More of Me than you ever wanted to see...

Here are the rest of my favorite images that the students in my PHOTO 102 class took. I think they did a great job, and I am having the hardest time picking the winner...though I am not a fan of the model. I will have to take up a few of the model offers you guys left yesterday for next month.

Please vote for your favorite. The first four are the pics I posted yesterday. They are in order from 1-4. The following are as follows.

5. 6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

me Me mE ME meeeeeeeeee ME

The best part about teaching a photography class is:

1. The shots my students take, tend to be better than mine...I learn something from them.

2. I have a raging good time hanging out with a dozen or so people that love photography as much as I do!

3. PHOTOS OF ME!!! Ok, so when I was short a model for our final shoot, I became the model for my students. Here are the first of the shots that have rolled in from some of my students.

Ask THE AUDIENCE: I decided to make it a contest to my students. I am going to pick a picture and make it my new facebook photo...because in the facey book world you can never have too many photos of yourself.

Which one do you like the best? I will be posting more over the next few days, so please check back to give all the students a fair shot.

thanks, luv erin

All THE SINGLE LADIES...

The Story of Jarom:

Jarom is one of my younger cousins on my father's side. He is the youngest son of the Auna family. When I was growing up, we'd visit my cousins on the big island of Hawaii. Little Jarom would follow us around. At one point, my Auntie Danelle bought cousin Jarom an Indiana Jones hat. He wore out that brown felt hat until it flopped down around his ears and buried his small head beneath it. Running around like a rascal, he'd yell, "I'm doctor Jones."

Now this handsome kid is here, fresh back from ITALY! My cousin Jarom, is such a cutie-pie, and very single. I just thought I'd put the word out there. This handsome Hawaii native is out in Utah attending BYU for spring term, summer term, and hopefully fall term. He is a hard-working intelligent guy that could possibly sweep you off your feet. Ladies, now is the chance.

Jarom, I hope you don't kill me for putting it out there, but you are too cute. I couldn't resist.

Monday's Fit Tip Mania

Remember me? Ms. Fit Tip. Yeah, I know, Long time no see eh? I'm back and in force. I'll try my best to be here every Monday for your fit tip needs and to rejuvenate the YEAR OF THE GREAT SLIM DOWN...don't think I've forgotten about it because I've been a little preoccupied.

FIT TIP OF THE DAY: Turn the T.V. OFF!

If you are anything like me, you wanna munch while you veg out to the boob tube. Yes? No? Either way, wasting that much time saturating yourself in idle gazing is no good for anyone. Yep, that includes me. Over the last few months I have tried to cut down my t.v. watching habits to one night a week. FO' REAL! I know, you're like 'whatevers'. But I am totally serious. I noticed that when I'm not lounged out in front of the media box after the kids go to bed, then I am also not MUNCHING--one of my big downfalls.

ASK THE AUDIENCE: What do you think? Agree? Disagree? What T.V. shows are you willing to kick to the curb? What must you still see?

For Brittany

Hey Brit, here is a sneak peek at your shots. You are a lovely bride...and I especially love the last shot. A bride and her father are a great thing. Thanks for the fun times. luv erin

CONFESSIONS

Upside down, my world is. (That is what Yoda would say if he too were trying desperately to finish writing a novel that has even an ounce of a chance of getting published)

Lately I have a one track mind. WRITING, WRITING, WRITING. I'm sure, there are a lot of you out there than can attest to this. If you've stopped by my home in say the last month you've probably found it dirtier than the floor of the dollar theater. You've probably seen me in Mark's over sized sweats (since my wonderful teal ones have finally bit the dust), and you've most likely asked yourself, "When was the last time she showered?" In answer to that, I plead the fifth.

One day, (I'm gazing wistfully out the large window that over looks my barren dirt pit of a back yard), Yes, one day I will publish a book. Sigh.

Until then, the following is a list of things that have become commonplace in my life:

1. I dream of high school boys...um, let me rephrase that...I dream of the high school scenario that I am writing about. Not real high school boys, because EWWW that would be GROSS!

2. My kids haven't eaten a homemade meal (that was made by me) in over 3 weeks.

3. We have saved quite a bit on our water bill thanks to my lack of showering.

4. My phone often has 5 or more messages on it because I turn the ringers off when I'm writing...and I often forget to call people back. (so sorry if that describes you)

5. The house was so filthy that Mark actually dusted, windexed and vacuumed for me the other night before he took off to Vegas...I guess he knew I wouldn't do it when he was gone either.

Those are my confessions. This post is just to inform you that any time you are in the neighborhood, you can make a lovely donation to my cause in the form of a 32 oz. Diet Pepsi from Harts or Walkers...oh, and I do love it with a small squirt of diet Mt. Dew in it.

