New Floor

Yesterday was a very exciting day in our home kitchen renovation project; the new floor was put in.  I have to say, now it really feels like we're almost done.  Walking around in my "new kitchen" last night, I can't help but feel like I've stepped into a showroom.   Jaco did a great job, and I'm really thankful that through the entire process my kitchen remained 100% functional, (meaning I could still cook, wash dishes etc.)  I'm sure cooking and cleaning will be a lot more fun in my new favorite room.  So, Nathan took a spin on the new floor yesterday afternoon, and he sure gets around a lot quicker on it, it's nice and smooth.  Luke calls it an "ice rink".  Friends of ours were gracious enough to gift us this flooring after they bought a new house and decided it just wasn't their taste.  Thanks again R & M.  We love it!

The Sniffles

Nathan has not been quite himself the last couple days, he has a bit of a cold.  He is really cuddly when he's under the weather though, which I love.  We have so much to be thankful for however, this is the very first time he has been sick since he was born.  I'm sure breastfeeding has something to do with it, we have all been sick like crazy this winter, but Nathan seems to avoid it every time.  7 whole months without any sickness for him is a real blessing.  Especially in light of the fact that at only 3 weeks old Lucas was admitted to MSA hospital because of a viral infection.    We are so thankful for his good health so far and hope he feels better soon.

Birthday Cards

These Birthday cards were for my sister's Teresa and Rebecca, who celebrated their birthdays on Jan. 14.  I used American Crafts "Crichton" paper, lime green polka dotted ribbon (that I love so much and can't figure out where to buy more of it, so if you know... let me know, k?)  And my trusty Marvy Uchida Giga scalloped punch, Stamps are all from one of my favorite stamp companies: PaperTrey Ink.  Check them out, they have the best stamps around!  And, what would a post be without another photo? I really love this one of Luke, it's just so "him" right now.

My almost Three-Year old.

I know, I haven't posted so much in a long time... but I really am enjoying taking photos of my two favorite subjects.  And I'd like to get better at this photography thing, so I am practicing lots.  Here is a photo I took of Lucas.  I was going for a vintage kind of a look in Photoshop.  I love his eyes, they are so great on camera.  Can you believe he is almost three already?  And while I'm on the subject of Lucas, here is a little update:  He is talking up a storm, he loves to play legos, trucks, cars, and of course hockey.  His favorite song is "Oh Canada", his favorite movie is "Cars".  His favorite meal is a chocolate sandwich, and his favorite snack is "Pirates of the Caribbean" fruitsnacks.  He is extremely independent, convincing us to let him dress himself, pour his own juice, and spread his own chocolate on his sandwich.  A funny thing he said the other day... while I was in the bathroom carefully applying some cream to a pimple, he asked "Mommy, what are you doing that for?"  To which I replied, "Mommy is putting some cream on my owie", "How did you get owies on your face Mom?"  "I don't know why I get pimples, I replied... probably because of hormones or something."
"Oh.... (he said thoughtfully), I see..... 'Hormones'."  And with that he happily went on his way. 

Blue Eyed Boy

Just walked in from church this morning, and captured Nathan sitting on the couch.  (sigh)... I have to remember to take lots of him, he is growing so fast.

My Perfect Subject

Lucas is my perfect subject for taking photographs with my new camera.  He loves to see them on the camera when we're done, so he keeps asking me to take more. I'm definitely loving that.. it gives me lots of practice!  I'm blown away by this camera, and keep falling more and more in love with it as I learn more.

Hard Workin' Man

Jake has been working tirelessly on the kitchen renovation since the beginning of December.  We're now heading into the final stages, pretty soon it will be complete!

Photos at the park with my new camera

So, we finally got some sunshine!  And just in time to try out my new camera at the park.  Here are my first photos from yesterday, I'm just a newbie at this SLR stuff, so I definitely have a lot to learn!  But, I love these shots, especially the first one of Jaco pushing Lucas on the swing.  I know it's a little blown out, and there are shadows on Luke's face, but I still love it.

   

Sunday Night Sunset

If you live on the Westcoast you've probably been experiencing the same torrential downpours we have.  I took this photo Sunday night, and would absolutely love to see it again, soon.  Today has literally been one full day of non-stop rain.  Not that I'm complaining or anything... Oh and a shout out to my sisters: Happy Birthday Rebecca and Teresa!

Some six months later... on the same couch.

Playing with Photoshop Elements

Tonight I've been researching, learning... learning and learning!  I'm totally ecstatic about Photoshop Elements and what it can do, I've been taking random photos and trying to upgrade them using some of the techniques.  I'm very far from where I'd like to be at this.. really, I'm just at the early beginning stages, I haven't even scratched the surface yet.  I've ordered some books to help me get a better handle on the program, and very soon I hope to be the proud new owner of a Digital SLR which will definitely be a huge upgrade from my little Fuji FinePix 8.3.  I can't wait to start playing!  Here's a before & after of Nate when he was not even one week old.