Family Photos

We took photos today.  Asher is such a funny kid and decided that he would fight Mom while in our picture together and then smile and show love to his Dad.  I just can't win when Dad is around. :)

The Tulip Festival

The tulips in Mt. Vernon, WA are always quite stunning.  I was so happy to get to visit them this year with Shem (he is normally working like a crazy man this time of year), and Asher.  It was a bit muddy and the fields weren't as amazing as a few years ago, but still it was all worth the drive.

Eleven Months!!!

It's really hard to express how I feel about being a mom, and especially to organize my thoughts of my son.  I am seriously over-joyed to have Asher in my life!  He has been a welcomed blessing and addition to our little family (even though he sticks things in the toilet).   Next month he will be one!  One!  I can't believe that a year ago he was born, let alone all that I've learned and accomplished this year.  It's been a new and welcomed challenge and I can honestly say that we're ready to have more babies!

Some thoughts before I give an update on the little man; our finances have changed a lot since we've decided to have me stay home, we will probably lose the 20% we put down on our condo when we decide to move, Shem's car needs to be replaced desperately as it's a health hazard to drive with mold and all, but I haven't been happier or more hopeful for the future!  Sure, we may have to live someplace that we really don't like for a while in order to save up for another down payment, and Shem may be stuck with his molding car, but what really makes us happy is our family (I need to remember this when I really feel the need for a new mini van with sliding doors).  I never knew how much joy kids bring into your life!  I always thought kids got into trouble and that parents found them annoying because it always seemed like someone was getting on my Mom or Dad's bad side.  Albeit, Asher hasn't done anything horrible yet, so its hard for me to imagine being upset with him, but seriously, kids are a joy and I love being able to share my love with Asher.  In turn, he has learned how to show us his love too and it's the sweetest thing ever!

Okay, so here is his update:

-He loves to make funny noises with his mouth.

-He loves to play peek-a-boo around corners and such.

-He loves to visit other people during sacrament meeting and can't stand to sit still.

-He has finally figured out that he can throw things into the toilet (he have since bought and installed a lock).

-He loves bath time in the big tub and is fascinated with the faucet and how it works.

-He says "mama", "dada", "ball" (I think ball means a lot of different things).

-He used to shake his head yes, but now whenever we ask him a question he will generally shake his head no.  

-He can sign "milk" and "more".

-He will whine until he gets water when he wants it.

-He loves his sippy cups.

-I think he has figured out how to wave.

-He has fallen down the stairs only once.

-He loves to play outside and finally likes the grass.

-He loves to swing at the park.

-He loves to study things to see how they work.

-He is persistent and will try to make things work, like putting his bottle in his mailbox.

-He loves to cuddle now!  And he will hug his stuffed animals!  It's so adorable!

-He never lets me work on the computer.

-He has broken the salad dressing container and some other kitchen gadget.

-He loves to play with the toilet paper.

-He is all boy and loves cars, trucks, and trains.

-He loves to  play with other kids.

I'm so proud of my little man and he makes everyday fun as he learns, explores, and grows.

Film Trial

Hello Blog,  it's been a while, but that just means we're living and loving life and that is awesome!

Some of you who remember me from Michigan remember that I used to take photos.  Back then digital wasn't big yet and everyone seemed to make this switch, including myself a couple of years back in 2008.  I've been an avid blog reader of several photographers and I've noticed that I have particularly fallen in love with the look of film.  Not your drug store film (like I just shot), but professional film.  It's beautiful and its capabilities are appealing to me in many ways.  Most of all, I just want something genuine and real.  We take photos to capture moments in time and to help us remember, and that is what I love most about photography.  Granted, there are times when taking a photo isn't just to remember a certain event, but to make a piece of Art, and the digital age has made that really easy to do with presets and actions galore!  As much fun as it is to manipulate a photo and make it look pretty I'd rather do all of that one, in my camera, and then have the time to enjoy what I was able to take.

So, I have borrowed a 35mm camera from my SIL and I shot a roll yesterday, took it to Costco for some scans (they only charge $5/roll!), and picked them up today.  Needless to say, I was excited and glad that the roll didn't come back all black!  However, that isn't too say that I'm rockn' that 35mm SLR like it was designed to rock...there is still a lot of room for improvement and actual professional grade films to shoot with. 

A few notes: 

• Disappointed in the amount of grain.
• I think that shooting at 250th/sec gave me warmer light.
• I should increase my dof when shooting babies that move a lot and that are fast since they move out of my sharp range quickly.
• I do like that I can shoot at fast shutter speeds with 400 speed film. 
• A light meter will be helpful to be able to spot meter instead of using the built in meter.

I can't wait to try some different films and to find a better lab, but until then I'm just going to keep practicing with my drug store film and Costco processing until I can be happy with an entire roll of film.