12 Weeks to Better Photography - Week 3

Wow. I can't believe it's been 3 weeks since I started this series! This week we will be focusing on White Balance. This is something I never touched in my amateur photography adventures, but it has definitely shined a new light on things. Basically, there are different types of light depending on the source. There's a whole scientific explanation behind it, but I won't get into that.

Certain types of light give off a hue or tone to the objects it casts light on. The sun gives the most "pure" light - white light. It allows us to see colors for what they truly are. Though even the sun can cast color in a different way. Indoor lights all do different things the the hue of color as well, depending on the source of the light. Fluorescent light bulbs and incandescent light bulbs are each going to make your photo look one way or another.

So, this week I got to try my hand at using the custom white balance setting on my camera. Basically, you take a picture of a white sheet of paper and tell your camera that, in these lighting conditions, this is what white looks like and the camera will adjust accordingly.

Here's what I came up with:

Image 1 - Aperture Priority:
Aperture: f/1.8
ISO: 1600
Shutter Speed: 1/4000
White Balance: Auto

Image 2 - Aperture Priority:
Aperture: f/1.8
ISO: 1600

Shutter Speed: 1/4000
White Balance: Tungsten Setting

Image 3 - Aperture Priority:
Aperture: f/1.8
ISO: 1600
Shutter Speed: 1/4000
White Balance: Custom

There isn't a whole lot of difference between the first and third picture. But, you can definitely see that the color is more correct. The third picture better represents what the item (a lamp berger) actually looks like.

I am so excited about this project. I have learned SO MUCH!!

Wedded Wednesday

Running a home. I think this is one of the greatest struggles we dealt with as a newly married couple. Determining the routine of our house. Who would cook? Who would clean? Who is in charge of finances? We had our fair share of tiffs in association with learning the ropes of home ownership, but almost 2 years into our marriage, I think we have ironed most of it out (haha, only to have it upset again by a baby, hopefully).

We were as green as it gets when it comes to homeownership (and I'm not talking eco-friendly). Neither of us had lived on our own before, even through college we both lived at home. We had never experienced caring for ourselves. I must say, I think I adjusted a lot more quickly and efficiently than Rob. While I had never lived on my own, I definitely knew the basics of running a home. Cooking, cleaning, laundry, general maintenance. Though Rob would never admit it, I'm still the one who does most of the housework. Even cutting the grass. I have to laugh because I'm the one that had to light the pilot on the water heater when it went out and I put the Christmas lights up. I think I even changed the headlights on his car and put air in his tires. What can I say?

The business has definitely affected the balance of these activities. But that's okay. There are times when I feel frustrated about the lack of help on his part, but a small mention of my feelings and he's asking how he can help. He's good like that (I think it's a guy thing that you have to ASK for things to get done). He's awesome about cleaning up after dinner and usually takes the dogs out.

This is what marriage is all about, right? Finding your niche. Making it work. Learning together. We'll see what I'm saying about things when we throw a little one into the mix. :)

12 Weeks to Better Photography - Week 2

**Let me preface this by saying that this is a really long post. It helps me to gain understanding by writing it out, explaining it myself. So, I hope I don't confuse you and if you want, go straight to the source of the information.

This week scared me a bit. I'm all over aperture. It makes sense and is what I focus on a lot. This week, however, we were diving into the world of ISO and Shutter Speed. I know what shutter speed is - how quickly the shutter (the little door that opens in front of your film/image sensor) operates. ISO - film speed - not as much. The thing is, is that in order for you to get a properly exposed picture you have to understand how these three things work together. It's a balancing act, when one changes, the others may need to change as well or you'll end up with blurry or dark or blown out pictures. So, here goes nothing.

Let's start with ISO. Like I said, ISO is film speed or, how quickly your image will be captured. The higher the ISO, the quicker the image is captured; the lower the ISO, the slower.

Higher ISO = Quicker capture = Less light required
Lower ISO = Slower capture = More light required

The numbers used to represent ISO are 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600. This handy little chart helps you to know when to use what setting:

As you can see in the chart: More light = Lower ISO, Less light = Higher ISO.

