Chronicle Cantrell

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T11:37:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, February 14

You Capture - Colorful

2012-01-26T19:58:00.000-08:00

Thursday, January 26

Enjoy the colorful things I found this week. No time for explanations - I'm in the middle of baking a double batch of chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.

To see more Colorful photos visit Beth's blog.

No words...

2012-01-24T21:31:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, January 24

...except to say that we are sending our love and prayers to the family of our friend and neighbor David, who passed away this morning after fighting cancer for more than two years. Peace.

Art by Sydney from first grade (2010/11).

Resolution - water drops!

2012-01-20T08:45:00.000-08:00

Friday, 20Jan2012

I'm posting these as part of a monthly photography challenge called MCP Project 12.

These water drops show my resolutions of :

what happens when the water drops (very appropriate during our non-stop heavy rains),

trying new things with my photography this year,

taking more photos for me,

using my macro lens and

learning more about off camera lighting

(here I used a continuous source instead of my new flash, which will give me an excuse to try this again),

Check this tutorial which includes some awesome videos of water drops.

You Capture - Cold

2012-01-19T14:35:00.000-08:00

Thursday, January 20

Snow in the Willamette Valley is pretty rare, but we got some just in time for the Cold challenge. The girls were so excited to play outside before school, but sad that it had all melted by the time school was over.

Click here to see more Cold at Beth's blog.

Rule of Thirds

2012-01-18T17:33:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, 18Jan2012

I was thinking I should use some great photo for the Rule of Thirds assignment, but I got tired of looking decided to use something recent and amusing.

Here is the before. I wasn't really thinking about composition, but concentrating on focusing the "eyes" and how my new flash was working.

Here is the after. I put her "eyes" on the top horizontal third, the right eye on the right vertical third and the space on the left takes up about a third.

OK, if anyone can guess what these the "eyes" are, I'll send you a free note card of your choice.

Hint: The two halves used to be one.

Let's pretend it's 2 weeks ago...

2012-01-17T08:32:00.000-08:00

so I can say Happy New Year! I really dropped off the blogosphere last summer and only posted a couple of times. The fall was super busy with Sydney in Soccer, Kyla doing cross country and both girls at Kung-Fu twice a week. Then I ended up doing a lot of photos for other people along with putting some of my work in local shops. It has been fun, but kept me busy.

One project I got to work on with another photographer and mom was a photo booth for the holiday bazaar at our school. It was fun to try out the studio setting with professional lighting. I made the family take two minutes out of their lives without getting dressed up or even fixing hair to get a family photo and well, here we are.

Thanks Brenna King for all your expertise, equipment and time!

January 17, 2012

You Capture - Mornings

2012-01-12T22:55:00.000-08:00

Thursday, January 12

We've been having beautiful sunrises all week it seems. I always wish I had something better to silhouette than power lines..

so this morning I found a model.

For more morning photos visit I Should Be Folding Laundry.

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-24T23:07:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 24

The cookies are made and set out for Santa. Poor Sydney has a terrible cough and finally fell asleep about 30 minutes ago. Santa is going to have to work fast in order to get some sleep tonight. Hopefully they will sleep until 8am. Here are some photos I took at church last week. Kyla was a wise woman and Sydney was a beautiful Mary.

Merry Christmas!!

Corn Maze

2011-11-17T23:21:00.000-08:00

Thursday, November 17

I entered a few photos into the Oregon Cultural Trust "This is Culture" photo contest and this one made it to the finals. So this is my last ditch effort to get more votes. If you are on Facebook please click here to vote! The voting ends Friday at midnight, Pacific time. Thanks!!

Yellow Leaves

2011-11-16T17:27:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, November 17

This one rarely poses for me and she only did this for about 2 minutes so I would stop bugging her. So glad I had my camera after school yesterday because today is nasty outside. She love this "new" coat or poncho or whatever you call it. She kind of reminds me of Fleur Delacour from Harry Potter.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T19:19:00.001-07:00

Tuesday, November 1

We didn't get photos done early this year and I never even got a good one of Kyla, maybe she'll pose for me this week. She not a very willing subject sometimes.

In case you're wondering, Kyla is a ranger, but it's hard to tell without her weapons, which she was not allowed to bring to school.

I also didn't get a chance to photograph Kevin's wizard costume (which I finished sewing right before dinner), but he still needs a beard. I guess we have a whole year to shop for that.

Ashland '11

2011-10-28T16:16:00.000-07:00

Friday, September 28

Here are a few photos from last weekend when we went to Ashland with friends and no kids! Thanks Aunt Marcie, Grandma & Grandpa for entertaining the girls. Everyone had a great time.

Click here to see a few more shots.

Macro Monday Mushroom

2011-10-24T20:10:00.000-07:00

Monday, September 24

We found this on the way home from school last week.
Only one week until Halloween. This mom needs to start sewing!

Kruger's Farm

2011-10-12T19:38:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, October 12

Last Saturday we had the perfect weather for a visit to the pumpkin patch and corn maze complete with corn on the cob and caramel apples.

You Capture - Green

2011-09-29T21:47:00.000-07:00

Thursday, September 29

We are going green by making reusable sandwich bags. I found some cute fabric.

My 7 yo says she is going green by using rocks and string to make dolls. FYI, rock are too heavy to stay on a stick when adhered using a glue gun. We are now on a search for lighter heads.

I found a lot of green leaves on a sunny walk today.

Visit Beth at I Should be Folding Laundry for more Green.

The Rain Came

2011-09-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, September 27

But the flowers are still blooming.

Macro Monday - The Wasp Nest

2011-09-26T07:16:00.000-07:00

September 26, 2011

Last week I found part of a wasp nest just lying in the backyard. (To write that sentence I just had to Google "laying vs. lying"). Blogging would be quicker if I only posted photos without explanations. So, I went to take a picture and discovered there was a wasp tending it. I don't know where it came from and the next day I was checking up on it only to find that it had disappeared? What a mystery! Glad I remembered to snap a shot before it was gone.

You Capture - Industrial

2011-09-22T19:41:00.000-07:00

Thursday, September 22

Yesterday there was an awesome sunrise!

