We're Moving!!!

The new blog address is http://hiltonfamily.wordpress.com.

I still need to move over all of the video clips from previous posts, but I don't have time right now.

Anyway, make sure you change the blog in your favorites and subscriptions and whatever.

Parker's Surgery

Tomorrow is Parker's surgery on both of his thumbs.

The girls are spending the night at Ninny and Papa's and will be there tomorrow. Gigi and Grandpa will be going to OKC to be there with us for the surgery.

I'm nervous. The surgery itself is not a huge deal - just the anesthesia for my little guy. I just hate it when children have to go under anesthesia - especially my children!

The surgery time was originally set for the second case of the day, which put it at a start time of about 8:15, with our arrival time being 6 a.m. So, we had planned to spend the night in OKC. However, earlier today, we got a call saying that his surgery time had been moved to later in the day (noon), so we don't have to be there until 9 a.m. That saved us money, since we don't have to stay in the hotel tonight. Also, Billy didn't get back into town from work until about 8 p.m., so it would have been really tiring for him to have to drive on up to OKC to the hotel right after getting home from a really, really long day at work. He's really exhausted.

So, Billy and Parker are both asleep in our bed right now. Parker kept asking me to take his picture tonight - again, and again, and again, and again. He was walking around finding random objects and asking for a picture with them. I'll post those tomorrow night or the next day. I also have a pic to post of Olivia's crazy hair from today (Crazy Hair Day at school).

I'm tired, but I can't sleep. I have to finish getting some stuff ready for tomorrow. I worked hard today on some business stuff.

I'm also moving the blog, and I'll let you know the new address in the next couple of days.

Pray for Parker (and us) Tuesday.

Punked

I got a prank call from a radio station this morning. I wish I could find out what station for sure.

The guy wanted to know if I would take pictures of his step-daughter and her prize-winning goat. Well, the thing was that the goat actually passed away last night and was stiff, with the tongue hanging out. Could I work with it and make it look like it was still alive?

Sorry, I simply couldn't do that today. (Or any day.)

Well, it says I do children's portraits, and the goat was like a child. It was part of the family and they loved it to death (no pun intended).

I giggled.

"Ma'am, it's not funny. My step-daughter is really tore up about it. She stayed home from school today and everything. She really needs a picture to take to school tomorrow."

I advised the redneck to find a photographer closer to where they were located or to just take a snapshot themselves.

When I asked for the contact information, they hung up.

I tried to find the station after that because I was sure I had just been pranked by a morning show, but I had no idea except to look for redneck country stations.

I did a reverse search on the number and found where it's from. Then, I found the station that is most likely the one. Then, I found the two guys that do that morning show during that time. So, I'm pretty sure I know who it was. When I find out for sure, I think I'll call during on on-air thing and prank them back about how I am suing or something. I was so emotionally distressed after the call that I couldn't work all day. I feel so sorry for the step-daughter who lost her prize-winning goat.

I actually am kind of irritated that they are using my name on air and everything. I should have hung up much sooner, but you know Oklahoma. I'm surrounded by rednecks - many of whom have prize-winning animals that are like family. You never know. I was trying to be nice without being stupid, because people were listening, and I didn't want them to think Sarah Hilton Photography was heartless or brainless.

Anyway, funny - and will probably never, ever happen again.

ACM Awards in Vegas - I See Stars!

Too tired and busy to blog properly right now. I need a few days to recover from the trip and catch up on my work here.



Here's a little teaser:

Vegas Bound - Again.

So, I leave tomorrow morning for Las Vegas - once again. Vegas wasn't even anywhere near my list of places I wanted to visit before I died, and here I am going for the second time in about 8 months. It's hard to turn down a free trip - and helping out a friend who is truly going through a really difficult time. We plan on taking our time more this trip and hitting several spots that we wanted to see last time and didn't get to.

I cashed in my change bank yesterday, and I had about $60, so that's it for all of my meals. I'm so glad we found the cheaper eating place on our last morning in Vegas the last trip. We'll be there every day this time.