You want to use the lowest setting allowable as the higher the ISO you use, the more possibility there is for grainy images (image noise) since there isn't enough time for the camera to capture the details.

Now, shutter speed. Also, like I said, this is how fast the little door (shutter) closes. It ranges from several seconds (bulb setting) to fractions of a second (1/4000th). A faster shutter speed will freeze action (think sports players flying through the air). A slower shutter speed will create a blurred effect (think an image of a highway with bands of light from the cars driving by).

Rules of thumb:

• Use a tripod for shutter speeds 1/50 of a second and below to prevent blurred images.
• If you are taking a picture with the camera in hand, use a shutter speed 1/60 of a second or faster. Hold your breath when taking the picture and if your subject is moving at all (a wiggly child, for example) up your shutter speed.
• For fast moving subjects, use a shutter speed 1/1000 of a second or faster.

Now that we have the details out of the way, lets dig in to the practice part. 

The question we are focusing on this week is: "When should I use a fast shutter speed?" 

I am operating my camera in Tv mode, or shutter priority mode. This means I choose the shutter speed I want and the camera will set everything else (aperture) so that the exposure is correct. The lighting wasn't fantastic for my images this week, but I did my best. Observe shutter speed:

Image 1: 

Shutter Speed: 1/1250 sec.

ISO: 1600 (I was indoors with poor lighting)

f-stop: f/2.2

Notice how the water coming off the glass is "stopped" mid-motion? You can see the bubbles and droplets.

Image 2:

Shutter Speed: 1/80 second

ISO: 1600

f-stop: f/8

Notice how the water is "flowing" in the picture?

The faster the shutter speed, the faster the camera takes the picture; the slower the shutter speed the slower the camera takes the picture.

Now, notice what changed in the properties of the images? The f-stop. In order to allow enough light for correct exposure, the camera changed the aperture. The top image has a much shallower depth of field the than the bottom.

Phew! This lesson goes into a lot more detail about operating in manual mode and adjusting the shutter speed, ISO, and aperture on your own. But, this post is long enough. I may go into this another day. I hope I was clear!

Are these posts helpful? Do you have any suggestions?

Spring is Here!

The weather FINALLY relented and on Sunday I got to get out in the yard and clean up our landscaping a little bit! It was beautiful. The sun was shining, the weather was warm (well, warmer) and guess what I saw? Green stuff! My bulbs are starting to poke through!!

We've got crocuses and hyacinths that usually come up first. I can't wait for some color!!

Isabella

I realized it's been a while since I posted about Isabella. She's already well past 2 and is hamming it up for the family. We are in love with her. She's so sweet and is talking up a storm.

And, SO beautiful!

Morning Routine

My boys do NOT like to get up in the morning. On the weekends they'll sleep till 10. During the week Rob gets them out of bed and puts them outside before they go into their crate for the day. He always tells me how much they hate getting up. Then, the sent me this picture today.

Apparently when Rob brought Dudley back inside and walked him into our room to go in the crate he jumped back in bed and gave him this look. Pathetic, isn't it? "But I want to go back to bed dad!"

James doing his homework

My nephew is growing up SO fast. He is in preschool and they have to do homework every week which is basically writing his name and the letter of the week. Check him out.

He's concentrating so hard!

I am one proud auntie!!


Did I say concentrating??

I laugh out loud every time I see this picture. Can't they stay little forever?

Wedded Wednesday - Rob Says

I'm totally stealing this idea from Meredith (you should check out her blog anyway, this is also where I got the photography lessons from). So I thought I'd give Rob a little space on the blog. I mean, I talk about him an awful lot, he deserves it right?

1. As most of my blog readers know, you started a business. What is it? Why did you do it? Have you learned any good life lessons?
We are trying to bring something new to the gaming world.  We want people to have a place to go to to participate in video game events, tournaments, midnight launch parties, etc. and have fun.  Every event is also free.  We have always had a passion for video games and simply looked at 1. What do gamers want?  2. Is anyone giving it to them?  Gamers want much more and that is what we're here for.  I have learned to have patience, things move slowly with a business but always work out for the best.

