Today's Economy and other updates

I'll be starting a new job on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Unfortunately (or fortunately?), I was part of the "poor economy" layoff at my last job. Of course, I'll miss my friends there, and there's the challenge of learning the applications and processes of a new company. But. At least, I have a job! All this negative "economy" talk I like to think of as just temporary.

Andrew passed his most recent taekwondo exam, and he is now a green belt! I'm very proud of him. He'll now be doing sparring and board breaking.

Alex's singing group will be putting on a Christmas performance tomorrow. They have a dress rehearsal today. I'm sure it'll be good.

We spent Thanksgiving with Michael's relatives. We'll probably spend Christmas Day at our house; I signed us up to help with Meals on Wheels that day. Then, we plan on going to Chicago the last week of December.

I'm also LATE :-o and have an EDD of Aug 11. This will be our last one!! =)

Yellow Belt!

From Andrew's taekwondo awards ceremony on Friday - getting his yellow belt!

Taekwondo and Caws Crunchy

Last Friday, my MIL came and took Alex and Andrew to school for Grandparent's Day, and after the events were over, she brought them back home. When I went home for lunch, she and the kids were there cleaning. She asked me where there was a place to get gas. I hadn't realized that a lot of the gas stations in the area were either out of gas or had long lines at the station. I called around and only found one that was 10 minutes away but was apparently backed up with cars down the street. I also needed gas because I had only 1/4 of a tank. I was able to make it back to work, and then I later picked up Lucas; I tried to see if there was gas at some other station - which there wasn't, and so I went back home, and picked up Alex, Andrew, and my MIL, and we headed to Andrew's Taekwondo studio (which is like 40+ mins away!) because he was testing for his yellow belt. ALL the gas stations we passed were out! By the time we got to the TKD class, I was on about an 1/8th of a tank. Michael met us there; he had a 1/2 tank so he was fine.

Anyway, the testing was for just the white/yellow belt group. The parents/families were allowed to sit in the room - there were 2 rows of chairs against one side of the room for us. The students sat on the floor around the perimeter of the room and went up in groups of 4 when they were called. There was a table at one end of the room where the instructors sat. When it was Andrew's group's turn, after they did their form, the main instructor said, "Andrew, are you nervous? You usually do that perfectly in class." LOL! Andrew just smiled, and he and this other girl had to do their form again. Andrew did it perfectly that time. But the girl had to do it again - twice I think? She looked like she was struggling. After that, then they had to face their partner which meant the girl who was struggling was Andrew's partner, and they had to do some technique which I've seen them do in class. This time each pair had a "referree" who was a brown belt watching over them. Andrew was really focused and knew what he was doing; can't really say the same for his partner who kept looking at the ref. Anyway, after the kids did that, then the instructor asked a couple of the students (not Andrew) a question, and that was it! The policy was that if the instructor did not call me by 10am yesterday (Monday), then that would mean Andrew passed. Since I did not hear from him, I assume Andrew PASSED!!! There's an Awards Ceremony on Friday, so I'll be sure to take pics. I really wish I had had a camcorder to videotape the testing. :(

So after the test, we decided to try going to some gas stations. We were in line for one (the line was long backed up onto the highway!) and then at one point, one of the employees came out and was like, "Folks! I only have 400gallons left, and it won't get to you all! I'm sorry!" So, we chanced it, and I actually made it home. Whew. We ordered pizza for dinner, and when the delivery guy came, Michael asked him if he knew of any places to get gas, and the guy mentioned a place along the highway. So around 10:00pm, Michael and I decided to go by there. My MIL spent the night so she was able to watch the kids. Anyway, there was a freakin long line down the highway for that gas station! But we did see that another gas station near us which was out earlier now had some, but there was a long line at the one, too. So we decided we'd wake up at 2:30AM. I mean, cause really, who's gonna be up at that time? So we went to bed, and woke up and left the house around 3AM. We decided to just go to this one station near our house, and would you believe it? There was actually a line in front of it! So, we just sat there, and while we waited, this one lady honked her horn coming down the road in the opposite direction saying that there was gas at some station about 5-10mins away and that there was no waiting there. So we decided to chance it. And amazingly, she was right! So we filled up Michael's truck. Then we headed back home, got my SUV and my MIL's car and went back to that station to fill up; by the time we got there, it was starting to get busy. Word of mouth probably spread. But thankfully, we were able to fill up.

