Holiday Photo Ops

During this time of year we have many times that we can take photos of our children in their activities.  I am posting a few photos that are not the 'best' however; it allows me to tell the story even though the photos aren't great and some do not even have my children in them.  This is often the case as we attend school/church concerts, plays, and other activities during this holiday season.  Don't let that stop you from taking your camera and snaping a few photos anyhow.  You'll be amazed at how those out of focus, missing child photos bring on the memories in years to come.  The kids & you won't care that they aren't in the photo.  What they will remember is the fun and joy of the performance and that you were there to see them.  Those 'mishap' photos will warm their hearts.

 Like with these two photos I could only get a partial head shot of my son.  Even today after last night's concert he's giggling about the shots.

This photo show the Band Director & the general area of where my son is on stage.

My daughter was not even visible to us from the audience at last evening's performance.  This was all we could see of her since she plays percussion and is always in the back...

Her gracious Band Director was telling the parents that he was going to assemble all of the students across the front of the stage for a photo op.  (No wonder I like him so much!)

Thanks to his forethought I was able to get these wonderful photos after the performance, yet on stage of my daughter.

Then once getting home both kids nicely posed for me in their concert duds since I was unable to get all of the shots I wanted of them at the concert (got lucky this year - HS and MS [6th grade] performed together) and so glad that they were cooperative.  Thanks kids!


I can't wait to see what sort of page layouts I get from these.  I do already know how the story will go and my children are laughing about it already as is my husband.  They'll never forget it though!

Word Art

I was helping my daughter with an extra credit assignment and I decided to play around on my own some.  This is what I came up with...  (see link to the right).  You can create your own.  Great site for creating fun word art.

The Neverending Weekend...

My very hectic, very long weekend is finally done. We made it to all of our destinations on time & without breaking and low flying aircraft speed laws. My daughter enjoyed her two days of hunting season with Daddy, as did my son - he was successful & got a deer. (pics to come). My daughter had a great time at her Girl Scout outing, too. (pics to come, too). Now Daddy & I get to package venison burger and assist in assembling a science project for tomorrow since the kids are BEAT! :) Too much fresh air?

Eric's deer.

 Lizzie was not feeling well Friday evening; so Daddy let her sleep in Saturday morning and figured she could join him late morning or at lunch time.  Well, of course that's when he gets his deer!  This is what Lizzie woke up to...


On Sunday, I had to leave camp to accompany my daughter & her GS Troop on an outing since I am one of their leaders.  It was a rainy, foggy sort of day so the activity was welcomed with the lousy weather.

Our wonderful Troop

The girls toured the Fox Fire House.  They all seemed to enjoy different parts of the historic buildings and activities that were scheduled for them.  We have such a great group of girls, they all get along really well.


Back to the cabin to finish the weekend of what was planned for the kids to be able to hunt with Daddy.  Monday brought super warm weather for our area this time of year, along with major fog.

it was 62 degrees at 5:30 pm - unusually warm for this time of year.

George with his take for the day.

 
George got his deer Monday evening right ahead of dusk.  Which always makes for a LONG evening.  When I arrived at the butcher shop to deliver my son's deer; hubby's was already processed and ready for me to pick-up.  Now that's service! 

My daughter & I then headed home for her to put the final touches on her science project.  Keep in mind it is already 9:00 pm...

It was a long evening, but all was accomplished without too many meltdowns.  I am anticipating hearing about her presentation at the end of the school day. I'll be on pins & needles all day.   

Well, it's now 2:00 am...Science project is finished, but the burger is still in the fridge. It'll need to keep until later this morning (Tuesday) - I need to catch a few hours rest before driving DD and her science project to school. Will post a photo if I remember to get one before it goes to school.

Lizzie's Science Project

 
We all have those kind of days/weekends.  I'm glad that I don't have too many of them.  I would love to know how you juggle all of the daily stuff with the holiday stuff.   