2. We're going on 2 years!! What is the best part of being married? What has been the worst? Any advice for the newlyweds out there?
The best part of being married is not having to constantly say goodbye and go a day or sometimes two without seeing that person.  The worst part is money, buying and filling a house with stuff is expensive...  My advice would be to double, triple, and quadruple check yourself financially before deciding to buy a house and get married. 

3. We're trying to have a baby. How do you feel about this? What do you expect? How do you think our lives will change with a new little life?
I feel like I am slowly preparing myself mentally for this and I honestly don't know what to expect.  I think we will be even busier but I also think it will bring us together in a way that nothing else can.

4. If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?
Spending more time with my grandpa before he died...

5. Is your life today where you imagined it would be five years ago?
My life is right about where I hoped it would be, sans being a published writer. 

6. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Hopefully, retired, with kids, and happy. 

7. What is your favorite meal that I make? What is your least favorite?
I love it when you make scrambled eggs, also your salsbury steak is amazing.  Their really isn't anything you make that I don't like.

8. What is a lesson you learned as an adult that you wished someone would have taught you growing up?
To be patient, if you're meant to have something you'll get it.  Just sit back and relax, do your best, work hard, and everything will work out in the end. 


Do you like hearing from Rob? It's funny, he is the funniest person I know (and several people can attest to this), but his writing is always so serious... maybe I'll do a verbal interview next time. 

By The Way

I am a bad blogger and completely forgot to give credit to the sources for my last post!

So, the 12 Weeks to Better Photography is from Two Peas in a Bucket and week one is found here, and I can't wait for next's weeks subject on ISO and Shutter Speed.

The lovely lady who is "hosting" this fun blogging adventure is Meredith. I've thoroughly been enjoying her blog!

Check back on Tuesday for my next "lesson."

12 Weeks to Better Photography - Week 1

Aperture, right up there with the rule of thirds, I feel is one of the techniques in photography that I feel has made the biggest difference in my photos. I'm glad they started this course with it. It can be confusing (I found this when trying to explain it to my photography club students at school) because the "rules" behind it are sort of backwards.

Aperture is essentially how much of your picture is in focus. The lower the aperture , the less the picture is in focus (narrower depth of field). The higher the aperture, the more the picture is in focus.

As far as technicalities are concerned, you may have heard the term "f-stop." F-stop and aperture are interchangeable terms. "F-stop" comes from the symbol used to denote aperture. The standard lens' f-stop can be anywhere from f/4 to f/22. The lens I used for today's post is the "nifty-fifty" which has the ability for a lower aperture of f/1.8. This allows for a very narrow depth of field.

Observe (pardon the poor subject matter):

Aperture: f/1.8 = Very narrow depth of field.

Aperture: f/5.6 = Wider depth of field, the background is coming into focus

Aperture: f/22 = The whole picture is in focus (well, sort of, the background is a little grainy)

Thanks for tuning in!

Work Out Clothes

I'll be honest, I don't really like working out. I know if I just did it more, I would learn to like it, but I'm lazy and I don't. I try to work out on a regular basis, but I'm really good at coming up with excuses as to why I shouldn't go. Winter has been a great one. It's just plain cold outside. Who wants to go to the gym with thin work out clothes on and have to walk through frigid temperatures to get there? 


It's a horrible excuse, but another reason I don't really like working out is because I can never find work out pants that fit, mainly in length. I'm not exaggerating when I say that 95% of my wardrobe cost less than $10 and the things I have that cost more are either special occasion items or jeans that I had to spend more on for the length. Even then, I've never spent more than $25 on a pair of jeans. That's just not the way I roll.


So, in my mind, why would I drop even $20 on an item of clothing to wear solely for activities I don't like to do? Capris and shorts are one thing. But pants? Finding work out pants in a 34 inch inseam is a bear. Especially if I don't want to spend more than $10. Please observe my current work out pants. It's downright embarrassing. This is the way ALL of my work out pants look. I even have them pulled down low on my hips (though they never stay there. 

So, I've conquered the work-out bra problem and now I'm off to conquer the work-out pants problem. Or, maybe I'll just deal until summer when my capris will work.