I've been working really hard the past few weeks. I've also just completed a month of no eating out (with the exception of a lunch with my in-laws after a funeral recently - paid for by my in-laws). I have actually prepared food (breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner, dessert) every single day. That is a humongous feat for me. I also spent NO money on anything but groceries for several weeks. The break in that occurred the day we took Natalie's story up to the City, and I had to buy Parker a cookie and drink at McDonald's, because Natalie got to go with Gigi and Grandpa, and he didn't (sad boy). Also, yesterday, I went shopping for a couple things I needed for my trip (another bra and other necessities like that).

It feels so good to be taking good care of the family and our finances. Groceries are expensive for a family of 5 who is home all of the time - except for Daddy!

Anyway...

Chicken is about to pop, but if she doesn't start labor in a few hours, she'll end up stuck with Billy as her "midwife" through this delivery. I hope she can hold out until I get back.

I'm busy making lists for Billy for while I'm gone, and I'm trying to explain everything and show him where stuff is set up for certain things, but I don't know if he's really listening. I know they'll all survive without me, but I want it to run smoothly and "properly".

The girls each have their first soccer game scheduled on Saturday, and I'll miss them. I can't believe that. Billy will be busy that day.

I'll be super duper extremely crazily busy when I return Monday afternoon. It's a really, really busy week - and I have to do taxes in the midst of it. So, I'll probably get a quick blog in when I return, and then there won't be a whole lot until after that next weekend, probably. We'll see.

Wish me luck.

OFFICIAL SOCCER MOM!

Natalie and Olivia are both playing soccer now. Last week was the first practice for each of them. They were supposed to have games Saturday, but the yucky weather caused a cancellation.

So, Natalie has soccer practice on Tuesdays, and Olivia has soccer practice on Thursdays. Parker wants to play so badly.

Natalie was so, so, so, so happy when she got dressed for her first soccer practice. If you remember, she wanted to play last year (actually the year before - when she was 4), and I kept missing the sign-up. She was all smiles and really thrilled to get in her gear and get out on the field. She did well during practice. I'm so glad she loves it. I was afraid it was just something that sounded fun to her but she wouldn't like it once she tried it. - I was wrong to worry!

Of course, Olivia likes it, because she's doing something that Natalie is doing. So, time will tell if Olivia truly loves soccer as Natalie seems to. I'm getting Olivia scheduled to talk with her doctor about getting braces for her legs, since she walks so pigeon-toed. Her right foot really turns in. It has always done that, but her pediatrician thought it would go away on its own earlier on. It's definitely a problem. It makes soccer more of a challenge for her. Ballet will be really difficult next fall, if we don't get her into some braces now to try to correct the problem.

So, here's a little video of Natalie warming up before her coach arrived at her first practice. She was giddy!

One more thing...

As an incentive...

I would post more often, if my readers would post more comments! It's encouraging to know my blog time is appreciated.

Promises, Promises...

I realize I promised another blog update before the weekend was over, but I never took the time to do it. The blog is just on the back burner for now. A lot of stuff is on the back burner.

I've been putting my business stuff to the side for a few weeks now, too. Other than answering some calls and a couple schedulings, I've been putting off working on some of the new senior stuff and a couple other things I need to do.

However....I've been accomplishing so much on my personal to-do list! It feels great!! I'm really focusing on the family side of things.

I WILL POST A BLOG WITH A PHOTO OR VIDEO LATER TONIGHT!

Natalie's Story

Here is the cute little story Natalie wrote (dictated to me) and illustrated for the Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest. She wanted to enter the contest last year, but she was too young. This year, we almost missed the deadline. She was so excited to get to enter this year.

I looked at some of the winners and entries from the past year, and some of them really seem like parents were involved in the writing of the story. This story is straight from Natalie! I think it's actually a good little story.

