Soni's Photojournalizing!

Ava

2007-11-01T18:43:00.001-07:00

Week 2

2007-01-21T13:37:00.000-08:00

We have been busy with dance this past week because of a competition coming up this Sat. I am a bit nervous but I am sure the girls will do fine. This is Brooke and Chandraya posing with one of the props they are using for their dance. Song: Addicted to Mountain Dew by KJ 52.. Christain rap artist.

Week 3

2007-01-21T13:35:00.000-08:00

Star Quest Competition

Wow, what a weekend. I really enjoyed this weekend. Very calming and less stress than the other competitions that I have been to. Misty and Brooke went with Chandraya and I. The girls performed amazingly! I am so proud of them both.

Brooke took a tap solo that Jessica choreographed for her and took a "High Silver" for her award..way to go, girl! I love that costume and you just shined on stage with your wonderful smile!

Brooke and Chandraya performed a duo together that I choreographed and they took a "Gold" for their award. You two were so fun to watch on stage. I never expected to see such attitude from the both of you. You both work so well as a team...loved it!

I choreographed a lyrical solo for Chandraya and she took a "High Gold", 5th overall, a special ribbon for putting her "Heart and Soul" into her performance. She is also the Miss Petite StarQuest for Denver, Colorado. One thing that really made my eyes swell up with tears is when the announser asked Chandraya who choreographed the dance..she sayed "My mom, Sonja Foos". He than asked her another question and she said, "My mom wants me to spread God's word through my dance so that everyone feels Him". Most everyone in the audiance went... awwwww... I hope she at least helped God touch someones heart that day and maybe brought someone who has walked away from God, back to Him. Thank you, God for giving her such a wonderful gift.

Goals

2007-01-03T14:45:00.000-08:00

2007

Another year gone by. Depressing almost to see the years flashing before my eyes knowing there was so much more I could have accomplished. Makes me desperate to do and see more. I guess what I am trying to say is, I figured out what my goals are for this upcoming year (2007).

PaW: photo a week

These past 2 years I took photos of my family doing things they love and put them in a photobook, added some quotes and they are now being shipped to me. I would love to have a photo(blog)book but having trouble finding one I can set up with space for lots of text. soooo...a photo a week will go in the 2007 yearbook.

Get back into shape:

My life has become so busy with my family, computer, pictures, and dance stuff that I hardly have time to work out anymore. I want to get motivated to exercise in the mornings.

Advertise:

I need more advertisement for my photography business that is doing very well right now but could do better with more advertising within the surrounding states. I would love to travel to photograph weddings. I have a wedding in Montana in July that I am pretty excited about and would love to have more opportunities like that one.

My dance studio:

Look for a place to teach kids who can't afford the prices that a studio in town charges. There are so many kids who want to dance and perform also kids who are overweight and would like other weighs of losing weight besides basketball, football, soccer and such. I want to give all the kids in the community a chance to try and learn new things. All kids deserve a chance to succeed and feel self-worth in life not just the ones with money.

I have a feeling I am going to make a few people angry because of my decision, but this isn't something I am doing for revenge, evil tactics or to split apart the current studio. Those are not my intentions at all. I actually don't care to take anyone from the studio and don't want them if they are upset with anything that is going on at the studio.

Like I said at the beginning...."Depressing almost to see the years flashing before my eyes knowing there was so much more I could have accomplished.". How many of you have helped someone in need? How many of you took money from someone when you knew they couldn't afford it? Were we place on this earth to only help ourselves grow? I don't think we were and I want to help others. Since I was a young girl I knew there was something out there for me..placing that something was a bit difficult, but I guess I wanted God to place it before me when all along I should have been hunting for it. Persueing my purpose instead of hoping it would drop in my lap.

Stock:

I need to get motivated to do more stock photography. I just don't have the energy to mess on the computer anymore. I need to set a schedule for myself and stick to it!

Photo a Week

2007-01-03T14:44:00.000-08:00

Week 1

My first picture of the year. Woohooo..I am on a roll.
Me and my girls and my girls. Hope to continue this photo a week.

My Dance Studio

2006-12-18T16:23:00.000-08:00

My new dance studio name. Wasn't sure if this was something I wanted to do until I started having problems with the studio here in town and the teachers who teach there. I started out with choreographing my daughters lyrical and realized that it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, so I went on to choreograph a duo. I am going to start a duo with two other girls now too. They are a bit younger so this should be a challenge. The graphic above is something I made yesterday while goofing off with the name. I think I like it and will keep it. Anyone have any suggestions?

Chandraya posing for me as usual ..she is such a trooper. Love you, MOO!

Two Very Good Friends

2006-12-18T08:36:00.000-08:00

These two little girls are the sweetest little things. Lila Mae in the back and Amber in the front. They fight, play, giggle and jump around like they were sisters. They are so fun to watch.

Dancers

2006-12-18T08:34:00.000-08:00

Chandraya and her friend Brooke.