Sunday, we had Andrew's first Cross Country meet of the season to go to. When I told Lucas where we were going, he kept referring to it as "Caws Crunchy". LOL!!! Anyway, we made the mistake of eating lunch right before the race, so when Andrew was done running, he threw up a lot. Poor dear. We know not to do that again!

Jumping on bubbles in the sky

Rays of Light

Playing around with a photoshop technique.

School has started!

Alex and Andrew started school a few weeks ago. Daily homework, exams and quizzes to study for, washing uniforms - it all starts over again. I love Fridays - no homework! This year, Alex will actually be getting graded with A's, B's etc. In K-2nd grade, they only have stuff like "E" for Excellent, "N" for Needs Improvement etc. So it should be interesting this year. So far, she's doing fine. She really doesn't like Science, so it's a little frustrating trying to help her study for an exam in that subject. I write up a lot of practice tests for the kids, which seems to help. Andrew joined the school's Cross Country team again. He's also still taking tae kwon do; he got his blue stripe on his white belt last week. Yay! In less than 2 weeks, his instructor said he'll be ready to test for his yellow belt. That's awesome. :) Alex is still doing her weekly singing lessons, which she LOVES. They practice being on stage, and at one point, during a session, her teacher said, "Alex! Stop wiggling so much!" One of the parents said to me she kinda liked the wiggling. Alex just has a tendency to move her hips a lot; if you can imagine a model going through various poses in front of a camera, that's what she does. :)

Lucas turned 3 last month. We didn't really do much, but he knew it was his birthday and kept telling us so. His latest phrase is "What s/he say?" If someone's talking to me or if he hears a line in a song, he'll say, "Mommy, what s/he say?" It's really cute. I need to get a more up-to-date camcorder so I can upload videos easily. Speaking of videos, my talented brother put together this video of visiting the Botanical Gardens with Katie in Chicago. It's beautiful, and it makes me feel relaxed. I don't know why he's not a famous movie director yet. Here's the video: http://www.vimeo.com/1398185

Tomorrow's Andrew's 7th birthday. All he wants to do is go to Chuck E Cheese's. So simple at this age. Of course, it has to be at the Chuck E Cheese that's 30mins instead of 5mins away from us!

I've started submitting some images to some stock photography sites. So far I have images on http://us.fotolia.com/. If you search for the following numbers, you'll see my images: 9018181 9018179 9150092 9233366

I recently bought a polarizer for my 17-40mm lens to use for landscapes and water reflections. I haven't been able to use it much yet, but here's a pic I took of Lucas with the polarizer on my lens. Remember when it was fun blowing bubbles in your drink? Good times...

Landscape pictures

We recently got our landscape taken care of. Pics can be seen here. http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AYsm7Zq5aN2TK

Fun with ceramics!

A couple of times before Alex and Andrew's singing and tae kwon do classes have started, we've gone to Third Coast Clay (http://www.thirdcoastclay.com/) to paint some pottery. It's located in the same building as their classes. It's pretty fun. Alex and Andrew usually finish before I do so they sometimes get antsy about waiting for me. Here's some stuff we've done.

