Day 151

Water balloons on the sidewalk are always fun. Now, draw pictures with your throws, and you're a pro! My little one was out making and breaking them today. It's 82 degrees and muggy! A little swimming, a little water balloons.. perfect recipe for a 9 yr old. 

She is a sad one as her friends and her family were over yesterday for a "fun" Memorial Day BBQ, and her friend wound up breaking her arm falling off the hammock. Ugh! Fire dept. came, the truck and the ambulance, and put a stop to our otherwise fun evening. Wouldn't you know it, the end to a great day. Poor little one. We were so sad for her. Mom and dad held it together great, her brothers and sister did too, but my youngest was a mess. Good news, though. She's at home and on the mend. We will have to think of some fun things to do with her over the next several weeks. 

Day 151

Settings:

ISO 400, f/22, ss 1/40, 50 mm

(shutter slowed to keep at 40 so I went with S priority)

Day 150

Last post of four today! I am still excited about my weekend. I hope that you all have a blessed and safe Memorial Day today. We are having some friends over for a bbq, but before we do that, some yard work has to be done. I captured my husband teaching our youngest how to mow. Precious! I will love this photo for a long time... these are the moments, right? 

I walked out onto the porch with such confidence today! Guess what MeRa Koh's workshop is called? Confidence Workshop. Yep, it works! I set my settings, metered, even knew why, and voila! A great SOOC photo.. just like I wanted it! I'm liberated. Really!

Day 150

Settings:

ISO 400, f/4.5, ss 1/1000, 50 mm

Day 149

Day two! I was so excited to get up this morning and dive into the day...again! Today in Chicago it poured. Thunder and lightening, the whole package. We had family models that were coming, and had to change plans and not work outdoors. This did challenge us, but guess what? We learned so much! I've never pushed my ISO so high on my camera. I just figured it wasn't possible without grain. You know what? IT IS! 

This photo was such a typical moment for this weekend. I love it because it will always be special to me. The people, the instruction, the personal stories of hardship and life challenges, everything! This is MeRa walking us through a shoot before we started. The rest of the day was mostly families and working on Lightroom. I was so excited to learn lightroom, too! Then, see the lens she's using? I actually got to practice with it later. It's the 24-70 mm 2.8 and I'm in love with it! I've had it on my wish list for almost a year. My wish list is a note of one item on my homeschooling wall. :)

Day 149

Settings:

ISO 1600, f/2.8, ss 1/40, 50 mm

Day 148

The time had come! I was FINALLY at a MeRa Koh workshop! 

I'm back! I had THE best weekend! I was mentored by the one and only, MeRa Koh and her husband, Brian at an all weekend workshop here in Chicago. I've been waiting for her to come here, and she finally did! Let me just recommend this weekend highly! I think if you want to be a photographer in any way, shape, or form, go to her workshop! It will liberate, challenge, inspire, excite and educate you! Most of all, I feel like I was given permission to go out there, and get my business going!  

Day one, the workshop featured baby models. A family came, and I couldn't get past the dad and his son's shoes. I am more determined to look at details that ever before, and I also can attribute that to our 365 challenge! This was a step one for me, and I am so happy that I just dove in and kept it up!

Day 148

Settings: SOOC

ISO 400, f/1.4, ss 1/30, 85 mm 

(yes, I said, EIGHTY FIVE mm! Finally something different. I got to use MeRa's!)

Day 147

Friday I was running around trying to get stuff ready for my all weekend photography workshop! I will tell you more in another post. So I was taking my son to baseball practice, I spotted all this chain linked fence wrapped around some junk. It was rusty, had some character, and I just liked it. It was interesting to me, so this is really all I got on Friday! 

Day 147

Settings:
ISO 400, f/2.5, ss 1/500, 500

Day 146

"Thumper, what did your father tell you?"

"Bout wha...."

"About eating the blossoms, and leaving the greens!" 

"Oh, that one.. (aaah haha HMM) Eating greens is a special treat. It makes long ears and great big feet. *whispers* But it sure is awful stuff to eat. I made that last part up myself!" 

