So, the girls are in ballet this fall. They are thrilled. I confess, I am too. Parents are forbidden to take pictures during the class, so I got busted by the owner for these, but she allowed me to continue shooting as long as I promised to share any good ones with her, since I was being discreet (thank you for a high ISO, zoom lens, and shooting without a flash). So enjoy, since I won't be taking more of these anytime soon!
Here we go, y'all. Pictures of the kids and then my new do. I love it. Annette rocks my world.
Well, children, I know I've posted more in the last week than in the month beforehand, and I apologize. Mylissa asked that I take a picture before I chop off all my hair, and since that happy event is tomorrow, I figured I'd better get the self portrait act going. Sorry it is nothing fancy... my assistant is seven years old. I thought we did pretty well, all things considered. I'll get an after shot up, maybe later this week. Enjoy the pictures of me while you can because you know I am generally on the other side of the camera (which is how I like it!).
I did also get some shots of the kids, but they are playing Lego Star Wars on the computer that has the pictures, so they'll go up with the afters. Aunt Kim kindly pointed out that it has been far too long since I've posted pictures of them (must run in the family, David!), an error which I shall correct soon.
Guess what, y'all? It's that time again: time for your friendly reminder to donate blood, donate platelets, donate your marrow, donate your organs (please don't do that one today, but organ donors are needed, too!) Our church had the blood drive today and this time, I successfully shared a pint.
At the last blood drive, I discovered a small group of people who decided that blood donations were an opportunity for a little friendly competition. How do you compete on giving blood, you may ask? Since we are all giving the same amount, you know. Time, people, time. The weighing machine tracks how long your donation takes. I promised that I would post current standings on the blog here... if anyone around the country would like to participate, send me your stats and I will post them for all to see.
I just wanted to share some pictures from a shoot I did this week for some friends and their beautiful new baby Marissa. She has the cutest little head of red hair and is just beautiful! It was a fun shoot, even though Marissa acted like she was on the front edge of a growth spurt, and it sure was fun to spend time with two parents so in love with their little one.
I've added another trip to my list for September, again without kids (two in one month is above and beyond expectations, let me tell you!). This time, I'm heading up to Ohio with my dad on his way home from our place so he can drop me off at my befri Jenny's brand new house in Cincinnati for a quick visit. She just moved in this summer and I'm excited to get to see her new digs. It should be a wonderful time even though it will be short!
Unfortunately, growing up for all of our children will almost certainly include wearing glasses. Andy and I both started early, which probably makes me a little more vigilant about it. I was forced into glasses at eight when Ms. Viv realized that I probably was not intentionally giving her the evil eye from the back of the bus. Getting glasses was an enlightening experience for me as I'd almost forgotten that trees had branches! Since Michael doesn't have to squint to read a blackboard, he won't have to wear his glasses all the time, but for right now he is excited about experimenting with how things look. I think he looks pretty handsome, myself, but it's kind of heart wrenching all the same.
I so rarely go anywhere at all by myself that when I do get to go, it's a big deal to me. I just bought plane tickets this morning to fly up to Memphis for Labor Day to see my friend Mylissa! It will be a fun trip, but also some work--I get to shoot Mylissa's family and also some of her Habitat families (if that doesn't ring a bell, please go visit her ministry's site and feel free to support a very worthy cause!). That will be a unique experience, without a doubt, and one I am really looking forward to.
Speaking of which, I'm reminded that I haven't harped on blood donations in a while. Next time you donate, ask about signing up to be a bone marrow donor. When I donated in January out in LA, the City of Hope group had a packet that made it super easy to sign up--no extra blood, just a cheek swab that I did myself! I am officially signed up to be a bone marrow donor; you are eligible up until you're 62, I think. Find out more information here. Apparently you can sign up online, but it costs $52; when I signed up as part of the blood donation, it was free. I guess a pint is worth at least that much?
In other news, I have my semifinal big box of homeschooling curriculum arriving today. I am excited to sort through it and really get down to brass tacks on setting up our year!
