So much for normal; Ella giveaway

What is normal anyway? I'm not sure exactly what I think it is at this point. I suppose house hunting for a year isn't normal. I suppose moving while my husband is still deployed, on my own with no help isn't normal. I suppose making sure the pantry is stocked while we ride out 3 blizzards this winter isn't normal. I don't think getting all the home improvement, house and yard in order in one month is quite normal. And I don't think having company for 2 weekends last month, going on vacation for 5 days, completing a guest design team position (7 layouts), American crafts blog hop (1 layout) and AC blog posting (2 layouts, 2 cards) and a Cocoa Daisy crop (4 layouts) all in the span of 30 days is normal either. Apparently though, this is indeed how I roll. :) Maybe I only have two speeds--busy and busier.

Thank you for the overwhelming response to Linda's fundraiser. Over $4000 has been raised so far, and any little bit helps them dig out from under a mountain of debt and worry. I'm seriously in awe of the generous spirit of the scrapbooking community, it's amazing to see. I wanted to note that the one of the photos (watermarked) in the post was taken by Caroline, and I don't know who took the other ones. They aren't my photos, just wanted to mention that.

This week I have been working on continuing medical education (CME) while awaiting my Cocoa Daisy June kit. Basically, I'm so excited I can hardly stand it (that was a hint). I've done 5 and I need to finish about 10 more CMEs this month, I got behind with the move and I can't quite dig out of that. Finding tons of inspiration in this to scrap last summers photos:

I wanted to post these so that I can oogle it here instead going all the way over to the JBS blog, ha! I always have so much red/blue in my summer photos, this is going to be perfect. :)

And last but not least, Ella publishing wants to give one of my readers a complementary copy of this book:

You might have seen this on some other blogs, I know I have. I am thrilled to be able to get a copy for myself and one for my readers today. At $5.99, I was considering purchasing it anyway. The authors are Becky Novaceck, Elisha Snow and Kelly Noel, all professional family photographers but also camera happy moms like ourselves! Here is a little about the book:

Organized into nine relevant sections (babies, toddlers, kids, teens, pets, adults, duos, trios, and larger groups), this eBook is packed with practical advice that will help you take your photographs to the next level. Several of the tips are geared toward those with some experience with semi-manual or manual modes on a DSLR camera. But even if you're a DSLR beginner (or you use a point-and-shoot), you'll learn how to improve your photographs dramatically.

This is right up my alley, I like to be able to read things and study them at my own pace, no pressure. I love learning more about photography and my local library knows me by name and what I like check out (photography books). They actually hold things for me that they think I might like. It's good to make friends with librarians. :)

So, please leave me a comment and tell me a little about you and photography. Do you aspire to be a professional photographer? Just an amateur/enthusiast like myself? Just always loved photos? I'd love to hear about it. I'll draw a winner over the weekend (Sat.) by random and then I'll email the winner the code and just like that you will be enjoying this ebook too. Happy Thursday to you! Until tomorrow.