How Did I get to be an Adult?

When did this happen and how do I make it stop?

Last night it dawned on me, I'm old. Not old, but old in the sense that I'm considered an adult. I'm sure I've been considered this for a long time now but not until last night did it really dawn on me.

First, let me tell you the back story.

When I was about 14 or 15 years old, I started baby-sitting for a family on a very regular basis. When I say regular I mean I babysat five days a week after school with the occasionally Saturday thrown in there (for game night that is). The oldest boy was 3 years old and the twins (one boy and one girl) were 11 months. I babysat them all through my high school days and the summers of my college ones.

I literally became a member of their family and continue to go to birthdays and events to see them. Well I haven't seen Kyle, the oldest, in some time and I knew that the new Harry Potter movie was coming out so I sent him a quick email. Kyle and I have gone to every single one of the Harry Potter movies together so really, there was no one I would have rather seen it with. There was not a question in my mind that he would want to go to this movie with me.

Then I realized …

He is now a 13 year old boy, almost 14. Would it still be "cool" to see it with me? The opening of Harry Potter came and went and I still didn't receive a call from him. I was sad but I understood. That's when it started to dawn on me that I was getting older. I might not be the "cool" person to hang out with anymore.

But, I received a call a few days later. When I checked my voice mail I thought it was one of my guy friends - the voice was so deep. But I still heard him, Kyle the thirteen year old, calling to ask me if I would like to see the Harry Potter movie with him.

I was just elated that he still wanted to see this movie with me - and the best part - he seemed excited too. SO, we made the date.

So back to today, I realized that I am older but I am also that much wiser, which means I am that much more fun. Now I am able to help these kids - going through their teenage years can be tough and not every kid wants to explain and talk to their parents. I get to be a part of their lives again, not like I ever wasn't.

I am still, to this day, getting calls/texts/emails from each one of the kids. They make me feel special and I honestly hope that this bond doesn't end. But from the looks of it, it seems to only be getting stronger.

I am getting older but, to be honest, it's not that bad.

PS - I'm receiving text messages from the girl as I write this. :)

A Birthday Princess, Two Cakes and A WHOLE Lot of Fun

I feel blessed for many things in my life, but the one that seems to always be a constant blessing, is my niece, Julia.

I feel very lucky that I am extremely close to my family. My brother, sister-in-law and niece live literally three miles away from my house and this allows me to see them very often.

That being said, this past Sunday was Julia's second birthday party and it couldn’t have gone better.

I could be bias, but I am pretty sure that Julia is just about the cutest girl on this planet. Look at her with her sweet dress and fabulous tiara - dressed to perfection. That's my girl!

I felt like that day went by in the blink of an eye, but that could be because my face was planted behind a camera for half of it. I can't believe how fast this wee one is growing up. It honestly seems like just yesterday my parents and I were driving the long way to Grand Rapids to be there for the birth and now she's two!

The party was perfection in every way - the guests, the food, the presents and the cake. We had wonderful weather and even better company. I honestly have to step back once and awhile and pinch myself because, this is my life. This erratic, loving, caring family belongs to me. Adam also made it out for Julia's party and he is a member of my family through and through. He was the most helpful, loving boyfriend I could have wanted that day. Even though my family was asking for his help (more then once or twice) he didn't even think of complaining and saying no. He enjoyed himself. That means the world to me.

Back to the party! Julia didn't take a nap all day so you could tell she was keeping herself awake with sugar and pop (hey, it's her birthday and her auntie can give her whatever she wants). She was a trooper the whole day - elated that everyone (about 26 people) were there for her, and only her. She opened her presents with grace and went to every person individually and thanked them - SO cute! She loved being sung too but had NO time for cake and ice cream. She loved the present that Dikran and I got her and that was all she had eyes for when her daddy was trying to put her to bed.

Bed was a dream on her daddy's part and soon after he put her inside, Jewels was strolling outside to where we were - a smile on her face. She got her way.
It was getting late and it was time to go home for the Ornekian family but I left that house looking back at a smiling, loving, friendly little girl. She had the time of her life and although the terrible twos are starting, I wouldn't change anything about her - she is perfect.

What's in a Name?

I usually don't like writing a blog without some sort of picture to go along side it but I haven't uploaded any of Julia's birthday party images so this one is just going to have to go without.

I will update about Julia's birthday party later, but this post had a greater meaning. I want, no I NEED, a new blog name. Lisa's Blog is so last April and I need something to spice it up. Something creative. I wanted to do something just about photography, but as you can see, that's not just what this blog is about.

I read a few of my friends blogs and looked at the names of them and although I might not understand what some of them mean, at least it's something more then a name.

Hmmmmm. This is going to take some thinking.

Photography on a Sunday with Friends

On Sunday two of my friends and I went to Mill Race in Northville, MI to practice taking pictures. Roy, one of my friends, had the most amazing camera and really, is a seasoned pro and he graciously helped Jenna and me with questions about photography.

I have always been interested in a subject and more specifically, people. Now, I do enjoy landscapes such as rolling mountains and sunsets, but there is just something about capturing expressions that just blows me away.

Roy, Jenna and I went around Mill Race picking out different backgrounds, layouts and poses for our photos. It was a really good mix of people with differing opinions and many great ideas. The best thing about photography is that it is so creative in both processes - the actual photo taking and then post editing. You can honestly do any and everything.

The three of us acted not only as the photographers, but also the models. Here are some of my top favorite shots of the day - so far. I say so far because I spent three hours editing these four photos and decided that was enough for the day.

Hope you enjoy … there will be more to come!

Changing Things Up

I know I've been slacking on the blog posts but honestly, I have been really busy.

I think I want to try and turn my blog into my photo adventures.

I recently bought a digital SLR camera and really want to start getting into everything photography and I thought this would be a good outlook to show my work.

So, my first photo blog will be up soon.