Diapers To Dating

[photo challenge - week 49]

2009-12-13T08:42:00.005-05:00

Week 48 - Pets Only!

When I saw this weeks challenge, there was no doubt in my mind which shot I would use. My Golden is my best subject since he sits still better then the 3 y/o. Everyone always asks if we drug him. He's the most mellow dog we've ever owned until you put a ball in front of him. Once you do that, you're done. You are his 'thrower' until he drops, which usually takes about 45 minutes of playing fetch.

This was one of the first pictures I got into Explore on Flickr. Reached #76 out of 500, so I was pretty stoked!

[weekly winners - dec. 6 - 12]

2009-12-12T18:07:00.004-05:00

Hope everyone had a great week and welcome to this week's edition of my Weekly Winners. Brought to you originally by the sarcastically wonderful Lotus, make sure you stop over there to see what everyone else has to offer.

Down that old dirt road

Peacefulness

Fallen along our path

It goes on forever

Shot the Locash Cowboys last night at the Round Up. They put on a killer show and never disappoint! You can head to the Round Up's website for all the pictures.

Then I'll give you the run down on this one. Chris, the lead signer for Locash Cowboys, started 'pursuing' Kaitlyn about 2-3 years ago when the first played at The Round Up. She wanted nothing to do with him. About 1 1/2 years ago, they had the piano in the middle of the dance floor, Preston (the other signer), started playing, Chris went and got Kaitlyn to dance and that's all she wrote.

Anyways, before the concert last night, he asked her to marry him and she said yes. So they danced to the same song that they danced to the first time as he sang it to her. Everyone all together now...awwwwww lol

And now my shameless plus for the month of December. All prints on my website are 15% off for the holidays. Use coupon code: HOLIDAY15 at check out. Look in 'My Favorites' gallery.

You can follow me on Network Blogs on Facebook.

[fix-it-friday #39]

2009-12-11T09:00:00.004-05:00

Fix-It-Friday #39
Click ^ ^ to see more over at I <3> Faces

So here's my contribution for this week.

Ride 'em (or not) Cowboy!!

For the most part it was done in Lightroom. Original changed to "antique light", clarity bumped up, increased the blacks. Pulled it into CS3, added some noise and here you go.

And to add in my shameless plug of the week, all prints off my website are 15% off until December 31. Enter coupon code: HOLIDAY15 at check out :) Happy Holidays!!
Lisa Otto Photo

[weekly winners - nov. 29 - dec. 5]

2009-12-06T12:46:00.004-05:00

Hope everyone had a great week but now it's that time again. Head over to Mrs. Brainchild of Weekly Winner's to see more....you know the drill :)

And my favorite of the week :)

[weekly winners - nov. 22-28]

2009-11-29T09:22:00.003-05:00

Yep...it's that time again for the winners of the week. Head over to the brain child of it all, Lotus, to see more. I know I'm breaking the rules a bit and will get the wrath because I did, but I had to share.

Since making this decision to go back to school, I've learned a lot about myself and often thought, wtf am I doing? This week I had to go through the 1000's of pictures that I have and pick 10 of my favorites to do a mock portfolio. This was harder then picking my kid's names.

Here's my 10, in no particular order

This one is probably my all time favorite since it was at the beginning of a shitty night because of this

Where in the hell did 12 years go?

2009-06-02T19:57:00.007-04:00

I had originally wrote this the morning of Matt's graduation with every single intention of publishing it that afternoon, once I got the proof in the envelope. Needless to say, here we are 6 months later and I'm just now posting it.

Yeah....mom of the year right here.

_____________________________________________________

Today is the day. Today my oldest puts on his cap and gown to walk across the stage leading to the rest of his life.

Did I think he was going to get here? Hell no. Yeah, I had the up-most confidence in him but let's just say he takes after me when it comes to procrastination. Since Tuesday of last week, he's been writing, reading, learning and listening to me harp on him to get everything done. Things he needed and should of gotten done from the beginning of the six weeks.

But here we are, then end of his 12 years of eduction in the public school system. If there was one thing that I ever did for you, it was making sure that you were always in the same school. I did enough to you in our personal lives that I didn't want your school life screwed up. You can thank me for that later *eyeroll*

I could go on and on about how proud I am of you, and how much you've accomplished but you know that. You know how proud I am. I knew you could do it. And now you are done hearing me bitch about getting your work done...for now :)

I love you Matt and I'm so very proud to have you as my son! Congratulations to you and the whole class of Dunedin High School....Class of 2009!!

