The MoonChylde Chronicles

Mrs. Marine

One Minute Writer: Right

2011-06-14T09:35:00.000-05:00

Today's Writing Prompt: Right

How do you know when someone is right for you?

I know when I've found the right person for me when they can make me laugh, laugh at my dumb jokes, when we can spend hours together doing nothing and having the best time doing it. The right person makes you feel like you can't live without them, stops your heart when your away and loves you no matter your faults.

Macro Monday & Letter Photo Challenge

2011-06-14T00:31:00.001-05:00

Running a little late on these but still wanted to get it posted!

I'm sharing this photo for Macro Monday & Letter Photo Challenge 'C'

Cheerios!

For more be sure to visit:

Photo Challenge: Green

2011-06-12T17:52:00.000-05:00

This weeks The Paper Mama's Photo Challenge is Green

I snapped this pretty quick, was about the best of the bunch I got. There is a little bit of green from his bowl, Master Q was enjoying some M&M's while gazing outside.

For more Green Challenge photos visit:

Weekend Construction

2011-06-10T23:31:00.001-05:00

Just and FYI my blog may be under construction at times this weekend, I am having it all redone by a great friend! Check her out...Dashing Designs

Fix It Friday #102

2011-06-10T21:36:00.000-05:00

Haven't done this in awhile so it's nice getting back at it! Edit 1 Started with some tweaking layers in PSE RAW in the exposure & contrast. Moved on and used a layer of Pioneer Womans Slight Sharpen & Slight Light. Then cloned out the white on the eye lid. Last added Pioneer Womans Boost and tweaked the layers a bit. On Edit 2 I added a Gradient layer to create the B/W.

Thanks to Angie Arthur Photography for the adorable little girl to edit, I only have boys! lol

For more FIF visit the I Heart Faces community!

Photo Story Friday: Cold & Rainy Rummage

2011-06-10T14:00:00.000-05:00

We planned our rummage for this weekend, last week it was supposed to be a lovely 70ish degrees the 3 days we are having it....yesterday it was in the mid 60's and rained....today is currently at 58 and cloudy....tomorrow is supposed to be in the 70's! WooHoo, 1 nice day of 3, lets hope we get more customers!

Awesome wall clouds moving in

Chilly day for a rummage!

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

Friendly Friday!

2011-06-10T12:06:00.000-05:00

Thanks for stopping by, if you follow me leave a comment and I'll follow back :)

Five Question Friday

2011-06-10T09:47:00.001-05:00

Questions for Friday, June 10th:

1. How close to your childhood dreams is your life now?

Childhood dreams? Wow, nope not very close. I wanted to be a teacher, I've got an Associates Degree in Chemical Dependency and work in a Residential Facility for Chemically Dependent teens. So maybe kinda close. lol

2. What is one must have item for the summer?

Capris, a comfy tshirt and sandals. Nicely painted toes are a must too ;)

3. Do you have your kids stay up on school stuff during summer vacation? (Or, if you don't have kiddos, did your parents make you keep up on school stuff during summer?)

I read during the summers a bit, not much. My parents never made me keep up on it. My son is not in school yet but we are always teaching him new things as he is 4. The older 2 stepboys I try to encourage to read as much as they will during the summer months.

4. Do you can or freeze fresh produce?

Nope, my mom always did but I've got a rather blackish thumb lol

5. Do you get ready for the day first thing in the morning?

Depends on the 'morning' if it's my morning (evening) getting up for work then yes. On my days off it depends on what we have going on.

For more Five Question Friday be sure to visit:

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-06-08T01:48:00.000-05:00

Last Wednesday we took the kids to the local Ramada that has a huge waterpark! It's called Buccaneer Bay and has a Tiki Bar next to it! Daddy & I enjoyed some quiet poolside time after the pool closed later in the evening!

They had a blast and look at that pirate ship!!! They also had a full size twisty water slide! It was awesome!

Jacob on the Pirate Ship

Ian coming down the big slide

Master Q just chillin'

For more Wordless Wednesday visit:

Thanks for stopping by!

Friendly Friday!

