Bring it on!

As many of you know, it took us around 7 months to sell our house in TX. It might not sound like that long and in retrospect, it flew by, but let's just say it was long enough. We decided to take a break from the whole house issue for a month so we could recover financially and emotionally. It was a much needed and much appreciated break, it has given me a chance to get my sense of humor back (I don't know if that is a good thing or not, it can be dangerous!) but now we are back in action. The funny thing is that Jeremy doesn't know it yet. Ha! He has been in Georgia for the past 3 days for work and I really only decided yesterday that we needed to look at houses this weekend before Eden and I go out of town next week. So, surprise Jer....the house hunt begins. Your favorite thing!
The market has slowed down a lot here, luckily. So, I am very grateful and am beginning to recognize the blessing that it will be to buy a house now, instead 6 months ago. Prices are still crazy expensive, but we're both pretty frugal so that would probably be the case anywhere.
Eden has been so funny when I try to explain to her that we won't be living at Grandma & Grandpa's house forever. I think she might think that all kids live with one of the grandma's.
I have told her that when we move into our own house, she will have her own big-girl bed. The other day, she was explaining it to my Mom and this is basically what she said with the cutest look on her face and her usual animated voice fluctuations:
"Grandma, when I get a new house, I won't have to sleep in my crib with the tent anymore and I can just get up in the morning....I won't have to climb out!"
Seriously, is she only 2? Hilarious! At least to me, but I am definitely biased.
We are definitely excited to have our own space ( I am already collecting decorating ideas), but are definitely grateful that we don't necessarily have to be in a hurry. Jeremy is a very, very patient person. Me....not so much. So, we make a good combination when we meet somewhere in the middle.
So, here's to house hunting....wish us luck:)

Fall leaves

Isn't this gorgeous? This photo is completely raw....nothing touched up in photoshop. This is a glimpse of what that great lens can do. The composition isn't all that interesting, but I just wanted to capture how gorgeous the colors are. I love the fall, but am not a fan of the cold that is coming. It snowed yesterday for heaven's sake! It still hasn't all melted. Oh well. Without the winter, I probably wouldn't appreciate the other 3 seasons as much.

Wicked-Awesome Lens Pt. 2

Wicked-Awesome Lens

Last weekend, I rented a $1400 lens from pictureline for only 30 bucks. It was a Canon 70 mm f/2.8 for you photo buffs. It was so fun to play with a real lens. I have been using the lens that came with the camera, and it is fine, and i can make good things come of it. This lens was incredible though. I barely had to touch these pictures because the color was so great with this lens. I really wanted more time to figure out what it could do (I only had a taste), but I am sure that I will be renting it again soon.
I took my in-laws family pictures. 2 families of six in one sitting.....I don't recommend it. They were great, don't get me wrong. I just felt bad having one family sitting around while I am trying to get good shots of the other. Next time, I will just do one at a time. Their families are beautiful, as you can see. And no, Jeremy looks nothing like his sister and brother (both brown hair and olive skin). I will post two separate posts because there are so many shots. That's what happens when you have a sweet lens and a lot of subjects. I think that we got some great shots. Thanks again my other family!

Jules

I did a family photo session...my first real one! Although, it was my sister's family, but it still counts. I am getting a little more confident, but still have a hard time deciding how to position people and all of that jazz. Lighting and focusing correctly can still be an issue, but I feel like I learn something or a lot of new things every time I do one of these sessions. We had about an hour of daylight and I think we got some great shots.
Their girl's are so cute, and were really good the whole time. Their youngest is such a goof off, and their oldest had the funniest perma-smile on her face almost the whole time. It was great. Thanks Jules!

Back in action

My friend, Brooke, was in town for a couple of days from Colorado. She has a little girl who is about 15 months. I haven't done a "session" for quite a while. I offered to practice on her little girl while we were at Gardner village. It was fun to get back into action. I love the fall time. She is so adorable. Love the cheeks! She was quite the wiggler though, and really didn't want to look at the camera. She was too busy exploring. I think we got a few good shots though. It was fun to see you again, Brooke!I think my camera mis focused on the above picture....oops. One of my greatest annoyances.
Isn't she so sweet?