Baby Bears

I sure do LOVE these baby bears, whom God has given to us through adoption.
Too bad Bubba Bear doesn't like to pose for me. :-)

Mama Bear

What I Did Over My Summer Vacation...

Right now, Papa Bear is home all day, every day, recovering from carpal tunnel surgery. He's been "off work" since early June pretty much, and I LOVE it! I know most couples wouldn't be able to stand being together that often, but we're pretty different from most couples. We have been really enjoying our kiddos, and our garden. We've even made it to the park every now and then, and to the library. Due to getting stitches out too soon, it appears that he will be out through September, so that will give us a lot of opportunity to spend MORE time together. Yahoo! Here are some photos of what we've been up to lately!

Taught our 16 year old some great photography tips, while we photographed Baby Girl.

Tasted some of our first produce from our garden, including this delicious tomato, some carrots, radish, garlic greens, onion greens, green beans, cherry tomatoes,
strawberries, and basil.

Played in the water park with friends from church.

Participated in a July "Easter Egg Hunt" and park play date with the same friends from church.

Photographed my youngest brother, Chris' wedding in New Mexico on June 26.

Got to see my little sister get baptized while in New Mexico for the wedding.

Took sunset photos in New Mexico (in my parents' back yard), while there for the wedding.

And that's not all! (Nor is it in chronological order) I will be sharing more of what we've been doing this summer as I get the chance. I stumbled upon a blog today, where the author mentioned how she wanted to try to keep up with her blog, so that she could "preserve" more of those very special family moments. That inspired me to do this post, and more posts to come. I hope you enjoy these posts!

God bless,
Mama Bear

It's All in the Post-Production

The original photo.

I have been having loads of fun with my new camera. I got a few "on the fly" lessons from our pastor, who is a GREAT photographer. With those lessons, and some from Digital Photography School's website, I'm learning new things all the time.


I've also been doing a lot of playing around with post-production editing. I save my originals, so that if I "mess something up", I'll still have the original, but I've tried out a few different filters and techniques in Microsoft Picture It 9, that have allowed for some totally different looks.

Check it out!

Have a great day!

Mama Bear

I'm Really a Digital Photography Newbie

I know it might sound weird, because I've been using a digital camera for at least 10 years now, but I am truly a newbie when it comes to digital photography. I used to just be a "point and shoot girl", but now with a brand new camera, and my youngest brother's wedding coming up (where I have been asked to be the photographer), I am really digging and delving into whatever I can find online that will help me learn how to take amazing photos.

DPS, or Digital Photography School, has quickly become one of my favorite places to learn. I'm no techie by any means. I STRUGGLE with technology! (I still have a Motorola Razr cell phone, even though Papa Bear asked me if I wanted to upgrade and update.) I'm not the kind of girl who can read through a manual and just "get it". I have to learn by doing, and by making mistakes, and by accidentally coming up with something fantastic!

Here are some of the photos I've taken recently, with the help of some great gems I've picked up from DPS, and from my friend Julie:





So, what do you think? I'm sure having fun, and I'll be posting more photos as I learn more!

Have a blessed day in Christ,

Mama Bear