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Friday, March 30, 2012

Scene From Napolean Dynamite

This is what happens when the kids try to duplicate a scene from a family favorite cult film Napolean Dynamite.  Here's how it went down: Freckle Face convinced my delicate Bug to strap on her roller blades and hang on to a rope tied to the bike.  I am glad I didn't see the actual crash and burn because the way it was detailed to me, and the way I found her laying face down in the street - I definitely would have totally freaked out.  Buggy is fine, sorely bruised but otherwise unaffected.  Good grief!

Oh, and I am soooo sick of Kip's "Dang it!" being repeated - in that nerdy, nasal voice 50 thousand times a day!!!  Spring Break was certainly a patience-building week for me.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Arizona Night Sky

Not that I'm any good at capturing it, but the night sky has been absolutely incredible (due in part to the light restriction laws here).  We've been gazing at Mars and Venus that are amazingly clear the last few weeks.  Pictured here top to bottom: the moon, Jupiter, and Venus. I also found this awesome website that shows you what's happening in the night sky from Hubblesite.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Breaking Out

The dogs have cleverly figured out how to open the bedroom door where I leave them when I have to run an errand.  Stupid fancy levers instead of round door knobs - of course any thumb-less creature could get it open!  It all started last week while I was bathing Daisy, Copper discovered that pawing at the lever would release the latch and the door would swing open.  Then again one morning when I was leaving to walk Daisy (I walk them separately now), Copper excitedly got out twice racing to the front door before I could escape with Daisy.  And today I came home to two wagging tails, a shoe, a paper bag and a stuffed animal left out on the rug.  Daisy is usually left in her crate when I leave, but lately I've given her a little bit of freedom and allowed her to be in the room with Copper since she's been really good.  I feel bad locking her in the crate because she so willingly hangs out in there quite often anyways - usually for naps or when she wants to be left alone.  Well, I will have to figure something else out since a dog can only wander around the house for so long before he/she starts finding trouble!

Sunday, March 25, 2012

No Foolin' Around Faves

Over Spring Break last week, my wonderful children helped my with a little week-long event "No Foolin' Around."  2012 is an off year for Comic Relief's Red Nose Day, but we had so much great feedback from our fundraising last year that we decided to bring the concept back.  I am so glad we did.  I actually had to turn requests away because I just didn't have enough time to take them all... which is a good thing, right?  I definitely learned what works, what needs adjusting, and am full of ideas for next year when we raise money for Comic Relief in 2013!  And I am especially grateful for my kids.  They each took on tasks and learned a little about being responsible and productive.  I am sharing just a few favorite shots (we did A LOT), and a few more over on the Spanish Sky Photography blog  you can see HERE.
Cheers!

Friday, March 16, 2012

"No Foolin Around" Preparation

Monkey Boy helped me organize some props in preparation for our event next week.  I also made this little reminder photo card for each person's appointment scheduled.  It's going to be fun!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Ninety Percent of the Time

About 90% of the time, this is what I get when I attempt to photograph the dogs.  Blurs.  Playful growls.  Ear tugging. No amount of coaxing or bribery will work to my advantage.
 That's me attempting to break up their brawl with my foot, to no avail.
 In focus, yes!  But I don't need any more "barking" poses.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Spring Chicken

Is it safe to claim spring yet?  I mean, I know it's technically still winter but temps are in the low 80's and we've been soaking up the warm sunshine and engaging in as many outdoor activities as possible. Before long it will be TOO hot to emerge from our home until after the sun has gone down.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Arizona Winter, black and white

So far this weekend we've enjoyed:
* Campfire in our backyard fire pit with family and friends
* Gazing at the stars and planets - southern AZ is great for this because of the stern light restrictions.
* Hike with Buggy's 5th grade class in Madera
* Lunch at Twist & Shout 50's diner... yummm!
* A little White Elephant thrift store shopping
* Meeting a war hero celebrating the 45 year anniversary of his incredible fete

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Not Quite Thriving, Merely Surviving

Took a five-minute time-out from the madness that seems to be my busy life lately.  Attached my barely used but SO AWESOME prime lens and photographed my sad little cactus family - struggling to survive in the path of a beastly dog that tramples through the "garden" on a daily basis.  It's a wonder she's not come in with cactus needles impaled in her side; it's a miracle these prickly babies have lived this long.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Carousel Daze

Busy last few days. Hoping to accomplish something noteworthy soon so I don't feel like I'm just running around in circles.  It gets dizzying.

Freckle Face has softball try-outs today... I'm terribly nervous for her.  Also, my heart will be having an echocardiogram today - hopefully they can find it somewhere in there.  Ha ha!  

Happy Wednesday friends :)

Monday, March 5, 2012

Santa Cruz Valley

Another day trip in southern AZ.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Orchestra Recital

Last night we were privileged to attend Buggy's orchestra recital.  She, and a few other violinists from her school orchestra nervously tried out for a spot in the district-wide recital.  She was ecstatic the day she found out she "made it."  They performed "Spanish Violins."  We are proud of her dedication and enthusiasm.