Alex's:

Andrew's:

Mine:

Alex's 8th birthday party

Here are some pics of Alex's 8th birthday party at Nashville Shores. She invited family and a few friends, and we had lunch and cake and a good time. :)

5 Positive Things To Do Instead Of Complain

Someone forwarded this to me last week, and I love the message. The picture is just something I had created awhile ago, but it seems fitting. (Excerpt from _The No Complaining Rule_ (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001FZeRk9LbRXvAQyD50siZklztDuvbTf-SogCDuV0-khxJU2MwQwaRUe7cG4tZFG7T7_h6Stt-BLm4dr38ytNR1DdAmXhAzm0zo0p657VYGcf202QeyQByyrqhPtkAr1g8) , Wiley, June '08) 5 Positive Things To Do Instead Of Complain One of the key principles of The No Complaining Rule is that we have a choice of how we invest our energy at home and at work. We can focus on the negative or the positive. We can focus on problems or use problems to create solutions. And we can focus on sharing positive energy or negative energy. It's all about our intention, our focus and our habits. Bad habits create bad results and good habits create good results. And since one of the best ways to stop a bad habit is to replace it with a good habit, here are 5 positive things we can do each day instead of complain. 1. Practice Gratitude. Research shows that when we count three blessings a day, we get a measurable boost in happiness that uplifts and energizes us. It's also physiologically impossible to be stressed and thankful at the same time. Two thoughts cannot occupy our mind at the same time. If you are focusing on gratitude, you can't be negative. You can also energize and engage your coworkers by letting them know you are grateful for them and their work. 2. Praise Others. Instead of complaining about what others are doing wrong, start focusing on what they are doing right. Praise them and watch as they create more success as a result. Of course, point out their mistakes so they can learn and grow, but make sure you give three times as much praise as criticism. 3. Focus on Success. Start a success journal. Each night before you go to bed, write down the one great thing about your day. The one great conversation, accomplishment, or win that you are most proud of. Focus on your success, and you'll look forward to creating more success tomorrow. 4. Let Go. Focus on the things that you have the power to change, and let go of the things that are beyond your control. You'll be amazed that when you stop trying to control everything, it all somehow works out. 5. Pray and Meditate. Scientific research shows that these daily practices reduce stress; boost positive energy; and promote health, vitality, and longevity. When you are faced with the urge to complain or you are feeling stressed to the max, stop, be still, plug-in to the ultimate power, and recharge.

taking tae kwon do

On July 7th, Andrew started taking tae kwon do lessons at Robinson TaeKwonDo Academy (http://www.itatiger.com/centersite/index.cfm?fuseaction=bio&academy_id=280) in Franklin , TN. I actually found them after dropping off Alex at her vocal lessons. This TaeKwonDo Academy is located in the building next to the one that Alex's singing lessons take place. Alex's lessons are from 5-6pm, and Andrew's are from 5:45-6:30pm, but when he gets his green belt, the lessons will be from 5-6pm, so it's pretty convenient. He can go up to 6 times a week if he wants. He went for a 2nd class the next day, and he already received the green tip on his white belt! I think maybe that was a little premature because a different instructor was like, "A green tip already?" The instructor who gave it to him said that Andrew knew his stances, and although it wasn't perfect, it was almost there, so he gave it to him anyway. Well, Andrew really likes the classes so far, and I hope it benefits him. He said to me yesterday that after he gets his black belt, he's still going to take classes to learn more. So motivated. :)

4th of July weekend

July 3rd

We all flew to Chicago on Thursday morning, July 3rd. It's pretty cute because I've flown with the kids so much this past year that now they understand the whole passing through security at the airport drill. Lucas - who will be 3 next month - automatically knows to take off his shoes, and Alex helps out so much after we pass through security in gathering all of our stuff together (you can imagine how hectic that can be with 3 kids!) and helping her brothers tie their shoes. During the flight, Michael sat next to Lucas (poor daddy! lol!). I sat between Alex and Andrew, and we each had a book to read during the really short flight. Andrew also had his Nintendo DS to keep him occupied, and they each had a little webkinz buckled up with them. So cute.

