Clickinmoms Giveaway

So...I had to look...I joined Clickinmoms about a year ago.

ClickinMoms is an online community filled with so many great people and it’s a wealth of information. I can honestly say that to this point, it has been one of the best investments I've made in my photography journey.  I'm pretty sure without CM, I'd still be shooting in full auto mode with my "big fancy camera".



So...ClickinMoms is giving one of you lucky readers a Lifetime Membership!!! Value here is $195!!!

Lifetime members enjoy extra benefits including the following:
~Advanced notice to sign up for special CM workshops.
~"Lifetime Member” badge beneath your name in the forums.
~Special contests available only to lifetimers.
~Discounted CMpro member (subject to application and approval).


If you love photography this is a great opportunity.   I love that the community is filled with professionals and momtogs like myself.  With a community of 10,000 you are bound to find someone at a similar place in their journey as you. 

So, the important stuff...what do you have to do to win...here are a few options.   Do one or do them all...leave a separate comment for each.

1) Tell me why you want to win a lifetime membership in the comments below.


2) Do you follow this blog and my crazy ramblings?  Comment and let me know.


3) Tell me who your favorite photographer is.  I love finding new inspiration...Comment and let me know


4) Share a photo that best represents where you are in your journey and upload it to your blog or photo sharing site. Then, come back here and leave the link in the comments below with the URL.

The deadline to get your entries in is June 21st 12 a.m. cst and the winner will be announced by June 25th.

NOTE:
Only NEW MEMBERS are eligible for this giveaway. Membership fees will be refunded for the winner if you sign up this month. Existing members are not eligible.


If you want to sign up to check it all out just click below. Have at it!!!  In fact, I might suggest it.  Right now, summer pay it forwards have just kicked off!  These are opportunities to give and get! 

So what are you waiting for...Click below to get started on CM!



Good Luck!

Toliver Ten on Tuesday

1.  My mom accompanied me and the girls to see my niece perform at her first ballet recital on Friday night.  it was so nice.  Here is a pic of Cydney and her mom, my sister.  Yes, they are both gorgeous!!  I posted more pics on my 52 week blog.

2 Linsey is another lady that I met at the Bloom Workshop.   She LOVES color and rocks it...but I'm in love with the idea of this that she's been doing for a while now.

3 The third installment in the Dork Diaries series was released today.  Thanks to Amazon...we preordered it and MacKenzie had it yesterday.  She was so excited and negotiated with me to put off finishing Lily on the Brink of Cool so that she could start right away.  She LOVED the first two.

4 More Cake! We celebrated my oldest sister's birthday this weekend.  The cake was yummy!!!

5 The girls definitely have a "love / hate" relationship.  This week, for the first time ever (to my knowledge), Nala saida "lub u EEa" (translation, Love You Nia!), without being prompted.  It was so super sweet!  In more Nala talk, she has been saying "Haaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyy!" when things don't go her way...she's a mess!

6 Yesterday morning, Nia and I had a battle of the wills.  I had to remind her that mine was stronger than hers...geez...how did I get blessed with 3 girls with 3 very strong wills??

7 These are gears (Playskool Busy Gears), but on Sunday, Nia thought they would be great for building.  She was so proud and was willing to fight Nala when Nala teased her with an attempt to knock them over...siblings!  I love how contemplative she was in this moment.

8 I got an email from Clickinmoms that they are allowing current Lifetime Members to host a giveaway on their blogs for a free lifetime membership.  If anyone is interested that reads this blog, let me know and I'll be glad to host...otherwise, I probably won't. Just Email me or comment below!  I'm guessing I'd just do it by random generator.  Value is $195 - only available for new memberships...I know a ton of momtogs are already on CM though...I've been a member since last year and genuinely feel like the forum is full of valuable information to improve your photography. 

9 Is this child abuse??  I got these shoes for the girls and apparently...Nala is no longer a size 6...oops!  She insisted on keeping them on though...look at her!  Hot mess.

Speaking of sizes... I bought MacKenzie some Miss Me jean shorts.  She didn't have enough room to justify the price...for grins (or so I thought) I had her to try on a pair of my Miss Me jeans...ummm...they fit...and they fit good.  Crazy business.  She's taller than me now, has bigger feet, and can officially share my jeans...

please nevermind the noise in this image...high iso and underexposed!  oh and her silly face!  never mind that too...