Pre-K Graduation from Tutor Time '96

June 6, 2009

Weekly Winners

2009-04-26T08:03:00.006-04:00

This weeks pictures could be all about the lions I shot at Busch Gardens or the sickening cute pictures I took of J but this week it's all about Maddie.

Yesterday was the March of Dimes walk and the Tampa bloggers did it in honor and remembrance of Maddie. Bloggers from around the country have come together to walk and raise money for the March of Dimes in Maddie's honor. I was so happy to be a part of it all!

You can go to the March for Maddie Flickr pool to see pictures from all across the country of bloggers walking in honor of Maddie. The rest of my walk pictures can be found here

And you know the drill....head to Lotus's to see the rest of the Weekly Winners

I'm coming out of hiding for a great cause

2009-04-18T22:04:00.005-04:00

Yes, I know it's been a looong while since I've been in here...on here or whatever. You know what I mean. But over this last week, I've been surfing the momblogsphere and realized that one of us is going through something that a parent should never have to go through.

Heather and Mike from "The Sphors are Multiplying" had to lay their little girl Maddie to rest this past Tuesday. Maddie was 17 months old. No parent should ever have to do this.

Purple was Maddie's color so in honor of her, I'm purple. Being 3000 miles away from someone that I didn't know but has touched my heart more than words can even express, I thought this was the least I could do.

So now on to the good stuff. The March of Dimes helped Mike and Heather from the beginning of her pregnancy and until the end. Mostly over the next couple of weeks, the March of Dimes "March for Babies" is taking place all over the country. Lotus has stepped up to the home plate and organized all of the "Walks for Maddie". You can head over to see her and check if there's a walk in your area. You don't have to walk....you don't have to donate. Go out and cheer these people on that are helping raise money for a wonderful cause!

Another thing you can do is donate on Maddie's March of Dimes page. I never really put into perspective the powers of the internet until this past week. Mom-bloggers from all over the country are teaming up to help this family and honor Maddie. I mean seriously, how cool is that?

I'm not walking this coming Saturday, the 25th, but I will most deifinitely be there cheering on Team Roster who is honoring Maddie in the Tampa area. I'll be out there taking pictures of the whole event.

If you want to know more about what is being done for Heather, Mike and to honot Maddie, again, you can head over to Lotus's page and she's got it all spelled out for ya'.

Weekly Winners

2009-02-14T21:06:00.004-05:00

^^ is the brain child of Lotus...go see her and other winners

I've been so bad about blogging lately but I've had the camera in my hand, getting my site done (which is finished) and been sicker than a dog. Which I still don't understand that saying but whatever.

Anyways....hope everyone had a great week and without further ado.

Concentration

I'm watching you

New friends

Lonely

Waiting...wishing

Busch Gardens

2009-02-11T09:33:00.000-05:00

Took the toddler to Busch Gardens yesterday....enjoy :)

tap tap tap

2009-02-09T15:08:00.002-05:00

This thing on? Do I need to blow the dust off because there's a few cobwebs in here.

*smacks hand*
Yeah, I know. It's been a while. Hell, I didn't even do Weekly Winners yesterday and I had lots of shots to choose from last week.

Death found me and I started feeling sick Thursday night but still went to Gasparilla on Saturday and then He knocked and kicked my ass yesterday. I didn't move all day. Today is a bit better but Sutafed has been my assistance to existence the last two days.

But what better way to come back then an episode of What Not to Wear! I mean come on...this is the best.

So this is where we'll start.

Okay so the dress isn't really all that bad but you can't see the cowboy boots she has on her feet and the blinking tiara that she has. The dress flowed great on the dance floor....trust me.

Moving on.

Full body camo with pink Crocs? Effin' seriously? Did you not look in the mirror before you left? Granted it's been cold in FL the last couple of days but gdamn, you aren't going hunting, you're going to a frigging country bar.

Welcome to Pleasantville....nothing more to say.

Of course I saved the best for last. If you don't like needles or anything like that...please don't look. If your eyes bleed, this is my disclaimer that I warned you.

Yep...that's 6. Count them. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six piercings down her back! WTF would you do this to yourself? Is there some stimulation that I'm not finding on Google that makes sex better because I'm thinking that laying on my back would hurt like hell.

