Vegas Baby! =)

So, I've never really blogged about my trip to Vegas in February.  Vegas was awesome!  WPPI was more than I could have imagined and it was way cool to see Vegas.  We went to a few sites while we were there even though we didn't have that much time.(We were in classes from 8am-10pm.)  

We went up and down the strip and checked things out like: New York, New York, M&M store, The Bellagio Fountains, and the Eiffle Tower at Paris.  The fountains were amazing.  If you haven't been there you have to watch the videos they have online.  It really doesn't do it justice.  You have to be there, to see it, to appreciate it.  Truly AMAZING!  I'd love to go back again with Danny.  We'd have a lot of fun.  The kids WILL NOT be going with us if we go.  Vegas definitely isn't a kid town!  Angie and I discovered that first hand. 

One of the pictures was taken with my panoramic shot.  I can't take three pictures and my camera will stitch them together.  It is a picture of one of the Vendor rooms.  They had another one just like it with even more vendors.  I hope to be able to attend WPPI again next year.   I feel that it has already made a difference in my business and I hope to continue to make more changes so that I'll have even more success!  Eventually I'd love to have a studio.  We'll see!!  =)

The pictures above were taken with my point and shoot.  I am amazed at how well some of the pictures turned out.  Sometimes my point and shoot doesn't take the best pictures.  It did this time.  I am happy with most of them!  I wish I would have had my SLR with me though.

When we were at the airport leaving Vegas, you could see the strip from the windows of the airport.  You could see the MGM Grand, which is where we stayed, and many other hotels.  It was cool to watch that since we had time to kill. 

It has been 3 years...

I can't believe that it has been three years since my sister passed away.  Honestly it feels like longer.  Every day that her and my Dad aren't here feels like an eternity.  Family get-to-gethers, holidays, and visits home just don't feel the same anymore with them!  My brother-in-law put a memory in the Bakersfield Californian again.  It is way sweet!  You can view it by clicking on the link below:

Gina's Memoriam

I love you tons sis and miss you everyday!!

National Charity Model Search...

Both Isabella and Chase have been entered into a National Charity Model Search.  They need your votes!  Every vote is $1 and every $1 goes to Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep.  You can check out this organization by going to: www.nilmdts.org.  It is a wonderful charity.  

If either of them win they will receive a $5,000 savings bond and a New Canon Camera.

Isabella's link is:

www.sandypucvotes.com/pickpic/gallery/image.php?id=2185

Chase's link is:

www.sandypucvotes.com/pickpic/gallery/image.php?id=2186

Start voting today!  Voting ends on April 2, 2009.

Thanks for your support for Isabella, Chase, and Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep!!

Blossom Portrait Session

I had to take advantage of the blossoms on my in-laws orchard.  I just love it when the blossoms out and what a perfect backdrop for Easter pictures.  =)  Well, my kids were pretty cranky that day.  I had to wake Chase up from his nap and that is something that you just don't want to do.  So, I was pretty bummed when I left thinking that I didn't capture anything but, as you can see they turned out better than I thought.  I'm so glad that I don't have to re-do them!

Many Faces yet again...

So, this has become a tradition....Chase loves to make funny faces every time that I do a portrait session with him.  So here is a little storyboard of them...

Family time...

You never know how much you miss your family until you are around them for almost a week.  We had a great time in Bakersfield.  It was so great to spend time with my Mom, Brother, Sister-in-law, Aunt, Brother-in-law, Nieces, and of course Michelle.  It is still weird not seeing my Dad or my Sister.  Bakersfield just isn't the same without them there.  

We started off our trip, on Saturday, by visiting our favorite Mexican restaurant, El Charro.  My Mom was headed off to a hockey game and so the kids and I went to my Brother house to hang out.  We stayed there until the hockey game was finished because it is a little weird being at my Mom's house alone.  That is a whole different blog entry!

Then on Sunday we, of course, went to church with my Mom.  I was really worried that my son would be horrible in Primary but it sounds like it worked out okay, unless Amy is just trying to be nice.  =)   Then the entire family came to my Mom's house for lunch.  We BBQed hamburgers.  They were so yummy!  I haven't had BBQed hamburgers at my Mom's house since before my Dad died.  It brought back a lot of memories.

