April Newman Photography

Bye bye blogger

2011-04-16T22:26:00.000-04:00

It is official! I have finally finished my new website/blog for my business. I am so very excited about new directions and really taking my business a step forward, and a little sad about leaving this wonderful home I have found here on this blog. I hope all you wonderful friends, family and photographers will change your book marks and subscribe to my new blog: www.aprilnewmanphoto.com

I can't wait to get back in the swing of things after months of preparation. Thank you all my wonderful friends for your love and support! Once again I hope you will join me on my new blog and my facebook page. I will not be blogging here any longer.

xoxo April

14:52

2011-04-14T13:58:00.000-04:00

"Mom that was great! Thank you so much for the bubbles."

Yes that is some bubble inside bubble action :)

13:52

2011-04-14T13:56:00.000-04:00

Washington DC, museums, family, popsicles, awesome!

ballooning musing

2011-04-09T09:00:00.001-04:00

Have you ever been hot air ballooning? It is such an amazing experience! I am musing today over at the mortal muse blog about the time my husband surprised me for my birthday. Come on over and say hi :)

Baby blue eyes- NY Capital Region Baby Photographer

2011-04-06T14:41:00.000-04:00

Isn't this one sweet little boy! I had so much fun snuggling him this last weekend while visiting family. And he was so good during our photo session all smiles (and drool!)

My poor blog has been neglected lately and for good reason. I am working hard on my NEW (yay!) blog-site. It isn't done yet but I will definitely let you know when it is. I am excited for what is happening with April Newman Photography this year :) Sorry for the long blog breaks, but I will back soon!

xoxo

12:52

2011-03-27T22:00:00.000-04:00

Here is another picture of my sweet little girl sleeping. But there is something missing this time, no crib rails! With crib rails

My baby is trying to grow up way too fast. Climbing out of the crib = big girl toddler bed.

It was fun that she was sleeping so still, I set the camera on the ottoman so I could up the aperture to get more detail, I love love her lips!

Geek info: ISO 400, f/4, 1.0 sec, 50mm, M exposure

musing iphone pictures

2011-03-22T13:25:00.000-04:00

Here are a few more iphone pictures I have taken lately, it is so much fun having a camera close at hand without having to lug my big camera out and about. It is also nice that I can edit quickly right on my phone for some great effects :)

The last pictures is a triptic of pictures Mason has taken, he loves to take pictures around the house which mostly end up being of his feet :) I am over at the Mortal Muse blog talking more about it, I would love if you came over and said hi.

11:52

2011-03-20T21:44:00.000-04:00

This is my first official iphone picture for my 52 week project! It has been pretty fun playing with the phone, If you have any suggestions of fun camera or editing apps let me know :)

10:52

2011-03-12T20:11:00.000-05:00

Here is another picture from the ice storm the other day! I love how pretty and sparkly the day was after the storm, it was magical. Plus I love the expression on my little princesses face.

Ice is falling all around- NY Capital Region photographer

2011-03-10T08:00:00.003-05:00

We had a lovely little ice storm the other night, in MARCH no less. It really is beautiful seeing everything encased in glass, but winter enough already! I am ready for spring:) picture overload coming your way!

BFF - Clifton Park, NY maternity photographer

2011-03-08T14:06:00.000-05:00

My dearest friend for almost 7 years is expecting baby #3! Baby Peter is already so loved by his parents, brother and sister and they are anxiously awaiting his arrival. Anjanette never went over 38 weeks with the other two but this one is closing on 39.5 weeks and she is ready for him to arrive. Thank you for letting me capture this beautiful moment in your life! I can't wait to meet baby Peter :)

9:52

2011-03-05T22:50:00.001-05:00

sneaky little rug-rats hiding in the cupboard :)

Umm seriously we need it to be spring, especially since we are resorting to playing in the cupboard for fun!

musing

2011-03-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

I am musing today, please come and say hi! You might just get a surprise :)

Oh and today is hubby's birthday! Love love love you Danny, xoxo

8:52 for the love of feet...

2011-02-26T23:20:00.001-05:00

I am slightly obsessed with my kids feet, just sayin'

And here are some more I took last week just for fun!

hmmm, my floor always seems to be messy :)

street musing

2011-02-23T16:02:00.001-05:00

I am posting over at the Mortal Muse blog today, I would love if you came over and say hi!

