Shutterbug Mama

Love Thursday--Daddy's Little Girl

Published by Sarah-Ji on Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 12:50.

This one's from the archives way back in the beginning of January, but I've been wanting to use this photo for a Love Thursday, and Karen's post gave me the perfect opportunity.

Check out Shutter Sisters for some more Love.

Labels: family, love.thursday, photos, shutter.sisters

Ok. I'm Kinda Done with the Snow. Can We Move On Please?

Published by Sarah-Ji on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 19:13.

I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but it snowed again last night. Big huge flakes like they were making shaved ice desserts in heaven. That or the elves were pelting us mortals with elvish sized snowballs.

That's right, Cadence. You tell whoever's making that snow to just cut it out already! Oh, wait. You're trying to catch snowflakes in your mouth. Never mind...

Well, what are ya gonna do. Like father, like daughter, I guess.

Seriously, though, I am getting majorly tired of having to wear snow goggles on my walks to and from the train station.

Labels: family, photos, the.longest.winter.ever

Back Into the Swing of Things

Published by Sarah-Ji on at 12:33.

As you can see from this photo, our family is back to its late-night, partying-til-you-turn-into-a-pumpkin ways. Ted played a show Friday night, and we kept Cadence up until she lost her shoe, just like Cinderella.

My friends Ryan and Jan Hammer opened up with a very special Mystery/Shaddow Puppet version of Tales From Tuckaway. It was a loopty-looper visual and auditory treat. There were a lot of jaws on the floor once it was over.

I was also excited to see Ribbons of Song perform, and geewillickerswhizzo I was not disappointed. Ben, the frontman, accompanied by friends Pete (fellow Ben and Bruno-er) and Erica (of Anathallo) made music that made your heart want to explode onto canvas. And the fog machine? Totally rad. Especially in a church.

I hear Tim and the Boys and Gals played a good show too, but since Ted had to drum for that one, I spent most of their set chasing Cadence up and down the halls. Oh well. If all goes as planned, we'll be making a family road trip out of the upcoming Tim Lowly tour this summer. I just have to figure out just how much suffering and mayhem I'm willing to take.

Labels: live.music, ribbons.of.song, tim.lowly.ensemble

Best Shot(s) Monday--Reunited

Published by Sarah-Ji on Monday, February 25, 2008 at 12:51.

One of the downsides of being sick for Cadence has been missing out on seeing her friends. She was so happy to be able to go to church yesterday where she was reunited with her buddy Rudden.

Here was the "conversation" I observed between them as they held hands walking to the nursery together:

Cadence: I love you, Rudden.
Rudden (singing): So we sailed up to the sun
Cadence (with her hand on his arm for emphasis): I love you, Rudden.
Rudden (singing): Till we found the sea of green
Cadence (unwavering): I love you.
Rudden (happy-go-lucky): And we lived beneath the waves
Me (interceding on Cadence's behalf): Rudden, Cadence is saying she loves you.
Rudden (carefree as ever): In our yellow submarine.

Ah, to be 3-and-a-half and have a hand to hold...

And here they are passing notes during Communion. These two are inseparable. Makes going home a physical challenge for both families. Hopefully, we're done with being sick so that these two can spend more time together, especially with the weather warming up (knocking on wood...) soon.

Go see more folk's Best Shot's on Tracey' Mother May I.

Labels: best.shots.monday, cadence, friends

To A Kick-Ass Kimchi Mama in the Twin Cities Area

Published by Sarah-Ji on Monday, February 18, 2008 at 00:55.

I know that these have not been the best of times for you, and for all that you're going through, I am truly sorry. You've been on my mind a lot lately, although I've lacked the words to express my thoughts.

I have so much respect for you--the compassionate way you parent, the intelligence and wit you exhibit in your writings, the sweet, encouraging comments you leave for your many friends, the strength and courage you've shown by choosing a new life for you and your daughter. You are someone I would be proud to call my friend and uhnni.

I believe that you will overcome the adversities that life throws your way, but if you ever feel small and forlorn, know this--you are NOT alone. We've got your back. You know who we are.

Those two words pretty much sum it up. You Rock, Mama Nabi, and don't you forget it.

Labels: collaborative.blogpost, friends.who.rock

Sick Central

Published by Sarah-Ji on Sunday, February 17, 2008 at 20:34.

It's been flu central here in our household. Ted got us started last week. I thought I had a mild form at the same time, but apparently I was mistaken, as the full-blown version hit me a few days ago, and it's pretty much been non-stop misery every since. I was hoping Cadence could avoid the whole ordeal, but she came down w/ a high fever last night, and has been sleeping on and off all day today. We've resorted to feeding her all-natural frozen juice bars to keep her from dehydrating. If the fever doesn't break by morning, I'm afraid I'll have to take her to the doctor, and lord knows what other bugs we'll pick up while there.