Normally, I sleep through them but I was up early and I was wishing I had something cool to put in front of such an amazing backdrop. I hopped in the car, but no luck, it quickly disappeared . Here's the view of Portland's industrial waterways just a few minutes later.

Visit Beth at I Should Be Folding Laundry for more Industrial photos.

You Capture - Apples

2011-09-18T21:40:00.000-07:00

Sunday, September 18

Ever since I sent my 10 year old to archery camp (at TrackersNW, which she loved) I've had this fear that she would come home and be tempted to shoot her little sister. Luckily the arrow that she came home with doesn't have an arrowhead and there are strict rules about not even pointing it towards people (except for this photo, don't worry there is no tension on the string). The girls were very helpful with my photo challenge this week even though we're a few days late.

And then she ate it.

For more apples visit Beth at I Should Be Folding Laundry.

Macro Monday and back to school

2011-09-12T20:28:00.000-07:00

September 12, 2011

Wow, it looks like I took the whole summer off from blogging! The girls are starting their second week of school. They are both happy with their teachers. I'm already hearing complaints about homework, no one really missed that over the summer.

You Capture - Purple & Water

2011-06-30T13:54:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 30

I just had to check the calender to figure out the date - great thing about vacations - you really lose track of time. I so behind on blogging that I'm combining the last two photo challenges. It's been busy with weddings, end of the school year and packing for a three week vacation.

Here are the twins (actually, just cousins) at my brother's wedding.

And here are my girls loving the warm ocean in North Carolina.

Click here to see more water at I Should Be Folding Laundry.

You Capture - Flowers

2011-06-09T22:20:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 9

Have you ever seen the flower of bok choy? This was a first for me. I love bok choy in soup and stir fry!

Irises found on one of my many walks to school today - I think I walked there four times.

Daisies were a theme at my cousin Katie's wedding last weekend. It was the nicest day of the year so far and we all got a little pink.

The sunglasses were for when it was all over.

It was super windy and she kept having to corral her veil - too cute. No flowers in this last shot, but it was my favorite, with the bride and groom leaning on each other and her windswept veil.

Click here for more Flowers at I Should Be Folding Laundry.

You Capture - Games

2011-06-02T22:12:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 2

Considering how many games my family owns I should probably have some better photos than these. I could probably take enough games photos to last a years worth of You Capture challenges.

I don't know if anyone has actually played the game that goes with these tiny pirate ships, but they are fun and sometime challenging to put together.

Poor Sydney used to have wall to wall games in her room, but we finally moved some out so she could store books and toys of her very own.

OK, here's your bonus - an article of kids' game reviews written my hubby, the board game geek. He gave a presentation at the preschool last October, so there is also a section of Halloween games. He is super awesome for figuring out how to make this available on the web to share with you all.
Click here for a copy of Beyond Candyland.

To see more Games photos click visit I Should Be Folding Laundry.

You Capture - Pretty

2011-05-26T21:30:00.000-07:00

Thursday, May 26

Here is Kyla in her pioneer costume on the Oregon Trail field trip.

The rest of these pretty things we found on the way to the park.

Click here for more Pretty over at I Should Be Folding Laundry.

Macro Monday

2011-05-16T15:33:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 16

Not sure what I've been doing lately but it isn't blogging. It hasn't helped that I had had to send my laptop to the Dell service center to be revived. A certain 7 year old accidentally tipped over a half a cup of tea into my laptop. :-(

Last week Kyla and I were busy sewing aprons for her field trip to the Oregon Trail. Now we can dress up as official pioneer women. Kyla is having a hard time contemplating life without a book for two days. Of course, we'll be too busy to notice our lack of technology. I do get to bring my camera, so I hope to have some photos at the end of the week. Now, off to find rain gear and boots.

Happy Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

Sunday, May 8

Happy Mother's Day!

to my mom, my grandmas and all the moms I know!

You Capture - Pink

2011-04-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, April 27

Here is some Easter weekend Pink. My favorite homemade berry waffles with real whipped cream.

Click here to see more Pink over at I Should Be Folding Laundry.

Macro Monday

2011-04-25T15:14:00.000-07:00

Monday, April 25

I haven't done a Macro Monday lately, but here are a couple I took in my sister's yard. An Asian pear blossom and a trillium.

Happy Easter 2011

2011-04-24T17:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!

You Capture - Spring

2011-04-21T15:49:00.000-07:00

Thursday, April 21

I'm so behind on blogging, I even missed my baby's 7th birthday which also happens to be my 3rd blogiversary (sp - no I don't mean biodiversity). I may or may not post photos for that later. Here is spring, where it finally stopped raining and we sat outside to feel the warm sun and practice the knitting that we learned from a YouTube video.

We admired our crop of dandelions, they are really doing well this year.

Along with the neighbor's shrubs.

I also made it to the University of Portland campus to capture some spring there.

Click here to see more Spring over at I Should Be Folding Laundry.

You Capture - Fun

2011-04-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, March 6

More Kung Fu photos because the girls had their joint birthday party last weekend and Kung Fu is FUN!

Here is Sydney sporting her new fun socks and she just learned how ride the big bike.

For more Fun, visit Beth at I Should Be Folding Laundry.

Moving up!

2011-04-01T16:43:00.000-07:00

Friday, April 1

I know all the Kung Fu photos tend to look the same, but Sydney just got her white sash yesterday, which is the first big step. Now the girls are in the same class. Great job Syd!

You Capture - Vibrance

2011-03-30T15:49:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, March 30

Well it's kind of hard to find vibrance in this dreary grey Oregon weather. Even though you can't see it on her face, Sydney was vibrant about finishing her first chapter book. Here she is reading in bed, starting her second book.

Here are some vibrant colors in a board game.

and Kyla peeking out of the playhouse, which she barely fits in.

She is also feeling pretty vibrant about turning 10 today. Happy Birthday Kyla!!
I can't believe I've been a mom for a whole decade.

Click here for more Vibrance photos.

