Sleep Picture Party Photo Challenge

One of the things I have been trying to do for my blog is try and promote it through social media and reading/interacting with other bloggers. Today, I am submitting a picture for a linky party at Bower Power. This is a picture of my niece "G" sleeping in my stroller at a softball game. Using my limited editing skills, I played around with the color.

What do you think?I'll be honest, when I first took this picture I wasn't even thinking about "lighting, quality or submitting" it for anything. I just took it because she was passed out and looking all sweet.

What I like about this photo challenge is 1) it is not for professional photographers. According to Katie at Bower Power, "This is for all you wanna-be-or-pro-photographers out there!  Sometimes just knowing other people are gonna see my pictures helps me snap better…so this is for us to improve our camera skills and to add to our own portfolio." 2) People get to see your pictures and offer kind words or suggestions 3) You have a month between link ups and there is always a new theme. 

More Conversations With My Husband: The Closer

Here is another snippet from my simple, but significant day to day life with my husband. 

My hubs and I have been married  six years and I love him to pieces and sometimes the conversations we have can be down right hysterical! Here is conversation we had recently:

Hubs: You can call me Kyra Sedgwick because I'm THE CLOSER. I get stuff done! 

I'm not sure if this is original humor on his part, but I thought this was "slap yo' sista" and LOL kind of funny! What's made you laugh this week?

My Three Summer Reads

{My Three} A simple list of three things — a different topic — every week, just for fun.

Play along if you like (please do). Leave your list or a link in the comments. Inspired by Little Miss Momma

Today's theme:  Books to read this summer!

I love, LOVE, LOVE to read. I’ve talked about it numerous times here on M.S.S.

• Books are the best 
• My Three Favorite Books 
• Early Morning Book Run 

 I am a self proclaimed bibliophile. Well as summer approaches, I keep thinking about what I want to do with my time and reading and relaxation always come to mind. So without further adieu….here are the three books I want to read this summer:

 1) TheOne (book 3 of the Selection series) by Kiera Cass: If I want to read book three of the series, you can safely assume that I read the first two books. This series is a dystopian reality show bachelor young adult novel. Is it weird that I read YA books as a 28 year old? No. A good book is a good book! Okay, back to the book. I hope that Cass wraps up America, Maxon, and Aspen’s stories well. I want loose ends tied up and questions answered. I hate the feeling a book gives you when you are left shaking your head asking why. Do you know what I mean?

2) The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling) to be released June 24: I read “Galbraith’s” first novel, “A Cuckoo’s Calling” last summer and I did enjoy the mystery/suspense genre. I will admit that it was a little gritty and intense. It was a good enough story that I am willing to give book two a try.  I will probably buy it on my kindle.

3) SmartMoney, Smart Kids by Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze: 
My two and half year old is not quite old enough to understand the bigger principles of money, but one day she will be. So for now, I want to read this book for my economics students. I am sure there will be some great tips, quotes and references I can use for my course! I want my students to be financially responsible young adults. I live the Ramsey principles (most of them) in my life and I believe in them so much it is worth the time to break from the curriculum and teach them about true personal finance.

What books do you want to read this summer? 

Shocked and Dismayed

{Getting on my soap box today FYI}

I am scrolling through the news feed on AOL today and I am suddenly slapped in the face with an image of a couple in the rubble of a collapsed factory in Bangladesh. I am assuming they are dead. I can’t bring myself to click the link. Why in the world would I? Why in the world would anyone want to look at horrific photos of a dead couple after such a tragedy?

Is this what the world of “news” has come to? Yes, there were links and pictures of Maya Angelou, 50 cent’s horrific first pitch at a baseball game or more babble about Kim and Kanye’s wedding (because that too is also news), but I am personally disgusted pissed off offended here.

Was shocked the reaction you were going for? Congratulations. You got me, but what if I was a child? How do you explain this picture to them, “Sir or Madam?” (Shaking my fingering in the air) It wasn't hard to find, it just popped right up—no searching necessary.

I understand and wholeheartedly acknowledge that there is a lot of bad in the world and tragedies do happen, but why must they be portrayed so? Is this the kind of world we live in now? Are we really so desensitized? The answer is yes we are (duh!). All you have to do is turn on the television, listen to a song…heck crack open a magazine to know that we have reached this pinnacle.

