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hoffalady  > Photography > 365 > 365
i started this as part of the Daily Community here on SmugMug. it has morphed into my photoblog, something apart from the rest.

feel free to comment, but please be respectful for my passion and my life.
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hoffalady > Sunday        Nov 15 '09

another busy day for the most part. Q went grocery shopping with me this morning. not only was I $25 under budget (yay me) but I got all out turkey day fixins! it's crazy that it's only 11 days until my favorite holiday of the year- Thanksgiving!! the day that I get to force feed everyone... mwahahahaaaa!! I love it!

while we were gone, T finished his first set of make up work. he hasn't been turning in class work or homework in science. his teacher is usually a stickler for not allowing make up work unless you've been sick and have a doctors note. when I emailed her she said she'd allow him to do the work for partial credit. she realizes that he's a brilliant kid who has just been slacking. my lil smarties need to be challenged!!

I tried to talk to the boys about xmas and how pretty much everyone is tightening the purse strings. unfortunately, we always tell them it'll be a small xmas and then splurge. this year we actually mean it! is xmas really just over a month away?? holy smokes....

and so ends the week of Q....
hoffalady > Saturday        Nov 14 '09

can a day be busy and relaxing at the same time? mine was. 

we ran errands w/ the boys. they combined their birthday money, a grand total of $142 between cash and gift cards, and bought video games. they ended up w/ 5 of them, 3 new and 2 used!!

they still share everything, which is great. they pool resources. if they each get a different Lego set for xmas or a birthday, they share 'em. there is very few things that they don't willingly share. I think it's great that they still work so well together. I hope it lasts a few more years!!

after lunch, I laid down and the couch while the hubby was watching tv and the next thing I know it's 5 o'clock! I took a 2.5 hr nap! that never happens. I don't nap. seriously. I sleep soundly every night and only nap if I'm sick or have a very rare bout of insomnia (usually once a deployment). so weird.

I guess I needed it......
hoffalady > Friday        Nov 13 '09

Q wanted to show off the card that Papa & June sent him. that boys LOVES turtles, all turtles but especially sea turtles. it started when we lived in Hawaii in 2001. he was only 2 1/2 when we transferred to Oahu. we went to North Shore at least 3 times a week and before we headed home after every day at the beach, we'd go "turtle hunting". we'd talk out onto the volcanic rock tide pools looking for turtles. that's where the sea grass (very fine, delicate seaweed) grows. it was almost more fun than playing at the beach. he would squeal when he saw a lil head pop out of the water or see a flipper break the surface. 

his love for turtles only got worse after May 30, 2003 when Finding Nemo came out. we saw it on opening week because of Q.

I had to make the choice to cut someone out of my life today. one of my "old ladies", Gina. (I used to workout at Curves and a fantastic group of women adopted me as their youngest member.) Gina has sent me hate filled emails for the last 18 months, every one of them filled w/ lies, disrespect and venom. I used to correct her on certain points but she'd fire back when I was being civil. I figured I'd just ask her to stop forwarding me hate. it seemed like the easiest thing to do. she told me that I should "lighten up" and just delete them. 

the straw that broke the camels back was an email yesterday bashing all Muslims because of the actions of one. you can't lump extremists and fanatics in w/ the rest. I'm a freaking atheist and I know that! LMAO!!

turning your back on someone you care about is not easy, but I can't teach my children to be accepting of all peoples if I'm allowing that hate to fill up my inbox. a lil harsh but appropriate in my opinion.
hoffalady > Thursday     Nov 12 '09

oh the ups and downs of being 11....

yesterday over dinner, Quin told us that a boy who had been being a bit of a jerk to him threatened him. since it was after school hours, I shot off an email to his teacher explaining what was said and how Quin handled it. (he did the right thing and ignored him.)

this morning I got a reply from her stating that she was sending this boy to the office w/ a referral. I was pleased that it was handled and thought we'd be moving on. that turned out to not be the case. unfortunately they share two classes. so in their second class together, the kid asked Quin if he "snitched" on him. Quin said no and went about his business. hopefully this boy will drop it. if not, I'm gonna go all mama bear and raise a stink.