Here are a few more pictures of our walk in the puddles!

7:52

2011-02-18T22:17:00.002-05:00

60 degree weather + 2 feet of snow = lots of puddles and one happy 3 year old!

What fires you up???

2011-02-16T16:15:00.000-05:00

These are things that I love, make me happy and FIRE ME UP! I am printing this house to have next to my everyday list so I can look at it everyday and be reminded of these beautiful things!

What fires you up?

And to anyone interested, Lara Casey from Making Things Happen has a tumblr blog that she has been posting challenges everyday to help you make things happen. It has helped me immensely to get more organized and focused in my everyday endeavors. Especially as I try to balance motherhood, household, husband and business.

I would love to hear how YOU find balance in your life. I know many people who are mothers/small business owners. Even if you are not, there must be a balance in our lives to stay sane. Many days I don't feel sane or that I didn't accomplish anything, but I am working on it and trying to create new habits! A few things that have helped me lately:

*download and write down 5 things to accomplish each day from my to-do list

* declutter for 10 minutes each day

* no computer while the kids are awake

So what fires you up? How do you find balance? I would LOVE to hear from you!

xoxoxo

April :)

6:52

2011-02-11T21:34:00.003-05:00

Preschool this week we learned about the letter U.
I had the kids bring an umbrella.
This is what happened 3 minutes after getting out said umbrellas.
BOYS...

2011-02-06T23:38:00.000-05:00

Want to win a pretty picture???

My friend and neighbor (when I lived in Utah) started a new blog. She is a beautiful writer and amazing artist. She is bribing people to visit her blog by giving away one of her beautiful paintings.

So go and say hi!

5:52

2011-02-05T13:15:00.002-05:00

This isn't the best technically sound shot that I took this week but I really love the story behind it.

My little man had his FIRST sleepover with his favorite girl-friend (as opposed to his favorite boy-friend) last night and they had so much fun. How great to have a play date for over 24 hours!!! Mason made sure she had lots of books and stuffed animals to keep her nice and comfy :)

It took a little while for them to get to sleep because they were so excited! And today Mason is a little bummed she left, so he decided to take a nap on "her bed" on the floor!

*I think it is funny 3/5 of my week shots involve sleeping children* I guess it is a time for parents to stop and reflect how much they love their kids (no screaming/crying/running/crashing craziness) Not that craziness is bad, but it is nice to get a break :)

My first texture!

2011-02-05T10:17:00.000-05:00

Today I am at Mortal Muses talking about texture, well the fact that I have never done one before...

Anyway it was fun being pushed out of my box!

Before

After

Come over and say HI!

Everyday

2011-02-03T21:39:00.000-05:00

During Make Things Happen we talked a lot about what distracts our focus from business, the clutter in our lives and the environment we work/live in. I realize that distractions, (ie, facebook, google reader, flickr) and clutter are two things I need to try and fix to help me feel more centered and balanced. I think so far I have done pretty well. I cleaned off my desk a bit and emptied the book shelf above my desk to reorganize (still in progress) I have taken time to de-clutter most rooms in my house even if it was only 5 minutes of cleaning/organizing I feel much better. I also I have cut back on internet distractions, I only check in the morning really quick, 15 minutes, during nap time, and then after the kids go to bed. Each time I try to keep it brief and move on. I unsubscribed to alot of useless blogs (people of walmart etc). I feel so much better about these achievements and hope to continue so I can stay focused and be less stressed.

Also everyday there are 5 things that I know I need to do to feel balanced spiritually, physically and mentally. I made picture above that I am printing out and framing to put on my desk, one in my room and one in my car. Why? So I can remind myself to do it, visually seeing these essential things help me to actually acheive them!

PRAY. I have been taught from a young age how important prayer is. In my home we do really well and blessing our food, saying nightly prayers as a family and Danny and I say a prayer together every night before bed. But I am missing a huge component, personal prayer. I used to be really good at this especially at the end of high school, through college and when were first married. I got worse with the kids mostly because I was too tired. I had a huge epiphany the other day with my son Mason. He kept whining and grunting for a snack. I knew what he wanted but I wanted him to use his words and ask me nicely. Oh my goodness, our Heavenly Father is the same way! He knows what we want, but we need to ask him with real intent in our hearts.

