HOW SWEET IT IS

getting thru life with four....

2011-12-08T12:53:00.008-05:00

a sampling of her first couple weeks.... pretty much sums it up!!

has been a stinking blast!! seriously, we are just having the time of our lives with our new addition.. and just look at her!! not much work besides the occasional( ok, daily.. even hourly) blow out and the constant soaking of clothes.. People ask me all the time how is it adapting with four kids.. Or they see us out (don't know us) and they say "oh, you have your hands full!"..My reply is always, well, actually it is pretty easy. Little T didn't come out walking or back talking.. so yeah.. she is pretty darn easy. Her older siblings just adore her and they fight over who gets to give her a hug and kiss good night during the bedtime routine. Today, while driving to pick up Big T from school, Tegan was coo'ing(yeah, she does that now.. so melts me!) and so Beckham was talking to her. He said " hi Tegan will you be my best friend?".. AWE. hearing that come from the back seat of the van, just filled me with joy. I realized (yet again) how amazingly blessed I am. Do you ever stop and look into the sweet eyes of your children and say "what did I do to deserve such awesome gifts?". I do. I find myself thanking God every single night during my prayer time for the beautiful gifts he has blessed me with. I pray for each one of the individually(um, even pray for their future mates.. I know jumpin the gun just a tad on that one perhaps.. lol) and I ask him to give me guidance on how to raise them. and who am I kidding?? I ask for LOTS of patience.. four is kind of a rough age.. just sayin'.

It's a good thing she is so stinkin' adorable.

Anyway... my busy, busy time of year is *almost* coming to an end.. so I had some free time to actually pop over here and blog on this page. I am so ever grateful for the amazing growth in my business this year.. (I'll do a separate post on that here soon). I wanted to give a few updates here before we get full force immersed into the Christmas season. Well, actually we started fun festivities last weekend and have been doing something each night since. I have been taking pics along the way and I look forward to sharing them here on my blog.

I'll leave you with the announcement that we sent out for Miss Tegan.

this little lady....

2011-09-29T11:02:00.002-04:00

Tegan Evangeline

has been taking up a lot of my time lately! oh.. yeah. I kinda had a baby. and surprise , she is a girl!! And we are so loving having her in our family. Two and two.. almost feel like my family is complete.... almost... Adapting to four kiddos has been a breeze. Really it has. She just comes in tow to every where we go. She has been more places.. and it is so funny, because each time, the older kids say. " this is Tegan's first time to.. church, to the park, to school, to football, to grandma's house, to wal-mart, .. etc.".. um yep. Lots and lots of 'firsts' for this little one.

She is a great baby.. sleeps almost all the time. Sleeps 5-6 hr stretches at night. Eats like a champ and is growing like crazy. speaking of, guess I should make her 2 month dr. appt. EEK. YES, she is almost 6 weeks old already.( did you really think I would blog about her birth.. c'mon my blogging capabilities are severely lacking ...) funny.. because with her eldest brother and sister, I blogged their every sneeze and fart. (you think I am joking?? lol) I'll leave you with this one.. taken during her first week.... awwww. it is a good thing I specialize in newborn photography.. get to have my newbie fix as my own newborn grows up..

we're off to school !

2011-09-07T10:32:00.003-04:00

lots of things going on around here... business took a bit of a break while we had our baby girl , but it is back in full swing. Practices and activities and play dates are keeping us busy too.

Our (not) so little girl was thrilled to start PreK.. and so of course it deemed necessary for a mini session.. (I'll post a whole post with those images) . She is absolutely loving it.. and after the ordeal that we have just been through.. could not be happier with this school and her teachers. God is so Good. Brigham is into his 3rd week of Second grade and loving every minute of it. He leaps in the door asking for his snack (of course) but then sitting right down at the kitchen table to do his homework.. oooooooor maybe it is so he can finish up and get out to play with the neighbor friends.. don't know which one! lol

We are on the heels of a great long weekend... pictures to come! Oh, and the stack of thank you notes (that are severely late in getting out) from Brig's birthday, reminds me that I never shared about his Star Wars adventure ! Got to get on that.

Now that the kids are in school and I just have the littles at home M-Th... I am working in some 'me' time, some 'work' time and some time with friends. I am actually kind of liking this schedule thing!

my little guy turns 2

2011-07-25T14:50:00.015-04:00

my little firecracker turned two on July 3rd... sad to say , being the third child... he kinda missed out on the big ,crazy, natzi theme parties that his older siblings have had. Honestly.. we had just finished up with Tatum's ( a month late) and I knew Brigham's was coming up (ten days after Beck's)... plus prepping the house and prepping for baby.. I just waived the white flag and decided.. a two year old could still have fun with a little family party. Our weekend was full of activities anyway.. so we kinda made our Day at the Lake and his first boat ride.. a birthday deal for him. Came home that night and just did a simple party.. with a theme.. but of course! Beckham has been obsessed with "ca-ca" balls.. since about 18 months, so we knew when older brother's soccer season started in May.. it would be ridiculous.. and sure enough- it was! This kid spots a "ca-ca" ball on a sign or in a store and he goes nutz! We knew it would be an easy theme to throw together for his little shin dig.

all his favorite foods... pizza... grapes.. watermelon and chips....

and of course the "ca-ca" ball cake!!

We spread a blanket on our living room floor and the kids enjoyed a picnic indoors!

He was very excited about his cake. And he liked it even more when we sang to him!

Big brother Brigham helped with the candles...

and his sister proudly showed off how much she liked the cake!

and then we celebrated some more with fireworks... and sparklers...

the birthday boy was not enjoying this part of his celebration!.. all in all it was a great time.. simple and so nice for just the family. There wasn't any stress prepping for 50 ppl and getting tons of food and decorations in order.

Now...I am in full party planning mode for Brigham's party which is coming up this weekend. We certainly get our share of bdays around here... and still awaiting patiently for a new birthday to join the crew.

Got less than 3 weeks left til we meet our new addition. We have been keeping busy with the fair, and camps, swimming lessons, cook outs and park play.. (oh and watching several movies as we had to endure an entire week of high 90 degree weather).

Trying to get business stuff wrapped up as well as personal stuff so we can head into the last week of pregnancy , stress free. I am gonna try to catch up with some blog posts here in the next few days too...

my princess turns four!

2011-07-12T10:26:00.041-04:00

As I have said before, life is just keeping us busier and busier and this ol' blog has taken a back seat to our social activites and family fun this summer. Summer is the time for birthdays around our house. Even though Tate turned 4 on May 9th , mama had a full schedule of photo sessions and didn't get the invitations out in time, so we pushed her party to June. nothing wrong with celebrating all month long right? At the conclusion of her 3rd bday party, she annoucned that she wanted her next wone to be a princess party. Since I am not so much in to the character thing, I decided on a vintage princess theme... a little more 'fancy' and centered around black and white toile, crowns with accents of pink. A royal affair indeed. I didn't scan a pic of the invitations , but they had this similar crown in pink, fancy font and I adorned the crown with rhinestones for a litle sparkle. Guests arrived to this sign.....

of course as I do with all of my parties, I have to go get coordinating flowers to set around. YOu bet it it was fun when we did Brigham's 3rd bday part which was circus themed. Talk about lots of bright blues, yellows, reds, oranges and purple flowers everywhere. This was nice, that I just had to keep it to shades of pinks.

My friend Krystal came over an hour before the party to give tatum a royal up do. I still can't believe she offered to do that. Turned out great and just perfect for the princess of the ball.

The goody bags were a big hit.. of course lots of glitz and glam.. a wand, and some princess bubbles... nail polish and lip gloss.. and of course pink candy!

the yummy food table.. perfect for a royal tea party. pb and j cut into princess crowns for the little princesses and

my hubby really loved me when I gave him the task of rolling plasticware and adhering the ribbon and tags! lol

the cake and the sweets table..... um, we had tons of it left over. Apparently 4 year old girls would much rather have the candy out of the pinata!

isn't the brotherly prince a hoot?

making their pretty , pretty mirrors. all glammed up with stones and poofy things!

all the girls showed up in their finest ball gowns!

not sure why all the spaces.. but when I tried to go back and delete, it just kept deleting the pictures so.... enjoy the 'white" space. So on the heels of this party , she is already requesting and Alica in Wonderland party for when she turns five. ok, by mama.. I've got some great ideas and already started a bit of the shopping. First I have to get thru a Star Wars party in a couple weeks for a certain boy that will be turning 7. And in the midst of that , we tossed in a soccer party for our 2 yr old little guy. busy busy... when does life ever slow down??? lol

the longest day of the year!

2011-06-21T15:23:00.004-04:00

and thank goodness as I am failing miserably at getting things done lately!! Most of all b/c the days are so nice and light that we have been staying out doing family things until bedtime which has become... well... 9:30pm!!

Kinda shoots our whole evening, but we are having fun! some nights have been spent at t-ball games.. others at the park... some just hanging out in the backyard after an outside dinner on the patio.

work is kicking my butt right now.. lol.. YES! I absolutely love , love it.. but as I just told my husband, I really need like 3 days a week to go "into" an office for 8 hours to get all of my client sessions, projects and other assignments finished. I am finding that having 3 little ones inside (b/c of course they never want to play outside... or when they do , they are banging on the back door every 3 minutes.. for a snack.. a drink... we're bored... we're hot.. kinda thing!)

I am cherishing these moments though.. really I am . =)

We celebrated Tatum's birthday last Sunday with her vintage princess party. The pics are still on the cards, as I have been swamped with client sessions and just don't want to be tempted. I do want to get them edited this week so I can actually document them. Plus.. I did a lil' photo opp for each of the litte girls and I need to include the pics with their thank you cards.

It was such fun for sure.... pretty princesses all dolled up and having a ball ! Tatum got all kinds of great girly things. Brig and Beck are a bit disapointed.. b/c of course any toy becomes "community" in a house of 3 kids.

This week started another fabulous week of VBS for Brigham and swimming lessons for Tatum. She is proud to be in the big pool this year. I love the church that Brig is attending this week.. their children's ministry just goes above and beyond to teach these little ones. AND I am just a little partial because they take the theme to the 110th level! It is seriously SO cool what they transform their church into. I love that I can drop him off and know that he is having a ball for 3 hours learning about God, singing songs, being creative and making new friends.

I signed him for a week long summer camp for the middle of July. He is super excited about it. ( and I am too...) It's the same camp that I went to as a kid.. and I have great memories of it. Can't wait to hear about those first few days! Also got Tatum signed up for Pre K today... she is super anxious to be in school again and we are looking forward to this new program.

The countdown is drawing near for baby #4's arrival... things are a bit crazy.. as we are still in put-the-house-up-for-sale -and-move-someplace mode.... lots of things are packed away in the garage.. even more things are boxed up at the storage unit. We look every day for that "perfect" house.. but we are just not having much luck....=(... could be because I have a very specific criteria.... and husband does too.. so they need to match up ... and there just isn't much on the market right now anyway. Did think we found the perfect place the other day via online... had everything we were wanting.. (except the acreage.. hubby wasn't too fond of that) but we asked mom about it (she's a realtor) and she said right away.. we would not want it if we actually saw it. She encouraged us to even drive by it just for fun to see that it truly was not what it seemed.

We pretty much just leave it up to God. He knows our needs . His timing is perfect. He has a plan for us... (but it is frustrating playing the waiting game.. lol)

I am trying to figure out time off , if any that I will take for when the baby comes. As it is, I have sessions booked right up until baby comes, and scheduled for a week past my due date. I am already booking several fall sessions.. and those will just keep coming in. family and seniors rock the fall color.. and I am super anxious... (ya, I know we are just on the first day of summer.. don't want to rush it.. lol)

I don't want to get my priorities out of wack.. and I am guessing there will be some adjustment to a fourth baby. I am already knowing that my baby Beckham will have a hard time adjusting. He is such the 'baby' and really a mama's boy. He doesn't fully understand what is going on, but he does lift up my shirt every night to kiss the baby good night. It is pretty dang sweet.

Enough of an update for now.. need to switch back to work gear... glad I had a few minutes to finally blog. hoping to get T's party pics up later this week.

we made it !

2011-06-11T14:52:00.005-04:00

to summer that is... been super busy of course, so this blog has sorta been neglected once again. I'll try and update a bit on what we've been up to. Near the end of Brig's school year, they had a celebration and good bye party for their student teacher. She was a great addition to the classroom and I know all the kids were super sad to see her go. I made a little goody box for her to take to her new classroom. She graduated in May from Purdue and hopes to start her teaching career in the fall. Brigham picked out that book from his own collection as it is one of his favorites and he thought the kids in her new classroom would like it.

I made the above yummy treats to take into the party. It was a huge hit with the kiddos!

Next up was Tatum's graduation... I haven't gone thru the pics from her program which was of course adorable yet... but here are a couple from the big day of her 'graduation"

holding her diploma!! lol

Both of the older kids have been attending several birthday parties in the last month or so. I don't always remember to bring out my camera.. but this one deserved it! A fancy nancy theme. Tatum didn't know who she was or what it was all about, but I think she picked up rather quickly don't you?

Here she is with all the little girls from her preschool class.

and with the weather finally being consistently warm, we have been having many picnics outside in our backyard.

Brigham finished up soccer. He really improved from last fall and he had a lot of fun. Not sure this will be his sport though.. he seems to lose focus easily. He also is the social one on the field.. talking to both his teammates and striking up conversations with his opponents. We joked that this was strategy. I have no idea where he gets that from.

his team ended up only tying one game and losing all the rest. The coach did a great job of teaching the fundamentals though and not just letting one or two kids take away the game just to score goal after goal. The kids really understood the purpose of positions.. instead of being like a crazy mob all over the field. So many of the other teams we played showed up with messy soccer. =(

We have also been hitting the local pool and having fun on the slip n' slide or sprinkler to cool off. We have had many 90 degree days already and it's just the middle of June.

yes, I do have 3 kiddos.. but often we can get out in the backyard, while Beck takes his nap. I am still trying to get Tatum to take naps, but it is getting difficult. I think the two older ones are really having a good time together in the first weeks of summer.

My business is keeping me busy with 2-3 sessions per week. Brigham is in t-ball right now which keeps us at the ball park every Saturday and one day during the week.

Brigham just finished up his first week of VBS at a local church. He had a blast the entire week and we joined him on Thursday night for their performance. He starts VBS #2 (out of 4) on Monday. My kid that thrives in school also loves keeping the routine of this type of thing. I can't wait until Tatum is old enough to attend. She is so bummed that she misses out on all the fun.

However, our focus is on her right now as we prep for her birthday party which is tomorrow. I have been planning this for months and the last week or so have been buying and buying ,etc.

It's amazing how a little girl's bday party can add up so quickly! When I look at all these receipts, I realize I could have bought myself a brand new lens that has been on my list.

Oh, well, you're only 4 once... and I only have one little girl.... *sigh*......

hope your summer is off to a great start!

my baby girl turns FOUR!

2011-05-19T09:42:00.014-04:00

Her birthday kinda snuck up on us... ok, well I did in fact know that four years ago I birthed her and she has been reciting that her birthday is on "may 9th" for about the last six months... but between our busy schedules and my work schedule.. it just came up fast! I had originally planned an blocked of Sat the 14th for her party, but realized when we got back from our Nashville trip, and the invitations hadn't even been designed yet.... um.. yeah that date was not going to happen. So rather then stress myself silly, we just decided to move her party date to June. Nothin' wrong with celebrating for a month right? Her birthday was last Monday, and it worked out great since Mondays are daddy's day off. Except he did have to go into his meeting to find out our future.. lol - Anyway.. I took Tatum downtown in the morning to order her birthday cake. I have never NOT made my kids bday cakes.. even last year.. if you remember Tatum's ginormous weddingish cake! ha. This year, I have sessions booked like crazy, and lots of other things going on with the sale of our house, so I just knew it would relieve some pressure to not be spending 4 plus hours decorating a cake. I think the Yellow Bowl Bakery will do just fine. After we designed her cake, we met daddy for lunch at Tatum's choice- Dog n Suds (drive thru).

Cept we don't eat food in our car ,so luckily the weather was nice and we got to sit on the patio. Below is Beckham holding a tight grip on his sister's new musical card from Grandpa. My grandma started a few years ago with sending my kids these cards and they just go nutz! My dad has now continued the tradition with filling our home and car with the repeated song choice.

My pretty FOUR year old girl.

digging in to a hot dog... mmmmmmm.

while at the bakery, I picked up a special birthday pink cupcake just for her.

after lunch we took her to the pottery place and she got to pick out a special piece to paint all. by. herself.

ok, maybe this control freak of a mama.. had to help just a little... (when she had painted over with the third color.. lol)

the above is her look, when she saw a fun surprise walk thru the door.....

Grandma!!! showed up with gifts and to help her paint too. She had a great time doing this. I am excited to go back and pick it up today. I don't think she'll realize how cool it was that she made it !

That night, daddy made a spaghetti dinner and we had a very. pink cake. Just perfect for my girly girl.

The poor girl, did keep asking when her friends where going to come over. and when was she going to get her presidents. (presents... in her 3-4 yr old language.. lol)

I have gotten her invitations out now, and the planning is well underway for her Royal Princess Party. Can't wait for it actually..

the next day at school, Miss T was the helper of the day again . I made some big ol' cupcakes with bright pink icing and lots of sprinkles.

She got lots of great gifts.. including a new bike, that she is just dying to ride, but we haven't been able to get the training wheels on yet. Need to take it in to the shop this weekend. Lots of barbies and other fun girly summer toys have taken over our living room. I think the had a great celebration of her birthday. I am so blessed to have this sweet and sassy girl in my life!

our future is bright..

2011-05-10T23:15:00.002-04:00

or something like that.. lol

Our immediate future was finally determined. I haven't mentioned anything here on the blog, b/c I am just not into drama and bringing junk out that we are dealing with.

Basically rumors started at Andrew's company that they could do a number of things, including closing the regional office where he works. It was announced at the first of the year that after a structure study was competed, that an announcement would be made March 1st.

