Sunday, December 26, 2010

52/52

night street*
An uninspiring night street photo. Took this from inside of my car.... too cold to get out and set up a tripod. The dashboard makes a good one in a pinch.
Christmas came and went. I was unprepared but got through it. I guess I had these ideas in mind and not all of them were accomplished so I felt that I was unprepared. We spent Christmas Eve at my cousin's house. We had a yummy dinner, kielbasa, sauerkraut, potatoes. Mmmm... On Christmas Day, we opened gifts in the morning. David's big gift was a Varsity Jacket. He also got a bowling ball, shoes, and a bag. Emily got an ipod touch, and a slew of clothes. After all of that. We went to my parents. She made a lasagna dinner. Emily got a mini fridge from them. lol She has been wanting that forever. David got lots of shirts and hoodies from them. He was difficult to buy for this year. He didn't want anything.
Today we spent time relaxing. My brother and his family will be here tomorrow evening. I'm so excited!


It looks like Christmas threw up in my living room. 

Saturday, December 18, 2010

51/52


51/52 red*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.
red*
These are the cranberries just before they were stabbed and threaded to make a pretty little garland for the Birds of Winter. So far they have yet to find it. I'm going to have to move it to a quieter area out of my backyard. I don't think the birds like that obnoxious puppy or being watched by a very fat cat, even though he is behind glass.
The theme is red this week. I had so many photos this week that were red. I ended up using this one because it's just different, not so Christmasy. I'm really not in the Spirit yet. I'm trying though. I have my Christmas music playing and the scents of the season in the air (thanks to my Wallflowers from Bath and Bodyworks). I'm even doing a Count-Down-to-Christmas photo project. That's already getting old and I've only done 4 photos. This weekend we have 2 different family Christmas parties to attend. I'm not ready. I can't get motivated. It will feel like Christmas on Christmas Day.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

50/52


50/52 music*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.
music*
.....an ornament from our Christmas tree. Emily plays the flute and we got this for her one year. Each year the kids get a special ornament. When they are on their own my plans are to give them their ornaments.

Monday, December 6, 2010

49/52


49/52 window*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.

window*
... looking out my window. Pondering the times past.


Today was David's birthday. I cannot believe he is 17! Seriously, where did my "little boy" go?
We enjoyed dinner at Texas Roadhouse with my parents. They surprised all of us by telling them that it was David's birthday. Of course, the staff embarrassed him. They made him stand on the booth, all 6' 2" of him. They clapped and yelled and shouted that he was 17 and for everyone to give him a big birthday "yeeha!" It was funny! He was sure red when he sat back down. =D

Monday, November 29, 2010

sweet*


sweet*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.
I had the day off from work today and decided to try out a recipe from the Taste of Home Cooking School that a friend and I went to back in October. They turned out pretty good. They are a very sweet treat. I made mine with a cookie scooper that I have. They are too big. I'd make them smaller next time.

The recipe can be found here.

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon Spice Island® Pure Vanilla Extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1-1/2 pounds dark chocolate candy coating, coarsely chopped
Directions
In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Gradually add flour, alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts. Shape into 1-in. balls; place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Loosely cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until firm.
In a microwave bowl, melt candy coating; stir until smooth. Dip balls in coating; allow excess to drip off; Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes. If desired, remelt remaining candy coating and drizzle over candies. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: 5-1/2 dozen.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (2 each) equals 240 calories, 12 g fat (8 g saturated fat), 12 mg cholesterol, 46 mg sodium, 33 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 3 g protein.
Cookie Dough Truffles published in Taste of Home December/January 2005, p28

Sunday, November 28, 2010

48/52


48/52 stripes*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.

stripes*
It's after Thanksgiving so we can officially start getting ready for the Christmas season.
We had a nice Thanksgiving over my parents house. My mom always goes above and beyond with cooking. We had so much delicious food. My aunt and uncle and grandma were there, also.
This week is the week leading up to David's birthday. I can't believe it. I'm getting so old. Let's see... 17 years ago Mike and I were in our apartment. We decorated early because we knew our little bundle of joy would soon be here. We had an ornament party. All of our family members came over and brought us an ornament to symbolize our new life together. We still have many of them and I remember that day when I decorate our tree. Over the years we save the decorations for after David's birthday. It's my way of keeping his birthday and Christmas separate.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

47/52


47/52 body*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.

body*
The body of a pumpkin pie!! I can't wait to get my hands on some this week for our Thanksgiving Holiday. Yummy!

