Graduation day

Phew, graduation weekend was a whirlwind but now it is time to get the blog up. Since my cousin Ryan refuses to get facebook I have to post this blog so he can see the pictures and stop bugging me about when I am goign to blog them.

It was great to have a few out of town guests, my Dad and Bobbi made it for the weekend from Maine. Plus my cousin Ryan and his girlfriend Michelle also made it from Boston. Jamie, Aunt Lois and Ellie didn't make it, which was a bummer but hopefully they will come visit later this summer.

My Dad and Bobbi arrived Friday night and we went out to dinner at the cheese cake factory. It was just them, my mom and I which was nice.

Saturday morning was when my graduation took place and I was just glad the rain had held off. It was really warm and humid but no rain which was good. Things started right on time. Since they give the evening students their diplomas first we had to sit through the rest. I admit I was really pretty zoned out most of the time during the speakers, as were most other people. I even started snappign pictures with my little point and shoot to pass the time.

The funniest thing was when the fire alarm at the fire station literally right next to us went off. They usually ring the siren 2 maybe 3 times but today they rang it 9 times. Then the 1 fire truck that drove by had sirens blaring even though the road was closed for graduation and no one was on it. Yea you might say they are not big fans of the dean or the college in general. I just thought it was funny , but it was loud and hard on the ears.

I was spoiled big time this weekend.

My Aunt Lois got me the Blythe doll I wanted. She swore my mom was pulling one over on her when she told my aunt this is what I wanted. Here is a quick snap shot of Penelope Paprika… more photos to follow.





My Aunt also got me personalized M&M’s I am not sure if I should be flattered or disturbed that my face is on these. While Penny helped her regaina favorite Aunt status after bailing on graduation, these disturbing portraits almost made her lose it again. But hey chocolate is choclate and they still taste great.




My dad is extremely proud of the fact I graduated with a 4.0 Check out the hat he got when we were walking around the mall. He finally got a hat I would not be embarrassed to see him wearing, of course he gave it to me so he will still be wearing the dreaded cheerios hat. I am thinking I should wear it to my sister’s college graduation this summer. You know to just remind her that even though she is the tall, thin, pretty sister, I am the smart one. :-)



Aside from the hat he and Bobbi got me this very pretty bracelet and matching earrings. I love it…






My cousin Ryan and the other 4.0 Michelle gave me cash, yep that went right into my fund which will be used for either a laptop or the “zebra” lens I really want. I was so happy they were able to make it down. I can’t wait till the next time they visit so we can see some of the sites in the area. I got really lucky Michelle came because she was able to take some pictures for me of graduation. They will be at the end of this post. Thanks again Michelle for doing that for me. I love them.

From Jamie, Jeff and little Ellie I got this very cool clock. It was once a camera that was turned into a clock. It is right up my alley that is for sure. I still have to decide where I will keep it. It still didn't bump her or Jeff up to number one again but you know it kept them from slipping any further.




My grandmother got me a right angle view finder. She had no idea what it was used for but knew I wanted it thanks to my mom getting something from my wish list for her to give me.

Speaking of my wish list from B&H my mom went crazy shopping from it. I was expecting my ipod that I picked out 2 months ago and the speakers I got for it. Which I did get but she also got me a lens I wanted, and a bunch of other accessories I had on my wish list. I was seriously stunned, and very thankful. She also treated everyone to dinner at the William Penn Inn.





Dinner was great. My friend Missy joined us which was great. I was really happy to have her there. She gave me this very cool snow globe, with a very nice engraving. She didn’t even realize it plays pomp and circumstance. Good thing she didn’t realize that because Bobbi would have started crying at the dinner table had she known.









Here are some of the Pictures that were taken at graduation. Thanks Again Michelle K.

A big suprise as a thank you for a friend.

I have been wanting to write this post for almost 2 weeks now but I needed to wait until today because I didn't want to spoil the big surprise.

You might remember a post I made a couple weeks back about wanting a Blythe doll. Well I also have a friend that really wanted one also. Her name is Heather and I have never actually met her in person but met her through an online photography forum, and until today wen I called her to tell her to go get a package off her front porch I had never even spoken to her. She is one of those people that is always willing to help out and share with others. She makes little items like hats, just to turn around and give them away, she is always giving stuff away to people on a regular basis. She is very talented in the craft department. Looking for a fun or unusual gift, then her wee me dolls might be the perfect thing. She started a penpal list for the photo board and we worked on matching people up for that. She is one of those truly genuine, caring giving people.