You Capture - Youth

2011-03-24T16:39:00.000-07:00

Thursday, March 24

When I see silliness, energy and fun, I think of youth. I know you've seen hula hoops here before, but I've made 18 so far this year. Yes, we're giving away hula hoops one birthday party at a time, plus we made them for all the kids at yoga camp.

Click here for more Youth photos.

Close Up Photography

2011-03-23T22:45:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, March 23

As usual, I'm waiting until the last moment to post my photos for a photography assignment over at Views Infinitum. I'm lucky that the nicest lens I have happens to be a 60mm macro. I really should use it more.
Here are a couple of the ones I liked best. If you know me, I'm sure you're impressed because I really don't like bees, but this one was holding pretty still and didn't look like it was going to attack.

1/100s, f/14.0 ISO 800

1/100s, f/10.0, ISO 800

1/80s, f/6.5 ISO 640

1/80s, f/2.8 ISO 1600

1/80s, f/4.0 ISO 800

I used a Canon Rebel T1i with a 60mm 1:2.8 macro lens for all these shots. I got pretty lucky with the animal shots, but using a tripod for the other stuff would be helpful.

Friday Flashback

2011-03-11T13:28:00.000-08:00

Friday, March 11

This photo was taken over three years ago and I meant to post it for a Sisters Photo Challenge, but I forgot, so here it is. One of my faves of them together.

Oh Mexico

2011-03-10T23:25:00.000-08:00

Thursday, March 10

Well, I got back from Mexico over two weeks ago and I'm finally done working on the photos.
I went on a snorkeling tour to Cabo Pulmo and even though the reef and fish were not that exciting, seeing a mama and baby humpback whale, flying manta rays and sharks made it very worthwhile. I really missed the good camera, but I just didn't want anything to happen to it. I was pretty happy to capture this shot.

There were hundreds of these guys jumping up all around our boat. I still haven't figured out why they do it. I'm still kicking myself for not taking a video. I had a great time and since our timeshare turned out to be so nice I will have to take my family there soon.

You Capture - my weekend in Body Parts

2011-03-09T15:27:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, March 9

Last weekend we made an impromptu trip to Seattle to visit the cousins and go to the Emerald City Comic Convention. The following body parts are not all real or human. There were some impressive costumes and several characters were unknown to me.

I do know these guys though, not personally of course.

Luna dog's nose.

Jumping body parts.

Resting body parts.

And a possibly broken body part.

That kid in the pink shirt who was jumping really high, well she got a sharp leg pain and has been unable to walk on her right leg since Sunday night. She is actually getting around great with crutches and feeling less painful. We have to wait a few days to see if a hairline fracture will show up on the x-ray.

Click here to see more Body Part photos.

Snow day = sew day

2011-03-04T16:59:00.000-08:00

Friday, March 4

Last week we had our first and probably last snow day for this winter. Kyla decided she had to have a messenger bag. Well, I wasn't just going to drive to the store and buy her one, but I remembered that we had cut out fabric for one months ago. We dug it out of the closet and Sydney found some old quilting fabric and we made messenger bags with this awesome free pattern from mmmcrafts.

Happy Friday!

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

2011-03-02T21:47:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, March 3

I love the art that Sydney does at school and that they invite families to celebrate Dr. Seuss' Birthday. And we all get doughnuts!

The cat in the hat mask is a little scary, but still fun.

And so is figuring out all the stuff you can do with a tall paper hat, even if your teacher doesn't approve.

You Capture - things that start with L

2011-02-23T16:58:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, February 23

Well I just got back from five nights in Cabo (and it was awesome), but I totally forgot about L words. I was just working on my photos from the trip and found a few even if they are in Spanish.

La Luna

La luz (light) de la luna

sea Lions

Lobster

Lantern

Click here to see more L words at I Should Be Folding Laundry.

You Capture - Warm

2011-02-20T08:40:00.000-08:00

Sunday, February 20

I know this is late and I have a lot of warm photos from here in Cabo, but no way to get them online. So here is one I took while packing, which gave me warm thoughts. Thank you family & friends for letting me go on vacation!!

Click here for more warm.

Happy Valentine's Day! Belated

2011-02-16T22:56:00.000-08:00

Did you notice Kyla's new glasses?

Kevin and I recently got his and hers laptops so I thought this poem was appropriate.

Since My Valentine Got A Computer

Since my Valentine got a computer
My love life has taken a hit.
Nothing I say is important
Unless it’s a byte or a bit.

Before she got her new laptop,
Everything was just fine;
Now she says we can’t talk
Unless we both go online.

"But honey," I said, "I’m attached to you;
Love is what I feel."
"That keyword isn’t relevant,"
She said, with eyes of steel.

She clicked the keyboard furiously;
The screen was all she could see,
And then to my horror and shame,
She started describing me:

"Your motherboard needs upgrading;
Your OS needs help, too.
And you definitely need a big heatsink
To cool your CPU."

"Don’t flame me, my sweet," I pleaded.
"Not on Valentine’s Day."
"Fix the bugs, and I’ll see," she said,
While looking at me with dismay.

"What ever you want, my darling;
Whatever you need; you call it.
I’ll upload or download anything,
And then I’ll go install it."

(Her hostile CD keeps replaying,
And though I don’t want to fight her,
Is this what I want for a Valentine?
I’ve been burned; can I rewrite her?)

"Are you all hard drive now," I asked
"Is there no software in you?
Don’t you remember the good times?
Let our memories see us through."

"LOL," she said to me, chuckling.
"You’re nothing but adware.
"I’ve got four gigs of memory;
I’ve got no problem there."

"Please, honey, we can save it," I said.
"Our love means more than that."
"That’s not in my cache; we’re going to crash,"
She said, as she turned me down flat.

(This woman has really changed;
Do I really want to chase her?
More and more I’m thinking
It might be nice to erase her.)

"Aw, honey, don’t talk like that," I said.
"Can’t we just plug and play?
I hereby accept default,
And I’m yours, my love, come what may.

My goal is to make you happy;
I want to be your portal,
But your sudden, distant coldness
Would test the strongest mortal.

If we need a brand new interface,
So we can FTP,
I’m your go along, get along guy,
And I want you to stay with me."