-Thumper and his mom from Bambi

Day 146

Settings:
ISO 400, f/2.2, ss 1/1250, 50 mm

Day 145

What I constantly listen to while driving in my car, is KLove Radio. The kids will even ask for it, and I love that the most. There's nothing better than driving along listening to the kids lift up their voices and hearts in praises to our Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing. What does the Bible say? 

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. 

Proverbs 22:6

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. 

Psalm 119:11

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.   

Psalm 19:14

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psalm 119:105

These days are crucial that we are doing everything we can to teach our children. With the natural disasters, wars, disease.. it's complete Bible prophesy. 

Luke 21 5-38 -

Jesus Foretells Destruction of the Temple

5 And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” 7 And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” 8 And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. 9 And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”

Jesus Foretells Wars and Persecution

10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.11 There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. 13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness. 14 Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. 17 You will be hated by all for my name's sake. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your lives.

Jesus Foretells Destruction of Jerusalem

20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, 22 for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. 23 Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

The Coming of the Son of Man

25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

29 And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Watch Yourselves

34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

37 And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. 38 And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.

I hope that the words that my kids hear everyday are pleasing to Him. Sometimes the radio gets changed, the songs are fun too, but it's amazing the whole mood of the car changes when it's switched back to KLove. Try it! Let me know if it's the same for you! For Chicago it's 94.3.  Here is the station list. See if it's in your area.

Day 145

Settings: 

ISO 200, f/2.2, ss 1/500, 50 mm

(used the burn tool to darken the dust in my car!)

Day 144

We had a busy day, the youngest had her science project board due, and had to display it today. I cannot stand science projects. I'm convinced it's the teacher's way of telling the parent's they loathe us. 

The day is over. Yay! We rented 3 movies, and are staying home!! Yes!

Just loved these flowers and the colors, that's all! 

Day 144

Settings: 

ISO 200, f/2.2, ss 1/800, 50 mm

Day 143

Gotcha! Would this not feel uncomfortable around your mouth? I think so. I'm also just glad I'm not a robin. 

Day 143

Settings:

ISO 200, f/5.6, ss 1/250, 280 mm

 

Day 142

We sold our playset today. It was a little bittersweet. The kids were ready to get a trampoline, but realizing that the swingset and climbing stuff was over, it was a little hard to swallow. I think the youngest had a bit of a hard time about it, but she helped me pick out a new trampoline to order for the area and hopefully it will come soon!

The flowers that lined the corners still stand, it will be fun to see what lies ahead for our beloved play area... okay, enough sappy stuff. The pool got opened today, and that's exciting! Life moves on in a fresh and fun way, so we're ready to embrace it!

For those of you who asked about the link to the kid's photos taken the other day, I linked them on the photo with the umbrella. I believe it was Day 138. Thanks for the response on that photo. It was an easy find! :)

Day 142

Settings: 

ISO 400, f/1.8, ss 1/6, 50 mm

lightened levels a bit since it was after 8pm

Day 141

Little Provider

I watch these little birds all season long building, rebuilding... so busy with their nests. They never seem to stop. Don't you feel like that sometimes? Racing around to get things done all day long. I saw this little one outside my window, didn't even take time to figure out my settings, or opening a window was certainly out of the question because it would fly away. It was cute trying to peer over the big "find" that was taking over it's vision, and figuring out the best and easiest route back to safety. 

Day 141

Settings: 200, f/5.6, ss 1/500, 300 mm

Day 140

I love Dandelions. I love the beginning where they are bright and yellow, and the end when they turn to seed. Why are they a part of such a wispy, fun tale that's waiting to be told? I just adore everyone's photos of them. I definitely wanted some for my collection and my 365. I wanted the huge, towering ones everyone else seems to find, but living in the city, "all grass must be cut!" They are hard to find! 

Day 140

Settings:
ISO 200, f/1.8, ss 1/1600, 50 mm
added a scratched texture for fun

Day 139

When I'm watching TV lying down, I always look up at the tree in the corner of our room. Somehow, I can't get out of my mind that the leaves spell out the word L-O-V-E. Can you see it? Maybe it's just me, but I wanted to take a picture of it just to remember. It's just one of those things! Maybe it's a good reminder for all of us. Maybe it should be something done a little more. 

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love. 