When she mentioned she really wanted a Blythe doll but that she would not even consider asking for one because of the price and is not the type to spend that kind of money on herself I came up with an idea. I knew I have wanted to do something to thank her for all she does and knew I was not the only one. I mean it is beyond apparent how many appreciate her. So since Heather is not on facebook, at least not yet, I put a message out to all the other people that are part of the same photography forum to see if anyone would be interested in chipping in some money to get her a Blythe doll as a thank you and to let her know she is appreciated. The response was amazing. I know if I could have reached those not on facebook it would have been more so but there just wasn't an easy way to do it. Roughly 30 people donated to the cause allowing me to get more than just the doll from the group. I got to pick out some cute outfits and a yellow bob wig for her.

Now I felt great about being able to get something for Heather that I know she would love and cherish, but more than that, the response I got from others being so happy to be part of this was amazing. With money being so tight for so many it was great to have something they could donate to as a big thank you. The notes they sent along for the card I made were really sweet. The love and appreciation for Heather was evident. I felt really good about being able to do something for someone that does so much for others, but even more than that it felt great to be able to facilitate something that allowed so many others to do the same. I hope they all know how happy I was to organize and do this for Heather from us all.

Here is a quick picture I took of the doll and some of the stuff we sent her.

So today was crazy waiting and waiting and waiting for UPS to deliver it to her. My facebook status has tons of us posting about waiting for the package to be delivered. We started posting random threads on the 2 peas message board to pass the time and all share in our anxiousness.. You would have thought we were the ones getting a present. I was stalking the UPS site like crazy to see when the package was delivered.

For anyone who wants to see what how this all progressed here are the notes I posted on facebook

Checking for interest
Status
A quick update
A quick Picture
Sent
Soon to be delivered

And finally the thread where she gets it n the message board 2 peas in a bucket.

The mother ship has landed

And yes I could not stand the waiting anymore so I picked up the phone and called her once I tracked down her phone number. She probably thinks I am some sort of lunatic. I was like "Is this Heather? This is Chell from 2 peas you need to go to your porch and look for a package right now and then you need to get on 2 peas after you open it. Okay bye." Lunatic sure but hey it worked. LOL and we were all going crazy with anticipation...

This has been an amazing experience for me and I am so glad that so many were able to participate because it clearly meant a lot to them also. It has also reminded me how important being thankful is, and the importance of even just saying thank you. You don't always have to make grand gestures, just the simple acts can lift someone's spirits too and boy does it make you feel good to see someone else so happy. I honestly was so touched as I assembled the card for her, it really wasn't about money, it was about saying thank you to a dear dear friend, someone we love and appreciate, someone who makes our lives a little brighter by just being herself. You always hear about paying it forward, well this was about paying it back for a change in a small way!!

I am going to try to start posting at least once a week about things I am thankful for. I may not write down every little thing but enough to remind me that there are good and happy things in life to be thankful for.

Heather if you are reading this I want you to know how much I enjoyed putting this little surprise together for you and how happy I am that you are so happy with your new girl.

Let the great clean up begin

So My friend Val has a very inspiring blog. It has things from thrifty craft projects, to fun recipes, gardening tips, healthy eating tips, cute pet pics, A great idea for thrifty cloth napkins and the latest thing that caught my eye is her cleaning challenge. She has already attacked her linen closet and bedroom closet with pictures included in other posts, so be sure to look for those. I confess I would be happy if my closet looked as good as her before pictures.

I have been trying to weed through things but without much luck and very little purpose behind said cleaning and purging. But last weekend I did pull out all my purses and bags and managed to get rid of about 1/3 of what I had. Ideally I should have probably gotten rid of 2/3, but it is still a tiny step in the right direction. I have other bags in the basement I need to go through too, but decided not to drag them up and will attack that when I get tot he basement cleaning. So each week I am going to tackle a new project or area of the house. I won’t be able to do everything I want since my mom lives with me and she is worse about holding onto things then I am. Although to her credit we did manage to get rid of 10 bags of clothes of hers not too long ago, it hardly made a dent in what she still has left but it was a great stride, and it took us hours to do. We also managed to throw away a trash bags worth of kitchen gadgets and such that were broken or just of no use any more.

So each week I will venture forth to clean out things, condense and organize. I might even take pictures from time to time of the before and after when I remember.

I think I need my cousin-in-law Jeff to come out and work his magic, that man can clean and purge like nothing else.

Just call me Leighton 4.0

AHHHH Grades have posted and I some how managed to get to graduation with my 4.0 intact. I have never been a huge fan of school, well the homework aspect of it in particular. So next Saturday when I graduate it will be Summa Cum Laude with my 4.0. I am a bit in shock honestly. I am not sure it has sunk in I am actually done with classes.

