Sorry about the title. Pop songs playing on Nick. Munchkin’s still up. Really…uhhhhh…OK fine. Even if she wasn’t up I would still probably be watching it. Why do these kids channels suck you in? You want to turn it off, but for some reason you just can’t. You don’t want to bob your head to the beat, but you find that it has a mind of it’s own when the drums thump. Should I know the words to the songs? NO. Do I? Well…since I’m being open, I must say that I do know a few of them. Her Dad has a few on his computer. If you ask him, he’ll probably tell you that they are for Munchkin to listen to, but I can definitely say that I have heard them eminating from the office when she wasn’t home. They’re catchy. And some of the shows actually have a good message to them.

But I digress from my original reason for posting today. I have wonderful news for those of you with mobile devices such as iPhone, iPod touch, Android, Opera Mini, Palm Pre and BlackBerry Storm. The blog is now transformed into a more compatible format for these types of devices. You still have the option to view the website as normal (you can turn mobile on and off in the footer of the site). You can see all the pictures in the blog posts and also leave comments while in mobile view. Bookmark it today!

Finally, and update on the first week of school. 2nd grade seems to be Munchkin’s cup ‘o tea so far. She’s been doing all her homework as soon as she gets home – including reading for 20 minutes. She also finishes up her chores and then settles down to whatever she fancies (coloring, a snack, reading, playing cards, DS, Wii, trampoline, playing with the pups – you get it). She had great behavior all week! Now on to another great week! I hope everyone else had a great first week.

I can’t believe that there are only 2 days left before school starts back up. I took Munchkin to meet her teacher last night. I think she likes her from the first impression. We’ll see how it goes as the year progresses (like when there’s actual homework assigned). I know that we should start working on picking out a first day outfit. There is definitely going to be some back and forth and compromise. If today was any precurser, then it should be an intresting morning come Monday. Today we were going to a movie and lunch. Munchkin came out in a t-shirt and jeans about an inch to an inch and a half too short and shoes that should have been worn with socks, but no socks present. We spent 15 minutes discussing how the pants were too short and either 1) needed to be thrown away, or 2) needed to be turned into capri’s or shorts. For some unknown reason the girl won’t wear shorts. She’s a skirt and jeans kinda girl. Eventually we found some capris and flip flops and headed out.

Can I just say that I like Nanny McPhee. I liked the first movie and I like the second movie. I thought that the first movie was a smidge better than the second, but still enjoyable. I also like the fact that Emma Thompson was the writer for both films. Nothing like a writer to play their own character. No spoilers here, just if you liked the first one, then you will probably enjoy the second, so go see it.

Now it’s time to just relax for tonight. Tomorrow is full of a baby shower for a friend’s daughter. (Picture opportunities). And work on Sunday and then the nightly struggle of getting back on schedule for school. Then the big day Monday! If I don’t see you until then, everyone have a super weekend.

Today is World Photography Day. So many times we take photographs for granted. We don’t take the time to appreciate them enough. How many times have you made an excuse not to get your photo taken? What was that excuse?

• I’m having a bad hair day
• I need to lose these last 10 pounds
• I need to get my teeth whitened
• My hairdresser didn’t have an opening
• Portraits are soooooo expensive
• Pictures just aren’t in our budget
• We always get the school photos
• My family never cooperates
• We’re not photogenic
• We don’t have time

I’m sure we’ve all used one of these or another one sometime during our lives.

Should we really be making these excuses? What should photographs be? They should be a means to capture the moment. Once in a Lifetime moments that we can only relive in our memories. Precious moments that should and can be shared only by stories and pictures. They shouldn’t be cookie-cutter portraits that look cold. They should reflect our inner beauty, our essence, our personalities. They evoke emotions when viewed or shared. A picture should be worth a thousand words. Remember how special a photograph should be. You never know the importance of ANY photograph being taken.

Deb Schwedhelm had a great post Is There a Perfect Time with some beautiful photos. I encourage you to stop by and read the entry and really think about photos and what they mean.

Happy World Photography Day!

As always, comments are welcome.

It’s been a busy summer. Now it’s back to school and getting back into the groove of having a schedule. Munchkin spent time on the ranch with her horse and her Paw-Paw. Now we’ve got to get bedtime back into the flow with only a week to go. Work has been busy, and life has been busy.

We want to give a little back. We’re wanting to give someone their Time to Shine. Do you have that someone who is always there for you? A person who gives more than they take? Someone who is the true definition of a humanitarian? Someone who you admire for their strength to overcome adversity? Is there someone who’s story you would like to share with others while giving them a great gift of capturing their moment?

If you answered yes to any of the above, then you need to consider nominating that person for our Time to Shine contest. Nominations will be accepted from August 15th-September 25th. Nominations will be reviewed by a panel and one nominee will be selected to receive a free photosession and free basic print package. Details of the contest and ways to nominate can be found HERE. Please be sure to read thoroughly as there is a time-frame in which the session must be completed.

I hope everyone has had a great summer! Welcome back to school!!!!