Project 365 Helpful Hints to better a Picture

This is applying #9 to my shot. Still have a long way to go! But hey, it's only day #12.

Well, I am on day 12 of my Project 365. That's 353 more pics to take this year. I learned 10 great ways to better improve you photos and wanted to share them with you.

1. Get up close and eliminate distractions in the background

2. Know your camera's minimum focusing distance. Look in the camera manual

3. Learn how to lock the focus on you camera. Again, look in manual.

4. Know you camera's flash range and shoot from that distance. Look in manual.

5. Use your cameras flash when outdoors to eliminate harsh shadows on faces.

6. If you can find some shade outdoors to shoot, try it out.

7. Start to learn where light is coming from and use it to your advantage.

8. Shoot from different angles not just from a normal standing position. Remember to shoot from the ground.

9. Get creative with where you place your subject in your viewfinder. Move them out of the center.

10. Use your environment to frame up some shots if you can.

The Latest and Greatest of the Contreras'

Ok Family, let me know which one's you'd like if any. All the above ones come in B& W as well.

Had to Write This One Down!

Little G is in this little phrase of asking this hysterical clarifying question. When someone says something to her that she doesn't catch or doesn't understand, she says, "What choo said?" It is becoming quite catching around our house. We laugh every time she says it and of course she get's highly offended and yells, "It's not too funny!" I know we should correct her and tell her it's incorrect grammar, but it's just too cute and I know that it will be short lived. Soon she will be saying it correctly and we will forget this fun expression. That's why I had to write it down. The days of these young years are flying by - gotta capture the moments!

The Last Day of P-K

Big G had a great Pre-K year and it started with a breakfast picture in Aug 2009 and ended with a breakfast picture May 2010. He is here with his teacher Mrs. Summerhill. Smiles are wide knowing a break is in sight for the both of them. Let the summer fun begin, "Right Little G?"

School is out for summer!

Could Big G be any happier to start his summer fun! Great job buddy! Enjoy!

Kids - They say the funniest things!

The other day I FINALLY found a solution to my laundry room door with windows. I found some nice curtains that allows some nice sun block and yet allows me to see out and keep an eye on the kids when they play. SO... after seeing the new window coverings, Big G says,"Mom, I like the new window sheets you have in here!"
Me : "What sheets are on the windows?"
Big G: "The one's right there!"
Me: "Oh, those are curtains."
Big G: "Curtains?! That's a weird name, they look like sheets!"
Me: "You are right, from now on Big G, we will call curtains - window sheets."

Funny stuff!

Part 2 of this post.
Little G and Big G are laying in bed reading books together and here is what I heard from the hallway.
LG: Graybriel, do you know my daddy Charlie?
BG: Yes LG.
LG: Graybriel, do you know my Grandma?
BG: Yes LG.
LG: Graybriel, do you know my mommy Anne?
GB: YEEESSS LG, they are all my famlily too... (frustration and sigh)
LG: NOOO day not Graybriel, day mine.
GB: YYESSS they ARE!!!!
LG: NOOO day not!!
And the argument began.

Crack me up!!!

A Great Gift For Mother's Day!

Little G has been very successful these past couple of weeks with potty training. I know, I know "What kind of blog post is this about potty training?!" Well, after 5.5 years of diapers and bags, it's a whole new freedom when the kids "get it" with the potty. Well to go a bit further with this "TMI" post, Little G went #2 today. Just in time for Mother's Day. What a gift! When they are ready, they are ready. She was oh so proud of herself today. Now, I did not take any pictures to post on this blog, of which I am sure you are very thankful. BUT, let me tell you, it crossed my mind to grab the camera... but I didn't. Aren't you happy? I know that I am thrilled. Training is just that training. For my kids it was not an overnight success, but in their time with proper exposure and patience, they got it. Isn't life like that? God is patient with us and in the "end" it pays off. Pardon the pun. Good job Little G - my little girl is growing up so fast!