So there it is folks. Bringing you back to the reality of what not to wear.

Stay tuned....

Weekly Winners

2009-02-01T09:01:00.004-05:00

January 25 ~ 31

Yo! Go see the brain child of this weekly winner thing by clicking that^

Yum! Yum!

Tulips

Dancing Boy!

Come on baby light my fire

Wednesday Moon

The best of the week....Birthday Dance

Photo Hunt: Furry

2009-01-30T20:57:00.004-05:00

Click on ^^ and head over to TN Chick for more hunters

This week's theme ~ furry

Probably one of the best shots I've done of our golden, Max

It's my "birth day" too

2009-01-29T07:14:00.002-05:00

Wow! It's been 18 years. Something that is so hard to believe. I sit here and try to think of where all the time has gone. Why has it moved to fast?

January 29, 1991 at 4:36am you entered this world.

I was as old as you are turning today. Growing up for me wasn't an option anymore. I had you to take care of. You brought so much joy to my life, that you will probably never realize. Between the colic, the bumps, bruises, stitches and surgeries you have always been my baby boy.

You started growing up so fast. Before I knew it, you were starting kindergarten, telling me how you really felt and becoming my little man.

We've been through so much together, somethings that parents probably shouldn't go through with their children and through it all you've been right by my side.

You've grown up so much. To think that this year my baby will be an adult, graduate and go to college all in one year is something that I thought would never happen to me. You aren't supposed to grow up. You are supposed to always need your mommy but I couldn't be more proud of you right now.

You've shown so much strength over the years and have become such a wonderful young man. I admire you for your sensitivity and courage.

I can only hope that with this birthday you will understand the joy and happiness that you have brought to my life. Eighteen years ago I made the choice that would change my life forever.

I wouldn't give it up for the world.

Happy 18th Birthday Matt!
I love you!

Weekly Winners

2009-01-25T08:03:00.003-05:00

January 18 ~ 24

Wow! What a week. Just in time to start another one all over again. Except this time it won't be so damn cold!!

Ice on my truck!

And for my 365's, I was attempting to do the whole multiple kid in a picture thing? Ya' know, mack out my mad PhotoShop skills....HA! I couldn't get him to sit still long enough to get the different shots.

Now...you can click the WW button at the top and see more winners this week.

Eh....I've been called worse

2009-01-22T09:11:00.003-05:00

So in the last 2 days I've been called a few choice words.

Selfish.

A bitch.

Inconsiderate.

Among others.

All of this...from my teen's girlfriend. Why? Because I would like to spend his 18th birthday with him. I know, how fucking inconsiderate of me, right? How dare me make plans for his birthday, on his birthday, with the child that I gave birth to 18 years ago.

This all stemmed from me making plans on his birthday. He works evenings, nights, so he requested next Thursday off so we could do something. The girlfriend made plans with all of his friends at a different place.

But hold up! I have talked to her about this and what I had planned on doing. I even talked to her this past Tuesday morning and all was fine. Told her that I didn't want him taking to many nights off work since he only works 20 hours or so a week to begin with. She agreed and said she'd talk to all his friends and make sure everyone was there.

Tuesday night. 10:15 I get a text. 'Sorry, we've made plans for this other place so that's what we're doing.'

Ummm yeah thanks. That was my response.

So as it stands, I'm not spending the evening with my son. The one that I carried for 9 months, went through 9 hours of labor with, that I brought into this world...the one that I've raised for the last 18 years.

Yeah....happy birthday.

Yeah, thanks.

Weekly Winners

2009-01-17T20:09:00.004-05:00

Weekly Winners
January 11 ~ 17

From below

Peaceful

In Flight

Pelican Talk

I is......

stalking you.....

For more winners head over to see Lotus by clicking the WW button

One more thing...if you didn't see my plug last week, I'll put it here again :)
I found a great photography forum. Right now it's small, about 40 active members, but there is a wealth of information, c&c, knowledge and awesome pictures. We do photo scavenger hunts, monthly (paying) contests, and goofy "picture below me" type stuff. Head over and check it out.

If you decide to sign up, let them know that DigitalMom sent you ;)

It's Friday Time! Happy Ku'ing

2009-01-16T11:34:00.003-05:00

Usually on Friday's there is a theme for our ku's. Christina has done this week as "cold & crazy", well I'm skipping the cold part and going straight for the crazy.