I am so jazzed...I decided to teach dance in my house. I have the room so why not. I taught my daughter Chandraya a solo and just got down choreographing a dance for these two to perform as a duo.
Pretty exciting to work with these kids. I was also asked to teach a few other girls come summer.
We'll see what happens and what the future holds for me.

Winter! Ugh!

2006-12-18T08:30:00.000-08:00

Oh yeah..winter again. I am not to keen on winter. The wind blows with a temp. that is so cold it just chills me deep down to my bones. brrrrrssss...

Fall Fun

2006-10-10T14:10:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I goofed off with my camera..the leaves were looking amazing so the girls and I gathered our things and headed to the park. mmmmm...crabapples are so good. The girls and I picked a basket full and also got a shot for a challenge on DPC.

It has been a long few months. So much has gone on that I dont' think I can remember it all.
What I need to do is do another photo a day with each of my kids. yeah yeah..I think I will. Starting Saturday, expect more pictures of my kids starting with Lila Mae.

Family Portraits

2006-10-10T14:04:00.000-07:00

My family!

2006-08-31T13:03:00.000-07:00

The kids and I took a field trip out to my good friends Orin's house. He gave us a tour around his ranch and the kids learned and saw a ton. We went hunting around for arrowheads and Zachery happened upon a rattlesnake. Freaked me out so I sent the girls to the road where the truck was. He pocked at it and tried to get it to come out of the little sagebrush it was hiding in. It come out for just a sec and back in there. He only rattled once while we messed with him and that must have been about 10 minutes.

We took a little ride to a hill to see some petrified wood and set a blanket down and ate some KFC..mmm! Found a few rocks and went on our way again. Oh, before we took off I got a few pictures of this jackrabbit. He is just a young one.

Rattlesnake

Zachery probing the snake.

We seen a few cows and this one just gave birth to a new calf. How cute is that.

Oh and Chandraya had to take a picture of mom. ;)

This is the tepee ring that the indians made way back in the day. Some of the indians hunters would leave the village and go off to hunt. They would pitch a tent and put these rocks around the tent to hold it down. This is were we also found some arrowheads and cutting tools they used. Beautiful land!

Lila Mae posing for the camera.

This is Chandraya. Look at that smiley. Cutie.
That is Orin in the background.

Orin and Zachery walking off...hmm..don't think they are talking about indians...I think they are talking about Ogame. hahahaa..

August 11th

2006-08-11T21:02:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures I took tonight..walked quite a ways to get this shot and the birds all flew off the tree and this one decided to land back on it. So I captured it before he flew off again. Such a beautiful spot.

2006-08-08T08:22:00.000-07:00

From a wedding I photographed on Saturday. Great bunch of folks.

July 31st

2006-07-31T16:04:00.000-07:00

Chandraya and all her trophies she won for the dance she performed to "I can only Imagine" by Mercy Me. You rock, Moo!

Let God lead you as you grow in His presence.

July 28th

2006-07-28T21:05:00.000-07:00

This is just part of the family I took pictures of yesterday. Great group of folks.

Spider Webs

2006-07-16T09:12:00.000-07:00

First time taking pictures of webs. Don't really like the outcome. I tried to spray them with water but it didnt' stick. hmmmm..

My Little Princess

2006-07-15T08:47:00.000-07:00

Taken in Las Vegas when we were there for the National Spotlight Dance Competition. She took a Diamond. Way to go, little one!

New Hairdo!

2006-06-26T08:48:00.000-07:00

A little different then what I usually get but I will grow to like it..hahaha

2006-06-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

Which Jesus do you follow?
Which Jesus do you serve?
If Ephesians says to imitate Christ,
Then why do you look so much like the world?

Cause my Jesus bled and died
He spent His time with thieves and liars
He loved the poor and accosted the arrogant
So which one do you want to be?

Blessed are the poor in spirit
Or do we pray to be bless me with the wealth of this land
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst for righteousness
Or do we ache for another taste of this world of shifting sands

Cause my Jesus bled and died for my sins
He spent His time with thieves and sluts and liars
He loved the poor and accosted the rich
So which one do you want to be?

Who is this that You follow
This picture of the American dream
If Jesus was here would you walk right by on the other side
Or fall down and worship at His holy feet

Pretty blue eyes and curly brown hair and a clear complexion
Is how you see Him as He dies for Your sins
But the Word says He was battered and scarred
Or did you miss that part
Sometimes I doubt weâd recognize Him

Cause my Jesus bled and died
He spent His time with thieves and the least of these
He loved the poor and accosted the comfortable
So which one do you want to be?

Cause my Jesus would never be accepted in my church
The blood and dirt on His feet might stain the carpet
But He reaches for the hurting and despises the proud
I think Heâd prefer Beale St. to the stained glass crowd
And I know that He can hear me if I cry out loud

I want to be like my Jesus
Not a posterchild for American prosperity, but like my Jesus
You see Iâm tired of living for success and popularity
I want to be like my Jesus but Iâm not sure what that means to be like You Jesus

Cause You said to live like You, love like You but then You died for me
Can I be like You Jesus?
I want to be like My Jesus

2006-05-18T16:43:00.000-07:00

Woot! A phone picture. This is the dancer girls after tamjams workshop.

