A New Adventure

I've been thinking about it for a while. It was one of those things where I thought, "I could do that-- I really could. I could do that."

You've probably figured out what I'm talking about. I've aspired to have a child portrait photography business for the past couple of years. I thought this without a nice camera, without any formal training, and without any knowledge of what it takes to have this sort of business, but I always knew "in a few years" it's what I wanted to pursue.

So I'm there. I'm diving in head first. I still don't have the best camera, and I certainly don't have any formal training, but I'm learning as I go. I'm reading. I'm observing. I'm experimenting.

It's official. My business cards were shipped today, and my business blog is up and running. The pictures will look familiar to you :) My friend, Heather, created my logo, business cards, and blog banner. She's good. She's real good. I said "vintage but still 'me'" and you can see what she created. I think it suits me perfectly. Check out her website!

So sign up today. I'll give you a good deal :)

Sam, Ethan, and Eliza

Can you tell how I've been spending my time recently? I saw my dear friend, Molly, this morning and took some pictures of her kids. She wanted individual pictures taken to frame for her wall. Here's her sneak peek:

A Visit with Friends

My good friend, Heather, came to town today. We enjoyed a kid-filled day of exploring in the mud, matchbox cars, peanut butter bugs, and pictures, of course.

It Made me Smile

I had to wake up Jonah this morning for a MOPS meeting.

While getting in the car a few minutes later he said, "I want to be like Auntie A and Uncle T."

"Why?" I asked.

"I want to stay in bed in my room ALL DAY LONG."

Baby Jacob

My little nephew is getting so big! We spent time at Alex and Tricia's house this morning. Lydia is starting to show great interest in being close to him, holding his hand, kissing his head. It's quite cute.... and so is he.

Ella and Marley

We enjoyed a fun picnic on Sunday with friends. I spent some time photographing the kids. Here's my favorite:

The Joy of Grandparenting

Taylor

I visited my good friends, Lynn and Leann, last week. It was a bit chaotic with the kids, but I'm so thankful for their friendship through the years.... and hairstyles.... and boys.... and life changes....

Here's a picture of
"Little Leann:"

Bummer

My running partner, Carrie, and I had a great 12 mile run yesterday in preparation for the mini-marathon that takes place next Saturday. We ran conservatively and were still on track to beat our 13 mile goal next week. I returned home, visited with our new neighbors, did a little landscaping, and felt great.

Unfortunately, I ended up in the emergency room at 10:00 p.m. last night about six hours after we finished running. I'll spare you the details, but I have gastrointestinal bleeding and they're not sure what's causing it right now. The doctor mentioned the words "ulcer" and "gallbladder" but he also repeated, "I just don't know...I just don't know." They ran plenty of tests and most of them were okay. A specialist is supposed to call me today to schedule an appointment.

I asked about running the race on Saturday. He smiled and looked at me with a smirk. He recommended that I don't run.

So seven weeks of hard training, a great 12 mile run yesterday, and what could have been my fastest time yet-- it's a bummer.

It's so random, but as I put the pieces of the puzzle together with how I've felt after the long runs during the past couple of weeks, it's making some sense.

I'm weak today, but life goes on.... two little people are depending on me!

Gabe and Kailey

I photographed my friend's kids today for a mother's day present. They're adorable, aren't they?

Lydie Lou

A College Reunion

I was blessed to spend time with many of my good friends from college this weekend. For more details you can read Amy or Melynie's blog. I'd love to write thoughtfully about our time together, but my mind isn't working very well and I want to get these pictures posted!

Melynie posing after our long trip to the bookstore.



Jana's ring down in the Olson lounge!



Suzie's adorable baby, Jay.


Heather playing with her new camera too.


Walking the loop--


Holding a baby on First East; my how things change!

Picture of the Day

David Cook

I haven't commented on this season of American Idol. David Cook has been my favorite since I heard him sing "Hello."

Mini-Marathon

My training is in full-swing. It's a bit consuming right now but I feel good.

Three cheers for ibuprofen, a great running partner, and a supportive husband!

Family Time

We enjoyed our Sunday at the park:

Friends

We enjoyed a Saturday with our friends, the Ulicznys.

My favorite picture of the day-- Eliza with her clown sundae:

Mistaken Identity

Check out this site--

Look at the video of Matt Lauer with Chuck Lofton, a weatherman in Indianapolis. Watch the whole thing. It's very good.

Mike and I started the book today. It's emotional, engaging and answers so many questions.

Our Little Ladybug

My mom just took this adorable picture:

Books

I subscribe to a magazine called Cookie that I actually don't like. It's very "New York" and is filled with over-the-top children's clothing, furniture, toys, etc. There was a recent article, though, that I enjoyed entitled "The Unheralded Classics: The 33 Best Children's Books You're Probably Not Reading. Yet."

I get tired of the same books so I thought I would pass along their suggestions to you. Maybe you can take this list to the library on your next visit:

Ages 2-4
Ask Mr. Bear by Marjorie Flack (1932)
Little Pea by Amy Krouse (2005)
Round is a Mooncake by Roseanne Thong (2000)
Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh (1989)
Little 1 by Ann and Paul Rand (1962)
The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton (1942)
Jenny's Birthday Book by Esther Averill (1954)
The Backward Day by Ruth Krauss (1950)

Ages 4-6
Crictor by Tomi Ungerer (1958)
Amos and Boris by William Steig (1971)
The Giant Jam Sandwich by John Vernon Lord (1972)
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson (1999)
Ira Sleeps Over by Bernard Waber (1972)
Nimby by Jasper Tomkins (1982)
Mole Music by David McPhail (1999)
The Scrambled States of America by Laurie Keller (1998)
That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown by Cressida Cowell adn Neal Layton (2007)
Miss Esta Maude's Secret by W. T. Cummings (1961)
How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long (2003)

Ages 6-8
The Raft by Jim LaMarche (2000)
Animus by Seonna Hong (2005)
The Wonderful Flight of the Mushroom Planet by Elenor Cameron (1954)
No Flying in thh House by Betty Brock (1970)