My sister was kind enough to let me know I am sick fo getting a 4.0. but you know seeign as she is a crminal it is hard to take her seriously. (Long story on the criminal story, pretty funny actually.)

So next Saturday is graduation, so that means I got to spend a good portion of this weekend doing yard work and house work. a portion of that included 7 loads of laundry. Still LOTS to do before the family gets here next weekend. I think I need a house cleaner.. Still feeling Bummed that my aunt Lois and cousin Jamie with baby Ellie are not coming now but we skyped today and got to see sweet little Ellie. We will Skype next weekend for sure.

So this week will be pretty busy with getting ready for family next weekend. Then I am determined to do some major purging of stuff that I have been collecting. Time to get rid of stuff. I feel like I have a ton of tings to get caught back up on now that I am done with school.

Thanks to everyone that was so supportive and encouraging while I finished up my degree!!

Oh my Twitching Back

I have been having muscle spasms on the left side of my back for a few days now. It is making me crazy. I suspect once I get through my last final exam tonight and my stress level reduces some they will subside but until them they are more than a bit annoying!!

Tonight is my last class and the final group project that stands between me and graduation. Have I mentioned how much I do NOT enjoy group projects. Did I also mention this project is also all that stands between me and a 4.0 GPA at graduation.

I have lots of blogging to catch up on once school is done and I get caught up on yard work and house work before the family comes next weekend for my graduation. However, since it has rained for like the last 9 days and my yard is swamp like I might not be worrying much about the yard work part. Plus since my cousin and aunt are not longer coming we skip the white glove test on the house cleaning, now it just has to be presentable, or at least I hope I can get away with presentable.

Busy Busy Busy

Yep the title pretty much sums up the next few weeks and probably months for me.

School is winding down and I will graduate on May 16th from the evening program at Ursinus. However, before that happens I need to finish up my two classes which mean lots of homework, and preparing for finals.

I also have a few photo sessions coming up. Next weekend I get to attend the First communion of a coworkers daughter and take pictures of her afterwards. I got to go for her big sister last year so I am excited to get to do her pictures this year. These girls are just adorable.

Then the following weekend I have a couple of appointments in the morning and actually have a free afternoon which I am sure my mom will snatch up if something doesn't get booked. She has lots of yard work she wants me to do....

The following weekend is Graduation and i am so excited for it. My cousins are coming in for it, as is my aunt. My Dad and step mom are making the drive from Maine for it also. My friend Missy also wanted to be part of the festivities so she will be spending a good portion of Saturday with us. (She has no idea what she is getting herself into.) I guess everyone just wants to witness the miracle of me finishing school, finally.

That brings me to Memorial Day weekend and I get to take couple pictures of the Perry's down in Philly on that Saturday before they move on out to Kansas. We are also going to do family pictures of them. Man am I going to miss them.

Plus I will have other sessions I am doing during the week after work. I know of at least one little boy that will be born in May that I will be taking pictures of.

Before I know it June is here and I have a family session the first weekend in June and a wedding to shoot in Florida the last weekend in June, and I will turn 36 some where in the middle there...

Busy is good though, it keeps me out of trouble, well maybe only a little.

Spring Photo Sessions

So I got the chance to do two photo sessions this weekend and I have to admit it made me a little sad.


First I got to Take Emily over to Valley Forge to do some maternity pictures. Isn't she beautiful? You can see more pictures here.






Then I got to take Chelsea and her girls over to Ursinus campus to get some spring pictures of the girls. You can see more of those here.





So why did this make me sad? Some might think it is because I am still single and as much as i want to be a mom I have no kids but actually that isn't it at all. It is because both of these families will be moving in the next bit as their husbands graduate from Dental school. This time of year is always tough as the friends you make over a 4 year period graduate and move on. But I wish them all the best!!

Is 35 to old to Play with Dolls???

Okay I confess I am slightly obsessed with Blythe Dolls. I really want to get one of these dolls, she would be a blast to photograph. Now for any of you old enough to remember the original she was a short lived doll back in 1972 (Her color changing eyes kind of freaked kids out) but she has a new following and has started to be made again in 2001. You read about her history here.

I think she would practically be the perfect subject since I won't have to chase her to get pictures of her. You can buy all sorts of Wigs, hats, clothes,Stockings/Tights and other accessories for her. Of course the dolls themselves are hard to come by especially in the states even with Hasbro owning the rights to her.