2006-05-18T16:35:00.000-07:00

Chandraya and I last spring at the park.

May 12th

2006-05-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

Two of my friends. You girls rock!

May 7th

2006-05-09T10:02:00.000-07:00

Chandraya zoned into her music as usual.

May 3rd

2006-05-03T20:48:00.000-07:00

Wyoming Landscaping

May 2nd

2006-05-02T16:13:00.000-07:00

Some photos I took today of my little one. I did some messing in PSCS2. Fun fun!

April 30th

2006-04-30T12:57:00.000-07:00

This is Rocky! He is a little boy. Is the runt of the bunch and the one that whoops up on everyone. He is one bad arse little dude.

This is Jeanie. She is the laziest of all the puppies. She looks more like a shih tzu then the other ones. She is just now starting to be playful.

April 29th

2006-04-29T20:42:00.000-07:00

Puppies will be 7 weeks old on Sunday. They are growing up so fast. This is one of them trying to chew on lila maes shoe. Booger

I think they are shih tzu/blue heeler mix. What a mix...lol

2006-04-28T18:48:00.000-07:00

This little dancer performed a modern, jazz and tap dance. She won titlist also. She rocks!

April 24th

2006-04-24T18:18:00.000-07:00

Ok..I think I finally got a picture to send to Spotlight for the 2007 catalog. What do you all think?

April 23rd

2006-04-24T10:42:00.000-07:00

Dress up!

The girls had a friend over and played dress up all day. The fun of being a little girl with all kinds of fun dress up clothes.

April 22nd

2006-04-22T22:20:00.000-07:00

Chandraya's favorite dance is her hip hop "Catcha Fire". It isn't company so she doesn't have to stress on it and of course she just LOVES hip hop and being able to have an attitude.

This is Chandraya in her Jazz costume. She is a scarecrow.
Can you tell?

This is my favorite costume. So pink and girlish. I want one. This costume is for her ballet number. They are cats.

April 20th

2006-04-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

Some self portraits I took today. Was looking at arnits site from dpc and got inspired again.
The middle one is my hubby and me. :-)

April 14th

2006-04-14T21:59:00.000-07:00

Zachery got his drivers permit today. woohooo!!! Time to scare the crap out of mom and give her more gray hair. This is him behind the wheel of my suburban. Scary!

OK, let's keep our eyes on the road, shall we!

My favorite backseat driver. He was giving Zachery the hardest time while driving... "The speed limit is 30 not 10, Zachery. Don't slam on the breaks. You could have taken the corner a little faster." ROFL!!!! This is the grin after one of his comments. Gotta love these kids!.

2006-04-12T16:44:00.000-07:00

From a photoshoot today. Chandraya and her best friend in their dance costume. Chirpy Chirpy is the name of the song they danced to and took Ruby both times they performed at Spotlight. Way to go, Girls!

April 8th

2006-04-09T08:07:00.000-07:00

This is Chandraya and her partner in her hip hop dance. You girls rock! The dance was awesome!

This was an incredible day!
I had never seen Chandraya perform her solo so well as she did this morning. Wow!

Thank you, God! She was dancing for you! I think your word got through to the audience this morning.

Chandraya said she felt so good on stage that she almost started to cry while dancing.

Her other dances also went very well. She had the best time and enjoyed every bit of it.

Awards:

Solo(I can only Imagine): Diamond, 1st place high score over all solos(BIG trophy), "Stealing the Spotlight" award. (this is an awesome award to get...she took highscore over all the petite devision, about 45 dances)

Duo(Puppy Song): Diamond, Catagory winner, 1st place high score over all the duo's and trio's(BIG trophy).

Duo(Chirpy Chirp): Ruby! You girls were the cutest!

Interpretive: Ruby and Catagory winner. You totally Rocked, Moo!
She listened to a jazz song 10 minutes before she got on stage to danced to it. She didn't get to practice for months on it like she did her others. It was incredible to see her up there dancing to this song. She was even singing it and really performed it. She used great facial expressions and did some great stuff on stage for a 7 year old. She got off stage and said, "I did way to many turns but I had to think of what to do next." She loved it. This will be a great memory for her.

Company Jazz(When I'm with You): Ruby and Catagory winner. (I was impressed!)

Company Tap(Charlie's Angel Mix): Diamond, Catagory Winner and 3rd over all group numbers.

Hip Hop (Catcha Fire): Ruby (An amazing performance from all of you girls! Keep up the good work.

April 7th

2006-04-09T07:48:00.000-07:00

Chandraya took off for Casper Friday for a Dance competition. We went to the mall and decided to drive up Casper Mountain. Wow, was that freaky. Just as freaky as I remember as a kid. This is half way up looking down at the city, Casper. This is about a third of the City. Pretty big considering it is in wyoming. hehehe

April 6th

2006-04-06T09:25:00.000-07:00

ok..got a small request for you all those who pray.

