Grandkids Photoshoot

I'm so glad that I finally got a few good shots of all five grandkids this Christmas. The suckers were bribes and it worked pretty well. However, Paige was VERY, very sad (and surprised) when her Mom snatched it away right after the shoot was over. I used both of my flashes off camera.

Just Horsin' Around

We were finishing Christmas prep this morning. This was the last gift to wrap but first we had to get Bogie all riled up - first the Santa Claus and then this horse. It's so easy to mess with him. We are greatly entertained by this "little white dog" of ours.

We went out for a nice lunch at the Rafters and then each took a nap. We're anxious for everybody to arrive but really appreciated having this quiet day, too.

You're Beautiful, Grandpa

Paige and Papa had such fun last time we were there - I just had to post a couple more photos. While we shopped, they played with the jewelry and dolls and watched Cinderella a couple more times. I love the variety of dolls she lined up here and how contented Papa looks. He said he also sang Little Drummer Boy to her while she marched around the apartment - priceless.

Christmas Program for Kelby

Got to spend some time with Erin and Kelby last weekend so I could see his church Christmas program. I listened to audio books all the way over and back: I finished A Bend in the Road, by Nicholas Sparks, and also finished Call of the Wild, by Jack London. Now, I'm listening to Charles Frasier's new one, Thirteen Moons. I don't care for the narrator's voice, though, so that's kinda' disappointing to me. Might have to read it instead.

I got some shopping time in with Dawn (always lots of fun). She found some black pants that I desperately needed (to wear to church the next morning) that were only $20.00 - "not even like spending any money, she said."

Olivia's Freckles

This little girl is the daughter of a co-worker and is so sweet. I adore her freckles! I used my entire light setup - two off-camera flashes, pocket wizards, umbrella, backdrop. Whew! Enough light really seems to bring out the details, though.

Hot Chocolate

Paige was quite awed by this huge cup of hot chocolate with Christmas sprinkles.

She then proceeded to eat the whipped cream with her fork - there's no stopping her when she sets her mind on something. Her personality has changed dramatically in the last few months. She's such a character.

Brenda's B&W Actions

This is one of my favorites from this past weekend in Chicago. I used Brenda's B&W Action to convert it. I like the control that the action offers and love the result. Paige has gotten to be quite a character as evidenced by this look on her face, I think.



On this second photo I used Brenda's color boost action.



And, on the third one I used Brenda's vintage action.

Merry Christmas, Erin

I finally finished this dress after many mistakes and problems. I need to sew more often so I don't get so frustrated. I do like the way it turned out, though. I got half-way done with Kelby's matching vest and had a huge problem with the interfacing puckering on the front. I don't think it's even salvageable.

Snow in Freeport

We had a bunch of snow last week but because of my foot surgery I wasn't able to take any photos. I drove around in the country yesterday looking for shots.