2011-06-04T01:28:00.000-05:00

My first week joining in on Friendly Friday

If you follow me leave me a comment and I will follow back! :)

Five Question Friday: June 3rd

2011-06-03T09:27:00.000-05:00

Whoa it's been awhile since I've done these! I really need to get better at the blogging thing! ;)

Questions for Friday, June 3rd:

1. If you had to choose, how would you prefer to choose to spend money...on landscaping or a pool?

I'd have to say pool, with 3 kids during the summer it would hopefully get the out of the house much more than they do now. Darn computers, video games and TV's!

2. (Scott likes to get things stirred up...) Death penalty, yay or nay?

Ugh, I'm not comfortable with this question, I could go either way. I firmly believe that those people who hurt others deserve to be punished. But I also believe the people can change, but on that note I do not believe that some have any chance of changing. It's all so confusing really, it doesn't even make sense to me most the time.

3. What's the worst thing your kid has gotten into when you turned your back/blogged/showered/blinked?

A bottle of lotion. lol Seriously, I was actually at work and DH was on baby duty, I think Master Q was maybe 2 1/2. Well they were asleep (Q sleeps with daddy when I'm at work most nights) well Q woke up during the night, daddy was still sleeping and Q took it upon himself to get a hold of one of my bottles of lotion and 'play'. Daddy finally woke up to find Q sitting in bed covered in lotion along with everything around him! lol I laugh b/c I wasn't there....its still a rather sore subject for daddy though ;)

4. How often do you REALLY go to the dentist?

Up until 2yrs ago I hadn't been for like 15yrs! lol The past couple years I've been like 3 times I think.

5. What is your favorite animal (doesn't have to be a pet-type animal)?

Bears, especially koalas and panda, just too cute!

For more Five Question Friday visit:

Thanks for stopping by & Have a Wonderful Weekend!

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-06-01T03:55:00.000-05:00

Worked in the garage this past Saturday, trying to get stuff ready for a rummage and just cleaned out and better organized. Here is the reason I never like to clean! A wine bottle that we'd had stored out there tipped over as I was right next to it and exploded on impact sending flying shards of glass everywhere! I thought I was going to end up in the ER but the bleeding finally stopped! Still sporting a couple band aids today! =/

For more Wordless Wednesday visit:

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-05-25T03:18:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday!

The hubby, I and master Q went to the local Outdoor Campus and had a nice walk.

Q loved blowing all the dandelions! :)

For more Wordless Wednesday Visit:

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-05-18T01:32:00.000-05:00

Back again for another Wordless Wednesday! Been a busy week so only got a few pics with phone...

Daddy & Master Q on daddy's new motorcycle!

Master Q Ready to Ride....maybe ;)

For more Wordless Wednesday visit:

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-05-04T00:22:00.000-05:00

We made a little trip on sunday to visit some friends and help celebrate my 'neices' 2nd birthday!

Thanks for stopping by!

For more Wordless Wednesday be sure to visit:

Sweet Shot Tuesday!

2011-05-03T12:33:00.000-05:00

Master Q at the circus!

Thanks for stopping! For more Sweet Shots be sure to visit:

Shutter Love Tuesday: Strength

2011-05-03T12:17:00.000-05:00

Took Master Q to the circus last week for the first time, he was enthralled, for a bit lol By 1/2 time he was asking when it was gonna be over though! lol Oh the joys of a hyper active child! (inserts eye rolling here) ;) Anyway I thought this was an amazing example of such controlled strength, the elephant has her in his mouth walking around the ring! Amazing!

Thanks for stopping by, for more Shutter Love visit Trendy Treehouse!

Book Review: No More Dreaded Mondays

2011-04-28T00:27:00.000-05:00

In a fast changing and very unstable work market the idea of changing jobs can be scary for most of us. Though the idea of working simply for your paycheck and no other reason is sad, it is what most people are forced to do today. Unfortunately there is nothing safe and secure about the jobs we hold, so why forget your dreams for a job you hate? "No More Dreaded Mondays" by Dan Miller is a book that challenges you to stop that kind of thinking and working and delve into what you truly want and go for it. Giving practical advice on how to start a new career or business, revamp the old 9-5 hrs by learning to bring new life and excitement to the jobs we have, stop blaming others or thinking that circumstances are controlling you and to make the most of the career you have. No matter your age or career field you can find some inspiration in this book.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review, the opinions stated are my own.

