Grungy Graphics

My graphics design class ended today - unfortunately - as fast as it started. Too bad. It was really so much fun; there is a whole new world of digital art out there for me to explore. Today I learned how to make things look 'grungy' (if that is a word). There are lots of variations you can do, but this is the one I did after coming home - meaning that I can do it without someone walking me though it step by step...well OK, I followed my notes that I made in class, but still that is pretty good. Here is what I started with...

And this is what I did with it.
Neat huh? I think it is great. If only there was more time in the day that I didn't have to be doing laundry or cleaning, just think what could happen on my computer?! Someday. Perhaps this will encourage the team to do better this weekend!!

Conference

Conference was a few weeks ago but I forgot to post a couple pictures. We went on Saturday when it was cool and wet, but it was great to be able to go to the Conference Center. Ryan stayed home with Bella so Clark, my dad and I went. We were so happy we could go. As always, it was a great meeting and there is a special feeling when you are there. I was telling Cami that I think it can feel the same when you are watching at home, but there is always someone needing something so it is a little harder. Clark had a great time taking pictures before it started, but since they never turn out really great being far away, I am posting only one (if you want to see the 10 others, including the video of the primary choir practicing before the session, just let me know)!

New Class

I found this great two week class that I can take for FREE and it is teaching me how to use my Adobe programs, which I really like, but didn't know how to work very well. It is two hours a day, two days a week. Today was my first class and I learned some neat stuff and I came home and tried out what I learned on this picture and here it is for you to look at. Hopefully I will keep getting better!

Follow-up

I have had a couple people ask me about Bella and her potty training that she almost seemed to do on her own. Less you think that it was that easy, the day after my post she ADAMANTLY refused to sit on the toilet. This wasn't just any refusal; it was an arch her back, stick straight legs, screaming two-year-old refusal. Why? I don't know. Why trick me like that? It has been that way anytime we have mentioned the toilet or tried to go near it. "Do you want to go sit on the toilet?" I say. "NO!" is her response. So we are taking a break from that exercise. I don't want to be frustrated and angry about it, so we will try again later.

Fall Time

Well it has been many years since I have been in a place that has a 'real fall'. Sorry to say Arizona has a lot of good things going for it, but a breathtaking fall is not one of them. Today we drove up into the mountains to see the beautiful fall colors (before it snows up there tomorrow). Wow. It was such a great drive. Unfortunately, Ryan was taking a test and Clark was in school, so it was just my dad, Bella and I. (My dad came for Conference.) Words don't do it justice, so here are some pictures; really there are a lot more pictures - these were my favorites!