Want to Make Your Photos Even Better?

My dear friend Lynn Weber is kicking off a great Beginning Photo Editing over at Get It Scrapped! Lot's of great tips and tricks plus Lynn is one of the nicest people I've ever met! I got a chance to preview her first class on cropping, and LOVED it! 

(and shhhhh, a little bird mentioned that someone you know might just be teaching her own class over there sometime soon...)

POTD 021409

POTD 021409, originally uploaded by katrina.kennedy.

It was an on again off again chance we were going to make it to watch the Tour of California today. Ian has been battling a cold for a week and Shea wasn't feeling well either.

I left them napping and joined Justin to watch. So glad I made it out! I had a blast taking photos in the near perfect overcast light.

About 45 minutes before it was over Shea showed up with Ian. Fun to watch it together! Ian cheered as each rider went by, but I think he was a little more impressed with the motorcycles behind each bike!

Any guesses who this guy is?? Click on the photo to see the non cut off version!

Embracing My Frugality

Ian needs Valentine's cards. His party like most others in the 3 year old crowd is at preschool after nap time on Friday. It will be a candy, cookie, punch, and card filled fest. He knows he is giving cards but asked today if we could just redo Halloween instead. The kiddo really likes Halloween!

Alas, no Halloween redo, although we could use one given how last year's went. So tonight we set about making cards. I was determined to not spend anything on a piece of paper little fingers will get sticky, look at, toss into a bag along with others and ultimately toss. (probably in the trash can, even though most will be recyclable) Call me frugal. Call me cheap. Call me a curmudgeon. I just couldn't see spending money on waste.

Being on the Creative Team for Designer Digitals I have access to beautiful elements for making gorgeous cards. Last year I made them using some great products, stuffed them, took them to school and Ian really had no idea what occurred or that his name had been tied to a pink monkey hanging from a tree that said something like "I'm bananas for you" or some such nonsense. 

This year I was determined it be different. So I dug out a bunch of old paper from my paper scrapbooking days which were pre Ian and more of an excuse to get together with a few friends and chat all night. I had no design in mind. I just knew we were going to cut out hearts, use some stamps, some glue and see where it took us! Turns out he LOVED cutting out the cards. Of course that meant he got to pull the arm down on the Sizzix and cut out hearts. He decided he was Inspector Gadget and the Sizzix was a claw. He'd announce, "go go Gadget claw" each time he cut. He made it through about 10 before he needed a break and ran away. Then he was back, this time playing school complete with his backpack and addressing me as "teacher". After he made a trip into the "toy room" aka the living room he was back for some stamping of the word "happy" across a few hearts and then some strategic placing of stickers. 

We didn't finish, but we made a good start. They look homemade. Well...because they are! I had a brief moment of thinking, geez, what are the other moms going to think. And then I decided. Big flippin' deal (sorry for the replacement profanity there mom, but it is what I thought!) He had fun. I loved helping him and right now he thinks I'm the coolest mom EVER!

I'd show you what they look like, but it's not Valentine's Day yet!!

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And in other news...

I've redesigned my work website www.katrinakennedy.com. Let me know what you think!

Words To Live By

My talented friend Debi sent me this a few weeks ago. I found it today and wanted to save it!

 The most important thing she’d learned over the years was that there was no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one. 

— Jill Churchill

Today I'm a good mom. I hung out with him at school for a bit. I played dinosaurs with him. And tonight we're baking cookies together. That leaves 999,997 more ways!

Myra of the Mix Tape Monday

My dear friend Myra is featuring my iPOD play list on her blog today! Go there not because of my list but because the wonderful things she says so much better than I can. I am lucky to count her among my dearest friends!

While you are over there check out her great photos and design! She's amazingly talented!

Make Me Those Cookies!

POTD 020209, originally uploaded by katrina.kennedy.

Cookies seem to be a theme in our house this week! Today Ian and I made Vegan Sugar Cookies that were yummy! He loves cutting them out and runs into the kitchen over and over to check them. Today was pink frosting and no sprinkles. And the photo? He's doing his best job of hiding his face, his latest photo trick with me. Hold anything he can up and ask for a photo with it strategically placed in front of him. I guess I really did want a photo of those dirty fingernails! Makes me wonder how big his impish smile is behind that heart!

Quiet Weekend?