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-04-27T03:54:00.000-05:00

Welcome! Hope everyone had a Blessed Easter Weekend! We all had to work so not too much for fun in our plans. The Easter Bunny of course made his appearance for Master Q, he was blessed to have him visit him 2x this year as we'd had a visit Palm Sunday since that was when we celebrated with the older 2 boys this year.

Q got his big boy bike & a new Leapster game, Toy Story 3!

He wasn't sure what to think, course he'd just woken up too! lol

The cheesy smile I now get

Thanks for stopping by!

For more Wordless/Wordful Wednesday visit:

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-04-20T01:27:00.001-05:00

Last week we enjoyed our last of lovely weather for awhile, we hit the 70's and then the next day back down into the 40's! GAH will sping ever get here?! I'm happy that we were able to get out on that lovely day and spend some time at the park, Master Q had a great time!

For more Wordless Wednesday visit:

Sweet Shot Tuesday!

2011-04-19T03:15:00.000-05:00

Time to get on the ball again! I've been in a slump these past couple weeks and really need to find my way out of it.

Master Q checking out a ladybug before heading down the slide.

For more Sweet Shots visit:

My 3 Boybarians

Book Review: Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor

2011-04-02T23:40:00.000-05:00

At the time I did not realize this is book 5 in The Knights of Arrethrae series by author Chuck Black. Although it is book 5 I was able to easily jump in and not be confused from missing the previous books. This is a Christian book with a well written message. I am not someone who enjoys religion being pushed on me and this book does not do that. While the message is there, it is not overly so. You can simply read as an adventure book as well.

This story is about a young man named Quinlan, or Twitch to his friends. Who answers the call to serve the Prince and stand against the Dark Knight. Quinlan joins the ranks of elite warriors called the Swords of Valor. But after a mission goes terribly wrong and Quinlan is blamed for the tragedy and the Swords of Valor disband. He is left alone in the world to fend for himself. Sir Quinlan continues to train vigorously in the ways of the Silent Warriors. After some time the Prince gives Quinlan the mission to reunite the Swords of Valor. Will Sir Quinlan be able to reunite the Swords of Valor in time to defend against the Dark Knights evil plan?

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review, the opinions stated are my own.

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-03-30T02:33:00.000-05:00

Mr Potato Head

(sorry my phone doesn't take the best pics)

Lately I've found myself really missing his curls...so cute!

For more Wordless Wednesday visit:

Thanks for stopping by!

Book Review: Eat Your Peas Mom; Simple Truths and Happy Insights

2011-03-25T03:15:00.000-05:00

I recently received a copy of the book Eat Your Peas Mom; Simple Truths and Happy Insights by Cheryl Karpen with art by Sandy Fougner to review.

Description from website:
A delightful book to give Mom to prove you DID listen to her advice, wit, and wisdom. If you want a special way to celebrate your mother, look no more! Eat Your Peas® Mom is a 3-minute read with a forever message. Upon opening this little package, her heart will smile through the pages filled with affirmation, appreciation, and gratitude expressed for all the ways she loves and cares for you. Each page is artfully hand-illustrated for a charming and homespun feel. It’s a perfect keepsake and reminder for Mom to hold onto forever.

Review:

I love this little book! Filled with adorable, cute and inspiring insights on artistically adorned pages. This may be a quick read for any mom but it will be heartfelt and bring a smile to their faces. This is the perfect way to tell mom all the things that a simple "I love you" does not cover. The artwork that is on every page is bright and cheerful, almost a spring feel that makes it a perfect Mother's Day gift, which is where my copy is going! :) The book is hardcover with pages that have an almost wallpaper with textured feel.

I enjoyed this little book very much, as quick of a read as it is, it brought a smile to my face and reminded me of how much I owe my own mother for my childhood and all that she taught me.