Traditions

I love traditions. In fact as a child I remember many traditions, especially around the holidays. I remember Christmas Eve and Mid-Night mass and Christmas morning at my mom's house and then off to my dad's for Christmas Day and Night. So many other little things are woven into the holidays that naturally carry on in our family now and many more new ones are springing up as our two are past the infant stages. Some traditions that are being birthed around our home is teaching the kids to give in this season. So we are gearing up for the big toy purge of 2009. Both the kids will get grocery bags and they can go through the house and find some things that they don't play with much anymore and into the bag it goes and off to a thrift store we head. Others are integrating the true meaning of the season into a daily practical way so that they "get" why we do what we do during this time. I love to read to the kids before bed, so I have been gathering books that teach on the season. I keep a basket in the hallway so the kids have access to it and pick their pick before bed. Tradition. On Christmas Eve we sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus and celebrate His birth. We put Jesus and God into the season. We tell the kids that they get gifts because it's Jesus' birthday and HE loves us so much that he let's us get the gifts for him. "Isn't He giving?" I tell the kids. God gave us Jesus as a gift on Christmas and we remember that by giving gifts to celebrate that. Tradition. Serving others during this time (any time frankly) by buying groceries, buying gifts, sending letters and cards to those who typically don't receive is something else we are trying to cultivate in the kids. So this year we will make cards, buy gifts and food and have them participate in the giving of them. The picture above is of our neighbor growing up, "Mr. & Mrs. Wylie" Mrs. Wylie is a big part of my memories growing up. She never had children, but my brothers and sisters would go over and visit her just about everyday. She taught my sister to tell time and I spent many hours chatting and following her around her house as a little girl. She always bought us a gift at Christmas and now we go and visit her. Her husband has passed away so she is all alone. We love her and now my kids get to spend time with her on the holidays. Tradition. Traditions make me smile inside. Traditions give me joy and peace. Tradition goes deep and carries on for generations. What are some of your traditions? Do share. Have a very Happy Thanksgiving this week. So much to be thankful for.

First Day of Pre-K

Well, yesterday was Big G's first day of Pre-k at his new school Crown Point Christian School. According to him, His first day was awesome! He loved being able to take his lunch, wear his new tennis shoes, take his new Spiderman backpack, see his friends and meet new ones. He did go to Preschool last year for two days and for two hours. This year it's 2 days and ALL day this year. He was pretty sleepy at the end of the day, but by the look on his face, he was excited to start school to say the least. He is already asking how many more days until he can go back. I pray this excitement for learning remains constant in his life. Bless you Big G. Life is a wonderful adventure!

Everyone needs a theme song

This summer with all the running I have been doing, there is one song on my IPod that I like to call my "theme song" for my life right now. This song really picks up my pace and I truly praise God with this song. I praise Him for my husband, my kids, my home, my church, my friends and you, especially if you taking time to read my blog. It is a Wonderful Life that I have and I never want one moment to get away from me and I don't want to take them for granted. Unfortunately.... I do. BUT, when I hear this song, it inspires me again to thank Him for it all. Be blessed and I pray you are enjoying your wonderful life. Even when it's hard, there are things to thank Him for. Have a Wonderful Day!

Mom.... "I LOVE Summer!"

The other day we were driving in the car and Big G announced, "Mom!" I said, "What G?" and Big G says, "I LOVE summer!" I asked him why he loves summer so much and here are his
Top 5 LOVES of summer, in his words:

1. Because it's so awesome and so fun
2. It's really fun to play outside with all the friends
3. I love summer and everything about it
4. I get to play in my pool and all the things we get to do in the pool - it's so fun!
5. I get to jump my bike off the dirt jump - it's so awesome dude!

I have to agree with him, I too love summer and everything about it. It is totally awesome dude!
Hope you are enjoying the wonderful season of warmth and sunshine. Happy summer to you and yours.