Is it only going to get worse? I don’t know. In my heart of hearts, I hope not.

Where do we go from here? Again, I don’t know. All I can say is that I will protect my eyes, my heart and home as best I can. I know where my line is and it is being pushed. 

I can't be the only one who feels like this right?

A Simple Thank You

I just want to take a moment and say thank you. Thank you for reading my posts. Thank you for liking my newly created Facebook page. Thank you for the positive feedback. It means so much to me to have this community of support. Blogging is a hobby for me, but it is also very personal. Did you know when I first started writing in 2012 I was scared to post and share? I am not joking. My husband didn’t even know I was blogging. I would post on Facebook here and there, but I never let on that it was me writing until later. I didn’t have the confidence then to say, “Hey this is me!” As I move forward with Simple Significance this summer and writing this post now, I still feel the shyness and uncertainty/self doubt creep in.  

I have another confession. Are you ready? I did not create the Facebook page yesterday. In fact, I created it a month or so ago and kept it hidden, under construction, a secret. Yup. I did. I was the administrator of the page and the only like—kind of pathetic, right?

I don’t know what changed yesterday, but I was looking at my sad little page with only one like and that Invite Friends option was SCREAMING at me, “Do it!!” So I clicked that tab and I almost certainly, invited almost all my Facebook friends who include mis amigos, family and former students. Once the invite was clicked there was no turning back. I couldn’t undo it.

It was so exciting and kind of obsessive for me to watch the likes climb---50 likes the first day was like reaching the top of Mount Everest in a way. Again, it’s the little things that get me excited! I’m a little dorky, I know! LOL. My hubby was the 50^th like which was cool. Thanks babe!

This page and my blog can continue to grow with your love, support and collaboration in sharing posts/pages. I thank you again from the bottom of my little blogging heart. Until next time, keep your life simple, but significant. 

Another Simple Moment #15

{my simple moment} – A new ritual. A single photo, maybe two – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, significant, blessed moment. A moment I want to treasure and remember

inspired by SouleMama
________________________

"Girls Morning Out"

Learning to Photo Edit

Since I have taken up photography as a hobby (or a way of life), I've been wanting to learn more about photo editing. If you've been keeping up, you know that I downloaded free photo editing software called GIMP and I've been practicing using that instead of purchasing a more expensive option.

I wanted to share with you a little editing I did using some old pictures of Little Miss. I goal of this was to enhance the lighting. On Pinterest, I created a board where I have been saving tutorials I want to try! The tutorial I tried was put together by "A Piece of Lisa" and can be found here. I followed her instructions exactly. It was super simple and worked very well.

Here is my before and after pictures:

My after picture looks "warmer" doesn't it? I know it's not a huge crazy difference, but it definitely improved. Don't you get a small sense of accomplishment when you learn something new? I know I do. I think it's fun most the time. 

What's something you tried for the first time recently? Have you learned anything new? 

My Three Expensive Wants

{My Three} A simple list of three things — a different topic — every week, just for fun.

Play along if you like (please do). Leave your list or a link in the comments. Inspired by Little Miss Momma

Today's theme:  Things that I want that are really expensive!

1) Kelly Moore Camera Bag: A Beautiful Mess

A Kelly Moore bag has been on my "want list" since I started getting into photography. I love that they are so stylish and functional, but boy oh boy do they have a hefty price tag! (I might exaggerate a little, but please remember that I am cheap thrifty a thoughtful spender. 

One of the blogger's that I follow, Ashley Stock, @LittleMissMomma recently did a post on this bag in particular. Sigh. I am so jealous. 

2) A Nice New Food Processor

My cheapie foodie processor from Wal-Mart went to the "grave yard" a while ago and I haven't brought myself around to get a new one. Those things are so handy when it comes to recipes that require a lot of chopping, dicing etc. Honestly, I am not sure if an "expensive one" like the Cuisinart model pictured is the best "bang for your buck" when compared to the cheaper one, but one can be optimistic, right? 

