Creations From Everyday Life

The first picture ever taken,

with my 5D...

And here are some pictures from the first 20 I've taken.

Here, I was trying to duplicate the dreaded "black dot" problem these cameras have been having. So, far I haven't been able to duplicate it, which means, my camera probably isn't one of the "broken" ones! YES!

Taken at ISO 6400

This was taken at ISO 4000 (in my living room, all lights off, shades drawn... by Jared).

Also taken at ISO 4000 in a unlit hallway. I like how you can see the "fuzz" on her arm from the backlighting.

These next 3 uploaded looking pretty dark. Maybe it was the shade and I needed to set my white balance. But, whatever I'm still learning. I did lighten them a bit in Digital Photo Professional, but looking at them now, it may have been a mistake.

ISO 200, outside. Shutter 1/1000, f/2.8

ISO 200, Shutter 1/1600, f/2.8

ISO 200, Shutter 1/800, f/2.8

And this is probably my favorite. Jared was celebrating the installation of a part going well on his sand rail.
ISO 200, Shutter 1/160, f/2.8

I really like the sound. I've heard people say that it's noisy, but compared to my 20D it is stealth. It's heavy. Jared said that if I complain about my neck hurting he's going to get rid of it.

I don't think so... sir...

I think I love you...

IT CAME!

It's here!!!

It's sitting on my lap!

...and I'm [not] ever so patiently waiting for the battery to charge.

The UPS driver probably thought I was nuts. I wish I had a picture of the stupid grin on my face. I couldn't get to the door fast enough when I heard (with my stealth hearing) him pull up in front of my house.

I got my 20D and gave it to Jocelyn to photo document the moment for me. In hindsight, I should have put my little 18-55 lens on it, so that she could have actually lifted the thing... but I like what she got anyway. Another photographer in the family maybe?

The buttons are mostly the same as my 20D, so it doesn't feel foreign to me, but I think I better read the manual anyway. It has a lot of stuff that my 20D doesn't have... like live view mode, and HD video...

It's a brick! Solid! And I like it. And it's HUGE compared to my 20D. I'll have to get used to my fingers reaching just a little further to press the buttons. Maybe this is why a lot of men are photographer. Bigger hands.

Status Level of Excitement:

Very excited...

It's quite a trip my camera's making.

It's making pretty good time too!

It hung out in Jersey. Then visited my family in Louisville for a couple of hours. Hopped a flight to SLC and played in the snow... and now is somewhere in my little town hitchin' a ride in a big brown truck.

I don't think I will be leaving the house for awhile.

Errands? What errands?

Canceled My 5D Mark II Order

with Ritz Camera.

I noticed some people on photography forums saying that they just ordered a 5D mkII, and should have it tomorrow... or within the week. This baffled me since mine has been preordered since early November.

I looked around on-line to see if anywhere had it in stock. On Adorama.com I noticed that they had the 5D mkII listed, and didn't have a back-order status listed next to it. So, I went through check-out procedures to see if it at some point told me the item was on back-order. It didn't. I got to the point where I needed to enter credit card information, and didn't want to go any further (because I still had my camera on pre-order with Ritz)! Instead, I got the customer service number and called Adorama. I talked to a really nice foreign guy who told me his name was Isreal (and made sure I knew his extension number was #2217).

I asked if they had the camera in stock. He told me yes, and that I had to order in quanties of 12. I said, "what" in a really confused manner, to which he busted out in laughter and said just kidding. From then on  I knew I was talking to an awesome guy.

He said that they had just gotten 12 bodies in and if I had a credit card, I could order one right then. I told him about how my husband had preordered from Ritz. He said that he just had a guy call and order from him, and then cancled his pre-order with Ritz.

I hung up with him, called Jared... and told him my story. He called Ritz, canceled the order, and told me to order it from Adorama.

So, twist my arm... I did.