My dad met us at the airport and drove us to Jackie's place where my mom, Ari (Jackie's eldest), and Mia and Gia (Jackie's 1-yr-old twins) were waiting. It was a surprise for Ari because she wasn't expecting us, but when she met us at the door, she just had a pretend sword which she poked everyone with and said, "Ha! I got you!" I asked her if she was surprised, and she said yes. :) Jackie and Mario were at work, but Jackie was able to stop by during her lunch break to bring us lunch.

Mia and Gia are walking already. They're so cute. The last time I had seen them was in March when I flew with the kids during their Spring Break to see them, and at that time, Gia had just started taking her first steps. This time, Mia kept coming to me, and Lucas would get all mad saying, "I don't want you hold her NO MORE!" Jealous, anyone? :)

We really didn't do much that day. My dad and I did take the kids to a nearby playground, and of course, I took lots of pictures (http://jenbresson.smugmug.com/gallery/5390189_zug8K#330023194_ZFbjx). We also did some grocery shopping, and later that night, my brother, Mark and his wife, Katie stopped by. So it was nice just spending time with all of them. I always love seeing my family. Lucas and Alex - well, mainly Lucas - also did a lot of singing for everyone.

On a side note: Alex has started taking vocal and performance lessons from Raquel and Maury Kelley at J Kelley Studios (http://www.jkelleystudios.com/) in Franklin, TN.. I found them by doing an online search for a vocal coach in the Nashville area. They're really great, friendly, and experienced instructors, and Alex LOVES, LOVES, LOVES going to her lessons. Right now, Alex is in their summer camp which consists of a 1-hr private vocal lesson once a week for 4 weeks and a 2-hr group/performance lesson once a week for 4 weeks. Once school starts, she'll just be doing a 1-hr group lesson once a week; it's funny because she really loves the group lessons even though she doesn't know anyone there. A lot of the students - mainly females - are really experienced, and I usually overhear some of them talking about being in plays and musicals and going on auditions. But the thing is, unless I'm blind, for the most part, they don't seem snotty; they seem genuine and sweet and excited about their talents. I think it's good that this studio teaches stage performance, too, because it will help give Alex the confidence to be in front of an audience. And I just have to add that Raquel is also half filipino like Alex - no wonder they're so beautiful! ;)

July 4th

On the 4^th, we went to a party that some close friends of the family were having. I grew up knowing the "kids" of these friends, and I hadn't seen them in awhile so there was a lot of catching up to do. We still communicate via email, but that's not the same. Lucas also really loved kissing on them. Alex and my mom also kept singing karaoke most of the time…yeah, a true Filipino party. Some of us walked to a nearby park where the fireworks show would be held, and then we walked over to another party which was being thrown by a couple of the "kids" we had all grown up with – ie. loud music and young adults drinking type of party. So it was kinduv funny with us all walking into their backyard with 6+ kids in tow. I kept whispering to Alex, "Don't go to parties like this when you're older." Haha. Mark and Katie were also at that party, but we didn't stay there long, and they walked back with us to the more mature party. Later on, some of them went back to the park (Andrew just had to go with his Uncle Mark!) to see the fireworks, but I stayed at the party with Jackie, Gia, Mia, Alex, and Lucas and saw the fireworks show from there. It would be too loud for the little ones if we had gone to the park.. We didn't get home (Jackie's house) til past 11pm, and by the time we got home, Ari, Andrew, and Alex were all asleep. Pics can be seen here: http://jenbresson.smugmug.com/gallery/5393508_a8HoC#330162748_TD5Tv

July 5th

The next day, we had a birthday party at Jackie's house for Alex and Ari (who actually turned 5 on July 7th), so we pretty much saw the same people again. Lots of food - the cake was DEELICIOUS! Lots of family and friends. Lots of pictures (http://jenbresson.smugmug.com/gallery/5394032_oebc5#330179794_hLW3E) and presents. A really nice time.

