Learning Photoshop

So awhile back, Groupon offered a coupon for online photoshop classes on JessicaSprague.com.  Knowing that despite working in Photoshop some, I still really have know idea what I'm doing, I thought it might be a good idea to buy the groupon.  I'm really glad I did.  I am thoroughly impressed with the website really thought the information and the format was awesome.  I feel as though I have learned SO much (and yet still feel like I'm just scratching the surface too...)  I would highly recommend the classes for anyone who feels daunted by opening pictures in Photoshop (or Elements, which is what I have.)  As I can save my money, I would like to take more of the classes available through the website.  As a side note, I'm not receiving anything for this review - I'm just impressed and thought there might be others out there who would be interested in this info. I thought I would share a couple before-and-afters that I put together today.

Journal Take 1

So, yeah, trying to jump back into blogging, thought I'd jump on the journaling bandwagon...  Before I start though, you should probably know that way back in August, we miscarried another baby - that's kind of why the blogging came to a halt.  We had genetic testing done to see if there were any genetic/chromosomal issues that were causing our miscarriages.  Nothing abnormal showed up on the tests, but they did indicate that our baby was a girl.  That's still just surreal to me.  We've always guessed before, but to know?  Wow.  Other than that, life is still just plowing along. Hopefully I'll be able to document better the quickly passing days with this journal.  I'm not known for my dedication to this blog though, so we'll just play it by ear I guess...

TODAY

Outside my window: Sunny, 60s, the garden finally bit the dust this weekend with a couple freezes.  Except maybe the lettuce might survive?

Clothing myself in: Blue long sleeve shirt and jeans. With a belt. Because they won't stay up without it.

Around the house: I DEEP cleaned nearly 2 weeks ago.  I keep telling myself that "it's still clean" despite the fact that um. it's not. Hmmm... and the fish aquarium needs cleaned badly.  I should do that.

Ruby: Talks and sings all the time.  Is in a bit of a "whiney" stage lately.  We're working on "using big voices."  Has a huge imagination.  Her favorite toys lately have been the Fisher Price Little People and Animals.  We purged a ton of them, but have a few left and boy do they get played with. Daily.

Ira: Has a very loose tooth on top.  Got new glasses that fit him SO much better.  Is reading nearly 4th grade level books for AR for school.  Is getting better at doing his chores (or paying me to do them.)  Has been showing less resistance/anger when he gets in trouble.  But also has been terrible at mass the last 2 weeks.

In the kitchen: Tomato Mushroom soup with grilled cheese, Not Red Spaghetti Sauce with Angel Hair Pasta, Ground Beef Stroganoff, and Pitas and Hummus with Black Beans and Eggs.

My hobbies: Getting ready to make yogurt this week again - it's been awhile.  Finally started my online (self-paced) class on Photoshop last week.  I've learned a TON.  Made a "scuba diver" costume for Ira last night.  Turned out really cute and was very easy!

Bringing me joy: Got our letter from Pope Paul VI Institute today regarding our recurrent miscarriages.  They want to see us and run every test in the book (or so it seems.)  I am SO SO SO happy to finally be going somewhere with this all.  Seriously was a bawling mess when I got the letter.

Thinking about: Family drama, keeping my temper in check, being patient and LOVING even when it's REALLY hard.  How cruddy I've felt lately because of how out of whack my hormones are.  Heap. of. tears. All the time.

Picture to share: (which for now will be totally unedited, because I am still figuring out my workflow and I don't want that to keep me from sharing pictures.)

Andy & I at my Class Reunion a few weekends ago.