Some other time, I'll blog about the drama of getting the entry in. I need to shut down the computer, probably, because of the lightning. I just got home and thought I'd better get this posted right away - since Ninny didn't believe I was actually going to post a blog (after such a long time without one)! I've been busy with projects, and I'll blog about them when I feel like taking the time.

More later this weekend.....Promise!

Lucky You!

Sorry for the long delay in a blog update. You'll have to wait even longer for a blog of any substance, because I simply don't feel like thinking as much as I need to for catching up on the blogs I want to include (like back from Valentine's, etc.).

So, here are some random photos to make up for it:

The Man called home today and requested a spice cake, so I put one together really quickly - deciding to throw in an homage to a big part of our heritage today. I didn't put together any kind of St. Patrick's Day party for the kids this year, because there's just too much going on right now.

I've been working on some big re-organization in the kitchen, and I'll probably post about it sometime. I've got a bunch more to do in other rooms to implement some of my new ideas. I'm on a roll...and, of course, having a ton of fun doing it, because I thrive on organization and planning, etc.

Pregnancy update on Miss Chicken: She didn't get pregnant at the time Olivia and Parker heard her "getting bit by a snake". However, she is pregnant and getting really big now. I think we've got 2-3 weeks left.

New toilet design in the guest bathroom - compliments of Olivia. She draws characters from The Happy Monster Band (Disney channel short show in the mornings). I didn't let her finish this design, but I can't bring myself to completely scrub it off, yet. It makes me smile every time I see it. There are a lot of people in the world who have lost children or are unable to have any and would love to have little scribbles all over their house.

Talk to the Foot.

Just a quick cute thing from yesterday that I just remembered:

We were all in the car, and the girls were kind of picking at each other about stuff (kind of serious and kind of just playing). Natalie put her foot up on the seat and said to Olivia, "Talk to the foot." (You know, like the "talk to the hand" thing.)

Olivia goes, "Hi, what's your name?"..."Oh, foot."..."Hi, foot. How are you?"..."Ok. Bye, foot." Everyone started giggling, and the "fighting" was over.

It was such a busy, running-here-and-there day today! My back is killing me, and I'm exhausted! Busy, busy day tomorrow with a session and an order appointment and some other stuff.

The weather was gorgeous today, and I'm hoping for the same tomorrow for my session with little Kolton - from the contest entry in February.

A handful that Natalie picked as soon as we got home from all of our errands (business and personal) today! At least they weren't weeds this time. I end up with lots of little glasses full of pretty weeds most of the time.

I just thought this was a sweet moment. She loves flowers and animals.

DISCLAIMER

Things are really, really busy for me right now (business) - until at least Sunday. So...probably no posts until then. I may get to a couple by Saturday night, but...no promises.

Because of a message I received after my last post about the product photography, I thought I should place a disclaimer here:

The images in the post below have not been edited (levels adjustments, contrast, color correction, etc.). They were not delivered to the client that way. When I said that I was thinking about leaving them as is and maybe not redoing the set up, I meant only the "set design" that I had done - the food props and how the light was hitting on the jars (not easy to light reflective jars properly, with them not looking flat or also not reflecting in the wrong place). Anyway, of course the images were enhanced, once I decided which ones would be delivered.

So, just in case a prospective client should happen upon this blog, they should know that was not the final "product" (pun intended) that I delivered to the client.

Maybe a quick, fun update with a photo or two before Sunday - but, don't hold me to it!

Product Photography

I know it's disappointing to keep looking for a blog and find nothing new, and I know a post without photos is not as fun. So, here you go:

I worked on some product photography all night long - until 6:00 a.m. this morning. I have to have it done this weekend.

This is a project for a small local company, and my first attempt at the project was a couple weeks ago, before I got sick. I did some test shots and sent them for review, and they liked my ideas. Then, I got sick and haven't had a chance to finish the project. I'm just ready to get it out of here.

