i heart faces photojournalism entry!

I've recently come across a fantastic site called "I heart faces." (www.iheartfaces.com)  It's an awesome resource, and they are having a contest that I thought would be a good fit for me.  As you may know, I am self taught and started by shooting my own kids, doing a picture each day for a year for each of them.  Honestly, it was a challenge, but I would say that if you really want to learn about your camera, and your style, it is a challenge you need to take on.  I look back on my first year with Lilly and can see so much growth in my photography since then.
So taking a photo every day just lends itself to photojournalism, especially if you have kids like mine who won't sit still.  You have no choice but to shoot them when they are doing something!  It's fun to look for "little moments" to take photos of!
without further explanation, here is my entry! 

humming "the girl from Ipanima"

well, because that's the song that always pops in my head when I'm thinking.  You know, almost like my very own Jeapardy theme.  What?  you don't know it?  Well, here you go.
You can thank me later, when it gets endlessly stuck in your head.  (you're welcome!)

 Anyway, here are some photos to get you out of your Monday Blahs.

Jack walks really well (I guess we should be honest here, and call it running.)  However, whenever we put shoes on him, he acts as if he has no idea what to do!  It's hilarious watching him "learn" all over again when we go out in public.  So cute.  At least it slows him down a little.

Now here is a girl who loves to dress up.  In everything imaginable.  So we made some play dough lips and a little play dough ring. Love her.  She has the best imagination. 
enjoy the night!
k

one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.....

today was a good day.  that is all. :)

Why teachers are frustrated.

*sigh.
I shouldn't be feeling like this already, this early in the school year.  Especially with the class I have- they are fantastic!  I couldn't be happier!  I just wish I were allowed to teach students what they need to learn without being a robot.  I'm sorry, you could program a robot to read from a teacher's manual, and make copies from my adopted series. 
The human part comes in when I recognize a need, and I know how to fill in the gaps.  When a kid asks a question, and instead of reciting some answer, I SHOW them; TEACH them how to figure it out by themselves. 
My goal is to create a desire to learn.  My goal is to help kids discover ways to help themselves.  It's really hard to be told that I'm not allowed to fill in the GIANT gaps missing from my core curriculum.  Then when test scores ultimately come back, and the kids are missing things, (oh, and they will be if I'm only allowed to teach my from my curriculum guide) it comes down to ME.  Not my curriculum, not the people "in charge" who tell me how to teach my students, not the parents, not the kids themselves, but me. 
*sigh.
I really need to start my own business.  

back to school

I feel like I've been MIA for the last few weeks.  I am definitely aware that my full time job throws me far off course when it comes to following my dreams, but I need to feed my children, right?  It's lucky that I happen to love teaching.  It doesn't give me the thrill that photography does, nor do I feel like I am very good at it. I adore watching the kids transform.  Last week was our first week back, and I can not explain what a difference I see in them ALREADY, after just one week.  They are certainly going to be the best behaved class that I have had in years!  I can't wait to see what they learn.
I'm going to try to keep blogging and updating things, even just to help keep myself on track.  I'm making a goal of blogging at least once a week, and I'm thinking of doing another 365 (year in pictures) starting on my birthday, September 11th.  It's going to be my 37th year of life, so I'd better get it together, right?  Meanwhile, have a peek at some things I'm dreaming of....

so, I guess you might say I'm dreaming of summer.  It was only a week ago that things were so carefree!  I know you'll come back to me, summer.  See you soon!

Mike and Joann.

I've known Mike for a REALLY long time.  He's a great friend, and when I got the news that he was engaged, I was thrilled for him.  His now wife, Joann, is not only gorgeous, but sweet and funny.  And she happens to be a fantastic mom.  I seriously look at her two girls and hope that my kids will one day grow up to be like them.  (That is saying a lot, coming from me).  I was honored that they asked me to be their wedding photographer!  Happy wedding, Mike and Joann.  I know you are going to have a fabulous life together!
love, Kristen