I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-03-23T03:33:00.000-05:00

Been a rough start to the week, migraines are starting to get more frequent again and I ended up home from work again Monday night, this was the 2nd time I've had to stay home in a month! Not good! :( Was a pretty lazy weekend also so not much for new pics, sometimes I just leave the camera sit (bad me) So I'm going back a big for this weeks pic.

My little leprechaun last year March 2010

For more Wordless Wednesday visit:

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-03-16T04:49:00.000-05:00

Enjoying some personal pizza! Master Q loves plain cheese pizza so here he was so excited b/c he got his own lil personal pizza! This was my last bout with 'fast ~~good~~ food' for lent. One week down!

For more Wordless Wednesday visit:

Fix It Friday #89

2011-03-04T19:50:00.000-06:00

This weeks photo comes from Dana Suggs

Original:

Edit 1: Made an adjustment layer, Hue/Saturation and decreased the Red Sat.

Made another adjustment layer and increased the Brightness & Contrast a bit.

Duplicated the background layer and switched to Soft Light and decreased the opacity.

Cropped

Edit 2: Continue from Edit1, applied a Gradient layer to make my own Black & White

Edit 3: Continue from Edit2 and decreased the opacity of the Gradient layer

For more FIF be sure to check out I Heart Faces!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-03-02T00:09:00.000-06:00

Got Quinn outside finally for some fun in the snow! I've been terrible but it seemed that every time it would snow the temps would drop so terribly that I didn't want him out playing in that! So I said once I got a day that was nicer temp wise we'd get out and make some snow angels at least 1x before the snow is gone...hahaha yeah right! Anyways, Quinn's been wanting to make snow angels all winter so here his snow angel!

For more Wordless/Wordful Wednesday visit:

Photo Challenge: Movement

2011-02-27T01:47:00.000-06:00

This weeks theme is Movement

Quinn was having a blast jumping off the couch!

Sorry for yet another pantsless shot, my son seems to never wear them! lol

Fix It Friday # 88

2011-02-25T09:45:00.002-06:00

YAY! I'm on a roll with and loving these Fix It Fridays over at I Heart Faces!

This weeks lovely photo is brought to us by Angie Arthur

Original:

Edit 1: First I added an Adjustment Layer and tweaked the brightness and contrast a bit.

Next I added a screen layer using Soft Light and adjusted the opacity for just a smidge.

Edit 2: Continued from Edit 1 and simply used a Gradient Filter Adjustment to create a black and white conversion.

Edit 3: Again continued from Edit 1, then added the action Watermelon Blues, ETA from My Four Hens (Thanks Amy!)

Edit 4: I was on a roll and thought this would look lovely in a Vintagey feel, so again a continue from Edit 1 then added the free Vintage action from The Pioneer Woman (I think I LOVE this!)

For more Fix It Fridays check out I Heart Faces!

Thanks for stopping by & have a wonderful weekend!

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-02-23T03:19:00.000-06:00

Quinn helped daddy feed the fish in our new aquarium, think he loves the fish? :) Unfortunately we've had a bit of a death issue with out new fish, only 2 of the 5 we started with are still with us, I think we're gonna give it a few days in hopes that its not the tank but maybe a bad batch of fish? It was the 3 Neon Blue Dwarf Gouramis that didn't make it, the 2 Pink Kissing Gouramis are doing fine....so far.

For more Wordless Wednesday visit:

Sweet Shot Tuesday!

2011-02-22T12:14:00.002-06:00

We went for a drive trying to find some photography locations and I came across this old truck, tractor and there is a barn to the right and they were just begging me to photography them!

For more Sweet Shots click the link!

Thanks for stopping by!

Fix-It Friday #87

2011-02-18T17:09:00.000-06:00

This weeks precious picture comes from Andrea Riley

Original:

Edit 1: I added a New Adjustment Layer and increased the Brightness & Contrast, merged.

Next I duplicated the background changed it to Screen and decreased opacity.

