365 Photowalk 2010

2010-02-10T17:28:00.000-08:00

Taken 2/2/10 - I was getting tired of seeing that other photo, lol.

2010-01-16T15:40:00.000-08:00

DAY 16...Mrs. Gray Fluff again...also 2-3 more new birds I need to identify. New ones every time I go over there.

2010-01-16T15:37:00.000-08:00

DAY 15...just walking to the living room and glanced out the dining room window and saw this. Luckily, the camera is always on the dining table so grabbed it up and dashed outside. By the time I took these and 3-4 more and walked into the house, it was all gone.

2010-01-16T15:35:00.000-08:00

DAY 13 ...Still working on identifying the birds at the feeder.

Day 11-13 Fail.

2010-01-13T23:21:00.000-08:00

I am doing everything possible in my power to not leave this house! LOL

I took this the other day - the sun was poking right through my roof at my studio. i think it was the last time i left my house. lol

No quiet walk today

2010-01-11T17:10:00.000-08:00

The kids and I went out sledding again which is a work out in itself. I am enjoying winter at this moment in time (I make no guarantees for the future). If you have ever been sledding with three year olds there is a lot of lifting involved lol.

2010-01-11T12:33:00.000-08:00

DAY 10...unintentionally flushed the ducks again.. Something new at the pond...

Leaf buds already..

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

2010-01-11T12:29:00.000-08:00

Days 9 and 10 – stomach bug

2010-01-10T12:47:00.001-08:00

I was awoken early Saturday morning with a stomach bug…UGH! The dreams of all things I had on my “wish to accomplish” list for my 2 days off in a row {which only happens once in a great while!!!} was blown right out the door!

By Saturday afternoon I was so grumpy, I decided to take myself to Presque Isle to take some shots {of course assuring my hubby that I wouldn’t get out and walk around……shaaaaaaa right!} So ladies, I did get some shot time in, I did get out and walk some {since a bathroom was not readily available} but for the most part I’ve sat my fairly large behind on the couch!!!! Great things come to those who wait…..and I’m awaiting, lol!!

{this is a friendly dog that decided he wanted to be my buddy, I’ve been running into that alot lately when I go out on excursions…LOL!}

I love how the bay sides sky is much grayer and the lake side is bluer!

sorry this last one is blurry, I took it threw my car window!

Day 8 – Couldn’t make a mother prouder!

2010-01-10T11:02:00.001-08:00

My son, Christian had ankle surgery 3 months ago to have a bone removed, needless to say our normal hectic life went even more crazier {and I never thought that wasn’t possible!}. Friday we had a follow-up with the surgeon in Meadville. A drive which should of took us 45 minutes ended up being almost an hour and half!!!

I had taken my camera long to see if I could get any great shots, needless to say the weather didn’t allow me to use the camera but Christian went at it. I must admit he got some great ones!

BTW I did get some exercise in on Friday between work and cleaning the house!

Day 9 and 10

2010-01-10T09:46:00.000-08:00

I did not get a chance to get on here yesterday so I am posting both days today. We got out of the house and played around and did a little sledding in the snow yesterday. Going up and down our hill was a pretty good work out. The dogs kept trying to "rescue" us.

I also got a couple of photos of our ducks and the ice forming on our pond that I thought looked pretty cool.Today I did get on my elliptical for 30min and plan on taking the dogs out for a walk as soon as I am done on here.

Day 9

2010-01-09T14:16:00.000-08:00

I had the morning to myself today so I went out walking. After a little while the snow clouds moved in and there was just a little hole left for the sun to peek through.

Cold, foggy morning

2010-01-09T05:58:00.000-08:00

I was getting ready to head to the office when I had to run back in and grab my camera! The fog over the creek and fields always seems so mystical to me.

Then the sun rising added some brilliant color. Unfortunately, I am not quick enough with my camera settings to capture it as I see it. I think I need to take another class to help me figure out aperture and shutter settings again. Camera's have changed a lot in the 20 years since I took a photography class in high school (and my memory kinda sucks for things like that too!).