Zachery had a remicade infusion a week ago and didn't do to well with it. He has had them before but never had a reaction like this.
Started out with a sore knee and than hips and ankles. Last night he went to bed with a sore back, arms and hands along with the other aches. Poor kid is hurting pretty bad. I would appreciate the prayers.
Thanks
Sonja

April 4th

2006-04-04T10:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I forgot to mention one thing about Lila Mae. She was outside for awhile with me and the dog and seen some little ants wandering around. What a scary site to a 4 year old girl. She thought they were little bugs out to get her. She jumped on my lap and wouldn't get down for nothing. I tried but she screamed so loud everyone in the neighborhood could hear. She begged to go inside and after that wouldn't go outside unless I held her.

A wonderful start to the Spring weather..lol

April 3rd

2006-04-03T18:27:00.000-07:00

My Puppies! I don't want to get rid of any of them..they are all so sweet. I am going to take the second shot to the pet store. I figure they would love to see the picture of the puppies with an ad.

The first one is mine...Jeanie..isn't she cute?

Angelina got a bath today. I couldn't stand the way she smelled anymore. ewwww..two of the puppies also got a bath. One of them was ok with it but the other screamed and howled..it was so funny!

April 2nd

2006-04-02T21:51:00.000-07:00

Day three without a PaD. Feels a bit strange not working on a shot every day, but I am enjoying the time with my family. My goal is to build my families bond.

A quote I heard today:
"Take a twig from the backyard and see if you can break it...of course you can..now take a bundle of twigs and try to break them..you can't and if you could it would be exceedingly hard to break...that is family."

Family should be hard to break up and I am going to make sure mine is strong enough to hold through anything.

I am taking pictures of the puppies tomorrow. Their eyes are all open and they are so funny because they are trying to walk around and can't seem to get their balance so they roll over..LOL..to cute.

Thanks everyone for your support and friendship during this tough days I have encountered. Not sure what I would have done without all of you. Love you all!!!

April 1st

2006-04-01T11:32:00.000-08:00

I am not doing a PaD all the time now. I don't have the time. I will still be posting and writing in here to keep a journal for the kids. I will take pictures just won't stress on it everyday.

This is a photo for the 24 hour speed challenge. Something I entered when I first started. Thought it was my best.

March 30th

2006-03-30T14:46:00.000-08:00

Zachery went in to the Cancer Center again today and got another remicade infusion. Only a three hour drip today. He didn't react this time thank goodness!

This is him sleeping at the very end. That benadryl makes him sleep.

March 29th

2006-03-30T07:57:00.000-08:00

TV all set up and the kids are loving it aaaaand so are Mike and I.

March 28th

2006-03-28T18:01:00.000-08:00

My new Plasma TV! Woot! This thing rocks! It was tough to get the kids off the floor so I could take this picture..LOL..not sure that is a good thing. Got to get a picture above the TV now..anyone got any suggestions?

March 27th

2006-03-27T12:39:00.000-08:00

These puppies are turning out to be some great models. woohooo..stock shots here I come..LOL

March 26th

2006-03-26T18:55:00.000-08:00

Jeanie

This is the puppy we are keeping. She is going to be mine. Lila Mae named her.

March 25th

2006-03-25T20:25:00.000-08:00

From a photoshoot today. I have been taking pictures of this girl for about 2 years now. She is so photogenic and is a pleasure to work with. Love you, Jess!!!

March 24th

2006-03-24T16:32:00.000-08:00

Can't decide between the two of these to send to the Spotlight magazine. Will probably take more pictures of her tomorrow when I have my studio set up again. She has the hardest time smiling and not winsing her eyes outside. No more of those.

March 23rd

2006-03-23T20:38:00.000-08:00

Zachery went in for another remicade infusion today and ended up having a reaction to the drug this time. He has another one next week too. I sure hope he does ok with it. The kid is worrying me. (sigh)

I am so tired. I am ready for bed. Night all!

March 22nd

2006-03-23T07:01:00.000-08:00

This is the Capital of Denver. I was driving by it while I was in Denver yesterday. Was to scared to get out and walk around. Lots of homeless people around this area.

More pictures coming out of Denver.

March 21st

2006-03-21T11:25:00.000-08:00

Boy

Boy

Girl

Boy

Girl

And Girl

2006-03-20T12:03:00.000-08:00

Picture of one of the puppies. Angelina had to have the last puppy taken out by c-section this morning. She is doing fine. I pick her up at 1:30 to bring her home. The puppies needed to be fed so we spent about an hour feeding them. The kids loved this part. The are so cute and little. Almost look like little rats.

Good news:
Chandraya and I went to a dance competition this past weekend.

Awards:
Miss Petite Spotlight for Billings, Montana
Diamand for her solo and 3rd over all.
Diamond and Catagory winner for her duo with Ashley
Ruby for her duo with Brooke
Ruby for her jazz company dance
Ruby for her tap company dance

Will post a picture later of her in her sash.

March 19th

2006-03-20T07:11:00.000-08:00

She waited to have puppies till I got home. How sweet is that?

