Following A Dream

It. Is. Official. I have committed to opening CandyAppleSmiles to more than just capturing my kids and family. I've been feeling that this is something I should do for a while, and after lots of talking with Hubs and praying for direction here I am! So I guess it's official in the sense that I have decided and committed, but I'm gonna be taking it slow for a bit since I am still learning lots about the business side of things. I am planning to try to do engagement, maternity, newborns, kids, family and senior portraits. I extended on my facebook page an invitation for a free session to get my portfolio going, and got an overwhelming response and lots of encouragement and "Finally"s. So in my "me" time (as in the moments where I ignore my name being called over and over again by MaddieBoo) I have been trying to research places to use for printing, as well as trying to find a place to do online proofing and galleries for  family members to purchase prints. This is daunting...mainly because I don't really know what I am looking for.  Even though that part is overwhelming, I am still so excited to get going!! I have tons of ideas for shots, and a few locations that I'm going to go and try out with the kids for lighting. If anyone who pops by has any suggestions to help me on my way I'd love to see a comment!

Here are some pics from this week that made me smile..

 Baby Que has mastered shutting the door on Mommy

 MaddieBoo has the most beautiful face I know

Taken with my vintage Vivitar 135mm(with EOS adapter ring), one of the few heads that have not been devoured by critters

Linking up here:

I Heart Faces- Eyes

Here's my take on the I Heart Faces Challenge this week-Eyes. It's my first time entering a photo with them, so excited to say I participated!

I am so in love with Rita from The CoffeeShop Blog right now, not only does she have actions that she created that are FREE, she has some tutorials on how to use them and lots of other fun tips and tricks!! I attempted to do justice with Perfect Portrait 2 on this one :)

Baby Que is 1!

 Better late than never.... Baby Que turned 1! This was his first cupcake, and he REALLY loved it...

I tried out a Coffee Shop action, Hot Cocoa 2, and joined in the linky party for show off your shot

daybook

Thought I'd try this out...

my gorgeous sunflowers that are alive despite my kill-thumb

that I should make MaddieBoo some lunch soon

my life.

that there is soooo much more to photo editing than I ever imagined. Just learned how to do textures today!

Pink tank and jean skirt, both from my fav Old Navy

an office in the back of the kids playroom so I don't have to use my laptop on the couch

to try take the kids to the park after lunch

Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward, it's number 5 in a series that has been pretty good so far

that my babies are seeing a good example of a woman of faith in their momma

MaddieBoo making different voices for her barbies

things need to be boxed up for the goodwill after the cleaning and organizing that happened this weekend

is watching my babies sleep

finish the crafts I have gotten all the supplies for, start my 30 day photo challenge, finish de-cluttering the house

taken with my "new" vintage vivitar 135mm lens, and "yesteryear" and "dream" textures from Kim Klassen

daybook inspired by SuperMom and High Heels 2 Flip Flops

Just A Fantasy

I am already slacking. When I started this blogging I imagined myself doing cutesy little posts like 2 or 3 times a day, and really being focused on documenting the things that I love about my SAHM life and these kids we are attempting to raise "right". Unfortunately, reality has stepped in and I have realized that my little blogging fantasies didn't account for the kids needing whatever they need RIGHT NOW and housework and park trips that preserve my sanity. However, I have committed to doing better. I am thinking that I will start a challenge for myself to take a picture of my kids every day for 30 days. May seem like a wimp of a start, but for me it will be challenging...and I can work up to the 365 thing.

I had been scouring ebay looking for a new(affordable) lens, and won a vintage vivitar 135mm that came with the EOS adapter ring for $30. It came in the mail on Friday, and before our weekend got too crazy I tried it out.

 MaddieBoo's Princess Scooter

Baby Que

These are SOOC, but so far I am happy with it. The adapter that came with it doesn't focus to infinity, so I may have to invest in a few of those if I am going to add more vintage lenses to my collection. The adapter I ordered for my Minolta 45mm is not here from China yet, but I am excited for it to get here!

My First Link Up!

SO excited to be participating in Sweet Shot Tuesday hosted by My 3 Boybarians! It's my first one, and she even had an easy to find and follow post about how to do the linkys since I am obviously new to this. ;) This is one of my faves from the weekend of my MaddieBoo.

Me Time...If I Must

MaddieBoo is off to have a fun-filled week with some relatives, and boy do I miss her something fierce! She just left yesterday evening so I am trying not to call her already, but it's a battle. That little girl brings more joy to my life than I would have ever imagined, even when she is tap-dancing on that last shred of nerve...So since I miss her so much I am looking over pictures of her and wanted to share one here.  The good part is that I am getting some much-needed work done around the house and with the business, and after doing that and chasing Baby Que I still have enough energy to work on my many draft posts!

Seriously, I miss her face!!

And one of my two favorite guys. :)

Happy Monday!!