And I got a confirmation that my order was made and that I'd get another e-mail when the credit card had been approved. Currently I'm waiting on another e-mail telling me that the order was processed/approved.

If this transaction goes smoothly, and I actually get my camera sometime in the next week, Adorama will gain a customer, and Ritz will definitely lose one!

Wish me luck!

Christmas Morning: My Pictures.

I have pictures from my mom that I'll want to post too...

That will be later.

At about 3:30am, I heard the pitter patter of little feet. Who I later learned to be Jocelyn, ran up the hall. And down the hall. And up the hall. And back down the hall. I knew that it was approaching 4am, and was waiting for her to come wake me up. I would have totally gotten up at 4am to open presents!

Instead, Jocelyn went and bugged Grandma Tucky for awhile. They giggled and talked about how they couldn't fall asleep. Then... then both fell asleep together. A little after 7am, Jared couldn't take it anymore.. and woke everyone up so that we could start the present opening!

First I wanted to take a picture of the kids in front of the tree.

Teslyn had already been into the candy, and was THOROUGHLY enjoying a York Peppermint Patty.

Calvin was stoked about a fireman's costume he got from Grandma. Here he is trying on his helmet.

Jocelyn was excited about these 2 box sets of Junie B. Jones books.

And... that's all I took pictures of. My mom still took a bunch, and I'll post those later. I just felt like sitting and enjoying the moment (without the camera in my hand). I did video tape some, which I felt necessary to do since it was the first time Teslyn had even been on tape!

For Christmas, I got:
A SOG Knife from Jared.
Aqua Globes from my kids.
Hollister Gift Card from my Mom.
Kohl's Gift Card from my Mom.
Earrings from my Mom.
You've Got Mail, and BIG DVD's from Jared.
Extreme III 8 Gig card from Santa.
Eyeshadow and Lip Gloss from Santa.
Dell Studio XPS from my Mom and Dad.
Laser Printer from my Mom and Dad.
Adobe Photoshop CS4 from my Mom and Dad.

Jared got:
Fishing Vest from me.
Sony Digital Picture Frame from me.
Bladestar Fly Tech flying toy from me.
Nerf gun from Santa.
Drag race cars (to share with Calvin) from Santa
Orange sticks from Santa.

Jocelyn got:
Wedding Barbie
Littlest Pet shop holder
Littlest Pet shop pack
Movie Coloring book
Easy Bake Oven cookie mix
Princess box with lock
2 shirts, 2 jeans & 1 sweater
Personalized jewelry set (to share with siblings)
2 box sets of Junie B. Jones books.
Flower necklace and ring set
Loom
Paint by numbers
Dress and pant set
Peek a Boo Barbies, case and house set
Flamingo puzzle
Treasure chest and paint to decorate.

Katelyn got:
Porcelin Tinkerbell Doll
Littlest pet shop holder
Littlest pet shop pack
Kitty coloring book
My little Pony stuffed animal
Snow hat.
Sweater, 2 shirts, Jeans & pink top.
Tinkerbell necklaces
Pony-tail holders
Gingerbread play set.
Barbie with a microphone that sings.
Hello Kitty bingo.
Hello Kitty sticker set.
2 Kitchen Fairys
Colored rocks and case to store in.
Penguin Puzzle
Tin with candy
Walking barbie horse
Treasure chest and paint to decorate.

Calvin got:
Air Blaster nerf gun
Thomas the Train coloring book
Fire Truck
Fire Helmet
Fireman suit.
Toy Story 2 DVD
Suit and shirt.
Sweater.
Thomas train cars.
Bosch tool set
Thomas the Train hoody
Frog puzzle
Tin with candy
Santa Mr. Potato Head
Wood Puzzle

Tess got:
Santa Book
Light up toy book (that she can't chew the corners off of).
Sweater & Jeans
Peek a Boo book
Stuffed Snowball
Fisher Price Fish bowl.