1 Corinthians 13:13

 

Day 139

Settings:

ISO 200, f/1.8, ss 1/15, 50 mm

Day 138

Today was a drizzly day, but it was fantastic! A fantastic photographer friend of mine was in from LA and she was willing to shoot my kiddos! Check out Maria Peterson Photography. She's amazing! I can't do headshots/comp cards myself for the kids, it would take way too long, and way too much whining. So Maria fit them in her hectic schedule, and I can't wait to see the finished results! She will update her facebook in the next few days.


Update: Here are a few she's put up. Just a sneak peek. Yay!
photos #1

photos #2

My youngest was awaiting her turn, but loving to watch her brother work. She had fun propped underneath the stadium umbrella, and busied herself with whatever was at hand. Here, she was intently watching the shoot. I couldn't resist grabbing my camera and snapping off a few pictures of the setting. 

Day 138

Settings:
ISO 200, f/5, ss 1/125, 90 mm

Day 137

Goodbye Oprah (daytime) Show!

Oprah Studios taped their last show today for her talk show. I drove by it since I'm down there 1-2 times a week, and it was a buzz of people. Not like it isn't usually, but cameras were on the street interviewing people that walked by, that went into her store, and that were taking pictures. I made sure there were no camera guys around when I jumped out to grab a couple shots.

I have attended 3 tapings for the Oprah show. First time ever, a patient from the dentist I worked for, worked for the show and got my husband and I tickets. We saw Halle Berry talking about her movie, "Losing Isaiah." I was 9 mos. pregnant with my oldest! 

The second time it was to see Matt Damon and Billy Bob Thornton for "All the Pretty Horses." 

Third was THE BEST! I actually saw Johnny Depp in person! He was promoting the movie, "Finding Neverland." Kate Winslet and Freddie Highmore also made appearances. Get this.. my oldest was scheduled to come tape questions for Depp the day before, but the lawyers for Oprah decided that kids under 18 could not be in the audience due to Depp's drinking on the stage. Obviously, Highmore's agent worked that out for him. I took one of my very bestest good buddies, and they checked us in, then whisked us away on buses to the theater to see the movie. It was so good. We were all crying, then had to go right back to tape the show. We all looked less than perfect. 

I have several near misses stories about Oprah. Very exciting things, but they didn't work out last minute. Oh well.. wasn't meant to be. :)

Here's Oprah studios. She will still be around with the OWN stuff, but it's iconic for Chicago that her studio was here all those years. 

Day 137

Settings:
ISO 200, f/8, ss 1/80, 18 mm

 

Day 136

Second post of the day. Yay! I'm caught up. 

I have been thinking about an article I read, that I cannot find now, about taking photos of everyday things. Your routine, what walking out your front door looks like in every season, etc. I have really wanted to get what some of those things are, but we live in the city, and right out the front door isn't as pretty as one might think. So I didn't do it for a while. But, in the back of my mind, I might really appreciate this one day. 

So here I have it. What I see out my front door every morning. My flowers, the sidewalks, my van, the neighbors houses, and whatever little critter can get away fast enough up the gorgeous maple trees. These maple trees are special because all 3 of my kids have climbed them. They've had swings hung from them, they've had friends swing from the branches, and it reminds me of the Shel Silverstein poem "The Giving Tree." But in this case, the giving trees. 

Day 136

Settings:

ISO 200, f/3.5, ss 1/500, 18 mm

The Giving Tree
by Shel Silverstein

    Once there was a tree..... and she loved a little boy.  And every day the boy would come and he would gather her leaves and make them into crowns and play king of the forest.  He would climb up her trunk and swing from her branches and eat apples. And they would play hide-and-go-seek.  And when he was tired, he would sleep in her shade. And the boy loved the tree.......very much.  And the tree was happy.

    But time went by.  And the boy grew older.  And the tree was often alone.  Then one day the boy came to the tree and the tree said, "Come, Boy, come and climb up my trunk and swing from my branches and eat apples and play in my shade and be happy."

    "I am too big to climb and play," said the boy.  "I want to buy things and have fun.  I want some money.  Can you give me some money?"

    "I'm sorry," said the tree, "but I have no money, I have only leaves and apples.  Take my apples, Boy, and sell them in the city. Then you will have money and you will be happy." And so the boy climbed up the tree and gathered her apples and carried them away.  And the tree was happy.