Based on that information, we were set to put our house on the market on March 30th. Well..... the second week of March, the president communicated that they had not reached a decision and it would still be a couple more months. lovely.

People were up in arms.. lots of discontent and uncertainty. The chance of us moving out of state was looking to be pretty high. Every other day , Andrew would come home with a different rumor outcome that had been discussed either by his leadership team or the managers higher up.

As we waited and waited, and got more frustrated about having to put our plans on hold.... trying to figure out whether we continue prepping or just sit it out. Of course I can't just sit and do nothing, so we started packing things up ....our home looks like tote city right now!

We were relieved to get an email from the president last week stating that there would be a corporate wide announcement on Monday, the 9th. (baby girl's 4th bday and normally Andrew's day off)

The managers were told the outcome last Thursday... in order to give them time over the weekend to prepare how to tell their teams. Of course all kinds of rumors started flooding thru the halls. Who knew what was going to happen.

Andrew headed into work yesterday morning.. he was told the mtg could last over an hour. They were bringing all the employees into the cafeteria and if it worked with previous situations like this, then they would be told on a tv monitor.. everyone in 3 states hearing the same info at the same time.

Turns out... they are not closing this office. They are downsizing from 37 offices down to 6, but WL is not one! Andrew's job will not be affected. Praise God. He didn't relay to me until yesterday afternoon, how nervous he was all weekend. How the possibility of him losing his job was pretty real. I am glad he never mentioned that to me. I would have gotten kinda nervous too.

Well , he says that his prayers were answered. I say that mine were not.. b/c I was looking forward to a move. out. of. state. I have been itching to move for several years. Guess God has different plans for us. Yet another lesson in Trust.

We are however , ready to get the process of putting our house on the market going. We have some cleaning and boxing up to get it ready to show. I need to get out in the yard some more. We have a storage unit , and so we are taking trip after trip of totes over and things are starting to come together. The process of packing away the kids clothes is daunting. Andrew is helping, thank goodness.

Tatum's birthday was a great day and we celebrated her in fun ways. More to come in the next post.

a mini vacay-part one

2011-05-10T14:13:00.012-04:00

A couple weeks ago, we rented a van(which was super exciting for the kids to be in a new- to- them car!! and it was exciting for us too, b/c we were able to bring drinks and snacks into the car.. something that is not allowed in our own van!) and headed down for a 5 day get away in Nashville, TN. It all started as a guy trip for my husband who had signed up to run in the Rock n Roll City Marathon series.. (in this case it is the Country Music Marathon and 1/2). Then it changed to a wife and hubby get away and my mom would watch the kiddos so that we could have a few days of fun night life and just being together. Ahem.. however in December when we saw those 2 little lines, that changed our lives... our plans were altered. Oh .. yeah.. I don't think I have even shared that tid bid on this ol' blog.... baby #4 is due to arrive in 2.5 months. I'll do a post here soon on that news!
so back to our trip... in talking to his parents, Andrew's mom and dad decided that they would fly from Denver to support their son in his first race and it was a great time to see the grand kids again, since they haven't seen them since we were out there when Beck was 4 months old. This is the night before, A is checking in.. and then below doing the traditional countdown pic... at the big fitness expo.

This was when Brig exclaimed fairly loudly.. "so dad, are you gonna cheat in this race?". We all laughed.. thinking a. why would he even think that and b. how would one cheat in a self drivin -non competition race like this. maybe take some short cuts.. trip some fellow runners?? lol

the above pics were taken when I hadn't realized that my camera settings had been bumped.. too lazy to PS them since they are just snapshots oh well, they still tell a story. Below is part of the expo. we had a lot of fun getting samples and trinkets from the booths and A got a new pair of ear buds for the race. he says they are amazing!

Beckham enjoyed the sample of healthy all natural fruit snacks.. I think he had like 4 packs of them!

Brigham found this guy to be very interesting. Of course we asked if we could snap a picture. Brig was really excited to see him the next day running in the race. This guy was fast.. and I pretty much want to know how he got his legs to look like that! lol

this is actually the last pic at the end of the race.. lol- it is reenacted as well.. b/c we got to mile 13 thinking that we would have a perfect view of him and could follow him the last 10th of a mile... well we missed him, as he finished much sooner than he or us thought he would .. yay! he was down celebrating with his friends and we were up waiting and high fiving all the remaining runners and mostly walkers. little did we know that we totally missed him! lol

the above is cute, b/c we were texting Andrew through out the race trying to figure when he would come up to the place where we were waiting.. and just to see what is pace was. here is Brigham thrilled that he could run a bit with his daddy.. Andrew crossed over from the main drag to run and chat with his dad . Brig thought it was funny that he was 'winning'.. on this stretch!

Beck had the best seat.. and loved cheering for everyone too!

It sure was a hot day.. perfect for the runners.. we probably walked about 3 miles as we followed along.

In the end. So proud of Andrew for setting a goal and finishing ahead of it. He has kept endurance as he trained for this race. He has really found a love for running( I didn't know that was possible!) and is already signed up for another one in November. We have a list made for all the races in various cities that he/we would like to make it to. some will be family vacations, others will be couple vacays and a few would just be guy trips.

and I just deleted the pics of the rest of the kiddos and grandparents cheering! ugh.

We did do lots of fun things on this trip too, so I'll be back to post part two of this mini vacation!

and so it goes...

2011-05-03T14:57:00.002-04:00

week of May 2nd-

Monday- Brigham has a soccer game
Tuesday- I lead a women's bible study at church
Wednesday- baby Dr. appt, Tatum's preschool program and Brigham has soccer practice
Thursday- BNI meeting, photo session, cub scouts for Brigham
Friday - Tatum has a birthday lunch to attend, Life Group for the family at night.
Sat- Brigham soccer game, Photo session
Sunday- photo session, Mother's Day!! (celebration with the family!)

********
and throughout all this, I need to bake cookies for T's program, place client orders, finish filling client galleries, complete a biz project, make invitations for T's birthday and mail out, and shop for T's bday (which is May 9th.. um yeah. 6 days!!) however, we are having her big party on the 14th , so I have a bit of time...

This is the crazy, busy, life I lead... and we don't even have T-ball in here yet.. or our summer schedule- which is packed to the max already and school isn't even out!! lol

I love my LIFE and feel so incredibly blessed!

spring fun!

2011-04-20T12:27:00.013-04:00

a couple weeks ago, when we actually had spring like weather (unlike today when it is rainy and 40 degrees.. =(... yuck! ). I had a photo session Sat morning here at the house, so Andrew took all the kiddos to Brig's first soccer game.. early and it was pretty cold. I am not sad I missed this one! My dad drove up to go to lunch with us and then we headed to the Spring Game.. which is the first look at Purdue's football time since spring training started. The kids loved it.. the sun was shining.. in fact we all dressed with jeans and hoodies, and by the second half we were stripping down to our tanks. The team looks decent.. and it seems that we have a kicker- this kid was incredible!
They always bring back former players and it was fun to see many of the guys I hung out with in school.. crazy that we all have kids now! We did get a family picture with Mike Alstott, with Andrew's phone.. because I opted NOT to bring my camera out.
and now we can't get the silly pic of his phone! and it is such a cute pic.. hard to believe years ago we partied and now I have 3 1/2 kids and can barely drink 2 beers!!

Afterwards we ran home to change into shorts and t's and headed back to campus for Bug Bowl.. aka.. spring fest. We have gone to this every year since Brig was one.. so if you have followed my blog, then you have seen pics before. Some years it is raining.. and we still went.. some years it was fridgid.. like when Brig was two and he was dressed in winter hat and coat.... and then some years we have been in tanks and flip flops ! Thank goodness this was one of those years when we got sunburned!! the kids had a great time and we started with the farm tents... and didn't get very far when we realized that they were closing down. whoops. we got there 45 min before closing time. =(

Brig still got his face painted...

and we did a few other things and grabbed a yummy elephant ear!! We had to get home anyway , b/c grandpa had headed back to our house to start mulching our yard for us!

It was such a gorgeous weekend, that the next day after church and a quick bit to eat, we decided to head back to campus for spring fest. This was a 40 min whirl wind tour done on purpose this time as we had another soccer game to get to that afternoon.

Brig loved milking the cow...

and his little sister was not so sure.. so she stood and watched from a distance

we ran into our friends the Ragles and the kids enjoyed playing with the baby chicks.

Again, Tatum was a bit unsure.. but she ended up cuddling with this sweet baby!

Brigham being silly! For some reason all of these pics are crazy bad... there were tons of people and we were moving thru fast- not to mention having to counter balance this crazy yellow tents' glow! lol

at least I am capturing these moments right?

Brig's favorite part- eating the bugs!! This was on the first day and since they were closing down, there were not many left. He was lucky to nab a choco covered cricket!!

and baby brother got introduced to this yummy treat as well ! He loved it and didn't bat an eye to try it! ewe!!

he also loved just hanging out in the stroller.. what a life for a 21 month old! love his little outfit- a friend got him this for his birth and I am finally getting to put it on him! and the hat... I am such a sucker for hats!

the famous cricket spitting contest! Brig has done this the last few years and was dying to do it. I didn't get up close enough before he spit... but poor Tatum tried it and...

if you look closely, you'll see that she couldn't get it out of her mouth. It just hung there on her lips for awhile! um. gross. her winning spit was 1 inch !! love it!!

so here is Brig after just spitting... his went a full 3 1/2 feet or something. not bad for a little kid!

it was a great weekend and we thoroughly enjoyed the 80 degrees and sunshine! hoping to get to see that again soon!

a little trip away

2011-04-13T13:11:00.009-04:00

well, we didn't do a big trip for spring break since we did ours last fall to WDW... and we're heading away at the end of this month to TN. The weather was pretty cold, so it was a bummer that we couldn't be outside. We did take one day and venture to Indianapolis to the Children's Museum. I think this is actually the first time we have used our membership to it's fullest.. lol- well getting a start on it anyway. Since Brigham was one year old, we have been getting the membership for family plus 2 , for both the CM and for the Indy zoo. Without fail, we buy on our first trip of the year and um.. never go back! we are such suckers!! However, we bought this one in January when we had an overnight trip to Indy.... (stayed downtown at Embassy Suites, ate at Weber Grill. shopped and hit the museum) and so here is visit number 2 in just three month! go us!! lol The new attraction this time was costumes and superheros.. Brig has really been getting into them lately.. and into Star Wars, so he had lots of fun.

Batman and the princess in front of the scene changing castle set!

a fake car won the attraction of Beck.. it slid back and forth in front of a city scene..

and look who else was there? Dora and Boots was another new attraction which was a HUGE hit for one little girl. Brigham and Beckham enjoyed it too.. This above pic cracks me up.. Brig brought along a notepad and promptly said upon entering" I am gonna write down everything I see today!" Well.. that kinda lasted for the first 15 min.. he would stop and write down the name of the exhibit as we went it. hilarious. and so dorkish. ahhhh. my son. he is SO not like his mama!!

Beck had fun down the slide.. he has just discovered the slide when we were at the park a few weeks ago. wwwhhhhheeeeee. is a constant coming from his mouth!

Beck has also developed a big love for dinosaurs, so he loved, loved this part of the museum. he has a mean roar for such a little guy!

and this may just have been all about Beck this trip because he really started recognizing all kinds of new things are really starting to have an obsession with trains, trucks, dinos, and balls.

yep... driving anywhere.. he doesn't miss a beat without yelling out " mammmmma, tuck.. or choochooo.... as we pass over railroads"

we stayed most of the day at the museum and finished off the day with dinner at our new favorite place.. Red Robbin. I never knew that a juicy burger topped with a fried egg could be so amazing. Seriously.. it is divine.

last day...

2011-04-01T11:47:00.002-04:00

of spring break.... I think I can.. I think I can.... make it through that is. I have no clue how homeschooling moms make it !! I am already on the search for a nanny or a more than part time babysitter for this summer. I love my kids , really I do. But I need my space. Having them scream and just talk all day long.. and leave toys in every room of my house.. (yes, why do I find star wars figures in my bathroom?) I have found that I am a much better mom and wife if I am not just around little people all day long. Gonna head out in a bit to take them to the only indoor play place .. chic fil a... and then Tatum has a photo shoot for a local company this afternoon. They are spending the night at grandma's house tonight, so that will help get us thru the weekend!! ahhhhh. calgon take me away!!!!

a new look !

2011-03-30T22:26:00.002-04:00

You'll notice right away that my blog has had a make over!! While I am still waiting for spring like weather to stick around in Indiana.. I am getting a feel for it when I peek at my blog!

I met the talented Miss K years ago through my love for scrap booking.. we have kept up with each other through blogs and face book. She started a fabulous design company and I was one of her first clients early last year when I had her up lift my photography biz blog. Since then.. my branding and style has changed and so I have taken a different design to my photography site. I really love her style and it really "fits" my personality.. so I figured what better way to incorporate her fun stuff then with my personal blog. I have been watching her premade designs for several months now.. and finally decided on one last month.

K is always so great to work with, has amazing talent and fabulous options to choose from. She is quick and just so sweet. If your blog needs a new look, then I would suggest checking her out!

You can contact her thru the button over on the right. I still have some reorganizing to do on my blog, but hopefully this bright and fun look will keep me motivated to update regularly.

We are currently on spring break right now. Since we had our big vacay last October.. we are taking it easy this week. We have done a few fun little outings, but mostly just hanging out. ... SLEEPING in.. ( yes. my kids sleep past nine every morning.. thank you Lord!) Wish our weather was warmer so we could go to a park, but we are still trying to climb out of the 40's. yuck.

well.. off to the mound of laundry that is calling my name!

a year older

2011-03-18T14:37:00.008-04:00

Since I have been slacking miserably at updating, I am just gonna recap the last 3 months quickly here in the next few posts. My birthday was in January! and I LOVE birthdays! I actually even love mine too. I especially love it when my bday falls on a weekend, b/c then I get to celebrate for days!
My original plan (made back in November) was to get a group and go to the Piano Bar at the Neon Cactus. Had not been there in years and was talking with some girl friends about the need to get back out and have some fun! So.. it was all planned... until some news changed our situation. (more on that later). We still wanted to go out, but I decided to keep it a little more low key (since I was going to have to remain low key.. =(.. ) and so we met small group at my favorite bar for dinner and then drinks with a great band! Here is the pic of some of the guys doing car bombs. and below is what I ordered for dinner. I know.. not the chicken salad sandwich, that I ALWAYS get there. But I was hungry and heck , it was MY bday, so I got the corned beef/cabbage and garlic mash potatoes. it took me about 2 hours to eat it all.. but it was so delish.

Here is the cake that my hubby (sorta) surprised me with. You see I had worked a local Bridal Affair earlier in the month and of course one of the perks is that you get to taste test all the cake vendors .. and we all know how much I LOVE cake. Most of the vendors pretty much sucked.. (as in I had to throw out my sample of cake after one bite! LOL) but this one along with the one we actually used for our wedding... was DIVINE!! I came home that day and told Andrew I wanted my birthday cake ordered from Mammaw's Sweet Shoppe.

The cakes were amazing... the cuppy cakes were butter pecan with cream cheese icing and the main cake was strawberry with a strawberry cream cheese icing under fondant. The problem with ordering a $75 cake is that you feel kinda bad when there is much left over (and it is totally not needed to add lbs to your waistline). But I am so thankful for my SURPRISE cake (that I picked up ) after he called it in.

Here are a few of the girls Melissa and Kelsey.. forgot to get my camera out much and thus didn't take many pics. My friend Tara had left for an extended trip to the Indy airport, but she made it back in time for the band, and a Guinness!!

Obviously this was at the end of the night. Luckily for me , the birthday girl in this case was also the DD. I am not to thrilled about the face plant the hubby is giving me here! lol--- but sure gotta love that camera angle... what is that 3 chins???

It ended up being a great night (and long) out! The kids had a great time with a new sitter who was ok with us calling and extending our time out! lol-

We celebrated more with some meals out and a few shopping trips the rest of the weekend. Getting older wasn't that bad. I have lots to be thankful for , that is for sure!!

my little tiger

2011-03-07T14:05:00.007-05:00

scout that is !! We hoed and hummed about whether to have Brig do Cub Scouts last fall... I certain opinions about the organization and so did his dad. He came home from school one day with the flyer for sign up and was so excited to try it!.. (even though he had no clue what it was!).. We decided since soccer was over for the fall that we did want him in something extra curricular and this was actually just the perfect thing for him. His meetings are once a week with a pack meeting once a month. It has been great to see him interact with the other boys (and to realize that our kid is by far not the worst kid out there.. lol). Parents are encouraged to attend the meetings with families invited for the pack meetings once a month. He has been super excited to put on this little uniform, and after 3 months , his slacker of a mama finally put the patches on it. Here is a picture from an awards night where they received a patch.. (though I can't remember what it was he earned. =(
He was thrilled to receive the patch and a hand shake from his den leader.

In January, we attended the first ever Pine Wood Derby ! Oh.. my the anticipation of this event (again, even though he had no clue about it). Daddy went to the garage and dug out his old car from when he was a kid. This excited Brig even more. Brigham promptly got out a piece of paper and drew out how he wanted his car to look. We got the wood and took it to the hardware store to be cut. Happy day for my little guy for sure (and that he got free popcorn from the store).

Having never been to a PWD before, I had no idea what to expect. Some of these cars were super intense... can you see some of the detail and design to a few of them? Of course others really didn't alter their block of wood status, and had a couple stickers glues to the side.. Brig's car was someplace in the middle.

Here he is gearing up for the first round. Lining it up ever so straight... Don't know if you can tell, but his blue car had waves down the sides and an open JAWS on the top, with a shark fin on the back.