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving."
~W. T. Purkiser

Monday, November 15, 2010

46/52


46/52 *, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.

untitled*

I did not follow the theme this week. Instead, I procrastinated and decided to shoot these Fizzle Skittles in a shot glass. So very random. Have you ever had these? I found them at Halloween. They are similar to PopRocks by the way they fizzle in your mouth. They are addicting. They are kind of gross. But they are kind of good. lol But be careful, they will make the roof of your mouth sore.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

45/52


45/52 create*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.

create*
Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep. ~Scott Adams

Sunday, October 31, 2010

44/52


44/52 fall *, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.

fall*

The kids had fun carving their pumkins this year. These are the end results. Emily wanted to carve two. David's pumpkin must have been picked too soon, as the seeds inside were unusable. Good thing Emily's had plenty of seeds. What is Halloween without pumpkin seeds?

Sunday, October 24, 2010

43/52

Holiday Flash*
I didn't follow the theme for the week... was unispired by the idea. It's no offense to anyone. It just wasn't nudging my creative side.
I've had this cute little camera for a couple of months now. I decided she needed to make her debut. I'm not sure if she works but maybe someday I'll find out. I'm not even sure where I can get film and have it developed.
So until then....

Sunday, October 17, 2010

42/52


42/52 my day*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.

my day*

This photo represents a typical Sunday for me - laundry day. Since it's my only day off of work in a week, I play catch-up on laundry and other house cleaning. These are my work clothes, every day I'm in these black and blues. It's seems to be all I have left in my closest.
I can't seem to get very creative in my pictures lately. lol A pile of laundry??
I can't even come up with anything to write here.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

41/52


41/52 tradition*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.

tradition*

It's a fall tradition for Mike & I to take the kids to the Apple Orchard & Pumpkin Patch. Yesterday was a beautiful, sunny, 70 degree fall day in Michigan. We headed to Apple Charlie's in New Boston, Michigan to pick apples and get pumpkins. We had fun picking apples. While we were there, we decided it was a little to early to get carving pumpkins, so we ended up not getting any. Instead we brought home Cider and Donuts.... yum!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

39/52

39/52 black and white*
The week's theme is black and white. Emily's homecoming dress is black and white and the highlight of the week. I found it fitting for my photo of the week. She had a fun time at the dance. A group of girls (only a couple of them had dates) went to dinner. She was quite disappointed in her food. How hard is it to mess up fettuccine alfredo? I'm tempted to call them today.
David didn't go to homecoming... he wishes now that he did. I feel bad for him.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

38/52


38/52 friends*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.

friends*
Milo playing with one of his many friends.

Hi everyone. Not much new to blog about. School has been going good so far. It's homecoming week. I don't know who is more excited, the kids or me?? Emily is costing me a fortune. lol Boys are so much easier. I do have to do something about David's suit though. His pants are getting a bit snug. Oh and a tie to match his dates dress.
I can't wait to show you pictures next week!!
Have a good week.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

37/52


37/52 bokeh*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.

bokeh*

This is one of my favorite things to create with my camera; soft, bubbly, bokeh.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

36/52

view through*

I feel like such a slacker for getting this in so late in the week. I should have posted this last Sunday.
Anyhow, this is the "view through" the conservatory at a local park.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

35/52


35/52 color*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.

color*

Laying out under the umbrella (Ella ella, eh eh eh) and not a cloud in the sky. What a perfect Michigan day it was today. I could stand it if all of the days were just like today.

Last couple of days from a week off of work, and once again I didn't do a darn fun thing. Well... I shouldn't say that. We went to Cedar Point on Sunday. Emily took a friend who was not a fan of coasters. eergh! I felt bad for having her sit for a good part of the day while we went on a few of them. She insisted she was fine.
On Monday Emily and I went to shop for a homecoming dress. She found one that she really likes. It's pretty I have to admit. I am not ready for her to be growing up.
Tuesday the kids and I went back-to-school shopping. That was fun too. I remember how important that was to me when I was in high school.
As most of you know too... David's first varsity football game was Friday night. I love watching him play! It's always exciting to me, even if his team loses. I didn't get to go to real football games in high school so this is so cool to me. I love it.
So that's about it. Hope all of you who are reading this have a wonderful week ahead... the last week of summer. *sigh*

Saturday, August 21, 2010

34/52

Happy Sweet Birthday!