    But the boy stayed away for a long time... and the tree was sad.  And then one day the boy came back and the tree shook with joy and she said, "Come, Boy, climb up my trunk and swing from my branches and be happy."

    "I am too busy to climb trees," said the boy. "I want a house to keep me warm.  I want a wife and I want children, and so I need a house.  Can you give me a house?"

    "I have no house," said the tree. "The forest is my house, but you may cut off my branches and build a house.  Then you will be happy." And the boy cut off her branches and carried them away to build his house.  And the tree was happy.

    But the boy stayed away for a long time. And when he came back, the tree was so happy she could hardly speak. "Come, Boy," she whispered, "Come and play."

    “I am too old and sad to play," said the boy. "I want a boat that can take me far away from here. Can you give me a boat?"

    "Cut down my trunk and make a boat," said the tree. "Then you can sail away...... and be happy." And so the boy cut down her trunk and made a boat and sailed away.  And the tree was happy.... but not really.  And after a long time the boy came back again.

    "I am sorry, Boy," said the tree, "but I have nothing left to give you.  My apples are gone."

    "My teeth are too weak for apples," said the boy.

    "My branches are gone," said the tree. "You cannot swing on them.”

    "I am too old to swing on branches," said the boy.

    "My trunk is gone," said the tree. "You cannot climb."

    "I am too tired to climb," said the boy.

    "I am sorry," sighed the tree. "I wish that I could give you something --- 

but I have nothing left. I am just an old stump."

   "I don't need very much now," said the boy. "just a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired."

   "Well," said the tree, straightening herself up as much as she could, "Well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting. Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest." And the boy did.  And the tree was happy.

Day 135

Reality Shows Finale Party!! I was so excited for the Survivor and Celebrity Apprentice finales, I actually threw a party for our family!

Well, when I say "threw" I mean grabbed everything I could find, including food bought for making lunches.

And.. when I say "family" I mean whomever happened to walk through the living room while my hubby and I were watching the finale..

Oh, and I should note that when I say "and Celebrity Apprentice finale," apparently I was a week too soon.

ALL IS GOOD though! We had a great night with the kids just hanging out and watching the shows.

...and when I say "watching" I mean one of us was texting the entire time.. (this could go on forever, couldn't it?) because "one of us" happened to be 16....... (sigh)

Here is my take on Survivor this year. I'm pretty sure if you play something for 4 seasons, you better be able to beat it, so the winner was not a shocker. Redemption Island would have been amazing if the final redeemed survivor would have moved on to the final 3 to explain their ordeals to the jury and to also make them fear a little more who they sent off. The way they did it was weak in the end, and non eventful. Here Matt battled the entire time, won 10 of 11 challenges, and got nothing for it. Neither did the final winner of RI. She just went back to a bitter tribe to be unceremoniously voted off at the end of the day. And finally, I really do not want to see certain individuals that wear fedoras come back again! Matt would be okay. I really liked him! Yes, I told you how I really feel. :)

Since I didn't do much other than take the kids to church, wait around for hours for the oldest one to get out of her missions trip meeting, then come home to have to run out to Coscto for groceries, I didn't take many photos. Oh ya. It rained the entire day! So here's my shot. My last minute table of goodies!

Day 135

Settings:
ISO 200, f/1.8, ss 1/10, 50 mm

Day 134

We won! Today's game was so much better, although the rain was a continuous mist like someone was spraying you with a spray bottle the entire time. So subtle, yet you get up and are drenched.

I took a ton of photos today, too. I hope my camera turns out okay as I didn't notice how wet everything was getting. Finally, I put it away, and my kid made some amazing plays. Did I capture those? Hm.. sadly, no. I did catch him running in to home. At least I got some.  I do love the action shots. I love all the reactions on the faces, it's fun looking back at the photos as everything happens so fast, you still can capture a moment!

Day 134

Settings: 

ISO 200, f/4.5, ss 1/500, 75 mm

Day 133

What a weird night last night! My son's team (after my daughter's last game of the season) had an 8:30 game (school night, mind you!). 