The Shark, actually did really well, and Brig made it through 3 rounds before losing to an older kid. He was so pumped and had such a great time! I have to say it was amusing to watch the other parents get so riled up about their kid's car coming down the line. Guess we just are not that kind of parents. At least not at this stage of the parenting game.. not the over competitive type. We just let him have fun and didn't care how well he did. He surprised us, though and won an award and took home a very cool trophy for "funniest design". That is my kid.. he is always the jokester.. our friends always tell us he'll be doing stand up one day.

And here he is. So typical. I asked for a picture with his winning car and this is what I got !

We finished up the 'real' year with the big Blue and Gold Banquet in early February.. it was a great night with lots of food and all of the awards were given out to the kids. This was a very long evening as it included dens all the way up through high school. Brigham walked across the bridge and became a "cub "scout.

We'll probably do it another one or two years, but I don't envision us doing this long term.. at least we won't encourage him to continue through high school...

He really wants to go to scout camp this summer, but we are going to sway him to do a Y camp instead. It is basically the same outdoorsy stuff (and parents don't have to attend!) =)

we don't do valentines day

2011-02-21T11:03:00.003-05:00

well.... at least that has been our tradition.. since the second or third year we were dating. We just never needed to go out to dinner with the masses on that ONE day.. just because you were 'supposed' to. I really didn't need to have a card, preprinted with lovey dovey stuff. I certainly wasn't about to buy a card for my husband since he thought cards are a total waste of money.. ( and then I'd have to have a place to store them!). I didn't want him to buy me chocolate or spend 4 times the amount on roses, just like everyone else was going to get on THAT day. and so.. once we had kids, we deemed Valentine's day to be a family themed and celebrated holiday. I have always dressed the kids in their reds and pinks. We had special treats made together like heart shaped cut out cookies or cupcakes. In fact when Brigham was two and three, I made invitations and invited about 10 of his little friends and their moms (and siblings) to come over for our own special party. We did a craft, read valentine stories, decorated cookies and had a great time. If you know me, or have followed my blog, then you have probably seen my themed meal of a heart shaped meatloaf smothered in sweet ketchup... red potatoes, strawberry jello, pink milk and red velvet cake. The kids always got little baskets of goodies.. and I have to say it was so much fun to do that for them. Its always better to give then to receive.... until 2.14.11 -

I was told on the previous Friday to see if my mom could watch the kids, because Andrew had made reservations for dinner. I was a little shocked and after some prodding, got out of him where it was we were going. ( I hate for him to spend crazy amts on dinner)... he said he got the last reservation at La Scala... only our favorite Italian restaurant (reserved for anniversary dates). I decided.. if my mom could watch the kids, then it would be ok to dine out.. just this once.

Sometime on Monday afternoon, these lovelies were delivered to my door. Gerbera Daiseys are my absolute favorite springy flower.. and since my hubby had surprised me a month earlier with a dozen red roses for my birthday../ These were just PERFECT!!!
we dined on decedent crap and shrimp dip.. then delicious fresh green salads.. and then my meal was THIS. and I added shrimp.

I knew Andrew would splurge on a cannoli and since I am not doing chocolate much these days, I went for a lemon tart filled w/ a ricotta mousse and topped with a fresh raspberry sauce. It was divine. We had a wonderful leisurely dinner in the quaint little candle light setting. Even though the place was packed, it was if we were the only ones there. He surprised me once again, but telling me that I better stay home the following day so that I could be there to receive the following deliveries.

Oh..... I am in LOVE!!! this has been on my wish list for about 6 months.. actually was super close to buying it last fall, and then decided to wait. Kinda glad I did. =).

And.... I have been struggling with having 'me' time and work time, since my business is hopping and keeping me really busy at home. I feel like I have had a hard time balancing my mommy time and my business time. I have been doing all my edits on the desk top in our bedroom office area, but really hate to be cooped up back there when the kids or Andrew are around. My good photographer friend has raved about how healthy it is for her to go to Starbucks and other places around town to do her edits and other biz work. I was a bit leery for awhile about editing on the laptop, but have researched and found that many photographers do it with great success. I have basically been using Andrew's macbookpro all the time for other stuff, so I figured it would be great to have one of my own. We had decided it wasn't necessary for me to have a mac.. though tempting... We had talked about it, but I didn't realize he was serious. As soon as we get PS installed and a few other things, then I will look forward to my 'me' time at the various coffee shops around town as well.

Needless to say.. my valentine's day was one to remember... and I love my man like crazy.. think I have a keeper. And I am kind glad he decided to "do valentine's day" this year. wowza!!

Thank goodness our love languages are not the same.. or we'd be broke.... with a dozen kids!! lol

Hope you were able to enjoy a great celebration with the ones you love.

her party dress

2011-02-18T10:38:00.003-05:00

I love petti skirts.. and have a hard time resisting them , both for my girlie and for my photo prop stash.... they can be pretty pricey and so I watch for deals.. (group buys from my photog friends) but they are still about $60..... so I jumped when I got an email from my favorite tutu online shop Fairywonderful, with a bunch of clearance skirts for $26!!! The color combos were not my most favorite, but I knew I could make anything work.... so we paired up this chocolate and fuchsia beauty with a pair of chocolate suede boots... then the night before her party I went running around to find a shirt that matched. After 3 stops.. Target did not disappoint and I found this perfect shirt for her valentine's day party. (picture is a real quick snap after a session I had last wknd. she wasn't really cooperating and wrinkled up the backdrop.. lighting was sketchy! lol, but you get the idea)

I sent her to the child care at her school for lunch after her preK... there was a little boy , about 2 who kept following her around saying "I love you Princess!"... and just as I was picking her up, the children's director came down, saying she was told she had to come see Miss T.. that all the moms that morning had been talking about her sweet outfit.

and attention getter she was. we went to the Olive Garden for dinner that night, and she got raves, and raves by workers and guests. Stopped at Jo Ann's afterwards and several older couples made a point to stop and start a conversation with her.

I told Andrew that if he ever wants female attention, he needs to spend the day with his daughter.. wearing her pettiskirt!!

my valentines

2011-02-16T15:02:00.004-05:00

just a real quick recap..... these were what the kids handed out to their friends at school. I have always done home made ones.. usually involving cutting/scrapping/ gluing... this year I decided to go the simple way. Needless to say, homemade ones are super unique, but waaay more expensive than the box of Spongebob ones for $2.47 that he could have gotten from Target. oh, well. he didn't ask, and the kids (and parents raved on these.) oh, and the double bubble taped to the back of these, didn't hurt either. =P I helped out at Brig's party on Monday afternoon. I love being able to get into his class for parties and field trips , since I can't really volunteer on a regular weekly basis with the little ones at home. He loves having me there. It is super cute to see him with all his friends... And Miss T, was super excited for her Valentine party last Thursday. It was just a simple one during class , where they had extra snack and did a themed craft. Moms had to help the kids drop their cards into the friend's bags when we dropped them off. We added a blow pop sucker to the back of hers. Of course it was pink. She was giddy about it.

She didn't really know what this party was all about, but she came bouncing into my bedroom, before my alarm went off, asking if I would drive her to her Valentine party. so cute. (I'll show her party attire in the next post) . and even though little man didn't have his own party, didn't want to leave him out. This shot was one from his 18 month session last month(which , I realize I never shared here... oops.).. dang Facebook gets all the attention lately. lol

I hope you all had a wonderful celebration with your someone (s) special. I know I did.. (saved for another post).

brrrrrr.

2011-02-04T15:17:00.006-05:00

we are slowly starting to thaw out around here.. though we still can't get the van out of the driveway thanks to the plows.. that (finally!) came yesterday!! Kids were out of school all week and Andrew's company closed for Tues and Wed. Not bad when he already doesn't go to work on Mondays. We have had lots of family time.. and while many of my friends were about to lose their minds... surprisingly, I was doing ok. I used an idea from one of my good friends to set up stations around the house. The kids loved it! It helped with keeping order and gave them something to look forward to. At the kitchen table ,I set up Moon Dough at one end, and Bendaroos at the other, At the bar, we had finger paints. At the little table, coloring books and activity books(learning books from a local teacher supply store). In the living room, we had several spots set up.. one had the little rocker and some books. Another section had all of the little people and accessories(car, boar, bus, train,etc). I set the timer for 25 minutes, and they got used to hearing the buzz.. though Miss T had a hard time with patience, as she was ready to scurry on to the next one, saying she "continually heard the buzzer". This gave me time to sit and engage with the kids, but also some uninterrupted time to clean up the kitchen, etc.

It was also super nice that Daddy was home. Him occupying the kiddos during that crazy 4-6pm, allowed for me to actually cook dinners. (instead of the norm.. him walking thru the door and then going back to pick something up or him throwing something together- gotta love that man!)
I made a wonderful cheesy , potato corn chowder one night. We had stew one night. Andrew actually followed the recipe I found for Swedish meatballs and egg noodles, which turned out yummy. (who knew there was tomato paste in Swedish meatballs?). The kids enjoyed lunches of grilled cheese, fruit and chicken noodle soups in variety of characters.. Dora, princesses, Spongebob, Toy Story.. compliments of Grandma. Each evening after dinner.. we watched movies, ate popcorn.. and stayed up late.. ( so they would sleep in.. lol). Good times!!

As you can see we(they... I just ran out and snapped some pics LOL) were able to get out and
enjoy the white stuff. They had a blast sledding (first time!) down the driveway. Andrew had a blast too.. Grandma took Brig for a fun filled snow day at her house yesterday. Today Tatum got her day, since Brig went back to school. It has just been me and the baby .. and laundry.. Marc Cohn, and my editing.. kinda nice to have the peace and quiet. Looking forward to a great weekend starting in a couple of hours!! lol

And.. while I didn't make an official announcement.. the date on my last blog post kinda gave it away! LOL...

I decided to take kind of a break from the computer and blogging.. and reading other people's blogs..and face book even( at least not what I was spending on fb)..

Last fall during my busy , busy time in business.. I was always getting sucked in to face book longer than I needed to, or emailing /chatting with friends.. I found tons of decorating and nifty craft and parenting blogs, that while informative, and many with a spiritual tone, (so I tried to justify my time spent there... ) My time was suffering... actually.. I was just not prioritizing my time in the correct ways. My work was keeping me on the computer til' wee hours and by early December , I was shot.. physically and emotionally. My kids were not getting the focused attention that I needed and I was realizing that their days of being small and cute were fleeting fast.

After a good long talk with a great girl friend.. she reminded me, that even if I didn't look at fb for 9 hours.. that same stuff would still be there. I pulled back (way back in the fall ) from my photo message boards too, just not having the time for it either. Stopped reading blogs....except my GA friend.. because she would post on FB her links! lol- so I knew when she posted... even then I missed a bunch. I realized that yes.. life does and DID go on, if I didn't keep up with what was out there. (however, I did realize, that like a lot of ppl, fb has been the communication tool for most.. so if I didn't catch a friend's status update, then I was out of the loop and found out several days later at church or mom's group..) *oops*. January was a good month of reorganization, and while a certain (condition-more on that later) has put me back in a bit of a slump.. I am moving forward and trying to get some unfinished projects for my business completed. I am super excited about some new things to be revealed , hopefully by early next week.. Also, need to catch back up on this here , blog.. I need a Christmas/winter break recap of pictures. Our family has been doing SO much... and I need to be sure that I get it down here , before I forget!

Started a new bible study in Jan too.. and it was exactly what I needed to keep me grounded and focused. LOVE that time. (and the kick in the pants to get in the word every day to keep up w/my homework.. lol).

So while some folks... and I will admit, that I was a bit skeptical of our first snow day, when there wasn't ANY snow coming down.... I am thankful for the time we had this week as a family.

Kinda feels like a mini vaca only we were stuck in our home.. lol- which by the way is starting the major de-cluttering undertaking this weekend.

Looking forward to fun, friends and a bunch of work this weekend! (but I secretly love to make lists... so I can cross things off!)

If you have snow... then I hope you are staying warm and able to enjoy the beauty that comes with it!

lickety split!

2010-12-27T11:48:00.003-05:00

It took probly all of 5 minutes to pick out the tree this year! We had been at the parade and kids were melting.. and it was FREEZING... (which is why Beck and Mommy are not pictured!) We went to our trusted Ace Hardware on the corner, which never lets us down with a beautiful tree for a great price. I felt so bad for the poor kid that had to spend 10 minutes wrapping the tree up for us and then for my poor hubby for the 15 min that he spent tying it to the top of the van.

But we brought home a perfectly sized, wonderfully smelling fresh tree and spent the evening hours fighting with lights... and two more trips to Wally world to get more sets of lights.

Seriously.. I wonder how many marriages break up over lighting a tree??? lol

December fun !

2010-12-23T11:18:00.008-05:00

So seeing as it is the eve before Christmas Eve and I have only done one post for the whole month! yikes... well that is mostly because we have just been on the go like crazy people and when we have had time to sit and rest awhile , its only because we were forced to by the icky stomach flu that invaded our home =(.

So I am gonna try to recap the month of activities a bit.. so at least I have things on the ol' blog, should I ever get around to finishing making books out of this bloggeroo. (have started year one.. way back in 2005!) Here we are at the annual downtown Christmas Parade. We always have the best (warm) seat and have a great view of all of the floats and fun coming down Main Street. We grabbed some take out from Laf Brew Co and headed to grandma's office. We just take over one of the front rooms and have a great time! This year, Tatum really was into it.. and Beck was kind of confused as to what was happening, but his eyes were pretty much glued out the window the whole time!

What a fun surprise to see Uncle Monkey walking down the street as part of Nine Irish Brothers- one of our favorite night spots to hang out.

The kids adored seeing Ronald.. I was a bit bummed he wasn't tossing out coupons or big macs...

but the highlight was seeing this guy coming down..... the kids ran outside to get a better look.

I snapped a few pictures, but it was so miserably cold, our curbside trip only lasted a few minutes!

We had a full, festive weekend , that first wknd in December.. next up.. Picking out the tree !

He Runs!

2010-12-10T11:44:00.005-05:00

So Andrew and I were laughing the other night as he said " I never thought I would say I was a "runner". Yeah... I never thought that either... coming from the two of us , who both really dislike exercise of any kind. Well.. we don't mind taking our nightly neighborhood walks.. the Frisbee golf matches... of course playing with kids and their sports.. but to actually go and work out?. Um.. no thank you. many a gym membership has been bought and well... very infrequently been used. I know suckers are we.. and the gym folks love people like us! However.... late this summer, my husband decided to start up the C25K. He loved it. of course it was bit difficult getting into the swing of things.. but he kept coming back week after week saying how much better and easier it was getting. he almost enjoyed himself out there!! So he decided as he was nearing the end of the program, that he obviously could run a 5k.. and so he signed up for one for Thanksgiving day. However , he set his alarm for pm instead of am. And so we didn't make it. Worked out ok, since we had to be an hour away and drag the kids out and then come back to take another 2 hr drive to the family's house for Thanksgiving dinner. He signed up right away for our town's local, annual Sleigh Bell Run. The weather could not have been more perfect, no? We bundled up the children and headed out at 7:30am.. to cheer on daddy.

(this one was actually a mock run shot! ) prior to the race

This was as he was nearing the last stretch. He ended up beating his personal best time by 2 minutes and came in 8th in his age group.

So proud of him!! He had a great time and has already signed up for a half marathon in the spring. We are excited to make a weekend of heading to Nashville, TN for the Rock n' Roll City Marathon !

I am pretty sure that my surprise gift (gym membership) to him this year will not be a waste.. SHhhhhh. don't tell.

my princess wants

2010-11-19T11:40:00.002-05:00

we have not experienced the joy of the impending Christmas season quite like this before. Our quite and content( oh.. so no that way as a 1st grader..!) first born.. never asked for much. Well he actually still doesn't ever ask for anything.. not even gum at the grocery store. I guess he never asked for toys, because he never knew what was out there. We started out this parenting thing not letting him watch tv. Well.. he watched PBS after he was 3 and before that it was baby Einstein or we sing silly songs on DVD ! He didn't even know who or what characters were.. except for Purdue Pete! He knew that one well. Sooo. last week began a new era for us. One where we are left holding our aching ears and making loose promises!

Our 3 1/2 year old who is everything girly girl... who does not go out of the house with out 2 purses and sunglasses and usually her lipstick. The girl who jumps up and down when I said someone was bringing over new hair bows for her! The girl who watches me put on my make up every day. The girl who wears a pony tail and says "I look like mommy now". compliment.. , I think? lol

She has been caring for her baby dolls since she was 6 months old. She has had a bow in her hair since she was 2 days old. We have shifted to flowers and headbands.. but always an accessory. The girl screams as we walk past the shoe department of Target.

and... well . now she has discovered commercials. Partly our fault.. yes I know.. we introduced cable . She now watches Disney channel.. (which actually was a positive as it prepped the kids for our trip last month).. however several times a day.. this can be heard through out the house.

"moommmmmmmmmyyyyy, do you think I can get that?" or "daaaaaaaaadddy, do you think I can have one of those?"

this rant will continue and actually get quite emotional and even some tears stream, if her request is not acknowledged.

and so our constant response has been "well, you 'll have to talk to HoHo about that".

Ho Ho has some big promises (perhaps) to live up to. oh.. and for the record.. nothing that is remotely boy is ever requested. It is every baby, barbie, princess, coloring, crafty thing advertised.

I can only imagine what the toy aisle at Target will be like this year! maybe we'll divert her attention with a free cookie from the bakery.

We met the Mouse!

2010-11-07T23:47:00.004-05:00

I have a very good reason for not posting in a couple weeks.... we took a much needed vacation to meet the Mouse and all his friends! We just got back this week and quite honestly , I need a vacation from my vacation! We were up every day (8) and at our shuttle by 8am and didn't come back to our resort until 10pm most nights! We packed in a whole lot... and STILL didn't see all we wanted to. Guess there will have to be a return trip =).

Friends have been asking for pictures... and I have been swamped with work since the day we returned! I just now took them off the ipad and decided I better get at least one pic up on FB and thought I'd share one here too.

