Thankful Thursday - Twistin' my Arm

Call me crazy, but I've decided to take my first ever online photography class. No, I'm not crazy because I want to learn more and become better at taking photos. Crazy because October is going to be a busy, hectic, and probably chaotic month. Making the adjustment of being home from the baseball season, unpacking, packing, moving to our new house, Halloween festivities .... wow, we have a lot going on!!

So the timing isn't perfect... but the topics being offered in the October class are perfect! Light, focus, crop, perspective ... all topics I want to learn more about. And to be honest, my bestie basically twisted my arm. Seriously, she made me feel that twist and had a great sales pitch! For this I am thankful because I'm not sure I would have signed up for a class on my own. Hopefully this class will be able to offer a lot of advice for an amateur photographer (yup, that would be me!) and the best part is that Carol and I will get through it together. I'm really looking forward to it and will share some of my photos as we get through the next four weeks! Stay tuned ...

Wordless Wednesday

"Walk a little slower, Mommy,

Said a little child so small.

I'm following in your footsteps,

And I don't want to fall."

~Author Unknown

Mommy & Abby

"Colorful" Photo Challenges

After taking last week off from photo challenges, I'm back and entering two challenges this week. The first one is over at The Paper Mama with a fun theme. The theme for the week is "Hint of Color," which I must say excited me a bit. I'm always editing those photos that I think just a "hint of color" could really make the photo pop. I took this photo just a few weeks ago of Abby getting ready for her Daddy's baseball game. Love it. Especially like this.

The next challenge is over at Trendy Treehouse. The theme for the week ... blue. I wasn't so sure about this one and originally I was looking for a photo that I could take all the color out, leaving just blue. But... then I stumbled upon this one and noticed how Gramma, Grandad, and Abby were all wearing a shade of blue. I love how this photo is so candid and expressive.

Head on over to one of these challenges to enter one of your own photos or to check out the other entries! Happy Tuesday :)

Fall Festival + First Pony Ride

The weather up North doesn't really feel like Fall just yet, but the Fall Festivals are in full swing! On Saturday, Gramma, Aunt Jenny, and I took Abby to Knightongale Farm for some fun on the farm. I absolutely LOVE this time of the year... there is just something about Fall that brings me so much excitement. Pumpkins, hayrides, cooler weather, Halloween and Thanksgiving. I love it all.

Welcome to Knightongale Farm.

83 acres... now that's what I call some land!!

Thanks to the DJ, Abby was in her own little world.

She is a dancing machine!

Since Abby wanted nothing to do with the pony,

Mommy had to show her how it's done.

I can't remember ever riding a pony,

although my Mama reassures me I have before.

I was a nervous wreck ... over a small pony!

Who is more annoyed with this pony ride?!

Cowboy, pretty pony, unsure child, or nervous Mommy?

Just for fun ... and a few laughs.

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

For weeks now I've been a follower of Ashley's blog over at Ramblings and Photos. She is an inspiration of mine when it comes to photography ... man is she good!! You may remember she did an awesome edit for one of my favorite photos of Abby. Anyways, Ashley hosts a weekly scavenger hunt and each week I stalk these photos and attempt the list of five items to photograph. I always seem to come up short and give up until the next week. Well, not this time!! I photographed all five items ... ok, I fibbed. I did have to dig into the archives for one, but hey... that's not bad for my first scavenger hunt.

So, here goes ...

1. Miniature - Despite the heat wave, Abby, Gramma & I enjoyed playing ball outside on Friday. I'm glad I took the camera outside because I was able to take some good shots of Abby in action! I wish I could hold these small hands forever.

2. Water Droplet - I'll be honest... I went into my photo archives for this one. But when I read "water droplet," this photo came to my mind right away. This picture was taken when Abby was six months old and drooling nonstop because of those two bottom teeth. I just love that drool bubble!

3. Eyes - I know this picture only shows one eye, but I had to use this photo. I love the way this photo tells a story. Abby shows such thought and wonder through those expressive eyes of hers.

4. Bedhead - No words needed for this one. This is Abby at breakfast time - scared of her own bedhead!

5. Colorful - My dessert with a glass of milk. Not on the diet, but makes for a colorful photo!

Hope you enjoyed my photos and if you want to link up, check out the scavenger hunt items for next week!

Thankful Thursday - Baseball Family

When it comes to living in your own home for only five months out of the year ... traveling from one city to the next ... living without your hubby for long road trips ... other baseball wives know just what you're going through and we stick together. I am so thankful for this group of ladies and even more thankful they don't fit the typical baseball wife stereotype. These ladies are quick to offer help whenever you need it, appreciate their husbands work despite how hard this lifestyle can be, and hold on tight to their strong faith in God.

This past Friday night, we hosted a surprise bridal shower for one of the ladies. It's always a fun time when we all get together. (We were missing a few ladies and wish they could have been there!) We watched a little baseball, enjoyed some drinks (Helllllooooo sweet tea vodka!), played some bridal shower games, and shared many laughs. It was just the kind of night I needed! (the rest of the night with my hubs helped too :)

Me & Tara

Five other things I'm thankful for on this Thankful Thursday:

1. My Mom and Dad celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary on Monday. What a special milestone for two very special people! :)

2. Baseball is over in two weeks! We'll be returning home to Sarasota to begin moving into our new home and enjoying time together, as a family.

3. Zac Brown Band. Love the music, love the new CD, and love how his voice can soothe Abby in the car.

4. While I'm on country music, I'm super excited for the Sugarland concert in three weeks. I cannot wait to enjoy a night out with the girls!

5. My husband... for making me feel like we were truly on a date last Friday night. Holding doors, pulling out chairs, holding my hand. I loved that we were able to be with each other as husband and wife, instead of Mommy and Daddy for a night.

Wordless Wednesday - Who says you can't find a princess at a ballpark?