We pulled in as the black clouds were rolling in. They were calling for t-storms and they were definitely showing up! Just as we started warming up on the field, beautiful lightening was beyond the outfield. Normally .. they'd call it, right?

Nope.

The coaches and umpires huddle. Game on!

After 20 minutes of playing (lightening continues) the rains come down. Luckily for us, I brought my stadium umbrella and kept 3 of us dry. A little nervous with the lightening, but we were under a tree to stay safe. *wink*

All in all, we were sunk. We came up against a team that had been together since they were little. Our team and whole organization is new this year. Sad for us, good for them. 

The skies were so cool. Behind us was the sunset, and in front of us were just black clouds rolling in fast. The trees were so pretty as they were on the field, I loved the natural colors when I was taking pictures.

Day 133

Settings:

ISO 200, f/1.8, ss 1/30, 50 mm

Day 132

Crazy problems with blogger, huh? I wasn't able to post the other day which was fine, I was a little too busy. We've had double headers, late night games for the past.. well.. few days in a row. So all I have are baseball or softball shots.

I am posting again, 3 shots today. 132-134 It's great to do it all at once, although I do feel a little guilty.

Today's shot was my oldest's last huddle/team talk. Last game of their very short season due to rainouts. Kind of sad, but what a weird year with this weather! She pitched a great game, had some great hits, but the team fell short at took the loss. 

I do love their looks behind them. Not sure what they were looking at, but I liked the photo.

Day 132

Settings:
ISO 200, f/9, ss 1/60, 160 mm

Day 131

Nothing too exciting today, we mostly cleaned and did school. The youngest and I picked lilacs and put them in every vase we could find. We also cut watermelon and our house smelled like a summer backyard. Until...I made pizza and it ruined the good smells I had going on. I picked up my oldest and we barely beat the thunderstorms home! The skies were gorgeous, but wouldn't you know it, I left my camera at home. Probably a good thing or I'd be out like the storm chasers looking for an exciting photo!

Gotta share a good thing. I love this Yankee Candle smell Dune Grass. We got the pretty smells back into the kitchen like fresh grass and watermelon.. just like it was!

Day 131

Settings: 200, f/2, ss 1/10, 50 mm

bumped up the levels a tad

Day 130

My favorite flower, favorite smell, favorite two colors in nature together.. I love LILACS! This is the lilac bush I've been defending for years. It's a nuisance, I'll admit, but I just can't get rid of it. It's all worth the fragrant smell when you walk down the sidewalk.

Day 130

Settings:

ISO 200, f/2, ss 1/4000, 50 mm

Day 129

"Hey mom! If you want, I can grab your camera and take a picture up here, it's really pretty!"

She is just too sweet! :) I graciously declined. Something about the way she scales up that tree like she's got spiked boots on... I'm sure I am missing out on something spectacular from that view. It's about 8:00pm and we were just hanging out on the front porch steps enjoying the warmer breezes.

I have a ton of photos of my flowers, neighbor's trees..etc. But, sometimes I think I miss out on everyday fun just trying to get that perfect photo. I chose this one because I just love it. She's talking to me, she's explaining in detail what she sees, she's offering to help... like she always does. This is her heart, and I love her!

Typical Life of a CFD Wife: Win a mini - photography session on the Girls Get ...

Typical Life of a CFD Wife: Win a mini - photography session on the Girls Get ...: "Hello ladies! We have about 7 more months left until we set sail for bluer skies and warmer temperatures on the Girls Get Away Cruise 2012!..."

Day 128 - and, Free Bookmark!

Happy Mother's Day!

..to all of you mothers and those that are mothers in somebody's life! We've had a beautiful day. We missed church because of another double header, but the sun is shining and it's gorgeous outside! 

At the park, there was a pond with huge bullfrogs sitting about 3 feet away from each other all around the edges. You would walk by them and it sounded like a cat meowing or a child's giggle as they leaped into the pond. Great fun for my oldest and I as we were waiting for everyone to warm up in the field.

I am a little sad we missed church, because I was asked to design the bookmarks this year for Mother's Day. So, I hope someone saved one for me! If not, I will have to print a couple off. I am also sharing with you! Feel free to print and use! My little M-day gift to you. :)

Day 128

Settings:
ISO 200, f/5.6, ss 1/640, 300 mm

Day 127

Another double, double header day! Oldest one direction, and the middle one another. It's okay! We had a great day.. 