We had a fantastic time. I actually decided that I want to live in Disney World. It is the happiest place on earth- besides the fact that I gained 4 lbs. oops! Geesh... the dining plan just had too many options.. and come on.. a big honkin' dessert for every meal! I was not used to eating like that.. and I totally indulged.

I wish I could have stayed away from the sweets like Andrew did- he came back having lost 2 lbs. Pretty easy to do that considering the amounts of walking we did- Plus he got up at 5am to run.. (um.. silly daddy.. but I still give him kudos!)

I have to get caught up on editing some sessions.. and then I'll be back to posting about our trip- not even going to attempt the some 700 + pics from the trip yet! yikes.

Kids are finally getting caught up on sleep... but our poor little BeckBeck visited the Dr. on Friday for a double ear infection. He is scarfing down his meds, so hopefully will be feeling better soon!

well.. I am off to load up some client galleries.. be back soon!

an Indian Summer!

2010-10-20T16:19:00.021-04:00

One fine fall day.. with the leaves turning.. and the air crisp.. oh wait.. and the temps were in the mid 80's !!!
We decided to take another trip down
to Conner Prairie. We went last year, but Tatum was too small to remember anything. They had a great time running from exhibit to exhibit inside the museum.. but I was chasing them instead of snapping pictures.. and we all had tons of fun as we stepped back in time to the 1830's and became a part of Prairie Town. My little girl stops to model...

This is the first thing we saw.. actually as we approached the place. We hadn't been able to see it in flight last time due to high winds.
We visited with a carpenter.. and he showed us some projects he was working on. Brigham of course, had many questions for this man. Its hard for a 6 year old to comprehend the fact that this man is 'truly living in the 1800's).. and so. .. didn't quite understand the tenses' that Brig used. It was a great history lesson though.

Beck loved just hanging around.. the weather was just perfect to be outdoors

Everyone except mama took their turn in the ax throwing contest. Look at that great form by Grandma !!

Ta Ta got her turn.. she used all her strength to get that about 12 feet! LOL

Brigham rearing back and ready to throw.. I think his actually hit the target and fell down.

Beckham would rather just throw some straw.. fine by me =)

We stopped by the inn on our way into town.. Brigham wasn't sure he wanted to stay here , since they were booking 5 ppl to a bed ! It was pretty cheap for a night's stay though.

We almost got Brigham to peek into the outhouse.

He didn't believe us when we told him that is where Grandma had to use the bathroom growing up. .. well.. or that his mother (me) used one at camp years ago. I won't even go in a port a pot nowdays. I'll wait for hours than to climb inside one of those.

The kids helped the lady of this house tend to her garden. Brigham was a champ at filling up the buckets

Then it was school time. This teacher was quite hard on the kiddos.. we didn't last in here long! !

Brigham joined in with some of the other kids and tried his hand at the games. We stayed just long enough to take part in the party and to have some of the freshly baked cookies made over an open fire.

Brigham asked the blacksmith if he could make some shoes for his horse. Well of course he could.. and we sat and watched this crazy character make up a shoe while telling all kinds of stories.

We stopped by the barn and the kids each held a baby chick.. and brushed the wrong end of a goat ! LOL

Oh, how I would love to live in a big ol' house like this some day. Love the charcter of it.

and the kids and grandma actually took a trip up up and away on this balloon.. although due to the roofs of the building surrounding the launching pad.. it was really hard to get a pic of them on it. But they really are on it. We could hear their little voices calling down to Andrew and I below.

Well.. we were supposed to finish our day up at a local pumpkin patch. I had heard great reviews for years about one in Noblesville, but of course it closed at 5pm,, which is just about when we finished our day at the museum.

I guess it is ok, because two days prior, when the weather was in the 50's , I ran out to make sure I had super 'fallish' looking , Perfectly-Pumpkin Patch-Attire for my kiddos.. and then we wake up to find its going to be in the mid 80's. that day. I was so disappointed, but tried to come up with substitute outfits. Guess it worked out in the end. We ended our day at Ruby Tuesday for dinner and watched the Boilers beat up on Northwestern.

We also will get another attempt at a pumpkin patch.

an introduction of sorts

2010-10-12T14:59:00.002-04:00

For about four months now, our little guy has been taking a bottle. yep. I do realize that as of last week he turned 15months old.. however... you may remember me saying that he was a bit of a mama's boy?
which translated to mean that he would NOT take a bottle. not from dad. not from grandma. heaven for bid he take from nursery workers at church. (oh wait.. he never stayed in there long enough for them to try it).. All he had for his first 12 months of life was mama's milk. I would say an occasional ounce of formula.. maybe two.. if dad could force it down.. and if there were no other options. 3rd child and totally high maintenance. EVEN more than the girl in the middle. So you also may remember that at his one year well visit , his Dr. labeled him "failure to thrive" and gave a whole long list of fattening things to give him. One of them was whole milk.. (as if the stuff I was giving him was fat free? lol).. so among his pudding cups, and ice cream treats, we needed to see how many ounces of fluids he was actually drinking. We tried the sippy cup, and he did not get it. For a few weeks.. we introduced the bottle to him and it was like feeding a baby goat. he would sit on the floor and look up at us as we held the bottle. even in his high chair , he wanted no part of participating in this new venture. Finally.. one day.. we left the bottle sitting out and he found it. Guess he was really thirsty, because he tilted it back and took a swig. Of course a proud ear to ear grin followed. Thankfully , we don't have to hold the bottle anymore. And thankfully, he is eating like a champ.. all kinds of foods. mac n cheese , gram crackers and curried chic peas being his favorites. He has even gained a couple of pounds since his Dr. visit.

And since he is such a big boy now.. we decided it was time to let him in on a little secret about what goes the best with an ice cold glass (or bottle ) of milk.

O-R-E-O !!

oops !! my two worlds collide!!

2010-10-03T14:47:00.004-04:00

I am much better at keeping up with my photo blog than I am this personal one.. lol-

So when I went to post something on elle- mi photography's blog.. it accent ally wound up here!

I thought about deleting it.. but then thought what the heck.. my photography is my life right now. Starting tonight(ok, really last weekend..) begins my long run with bookings ... and I am super pumped.. so excited to meet brand new people and places to shoot. I *LOVE* my job.. and I * LOVE * fall !

...and with the cooler temps and changing leaves.. such a beautiful reminder that winter(bleh) CHRISTMAS is soon to be here.. (YAY!).. I am working up the last of my custom card samples and will share them on my blog soon.

Like my post card says.. I am opening up 3 more dates for sessions.. I know I may be crazy, but the demand is out there, and I figure why not? I can sleep in January!!!

has it really been a week?

2010-09-24T11:38:00.015-04:00

geesh. I am officially just saying that I am a terrible blogger.. that I can't stick to a schedule (even when I beg for accountability)... and stop beating myself up over the fact that I don't keep up with regular postings.. or even interesting topics.. or that I don't get 1,345 comments. ( really? I know can you believe that).. must be how JC felt. Seriously.. I am over that fact that merely a few read this here blog- because I am so not writing it for the approval of others. I have said it before, and I am going to believe it this time. I need to give myself grace and realize that this blog is just a form of me 'getting stuff out'.. be it junk or fun family stuff or even the mundane life stuff. It is my place.. and if I will ever take(find) the time to finish up my Blurb books, then I'll have some pretty cool stuff to hand down... and so with that I share with you

Fun on Friday.. because..

we did have lots of fun this week! Starting with a soccer game. Brig moved up to the U7 team even though he just turned six.. we were a bit unsure how he would do along with so many kids that had played before. (remember he just started last spring). He is getting better and focusing more. I feel like such a bad mom for telling the coach "no we're not buying team or individual pics" But really... I have seen the pics from the league photographers . and well, I'll just leave it at that.

( now no making fun of the big metal hook sticking out of the net in the above pic!)
In Tuesday's game, Brig got one hands on ball during his stint at goalie. The game finished up 1-1

and our little guy is found looking cute and spending time eating entire bags of goldfish crackers.

But really, can you blame him? ( I splurged and got the flavor blasted ones this time)

Or he is climbing. Yes we have a climber as of this week. Feeling pretty proud of himself for climbing up in the chair. Or the chairs at home or the couch.. or standing on the couch and throwing all the pillows off. its a good thing he is cute!

Another fun thing we did was that we ALL went to T's gymnastics class. Brig stayed home sick from school due to a stomach bug.. and so he went with. He actually begged to come see his sister's class. He is such a proud and supportive big bro.

T is in a class of two(sometimes its a private class even!)

Look at that form!! Well.. I kid, b/c if it were not for he teacher, she'd fall flat on her back! We're working on strengthening her arms.

She loves the beam..

and of course the bar is her FAVE (other than the splashing in the puddle)

and what does Mr B do while she is at JANAKSIX? (that is an exact pronunciation)

well , he plays house of course!

Well that is it for some fun times in the Miller household.. we also got out in this wonderful ahem 90degree fall weather and took some family walks. Had his Tiger den meeting last night.

Oh and we're dealing with drama. Uck. makes me sick to my stomach.. but hoping prayer will get us through.

Looking forward to a date night with the hubby to see this guy

tonight will fill my emotional tank a bit.

and maybe some sushi is of need as well.

I'll leave you with a classic of Beck from the week.

fun on friday-its all about the boy..

2010-09-17T16:29:00.004-04:00

or the Cub.. or in this guy's case.. the Tiger scout. yep. we did it. a little reluctantly as parents.. but we caved and obliged our eager -for-fun- but -having- no-idea-what-it -is 6 year old who had been begging to join the Tiger Scouts. Its well.. kinda not so much 'our' crowd... but we decided it would be really good for him. AND good for us to get out of our comfort zone a bit. We do really like the fundamentals and the mission behind scouting.. LOVE that it encourages such family involvement. Something we have always seen so impressive from our LDS friends. In fact.. after his first pack meeting.. Brigham posed for a picture and daddy face booked it straight to Elder Johnston (ok.. not really anymore, but it will always be his name to us.lol).. who gave a "big thumbs up" for our young tiger scout.

Brigham was so excited to learn his motto and his mission statement. He wrote it about 20 times and of course memorized it in one sitting. I could tell he was proud when he got up on stage with all the other dens to recite at the beginning of his meeting. We learned all about pop corn sales.. (which I am pretty excited that we have the inside scoop on this.. ). I mean - Have you HAD the boyscout popcorn? double chocolate carmel, by chance?? YUM-O.

Look at my kiddo working hard on his rocket! After the meeting, the activity for the night was water rockets. He was super excited about this...

Setting it up....

needed a little help.. but then he finally go it.. and holy cow did it ever POP!! It was hard to get a good shot of it, b/c it went so high so fast.. straight into the blinding sun! One of the guys helping got his finger snapped b/c he was standing too close when it shot off! LOL

Tiger Scouting.. its dangerous, I tell ya..

At any rate.. we had a good time. I think we'll see how it goes this year. It sorta conflicts with soccer, so we are alternating until soccer is finished. I am a slacker of a tiger scout mom already and have not sewed on his patches. We are looking forward to reading thru his hand book and helping him choose patches to earn. All in All , I think this is a great foundation for him. and his friend Justin is doing it as well, so that is fun for him.

Let's just not hope we have to on any camping trips soon.. .. us Millers don't do well with bugs.. or eating off of sticks.. lol-

we interupt our regularly scheduled post

2010-09-09T15:36:00.008-04:00

Because... we had a very exciting week here at the Miller household when a certain little Miss started preschool ! Oh.. MY. was she excited. Like woke-up-at -5:30am- all -ready- to-go-to-school- excited! (thank goodness A got up with her.. and when she got up at 7am all ready to hop in the car.. in her jammies of course! LOL)

This pictures says it all- we could hardly get her to stand still as she wanted to go in and see 'all of her new friends'. I love that she is sporting her glasses just like Big Brother did on his first day here. (check out the link.. didn't plan it either.) My little Tater girl has been filling her back pack ever since we picked it up at the store. cool story-- I won her little pack at the mom's preschool brunch during his first year. I had just purchased a cute little back pack by Stephen Joseph as you can see in his pictures, so I was totally excited that my then 4 month old daughter had a cute one waiting for her too! And so 3 years later, we took it in to my favorite shop and had them put her name on it! I am so bummed that I didn't get a pic of the back of it. Totally went out in the front yard later that day to do a mock up and of course there wasn't a CF card in the camera! LOL- figures. I'll have to post a pic another day and post it.. cuz .. well it is just THAT cute!

She ran into her class and went straight for the girly things. The doll house. At her open house last week, she ran straight for the my little ponies. Funny to see who unique my children are at the same age, doing the same things. Love it. Praise God !!

Here she is with one of her teachers, Mrs. Synesael ( pretty sure I botched the spelling,=(

and things are a bit different with a one year old in tow... We didn't get all the pics that we did with Brigham. At that time Miss Tatum was just in a little carrier. This time, dad had to hold Beck so he couldn't do a whole lot.. plus Tatum was too pumped to get to the toys to really stay for many photo opps.! LOL

so .. got my one picture in with my baby girl... awwwwww.
Before I left her on the first day, I peeked in to see her sitting at the little table and chairs in the little kitchen area.. putting a baby doll under her dress and then stuffing her face with play donuts.

children model what they see, no? hmmmmmm. trying to figure that one out! LOL

So we finished up the week strong. She goes on Tues and Thursday mornings for two hours. This week was sort of a learning process for me to see what I could get done, etc. The first day was a total bust, b/c I started 3 projects and got none of them finished!. Today I ran thru the car wash, responded to a bunch of work emails, scheduled some sessions and put together a few collages for clients. I also managed to dust two rooms and vacuum the living room.. oh and water in my newly planted mums. =)

however.. I am trying to figure out how to fit in coffee time with a couple girl friends who also have kids in class and get work done.. and actually see if I can get a work out in. I have said this before, but I really, really want to start the C25k and keep it up. seems so simple and so effective!

all righty.. well we're off to a birthday party now and a bouncy bounce place!! good times!

laundry day

2010-09-02T23:15:00.003-04:00

well... this is just a frustrated vent.. it has been eating and eating at me for months now.. I am feeling totally guilty and also feeling as if I totally wasted my husband's hard earned money. I am feeling like I am failing my kids and and just terrible at keeping up... not to mention my bedroom "corner" is out of control.. poor Tatum has no use of her closet b/c from side to side and top to bottom... I have invaded her space... anyone have a guess as to what I am talking about?

if you said SCRAPBOokinG.. you WIN the big ol' prize! (which I really don't have.. but yay.. you're a winner! LOL)

Seriously, people... I can't believe how dedicated I was with Brigham's first year book, and his second, and third and half way into his fourth book. Tatum's first year was all girly and busting out the pink and flowers hard core. Poor Beck Beck has like 5 pages. I am failing miserably. I follow all my friend's blogs who are scrappin guru's and am constantly inspired.. I think, "hey, I can do that, really quickly".. and then the time never happens.

Andrew keeps telling me to give it up.. let it go... box it all up. I have everything neatly organized in T's closet , and labeled and everything.. an over abundance of ribbon.. (I bought into that craze.. big time) and the eyelets? remember the eyelets? and all of the stamping and filing and embossing. I have so many mini books and shaped chipboard books just sitting there empty. I have several unopened kits from some of my favorite kit clubs.. at least its all together and *hopefully* will still go with some of my pics one day..

So I have pictures stacked in piles, I have some sorted in photo boxes, and I have hundreds of pics sitting in files on my computer. I so miss this hobby of mine. I miss the creative outlet. I miss getting together with friends and chowing on junk food and consuming huge quantities of DDP while I busted out 3 pages in 7 hours! haaa.

I really want to make a promise to myself to get back into it. Even if it is just slowly.. like one page a week or something. I think I need to realize that I just can't scrap the way and in the abundance that I once did.
Is it bad that I am looking forward to Dec-Jan to be slow for photo sessions? I am actually thinking about pulling everything out and keeping it out for 2 months, and just keep working on pages here and there.
My husband will so love me.. lol-

Many of my photographer friends and I share in this misery, because so many of us started our passions by the art of scrapping. Some moved on to digital.. others still love the feel of paper and glue. Oh and buttons. How many buttons do I have?

And while my spending has shifted from scrappy stuff to photography props and equipment.. I am still dying to get my hands on a JB kit.. or some luscious folded flowers for my Tater girl's pages! *swoon*

Any of you have any suggestions on how to pace.. how to get back in the scrappin' saddle again? Am I being to hard on myself? I just don't want to forgot all the little things, the funny things, the everyday stuff while my kids are little. I want them to know from my own words.. my thoughts how special they are.

would love to hear from you.. and link me up to your pages as well .. b/c I love to be inspired. I still get giddy when my CK arrives and read it from cover to cover in one sitting! I love seeing old friends names published.. and to see their sweet kiddos showcased in their art. I have sadly phased out on my scrappy sites too, and I miss the 'community' on those msg boards. *sigh*.....

alrighty... done.. so hit me with your best tips on getting thru this!!

Words on Wednesday

2010-09-01T17:27:00.003-04:00

No pictures.. just words.. sorry folks!

I am slammed with editing right now, and don't have time to get thru any of our snap shots from the last few days..

however.. we did have a great time at Miss Tatum's open house for pre school today! She had had a visit a couple weeks ago and met her teachers (well, she knew one of them b/c Brig had her) and she got to pick her name tag color and answer a few questions to be put in her "all about me" page in the blessing book. She has been talking non- stop about going to school .(well really all summer long).

We picked up her backpack from the store last week as well. I had her name embroidered on it just like I did Brigham's first back pack. (actually same company and store too)

She has been carrying her back pack around ever since we brought it home and stuffing it full of diapers, baby doll clothes, books, cell phones, Mickey D's crap -toys, and other random stuff. We told her that none of that goes to school with her next week. She replied " I know , Mom, its just for my home work ".

the girl WANTS homework.

So we are about to walking into the building.. and Daddy met us there in the parking lot.. asked said to Tatum " ohhh, pretty girl in her sunglasses, and got her purse, and pretty dress on.. Where is your back pack baby girl (yes, we call her baby girl, even though she just turned three..)?

