT photo subject. If only he would stand still and okay smile.
And so it begins, a new challenge a new love a new passion for something I have been doing my whole life. Photography!
Because I also own a husband who is too wonderful for words and supports every ounce of my crazy self encouraged me to take a photo class last month.  I was so fired up and ready. Especially, after I purchased, my very first DSLR. I mean how techy savy does that sound. A DSLR wahooo....
DSLR, plus class, plus sometimes cooperative kids, plus a new insight, a few lessons and a eye for anything remotely photogenic has turned my life into a walking autofocus of life that I can't wait to capture, one blissfully, non-perfect, SUGARY yet perfect image at a time.

Some of my faves of late.....

The Little Performer.

What a wonderful surprise it was when shortly before church service ended, in came the Kindergartner’s and first graders to recite the Lord’s Prayer. I remember last year watching the older kids getting to come into worship from time to time and I couldn’t wait until my boys were old enough to do the same. I mean after all we have raised good, sweet, humble and respectful little boys right? Surely they would shine in any public setting.

Well, in they came and Evan is now old enough to be a part of this group. He also happened to be first in line which put in next to Ashley, the children’s worship coordinator. Yup, that is him in the red shirt standing slightly off from the rest of the group (and I promise I combed his hair before we left the house). That is him “performing” if you will. And yes that is him flirting with his zipper in CHURCH.
Dear Father….
I am so glad someone recorded this, his father and I missed most of it after we dove under the chairs when he proceeded to wipe his nose with his shirt. I knew it was over when I heard the clapping and then a gentleman behind us said “Gee, that little boy must be hell on wheels” Why yes, yes he is. But he is MY hell on wheels and I told the gentleman so proudly (and wanted to remind in he shouldn't say "hell" in church but I took the higher road) . Later in the foyer where people gather and mingle afterwards, Evan had more of a crowd around him than the Pastor.
“You were so cute….”
“Evan you cracked us up…”
“We loved seeing you give your Mom the thumbs up sign.”
He handled his new found fame with high fiving everyone and then proceeded to join his brother in climbing all over the chairs in the worship center while Chris and I were left to deal with his groupies. If I didn’t know any better I could have sworn I heard him say “I will have my people call your people.”
We didn’t leave until almost an hour later.
Later in the car Chris gave Evan a lecture on how to be “humble” when Ms. Ashley is talking about praying and how when you are up on stage you are up there for God and not to entertain everyone.  I would have chimed in of course but I was too busy trying not to crack up all over again.
In the end I do believe he did well, and he seemed happy to be a part of the service. So enjoy the video clip (some of the audio is heard to hear) but I betcha you will smile at not only Evan (particualy at the end) but all the kids and their sweet rendition of The Lord’s Prayer.

Spring is Coming - A story in Pictures

I just love when pictures can tell a story.... So this post will be told differently. Yes, there will be an actually "posting" but I plan to let the photos tell most of my story. Humor me if you will because I recently purchased a Canon Rebel XT from one of my Mommy friends who is also a fantastic photographer. I have the camera I have wanted for over a year now so what is a girl to do when she has a new toy?

PLAY!!!

So I will begin my picture story with a brief prelude - First off as you know it is early March. However

Mother nature is confused and thinks it is May. We have had record breaking temps hovering in the mid to upper 70's for the past few days and even had a day last weekend where we hit 85.

Several things occurred during this breakout of warm temps:

1) I went into an extreme panic when I put on a pair of shorts.

2) I went into an even more extreme panic when I walked by the mirror and saw my white, pasty, out of shape thighs, (and my recent order of Girls Scout cookies aren't helping).

3) A quick glance at the calendar tells me I have less time than think to try and rectify the situation. Which makes me panic even more, which makes me have an extra beer which is also not helping.

4) But I digress....

Warm temps also bring on new adventures, new experiences and this thing....

For the Boys latest adventure which is this...

Compliments of this Guy!


Yes, both boys are currently signed up for spring practice and Chris, ever the "thinking ahead" sort of guy. Decided to turn our backyard into a mini baseball camp. I mean T-Ball camp, as my 5 year old always corrects me.  Because I, know nothing about T-ball. In fact I know nothing about baseball. The only sport I love and follow is football. But since I apparently have a panic disorder I am not sure I will allow either child to play football. Assuming I will have a say in the manner (which I probably won't) because of this guy....

And this guy...

Yes, Ryan is my Sports enthusiast if you will.  Anything "ball" related he is all about it and then some. 

Not that Evan didn't get into the swing of things.....

Becuase he did..However, notice the 3 balls behind him in a neat line.

In fact, here he is arranging the balls in perfect unison.

Here he is again so proud of the fact that he has one more to his collection.

Some things with Evan never change, the boy has been putting things in order since he learned how to use his hands.

My Turn!

Nope not even close....



Then we had a brief "vogue" moment.

And I get to play with my camera some more...

However we have lost Evan to a sandbox "experiment"

 Filling up a ballon up with water from the "Pumper Truck" is clearly more entertaining than T-Ball.

Another brief pause for a "Sky Shot"

The budding Tree of course terrifying me becuase pollen is on the way.

In other news we also went to the Beach for a weekend getaway.  We belived the weather guy when he said Tybee Island, GA would be in the 70's.  So we packed the car and drove 4 hours south.

And found out the next day...

He Lied....

And Lied...

And Lied Some More...

It is okay though we got to walk around and I learned that Tybee Island is an Island of "Signs"

And they also have a local park....

And a Turtle to act silly in front of.

The next day the sun came out and it was much warmer.

And I got my famous "Toes in the Sand" shot

And the Boys got to Play...

And Play..

And of course Get soaking Wet...

THE END!

On behalf of myself and my new camera, thanks for humoring me. I am now off to the Gym where I will proceed to do the "walk of shame" considering it has been 3 months since I have set foot in there.

Ahhh.... Spring has sprung. Say CHEESE!!