I cropped and used the Clone Tool on the lower left corner to remove some of the wrinkles

Edit 2: Continued from edit 1 and applied the action Shabby Suitcase from Nelly Nero and did some tweaking

Edit 3: Continued again from edit 1 simply did a Black White conversion b/c I just love these kinds of pictures in black and white

For more Fix It Friday from I Heart Faces click the link above!

Thanks for stopping by and have a Wonderful Weekend!

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-02-16T21:42:00.000-06:00

Time for Wordless Wednesday!

Valentines Fun!

Quinn got a surprise Valentine gift from Jessie (from Toy Story)

Heart Shaped Pizza!

For more Wordless Wednesday visit:

14. Two of a kind, Working on a full house

Making Friends Monday

2011-02-14T01:38:00.000-06:00

Join in and Link up! Great way to find and follow awesome new blogs!

Stylish Blogger Award

2011-02-13T06:30:00.000-06:00

First and foremost and BIG THANK YOU to Becky over at Raw Potatoes for Honoring me with this award! Thanks Becky! :)

So, I have to share 7 things about myself that you probably do not know and then pick another 15 awesome blogs to receive the award!

So here we go....

1. I am an only child. Not that my parents really planned on that happening, it just did. I have an older brother, Michael who was born apx. 3mo premature in 1975, he lived 4mo and passed away from complications due to pneumonia. It was great growing up and 'only' except when it came to housework! lol And I am the first to admit I am a spoiled brat! hehe

2. I am a 'Jane of all Trades, Master of None' as I classify myself as. I tend to start a lot of different things but often I never finish them. I hate that about myself. Some things I stop b/c I feel something gets too difficult to keep learning so I give up, it's very sad really and is something that I am trying to break. I like that I know a lot about many random things, but again hate that I am not mastered in anything.

3. I am an extremely shy person. I've gotten better with age, doesn't everything?! I've actually missed out on relationships with people b/c of my shyness.

4. I am debilitatingly (don't think that's a word but it fits) self conscious. There is no hiding I am a big girl, I have struggled with my weight my entire life and unfortunately that has created the issues I have today. There are things I will not want to do b/c of how I look. Another item I am trying to work on.

5. I used to collect teddy bears, now I collect fairies.

6. As much as I hate change, I MUST move my furniture around at least 2x a year!

7. I dream of being a full time self employed photographer...successful would be good too!

Wow ok that wasn't as hard as I initially expected it to be! It's surprising how you can just get going once you get started!

Here are the blogs I frequent...

1. LAWTEEDAH

2. Really, Are You Serious?

3.Artistically Amy

4. The Activity Mom

5. Thursday's Kiss

6. Don't Blink

7. All About the Cookies

8. Chasing Cheerios

9. Craftaholics Anonymous

10. Curbside Creations

11. Five and A Highchair

12. Organizing Made Fun

13. Serving Pink Lemonade

15. The Paper Mama

Thanks again Becky & have fun checking out all the great blogs I've listed!

Fix-It Friday #86

2011-02-12T04:10:00.000-06:00

This weeks photo comes courtesy of Rachel. Such an adorable little girl!

Original

Edit 1: Added an adjustment layer, increased the brightness +70 and decreased the contrast -10, merged

Next I cropped the photo and used the healing brush under the eyes a bit (my first time trying this)

Edit 2: Continue from 1 with applying the action Bobby Dazzler from Nelly Nero then tweaked some of the layers.

Edit 3: Continued again from Edit 1 applying another Nelly Nero action, this time the BW Feelin' Grey (can ya tell I just got these added and decided to play with something new?!)

Thanks for stopping by & Have a Wonderful Weekend!

Be sure to visit more great edits over at I Heart Faces

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-02-09T23:25:00.000-06:00

Ok not as late as last week so I'm doing a little better! lol

Today we decided to get a new 30gal aquarium, here is Quinn checking it out! No fishies just yet, want it to settle a day or so before we add any.

For more Wordless Wednesday visit:

Shutter Love & Sweet Shot Tuesday!

