no place like home

Starting a post off with a complaint - admittedly, not a good way to start. That's why I'm starting with TWO complaints.

One: Is anyone else having problems uploading pictures to their blog?? As in, it takes forever & sometimes you get an error message? 

Two: Eew.

Today I saw the first bitty snowflakes of winter. They were stealthy little frickers, but they couldn't escape my eagle eyes. Get the heck out of here; it isn't even November yet.

Now that I've gotten that out of my system: home was amazing. 

Sweet western NY.

On Saturday, Victoria and I had a Good Apple sale in Rochester. Thanks to Mom, Jen, Kathleen & Katie for coming to see us & support us!

Hard at work...

Saturday evening we had a delicious meal at home. Dad & I made pie together, and we had family game night.

Sunday morning was cold, sunny & beautiful.

In the afternoon, clouds rolled in, but thankfully we were able to get a nice walk in before the rain hit.

Mookey & Elly were fast friends and a riot to watch together.

All in all - a fabulous weekend with people I love. Only one month until I see my fam again!

my first gig

So, today was my first paid experience as a "photographer". Yesterday when I told my small group about it, they remarked that they didn't know I was trying to do this. I didn't really know I was either; it just sort of happened.

My co-worker asked if I'd be interested in doing family portraits for her & I jumped at the opportunity. I offered to do the session for free, but she wouldn't have it. So, thank you, Marisa, for allowing me to spend the afternoon with your beautiful family.

The kiddos were a bit... squirrelly, but we were able to get some good shots.

Here's a taste:

Kallie, looking like a tiny dancer.

Riley's smirk.

Kris & Marisa

I love this picture because it captures exactly how the session went. Marisa smiled and tried to cajole the kids into sitting still and smiling, and Kris chased them after they inevitably squirmed away and ran off.

& this picture perfectly depicts exactly how Kallie & Riley felt about the whole thing.

Thanks again, guys - it was a really fun afternoon!

cardboard testimonies

Found this on Nicole Barczak's blog & wanted to share...

random things 2

As some of you (Victoria) may know, I LOVE Old Navy. 

Especially when they have amazing sales.

For example - I picked up 2 pairs of shorts today because I saw they were only $4.99 each!

And then I got to the register and my TOTAL was $4.22.

Too bad I'll have to wait through 7 months of snow & freezing before I can wear them.

~

In other news - I am practically jumping out of my skin in anticipation of this upcoming weekend; in fact, just earlier today I sang a little jingle of excitement, which caused Doug to look at me in bewilderment and ask, "Did you just sing 'Western New York, here we come'?"

I have a half day of school on Friday.

Victoria & I have a craft sale for Good Apple on Saturday - hope to see a lot of people there!

Cider n' Donut is Saturday night.

Sunday is family time and watching the Bills!

~

Here's a poem I wrote about my desire to be back in WNY, while trying to be content with where we are right now.

I'm dreaming once more in a golden haze

Of wandering through orchards and fields of maize.

As I drive past rows of houses on end,

I envision each a tree - weighted branches bed

With the pregnant strain of crisp, ripe fruit,

And the farmhands ransack as if gathering loot.

While I idle in a sea of metal and wheels,

My mind drifts eastward to Mom's homecooked meals.

A country girl in suburban sprawl

Longing to pacify her heart's deep call.

For with my love I live, and with my love I roam,

But still my heart daily cries for home. 

Someday, someday - hope's fondest sigh

In which promise and faith mingle, mount and fly.

TGI... T?

This is the first night since school started that I haven't had to do any lesson planning or grading! I am [momentarily] caught up! 

To celebrate, Doug & I drove to Plymouth Orchards to enjoy the beautiful autumn day.

Upon turning onto this road & seeing the farm, I let out a little cry & bemoaned the fact that Doug hadn't shared this treasure with me sooner. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the closest you'll get to a real farm in Plymouth, MI.

This pic is for Mom...

Amazing homemade cinnamon donuts!

I love fall.

I also cut Doug's hair tonight - or, as he likes to say, we "kept his lettuce tight." Not really sure what that means, but I like it.

   

I guess it was time. That first picture looks straight up like a mug shot.