10 Ummm yes...of course this makes me happy!  I upgraded my DSLR a little bit ago to one that was a bit faster (helpful with busy toddlers and a gymnast) with slightly better low light capabilities (still not my dream camera...but definitely suffice for a momtog!)...I planned to sell my original one...but I think this is a better idea...more to come...

have a great rest of the week!!!

the paper mama's "your best shot!" photo challenge

(from paper mama's blog) So... what's up with this competition? Just enter your favorite photo YOU have taken of a child! Or, pet.

Entries are due by June 24th, 2011!
here's mine... it's another one from this "session".  I was so pleased with how they turned out, but this is one of my faves.  It has a commercial shot feel to me...
wanna play??   visit there and find some other fave shots!!


eta:  she's not mine.  she's my friend's daughter.  i wish i could claim her as she is so super darling!

Flashback Friday (on Saturday)

These pics were taken exactly a week ago this weekend.  Look how much the girlies hair has grown.  I was brave and took them to Cheesecake Factory that day.  We were planning to go today for my big sis's birthday, but are opting instead to have a pizza party...

the joy. stamp was related to willette's finding the joy class that i enrolled and failed in.  i  literally participated 1 week...

...wanna play?? Head over to Jen's blog and link up!

Toliver Ten on Tuesday

1) This weekend I did a practice shoot with one of my friend's kiddos.  It was fun watching her two year old transform from  shy and questioning to "cover girl".

Check more pics from the shoot here if you are interested :)

2) Seriously...what kinda manager am I?  One of the underwriters on my team starts his new position tomorrow.  I thought it would be nice to order a cake...uh perhaps I should have ordered in person...this very pink strawberry cake was yummy but not so masculine.

3) I dream of someday having a playroom or playspace for my girls.  Right now we've prioritized other things over getting a bigger house...but a girl still dreams :)  I love how this fellow mommy blogger transformed her cute space.

4) Yay!  I have a new card reader and I love it!!  Our computer has a slot for SD cards but my DSLR camera uses compact flash cards so I have to use a card reader.  This Kingston 19 in 1 reader is so much better than those crappy ones I got at Target.

5) Val Spring is one of my absolute favorite photographers.  I feel lucky to call her my friend.  We met in Dallas at the Bloom workshop where we had a tearful goodbye.  She is one of the sweetest girls I've ever met. Based in Seattle, her work is just dreamy...true art.   It's hard to believe that she is just now getting her business started.   Here are two of my fave sessions of hers here and here.  Both sessions linked here feature her darling girls.

6) I enjoyed my 3 day weekend and spending time with the family.  We spent Memorial Day at my sister's house.  On Sunday evening, MacKenzie's friend Kaite called out of the blue and invited her for a sleepover.  That meant I had the girls to myself and I am so proud to say that I took them to the mall by myself.  I wish I'd had my camera to document proof...well I did, but I knew I couldn't be responsible for the camera and the girls...so the camera stayed in the car... :)  I got the girlies some goodies from the Gap.  I'm sure I've said it a time or two before but you just can't beat Gap for adorable coordinated styling. 

7) I've never been one to obsess over my diet but when I evaluate  the fact that for breakfast I had donut holes that KT picked up for me and for lunch a piece of that strawberry cake pictured above, I'd say I might need to start making some better choices...ha!

8) I should be embarassed but one of my favorite things about the summer reading program is that they they forgive your fines related to childrens books.  EVERY summer without fail we have to ask for grace and forgiveness...but so nice to be in the clear again!  One of my favorite books that the girls currently have checked out is That Cat Can't Stay.   It's really so stinkin cute.  I love books with repetitive rhyming words. I think their favorite one right now is If You're A Monster and You Know It.  You can sing or read it to the tune of  If You're Happy and You Know It.  MacKenzie checked out a couple of chapter books but is still working through some of the ones we bought earlier this summer (this is her third week out of school).  She just finished reading a biography on Pocahontas and started The Sisters Club today.  She said she is getting lots of great ideas for a Sister Club for her and her and the twins.  Isn't that sweet?