"Happy Birthday" edition*

I made these vegan cupcakes (her request) for my Emily's 15th birthday. They are just as tasty as "regular" cupcakes. I can't tell the difference. They are Cookies-n-Cream flavor.
I think she had a good birthday. On Friday, the two of us went to my favorite salon and got a pedicure. This was my second one ever. I'm not completely sold on the idea. lol
Today David and her friend took her out for Sushi. She liked it! She had the vegetarian, of course. So no raw fish. David had some though.   :-P  After lunch they went to Coldstone and then to the mall. Her friend got her a cute shirt that says "What's on your mind" and an area that can be written on with a washable marker. It also has a blue share "button".  It's cute. (I didn't get it at first, it's a FB shirt). For dinner we went to Red Robin with my parents. I hope she had fun.... Sunday it's Cedar Point!

IMG_6522






Sunday, August 15, 2010

33/52


33/52 home*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.
home*

Well, this is not exactly my home. And it's not exactly anyone else's home either. These sunflowers are surrounding the Domino's Petting Farm. They are so pretty. I was tempted to take a few home with me. But out of respect of other's I left them alone. Instead I took a ton of pictures. ;-)
This past week, the kids have been busy. David is now officially practicing for varsity football. He's been conditioning all summer. He had his first scrimmage Saturday. Emily has been cleaning her room and getting things together for the garage sale that she and her friend had. She only made $23. But it's $23 that she didn't have before.
I've got one week left until a vacation. Nothing is planned other than getting back-to-school shopping done.
Have a great week ahead!
Jen

Sunday, August 8, 2010

32/52


32/52 light*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.

light*
Went to IKEA Canton yesterday. I love that place! Everything is so cool and the set up is awesome. We were in the childrens' section and I just had to photograph this wall of lights. I always love seeing it. It's so colorful and whimsical. I was wishing I had my XSi with me, or at least my S3is. Oh well... my blackberry had to do. Of course... I can't leave things alone so I slapped on a polaroid frame on this over at picnik.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

31/52


31/52 summer*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.
summer*


A sunny "picture perfect" day. What a way to welcome in the first day of August.


Honestly, I've never really gotten into this book. I started it about 4 years ago and didn't get past the first chapter or two. I usually like Jodi's books too.
When I think of summer songs ... this one that you hear now (Soak Up the Sun , Sheryl Crow) is what almost always comes to mind. How about you? That Kid Rock song is a good one too... how can it not be?
So how is your summer going? It's flying by so quickly. Let's see... we spent a few days up north at the lake. Had fun tubing down the Au Sable.
I'm trying to make the best of the rest of summer but there are too many working hours. Oh joy! What can I do?  I just want some sand on my toes. I'm thinking of buying some sand and putting it in a sand box with my beach chair inside of it.




*** 
"People take pictures of the Summer, just in case someone thought they had missed it, and to proved that it really existed."
-- Ray Davies

Sunday, July 25, 2010

30/52


30/52 repetition*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.
repetition*

A few little daisies from my garden just before I put them in some water to make my window sill look pretty.

Friday, July 23, 2010

My brother was in the local paper.


This is an article about my brother, Dan. He has taught himself to make, carve drums.  Check it out. It's really cool! I also linked the photographer, Susan Moore's FB album. 



link to the photographer's FB album. 

Sunday, July 18, 2010

29/52


29/52 inspired*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.
inspired*

This week, the theme is inspired. It could be from lyrics, poem, artwork. I chose this artwork as inspiration for the title for this photo.
"Summer Stroll"

One morning as I was driving through my neighborhood to go to work, I saw this goose family walking down the sidewalk. I turned my car around to get a picture. I didn't bring my camera so I used my blackberry. By this time they had crossed the street and were cutting the corner. It was the cutest thing to see. I really wish I knew where they were going. I'm assuming they came from a pond in the back of my sub-division.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

28/52


28/52 round*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.

round*

Clutching my coffee,
Calling me sugar
You called me sugar.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

the kids

♥

The kids at our nephew's wedding last weekend. 
They sure clean up nicely, I must say. This was one of those, "Hurry, let me get your picture. And smile this time!" photos right before we got on the elevator. 
I look at these two and I can't believe my eyes. Where has the time gone? It sounds so cliche, but it's true. We spent some time up-north with family this past week. My great-nephew, who just turned 2, was there. I kept thinking back to when David was his age. I remember him standing on the kitchen chair up at the sink washing dishes. Now he doesn't need that chair anymore. And my great-niece, who is 5 months old, was also there. She was just learning to eat baby food and was full of smiles. Wasn't that Emily I was just holding and cuddling? Not any longer. A quick hug (and kiss on the cheek, if I'm lucky) before she runs out the door to spend time with her friends is about all I get. 
Cherish your little ones, for the grow so quickly. It's bittersweet I tell you. *sniff *sniff



Monday, July 5, 2010

27/52


27/52 minimal*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.
minimal*
This weekend was a family wedding. My husband's nephew got married. The family now has 2 Emily Murphy's.
The reception was at Weber's Inn in Ann Arbor. Hubby and I took some time afterward to sneak into the hot tub. It was relaxing!

