Monthly Archives: November 2008

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mnm- phrase origins

November 24, 2008 – 6:00 am

We didn’t have any entrants for last week’s mnm contest, so we’ll do the same contest again this week!

Doing something different this week. We’re going to explore the origins of common phrases. I’ll list the phrase and you tell me the meaning and origin. I’ll start with an example to help in case there’s any confusion.

Example: “Fly off the handle”

Meaning: Lose self-control

Origin: This is an American phrase (you don’t really need to tell me this part, but I thought it was interesting to include:) and it alludes to the uncontrolled way a loose axe-head flies off from its handle.

Here are the real ones:

1) Fair and square

2) Run of the mill

3) Red letter day

4) The full monty

Rules: Deadline- monday at midnight. How to play- guess the meaning and origin. Who wins- you get one point for each answer you get right and the person with the most points wins. How to submit answers- email them to amandalynnphoto@yahoo.com. Limitations- no internet for research but beyond that, it’s fair game. Prize- I will image one of your photos.

By amandaLynn | Posted in contest | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

{the mulhall family} – fort worth family/child photographer

November 23, 2008 – 11:58 pm

Say hello to the mulhall family! We met Laurie and Brian in our childbirth class. They’re little one was born a month after Hudson. They live pretty close to us and we clicked as a couple, so friends we’ve become. 

I asked them to have a seat on the ground to see how they’d naturally pose themselves. This is how they sat down- I didn’t have to change a thing! 

I’m not sure why but I think one might be my favorite (or the next one… it’s a toss up).

As a plug, Brian and Laurie own Active Spine and Sport Therapy off University (by Panera). If you’re looking for someone to help you with a sports injury or musculoskeletal (wow. long word) aches and pains, give him a call. 

He’s pretty handsome. Hudson’s got some competition:)

I love these both. So sweet.

I had to include the “blooper” shot.

By amandaLynn | Posted in uncategorized | Tagged , , | Comments (2)

{the miller family} – fort worth child/family photographer

November 22, 2008 – 1:53 pm

I photographed the Miller family one afternoon this week. I usually prefer to photograph young children in the morning as they’re usually at their prime, but it just didn’t work out this time for that. The littlest was a little tired and wanted to go play rather than sit still (who doesn’t, right?). But  in spite of that, I thought we got some great ones of everyone!

As a random side note, the dad (Darren) is my insurance agent (Darren Miller State Farm). We’ve been with them for almost four years now and we’ve had a very positive experience. We’ve experienced one hit and run and one tree falling on our lines knocking out our electricity and they’ve been more than fabulous to work with through both of those experiences. His number’s 817.292.9119 if you are in need of an insurance agent:)

 

By amandaLynn | Posted in children, family, shameless plugs | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (3)

This week’s mnm winner

November 19, 2008 – 8:12 pm

Rachel L was this week’s winner and here’s her adorable little daughter. She’s getting better and better on her photography skills and making my photoshop skills look alittle less exciting. :) Good job Rachel!

By amandaLynn | Posted in contest | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

mnm weekly contest is back

November 17, 2008 – 6:00 am

Sorry for forgetting last week about the contest. My brain checked out last Monday apparently. So, it’s back – movie quotes. 

1)   Man #1: Janine, any calls?

Woman #1: No.

Man #1: Any messages?

Woman #1: No.

Man #1: Any customers?

Woman #1: No, Dr. Venkman.

Man #1: Good job, isn’t it.

2) Show me the money!

3) [S]hould you, or any member of your I.M. force, be caught, or killed, the secretary will disavow all knowledge of your actions. This tape will self-destruct in five seconds.

4) Man #1: Inconceivable.

Man #2: You keep using that word. I do not think it means, what you think it means.

5) No one’s really gonna to be free until nerd persecution ends.

 

Rules: Deadline- monday at midnight. How to play- guess what movie the quote is in and who said it. Who wins- you get one point for each answer you get right and the person with the most points wins. How to submit answers- email them to amandalynnphoto@yahoo.com. Limitations- no internet for research but beyond that, it’s fair game. Prize- I will image one of your photos. I think that about covers it. Let the games begin:)

By amandaLynn | Posted in contest | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

{the lofton family} – fort worth child/family photographer

November 11, 2008 – 10:34 pm

The lofton family was so wonderful to work with. Grace Anne coordinated their outfits perfectly and everyone did so well- even the baby did amazing in spite of the cold Saturday morning weather.  I’ve got to work on narrowing down my favorites- but until then, here are a few of my favorite from the Lofton’s session.

