I’m not sure why, but I just don’t blog personal stuff like I used to.  It’s most likely because of a lack of time and energy, and also because I just didn’t figure anyone really cared about the day in, day out stuff.  It’s funny though, I’ve had quite a few people tell me they’d read a certain book because I’d blogged about it, or that they felt like they knew my boys before they even met them, and even that they’d peed their pants laughing over story I’d shared about my crazy life.  Makes me want to start sharing more again. 

At last week’s Austin PPA meeting, I finally had the chance to meet someone whom I’d admired for quite some time.  Matt Nicolosi and I “met” online about three years ago on a photography forum.  Not only was his work technically great, but he really had a way with documenting and capturing daily life and objects from a completely different perspective and then turning them into amazing art.  When I heard he was speaking at the meeting, I registered right away.  Matt talked  of shooting for yourself…not just your clients.  I have been feeling like hauling my camera equipment with me meant I had to work.  I had quit shooting just for me.  Anyway, when our family decided to rent a boat and take the boys tubing, I didn’t hesitate to bring the camera.  Nothing fancy, and definitely not ART, but just a good documentation of an amazing day with my men. 

Just a little background info here…

Cody didn’t want to go.  I think he was mostly tired from a sleepover the night before.   He’d tried tubing the year before and it didn’t go over so well so he was pretty determined that he wasn’t going to have a good time.  We rented a boat from BLORA (and for you Ft. Hood friends, I’d highly recommend it.  It wasn’t fancy at all, but fairly cheap) and headed out on Belton Lake.

Jake went first and was loving it.

And the first time he wrecked, this was Cody’s reaction.  He was so scared his brother was going to get hurt.  Poor, sweet baby.

But then I went (thank goodness no one had the camera for that!) and showed him how the boat could go slow and then he was game.

And after his first turn, this was him describing to me how he was holding on for dear life.  Note the complete attitude change. 

And this is what I love about Texas.  As we’re cruising the lake, what do we see but COWS hanging out in the water.  I love it.

Cody came home from school a couple weeks ago and said, “Today in school we learned about the bluebonnets and how they are the Texas state flower. You take people’s picture in the bluebonnets…now I want MY picture taken in the bluebonnets!” Well yes sir! How could I say no to that?
I let them choose their own outfits and do their own thing when we got there and all in all, it was a success. A five year old’s dream come true!

I’ve been going through all of my old personal photos and backing them up–as everyone should.  I’ve learned the hard way about not backing up your photos and now I’m a bit obsessed with it.  Anyway, I came across these photos of my Cody.  This was when he was just shy of his 4th birthday and we discovered he had a very special talent.  We just call it “The Eyebrow”, as in, “Hey Cody, do the eyebrow just one more time.  Pleeeeease?” 

We spent Easter in Houston with my husband’s aunt, uncle, cousin and grandparents. Since  Jake has expressed an interest in learning piano, Granddaddy Buck wanted to give him his first lesson.  Eighty years difference between these two and one priceless moment for both of them.

Yesterday Jake brought home some artwork that had been hanging in the hallway outside his 3rd grade classroom. 

I’d love to know what the exact assignment was.  Draw a scene from a time when your mother unjustly punished you?  I’m sure it went down just like that…Jake was just standing there smiling lovingly at his brother (who was doing exactly what his mother told him not to do).  I look right over the kid playing in the sand and ground Jake, who was just standing there.  Yeah, I’m sure it went down just like that.  It’s nice to know Jake is sharing this horrible injustice with his entire school 

I have one more blog to post (a sneak peek from Sunday’s session) and then I’ll be out for a few days to enjoy the holiday weekend with extended family.  Happy Easter!!