READ SCRIPTURES. I feel lately that I am in a spiritual rut, again I am blaming the "tiredness' of having kids but that is no excuse. I know I need to make time in my day for personal study because it does make a huge impact on how I feel spiritually and my relationships with others (kids & hubby especially)

EXERCISE. I try and go to the gym a couple of times a week while Mason is at pre-school which is great and feels good. But there are days when I can't/won't go to the gym but I have other resources. I have lots of workout tapes and dvds. Even if I only do 30 crunches or 10 push ups I am going to do some sort of physical exercise everyday!

EAT FRUITS AND VEGGIES. During December and beginning of January I participated in a Healthy Habits challenge. One of the components was to eat at least 2 servings of fruit and 3 servings of veggies every single day. I felt so much better reaching for healthy snacks. The last few weeks I haven't pushed myself to eat as many veggies so I am going to start again!

SLEEP. I need sleep. I do not function well. My plan is to get to bed by 10:30 every night so I can get a least 7-8 hours. If that doesn't happen I will try and squeeze a nap in. Either way I am going to give my self enough sleep so I will feel better mentally and be more patient with my kids!

What are things you need to do everyday to feel centered mentally/physically/spiritually?

If you feel like the 5 things I chose are also for you, you are welcome to print off my everyday list for personal use. Just click on the picture above and save it to your computer. I made it as a 5x7, not sure if it will work as a 4x6.

I am in a Happy Place

2011-02-02T16:54:00.000-05:00

Since I decided at the end of last year to start my photography business I have been kind of freaking out...

"what do I do now.."

I did some research and found SO MANY people say how awesome Easy As Pie is written by Alicia Caine. I took the plunge and it is amazing but I still was missing a major important factor, my business plan! I kept hearing about that little plan and put it to the side. Well that smart Alicia put together a Happy Place Business plan and I thought "well it seems like it is important I will take a gander."

Let me tell you it is awesome! Not only does she help you in all the important things that need to be considered and planned out in your business, she gives her real life examples that she has already experienced. I can feel her genuine love for her readers and her authenticity seaping from the pages.

If you are interested in starting a portrait photography business I highly highly recommend everything Alicia has to offer :)

xoxo April

Making Things Happen 2011

2011-01-31T09:00:00.001-05:00

Where do I start...

I had the most amazing opportunity to attend the Making Things Happen Workshop put on by Lara Casey. Honestly I hadn't even heard of her before until I read this post by Natalie Norton who is an amazing and inspiring person and fabulous photographer. Now I know that Heavenly Father has put them in my path for a reason. At the end of December I really, whole heartily decided that I was going to start my photography business in 2011. Shortly after I ran into that post above by Natalie and decided I would do anything I could to go to this workshop, it is what I needed to help fuel me as I started my business. I Googled Lara like crazy and read amazing things about this opportunity. I knew I was supposed to go and everything feel into place so I could attend. Seriously it was amazing. All of this happened in less than a month!!!

The workshop was intense, real and raw. I had to dig deep, discover my fears and put steps in action so I could overcome my insecurities and find it within myself that: I. AM. A PHOTOGRAPHER. I can do this, I am starting my own business!

I can have my own business AND be an amazing mother.

I can own my own business and be an amazing wife to an ASTOUNDING husband.

I can take care of my home, have order and peace in my life and be a photographer.

I am eternally grateful for my supportive husband. He is the love of my life and will help me accomplish anything and lift me up to be the best person I can be! I am beyond grateful for my parents. It brings tears to my eyes even as I write this. They are unconditionally supportive of me and what I want to do. They have taught me from a young age that I can be ANYTHING and that I can DREAM BIG. They have helped me whenever possible to accomplish all my goals, starting with volleyball and now in photography! It broke my heart listening to some amazing women and men with loved ones that were not supportive and uplifting. It made me realize that I need to express my constant gratitude to those around me that uplift me and help me a better person.