It's been too cold to walk outside, but I have done a 1 mile walk daily on the treadmill. Not a lot, I know, but it's a start. Between that and watching my eating, I've lost 2 pounds this week, so that makes me happy!

Day 1

2010-01-09T04:08:00.000-08:00

Yes, day 1. ~:( It's been a little hard to get out with the weather but after the kids have begged for days, I took them out to play yesterday. I hadn't before because I told them that it was too deep but they insisted.So after school we got bundled up and the four of us went outside. Once outside they quickly realized that making it down the swings was not going to be an easy task. Sometimes the best way to let them learn a lesson is to let them have their way.

Before I knew it they had shrunk in size and they were quickly being pulled into the white 'quicksand.'

We lasted about 25 minutes, 10 of those walking down to the swings, realizing Mommy was right, and then walking back up to the house.

They still had fun, and after walking all around the yard to perform rescue operation after rescue operation I am counting today as a workout, and day 1. I am happy to no longer be off the wagon and firmly gripping the rear axle..

I apologize for the sloppiness of the post but I have never blogged before and don't quite get just yet how to add everything nicely.

Day 8

2010-01-08T19:59:00.001-08:00

Today I got my mom to go out walking with me. We took the kids to our lake. It's man made, but they don't know the difference! We walked for about 45 minutes and then had a picnic at the park while the kids got to play. It got so hot while we were out there (probably almost 80) so we were wiped out at the end of the day.

Bailey waiting to get out of the house

Our Lake

A picture of Myself with Connor and Bailey

Connor and Zach swinging

Bailey's first time swinging at the park

2010-01-08T15:08:00.000-08:00

DAY 8...another blustery day her in the PNW but I caught a few minutes between downpours. Found this little guy in the blackberry brambles where the feeders are. I know, can't do anything with this one but thought it was funny...they took off so fast I couldn't adjust quick enough.

There is an area behind our mailboxes that is like a big divet and it has filled with enough water for these guys to swim comfortably in there. First time I've seen them there.

2010-01-08T14:18:00.000-08:00

DAY 7...It was pouring rain most of the day but when I went to the dining room window to check the weather, I spotted these guys. The lady in the blue house feeds them....along with the song birds, squirrels and raccoons. We've been watching so many Bowl games, this one made me think of an official calling a touchdown!

Day #8 - Snow Play

2010-01-08T10:52:00.000-08:00

I finally got brave today and bundled everyone up. Out we went to play in the snow! I forget how much fun kids have....they don't mind the cold as much as I do. We were out for about an hour. Hallie would have stayed out all day if I would have let her. Nathan went in after about a half hour (he's a little more like his mommy....doesn't like the cold!) Sorry to post so many pictures, but there were so many good ones, I couldn't choose!

Away we go....

This tastes good!

"I want to shovel!" Might as well start 'em young!

Winter wonderland!

This is so yummy!

Love this one!!!

Nathan lay there like a slug.....it was his only defense!

(Bonus points if you can name that movie!)

Catching snowflakes...

Trudging through the elements...

HOT CHOCOLATE - The perfect ending!

THE END

Hmmm....

2010-01-07T20:19:00.001-08:00

OK, to be fair..to me :) I haven't been home in the daylight to do this!! Tuesdays I work 8-4 and 6-11. Wednesdays Darren (my 16 year old) has DeMolay in Erie from 5:30 to 8:30 or 9. Tonight we went right after work to take down Mom's Christmas decorations and have dinner...so I did snap a pic at her house, but it's LATE and I'm too tired to upload! LOL I will do more, I promise! And I AM SO enjoying seeing other's pics!!

Day 7

2010-01-07T17:24:00.001-08:00

Well I got back out today. My bumps and bruises are fading and I have a new baby carrier. The kids & I went out sledding and for a walk. It was wonderful. Not too many pictures because the logistics of three kids one on the front of me make it difficult. It was a good day, nothing like going up and down a sledding hill after 3 yr olds to make you sweat and appreciate nature.

Day 2: For Me!

2010-01-07T12:33:00.000-08:00

So I FINALLY got outside yesterday for it to actually count as being out more than running errands and such. This is our leaning snowman that was built last Sunday. We are quite fond of him. =)

Not a whole lot of snow down this way (north of Pittsburgh), but I like it that way!

