It can be hard to stay in toone, but not around here!

Swimming home

2011-05-20T09:37:00.000-04:00

Thought it was hilarious when she came home from school with this scuba mask she had made. I mean, too cute, right?! And on top of that... she insisted on swimming. Even for the picture. Love her little imagination!

Voila!

2011-04-21T09:36:00.000-04:00

And here are the cuties are with their finalized eggs! Well, and a couple of equally cute Easter Bunnies!

Don't ask how Ase got 4 eggs. She was really sneaky I guess. And somehow in the process, I had none. O-well. I can handle it. It's the other kids who, every time they see these pictures, are still arguing over why she got more!

and I will just tell you now. These two are Matt's. The first one was really sweet. A sunset at the beach, with the two of us sitting there. JUST the two of us. The kids however didn't understand this sweet gesture, and insisted they needed to be added. So the three of them are there, just on the OTHER side of that teeny tiny island. :) And the second egg... I'll let you try to figure that one out. Lol.

It's Easter!

2011-04-20T09:35:00.000-04:00

Okay... so here we go again, with our really late at night of decorating the Easter Eggs. One of these days we'll be more on the ball! And it all started out great, but you can tell... Dad just wasn't into it this year. Too late for him maybe??

Conference Weekend :)

2011-04-03T09:35:00.000-04:00

Here are two of our silly kiddos watching conference. They aren't ever allowed to have food upstairs, so they were rather excited. Anything to keep them happy, so I could listen!

Not in Kansas

2011-04-02T00:24:00.002-04:00

I just have to say, I love this time of year. I don't know if it's because we didn't have storms like this where I grew up, but either way it invokes a feeling that I love. Nostalgia, beauty, peace, danger... a blender mixed with a little of everything, all wrapped up in one big sky. If my husband wouldn't' kill me, I would be seriously tempted to be a storm chaser. I'll settle for the view from my backyard for now I suppose!

Ham and cheese sandwich anyone?

2011-03-02T00:20:00.000-05:00

I got a few new backdrops for my photography biz, and of course wanted to test them out. It really wasn't the best time, lighting was horrible... but the girls were amped. So what could I do but start taking some pictures! Once they got up there I realized I really wasn't going to get what I was after, no way. They had something else in mind. In the end though, I'm actually glad. You can definitely see them, and their personality. :)

Harriet

2011-02-02T00:18:00.000-05:00

who just happens to be a hampster fairy. That's what she wanted to dress up as for the schools book day. You are supposed to dress up as a book character, and there was no other option for her other than one of the millions of fairies.. it was just a matter of which one. Then of course we had to take a picture. Man, I love this girl!

(oh, and this entire pose and picture was her idea. Of course it was, or it wouldn't have happened!)

When in Italy, or in OUR house!

2011-01-02T00:13:00.001-05:00

Wanna know something we do as a family? And it's not just sometimes, but fairly often when dad is home. The kids love, no LOVE making homemade pizzas. They love getting to help, make their own, and well.. what kid doesn't love eating pizza. :) I never tire of watching my family do this. As much as I love to be a part of it, this is one of my favorite things to just sit back and watch. It's one of those small moments in time that I don't want to forget. Ever.

What do we do now?

2011-01-02T00:08:00.000-05:00

So what did we do after the surprise, and serious jet lag? What didn't we do! We visited family in Utah for a bit, and then we headed up to Idaho to see the rest. The kids loved getting to play in the "real" snow and see all the family they miss so much. And of course, horse riding was a must on the list. Nutmeg was in heaven.

Poor guys. Had ice frozen on their eyelashes and nose hairs (although that didn't make for as good of a picture... I tried!)

I've got a secret

2011-01-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

So Christmas Eve we jumped in and made some crazy plans. My brother was coming home from a service mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I hadn't seen him in nearly 3 years and really wanted to be there when he came back home. So we bought tickets for the family to fly out to Utah on the 28th of December. I flew out and arrived in Salt Lake City an hour before Steven's flight came in. NO ONE KNEW WE WERE COMING! Matt and the kids came in around midnight that night (long story on why we had to fly separate, but all that needs to be said is that Matt was the hero!). I waited by Steven's gate and surprised him there, and then we walked down together to surprise everyone else. It was seriously awesome. See that picture in on the bottom left? That has to be my favorite. Well, actually no... I love them all. You can just feel the joy pouring out of each image. Ah. Makes me happy!

Christmas in a blur

2011-01-01T23:46:00.002-05:00

As I was looking through the Christmas photos this year, I noticed a theme. I actually took more pictures of the "traditions" than I did the present opening bash. And now I am grateful to have these memories to look back at. The presents don't mean near as much to me as do the little traditions that our family has created.