3) Purchasing a new blog template 

Of all the "wants" I have mentioned today, this one is the cheapest, but I still have a hard time "pulling the trigger" on this purchase. Is it because I am afraid to invest in my blog? Maybe my insecurity is showing a little there. I really want to purchase one off of Etsy. There are some great options to choose from, plus add-ons.

I know there are a lot of really decent free templates out there, but I think custom is the next step for me. I think it will add professionalism to my pages. I am not the most tech savvy of people so purchasing is the way to go rather than trying to figure out how to create something for myself (not that I couldn't, but my opportunity cost is time). 

Okay, I've shared mine. Now spill!!! What are yours? 

More Graduation Inspired Photography

My 10 year high school reunion is this fall.--part of me still feels like it was yesterday. My current students just graduated and I had the privilege of hugging them as they crossed the stage. I am still feeling quite nostalgic. So what is a blogger to do? Well, of course I will write about it down the road, but for now, I will share with you some more of my recent "Graduation Inspired Photography" from around my high school Alma mater. My first graduation photography post can be viewed here.

Do you know your high school alma mater? I still feel a twinge of pride every time we sing this at school or graduation.

As a former student athlete, I love the addition of these banners to the gym since I graduated. It's great to see the schools history and know that you were a small part of that legacy.

Ah, the boys of fall. Friday night in this stadium was the place to be. Everyone, and I do mean everyone in our small town (parents and alumni alike) pack the stand to cheer on our boys or grumble when there is a bad call (or if they don't agree with the coaches strategy).

Softball was my game. To this day I still love it. There were some good times and friendships forged on the clay. I was on the varsity team all four years of high school. I played short stop mostly. They called me "coach." I wore #1 jersey.

Conversations with my toddler #2

The following conversation actually took place between me and Little Miss the yesterday. I had to write it down and share with you! I mean, that's what normal people do, right?

Little Miss: Your back is cheesy! Begins to laugh hysterically
Me (in my head): WTH does that mean?______________________________________

Little Miss: I eat my waffle I get bigger?

Me: Yes, baby. She then proceeds to take a very small bite of her waffle. 

Little Miss: I'm bigger!! (very enthusiastically proclaims)

Me: A little bit. (Love her positivity) 

Reflection of a MOM-a-razzi

This is my first sponsored post! Hooray for my blog. Hooray for me! I hope that I don’t screw this up! Amanda Star Photography has asked me to share and reflect on my experience as a newbie photographer or as she says a “MOM-a-razzi.”

What does MOM-a-razzi mean to me? How has MOM-a-razzi helped my photography? Hmm. (puts on thinking cap) that’s a good question.

My journey into MOM-a-razzi-hood began last year when I felt the urge or splurge on a new DSLR camera. Plus, I am a mom and I realized that most of my pictures of Little Miss were on my phone. Yes, I paid (and still do) good money to have newborn/birthday shoots etc, but it was the moments in between that I was missing. Of course, I didn’t need a DSLR to take pictures, but my little point and shoot was not a good motivator for me.

I’ve been following ASP on Facebook since she did my daughter’s newborn shoot.

If you don’t follow photographers on Facebook, you really should! I find that it is a great way to catch deals like mini shoots specials. Anyways, MOM-a-razzi is a workshop that ASP launched in 2013 and as soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted to take it. Unfortunately, that first year or so I either couldn’t afford it or the date never worked out for my schedule.

Fast forward to this past winter….ASP was advertising the next class on Facebook and I now had my da-bomb-diggity camera. The hubs said I could take the workshop and it could be my Christmas present so I contacted ASP and booked my seat as fast as possible. I was even able to score a bit of a discounted price because I caught an advertised flash sale on FB! Again, this is another good reason to follow photographers on FB.

Going into the workshop, I already had the skills to take a decent picture in auto function (point and shoot is not rocket science), but what I really wanted to learn is how to use manual settings. I wanted to kick it up a notch. I tried to do a little research on Pinterest and Youtube, but I struggled and really wasn’t motivated enough to self teach in this way. I needed the guidance of someone with experience who could explain it to me in simple enough terms.

