Happy 2012!

In 2007, I made my first ever New Year's Resolution.  I never got the point of resolutions because, frankly, I knew I wouldn't follow through on half of what I would resolve to do and it seemed that's what everyone else did too.  While at a new years eve party in 2007, my friend Michele had everyone write down their resolutions and she sealed them in a box.  I remember one of my resolutions was to marry Bill in 2008 - which I did!  I don't even remember what the rest of them were, so I can't even tell you if I followed through or not! 

I haven't made any for the last couple of years...actually, I don't think I've made any since that first year.  I think about doing things in the year to come every year, but I don't list them or even keep track for that matter.  Well.....things need to change!  :)

I'm still not going to make "resolutions", more like a "bucket list" for this year.  That's the same thing you say?  No it's not.  Cause I said so!  :)  I think a bucket list for the year sounds less intimidating!  My biggest goal is the one that a ton of people have.  You'd never guess it if I didn't tell you.  haha!  In 2012, I will lose weight!  In 2011, I realized that I was capable of doing it.  I had never really tried before and now that I have seen that it is within my reach, I'm ready.  Other items on my bucket list include - learning to use the manual settings on my camera like they are meant to be used, organizing my house better, organizing the 20,000+ pictures that I have on computers and hard drives (gahhh), writing on my blogs at least twice a week, and adopting a baby (even though I have no control over this one, I'm hopeful)! Sounds like a well rounded list to me!

Who really knows what will happen, but as of Jan 2, 2012 I have good intentions!  So, if I follow through, you will hear from me in a couple days!  What's on your bucket list?  Happy New Year to you!!

Tree pics and a pinky promise!

Twas the night before Thursday and all through the house, you could hear a strange clicking...it sure wasn't a mouse.  Two lazy dogs laid in their bed, while visions of rawhides danced in their head.....

Tonight it was just me and my camera....and our Christmas tree...and a couple of camera-shy (er, lazy) dogs....and my laptop -- ok, more than just me and my camera, but who's keeping tabs?!

I've recently joined pinterest www.pinterest.com and found a pin on how to photograph your Christmas tree.  I've always liked the "artsy" look of tree pictures, when the lights are all blurry.  With a new camera, it's time to try it for myself!    I read this blog tonight and decided to give it a try.    I love how thorough she was on explaining things.  After a few more googles of things (like how to change the f-stop on my new camera*), I was in business.  Minus the camera-shy dogs who decided to hang out on their bed, I set up my tripod and adjusted some settings.  And re-adjusted.  And re-re-adjusted.  I decided to ditch the tripod and steady myself.  I turned the tree some because some of the "prelit" lights were out and I had some, uh, bare-ish spots on the tree.  Click, click, delete.  I could hear the sensor in my camera working double time as I snapped away!  After about 30 minutes, I was satisfied with my first attempt at Christmas tree pictures.  Here are a few straight out of the camera shots: 

Here I used my 50mm canon lens...ISO at 800, shutter at 160 and aperture at 1.8....

you know, in case you wondered!

This is one of my favorite ornaments that we bought this year....you guessed it, in Las Vegas!

I am just in love with these pictures and can't wait to try more!  Break out your camera and share your own Christmas tree pics!  I'd love to see them!!

*No, I still don't use manual settings on my camera (usually, though I do try some).  It is my goal for 2012 to break free from the green auto box that has it's grip on me!  I will make it my mission to learn (and understand) the settings on my beloved Canon.  Pinky promise.

Lately....

Well, hellooooo!  Yes, I haven't been around in a while.  I'm sorry!  I've been spending most of my time over here, on our adoption blog.  Things have been going whirl-wind quick since we switched adoption agencies and we are so excited!  Go read for yourself! 

So, what have we been up to lately?  Let's see....

I have...
-photographed my first real wedding a couple of weeks ago.
-maintained my weight that I lost, but have disappointed myself by not reaching my 2nd goal.  What?!     I've been busy.  Yea, that's my excuse!
-been watching both of my nephews on Fridays.  I love it. 
-grew my hair out pretty long and got it cut the other day, totally wishing I would have went shorter.  I only get my hair cut once in a blue moon, so I am pretty distraught over this.  Ok, no I'm not....but I would like it shorter.
-thought lots and lots about simplifying our life.  I'd like to start by losing satellite tv.  This should not be a hard decision!

Bill has....
-started a new job at a different coal mine that he loves.  He has every weekend off and is home at a decent time for supper!
-shot 2 deer this season, but coudn't find either of them.  He was pretty upset about this. 
-helped my sister and bother in law with the addition they built on their house.  I'm so lucky to have such a handy man!
-agreed with me 100% on dumping satellite tv.

Grace has....
-started 4th grade and is realizing it's a bit more grown up than 3rd grade!
-gotten a new bow for her birthday and has been shooting with her dad....she's pretty good!
-been singing her heart out (in the shower, while watching tv, while eating breakfast...you get the point) to Justin Bieber, some "China-something" girl or band, and some good old Johnny Cash, to name a few.
-been enjoying being a big cousin for the 2nd time.
-been very excited to become a big sister soon!
-not been too happy at the thought of dumping satellite.  Whatever will she do?!?!  ha.

I need to post some pictures, I know.  Sorrrry!  Will work on that sometime between editing pictures from previous mentioned wedding.  Hope you are all doing well! 

Just some sentences

Had a surprise birthday party for my sister today.
Her birthday isn't for 2 weeks.

I love my Aunt Patty.

I can't help but laugh when I watch Swamp People and I hear the one guy talk. 
Yea, that one!

My not-so-little-but-still-little-to-me Kourtney graduated 8th grade yesterday.
Boohoo!

I need to work on delegating my time more productively.
My bangs have grown out so quickly.

I've heard it's the year of the locust, and I think it's gross.

I love my dad's girlfriend Pam.
It's awesome to be a part of her family.
I think she's glad to be a part of ours!

My eyesight is getting horrible.

Losing weight is hard.

Forgiving (and/or forgetting) is even harder, especially when you think you shouldn't have to.

My dad's car smells like my Grandpa Kopec's car always did.

That makes me smile every time I get in it.

I'm tired and going to bed!
Good night!

Chace turned 3 years old on May 2. This little boy has filled my heart with so much love, I never even knew it was possible! I believe that this kid is growing up thinking that his birthday is a week long celebration....though I don't think there's anything wrong with that! I kind of think that everyone should celebrate my birthday for at least a week too! Really, though, Aunt Lisa celebrates him every day of the year in one way or another! On the day of his birthday, his Mommy stayed home from work and he got to skip day care. She made his favorite meal, spaghetti, and we all came over to celebrate. He decorated his own birthday cake too!



And just so you don't think he's a deprived child, here are some pictures from his "everyone" birthday party:

This, That, and These!!

How did these.......



Turn into this......



...and this.....



......and THAT?!?!?!



........THIS is how!!!!!!



But we still did end up with beautiful these!!!

Naptime

Bill and Tommy Girl having some lazy time.....

She's so sweet....he's not so bad either!!