There was actually thick ice beneath the snow that was covering our trampoline.

My 20 month old daughter trying to stand up on the slippery trampoline.

My huband's attempt at making a path for the dogs.

My almost 5 year old son. Notice anything funny about this picture - his boots are on the wrong feet. =) I guess he was in quite a hurry to go out and play in the snow! Ha ha!

Thought this was a cute shot.

I'm amazed at how much this pine tree has grown since we first moved here 6 1/2 years ago. I think it's cute!

So I didn't walk much, but it certainly can be tiring out in the cold and snow. I hope you enjoyed my pictures at least. =) I forgot to mention that I started a picture blog of my own a month or so ago. Here's the link if you care to take a peek - http://nicole-natureswonder.blogspot.com/

Stay warm everyone!

2010-01-07T11:07:00.000-08:00

DAY 6.. I love the country and old buildings. Fortunately, I live in a small town in a very rural area so I have lots of fodder for the camera. This was a drive and walk day. My friend/chauffeur has gone home. She was such a willing participant and I love her. So, my next few days will have to be close to home....or, I may post some more from this day.

Day 6- Wow it gets dark really early!

2010-01-06T21:15:00.000-08:00

I talked it up all day today with Connor that as soon as his friend left for the day that we could go for a walk around our block. This is my first time really walking since my surgery so I was starting out small. Unfortunately, by 5:15 it is already dark! But we went anyway!

And he's off! This is coming out of our apartment.

Walking down the street. Unfortunately, this busy street is outside our front door.

He was very amazed with the fire hydrant.

This is how I was welcomed back, Bailey sitting in her Bumbo chair (She's not so sure about it).

2010-01-06T18:59:00.000-08:00

DAY 5...Definitely got some walking in...up and down hills, trying to avoid rain run-off on the hills. It was a lovely outing tho...enjoyed every moment. And, I could still walk this morning, lol.

Day 6

2010-01-06T16:47:00.000-08:00

I have finally made it outside again after falling on Monday. I am anxiously awaiting the day when I can walk in the day light after the children leave. I go out with the children during the day but we usually don't have the camera. Not the best picture but it does indeed prove I was out there.

Day 6 – this is WHY!!!

2010-01-06T16:36:00.001-08:00

So my life is so hectic, busy, crazy, {hence will be the reasons for days on end of absences} that seriously half the time it’s 8 p.m. before I have time to take a breathe. Again, 3rd day in a row I’m just getting home {now last night didn’t really count since I worked my second job}, it’s too dark for me with the cold mixed in to go out and about walking and I seriously just want to flop down on the couch and VEG!! BUT you all are in the back of my head screaming “get up, get going, M-O-V-E!”. So that’s what I’m going to do…….but for how long….who knows!

Here’s some shots of the other day….just so I can say I added something!

Here’s to praying that I can really get out over the weekend!!

Day #6 - A walking companion!

2010-01-06T10:24:00.000-08:00

Since some of you don't live around here, you probably don't know that we've had freezing rain on top of our many feet of snow. FUN! (Can you hear the sarcasm in my voice?)

I had to go out today to drop Nathan off to preschool after lunch. When we got home, Hallie really wanted to play outside. So, I grabbed the camera and off we went...

"Come on, Mommy!"

My favorite little walking companion.

"I cold Mommy. INSIDE!!!"

We lasted about 15 minutes, but we had fun walking back and forth to the barn and then out to the road.

I have to say a big THANK YOU to Katie for doing this. I really don't like cold weather, but doing this is forcing me to get outside. The kids are LOVING it! And, I suppose that it's not so bad to be a little cold.....although I do prefer to sit inside with my warm cup of Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride tea. :-) I'll just use that as my reward for getting out!

Day 6 YES!

2010-01-06T09:17:00.000-08:00

IT SNOWED LAST NIGHT!