2011-02-08T04:37:00.001-06:00

This weeks first picture is for Trendy Treehuse and Shutter Love Tuesdays. The theme this week is Eyelashes! LOVE little ones and their beautiful long lashes! (I think I'm a bit jealous)

Quinn...messy face & all!

Next up is Sweet Shot Tuesday over at My 3 Boybarians. This weekend was Super Bowl weekend and while for many that is always a big day, for us it was even bigger this year since my husbands team, The Green Bay Packers were playing! And I might add, WON!!! WOOT :-D So for the special day I made some brownies and did a little decorating, I had planned much more but I woke up Saturday with a terrible migraine and ended up just throwing these together Sunday.

Not the best decorating, but they were cute and yummy!

Be sure to check out the blogs to see more great pics!

Thanks for stopping by!

A weekend visit

2011-02-08T03:47:00.000-06:00

This past Friday my Godmother Mary (my moms cousin) came for a quick little visit. Her husband and her do dog sheltering and rescue for mostly Brittanys They are beautiful dogs and Abby the one who was with her Friday night was fun and full of energy! That's probably what happens when you take almost a 4hr drive! Abby was on her way to a new home in New York! Mary also picked up another on Saturday who was not yet spoken for, but some calls had come in that were interested. They have been doing this for a few years now, it is all volunteer work!

Here are a couple pictures I got, Quinn just had no clue what to think or do! lol He has never been around dogs much and is allergic to cats, so he was a bit unsure of her. It was pretty cute though, all she wanted to do was play and he was just too nervous!

(sorry for the background mess lol)

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-02-03T01:19:00.000-06:00

Or close enough! lol

We've had frigid temps here the past couple of days, some snow, but just plain COLD!!!

Took these Monday after work, it was snowing, again and the cold was just starting to settle in.

For more Wordless Wednesday visit:

Thanks for stopping by!

Fix-It Friday #84

2011-01-29T04:12:00.000-06:00

This weeks FIF picture is courtesy of Keli

Here is the original:

Edit 1:

Applied Paint The Moon's Banish Magenta action @ 65% merged

Duplicated layer, used Screen @ 45% merged

Applied Paint The Moon's Contrast boost @ 55% merged

and lastly Paint The Moon's Deep Pop no adjustments

Edit 2:

Continued from Edit 1 then added Paint The Moon's Sandbox Simple action (can ya tell I love PTM's actions?!)

Edit 3:

Duplicate layer Screen @ 60% merged

Adjustment layer on Brightness & Contrast

Crop & added a Gradient layer

Be sure to clink the I Heart Faces icon to check out more amazing edits!

Thanks for stopping by!

Awesome Giveaway over at MCP Actions!!!

2011-01-26T23:40:00.000-06:00

Be sure to head over and check it out!

Shutter Love, Sweet Shot & Touch Up Tuesday

2011-01-25T04:45:00.001-06:00

This weeks theme over at Trendy Treehouse is Overlays, thought I'd try to get back into the swing of things and post a pic I just love of my little man, he's winking at mama! :)

Added an overlay/texture adjusted the opacity to soft light at about 40%, duplicated that same layer and dropped the opacity down to about 20%.

I'm never sure on working with overlays/textures if you should erase from the face/skin in pictures, to me this one looks ok, but sometimes it just looks off, but then erasing it can look off. What are your suggestions?

Here is my SOOC & Edit Side by Side

Thanks for stopping by!

Fix-It Friday #83

2011-01-21T23:54:00.000-06:00

This week we have an awesome picture from Angie Arthur to edit

I didn't have a chance to write down my edits as I went, the first is mainly adjustment layers using screen and soft light and adjusting the opacity. The second is a black white conversion along with a bit of a crop. Hope you enjoy!

Original:

First edit:

Edit 2:

For more amazing edits check out I Heart Faces

Thanks for stopping by!

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-01-19T03:00:00.000-06:00

Just another week in our house. I worked all weekend and am looking forward to having this next off. I have made the decision to attempt to get our house in better shape, organization wise so I am tackling one big project on my weekends off and small ones during the week. I start this week going through Quinn's bedroom that he shares with his older 1/2 bothers and boy oh boy that should've been one I waited for a weekend to start! I'm still in the process of getting it back into shape and all the stuff to get rid of off the top bunk b/4 his brothers show up on friday! Hmmmm....wonder if I'll make it? lol

Hiding under his desk

My Little Iron Man!