I grateful for my friends all over the world, some I have met and know personally, some I have not but that doesn't make our friendship any less real. I love my family all living in different parts of this country, I love my friends here in NY, I would go CRAZY with out them. I love my mortal muse friends, Tammy, Kat, Suki, Mosey, Ashley, Maureen, Kirstin, Christy, Michele and Lucy! They are amazing, talented, funny, beautiful women who inspire me every.single.day! I am grateful for my new friends that I made in NYC at MTH. It was amazing being in a room of like minded people. It was a surreal experience listen and sharing our fears and wishes and coming up with ways to be successful. I have a hard time with words so it is hard to describe the experience I had but I am so forever grateful for Lara, Natalie and Gina.

Starting now... I am going to be more Authentic. I am going to try and bring myself more into this blog. More journaling and writing about me, my life, my fears, my PASSION. This will be tricky because frankly writing scares me, I am not that great at it but that is all part of accepting who I am!

I took off the followers, not that I don't appreciate everyone who takes time to look at my blog, I just got too distracted watching the numbers go up and down. Starting now I am going to stop caring what other people think about me, starting now I am going to stop comparing myself to others starting now I am going to be me and follow my gut! I hope you will still continue to share that with me!

I am April. I am AWESOME. I am a PHOTOGRAPHER. And I love you! Thanks for the support and LOVE! 2011 is going to be AMAZING :)

xoxo

4:52

2011-01-28T22:25:00.002-05:00

Oh my silly little girl, everyday you crack me up with your sassy personality. Your new favorite word is "no," you love to bug your brother, and you are really good at running away when know you are being naughty. You love to babble before you go to sleep, dress and undress your babies 1000 times a day, and give hugs and kisses to everyone in the family. I love you. Thanks for being silly. Thanks for sharing your spiciness, thanks for being you :)

3:52 love

2011-01-22T20:27:00.002-05:00

I love this little girl
I love that she was in the only spot in her crib, facing the right direction to bring light to her face
I love her wavy red hair and soft little lips
She loves that little piggy snuggled to her face
And her elephant lovey under her chin
And of course she loves her binky lying in wait
I love you sleeping little angel :)

musing :)

2011-01-18T09:00:00.002-05:00

This weeks theme on the mortal muse blog is "creature feature" I am musing on funny animal faces like this giraffe that I met at the Hogle Zoo in Utah. Come on over to the Mortal Muse Blog and say hi!

And just for fun here are some other creatures the kids and I met while we were visiting in Utah :)

Dear winter

2011-01-16T23:22:00.003-05:00

Snowflakes

Snowflakes spill from heaven's hand
Lovely and chaste like smooth white sand.
A veil of wonder laced in light
Falling Gently on a winters night.

Graceful beauty raining down
Giving magic to the lifeless ground.
Each snowflake like a falling star
Smiling beauty that's spun afar.

Till earth is dressed in a robe of white
Unspoken poem the hush of night.

by Linda A. Copp

2:52 moments

2011-01-14T23:17:00.004-05:00

I think my theme for the year, not only in my 52 week project but in my photography business and life in general is to capture moments, real, raw and lovely! I want to create these moments with my family and capture the little details of my children so that we can all remember them down the road.

Today my little man was crabby to say the least, it didn't help that he was fighting his nap big time. I finally gave in and told him he could play quietly in his room, and if he got tired he could take a nap on his bed or on the floor, I didn't care. That seemed to calm him down. A little while later when I got my daughter up from her nap, I found him here laying half way in his room, head sticking into the hallway. I thought it was so cute and man he was crashed! I opened up all the window in both kids room, walking around him and snapping pictures and he never woke up!

rusty musing

2011-01-09T09:00:00.010-05:00

This week I am musing on monochromatic color... how could I not choose to feature all the lovely red hair flying around my house! Come on over to the Mortal Muse blog and say hi :)

Happy Sunday!

1:52

2011-01-08T23:10:00.003-05:00

I have seen quite a few people participating in 52 week project which seems right up my alley! I am going to have fun with it, low pressure and try to capture moments of my family that I want to remember. Some of these groups have themes and such for the week which I might also try out but I am not going to stress my self out too much because I got a little burned out with the 365.

This picture is funny because the boy is wearing a pair of baby girl shorts. My husband had to take the kids to a meeting and he had an accident. I forgot to prep the car with emergency clothes but my dear husband being so resourceful grabbed some clothes in the back that were meant to be donated. These shorts as his undies and some 0-3 month old girls pants that he squeezed on him as shorts. It was SO funny, I couldn't stop laughing and my little boy that it was hilarious until he tried walking up the stairs in super tight pants!