12 Weeks to Better Photography

I'm very excited to be joining Meredith as well as some other bloggers in a 12 week photography course. As I write this I am anxiously awaiting my nifty fifty in the mail. Apparently UPS doesn't come to my house until very late in the evening because it's supposed to be here today and has not arrived yet!

Anyway, I will be going through 12 lessons, one each Tuesday, and posting the results here. I will also be linking to the other bloggers who are participating and hopefully we'll all be doing better by the end!

Feel free to leave comments, suggestions, criticism, etc. on the posts as I'm definitely looking to improve my skills!

Exciting Purchase!

I had some points wracked up on our reward system credit card and splurged on one of these:

It's a Canon 50mm/F1.8 lens for my camera. I'm so excited!! It'll give me a whole new arena of fun to explore in my photography hobby. The lens is nicknamed the "nifty fifty" and it provides awesome pictures with a great narrow depth of field. I'm anxiously awaiting it's arrival in the mail! Then, I'll be sure to post some pictures I've taken with it.

Speaking of pictures, my blog has been a little devoid of them lately, hasn't it? Well, hopefully this will help!

Day 2

Today is the second day of my Clomid cycle. I was really nervous about taking them. The major side effects associated with it are hot flashes and insomnia. So, I had to decide whether to take it in the morning or at night. If I took it in the morning, I was worried about getting hot flashes in the middle of school. If I took at night, I was worried about, well, insomnia.

Luckily, I've been side-effect free!

I'm trying really hard not to get my hopes high. I'm excited, REALLY excited, but I don't want to be disappointed. It feels kind of strange, too, because we didn't PLAN on getting pregnant so soon. But, the reason we're starting to try so quickly is because it may take longer than expected. I'd rather it be much sooner than much later.

I'm having those feelings of breaking rules or something. You know, you spend so long telling yourself that you can't do something - like you've set a rule for yourself - and then you allow yourself to break that rule. I'm having an interesting time getting past that feeling of doing something wrong.

So, operating get pregnant is underway. 10 days of progesterone pills (including horrible back cramping, bleck) - check. 3 days of waiting for my period - check. 2 days of my period - check. Now I have 3 more Clomid pills and I wait. And hope. And pray.

It's all in God's hands.

STOKED!!

Rob's business made the front page of the biggest gaming website in the world!!

Here's the story:

The Gamer Lounge on IGN

BTW, I took all those pictures - so does that mean I'm famous too?

Wedded Wednesday

Wedded Wednesday is a collaboration
of married bloggers sharing their inspirations,
anecdotes, struggles and thoughts regarding
the amazing union of two separate people, as one.

Being married to an entrepreneur has its moments. I am SO proud of Rob. I am proud of his accomplishments and his drive to make the best life he can. I am grateful for the sacrifices he makes for us and his desire to make us "rich so we can retire early and spend all of our time with our kids and families." He has worked so hard.

You know what's coming.

This has been a difficult week for us. We have spent the last week and a half prepping and planning for the grand opening and now it's come and gone. But, the stress still lingers. I tend to be unusually calm under pressure. I feel like I think clearest when I'm in situations that require big decisions. Rob, on the other hand, gets emotional and loses some sense of logic. He tends to get impatient and defensive and my attempts at a calm discussion don't always end nicely. But, we balance each other out and we manage.

Leah reminded me of communication today. There have been moments when I feel like if I just suck it up and hold on to the emotions I'm feeling with the stress in our lives, it will be better. But, then I remember the times I've done that before and the problems it has caused. I know, though, that this too shall pass. Rob will not always be stressed and I will not always be stressed because he is stressed. I take comfort in knowing that at the end of the day, we'll be together side-by-side and loving each other more than ever.

Downside

The biggest downside to being off birth control? Acne. I feel like I'm 16 again... :(

I'm not sure that it was the birth control that was entirely controlling it, so much as the lack of major hormonal swings.

Anybody have any suggestions? I'm just trying my best to keep things under control!