My chairs were all in my husband's car from us leaving a game early the other night due to one needing to finish homework. Therefore, I sat on the ground, as I hate the cold metal bleachers. This was pretty much my view the whole game, so I snapped a couple. 

For the record, the girls won both their games, and the guys tied one (ok because it was a tournament and qualifying or something?) the next one they lost by 1. Bad calls! Poor them. :(

Day 127

Settings:

ISO 200, f/4.5, ss 1/200, 75 mm

Day 126

Tonight we spent some time at the park. What a long day! Little one had a friend with her and they'd been stuck in the car for an hour and a half while I navigated traffic and got kids to where they needed to be. As a mom, it's all about the schedules and keeping them, isn't it? 

I'm tired.

I also had a fun shoot today. I will be posting them on my photo blog in the next few days when I finish them. 

Tonight we are going to watch that movie. Last night you wouldn't believe it. My husband drives our son to his game 45 min away, and as soon as they drive up, it downpours! 

Game cancelled.


So we watched who got kicked off of American Idol instead. But, tonight we watch Voyage of the Dawn Treader on the big tv. We are relaxing! Tomorrow the oldest two both have double headers on complete opposite sides of Chicagoland. Aren't we lucky?


This photo was calming to me. Today was all about rushing. I like this photo because it's empty! :) Maybe a little selfish of me, but it was nice.

Day 126

Settings:

ISO 200, f/1.8, ss 1/320, 50 mm

Day 125

The end of the day brings some relief tonight. Dinner is done, hubby is taking middle one to his game away, and the girls and I can settle in and watch movies. I do like this time...when there is nothing to have to run out for. Not taking everyone to the game, as there will be many more, and the oldest needs to wake up early tomorrow anyway. 

Another shot of the walk in the neighborhood. I will get more creative soon, as for now? I take what I can get! Pretty purples. 

Day 125

Settings:

ISO 200, f/1.8, ss 1/4000, 50 mm

Day 124

I almost walked up and down our block in pajamas and slippers this morning, but decided to actually find shoes and shorts. Still cold here today! Where is our sun? 

Okay, imagine me sneaking up to my neighbor's front porch and crouching along side the gangway taking pictures. Now, half the neighborhood are cops/SWAT team/firefighters. Too funny. I am just waiting for the day a squad car comes flying up beside me looking like Maxine with curlers in my hair, a cup of coffee and a camera. LOL! Guess what my 365 picture for the day would be then? 

Day 124

Settings:

ISO 200, f/2.2, ss 1/4000, 50 mm

Day 123

Post number 3 for today!

This was my favorite photo I took this morning. I'm not even sure what kind of tree it is. Do you know? I will probably figure it out in a couple weeks. I just love the look of it in the spring! They resemble little pink and purple nerds candy on their branches.

Day 123

Settings:
ISO 200, f/2.8, ss 1/1000, 50 mm

 update!! (8:02pm) This is from my friend who's family owns several nurseries in Ohio..

"Kara, I am pretty sure your "nerds" tree is an Eastern Redbud :)"

Now we know!

Day 122

Second post of the day...  

I am pretty sure this is a Japanese Maple. I love the look of the blossoms with the new leaves. They look like beautiful butterflies resting on the branches.We used to have one, but the neighbors would use it as 2nd base in our front yard when we weren't home. So the one side of it was all worn out where they would hang onto it. It finally died. I was sad, eventually I will get a new one..

Day 122

Settings:

ISO 200, f/1.8, ss 1/4000, 50 mm

Day 121

Good morning, all! I am 3 days behind, but adding 3 today so I should be all caught up. I have just been in a whirlwind of busyness. 

I am still in awe of the new growth here. The maple trees are one of my favorites. They represent stability, beauty, strength and comfort all in one! I love their new waxy leaves in the spring, their fluffy huge leaves in the summer, and their reds, golds, yellows in the fall. I even enjoy raking them up as I mourn the last leaves of the year. The kids enjoy jumping into the piles.. everything's wonderful around a maple tree!

Day 121

Settings:

ISO 400, f/5.6, ss 1/1000, 230 mm