For more Wordless Wednesday visit:
Mom Spotted

Thanks for stopping by!

Fix-It Friday #82

2011-01-15T03:04:00.000-06:00

It's time again for Fix-It Friday over at i heart faces! This adorable photo is courtesy of Rachel Durik of Savor Photography. We all get the chance to play with the photo a bit and learn new tips and tricks from all those participating! I use PSE 7 for my editing.

Here is the original

Edit 1:

First I duplicated the image and used Screen w/opacity 65% then merged

Next I adjusted the contrast, increasing it 50%

Cropped the image and here you have it...

Edit 2:

Continuing from Edit 1

I applied Paint the Moon's Hair & Eye Pop Action then merged

Next applied Paint the Moon's Sandbox Simple Action, tweaked the layers and Merged.

Adorable! :)

Be sure to check out all the other awesome editing over at

Thanks for stopping by, leave me a comment letting me know what you think!

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-01-05T02:58:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday!

Playing Wii!

Santa brought us a new Wii (ours died last year sometime) and it's the red anniversary edition! :)

Ok so I've had no time to get any new pics uploaded this week, does it seriously have to be such an issue for me? Maybe if I didn't work between up to 3 different computers, felt more secure bringing the camera to work with me, just plain old had more time? Maybe I'd get them done a lot sooner, but who knows, it seems to be my one nemesis! I have kept with my 365 project, its just a matter of getting them all uploaded! ;)

For more Wordless Wednesday visit:

Thanks for stopping by!

Five Question Friday!

2010-12-31T09:19:00.000-06:00

Happy New Years Eve!!!

1. How long does your Christmas tree stay up?

Always til after the first of the new year, then it all depends on when we have time to get it taken down.

2. Do you have plans for New Year's Eve?

Sure do, working! We have to sign up for at least 2 holiday shifts and mine are almost always the overnight into Thanksgiving and New Years Eve, plus its my weekend to work anyway so why mess with it! Plus DH has to work as well so not like I'm missing out on us going 'out'. :)

3. Do you have any New Year's resolutions?

Yes the same ones I have every year in hopes that some year will be the year they actually happen ;) Loose weight, organization, clean out the junk and spend more time with the family.

4. How did you spend New Year's Eve when you were younger?

I remember always watching the ball drop on TV.

5. What was the best way you've ever spent New Year's Eve?

Cuddled up with DH, that is always nice! We've gone out in the past to bars but they are always so overcrowded and just too noisy. Geez I think I must be getting old!!! :p Plus we live in South Dakota, its always COLD on New Years here! So cuddled up nice and warm is a good thing! lol

For more 5 Question Friday be sure to head over to My Little Life

May you all have a Safe & Blessed New Year!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wordless Wednesday!

2010-12-29T02:35:00.000-06:00

Here are our Wordless Wednesday pics these are from Christmas so there are more than normal :)

Our little tree surrounded by gifts!

Jacob loves his camera!

Think Quinn was excited to get a couple Zhu Zhu pets?! lol

Ian got DS games

Most of the aftermath, which wasn't so bad, my little helper was great at picking up the paper as we opened! lol

Hope everyone had a Wonderful Christmas!

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Sweet Shot Tuesday

2010-12-28T12:36:00.000-06:00

Time for Sweet Shot Tuesday!

This is a picture of the centerpiece I got for my mom for Christmas, the candles are to honor my father who passed July 15 2009 & my grandmother (moms mom) who passed February 14 2007.

For more Sweet Shot Tuesday be sure to head over to My 3 Boybarians!

Thanks for stopping by!

Shutter Love Tuesday

2010-12-28T12:12:00.000-06:00

This weeks theme is Christmas Present or Past. Be sure to head over to Trendy Treehouse to check out all the entries & be sure to VOTE!!! :)

Quinn made himself a 'Bow Beard' lol

Thanks for stopping by!