One of the great things about a MOM-a-razzi workshop is that it is small (5 students) which allows for one on one time with Amanda. She will go around to each individual and help them circumnavigate her camera whether it is a Nikkon or Canon. I loved the hands-on style of this class. “Okay, we’ve just talked about F-stop or shutter speed now practice on this piece of cake!”

I would strongly encourage you take notes in your workbook. I've referred to it several times since my workshop. In fact, the “triangle cheat sheet” note card for manual shooting is something I carry in my camera bag as a reference. 

Yea, it’s seen better days…

I've got to be honest with you…..you can take this workshop, learn the terminology and practice a little for this one afternoon, but if you don’t practice with your camera regularly it will be a waste of time. Plain and simple---no sugar coating. You have got to make a conscious effort to take the lessons from the workshop and try them out often. You will not be good at manual shooting at first. I still am not good at it, but I am getting better.

Do you want to hear something funny? I’ve shot some pictures in auto function and then switched to manual at the same event or “shoot” and I thought that my manually shot pictures look better. The colors in the pictures are brighter or the lighting is better when compared to the ones before it. You have to consciously choose the “harder” option and as a result, you will get better and the “harder” option will not be as hard. 

Here’s an example of how I got the ISO wrong when I was messing around with my camera

The first picture is too light so I adjusted my function and got the better colored second picture. Again practice, practice, practice.

I've found that I have become more thoughtful in my photography. I look for good picture opportunities rather than snapping picture "willy-nilly" and by that I mean finding the “right light” or clearing the background of debris. 

Take this picture for example:

Do you see that clutter in the background? Yea, it doesn't make for a clean picture. If I would have thought about the picture a little more before taking it I could have adjusted or moved. It’s little things that can make your photography better. Again, I am no expert, but this is what I have learned here and there.

One of the bonus perks of completing the MOM-a-razzi course the access to the Facebook group. It’s a great place to share photos, review tutorials, and ask for help.  I find the personal feedback and encouragement to be helpful. I actually look forward to having pictures to share.

After you take this course, you might want to learn more or get more accessories to help your photography grow! I know I do! Here is my latest little photography goodie:

I really want to learn more about photo editing. There’s an ASP workshop for that too! The MOM-a-razzi program grows with you! How cool is that?

So what does MOM-a-razzi mean to me?

•  It means being able to capture a life moment---to freeze it in time and relish in it.
• It means having fun with your camera and being that annoying person with a camera ready always wanting to take someone’s picture.
• For me, photography is my latest creative outlet. I’m not going to lie, I get a little high from scrolling through the pictures that I have taken that turned out well. You get this inner sense of pride and accomplishment well up inside you.

Are you ready to rock your camera yet? Are you ready to stalk your kids in style? Well, if the answer is yes even just a little bit listen up and check out this exclusive offer just for Simple Significance readers! There is one last workshop this year scheduled for June 28th. There are ONLY three seats left and you can be one of the lucky ones to snag it at a discount.

If you register now and mention Simple Significance you will receive a discount of $75! Say what? So awesome and like I've been saying so worth it! And maybe you know a friend or family member who might be interested SO SHARE this post and spread the word!

Graduation Inspired Photography

My 10 year high school reunion this fall and as my current students prepare to graduate this week I've been feeling quite nostalgic. So what is a blogger to do? Well, of course I will write about it down the road, but for now, I will share with you some of my recent "Graduation Inspired Photography."

Is there anything in your life that you have been reflecting on or being nostalgic about? I am a very sentimental person myself. I enjoyed high school. I made great friends and memories. It was by no means my best years, but they were mine.

Goodbye Graduates 2014

Today I gave a speech in front of the entire student body, parents, and leaders in the community at my high school's senior award ceremony. I wanted to share it with you: 

It is my privilege and honor to stand here today and address you one final time as my students before your big graduation day!

Throughout this year, I've felt that we've been kindred spirits of sorts because 10 years ago, I sat where you are now (points in general direction of where I sat). And even though a decade has come and gone, not a lot has changed:

1.  Dr. Morgan is still the principal.
2. Mr. Shirley is still school superintendent.
3.  I too was a Cloud Kid.
4. I wouldn't have survived geometry without my composition notebook.
5. And I can fold papel hamburger or hot dog style like a boss!