BTW, Valentine's day was this weekend. And, while I said Rob and I weren't doing anything because of the business, he did make me a fabulous dinner of chicken in cream sauce while we watched a movie together on the couch. It doesn't sound like much, but it was wonderful to just relax together after a long day on Sunday.

Gamer Lounge Grand Opening

It was a HUGE success!! The local band, Beckon, played for about 25min before the grand opening and they were fantastic. You should definitely check them out when we get the video up. Then we had the unveiling. It was awesome. Check it out:

The band: Beckon

Before the unveiling:

Again, before the unveiling:

Immediately after the curtain was pulled:

 Stop by if you're ever in St. Peters! We'll be open for 6 weeks.

Check out our website for updates as well.

Woo-hoo!!

We got our tax return today!! Doing taxes sucks, but it sure is worth it in the end. :)

Is anyone else celebrating with me? Too bad we won't have it for long. Is it sad that we've already decided what it will go to?

Come on out!

I've revamped the blog. I wanted a more "springy" look and made a new header and changed some html to give the blog a facelift! All you google readers come check it out!

Wedded Wednesday

I thought I might take on the challenge of this theme I saw on another blog. Here goes.

It is Wednesday, right? Okay, good.

What is Wedded Wednesday? Read for yourself:

Wedded Wednesday is a collaboration

of married bloggers sharing their inspirations,

anecdotes, struggles and thoughts regarding

the amazing union of two separate people, as one.

Saturday will be our 20 month wedding anniversary. I know what you're thinking. Who still counts months? It's kind of our thing. The number 13, that is. Our first date: August 13, 2008. Friday the 13th to be exact. Our first kiss? 13 Days later. We got married on June 13, 2008. Also Friday the 13th. So every 13th of the month is special. Its a little thing we share. I love it.

I remember the first time I understood what it felt like to be in love. To love someone so much that it hurt. It was January 2005. I cling to that feeling. Relish in its glory. In its pain. To have those fleeting thoughts of accidents and this could be the last time when he walks out the door. Only to have them swept away by a kiss.

Our wedding day. When we made that commitment that not matter what, we'd keep remembering that feeling of love so deep your heart hurts. It makes me smile. When I changed my name. I joke about my last name, but I'm proud of it. I'm proud of him.

The fights and arguments. I consider them moments made for future entertainment. The first feelings of accomplishment at doing something together. Buying a house, car, lawn mower. Putting the Christmas tree up together.

Cherishing the time we have on this earth and knowing I am blessed enough to have him to share it with. That is wedded bliss.

Purely. Simply. Love.

Fears.

Since making my previous post, I feel like a weight has been lifted. I no longer feel like I have this big burden I'm carrying around on my own. But, that doesn't mean that I'm not still apprehensive. That I'm not still scared. This whole situation is terrifying.

The decision to try. That first step to stop taking the pill. That was a big decision. We'd spent the entirety of our marriage without this worry of getting pregnant and all that it entails. Then, we took the step. We crossed the line into the world of trying to conceive. Well wasn't that a joke. To think of all the money spent on birth control pills and now we're going to spend money on just the opposite. Ironic. 

Then come the doubts. After a never-ending cycle, the thoughts of trouble started creeping in. Like I said before, I've always had issues with my cycles. But until now, it never meant anything. I didn't really think about it. I've always wanted to be a mom. More than anything. And finally we decided that it was time, only to hit a road block. What if I never get that chance? That scares me more than anything. More than spiders. That's a lot. 

Okay. Enough of the drama. I got past that fear. I talked to my mom. She calmed my fears. I talked to my doctor. She calmed my fears. There are solutions. So, here we go. Clomid. Enter more fears.

When the doctor prescribed me the Clomid, she said, "If you're not pregnant in three months...." Holy crap. That was, like, fast. I got really excited. And really scared. I had kind of settled back into that "it's not possible to get pregnant mode." No ovulation means no baby. Now its real again. It's like going off the pill again. But this fear is okay. It's apprehension. Excitement. Then fear again.

Clomid can cause multiples. My friend is a NICU nurse and she sees lots of Clomid multiples. Um... multiples? Ack! My brain can't handle it! But, again, after discussion and prayer, we were okay. If God decides to give us multiples, so be it. 

