Official Photo Shoot...cont...

Sunny Disposition

First, I'd like to thank my Mother, who taught me perserverance...

This may well be how my acceptance speech begins when I win an award. Of course, you always have to end by thanking God for every opportunity that comes your way(which I do every day) and then I would say "And last, but never least, thanks to my husband who believed I could make my dreams come true. He is my true inspiration."

I recently entered a photo contest and out of 17,800 photos, only 1,126 made it to the final round. My photo was amongst those 1,126. I may not have won, but it certainly feels like I did.

Ahhh, now if only we can get the Primary Election over with so I can get out there and shoot some more!

Dancing Queen...

Cam's annual dance recital was just a couple of weeks ago. I was completely prepared to be bored out of my skull since I have long been unable to appreciate such a sophisticated art. :) However, Cam was awesome and the recital was simply amazing. The kids were having a ball, the numbers were well choreographed, and the costumes were eye catching. I'm so proud of Cam; she danced her little tush off. Who knew we'd have a kid that likes to read and boogie?

Breathtaking Beauty

Nothing to say about this post except this girl is gorgeous, inside and out.

Sliding into 2nd...

SAFE!

Run Faster Than Your Legs Can Carry You

I haven't posted in an incredibly long time. We do nothing more than chase kids to ballgames (Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat--some in NV, some in UT), work like demons, and chase kids. Elections are well underway and it seems I haven't much time to do things other than focusing on elections. Have completed another photo course and now have enough hours to obtain a basic certification. I don't know what it will be good for, but I fully intend to pursue it...after baseball, softball, and elections.

I intend to start posting pictures of the kids' activities again soon, since Les made me feel guilty. :) It's a good thing.

Semi-Big Leaguer

Ry was invited to play in a wood bat tourney this weekend. The guys on his team ranged in ages from 23-42 and experience included college, minors, and even one pro player. Very cool. Ryan held his own and, by the time the tourney was over, everyone was talking about the highschool sophomore playing on the Arizona team. It was wonderful to be outside listening to teh crack of the bat and watching Ryno play. Leaving at 11:30 at night, arriving sometime around 2:30 or 3:00 a.m., getting up at 5:00 to be to the field by 8:00 was worth it!

Winning streak!

Ryan won a big buck contest in Las Vegas, too. He'll get his deer head mounted, a bunch of meat (yuck!), $500 towards a gun, and two concealed weapons classes. Congrats again, Ry!

THIS JUST IN....

RYAN WON THE NEVADA CLUB BIG BUCK CONTEST!!!! Not only does he gain enormous bragging rights, but he will be the owner of a brand new .338 Mag. Way to go, Ry!!!!

Old Fashioned Christmas

We got our first snow last Saturday. Beautiful...and yes, those ARE Christmas lights at Ebeneezer's house. Bah humbug!

Nostalgia for D.C.

The time spent with great friends and my beautiful daughter two years ago was precious beyond words. America has such a rich history and I feel so blessed to live here.

BEST FRIENDS

GLORIOUS THANKSGIVING

Ode to Thanksgiving--my favorite holiday of the year. No pressure and you get to eat yourself silly. We get to go to my mom's this year...so awesome to be able to eat my mom's cooking.

HAPPY 11TH BIRTHDAY, CAM!

Unbelievable, Cameron is 11. Where does the time go? She wanted her bedroom done for her birthday. Cam requested a "cave" with black walls and camo bedding--I laughed and discussed how important it is to maintain a good, uplifting atmosphere because it has so much power over how we feel. Not sure the message was well received, but I gave her a happy space that has "attitude" and "Cam" (yes, those are synonomous) written all over it. Chelsea, Dad and I labored for three days on this cool crib fit for a radiant, fun-loving, and spirited Princess.

Madge, I love you! Your desire to go full bore in any direction you're pursuing is inspiring. May we all learn a lesson from you to dedicate ourselves 100% to any task we take on.

Moo-Ha Ha

After months and months of saving, this beautiful baby is finally mine all mine! I love you, my sweet little D300s.

Woohooooo!!!! Mr. Lynch liked it!!!!

And I quote

"Hi Lisa,
Thanks for uploading these images and commentary. Regardless of how you feel about the result, something seems to clearly have gone right here. I don't think the color is too overdone, and I think you have made some good choices with the sharpening and other adjustments. I DO think this can be even better (a little more contrast on the spider for example -- though it is clear you've already made some effort with that), but I also like what I see in the texture of the improvements as well as the use and sense/sensibility of the layers. The great thing you have done here is taking the idea of that long example, and really converted it to your needs -- eliminating what did not necessarily make sense and adding where you should. This is treating images individually in process, and that is a very good sign."

Read that? He thinks I'm on the right track! Amazing what praying for clarity and having faith it will come can do, not to mention reading the lesson multiple times and practicing with the example sent to me.

At any rate, I decided to test out his suggestions and resubmitted the assignment.
Reprocessed