I am so excited. I did get to go for a walk but for obvious reasons I only got 1 mile in. Considering I had on snow pants, coat and snow boots I think it felt like 3 miles :) I also shovel the walk and driveway so that has to count for something too, right? The Saints are loving the snow as much as I am!
I didn't take the camera with me on the walk because I figured with the blowing snow it wouldnt work out so well. I wish I had though because there was a hawk circling above me for most of the walk. I don't know...do you think he might have been thinking the crazy lady and her dogs look like they might be his next meal? I could have gotten some great photos of it though.

Day #6 - Ice Ice Baby

2010-01-06T09:05:00.001-08:00

One of these days I may just get off the property. LOL This is a little decoration I have on the porch.

This is why I don't want to get in the car today - if this is what is on the car - imagine what is on the roads.

Well, I got outside today. For me this is good.

2nd Success

2010-01-06T08:17:00.000-08:00

"Mom, you cannot be serious about this getting outside thing! It is raining ice!"

"He's right mom, we should stay in and eat!"

"...or work out."

"yeah, I am happy just slingin' around"

"Mom, you drive me to drink!" (Disclaimer: no children got drunk in the making of this post. It was an empty bottle and he was makin' music)

Anyway...this was the goal. Since we haven't been out to burn papers or take the trash out, our back door looked like this.

This is where the trash needed to go. UGH! The task seemed impossible!

In an act of God, Hope decided to nap in her crib, so I saw it as a sign to get motivated. Out I went, down memory lane... these chairs used to be where we sat and enjoyed a bonfire...yeah not so much today...

This is the homestead today. Howard built it with his own two hands! :) Still lots to do, but I do so love my little house!

What could be cuter than a family of snow shovels at the front door?

Day #5 - The Fresh, Falling Snow

2010-01-05T17:34:00.000-08:00

I got outside for a few minutes today - it's so calm and peaceful outside. The snow here (although annoying to travel in) is quite beautiful. It's light and fluffy and easy to shovel. Good thing too! I shoveled a path out to the barn about an hour before I went outside....you can see that there was NO SIGN of it when I went out an hour later. Oh well....

I have to say that getting outside and breathing in the fresh air is doing wonderful things for my mood. I come in refreshed.....alright, downright COLD too!!!....but refreshed!

2010-01-05T15:20:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I am loving the idea of this project. Right now it is too dark and too cold to get me outside! I don't like the cold, but I will try to get out and take some pics this week.

This is a picture that I took last January! It is my neighbors yard. I had this matted and framed for her for Christmas. The snow is pretty much gone at our house right now, but we are supposed to get more. Right now, it's all that ugly left-over snow!

2010-01-05T12:37:00.000-08:00

DAY 4...we have company and it was pouring rain so no outings. So, here are the photos for the day. Yeay, Broncos!!!! Boise State, that is.

Hi from Sunny San Diego!

2010-01-05T10:24:00.000-08:00

I'm Amanda. I am so excited to be taking part in this with you. I am a mom to two beautiful kids, Connor who is 3 and Bailey who is 3 1/2 months. I am currently still recovering from Gallbladder surgery so I don't know how much I'll be getting out this week, I still can't drive myself anywhere yet. This is very sad considering it is supposed to be a nice 72 degrees out! So I'm posting a few pics of what I spent my morning doing, playing with the kids!

Day 5

2010-01-05T09:57:00.000-08:00

Walked 3 miles today. Yeah! I took our springer with me today and gave the saints a rest. I am not sure if I will be able to get out tomorrow, sounds like a storm might be coming. I hope we get some snow! I am so jealous of you that have a bunch right now. Got a photo of some Cattails along my walking path and one of Jag(the dog).

Day #5 - I went outside! yay me

2010-01-05T08:34:00.000-08:00

(CLICK TO ENLARGE)

I ventured out today. It really wasn't as cold as I thought. Still haven't left my property for a walk but I went outside ONLY because of this project! LOL

So, I decided to make a collage.

I highly suggest going to http://picasa.google.com/ and downloading picasa - it's free and you can do some basic photo manipulation. That is where I made this collage.

So - today was a small victory. I went outside. lol

Later on i have a photoshoot and we are going to try for some outside shots (If we can make it through the snow)

First Success!