"If you want to get into my favorites," she said,
And you want to get past my encryption,
If you want to get through my firewall,
Here is my only prescription."

"First, put up your own Web site,
And e-mail me when it’s done.
I’ll check your page rank with Google,
And tell you if you’re the one."

My life has become a real trial,
Since my Valentine got a computer.
If I want her to care about me again,
I guess I’ll have to reboot her.

By Joanna Fuchs

PS I'm leaving in 5 hours to go to Cabo!

You Capture - Cold & Red

2011-02-10T15:33:00.000-08:00

Thursday, February 10

It really hasn't been too cold here lately, but the fog makes it look cold.

Here are a couple of Red shots from last week. This heart was in better shape before the cat starting chasing it around the house.

For more Cold visit Beth's Blog.

Her future is becoming clear

2011-02-08T21:49:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, February 8

Did you guess it?

No, she is not becoming a cyborg. That is Kyla by the way. She just found out yesterday that she needs glasses. I took her to pick out her frames today and she is unhappy that it will take a whole week to the the lenses made. I'm just glad that we figured it out before some vision screening at school - makes me feel like a better mom.

You Capture - Happy

2011-02-05T10:10:00.000-08:00

Saturday, February 5, but pretend it's January 27. That's when I was supposed to post these pics.

Here are my girls (tallest crane and crouching tiger - I know those names are not totally right, but don't correct me) happy after going to a free Saturday class with their Kung Fu cohorts.

Then out to dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory.

I'm happy that some people don't rush to take down Christmas lights after new years.

And that I found the first sign of Spring.

See more Happy at I Should Be Folding Laundry.

You Capture - Circles

2011-01-20T11:39:00.000-08:00

Thursday, January 20

I'm behind on editing, dishes and laundry, but I found a few circles to share.

A gumball machine from a birthday party.

These may look like stripes, but they are part of a big hula-hoop we made for a different birthday party.

My friend Amber, makes these amazing hair clips out of vintage fabrics and jewlery.

See her website at Itty Bitty Betteys

Also visit Beth's place for more circles.

Lambs, goats, and llamas, oh my!

2011-01-18T21:12:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, January 18

The girls and I were invited to visit the new lambs at my soon to be sister in law's farm. In case you didn't know, Sydney luuuuuvs lambs, so it was the best. day. ever! Here's the proof:

After that we went to visit my Grandma at the hospital. She fell and broke her hip last Sunday. She is doing pretty well, but tomorrow she is going to a nursing facility to get some rehab before going home. I'll be heading to Salem for the day to transport her and get her settled in the new place.

You Capture - Doorways

2011-01-14T21:23:00.000-08:00

Friday, January 14

Well, another busy week gone by. I didn't even know the topic of this challenge until after I came home from our trip to the beach with my family and then to Seattle. These are almost doorways:

Doorway to the Lego Castle, so awesome with its drawbridge and portcullis.

Here is the family on the way into the Harry Potter exhibit at the Pacific Science Center, no photos allowed inside :-(

The entrance to the Pacific Science Center at night.

The roof near the entrance of the EMP (Experience Music Project). It's made of 21,000 metal tiles all uniquely shaped.

For more actual doorways visit I Should Be Folding Laundry.

You Capture - Top 10 of 2010

2011-01-06T15:53:00.000-08:00

Thursday, January 6

Hope it's not too late to say Happy New Year! since this is my first post of the year. I've been busy this week working on starting a business of selling my photos as note cards. Even though I don't have a webpage or a logo yet, I'm sending an order to the printers tomorrow as I've already had some requests to purchase cards.
I also worked on portraits this year and was tempted to include some, but decided to leave them out because it was getting too hard to narrow down the list. Hope you enjoy today's top 10!

Click here to see a lot more great photos at I Should Be Folding Laundry.

You Capture - Holiday Favorites

2010-12-30T19:21:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 30

I didn't take many photos this week, but here are some I needed to post of the girls helping out with the Christmas program at church. My daughter (right) and friend ringing the bells.

and reading the nativity story.

It's lucky that Sydney went to practice because she ended up being Mary. Check out our friend Macy, the cutest cow ever!

Homemade Hula Hoops

2010-12-26T16:22:00.000-08:00

Here is the video I took yesterday right after we made hula hoops with Grandpa Bubba! We decorated after we tested them out with the cousins.

It was so funny when we went to Lowes and were standing in front of the irrigation tubing and the guy says, "Hi, are you making hula hoops?" Welcome to Portland!

Merry Day after Christmas!

2010-12-26T16:02:00.000-08:00

Sunday, December 26

The girls had cold last week, but they got better just in time to celebrate Christmas, so we had a nice quiet Christmas eve and opened a few presents so the girls would have something to do. Yesterday we drove to visit two sets of grandparents. Here are a couple of photos - I was trying to use a star filter on my camera with only a little success.

I Can't Elf Myself

2010-12-25T00:43:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 24

Oh, but I can and I did! I know I haven't blogged in forever, but here is a little entertainment until a real post comes along.

Here is the disco version:

Here we are singing:

You Capture - Kindreds that pretended to eat this

2010-12-02T09:10:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 2

Crazy title you say? That's what happens when you combine two weeks into one and don't take pictures of real food. The girls stayed the night at Gma and Gpa's with the cousins. I like to call them the twins, they are exactly 3 weeks apart. They even included their younger cousin for most of weekend.

My sister made these adorable felt cookies with velcro and ice cream cones with magnets.

They look good enough to eat.

They look good enough to eat. Click here to see more Kindred photos.

Autumn 2010

2010-11-24T22:17:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, November 24

I'm so thankful Thanksgiving is not at my house this year. It's been a crazy week with no school and a sick kid. Everyone is better and ready to visit with family now - yay! Here a just a few photos from this fall for Scott's Assignment #10.

I took a bunch of shots with the girls in our leaves before they got rained on. Here is just one.

This one was taken in sunny Ashland, Oregon and it was an experiment with the zoom lens. I wonder if this is what a bird sees when it is flying towards a tree.