Our quiet weekend became a weekend filled with unexpected house guests, a moody mom, and a photo shoot for a six month old. By 3PM today Ian was napping and Shea and I were exhausted! While the rest of the world watched the big game, we sat at our computers and enjoyed a few superbowl type snacks and did our own thing!

I made a page that I LOVE. Just makes me smile when it comes together so easily with a result I'm happy with. That just doesn't seem to happen very often. And it seems I'm back to orange again!

Credits here

And my favorite photo of today? Ian insisted he pose just like Baby E who visited our house for her photoshoot today. So imagine a six month old baby girl under a cleaner version of Ian's dirty blanket and you have a fairly good idea of what my other photos from the morning look like! Oh, the face paint? Darth Maul of course on top and a pirate beard on the chin!

A Tough Week

Definitely a tough week. A quick unexpected trip home to be with family and to celebrate Carl's life. My heart and thoughts are with Mandy and Heidi. I can't imagine what they are going through but I do appreciate having a family that comes together when times are difficult.

I enjoyed getting to see this cutie. She is unbelievably 3 months old now and has eyes just like her mom and sister! She is about three of Ian at the same age, but he was the extreme of tiny guy! 

Friends, Friday, and Weekends

It rained almost the entire week! What a perfect perfect week! Ian really wanted to wear his boots so we ventured out on Friday so he could! I asked him what I should take pictures of, he called things out, and I followed his orders! He saw this puddle and said, take a picture of the puddle. and then paused. With me stomping it! So out of the stroller he jumped so he could stomp! I tried to get a fun reflection photo in the water but he thought it was far more fun to stomp on my reflection! Boys...

He did suggest the fire hydrant and a variety of other things you will see in a layout soon!
We met Kathy and kiddos at Hina's for a little tea. I just love that Ian and Addy have known each other for their entire lives! He really doesn't play with anyone else like he does with her. Of course, they do enjoy getting into mischief together and breaking random household items but, they certainly have fun doing it! 

And because I know Kathy reads this, here is her little guy. Isn't he just the cutest? I love his little personality, just makes my heart melt. And I cannot get over just how much he looks like his dad! Crazy!

Today I met with Jennifer F. for a little coffee at Java Lounge. Such a fun funky photogenic spot. I can't believe that I've never been! I refrained myself some since I was there to chat...next time though...I'm taking photos of everything! We then walked over to the Tower to see Slumdog Millionaire. Great movie. Intense. Made me tired. Will need to post more about it later. 

Oh, and did I mention, that I arrived home to find Shea had ripped one of the kitchen cabinets from the wall? Big ugly dirty wall space with lots of holes in the really old plaster wall... He said we'd talked about it. Of course, that was 6 months ago! So now I'm trying to embrace it...and well, hate to admit that it does look better. I really hate my kitchen cabinets!

Today

I’m overwhelmed with emotion. Knowing Ian’s world has changed. Possibilities. Hope where there has been little. Work to do, difficult work, now with compassion and caring. Today I'm proud to be American again. Today I can see our founding principles. Today I have hope.

Finally, today

The Happiest Place On Earth

Be prepared....this is long! But I wanted, in fact needed, to capture this! Enjoy! I took over 600 photos, but here are just a few!

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How can you feel comfortable with a group of people you have never met in real life? Only through scrapbooking! Only through sharing stories of our children, preferences, daily lives could I walk into a hotel and instantly hug people I've known only through 1x1 avatars!

I spent 4 days at Walt Disney World with most of the Creative Team of Designer Digitals. I'm still shocked they want me to be part of the site, so getting together with them was just surreal.  Katie and Randy, the owners of DD, were so generous in hosting a fabulous trip!

I met Debbie at the airport as we happened to be standing in the same long line for the Magical Express bus to our hotel (the bus was neither magical or express). She was a delight! Full of energy and passion for her craft and warm and I could go on and on. The perfect person to meet to set the tone for the weekend! We then realized we were sitting just a row away from Terri. She's a delightful mom to four boys who I laughed a lot with!

On to the Port Orleans Resort where we met Myra, Mollie, and Katie and Randy.

Mollie

 Not long after that we were joined by the lovely ladies from England Sarah and Melanie. I was so looking forward to meeting Melanie as we connected over a year ago and just had so much in common. Greeting her was like saying hello to a dear friend I hadn't seen in a few years. 