So here is the gimps you are looking at... (left to right)

1- Dad recording the kids walking into the room to see what Santa left.
2- The "booby" trap to keep the kids upstairs until everyone was awake and ready. And don't worry, there were bells on the streamers, so there wasn't a chance to sneak under without us knowing!
3- The lot of cards from all of our friends and family. We love getting all of them!
4- Playing Christmas bingo while watching the Santa Tracker on the Ipad. Usually it's a game called Don't Eat Pete, but it was WAY to late this time.
5- What? Snow?? We actually went out late at night to build the snowman... because you have to enjoy it when you can!
6- The left over mess. I almost hate cleaning it up, because its the start of the end of Christmas.
7- Christmas lighs
8- We always do an Advent with candles, music and family.
9- Skyping family, since we aren't around most of them.
10- Nativity program, put on by the kids and dad. They loved it... we just need more hands!

More snow!!

And I got a new toy. Okay, a few new toys! A new camera, and a toy lens. Love playing around with the lens! Well okay, and the camera too! But cool, right?

Piano Recital!!

2010-12-23T17:14:00.003-05:00

I can't believe I am going to my kids piano recitals. Really. I remember MINE! This is their first one ever,and they did a dang good job! And of course, on par for us getting out the door in one piece, we forgot their music. And although they've had it memorized for weeks, Nutmeg was really upset, saying she had to have it. The show did go on, she was second and Bug was third on the program. And yes, they rocked, WITHOUT their music! I'm a proud mama. :) And, oh... due to technical difficulties with the camera... this is all we have. A friend took some more, so when we get those, I'll add them to these two lonely pictures. *sigh*

hEr cHrISTMaS pROgrAm

2010-12-16T17:03:00.000-05:00

Loved how she was too shy to even get on the stage for weeks as they practiced. We had to bribe her with a reward chart just for getting up there. But once she did, she had no problems when it can to performace day. She didn't just go up there, she sang every song and waved a ba-jillion (as the kids how much that is.. I'm not sure yet) times, with a big smile! So stinkin cute! Don't worry though, my camera was acting up again, and we had no flash. So here is the super power of my ISO. Not great, but got the job done. And then a few after the program. She is such a ham. :)

kids photos- check

2010-12-14T16:31:00.002-05:00

I don't know what to say other than, I love my kids. Really really love my kids. They bring me so much joy and happiness (along with many other things!). *sigh* Some of my favorite people in the world.

family photos -check

2010-12-14T16:25:00.001-05:00

I am very proud of my husband. I hadn't bothered to get our family photos yet. Didn't know what I wanted, where I wanted, clothes or anything. And to be honest... I didn't want to know. I had vicariously taken our family photos through all the other family photos I took this year. I was done. But no, HE actually made it happen. Wow. Sunday before church, we ran out and grabbed some. Well, ran and grabbed would be all to quick for what happened. But I will say, we made very good time! And I'm glad he made it happen, because I would have regretted it had we not. Thanks babe!

It's her birthday

2010-11-19T16:07:00.001-05:00

And she could not have been happier. Well okay, she could have. We could have let her not go to school and just open presents and play all day. THEN she would have been happier! But really, she had a blast, and LOVED every single thing she got. I think she was just happy to get, period! It seems so strange that she is already 7. It's almost sad she is so close in age to Dylan, because I almost feel she is too much in his shadow. Just always right behind him. He just turned 8, we are waiting until she turns 8. I think it makes it a little harder for her to make her mark. But trust me, she's working at that part! Haha. So here is a little about her at 7.

Oh, and did I mention she lost a tooth on her birthday too? She left that tooth barely hanging in there for over a week... hoping she could hold off until her day. She did, and it paid off with the tooth fairy. Good idea to loose your tooth on your birthday! She is hoping to time it right and loose the second on Christmas. Just what the tooth fairy wants to figure out. Something on Christmas Eve! lol

When she is happy, she really is happy. Elated and on top of the world.
She is an amazing reader. She always has her nose in a book!
She is one of the most determined kids I've ever seen. If she wants to, she'll do it!
She craves attention more than the other kids.
Loves, no LOVES to have her back scratched. She won't even cuddle unless you scratch.
Can manipulate any conversation in the direction she wants.
This will come in handy as she gets older!
Still does not like the color pink.
When she grows up she wants to be a cowgirl.
Never forgets her faith. Even when the rest of us might have.
Is a germ-a-phobe. I'm wondering if it's just a good excuse to not share!
Started taking piano.
Favorite food is still Steak and Artichokes.

Happy Birthday to my girl!

can I say that I love this photo. She has such special relationship with her dad, and this is it. That guy means more to her than anything else. I don't know who needs him more in their life. Me or her. :)

Not what I should be doing....

2010-11-09T16:01:00.000-05:00

but I couldn't help it. I just really wanted to throw some new pictures up here and say hello to all my friends who have now abandoned me with my lack of caring for the blog world lately. :( Way back when, before this freezing cold spell we're in (and yes, it is cold even by non-Georgia standards!)... I grabbed a couple photos of the kiddos to update the yearly portrait on the wall. Funny how as the photographer I want to get all creative, but at the same time I also want the traditional portrait to hang on the wall! So here they are, all growing up and breaking my heart! Not want they wanted to do AT ALL (in fact, Makenna was in the middle of a play date) but I got some. Yay!

thought ahead this year!