My mom came over on Saturday while Ted was at work to play with Cadence and to make us some chicken soup. Apparently, she picked up the bug earlier this week when she was over here on Wednesday, and she woke up this morning pretty sick. I feel bad that we got her sick, but SHE feels bad that she can't take care of us while we're sick.

The flu outbreak in our area is out of control. Take care of yourselves out there...

Labels: sick.cadence, sick.moi

Love Thursday--Happy Valentine's Day!

Published by Sarah-Ji on Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 00:28.

As some of you may know (and may be experiencing firsthand), the Midwest has been seeing lots of snow and frigid temperatures for what seems like FOREVER, and we still have over a month of winter left to go. I did find this little Love Note from Mother Nature herself when I got behind the wheel Sunday morning, and it put a little smile on my face, despite the fact that it was -20F with the windchill.

Happy Valentine's Day, everybody! Spread some love, y'all. Check out other folks' Love Thursday posts on Shutter Sisters.

Labels: love.thursday

Valentine's Day Tea Party

Published by Sarah-Ji on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 20:56.

Cadence and I went to a Valentine's Day Tea Party at her buddy Ada Grey's (and my friends Jenn and John's) place. These folks know how to throw a party, and I knew we'd have a great time. As you can see from this photo, we were not disappointed.

My photos can't do justice to the yumminess that was spread out before us. You'll just have to trust me on that one.

I can't say that we actually got around to sitting and eating our goodies and sipping tea. Nevertheless, we all had fun. And Ada got to wear these nifty shoes!

Labels: cadence, friends

Best Shot(s) Monday--My Brown Eyed Girl

Published by Sarah-Ji on Monday, February 11, 2008 at 13:17.

I recently purchased the SB-600 speedlight for a little more versatility in flash photography. One of my favorite features so far is the ability to bounch the light on the wall BEHIND me. I usually hate the way flash is reflected in the eyes of the subject as little white dots, but I think bouncing the flash backwards makes the catchlight in Cadence's eyes almost natural.

Still, nothing beats natural light in my book.

Go see more folk's Best Shot's on Tracey' Mother May I.

Labels: best.shots.monday, cadence, photography

Love Thursday--A New Family

Published by Sarah-Ji on Thursday, February 07, 2008 at 06:59.

This photo was taken at Ted's cousin Vikki's wedding rehearsal dinner. It's the heart locket presented to Vikki's daughter Mackenzie by Vikki and her now-husband Mike.

I remember the first time we met Mike. Vikki brought him to our monthly gathering at Ted's Grandma Sophie's house. He was shy and quiet, but so sweet that I hoped back then that someday he and Vikki would get married. Over the months, I saw how good he was to Mackenzie, and how she delighted in having a father figure in her life. After he and Vikki got engaged, Kenzie started calling him "Soon-To-Be-Daddy" because I'm sure she couldn't wait for the day when she could really call him "Daddy."

I am as happy for Mackenzie as I am for Vikki and Mike that they have formed this new family together. They are such a sweet bunch!

Check out the love on Love Thursday at Shutter Sisters.

Labels: family, love.thursday, photos, shutter.sisters

Wedding Bells

Published by Sarah-Ji on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 at 17:19.

Ah, yes...The bride and groom. They both look lovely, eh? Vikki is Ted's cousin, and we happen to be pretty fond of her so we were thrilled that she found a great guy like Mike. He's got quite the romantic streak that is already becoming legendary in this family.

I took a ton of photos, which can be seen in my Wedding Flickr account if y'all are into wedding photos. As you can see, Cadence had a blast. She tore up that dance floor like you would not believe. For Three. Straight. Hours.

I did post some of my favorite photos from the wedding on my personal Flickr. This is a slideshow so I don't have to post a 2-mile long post to share these with you.

I'm currently at the Metra station. My shuttle bus missed the train, so I thought I'd do a little post (thank you, LF Public Library). It's been nonstop party in our household since Friday night, and it ain't over yet. Ted's sister Lauren has been staying with us since Saturday night, and the Sibs are going out again tonight. There is a snowstorm headed our way I hear. Thank goodness I'm back to my old schedule of working from home on Wednesdays...

That's the short and sweet scoop around here. Keep warm and safe, y'all.

Labels: family, photography, wedding.photography, weddings

My First Post on Shutter Sisters!

Published by Sarah-Ji on Sunday, February 03, 2008 at 01:44.

Hey, y'all! My first post on Shutter Sisters is up! I'll be posting the first Sunday of every month, so check it out!

In other news, it's been super busy around here (when is it not??). Ted's cousin Vikki got married yesterday, and she and her now-husband Mike had asked me to be the 2nd photographer. That means I'll be post-processing like mad tomorrow. Plus our upstairs neighbor accidentally left her water running in her kitchen and fell asleep Tuesday night, and now we've got some nasty water damage. We've been running a dehumidifier 24 hours/day since Friday afternoon, and I think the dryness in our place has contributed to Cadence now getting sick. Grrrr...Anyhoo, more later.

Labels: photography, shutter.sisters