But what if it doesn't work? Then what? Up the Clomid? Explore other drugs? IUI? IVF? How much does this cost? How risky is it? When is it time to just move on? 

Then, after all of these "what-if's" have given me multiple anxiety attacks I feel that calm that only God can provide. Just when I needed it; when God knew I needed it, I came across this verse:

"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:6-7

And I remember, everything is going to be okay.

The Gamer Lounge is Famous!

Well, going to be.

My husband's business will be opening in the Mid Rivers Best Buy on Sunday for a 6-week trial period. We need your support!! This could be potentially huge for us and the business.

In fact, KMOV Channel 4 is going to do a news story on it's good news section tonight at 10pm. They will be interviewing one of the co-owners and giving a sneak peak at what's to come.

We are REALLY excited and hope that this is a huge success. Tune in!

Operation Get Pregnant

Yes, you read right. Rob and I have officially crossed into the world of trying to conceive. It's a big step for me to post on my blog that Rob and I have decided to try to have a baby. I've been struggling with posting this for a while, but I've decided that this is what my blog is for. The decision to try to have a baby is a very personal one. I had hoped that we would just make this decision, try for a little while having this fun little secret between the two of us and eventually announce here that I was pregnant. But it doesn't seem to be going that way.

We've actually been across the line for a little while now, but it's proving to be a little more difficult than we anticipated. Actually, scratch that. Its been just as difficult as I anticipated (part of the reason we decided to start trying - it could potentially take a while). Without going into gory details that even women don't really like to read about, unfortunately my body does not seem to behave like a "normal" woman's body should. I have never gotten regular periods and, as I've discovered through charting, I have not been ovulating.

There's a big scientific equation behind the cycle a woman's body goes through each month and for some the equation is missing certain variables. My doctor thinks I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). For some women this diagnosis results in the complete inability to ever conceive. For others, it's just a little hurtle. My mother has the same diagnosis and she successfully (though with much trying) conceived my brother and I. It is by no means a death sentence to our chances of conception. But, like I said earlier, it may prove more difficult. Whether it's PCOS or not, I'm not ovulating and that's a problem. This is where the big decisions come into play.

What do we do? Keep trying and hope that I eventually ovulate and we catch that chance? This could happen as little as two to three times a year, if that. This makes our chances pretty slim. So, do we chase these chances? Do we seek medical help? What would the medical help entail? Medication? What risks are involved? So, I enter the world of possible infertility treatments. I made an appointment with my OB/GYN and we discussed my options. There were two. I could continue charting and hope that I eventually ovulate and we actually get pregnant. Or, we could try a medication called Clomid. :::Cue worst-case scenario-induced panic:::

What is Clomid? Clomid is a medication which, in essence, induces ovulation. For many women it works immediately and there is success. For a small percentage of these success stories, it may cause multiples. :::Cue more worst-case scenario-induced panic::: For some it doesn't work. It didn't work for my mom.

After much discussion, Rob and I have decided that we are going to attempt a very low dose of the medication and see if anything happens (we pray that it does!). If not, we'll go from there. Am I okay with this decision? After much thought and prayer and deliberation, yes.

I hope I don't bore you with this stuff. I guess I'm looking to have someplace to lighten my mental load because, while it is important for my husband to know and understand what's going on, no matter how much I talk to him about it I know, as a man, he'll never quite understand. He is trying his best to understand and is doing so well at being supportive. But, I think his brain shuts down at any mention of periods or cervical mucus. Do you blame him? I don't. I wouldn't blame you for wanting to stop reading right now. I'm rambling.

So, here we are. Rob and I want to have a baby. Anovulatory cycles = no baby. And so begins round 1 of Clomid (something I'm still coming to terms with). Wish me luck!

Business

You may remember this post a while back talking about my husband's business. A year later, with a lot of time, effort, and negotiations I'm proud to announce a big event. Beginning February 14th, The Gamer Lounge will be taking up a temporary residence inside the Mid Rivers Best Buy. Think The Geek Squad for video games. They will have a small section of the store set up for all things video game related: game play, tournaments, launch parties, general information. It's going to be really fantastic.

