Ok, I really like my blog, cause I can talk to you all (if anyone’s really there) and you always listen, never interrupt, and are continually interested in the little happenings in my life.  So, here’s one little “happening”…. I’m getting a haircut!  It’s much needed.  I know this because my hairstyle has consisted of a ponytail and two clips for about 6 months now.  It’s very “fixed” and “in place,” but not much personality.  Therefore, my friend Bethany and I are going to Bubbles to get our hairs did!

Then…. we’ll be heading to Downtown Annapolis for Bethany’s photo session.  She’ll be leaving us here in Maryland for a whole YEAR to minister to the wonderful people of China.  Check back soon for some previews of her new do!  Oh, and I just have to say it, even though she’ll kill me…she’s single, and great, and ready to mingle!  But I have to approve of you first!

So when I married my wonderful husband Josh, I had didn’t realize I was marrying into such a creative, talented family.  It’s a lot of competition, I must say!  My husband, Josh, is really skilled at all things Mac, programming, and the techincal side of music.  His dad is a great CPA, and his mom, Bonnie, has been creating and crafting ever since I’ve known her.  Recently, (in the last 7 years) she has made quite a following for herself on eBay selling all kinds of things.  She started painting sweet, shabby chic flowers on vintage and antique items, and has recently moved on to creating Shrink Plastic & resin earrings.  Occasionally, when I have time, she asks me to snap some photos of her stuff.  I usually try to do this during my littlest girl’s nap time because my girls just go “ga-ga” over “Gigi’s” jewelry.  So, in the interest of trying to blog more faithfully, and sharing my life with you all, I had to share with you some super cute stuff that my mother in law is making these days.  Here are some items from her shop, Fun Jewelry:

Okay, so if you know me, I have a morning ritual of looking a some favorite blogs:  Heather, Stacy, Bev, Pioneer Woman, Jasmine Star, Jessica Claire, How About Orange, Thimbly Things, & Want What You Have.  These are blogs that belong to friends, people I admire, or just strangers who I like to read about.  Well, as I was reading Jasmine Star’s blog, I noticed she was giving a FREE video chat on PhotographyMentor.com and basically having a Q&A with her readers.  I hoped on (after much time & difficulty) and sat there in awe!  Here she was, in person (sort of), Jasmine Star, photographer extrodinaire, on my home computer, kinda, sorta talking to ME (and the other 300+ people watching).  I got up the guts to ask a little question, and she answered it!  It’s not much, nothing to speak of, but I felt very special having someone so talented at what she does take the time out of her schedule to talk to us blog readers and answer our many questions.  So, thanks Jasmine.  I really enjoyed listening to you share.  Here’s my little clip, with my name, in case you wanted to see!  Hopefully I’m not breaking any copyright laws!  Ask forgiveness, not permission, right? [vimeo http://vimeo.com/3122528]

She said my name! from joshsroka on Vimeo.

And speaking of videos, I thought you might enjoy this one of my littlest girl trying to put her shoes on. Be sure and watch the whole thing because the expressions at the end are worth it!

The new Mandy Sroka Photography

It’s official! My new site is finally finished! With little help from myself, Dustin Pfeifer has created an awesome new website for my budding photo business. It’s sleeker, smoother, and all around cooler! There are three galleries to view, a contact me page, an integrated blog, and more secure, private client galleries! I am so excited that I just can’t stop using my exclamation point!!!! I hope you enjoy looking around…tell your friends…and please, go to Dustin Pfeifer for all your website needs – he is AWESOME! Thanks!

Since I absolutely love saving money, and using coupons, I decided to have both opportunities for this Holiday Season.  I’m putting up this coupon for my blog readers and Facebook friends.  It’s the last coupon of the year!  In case you can’t read it, here’s what it’s for:  $25 off your photo session, or $25 off a photo session gift certificate purchased for a family member or friend.  So, if you want to book a photo session, or give one as a gift this Christmas, it’s now only $75.00.  This offer runs from now until December 24th, 2008.  That’s great news for any of you last-minute-givers, because I can email you (or your gift recipient) the coupon on the last possible day!  Enjoy, and thanks for making my year so wonderful with all your smiling faces!