2010-01-05T07:43:00.000-08:00

Last night I decided to get on the Wii Fit and learned that in the three months since I have been on it, I gained 10 pounds! That was motivation enough for me! In being honest with myself, the truth is that I can say I will lay off the Oreos, but the truth is that I love food so a better goal than swearing off junk food is to keep it in moderation and get moving...so I did 40 minutes if Wii Fit last night and decided I would shock my husband by shoveling the steps and walk this morning.

I did it (though my work is now undone with the addition of a few more inches)!

Then I thought I would bundle Ben and Hope and pull them in their sleds...

Hope was pretty sure that idea was completely insane.

So we played inside instead

Hi from Minne-Snow-Ta

2010-01-05T05:04:00.001-08:00

Hi, my name is Jenny and I am Minnesota. I am not sure how much I will walk this week, it's a balmy -26 out right now, but I really do love getting outside to walk when it's a wee bit warmer out, and I love taking pictures too! I will write more about me when I actually have some pictures to share!

Day #4 - Snowed in!

2010-01-04T18:06:00.000-08:00

I got out today for a little bit....it was just a walk to the mailbox, but it was OUT OF THE HOUSE!

Played a little Wii Fit and rode the exercise bike while watching TV. Snow days tend to make my kids go C-R-A-Z-Y, so the fact that I survived AND got to do something physical is a bonus!

I took a few pictures of the snow....didn't capture just how much we have, but I think you'll understand why I didn't take the Christmas decorations down yet! LOL

That is my mailbox right before the plow went by and "un-did" all of the shoveling that I did to help out our mail lady! :-( I tried!

Day 4 – a little bit is better than none, right?

2010-01-04T17:30:00.000-08:00

Ok so after working a 7.5 hour day, immediately going home, grabbing the kiddo and driving into Erie for Christian’s physical therapy what do I do but sit/stand {less 5 minutes} for the next 2 hours discussing issues with the therapist then drive home. By this time it’s almost 8 p.m. and I’m telling myself…..”get your fat arse movin’ girl!”

Well I’ve done 15 minutes so far with laundry thrown in, lunch packing, dish doing and of course blogging BUT I’m doing it! So a little bit is better than nothing, right? Right? *sigh*

Day 4 - Success!!

2010-01-04T16:17:00.000-08:00

I got outside!! I didn't walk, but I played! We ran and jumped and raced. Zach ate snow, "but not the yellow kind momma, it makes you have to pee!" Yeah, something like that Zachy! :o) This obnoxious amount of snow makes me forget how much I love living here in the spring, summer and fall!

This angel in the snow, almost makes me forget how much I hate the snow! ♥

These super cute Wellies make the ugliness I see in the snow, a little less ugly! :o)

Hi I am Terrie

2010-01-04T15:28:00.000-08:00

I live in a small town in Wyoming. I have 3 children; a son who is 20 and two daughters who are 7 and 5. Ever since my last daughter was born I have consistently gained weight and now it is time to reverse that. : 0 ) I love to take photos, although I am still trying to figure out my camera and honestly most of my pictures are of my children and my dogs. My first attempt to take some photos on my walk today didn't work out so well. Walking 2 St Bernards and trying to hold a camera still is not the easiest task. I did manage to get a 3.5 mile walk in though. Right now everything is pretty ugly around here, below 0 temperatures and little to no snow just makes everything brown and and boring. This is my first time blogging so please bear with me.

Day #4 - Fail

2010-01-04T14:35:00.000-08:00

This is as close as I got - looking out my window while playing monopoly. I want to point out too that somedays I will just use my cell phone if I don't have my camera handy. Because I could totally see myself using the excuse I didn't walk because I didn't have my camera.

Maybe tomorrow....maybe.

Hello I am Roslyn

2010-01-04T14:16:00.000-08:00

I am the mom of Ashley (22 yrs) and Adam (20 yrs) and a daycare provider in Michigan. I am glad to join the blog. I am hoping to get motivated to walk daily. A couple things happened kind of together in my life to aid me in gaining weight. My husband and I quit smoking, I turned 40, the children moved out and my metabolism slowed down. This resulted in about 60 extra pounds. I love nature and hope this blog helps me walk daily.

Hello, I'm Angelina!