My smart -going- to -school- girl replies.. " Dad, I don't need my back pack, because, I am not staying at school ! "

She loved every bit of bouncing from station to station.. was in heaven with all the my little pony's and of course the kitchen. I think she was considering swiping one of the purses in the dress up corner. We'll have to watch her this year! LOL

I have no idea where she gets the idea that she needs a purse to match every outfit. NO idea !!!

She also made sure she inspected the two bathrooms.. just in case.. (who knows why she would actually care.. as she still isn't even close to being potty trained).

As her teacher is showing her the second bathroom, she says "but there is no bath tub. where is the bathtub? there is just a sink."

well.. my girl may not no how to poop in the toilet, but she is the queen of hygiene!!

so there were a few funnies out of the mouths of my babe...

I am going to play catch up tomorrow from the earlier days this week that I missed blogging about.. so check back for 'More than Manna" and also my "Tips on Tues".

time to wash the dirty duds!

2010-08-26T21:02:00.003-04:00

well today is laundry day.. but since I have officially failed miserably at keeping up this week.. I decided that I didn't want my nearly almost lone post of the week to be a downer.. or a gripe, or complaint, or *sighhhhhhhhh* vent of frustration.. ( even though I have had PLENTY go on this week that would give cause for airing the dirty duds). and so I decided that for this entry of 'laundry day' .. I would just go ahead and wash it clean, (out of mind) toss it dry ( again, try and get it out of my mind) and then neatly fold it and put it away .. (really out of my mind) and go about my business. I may come back, if that doesn't actually work. haa.

We've had a super busy week with school activities and such. My photo sessions are keeping me busy and getting me out for some great 'me' time. I am really looking forward to the weekend... got some fun stuff planned.

so for now, I'll leave you with some adorable pics of my *almost* 14 month old!!!
and to see more from his first birthday sessions.. visit here.

Words on Wednesday

2010-08-18T17:24:00.006-04:00

kids just say the funniest things right?
like when we walked out the door for some one's first day of school.... as a first grader-

Brigham " hey mom, you don't have to walk me to the bus stop anymore, because I am a big kid now. I am in first grade and I know all the rules ". BWAHHH. got to love him.

maybe I'll still be walking him to the bus stop when he is 16, b/c of course he won't have his license to drive himself... (I can't even imagine..) so for now, I'll be content and happy knowing that he still gets excited over monogramming his back pack! =) We upgraded the letters for this year, but its still the same pack... bought it big for K-garten on purpose, so he'd get a few years out of it.

at the bus stop Brigham says to a friend " oh, you got a new backpack, I like it.".. girl says "yep", Brig says ", I just have the same one and its ripping a little bit ". I know way to rub it in kid.. lol- and to clarify, it has a barely even worn thru little spot on the bottom corner where he would drag it on the ground. It has lots of life left in it =)

Quote from Brigham as he walks in the door after his first day " oh, mom... it smells like cupcakes.. or maybe cookies... oh.. I bet its my first after school snack, right?"

who does he expect I am , Martha Stewart? well... I tried and on a total whim, made up this giant Reece's (his fave) cookie and frosted it. I know I scored big brownie.. er.. cookie points with him on this one.

And another funny from today.. after school, I took the kids to the library and Brigham starts talking about who he is going to vote for next. I asked him what he meant and he said "

well, remember last year I voted for O-Rock-O-Rama.

yes, yes.. you did...

but he said this year he wants to vote for God.

well.. good choice. and it made me think back to this post.. and how much has changed, or stayed the same.. and awwwww. look at my cutie -head Tater girl.

Can't believe I am getting ready to send her off to school as well in a few weeks.

Well those were some of the words of entertainment in our home this week.. what were yours?

More than Manna....

2010-08-16T23:58:00.003-04:00

to be revisited tomorrow! =)

sending off my baby to FIRST grade.. so excited for some extra free hours to hack away at my to do list.. but I have to say I am a bit teary eyed at the thought of him being away for so long again... I am pretty sure I'll get used to it though..

stay tuned for my MTM update!

laundry day !

2010-08-12T23:03:00.014-04:00

Ok, so week two of airing your dirty duds right here.. and you know what ? I got nuthin this week. lol- shocking right? I was thinking that this would be a great place to vent once a week and in turn be a place where my readers can vent if they want as well.. and then I started thinking that I don't want this to be a negative place.. but only a happy place. Mostly in my life, I don't like the complaining, looking at things with the glass half empty, yada yada, you get the idea right?
And then I realized that its human. its normal. that we all have days, weeks, months.. where we experience stuff that we just well, need to vent. So again, this is an open place if you want, feel free to share if you want in the comments.. Thanks Hannah for commenting last week. I sure hope that you got things switched up with your schedule and that it did not put a strain on your relationship. I remember days like that back when I was in the work world. Mis communication can be such a bummer.. (or just plain forgetful ness.. or what ever!)
So my vent this week is on the heels of a lovely family outing that we had a month ago. To this neat little place. I call it my peaceful , happy place. ( yes, even with 3 kids and a husband)

we ventured down the road to a blueberry patch and picked quite the many of these yummy berries. Tatum was all about it...

until, she realized how fantastic they tasted !! the picking and placing into her bucket ceased at that moment.

and then she found a cut out in the rows.. and made a hide and seek game of it !

Brigham was a serious picker too...

He loved it ! Nearly filled up his bucket-

Beck was a great helper as well... from a far....

I am so glad that hubby snapped some of me, since I rarely am included in family events, now I can actually scrap a family event with the 'whole' family. Please don't look closely, as I had just got done working out when we decided on a whim to trek to the patch...

and so HA. I got him back... he is rarely in pics too.. as its all about the kiddos lately..

and they are proud of their loot. And with it we made many a blueberry pancake.. and ate them by the handful. I had great hopes of freezing a bunch and then pulling them out to make muffins, and bread and scones and pies... but a las.. this is where my vent comes in-

I washed them all.. and then stuck a few pounds in the freezer. Well... not such a good idea.. as they thawed , they became mush. The color is coming off on everything, so the kids haven't even wanted to eat them for lunch. they are just turning into juice in the bottom of the bag... so I can't do anything with them..

thinking of a smoothie, or maybe a pie won't be so bad.. any suggestions on what I can create with mushy berries?

But I have to say, these were the plumpest, most sweet and delicious blueberries, I have ever tasted. Next year, we're going to go back every week to stock up. yummm.

Words on Wednesday

2010-08-11T15:50:00.003-04:00

Words on Wednesday is what I decided to keep up with ..(hopefully) because my kids are always saying the funniest things (aren't they all?) and well.. I was so good at keeping a little notebook when Brig was little.. I did scrap book pages for thins he said at 2, and 3, and 4.. Even did a page for Tatum and the things she said at 2..(Ok, well I started it.. and if all the words jotted down..)
So I decided I'd take the notebook from out of my car(yes, I finally put one in my middle console, b/c they were always saying something hilarious by golly, and I never had a pen/paper)..

So today's word (quote, funny, Brigism).. actually when he was about two years old, my aunt started saying he spoke Brighamese. It was adorable. And he is STILL cracking me up with what pops out of his mouth.

Me: Brigham , please finish your orange juice
Brig: Ohhhhhhh. but why, Mom?
Me: Because it is good for you, and I said so . that is why (totally never thought I'd be saying that.. but alas. its a daily occurrence!. ha.)
Brig: Well, I don't like the juice because it has all the fuzzy stuff in it !
****************************************************
Here is a cute pic from during our church's VBS. He attended 3 different churches this summer and had a blast at each one of them. This was part of the games.. they had to dip their nose in Vaseline and then go down and get Cotton balls out of a container and bring them back w/o using their hands. You see he is intently devising his plan as he watched his team mate! Miss Ta Ta... is always saying something hilarious. The one of late, is that she tells everyone she has a "spagehetto" bite on her arm.

We are also working full force on potty training.. and the kid is just not getting it. The funny thing she keeps saying EVERY time we change her diaper, or clean out princess panties. is " I not ever going to do it again! "... HAAAAAAAA. makes me laugh every time!

Miss Tatum got to come and visit our VBS since daddy did the sound all week and mommy was taking pictures. She was sure excited when they said she could have shaved ice!

and with that I'll leave you.. feel free to leave a comment of your favorite kid-ism !! We're off to Brigham's school to meet his teacher and register. Oh.. my , I thought this day would never come!!

Tips for Tots

2010-08-10T20:18:00.002-04:00

on Tuesdays... yep that is what I decided is going to be my topic.. Let's face it raising our little ones is tough stuff.. and I will welcome any hints to make life easier .. can I get an Amen?

Some ideas may be things that I have found works for my children... other things might be from the bountiful words of wisdom from some of the Mentor Moms from my MOPS group... perhaps others are a quick tip that a friend gave me or perhaps I read it in a book or online someplace.
I'll try and give credit where credit is due, so you all don't think I am some know-it-all-mama-raising-perfect-kiddos-. HA !!

In turn, I will welcome any comments that you want to share with good tips that work with your little ones or maybe you saw it someplace as well..

*** when eating out*****

we are those mean parents that think that even though we are eating out, we still have to eat fairly healthy.. SO our kids RARELY get juice.. they always get milk. On a special occasion, they'll get chocolate milk.

Except Beckham.. after his Dr. visit, we started ordering him chocolate milk every time. In fact it was on a whim, that he pulled out this trick and he sucked the yumminess right thru the straw for the first time a couple weeks ago.

What to do? Keep in your purse one of those vertical little paper punches. Then when the milk comes you don't have to take that foil seal off.. ( I went for years w/ Brig and Tate spilling all over) and the straw fits nicely down thru the hole.

So there you have it.. one little thing that makes our dining out experience less messy !!

Fun on Friday-beach style

2010-08-06T20:54:00.010-04:00

We packed up the car and drove 2 hours north into Michigan to our traditional vacation day spot! This was a childhood summer tradition for our family and so we have tried to go with our kids (and grandma) too. Last summer we didn't make it since, Beck was born and the year before we didn't for some reason either... so like in June, we all booked it into our calendar so we knew we could make it!

*poor pic quality warning*... I stressed and debated about whether to bring the big ol' camera to the beach.. and I had really wanted to get good beachy pics of the kids in the (over done, but still super sweet white flowing cotton).. but after submitting to my husband( he does have pretty good ideas once in a while.. lol) and his advice on just going there to 'enjoy the day' and not worry about taking the perfect pictures... I gave in! I am actually so glad I did. His other big reasoning was he didn't really want me to risk $2500 of glass in the sand. and yeah.. totally something I would probably have done.So we took the el'cheapo powershot and I snapped a few pics, but mostly we just played. Grandma tried her best to console Beckham while I was the other kiddos.

We did get some quick pictures right after the big trek up tower hill.

ok, they trekked and I sat in the shade with the baby and the princess. Pretty darn proud of my hubby, my mom and my 6 yr old for making it to the top ! (and back down again! LOL)

once again, trying to include Beck in the family, he wants no part of it !

Tatum spent most of the day here... building and building and getting sand in places that were very hard to get out. she decided it was fun to lay down in the wet sand and make 'sand angles' . Oh, yeah.. that was fun getting the sand out of her head.. (oh wait,thankfully that was Andrew's job!)

Little Beck Beck ventured in like nobodies business until he got in about chest deep. Really he was just coming towards me (and I happened to have the camera in my hand!)

Brigham had a blast and couldn't get enough of the water. I think it was a huge plus that our lake trip came on the heels of our second set of swimming lessons this summer. He was a little fish all over the place. His favorite trick was performing somersaults over and over again, until, he came up out of the water saying "ouch".. I kept telling him he ought to move out a bit deeper. Guess he had to learn on his own. What does a mother know anyway!

We totally thought we left Beck's swimsuit in the van and after three trips to get everything down to the beach, we decided to just leave him in his jammies.

they were beach themed anyway.. lol

He actually liked the water pretty well too, once we got out into it. The weather was absolutely perfect. I remember days where the water was like ice and the sand extremely hot. Or there was the one summer where there were dead fish everywhere.. floating, washed up on the beach. So gross. This was a great day all around.

funny thing too.. we'd been there for hours and were about to call it a day, but TaTa asked grandma if we could go see the boats that were all anchored waaaaaay down the beach from where we were. Anyway, we decided to all go and made our way thru the crowded walking trail along the shore and sat and watched the boats. Course it took us even longer b/c we had to keep stopping and let Brigham aka.. superfish get out in the water and play.

So we're on our way back and my mom pointed out some group of moms with their kids and I looked up as we passed to see Darcy and one of her girls. It was crowded and Andrew and Brigham were a good ways ahead of us, so I didn't get the chance to stop. We used to work together years ago.. ( I think before I was even married?) and then got reacquainted via scrapping and blogging a few years ago. So wild to see someone I knew in a sea of thousands.

Kinda like when we ran into a family at Mammoth Cave.. just looked up and there they were..

So that was our fun for the week.. (amongst other summery things.). We're off to Indy in the am for a photographers get together that I am hosting. There are about 15 of us going. Should be a great time, and looks like it will be just perfect weather!

hope you all enjoy your weekend!

it's laundry day!

2010-08-05T00:27:00.004-04:00

ok, well I didn't do such a great job this first week of August.. ahem.. on my new blogging schedule. (but did you really think I would? lol)... ugh.

Three photo sessions and it is only Thursday. =).. trips to the park. hours at the pool. a fabulous day up at Lake Michigan.

ANYWAY.....I came up with my little list of topics to keep me on track and focused.. I'm just gonna pick up with today, and hubby actually came up with the title for this one.

(because he said, by the time Thursday comes, there will have been something that happened that needs to be vented. ha.) oh, he knows me too well . AND I don't want to put a damper on Fun on Fridays heading into the weekend.

SOOO. Thursday is going to be laundry day. I.E. Airing the dryer vents. AHEM. sharing something that bugged me, made me cringe, made me stew.. (and not the vegie kind)...made me question.. you get the idea right??

AND in return... YOU ALL are free to LEAVE your dirty duds here. This is a safe place. Well, heck I am always a safe place. I have been told my whole adult life that I am super easy to talk to, to share inter most struggles and secrets with.. yep. What is said to me. stays with me. You have my word.(real life folks already know this.. but in case you wanted to venture into a friendship, well you know trust is KEY with ME)

UNLESS its on this blog.. and this post particularly.. because... I want to hear from you! I want you to be able to leave me a comment with one of your 'vents' from this week, and IF you say I can.. I'll blog about it NEXT THURSDAY in conjunction with mine... We may just be able to help each other along. some examples can be frustrating, irritating, funny, things.. stuff your kids did, your neighbor said, your boss tried, the customer in front of you in line at Wal Mart did.. what ever... things going on in your town, your state , your world.. time to share!!

Here goes mine..... actually been struggling with this for awhile now, but in recent weeks have had some situations where it has surfaced again and I just don't get it. Been talking to Andrew about it a lot lately.

The reality that some how in our society it is acceptable or encouraged to 'not' talk to people that you know. People that you are or have been friends with. People that are acquaintances.

Heck I think I talk to strangers more than strike up a conversation with someone that I know from a different path of life or whatever..

This is so frustrating to me. It just doesn't seem right to me. I am an outgoing, friendly person by nature and have always been surrounded by 'friendly' people as well. My husband always nicknamed me chatty- cathy ( in know, so unoriginal.. lol) because where ever we went I would always be friendly, compliment someone, chat about the weather, the kids..etc. etc.

SO now we have found ourselves in this situation of the last 3 years, where the majority of people that we used to be friends with, have dinner with, have play dates with, attend church and school with.. REFUSE to talk to us. YEP. like we've seen them detour their path in the grocery store so as not to have to come within 'talking' distance of us. We have seen them at baseball games and swimming lessons and yet we don't speak.

It is IN OUR nature to go up and say Hi, to strike up a casual conversation with these folks.. but it has never been received well.

.. and so I am left with this constant battle of what my mind says is the right, the normal, the courteous, the adult thing to do.. - which is to say hello, chat a bit. of course I am not saying that we have to act like BFF's or something, but geesh... just because we don't attend the same church, somehow we different now?

Like it was ok, for us to be guests' in their home, share meals, attend bible studies and girls nights, and guys outings AND have them all into our home... but suddenly we are different now.

HMMMM. (well yes, we are different, and that goes with out saying.. thus the reason we are where we are.. ) . but is being different all that bad?

and the battle continues with what my heart says ... and that is that several people really, really hurt us. badly. deeply. and we extended grace, realized people are all sinners, forgave them.. and wished to carry on. I have been told by a very close and Godly friend that I have a lot of strength and courage to carry on. I feel that is what I am called to do. I am not someone who holds grudges by any means. I accept people and so often give people the benefit of the doubt.

Second chances, and third chances.

Again, I am not saying that I am going out trying to build the deep relationships.. but seriously? How do you not even talk to people that you 'supposedly' were friends with at one time.

Boggles my mind.. and so then I am left in the situation, that I am tired of being made a fool. I don't want to move forward with good intentions, using my friendly ways to reach out, only to be laughed at behind my back.

As in.. " do you know who I saw today and she tried to talk to me!! " how dare someone actually be courteous. GASP.

The other biggest pet peeve I have is fakeness. Maybe that is the standpoint these folks are coming from. Perhaps they don't like it either. The problem is that I don't have one 'fake' bone in my body. I am so real. Like raw - real. I am not about a hidden agenda or playing games. I can see this going on sometimes and it just makes me sick. So much negative energy is being spent to what? be miserable? um, yeah.. no thanks!

I need all the energy I can to maintain my house and my family!! lol

Please don't take away that this is just a poor me saga ... because I am SO not about that. I don't like drama and I don't like attention directed at myself. However, just been mulling this idea around lately, that perhaps this is just what culturally we are taught to do. I know that I am not perfect and because of seeing this reaction dozens of times in the last couple years... I too have started to adapt to that way of thinking. I don't like it. It feels strange and awkward to me.

