Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

Hello old friend!

I have debated a lot lately. That is weather to keep this old blog of mine or not. I post so much on my photography blog it leaves little time for this old friend. But...I have had it for two years now. I can't just get rid of it! I do plan to turn it into a book. You know just for us. But what about the pictures of my kids in the sidebar, the cute header up on top (that I loooove!), The pretty colors? Well...for now it stays. But like I said I post a lot on my other blog so check us out there too!

I think this blog is in desperate need of a Calhoun update, so here goes...

• I attended my 10 year high school reunion. It was a very small, and informal gathering. But fun to see people I haven't seen in a while.
  

• let's see what else...

• Richard had 4 wisdom teeth pulled. That was fun. Poor guy. I felt bad for him. Even though I secretly wanted to squish his swollen cheeks.He was a big trooper. Even managing to watch the kids while I took pictures at the Marley Park Fall Carnival, and while I attended my friend Mia's wedding. He even took all 3 kids to the grocery store, by himself! Something Iwon't don't even do when I'm not sick.

• We went camping for a night in the White Tanks. You can read/see pictures about it here. See I told you I update there too.

• I am offering a Photoshop Workshop. You can read about it here.

• Lastly, and totally random. I wanted to share the things I love about the weather change. Jeans, sweaters, and close toed shoes. Not having to shave my legs as much, like I did it a lot before??? Warm cinnamon oatmeal. Hot soup, which I still eat year round. It's just much better when it's cold outside. Snuggling up in bed, and reading twilight books. I'm reading eclipse for I don't know...the 19th time. They never get old to me. Making friendship bread from scratch. Halloween! Thanksgiving! & Christmas! As a bonus this year I'm not completely depressed. Which is nice, and hopefully doesn't change. Since it was mostly hormonal I'm sure it won't.

Well if you made it to the end, I guess that's it for now.

Sunglasses...not just an accessory any more.

***This post was originally started 33 days ago, and had begun in my mind months before that. Okay with that out of the way, carry on...carry on.***

It's true, when I was young I didn't buy sunglasses for their intended use. They were on my face for style, and they usually matched my outfit. Although I still like the stylish ones, and for them to somewhat match my outfit they have purpose now. Several different ones actually.

I have read some different beauty post recently. Which got me thinking, and motivated to wright my own. I'm probably the last person anyone would go to for beauty tips. But I have found several different things that work in my attempt to turn back the hands of time. So I thought I'd share.

1.WEAR SUNGLASSES - Yes, the cute kind. Because not only will you look good, but you will squint less. Silly I know. It all could just be in my head. But I personally think it helps with those Crows feet. Which if you have lived in Arizona for any considerable amount of time. You have them. "What??? I'm just sayin!"

2.While we are on the topic of crows feet. I purchased a new product I saw in a magazine. It is true, I love magazines. Especially the gossip ones. I recently found a reason to justify buying them. But that's a whole nother post. It is Anew, crows feet corrector. If you don't know anybody who sales avon. There is an Avon store on Bell & Litchfield, next to Carambas. It is a two step product. Step 1 has these little micro beads that work as a exfoliate. Step 2 is magic. Seriously! Pure moisturizing magic. I'm hooked. You just dab a touch around the eyes. It plumps, smoothens, and feels in the gaps. I love it so much I began to use it on the wrinkles under my eyes, and even in between my brows. I would probably rub it all over my face, but that may be a bit much. The tube cost $28 and has lasted me three months. Although I'm sad to say it is quickly running out. I'm squeezing as of now.

3.Wear sun screen. Yes on your face. The sun causes wrinkles. Lot's of them. So protect your "precious" any way you can. If your not up for smelling like the pool all day. Buy a moisturizer that has sun screen in it. I like Aveeno positively radiant daily moisturizer with spf 15. You can buy it at the grocery store and it works wonderfully. For being store bought it's a little more on the pricey side, but definitely cheaper than the department stores. I have often found coupons for $2.00 off any Aveeno product when it's $10 or more. So look for those in your paper. There have been occasions when I have just used this on my face, and used the kids stuff for the rest of my body. (what? I don't like that think slimy stuff on my face. Although I'm willing to suffer if I have nothing else.) My skin is so fare It will still usually burn when exposed for long periods of time. My face however remains unscathed and that my friends is priceless.