2010-01-04T06:08:00.000-08:00

I'm a married stay at home mom of three wonderful kids and a wonderful husband. My 7 year old has a form of autism called PDD, he's very high functioning and is a master at legos. My daughter is almost 6 and has a rare congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, she only has half of her heart and has had 9 surgeries, 3 of them major open hearts. I also have a 3 1/2 yr old who think's he's 30, he's healthy...thank God! Staying at home and taking care of them has caused me to forget how to take care of myself! I used to run 6-8 miles a day and was very lean....now the word lean means when I walk upstairs I lean against the wall. I have to lose some weight and decrease stress because of some health problems and I LOVE that Katie thought of this idea! I didn't get to get out and walk yet because we're under feet of snow but I will as soon as I can get close enough to the husky next door and recruit him to help me through the snow. I'm trying to work in time to do things for me. Like, exercise, play my guitar and actually go to the bathroom by myself. It's so hard to teach yourself how to take care of yourself when you haven't in so long. But hopefully this idea of Katie's will help because I LOVE to take pictures. I am my children's own paparazzi. I have tens of thousands of photos and would love to be a photographer some day. I envy Katie just a bit..ok, a lot. My first goal is to go to nursing school and become a RN so that when my daughter has her heart transplant I can help her more. But in order to do anything I need to get healthy so that I can stay here. So, thank you Katie for inviting me and everyone to do this...

P.S. Katie, if you see me slumped over in the snow when I walk down to Batemen Ave, please roll me over and make sure there's no snow in my mouth..

Day 3

2010-01-03T20:51:00.000-08:00

Well, girls....I did get out today! I walked from my house to the car. :-)

We went to church and then RAN back inside because we were FREEZING!!! I even made my husband go out to get the newspaper. Guess I didn't do so well today. Tomorrow is a new day. Kuddos to some of you who DID get a picture and get out. Perhaps tomorrow will be better...(maybe not....we'll see!)

2010-01-03T18:35:00.000-08:00

I should have noted in my introduction that my google account is under "grammyscraps" so evidently that is how my posts will be noted...sorry for any confusion. Mostly on my part, I think, lol.

2010-01-03T18:31:00.000-08:00

This wasn't exactly a walk but these are some of today's photos..

2010-01-03T18:05:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone...thanks so much, Lisa, for inviting me to do this.
My name is Lynn Cecil..I'm retired and loving it. This 365 photo blog will be great for me. I love photography and am looking for the opportunity to improve what I do with it. I take any opportunity for a photo and the addition of getting out and walking will be good for me.
I live in Washington State but we spend the summers in Montana and that's where I take most of my photos it seems. This will make me do some exploring around home.
I also love scrapbooking and genealogy, tho the genealogy has taken a back seat the last couple of years.
Thank you for having me here...I'll do my best to participate each day.

Day #3 - Um well I walked out my door. Baby steps - baby steps

2010-01-03T15:08:00.000-08:00

I did walk around my back yard and driveway trying to get good shots to capture just how much snow we had and I felt a small victory in that. lol

Who knows how far I will get tomorrow.

Day 3 - No go

2010-01-03T14:30:00.000-08:00

{Chaning my 'day count' to match the calendar day, just to start off easier! :o)}

Not a good start. I kept telling myself, "I should go out."
"At least in the yard"
"Maybe it will stop snowing soon"
"Forget it, I'll go out tomorrow."

This is my problem in a nut shell. It's early in the year, so on one hand I don't feel badly, I don't intend to do every day...but on the other hand already I'm making excuses???

We'll see what tomorrow brings!

Day 3 – Snow bound and going NUTS!

2010-01-03T12:32:00.001-08:00

Ok so I tried, I really did try to get out and about even if it was just walking around town but Mother Nature had other plans! Like flying snow, bitter cold wind chills and more snow! {did I mention that I truly CAN NOT stand SNOW!!}.

I did make it out for about 10 minutes in my yard and such. Oh well off to Wii-ing it will be to get the exercise in. WE CAN DO THIS GIRLS!

