Anniversary date nights...

We were so excited to be turning TWO, it took us three days [or evenings] to celebrate...

Our actual anniversary night (3/20) fell on a Tuesday and just so happened to be the night before a review. {review meaning 'final project presentation' for Jeremy & his class partners} ... Definitely one of those supper-come-to-campus kind of nights... :)

Tues: actual anniversary supper on campus

Jeremy and said partners spent the rest of the night finishing up this masterpiece. [rough pic, but hopefully you get the idea:]

(google image search of the CGCA)

After catching up on sleep, we continued our celebrating later in the week...

Thurs: carrabba's [gift card] datenight :)

Fri: art museum datenight

We were hoping to visit this 'primative hut' - it acts as a giant pinhole camera -with a hole in the top to let in light and apparently it reflects the clouds and treescape back down into the hut [onto the viewers]. Unfortunately it closes daily at 5pm. Soon we will experience this very cool contraption!

being silly. capturing our favorite views:)

his fave <3

playing with reflections

more reflecting

& more... (the ceiling in the entryway/exit)

Sweet moments for sure. Love exploring and doing life with this guy.
Thanks for stopping by! ;)
♥

Precedents in Photography study - photographer Matt Stuart

I'm copying this idea from my architecture-grad-student husband who has been using a book called Precedents in Architecture. He was actually advised by one of it's authors to keep studying architects' work [in addition to the assigned work] in order to further grow in knowledge and understanding.

I thought I'd really love to apply this same sort of precedent-study to the field of photography.

So here you have it... Using this book Photography in 100 Words, I'll be delving into one photographer's work at a time, grabbing some favorites, and maybe even trying to mimic the artist's style and photographic motivation throughout the week. 

One of the first photographers that caught my attention is Matt Stuart, a street photographer from north-west London.

His work is spontaneous, clever and quite humorous.

I love the idea of looking out for photo-opps like these while I'm out & about around town. ♥♥

first day of school...

Today was my first day back in the real world of the public school system... And despite all my fears and doubts and worries, I absolutely loved it. There's no doubt in this heart of mine that God made me with a sweet spot for little ones. But that's not to say it hasn't been hard to embrace over the years. Public school and I have battled it out once before. And I have no shame in saying I lost. Big time. But this time I'm older, wiser, and more equipped than I was before. :) Aaaand, to make matters even better, this time around I'm an assistant. :)

Today I was with the three-year-old autistic students. [Think of your favorite three year old with less verbiage and more sensory-overload.] Precious. Precious. Precious. I'm not sure if my assignment in this room will last beyond the week, but I'm going to soak up every minute I get with these little treasures.

♥♥

oreo brownies... a very good idea.

Three ingredients:
brownie mix, oreos, & butter cream frosting



Simple directions:

Put 12-15 Oreos in a zip-lock baggie.
(I used 12, but next time I'll use a few more.)

Use a rolling pin to crush cookies
-not completely- just enough.

Set aside and make the batter as directed.

Stir in crushed Oreos.

The hardest part for me was letting the brownies mostly cool before frosting.

After adding icing, add a layer of chopped cookie chunks (about 12 more Oreos).

If you like brownies and oreos -or chocolate in general- you're likely to absolutely love this. (I suggest making them for company. I'm quite sure I could've eaten the whole pan myself.)

And just in case you're a make-it-from-scratch kind of baker... This was my source inspiration: My Baking Addiction. She even tells how to make your own Butter Cream. Mmmm.

Enjoy! ♥

Fischer is five...

A few favorite pics from our grad-school-friend's son's birthday party... :)

Is he cute or what!?
♥


(also posted here:)

Sister talent show and other visit home pics...

Pics from my quick-trip home last weekend...

So great getting to see Kayla in her school talent show...

singing Hoedown Throwdown by Miley Cyrus:)

favorite phone-pics from the 48-hour trip home (via picnik)...

♥

Jeremy's Birthday...

It's already been two weeks(!!) since we celebrated Jeremy's birthday [[so I'm back-dating this to his day (3/3)]]. It was sweet having Mom & Pop in town to help celebrate. They were good sports, constantly letting me take [and post] their picture, taking us out to eat, etc... :)

Good times.
So thankful! ♥