Storytime. I experienced a first Saturday morning. I had this fabulous location I was planning on shooting at with the Loftons. I’ve shot there a few times with others not too long ago, so I didn’t think I needed to drop by the day before to make sure everything was still good to go. Mistake. I showed up for the shoot and the entire perimeter was fenced off! One of those fences that screams “keep out/no tresspassing!”The thought crossed my mind “maybe there’s a hole somewhere we could sneek through” when I realized what a TERRIBLE idea that is! It turned out fabulous as I got to shoot at a few new spots, but lesson learned. Always double check the location before a shoot:)

I love my new chair!

I love these “laughing” moments. They are often some of my favorites as it captures the subjects’ true selfs (selves?).

I think I overshot Grace Anne with her baby. They were so sweet though & so many good ones! I definitely shorted poor Will though on pictures with his daughter… 

This brick couldn’t have been more perfect with what they were wearing.

mom and dad always need at least a couple just the two of them, right?

And on this one… okay, so I saw this done in some photography magazine or something and I thought it looked so cool- I mean not something you’d hang huge on your wall, but, you know, maybe a 4×6 stuck away in some photo album, right? I tried to replicate and I’m not sure if I was successful. I was showing Deanna and she admitted she just doesn’t get it- which makes me think I failed to achieve my goal. It’s the shadows of Will and Grace Anne kissing. I guess I’ll see if I’m successful by Grace Anne’s response- “oh, cool!” is good. “hmmmm… interesting” is not so good:)

By amandaLynn | Posted in family | Tagged , , , | Comments (4)

vaccines

November 11, 2008 – 6:08 pm

You’ve heard it said the two topics you don’t discuss are religion and politics. I’d almost stick “vaccinating your child” on that list. As I’ve been having to research this topic for Hudson, I’ve noticed this topic seems to be a touchy one as people often have strong opinions either way. I talked with Hudson’s pediatrician about it and (after trying to dissuade me from considering an alternative vaccination schedule:) he recommended I read Dr. Sears “The Vaccine Book”. 

To vaccinate or not to vaccinate- that is the question. Or so I thought. Now I realize there is a middle ground between vaccinating all or none. This book is the most balanced and least hysterical book I’ve read on the subject. He even provides you with an alternative schedule if you want a middle ground. 

Dr. Bob lists each disease and the vaccines available for that disease. He talks about the disease: what it is, why it is and isn’t a concern, if it even occurs nowadays, etc. He also talks about the vaccines: ingredients, why those ingredients are of concern, the effects of those ingredients on our kiddos, etc. He also talks about things you can do to help prevent your kiddo from getting those diseases in the first place (ie: breastfeeding, not doing daycare, etc.).

If you’re currently trying to make this all too difficult decision, I definitely recommend this book.

By amandaLynn | Posted in mommy resources | Tagged , , , | Comments (2)

mnm

November 11, 2008 – 12:10 am

I forgot this week’s mnm contest! Oh, where has my mind gone? It’s run away from me and I’m trying to catch it. Thanks Deanna for the reminder! I’ll get back on track next week.

By amandaLynn | Posted in contest | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

this week’s mnm winner

November 8, 2008 – 10:25 pm

Deanna F was this week’s winner. Here’s her before and after!

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diaper comparison

November 8, 2008 – 2:09 pm

I decided this week to see what the price differences were between walmart and target’s (pampers & huggies) diapers. I was shocked to find there is not much of a difference. On some, walmart is pennies less (total not per diaper) and often target has a better per diaper cost. The benefit of purchasing them at target is that target offers coupons and sales. Now, I know I’m not a baby cheapskate blog, but my friend, after looking at my findings said I should post as there are other moms out there that might find it helpful. 

Click diaperchart below. Keep in mind, there are gaps in my research and prices may change.

diaperchart

PS this is done on a mac computer so if you have issues opening the file, that might be why.

By amandaLynn | Posted in mommy resources | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (1)