Took this of my Jacey yesterday with my new lights. I'm still trying to figure out the best way to set them up.

Baking is one of the many things that I love to do but, lately I haven't had enough time to do all the things I love to do. Today was the first time in about a week and a half that I got the chance to do some baking.

Someone commented yesterday about getting photos of both Matthew and Jacey. Well, yesterday while I was trying to get his photo Jacey kept jumping up on his lap (like she always does), so I snapped a few of them two together. These photos weren't taken today but, I made the collage today. They are best friends and so adorable together! If he's not around she'll look for him and cry for him! We have two other cats, one is attached to my other son and the other cat is attached to me! It's so funny how they picked us instead of the other way around!

I finally got him to look at the camera! It took some creative thinking...all I had to do was make a funny noise to get him to look at me (briefly) and smile! I had to be very quick to get this shot....I love it!!! Matthew is really the reason I got into photography, they could never get him to sit still and he would often have meltdowns! I thought if I could learn to do this I could get some good photos of him at home where he is more comfortable. I also cut his hair today....he doesn't do well at the beauty shop either!

I tried to get some pics of my oldest son Matthew today but, this was pretty much all I got! He's autistic and it's hard to get him to focus his eyes on me or the camera. Even when he keeps his body still his eyes shift all over which resulted in alot of pics with blurry eyes lol! I still love this photo of him! I ran Rita's CoffeeShop Faded DayDreams action on this photo. Lighting is really not that great in my house and I've yet to get an external flash or any lighting setup. I'm still learning and practicing though.

I decided to try a new recipe from one of my Taste of Home magazines. I tweaked it a little bit. This spaghetti is lower in carbs and fat. I used the Ronzoni Smart Pasta instead of regular pasta. It was delish! Definitely a keeper! I was hoping to have leftovers for tomorrow but, my boys finished it off lol!

1 can (14 1/2) stewed tomatoes, undrained
1 jar (7 ozs) roasted red peppers, drained
1 can tomato sauce
1 tsp. italian seasoning
1 tsp. sugar (I used splenda)
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. red wine vinegar
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp. olive oil
Hot cooked pasta

In a blender, combine the first eight ingredients; cover and process until smooth. In a large nonstick skillet, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender. Stir in pepper mixture. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Serve sauce over pasta. Yield 5 servings

It's time for me to hit the books again! Today was the first day of winter quarter and I'm so not ready! I have four classes this quarter and I'm taking all but one online. Today I actually had to go to the campus for class (Math). I get to class and noticed everyone had a different book than I did...turns out they gave me the wrong book at the bookstore UGH! Now I have to go back there tomorrow to get another book! I'm so not looking forward to that because I had a heck of time last week trying to get my financial aid straightened out then waiting forever in line at the bookstore...I think I was there a total of 5 hours!! I am majoring in Health Information Management and can't wait to graduate next year!

This year I have made a resolution to get my finances in order! I received Dave Ramsey's book "The Total Money Makeover" for Christmas and I'm definitely ready to start the "Baby Steps." It means I will have to cut back on alot of things and make a budget each month. This will be tough but, I know I can do it! Like Dave says, "If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else."

And, of course, I will continue to get into shape and eat better!