Then on Monday I read in the morning and then went to my Brothers house for dinner and family home evening.  The ghetto egg rolls that Lori made were delicious.

Tuesday was when I finished reading Breaking Dawn in the morning.  Then we went to the park with the kids.  They were getting stir crazy in the house.  It was really good for them to get out.  Then at 10pm, Brittany and I went to the $1 theatre to see The Uninvited.  Nothing better than a scary movie with Brittany.  First off, the $1 theatre is ghetto.  It is disgusting but what do you expect for a $1, right?  We didn't really have a choice because we waited so long to see this movie together that it was ONLY playing there.  It was great times.  Wasn't as scary as I thought.  My whole plan to have Brittany pick me up so that she could walk me to the door when we got back to my Mom's house didn't really happen since we didn't leave scared.  Thanks Brittany for being there for me anyway!  =) 

On Wednesday my Mom and I went and checked out a discount store called, Manny's.  It was awesome.  I got some great deals for myself and also for Heather!  I love sharing the wealth.  Then I went to the Condor's Hockey game.  They won of course, because I was there!  =)  It was a great game. 

On Thursday, we went shopping with Lori.  She told my kids that she'd take them to Target to get toys that they had been wanting.  Isabella wanted the Tattoo Barbie but changed her mind at the last minute and got the Totally Nails Barbie.  Chase is a typical guy.  He knew what he wanted.  He went to the man isle and picked up his Dinosaur Hot Wheels Trick Tracks and was finished and it took Isabella another 15 minutes to decide on what she wanted.  Can't make the wrong decision!!!  Then we went to my best friend, Michelle's house.  We got there kinda late and ended up staying until about 11.  It was so great to see her.  I always hate to leave because we just have a great time together.  Like she said, "We will always be best friends forever!"  So TRUE!  After that Brittany came over to my Mom's since it was my last night.  We had the privilege of watching Obama together on Jay Leno.  The highlight of my time with Brittany.  Well.....her company!  She stayed until about 1:00am.  It was great laughing with her.  Fun times!

Today, I packed up and left and made a stop in Fresno to visit with Doug and Heather.  It was great to hang out and take pictures of everyone including the adorable Parker.  He is such a sweet heart!  I love them all and I am glad that we got to stop and hang out for a few hours.  It is always bombdiggity with Heather!  

So as you can tell I had a wonderful time in Bakersfield.  I just love being in Bakersfield with everyone but it was really great to get back home and see Danny.  We all missed him so much. 

 

Finally finished...

I'm totally bummed that I finished all the books.  I have been reading Breaking Dawn a little at a time so that it would last longer.  When I was in Bakersfield and didn't have my photography and house keeping to do I was able to delve into it.  It was SO great but now I want more.  I would really love for her to write another book about when Nessie grows up and her relationship with Jacob.  

Thank goodness Twilight comes out on video tomorrow.  That will have to make due for now!

A new addition to the Brandow Family...

Heather Brandow, my sister-in-law, had her baby boy. Parker Douglas was born on March 10, 2009 at 5:07pm. He weighed 8 pounds 12 ounces and measured 20 inches long. Heather and Parker are happy and healthy. Serenity and Landen are very proud of their little brother. Landen kept saying how much he really liked the baby. It was so cute. Serenity was into touching and feeling him. She is so curious. What a cute family. Here are a few pictures that I took in the hospital after Parker was born. =)

Pettiskirt contest...

and the directions on how to make one.  I can't sew but I want tons of these and would be willing to try and make them.  Any takers on trying it with me!  =)  Maybe I'll just win!

Blushing Buttercream Pettiskirt Giveaway!

March 21st...

I can't wait for Twilight to come out on DVD.  I really want Danny to see it even though he is fighting me all the way!  =)

I am blog of the week...

The Holocaust...

The Holocaust has always been a subject that I have been attracted to.  I'm not quite sure when it started or why it holds such a big place in my heart.  I have always hated history but when it comes to the Holocaust I'm so intrigued.  

