Soft and Sweet

Ok, I never do this, but I super duper love this picture so here goes!!! I am entering the ihearfaces photo challenge for this week: soft and sweet!!

He isn't always "soft" and he isn't always "sweet", but in this picture (and in my heart) he is both!! Boys are so special!

There are a ton of cool entries out there! Check em' out! You will definitely find some motivation. Scouts honor!

Thanks Easter Bunny!

Avery had a great third Easter. How in the world is this possible? 3 Easters already. We didn't get an Easter outfit this year, but the Easter Bunny did bring a little basket. Avery was pretty happy with all of the "cannie"!

Belated Birthday

Sydney Grace had her 3rd Birthday, and I didn't blog about it. There are a million excuses, but better late than never.

Is is she not one of the cutest kids ever?

Happy Third Birthday Pretty Girl!!

Fun with Friends

Avery and I have been trying to do a little more "stretching our wings" when we have the time. Instead of sitting at home, we have been trying to get out a little. Avery's school was closed Good Friday and Easter Monday. I did a wedding on Saturday and Greg had school all day Easter Sunday. Total side note, Greg had his best semester so far: A- (x2) and a A!! {suh-weet!}

Avery and I went to hang out with Jamie and LoLo on Easter Monday. We went to their playground and we had a fun time. It is amazing how much joy 2 year olds get out of stale bread!! The enjoyed it more than the ducks!

How To Make Eggs, EGGGGSSSSS!

I wrote Avery's name on this one when he wasn't looking

In order to make eggs EGGGGGSSSS, you first have to hard boil them just right. I scoured the internet until I found the best method.

Take cold eggs, place them in a pot, pour cold water over them until they are 'just covered'. Put them on the stove, uncovered, until you start seeing the tiniest bubbles, and the eggs just start dancing. Turn off the eye. Immediately put a lid on the pot, leave the poton the hot eye, and wait for at least 17 minutes. Viola!

Avery ready for the action

Now, while the eggs are finishing, put your dye tablets in cups with 3 tablespoons of white vinegar and allow the tablets to dissolve. You will hear them fizzing and your stomach will get all jumpy with excitement with the sound.



To each cup of color tablet, add 1/2 cup cold water.

You should be close to 17 minutes now. Drain your eggs, and rinse with cold water. I put them back in the fridge as I finished my preparations.

When you are ready, put those beautiful plain white eggs in to color of your choice and WAIT. I wait for a good long time. The longer you wait the richer the color, and subsequently, the longer you are spending time with the people you love!

Now, once you are ready for the extraction, I recommend tongs. Yep, you heard me tongs. Be sure and clean between cups or you will very quickly have all brown or grey dye.

Such a proud Dad!
I also recommend using the wax crayon to write names.

After drying a sharpie is a nice way to add some details. Now, if you have followed all of my steps correctly your eggs should now be EGGGGGSSSSS!

Color or Black and White? I Can't Decide

School Pictures Cost More Than A Gallon of Gas

The same guy comes to Avery's school a couple of times a year. He sets up somewhere and they parade the kids in to him. It is a freakin' cash cow. You set up one time, he's there for a couple of days, and they lead them to you like sheep. He pulls the same "stunt" every time. He zooms in to one or more of the pictures and passes them off a a whole "separate" pose.

Don't get me wrong, I know school pictures are a must, but the prices? Seriously? I hope the school is getting a cut, but if that is the case, I haven't been told. For 7 digital images (2 of which are the same picture, and it is just a cropper version of another pic) I would have to pay $75. For 5 digital images. He puts them on a CD with Avery's name handwritten. It isn't anything special. I bought it last time, and I accidentally deleted one. It wasn't even write protected.

This guy isn't scouting locations, waiting for the perfect pose, or getting the kids in their own elements, but he is comfortable charging these prices. I do think Avery's pictures are really cute, but I think the price is OUTRAGEOUS and UNREASONABLE. I wish I could get $75 for 5 digital images. Trust me, my camera bag would be much fuller, and I would own some cool software.

So get a load of these prices:

Package C

1 8x10

2 5x7

4 3x5

8 wallets

$44.95

Package B

2 8x10

2 5x7

4 3x5

16 wallets

$54.95

Package A

1 10x13

2 8x10

4 5x7

4 3x5

24 wallets

$69.95

Or make your own package:

8x10 $15.oo

2 5x7 $15.00

8 Wallets $15.00

4 3x5 $15.oo

1 10x13 $20.00

CD of all 7(5) digital images only $75. What a deal! This guy has got quite the gig! Oh yeah, did I mention that I will be charged $5 if I don't return these negatives with the word PROOF written in the middle of them. SERIOUSLY?