The Wedding Dress

A few nights ago I went on a walk around our neighborhood and ran into some neighbors cleaning out their garage.  They informed me that they were getting rid of a ton of stuff and giving it to the D.I.  I learned they were getting rid of a complete wedding dress that was an ex's.  I decided to ask if they would be comfortable if I took it for a dress up for my little Rubes.  They didn't seem to mind so I loaded the empty side of my double jogging stroller with a puffy sleeved wedding dress with train, veil, white pumps, a fake bouquet, and even the garter (threw that away).  I knew Ruby would go nuts and thought it would be a fun addition to her dre

ss up box.  I mean, what little girl wouldn't love an actual wedding dress?   I wasn't wrong.  She thought it was the greatest gift ever.  The next morning guess what she was wearing while waiting at the counter for breakfast?  Yep!  I don't know how many times I've told her to take off her wedding dress in the last few days.  I imagine this dress will keep her plenty occupied during the summer.   Who knew I would have such a girly-girl?  

HOORAY! My camera's going to be o.k.!

So I got the word on my camera and I thought I'd pass it along.  The body itself is o.k. which is a huge relief.  My new lens has some damage done which will cost me $200 to repair.  Fortunately I'm loaded so that shouldn't be a problem.  It's kind of  funny because this lens is usually around $1200, I looked around and found a used one in great condition for $800.  Took the risk and now I'll be paying closer to the new lens price just a few days later after receiving it.   It won't be ready for a few weeks and I actually bought the lens to have for a photo shoot I'm doing in California next week.  So I feel like I need to rent the same lens since I got it for this specific shoot anyway.  Oh well, life happens and it could be a lot worse.  I'm so glad the body of my camera is fine.  Thanks to those who care,  I think I'm going to be o.k. 

For those of you who have felt a void the last few weeks I am back and let the void be filled.

When Ruby turned six years old I had told her that I had gotten my ears pierced when I was six and she was free to do so if she'd like.  She decided that she wanted to wait until her seventh birthday and I was fine with that.  Her seventh birthday comes around and she decides she wasn't quite ready and that she wanted to wait until she was 7 1/2.  Well, two days ago she decided she was ready.  I don't know what sparked her interest but it was time.  Paul and the boys were going to a Father and Sons Outing so I figured it was a good time to spoil Ruby a bit. She was focused and became consumed with the fact that she was getting her ears pierced.  It was all she could talk about for the next day and she just knew that everyone at school would be on pins and needles until she came to school with her newly pierced ears.  

A little side note on Ruby is that once she decides something there is no turning back.  She becomes totally and completely focused and she won't stop until it's done.  That's how she was with this piercing.  I had no doubt she would follow through.

Once there, she sat in the chair focused with nothing else on her mind but getting through the pain.  Not a squeal, not a complaint but a small grimace.  She told me later that she almost cried but didn't want to in front of all the people at the mall.  It was a bit sad that my little girl is growing up but all worth it when I saw how excited she was after she got it done.  I'm so grateful I have a daughter to experience these things with.  And even more grateful that it's Ruby.  She is a dream as a daughter and has very few flaws (just like her dad).

A couple of weeks ago I finally ventured out to Scottsdale to see my parent's new home.  Of course it was beautiful and my mom has done a fabulous job making it hers.  After visiting with her we took off to head home and drove past this great train park (for all you locals I'm sure you know the park but I can't remember the name).   It was a relaxing afternoon with Charlie and Eli and I was in no hurry to get home.  I need to have more days like that with my kids.  I find that I love being a mom when I slow down.  It helped that I knew my house was clean and I had dinner already planned.

Gib's birthday is actually this coming Tuesday but we had a little party for him last weekend. His best buds from school came over (his cousins weren't able to but we'll have a late night with them in the future) and we went and saw Speed Racer at the theatre then came home and played for hours:  swimming, opening presents, basketball, building who knows what with wood and boogie boards, legos.  I think Gib had a great time and he deserves it.  He's such a good kid.  He wanted a big party like Ruby but his personality is a bit different in that he really just has his close friends whereas Ruby is friends with everybody.  
I don't think a kid could look cuter on a trampoline than my little Eli.  He hops around lifting his knees up as high as they will go.  Sometimes he does it with his hands in his pockets but not this time.  Just wanted to document how dang cute Eli is.  Gets it from his dad.

So, the last few days I have literally been waiting by my door for a new lens I ordered.  Finally, after missing the UPS guy for two days I got the long-awaited lens.  The next night (last night) Paul had some church work to do so I decided to take my kids to the Mesa Fine Arts Center for a photo shoot and a chance to learn my new lens.  Now, keep in mind, as I tell this story that this new lens was not cheap.  

Anywho, we arrive at said location and began shooting.  As I've said in previous posts, photo shoots don't go so well with my own kids.  I wasn't too up tight and figured I'd get a few pictures from it.  Not only did my kids not cooperate like others but most of my pictures turned out blurry.

If you don't believe me feel free to browse the following photos of failure....

Eli doing his own thing and paying no mind to the experienced photographer....
Once again, Eli doing whatever he darn well pleased....
The delayed jumper didn't make for the cute photo I had imagined...
O.k. so I get Eli to finally smile at the camera, the boys look pretty cute....did you notice Ruby?  She's working on a scab on her knee- not her finest moment... 

I actually kind of thought this one turned out pretty cute.  Not planning on making it into a canvas but I'll enlarge it...
And I liked this one - hands on head and all.  I have very few pictures of all four of my kids so I'll take it.

So, my story continues...

We're having a good time and the kids notice some steep stairs that lead to a cool place with water.  We start heading down there and I'm holding Eli as we're going down.  I have my rockin' camera and new lens hanging around my neck.  I'm thinking as I go down these steep stairs, if I trip Eli is more important than my camera and I will save him before my camera.  Just as I'm thinking this I feel my camera strap slide off my left shoulder and my camera goes crashing to the concrete ground (this is over $2000 of breakable equipment falling to the hard ground).  My stomach goes in knots and I check my camera hoping, praying it's still o.k.  The glass filter is cracked all the way down the middle but the lens appears o.k.  I check the camera, it still works as far as I can tell.  Cute Gib comes running up the stairs and is sincerely concerned.  He know how much I love my camera.  My hands were shaking.  Ruby asks if she can have cold cereal when we get home.  Basically, she could care less.

I'll take my camera to the shop tomorrow.... hopefully it's o.k.