Harbinger of things to come...

Tomorrow is a new day for me. Tomorrow I will be photographing a newborn baby. For the last year or so I have really taken a liking to photography. I love taking pictures and capturing the life of my child through a camera, and I wonder if I can translate my love to other people and their children. I think there must be a certain joy in focusing in on the happiness and joy that a family offers. Moments of childhood are so fleeting and so precious...and to get a moment on film is a magical moment for me.

Recently my friend Jolene gave birth to a sweet little baby girl (she has three boys mind you) and I approached her about shooting some images just for the heck of it. So at 10 tomorrow I am skirting over to her house (for an "on location" and natural lighting shoot) where I plan on trying my hand at actual photography. (Not just obsessively taking shots of my child...) I figure it's a win win situation. Jolene will get some cute (hopefully) images of her little honey and I will get a see if this is an avenue I might want to pursue later in life (once Renee is in school I might go back for a photography degree..or attend workshops or something...)

I dream one day of owning and running a successful business and I think this MAY be my outlet. I'll post my images soon enough...here is to hope that I get some good pics and like this process enough to continue on and learn more. :o)

Jenny

Obsession anyone?

So I've been obsessing. Over what you ask? I'll tell you.

Photography.

I love pictures. I love taking shots of just about everything. I wonder if I missed my calling in life. *sigh* SO I am doing something about it. I am going to take a few classes to sharpen my skills. I am going to invest in some fun software for my compooter (hehehe) and I am going to piddle and claw my way up the ladder of knowledge...and hopefully in the process get some good stuff that I am proud of. HECK if I get good enough I might even consider going into business and doing THIS for a living.

I kinda suck, because I am pretty OK at a lot of stuff, and a master of none. I think I have art ADD and I can't help myself. *sigh* So, over the next few months I'll start posting some of my work, both altered and pure. I hope you enjoy the ride as much as I do.

Cheers.

Jenny

My little sisterg

So it has happened...

My little sister has gone and grown up on me. On June 27th she got married in Norman, OK to Danny Waid. I am personally in shock because I CAN'T be that old!

here are some photos from her big day. I didn't take my camera to the reception, but they had a PHOTO BOOTH (and consequently I spent half of my evening in there). I will scan those photos in later tonight...hehehe The wedding was stunning. katie looked like a dream, and everything was perfect. It was a wonderful day!

At the rehersal dinner with Renee and katie...yes Renee has bread in her mouth! :)
Katie's Reception (the colors were beatiful...lt green and lt blue) It was very stunning.
Katie and our Grandad (my dad's dad) He's 91 folks and still cutting a rug on the dance floor!! We were so blessed to have him there!!
Renee and her best buddy EVER...Auntie DeeDee. My daughter is in love her her something fierce!

Masters Golf Tournament 2009

On Monday Mark and I headed into the heart of Augusta to experience the Master's Golf Tournament at Augusta National. I can honestly say that I am not a huge golf fan, but as we drew closer to the grounds I got more and more excited about the prospect of being on the course. There, undoubtedly, is a massive amount of traditional and notoriety when it comes to this tournament. It has been ranked 1st in the "sporting events you need to go see" world....and after attending on Monday I totally understand why! The people were wonderful, the food was awesome, the grounds were breathtaking, and everything was perfect. Though you are in the heart of old Augusta (in the not so good part of town) you feel that you are miles from everywhere...and that was so special.

It was a windy day, and quite cool, but it was partially cloudy and perfect for taking photos. During the first few days of the tournament (the practice rounds) patrons are allowed to bring their cameras on site. On Thursday through Sunday (the actual tournament days) you are NOT allowed to bring cameras on site. So here are some photos from our journey. Needless to say I have never experienced such a beautiful place in my whole life. I could have stayed there all day just to soak in the sites.


Mark and Jenny by the 13th hole.

Mark looking all "cool".

We got to watch Tiger Woods tee off on the 11th hole. He was all business. I don't think he even noticed everyone gathering around him. And yes, he is just as impressive in real life as he is on TV.

The Dogwood.

The 12th hole of Amen Corner fame.

I only wish my photos did this place justice.

Renee's Fourth Birthday

Well, it's official. Today Renee turns the big 4! I can't believe that she has grown up so much and it's happened SO quickly. (I love that every mother laments this about their own children, yet it is such a weird reality that is so true.) *sigh* I thought I would share a few pictures with you from my little lady's past...




Renee at 8 weeks...

A five month shocker!

Renee at 8 months...

Renee into 10 months...

Renee's first Superbowl in Missouri...with Jaden

Easter 2006--Renee's one year old.

14 months...in Maryland.

And here she is now...

Coupon Mom

I have been pretty quite the last few months. A lot has been on my mind, but for some reason I don't have the passion or the will to argue lots of my points. I am rather disappointed in myself, but I really don't feel like spending the time and energy on my political rants...I'm sure I'll be back to my old self one of these days. :)

So on a positive note I have rummaged up something that I consider to be "blog worthy". :) It's a website that I discovered at my Mother-in-Law's house. It's:

www.couponmom.com

Go there...it will change your life! he he he

I had seen this before on daytime TV shows (when passing through) I have heard the founder on the radio before, but I never took a good honest look at what her site was about. I mean, I clip coupons, I save a few bucks here and there...I thought I was doing good. BOY was a wrong!

Basically she has taken coupon clipping and pumped it full of steriods. She teaches ladies how to shop and how to save and she has created an spectacular database to show everyone where to get the best deals, and how to do so! It rocks.

At Liz's house (my MIL) she opened her pantry and it was stocked full of items that were either free or bought for pennies on the dollar (no joke)! She had at least 10 bottles of shampoo that were FREE, she gave Renee 2 free tooth brushes, Johnson and Johnson buddies shampoo, conditioner, soap, and Disney Princess toothpaste (all free). She had Tide detergent, dawn dish soap, and other things...all 50 CENTS OR LESS! I was amazed. She now spends less than $50.00/month to feed and care for her household (herself, hubby, and one teenage stepson).

In this economy where we are all watching our bottom line...at least take a look at her site. It's so cool. Be willing to spend some time getting newspapers and stocking up for the next few months on coupon books and circulars...but MAN this is awesome and so worth it. We can't change the government from taxing the hell out of us, but we can manage our own pocketbooks and our own lives. Here is a great tool to do just that. :)

Jenny

Happy Valentine's Day 2009

A few days ago Renee and i went out and about in good old Augusta...here are some of the photos I got for V-day. Enjoy!

Jenny