Day 1

2010-01-02T13:18:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

My name is Valerie Johnson. (maiden name was Herl) I live here in East Springfield, PA with my husband, Shawn. We've been married for 10 years and have 3 wonderful kids together. I'm blessed to be a stay-at-home mom for now, but I plan to get back into teaching once my kids are in school. For now, I keep myself busy with our local MOPS group, Jazzercise and PTO. My days are full, but I love it so it doesn't seem too crazy. (Ask me on a different day, you'll probably get a different answer! LOL)

Lucas is our oldest. He's in first grade at Springfield Elementary and is 7 years old. He's a wonderful big brother and an avid reader already!

Nathan was born just two short years after Luke arrived. He is currently attending the Federated Preschool in the Pre-K class and is 5 years old. He loves his Legos and building things. He's also my snuggle-bug!

Hallie joined our family in 2007 and has completed our little family. She's a shining light and we are really enjoying having a little lady around the house. She is a very fiesty 2 year old and yet can be so incredibly sweet. I'm enjoying the pink and bows this time around!

Let me just say this - I ♥ TO TAKE PICTURES! It's sort of an obsession of mine. I almost always have my camera handy! I hardly get to print them and I don't usually do any editing, but I love posting them online for family and friends that are far away! Someday I hope to get them into scrapbooks, but I'm putting it off for now until the kids are a bit older. Preschoolers take A LOT of time...so I'm investing my time in them for now. Printing and sorting through pictures can wait for a bit.

I think that this is a GREAT way to combine my two loves - exercise and photography. I'm really looking forward to the adventure with each of you!

Day 1: Change

2010-01-02T12:44:00.000-08:00

(My son Chase & I - taken recently)

Hi everyone! My name is Nicole Alexander (my maiden name being, Harayda). I am a 32 year old stay-at-home Mom of two beautiful children: Chase will be turning 5 in February and Morgan will be 2 in April. I seem to be always busy doing something, but not exactly taking very good care of myself. I have struggled with my weight shortly after getting married 10 years ago. At one point (B.C. = before children) I actually lost 43 lbs on Weight Watchers; which I was extremely proud of myself for doing. I ended up gaining part of it back by the time I got pregnant with Chase and then never seemed to lose the weight when Morgan came. I didn't gain terribly much with both pregnancies, but I haven't lost hardly anything since having them. I HATE that I have a pouch/pooch - whatever it's called on my tummy now. I feel as if I'm always "so many months" pregnant. I never had that in school, but I know our bodies change over the years; plus being pregnant doesn't help either. My boobs are way bigger than I'd like and that seems to be where I gain when the numbers on the scale increase. My husband doesn't complain about them, of course. =) To be comfortable with myself and to feel healthier; I would like to lose around 60 lbs, at least. I know it's best to start your goals off small and that is what I've tried to do over the past year. I have lost and gained about 6 lbs in the last several months. The holidays: Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas helped me to gain every bit of those 6 lbs back. It's my fault, but I still like to blame it on something or someone else. I am a very picky eater so I don't care to eat a lot of veggies or healthier foods. I have gotten better over the years, but I still have a small list of foods that I do actually like. Carbs are what kill me. I love pasta, bread, and anything like that. I am not a big meat eater and I despise seafood. Blech! My first goal is to lose 10 lbs and then go from there. I will be happy when I get down 20 lbs, but before I do that; I need to lose the first 10 to make a difference. I don't live locally and can't promise that I'll walk much, but I do plan to "show off" (ha ha) my pictures and keep motivated by all of you. Thank you Katie for including me in this journey. Let's encourage each other and STICK WITH IT! =) Good luck to you all! WE CAN DO IT!

Day 1

2010-01-02T09:42:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone! I am Kristy Bolte. This is typically how I can be found. Either pregnant, or wearing a baby. :) I am the wife of Howard Bolte and mom to five sweet kids. Luke is 6 and is in Kindergarten at Springfield Elementary, Isaac was born in July of 2005 and lived for 6 short days and now lives in Heaven, Benjmin is our red head jokester and he is 3, Asher was born in February of 2008 and lived for only 35 minutes, and Hope who is 7 months and is our diva who refuses to EVER be put down.