Running, Running, Running

If you'd ask me what we have been up to around here, I would tell you lots of fun kid stuff, swimming, playing ya know summer stuff. BUT, for me I have been creating a very close bond with these little babies on a pretty daily basis.
We are spending a lot of time together and they are really going the distance for me - if you catch my drift! To be exact, they have carried me 78 + miles in the past month and half and we have probably that much more before the big race on August 2. I have very much enjoyed the running. It has been a disciple that I have enjoyed challenging my flesh with. There is never a time that I look forward to running 5 plus miles, finding someone to watch my kids, making sure I have had enough nutrition and fluids to carry me through and then there is the temperature and time of day to run. The list goes on and on. BUT, the other day when I had to go 8 miles. I really had to plan my run. I called a friend who was at the half way point and asked if they'd set a cup of water out so I could get a quick drink and keep going. Well, Jeff was so gracious, he gave me a COLD BOTTLE of water. Well, at 4 miles and hot, I was not about to take a sip and leave this beautiful cold bottle of liquid relief behind. No pockets, not gonna hold it for another 45 minutes. What is a GIRL to do? Well, I had to be creative and this is what I came up with.....


Yes, you guessed it, I used what God gave me and it was a lifesaver. I am sure I am not the first to have figured this out. But man was I grateful for it. It saved me! Off to do 5 tomorrow. I think I'll stash some waters in the bushes around the neighborhood for this one!

The many facets of Little G

Here is the latest on Little Miss G. This little girl is sweet with just a hint of spice. She's our little dress up girl and superman all wrapped into one. She can put on a cute little getup and then proceed to climb to the top of a cabinet in a blink of an eye. She is fun and full of energy. She can hang (from my kitchen chandelier -seriously) and with the big boys, playing swords and superheros. BUT...when the girls are around, she pulls out her purses, necklaces, baby dolls and pink high heeled dress up shoes in a split second. I love this little girl. She NEVER ceases to amaze me with her charm and personality. But the one who melts at one little glance or smile is her daddy. She is his, "Beauty!" We love you Little G, you are the apple of our eyes.

Some random info. to let you know we are still here!

WOW, almost a whole month has gone by without a post. So sorry. But looking back at my last post tells why. The weather is getting nicer, Big G is riding his bike everywhere, Little G is living outside and hangin' with the big kids, there have been park dates, bon fires and BBQ's. To date I have run over 30 miles since my last post in training for this 1/2 marathon, we have projects outside every time I turn around. We hauled 3 yards of dirt on Saturday to expand our garden, but it is in. And the patio off the deck is almost done, and the 2 yards of mulch around out house is lookin' great. Let's see... anything else..., oh I'm sure there is, but I won't bore you with the details. The good news, my camera is working again and we have been healthy for a couple of months now. Amazing!!! Weather is the trick and none of us got the Swine Flu, or anyone else we know for that matter. Off to bed and to hydrate, have to keep up on this training schedule! I'll get some pics up on what's been happening around here very soon. And remember, "Time is a very precious gift from God; so precious that it's only given to us moment by moment." My devotional quote by Amelia Bark from yesterday. Hope you are enjoying your precious moments today!

A New Chapter in Big G's Life

Well, I moved out baby clothes a couple days ago and it's a good thing because we now have another bike in the garage. Big G learned how to ride a two wheel bike without training wheels today! So exciting. Last year we purchased a bike with training wheels. We got him one that was a bit bigger, thinking, "He'll grow into it." We never imagined him learning to ride without training wheels so soon because frankly, I don't remember learning so early. I know I was at least in Kindergarten before my brothers launched me down a huge hill and said, "Just go!" I learned, but I was very frightened and because of that I would have never even tried Big G so early. But, his friend Z learned last weekend and Big G has been on a mission to accomplish this task as well. Well, off went his training wheels on his bike yesterday and low and behold he was able to balance and ride, but his bike was just too big, he couldn't put his feet down to catch himself. But, God is so good on how He provides. We were cruising the neighborhood this morning and our neighbor was selling her grandson's smaller two wheel bike for $4.00. Big G was so excited, he ran home and asked daddy if it was ok to buy it, and daddy agreed only if he had money to pay for it himself. So thanks to some Easter money from family, he ran back and made his big (small) purchase. By the end of the day, he was cruising up and down the sidewalk having a blast! I wanted to grab some pictures of him right after dinner before it got dark, so that is why he is without his helmet in these shots. So, a big day here for Big G, and me. I always wondered if I could teach him to ride a bike w/out training wheels. Praise God it didn't take too long AND we are grateful to Z's Grandma Gardy who inspired these young boys to take the risk and learn. Check out the video below.

