Heartbreaking

Do you ever read or hear of someones heartbreaking tragedy. Today I had that experience and could not stop thinking about how awful if would be to loose a child. I can not even imagine all the little things that I would miss. So I took the opportunity to write down just a few things for each of my kids I would miss right now. Eventually I really will miss all of these things as they grow up and change. But for now I am lucky to be able to hug and kiss them goodnight, every night!!!

Miss Independent

"Miss Independent" was the song I kept hearing while working on this two-year olds session. She definitely knows in her mind what she wants to do, a confident woman already at two.

THE THRILL

Your faces light up as you hear the ringing bells. The thrill of hearing the ice cream truck's musical anthem, as it marches up and down the neighborhood streets. Still so excited to wait in the front yard, hearing it get closer and closer. Talking about what treats you plan to eat and the final scream as it turns the corner down our street. Ah...... to be a kid.

THE LITTLE THINGS

On location, or at your home, try to incorporate an item that your child holds dear at his or her age. It is wonderful to have a few images of something that your child holds near and dear. Because we all know as we get older, we might start to forget a bit.

Thanks a Bunch!!!!!!!!!!!

Just wanted to say thanks again to everyone who did flower fields this year. I know we had some crazy weather conditions this season, so I appreciate every one's patience.

WIDE AWAKE

Little Miss "K" decided that she wanted to stay awake for most of her session. Which was alright with me, because we were able to capture this wonderful image at just 7 days old.

Lots of Birthdays!

It's weird how sometimes you just have a birthday session a few times a month and then other times there seems to be a lot of kids that were all born at the same time and you are slammed. This birthday girl was nothing but happy, not one whimper out of her during all her wardrobe changes, way to go!

Brighten up your day!

One look at these wild colors and it's sure to brighten up your day. One things for Sure, it will brighten up some little ones stay at the hosptial.

Monday, Monday!

This is just a little preview to put mom at ease. Despite the wind really not wanting to cooperate, we did get wonderful images without any hair across her entire face.

Last One to Know

I know, I am probably the last one to know about this product, but OMG how awesome is it. I have done some many projects where I have spray painted items, I wish I had known about it sooner. So great, used it today to redo a shelf and it was just like using a spray gun. So for all of you out there who like to craft with spray paint, this is a must have. I purchased mine at Harbor Freight tools for $1.99.

ANOTHER SATURDAY

Wow, doesn't it seem like it was just Christmas, another week that just flew by. Thought I would share a few images from Art in The Park today. There are some really talented kids out there that did amazing chalk drawings, good luck to you all. After a walk in the park, I came home and sewed this little pin cushion. I know, it looks more like a kid did it since I messed up on the pattern, but I love the material so I will just chalk it up to a learning experience.

WEDDING GIFT

When I can not decide what to make for myself, I generally sew for others. Did this quilt for my husband's cousin who is getting married in June. Only embroidered their names as my machine was cranky so I didn't want to risk trying the date. Just thought I would share.

WOW!!!!

Wow, I did not realize how long it has been since I posted. I was busy before vacation and was off from the 4th until the 14th, so I have a bit to catch up on. I hope everyone enjoyed there Spring Break. We spent some time with family and my kids had the joy of experiencing the manatees up close in Crystal River. Just a quick post until I catch up.

RANDOM

Sometimes there are just random things that make you light up inside. Like yesterday when the baby Blue Bird eggs starting hatching in our bird box in the backyard. Every year they come back and have their babies and it is a fun experience for the kids and I. Then to top it off the UPS man brought me a special box. Now, I get boxes just about everyday of things from the lab, album companies etc, but this UPS box was just for me. 300 new, different spools of thread. I know it's crazy, but just looking at all the possibilities of colors, of projects to come is exciting.

HOLIDAY

I hope everyone had a nice holiday with friends and family.

Just some FYI, anyone wanting images back before Spring Break needs to get their order in sometime this week. Simply Kids Ocala will be close April 5-14th, so if you would like images before then, please get them in this week!

The World

My blog is a mixture of both personal stuff and some of the images I take as a photographer. Doing two separate blogs would just be way to much to keep up with, so I share about my life and then a bit of work as well. Well, since I seem to have readers that check in on my blog from around the world, I thought I would share something that concerns everybody.

Something that concerns us all is trying to make the world a better place. I am slowly trying to be more aware and change the way I do certain things to do my part to help. I am not sure where you live if they have the same type of programs, but where I live I know that both Publix and Wal-Mart have canvas type tote bags for a dollar you can purchase. No more using plastic or paper, for your groceries. You can bring your bags each time and they hold a lot more, are not going to tear and are helping to do your little part in saving our planet. Just some good information to pass on, so next time you go to your local grocery store, inquiry if they have any.

Amazing

I just thought I would share for those of you who do not know, that you can see the Space Station in the Marion County East skies over the next few days. Yes, it looks like a really big, bright moving star, but really neat that you can actually see it.
It is still amazing to me that we have the technology to have a space station, orbiting around us. The area circled in the first images is the space station, hard to see on the blog and the second is of the beautiful colors early this morning. Happy Gazing!

SEE THE STATION
Today, 6:33 a.m.
March 21, 6:54 a.m.
March 22, 5:44 a.m.
March 23, 6:07 a.m. and 8:50 p.m.
March 24, 6:29 a.m. and 9:12 p.m.
March 25, 8:03 a.m. and 9:37 p.m.
March 26, 8:21 p.m.
March 27, 8:46 p.m.
SEE THE SHUTTLE
Today, 6:33 a.m.
March 21, 6:54 a.m.
March 22, 5:43 a.m.
March 23, 6:06 a.m. and 8:49 p.m.
March 24, 6:29 a.m. and 9:11 p.m.
March 25, 9:35 p.m.
March 26, 8:19 p.m.
March 27, 8:43 p.m.

NEW BABY!

THIS BRIGHT, CHEERFUL LITTLE QUILT I JUST FINISHED FOR MY SISTER'S REALLY GOOD FRIEND. SHE JUST HAD HER FIRST BABY AND I WANTED TO DO A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR HER. NOT THE TYPICAL PASTEL BABY BLANKET, BUT STILL SOFT AND SQUISHY!

WILDFLOWERS

It's that beautiful time of year again, when we start to warm up, trees are blooming and the wildflowers come out. I will have limited wildflower sessions available in the morning and early evening starting March 24th. Please email for dates and times available. simplykidsocala@yahoo.com

Hard to Watch

The last two weeks has been hard for me to watch my son get so upset. His buddy that he has been friends with since they were 3 in preschool has moved out of state. To make it worse they were in the same class together, ate lunch together and ran every week in jogging club together. I tried to explain, how you weren't always that close, but through his tears he said " I know mom, but even if I didn't see him for a while, I still always knew where he was at his house and now he's gone". One of life's hard lessons to learn, how to let go, move on, but not forget.