When I worked on the test shots a couple weeks ago, I was really having fun, and I thought that I might want to work more on learning techniques for great food and product photography and maybe get into that a little. This time around, I didn't have my "assistant", whom I was calling "Spritzer Guy", since he was helping spritz water and give me assistance deciding how to place the accessories during the test shoot. Yesterday, "Spritzer Guy" got the flu that I had last weekend. So, I was working on the shoot by myself, and I was already really tired. Plus, I've just been depressed the past few days, so I wasn't in the right mood to work on it anyway. I just don't have a choice, since I have to have it done this weekend.

I may redo it all, but I need some time to review what I got and see what needs to be changed/improved. (I can see so many things wrong with it on my initial review.) Or, I may turn it in as is, because I undershot the commission, thinking it wouldn't be that much work to shoot a series of jars and spices. That was because the original request was just for a setup like with a saddle or just rustic look. I made more work for myself by proposing the food prep style that they decided they really liked. Also, I'm getting paid in ITEX dollars (the barter group thing I got suckered into - and that I'm canceling after the next project I have that I'm getting paid that way in April). So, I'm not technically making any cash for this project. I'm just over it. Maybe, I'll have a better outlook after I'm better rested.

Here are a few shots from last night/this morning:

Prayer Request

Please pray for strength and God's peace for Stephanie's whole family right now. They lost Stephanie's niece, Jade, earlier this morning.

Such a painful, traumatic ordeal the family is enduring even as we speak, at the hospital. As their hearts are broken, we pray for emotional and physical strength that only God can provide.

As Christians, we know that God knows what is best for us all, and that He is holding little Jade in the best place of all, but it just can't take away the immense pain the family must endure while still here on earth. As an "earthly being", when I heard of the life-saving efforts being made by the physicians this morning, it was my tendency to pray for sweet little Jade to stay here on earth with the family who so love her and care for her so well - as I don't want any of them to be suffering the heartache they are now. I had to "remind" myself to pray, instead, simply that God's love, peace, and protection be evident to the family, no matter the outcome this morning in God's design for beautiful little Jade.

There are many travel plans being made right now, and Jade's mama will be making a terribly painful flight back home from across the country. Also, Stephanie's brother is on a return flight home right now. He was flying on the way to Stephanie's house this morning (where he will be staying to help her when Percy leaves for Afghanistan), when they were able to catch him at a layover to get him set up to return home immediately. Stephanie has an especially difficult time ahead, as she will be sending Percy off for training and Afghanistan on Tuesday, then flying home (with her three babies) to join her family.

Smile Break!

I just thought this little thing about cats and dogs was really funny. I can't give credit to the writer, because I don't know who it is. I found it on someone else's blog, and they didn't know the author, either - just found it on the internet somewhere.

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DOG DIARY

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!


CAT DIARY

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.
They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.
Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.
The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.
In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet.
I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of.
However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "Good little hunter" I am. Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight.
I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event.
However, I could hear the noises and smell the food.
I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.'
I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking.
I must try this again tomorrow - but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.
The dog receives special privileges.
He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return.
He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant.
I observe him communicating with the guards regularly.
I am certain that he reports my every move.
My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe.
For now . . .

The Tooth of the Matter is...

My baby is growing up - quickly!

Yesterday, Olivia wanted to watch the DVD of Natalie's dance recital. I was sad watching it. For a few months now, I've been thinking about Natalie's next birthday (6th), which is just around the corner, in May. It just seems like such a big deal to me, because of the whole "important first five years of life" thing. It just feels like she's stepping into another segment of life. I just realized yesterday that she will be one-third of the way through her time with us at home, assuming she'll leave at 18 for college - which is the plan at this point. That's just crazy to think about being one-third through that time - especially considering how very, very quickly the time has gone already.

Today, we are all home (except for Billy). I'm still sick with the flu stuff, Olivia with the bronchitis, Natalie with a stomach virus, and Parker also with an upset tummy. Today was Parker's day for school, but I was afraid he'd have diarrhea at school, so he stayed home. I had planned on sending Olivia to school, because she is over any fever, but she was so sound asleep this morning, that I didn't want to wake her up.

