Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Endora & Maurice

These dogs are ginormous! Maurice is the huge bear in black and Endora is the tan one. They are both rescued Chow's that live in Chicago with my Uncle Bill and his partner Bill. They are amazing looking animals. Maurice was a bit camera shy and I had to get some help from Bill but Endora just sat there like a pro.
These gentle giants were a bit shy at first but eventually warmed up. Baron was shocked and it took all of us to keep him from trying to ride them. That's his thing now...riding the dogs, at least Reinhardt.

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Tuesday, December 29, 2009

James Family Christmas

Like every year, we took the long drive next door to Rob's parents house. We had a nice Christmas dinner and then opened presents. I was quite proud of Rob's parents for having the guts to brave the crowds in Toy's R Us during the holidays and get Baron something. I was even more impressed they chose the most awesome gift. Baron loved his train set and still to this day he gets all excited when we mention it.
With both of them being 85, time is short and everyday that passes we are blessed that they are both happy and healthy. I pray that they both will get to see Baron grow to be a wonderful grandchild and hopefully for us, to be able to give them more healthy grandchildren.

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Sunday, December 27, 2009

Our Family Christmas

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This was the second year having Christmas with Baron and I can see that it is going to get better and better each year. This year, he actually sat down and opened his gifts and was excited with what he received. Of course he was the most excited about the flashlight that was in his stocking but I guess that's going to happen.
I can't even begin to describe the joy that I got this year preparing Christmas for Baron. Trying to make it the best experience that he could have. The look on his face as he rounded the corner was something I will never forget. The same goes when you know he's so excited that he stomps his feet and flutters his hands because he can't control it. I loved every second of it. Creating memories...




Thursday, December 24, 2009

The Christmas Tree *Custom* Bokeh

While reading the site, KevinandAmanda, there was a tutorial on how to create a custom Bokeh. In photography, Bokeh is the blur, or the aesthetic quality of the blur, in out-of-focus areas of an image, or "the way the lens renders out-of-focus points of light" (stole that from Wikipedia).
So I needed a subject that would not only sit quietly (since Baron was napping) but also very still. Mr. Elf that sits on our shelf was a perfect candidate. Then I switched to Heidrich after I knew what I was doing. I tried to cut out a Christmas tree but it really didn't resemble one and eventually switched to the heart. Not too shabby for the first try...and very easy I must say.

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Louderman Christmas

Like always, the weekend before Christmas is the 'Louderman Christmas' or 'Grandma's Christmas' as everyone likes to call it.
It was nice that everyone was able to make it and the wide variety of food is always something to look forward to. This year was a bit different since Baron was able to run around versus last year when he was just a baby and napped through most of it. Of course with all the other kiddos there, it made it really easy. Baron loved every minute of it.

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Forgotten Footage

While I was getting things together for another post I noticed that I had skipped some video's of when Riley came over to visit. No explanation necessary...

Gotta love .25 buckets...and power wheels.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Santa's Magical Kingdom

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We went to Eureka's Jellystone Park to see the light display and also get Baron's picture with Santa. We did this last year and I know that we will continue to do it every year. There is something so calming about driving through the park looking at all the lights in awe and hearing Christmas music play throughout. It really gets me in the spirit and warms my heart.
Baron was awake the whole time this year and was again an awesome little dude when it came time to sit on Santa's lap. Again, I was nervous, but I'm sure every parent is when they hand their child to the big ol guy wondering if this is going to be "that" time. Even though Baron gave me some unsettling looks thankfully he came around. Would love to know what he was thinking.

Baron's actual visit with Santa and the huge bear that he wouldn't quit playing with. Why does he always go for the biggest ones. Oh wait...I think I was the same way.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Light Trails

I went out the other night to try to shoot some light trails. Of course I had to pick one of the coldest nights to do it. Took me awhile to figure out the settings and I still have a lot to improve on but not bad for the first try.

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Friday, December 11, 2009

Laser Pointer

I knew the dogs went bonkers for the laser pointer but had no idea that Baron would get such a kick out of it.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Digital Swirling

I learned a really fun effect with Photoshop the other day and have been playing with it since. I seriously can't stop.

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Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Smells like Christmas...

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We finally decorated the house this weekend and if that doesn't pull you into the spirit then you should just stick your head in a bucket. I love it at night when all the lights are off in the house and the Christmas lights just sparkle throughout. The smells of the Cinnamon and Pine candles as well as the tree just makes me think of good times ahead. Baron is going to love this Christmas and we can't wait.
Ok, enough of that gooey stuff. I had Rob get the decorations down from the garage attic and once inside, I started unpacking. While doing that, I saw a note to myself to buy some more pre-lit garland for the stairs. That was stupid. Nothing like getting started and then hitting a roadblock. So, I thought I could just run up to K-Mart really quick and pick up some. I took Baron with me and since I was just going to run in for one thing, I didn't put Baron in a cart. B I G M I S T A K E! While I'm trying to find the correct set of lights, he's pulling so hard away from my hand and I'm squeezing harder and harder that I think that I'm going to break it. I let go and keep an eye on him. Of course he runs straight to the pre-lit deer that moves his head and pushes it right over. When he did that, it pushed everything next to it over. Lovely...
So, as I fight with him to get to the checkout line that I now notice is 7 deep and proceed to wait. After waiting for what seemed like an eternity, we were finally next. The nice old lady in front of us only had one item so I assumed she would be quick. Umm NOPE. Not when she writes a personal check. By that time, Baron is doing the limp baby thing and screaming BALLOOOOOOOON because someone decided that balloons would be a nice holiday touch at the end of the isles.
Finally out of the store, thank goodness, and back in the car. Once home, after letting the monster run around, I go to check the pre-lit garland lights just to make sure they work..........and they don't. ARE YOU SERIOUS!! All that for nothing.
Christmas can wait and we went to bed.

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