The next two were taken a couple weeks ago just a mile from my house.

I love the St. John's Bridge, so photogenic.

You Capture - What Inspires Me

2010-11-18T07:30:00.000-08:00

Thursday, November 18

My kids were the first thing to inspire my photography, I however didn't take any photos of them this week, but these were at least taken this month.

I think the St. John'a Bridge in Portland is what really inspired my to branch out from taking kids photos. Also, try not to be grossed out by the slimy mushroom I found under the bridge.

The last thing that inspires me is my 60mm macro lens that lets you get really close to nature. By the way, I have absolutely no idea what this is, but I thought it looked interesting. It also takes beautiful portraits.

Click here for more Inspiration @ I Should Be Folding Laundry.

You Capture - Serene

2010-11-11T07:40:00.000-08:00

Thursday, November 11

I've been so busy working on other photography projects that I didn't really focus on Serene this week. Does fog make the port look serene?

On a not serene note, I'm totally excited about donating my art to the first grade class room to make cards to sell at the school auction. It was the first time I had seen a lot of my photos in print and I was surprised at the improvement over a computer screen. Check out the cards they will be selling. It's like my first art show!

Click here for more Serene over at I Should Be Folding Laundry.

Macro Monday

2010-11-08T16:43:00.000-08:00

Monday, November 7

I haven't done one of these for a while. This is a photo I submitted to Pioneer Woman's Four Legged photo assignment.

This week sure looks like it's going to get busy with some photography "jobs" I've got going. Fun fun!

Syd's Soccer Review

2010-11-07T09:07:00.000-08:00

Sunday, November 7

How has a whole soccer season gone by and not one soccer photo posted?
You may remember last year, Syd's first year of soccer, when she had to play with BOYS and she was reluctant to play without the assistance of Lambie. I had to twist her arm to get her to play again this year, but what a change. We had an awesome coach, all girls on the team and most of them friends from school or preschool. They learned so much this year and developed great teamwork. I've have even seen them miss goals because they were so busy passing to each other. Even though we don't keep score I'm pretty sure they never lost a game.
Click here if you want to see the web album of soccer photos.

Here are a couple of clips of the last game.

You Capture - Halloween & Silence

2010-11-04T09:33:00.000-07:00

Thursday, November 4

Our pumpkins:

I know we aren't smiling, but...

Cleopatra takes Halloween very serious.

Here is Great Gma who came to watch the school parade.

We had a some friends over for dinner and this little one was silent for the whole thing.

Visit Beth for more Halloween & Silence.

Fall Photo Shoot

2010-11-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, November 3

I can't seem to keep up with all of the photos I've been taking lately. I took these last week for a Fall - You Capture Challenge, but never had time to post them. I got some great portraits of the girls. Sydney is a willing model, but it's much harder to tear Kyla away from her reading to get some good shots.

Happy Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T09:33:00.000-07:00

Sunday, October 31

Here are a couple of music videos for your Halloween entertainment.

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Happy Halloween!

Watercolor Wednesday

2010-10-27T16:36:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, October 27

I'm finally posting the watercolors that the girls painted with Grandma Gayle.
Here are Sydney's paintings.

I think she decided these are Easter eggs.

Here are Kyla's paintings.

An abstract, in case you weren't sure.

Thanks Gma Gayle, the girls had a great time painting with you.

Barf pails and slug trails

2010-10-26T16:56:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, October 26

What crazy weather this weekend. Luckily we stayed fairly dry during soccer games. Kyla had a full social schedule which included sleepovers, parties and too much sugar. She stayed home from school yesterday, but bounced back quickly and seems to be back to normal today. Note to self: If your kid complains of a stomach ache in the middle of the night, even if it doesn't seem very bad, it's always a good idea to leave them with a towel or a barf bag, just in case. Kevin got the middle of the night surprise and preliminary clean up and I got the detail work the next morning. She didn't quite make it to the bathroom. So glad we didn't get new carpet this year.

Hopefully this story will make the following picture seem pleasant even though it's related to slugs.

Can you see the heart? Stay healthy everyone.

You Capture - Orange

2010-10-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

Thursday, October 21

There was a lot of road work going on driving south on I-5 last weekend, so we passed a lot of these on our 5 hour drive.

My neighbor has cute orange flowers.

Sometimes Sydney is willing to do a photo shoot. I got several cute photos, but this is the silly one.

For more Orange photos visit I Should Be Folding Laundry.

Hello, Goodbye

2010-10-20T23:05:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, October 20

What a day! Surprise! We got a new car. I've been wishing for one for a while, but we didn't really decide to bite the bullet until last weekend. No one makes the car I want, an affordable hybrid that can hold six people. So, we got a Mazda5. At first the girls were sad about getting rid of the Subaru, but they love the new car. Now they can each bring a friend and everyone gets their own seat. Yay! Now that soccer season is almost over, have I finally become a legit soccer mom? Is it really a minivan? I think they call it a microvan.

Buying a car is a crazy thing. I thought for sure we were going to leave the dealership empty handed. They were trying to charge us way too much, but Kevin held strong and I made a call to another dealership while we were there and reported that they would find us the same car for $1000 lower than invoice. Finally when we said we were in no hurry and would just drive across town later that week for the good deal, they gave us the price we wanted which was $2000 lower than the number we first gave them. What a team! And Kevin, you are awesome!

Dear Forester, We really loved you for 13 good years. You gave us a little scare last weekend when we thought one of your tires was going to fly off the car when we were an hour away from our destination at 9pm. Luckily we just needed to balance, rotate and eventually get new tires. Then we realized you were about to become a little too high maintenance. Sorry for the surprise break up. We will always remember you. Love, The Cantrells

Weekend in Ashland

2010-10-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, October 20

There's no time for writing, but here are a couple of photos I took during our weekend to Ashland without the kids. Beautiful fall weather!

You Capture - Animals

2010-10-14T15:16:00.000-07:00

Thursday, October 14

I tried to get some animal variety this week, not just cats and dogs, although I did spare you the spider photo. Those things are everywhere lately, along with the slugs.

