In short.

It's been unusually dry here lately and our lawn was dying... so we bought a sprinkler head. Saturday was a scorching 96. Yeah. That's hot. See, that's the problem with Florida summers... it's just so stinking hot you can't barely stand going outside. And for the record... it was AFTER the recommended 4pm when these were taken.

Anyway. Sprinkler head. The kids were so darned ecstatic. Pictures, of course.Trying out some different processing techniques here... bear with me. Or let me know what you think... whatever. The haze you see, is actually just water.

That one might be my favorite.
Yeah. That was fun.

Business News!

In the next couple of weeks, I'm hoping to open up my schedule for booking new shoots. I know. You're all jumping for joy. I'll be updating my website to include new pricing/packaging.

Basically, here's the deal, folks. I've got 4 kids. I'm beyond swamped. But I love taking pictures. And I love editing them. And I love my clients. And I've had so many requests for digital files. Taking all of these things into consideration, I've decided to take my business into the "Mostly Sells Digital File Packages" realm. Yes, I'll still offer prints. Especially the Fine Art Gallery Wrap Canvases and LARGE PRINTS that people want to entrust to a professional print lab, rather than your local Wal-Mart (please, if you print your pictures at Wal-Mart, never tell me.)

So, basically, for one flat price, you'll receive your digital files to print as you would like... I'm still working out some details, but get excited, because it's a big deal!

Also!! I'm looking for a couple of 2009 Graduating HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS who would like their senior pictures taken... DEEP DISCOUNT, baby! Contact me for details.

ALSO! I'll be running a contest in the next couple of weeks. The winner will earn a free session with me! So, keep your eyes out for that.

Also! I can't post today without this picture. I'm ordering this for my house... BIG.

Randomness and Incontinuity.

That's about all I'm good for lately.

1. Today is my 8th Wedding Anniversary. Happy us! I really do love him more now than the day we married. He's pretty awesome, as husbands go.

2. Lucas's one month doctor appointment today. Shrimp is 7 lbs. 15ozs. Weight gain is great even though he's only in the 5th percentile for weight... he is, however, in the 75th for height at 22.25 inches. Kid's a freaking bean pole. Are we surprised, really?

3. School is out in one month. From today. I know I should be terrified of an entire summer with no real agenda... but holy cow, I'm looking forward to it. I really loathe that picking up Abbie from school cuts into afternoon naps/errand runs/etc. I'm trying to get the girls in a group music class and dance. Possibly forking out major dough for swimming lessons. So, there'll be something for them to do. I'm also headed back to the gym as often as possible to "work off that flab hanging over the bed" (100 points if you can name that movie reference). So, the kids will be spending quite a few mornings playing at the awesome Kid's Stuff.

4. I have pictures. I'm guessing you would like to see some. Some are old. Some are newer-ish.
Hah! My dad always makes sure to encourage me to take pictures of them when they're not so happy... so that one is for him.
Doesn't that just scream summer? Bubbles and cookie faces?

Hey look! It's me!
ZZZZ....
I IZ HUNGREZ! FEED ME! Or as Miles would say, "He wants to nurse on your milks."
Let's see... what else do I have?

Pile on dad! This is so classic. Pretty sure this is a required picture for all dads.
No, he wasn't getting into anything. That was his dinner. Yes, you guessed it, spaghetti.
Did I mention he has started giving us honest to goodness smiles when we talk to him? He has. Melt my icy heart.
And finally:
Dude's just chillin' with Mr. Zac Efron.

OOH!!!

Ya'll have to head on over to my uber-talented friend Les's blog. She's giving away one of her paintings.

I know which one I've got my eye on!

Good News/Bad News.

The good news is that I no longer look pregnant.

The bad news is that now I just look fat. No, really. I've got an inner tube around my mid-section like nobody's business and my thighs... well, they're just plain scary. Yesterday, I pulled out my old clothes. I don't have a single pair of pants that fit. Not one. My current wardrobe consists of about 7 elastic waist skirts and a pair of capris that I bought last week. I have 3 shirts that don't accentuate the fact that while pregnant I (stupidly) gave myself free-reign to eat as much as I wanted.

Secret Food Confessions (Foods I partook of while pregnant, that I'm now regretting).
At least 2 entire one pound bags of Peanut M&Ms.
Entire batches of chocolate chip cookies.
A whole lot of banana splits.
CURSE YOU PRINGLES!

So, with today being 4 weeks since the kid was born, it's time to buckle down. With that said, starting Monday, I'm giving up sugar. I can't believe I'm typing that. Sugar. How I love thee. How my humongous thighs need thee. It's an addiction and I refuse to be pushed around by it. I know I can't "work out" for another two weeks, but I'll be walking everyday until then (and after too - it's how I get Abbie), and starting May 19th, I'll be at the gym at least 3 times/week.

I'm hoping to lose at least 10 pounds by the time my family reunion rolls around in mid-July. 10 pounds in 10 weeks? Sounds feasible, right? I just know I do NOT want to be "The Fat Sister."