Quin is a sweetheart of a boy. yeah, he's a lil odd but I think part of that is his trying to fit in w/ his classmates. he's always the youngest and smallest of his class because he started school a year early. he's had issues w/ bullying before but thankfully because of past bullying, he knows how to handle it. a couple years ago, he threatened a bully back and that backfired.

then this afternoon, his card from his Papa & June came. he sobbed while reading June's note inside. he misses her and my Dad so much. my poor lil angel faced boy.

driving home, he kept putting his hands on the inside of the car windows and I kept telling him to stop. by the 5th time, I'd had enough and sentenced him to clean the inside of the windows when we got home. he pouted for the rest of the ride.

so lets see. I think this is the range of his emotions for the day:

happy, worried/scared, happy, thrilled, sad/longing, okay, happy, mad, brooding, annoyed, happy, elated, content, exhausted......

just before bed, Quin told me that he's added my site to his favorites on his computer. how freaking sweet is he??

I finished up Family X's portraits and managed to get them all uploaded today too. go me! now the wait begins to see what they think!
hoffalady > Wednesday        Nov 11 '09

I accomplished a big fat nothing today and loved it! the hubby had the day off thanks to Veterans Day. so we just hung out, watched our shows on the DVR and even a movie. I love when we can get time together like that. 

Jay (a coworker/friend) of the hubby's stopped by w/ a surprise too. he's found a semi local fish market that has a very large Latino section. we've been dying for some carne asada. he called us from the store to ask what we wanted- 3lbs of carne asada!

what we've found living in different parts of the country is that Mexican food tends to be flavored to local tastes. here in TN the Mexican food is very mild and bland. in HI, it was almost sweet. seems that the farther away from Mexico you go, the less authentic is it. 

the week of Quin, to honor his birthday, continues. I'm letting him come up w/ how he wants to be photographed and then I tweak it a lil bit. for today, he wanted to have his whole body covered w/ leaves. I suggested that we focus on his head and face. I just wish his glasses were clean! LOL

I'm planning to knock out the last of my editing for the super secret shoot on Thursday so that I can have all the photos uploaded to the gallery on Friday. back to the grind tomorrow.... :0)
hoffalady > Tuesday        Nov 10 '09

more editing today but I did manage to find more of a balance or something close to it.... lol

June called me today. she wanted to "see how April was doing". she's a sweetie. we spoke for an hour. I know that Dad said something to her about me needing a phone call but she wouldn't disclose what he'd said. 

we did talk about where this lil family is headed next. Washington state and back home to San Diego are our top two picks, but it all boils down to what happen w/ rank and where they need the hubby. 

I can't believe we have another year and a half here. feels like forever....

this shot didn't turn out how I'd expected it to and by the time I got home the sun was gone. so I played w/ it a good deal.

oh and I got two phone calls today from my ladies at the salon and two bookings! woohoo!! one is in two weeks (family portraits) and the other isn't until May (graduation).
hoffalady > Monday        Nov 9 '09        day 450

eleven

happy birthday Q!

I spent my day editing the super top secret family shoot from Sunday. I completely neglected other things... laundry, vacuuming, working out, balancing the checkbook to name a few! but it was time well spent because it makes me happy.

at first, Q requested meatball subs for his birthday dinner. then he wanted me to make spasgehetti and extra sauce so that he could dip his sub into it. over the weekend, he changes it to spasgehtti sammie. that might have been the best and funniest thing to watch- both boys cramming spaghetti and meatballs between two pieces of Texas toast and then trying to shove it all into their mouths! but they were happy campers!

I made Italian sausage, peppers, onions and mushrooms w/ fresh basil, garlic & oregino. it was outstanding!! so delish!!