Grandma Tucky got:
Dragon Fly necklace from Tiffanys (from grandpa tucky)
$200 worth of canvas prints of her choosing (from me)
Box of Osmond pictures (from her "secret santa")

Christmas Eve.

What kid can say that their Grandpa actually IS Santa?

We were sitting around, doing nothing... when Jared's parents stopped by to surprise the kids in full Christmas gear.

Tess didn't quite know what to think about Bumpa.

Then, later in the evening... the kids showered, and opened and put on their Christmas jammies. They all colored with Grandma Tucky while I made dinner.

Grandma Tucky's artwork. You can tell she's from Kentucky by the landscaping in the picture...

Jared and Tess watched TV.

We drove around and looked at Christmas lights. This particular house is only about a block from our house. There was a line of cars in front of the house. When you tuned your radio to 88.5 the lights danced to the music.

Then we came home. We put cookies out for Santa. Jocelyn had the idea to write Santa a thank you note for the presents.

Merry Christmas.

The Birth of Christ.

Usually on Christmas Eve, Jared's family will get together... and the little kids will act out Luke 2.

This year, we were going to be a bit spread out on Christmas Eve, so we got together on Monday to carry out our tradition. First we sat around and ate soup. The babies played, and the older kids fought a lot. Pretty normal.

We had hot chocolate.

I think Jared had a little hot chocolate with his whipped cream.

Then we went downstairs, read Luke 2, and acted like idiots.

Calvin (baby Jesus) was chillin' in the manger.

Who knew that the wise men played Guitar Hero?

My husband... the Shepard.

Katelyn was an Angel, Jocelyn was Mary. Teslyn just crawled around... and climbed in and out and in and out and in and out of the "manger." I'm assuming she was one of the sheep.

Got it done.

This time last week, I literally had ZERO items purchased for Christmas. I was excited for Christmas... but was having a hard time getting into the shopping part of it.

This week?

I have no clue where we got all the stuff... but Jocelyn and Katelyn has over 20 presents each. Calvin has over 15 I think. Tess has around 5. Jared has around 5. I have no clue what I have. Those numbers reflect presents from me, my mom, other members of my family from out of town, and the man in the big red suit. I indeed did NOT purchase 20+ presents for each of my kids! BUT, they ARE making out... that's for sure.

Last night I bought fabric, and made Tess's stocking. I've made all of my kids stockings...

I made Jared a stocking too. He has one. Somewhere. But I didn't see it when pulling out decorations. So I saw some Simpson's Christmas fabric, and knew what had to be done. I'm going to make my mom a stocking sometime this afternoon.

We stayed up until 3am (last night/this morning) wrapping presents, and making sure we really wouldn't have anything to do today. Except I'm working on a quilt for Kate (that is not a secret), and need to make a stocking. But a few sewing projects is hardly the stress of getting 70 something things wrapped, and going to the store Christmas Eve day for last minute things.

Tonight, the kids will open Christmas jammies. Then we are going to a family members house for soup and craziness. Then we thought we'd drive around and look at Christmas lights (a tradition on Christmas Eve for me).... and then it will be time to climb in bed so that Jolly old St. Nicholas can do his thang...

Merry Christmas.

On the Eve of the Eve.

I still have some Christmas shopping to do.

I've been calling around this morning trying to find a baby sitter so I can get it done.

My husband has basically been non existent this whole holiday season. He's all work, work, work, work. I don't even think he gets tomorrow off. I jokingly call him my roommate. He did come home last night, so that we could do a CRAZY and awesomely fun nativity/Christmas story with his family... but planned to go back to work afterward. Then, he decided he was too tired to go in. I really don't know what time he left this morning, because he was gone when I woke up. It's not his fault. His work place just has a lot of holiday cheer!

I'm down to needing some stocking stuffers, Jareds present... and one thing I was wanting to get for all 3 of my older kids. But I can't really do the shopping with my kids with me!

