coming to an end...and it's bitter sweet

Last night was closing ceremonies for the boys, spring ball is officially over.  Weston and Xander were very sad, even disappointed that they were not chosen for All Stars.  We were told by one of the coaches that Weston's stats were actually better than two of the kids that made it from our team, but due to some "technical" issues I won't express here on my blog, he wasn't chosen.  It's sad to me that grown men cannot put their own pride on the back burner for a child.  And it goes to show that the type of person I thought we were dealing with is being shown to be true time and time again.  It's not something I understand, due to the fact that I am not an asshole, but it is something I guess I must accept.

This weekend we have some great things planned though & during the summer as well, and now, that is how you look at the bright side of things my friends.  Instead of sitting in the hot sun watching baseball and driving all over God's beautiful country for several months & eating out of a cooler, we'll be driving to the springs, the beach & other local hang outs, eating out of a cooler lol!

Enjoy your summer folks. I know we will!!!

if it seems to good to be true, is it?

Good grief, am I the only human left on this planet that isn't selling Plexus Slim?  I swear every time I turn around, one of my facebook friends are creating their own facebook/ambassador page so they can sell the "pink" stuff.  Trust me, I don't think there is anything wrong with getting into shape or loosing weight, I struggle with this myself.  However, isn't this stuff just like any other diet fad out there that you drink or pop a pill?  I mean, the results look the same-photos of people I've never met or never will met, side by side with a comparison photo.

My question is, what do you learn by drinking this crap?  Do you learn how to start working out?  Do you learn what to put into your body after you stop drinking this expensive stuff?  Or do you just loose some weight, feel better about yourself & just regain your old life & habits back?

I think we should invest in the future of education.  Education on how to work our properly & how to cook & eat more healthy.  I'd be willing to join THAT facebook fan page...

Someone's cute!

mmmm light leaks

 top was edited with light leaks, part of Michelle Kane's new Half Light action set....click here!

& life progresses

I have decided to take off some time from photography & editing.  That's right, and I may have already blogged about this in the past-but here it is.....I'm closing the doors for June & July, pick back up in August.  I really need this time off with my family, for many reasons:

• We have two weeks vacation planned in June
• Teresa will be staying with us for ten days prior to her flight to Oregon
• I miss the river
• I miss my boat
• I miss my tan
• Spending time with my boys & that means Billy too
• Spending time with extended family
• Cleaning my house
• Organizing my space/office
• Organizing my closet
• Organizing my business structure & plan
• Polish my toes

That will do for now, sounds like a lot doesn't it?  I have already made plans to go to the springs, to the beach, visit a friend at her home, enjoy dinner out, shopping....and yeah, cleaning my house lol....I cannot even remember the last time I cleaned off my vanity in the bathroom.

I hope to snap lots of lovely photos of my kids and I having fun during this time, so I won't be out of commission totally!

Happy Summer!

....from my quickie session on Wednesday

more to come of course, but isn't she perfect?  I love photographing & editing pictures of my dear friend Samantha .....

i love us.....

Mothers Day & Birthday Weekend Extravaganza

Well, let's see...this weekend has been jam packed for sure.  Both Xander & Weston had a game on Saturday & guess what, they won.....they played great.  Very proud of the boys.  After the game we went to moms for a little cook out, Bruce & Matthew were their with their families & I begged Sarah into letting me take some pictures of her & her gorgeous freckles.  She almost gave in to late, it was already getting dark outside, as the sun was already dipping behind the horizon..but that's okay, I cranked my ISO up to 6400 and took a few....and I think they are gorgeous & exactly what I had in mind when I asked her to let me snap a few.

What do you think?

Personally, I think they are fantastic, and I love the treatment of them-something artistic which is more how I'd like to mold my business. Just not sure there is a market for it, but I want to do what I love more....so here's hoping.

I took the day off on my Birthday...so did my honey.  We spent the entire day together.  He took me to breakfast & then shopping, where I got a new pair of gorgeous Brighton heart posts, some new perfume (via la juicy), some lotion from bath & body & some new polish for my piggies...it was a great day!!  The boys even attempted to wash my car-but I guess my compacted proved to much for them because she's only 1/2 done.

I did indulge myself in some shameless selfies as well before I retired for the evening....

Not quite as gorgeous as Sarah's because of her gorgeous face & her gorgeous freckles, but I needed something to celebrate my birthday & the turning of another year older....

sparkle sparkle

Have you ever heard of TOMS?  They are being made & sold for a good cause, and they are cute....don't you think?

Brown Sugar Pound Cake

Brown Sugar Pound Cake Recipe (serves 12 to 16)

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups butter, softened
2 cups light brown sugar, packed
1 cup granulated sugar
5 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
1 – 8 ounce bag of toffee bits
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 recipe CARAMEL DRIZZLE (caramel drizzle is the link)

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray a 12 cup Bundt pan with nonstick baking spray with flour. Set aside.
Beat the butter until creamy. Add sugars, beating until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture in thirds, alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat until just combined. Stir in toffee bits and pecans. Spoon batter into prepared pan. Bake until a wood pick inserted near the center of cake comes out clean, 75 to 85 minutes. TIP: Cover the top with foil to prevent excess browning is necessary. Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove from pan, and let cool completely on a wire rack. Spoon Caramel Drizzle over cooled 
cake. This recipe is from The Taste of the South’s Southern Cakes Magazine.