Here I go again...

So I've been on typepad for a few months and decided that paying for blog space (while I love how big the images can be) was not worth it because I don't have the time to blog as often. So here I am trying to learn how to work around making my images bigger.
This is my Angel - I did a little photoshopping to enhance the color of the leaves in the background and make her a little warmer. I used two actions that I got from Pioneer Woman Photography (I love that blog!!!). You can download 2 different packages of actions for free!!!And they are amazing!
This is a picture of my Melody - taken in the front yard the other day. She is getting so big!!! This photo is SOOC.

This is Dylan in the same spot as his sisters. I used the same actions on this photo as I did on the one of Angel's except when I used the warmer action, I dialed down the opacity - which made Dylan not look like he was bathing in the sun. I also used my flash (which if you know me, I'd rather not - but sometimes, it can be necessary.) Using my flash filled in Dylan's face (which is backlit from the sunlight). Now, if I could only remember to do it more often....

Since I have tomorrow off, I will attempt to accomplish more fundraising related activities for Brockton Youth Hockey, do the last of my design team assignments for the Scrapbook Cupboard, do laundry (because what day would be complete without some laundry?), and run some errands. I also need to tend to all the stupid time-based games I got myself into on facebook and try to alter the background and layout of this blog.

See you on the other side...

Permanent switch

After 2 weeks or so of testing, I decided to give typepad a shot - mainly because I like how big the pictures can be.

So if you're still interested in my blog - it's new home is here. Thanks for reading and following - I'm hoping that while I'm on vacation for the next few weeks that I will get the chance to post more photos...

See you on the other side....

Possible switch

I haven't blogged in days because I'm thinking about switching to Typepad. I'm free trialing their weblog service - so for at least the next two weeks, my blog will be here.

Thanks for checking it out - please leave comments here or there to tell me what you think of it.

Little Claire's Big Day

In my culture, it's a big deal to be asked to be a Godmother (Ninang, as they call it in Filipino). Yesterday, I became Claire Paige Parniawski's Ninang. Her mom, Agnes (whom I still affectionately refer to as Booger)is Melody's Ninang. Pictures I took:
Quite possibly my favorite shot of the day...those lights in her eyes make me happy.
Boogs was afraid her that Claire's christening gown was "over-the-top". I thought it made her look very angelic.
This is Boogs and Claire. The last time I saw Claire, I thought she looked a lot like her Grampy Mike. I think, as all babies do, Claire has changed and looked different to me.
I think she looked a lot like her Grammie Emma. Although, I think Claire was trying out her scary face and she doesn't look much like her Grammie at all.
Again, those catchlights in her eyes...my favorite part of pictures....
Brunch before the Christening at a restaurant called Almond. To Mike's left are Missy and Ryan - who got married last May (congratulations!!!) If you didn't read my blog in March when Boogs and Mike got married, Ryan is Mike's brother and was his best man (and my partner) in their wedding. I have some pretty good looking friends, if I don't mind saying so myself!!!
This was Claire, Mike and Boogs right after we woke Claire up from a catnap. She was holding me in contempt for this.
This was before the Christening. Claire's nickname (one of them anyway, because everyone calls her something different) is Beet. Notice how nice her hair is before the hair washing....
This was after the hair washing but before the ceremony was over. This is Melody putting on a Baptismal garment on Claire (who proceeded to take it off, drop it and eat it when it was given back to her).
This is my 2nd favorite photo of the day - she looks so naughty - just how you're supposed to look after the priest washes you clean of original sin...
This is after the ceremony (check out Claire's do). I'm just waiting for Beet to drop that candle on Angelica's head....she didn't, but it would have been funny...

Boogs and Mike, thank you for choosing me to be Claire's Ninang. I am honored (once again, by you guys) to be part of such an important event in your history.

They aren't mine - but they are still cute!!!

Yesterday, my friend, Tracy's kids came for a visit at work. I just happened to have my camera from Melody's graduation:
This is Alan - Back in 2007, he was Baby New Year for the hospital where he was born. He's where I chased him to the writing desk in our lobby and he was coming out from underneath.
This is Kerry Ann (I hope I spelled that right) - can you believe that she is only 5 months old? It's the super milk, mom!!!!

I'll post on FB for you, Trac - hope I get to take more pictures of them soon!

just a thought

I am seriously thinking about switching my blog over from blogger to typepad. I know that you have to pay a small monthly fee to typepad, but I think in all my aging blindness, I would appreciate the bigger photos. I'll think about it...leave me a comment if you have an opinion....

Melody Graduates!!!!

Today, Melody "gwadjuwated" nursery school.
I feel like time is just going on - she's already 4 and now a graduate. This was her existing the school yard at the end of the outdoor ceremony. It was great that the rain held off! And yes, that is Angelica's shirt that doesn't fit her and barely fits Melody.
This is Melody and Miss Mary, one of her 3 teachers this year. On her report card, Miss Mary commented on Melody's confidence and self-reliance and cooperative manners. At least she's like that out in the world - makes me feel good!
So proud of this little kid!
This my baby - growing up quick - thanks for taking this picture, Pooka!