I have pretty much adapted the mindset that if they want to talk , then I'll let them come to me. I am tired of initiating and then being left feeling like a fool-. but then again, I don't think this is the right attitude to take? I bring this up, because I know that there are some of you out there that have experienced this same type of thing. I know one friend in particular saw similar results within a church body. Others have seen it in the work place or even in school settings.

ok.. so that was much longer than I thought.. - feel free to share , I'd love to hear your thoughts, comments, suggestions.. whatever. Spill it !!

Introducing....

2010-07-30T16:38:00.011-04:00

FUn on Friday !! Remember when I posted about some changes coming up on the ol' blog? Well I have come up with a daily plan for my posts.. some fun stuff and a bit of thought provoking.. (ok, INTERACTIVE) kinda stuff too. I totally needed to set this up months ago.. to keep me on track and to (ok, keep readers.. Idonotblogforothersnoidonot

SO I set myself up with a little ol' schedule and I am REALLY going to try and stick with it. This next week as we find ourselves in a NEW month (holy -what happened -to summer?-) AUGUST. what better time to start with my plan.... (and for those of you interested, Aug 1 just happens to be when new prices and some other things go into effect for my photography biz)

* I know.. I am nutz like this.. love to keep myself uberly busy... actually the more busy (um, yeah just realized not the correct usage) I keep myself , the less time I have to a. worry. b. stress. and c.care (about anything or anyone except those that MEAN something to me and make my life full and happy). ok. done. on. that.

anywho.. back to my post.. FUN on FRIDAY will be my focus on something fun from the week that we did as a family, my kids did, hubby and I did (get your mind out of the gutter) or, once in a great while.. something FUN that I did JUST for ME !!....

so today..... was such a simple. fun. full of joy kinda day. and I am so thankful for my little family.

* the kids had their last swimming lessons today which means PARTy day.. ( 15 min of free play in the water and 15 min of consuming 6 bags of fruit snacks, choco chip cookies, 2 bags of cheeze its, 3 bags of animal crackers, a capri sun, a few gummy worms, and oh, they get their evaluations too.)

I had a photo session scheduled for today and the family was driving from an hour away to see me, so we had to make it work. My adorable , lovable, do ANYTHING for me prince of a husband, took off some time to work(he made it up earlier in the week.. of course!) to meet me early at the pool, take the kids to their lessons and play with them for an hour or so after wards at the park.

ahem.. QUote from Tatum in the car " we didn't go to a park, just a playground, white, Bigum?"

when I asked if they still wanted to go to the park for lunch later. haa.

Picked up the kids, ran a couple errands , picked up food at BK ( totally craving their grilled chicken sandwich) and the kids were ecstatic b/c the kids meal toys were from a new cat/dog movie. Grabbed the food and we headed to our favorite little park tucked away in a neighborhood. and little man ate his first french fry.( and his second, and third, and thirteenth)

Meet our Pirate baby. (above pic) . He recently began squinting only his left eye when the sun hits him. Perhaps our theme was a bit intense for his big brother's 6th bday party a couple weeks ago. (more on that later.. need to edit and post them)

and here he is contemplating going over the edge. It cracks me up that babies will crawl on their knees on cement. He was on a mission to get to the mulch that was just below this ledge. (the drop off is about 2.5 inches! LOL)

The kids having a blast on the playground. I love that I can just let them loose now, and this park just happens to have a sidewalk surrounding it.. so while they play I walk the circle. Productive multi tasking no?

Miss TaTa as the captain of the sea.. and Mr. Brig was about to show me how he can cross the monkey bars.. well. almost..

It was during this peaceful time eating lunch with my 3 kiddos, watching them experience new things, listening to them play with each other, realizing how lucky I was to have been able to work this morning at a 'job' that I love.. while my hubby was able to experience their lessons.(he actually always gets to come on Mondays , since he has it off) that I was reminded just how blessed I really am. Truly blessed beyond measure. Even though my mind can be flooded with all kinds of distractions and even some toxic junk, even when some moments are spent focusing on the negative instead of relishing in all that is good. Even when I think towards the future and perhaps 'what isn't now'.. God always shows me thru the simple joys, that He has me just where He wants me. And its such a good thing.

maybe just a bit overstimulated-

2010-07-21T14:27:00.002-04:00

Wednesday- story time at the library(whoo hoo.. kids both got coupons for DQ for keeping up on the summer reading program!)

lunch at the park

Thursday-lots of errands, prepping for party

Friday-shopping, dinner at MacAlisters,

Tatum gets a girl's night out with Grandma at the downtown gallery walk

Saturday- Tatum plays at Grandma's house

finishing cake, decorating house, prepping food

READY TO PARTY PIRATE STYLE- Brig's 6th bday party with lots of friends

HUGE STORM.. knocks out power for a few hours, TONS of trees down all over town.

Worst damage we have seen in a long time. praying for some friends whose home got struck by lightening.

Sunday- photo session, clean house, detox from party,

dinner with Grandma

Monday- swimming lessons(we started our second round of the summer.)- kids are doing great!

lunch and fun at the 4-H fair! Gotta love fair food! Beck gets his first elephant ear and pork burger!!

VBS at our church... Andrew does sound, I do photos, Brig gets to soak up all that Jesus stuff and

Tatum and Beck get to hang out in child care

Tuesday-swimming lessons

Brig treats us to lunch at McDonald's with his birthday gift card(awwww) and we have a picnic at the park

VBS- another great night of kids dancing and rocking out to praise songs.. ( and a little bit of chaos too)

Wednesday- swimming lessons

photo session

park time with Grandma

story time at the library

VBS

and taking another trip to the fair.. gotta love fair food.. (ok, and the animals and old people dancing! LOL)

WHEW. that is what has been going on in the last week. Got three more photo sessions this week, finish up VBS with splash party and a couple play dates. Summer is super super busy... and I have to say though I love the weather, I am totally psyched up for the start of school-- can't wait to get into the ol' routine again. Trying to figure out what activities to enroll the kids in and finishing up a few things with my business.

Before I know it, it will be Christmas!!

party day!

2010-07-13T22:26:00.002-04:00

Hey guys.. thanks for the feedback comments and emails.. I have some ideas and as soon as I get a break in my photography sessions , I'm gonna implement them into the routine! I have been a terrible slacker in the blogging department these last few months. I have been even more terrible at keeping up and reading with friends' and other favorite blogs.. in fact totally missed the post where a friend announced herself pg. UM. totally feeling guilty....

Summer with three little ones is keeping us super busy, as I am sure many of you know.

I just am hardly ever on the computer anymore unless I have my eyes fixated on other people's images and I am working the heck out of PS! LOL

I booked myself less sessions for July and August, but am gearing up for some big things happening this fall...I'll try and not leave you hanging that long!

SO an update... TODAY is my baby boy's SIXTH birthday!! I have always been a HUGE fan of my birthday.. but I have found I am even more psyched about my kiddos' bdays. I just love, LOVE to celebrate with them and see their eyes light up. At the same time I get so emotional as I can't believe that GOD chose me to be their mama and experience their life (heck.. guide their life! )

We had Beck's first birthday 10 days ago on the third.. ( I know, I know.. haven't even posted or edited pics from his party yet) and now today we celebrate the kid that made me a mom SIX years ago....

and hey.. Stephanie if you are still reading this ol' blog... we were just looking thru all the pictures with you guys and the fabulous video that your hubby shot for us. What wonderful friends we had in you, and its such a bummer that we are so far away.. =(.
awwwww. the memories though!

so this kid knows how to milk his day for all its worth.. we took him and his sister to the movies this morning while gma watched the baby.. and then went to lunch at Dan Pablo's and got a surprise visit from Uncle Monkey...
came home did some yard work, and then out for a new hair cut and he got to pick out a new game for his gameboy.

Then we went to Chic Fil A for family night and the kids got all tatted up and made ice cream sundaes and created cow people (which were actually pretty darn cute)..

and then we came home to chat on the computer with the other grandparents and to open some more gifts. The kid got spoiled of course.. and we haven't even had his party yet!

Stay tuned for some more pics at least I'll go thru the boys and their bday parties.. perhaps it will be a dual post next week!

I am thrilled you're all still interested in our little life and what is going on... and I can't wait to start posting some of the fun stuff I have planned.(and a little of the more serious stuff.) I hope you will check back and keep reading!

and with that.. I am out of here... off to edit two more sessions.... you can always keep up w/ my photography stuff by clicking on the link to the right-
have a great day !!

is any body out there???

2010-07-07T13:27:00.002-04:00

could be familiar lyrics.... one of my favorite songs.. lol-

But seriously.. I am such a horrible blogger in the summer time. We are always super busy... which is always giving me plenty of things to blog about, but where does my time go? Who knows?!!

It seems as though my time at the computer lately has been spent editing photo sessions. My summer has been jam packed and I am loving it, but the blogging updates seem to get pushed aside.

I am almost feeling a state of depression towards my lack of scrap booking. I miss the feel of paper and glue. I miss the cutting. I miss the agonizing over how to lay out a page. As I just told another good scrapping/photographer friend.. I Miss the getting my thoughts down and keeping memories for my kids. the files and files on my computer can only tell so much!

My husband keeps telling me , I need to give it up.. he suggested that my blog take over that part of my life and serve as a digital scrapbook. (which in a sense it is)... I have plans to turn my blog into a coffee table book and have actually started the process through Blurb. But since I have been blogging since 2005... that is a WHOLE lot of posts to go through! LOL

I am not quite ready to give up the creative outlet of paper scrapping .... but that brings me back to my original question...

Is there anybody out there? Does any one read this thing? Based on my comments, I would say no.. but based on my tracker, it is telling me that I have quite a few visitors.. and many of the same return readers.

SO been thinking of changing some things up on my blog.. to make it more interesting and to keep me more accountable. I have a lot of stuff in this ol' noggin of mine, that I would love to get out... serious stuff... funny stuff.... opinionated stuff, reviews for stuff.. and of course keeping you updated with the crazy happenings of my little family.

PLEASE , if you're a reader.. leave me a comment.. If you care to... let me know what type of topics you'd like me to cover.

I am thinking about jumping on the "post of the day" bandwagon. I think it will make me more focused and provide plenty of entertainment.. haa. haa.

ok.. folks... comment away.. and in the mean time, I am off to bury one little bird and one tiny mouse that became victim to our viscous 4 legged back yard predators.

(perhaps more on that later.. lol)

a little fun w/ the animals

2010-06-30T17:25:00.018-04:00

and not just my crazy tribe!! but they did look super cute.. I know.. I know.. do I have to theme, everything?? BUT OF COURSE!!! Since Brigham's first visit to the Indianapolis zoo at 1.5 weeks old sporting his yellow giraffe romper, to Beckham's first visit at 10 days old in his giraffe and elephant adorned gown....it has just become a way of life for us.. lol- Even Brig noticed right away and pointed out that even Dad put on a shirt w/ a mammal on it. I was the lone odd ball w/ out a theme!!

Beckham had the best seat in the house as he enjoyed the sights and sounds .. of course decked out in his tiger romper!

And my husband knows me too well.. we always stop by the grocery on the way to the zoo to stock up on lunch items to fill our cooler.. I had no idea what he got until we were ready to prep our lunch.... ZEBRA CAKES!!! awwwww. I am so blessed. seriously.. my man just "gets" me.. and even indulges in the little humors to participate !!

The day started off with Tatum being a bit timid around some of the animals... so this became her look out spot. It worked quite well for most of the time, until she realized that Brigham was off doing something and then she wanted to join in-

and sooo the animal spotting began..

who doesn't like the elephants. seriously we could have watched this little family (there was a mom and dad and baby) for hours...

and even more fun when baby decided to take a dip in the pool! I am so glad we happened to be there for this. It was a lot of fun to watch!

Brigham found his favorite mammal... and enlightened us with all kinds of fun facts he knew about the:

polar bear. Daddy's kind of a big fan of this one too.. LOST fans anyone??

The desert is not my favorite attraction, but this little dude posed for my camera...

and this guy always makes me think of the movie Swiss Family Robinson!! anyone know what I am talking about? the middle brother picks the ostrich to race in the family marathon!! hilarious... anyway...

We had to prove to Tatum that she was not tall enough to ride the coaster... plus how cute that her giraffe matches him !

and more giraffe watching... we missed the time to feed them, so we'll have to catch that on the next trip. We did this the first week school was out.. and need to get down 2 more times before the middle of July when our pass expires.

and near the end... we cooled off at the splash park. I think we could actually go down and just make a day of playing in the fountains. The kids had so much fun

Even little Beckham got a little wet!!

and this is a TERRRRR-ible picture taken by my husband.. but I kinda like it.. perfect for scrapping this event!!

I hope you liked your little tour of our zoo trip.. we've been on the go for our first month of summer and it doesn't look like things are slowing down. We are having a blast and I hope you are too!! If you care to leave a comment.. share a fun summer activity that you have done so far.. I love hearing new ideas to get out of the ol' routine !!

Can 3 yr olds have self image issues?

2010-06-24T16:00:00.002-04:00

As I sit at my computer editing away and away (and away)... my darling daughter is sitting at her little table drawing and "writing her name" (one of her favorite past times) . Though it comes out different every time.. verbally , she has been calling herself "Ta-Ta", and when she was about 2.5 it transformed to "Taymum" and well now , I over hear her say as she scribbles down letters... " B-O-H-R.. PRINCESS MILLER.. yep that is my name" !!!!!

apparently she has herself up on a pedestal. I have no idea why? !!!

ETA:: I so apologize oh faithful blog readers for my lack of postage.. we have been on the go tons, enjoying our first 3 weeks of summer, I have been insanely busy with my business and working up some new things to launch soon, and just having a great time hanging out as a family! (and trying to stay dry.. and cool as mother nature has dealt us quite the weather pattern here in the Midwest!)... hope to get thru our fun pics and post very soon!!

do you have kids?

2010-06-13T22:44:00.003-04:00

do you love adorable kids clothing .... especially accessories? as in hats? super , duper cute ones?

and I might add that they are totally unique.

well head on over to my photography blog to check HEARTSMILES, an addicting site on etsy.

I was super honored when Abbie (the uber talented owner) contacted me to take pictures for her little shop. (AND) I have to say that my darling daughter was thrilled when the packages started showing up for her to model =)

this is just the first of many sneaks into what Abbie creates!! so go take a look!! and make sure to head over to her site and tell her I sent ya ! =)

catching up..

2010-06-09T10:33:00.009-04:00

our school doesn't do graduation, thank goodness.. personally I think after 4 graduations by the time they are 17 or 18, what meaning will it have when the walk across that stage ?..lol.. but at any rate, I made these little diplomas for his pizza party.

with the last week of Kindergarten.. (sniff.. sniff)... ok, why did the last day affect me way more than the sending my baby off for the first day last fall?? this was on pet day, where everything from a big dog, a bird and a rat were brought in. He thought for a second about bringing in He-Hatch ,the fish, but decided that Ashley's cat might eat it. and so Hailey our wonder dog got to go to kindergarten.

Brigham was so excited to have her there. I loaded up the troops and we went for our visit on the hottest day of the week!! And Hailey made her memorable debut by crapping right on the sidewalk. of course only my dog. only my "outside -all-the-time" dog crapped. I guess it was stage fright..

Brig got her to do some tricks and she did wonderful with all the hands wanting to pet her and the chaos of the kids fighting over who got to give her treats. I had Beckham in my arm so this was the best shot I could catch one handed! lol

why did the last day affect me so much?

maybe because he grew up so much in one year. really.. we just keep commenting on how mature(if that is possible for a 5 yr old).. how tender-hearted, and helpful, how smart, how aware, how loving.. how defiant(yep.. got some of that in there too), and how sassy.. ( and not like his sister cute and sassy..lol) We have definitely gotten into the "back talk" stage.. ugh. I am soo happy that I made the decision to let him go all day(ok, that I listened and submitted to Andrew's wishes) AND that I gave in and let him ride the bus. What a whole wide world both of those opened up for his little life(and for ours as parents). It really has been such a positive in him being around kids- all types of kids. We had so many teachable moments this year. So many questions asked? So much innocence to the way others act. We want our children to shine as lights in the world. To be a little different( in all kinds of ways) but more importantly to be different in that they are living out their faith. I am so happy that we chose not to shelter our kids, put to throw them in and watch them figure it out! Throughout the year I helped with class parties and a few other things in the classroom and Andrew ate lunch with him about once a month. It is just so cool to witness how he is with others. and how others are with him. So proud of my kiddo and just love him to pieces. seriously, how did I get so lucky?

This was on the second to last day at their class pizza party. Grandma and brother and sister all joined in the celebration. I made some cut little "diplomas" out of swiss cake rolls and their school colored ribbon.
(see above picture, sorry couldn't move it down!)

My boys... the best I could get. Brig was not at all interested in leaving the activity to come hang with mom.. but I made him!

don't ya just love little B's mow hawk? I think one of these days I'll add some product and really funk it up.. =P !

Brigham and his wonderful teacher, Mrs. Brown. In fact we just got a thank you in the mail today from the gifts we gave her. He was super excited to get a note from her.

the pizza party was just for their class and a lot of the parents siblings came. there were fun outdoor games and activities for the kids to play. of course papa johns pizza and all the yummy sweets were a high light. but even MORE, was the signing of the shirts.

Apparently the older classes have a tradition of doing this, so some of the kindergartners with older siblings were asking to do it too. Brigham was super excited for this. It was pretty darn cute as they all ran around signing each other's t's. I even got asked to sign a few of the kids.. pretty funny, actually.

It was only a few months into school that our little Brigham became BRIG. and so that is what he was signing and what was on all of his papers he brought home. good thing we saw this coming and like this as a nickname when we chose his name.. lol.

and finally .. all in a year.... this was last Augs (can't find his 1st day of school pic) but you can find it here.

and the last day.......

he hasn't changed a bit has he? love my little dude!!

its all about THIS guy....