There are a lot of ideas being thrown around right now which include giveaways, coupons, and other customer incentives. They've discussed having a place to donate used games to be donated to places like Cardinal Glennon, The Ronald McDonald House, etc. They will be boasting the latest technology in the gaming world and, for all you gift givers out there, can point you in the right direction if you're not quite sure what to get as a gift.

So, come check them out and give us some support! If all goes well, Best Buy may consider expanding the business into more stores! We are VERY excited and VERY nervous. We need all the support we can get. Or, even if you're curious, just come check us out. You may even see me up there!

Revelation

Recently, I had an epiphany of sorts in terms of how unbelievably fast time goes as you get older. Don't you remember being a kid and thinking that a couple of hours in the afternoon seemed like forever? Not to mention your birthday and the exciting day when you got to say you were (insert number here) and a half. As the new year rolled around, like many others, I found myself reflecting on the past year and all of the events that occurred to safely store away in the vaults of my memory.

Then I realized that Rob and I are well on our way to our 2 year anniversary. What!? When did that happen? I felt like I spent the past 5 years waiting to get married, including a 2 year engagement, and here I am nearly 2 years into my marriage! Wow. It feels like just yesterday that Rob and I started dating and we marveled at the feeling of being one of those couples who hit "the year mark." Now we've been together over 5 years.

Watching James and Isabella makes me so happy and sad at the same time. James has been walking around saying things that he's going to do when he's five and a big boy going to kindergarten. ::Sob:: And Isabella is surprising me every time I see her. She's two now. Check her out at Christmas.

And don't get me started on Oliver and Dudley. My firstborn is going on 4 with Dudley trailing close behind at just over 3. As Rob and I look to the future to start a family, I hope to everyday keep in mind that we never get these times back. I love watching James and Isabella grow up and I can't wait to see what their futures hold, but a small part of me wants them to be little forever. It is so bittersweet.

Christmas Cards

I'm a little late on them, but I got my Christmas cards done and sent out! They turned out great (at least I like them). I love expressing my creativity (what little I have) in photoshop. Fun!

It's officially Christmastime!

Not to skip right over the Turkey - believe me, I respect the Turkey - but I'm just too excited about our Christmas decorations!

Quickly, Thanksgiving was wonderful, as usual. We had dinner with my family on Wednesday and his on Thursday and thoroughly enjoyed both!

Rob had to work Friday so did a little shopping (not until 10 thank you!) and we just spent the evening together. On Saturday, the real fun began. Observe:

The tree in all it's glory. I LOVE our tree. It is beautiful and makes me smile.

"Our First Christmas Together" ornament from last year. :)

This years ornament: "Merry Smoochmas"

My angels. I Love my angels.

Another of my favorites.  A few years ago, Hallmark released ornaments called Illuminations. They light up and transition in color beautifully. I got them 90% off when they discontinued them. Gorgeous.

:) Snowman!

I realize it's really dark, but the outside. We have two wreaths and an angel. This is our first year with lights on the roof and I love them!

Introducing the Man Cave

I tried to get a picture in all it's glowing glory, but the flash kind of ruined it. This is my husband's creation. I'm loving the fact that he isn't spending guys night in my living room anymore... :) Sigh... he is such a nerd. And I love him for it!

Cold

As I've mentioned before, I love my job. But, can I just say that its been a finger-numbing 60 degrees in my classroom since about mid-October? I don't handle the cold well and I'm at the end of my rope. Does anyone have a space heater they would like to donate?

On a lighter note, I'm hosting our first annual cookie-baking extravaganza. This is going to be one of three cookie baking dates I'll have this year. I'm super excited. Us ladies are going to bake cookies and hang out upstairs while the men sit in our newly forming man-cave in the basement. Bring on the sweets!