9) Our neighbors dog can't stand us (me and Mack).  The feeling is mutual.  His name is Otto and seriously as soon as he sees us he charges at us.  If she wasn't elderly I'd make a fuss about it...but I just can't do that to Ms B (lol!).  Apparently, her sister is going to be moving in with her and has a huge dog...I'm not looking forward.  I totally respect people's love for their dogs but they just AREN'T my thing.  I have a pretty unhealthy level of discomfort when it comes to dogs...all animals really...yeah that's a whole blog post in and of itself so I'll leave it at that.

10) My friends daughter was admitted to the hospital for E Coli this past weekend and as of yesterday, her son has been admitted as well.  PRETTY please pray for those kiddos and her and her husbands strength.  As a mom, I just can't imagine how heartbreaking that would be. I'm so grateful that she is Believer and is looking to God for strength right now.

Have a great rest of the week!  Woo hoo for short work weeks ;P

Flashback Friday

Here is my niece - first pic is from 2007 around her first birthday and the second is from this past weekend...  Hard to believe how much she's grown.  It seems like it was just yesterday.  She was a beautiful baby and is a beautiful little girl.

...wanna play?? Head over to Jen's blog and link up!  !

Toliver Ten on Tuesday

1) We are in the middle of a tornado watch.  Sirens make things a bit scary especially considering the below.  I'm thankful we got Nala and Nia in bed before the highwinds, hail, and thunder storm.
2) My heart aches for the people of Joplin, Missouri.  The images here are so heartbreaking.
3) I'm still using my old phone, but I think I'm going to have to give it up and reset my Samsung Vibrant - devasting at the thought of losing my pics.
4)MacKenzie is currently reading Freedom Train - The Story of Harriet Tubman.  I read it when I was her age so I've been really interested to hear her thoughts. 
5)My current boss who is also one of my closest friends is leaving our department.  I am genuinely thrilled for her but I am going to miss her a lot.  She hired me about 6.5 years ago with no banking experience.  She's been very supportive and just a great confidante.  I know we'll keep in touch but it won't be the same as officing right next to her.
6)My computer stopped reading my card reader about a month ago.  I went to Target to replace it but they only had this Targus 33 in 1 Reader. That thing is CRAP!  I bought one and it lasted about 3 weeks and then the pins bent.  Thinking it was all me, I bought another this weekend and only used it twice before the pins bent.  I'm bummed that I wasted $$$.  I will have to find a better solution.  I wish I could find the one I had before.
7)KT's birthday is tomorrow.  This weather got in the way of  my last minute plans, but I'll come through... :)
8)I got to play photographer this weekend.  My sister wanted me to take pics of my niece in her ballet costume.  Unfotunately, I failed to download them all before my card pooped out on me.  But here is one:

Sunday night I got to play photographer once again.  My friend Sherell's baby is 3 mos and I think it's downright sinful that she hasn't taken him to get pics done...so of course I had to take care of that! We went at 6 p.m. full sun (somewhat difficult to work with)...but hey...he's cute so all is well regardless :)  As I edit more of these, I'll likely share on my photography blog.

9) I got the girls this cheapie toy stroller.  Not sure what I was thinking when I failed to up my quantity to 2...I opened it today  (thank you Amazon Prime) and they fought over it.  Nia fell out when it was Nala's turn...
10) Tornado sirens are off!  We are in the clear now as far as tornados...thank God!

Toliver Ten on Tuesday

1) It's late, but I'm up working anyway so I thought I'd go ahead and publish my Ten on Tuesday.
2)We watched The Voice again tonight. I like it but don't LOVE it like I'd like to. KT actually left in the middle to run to the store. Now I'm really lookin forward to So You Think You Can Dance.
3)I got the girls their first pair of flip flops.  Nala liked holding them but didn't like the way they felt on.  I could tell that Nia felt cute in hers.  We stopped by my mom's and she got to show them off.  I got them at Babies R Us for only $3.99 each.  While there I also scored a couple of camera tees...not as cute as some of the ones I've seen online, but cute still. 

