Mamarazzi Strikes!

In my quest to capture all things Kalissa on film --and in the best quality possible-- I recently completed two photography classes that I hoped would teach me how to use our fancy schmancy camera that Daddy invested in last summer.  The first class was okay but it was geared toward how to go about getting a good shot versus teaching me how to use my camera.  I learned a little bit but was overall disappointed in the first class.  The second class was exactly what I was looking for.  After 3 hours of hands-on camera teachings, I walked away inspired and ready to photograph the world!!

So when the sun finally revealed its beautiful rays this past Saturday, I knew my camera would follow Kalissa around as she went to ballet class and then off to Sea World.  Saturday would offer me all kinds of situations to deal with:  indoor lighting, action shots, bright outdoor sun, dusk and then night lighting.  And even though I really only had 3 hours of instruction, I felt confident that I could get some great shots in each setting.
First, we headed to ballet class:

Then over to Sea World:

They're definitely not perfect -- yet!  But, I had fun and didn't use the "automatic" camera setting once!  If I had a new computer, I could have fixed my lighting errors in the editing process but I don't....so it is what it is.  That just means I'm going to be stalking the family, and anyone else who wants pictures done, until I get it right!  What I did find out is that I love the science involved with photography and I've always loved editing photos.  So the question is.....is 40 too old for a career change?

Happy Nappiversary!!

We finally reached one year of Kalissa being napturally curly!  I couldn't be happier with her hair and I enjoyed taking care of it so much that 6 months ago, I decided to go naptural too!  As of the end of last year, I had cut off all of my relaxer, but was still flat-ironing it straight.  Then, two weeks ago I decided to take the plunge and wear my hair in its natural state.  I had no idea what to expect, all I knew was that I wanted to embrace my natural hair just like I intend on teaching Kali to do. 

And here is my hair as God, via my momma and daddy, gave me!

I've had my hair hot combed or relaxed since I was about 6 years old.  I can't believe what was hiding under those chemicals!  I love my natural curls and I love the ease of taking care of it -- it's literally wash and go!  If it weren't for me wanting to set an example of self-love for Kalissa, then I probably would have never stopped using the creamy crack.  *lol*  She inspires me in so many ways!!!

A Welcome Addition!

A couple of months ago, Candy was feeling like she needed a change in environment in order to renew her enthusiasm for college and outlook for her future.  Daddy and I talked it over and we thought it would be a good idea to offer her to come live with us and go to school here.  Even though it would be tight with all of us living in our condo, we were confident we could make the space work until we get our house (which will prayerfully be by the end of this summer).  Candy accepted our offer and a couple of weeks ago, she moved in!

The only major thing we had to do was rearrange Kalissa's room from it being her room to it being their room.  That also meant replacing her toddler bed with a bunk bed!  And we found the perfect bed that matches perfectly with the existing decor.  There's even a THIRD bed that pulls out from the bottom for when Qiana comes to visit.  We bought new linens....Kalissa requested a "butterfly bed" so I searched high and low looking for butterfly motif linens that were also pink and brown -- and I found them!  Lastly, we rearranged the shelving and wall decorations to maximize our limited space.  Where there is a will, there is a way!!!  In the end, the girls fit comfortably in their room and Kalissa could not be happier to have her sister every day.

Kalissa looooooooves climbing up to her top bunk!  At first she was a little timid but now, you can't even help her.  If you reach your arms at her while she's climbing she'll say, "Aaat Aaat!  I got it!"  *LOL*

Candy is going to school Monday through Thursday and is the proud owner of a San Diego transit pass.  On her first day of class Daddy took off work *awwww* so that he could take her to school and pick her up but she insisted on taking public transportation home that day just in case something went wrong, he'd be available to go and get her.  But, nothing went wrong and she's completely comfortable taking public transportation.

Five years ago, I didn't imagine having even ONE child in our home and now we have two!  What a crazy life we're living and I wouldn't have it any other way!