I love this picture because it captures their innocence and playing in their favorite spot, mom and dad's bed!

DAY 365!!!

2010-12-31T15:16:00.000-05:00

Hooray I made it day 365! I am so happy to have finished my year long goal, one picture everyday! Obviously not all of them were perfect, and there were many days that I wasn't motivate but I am so glad I challenged myself and pushed through!

My goals at the beginning of the year was to shoot RAW and manual which I did for every single picture I took this entire year. Because I challenged myself I was able to learn how to use my camera creatively and post process them to my liking (though I have a lot to learn about PP!)

Mostly I am grateful for all the love and support I received this year! My husband has been truly remarkable and patient as I have pursued my goals. His love and support are unwavering and I am grateful for that. I am also grateful for my two little muses, and even if they won't let me take their picture, I am glad I have a years worth of picture to document their growing.

Lastly I am to grateful for the wonderful friendships I am have made this year blogging and on flickr. I am especially honored to a muse with 8 wonderful women! Thank you for all the wonderful comments and support even if I haven't been there. You all are awesome!

Here are a few more pictures from today's photo shoot and some outtakes!

xoxo

April :)

Day 364

2010-12-30T22:46:00.002-05:00

The sun is setting on my 365!
One.
More.
Day!

Thanks for all your support, I love you cyber friends!!!

Day 363

2010-12-29T22:53:00.002-05:00

I am so glad I am almost done with the 365, I can't figure out what to shoot in the winter time...snow, ice or snow and ice :)

Happy Wednesday!

Day 362

2010-12-28T13:54:00.002-05:00

The snow was beautiful and sparkly this morning!

And deeper than my calf high boots, which was a very cold wake up this morning for my feet!

Day 361

2010-12-27T23:30:00.002-05:00

Today we got at least a foot a snow and snow drifts up to 3 feet! I was so excited but unfortunately my kids weren't too sure about it. My 18 month old had fun for about 10 minutes, hopefully I can get my 3 year old out tomorrow, I know he would have fun if I could just get him out there :)

Hope you had a lovely day! Only 4 more days of 365 :)

Day 360!

2010-12-26T20:45:00.002-05:00

Oh my goodness, only 5 more days, yayayay!

So we are already taking down the Christmas decorations and the kiddos love to help of course!

I am linking up with the mortal muse blog today, the theme is shiny :) Oh and WEVS! (worms eye view Sunday)

Happy Sunday!

Day 359

2010-12-25T23:17:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas! I hope you all had a wonderful day filled with family and friends celebrating each other love and friendship, and of course the birth of Jesus Christ.

Thank you to all my friends, especially my muses for the wonderful gifts and notes this Christmas!

Day 358

2010-12-25T23:16:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas Eve!
Don't they look excited to have their pictures taken, haha :)

Day 357

2010-12-25T23:08:00.002-05:00

Gooey snowflakes

Day 356

2010-12-22T22:25:00.002-05:00

My sweet doggy Ralphy who really needs a hair cut :)

Day 355

2010-12-21T21:08:00.002-05:00

10 more days!!!!!!!
I am really loosing my mojo, I need to remember to take pictures earlier in the day :)
I hope you had a lovely day today!
I am linking up with mortal muses today for the family post (even though we are missing a very important person in this picture) Come along and play, everyday there is a giveaway if you leave comments and/or link up!

Day 354

2010-12-20T16:04:00.002-05:00

Look very closely...
missing heads
3 baby Jesus'
dinosaurs and lions

I love that my kids play, learn about Jesus' birth and can bring in their own creativity!

Day 353

2010-12-20T16:01:00.002-05:00

This technically not perfect (humm are any of my pictures?) Didn't get the white balance right, oh well. Anyway this is so funny because she was sooo tired after church yesterday since she didn't have a nap. She was acting fine, and in nursery she got a candy cane so I let her eat it on the car ride home. One second she was chowing down, the next second I heard snoring, haha. If you look close you can see the stickiness on her face and pieces of candy cane stuck all over :)

Day 352

2010-12-18T21:17:00.003-05:00

To my friend who said she would scream if she saw anymore Christmas Tree bokeh (ahem, Kirstin) I am sorry, it had to be done! Tis the season :)

Day 351

2010-12-17T19:08:00.002-05:00

window snowflakes :)

The kids and I were getting ready to go in the car when I decided to run back inside to get the camera and macro lens. I was taking some pictures and my son was so confused, "umm mom why aren't we going in the car" Oh because mommy needs to take pictures, haha.