4)If I thought it would help, I'd love to make fun Bento Lunches  for my girls.  Nia and Nala always get "ate some" on their take home papers.  I'm just not sure what to pack them because they can't have warm ups...
5)MacKenzie wrapped up her school year on Monday.  It was a short day.  They just had field day and were dismissed at 1:00.  I can't believ how fast this year went by.  I think I've just about gotten her summer schedule set.  Before the twins, I'd always have this done by early March. 
6)MacKenzie's teacher for next year gave them summer homework. She has to read and critique 5 books for a minimum total of 500 pages.  This is no problem for her.  She loves to read and I'm requiring her to read 100 pages a day anyway.  Speaking of books, We spent a lot of time at Barnes and Noble this weekend. I used to take MacKenzie to the bookstore all the time. It's just a bit harder with the girlies. I have to keep them in their stroller because I have runners (this week, we had running episodes at Target and at Food Pyramid). I got Mammarazzi: Every Mom's Guide to Photographing Kids, NiNa got Marvin K. Mooney (one of MacK's favs when she was little), and MacKenzie chose Four Truths and Lie and Sounder.
7) My cell phone whacked out on me last Thursday.  I called customer service and they want me to do a master reset. When I realized I'd lose all 718 (yes...for real) pictures that I had on my phone, I told the rep, I just wasn't ready.  I'm not.  I'm so mad at myself for not backing those pics up... In the meantime, while I mourn (yes, it is that serious) I am left using my HTC HD2 phone that I had before getting the Samsung Vibrant.  I remember why I switched!
8) The girls and I also went to my two nieces' piano recital...UNFORTUNATELY, we had to step out almost as soon as we walked in because a)Nala decided whining was appropriate in a quiet auditorium and b) Nia wanted to loudly greet her Nana.  We spent the rest of the recital in the noise proof cry room...those girls!
9) My sister wants to go to the Katy Perry concert and I told her I 'd go with her...but the truth is I've only heard one of her songs...I'm so out of touch and I'm largely ok with this.  I just looked because of course I had no idea...it's in September so I guess I have a little bit more time to get more familar.

10)Cue the orchestra!  Pomp and Circumstance would be appropriate.  Nia graduated from her fingerguard and I'm all done talking about it here...LOL.  I'm just loving seeing her put better use to those chubby lil fingers.

Have a great rest of the week!

Toliver Ten on Tuesday

 1.) I am so excited about the new Pinterest App!  I LOVE Pinterest and have  loads and loads of Pins.  So much eye candy.  I'm hope4ou on pinterest. If you aren't on yet, shoot me an email or leave a comment and I'll try to send an invite if you want one.  If you are on,  send me a link so I can check out your boards.  I'm kinda addicted :)
      
      What is Pinterest?

       Think of Pinterest as a virtual pinboard — a place where you can create collections of things you love and "follow" collections created by people with great
       taste.People use Pinterest to collect and share all sorts of things -- wedding inspiration, favorite T-shirts, DJ equipment. You name it, people are pinning it.
       We know you have great taste in something. Our mission is to make Pinterest the best place for you to share your taste with the world

2.) Summer has come way too fast! This is MacKenzie's last full week of school and it's full of assemblies, ceremonies, field day, etc.  Really???  Why do I have to pay for the last week if there is no learning involved??  j/k (kinda)

3.) Nia's one ponytail milestone came sooner than I expected.  I think it's adorable

  You can see more here.

 4.) Nia only has a few more days with the Finger guard. Whoot whoot! I found another mommy blogger that had success with it with her twins.  Seriously, this is why I love the blogosphere.  There is always someone out there that has been there and done that. 

 5.) Someone shared the Scar Project  (amazing photographic gallery by David Jay of the scars left of breast  cancer survivors) with me and boy was I moved.  Really there are no words...but seeing it just makes you realize how much of our womanhood is tied to our breasts.  Really...seriously amazing project.

 6.) When I've needed a good laugh, I've come back to my friend Regina's post here about her first day with  her new job.  She cracks me up.

 7.) I've been wanting one for several months now, so I'm so excited that KT got me a 5-in-1 Reflector.  Excited to try it out soon.