Luv, erin

Book Reviews

Today I am just going to say TRUST ME ON THIS. Here is my top pick of books. These are, or will be when I buy them in hard back, on my untouchable shelf--the shelf that no one, not even Mark, can borrow.

1. The Thief, The Queen of Attolia, The King of Attolia - by Megan Whalen Turner
This trilogy is AMAZING. I love it and can't say enough about the power of writing in these novels.

2. The Nine Kingdoms Trilogy - Star of the Morning, The Mages Daughter, Princess of the Sword - by Lynn Kurland
If you are a fan of Robin Mckinley (The blue Sword) then this is a must read for you. Romance, Drama, Action, Fantasy...it has it all...and is cleverly written.

3. My Fair Godmother - by Janette Rallison
When I taught high school, I was always finding novels for the students to read. This is a fun read that any girl would LOVE.

4. The Hunger Games - by Suzzane Collins
Crazy, fast paced, not what you'd imagine, perfect example of a distopia! I loved this novel and cant wait for the sequel...if you are adamant about reading sequels back to back...then wait on this one.

5. The Giver - by Lois Lowry
This novel is the reason I decided I wanted to teach English. I love it that much. If you haven't read this one yet, PLEASE run out, buy it or borrow it and read it...then tell me what you think.

6. The Blue Sword - by Robin Mckinley
For fantasy lovers out there, this is a must. I think Robin Mckinley raised the bar for women fantasy writers when she wrote this books so many years ago. It is still excellent.

7. Mistborn, The Well of Ascension, Hero of Ages - by Brandon Sanderson
If you really want to sink into a deep fantasy trilogy, this is for you. These meaty novels are filled with suspense, action, drama, and much more.

9. Tunnels by Gordon and Williams
This novel for sure through me for a loop. I definitely didn't expect the ending of this one...but now that the sequel is out, I am loving it!


10. Harry Potter (all of them) by J. K. Rowling
Of course this set of books is a given. If you haven't read them, then do it.

I'm not quite sure if this is my complete list of must reads, but it sure is a good start. I love much and I cant wait to hear your thoughts on them. If there is a must read out there you think I need to run out and pick up, please let me know.

Ruby Ruby Ruby RUBY!

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't thank my Father in Heaven for sweet Ruby! If you've met her you know what a smiley happy baby she is. Ruby I love you because:

1. Pink is your favorite color...well, mine, but you have to wear it because you're a baby and don't have the capability of telling me 'no' yet.

2. You're biggest smiles are for me...that could be because I'm your sole food source, but I'll accept them anyways.

3. You love to go shopping for clothes...oh wait, that's me, but you look darn cute in all the outfits I find.

4. Your kissy lips and your squdgey body...I wanna pinch you all day long.

Ruby, you Rock!

Bird Chasing

As we drove down the Oregon Coast, the boys got a little stir crazy. No, let me restate that. The boys screamed, yelled, threw food at each other, pulled each others' hair, and passed quite a lot of gas. When I'd had about enough of that...the gas, that is...I pulled over to let the boys have a break, and let me have a breather.

Good thing I pulled over where I did, because I found this awesome view just off the side of the highway.
Apparently the boys found a better view-

While they chased seagulls, I fed Ruby, stretched, and paid the water bill (if you know what I mean...um, is that a little too much info? I've been couped up in a van for the last 9 days, my mind is a little befuddled.)

After they wore themselves out, we finally made it to our destination - beautiful Newport!

The Redwoods

After we left Washington, we traveled down the Oregon coast and into the redwoods. Unbelievable! I don't think I can even express how awe-inspiring they are. I felt so insignificant around the massive trees. As we entered the redwoods, we pulled over and I jumped out to hug this tree. I can't help but laugh when I look at this photo. It's like play where's waldo. The next picture is a shot of the Oregon coast. Every time we passed an area of the coast where you could see giant rocks, or small islands in the water, I wanted to yell, "Goonies never say die!"

Here are a few shots I captured in the redwoods. I'll post quite a few more later...when I get the chance.

And last, in the heart of the redwoods is this bizarre dinosaur world. Hidden in the trees are many life sized dinosaurs.

Did you have a fun spring break too?

33 Years Old...Time for a Career Change?

Mark, my totally awesome, happy kid-loving hubby, turned 33 yesterday! And, while we are out roaming around the pacific northwest, we happened to stop in the great farming country of eastern Washington. We took a few hours and toured a 4000 acre-large farm. In fact, we didn't just tour, but we rode in the tractors as the farmers plowed up the CIRCLES (I'm pretty excited about that word because I just learned what it means in farming language. The particular farm we visited farms 40 circles...that's a lot.)