So, a little bit ago, Olivia told me something about Natalie's tooth. Natalie seemed afraid to tell me, and she was covering her mouth. I asked her what happened. She showed me that she had a loose tooth. I don't know why she thought I'd be upset. I just started to cry and said that I couldn't believe my "baby" was so big that the tooth fairy would be coming. Olivia patted me and told me, "It's okay, Mama, I'm still your baby. See, my tooth isn't loose. Look at my teeth. I'll still be your baby. Don't cry." It was sooooooooo cute and sweet.

I was just so completely unprepared for a loose tooth already. I'm scheduling Natalie for a dental visit, because I don't remember if that tooth is one that doesn't have a permanent underneath. If she looses more up front, we'll have to go to a specialist and see if we can go ahead and have a temporary "fake teeth" thing put in. There's no way she can go without any teeth in the front all the way to 12 years or so (when they will put in the bridge-type thing with the fake teeth until she can get the implants when she's about 20). So, maybe we can find a nice, generous specialist to cut the cost a little for a smaller temporary bridge thing.

Anyway, here's a little video from a minute ago:

My big girl - nearly toothless.

The House of Ill...

Olivia went to the walk-in clinic today, and she has bronchitis. She's been sick since last week.

Parker was sick last weekend, and he had an ear infection. Then, Olivia got it. She complained off-and-on about her ear hurting. Then, she had to miss school Friday, because she didn't sleep at all the night before. Then, she seemed to be feeling better, and she went with Natalie and Ninny out of town to visit their Aunt Kathy. She came home Saturday night, crying about her ear.

I was able to work on a project (finishing the new investment catalog) all day Saturday - it literally took me all day long Saturday, but I got it finished and ordered. Then, I got sick. I didn't feel good all day, but I thought it was because I was on the computer and "thinking" really hard all day (figuring cost of goods, etc.). Then, I realized I had fever/chills, aches, nausea...all of that, in addition to the headache and runny nose, chest cough stuff that I had all day.

So, Olivia and I are sick girls. Natalie just left for Gigi and Grandpa's to spend the night and do her school at their house tomorrow. I might have to put a call into Papa to keep Parker a while tomorrow, if I still feel like I do now.

Anyway, a boring update, just so you know why I haven't done the other updates and photo/video posts. I feel yucky!

Red Lobster Date with Parker

A video for now, and details about our day together in another blog when I get time:




Sorry for the whole chewing with his mouth open and talking with food in his mouth. He was kind of being silly. He wanted me to "take a picture" of him eating and drawing.

FINE...JULIE!

Here's a blog, as promised (before midnight on Friday) - just not one of the titles I said would be posted. I'll try to catch up tomorrow. Patience, please!

Technically, the weekend doesn't start until Saturday - right?

I was taking a quick shot of her in the outfit she wore for "crazy sock day" at school last week, and she wanted a photo of her hugging the dogs. Someday, I want to be able to take the time to get some real portraits of the kids with the dogs. I just haven't had time.

Crazy Sock Day at school. This was the craziest I could find that morning.

This was in the yard during the ice storm.

Coming Soon...

I'll post some updates before the weekend - I promise.

Blogs to come:

Last Thursday (My Date with Parker)...video included.

Big Boy Haircut and Undies...video included.

Valentine Weekend.

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I know there are more things I wanted to blog about, but I'm so far behind that I can't remember some I wanted to include last week. Maybe, I'll remember them later and add them. I'm really tired right now.

I did a newborn session today (three hours of trying to get her to be sleepy and "moldable"). She only slept about 5 minutes, and the rest of the time she was fussy. Natalie was my assistant for this session, since there were no children there, and it was a quiet newborn session. (Well, it wasn't so quiet, because the baby was fussy.) We'll try again another time and include her family with her, too. (She has 2 big brothers.)

Anyway, here are a few that I got during the 5 minutes of sleep: