Wednesday, October 22, 2008

WOW! How long has it been?

Since I've posted some layouts?? A long time I gather....since I can't find any in my archives newer than JANUARY!! Egads.

:::::::::::::::BINKY:::::::::::::::
credits HERE

:::::::::::::::LINCOLN PARK ZOO:::::::::::::::
credits HERE

:::::::::::::::WINGS:::::::::::::::
credits HERE

:::::::::::::::SWEET:::::::::::::::
credits HERE

:::::::::::::::KYLE AT WHITES:::::::::::::::
Shocking, I know - a layout that doesn't feature Liam. credits HERE

Monday, October 20, 2008

Yes, Virginia, nice & honest people DO exist!

Last week during our Thursday run, Pat and I came across a seemingly discarded baby carrier. It looked like it had been out all night - dirty, wet, and dejected :) OK, I know carriers don't have feelings, but this one was an Ergo...the same carrier that Liam and I favor now over our wraps. I decided if it was still there after our run, I would pick it up, wash it, and try to return it to its owner.

So I did....but I didn't get a chance to post a "found" ad on Craigslist or post flyers because we were in a scurry to get things set to go to Indiana this weekend. But luckily, a friend who I had mentioned the missing carrier to saw a flyer this weekend and called to leave the number. So I called the family and a very grateful mama and baby got their Ergo back this afternoon. Made me feel good and all warm and fuzzy inside! Hooray for doing the right thing, and for helping fellow humans :)

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Orchards a go go

We're visiting Indiana this weekend hanging out with Shannon, Patricia and Michael whilst their parents are off in West Virginia white water rafting somewhere.....we spent last night keeping our Friday Game Night tradition alive with Clue, and we also taught the kids how to play Yahtzee. It was pretty fun!

Soooo......today we had the bright idea of going to an orchard / pumpkin patch because Pat and I really, really wanted some apple cinnamon donuts. On a Saturday. So we loaded up the car.....took the scenic route through Gary.....and 45 minutes later we ended up at a wonderful little orchard with a MILLION of our closest friends. Three giant parking lots. All full with cars from Wisonsin, Illinois and Indiana. Craziness I tell you. Craziness.

Shannon and I fought our way through the crowds to get some cider and donuts - and we didn't even bother to go to the kiddie farm or hay ride because everything cost a gazillion dollars. Liam was kind of sort of cranky because I think he's coming down with something....either another molar or a cold or something. Anywho - I'll be damned if I was going to drive all that way and not get a few photos.




It was a beautiful day, and the drive back was much quicker (we took a different way). There was also no major fights between kids. And, the donuts were pretty delicious - so all and all it was a good day :)

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

*sigh* Do I REALLY want to do this??

Just one question. How on earth am I ever going to be a *real* photographer if I can't even photograph my own child?

*sigh*

I purchased an umbrella and light stand to help my indoor light (or lack there of) plight. Helps tremendously, but the only way to really learn how to use it is to, well, use it. Pat refuses to be my subject. So my only other option is Liam. I guess I really underestimated how helpful it is to have another set of hands. (click for a larger image)

You get the picture. Right?

:::::::::::::::::::::: OTHER NEWS ::::::::::::::::::::::

Our dear neighbor Kelly is happily on her way to Denver (SOOO PROUD OF YOU KEL!). We're going to miss her somethin' fierce. Her tenants don't move in until the 26th, so until then I have a nice big empty space to use as a pseudo studio :)

:::::::::::::::::::::: OTHER SHOOTS ::::::::::::::::::::::

Baby shoot went well this morning.....I used my manual focus lens so I had a lot of shots that were blurry, but some that are pretty good I think. AND, the cute naked baby peed all over my blankets :) LOL - I'm sure it won't be the last time! Also took some photos of baby girl Serene today - got a few shots of her and Liam (he finally slowed down because he was kind of tired and ready for a nap). It will take me a bit to process them all....but I will share I promise!

:::::::::::::::::::::: MORE OTHER NEWS ::::::::::::::::::::::

And lastly, I am going to be trading my photography skills for a friend's graphic design skills. This is for my logo design / brand. We've got an initial meeting on Friday....once again, the Momfia saves the day. Amazing women in that group, I tell ya!! Camri - I can't WAIT to work with you!!!

K. That is all. I'm officially sick of being on the computer, so I'm signing off for a while. Ciao.

Playgroup super stars

OK, there are no super stars of our playgroup....but since I didn't bust out the ol' camera until everyone was on their way out, I only caught a couple few cherubic faces.

Sleeping Josie. Or is it Nico? Crap. I can't tell.

Sweet O.

Pretty Mya!

Super smiley Maddy

Ellie-Roo. Her molars kind of hurt right now.
And the real Super Star...Lil' Man Liam :)


Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Momfia Playgroup

If I'm not making much sense while writing this, its because I'm half watching the mentalist and half paying attention to this.....