My friend Amy has chickens, but they were being kind of shy, so I got this one through the window.

The kids are finding caterpillars on the playground after school.

We don't have a dog, but I see this one every time I get a chance to eat at the food carts in my neighborhood. I call him cart dog or beggar.

Last but not least, our crazy cat. She is always opening the bottom drawer to pull out plastic bags and chew them. I have tried to tell her how unsafe this is, but she never listens. I may have to resort to a safety lock before she endangers her life. Bad kitty!

Click here to see more Animals @ I Should Be Folding Laundry.

Love at first ice

2010-10-11T22:41:00.000-07:00

Monday, October 11

What a crazy busy weekend! Seems like we were barely home this weekend, so how did the house get so messy? I feel like I'm cleaning up after a party, only I missed all the fun. Sydney went to a birthday party Saturday afternoon at the ice rink. She was trying to figure out how to dress up her comfy clothes, but then decided not to wear her tutu. Well, I got her to wear it just long enough to get a few photos. They're pretty grainy since I was using my old camera. It was her first time ice skating and she loved it. Luckily I didn't have to skate. I still have bad memories from over 10 years ago when I fell down ice skating on my already bruised tail bone. Ouch!

You Capture - Faces (& hair)

2010-10-07T09:19:00.000-07:00

Thursday, October 7

This week was faces, but it seems a bit more like hair. Here are some faces to go with the fluffy hairdos of the week.

I started out on auto white balance and then switched to shade for the ones on the right.

Then I found a great way to get rid of wrinkles, just make sure it's out of focus.

I couldn't leave out one more furry, blurry face.

For more faces visit Beth @ I Should be Folding Laundry.

A winning concert week

2010-10-06T14:02:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, October 6

Last week I won tickets to see Plain White T's at the Aloft Hotel near the Portland Airport. It was a promotion for Live in the Vineyard, which is of course in California. The concert was short, but only a few people were there since is was on an outdoor patio at the hotel, so that was pretty cool. We got VIP badges and tickets with numbers. Mine was the first number picked to "meet and greet" the band after the concert. So, what are you supposed to do when you meet someone famous? I just said thanks and then we had our photo taken by a photographer hired by 105.1 The Buzz radio station. I least it turned out pretty well.

The last time I met someone famous, I handed my camera to the person next to me and even though I thought I had it set up perfectly - the photo turned out horrible. Next time I'll change it to the auto setting!

Now, jump ahead a few day to last Sunday night. Unfortunately this concert was not free, but I've been wanted to see Jack Johnson since I missed his last concert in my area over two years ago. My Aunt Cindy is a big fan too, so we got our tickets the day they went on sale, several months ago. I think the last big concert I went to was Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young over 10 years ago.

We got to sit about 20 rows back, just off to the side, so we stayed warm under the roof even though half the amphitheater is uncovered. I took several photos, but this is the best shot I got. Jack sure did himself a favor by doing the soundtrack for the Curious George movie. I wonder how many moms discovered his music that way. Have you seen his music video where he gets in a bar fight - funny stuff! Well, I didn't get to have my picture taken with Jack, but I still had a great time.

It's not too late to Do Fun Stuff.

2010-10-01T13:06:00.000-07:00

Friday, October 1

This post is only a month late. I'm helping Ryan over at Pacing the Panic Room spread the word about this album of original kids music that he helped to compile as a fundraiser for SMS (Smith-Magenis Syndrome). I just listened to the album and it's awesome! I would happily have any of these songs stuck in my head (except mabye the Potty time song) unlike most music for kids out there.
Sorry, your browser does not support iframes.

To find out more about SMS, check the PRISMS webpage.

Ryan is a fantastic photographer and also has some great videos including this one of his kids. His son LB has SMS.

So Long I'm Six from The Panic Room Videos on Vimeo.

Portraits

2010-09-29T21:40:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, September 29

I really didn't get a chance to practice many portraits this last week and I'm still editing a bunch I did last month. The ones that turn out the best are usually taken outdoors in the shade/clouds with my macro lens. Here are a couple of a friend that I got while my daughter was at soccer practice. She's not sad, just concentrating on cracking her peanuts.

I couldn't resist putting a few of my favorite model from earlier this summer.

Thank you!

2010-09-29T10:52:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, September 29

I got home from my trip to Tacoma Sunday afternoon and Kevin was headed out to grade papers as I was pulling into the garage. I went to a continuing education class on Osteoporosis to maintain my PT license. The course was interesting and free, but I had to drive 40 minutes and be there by 8am on Saturday and 7:30am on Sunday. I'm all caught up on sleep now and it was such a relief to come home to a clean house. Thanks hubby!

I crashed at Julia's (a friend from high school) house and also crashed a wedding prep party on Friday. Her old roommate is getting married this weekend. Those are gourmet whoppers - I only tried the mint, but now I wish I would have tried pumpkin and dark chocolate too. Yummy!

It was rather painful to sit inside all day when it was so warm and sunny outside. I could have been staring at Mt. Rainier all day. Here is a photo I snapped early in the morning from the car.

So glad we're having some sun this week since I missed it on Saturday. I took a different route to the University of Puget Sound on Sunday. It was fun to drive through some old parts of town that I hadn't seen for over 10 years. Wouldn't it be cool to go to a high school that looks like this. It was very rainy on Sunday.

Tonight I get to go see Plain White T's and Sunday I'm going to Jack Johnson. It seems like forever since I've been to a concert. Yay!

You Capture - Flowers

2010-09-23T09:01:00.000-07:00

Thursday, September 23

Seems like I haven't done a You Capture Challenge all summer, but I found some flowers this week. I think my hydrangea is going to make it! Here is the first bloom since it was dug up and and replanted by the guys who took down my neighbors tree.

I'm loving all of the sunflowers in the neighborhood.

There are plenty of roses blooming, but my daughter dried these from our rose bush a couple of months ago. Here is me practicing with the macro lens. I need to work on my focusing and shaky hands.

Here is a poppy that my daughter picked and stuck in a blue plastic water bottle.

Click here for more flower photos at I Should Be Folding Laundry.