Last week, my mom and I were at Walmart shopping for the kids. Funny thing, the kids were with us. We had 2 shopping carts. My mom had all of the kids piled in her shopping cart. She pointed to something she wanted to buy, and then walked around to the next isle. I would pick it up, put it in MY cart, and cover it with my jacket. We did this for about an hour. When she checked out, I took the kids away from the checkout line. Then, of course I went to the bank to get money to pay her back for my half.  The kids demanded suckers even though we were at the ATM.

They didn't get suckers.

Currently, I'm sitting in my pajamas. All 4 of the kids are watching PBS and are HAPPY. My mom is sleeping behind me, and I'm planning on finishing the front part of a quilt I'm making for Katelyn (not a Christmas gift). I also need to clean, make some breakfast and do several loads of laundry.

 My "babysitter" hasn't called back, so I guess I will have to go shopping by myself later while my mom watches the kids...

Picture with Santa.

We took the kids to the mall today so that they could get their picture taken with Santa. It was the poorest Santa I have ever seen... if you are asking for my opinion. Not very attentive to the kids, and an OBVIOUSLY fake beard. In fact, later... we saw "santa" walking around having his lunch break. He was out of costume, and had taken his wig/beard off. The only way we realized it was him was that he still had his fake eyebrows on! The kids didn't notice, but my mom and I were definitely snickering about the whole thing!

Here is the pic:

Favorites from "Studio Tuesday."

It was fun (and A LOT of work). I will be setting another one of these up after the new year, and after I get my new camera). Also, next time... I will set up appointments for after school hours, to accommodate families with children in school. E-mail me if you think you, or someone you know would be interested. This way, I will know how many to plan for!

Pictures of the Snow.

Last night (Wednesday Night), I was scheduled to take family pictures for my friend Natasha at Ancestors Square. The snow ruined those plans. We emprovised, and I hope we got some good pictures. Honestly I don't even know yet if they turned out because I haven't had the time to upload the pictures yet!

I haven't had time because I guess what they are calling the "100 year storm" hit St. George, right as I was scheduled for the shoot. The picture in my previous post was taken on my way home. Also, on my way home... I detoured to the St. George Temple, because I wanted to take some pictures there while it was snowing:

Then we woke up this morning... to this:

Snow!

Studio Tuesday

When: Tuesday 16th

Where: My House.

Time: 11am - 3pm.

What: I will be getting out my studio equipment and setting it up in my living room. Currently, I don't have enough space to dedicate a single room to photography... but we will make due. I will be setting up my black backdrop, and my studio lights. Bring yourself, bring your kids, bring your family and I'll set you up with pictures!

Bring your own camera if you want to play around.

Anyone who comes will be charged no session fee. I will put your pictures online for you to download for free. If you want professional copies of the photographs, I will only charge 1/2 of my regular price (excluding canvases, cards and fine art prints).

Appointment not necessary, but would be appreciated. E-mail me at amymhummel@hotmail.com, or leave a comment here. If you need my address, e-mail me... as I don't want to give my address out over the WWW.

Here is a photo from my last "living room studio session."

The In-Laws...

 

Multi-tasking.

We gave Jocelyn one of our old digital cameras last night to play with.

She caught this humorous picture of me bathing Tess and washing dishes at the same time.

Kate is really rubbing off around here.

"My Old Grandma"

Katelyn's imaginary friend.

She can't be like normal kids, and have imaginary friends that are her own age. Her imaginary friend, [family member maybe] is her old Grandma.

Her old Grandma is really pretty awesome.

Today Katelyn was talking to Seth in the back seat of the truck and said:

"My old Grandma... when she went to Mexico, saw some Indians. The Indians were really nice to her, and gave her Buffalo skins to eat.

Seth said,

"yuck."

Then Kate said,

"Well... they put the skins in the microwave, and made mashed potatoes."

We passed the college on the freeway, and Seth said:

"Ahhh, that's where I used to play soccer."