I stepped in the door and hugged my lila mae and I went right to the dog. As soon as I got her out she started to push. 6 babies... 3 boys and 3 girls. I think one is still in her so taking her to the vet at 9 till get it out. Probably do a c-section on her, but I hope not. She is such a good momma!

So many good things happened this day..I'll be posting more of the good news on monday.

March 18th

2006-03-20T07:08:00.000-08:00

Didn't take a picture today. Was way to busy with everything and forgot. What a loser I am. (sigh)

March 17th

2006-03-20T07:07:00.000-08:00

Went on a mini vacation this weekend. Chandraya had a dance competition. Woot!

Taken out the window if my hotel room late at night.

March 16th

2006-03-17T10:01:00.000-08:00

Long day today. Had a friend come over and fix my sink. Thank you, Orin! :-))

PaD's won't be up for a few days.

March 15th

2006-03-15T22:51:00.000-08:00

Two very precious little girls that are the best of friends. Thank you, Brooke for helping Chandraya through a tough time today. She will always remember this. You both rock and I love you both very much. Brooke, you are an awesome photographer. You and Chandraya could go into business taking pictures and designing clothes. Oh yeah!

A collage I made for the two of them. shhhh..surprise!

March 14th

2006-03-14T21:03:00.000-08:00

Closest thing to me tonight..I didn't even want to take a photo today. To tired.

March 13th

2006-03-13T22:48:00.000-08:00

Chandraya fractured her hand today while in dance class. She went half the class dancing before she said she wanted to go home. Went to the emergency room and found out the bone leading from her wrist to her index finger is fractured at the bottom. She was so bummed and started to cry. She has a dance competition this weekend. She performs 2 duos, 1 solo and 2 group numbers. We'll see what happens. Cross your fingers for something good out of this for her. She will be devistated if she can't dance.

This is her split. Tomorrow she is getting a cast. I drew the butterflies for her. Made her feel better. We also took her to Applebees for a dessert. A little sugar always calmed a heart ache. ;-)

2006-03-12T16:13:00.000-08:00

I just had to try messing with lighting from a flashlight. This was pretty fun, kept me busy for about an hour. LOL..pretty sad don't you think.

Anyway...I used a graduated duel tone on it to make the top red and the bottom a sepia brown.

RANT ON...
TV to me can be very evil. Kids sit around and watch it as much as they can while eating all they can. I think it should be a privilage and kids should only be allowed so many hours a week. I do for mine. They need to learn to use their imagination every now and than. Plus TV has to much sex. Most their advertisments have at least something to do with sex. Even on the kids channels..now that is pretty sad. Now what are the girls going to grow up like if they don't have a parent around to tell them they don't have to be perfect to be excepted in society today? And boys.. they also are looking pretty darn good too.. no pimples and perfect hair. It seems like every movie we get that is rated PG 13 has sex it in... or breast showing in some part of the movie. GRRRRRR!!!! I hate that. I don't care to see breast and my kids don't need to be seeing it either. What is this world going to be like in 30 years? A bunch of horny, beer drinking bumbs..oh wait..we have that already.
RANT OFF

March 11th

2006-03-11T14:27:00.000-08:00

Challenge entery so don't look. ;)

March 10th

2006-03-10T21:01:00.000-08:00

Talk about a fun toy. This thing rocks. Bought it today. Figure I am going to need something to listen to while on my way to dance competitions this month and next.

March 9th

2006-03-09T19:22:00.000-08:00

Wen to the store and got more paint to finish my project. Should be done in a few days. wOOt! I will put before and after pictures up for you all to see.
Pssssst!!!! MeOooow..hehehe

March 8th

2006-03-08T17:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I moved my furniture out of the way and decided to paint it..been meaning to do this for a few months now..just haven't had the motivation. A few months ago I painted the wall white from a maroon
and textured the wall with mud compound for drywalling. First painted the yellow on and took a burnt seina and rubbed it on the wall and wiped it off right away. Took me a few hours to do the whole thing.

Before shot...

March 7th

2006-03-07T20:28:00.000-08:00

Ok..I know this isn't an item but this is the only subject I shot today. I painted part of my livingroom today..going to finish tomorrow around the fireplace. hehehe..cut my arm and spilled paint on the carpet in the process. :-/ Gonna go watch a movie.

March 6th

2006-03-06T19:56:00.000-08:00

Theme: Items

Tacks..always wanted to do a macro of tacks. This should be a fun week. Going to take pictures of different items of one thing all together. Wasn't sure what to call it.

March 5th

2006-03-05T22:28:00.000-08:00

From a photoshoot today. This little girl has to be the cutest little thing there is. She has the perfect smile and a fun fun personality! You rock, Taylor!

I love the colors of her clothes and just had to make a spring collage

March 4th

2006-03-04T19:52:00.000-08:00

I was busy with the kids most the day. We went and seen Final Destination at the theatre. That was pretty graphic. Excellent movie if you like that kind of stuff. We also watched a few at the house while the girls were at their dads house. Sorry for the bad PaD.