 8.) KT is sick.  Big bummer.  He never gets sick but when he has it's been pretty bad.  Pray with us that he gets to feeling better soon!  He's sleep now.  A bt selfishly, I'm hoping he wakes up in time for us to watch The Voice tonight.  We watched and really enjoyed last week.  Love the concept.

 9.) Nala should be in bed, but she just got out and came and told me "Bye Sweetie"... grown!  Speaking of Nala, is this why   they say eyes are windows to the soul??  I often hear of people saying how hard it is to get good catchlights in dark eyes...um...wow...just find the right light.  This is straight out of the camera just resized.  You can see me, the sky, and our yard in her eyes.
It's a bit much and kinda spooky to me (could be when combined with her "I'm gonna get you look"...anyway...wanted someone else to see this.  :)














10.) I shared on my Three Sisters Blog already, but I'm pretty stoked that I won a prize on Clickinmoms.  It was an ABC Challenge.  Check it out here!  It was for the letter "g" representing golden hour. 

Finger Sucking | Finger Guard

A couple of weeks ago I posted that we were going to be trying out the finger guard for Nia.  We are about a week in a half into the recommended three weeks. 

I was totally skeptical about the whole ordeal, but attempted out of desperation because she refused to listen to me.  I searched and couldn't find any third party reviews outside of those on retail sites.  But when I found a site that was selling it with a Money Back Guarantee and free shipping (I'm a sucker for free shipping), I figured I had nothing to lose.  Well ten days in, I HIGHLY recommend  mommies of finger suckers give this a shot.  I am AMAZED by how well  and how fast it is working.  Here is a summary of our progress.

Finger Guard Journal  | Days 1 - 10
Day 1 | Morning  - Showed Nia a portion of the included instructional video and told her I had something to help her with her finger sucking.  She has no problem letting me put it on.  I called it a bracelet.  It actually comes with 50 colored hospital bands that secure the guard on the fingers. 
Day 1 - 30 min later  - She wanted to take it off.  We told her no, that she was going to have to try.  I left for work and felt awful because she cried a bit. 
Day 1 - Noon - KT called and said she had a hard time at naptme and cried for a while but eventually went down.
Day 1 - Evening - Took her a while to go to bed.  She usually goes right down.
Day 1 Summary - Just need to keep her busy and she'll be fine.


Day 2 - Morning - No hesitation when I washed and changed her guard.   No finger sucking.
Day 2 - Evening - Totally fine until bedtime. Cried but by then, use to the guard, just not to sure how to otherwise comfort herself.


Day 3 - Morning  - Again no hesitation.  She doesn't mind wearing it at all.  No finger sucking.
Day 3- Evening - Caught her with fingers in her mouth with the guard on.  I was discouraged.
 
Day 4 -10  No hesitation to wear the guard.  Enjoys picking the bracelet color.  Leave "bracelet" off between 10 - 60 min to let her fingers breathe a bit better and wash it warm soapy water.  No attempts whatsoever to put her fingers in her mouth.  Convinced that the product has worked as promised.  Planning to finish out the 21 days though.
 
I am so thankful to have found this.  I know it sounds crazy, but I think I can actually see a difference in her teeth already.  I confess, and my friend Brandy will confirm, after a good workout, I can always see a difference in my ab muscles...but seriously...I think I can.  I told KT and he doesn't think it's possible.  I was shocked but thrilled when my mom told me on Saturday that she thought she could see a difference.  This was BEFORE I even mentioned it. 
 
I'm loving seeing Nia's beautiful smile more and seeing her  make better use of her hands.   Interestingly, she seems to enjoy wearing it now and picking the colored bracelet.  It's funny to see how she is now using her left hand more, but she totally works that right hand with the guard on. It's not intrusive.  Her usage was a little off the first two days, but that is it.  Out in public, we've only had a couple of people comment on it.

Sidebar - Nala was upset that she didn't have a bracelet on day 1 and still occassionally puts her hand out for a bracelet, but I've tried to be clear that it was for Nia to help her. 
 
I'll post again after the 21 days... but I'm just thrilled and so hopeful that this is over for her.
 
If you have a finger sucker...TRY it!!!
 

Nia in her finger guard  purchased from A Zeal For Living.