4.I'm typically a bit on the frugal side. I'm a sucker for good deals, coupons, freebies, and I constantly search the clearance isles for a good find. But when it comes to cosmetics, not so much. I've tried skimping. You know to save money. But I always come back. You just can't beat the real thing. I'm a clinique girl threw and threw with a few exceptions. Which I'll get to in a minute. So here's my list.

• Clinique, happy. You know to smell good. You can actually find it at Kohl's $10 cheaper than at the mall. Told you I was cheap. (shoulder's shrug)




• Clinique, three step skin care. type II. That's facial soap, clarifying lotion (truly amazing isn't it?), and moisturizing lotion.




• Clinique, 7 day scrub cream. Keeps my skin looking healthy, and bright.




• Clinique, gentle light powder. It's a loose powder, with sheer coverage. "It creates a natural skin perfecting look." I got that description off of their website. But I couldn't have said it better myself. In fact if I would have attempted it probably would have sounded something like... It's really pretty, and makes my skin sparkle.

Although they have tons of other awesome products. These are the one's I can't live without. Because they are so expensive I like to skimp in other areas. I would also like to add that typically when ever I buy these things, they last for a really long time. I don't usually go buy more anywhere from 6mos to a year. Don't tell those ladies at Macy's. They would turn over in their white smocks.

5.For shadows, blush, and liners. I like bare minerals. You can find it at Ulta, and don't forget they have coupons in every Sunday newspaper. My friend Amy recommended it to me, and I haven't looked back. I bought there starter kit, and they gave me a blush, and lip gloss for free. The totally funny part is the blush and gloss are the things I have gone back to buy. Great marketing ploy by them. Bare minerals is all in powder form. Which I was totally intimidated by at first. How was I going to use powder to line my eyes. I read there little how to instructions and it worked magnificently. The nice brushes helped I'm sure. I'm not huge on lining my lids. But I do it when I wear shadows which is usually when I get dressed up for something. I absolutely love bare minerals, bare radiance. It's their blush I have gone back to buy. So sparkly and pretty. Just in case you were wondering the gloss is dolly, by boxom. I think it's one of their more popular ones. I love it! I've never been a lip stick girl. So this is a perfect trade for me.

6.So my biggest skimp by far is on mascara. I have used Maybeline Great lash, blackest black mascara -curved brush... I want to say since I started wearing make up at the ripe ol age of 12. I have tried other things, even the expensive stuff, and I always come back. The absolute most funniest part is it cost $3.50 at wal mart. Pretty much always. There are always $1 off coupons in the paper as well. Bringing this bad boy down to a grand total of $2.50.

7.Before I forget. I'm also not very picky about my concealer. I usually just dab a bit under and around my eye. Like I said I'm not picky, and what ever is on sale that day usually tickles my fancy.

8.One last thing I wanted to mention. This is a more recent thing for me. Because I have started running and it is like a million degrees out side. My face will sweat a lot, go figure. I started to get small break outs. So I picked up Clinique acne solutions emergency gel lotion intensify. You just place a tincy dab on that little guy, or big, whatever, and whala it's gone. Okay maybe not that quick. But I usually put it on before I go to bed, and it's gone when I wake up.

So if you suffered threw this post, I hope you found something to be useful. If you have anything to add or share I would absolutely love it!

Honarary citizen of the day!

Today was pay day, and just like every other pay day I withdrew my allowance. Yes, we have allowance. Each of us. We have a designated amount, and when it's gone, it's gone.I don't know his name, and I probably never will. But today as I put Tate in his car seat after leaving Fry's I looked up to a man that said "Hey, is this yours?" He was holding my wallet. Cash was flowing out the side. My heart skipped a beat. "Yes, thank you so much!" I almost cried. He had gotten out of his car to get it, and give it to me. Knowing full well if he didn't someone else would have picked it up.In that instant he might have thought "I could keep this". Even if he thought it, he didn't. At first I wanted to commend him for his good action, and say something embarrassing. Then I thought that I should give him something. But he was in his car and already down the isle.I wish I could thank him, and repay him for his kindness. However, I know he will be re payed. Not by me, (at least it's not likely) but by some kind stranger. Because you see just like him I have been that stranger. I am the person who returns the lost item, and I know that's why my wallet was returned today. Thank you stranger. Because you rock and you know that! (which movie, anyone?) Good Karma to you all your days!!!!