Q also had Reese's pie & Reese's ice cream for his birthday yumminess. peanut butter overload! but he was happy- they both were. and strangely enough, they both went to bed early. super full tummies will do that, I guess. :0)

this will be my last posting to the daily community. it's been a pleasure to be a member of this group for the last 450 days. however, it's no longer the social place for me that it once was. I either don't have time to comment or I don't make the time. my lack of commenting had a dramatic effect on comments/input for me. that part kinda shocked me, but was acceptable. what I have learned from this group has been amazing and the close friends I've gained because of it- priceless.

I will continue to use this gallery for what it has transformed into for me- a photoblog. it will continue to be featured on my header. so those of you who do wish to keep tabs on me are more than welcome.

peace & chicken grease! :0)
hoffalady > Sunday        Nov 8 '09        449

incognito 

I had a super top secret portrait session today. since the parent wants to use these photos as xmas gifts, I've had to figure out a way to disguise my daily but still show y'all, well the few people who check this anymore.

the original is here.

the only hiccup in my Sunday was getting a bloody nose while I was in the shower. I haven't had one in years! (a bloody nose that is- I shower daily! lol)

anywho.....
hoffalady > Saturday        Nov 7 '09        day 448

goofball

we went for a drive this afternoon and ended up at the Navy's stables in town. a red tailed hawk w/ the remains of his kill was the shot I wanted, but I was w/o my telephoto. getting closer to him only scared him off his fence post perch. drat!

instead, this beautiful trio caught my eye.... well, mostly the goober in the middle rolling around in the grass like a pup. silly horse.
hoffalady > Friday        Nov 6 '09        day 447

barbed

had a very busy and productive day today. I ran all my errands and got my haircut. while I was at the salon, my stylist, Lisa, told me that she's been giving out my business card like crazy lately! and since Lisa hears everything that's going on around her, she sent me over to Pam (another stylists) station just before my cut started. Pam's client was talking about getting family portraits done when her two sons are in town for turkey day! I introduced myself, gave her a lil peek at my portfolio (thank you iPhone and the Smug Wallet app!!) and left her w/ my card. Pam also asked for a stack of my business cards too! stoked! 

Lisa and i talked about me doing her family photos once her lil man gets over his cold and Sabina, the shampoo lady, wants me to do her daughters senior photos when she returns from DC. (she's in the Nationals for band!)

I dropped a few more of my business cards off and hopped online to order more. this time I did a lil bit more to the design. well, really completely redesigned it. I'm tickled w/ 'em.

I've got another family portrait shoot scheduled for Sunday afternoon. I'm really looking forward to it..... :0)

i drive by this fence line a couple of times a week. today it just struck me as beautiful....
hoffalady > Thursday      Nov 5 '09       day 446

rosemary
hoffalady > Wednesday        Nov 4, 09         day 445

alight 

the Hacker's retouching is complete and they are thrilled w/ the result. yay me! I'm sure all of you know how that sense of satisfaction, having a a client tell you that "You are AMAZING!!!"

the hubby has school tonight. so it was just me and the boys (T, Q & V) for dinner tonight. we ended up talking about divorce. Q asked V why his parents divorced. Q doesn't understand that even tho V is a part of our family, it's not always nice or easy to talk about that stuff. they asked me about my parents, 1 mother I don't speak to, 2 dads who are polar opposites and Mama, the mother I chose. they were surprised to learn that Pops (Daddy, my biological dad) didn't raise me, that I didn't see him from the time I was 3 until I was 13 and that he and I didn't start talking on a semi regular basis until after Q was born. kids. they think if they didn't experience it, it didn't happen/exist before them. LOL

nothing fancy about my daily. just me enjoying the last of the evening rays. that time when everything is golden and magical.
hoffalady > Tuesday        Nov 3 '09        day 444

amigos        

what a day!  it feels like time is slipping thru my fingers faster than I can manage it!! and before I know it, it's bedtime... I hate that!