Then we waited a bit before the arrival of Buddy's mom Kathie. Every time Kathie opened her mouth I laughed uncontrollably! She is funny! And being from North Dakota has a wee bit of an accent (that she denies!) We then waited for Jess to arrive after her flight was delayed! So began the first night of sleep deprivation as we talked and talked and talked! The amazing designer Jesse Edwards joined us as well. She's delightful!

Friday morning was a frenzy of activity meeting everyone as they arrived, saying hello to faces I instantly recognized, hugging what felt like long lost friends. We slowly moved toward the Magic Kingdom, no easy task knowing that new faces were arriving by the hour!

We hopped on a few rides. Space Mountain -- much faster than I remember, Peter Pan -- much shorter than I recall, Buzz Lightyear Spin something, and It's a Small World -- fitting for our group I thought! Somewhere near Space Mountain we met Janet and Kari and Merr. Off to Downtown Disney from there to eat some nonpark food. (being vegan at WDW is not an easy task...)

At Downtown Disney we were able to meet up for dinner with at least 15 of us! I think we overwhelmed the restaurant we chose, but I did warn them! Pattie and her hubby Tom, Lynn, Cassie, Christina, Sarah, Angie, MaryAnn and Shanah all joined us. What an amazing time! I wish I could capture in words the feeling of instant comfort and pure enjoyment I experienced.

Then Myra and I missed the bus with everyone as the result of making a needed stop (not for shopping mind you!) I am so glad though. It made us a bit panicky about making it on time to the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom, but it gave us the opportunity to chat on a deserted bus (how does that happen at WDW?!) Not only did I discover she is one of the kindest most sincere people I've met we discovered we have over a dozen life parallels.  We are both middle children who spent time with no televisions in our homes, married amazing men, each have one son, see the world similarly and really don't understand the obsession with putting everything in a ziploc bag! I wish she lived just down the street so I could spend time with her everyday. She is remarkable!

Our quiet bus trip was soon traded for Main Street Disney just moments before the fireworks began! In a crazed blur I met Wendy, Steph, Kim, Janet, Paula and Caroline seconds before the booms began! 

Fireworks were followed by another bus trip (a theme of WDW) back to the hotel for a night of chatting! Sleeping was just difficult when surrounded by so many amazing women who all care so passionately for preserving memories. (Imagine the cameras!)

After staying up until 2AM getting up early was a little difficult! But we were out of the hotel and to breakfast by 8am! A group of us made our way to Epcot, rode several rides, and by 1:00 found our way to England. We found a spot at the Pub and let everyone know that I was going to stay there and they could check in with me! What fun! At one point there were at least 15 of us packed into a very small space answering questions about who this crazy group of women with all the cameras was. "Are you photographers?" "Are you a photography group?" "Those are big lenses!""I feel inadequate!" 

I also discovered what a remarkable person Paula G is! She taught me a little Irish slang and showed her little evil side! I laughed more than I can remember!

There were pictures of people taking pictures of people taking pictures of people taking pictures of me taking pictures of my beer! What fun! And I got to have a beer in England with Melanie and Sarah! Perfect!

After, mmmm, a few hours there, it was off toward America for our dinner. We stopped by a shop (the only one I shopped in the entire weekend!) to buy Ian the sword I had reluctantly told him I'd bring back from Florida. Some photos along the way in great light and suddenly it was 6 o'clock! Time went by so quickly sharing it with such a wonderful group!

We had a private dinner with character visits and yummy food in America! Taken up the secret elevator and pampered with our own Disney photographer, who was just a little overwhelmed with the number of cameras in the crowd!! After dinner our very own Disney staffer (or whatever they are called) guided us with a large glowey stick to a private viewing area for the fireworks! Dessert and front row, water front seating with plenty of space and NO ONE but us was perfect! It was just...magical!

The fireworks were spectacular. Then back to a private bus for a comfortable and chatter filled ride back to our hotel. I finally got to spend more time chatting with Kim and Jodi, but wish I'd had more time! They are both so interesting! And Kim is such a talented photographer, I'm hoping just sitting next to her helped rub some of it off on me!

A late night of cards, more conversation, and the beginning of goodbyes. Lots of folks headed out early Sunday morning. 

Sunday morning was difficult. Saying goodbye to such good friends. People who need to live on my block so we can get together and enjoy each others company, compare camera settings, scrapbook together, and solve the worlds' problems. My life is forever changed having met them. The trip was more than I imagined. None of the uncomfortableness of first meetings just the warmth of old friends!

