So I just have to say I have the best husband in the world. Justin, you are amazing. He is so supportive of my dreams and ambitions and never ceases to amaze me with his generous heart. I was able to get this amazing lense today!

So my dear friend Shalina who just today discovered she has the same lense, took these of me, the girl behind the camera. Thanks friend!

Oh boy. I’m about to go somewhere I NEVER thought I’d go. These thoughts that have been circulating my head have never actually… left my head. Until now. I haven’t spoken a word of this to ANYONE. Not my husband, my best friends, my sister.

Let me start from the beginning. Since I was a little girl I have been into photography. I remember my first “real” camera given to me by my Nanny (grandma) - I was turning 12 and we were at the beach. Since then I have gone through MANY cameras, including my first SLR in 2001 and more recently my loyal Nikon DSLR. I think back to the many times I dressed my little sisters up and posed them all over the house/neighborhood to photograph them. They can probably attest to this and I’m sure the memories of this are not all fond : ) Then the birth of my son, what better subject than the product of two people’s absolute love and commitment to one another. Not to mention he looks just like his daddy, which of course makes me smile each time I look at him. My passion for photography has escalated as I have a giant list of photographers blogs and sites bookmarked that I just can’t seem to get enough of. Where am I going with this you ask?

This takes me to my other passion. Scrapping. This “hobby/obsession” began when I was pregnant with Danny. I give all credit and more to my dear friend Jeni. At my baby shower she had the FABULOUS idea that instead of the usual shower games that become so repetitive, everyone in attendance would create a one-of-a-kind layout for my soon-to-be baby’s album. I remember sitting on the floor of her condo late into the night with Jen, Shari and Jeni, my tummy SO large it sat on the floor with me - absolutely in awe of what lay before me. Papers, fibers, brads, eyelets, flowers, you name it - she had it. From there it simply took off and together we have attended nearly every Scrap Expo together and have secretly added to our overflowing collection of pretties that we hope to one day use. I have been introduced to the wonderful world of chipboard (current favorite product), paint, ink, distressing, page sewing and favorite lines of paper. This possibilities of this hobby are ENDLESS and I have love, love, loved all I have learned and how much I have grown in this creative outlet of mine. I get such joy out of putting memories down on paper that I hope that future generations can look through and know just who I was, just what I was passionate about, and most importantly how much I loved my life.

I joke sometimes with those close to me that I have way too many hobbies. I have a list of things I just love to do. I have an amazing husband who, although most times doesn’t understand the level of craziness his wife is all about - yet embraces that side and is so supportive. I have friends who enjoy the same things as me, yet we all have such unique ideas and styles.

So much time, energy and money has been put into the scrapping side of me. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, however now on my mind, in my soul, and basically taking over my life - is photography. I CAN NOT get enough! I would love to turn it into something that would allow me to continue to stay home with my children. I want to grow and learn all there is to know about it, about my camera, about future equipment, about the software I hope to someday own. I want to capture those moments, the everyday ones that mothers and fathers remember as a tiny sliver in time. I want to hold tight to the love and adoration of a couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. I want to keep the memory of the family pet who may not be around for the kids to grow up with. It is this desire deep inside me that seems to grow just as my unborn child is.

This leads me to the dilemma at hand. Can one be THIS passionate about more than ONE thing? What do I put my time and energy into? For so many years it has been my scrapping. Do I simply throw that by the wayside, to pursue this DREAM of mine? Do I - gasp - try to fund my dream by selling the products of a former dream?

I know, who has time to post 3 blogs in one day? ME. That is the fun of owning a laptop, it can go with you. I couldn’t resist posting these three photos… he insisted I take. Oh boy, I really should be scrapping…

Meet Bond, James Bond.

A few fun facts about our “007″ Chevy Trailblazer:

1. No need to refill the front left tire every. single. day.

2. LOTS of space in the back for groceries, strollers, dog, scrapping supplies, golf clubs.

3. Smells nice.

4. Drives like a dream.

5. And most importantly… it is the 1st vehicle I have had a hand in choosing and I am absolutely in LOVE with it : )

The amount of love I have for this little boy is… much more than words can describe. Here is a little glimpse into our day today. Me, Danny, and my trusty camera…