I have to admit

I've got the baby fever. What can I say? There must be something in the water, because every time I turn around someone else is pregnant. Do you know what the beauty of it is? I get to play "auntie!" There is nothing I love more in the world than being an aunt and with those around me becoming mom's I get to play the aunt role a lot. It's fantastic. I'm sure when Rob and I make the decision to start our own family I will discover how much better motherhood is, but, for now, I'm contented being an aunt. But I can't resist drooling over the baby gear. Check out these adorable nurseries!

Rob and I have talked about it before and while I know our feelings may change, we would want to be surprised about the sex. Which works out because I'm not really a fan of "pink" or "blue."

 I love the bright colors and fresh, clean feel. We'll see how Rob feels about it when we get there... :)

And, just as a last minute clarification, I'm NOT pregnant! Just enjoying the pregnancies of those around me!

Benefits of being a teacher

As I'm discovering (though not claiming I didn't already know), there are quite a few benefits to being a teacher. Observe.

• Long holiday breaks - this is the most obvious, and I must say, the most enjoyable. Who doesn't like a long summer/winter/spring/fall break?
• Job security - Now, I can't say I had the easiest time finding a job, even as a math teacher. However, if there were ever a secure job to have, it's in the field of education. We'll always need teachers!
• When we decide to start a family, it will be much easier to work my schedule around my children. Allowing me to work, while still play the integral part of mom.
• Mastering subject matter - there is something about being very knowledgeable about a certain subject that appeals to me. Especially teaching science. It's like going back to school, except that as the teacher I learn it so much better.
• It is so awesome getting to share something I am passionate about. I love math. And, even teaching science (I teach physics to one class) I get to share that passion with my students. Isn't that what everyone likes to do? Share those things they are passionate about?
• Having a job I love. I love what I do. I love my students. I love my coworkers. It's fantastic getting up every morning and knowing I'm going to a place I love. 

And, when I list them, the benefits WAY outweigh the negatives. I am so thankful for a job I love. What are you thankful for?

Back, again

I seem to find myself in the same place with this blog over and over. I continually look at the link sitting on my bookmarks bar at the top of my web browser and think, "I should blog today." But I don't. I have the ultimate lame excuse every time. I just so busy. But am I? Am I that overwhelmed with my everyday life that I can't take 15 minutes out of my day to reflect on it? I notice the weeks and month sliding by so quickly that it scares me to death on how many memories I may be missing. It's been two months since I blogged last. No, three. Ouch. Where to begin? Teaching? Marriage? Family? My boys? Maybe I can successfully condense it down to a somewhat readable post.

• August began a new school year and can I say, I LOVE my job! Granted, I'm realizing just how little I know about science, but how good is it to be able to say that I love going to work? I am teaching 6th, 7th, and 9th grade science. Although, I've convinced myself that I'm a math teacher as well since I'm in the midst of physics with my 9th graders. I am also the librarian for half of the day. It's fabulous. 
• September was just a fleeting moment. Adjusting to my new position and fighting to keep my head above water was a challenge, but I made it and I'm finally settled into a routine. It also brought some major decisions. Rob and I bought new cars. Yes, carS. Multiple. Two. Was this the worst decision we've ever made? Possibly. We both needed them. I got a beautiful, used, 2009 Chevy Malibu, for one heck of a price, I might add. Rob, on the other hand got this baby:

• A 2010 Chevy Camaro, in cyber grey. Now, before you get in a tizzy about these major purchases, Camaros are not as expensive as some may think. We can certainly handle it, but it's definitely a huge change to our monthly budget. And, Rob will probably sell it in a year or two when we decide to start a family. You see,  Camaros hold their value quite well. Just consider it an investment. And, who knew? Our insurance on these two cars is less than our insurance was on our old ones! 
• October was pure insanity. My sister-in-law celebrated a birthday. I celebrated a birthday (23!). My niece celebrated a birthday (2!). Parent teacher conferences. Halloween parties. Its finally over! Here's Isabella on her birthday:

• She's winking! So stinking cute!
• And, here we are in November. Half way through I might add. It's been very exciting so far. Some friends of ours got married. And I got some very exciting news that I'm not allowed to share yet. (No, I'm not pregnant). And, here I am, finally taking a moment to sit and reflect. What a awesome life I'm living. I'll leave you with one happy couple!