Photography Tips in time for the Holidays

Here is a link to some really great tips for taking pictures during the Christmas holiday season.  I love the tips this site gives and some of the wonderful examples that they show.  If you are attempting to get that perfect shot, check this out.

http://digital-photography-school.com/16-christmas-photography-tips

Digital Sale Items from Creative Memories

For all of you contemplating a digital purchase, be sure to check out this special offer TODAY! Go to www.creativememories.com to order and be sure you have me listed as your Consultant under your account when you place your orders. My ID# 41342448

Thanks!

 Only 28 days left until Christmas!  Take advantage of this sale & get those gifts crossed off your lists...

Trick or Treat!

A few weeks ago I created this template during an online crop with Pixels2Pages (great site BTW) and this is the completed page.

My Goblins

 H is for Halloween Challenge (P2P)
Page By: Chris Heberlig
Blueprint/PDP: SA - There's More Blueprint (P2P)
Art Kits: Frightful Halloween, Rewards Club Embellishments, Classic Halloween Embellishments, Hocus Pocus Embellishments, Charmed (Creative Memories)
Fonts: KG Ten Thousand Reasons

Hurricane Sandy

http://google.org/crisismap/sandy-2012?hl=en&llbox=41.053%2C39.547%2C-75.161%2C-78.712&t=CM_CUSTOM_MAP_TYPE&layers=1337617652397%2C2%2C1337716071386%2C1330918331511%2C1337907303704%3A70&promoted


This is a current map for my area.  Please, everyone stay safe & be smart.  This will be a storm to remember. (Add it to a long list) for years to come.

A great day to catch up on all those craft projects while you are home waiting out the storm; they will help you pass the hours.

Women's Bazaar

I hope you will join me on Saturday, October 13th at this wonderful event.  I will have many great deals on the stock on hand.  Be sure to come check it out.

Autumn is upon us...

I can hardly believe that this week is the 1st day of Autumn...where has the time gone?  My kiddos are into their 4th week of school and before long football season will be coming to a close and our days of Indian Summer will be gone.

Croptoberfest :

Be sure to register early.  Space is limited.
Any products you may need or want need to be ordered/placed with me by October 5th to ensure delivery by October 20th.

With the beginning of Autumn we think of the foliage and falling leaves, Halloween, Thanksgiving...I've included a few links that I thought might benefit you with your photgraphing of the foliage.

Links to photograph foliage:
http://digital-photography-school.com/autumn-fall-photography-capturing-colours

http://blogs.yankeemagazine.com/new-england-foliage/tips-to-improve-your-foliage-photography-this-fall/

Now that school is well under way before we become overwhelmed with all of those school projects, and memories of 1st's for your children.  Here's a good tip about starting an album to remember it all.

Alternatives for school photos:

http://blogs.creativememories.com/software_solutions/2012/09/schools-in-session-start-an-album.html

Photographing Sports events:

http://adishofdailylife.com/2012/09/sports-photo-tips-for-sideline-parents/

Album Page Prints

I had some free time today & I created these album page prints with the We Hope Album by CMC Cathy Bower.  I thought the sentiment from these pages fit for other than inspiration for graduating seniors...

 This was my take for using the "We Hope" album to preserve the 1st day of school for my aging children (they don't want ANY kid stuff).  They feel they are too old for stuff like that :o)

 

 I adjusted the photo frame size on this one

 

 Then I matched the background color to his shirt, then a few shades lighter...

 

 Did the same here for my daughter's page.  Adjusted the photo frame size.

Then I matched the background color to her dress.  This page is definitely her!


Here are a few more pages from the same digital album, only I used them for my photos from Showcase 2012.

Just a few of many examples of how this album is so versatile.  I am really loving this album remake of the I Hope... to We Hope...

Thank You CMC Cathy Bower for taking the time to alter every album page.

1st Day of School Pictures

A few weeks back (August 14th) I had a post discussing traditional & non-traditional pages.  I wanted to share with you the photos of my guys from yesterday.  I followed some of the posing tips too I had found from a few other sources as well.

This first photo was with the flash - while it was early it actually wasn't this dark outside.  It's because of being under the tree & the flash being on.  My children were actually much happier than they appear here - It took several camera adjustments to get this photo, hence their displeasure with me.

