So, things in my life lately?

– We’re healthy and plan to remain as such. I dare say that this is the healthiest I have been in a long time, or, at least, the longest I’ve gone without being sick or suffering a sinus infection. Vitamin D rocks. So does garlic and Xyzal.

– Speaking of garlic, having recently learned a bit about its natural healing properties, I decided to plant some of my own. I did it as I was instructed but… eh, apparently it’s not cold enough here yet and it’s already growing!

– Which is quite the opposite for our dear globe willow tree that we all love so much… she is dead. D.E.A.D. I’m so sad. Apparently she got a disease that is common to the trees but by the time she was showing signs, it was too late. I’m not sure what we’re going to do about her, exactly, but she’s going to have to come down.

– School is going well. In fact, Elijah finished a math book today. Flew right through it, so already I have to get him a new one.

– I’ve gotten to do some portraits for a few people here recently. Besides the ones I’ve already posted, I got to shoot this family not long ago:

And this sweet little girl the other day:

Not to mention various things with my own kids! I need to get started on our Christmas cards, though, likely, I’m going to send most electronically this year. (And I really mean it, this time!) But wait until you see them, the photo I have is so very cute! :-)

– Been busy with a lot of website stuff lately, too. Doing some Flash sites for some people, working on a big Joomla site (which is a major pain in the butt because none of my stuff works with the newest version), and finally got to do a Chyrp site which should help further ease the loads on my server as that site was once WordPress and one of the “trouble” sites.

– Trying to get caught up in video work, too. Finally starting to get somewhere and get into a sort of schedule. I just need to remember to make a DVD each week instead of just putting it up on the internet and forgetting about it!

– Also still crocheting. Can you believe that I’ve stuck with it this long? Who knew? Have finished 3 Christmas gifts so far and am halfway through another one. This one is taking me a long time though, or at least it feels longer. But the end results will be worth it! I have plans for at least two more bigger gifts, too, then some smaller ones.

– One thing I wish I was active in lately is my digital scrapbooking. However, I just don’t have enough time in the day! I figure after all the daily activities I must do and sleeping and eating, I have about 4 hours, if that, and that is often spent working or on crochet!

– I’ve also been a candle-making fool lately. Or at least it seems that way. I’m not really making a lot in quantity but have been at it near constantly the last two weeks because of orders and what not. I can’t really make large batches because of Kayleigh, for the most part. Even just a few candles, as they are hardening, release a lot of scent into the air, and the last thing I want to do is irritate her little lungs. I’ve been covering the ones I do with a little towel and I have the ceiling fans going when I can, and the air cleaner going all the time. Having the bathroom window open when I can really seems to help, too. Orders are good, though, I needs ta pay mah bills :)

– And finally, on the work front, Steve has to have a forced week off this week. All the guys in the company, over the last 8 weeks of the year, are required to take off 3 of them. There just isn’t enough work going around these days – and it’s always slower in the winter months, anyway. So we filed for his week of unemployment, which will help some. I’ve been trying to cut corners where we can. So we shall see what we shall see. But, really, I’d rather him work 5 weeks out of 8 than none, so hopefully he will get to do that and on those 3 weeks he takes off, someone else gets to work in his place and get some income of their own. I know we’ll be cared for, though, whatever happens.

Also did some first anniversary portraits for friends:

And finally, engagement photos for my brother-in-law and his fiance.

Of course, that’s not everything, but you’re already on overload. I wish I’d had more time to spend on the engagement photos but we ended up having to hurry because they ran late, there was a miss-communication, and she had to run for her dress appointment. But all things considered, I think we did well!

Now I just need to do a better family portrait for the four of us, something special I have planned for my parents with my kiddos and my brother’s kid, and a certain friend’s little girl… ahem, I know you’re out there!! Before it gets too cold. Well, the thing for my parents is going to have to be indoors, it’s already too cold for that… But I’m an idiot and I keep forgetting to prepare for it when I have the chance so who knows what is going to happen…

The photographer guy was way prepared and I’m sure did an awesome job. He used to shoot weddings full time but doesn’t do them any more. He only did this one because he’s related to the groom – my new brother-in-law. He is supposed to mail me a CD of the photos and I’m going to put them together a book like I did for my sister’s wedding last June. This one’s not going to be a surprise though and I still have to decide on a theme. Not to mention find the time. But, ya know, if the CD would ever arrive, I could theoretically work on it at the hospital if I wanted… Hopefully it will come soon! If nothing else, I can save it for something to do when Kayleigh comes home and I’m not going anywhere for a few months!

Last Friday, leaving the hospital, I saw some flowering trees that I don’t think were redbuds but they had pretty pinkish purplish flowers. And I thought… wow, I wish I had my camera. Not that my chauffeur extraordinaire (Mom) would have stopped for me right there. Just wishing I could get out and shoot…

lol

No, seriously. Who wants to start the donating to Val is gonna shoot her sister-in-law’s wedding and needs a few things fund? :)

Bah, I been putting off the purchasing because I’m such a one who doesn’t want to spend money lately. But I checked on the items and they’ve all increased slightly in price lately so I guess I should do it before they go any higher. Hey, next year for Christmas, everyone can just get together and give me a big huge Amazon gift certificate. :)

heehee

After I edited today, we hopped on the bench after throwing our coats to the ground and shot 24 photos in less than a minute (I used the remote for the first time, yay!) The first one ended up being the best. Then, of course, it was back on with the coats and running to the Jeep, it was about 25 degrees out!

Thought about making this our Christmas photo since, ahem, certain people complain the photo has only Elijah and he’s not the only one in the family. But I still like the one of Elijah, so maybe we’ll throw in some wallets. :)

Oh, yes, I double rock, since I had a piece of hair that flew into my eye and I totally Photoshopped it out! Oh, and my zits. Crazy pregnancy hormones! :P