Thank you Angie for the encouragement and offer of help. I took a photography course once, but that was many, many moons ago, and not sure I actually remember very much. Nikon has a video tutorial, but it is currently out of stock, but I do hope to learn how to work with the manual settings. I've taken some nice pictures already on auto and by turning the flash off and using the available lighting. The only problem is sometimes the shutter is so slow, I need a tripod because it's just not possible to hold still enough to eliminate the blur. I'll have to start another thread on Christmas lights and post some that I took so you can see. I think they turned out well even if I was shooting on auto.

That's awesome! If you right click your photos, and click "properties" you can find out what settings the camera chose for you. If you want to use a faster shutter speed, you can widen your aperture (by lowering the F-number). It will allow more light in so you get the same exposure but without the motion blur caused by the slow shutter speed. :)

Wow, thank you. I'll have to try that. You make it sound so easy!! ;)

It starts to come naturally after a while, but there is always something new to learn. I'm just starting to feel like I really understand the basics. I've talked with people who just blow me away with the amount and depth of knowledge they have. Just when I think I've got it figured out, I hear a new term I have to go Google. LOL

Just keep practicing!

I am trying to remember it all--there was so much

a nice robe from my friend Tammy that Crystal helped pick out
Crystal gave me a nice candle for my room, some gel pins, and a heart box that she painted herself
a co-worker gave me a nice gift bag with all the ingredients for a gooey chocolate cake (we had this for Christmas dinner)
a apple cider scented candle from my son's girlfriend (because I keep apple cider for them and their friends when they come over)
Traci gave me a nice clip on watch and some cosmetics (she moved up next to DC Christmas eve so she didn't have much time)
some cologne talc and lotion from my ex mother-in-law
a tripod for my camera, a camera bag, some cashews and a bag of one of my favorite candies from my mom and my oldest son, Randy.(Angela and Brendon did the shopping)
Angela and Brendon really spoiled me too!
I got a blue tooth headset, a nice candle holder set, and a case for my laptop!

I'm so glad you had a nice holiday Mom. You definitely deserve it! It was great to see you so healthy and happy this year. Your health is by far the gift I am most thankful for.

I can't wait for you birthday...there are still so many things I want to get you! :D

Well, I got a cool mouse for my new laptop, and I case of Cambell's Chunky Chicken Noodle soup.
I love that soup and my girls thought it would be funny to give me that....
I don't know where they get their sense of humor....:dream:

I also got an invitation to go on a Disney Cruise with Jenny and her family, but turned it down because I'm not a fan of cruise's, though I would love to share the experience with the little ones.....I'm still thinking about it, if only Janet would take care of my furbutts.

An invitation to go on a cruise sounds wonderful!!! I would never have to be asked twice because I would love to go!!! The case of soup would be a really funny gift. I'm sure your girls were really laughing over that one!!!

Diana, they had the video camera rolling when I opened the case of soup, and were falling on the floor laughing when they replayed it over and over again.....I guess the expression on my face was priceless....:eek:
We had a great time, made some great memories...
I'm gonna rethink the cruise invite because I'm sure that would be a great memory maker as well.
Korkie

I will....bring 'em over!!

19" LCD TV for our bedroom from Hubby
work bag from Hubby (kind of a mix between a purse and briefcase)
silk flower arrangement from Delaney
coasters from Abigail
family picture from Jeff
family picture from Paula
self photo from Roxann
home cooked fajita supper from Jeff
home cooked blackberry cobbler from Emily
silk sunflower from Christian
two gallons of premixed margaritas from Laura (raised that one right)
and a partridge in a pear tree

You did good too Sandy!!! I really need to try margaritas too....lol. I've just never really tried to many drinks. I'm a back of the truck beer drinker..but looking to broaden my horizons in 2009....LOLOL

Hmm, how can I talk them into posting that video on YouTube?! :p:D

Good gifts for most of us! We deserve it;)

Okay - some questions:

"A reverse osmosis, under the counter unit for the kitchen so I don't have to use bottled water anymore to have chlorine free water for my bread making and mineral free water for my soap making."

Marilyn, I want to begin making liquid soap. What base do you use?

Pope, What is the Monster Squad?, I love Rules of Engagement. It's coming back on!!! And, how do you survive a zombie attack? I would definitely not want to become a zombie, nor a werewolf. A vampire - I would have to admit, it intrigues me.

Diana, "I also forgot to add that Glen said that I could get me another Yorkie!!!! :cheer: I don't know how I let that slip my mind!!!!! Also, we're either getting a nice fence for the front yard or a patio made for the back yard. We have to still figure that one out."

You forgot a new Yorkie???? You are one lucky lady!

I have to add to my list. Bren and I got a $50 gift card to Barnes & Noble from his Mom in the mail yesterday. :D