Fun Follow Friday!

2010-12-24T13:30:00.000-06:00

Head over to the Hostess blogs My Wee View & Simply Stacie and check it out, or click the button above and it will take you to the linky list to add you blog or find new ones to follow!

May You All have a Very Merry & Safe Christmas & Blessed Yuletide!

Wordless Wednesday!

2010-12-22T01:12:00.001-06:00

I'm a day late :( but wanted to wish everyone a Blessed Yule & Happy Solstice

Now onto Wordless Wednesday....

Merry Christmas to our Blogger Friends!

Quinn with his 'cousins' one of my BFF's 2 daughters...so much fun getting a pic of 3 kids aged 6 and under! lol

For more Wordless Wednesday Visit
Two of a Kind

My Little Life

Happily Domestic

Thanks for Stopping by & Have a Wonderful & Safe Christmas Holiday! :)

Fix-It Friday #81

2010-12-18T05:59:00.000-06:00

Time for Fix-It Friday!

Here are a couple of the edits I did on the picture provided. I use PSE7 and for these I used actions from my favorite Paint the Moon!

Original

Edit 1 Bliss Simiple

Edit 2 Cotton Fields

For more Fix-It Friday be sure to visit iheartfaces

Thanks for stopping by!

Five Question Friday

2010-12-17T09:50:00.001-06:00

Sorry I haven't been around much as of late, been busy and just in an off kind of mood. I'm working on making some changes in my life and one of them is to keep with my blogging, esp. since I rarely even journal anymore, something I used to do faithfully. Honestly I don't think I have since my father passed in July 09, many things have not been the same since then, even our Holidays this year are nothing like they normally would be, at least not decoration wise, none of us seemed 'in the mood' to do much so we did some for Quinn and left it at that. I hope 2011 brings us all a much happier year.

Ok onto 5 Question Friday....

Rules for 5QF: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then watch for the linky to appear Friday morning!

Questions for Friday, December 17th:

1. Do you regift...and if so, do you have a regifting horror story?

I don't think I have actually, I have a couple things now that I might end up re-gifting next year! lol

2. Do you know what you are getting for Christmas this year?

Yes a couple of things I do know, but a few that I don't. Hubby isn't the best at finding things to get for me so I usually have to point them out or go get it myself! lol

3. Who brings the most gifts in your family, you or Santa?

I do, Santa brings a few, usually one big and a few smaller things and stocking stuffers. There is no way that I'm standing in line for 3hrs freezing the day after Thanksgiving and letting Santa get credit for it!!! (this year at least lol)

4. What store do you love to by jeans from?

I love Old Navy jeans as of late, I'm so hard to buy jeans for, being a big girl its very hard to find the right fit anywhere.

5. Christmas meal: Big, All Out Meal or Snacks and Apps?

My mothers birthday is Christmas Day so the past few years we've been doing our big meal Christmas Eve and then snacks and easy stuff on Christmas Day. We've always opened gifts Christmas Eve, this year that may change since hubby may have to work, we don't know yet though. If he does, we'll still do our big meal and each open 1 gift then save the rest for Christmas Morning, which will be totally new for me!

For more 5Question Friday head over to My Little Life

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a Wonderful Weekend!

Wordless Wednesday!

2010-12-08T04:12:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Mommy!

Me & My Little Man on my birthday last week

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Thanks for stopping by!

Fix-It Friday #79

2010-12-03T15:58:00.002-06:00

Time for Fix-It-Friday from I Heart Faces

Original

Contrast & Brightness Boost

Sunset Glow & Crop

Sandbox & Crop & Dial Down

The actions I used today are from Paint the Moon, I just got some new ones from her and I LOVE THESE!!!

For more Fix-It-Friday visit there site!

Thanks for stopping by & have a Wonderful Weekend!

Wordless Wednesday!

2010-12-01T04:12:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Wordless Wednesday!

I'm back after a little time away, I've really got to get better at this blogging thing!

Here are some shots of adorable little 3mo old Maddy. I work with her new very proud momma Nicole and am honored to be able to capture their memories.

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