Can I Hug Her?

POTD 010709, originally uploaded by katrina.kennedy.

Ian is obsessed with hugs lately! I'm loving the stage since just a few weeks ago he refused. This little sweetie came for a visit today and Ian hugged her about 10 times. It was adorable! Of course Zoe would stop and pose for the camera but Ian was EVERYWHERE!

On another note...

My bags are packed and I'm headed out of town early tomorrow AM! A 4 day weekend with an amazing group of women with no children! Just us taking photos and running around the Happiest Place on Earth (well, the 2nd Happiest, since we all know the original is in Anaheim!)

See you when I return! (with lots of photos to prove it!)

Thick Brick Stout

POTD 010609, originally uploaded by katrina.kennedy.

Fresh from the closet -- Thick Brick Stout! Shea's latest home brew! Yum! Tastes as close to a Guinness as anything I've ever had, minus a bit of the creamy goodness!

It is the best he's made so far, but I fear since I'm leaving for 4 days that when I return there will be none left!

POTD 010509

POTD 010509, originally uploaded by katrina.kennedy.

So Ian is a small guy. He always has been. He was always at about .05% for his weight, but he was consistent and nothing else was wrong with him! Today I was preparing for all three of us to go to school tomorrow which meant getting a backup set of clothes ready for Ian. I found some old jeans that he wears often but look worn that would work perfectly for his cubby back up pants. I was writing his name in them (notice the K, he's not the only Ian in his class!) when I realized they were 18 month pants! A year and a half?! LOL. And, they are still cinched kind of tight with the little expando-matic thingy! Crazy!

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In other news,

He looked at me today and said, "momma, I want to be an alientologist."

And of course, I said, you can be anything you want to be little man!

POTD 010409

POTD 010409, originally uploaded by katrina.kennedy.

I put decorations away today...Ian has asked over and over if Christmas is over now. He is a little disappointed but perks up when we mention Valentine's Day!

He was a harmonica playing crazy kiddo at the Farmer's Market today. He loves Shea's harmonica. 

And my highlight? Brussel Sprouts! Yummm! I bought 10 of them than I am going to cook and share with NO ONE! (of course, no one else in my house will eat them so it doesn't really matter anyway).

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And Amanda, if you'd like to read what the book says, try here or just come to my house and see the printed version in a couple of weeks!

POTD 010309

POTD 010309, originally uploaded by katrina.kennedy.

Today was a gorgeous day! We got the cruisers out, bundled up and headed out for a bike ride. Destination today - Capitol. When we arrived we let him loose! I think a few days of being cooped up in the house had gotten to him because he ran like a wild man! Up the steps, down the steps, around the columns, over the grass, to the fish, around the firefighters, up the tree, down the tree, after the squirrel. He was nonstop action except for the 3 minutes he asked to eat snacks on the steps.

On the way home we stopped for a little warm up beverage at Street's of London -- yep took my three year old to a pub! He loved it. Fries for him and Guinness for mom and dad. Just about perfect!

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Mel, I'll get that recipe for you :) Maybe hand deliver it?!

I'm Hugging You Momma

I'd post another beer photo, but you might begin to think that is all we do in this house!

So instead, here is Ian.

He asked for Reader Rabbit today after not caring about it for A VERY LONG time. So Shea set him up at his kiddo sized desk with old headphones that Shea used in his WOW raiding days. So there is a little boy in heaven: gold fish, bear jams, super duper headphones and Reader Rabbit. When he first played RR he couldn't move the mouse or do anything. Now he plays along without assistance and sings along to every song!

Oh, and just in case you were too worried about us. Shea did brew another batch today : ) And then he made this...

I was saddened to discover yesterday that the Veghead pizza I'd been ordering from Original Pete's actually has MILK in the crust! Ahhhh... so in response Shea made me an extremely tasty vegan pizza for dinner tonight. Best creamy garlic sauce EVER with absolutely no cream! Almost fat free and super yummy! Bet you wish you'd had some too!

POTD 010109

POTD 010109, originally uploaded by katrina.kennedy.

Happy New Year's Day! We celebrated a little today!

Happy New Year!

Here's to a wonderful 2009.  

And the project I promised to share. A glimpse into our December!

Click here to view this photo book.