Day 350

2010-12-16T22:56:00.002-05:00

Ok so this made me so happy. I always thought it was cute when kids feel asleep in random places, but that hasn't ever happened with my kids. Obviously this isn't too weird, just on the floor, but fun nonetheless. Now I am just waiting for a kid to fall asleep while eating :)

Day 349

2010-12-16T22:55:00.002-05:00

This is the advent calendar I made for my kids :)

Day 348

2010-12-14T22:33:00.002-05:00

Today I have a little heart taken for my sweet little one week old nephew. He was born with a really rare heart defect the requires open heart surgery that will happen tomorrow. If you have any prayers or happy thoughts that you could send his way I would greatly appreciate it :)

Day 347

2010-12-13T21:50:00.002-05:00

Her curly mullet was extra curly today :)

Day 346

2010-12-13T21:49:00.002-05:00

We found the neighbors Christmas decorations, the kids were super happy!

Day 345

2010-12-11T21:32:00.002-05:00

You can't tell in this picture, but the whole bottom half of my tree is becoming empty of ornaments as I place them higher out of toddler hands :)

Day 344

2010-12-11T21:30:00.002-05:00

Day 343

2010-12-09T21:14:00.002-05:00

We had a little bit of snow fall last night :)

Sorry I have once again been so absent. I have been feeling very unmotivated so most of my pictures have been super crappy. Add that too being super busy with the season and other personal things my 365 has taken a backseat. I refuse to give up though, being so close! I am going to try harder for my last 22 days!

Day 342

2010-12-09T21:05:00.002-05:00

Love them :)

Day 337

2010-12-03T16:26:00.002-05:00

My neighbor has her outside tree decorated so cute, I can't wait to go back!

Day 336

2010-12-02T23:30:00.002-05:00

coloring...

Day 335

2010-12-02T23:29:00.003-05:00

This is the 30x40 canvas I won from a shutter sister contest :)

Day 334

2010-12-02T23:25:00.002-05:00

once again I am obsessed with the curly mullet :)

Day 333

2010-11-29T19:36:00.002-05:00

Today I am grateful that I feel a little bit better, after being sick for over a week really sucks! I did take a picture everyday but most of them aren't very good and today I am too tired to go put them all up, hopefully soon!

I hope everyone is doing well and that you had a happy thanksgiving :)

Day 326

2010-11-22T21:55:00.002-05:00

There is a lot of sick going on here :( Today I am grateful for medicine to help me and the kids feel better. Also for my kids awesome pediatrician!

Day 325

2010-11-21T21:28:00.002-05:00

I am grateful for my babies, how they play together and laugh hysterically in their own little world. Oh and I love the squishy baby legs :)

Day 324

2010-11-20T11:38:00.002-05:00

Today I am grateful for my reusable diapers . I am saving mula, and helping the environment!

Day 323

2010-11-19T13:55:00.002-05:00

Today I am grateful for peppermint stick ice cream, yum yum!

For those who saw I am doing a healthy habits challenge are probably wondering what this is all about.... well we get one day off from not eating sweets and I am taking my day :)

Happy Friday and happy weekend!!!

Day 322

2010-11-18T16:18:00.002-05:00

Today I am grateful for sleep! And even more grateful that I got a nap today!!!

Day 321

2010-11-18T16:11:00.002-05:00

Today I am grateful for yummy healthy food!
I am doing an 8 week healthy challenge with my dad and sister in law. Basically you exercise 30 minutes 5 times a week, eat 5 servings of fruits and veggies everyday (3 should be veggie) drink lots of water no treats and no eating late at night. It hasn't been too bad so far, and I love the healthy habits!

If you click on the picture it will take you to my flickr page and you can see the notes on the photo of what I put in it!

Day 320

2010-11-16T21:41:00.002-05:00

Day 320, originally uploaded by AprilMN.

Today I am grateful that for preschool. Me and 3 other friends take turns teaching preschool each month. It is really fun having the kids over then the next week they get to go play somewhere else!

bling bling bokeh!