Katelyn replied,

"Yeah, that's where my old Grandma is taking me to play soccer tonight."

You should hear some of the other adventures that Kate and her old Grandma have. I will definitely be writing more "old grandma" stories as they come!

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Friday I was sick.

I think I threw up more times on Friday than I did with all 4 pregnancies combined.

I still feel icky off and on, but not throw up icky.

I've definitely had a full day today, and feel fine... and if anything super energetic.

I took Jocelyn to school, got Kate off to preschool, cleaned the house to immaculate condition, picked up Kate and Seth, dropped off Seth, went to costco, shopped and ate lunch at costco, went to walmart, went to Harmons, put on Christmas movies purchased at walmart for kids to watch, picked up Jocelyn from school, started the process of making 8 dozen "Santa Claus" cookies, by dipping 96 nutter butter cookies in white chocolate. Now I'm waiting for the chocolate to set so that I can add some more detail to the cookies.

So, I'm checking my e-mail, and blogging.

And I feel GREAT!

I think I may do a few loads of laundry.

I know I will be super tired in a couple of hours... and will probably sleep real well tonight. But I'm getting as much done as possible while I'm on this kick! Who knows how long it will be before I have this much energy again.

Madness?

It's 5 minutes until midnight.

I just spent the last two hours disassembling, wood gluing every nook & cranny, reupholstering, and screwing back together 2 of my very wobbly kitchen chairs.

For awhile I pondered the reason as to why I start these projects sooooo late in the evening!

Then I realized it's because...

I HAVE 4 KIDS!!!!!

...and as a side note, we listed our house with an awesome real estate agent today. We decided we were done trying to bring people in, and wanted to pay someone else to do all the work. I'm looking forward to seeing what the next couple of weeks bring.

Christmas Tree (Part II)

The other half of the pictures!

Here is Jamie and Juliet.

Calvin and Jack wrestling in the snow.

Now, this story is a little funny. Calvin was standing next to a tree, sampling the tasty snow. Merrill decided that the tree would be perfect in their living room, and started to cut it down. Calvin was still standing next to it. As Calvin happily stood there, eating his snow... we hear the rustle of pine needles... and then the crash of a very large Christmas tree on top of Calvin. Merril said he thought it would fall the other way. But nope. It fell directly on top of Calvin. Because I was taking pictures of him eating show, I saw the whole thing through the viewfinder of my camera. The whole time, Jared was yelling, "AMY... AMY... AMY!!!" I guess he was too blinded by the vision of a tree falling on his wife... to care about the fact the tree was falling on his only son. Luckily no one was hurt. Calvin just ended up freaked out because... well... A CHRISTMAS TREE JUST FELL ON HIS HEAD... and he was covered in all the snow that was previously on the tree!

Fun view from the side of the road where we were parked.

Jocelyn was a little turd. She decided that it was "too cold," despite the fact it was in the 40's. Which I don't really understand... because it's usually in the 40's when she goes to school in the morning... and she refuses to wear a jacket most of the time. But, here she was in full snow gear, and FREEZING! She just loves to complain. We were going to have a family picture taken (which will be on our Christmas Card), so I made her at one point get out of the truck. That's when I took this picture. *forced smile*

...and this picture.

After the shock of the tree incident... Calvin was happy again.

Tess throughly enjoyed herself too. She was wearing snow pants that my mom had bought for Katelyn 4 years ago... so I smoothed out a spot in the snow and sat her down. She is my ONLY kid that has not screamed at this age after being sat in the snow.  Instead she was very curious.

She picked up some, and attempted to eat it. It was funny, because you wouldn't have thought snow tasted like pickles... or lemons. But you would have known after watching the MAJOR pickle face she made after putting a microscopic piece of snow in her mouth! I think she wasn't expecting the fluffy stuff to be cold!

This was about the point she decided her bumm was getting cold.

Then of course, there was hot chocolate.