March 3rd

2006-03-03T20:12:00.000-08:00

Was playing with smoke today. Surprised I didn't set the smoke alarms off. LOL. I still smell it. Thought this one was kind of neat.

I wonder what you all see? I see something but want to know if you see it to. This also may be for the challenge so close your eyes. hehehe..

March 2nd

2006-03-02T20:32:00.000-08:00

I hadn't taken any shots of my oldest daughter in her ballet class. She is moves so beautifully for her age. I love watching her dance..she has so much confidence.

March 1st

2006-03-01T21:54:00.000-08:00

Butterflies at Flight
Trying the Ursula technic. Macro of Angel Breath flower with a pink flower behind it. I added 5 pictures and moved them around some.

February 28th

2006-02-28T20:15:00.000-08:00

I hate this shot but didn't have enough time to take a decent shot today..this is what I ate for dinner.

My life is so busy these days..it is a good thing. More busy the more money..woohooo

February 27th

2006-02-27T17:24:00.000-08:00

Free Week

From a photoshoot today.
These two little girls are the cutest! They were so fun to work with.

Thanks Bambi for that opportunity to take pictures of you and your girls. They are just adorable!

February 26th

2006-02-26T21:16:00.000-08:00

Last day for me..thank goodness. This was a tough week for me. Thought I would end the week with a few shots of me. I am such a goof. That costume was my jazz outfit from 2 years ago.

Thanks all for your comments and your support! You are rock.
Sorry I haven't comment in a few days. I have been so busy with my kids' activities. I will get to your pictures in a few days. (hug)

This is all me! My least favorite collage so far, but it will have to do.
hey, mike..thanks..you rock! (hug)

February 25th

2006-02-25T20:58:00.000-08:00

Talk about a nervous time. My son Troy is on the highschool swim team. The state meet was this weekend. He had been sick for a week worrying about it. They shaved most all the hair on their bodies to get ready for this big event. It was amazing to see so many good swimmers in the same building at one time. You all should be proud you made it to state. Way to go!!! There was a man there that used to swim for Wyoming College and was in a skiing accident who was paralyzed from the waist down. He was there showing his support to all the kids.

Our highschool boys swim team took state championship. They have been working hard all year and were excited to see they were in the lead most the meet. What an accomplishment. You all rock!

My son took 8th in the 200 yard freestyle with a time of 1:53:60. Wooohooo! I am so proud fo you, Troy! You keep up the good work and strengthening your body and you will kick some butt next year. I know you will!

It is way awesome to see such an amazing bond between these young men. Wow, they have been together for 3 years now. It is the team work that help you all win. Keep that up and teach the younger ones who join the team next year.

Troy (second kid on the block) getting ready for the 200 yard freestyle to begin.

Troy and one of his coaches, Miller giving him a hug and telling him he did an awesome job.

February 24th

2006-02-24T22:35:00.000-08:00

My daughter Lila Mae started dance tonight. She has been bugging me for every it seems to start dance. Woot..my second dancer in the making. She got hurt a few times but actually stayed the whole 60 minutes. I know this was supposed to be my week but I couldn't pass this moment up. Has to go in the journal. She is the one in the front with the cute smile.

Lila Mae on the left side looking at the camera.

February 23rd

2006-02-23T19:05:00.000-08:00

I asked for God to take away my pain. God said, No,
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.

I asked God to grant me patience. God said, No.
Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isnât
granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness. God said, No.
I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain. God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares
and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my Spirit grow. God said, No.
You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make
you Fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No. I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me. God said...
Ahhh.. finally you have an idea.

As you all probably know, I am a Christian gal. I know I am not perfect and you have probably seen me at my worst. But what was the point in Jesus dieing for our sins if we could be perfect? I know a lot of Christians judge others, but I don't. Do what you want, live how you want. It is your business not mine. If you ask me about God I will tell you how I feel. I will love you just as much as the Christain people. I am not ashamed of Him. God has been with me my whole life. I look back and see Him as I walked my path as a child. I learned fast because I noticed there was a higher power. I realized there was more to live for and there could be happiness.
I have walked away from God several times and found myself in deep poo because of it. You would think I would get a clue keep walking with Him.

February 22nd

2006-02-22T17:21:00.000-08:00

Free Spirit

I have a free spirit. I will go anywhere and do anything as long as it doesn't result in a little jail time. However I would trespass and play dumb if I got caught. I am like a tumbleweed tumbling across the prairie, bouncing in the wind, making tracks (hopefully good ones) as I'm ushered down the path of life.

Bet you all haven't see an tumbleweed this big. hehehe.. it was as big as my daughter. Heavy sucker too. I took it off the fence and through it in the wind. The snow was coming down and I happened to be in my aerobics outfit. (capris and a hiking boots) LOL...I am sure the people driving by were wondering what I was doing out there.

February 21st

2006-02-21T12:31:00.000-08:00

Pasting back together something that was never there.