2010-11-16T09:11:00.000-05:00

I am musing today at the mortal muse blog, come on over and say hi!

Day 319

2010-11-15T13:59:00.002-05:00

Today I am grateful for my first baby, Ralphy. He was a good practice child even if he is a little naughty now! He is in desperate need of a bath and hair cut :)

i heart faces photo challenge, silhouette

2010-11-15T13:52:00.002-05:00

I am submitting this for the i heart photos challenge this week which is silhouettes. And this is my favorite silhouette taken to date :)

Day 318

2010-11-14T21:26:00.002-05:00

Today I am grateful for our church and all of our wonderful friends we have there. But I am especially grateful my Savior Jesus Christ and his gospel.

Day 317

2010-11-14T21:25:00.002-05:00

Today I am grateful for my wonderful husband. He works so hard for our family, he is patient and kind and he loves me unconditionally! Plus he is the best daddy in the world.

Example of his awesomeness: Today I volunteered us to help a family rake some leaves. Well he ended up doing 90% of the work while I took pictures and played with the kids, and he didn't complain even once. Yup, he is a keeper :)

Day 316

2010-11-12T14:03:00.002-05:00

Today I am grateful that the sun is out and we are having some beautiful warm weather, hooray!!!

I hope you have a lovely weekend!

Day 315

2010-11-11T19:25:00.002-05:00

Today I am grateful that I am able to stay home and take care of these two wonderfully crazy red heads. And I am glad that my big red head is willing to go to work everyday for our family. Also I am grateful that the kids will be cute for the camera and give hugs with a bribe of a sucker :)

Day 314

2010-11-10T15:10:00.000-05:00

Today I am a little sad because we had to say good bye to some of our friends that are moving. We have known them for over three years. And the best part, 2 of their three kids have red hair just like mine! So for now, my little family will have the token red heads.

I am grateful today for the wonderful friends I have in NY! They have become my pseudo family since both my and hubby's family live over 2000 miles away. I don't know what I do with out them. So thank you my NY family!!!

Here are a few more because they were being so cute and funny!

blowing kisses

giving hugs...

And this one just cracks me up! Too cute :)

Day 313

2010-11-09T22:02:00.002-05:00

Today I am grateful for my wonderful flicker/blog/facebook and muse friends! Thanks for being so supportive of me and photography and mostly being such wonderful friends!

This is for Maureen, my fellow muse, and her Happy Purple Tuesday group!!!

Day 312

2010-11-08T21:33:00.002-05:00

Today I am grateful for snow, I think. I guess this is what I get when a couple of days ago I said I prefer it snow than rain if it is going to be cold, haha. Either way it really was beautiful and fun to see the kids get so excited!

Day 311

2010-11-07T22:11:00.002-05:00

I am grateful that I was able to attend a wonderful university on a full volleyball scholarship. Today we went down for one of the last home volleyball games of the season and had a reception with other alumni after. It was great to see some of my friends/past team mates. And especially to go visit my old stomping grounds in the Bronx, where I lived for 5 years!

night time musing

2010-11-07T07:54:00.000-05:00

I am musing today over at the mortal muse blog. Come over and say!

Day 310

2010-11-06T23:06:00.002-04:00

This picture is all messed up technically and such, but I still love it! Oh this little girl melts my heart! This was taken outside through the window looking into our kitchen.

Today I am grateful for a wonderful home that shelters us and keeps us warm. A kitchen were we can gather together, toys to play with and beds to sleep!

Day 309

2010-11-05T14:34:00.002-04:00

Today I am grateful that my little man quickly learned how to use the potty, but also can now get on and off all by himself. The only bad part about it is that he got up from his nap at least 10 times to "go potty" because he knows it is the only way I will let him get out of bed, haha. Sneaky kid.

The quality isn't the best. I went upstairs to see what he was doing, then hurried back downstairs to get my camera and realized I still had the telephoto on, and it was super dark except the window light! I think my shutter was at 1/13 and still a half a stop underexposed. Thank goodness for lightroom!!!

Day 308

2010-11-04T13:58:00.002-04:00

Day 4 of Gratitude. Today I am grateful for rain :)

Though I would rather it snow then it be cold and rainy... oh wait that doesn't sound grateful :) Either way it makes for some fun shots!!!