When doing back flips
Please make sure pants are on right
Want to see no crack

Going out drinking
Don't do head stands on the bar
Tramp stamp included

You should be thankful that I saved you from the larger images. Why do people think they can do this?

Head over to Christina's by clicking the 'ku button at the top to join in.

Ahem Few things on the agenda

2009-01-12T10:07:00.003-05:00

Ugh! First off it's Monday and that so sucks. The only thing good about it is that the Teen is at school and so is the Toddler. Why you ask? Because at 6:15 this morning, the Toddler decided to do a total throw down because I took away a chocolate milk from last night.

Should of let him drink it.

I have a few things I want to share with you today. Holly over at Anglophile Football Fanatic dubbed Mondays, Mimosa Monday's from here on out. This all gives us a chance to make sure we recoup from the weekends. You know, the having to deal with the kids, husbands and not sit on our asses all day and eat bon-bons (like they think we do). This way when the husband comes home and he asks what you accomplished today, you can kindly tell him that you finished off a whole bottle of OJ and champagne all by yourself.

What better thing to be proud of? If you want to join us in this wonderful Monday tradition that we are starting, you can grab the button below and put it on your blog. Pretty cool huh?

Blogger sucks at letting you leave code so you know the drill...take out the *'s, replace with <>

*a href="http://www.MAKE-SURE-YOU-PUT-YOUR-URL-HERE.com">*img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3363/3190788017_bd4e1e4bef_o.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Mimosa Monday" />*/a>

Moving right along.

We finally got the desktop back, lost a lot of pictures thought but at least we have two computers back now. The Teen can get the hell off my laptop and let me have it back. I really hate to share. But along with that, I'm going through my reader this morning and headed over to Avitable's blog. Let me just give you a little warning. If you have never been there before, he tells you to the point. It is not for the light-hearted. If you don't like curse words, then my suggestion is that you just don't link. If you do, I warned you.

Today's post is about FreeCycle. It's a hoot. Go read.....like NOW! But of course, after you finish here.

And last but not least. A good friend of mine finally came out with his CD this past month. I have been following him like a good stalker would and patiently waiting. For 5 years now I've heard from him that it's coming, it's coming. That's like drunken sex, really.

Then it happened. I get a MySpace bulletin that says it's been launched. OMG I was so excited. Friday night my parents and I went to go see him at a local restaurant and he had it there for me. His CD. He's great. He does a little acoustic, little band style, and he's got a voice that will knock your socks off. Well at least mine came off.

You can hear a little bit of his music on his MySpace, Brian Caudill. Then for a measly $13 you can buy his CD.

I think that's all folks.
Happy Monday...now drink up!

Weekly Winners

2009-01-11T08:02:00.004-05:00

January 4 - January 10

Through a Golden's eye

Whatcha lookin' at?

Foggy morning

Lunch after celebrating way too much after the Florida Gators win

New meaning to Shrimp on the Barbi

And this is just my ha ha of the week. The bartender at the tiki bar we went to Friday gave Opal and I a Simple Pleasures catalog that we were going through while we were eating lunch. I had to take a picture of this. Just has that eww factor to it.

Also I have another tidbit of info to pass along. This past week I found a great photography forum. The people there are great, helpful and always willing to give c&c when needed. It's a great group of people, so if you decide to join make sure you tell them DigitalMom sent you over.

Can I get that "H" on a silver spoon please?

2009-01-07T19:39:00.004-05:00

The other day I had this brilliant idea that I was going to do this post of what the hell people were thinking when they dressed themselves. To me, it was actually quite entertaining because I am the Fashion Goddess you know. What people? Screw you, I can dream.

Well now you can just call me a big ole hypocrite. I mean with a capital H.

I get this bug up my ass yesterday that I was going to clean out my closet. Actually it was more like a "tax return is coming so I gotta make more room for shit that I'm only going to wear once." I pulled out boxes and got serious.

Opal laughed. Actually I think it was more like a BWHAHAHA, LMFAO and a few others. Bitch.

So as I'm going through my the numerous hangers that I've pulled from the depths of my dungeon. I see it. The shirt, or lack there of. And the wheels start turning. The OMG's and the WTF's. For what you ask? For this.

