Midweek Randomness: Art For Kids Hub

My daughter is a very talented artist.  She gets this special talent from my Mom, a former elementary art teacher and a very gifted artist. You may have seen some of her sketches posted here or here.  

One afternoon, I was perusing YouTube to find drawing tutorials for my little girl and I stumbled upon Art For Kids Hub.  Jackpot!  This website was created by a father of three who loves to do art.  He posts videos of himself, and one of his children, teaching kids how to draw.  I showed by daughter the first video and she LOVED it!  My little boy saw his sister so excited and he wanted in on the action, as well.  

An added bonus for the kids, was that I let them use Sharpies.  They don't get to use Sharpies often...one little guy in particular never got to use them, because he colors on everything.  Using Sharpies was definitely something special for them, but it also created a challenge.  It did not allow them the benefit of erasing.  They had to pay careful attention to the instructions, so they got the lines and curves just right.  This was tough for a 5 year old, but he caught on.

(Fact:  I love Sharpies. This activity allowed ME a trip to the store to buy MORE Sharpies.  Sharpies in all different colors.)

Rob, the father of three and creator of Art For Kids Hub, is energetic, simple in giving instructions, and encouraging along the way.  My kids really enjoy learning how to create the different characters. Let your kids try one of the tutorials.  I promise you, they will like it and you will be amazed by their creations!


*Note: I'm not being compensated by Art For Kids Hub.  I'm simply sharing a cute website that's fun for my kids.

Nursing School Graduate

I had the absolute pleasure of photographing this Nursing School Graduate.  Not only is she beautiful, but she's smart AND she is a Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.  We spent the morning in Baldwin Park and captured these gorgeous photos.  Good times!

 

 

Midweek Randomness: Shrimp Linguine

This is really a random post, as I'm not a food blogger or chef, but I had to share this recipe because my family loves it.  My kids regularly ask me to cook this meal.  

I got the original recipe from Rachael Ray magazine.  You can find it here.  I've made some changes to the recipe for various reasons.  

• I don't use the parsley anymore.  I don't cook with it often and it ends up going to waste. Not sure why super markets sell it in such huge bunches.  
• I used minced garlic from a jar, instead of chopped gloves of garlic.  It's fast and easy.  
• I usually end up using about a half to three-fourths of a cup of feta.  A full cup is too overpowering.
• I typically reduce the red pepper flakes, as well, for the sake of the kids.  
• I add a splash of cooking wine to add a bit more flavor.  
• Lastly, I top the plated dishes with shaved Parmesan cheese.  It adds a great flavor and makes the dish look fancy.

This dish is pretty fast and easy to make.  Few ingredients, minimal prep and cook time, and GREAT on flavor.  Can't beat it!

Side note...the other day I was making this dish and my kids were both snacking on the raw spinach I had waiting on the counter.  Can you believe it?  Kids?  Snacking on raw spinach?
Amazing!

Midweek Randomness: Messes

I love my kids, I love art, and I love my kids' art, but I really hate messes.  The messes that result in allowing children to make art make me crazy.  They do.  There are lots of times that I tell my kids no. No, you can't paint today or no, you can't cut up construction paper into a thousand pieces and glue them to a toilet paper roll.  I feel guilty about it.  Please tell me I'm not the only one.

There are, however, lots of times I do say yes.  Yes, you can paint or yes, you you can glue pom poms all over that shoe box.  I suck it up, let them make a mess AND beautiful creations.  Then after they are done, I get to work cleaning up the supplies, wiping down the table and chairs, moping the floors, and of course displaying their masterpieces.

Midweek Randomness: Angel Wings

I'm really digging all of the urban art around Orlando these days.  Over the past few weeks, I've found some new creations that I just love.  This one was just too cool to pass up, so I stopped for a few pics in the middle of running errands.  

I'm thankful that my daughter usually goes with the flow when it comes to my photography shenanigans.  But this time, she really got into the shoot.  It took us less than 8 minutes and was super fun.  She even wanted to get in on the camera action and took a few shots of me.  The camera was almost too heavy for her (she only weighs 38.5 lbs) and her tiny hands had trouble reaching the shutter button, but her very first images turned out fantastic!  

One proud photogMom right here!!

First Holy Communion

I had the honor of photographing this young man as he celebrated his First Holy Communion.  He wasn't exactly happy about having his picture taken, so I tried to make the process a little easier by engaging him in conversation.  He opened up to me and told me all about his dog and the crazy things she does, a few silly things his Dad does (sorry Dad), and what his favorite things about school are.  He was so well spoken!  And handsome, did I mention handsome?  He was a lot of fun and I loved getting to know him a little bit better.  

First Holy Communions are a very special time in a child's life, but also a special time in a parent's life.  I was so honored to capture this moment in time for his Mom.  It was a great shoot and I will definitely be offering some First Holy Communion specials in the spring.  

God Bless this sweet boy!

I just can't.  So adorably handsome!!

Sweet Baby F

I had the pleasure of photographing this sweet, sweet baby girl back in March.  Her Mommy holds a VERY special place in my heart and I'm absolutely honored that I got to photograph her first child.  Baby F was absolutely perfect and her parents were so over the moon.  They are beyond blessed...and so am I to have been given the opportunity to capture this special time for this family.