When I was in elementary school I remember visiting the Museum of Tolerance a few times.  Maybe it started then.  To see all the lives lost.  To follow a person and to be in tears at the end of the tour because that person that you'd loved and respected through the tour ended up dying in the end.  Or was it reading The Story of Anne Frank.  I can't tell you exactly when these people entered my heart but I can tell you that they have been there ever since.

A few years back my Mom discovered through our genealogy that we have a Jewish descent.  Maybe this is why because I could feel it in me.  

Whatever the reason I think that this is the worst thing that has ever happened in our history.  I just can't imagine such hate.  I feel that we see little bits and pieces of the Holocaust around our world today.   Such hate and killing for no reason other than you don't like what they believe.   I am so thankful that I live in a country where I am able to believe what I want and Im not killed of it.

Here we are 64 years later, in May, and now Iraq, Iran, and others claim that the Holocaust didn't happen and that it was a "myth".  We need to never forget what happened and we need to remember to keep others from ever doing it again. 

I'm totally sucked in....

Ok so let me begin by saying that I AM NOT A READER at all.  My mom even called today as I was reading New Moon and I told her that I needed to go and read more and she pretty much asked where her daughter was.

I tried to read Twilight but just couldn't get into it because I watched the movie before I read it.  When I went to Vegas a few weeks ago Angie brought along New Moon, just in case.  I started reading in Vegas and read about 200 pages there.  That was a lot considering that we didn't have much time to read.  Then with the kids getting sick and all I haven't had a chance to read it again until last night.  I read about 140 pages last night and finished the rest of the book today.  It was SO good!  I have already called Angie and told her that she HAS to bring the next on to church tomorrow.  Clark said I wasn't allowed to get it tonight because he is going to help out his buddy, meaning Danny, since it consumes your life.  =)   I thought that was cute!

Anyways, so you know what I will be doing tomorrow.   I'm glad it is Sunday!  =)

American Idol...

One of my favorite shows is American Idol.  Who doesn't love Idol?  Well, this new format they have isn't great because I feel that they are going to loose a lot of great talent but it is still fun to watch.  

It was a little slow, last night, until "Norman Gentle" (pictured above) came on the stage. I know that he isn't a true American Idol but he is so hilarious! I love him!

My favorite guy by far was Adam Lambert (pictured above). He's a little odd but he rocked that stage! He was amazing! The best of the night to me.My favorite girl was Allison Iraheta (pictured above). I can't believe that she is 16 years old. AMAZING!
I'd like the third to be Norman but since we all know that isn't going to happen my third favorite is Kris Allen (pictured above). He is a QT and sang very well.

There were so many that I was disappointed in who I expected to be great.  You only get one chance with this format.

Freebies....

Who doesn't love free stuff?  Well, I am full of ways to get free things these days.  Check out Mormon Mommy Blogs and enter their contest.  Who know, you might win!  =)

Mormon Mommy Blogs

Free Quiznos Subs...

Quiznos is giving away one million free sub sanwiches here is the link to receive yours:

www.millionsubs.com/Reg.php?x=1

Enjoy your free sub!!  =)

Happy Heart Day!

Eli, Isabella, and Callie

Well, Valentine's Day in Isabella's class was so much fun!   Chase and I were helpers that day.  

Mrs. Tiede had 5 stations with different activites at each station.   

1. They decorated their bags for their Valentine's.

        2.  They sorted candy hearts and graphed them.

3.  They made a Valentine's hat

4.  They made a Valentine's frame and bookmark

5.  They had a Valentine's booklet.   

Chase was such a great helper that Mrs. Tiede gave him a sucker.  He was very proud of his sucker.

Isabella was even able to dress up for Valentine's Day.  =)

Watch out Vegas!

I will be on my way to Vegas for WPPI tomorrow.  I am so excited to learn new things to incorporate into my photography business.  I will be gone from Sunday, February 15th-Thursday, February 19th. 

Superbowl Sunday...

So, this is the only picture that I took on Superbowl Sunday but it is a cutie!  This is Gavin and Chase chowin down on a yummy cupcake.

We had the pleasure of going to Catherine Tate's Superbowl Party #2.  It was tons of fun!  We were able to bring a friend so we brought the Casper's with us.  =)  What a great game!  I was rutting for Pittsburgh to win but was really wanting Arizona to win since it hasn't happened for them.  Either way it was a great game all the way down to the last second.  I love it when the Superbowl is that good! 