2010-05-26T15:23:00.002-04:00

and his last week as a kindergartner.. (sniff..sniff).. actually in five minutes, he will only have TWO more days.. We got his end of year reviews last week and I couldn't be more proud of him. He excelled in all subjects and scored way above the required levels. In fact for reading.. his numbers are right in line for the end of the year goal.... OF SECOND GRADE!!!

um.. yeah.. we didn't make a big deal about it cuz, he's probably just slack off the next two years of school.. LOL !!

The kid reads and asks questions all day long. He has so much insight into subjects. He really has a desire to learn. AND to teach his younger sister. Most days, he is 'acting as a mother hen" reading to her, pointing things out, explaining, teaching all kinds of things.

(kinda makes this mom job a little easier this go around.. lol)

He also had his LAST soccer game on Saturday and we were so stoked for him! He really progressed during the season.. scored a few goals and really "got" the hang of what the game was all about. We are already into t-ball now.. and swimming lessons will start in a couple weeks. and then football.

We are celebrating him all week long...

at school they have fun activities planned every day, and at home we are celebrating him too.

Doing a few extra fun things and having a few extra special treats..

I am taking lots of pics and will share soon.. right now I am swamped in business edits... so the fam will have to wait.(hey. at least I still take family pics right?)

Hoping to get back here to share in a couple days..

off to go hug my guy.....

in the kitchen

2010-05-18T15:23:00.008-04:00

yep.. surprising isn't it? well.. I do like to bake.. MUCH more than I like to cook. Luckily I am blessed with a man that does love to cook (and prepares most of our meals).. and little side note.. even though our rule is One person cooks, the other cleans up.. HE is pretty much the "other" person most nights too.

been in the kitchen a lot lately.. it all started last week when Brigham had his last TOP DOG (helper of the day) at school. awww.

He got to celebrate his birthday, and wear a special hat, and got a goody back from his teacher. He was SOO excited. I love to see him get pumped up about these little kinds of things. (well, to a 5 year old, this is HUGE, right?)

I made these cupcake cones, which were a really big hit, despite their appearance. ( the foil flew off as I was walking them into school and they toppled all over each other). chocolate was. everywhere. hoping my choice of snack doesn't look bad on my kid! lol

and little man is now eating most of his meals right in big sisters chair! He looks so little here, but I can totally tell that he is all big and proud of his accomplishment. My kitchen has become a baby food factory lately, as I am grinding up vegis and fruits.

this morning was pears, mixed vegi's and sweet potato. He is really loving his food these days.. but still loves mama's milk the best. Tatum weaned herself at this age and I was really bummed, so I am really hoping that he keeps it up for awhile anyway.

this morning, Tatum-girl and I decided to make some triple chocolate chip muffins... in my new pan from Demarle Home. Went to a friend's home party a few weeks ago, and had to restrict myself(ok, the budget ) restricted me.. lol. There stuff is really cool, but REALLY pricey.
Like their muffin tins are $53.00 !

and so I got one !! and just had to take extra time refilling the cups to make a batch.

pretty sure these should not be classified as "muffins".. chocolate, with 2 kinds of choco chips and white choco chips. mmmmmm.

yep, they were good.

and lastly.. THIS guy turned 10 months. totally haven't had a chance to get his 'chair' pose yet.. but I snapped this quickly this morning in his "peas" shirt. when I saw this at Target, I just had to get it. He wore it to Nashville in honor of his first(well, third) Peas get together, however he had stunk it up pretty bad on the drive so we changed him right away.

super cute eh?

...and been super duper busy with photo stuff... had EIGHT calls last week and just trying to figure out dates for everyone.. and then had 2 more yesterday!

I am doing a couple of pretty fun things with my biz too, but you'll have to wait to find out.. lol !

(I am mean like that.. lol)

head over to my blog to catch up on some recent sneak peeks. I still have 3 more to put up so check back often!

We had a great weekend hanging out in our little down town. It had its first Gallery Walk of the season.. in and out of studios/ wine/treats/ music.. the kids loved it and we had a perfect night to enjoy some fun culture.

We always love when summer comes around.. there is a big art show next weekend, and then a few festivals coming up which are always a blast!

well.. I am off to edit some more pics while 2 kids are napping and the other is consumed with Spongebob(yes.. we have given up control.. the crazy sea dude is allowed in small doses now)

my baby girl turns THREE !!

2010-05-10T20:47:00.015-04:00

Happy Birthday to my full of spunk and sweetness, Tatum Isabella ! We thank God for sending you to us three years ago! What a joy you have been in our lives!

Did a mini (as in 25 min) photo session for her today. I had a newborn session, so since I had everything out , went ahead and did it. I *really* was hoping to go get her first haircut and then take her pics.. but guess that will be happening some other time. I am still torn between leaving her beautiful curls and giving her a super cute bob for summer!

This was her party dress... had to go with the theme right? For those of you who saw my plea for advice on face book.. I saw THE perfect dress a few months ago online , but the price tag was $89.

well.. you're only three once right? and luckily, this dress , which is custom made, doesn't really have a size.. so she'll get a couple years out of it.

and a big thank you to grandpa (my dad) who wasn't able to say no to his baby girl for her baby girl ! lol

and so our Strawberry Shortcake party started out with some Berry Sweet invitations, which I didn't scan in.. so just "imagine" pink/green cuteness and Miss SS herself on the front. Totally wanted to create my own handmade, but I found some adorable custom made ones on Etsy.. so I went that route in stead. totally worth it.

Planned the party thinking its May.. so it will be nice and sunshiny and everyone will want to be outside playing and carrying on, and what better then to quench their thirsts but digging into my Lime Green drink bucket and pulling out one of these:

and we also served, Sprite, Red Creme Soda, Strawberry Lemonade and water bottles. the super berry luscious sweets table....

and yes.. we had plenty for our 25+ guests, and a whole lot more!!

I over estimated when I bought the JUMBo strawberries at Sam's.. got 3 packages of them and then just got a little carried away dipping them! LOL

the main food table:

chicken salad croissants for the adults, strawberry shaped pb&j for the kiddos, strawberry applesauce, vegis and dip(of course only green/white/red ones) and Fruit (only green grapes, kiwi,strawberries, red and green apples) along with some amazing strawberry fruit dip,chips and strawberry trifle.

oh.. and my mom made a yummy spinach and strawberry salad with poppy seed dressing!

we are going to be eating this same meal for the next couple days for sure!

and the cake.. I am pretty sure I made enough for a small wedding.. Ha.

The pink throne for her to open her gifts..

of course we had to have our traditional pinata.. or as Brigham calls it a PINGONTA !

It was near freezing.. so the kids all ran out , gave a few whacks.. the parents mostly stayed and watched from the window!

the mad dash to catch the candy loot!

and then it was present time.....

I love how all her little friends joined right in.. they all wanted to sit right up close and some even started opening their own choice of gift!

We thank you for all the great toys, books, clothes and other fun stuff. What a great day!

and then it was cake time...

She was a little embarrassed when we sang to her, but she got over it when she saw the PINK cake!

Doesn't this look cool?

notice all the fondant balls on the table? Um, yeah... note to self.. fondant looks nice, but tastes horrible.

I made my own secret butter cream recipe so that was good.. and I just didn't think to flavor the fondant before putting it up. Oh, well, we were not lacking sweetness in any way, so I am sure it turned out fine.

We had a wonderful celebration with friends on Saturday evening and then we got to celebrate with her again on Sunday , which was her actual birthday.

What a beautiful mother's day gift for me to celebrating my sweet baby girl's special day.

We prepped the party (well, mostly I did) for two days straight, so by 11pm on Sat night, I was pooped.. my fabulous hubby stayed up and did all the dishes, wrapped up all the food, cleaned up the rest of the house.. AND let me sleep in Sunday morning.

well.. actually he helped with the kids' promptings of their attack on me in bed so they could give me their gift.

Um.. yeah.. hubby did great again.. totally took them out last weekend when I had two photo sessions and painted pottery with them.

They made me an adorable cookie jar complete with 3 varying sized hand prints, a few scribbles and a couple pretty flowers.

It turned out SO cute and will look perfect in my kitchen!

Andrew then took charge of the children , allowing me to sleep another couple hours. At which time I awoke, to a near spotless house, and he took me out to my choice of restaurant.

I can be simple when I want to.. hee hee. I chose Noble Romans. Gotta love their bread sticks!

Later that day we headed over to my mom's house to celebrate with her. We had a great dinner and opened up some more presents for Tatum from the out of town grandparents.

It was an amazing weekend and I am so thankful for my wonderful little family!

brace yourselves...

2010-05-06T15:25:00.003-04:00

I am gonna get a bit "churchy" on you all for a post or two...
The last year or so, I've had a lot of things going on..been seeing amazing things God is doing in my life, feeling an overwhelming peace and enjoying a life full of joy and happiness.
One huge positive in my life as been my involvement in MOPS(mothers of preschoolers). If you are a mom, then you MUST check this group out in your area.. (or if you're local) then check out the fabulous group of women at ECC's MOPS =).

So anyway, a couple weeks ago, we held our spring tea. The focus was on God's love for us. Pretty basic huh? Well.. we heard some very incredible and tear moving stories from a few woman who shared thru their experiences how they KNOW how much GOD LOVES THEM.

As table leader, I shared my story with my wonderful group of girls too.
I have to preface by saying.. the term "kingdom story" was something foreign to me.
I had always heard "testimony".. and heard countless people get up and share how their life was meaningless and then BAM.. one day they found Jesus. Life is all better now. The end.

So the thing about this terminology is that everyone has a kingdom story. In fact most Christians have several stories about their relationship with JC or how they have seen God work in their lives. Didn't say their lives were perfect. I said God was working.

The point of these stories is that we as Christians can use them to further God's Kingdom by sharing them with others(unbelievers). Pretty cool huh?
And they don't have to be these super polished(with Christianese) verbiage.. they can be simple stories to teach others about this person called Jesus. I used to think that I had to have this major, tear jerking story.. or it wasn't "good" enough.

I am so glad I shared my story, b/c I know that it touched people.Had several people approach me thanking me for being real. I have gotten emails where people are saying "me too".
What a comfort to know we are not alone in this journey.
so here goes.. my kingdom story:

I have always gone to church and I have always believed that Jesus died for my sins.
I grew up in a Christian home , was involved in Christian activities. I knew what Christians were “supposed “ to do and what was right and wrong.
However, God was not center of my life. I did not rely on him.. When we had our first child, we started going to church again. Selfishly, besides thinking it was ‘the image’ we should portray as new parents, I also longed for the abundance of friends that had disappeared since I left college.
Instantly we were met with acceptance. We were receiving invitations for this group, that bible study, this moms group and couples groups. I was diving deep into bible studies and my faith was growing. We were attending church on Sundays and we were part of this social “club”. Our schedule was full and I had “learned” what I was supposed to do as a church goer as I obtained my worldview of Christianity from the people around me. All the time I was maturing in my walk, I was also being held captive. Though I didn't know it at the time.
I thought that because I was actively pursuing a deeper relationship with God and with other Christians that life was going to be lollipops and rainbows. About 6 months after getting involved, stress and conflict crept into my marriage as I tried to achieve what I thought my role as a mom and wife was to look like. My outgoing and generous nature blended with what I saw in my church community. It became the norm for me to be extending invitations, helping with childcare and taking meals on a weekly basis. My time and energy was being exhausted as I tried to live the way that these people said I should live and not what God was telling me . My husband could see a difference in me, and after awhile, I could too. I had placed so much emphasis on doing for others, that I was forgetting about my family and more importantly forgetting about my relationship with my Heavenly Father.
I was soon learning that much of what I viewed as the “right” way to live out my faith was not real and not what God had intended for my life. I had become consumed by a culture of keeping up appearances and pleasing people instead of God.
The next several months contained a series of events that proved to me that God loved me and wanted the best for me. For what was once a time of comfort of activities, friendships and fun.. soon became speckled with hurts, confusion and ultimately severed relationships.
This was devastating to me for 2 reasons. One,- I had felt such happiness and comfort to be so accepted and included. And 2- how in the world could situations like this happen within the church community?
All the while I was enduring these hurts, I knew that there was purpose. I had learned thru my bible studies that God puts us thru trials to refine our character. I guess this is what he was doing.. but it sure sucked at the time.. I knew I had to just be patient, listen and turn my focus to God and I would have a sense of peace. Amazingly it did work. Even though the circumstances were yucky.. I still had a sense of peace about them. I knew that God was working in my life.
My husband and I continued to feel nudges as God used others (sometimes in a painful way) to get our attention.. I still wanted to hang on to the comfort and the false reality that I had created. I was going to this building and involved with the people, but was I involved with Jesus?. God knew that my faith was going to be stagnant if I stayed in this environment, and he made it clear that we were to move. It took me awhile to fully surrender and give up control, but we finally did.
It was not long before the Holy Spirit was alive in me. There was a fire burning and I couldn't’t get enough. I did'nt care about the people around me, I just wanted to be in church on Sunday to be in God’s presence. I had never experienced worship like this before and I was left in tears nearly every time. I started to sense some amazing things God was doing in my heart and in my mind. My family became my focus instead of those around me. My husband and I started working together based on what scripture says, instead of what our peers were saying. My expectations of how we were supposed to be living as a Christian couple were being met because God was showing us how to reach them. My schedule was freed from the play dates and activities so that I could actually get out my bible. I began to have a real comfort of simply being with my family instead of out being seen.
My husband noticed this huge change in me and I have to say that it is such a wonderful feeling knowing that God was directing my path instead of me trying to call the shots. It is has been so refreshing to be furthering my relationship with my Creator without the distractions of trying to keep up the appearances. I am back to being real. I am back to accepting who God has made me. I am finding that my acceptance lies in God and not in people. I know that God’s love is more amazing than I will ever be able to comprehend, and one that I will never be able to earn from people. I have realized and accepted that people will let me down. I have learned to put my trust in God, for He is my rock. I have learned what an amazing gift it is to extend grace to others despite hurts cast upon me. I have been able to connect with Jesus on so many cool ways. I know that I will still go thru yucky times, but I also know that God has great plans for me and he will bring me thru the valleys and give me strength to climb the mountains. I am turning to Christ for my worldview and finding refuge in knowing that He will never leave nor forsake me. I have realized that even though I am called to be part of a church community.. my identity lies in Christ.
whew.
feel free to leave a comment or ask me a question. I don't think it was random that the following Sunday our pastor preached on "taking the masks" off and revealing "your" story. It was profound, and I can't wait to share it with you all next time!

my first love returns

2010-04-28T21:49:00.012-04:00

well.. sorta. those of you that have been following my blog, know that I have been an obsessed scrapper for a long time. A friend got me started prior to my wedding and after Brig was born.. it became a full blown addiction.... I can. NOT. believe how much stuff I own. I am getting pretty depressed as I look at my scrap room and see the piles of dust adorning the papers and the many, many embellies, just waiting patiently to be played with.
Don't even get me started on the gazillion of folders of pictures I have that have not found their home on a layout.. this lack of creativity in paper form is really messing with my psyche... and soooo I have challenged myself and I do have accountability people in my life to hopefully steer me back on track!! I have been working here and there on getting some pages done. I actually put a bunch of ones I have already shown her on the ol' blog INTO protectors and in to the albums purchased and still sitting in the Hobby Lobby bags. So the above page is one for Brig's album.. about the trips to our favorite stores... and the one below is T's first experience with fireworks.

and then I realized that Brig has 3 books, and T has one and a half and yet poor Beckham doesn't have one yet.. and so I switched gears.

Here is one for little B-

and another.. (and of course I still have not done US pages for any kids.. so I have to go back and do them.. and write up their birth stories.. before my brain goes to mush)

I need to do about 4-5 of his first 2 months.. this is one

and then I skipped to 4 months old

Don't mind the black spot .. something on my camera .. so it got a specialty bath. all better now!

I still have a ways to go, but at least he has a few pages.. I haven't done any of his *month* pages yet... or written about his milestones and a few other things I have jotted down. At least I am keeping up with his baby book.. lol-

Did one of these about a favorite outfit of Brig's that he wore last fall... what a handsome dude!

and another about them sharing outfits.. and looking so much alike.

I made a list of the *must have* pages for the kids.. realized that I missed all of year two for Tatum!! so, I am going thru files and printing all of them at once.. then I'll go back and do year four, five for Brigham.

Tatum turns three next week, so I doubt I will be caught up.. but hopefully I can make a dent.

Andrew keeps hinting that the scrap booking needs to go.. since photography has taken over. I just can't bring myself to do it quite yet.. I still get a high out of creating something like this.. I have a friend trying to switch me over to digi scrapping.. and I just won't take the plunge.

Esp when I have so much $$ wrapped up in all the stuff, and the kit clubs that I had coming every month. (there are lots of kits that I have not even opened yet! ) um.. yeah.. sad isn't it.

I . WILL. NOT. BE PUT ON HOARDERS.

I . WILL . CREATE MEMORIES FOR MY FAMILY.

If blogger would let me upload my siggy in blood.. I'd do it. Folks, I am serious.. even more important than the pictures.. I want my words and my stories to be a gift to my children.

Do you have anything that you miss doing? Can you find time in your busy life to get back to it?

I'd love to hear from you.. and to know that I am not alone!! LOL

well, thanks for looking at my pages!!!

pluggin right along...