I hosted our weekly playgroup today, and I must say it went well!! I had the same anxiety feeling that I had before I hosted the recipe exchange......but I took about an hour long shower and I felt much better :) We stayed inside even though it was a nice day because our neighbor was moving out. I figured it would be better to forgo the fresh air to keep our babies from getting squished :)

I made yummy yummy peanut butter-oatmeal-chocolate cookies, had a little fruit and veggie tray and we were good to go. I have some photos to share, but will upload them a little later.

On the business front, things are up and running so to speak. I'm in the process of logo and website design, hoping to get those done in the next we or so. I've got four shoots lined up in the next two weeks.....hope to get some good shots :)

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

World's BEST pumpkin joke!

I'm pretty sure I've posted this before, but it never fails to make me laugh :) LOL even!!

Q: What do you get when you divide the diameter of a jack-o-lantern by it's circumference?


A: Pumpkin "Pi"

Friday, October 03, 2008

Young @ Heart

Going to the movies is expensive. $15 a ticket, plus at least $20 for refreshments....tack on another $40 for a babysitter...that's approaching $90 for a movie that isn't guaranteed to be good. Quite a gamble, I'd say. For that reason, we've stopped going to the theatre and signed up for Netflix quite a while ago.

A great decision....except we see just as many bad movies as we do good, really. Semi-Pro anyone?? Recently though, as a result of Pat's The Ultimate Trailer Show obsession, I heard about a particularly interesting movie.

Young @ Heart

You've probably seen a promo for this movie, too, I would bet. well, it is "Indie" and a documentary, so maybe you haven't. Regardless if you have or have not.....go out and rent it. NOW. But, I warn you, do not drink 1/2 bottle of red wine before / or during viewing. Cranks up the cry factor 10 fold I think. It is everything the critics acclaimed and more. Beautiful story. Beautiful people. LOVED it.

So now I'm in a very contemplative state though - especially regarding my grandparents. I was very fortunate to know all of my grandparents, 3 out of 4 into adulthood (my grandma Mayer passed away in....'86 I think?). Now, only Grandma Medel is still alive and kickin' - and living with my parents. And she's beautiful. And fiesty. Here she is trying to wrangle a 9 month old Liam back in July.....I think Grandma Dora only has about 20 inches on him :)



So what is my point here. Well, there isn't one really. Except I love my Grandma :) And I totally think old people are adorable. They have this wisdom which comes with their incredible life experience.....and I think that rocks. If you are lucky enough, sit down and talk to them. About anything really. I was lucky enough to get my grandpa Mayer on video talking about his experience as an Army Medic in WWII....although my ex-husband still has the tape somewhere (grrr....). And Grandma Medel talking about her father and run ins with Banditos in Mexico. They all have a story to tell, as long as you'll listen.

Oh, and they are also wrinkly and have big ears, which is also cute. Have you hugged an octogenarian today?

Are the Germies gone yet??

The O'Brien household isn't quite germ free yet, but at least we're not getting any worse. Seriously, I feel like we should put yellow caution tape over our door so no one comes in and gets infected. I've been cleaning everything like mad with disinfecting wipes, sucking down a lot of tea and vitamin C, and sucking Liam's nose out on the hour practically. (Which, by the way, he HATES! Not that I blame him....last time someone sucked crap out of my nose I damn near passed out.) He's eating and playing more normally though, which is good.

Yesterday was a pretty fun day - I spent the afternoon with Adrian and Serene checking out houses in North Mayfair. Liam was supposed to come with, but he was CRANKY x 10 from being sick, so I left him home with Daddy. We saw six houses - one that was awesome and I wanted to buy RIGHT NOW, one that was pretty good, two that were OK but needed lots of work and two that were one step away from being haunted crack houses. It really was great to see the neighborhood and reassuring that *when* (see, I'm bringing good karma too me...its *when* and not *if*) our condo sells we'll be able to buy a real live house.

The other great thing that happened yesterday is that I finished my business plan!! I still have a few details to tighten up (i.e. numbers that aren't necessarily real but that I pulled out of my ass) but the tough part is DONE!!! WHOOO HOOO!!! After its officially all cleaned up, then I can get started on the fun stuff (i.e. website development, business cards and advertising!). I'm on a roll, so I'll polish it up today :) HOORAY!

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Thank goodnes....

Still feeling a bit under the weather. Liam is feeling well though.....but now Pat is sick, which is sometimes more difficult to deal with than a one year old.

But, in the darkness - a ray of light - a beacon of sunshine

Adrian :)

She came over today and brought a big vat of soup. Wonderful, delicious, real chicken soup. It was AMAZING and sure beat the pants off the crap in a can that I was going to eat. She said I had to load up on limes for the vitamin C - which I did - a trick picked up in Mexico....all consomme must be garnished with fresh squeezed lime. AND jalapeno to knock that cold / flu out. Well....I did put the slices in. And I did eat one slice. Well, OK, 1/2 slice. Alright alright a teeny tiny piece of slice...and it did clear me up. But I'm way too wussified to eat a lot of that stuff. I also threw in fresh crisped tortilla strips and cilantro to boot.

Seriously made my night. More people need to do more nice things in the world like this....then we would have Whirld Peas. Karma will get you back girl...hopefully with thousands and thousands of dollars :) Until then, just accept my eternal gratitude and love :)