To opt out or not...

is that a question?

I think it's fun when stuff like this arises. I like to see how everyone views things so differently. So share... will your children be opted out? Just curious. In case you are too. Ours will not.

It's A Girl!

HEHEHE! So funny, I forgot to laugh!

Actually my one stipulation when we first talked about getting a dog was that it had to be a girl, and that I got to name her, and...Okay there was definitely more than one. We have talked about getting a puppy for a while, and have even gone looking at shelter's. We received an email about a puppy being given away for free, so we thought we would give it a shot. I think we were both a little hesitant because she's very timid. We weren't sure if it was going to be a good fit. What with 3 loud little boys. But so far we love her. She has warmed up to everyone so well, and is the best puppy we could ask for. She is a 12 week old Jack- a- bee. Part Jack russell tarrier, part beagle. She will grow to be a medium size dog. She won't shed to much, and is really smart. She sleeps in her kennel all night and doesn't wine or cry. We haven't even heard her bark yet. She eats good, and sleeps a lot. She has minimal accident's, and is very good about going outside. Our only complaint, and it's really not a complaint I promise. Is that she is so timid. If you move real sudden she'll flinch. She doesn't like to be picked up either. She's getting a lot better about this and let's me and Richard pick her up with out getting defensive now. She likes to play like any normal puppy, and the boys are really enjoying her. Jaren enjoys her the most and is always asking to get her out of her kennel and to take her outside. Jace keeps saying he loves her although he's still a little unsure. Tate thinks her name is "goo grl" which translates to good girl. Her actual name is Rose. Yes, picked out by yours truly. Not really sure why I picked that to be honest. Whatever?!?! When I pulled out the camera to take a picture she was already giving me the, crazy lady with a camera look. She was resting but you get the point.

p.s. She matches my living scape. Not one of the stipulations, I promise.

Some very exciting things!

It's very when it rains it pours for me. Which is good because I find my moods are much better when I'm busy. What's that saying about idle hands? Anyways, I am officially working on a web site, and sooo close to being done. I am super excited about it! I am going to shadow shoot a wedding in California is just a couple of weeks. I still need to tie up all the loose ends. But I can not be more excited! I have a photo shoot tomorrow which I am totally stoked about. It's been to hot outside, and this one is in. So I've bought some new props, and am going to try out some new back drops. I'm going to hem them up tonight. I also have some exciting things coming up like my Grandma's 80th birthday party. We have been planning it since January, and I can't believe it's already almost here. I've also been doing a lot of the same O'. Like playing with kids, running errands, etc. School starts on Monday! AHHHH! Summer just barely started, and we just got into a good routine. Well... all that goes out the window, because next week Richard starts working 4x10's. I'm excited, but I'm not. We will have three day weekends together, and it will be nice to have him home on Monday's. But that means his work days will be longer, and there will be a lot of adjusting. Anyways, I heard this really good quote this morning when I was blog stalking like I do. I thought I would share it...

Never give in, never, never, never, never - in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy." - Sir. Winston Churchill

p.s. Sorry there's been no pictures lately. Soon...

Congratulations to Jim Parsons

Who is Jim Parsons, and why am I congratulating him you ask? He is on my favorite TV show, The Big Bang Theory, and was just nominated for an Emmy on his role as Dr. Sheldon Cooper! Now are you thinking it's another one of those hospital shows? Cause it's not! He's a scientist with a PhD. Much better right? Actually the show is hilarious! One of my favorites to date. As laugh out loud funny goes it's one of the best. It even gives Friends a run for it's money. Jim never skips a beat as Dr. Cooper, and is no doubt funny. But I have to say the building relationship between Leonard and Penny (his nerdy roommate and their blond bomb shell neighbor) is one of my favorite parts of the show. Their opposites attract, and it's a delight to watch. The mix of the comedy and the romance is what keeps me coming back for more. The show has been picked up for another season, but I hope it stays around for a lot longer than that. Long enough to see Dr. Cooper find a love interest of his own, maybe?