Next's week challenge is togetherness, which is kind of ironic since I'm headed out of town on my own for the weekend for the first time ever (my oldest is 9!).

Best pirate dad ever!

2010-09-20T16:27:00.000-07:00

Monday, September 20

Captain Hook, I mean Kevin took the girls and a friend to the pirate festival on Saturday. Usually I love to join them, dress up and take lots of pictures, but I was busy recuperating from a cold. He left his hook (that's just an umbrella he's holding) and the black wig at home. Good thing too, since they got rained on several times during the afternoon.

This pirate was getting feisty so I made her walk the plank!

The girls had a great time, got to hold a parrot, brought home some loot and got tattoos multiple times since they weren't waterproof.

Thanks Captain - you're awesome!

A new year and a new decade

2010-09-18T08:40:00.000-07:00

Hellooooo? Anybody out there?

Wow, I really fell off the blogging wagon if there is such a thing. I haven't even been reading any blogs lately. So I'm pretty behind on keeping family and whoever else is still reading up to date. Now that school has started I have a little more free time, but a lot of it seems to get used up just keep the routine of school, lunches, dinner, soccer and bedtime going smoothly.

So the girls started school last week. Sydney is in first grade and reports that so far it is awesome. First grade at our school is rather awesome as both teachers are wonderful and they get to do music and yoga. We also have a part time music teacher this year at school.

Kyla is really excited about 4th grade and is really happy with her teacher. She gets to be a self manager this year. I'm not sure what that is yet, but it involves perks like going to lunch 5 minutes early and stuff like that. She also gets to start taking Spanish - yay! We have forgotten so much since living in Spain two years ago.

Both girls are doing soccer this fall and Kevin is the assistant coach for Kyla's team. They had their first game last weekend. Sometimes they overlap, so we don't get to watch both girls every weekend, but at least most of Kyla's games are within walking distance so that's pretty convenient for only having one car.

What's this new year, new dedade I'm talking about? I know it's not January, but it feels more like the start of a new year when school starts. I find myself wanting to make new resolutions about all the things I will get done after having a fun and lazy summer. Mostly this includes excercising and cleaning up a bunch of junk around the house. I also started my fifth decade a few weeks ago. Yes, it was the big four - oh. I don't feel much different, actually right now it feel like my head might explode, but I think that's my sinus headache from catching a cold from the girls. It didn't seem to slow them down much. Maybe getting older is harder than it sounds. Anyway, I'm looking forward to the forties - the thirties was very much dedicated to the kids, which was fun, but tiring and messy. I'm hoping the forties will be a more organized and cleaner kind of fun. Yes, just as soon as I teach the girls to pick up their clothes, shoes, art supplies and dishes. Ha!

This summer I did a lot of photography (over 5200 shots taken) and I still need to edit some photos. I worked on some projects for friends and practiced doing some portraits. I'll try to show some photos soon. I haven't done the weekly photo challenge for at least a month, but look for some flowers next week. OK, hope you all have a great weekend, 'm heading out the door for a soccer game.

Here's a bonus for getting to the end. Sydney's self portrait.

Crater Lake

2010-08-18T14:53:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, August 18

Wow, August is flying by. Last week we camped for three nights and stayed at a timeshare near Klamath Falls for two nights. The girls saw Crater Lake for the first time. Everyone had a great time. I don't have much time to write, but here are a few photos I finally put on a web album. CLICK HERE.

You Capture - Summer

2010-08-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

Thursday, August 5

I have a few photos to post because I can't seem to find any time for blogging with all the kids running around during the summer. We've been having perfect weather for evenings at the local farms, which include fresh roasted corn, hay rides, music, hanging out with friends and eating ice cream. We are also lucky to have free concerts at many of our parks, last week was the Symphony.

Visit I Should be Folding Laundry for more Summer photos.

You Capture - Play

2010-07-29T13:26:00.000-07:00

Thursday, July 29

Sydney had a super fun play date with two friends last week. Two watched the other one in a play at drama camp, followed by a treat at St. Cupcake, then dress up and pedicure and playing outside.

Chillin' after play.

While little sister was out, big sister and I went to Michael's and stocked up on stuff for making friendship bracelets. How about some color play?

Both sisters have been trying out Kung Fu this week and they love it, because it seems like play.

Click here to see more Play photos at I Should Be Folding Laundry.

You Capture - B&W

2010-07-23T12:06:00.000-07:00

Friday, July 23

Last weekend was the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival,

two and a half days of free jazz,

(Tahoe Jackson)

under the historic St. John's Bridge in Portland, OR,

hanging out with friends,

in the shade on a beautiful sunny weekend.

Click here to see more Black & White captures.

Do they sell tiny tennis shoes?

2010-07-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, July 21

Because my cat really needs them. I was wondering why she slips around so much while playing on the laminate flooring. I've never owned a long haired cat before. Check out how furry her paws are. The cat has no traction!

Here are some random photos that I took at my Grandma's house in case you're not a cat person.

Mmmm, fresh strawberries.

You Capture - Vehicles

2010-07-16T14:29:00.000-07:00

Friday, July 16

Where have I been? Last week I was sick and missed a night of camping with my family, but glad I made it for the second night. The weather was perfect and has been all week. Here is a non-motorized vehicle that they got to spend the camping trip with. Thanks Gma and Gpa!

Here is our vehicle as seen from a semi's hub cap.

And the inside of our vehicle after camping.

This truck belongs to my Gma's neighbor. I like purple.

This week both girls were in camp, Kyla did Kung Fu and Sydney did one day of gymnastics and three days of yoga camp. They are having a great time while I have been catching up on laundry and editing photos.

Click here for more Vehicle photos.

The fire breathing man outside my house

2010-07-05T14:38:00.000-07:00

Monday, July 5

No joke! We watched the fireworks at Fort Vancouver from the Portland side of the river and rushed home to get the kids to bed. It was still so loud outside from the neighborhood festivities that we decided to watch a show before bed. Then around 11:30pm there was a bright orange light coming through the blinds and it kept flashing. We finally looked outside to find a bald headed, shirtless, tattooed man standing in the street breathing fire right outside our house. Crazy! I wonder if he is a professional from the Lion King? I'm pretty sure that show is in town now and I know from Scott's photo that is part of the show.

