Grandpa

Have to tell a cute little story quick. Sunday, while cleaning, I placed a picture on Iba's shelves of him and Grandpa. (When he was about 1 week old) On Monday morning I had to wake Iba up early in order to get to my workshop on time. While I was hurrying to change his diaper, I noticed he was patting his chest. (Grandpa pats his chest when he is telling Iba who he is "I'm Gran-pa, Gran-pa") So, as I was trying to figure out what Iba was doing, I noticed the picture he was looking at on the shelves of him and Grandpa...And realized that althogh he doesn't quite say "Gran-pa" yet, he does the sign for it:)

Workshop Update

I learned so much at the workshop! So glad I went:) I also confirmed that I have some sort of A.D.D., as I began taking random shots of things down town. (When I was suppose to be taking shots of the adorable 3 year-old twins) This picture is my evidence. It was very encouraging for us beginning photographers. There were other photographers there that had been in the business for several years. Receiving information from them was worth more than any text book. I was also told by many of them to get photoshop CS4. Great...now I just need to find a college student for the discount. If you're out there- contact me!!

12 Hour Photography Workshop

I took a children's photography class of Tina Marie's last month. On Monday, I get to participate in some major hands-on learning as she will have kids and infants there to photograph. It is from 9am to 9pm. I should be full of information that day...and totally pooped. Very excited though. Tina Marie has also given me the opportunity to help her out with some weddings this spring, to prepare for Cassie and Dan's wedding I will be shooting in July. Yay!!

Practice Makes Perfect...Someday

My best friend Laura let me do some practicing in her house this week. This is just a few of the many I took. I worked with my new warm reflector and natural daylight.

We Are Family

I found out this weekend that it is hard to practice photography when you have a dead battery:( I still caught some good moments though. These family gatherings always go way too fast!

When He's Quiet, Be Concerned...

One night last week Oz and were chatting and realized Iba had been very quiet for some time. This is what happens when kids are quiet. They are usually up to no good. I found some other (previous) evidence to support my verdict.
PS. I wish I had a picture of some great evidence this past weekend. Iba decided to put 1 whole roll of tp, 1 empty roll of tp, an air freshener, and his pacifier in Grandpa's toilet:)

Get'ur Bowling Face On

Bowling Update

Goob explaining the scoring system in bowling...not too many bowling balls in Senegal

Action shot I guess. Not really sure.

Oz thinks I'm taking a picture of him, but my real subject is behind:)


As you can see, Caden was pretty pumped to be bowling with his friends...

Not that great. There's the update on me. Now to the party...Caden had a good time with his friends. Their scores were very close to mine. End of story. Oz beat me twice and it was his second time ever touching a bowling ball. I'm pretty sure it was my ball. My finger holes were too small. I will just have to practice with Iba's monster bowling at home before GNO.

While Napping for 4 1/2 Hours...

It's wonderful that Iba has my sleep habits and will nap for 4-5 hours. I got a whole lot of Signature Homestyles stuff done: business cards, labels, postcards, and sticky notes! This is what happens when Vistaprint sends me a billion "free stuff" emails. Just can't wait to begin my new journey in April:)

Signature Homestyles

Just wanted to share how super duper excited I am to have my first Signature Homestyles party. I decided to make an idea, inspiration, and i-love-parties binder. If any of you have any cool party ideas that I can share with future hosts, please let me know! kjniang@yahoo.com

Birthdays & Bowling

Our next GNO sounds like it may have a few bowling balls involved. What the girls do not know is that there is going to be some serious competition on their hands. I get to go to a bowling birthday party this weekend!! Caden, my nephew, turns 6. Oz, Iba, and I decided to come along and celebrate. Not only will I enjoy the company of my family and eating pizza, I will get some major practicing in.

Fondue or Fondon't...definitely Fondue!!!

I went to a home decor party last weekend, hosted by my sister, Jennifer. I'm so glad I attended because it was a lot of fun. So much fun in fact, that I am having my own! I like having parties at my house, I decided. It is a way to show off my [risky] cooking skills and makes me clean my toilets and ceiling fans. I am also looking forward to meeting new people and sharing design tips. My particular party, if you couldn't tell by the heading, will be fondue-themed. Anyway, please join us!!! It is April 11th @ 3pm. I will be sending out (custom made by me) postcards soon. What a great excuse to play on photoshop:)

On the Farm

Sunday I visited a good friend of mine, Kati, and her husband Alex. They got married this past September, moved onto a quaint little acerage, renovated an old farm house (my dream), and are expecting an addition to their family in August. In small town Iowa, there are farm girls and town girls. I am definitely a town girl. I had the opportunity to play with baby calves and experience a little life "on the farm". Farming is hard work. Kati's husband wakes up at 11pm and 2am every night/morning to tend to his cattle. This winter has been a tough winter. I know I can tell Kati and Alex are going to be good parents, just by watching how much heart and passion they put into taking care of their already-big furry family.

Keeping it Classy

What is hotter than some classy women in classy jeans and aprons?

Apparently I was in the close-up mood that night...

Keeping it Classy

So here we go again...another GNO turned photoshoot! Yeah, that glass in my hand is the reason why the lighting in these pictures are too warm or not focused correctly.

The location is Classy Gourmet by Westroads mall. The menu was Italian food. You will not see me any pictures of me preparing food. Hmmm, wonder why? Laura here, is stirring the onions which claimed half of my mascara.

Christy and Katie doing exactly what they should be doing...


Stuffed shells which we did not prepare, especially me. They were very tasty though!