I was all ready for a day of domestic whatever, but I got a big ole monkey wrench in the works. I'd just gotten to the base when my phone rang. it was a sobbing Q. I couldn't understand him and told him so. I guess he handed the phone to the nurse, who told me that he's had a nosebleed in class, getting blood on his shirt and could I bring him a clean one. no sweat- after I was done w/ my grocery shopping. 

Q, along w/ having my pale skin and freckles, shares another trait w/ me- nosebleeds. they are worse in the air wintery air. I grew out of them when I was a teen. I just hope he does too. whenever something happens at school, he is always hysterical when he calls me. I don't understand it. it's not as tho I scold him for calling or shame him for having a nosebleed. but it never fails. he could forget his lunchbox or need a clean shirt. when he calls, there is always tears.

now that DST has ended, there is only an hour of light remaining when I get home from picking up Vernando. Q has been begging me to use his idea for a leaf heart for a few days. today I finally caved. then he thought he was the director of the shoot and told everyone to lay w/ their heads on the heart... I love that kid.

thanks to those of you who commented/gave advise on my situation w/ my (bio) dad. I know that in the end I'll do what I think is best. I would never keep him from having a relationship w/ my sons or hubby.. in the end I'm just thankful that I had a wonderful man in my life to raise me from the time I was 2. I love you Dad.
hoffalady > Monday        Nov 2 '09        day 443

daisies

what a long day!!! can someone wake me up when it's spring? please??

i spent most of it retouching photo, not one of my favorite things... but what can i do? the client requested it!

over the weekend, I finally told Mama about the heart thingy I had a few weeks back. that lead to a phone call today from Daddy telling me that he wants to hear about my health from me directly, not second hand from his wife. I told him I would... but after I got off the phone, I kept thinking about the call. so I sent him a text saying that I was sorry if not telling him hurt his feelings because that wasn't my intention. my text lead to another phone call (cause he doesn't text). 

Daddy said that he had a really great time up here last weekend and it made him realize how much he's missing out on and how much he has missed. he acknowledged that we don't have much of a relationship but said that he wants to change that. he said that he wants to be a part of my life...

I'm left feeling a bit indifferent. Daddy didn't raise me and I fought for a relationship w/ him for years growing up starting when I was 13. I guess I'm a lil offended seeing as I am now 34 and all of a sudden he's ready? I don't know....

the hubby was kinda shocked by my reaction because he, more than anyone else, know much much family means to me and how fiercely I protect my relationships....
hoffalady > Sunday        Nov 1 '09        day 442

teen

my parents and Gran left this morning after brekkie. it was a really great visit and having Gran here was the best! (the only hiccup was that one of my parents lil dogs peed in the house a couple of times!!) when they got home, they called to let us know they'd made it back. Mama told me how much Gran enjoyed her visit and how surprised she was that the boys doted on her like they did. this was the first time that my boys have had her all to themselves. usually we're at some huge family function and we all have to share her. this weekend they sat w/ her and watched cartoons, snuggling w/ her on the couch. Mama thanked me for putting up w/ Gran's persnickety ways, but the woman is turning 90 this year- I think she's got the right! LOL

the rest of my day was spent relaxing. I didn't have to cook because there was plenty of leftovers. I didn't have to do laundry because the boys had 1 set of school clothes left for Monday. 

my only complaint is... I hate Daylight Savings! so stupid!! leave my clocks alone!! grrrrr! :0p

my shot today is a simple, straight from the camera profile portrait of my T at sunset, ending my week of T.

hope you had a great weekend too!
Tuesday Nov 3 '09 day 444

amigos

what a day! it feels like time is slipping thru my fingers faster than I can manage it!! and before I know it, it's bedtime... I hate that!

I was all ready for a day of domestic whatever, but I got a big ole monkey wrench in the works. I'd just gotten to the base when my phone rang. it was a sobbing Q. I couldn't understand him and told him so. I guess he handed the phone to the nurse, who told me that he's had a nosebleed in class, getting blood on his shirt and could I bring him a clean one. no sweat- after I was done w/ my grocery shopping.