As a teacher, it is easy to become discouraged in today’s current educational climate between testing….more testing, RIGOR, and politicians continually changing the game in the name of reform. I am told my value as a teacher can be quantified mathematically using a formula no one can explain. With all of that being said, I want you to know that being your teacher this year has reminded me why I teach—for those moments when I see you grow not just as a student, but as a person. I teach for those “A’ha moments” when you get it or the look of pride and accomplishment on your face when you succeed. You have inspired me and I thank you for that.

I hate the idea that when it comes to books, learning or problems, hard is often seen as the opposite of fun. In my mind and in my classroom, I try for both. It’s strange to me that we should be so quick to give up when we are so willing to grapple for centuries if necessary with a single level of angry bird. Sometimes you will face difficulties not because you’re doing something wrong, but because you’re doing something right. And sitting here in this moment is apart of the right.

A couple of the highlights from this year for me and maybe yourself include: 6140, Meeting Shaggy and Scooby, Seaworld adventures, volunteering, when in doubt of the answer to a question you can always say Skinner or Chomsky, or perhaps it was Chase eating that really old “the cheez it”  that was hanging around my room. I think some of you might have addiction to cats or selfies. And this school year now holds the record for egg baby “accidents.”

Okay, so enough with the sentimentality and the walk down memory lane. The reason I am up here today is to present the Psychology Volunteer of the year award. There were seven students this year who qualified by completing between 21- 27 hours of Volunteer work at Bushnell Elementary School through my Psychology and Sociology courses. All of which are deserving of recognition! The cooperating teachers described your class as the best volunteer group ever.

This year’s recipient maintained straight A’s in not only my courses and multiple AP classes while maintaining a job outside of school. She has exhibited commitment; responsibility and a stellar work ethic that will help her continue to be a success as she moves on to USF to pursue a career in medicine. She was my head shrink and I extremely proud of this young lady. Please join me in recognizing Miss Leighanne H.

My Three Time Wasters

{My Three} A simple list of three things — a different topic — every week, just for fun.

Play along if you like (please do). Leave your list or a link in the comments. Inspired by Little Miss Momma

What are the things that you do or use to pass the time? What are the things that might help you procrastinate?

It's time for me to share confess my top three.....

1) Instagram- I am fairly new to the Instagram world (less than a year), but I am hooked. Whenever I get a chance, I scroll through my feed to see the latest pictures from my friends, former students and fellow bloggers. I love using the filters on my photos because it makes me feel artsy! In an effort to promote my blog, I have participated in a couple of "Linky Parties" and as a result I've found a couple of new blogs/bloggers to follow. Lately, I've been trying to clear out some of my old photos (aka deleting not so good photos or not as liked photos). Are you following me on IG?

2) Pinterest- Does Pinterest really count as wasting time if I use it for work? Honestly some of my boards are for teaching. I know I've said this before, but it is so helpful to have the links and pictures organized in one spot. I currently have 211 followers, 62 boards and 8,125 pins (holy crap that's a lot of pins)! I must admit in this three things "confessional" post that some of my boards are useless like "Cat Humor, Artsie Fartsie, or White and Nerdy, but I like them all the same. Let's be honest, I will probably never have a closet filled with outfits from my Clothes and Accessories board, but a girl can dream right?

3) Facebook- I like to think that my Facebook page is not overwhelmed with people I do not know. I mean yes there are people who are more acquaintances than friends and some former students sprinkled in here and there. I do hide some people's posts from my newsfeed because you know....some people are too much way too often. I like that FB allows for me to stay in touch with people. And by stay in touch some of you might be thinking about "creeping." Yea, I do a little of that too, but who doesn't?  I will be spending a little extra time on FB this summer. One of my goals is to launch my Simple Significance FB page. I'll probably do a little contest/giveaway to help promote it. Are you excited? I am excited and a little nervous about it because I am putting my blog out there more.

I think it's fairly obvious that there are some aspects of social media that have taken over my free time or piqued my interest. I suppose down the road, I can do an "unplug and disconnect" from social media cleanse, but not today.  Okay, so now it's your turn....time to confess and share the biggest time wasters in your life!