Say Cheese! (Please?)

While it's a wonderful photo of my quickly growing children I think the next few are much better.

This next photo of the two of them is without the flash, I wanted to get a full length one of them to show their entire ensembles.  Normally I will fill the viewfinder with a close-up.

I am loving those neon blue sneakers of his and her sequined sweater dress.  She's quickly catching him in height.  Never guess they are 4.5 years apart!

The next two while they are a traditional pose I want you to look at the angles & compare them both.

The one of her is straight on, while a beautiful shot...

The one of him has his body slightly turned, his chin down & looking a bit over his shoulder towards me.  I think it just makes that 'traditional' pose that much better!

 

See that First Day of School really wasn't so bad to take 10 minutes and allow Mom to get some really great shots.  Thanks Kids!

Place Your Order Now!

Only a few days left of this GREAT sale.  Don't miss out on this one.  Many items will be leaving our line after this sale is over.  Get them while supplies last.  If you don't already have a consultant, please use my CM ID #41342448 and link your order to me.  I'll be glad to service your photo preservation needs.

End of Season Sale from Creative Memories!

For all of my customers who are not on facbook and did not get a chance to see my earlier post.  I just rec'd word that Creative Memories is running another GREAT sale Monday, August 20th - Monday,  August 27th.  Here's a copy of the sale flier:

To place orders Click here:

CM Survey - Let your Voice be heard

Take part in this survey...let Creative Memories know your opinion on their latest product release.

Murphy's Law

How does that saying go?  Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong...

I was on my way to deliver my daughter to cheerleading practice when less than a 1/2 mile down the road from the house and the check engine light comes on!  Now, I know that I can drive the vehicle this way so long as it's not a flashing check engine light.  See the problem with these "idiot" lights as some mechanic's (Dad) call them is that you need to pay attention to them.  So, I called my husband, explained what the situation was...he offered to come check all the engine fluids for me & bring additional oil in case that was the issue.  Now, being a mechanic's daughter I could have done all of this myself, but I'm not going to refuse the offer of assistance.  (we also have AAA if I was really stuck)  Long story short - even after checking & adding the needed oil, plus checking all other engine fluids, the check engine light remained lit.  Wonderful!  I had a meeting to attend that was 45 minutes away.  Which I was already late for...  Needless to say I was going to be late for my meeting.  Not a huge deal because it is a very relaxed meeting.  I just enjoy my time away from my family once a month.  Since Hubby wasn't able to diagnose the issue, I called Dad.  Ever notice that no matter how old we get we still call "DAD!"  I keep thinking in the back of my mind 'what am I going to do when Dad decides to hang up his mechanic shingle?'  Anyhow, Dad's unreachable...so I drive to my meeting & while on the way, Dad returns my call.  His response 'Well, what do you want me to do - you're 30 miles away.'  Gotta love it!  Some days I just can't handle his sense of humor.  I love my Dad though & he'll bail me out of almost any situation even this late in the game; and with his grand children, too.  He has taught two of them to drive & most likely will be assisting with the next one who turns 16 next week!  He demanded we all learn to drive standard shift & know basic car maintenance.  Something we ALL could use.  It has gotten me out of more bad situations than I can count.  Dad will be taking a look at my van tomorrow evening, but thanks to his preparation I knew what to do & that I could drive my vehicle.  Thanks for the life lesson, Dad.  Glad that you'll also be teaching it to my kids as well.  Not that I can't - it just helps to have the Village for support.

A bad evening ended up being not so bad after all.  Thanks to Dad, and my Darling Husband!

Non-Traditional Poses for 1st Day of School Pics

I came across a wonderful blog article today (link) and it got me to searching my own Memory Manager files of my children's 1st Day pics.  I actually have a good mix of traditional & non traditional poses.  I was pleasantly surprised by this fact.

Non-traditional pose

I have had all kids of fits tonight trying to upload my photos tonight.  Unsure if it's weather related (severe T-storms) or if it's internet related.  I'll attempt to load some of the great shots tomorrow.  Watch for an edited entry.  In the meanwhile here's a link to the ones I have gotten uploaded 1st Day of School Album

Time to go...2 power outages from the storms - batteries getting low.

