Thankful

I am really thankful for friends who take time to give encouragement and advice when they don't have to. A few sweet friends shared with me things that help them to get motivated, and I tell you, it was a big help. Whether it was telling me how they prioritize, or set goals, or just get inspiration from others, it was advice I needed to hear. So, I looked at a few blogs, some photos on my flickr group, set some immediate goals and I feel a little more motivated. So thanks, ladies! Now, if I could just get out around the city on a photo trip, that will really get me motivated in the photography area...anyone want to go with me? :) 

Motivation

How do I get motivated? I haven't been motivated to do some of my favorite things lately, like taking photos of my kiddos, or blogging, or getting my new blog ready, it's really kind of sad. Where do any of you get your motivation from? I know I should be, considering it's Spring and there is so much inspiration around. I think I may need to take some time to think, plan, and dream. Time away is always good for the soul. I think that might help get my motivation back...or at least I hope so. What do you think? 

A new treat...

I'm going to plug something new I've discovered that is yummy...AND good for you. It is Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa). It's organic, it's a grain, it's full on protein, it's loaded with vitamins and minerals...and it's really, really good for you. I cooked mine in chicken broth to give it a little flavor, but you can fix it several different ways. It has this delicious nutty flavor that is simply yummy. I thought I'd pop in and post this because, well, we're all looking for more healthy things to eat and ways to be nice to our bodies...and this is one of those ways! It's not cheap, but it's worth it. Your body will thank you! 

Check this site out to read more about it...

...this girl too!

I {heart} these girls!

Oh, dear blog readers. I have not forgotten about you...computer time is short these days. I will kick back in gear here very soon. I have a lot I want to post about! (and still wanting to get my new blog up, geez, that is a job!)

Trying out light

I have been reading a lot about lighting lately. There is so much to be learned, sometimes it gets overwhelming. I have to confess, I've been guilty of only thinking about how much light I have/need and not really about the direction of the light, the harness/softness of it, the color of light, or any other aspect of it. I am learning very quickly that it's not just about how much light you have, but the quality of light also.

A couple of shots I actually liked...

 Backlit tree

ISO 200, 1/200 sec, f/16, manual exposure

 

I can't decide if I like regular or b&w better (I'm a stickler for b&w)

Playing with a little sunflare, same tree, just closer

ISO 400, 1/80 sec, f/29, manual exposure

 B&w again

 

I love the lighting on her face here, isn't she beautiful?

ISO 400, 1/800 sec, f/1.8, manual exposure

Pictures, maybe

My sister kindly informed me the other day that I haven't been taking very many photos lately. And she's right. Sadly, taking photos has moved, not to the bottom of the list but farther down than it used to. So with that making me sad, I tried to make up for it by taking a few of the boys. 

 Jude (and I, mostly I) thought it would be fun to get in the toy box..which only lasted about 2 minutes)

 messy bathtime face, pre-wash

taken a few weekends ago (the kids NEVER look at the camera!....and I just realized that Ross wears that same hoodie in just about every photo we take as a family)

Lately I've been working on my new blog (which will hopefully be up soon) hanging out with friends, working on being a better housekeeper, doing lots of texting to my sister (who I miss oh so much!), snuggling with my honey, raising 2 crazy boys, and watching SO.MUCH.SNOW fall....which got old about 3 snows ago. Seriously, if it never snowed again, that would be too soon. 

Who can believe my little Ezra will be ONE tomorrow?? Not me!!