Softball Sunday

Little Miss and I spent Friday and Sunday at the ball field cheering my niece's team in pursuit of the championship. They entered the tournament undefeated and they left the same! WOOHOO! I am so proud! She has come a long way since T-ball and has gotten better each year. She did spring and fall ball and you can tell she has improved as a result of the continued practice. It takes me back to my ball days on the same field! Talk about a walk down memory lane.

Here are some of my favorite pictures from this weekend!

She is always ready for a picture!

 Here are the proud parents---sporting their pink shirts and cheering from the bleachers!

 Everyone needs a little pep talk from dad before stepping up to the plate right?

She was so happy! Look at the genuine smile on her face--love it.

 Let's get a close up on this beauty!

 I love this picture. Number one girl with her number one dad! Are those tears behind those shades? Just kidding.....

There are three generations in this picture! Cool, huh? Unfortunately, my kiddo wanted nothing to do with it. Oh, well. 

Little Miss did have fun running the bases. Seeing her on the field makes me excited that she might want  to play someday.

 How cute are those boots on the base? Typical country girl.

Well, it was a long hot weekend. I am glad to be home in the AC, but I sure did have fun! It was a nice morning and Mother's day!

Weekly Wonderings & Musings #7

When this momma gets some time to herself to unwind sometime between 8:00 pm to 8:30 pm, I like  to read the latest blog posts from the bloggers I follow, waste time on Pinterest, read a little news or a book, and La-dee-da on Facebook.  I thought it would be fun to share with you some of the highlights from my week.

Randomness

In honor of my daughter's love for the movie Frozen and Mother's Day, I wanted to share with you a super cute video I came across on Youtube that kind of summarizes a good chunk of motherhood.

This picture really made me laugh. It has a sweetness about it don't you think? Just looking at it makes me a little happy inside. 

Simple Moments Captured

Mommy, Daddy and Little Miss went to High Five FroYo for the first time! It was delicious and just what I wanted on this hot day. Plus, I played the Mother's Day card! It was a delicious combo of vanilla (sugar free) and butter pecan topped with heath bar crunch. 

Simply Lovin'

It was teacher appreciation week and I got a lot of little goodies from student council and the administration. I love teacher appreciation week, but OMG all the candy and food! I could feel my waist line expanding! One of the highlights of course was receiving some flowers from my student on her AP test day. It was totally unexpected and genuine.

Grateful Wife 

As a grateful wife, I want to recognize my the Hubs for working so hard for our family. He works his day job and then in his spare time he does computer work. His side job really does help our family out financially. Additionally, this weekend he changed my oil and vacuumed out my car. It really needed it. I mean it. I really did because with the toddler my back seat was littered with goldfish, cheerios and other goodies.  

Significant Scripture Focus

Psalm 23 has become apart of my "night-night" prayer routine with Little Miss. I started doing this to myself when we where having battles transitioning from the crib. I found that it really helped to calm me down and lessen by stress and in turn made the whole process of putting the toddler to bed a little easier and peaceful.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest  my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Well that about summarizes some highlights from my week. What stands out about yours? Trust me, if you take some time to sit and reflect on it I am sure you can find something. Have a great weekend! 

My Three TV Shows

{My Three} A simple list of three things — a different topic — every week, just for fun.

Play along if you like (please do). Leave your list or a link in the comments. Inspired by Little Miss Momma

Today's theme: TV Shows. I have already confessed my love for teen soap operas last summer, but here are my current more grown up choices.

1) Grey's Anatomy--I have been watching this show from the beginning. I own most of the seasons on DVD. With this show, my jaw has dropped, tears have fallen, and frustration has been raged at epic cliff hangers.

2) Once Upon A Time. This is another TV show I have watched from the beginning. I adore the concept behind this show and the fact that it is family friendly too. I have always loved fairy tales and the twists/spins the writers come up with really keep me on my toes.

3) The Goldbergs--I laugh out loud every time I watch this show. ABC better give me another season of this one. While I didn't grow up in the 80s for a long period, I do relate to a lot of this show!

What are your top three? Are you a TV junkie or Netflix marathoner?