Now go rent season 1 & 2 so you can be all caught up by Sept 21 when the new season premieres. Or if you prefer you can watch reruns Monday nights CBS 7:00p.m. Arizona time. Go on now. Get.

lots to post...so little time.

Life has been crazy busy, and my house is feeling the wrath. I have had lots of fun lately shooting pictures, attending birthday parties, playing with the kids, editing pictures, etc. Swim lessons started for us today! Both kids did really well. I think it helped Jace that his teacher is in our ward, and used to be in nursery with him. I also visit teach her. I have been getting busier with pictures, and have decided that I will begin charging this week. I know!!! It is kind of a big leap for me, and I have tons of emotions that include excitement, nervousness, and some anxiety mixed all together. I am super excited to begin using some new equipment that I purchased along with some props too! I'm not a huge prop fan to be honest. I would much rather have a cool background but I'm excited to try something new. I have ideas that just swim around in this little brain of mine. Most stem from looking through books and other websites, and usually whirl and twirl around until I can make them my own. I really wanted to thank everyone who has been awesome in getting me this far already, and I am hoping to be able to grow so much more. I really love photography and to be able to turn it into something bigger than a hobby would be amazing. I will post pricing and what it includes soon. I'm still trying to iron all that out. But until then I wanted to thank again the people who have taught me, modeled for me, and my husband who has been patient with me.

p.s. I have had lots of people ask, so I just wanted to put it out there. Your referrals would be awesome, and greatly appreciated! I will be updating calhounink soon, and you can direct anyone who may be interested there. Thanks again! Lori

you can take the girl out of the ghetto

but you can't take the ghetto out of the girl. How do you guys like our ghetto pool? I sooo, don't care. We need something for the backyard for the summer, and I HATE blow up pools. I snagged this last week because every year they go quick. My kids loved it, and the big boys played outside for hours while I watched from the kitchen.
In case you were wondering or just didn't know. I really did live in the ghetto when I was younger. The area I lived in wasn't too bad. Although now a days I lock my doors and don't stop at red lights when I'm driving in da hood. However, my high school (which is incidentally named North high) was in south phoenix. Let's just say it was ghetto, and leave it at that. Mustangs, you know!!!

p.s. I did this scrap page in my new photo shop. Hooray for the easiness!

YES...

I would love to join your jogging photography group!

I just wanted to vent

Okay, Thankyou.

emial addresses

I lost all my email addresses, so if you all would be so kind as to email me. lcalhoun4@cox.net It would be much appreciated. I'm not a forwarder (is that a word), typically. Well pretty much ever. So no forwards from this girl. But we are having an upcoming party in which I am sending out evites. I know, lame. But there is to many to do by hand. If you don't want to come to my party email me your address anyways, Thanks Lori

p.s. Family, please, please, please send me yours for sure. I have more news about Grandmas party!

Guess who

passed the NET (on my first try, yay!!!), and submitted her nursing school application?

Facebook

I'm like 99% sure facebook gave my computer a virus. So needless to say this chick won't be on facebook anymore. I know you are all heartbroken, right? I am much to afraid to even log in to it. Since last time I did it almost deleted my whole hard drive. The Mr. used a whole bunch of fancy words (which I hope I'm translating right) and basically was able to take are computer back to the state when we first bought it. Deleting everything we had ever downloaded or done on our computer. He was able to save some things like pictures and such, so that was bonus! I just spent the last 48 hours without a computer. Can you believe that? It actually was kind of nice. Mostly because me and the Mr. took a very spontaneous trip to Sedona. It was so fun!!! So I will be back to blog about that. Right after I make 75 invitations for enrichment. Which I haven't even started and am supposed to have done for church tomorrow. Oooops! That is why I usually do things right away. Other wise I wait till the last minute or they don't get done at all. Plus, I have pictures of what the mysterious holes in the walls were for, and the winner of my last contest!

Our Spring Break

I have been meaning to post for a few days. But have been busy taking, and editing pictures. FUN!FUN!FUN! So the much dreaded week was not half bad till the end. I'll get to that in a minute. I made sure everyday we had something to do. So here goes!

Sunday(does Sunday count?) We had a very nice spiritual,and relaxed day!

Monday - Prepared for and celebrated our wonderful Dad's birthday!