July 6th

Happy Birthday, Alex! July 6th is Alex's actual birthday, and she turned 8!! What gets me is she'll be going into 4th grade not this fall but next! That's just weird to think she'll be that old already. Before our flight, we went to an indoor waterpark (http://cocokeywaterresort.com/locations/arlingtonhts/index.aspx) with Jackie and her family and a couple of other close friends, Donna and Diane. We went to this park the last time I had visited with the kids, and both times, I really liked it. There's just lots of water slides and kiddie pools and a lazy river; the only thing I don't get is why there are so many winding steps up and down in some parts. Anyway, no big deal. We had lunch there, too.

Mia and Gia looked so cute in their swimsuits; they didn't like it at first, but then later, they got used to it and were splashing in the pool. Donna and Diane were also such a tremendous help with the kids! Andrew and Alex were sometimes with them, and at other times, they were off by themselves. Of course, I was a little worried, but it's not that huge of a place that they could get lost in. Andrew told me he went down one of the dark tunnel slides with Diane, but that he was facing backwards. Yikes! I was also surprised to see Lucas walking so easily and unafraid in the water. Ari for the most part stayed with Jackie; she really loves her mommy. :) I've also never seen Michael look so relaxed and happy...well, I'm sure I have before (in Hawaii! I miss Hawaii!), but he at least wasn't in one of those "Sit down! Shut up, kids!" kind of mood. We said good-bye to Donna and Diane at the waterpark. After briefly finishing up packing at Jackie's, Mario took us to the airport. I had brought two luggages, but I actually could've packed all of our clothes in one because that's what I ended up doing for our return flight; the 2nd luggage was used to carry all the gifts the kids got. The kids were also pretty good on the flight. Well, I let Michael sit with Lucas again, so I had a relaxing time anyway. Can't say the same for him. Haha..

Chicago was a lot of fun actually. For some reason, this time felt a lot more like a vacation instead of just visiting family - even though that IS exactly what we did. Maybe, it's because this time, Michael flew with us, so I wasn't as frazzled.

International Puppet Festival

Last weekend, the kids and I went to the Nashville Library (Main) for their International Puppet Festival. We made puppets - more like a simple marionette - and then saw an hour+ long play of A Midsummer Night's Dream. The play was mostly spoken in a Shakespearean language, but Alex and Andrew seemed to understand and enjoy it. Lucas mainly sat on my lap and seemed to like some parts, but he was getting antsy towards the end. Afterwards, we walked around through the library's beautiful courtyard which has a nice fountain, and then we had lunch (hotdogs and snowcones!) in front of the library where they had other puppet activities. There was another fountain there, too, which the kids decided to get in to for a little bit. It was hot out! Overall, we had a really great time...even though daddy had to work! :) Pics for this can be found on my website at: http://jenbresson.smugmug.com/gallery/5253064_TZPYJ

These pics were taken in the Courtyard.

Wedding Reception in KY

Last Friday afternoon, we went up to Bowling Green, KY (Alex asked if that was a bowling alley when she heard the name of the city. Hehe!). Michael's cousin, Will had gotten married in December in Poland. Since the KY-relatives weren't able to make it to the wedding, Will's parents held a wedding reception that Friday at a Holiday Inn. It's a very pretty hotel inside with multiple water fountains running down alongside a dimly lit glass elevator. The "salon" where the reception itself was held was beautifully decorated.

Will's mom, Anita (Michael's aunt) had asked me months prior to the event if I would photograph it. I was thrilled to of course! I had rented - for the first time - a couple of fast lenses from lensprotogo.com - fyi - Paul (the owner) is excellent to deal with - friendly and responds quickly to emails even on weekends! I highly recommend them and will be renting again from them for a wedding in April.

So anyway, we got there early, and Michael helped me to set up my AB400s. There wasn't a dance floor, just tables, and this was the first time I was using my studio lights to crosslight a reception. The room wasn't huge, and because the room lights were dimmed during the event, it definitely helped that I had brought my ABs. I took a lot of detail shots - cake, flowers etc. - and then took some of the couple and a few requested shots. Will's stepdad had even built this amazing, gazebo-like structure where the couple remained throughout the reception. Thankfully, Michael kept Lucas busy so that I could photograph.

