Our Vacation?

We have decided to go on vacation. Can you believe it? I finally have finished the majority of the "book," and can now dedicate more time to having fun. That is important stuff. Bj can't take any days off (because of sweet Noah coming later this year), so we will be gone Thursday night through Sunday (yes, we love our every other Friday off). So, where do you think we finally decided to go?

Vote in the comments, the answer will come shortly:

Sedona

Phoenix




Mountain Retreat





San Diego

Photoshop Tip

I have loved learning to do work in Photoshop by finding tutorials and hints and tricks online. However, there are sooooo many things I still have to learn. Even as I am working in PS, I know there must be an easier way to do something, but I just don't know the keystroke, etc.

Well, yesterday, in a tutorial, I found a tip/trick I have been waiting for. And, because I am so generous, I thought I would share it with you here. It's pretty simple, but saves "clicky time."

When you are resizing a picture by dragging on the corner squares, simply hold down the Shift key at the same time, and the ratios of width to height will stay true. Up until this time I have been clicking on the lock button, which takes at least 5 more seconds. I know, I know, I am saving you so much time.

Also, another shift extravaganza of fun. When rotating an object using the corner square, press the shift key again, and it will help you rotate on specific angles (45,90,60,etc). I know, you love trying to line up a picture so it is hopefully completely straight, but if you are ever in a hurry, now you can do it without question.

I hope you enjoyed this super small tip/trick about Photoshop, but if you are like me, you may love every small thing that may save time, clicking, sanity, etc. Happy Tuesday!

It's that time of Year

Summer is here. We have had summer upon us for quite some time now, and our days are becoming lazier. The kiddos are loving the sprinklers, but as the days get warmer, the use of sprinklers slows since they don't want to burn their feet outdoors. I am a fully horrible mother and allow my children to watch too many movies and tv shows. We love our swim lessons where they learn all about butterfly stroke, and I become drenched in my own sweat. Our nights are filled with catching lizards, chasing birds, and watching out for snakes. We still try to take our nightly walks, but at 100+ degrees, those walks are getting shorter and shorter. All in all, life is pretty great. I am constantly amazed and grateful that I live in this amazing time. I have air conditioning, seriously....that is fabulous.

Serious Wimp!

I have vowed, for about a year now, that I would kill a rattlesnake, no questions asked. I have heard from animal lovers that it is cruel punishment to kill rattlesnakes. After witnessing what I did in the hospital with my little Liz, and how hard her recovery was, I still feel like every rattlesnake could die a slow painful death, and I would be just fine with it.

Today, as I was hanging wet laundry on the line, I viewed (not 3 feet away) a pretty small rattlesnake. It didn't move, it was just laying on the grass, enjoying the warm day. At first, I didn't really believe my eyes. Then, my senses came to me, and I ran inside the house, quickly called 911 for the Firemen to come to our house and pick up the little punk. After getting off the phone with them, I lamented! I should go outside and chop this guys head off. But alas, good sense overcame me. I mean really, would it be healthy for a pregnant lady to be accidentally bit by a rattlesnake? I guess not, but I felt ashamed I didn't go take care of him like a good mother should!

Liz told me to run and get the shovel so we could kill him. Oh Liz....what a sweetheart! She saw the snake through the window, and then ran over to the couch and hugged the cushions and whimpered. Sweet Liz! After 5 minutes, and the firemen still not there, she asked when they would come....when? when? when? Then the doorbell rang, two handsome (and I am not kidding about that), young firemen came to our rescue, and picked up the offending snake, and carried him off to the depths of a faraway (at least 2 miles) desert. Now, I get to sit and ponder about this blasted snake. Are there snakes hiding in my backyard? Can my kids play safely back there? Should I keep a shovel within reach, so I can finally get my revenge?

Luckily, Bj is on his way home, and I am sure he will quickly apply "snake away" to ward away any other snakes who think it wise to cross our path!