Day 307

2010-11-03T13:12:00.002-04:00

Today I am grateful that I live in a place that has 4 seasons, it really is beautiful even if I am not ready to bunker down in the cold!

Day 306

2010-11-02T21:10:00.002-04:00

Today I am grateful for my crazy little 3 year old!

He has now decided to refer to me as April instead of mom, not sure how I feel about that :)

Day 305

2010-11-01T21:14:00.002-04:00

Happy Bench Monday from the top of Mt. Greylock in Massachusetts (the highest point in the state)

My dad has a goal to hike all the high points in the United States. While he was visiting we went to Mass to visit Mt. Greylock, luckily it was a drive up which made it the easiest hike I have ever done :)

Oh man it was freeeeezing!

Edit: I am going to participate in 30 days of gratitude. Today I am grateful for my dad and that he took time to come visit from Utah!

Day 304

2010-11-01T21:11:00.002-04:00

getting ready to trick or treat!

Day 303

2010-10-30T22:13:00.002-04:00

Today's theme for picture fall is "fantasyland"

Buzz light year to the rescue!

I am not quite sure what Buzz did to woody laying in the background :)

ps, it was almost black outside when I took this picture, thank goodness for my dear 50 1.4

Musing

2010-10-29T13:35:00.002-04:00

Today I am musing at the mortal muses blog! Come say hi and you could win a 11 x 14 print of "dewy grass."

This is just one of NINE days of giveaways and special guests, come over and say hi, the last day to enter for prizes is tomorrow!!!

Day 302

2010-10-29T12:00:00.000-04:00

BOO!

Today's theme for Tracey Clark's Picture Fall class is "sweet relief"

Here is our Haunted Halloween house, occupied by a cookie ghost!

Day 301

2010-10-28T17:57:00.002-04:00

Day 28 of picture fall, the theme today is "the great pumpkin"

singing..."One of these things is not like the other..."

Can you tell which ones the kids helped with?

Day 300!

2010-10-27T15:08:00.002-04:00

Today's theme for picture fall is "leafy love"
I swear the leaves were already like this.... um, ok maybe not :)

Oh and Hooray that I made it to day 300, I can't believe I only have 65 more days to go :)

Day 299

2010-10-26T20:37:00.002-04:00

The theme today for picture fall is open heart open mind :)

Day 297

2010-10-26T16:35:00.005-04:00

I am so happy I got to visit my sweet little nephew for the weekend! And look at all his hair!!!

He was really sweet, except when he spit up down inside my shirt. It has been a while since that happened :)

Day 296

2010-10-26T16:35:00.004-04:00

:)

nuff said!

Day 295

2010-10-26T16:24:00.002-04:00

My sweet nephew, I love his scrumptious lips!

Day 298

2010-10-25T21:03:00.002-04:00

Today's theme for picture fall is "fall colors" but not necessarily the changing leaves outside.

I have to say my red headed babies and husband look good in the fall, it is definitely their season :)

I am a little behind, having been gone this weekend. But I can't wait to show you some sweet pictures of my baby nephew!

Mortal Muse Inspiration

2010-10-23T22:03:00.000-04:00

I am having so much fun visiting my sweet little nephew :) I don't have any pictures ready yet but I wanted to remind you to visit the MORTAL MUSE blog for 9 days of inspiration, great giveaways and guest muses. There are some really fun giveaways and the winners will be decided at the end. So go and comment each day for a greater chance of winning!

I hope you are having a lovely weekend!

April :)

Day 294

2010-10-21T16:10:00.002-04:00

Today's theme for Tracey Clark's picture fall class is "serving up kindness"

Here is the kids snack being served!

I am going out of town for a couple of days, to visit my new nephew! Hubby is holding down the fort and watching the kids, woot! So once again I am going to be a bad blog friend, one day I am sure I will catch up :)

Day 293

2010-10-20T21:27:00.002-04:00

The theme today for picture fall is "connections"

My little miss loves her "lala baby" and of course our dog Ralph. This is right before she gave him a nice big kiss!

Musing

2010-10-20T08:40:00.000-04:00

I am musing over at the mortal muses blog this morning, come on over and say hi!

Have a lovely day and eat something yummy!