My life has been a constant struggle. Not always bad but there has been quite a few bad things happen in my life.
I started out with parents who didn't want me. My mom put me in an orphanage when I was a baby and from there lived with aunts, uncles and cousins. My dad finally got remarried but still didn't have his life together and was on drugs pretty heavily. Growing up in the home was very stressful and almost unbareable. Thought about taking my life many times growing up. My first time smoking pot was at the age of 10 with my brother and sister. I was 12 when I first got drunk so bad that I thought I was going to die. I went through foster homes and group homes my teenage life and emancipated at the age of 17.
Did some pretty bad stuff between the ages of 17 and 19 that got me to thinking about my life. Was this how I was going to live my life forever? NO WAY! I got myself together.. yes, made bad choices along the way but I am here where I am today. I have beautiful kids, I am strong and have confidence to make it through any hardship. I know the past hurts and will always be there and it tends to leak out pain and confusion, but I am getting my life in order and helping my kids have the best childhood I can offer.

February 20th

2006-02-20T13:23:00.000-08:00

Turning that page
the last page...
not wanting to finish
no desire to move on
longing for more
This story can't end
the chapter has to go on.
Looking for pages..maybe unread
frantically searching for what might be missing
turning and flipping but nothing found
All was read but nothing was quite understood
turning to the last page again
understanding what has to take place
this last chapter has to end.
my heart yearns for more chapters
but I realize another book will have to do.
By Soni

As you all know, I am seperated from my husband. I thought we could work it out one more time but he showed me Saturday night that he is still not willing to change his old bad habits. So, I must move on with my life and focus on just my kids and myself.

Here's to me and my new life.

February 19th

2006-02-19T13:17:00.000-08:00

My Week to Shine

Ok..I was asked by several people where my week to shine was. So without taking pictures of myself I thought I would take pictures that tell a bit about me and what I believe.

The flag and my country are an important part of my family life. I believe in standing by my country through thick and thin. I believe our country is going down hill because folks aren't loyal like they used to be. They get disappointed in the government and give up on them. We can't do that! It's like family..we have to stand by our family no matter what. We has a country need to grow together and as I see today our country is so seperated. I am raising my kids to respect our people of power and the flag on which it was based on.

From the book "Our Flag" published in 1989 by the House of Representatives...
"The colors of the pales (the vertical stripes) are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & valour, and Blue, the color of the Chief (the broad band above the stripes) signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice."

Also this from a book about the flag published in 1977 by the House of Representatives...
"The star is a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun."

February 18th

2006-02-18T11:27:00.000-08:00

My daughter loves bubble baths. She could sit in the tub all day if she could. She should have been a fish.

February 17th

2006-02-17T18:45:00.000-08:00

I love dance. It is addicting and almost as bad as a drug for me. This is Chandraya's hip hop class. She is the one in red with a skirt..well, the little one. Her dance teacher, Jessica in the grey shirt in front. She rocks! I love watching what she comes up with for each dance. She is somewhat new to the teaching world and is quite impressive. I am sure the judges don't know how to take her stuff. She has a style like no other. My daughter and I both just love her. She has such a sweet personality and adores the kids.

February 16th

2006-02-16T19:56:00.000-08:00

The things I love the most. mmm..mountain dew totally rocks!
Zachary marshmallow eggs rock even more and are only sold during Easter. So hell with waiting a till Easter..I buy a bunch before hand and gobble up. they are only a $1.00 so that makes eating them that much better. yummy.. oh and kitkats. another good snack.

February 15th

2006-02-15T19:51:00.000-08:00

This was my idea for the heart challenge. I am so bummed I didn't have time to take it yesterday. I barely had anytime on the computer. Oh well. Good luck everyone who did enter.

February 14th

2006-02-14T20:28:00.000-08:00

I love the fact that my son wants to help me with my business.

Had a wedding today and took this picture of my son taking pictures of them..I am so proud of him. The guy gave him a good tip for helping out. The are a beautiful couple and were awesome to work with.

Zachery enjoyed the time he spent while taking pictures. He said, "mom, that was actually fun." LOL good to see he can make money and have fun at the same time.

February 13th

2006-02-13T20:01:00.000-08:00

This weeks theme: LOVE

All for one and one for all!

This shot was suggested by my best online buddy, Mike Fairbanks. Thanks! (hug) I couldn't find a good light to put under the hands but figured this will do for now considering my oldest is sick with a fever.

My kids mean the world to me. I will not anyone take them from me or tear down that bond we share with one another. Love you all!!!

February 12th

2006-02-12T16:28:00.000-08:00

My son and I have been competing on his little gameboy thingy with Pac Man. Hehehe..I have the high score now though. muhahahaaa

Zachery, I am very proud of you for who you are and what you are becoming. You are reashing a point in your life where manhood is just around the corner and it makes me sad to see my last boy growing up. You are so special to me and I pray everyday for your body to heal. God is giving us strength through this hard time and we will beat it. You have such a strong will that you will go very far in life. And your determination will lead you through life with ease I hope. We will have fun the next few months working and learning together as we reach that goal we have set. Thanks for being there for me and thanks for being an incredible brother to your siblings. Let's go play pool!