We usually have a Superbowl Party every year but I wanted to try out something different this year.  It was so nice not having to clean my house and get everything ready but I did miss the usual group that comes over.  We even had a few calls asking if we were going to have a party again.  Well, we might have one next year .  We'll see....

Hangin with the Francis' and Lawlor's...

Ok, so these pictures are horrible but my point and shoot just doesn't take pictures like my SLR but I had to show them anyway.  This is my hubby and Clark getting a little comfy on the quad and dirt bike.  Gotta love it! =)  We had lots of fun with them at Danny's parents house.

After we hung out with the Francis' we went to the Lawlor's and they watched our kids for us while the adults went to see Taken.  If you are looking for a good movie to see this is your movie.  Action packed and edge of your seat the entire time!  It was tons of fun!

We had a great day with friends!

Vola's 70th Birthday Dinner...

We went to a new Mexican resturant, in Manteca called Las Casuelas, for Vola's birthday dinner.   The food was so yummy.  Danny got some HOT shrimp dish.  It was fun to watch everyone take a bite of it.   We had a small group considering it was a Brandow function. =)  The cousins were so excited to see each other.  Heather brought coloring books to keep them company and that was a huge lifesaver.   Thanks Heather!

Kisses=Marriage?

Well, Chase seems to think so.  Since I wrote a cute comment about Isabella I, of course, had to about Chase.  He came up to me this morning and gave me a big kiss on the lips.  He said, "Now we marry."  I said, "What?", He said, "Now we marry."  I said, "You mean we are married?"  He said, "YEP!"  I then of course explained to him that we weren't married.  He said, "Daddy marry."  I said, "To who?"  He said, "To you."  I explained to him that yes Danny and I were married.  He then said, "Yep, you and Daddy marry and Sissy and I marry."  I then had to explain to him that he couldn't marry his sister so he said, "Ok, I marry Jordan."  I think had to explain to him that he would marry a girl not a boy.  He said, "Ok, then I marry Auntie DD."  I gave up at that point.  I guess it is hard for a three year old to understand marriage!  =)

It's raining, it's poring...

I am really bad about documenting the cute things that my kids say but I just had to write this one down.  On the way to Isabella's school this morning she was commenting on how much and how hard it was raining.  She said, "Mommy, it just keeps raining and raining and raining!" Then she said, "Do you think Jesus is crying?"  I questioned her on where she heard that and she insisted that no one has ever said that to her and that she was just thinking about it while I was driving.  

What a cute thing for her to think about.  I just love my little girl and the awesome spirit that she has inside her.  =)

Pinkalicious...

Today at Isabella's school they were to dress up as their favorite book character.  Isabella's favorite book by far is Pinkalicious.  It was so much fun getting an outfit together that was ALL pink and Isabella was in heaven getting dressed this morning.  Isabella also took the book to share with her classmates and wrote two sentences about her book with a drawing of it.  The two sentences she wrote were:  My favorite book is Pinkalicious.  My favorite color is pink.  I was very proud of her because the only word that she needed help with was favorite and she copied Pinkalicious from the book but other than that she wrote both of the sentences by herself.  She is becoming such an independent writer and reader.  I am so proud of her!   Not too bad for Kindergarten.  =)

If you have a girl in your family you need to buy this book because it is adorable!  If your favorite color is purple they also have Purpalicious.   I bought that one at the book fair yesterday since that is my favorite color.  =)

Look at that smile...

Well, Chase had his first visit to the dentist on January 21st.  I knew before going there that it was going to be horrible but with his positive attitude I was very hopeful.  Needless to say he was horrible.  I didn't get any great pictures of his teeth cleaning, like I did Isabella, because I was holding him down the ENTIRE time.  Then when the dentist starting cleaning his teeth he began to spit everything out all over her, me, and himself.   Dr. Parker is SO patient and wonderful.  We couldn't have done it without her.  If you live in the Stockton area I highly recommend her!  =)  Maybe he'll be better next time, I HOPE!  (I know the pictures look like he enjoyed it but pictures can be deceiving!)