Q, along w/ having my pale skin and freckles, shares another trait w/ me- nosebleeds. they are worse in the air wintery air. I grew out of them when I was a teen. I just hope he does too. whenever something happens at school, he is always hysterical when he calls me. I don't understand it. it's not as tho I scold him for calling or shame him for having a nosebleed. but it never fails. he could forget his lunchbox or need a clean shirt. when he calls, there is always tears.

now that DST has ended, there is only an hour of light remaining when I get home from picking up Vernando. Q has been begging me to use his idea for a leaf heart for a few days. today I finally caved. then he thought he was the director of the shoot and told everyone to lay w/ their heads on the heart... I love that kid.

thanks to those of you who commented/gave advise on my situation w/ my (bio) dad. I know that in the end I'll do what I think is best. I would never keep him from having a relationship w/ my sons or hubby.. in the end I'm just thankful that I had a wonderful man in my life to raise me from the time I was 2. I love you Dad.
hoffalady > Tuesday        Nov 3 '09        day 444

amigos        

what a day!  it feels like time is slipping thru my fingers faster than I can manage it!! and before I know it, it's bedtime... I hate that!

I was all ready for a day of domestic whatever, but I got a big ole monkey wrench in the works. I'd just gotten to the base when my phone rang. it was a sobbing Q. I couldn't understand him and told him so. I guess he handed the phone to the nurse, who told me that he's had a nosebleed in class, getting blood on his shirt and could I bring him a clean one. no sweat- after I was done w/ my grocery shopping. 

Q, along w/ having my pale skin and freckles, shares another trait w/ me- nosebleeds. they are worse in the air wintery air. I grew out of them when I was a teen. I just hope he does too. whenever something happens at school, he is always hysterical when he calls me. I don't understand it. it's not as tho I scold him for calling or shame him for having a nosebleed. but it never fails. he could forget his lunchbox or need a clean shirt. when he calls, there is always tears.

now that DST has ended, there is only an hour of light remaining when I get home from picking up Vernando. Q has been begging me to use his idea for a leaf heart for a few days. today I finally caved. then he thought he was the director of the shoot and told everyone to lay w/ their heads on the heart... I love that kid.

thanks to those of you who commented/gave advise on my situation w/ my (bio) dad. I know that in the end I'll do what I think is best. I would never keep him from having a relationship w/ my sons or hubby.. in the end I'm just thankful that I had a wonderful man in my life to raise me from the time I was 2. I love you Dad.
Tuesday Nov 3 '09 day 444

amigos

what a day! it feels like time is slipping thru my fingers faster than I can manage it!! and before I know it, it's bedtime... I hate that!

I was all ready for a day of domestic whatever, but I got a big ole monkey wrench in the works. I'd just gotten to the base when my phone rang. it was a sobbing Q. I couldn't understand him and told him so. I guess he handed the phone to the nurse, who told me that he's had a nosebleed in class, getting blood on his shirt and could I bring him a clean one. no sweat- after I was done w/ my grocery shopping.

Q, along w/ having my pale skin and freckles, shares another trait w/ me- nosebleeds. they are worse in the air wintery air. I grew out of them when I was a teen. I just hope he does too. whenever something happens at school, he is always hysterical when he calls me. I don't understand it. it's not as tho I scold him for calling or shame him for having a nosebleed. but it never fails. he could forget his lunchbox or need a clean shirt. when he calls, there is always tears.

now that DST has ended, there is only an hour of light remaining when I get home from picking up Vernando. Q has been begging me to use his idea for a leaf heart for a few days. today I finally caved. then he thought he was the director of the shoot and told everyone to lay w/ their heads on the heart... I love that kid.

thanks to those of you who commented/gave advise on my situation w/ my (bio) dad. I know that in the end I'll do what I think is best. I would never keep him from having a relationship w/ my sons or hubby.. in the end I'm just thankful that I had a wonderful man in my life to raise me from the time I was 2. I love you Dad.
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