February 11th

2006-02-11T21:27:00.000-08:00

The bond between me and my kids is very strong. I will not let anyone tear it down. We will stay strong as a family, I will see to it.

One of my favorite things about Zachery:
I can still kick his butt when playing mercy..hehehe..say "uncle" buddy!

February 10th

2006-02-10T20:38:00.000-08:00

My son reading..something he loves to do.

I am pulling Zachery out of school. He is getting behind in school because of all the doctors appointments. The teachers punish him for being late on things when they know we are out of town trying to get his body fixed. Makes me so mad that they do that..they don't get stuff ready for him when they know we are leaving so he can do it during our trip to where ever. So homeschooling another. sigh..

One of my favorite things about Zachery:
He respects what I have to say and does it. He may not like what I say but he doesn't complain.

February 9th

2006-02-09T22:19:00.000-08:00

Did a bit of CS2 editing here..there are about 6 layers in this shot. Definitly not DPC legal.

One of my favorite things about Zachery:
When he was 3 and 4 years old he would tell people he was batman and he always wore his cape almost as if it made him feel bigger or look bigger. He was very proud and strong and the kids in the neighborhood respected him. Of course to me he was the cutest batman around. Even though he is small for his age, he stands up for himself and doesn't allow anyone to step all over him. He still wears that cape it's just invisible now.

February 8th

2006-02-08T19:10:00.000-08:00

We had a beautiful sunset..I just had to run out and take a few pictures of Zachery out of town walking the railroad tracks.

One of my favorite things about Zachery:
Even though he has Crohns disease he remains strong and happy. He is always hoping for the best with strong faith that he will over come his downfalls. Keep it up, Zachery..that is what makes you so special.

February 7th

2006-02-07T19:35:00.000-08:00

Zachery's Week to Shine!

My youngest son, Zachery just turned 15 in December. He is doing what he loves in this picture. Playing on the computer. He really wants to get into game and computer designs when he gets older. He is making skins and graphics now and learning the html codes. He spends most his free time on there. I am going to let him do it since it is a carreer choice.

Zachery has a disease that was diagnosed abouto 4 years ago. Crohns disease is tough on the kids. Stunts their growth because of lack of nutrition. He is just a little guy of 5'4" tall, but a personality like a 6 footer. He also had arthritas, and fistulas that go along with the disease which prevents him from doing anything that requires a lot of physical activity. We recently seen a new doctor that we hope will help him more and get his body back in order. Lots of meds and doctor apointments in the mean time.

One of my favorite things about Zachery:
Zachery is very good with the girls. He keeps them in line when I am busy with stuff. He is like a second dad to them. Doesn't allow them to get away with anything. LOL Good babysitter!

February 6th

2006-02-06T21:08:00.000-08:00

Moo and me! She is so fun because she loves to be stylish like me.
Thanks Chandraya for being such a great daughter and being you! You rock mommy's world!

February 5th

2006-02-05T20:38:00.000-08:00

Chandraya gets an extra 2 days. I was to tired to take pictures with her tonight after the long trip home so I will do that tomorrow. This is her with her two metals. High Gold and Silver. Woot!

One of my favorite things about Chandraya:
She takes critisism so well for her age. She doesn't cry when someone tells her she goofed up on something. She tries to fix whatever it is she needs to fix. She fell yesterday while performing her solo but you couldn't tell if you were watching it and didn't know the routine. She made it look good and still had a smile on her face. Mommy is so proud of you for staying positive and doing your best!

A collage from I made up from Saturdays performance.

February 4th

2006-02-04T13:05:00.000-08:00

This is Chandraya, Ashley and Donna their dance teacher. She rocks! This was taken right before they performed their duo to the "Puppy Song". They took Silver for their award. It was so cute to watch them on stage. Way to go, Girls!

Chandraya also performed her solo and took High Gold for her award. Wooohooo! Mommy is so proud of you!

Will make a collage when I get home.

February 3rd

2006-02-03T21:14:00.000-08:00

Chandraya jazzed because she can swim...LOL

One of my favorite things about Chandraya:
She is not afraid to be herself. She dresses the way SHE wants to dress and doesn't care what others think about her. "Dare to be Different"

February 2nd

2006-02-02T20:36:00.000-08:00

Chandraya learned how to swim on her back today. Woohooo..go, MOo!
This is her coming back to the room from swimming. She is tired and ready for bed.

One of my favorite things about Chandraya:
She is very caring with her brothers and sister. She puts up with a lot of Lila Mae's selfishness. She is patient with her most the time. She loves hanging with her brothers and always laughs at all the funny things they do. She really looks up to them.

February 1st

2006-02-01T14:19:00.000-08:00

Chandraya and her new sunglasses..she is so into fashion right now and has to have all the latest stuff. She is going to be an expensive wife..LOL..

One of my favorite things about Chandraya:
She learns very quickly when I tell her something. She went through a stage of lieing and I told her that she would get in less trouble if she tells me the truth so these past months she has been being very honest with me when she does something wrong or breaks something. She know nows that it is always best to talk with mom before sneaking around. Thank you, Moo!