Sunday, June 27, 2010

26/52


26/52 nature*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.

nature*

"As beautiful as the waterlilies. You too are a waterlily, my waterlily."
Ella Cara Deloria

We are halfway through the fiftytwo. I can't believe it. Where has this year gone? These were found in my pond. I love seeing the water lilies. They are so beautiful.

One more week of work! Saturday is a family wedding. It should be fun. Mike's sister and nieces will be in from San Diego. We plan on heading up to Higgins Lake the week afterward. I cannot wait for water, sun and being lazy! I want to get away from it all. I need a break.
This past week was pretty much the same ol' same ol'. Last night we headed over to a neighboring city for their fireworks. It was nice. We took Emily and her two besties. They played toss with a football. I couldn't figure out why they wanted to bring a football. Well after the second or third boy asked to play I figured it out. DUH, Mom!
David walked up there with a few of his friends. I never saw them. I wonder what kind of trouble they got into. Who knows... they are good kids though. I guess I just have to rely on my way of raising him to know he was fine though. I know he's loving the extra freedom that being 16 allows.
It's summer-time!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

25/52


25/52 pair*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.
pair*

This is Milo, our new addition and Simon, our black lab.
Hubby brought Milo home Thursday night, much to my dismay. He’s soooo darn cute that I can’t help but like the darn thing. He’s an eleven week old chihuahua / mini pincher hybrid, or “chipin”. He is a lovable ball of energy. He took to Emily as soon as he saw her. She loves him so much too. He sleeps with her at night. He whines when he can't find her, if she leaves the house or is showering.


hello*

Sunday, June 13, 2010

24/52

black & white*
This is a spot in my backyard that I let overgrow with weeds. I feel that my little toad friends need a place to hide. Of course I maintain the overgrowth with a little cleaning up now and again.
I think maybe I'm crazy.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

23/52


23/52 toy*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.

toy*
The theme for the week is toy/game/childhood pastime. It was tough trying to find a toy in this house. Emily does have a bunch of Polly Pockets and I found this cute jet-ski that she could ride in. So Polly is riding through our pond.
This week is the last full week of school for the kids. I know they are excited to be done but they do have a lot of preparation for their exams.
David had his track banquet at a local pizza place on Friday. Emily had her tennis banquet earlier in the week at the same place. She earned her 1st varsity letter.
The pool is open but it's too cold to swim in it. Emily can't wait to use the pool.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

22/52

low point of view*
Among all the flowers that evoke the memories and emotions of war is the red poppy, which became associated with war after the publication of a poem written by Col. John McCrae of Canada. The poem, "In Flander's Field," describes blowing red fields among the battleground of the fallen.

The VFW conducted its first poppy distribution before Memorial Day in 1922, becoming the first veterans' organization to organize a nationwide distribution. The poppy soon was adopted as the official memorial flower of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

In Flander's Field
by John McCrae

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow,
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky,
The larks, still bravely singing, fly,
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead.
Short days ago,
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved and now we lie,
In Flanders Fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe
To you, from failing hands, we throw,
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us, who die,
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow,
In Flanders Fields.

21/52 part 2


21/52 jump*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.

jump*

This here is my original photo for week 21. I didn't blog it because I wanted to post about Emily. However, I feel like I'm cheating because I didn't take that photo, only "poladroid"ed it ...

I found out how hard it is to sp myself jumping. I am definitely getting old! But it was fun and now the neighbors know how crazy I really am.
I don't know what was more fun... processing this or the jumping.