Hope was diagnosed with a condition called Epidermolysis Bullosa the week after she was born. It is a skin blistering disease. We were told to be prepared to have to wrap her daily like we would a burn victim because her skin would blister and slough off at the slightest touch. She has been a miracle. None of that has happened aside from a few blisters she did get from the hospital bands when she was born.

Because of ALL I have been through with my kiddos in the past six years I have gained a TON of weight. Okay, maybe not a ton, but like forty pounds. With Hope's skin disease I have been way way way over protective of her and as a result she is SPOILED. I pretty much carry her or wear her ALL DAY LONG. I have yet to leave her with a sitter just out of fear and have become quite the homebody.

I NEED to get out and am thankful Katie suggested this blog! Most days, as a stay at home mom, I am lucky to get out of my PJ's let alone step foot outside of my house. I LOVE my life and would not want to change a thing, but am thinking that just getting some fresh air each day (or most days) would do me good! I would also like to drop the weight I have put on after having FIVE babies in SIX years.

As for photography. I have pretty much the cutest kids on the planet which causes me to take an obscene amount of photos. They are far from professional and I am not a big editor, I like 'em raw, boogers and all! I blog quite a bit because I am HORRIBLE at keeping baby books. You can check us out here if you so choose! :) I am pumped to join this journey and look forward to getting to know you all!

PS I am ALWAYS long winded! :)

Yaay! I'm in!! Day one

2010-01-02T08:26:00.000-08:00

Ok I think I know most of those participating so far, or at least know of you. If you don't know me, I'm Lisa Baldwin. I live in Lake City with my hubby and two boys 16 and 5!! I've always loved to take pictures, even wanted to be a photographer at one point in my life, but took a different path. I take pictures for fun now. Mostly of my kids, my five nieces and two nephews. My photos used to end up in two forms: 1. Undeveloped (pre digital) or 2. developed and forgotten in a envelope or box! Then I found scrapbooking. I love it. I'm obsessed. It has strengthened my love of photography too! SO what I hope to get from this year of photowalk is to get some awesome pics to scrap, learn from others perspectives of photography, and get outside!! I'm a inside kind of girl. If I don't have a purpose to get outside, I don't go. I need to. I want to. I started to fix this over the summer with Sunset Thursdays with Lynn and our kids and another friend of ours. Those nights were AMAZING for me, and I hope to bring that feeling to other seasons!

Thanks Katie for inviting me, I'm so looking forward to this!!

Day 1.....Charge!

2010-01-02T07:16:00.001-08:00

Well since Katie is insisting on introductions here I go….

My name is Danine and I am by far NOT a professional photographer BUT I do love photography and have since I was a young lass. I just recently got back into photography {I also have a photo blog here} when A) My family and I had a session with Katie and realized how much I missed it B) I realized I needed to get back to who I was and C) I was finally able to obtain a camera of my dreams of 20+ years to take photos of my son while playing soccer.

I have an almost 16 year old-son, married, work 2 jobs and some days can't find time to breathe but I am super excited to share in this adventure with these women and to see all the exciting takes on photography that as individuals we bring to you so in one word…….CHARGE!

Day 1 - Let's do it.

2010-01-02T02:59:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone. I am going to jump in here and start the introductions. Well, I don't think I need to introduce myself because you know me - but I will tell you again what I want to gain from this.

1. Of course, I need to get out and walk for health reasons, but I think more for my sanity. I tend to get a little wonky, especially in the winter months, and then when it is my busy season - april-december I get too overwhelmed with work to take care of myself. So, I pretty much make excuses all year round.

I am not going to claim that I am going to do this photowalk every single day. I am going to try to do it as much as I can and when i am slacking - I am not going to beat myself up for it but I am going to try again and then try again. :)

I think that I might buy a point and shoot so that I don't have to lug my big camera around. (Although I could consider that more of an exercise.)

Even though I do this photography thing as a business I really don't take pics just for me anymore and that makes me sad.

Sometimes I might just use my camera on my phone. :)

I think it would be neat if we could get together from time to time to walk as a group.

I am definitely open to having more people join. :) Even if it is someone from another part of the country. :)

ok, wow do I like to put smilies on my posts.

Let's try to label each day as day #____ etc.