2010-04-19T20:28:00.004-04:00

So yeah... my last post was prior to our whirlwind busy, busy weekend... and now we're catching our breath on the other side!
We enjoyed a breeze blasting soccer game at noon. Bummer about this sport is that its either cold/wet/windy whether its being played in spring or fall.. but at the rate we (um , Brig) is going.. we may not be seeing another season!!
Have to keep reminding ourselves that he IS only five. AND that he is there to have fun. But seriously, its amazing to us, how many kids(mostly NOT on our team..lol) totally get the game. and are competitive. Brigham's coach rotates the kids so they can play every position and they all get equal playing time. That is good for teaching.. but after awhile, we thought perhaps Brig's turn at goalie should have been cut short. Um.. he didn't get it at all.. and the poor kid let 4 goals go right thru. .. and so we're working on it.. and making sure he is having fun. which he OBVIOUSLY is... because tonight at practice, the coach yells across the field "hey , Brigham, you need to stop watching Dancing With the Stars and start watching some soccer!". ouch.
My first born son, who was totally content to sit on a blanket for hours.. did not even crawl until after his first bday.. didn't walk until 18 months.. etc, etc... now apparently has ants in his pants and can not control himself on the field. thank goodness we don't have this problem in the classroom.
At any rate, the kid loves it..is dying to get to practice and games. ... (he just has NO clue what is going on during them.. lol).. oy.
Part of our weekend then included the Boilermaker Spring Football game. The kids loved it and the weather was beautiful.. we all get a little color (sunburn) on our faces!! Brigham has decided that he is going to play football in the fall. Dad is really encouraging this , because thankfully in this sport there all kinds of positions.. you don't HAVE to be good with the ball.. and you don't HAVE to be good at throwing, OR catching.. heck.. he could be a kicker.. OR he could just play in the marching band. um.. yeah.. that would be good too. We're learning as parents, that we support and encourage him no matter (well, almost) path he takes. and as my dear old' dad put it while watching the game.. "some kids are good in the class room. and others in sports. seldom do you see both.".. Well, thank goodness our little guy is stellar in the classroom.. he'll be an engineer or top executive some day!
Sadly , we did not make Purdue's bug bowl or spring fest this year. Its the first time since Brigham has been born that we didn't go. Had to give myself grace and just focus on the other zillion things we had going on. The bathroom remodel project. Its all primed and painted and I *think* I love it! The flooring is cut, and we just need to get it down.. though probably not until next weekend. My dad will come back up to help Andrew figure it out. I have to get the vanity painted and then pick out the hardware and fixtures this week.. get some towels, and accessories, etc. I am getting excited to see it all come together... and now my head is spinning with ideas for the master bath... lol.. isn't it just one thing right after another?
We had an amazing church service, I am so glad my Dad was there to experience it with us. I actually wished about 10 of my closest friends could have been there to experience it , and about 50 of my acquaintances.. it was just. awesome. I will blog more about it soon, b/c I deserves a post all on it's own.
Had 3 sessions too, over the weekend, and was supposed to have one tonight but the kiddos got sick so had to reschedule =(... a blessing though, giving me some extra time to get caught up on editing.. (thank goodness I leave myself plenty of window to get proofs to my clients) I have two more sessions this week and had two more requests today. My inbox is getting quite the action, and I am loving talking to so many new people! I truly thank my clients, friends, and friends of friends for all the support I have gotten in my business. 2010 is starting off BOOMING......
Since this is my personal blog , I tend to focus more on family happenings etc, and I forget to mention things going on with my photography.. I'll try to remember to give little updates here and there.. but you can always head over to my photo blog
or to my website to see what I have been up to.
I am weeding thru my edits both from sessions and then sifting thru a few here and there from Nashville.. here is one of my Tatum girl that I just love. I have been taking pictures for a friend who makes the most adorable bows/headbands/flowers/hats..etc.. Go check out chick pea bows . She has been gracious to give me some samples to use for clients and I have splurged on a bunch for Tatum and myself as well.. Kelly is working towards a new website and a new shop on etsy, but in the mean time you can find what she offers on her blog and she loves to do custom orders too!!

Life is busy, life is full and (especially after today) I just feel such at peace at where God has me right now. He has been doing some amazing works in my family and it just gets me giddy. I know that every time things are going great, there will be trials(like today) to try and bring me down.. I just have to continue to make the choice of how I respond... and I am so thankful for my loving Father for giving me the strength and endurance to get thru the icky times.

I think of that chumbawamba song.... " I get knocked down.. but I get up again.. " ahhhh the fun college memories that has for me, but its so upbeat that I can't help but be happy!! I know, I know.. Christian lyrics are powerful too and I have a whole slew of them I listen too and meditate the words.. but this is just fun. and "you're not ever going to get me down".. kinda attitude..

and now I really have to get going... number 3 needs to head to bed.. thanks for reading !

I am still alive.

2010-04-14T22:51:00.002-04:00

barely.. haaaa.

So I just returned from a fabulous fun filled, action packed weekend in Nashville with about 25 other amazing photog friends (some old and some new).. it was a blast and my little fam went with so we could have a little get away at the same time. My dear friend Farrah was there, and I can't believe I have seen her 3 times in less then a year.. she keeps trying to get me to move to CO.. but at the rate we're going. we'd probably see each other more living apart. ha. isn't it just how it is?

(we're trying and trying to get out of IN... really and truly.. stupid economy.. lol)
LOVE that city... my friend Katie said that she wanted to move there. and Um, yeah.. (hadn't been there since I was like 12) and I could SOOO live there.
anyway... my facebook profile has been blasted with tags of my cutie heads at all of our fantastic session locals.. (if you're my fb friend.. go check them out.. )

We stopped on the way home at Dinosaur World( you know that tacky attraction along side of the interstate. like "come see the world's biggest guinea pig!").. well, it actually was pretty cool(cheesy).. but to a 5 yr old boy and a 2 yr old girl.. it was like Disney World. (and the parents were impressed by how uberly clean and manicured the mile and half trail thru the forest , in- habitated by over 150 LIFESIZE dinos was).

I am soo happy that we made the stop. Even if we were tired. Even if it would put us home late. Even if it meant driving in the dark( and you all know how much I hate driving in the dark) oh. And Even if it was $40 bucks for about an hour.
it was the favorite part of the trip. Brigham got his post card as a souvenir and he proudly took it to school on Monday. He was even more thrilled when his teacher pointed out the www.dinosaurworld.net on the back of the card.! ( you mean we can see it on the computer??!!)

AND he wrote up a little something to turn in so that our taking him out of school on Friday was excused. Bonus. =)

So.... we are recouping from that.. I have 766 pictures to go thru from the trip.. plus a family session to edit. I have someone coming tomorrow to place an order and one to pick up an order. I have a session tomorrow morning/ Fri/Sat/ and Sun this week. Business is so GOOD. I LOVE being busy and meeting all these new and (adorable) people. LOVE IT.

I have had a couple play dates this week.. both fun and both needed. had a social night for Life group tonight. Met grandma/uncle monkey at the park last night for dinner ( LOVING the weather )..

Soccer practice twice a week, plus games...

Starting the bathroom remodel tomorrow.. I am going to strip everything out.. prime the walls.. then Saturday we start installing the floor/ paint/ and then we'll finish up the fixtures, etc. My dad is coming up to help and of course we'll take a time out so we can head over to Purdue for the annual Springfest and the Boiler FB spring game.

needless to say, I am just on auto pilot right now.... not to mention every time I go out to get the mail or get the kid from the bus, I spend 5 min in my yard picking out bits of the unwanted grass that decided to take up residency in my flower beds. ugh. such a daunting task.
BUT I am so giddy to be seeing all the color in my yards.. love this time of year. of rebirth.. things getting green and sprouting all over the place..

and so if I don't blog for a while.. you'll know why.. lol

OH, and I am also planning Tatum's bday party. well it is planned, now just executing my plan! LOL

so if I tend to neglect reading your blog updates as well.. you'll know why as well. I will try and get caught up soon!

thanks for your patience! =)

Our Sunday best

2010-04-06T15:28:00.007-04:00

at least they were all dressed in their best: well, truthfully, I can't believe how fabulous my kids are. they are just the coolest, sweetest kids in the whole wide world. We had a wonderful church service.. brought me to tears. followed by a delicious lunch at Baja Peninsula with grandma and Uncle Brian. followed by an egg hunt and more candy and toys, etc at grandma's house.

I love how not one of the kids is looking at the camera.. this is so my life right now! lol

they could have hunted for eggs all day. and it was a glorious day for us to be outside too. Just perfect.

We had a busy weekend, and some other fun activities that I'll share but need to scoot to get

1) screaming, jumping baby from the exersaucer

2) happily playing with her hair bows in an imaginary world, when she is supposed to be napping little girl

3) and my sweet kindergartner who will be at the bus stop in 5 minutes

be back later with more pics!!

and he's got a mowhawk...

2010-04-01T12:51:00.000-04:00

things I am lovin' ....

2010-03-25T17:09:00.014-04:00

1. My Tater girl's pig tails... her hair is sooo long(has not had a hair cut yet in almost 3 years!). unlike her older brother who didn't have one in 2 1/2 yrs because he had no hair! LOL So her piggie tails are so long, that I loop them up and tie them in little buns.. got the idea from Chasing Fireflies catalog(one of my faves). her hair is just so cute with these blonde little ringlets in the back that I hate to cut them for fear they won't come back. I do however love the little bob.. so maybe right before or after her 3rd bday , I'll do that.. (and it will help with pool time hair this summer as well !)

but then I went and found this site.. and makes me NOT want to cut her hair. If you have a girl, you should totally check it out!

2. my Beckham baby up on all fours!! yep.. he is a mad man crawler now... all over the place.. he is so much happier (if that even could occur) now that he has freedom to roam. He goes where ever the other kids are.. he follows me down the hallway, into the kitchen.. though I always "hear" him coming, b/c he whines a bit.. lol

and he'll crawl to get something and then resume his favorite sitting position. ahh. SO cute!

3. My Big rock star, faux hawk wearing 5 year old!! Gosh, I can't believe how big he is looking.. yet at the same time , just bursting with that child like innocence. LOVE him.. soo much. He is quite the little student too.. need to do another post about his P/T conference from this period. makes a mama proud, thats for sure!!!

4. the warmer temps we have been having(except today, rainy, cloudy, and brrrrr.) you would think it was winter.. well guess it is IN.. so we could have snow in April!! but we have had some nice park days, and I am excited to see all the bits of green popping up in my yard!

5. My fearless wonder..... love seeing how different she is then her big brother at the same age. I just can't get over how cool it is to be a mom to each one of my kids.. to see the uniqueness in each one of them.. and their personalities emerging and likes and dislikes , etc, etc.

6. My pudgy little one embarking on a new kind of food. Peaches. um, yeah.. as you can see not sure with the first couple bites.. ( I make my own, so they were probably pretty tart) but by the end, he was starting to get used to it. As of now, he eats peaches, pears, banana's , applesauce and tonight he tried blueberries. I mix it all with baby oatmeal and he eats this a couple times a day (if I remember) , sometimes its only once!

7. and I found a new favorite on etsy. yep. totally blog hopped about a month ago, and came across a girl ( who I later realized was a real life friend of a friend of mine, and the way I found her was she followed a blog of a very good friend of mine.(but they don't even know each other! ha.. the magical , fabulous blogging world!). .. anyway.. she makes these adorable necklaces. I knew I had to have one. totally my style.

...and then the package arrived...

how cute is that? and she threw in a cute little bracelet, which my baby and my daughter fight for each time I wear it!!

and here is a shot of the necklace...

go here and get yourself one. I am going back for at least 2 more for summer!!

8. My little lady all accessorized. seriously, we can't leave the house to even go get the mail, without her grabbing her purse, her GASSSES, (of course there is a bow on her head) , but of course..

and usually a necklace and a couple bracelets.

here is my little diva sporting her new pink jelly shoes for summer...

she wants to wear these every day!

and what do you know... just shy of it being a 'top ten' LOL

guess I should have taken a picture of the tv.. because it s MARCH MADNESS and that is one of the things I am really loving lately! Andrew even took 2 days off last week (conveniently starting the day after St. Patty's) to go to BW3, or wild wings, or Bdubs. whatever. the wing place , ya know..

to watch hours upon hours of basketball.

and what do you know, our Boilermakers are still in it! Sweet Sixteen , oh yeah! we are just a little pumped around here, though it could come to a crushing halt Friday night when we face Duke.

we'll be cheering hard in our Black and Gold!!

oh, and so here is

#10..( insert picture of my mom) She has been an incredible saving grace and a wonderful grandma this week.. see we're on our spring break, and after the first half day, I was about to go bonkers, so she called and invited Brig to come stay for a few days!!

He thinks she hung the moon, and he is calling and reporting all the fun, sweet treats, and extra special things she is spoiling him with. yayyy for grandmas. =)

and I am able to sleep til 9 am or after (today.. it was 9:30) and also getting some quiet moments to get some work done.

So leave me a comment will ya, and let me know one thing that you're lovin' right now!!

spring: I am loving it !!

2010-03-18T16:48:00.002-04:00

hope you are all enjoying the sunshine .. now if my yard could just magically get spruced up for spring planting, I'd be even happier!! =)

way cool !

2010-03-15T20:38:00.002-04:00

So you probably have heard me talk a bit about the awesome church we attend.. seriously. its such a breath of fresh air.. challenging, convicting, amazing, encouraging,engaging, spirit led... and just a whole bunch of other cool stuff.

anyway.. about a month ago, our pastor friend Whobbie (ok, its Robbie, but that is what Tatum calls him) announced in our life group and then on a Sunday morning, that he really felt God was prompting him to call his people to pray. LOVE the authenticity he brings.

LOVE this. and by this he doesn't just mean.. email your prayer request and then silently pray for someone (if you happened to get around to it.. kinda praying).

serious prayer people.

This is one of the things that we were introduced to at Clear River, and have sensed a strong void in our lives ever since. We have been praying about it(Andrew and I) , and talking to some good friend who are gifted in this type of prayer ministry..about the fact that we really wish somehow NV could bring this amazing intercessory type of prayer to its people..

and guess what? Its here.. taking baby steps, b/c it does take a lot to get used to. but ahhhh. it feels good to the soul' I tell ya!

and so, back to the whole point of this post which is to share with you something really cool that our Pastor is doing. They call it Northview40.. and its forty days of prayer. We all got these nifty little keychain thingys that list each day and what do pray for. SPECIFICALLY.
so how fantastic is that the entire community of our church is potentially praying for these same things at the same time. GOD IS WORKING!!

and so we also have a blog with prompts and places for people to share what is going on in their lives.. go check it out here.

Feel free to adapt any of these days to your daily prayers... and if you want to come check out our church.. you're welcome any time =).. and this week is baptism, which is super cool.. so if you haven't felt the holy spirit moving in your life lately.. its a great chance to do so!!

all about Beck

2010-03-05T15:21:00.010-05:00

been busy taking so many pictures of other people's kiddos, that I have been really slacking on the baby updates of my own sweet kid !
I can hardly believe that Beckham turned 8 months old on Wednesday! He totally partied like a rock star. He ate an extra bowl of cereal that day.. lol. I was so wanting to get him started on real foods, like I did with the other two at this age, but , well, life just didn't slow down for me to mash up some peaches for him.. I think he'll be alright until this weekend to try out his first real food =).
here is a quick re cap of the last few months.... the evolution of his first BIG milestone: the ROLL. he actually is an over achiever and decided that going back to front was more his style. Did this for the first time back in November.. at 4.5 months.

and then right before he turned 6 months he sat up for the first time. Life has never been so exciting for him! He spends hours in the center of the room , surrounded by toys, and gets (literally) caught in the middle of the chaos that surrounds him as his brother and sister go wild.

Obviously, I have been slacking in posting these monthly pictures, but I have been taking them.. (and usually right on time !)..lol.

I have the finished scrap book page all worked up in my mind. Speaking of.. this weekend is dedicated to a scrap marathon of getting HIS book up to date. Printed off a bunch of his pics, and hopefully they will be easy to put on paper. oy. I always say that. I am so much better at saying then doing. But, my husband is backing me on this one. I just feel like I am spiraling out of control with this scrapping stuff.. and need to get a grip.

and 6 months also brought us to that lovely, and messy experience with the mouthwatering taste of nothing more like chalk. well, he didn't know quite what to do with his tongue, so that gave us a few problems..

(why, yes that is a silver spoon in his mouth..lol.. and a beautiful silver porridge bowl.. all my kids have their own silver spoon, and entire set of silverware given to them at birth)

He still looked cute and clueless...

and such a polite little dude.. um, no thank you, I have had enough.

and he really has. I pretty much have tried it again a handful of times. Just when I think of it, and the other kids are not around reaking havic (to distract him). We really have to focus to be able to eat. He does not take after his mama in this area.
Plus, his Ped says that breast milk is the only thing he needs until a year old. I am so laid back with this kid it isn't funny. Not like I wasn't with the other two.. but seriously, we are realllly laid back with him. He is not missing out in the food department. Remember he was 18 lbs at his 6 month check up. The kid is doing fine.... But he certainly taking an interest in food. Every time I have something, he starts smacking his lips and reached for my fork. So it is time. I am writing it here on the ol' blog.. so that means I have to give him peaches so we have pictures on Monday right?

ok, then.

and here is just a cute shot showing off his baby blues.. I grabbed some fabric after a session and did an impromptu session with him at 7 months.

and here is Mr. B looking all cute at 8 months!

things he is doing right about now....

-sits up , rolls over, sits up again

-scoots all over the place. the kid has no boundaries.. although he almost always ends up stuck under the couch, the rocker, or the Lazy Boy. When there is constant whining.. we now exactly how we will find him.

-eats an occasional bowl of rice cereal

- exclusively nursing. will maybe take an ounce or two from a bottle as a last resort

- belly laughs all the time

-loves to watch his siblings play

- loves to play with his own toys, anything that rattles, any stuffed animal

-puts everything in his mouth

-sleeping thru the night(finally!) in his crib. on his back, but lately is flipping over once awake and playing with all the stuffed animals in his crib

-is wearing 6-9 month clothes

-loves his car seat and will most likely fall asleep 5 minutes into being in it

-has very potent , and frequent farts

- likes to be held

-is a total mama's boy, and cries every time I leave the room

- is getting up on all fours (and rockin')... it won't be long now...

-is a very, very happy baby.. probably the most out of all 3 (and the other two, were extremely happy and content)

-lights up our lives every day, and brings a ton of joy to each one of us

and with that... I am off to a funeral, a date night and a busy, busy weekend. Come back on Monday to check out my scrap pages!