Packing up the Little Clothes!

Well, today I faced the task of going through and packing up and labeling the boxes of baby clothes. I have gone through and weeded before, but today was the final exit of "Baby Clothes." I am sorting and remembering all the "times" the kids were in the clothes. I had some that I saved for Little G from Big G and even those I had to say good bye to today. It was a bitter sweet time. Now... I love to purge and scale down on the boxes of "stuff", but for some reason these boxes are harder to rid myself of. I can pretty much remember who gave us what and when and where the kids wore what and why. It amazes me and even more C when I often can't remember what happened in the morning or what time it is for that matter - but ask me about an outfit and I'll give the history. I guess we remember the things that bring us joy. Like the shoes they took their first steps with or the outfit they came home from the hospital in. And don't forget the hat that they wore on that special holiday or the cute Hawaiian shirt they wore to their first themed Birthday party. Oh, and the cute sunglasses that they wore swimming with daddy and we only got one picture in them before they decided chewing on them was better. Oh the memories these boxes hold. And today, I passed much on to next blessed new mommy with tears in my eyes. I know that they too will place their special bundle in these many "oh so cute outfits" and create more of the same memories for their family. And if the clothes last a bit more, maybe they'll pass them on again for another go round. Time goes by fast and today was beautiful realization that there will be more special items that will grace my babes bods that I'll want to cherish. Like tutu's and sports jerseys, not to mention the school projects that they'll bring home. Oh, that's gonna be a hard one too. But for today, the little outfits have exited the building (expect for a few REALLY special ones that are stashed away for their little ones someday).

Grandma!

When Little G puts on her new shades from Aunt Mary and Uncle Luke she says, "Grandma!" Now, I really have no idea why - my mom DOES wear glasses, but by no means are they bright yellow with flowers. I sometimes wish I could get in my kids heads for understanding. But, for now, it's just a darn cute thing that we get to experience with Little G. Oh, the stuff all over her face.... M&M gunk!

What Happens When Lightening McQueen hits your Flat Screen...

A little bit of THIS and THAT but more THIS than THAT - ugh!!! Just a TV I know, but what the heck do you do with a broken piece of un-fixable electronics? According to Vizio, the broken part costs more than what we paid for the TV. Doesn't make a whole lot of sense Mr. Vizio!!!??? Time to find a new TV, Consumer Reports here we come!!! AGAIN! Although, we can rule out buying another Vizio again.

We Break Free

Last weekend, C and I were able to get away. Well, actually we had a church vision casting meeting in Michigan and they like the spouses to join. Well, you didn't have to ask me twice. The glitch, who will take the kids overnight. Well, our wonderful Kelly and her husband Shawn volunteered. It was the first time in 4 years that I have been away from both of the kids overnight. It was a very nice time away. We stayed at a really cute Inn on Lake Michigan. We had great fellowship, planning, dining and fun. It was wonderful to be with C. We realized how much we really like being with one another. It was like dating all over again, but married this time round (if that makes sense). Thanks Kelly and Shawn for making it possible.

A New Look in the Basement

Last week we were blessed with a visit from our friend Chris. Chris is such an amazing guy and we love to have him in our home. He has many gifts, but one that he has shared with us is his incredible ability to create and paint. When we moved into our house he painted Little and Big G's rooms and we were so excited, but this time he painted a mural in the basement and we said, "That is beyond amazing." Check it out. We love it Chris, you are such a blessing to us. May God continue to bless you and your service to him wherever you go!