During the reception, they had a video of the Poland wedding (very pretty) and a slideshow. Then there was dinner - by which time the kids were very hungry. My poor babies. Lucas, naturally, was very loud and crabby until he was fed. Anita had ordered HUGE platefuls of chicken nuggets, macaroni and fries each for the kids. I mean, they easily could have shared one plate. We did have cake, but there was no couple-cutting-the-cake thing. By the end, the kids were sleepy, so my in-laws brought them home (to their house) while Michael and I helped clean up.

Michael has another cousin getting married in April at this very same hotel. I've also been asked to photograph that event. That will be my first actual ceremony to photograph! Should be fun!

Below is a slideshow I created of the reception. If you're unable to view it here, you can go directly to YouTube: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ylYiDZDxgQo

(belated) Happy New Year and Merry Christmas!

Now that the holidays are over, I finally have time to update my blog with a short post.

The kids were extremely anxious for Santa to come. All day Christmas Eve that's all they'd talk about. I heard Andrew run downstairs on Christmas morning saying, "Santa, Santa, Santa!" Then Alex woke up and came into my room smiling and said, "Mommy, wake up! Santa was here!" Santa was VERY good to them, and even though they each have their moments during the year, overall, they are extremely loving and wonderful children.

We spent Christmas Day with Michael's side of the family. There were a lot of CUTE babies who I hadn't seen yet. And it was just nice to get out and see everyone, although, of course, I really missed being able to visit my family! But with the winnings from the photo contest that Lucas won, I used that towards airfare to visit them in the summer. So far away.

Because Michael and I had to work the rest of the week, we left Alex and Andrew - who were on Christmas break - to spend the next few days with my in-laws. I hate doing that because I miss them so much when I have to leave them, but I know my in-laws are wonderful so I know they're in good hands. Lucas stayed with Michael and I, though, since the daycare was open; plus, my in-laws wouldn't have any room in their vehicle for him when they came back. Furthermore, they might have gone crazy had they kept him!! He's just that wild. ;)

For New Year's Day, we went to The Aquarium (seafood restaurant) that we'd never been to; the kids and I liked it, but Michael's not a seafood fan (but he loves me so he'll go wherever I go! Haha!). I had read reviews of the place before we went, and it's either you really like the place or you don't. I had read where one reviewer said they hardly saw their waitress, and that was the same for us. Before she took our order, she gave us a brief synopsis about the restaurant. There's a huge aquarium in the middle of the restaurant which she spoke of in a doldrums manner. She was nice, but it felt very rehearsed. Kinduv like, "The aquarium is so many gallons big and holds so many fish. Now, what would you like to eat?" The aquarium itself is a good distraction for kids who can't sit still in a booth for very long (ie Lucas).

Back at work, we got an unfortunate-for-most surprise. I give them credit for at least waiting until after the holidays to tell us. But, the company will be closing in March. Fortunately, my department will remain on with the company that had bought us over a year ago. So, in a way, I feel relief but also guilt. :/

I just bought a Canon 40D which I absolutely love! It's an amazing upgrade from my Rebel. My Rebel will now be used as my backup. It's funny when you tell people who aren't much into photography that you have a backup, they question, "What do you need a backup for?" :) I also got the 50mm f1.4 from my brother-in-law, so I've been having fun taking pictures with that. I started a flickr account (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22722594@N02) to hold the pics I've started taking this year. This blog just doesn't seem to be the place for that. The pics below were taken with my Rebel. They are from Alex and Andrew's Christmas Concert and also a few of Christmas morning. (I'm not really sure what the deal is, but Lucas LOVES cleaning supplies - brooms, mops, vaccums, so Santa got him a vacuum for Christmas. See below.)