Maybe one day I will have one or maybe even 2 of these stylin' dolls in my possession.



You can see more pictures of these unique dolls here.

Spring colds and Easter Don't mix

I managed not to get a cold all winter long. (I had other sickies but no colds). Well the Easter Bunny decided to bring one to me this weekend and man do I feel icky. Hopefully it will run its course quickly.

But to cheer me up I pulled up some pictures of the little Ellie Bunny that I took a couple weeks ago. Can't wait till she comes to visit in May!!

Why I don’t like to travel with my mom.

I love my mom but she has the worst luck when it comes to travelling!!

We just finally made it back from Indiana and let’s just say the trip home was quite eventful. The trip out was pretty smooth. Flight left on time, got the rental car with no problem, TomTom took us slightly out of the way on the way to the Hotel but we made it fine and then we got to the Rice’s home and got to see sweet baby Ellie. Fast forward to Sunday.. We get to the airport and turn in our rental car just fine. Then we get through ticketing and security without any issues, the lines were pretty long but moved fast. So by now you are wondering why I would hate to travel with everything going pretty smooth, but here is where things changed.

The plane we were supposed to fly out on was late, then it finally arrives and there is no one at the gate to meet it so its sits there for 15 minutes waiting for the ramp to be moved over. Then the woman finally shows up and it takes her another 10 minutes to move the ramp over, they unload and are ready for us to load and of course the lady at the counter is not ready. Once she is finally ready she announces we have a wheels up time 15 minutes from that point and we need to hurry and load the plane, so we rush, get on the plane taxi away from the terminal and then park… 10 minutes of sitting and they finally announce we have been grounded by6 air traffic control because we missed out wheel’s up time by 5 minutes, they would have an update for us in an hour. Yep we get to sit in the sardine can of a plane on the runway for an hour. An hour and 20 minutes later they come on and tell us our flight has been cancelled. UGH!!!

So we had to unload, walk down to ticketing and rebook our flight. That process wasn’t too bad. However we were right behind the most obnoxious passenger on the plane who was talking so loud to whoever was on the other end of his blue tooth the whole plane could hear and was swearing and cursing up a storm. Just flat out obnoxious. The poor guy sitting next to him was like please let me know what flight you are on for the way back cause I want 6o make sure I am not on the same plan with you. I felt the same way. Then when we were in line rebooking the flight there was a woman carrying on about the time of the flight they got her on. It was ridiculous the way she was carrying on and acting like someone just told her she had 2 weeks to live. Most everyone else handled it pretty well.

My cousin’s dear Hubby, Jeff, said he would come to the airport and get us and we could stay with them. We felt so bad having them do that since he had to go back to work today and has been tired with all the commotion of having a newborn in the house. We really appreciated it. I love my family!!

So fast forward to our flight today. Plane is there, good sign, boarding time comes and they can’t board us because the flight attendant is a no show, bed sign… we wait 20 minutes then they find a substitute to at least get the flight loaded. So we all get loaded, the flight attendant finally shows up and we start to pull back from the gate, and then all of a sudden we start pulling back towards the terminal, and I can see out the window that the walkway is being moved back to the plane. Not a good sign.. Well long story short they had to remove a passenger that was getting a bit out of control from an apparent anxiety attack. Then we finally start to pull away from the gate and then we start driving around the airport for 10 minutes then stop and park AGAIN!! So we sit there for 15 minutes before the pilot finally comes on and tells us we should have a wheels up time in about 20 minutes, and luckily we took off about 15 minutes later because I don’t think I could have handled having another flight cancelled.

But in the end what made it all more than worth it??? This little face.



She was such a sweetheart and I have lots more pictures coming to share.. I mean I took over 700 so I am sure there will be at least a few I feel I need to post!!

Welcome little Ellie Elizabeth Rice

Well my cousin had her first child today. A little girl. She had to have a C section since the little peanut was breech, and did not have any desire to turn. Both mom and baby are doing well and I can't wait till Friday when I get to go visit and spend a couple days taking LOTS of pictures. My Aunt is over the moon happy at being a grandma and my grandmother has finally accepted that she is old now that she is a great grandmother.

Here is a sneak peak at the little cutie till I can get out there and take some pictures of my own.

A Baby shower for Emily

A baby is a special gift but it is even wore special to those who have been waiting and hoping for one for years. That is why When I heard E & D were expecting their first child I just had to offer to help with the baby shower. Now Chelsea really did all the work, coming up with a great theme, food and so on. I just provided the venue. It was a lot of fun... Chels did a Wonderful job!!