Mark had so much fun out on the farm, that Troy, my 'much' older, funny, financial-planning brother-in-law thought the best way to celebrate Mark's 33rd birthday day was to get him some Cowboy necessities: Wranglers, Pork and Beef, 'chips', and of course ROCKY MOUNTAIN OYSTERS. (Don't panic, they weren't the real thing...just a representation. If you really want to be disgusted, by all means, follow the link...don't say I didn't warn you.)

Happy Birthday Mark! I hope you enjoy your new FARMING life.

George's Baptism

This last week we baptized George! It was such a wonderful occasion for our family. I can't believe how teary-eyed I was over it. I was so happy that Mark's family and my family were able to come.

We all gathered together at the church and after my dad spoke about the savior and baptism, then George was baptized. I was surprised that my dad actually had pictures of my own baptism so many years ago. George was able to see me at that young age. Then after Dad was done speaking, George entered the baptism waters and was baptized. After he was baptized, then Mark's dad spoke about the importance of baptism. George's baptism was confirmed by a wonderful group of family and friends. (Fieldings, I love you!)

Even though my kids were running wild (Teddy), I could feel such a warming peace in the room. I am so proud of my oldest.

Emily and Anna

I love my two little nieces. They are darling...and very inquisitive.

True Story:

Anna: Auntie Erin, what are you doing?

Me: I'm feeding Ruby.

Anna: How do you do that?

Me: (hmm, I could answer the question, but that could be detrimental.) Why don't you go ask your momma.

2 1/2 minutes later.

Anna: Erin, my momma says you have milk bottles on your chest.

Me: (head tilted to the side in contemplation) Yep, that sounds about right.

Me Again a couple minutes later: When you get older you'll get some milk bottles too. But you make sure they are just for when you have a baby. You don't want to go around showing anyone them. Ok? (hmm...maybe I took that a little too far.)

Easter Egg!

I love Easter. Candy, Candy, Candy...and Eggs. What more could you ask for? (Ok, this is the lighter side of the holiday, yes I love the remembrance of the Savior, but for now I will focus on the other).

I am spending Easter with my sister who lives in Ephrata, WA. (yes, she's the one with the lovely Etsy shop). Last night we colored Eggs...and hands. It was quite the ParTay!

I hope you have a fun Easter too.

May Photography Classes

Holy Stink! I have been so saturated with photography lately that I haven't had a chance to post a random, witless story from my everyday life. I promise more of that after this next week of crazed shooting.


I am now accepting students for the May session of Photography Classes. Due to the great interest in Photography 101, my partner and I will be offering two class times.

If you are interested, the dates for the May session are: Wednesday, May 6, 13, 20, and Saturday, May 23. On the Wednesday dates, we have two class times available: 6-7:30 or 7:30-9:00pm. (The time for the Saturday class will be discussed in class)

If you would like more information on what our classes have to offer, Please follow the Classes link at the top of the blog or: CLICK HERE

Getting the Shaft?

Have you been trying to call me only to find my phone answer to my voicemail? OK...don't answer that.

Have you been trying to call me in the last couple days with no success?

YES, I HAVE A GOOD EXCUSE...this time.

I was at the D.I. (where else would I be, and shouldn't all my stories start like that?) and I tucked my cell phone into the pocket of my pants. After finding the cutest pair of old navy shorts, I entered the dressing room, tried them on and then left. Within 10 minutes I was summoned to customer service. I rushed over to see what the hubbub was about and found the customer service attendant holding out the phone.
"Your mom's on the phone."
My mom? I picked it up, said something like, "Mom!?! WHAT?" (I was busy finding great deals). She informed me that she'd just called and someone, who was not me, answered my phone, said something rude, and then hung up. After she called a bazillion times more, the person evidently turned off the phone.

NEEDLESS TO SAY: The person never brought the phone up to customer service...they just STOLE it! Low-down, dirty, rotten, no-good, cell phone thief!

POINT OF THE STORY: This time, if you are calling and I don't answer...it's not because I am screening calls or avoiding you, but because I HAVE NO PHONE!

Do You Live In Washington? Wanna get SHOT?

Hey, here's the heads up for a great photography shoot!

Moses Lake area, April 12 - April 16th

If you would like to book a great photography mini-session with me for half the normal cost, then email me at:

erinsummerill(at)hotmail.com

How Much Will It Cost?
The charge for the 30-45 minute mini-session will only be $95.00.

What Exactly Will I Get?
You will receive a DVD of 30-40 HIGH-Resolution Images, a signed copyright release for you to print where ever your heart desires, and a DVD slide show to view on your home DVD player...and to shamelessly share with all friends and family.

When Can I Expect to Get It?
Your images will be sent to you by mail within 6 weeks. If you would like them faster, you have the option of paying a 35.00 rush fee...then you can have your images back within 2 weeks.

How Do I Schedule a Shoot...and can I Pick the Location?
To schedule the shoot, email me at the above email address. Yes, you can pick the location...to a certain extent...I will go over this in the email!