Now you see where I'm going with this "WTF was I thinking?" Let's access this shall we? The crochet look? WTF was I thinking? The small patch of knitting that actually covers my child-sagging boobs....WTF? The open back with the little tie....OMFG how cute *puke*

Now in my defense, I believe this has been hanging in my closet for at least 7 years. So I think back 7 years and was my body any where near fit to wear something of this less? Hell no.

So there you have it. H-Y-P-O-C-R-I-T-E at it's finest.

Oh but look at all the hangers that I have to fill now.

Now to redeem myself, I need to go take pictures of someone wearing something worse than this.

Oh it would be Wednesday!

2009-01-06T20:57:00.006-05:00

And today I'm going to be full of words.
January 6, 2009 - The annual Epiphany Celebration in Tarpon Springs
If you don't know about it (which probably you don't) boys, ages 16-18 are to write essays on what the Epiphany means to them and their faith. They are then chosen (or not) to dive for a wooden cross. Each year the cross is hand made, blessed by the Archbishop and the dive commences.
**I know I'm missing a whole part of what this is all about but wouldn't you know when I try and find something on it, I can't find it? But that's about the gist of it. Oh and the whole city shuts down LOL**

I've been down here 25+ years and have never once gone to a dive. Usually it's too cold, the boys dive into Spring Bayou which is a constant 72* but when the outter temp is in the 40-50's, that just screams too cold for me. Today it was gorgeous. These boys couldn't of asked for better weather. 78-79*, very slight breeze and a warm sun.

I share with you a few photos from Epiphany 2009

The boats which the boys dive from

A few of the 65 boys that dove yesterday

The first dive into the water to the boats

Waiting for the release of the dove and the blessing of the water

The releasing of the dove

After the cross has been blessed and thrown into the water

The Epiphany Cross holder for 2009 ~ Pantelis John Kontodiakos (17)

It was such a cool tradition to go and watch. I know this has been over 100 years of traditions but I can't find the article that gives the exact year. If you want to see my full set of pictures...you can catch them on our Flickr

For more words or wordlessness, you can head to Wordless Wednesday or one of these two wonderful places :)

You're leaving the house wearing that?

2009-01-05T14:10:00.006-05:00

Lately I've been really bad about judging people and what they are wearing. I know, shuddup. I should be nice and think to myself that they just dont' have that fashion sense that I do (lmao!) but seriously...let's take a look here.

Disclaimer first though. If anyone one of you reading this would wear something like this...sorry.

1. I couldn't get the lighting right on this one in order for you to see the beautiful colors that were in this shirt.

I'm not sure if the large green and brown flowers (I think) are supposed to enhance the curves of your body or not...but they were enhanced.

2. Ruffles. 'nuff said.

3. Butterflies on your ass. There are some places that patches should not be and I believe this is one of them.

I think this is another 'nuff said.

Sad thing on this...she wore the same pants the next night.

4. She wouldn't stop moving so I could get just the perfect shot on this dress.

I haven't decided what's worse on this one though...help me maybe? The dress, the shoes or the dress with the shoes?

So I think I had too much fun with this so I just might have to do it again next week. Stay tuned.

Weekly Winners

2009-01-03T18:33:00.002-05:00

Click ^ ^ to head over to Lotus's for more winners

See Mom, I can throw

Caught!

Done

Bunny always close

Behind the fence

Redneck Balloon Drop

Photo Hunt: Hope

2009-01-02T20:17:00.003-05:00

For more Photo Hunters click ^^

This week is Hope

She just looked like she was hoping for something

Diapers To Dating

[photo challenge - week 49]

[weekly winners - dec. 6 - 12]

[fix-it-friday #39]

[weekly winners - nov. 29 - dec. 5]

[weekly winners - nov. 22-28]

Where in the hell did 12 years go?

Weekly Winners

I'm coming out of hiding for a great cause

Weekly Winners

Busch Gardens

*tap* *tap* *tap*

Weekly Winners

Photo Hunt: Furry

It's my "birth day" too

Weekly Winners

Eh....I've been called worse

Weekly Winners

It's Friday Time! Happy Ku'ing

**Ahem** Few things on the agenda

Weekly Winners

Can I get that "H" on a silver spoon please?

Oh it would be Wednesday!

You're leaving the house wearing that?

Weekly Winners

Photo Hunt: Hope

tap tap tap

Ahem Few things on the agenda