Tuesday - Fun playing and enjoying lunch at Coreens house.

Wednesday - Went to the splash park. Yes, my kids played in the water. Yes, it was a little cold. Yes, I forgot my camera.

Thursday - Had the Thomas Family over to bake cookies. Pictures to be posted soon. I am really going to miss them when they leave:(

Friday - BOWLING!!! Tons of fun. Pictures to Hopefully come soon (umm (fake cough) Abby)

Saturday - Are backyard camping trip was abruptly halted, and followed by a fun filled sleepless night of throwing up. Oh, not just one child but two! This is where the week started to go wrong. thank goodness it was pretty much over.

A Good Cause

We love to support our friends and family in whatever way we can. So today I'm dedicating a post to some of our friends who are out for a good cause. A lot of you know Molly, who is awesome! She is fund raising for a Liver Life walk. She is doing fun auctions on her blog, and also having a fund raising garage sale. Check out her blog for further details.

Yesterday, I learned our friend Heather and her family are having a fundraiser to help raise money for Cystic Fibrosis research. Check out her blog for the details it sounds super fun! If you can't make it to the fundraiser she also has other ways you can help out.

A very long all over the place, post.

I won't be offended if you walk away. . . now.

So I happened across some blog the other day, and the lady was a painter. A very good painter I might add. Just in case she ever happens upon my blog. Which I'm sure will never happen. Anyways, she was letting some one have it for coping her artwork. I felt so horribly sorry for that poor person. But, hay it sounds like she probably deserved it. I'm just saying! It made me start thinking of all the wonderful people who's photography I love. (Heather, Jessie, AbiQ) I really try my hardest not to be a copy cat. But I definitely get a lot of ideas from looking at other peoples work. That being said I'm making a photographers pledge (I just made that up b-t-w. What? All the cool kids are doing it.) I pledge to be original, as original as photography can be. I pledge that if I do decide to be a copy cat I will give the person who I copied full credit.(Which I typically do now anyways. I'm always the first to out myself when I copy someone.) Woo, okay Now that I got that off my chest I can move onto my next topic.

If your no stranger to this blog, then you know how much I have fallen in love with photography. It is crazy ridiculous to be honest. If I'm not shooting, or editing. I want to be. I have gotten lots of compliments which I honestly do appreciate. Trust me, no one critiques a picture more than the photographer. My class is going okay. I love learning all the new techniques. But I really have a hard time photographing things that...well...arn't people. I am also having a hard time printing on the school printers. There's like a thousand steps, and if you miss one, it screws up the whole process. Anyways, back to my point. It's kind of been a running joke as to when I'm going to start charging. When I make that decision you all will be the first to know. There are so many scary different things to consider. Plus it is a giant leap forward. Till then you all can enjoy free pictures. Well, the only price you have to pay is I get to keep copies for my portfolio. That's what the cool kids call it.

Just wanted to mention that my family watched Disney's Wall-e for the first time tonight. All I can say is, "WOW"!

Last thing, I think??? I love naming my pictures. I think it's really fun. It's usually something I do when I save my edits. Just so I know exactly what, and where they are. The titles usually sound like a knock off of a famous song, or a line from an episode of friends. Here I'll show you what I mean. This is " It's a hard rock life". I know extremely cheesy. But fun none the less. So once again I'm outing myself because in the future I want to have a name that photo contest. Copied from non other then MckMama herself. So stay tuned for that.

Okay this really is the last thing I promise. My cousin emailed me a link to a pretty cool food storage blog. Thought some of you might like it.

Girlscouts

Oh how I loath thee. Let me count the ways...
1.
2.
3.

I'm over the limit.

I think theres a limit on how many blogs a "normal" person is aloud to have. I've passed it quite awhile ago. So here they are in no particular order.

My very random thoughts - Where you are now, and how it all began. It's the randomness of things I like and dislike most.
Because I have been given much - My gratitude journal.
Seven Petals - A blog for me and my six best girlfriends to keep in touch, and up to date.
Slade Family -richardandpaulineslade.blogspot.com - A desperate attempt to keep my very large family together.
Calhoun Ink - The spot where I am keeping all of my assignments for my class. With anything else cool or interesting I might happen to take a picture of.