My Weekend and Upcoming Week

Not too much fun to tell about, but I did spend two days in Lawrence at a mediation training on Thursday and Friday. It was about domestic violence and mediation. Many people will say that you can't mediate a case that involves DV but the group that sponsored the trainings did a good job of proving otherwise. The sponsoring group was the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence. Read their webpage for more information. They do A LOT of good stuff. These trainings really opened my eyes to the helping relationships and resources available to victims. I hope to never need to mediate such a case, but I feel that given the right training and tools, which I received last week, I could probably do so in the right situation. Obviously not every case can be mediated.

I got to see a couple friends Thurday and Friday, too. I stayed the night with Heather and Jeff on Thursday night after Heather and I enjoyed some yummy bbq ribs at a local bbq joint we'd never heard of but another friend had recommended to me. I'll definately have to go there again! Now I'm back to my normal life, if it can be called normal. :)

Saturday I was asked to take pictures of an extended family. Group pictures seem to be my specialty lately. I'm not sure how that happened. Below is one picture of some VERY cute little guys who happen to be my friend Mandi's little (or not so little) family. She couldn't be there because she was in Utah with her mom for General Conference (big church meeting that is broadcast worldwide twice a year) and a college reunion but I enjoyed catching up with her husband, Gene, and meeting his side of the family. *I'll have the CD to you soon! I'm ordering it tonight if my internet wants to cooperate.*



I have a family portrait session coming up in two weeks and another extended family session either Nov 1, Dec 5, or Dec 12 (depending on which weekend they can all be together). I also have a couple more families looking at dates in the next month or two. I absolutely love getting paid to do something I enjoy so much! The fact that they are willing to pay me makes it even more fun than me doing it just for fun.

Speaking of portraits, my friend Rik, who also does a lot of photography and has started his own side business as well (much more than I do) took pictures of us in August. Go here to see a few of those. I plan to order some soon. We are very happy with the results. It was a fun session and not even Shaun complained!

Well, I'm supposed to be doing homework and studying. Guess I should get back to that. Take care!