Friday, May 21, 2010

21/52

1112-pola

Pride*
I wanted to share with you something my 14 year old daughter did. I posted something on FB but I didn't go into detail. She is in Honors English and one of her assignments was to video tape herself doing something that shows her helping others. Her teacher gave them a list of ideas. I think Em went above and beyond the assignment. She used her own money to buy supplies for a school for blind children. On her day off of school this past week she and her bff walked over a mile in the drizzling rain to the grocery store. She bought bleach, paper towels, copy paper, Bounce dryer sheets, etc. Her friend's brother was able to pick them up and gave them a ride to the school. They showed up unannounced. The director was amazed that 2 girls did this by themselves. They were able to take a tour and meet 3 children who weren't in school. Emily just loved one of the little boys.He was full of laughs and smiles. Emily is looking forward to going back.
I will have to find a way to post her video. She is not on a career path for directing. Ha ha!
I can't express how very proud I am of Emily. She could have cleaned up a park or helped someone with yard work. But instead she came up with this idea all on her own. She did not let the lack of transportation stop her or the rain for that matter. She used her hard earned babysitting money on others.
Just when I feel like my hard parenting has done no good, I am reminded by this act of kindness that maybe I have done something right.




Sunday, May 16, 2010

20/52


20/52 soft*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.

soft*

The theme for the week was soft. I can think of all kinds of soft things.... my pillow, the cat, a dandelion puff, cotton balls, a softball... you get the idea. I wanted to capture something that related to the past week, hence this tulip petal. It is part of the bouquet of red roses and white tulips that I was pleasantly surprised when I woke up on my birthday. Mike was so sweet and had them waiting for me on the kitchen table so that I'd see them first thing in the morning.
I took the past week off of work and was extremely disappointed in the weather. It was so cold and rainy. I had planned to go to a few places that were outside. Instead I stayed home and did a lot of running around to and from the kids school. I went to David's track meet and Emily's tennis match. It was nice to do since normally I'm at work. (They are boring though, I must admit. Not at all like football or volleyball.)
So tomorrow I go back to work and I am not ready at all. I need more time off. I'm just really dreading tomorrow.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

You are only young once, but you can be immature for a lifetime. - John P. Grier

I went to the bank today and the teller gave me this sticker! Small things make me smile.
So... yeah... I'm taking pictures of myself on my birthday. It is pretty silly, but what the hey. When I'm gone one day, and hopefully not soon, I'm hoping that my photos make someone that I love happy that they found them.
I wanted to post something profound and wise... but those things are not an area that I'm gifted in. I resort to putting stickers on my face.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

19/52


19/52 green*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.

green*
A pretty non-descript, boring green shot. Taken outside my patio door one sunny morning before heading to work.

Happy Mother's Day everyone. I was surprised with coffee and breakfast in bed from Mike. The kids slept in but when they finally woke up they gave me their gift. They each made me a card. Emily painted one on a big poster board. David made his in Art class with rubber stamps. I love those kinds of gifts. They also got me a Lilac scented Yankee candle. I love the smell of lilacs. 

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day

Sunday, May 2, 2010

18/52


18/52 spring*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.
Spring*
Spring is my favorite time of year. May is my favorite month. The weather is getting warmer, trees are budding, the tulips have poked through the soil, the beautiful scent of lilacs is in the air, the robin has come back home, spring showers, mud puddles, worms, and the best thing about May.... someone's birthday. ;-)


Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush. ~ Dale Larson

Sunday, April 25, 2010

17/52


17/52 hands*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.

hands*
This past Friday I was able to make it to one of Emily's tennis matches. I don't know a thing about tennis. I guess they didn't win the match. Better luck next time.

16/52


16/52 bench*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.

bench*
I realized that I had not posted a photo last week. This was taken for the subject "bench". Although, this is not really a bench.... it's the back of the couch. Bailey's favorite spot.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

15/52

Depth of Field*

The depth of field (DOF) is the portion of a scene that appears acceptably sharp in the image.
This week... I felt like it was only a small DOF. The rest of the week was a blur. Easter came and went. I had work, while the kids had the week off.
It was a pretty stressful week. I had one person out for the week and had to train another. Then I hear through the grapevine that my boss feels like I'm basically slacking. I'm going to consider the source / boss. Ugh! Well I can say that I am extremely burnt out! So I'm sure that shows.
I can't win.
When I get home... I'm done.... this house reflects it too. I need about three weeks to myself. That will never happen.
I'm not sure how to get out of this.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

14/52


14/52 Easter*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.

Happy Easter*
I planted hyacinth bulbs when we moved to this house. They finally blossomed so I cut the stems of flowers to bring them in the house. They smell heavenly. It is a smell that I associate with Easter, that is why I chose this for the photo of the week.

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