July 4, 2010

2010-07-04T17:20:00.000-07:00

I've created a monster

2010-07-03T09:39:00.000-07:00

Saturday, July 3

A blogging monster that is. When Kyla found out that her cousin started a blog she immediately decided that she wanted a blog too. I think it never really crossed her mind that a kid would be allowed to have a blog. She has published four posts since she started it after dinner last night. I tried to explain about pacing herself at one per day. I still need to talk to her about giving credit to other photographers that she features on her blog. She has taken all but one photo herself.

Click here to go to Kyla's blog.

I almost forgot to let you know that Sydney lost her second tooth last week while we were at the beach. Please note that she has finally stopped begging for a pillow pet, we were all so excited that it was waiting for her at the post office when we got home. And it's a lamb - surprise!

You Capture - Chairs

2010-07-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

Thursday, July 1

All of these chairs were found in North Carolina which is where we were last week visiting my inlaws and spending time at the beach.

Click here to find Chairs, Hands or Green photos.

Flying East

2010-06-30T13:22:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, June 30

Well, we're home from vacation and getting over the jet lag. The girls finally slept until 7:30 instead of waking me up at 6am! I decided to try a post a few pics every day instead of writing a big post. We had a great time in the 95 degree weather and spent a lot of time in the pool and some in the ocean on Topsail Island. It was a super clear day when we left Portland. Here is Mt. Saint Helens and the Columbia River. I really wanted a shot of Mt. Hood, but I was on the wrong side of the plane.

Here is Mt. Saint Helens with Mt. Adams (I think).

I'm not sure where we were for this shot, I'm thinking Rocky Mountains. As you can tell this is a "look at the pretty mountains post" not a "geography lesson post".

You Capture - Get Down Low!

2010-06-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 24

We've been on vacation at the beach in North Carolina since Saturday and I really had to think hard to figure out the date. It's been really HOT here until last night when we had a late thunderstorm. Poor Kyla (the big sister) has had a fever since Sunday, but she has still made it to the ocean a couple of times. I really she will feel better today since we have to leave tomorrow. Here is me (or at least my camera) gettin' down low.

Click here to see more Get Down Low shots over at I Should Be Folding Laundry blog.

You Capture - Water

2010-06-17T07:21:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 17

We are on vacation visiting the in-laws in the Carolinas this week. What a climate shock - our first time visiting in the summer since the 9 yo was a baby. The girls are loving their pool time and have gone swimming every day if not twice since we've been here. A couple sessions have been cut short by thunderstorms, but that's OK. I've been trying to get some good splash photos, but my favorites ones are the mid-air shots. Enjoy!

f/3.5, 1/320s, ISO 100

Click here for more Water shots at I Should Be Folding Laundry.

You Capture - Fun!

2010-06-10T15:00:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 10

I've been having so much fun working on photography projects for my friends that I've gotten behind on my photo challenges. Now we are gearing up for two weeks of fun in the sun visiting our relatives on the east coast. I hope we don't melt!

Here are a few shots from field day at school this week. Here are some third graders doing the twist.

and jumping rope.

Sydney has fun showing off her lost tooth.

Playing at the park with friend in the sun is always fun.

Click here for more Fun over at I Should Be Folding Laundry.

Finally lost!

2010-06-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, June 8

Sydney's loose tooth had been driving her crazy for days. She prayed every night that it would fall out now! She said she didn't care how much it hurt or bled, that I should pull it out. Well I tried several times, trust me, it just wasn't ready. Here is what it looked like yesterday.

Finally this morning I could tell it was ready. I pulled it out on the first try and tried to keep a blank expression on my face. She was so surprised and happy that she lost her first tooth!

Memorial Day Weekend 2010

2010-06-01T15:19:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, June 1

This weekend we visited the cemetery with family. I haven't been on Memorial Day for several years. It was a beautiful day with the sun shining and the flags blowing in the wind.

We all spent the night at Gma & Gpa's house. Uncle Ken took the cousins for a tractor ride.

The next day they roasted hot dogs for lunch.

Click here to see the rest of the Memorial Weekend photos.

You Capture - Sky

2010-05-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

Thursday, May 27

This week has been nothing but grey skies with intermittent black clouds dumping rain. Until last night when I was tucking the kids into bed and looked out and saw this.

Then I looked down the street and saw this. I hopped in my car to get a better view of what looked like a beautiful sunset, but by the time I got there it was pretty much over. I did have a pretty drive at least.

I made one extra stop on the way home when I saw the full moon.

I have to share the most brilliant sunset I've seen in a while. I took this at the coast on Mother's Day weekend.

While I'm breaking the rules, I'll just add this one in from last month.

Click here to see more Sky over at I Should Be Folding Laundry.

Creative Exposure

2010-05-26T22:04:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, May 26

These photos are for the "Creative Exposure" challenge over at Views Infinitum.

After I took a photography class a couple years ago I got very comfortable with the aperture setting on my camera. Since then I have been slowly getting more comfortable with the shutter speed priority setting. I didn't really notice any good movement opportunities in the last couple of weeks so I tried to get a little creative and I learned a lot. One thing I learned is that choosing your shutter speed to get the amount of movement you want is all relative to the speed of your subject or your background whatever the case may be. In other words there was a lot of trial and error happening for this challenge. For this first shot it was very difficult to hold the camera steady while spinning around, so I thought it turned out pretty well. (We were actually holding hands.)

In the shade on a sunny day at 1/20sec, f/10, ISO 100.

I think I should have made her horns for this next one. Hard to cooperate right before bed. It only took three people to get this shot. I ended up having my husband hold up a black blanket behind here since the room wasn't completely dark. One halo would probably look better, but the model had to go to bed. I used a key chain led flashlight for the

halo.

Settings: 1.3sec, f/5.0, ISO 200

Here are some of the duds. I think a tripod would have really helped and if your shutter speed is too long your subject can end up looking like a ghost.