Be sure to check out the August Newsletter - added to the links on the right.  So many great things you'll want to take advantage of.

Nancy O'Dell Coming To You Live from Creative Memories Showcase

I was here to be a part of this video clip.  You could be next...ask me how?


“As Nancy O’Dell said, we have room for one more! Start a business by August 31 and you could get Nancy’s new book “Here’s to Fabulous You” and the Nancy Bag for FREE. But to me, the real benefits include lifelong friendships, travel opportunities, financial freedom and career satisfaction. I’d love to show you how!”
Contact me through the link to the right...

Rewards Club - FREE to Join through August 15th

Here is another great offer from Creative Memories.  If you have been on the fence about joining our Rewards Club, now is your chance to do so. 

  

Become a club member for $39
Club members receive:
An immediate $10 club credit (or $39 club credit August 8-15!).
15 percent club credit earned on the retail amount of each order. (Learn more about Digital Center purchases.)
Access to exclusive products.
Exclusive offers and promotions and email updates.


Have more questions? View Rewards Club FAQ.

ENROLL NOW

Be sure to link your membership to my Consultant ID #41342448 if you don't already have one.  I'll be happy to service your memory keeping needs.

Home from Showcase 2012

My Central Team

Oh, what a wonderful time I had at Showcase!  I got to meet so many wonderful CMC's from across the country & around the world.  I also had the chance to reconnect with my own team.  All of these people were wonderful.  Some wonderful new products were revealed during showcase, too.  Here's a peek at the new products.  You can contact me the entire month of August and place you pre-order for September 1st, too.

 

Closing Ceremonies

We had a wonderful celebration of our 25 years at showcase...


NEW PRODUCTS: (most items available September 1st)

COMING SOON!!!  Pre-order yours today!

Memory Manager 4.0 - it recognizes faces and dates to make sorting and searching simple.  Fine tune your photos - improve lighting, remove red eye, rotate, crop, and color correct like a pro.  Auto image enhancement powered by Perfectly Clear (tm) for seven corrections in one click.  Social sharing and easy transfer of photos and journaling right to your StoryBook Creator 4.0 projects.

Fast to Fabulous Albums

Fast to Fabulous Albums - includes coverset, double-side printed pages, die-cuts, title stickers, page protectors, and foam squares.  Also available in digital Pre-designed pages on CD.



Make a Wish Products:  DREAM

Expandable Picfolio DREAM Coverset

DREAM Coverset

This is just one of the MANY new items for supporting the Make a Wish Foundation.  A portion of the sales goes to Make-A-Wish to help make DREAMS come true.

The Nancy Bag:
Stay up to speed and do it in style with this gorgeous new Nancy Bag.  Large enough to hold a 13x9 album and allow you to work anywhere.  Or carry your "Here's to Fabulous You" book so you've always got it together.

The Nancy Bag

Here's to Fabulous You

Sparkle Pocket Punch:

Sparkle Pocket Punch

There will be several Limited Edition items that when offered will only be available during the promotional period, so if you want them, order early so that you are able to get the item(s) you want.  This is NEW from how promotions and LTD ED items have been handled in the past.  Here are a few teasers of what's to come...

Croptoberfest:

Hocus Pocus 6 x 6 stack mat & layered stickers and a rugged picket fence cartridge

Border Maker bundle

There is also a special gift for attendees of Croptoberfest, be sure to mark you calendars for October 20th.  More details to come shortly as final plans are made for this event.  Consider being a table host & bring three of your friends and you earn host credits, too!


Something to look forward to for the Holidays...

12 x 12 Coverset

8x8 Coverset

NEW: Banner cartridge

Holiday Frames & Tags Cricut Cartridge

Holiday Frames & Tags Cricut Cartridge

Nordic Christmas Ltd. Ed.

Nordic Christmas Ltd. Ed.

Nordic Christmas Ltd. Ed.

Lots of great items coming...many more that I did not list here...