2010-10-31T16:46:00.002-04:00

i always think i will grab a pictures of the kids in their costumes, before they head out trick-or-treating. nope. never happens. so then we are left trying to get pictures in the dark, after they are exhausted. not this year! thanks to my good friend shooting her kids, i grabbed some of mine too. i actually took these the night of the trunk-or-treat, but hey, it works. they looked just like this, i swear! and this year the costumes were perfect. some year the kids just settle because they can't figure out just what they want to be. but this year was SO them.

star wars

a cowgirl

mini mouse

exactly what they would all love to be when they grow up. if only they really could.

Apples

2010-10-30T16:45:00.000-04:00

One Saturday morning while I was out taking pictures, Matt took the kids to an apple orchards. And they picked apples. We had SO MANY apples! They were the yummiest apples we've had in a LONG time, and they lasted quite a while. When we were about to loose the last of them, we peeled them up and made an apple pie from scratch. Best apple pie too. Mmmm. Wish there was more time in the season to go back up and get some more. I would love one of those pies for the Holidays!

It's kind of PG-13 rated

2010-10-30T16:42:00.001-04:00

don't you think? I mean, here we are. Stabbing, cutting open and gutting out these poor little pumpkins... and then lighting a candle inside their hollowed out shells. And I will tell you, it took me 10 years, but I finally figured it out. I am always the one to carve the pumpkins with the kids. It's such a fight to get Matt to help. He want's to, which is the funny thing. But then he doesn't at the same time. You'd think we were taking family pictures... which reminds me. We are still needing to take ours. (Ugh!) Turns out, he really finds the insides disgusting. He can't stand cleaning them out. I mean, he really can't. I could never figure it out, until this year. When he actually admitted to this problem of his. So now I will do it for him, as usual, with much less frustration, and just a little (okay, really a lot) more teasing. :)

Love this time of year

2010-10-28T17:21:00.000-04:00

For so many reasons. It's fall, and that is enough right there. But I love the holidays that are right around the corner. By this time, I also feel like we've started to get our grove in school and all the accompanying activities. We've got our flow. But I also love the fact that one of my best friends ever gets to come and stay at our house for a week. She bring her brood of 4 kids with her, and we just do nothing but hang out. Love it! And of course we go to Burts pumpkin patch with her. I do think it's a little unfair that her kids get an entire week off of school for fall harvest. Really? It's fall here too. Right?

Well, I actually didn't take many pictures of anything important while she was here. I had just gotten a new lens however, so I just shot tons of... whatever was around. So here are a few of my kids. I will say, not much turned out since I was just goofing around and trying out what the lens could do, but I got a few worth keeping in the files anyhow. And don't mind that they are mostly of Nutmeg. She is never cooperative with the camera, and she was hogging it the entire day. So what can you do, but just go with it!

We've got 3 One year olds

2010-10-28T16:41:00.000-04:00

running around. Or should I say, swimming around. See last year at our church's trunk or treat party, one of the game prizes was goldfish. Hehmmm. Not funny! So when this year rolled around, do you think my kids forgot this? NO WAY! So we had to have a birthday party for the fish. It was a mighty lame one, as parties go, I will say. But the kids, and most importantly.. the fish... were happy. The kids made cards, we had a complete tank make-over, with new decor (Ase picked it all out), sang to them of course, and had desert. All in all, it was pretty dang cute how excited the kids got. Even if it was just for the fish. Lucky fish. :)

We did

2010-10-25T16:02:00.001-04:00

another year at Burts pumpking patch. Of course! The kids love it, so we couldn't change things even if we wanted to. It's funny though, because after 5 years straight of going there, it starts to look smaller and smaller, although it's not changing a bit. It's our kids that are getting bigger! So although these are the same pictures as every year, and every other family this time of year... here we are. :)

we had a picnic before heading into the crowds of people. And yes, this is what every group pictures I try to take ends up like. Nice guys.

Usually we have the rule that you can pick a pumpkin costing as much as you are old. For some reason this year, dad totally forgot. He told them as long as they could pick it up. That didn't fare so well for us. Luckily Ase was nice. She still liked the little cute ones.

Here is Bugs. Can I tell you how happy he was to have to hold that multiple times because I couldn't get the camera on the right settings. Heehee. Maybe next time he'll get a smaller one.

And oh yes. Really? She can lift that?

The selected victims, soon to be gutted. :)

Last year I picked one of these out to carve. Can I just say they are as hard as a rock. We COULD NOT get the knife to even cut it. And just ask my fingers, we have sharp knives. So this year I opted for a picture instead.

ever felt like this?

2010-10-23T00:12:00.003-04:00

that's where I've been lately! I've had way too much of this (next year, I will not be booking as many shoots this time of year... that's for sure!)

and not near enough of this.

But in the mean time, two of ours are officially 2 wheelers now. I will tell you however, I can't watch my daughter on the bike yet. I mean.. really. I don't know how she's staying up. Let's just say it's a very good thing we have another 10 years before she can drive although we will need something closer to 20 I fear! I feel bad, but I don't really have any pictures of her learning to ride because when I tried, I was too paranoid to actually capture anything in the camera. Instead I was busy trying not to show how absolutely sure I was it was all going to end up with extremely skinned knees and elbows. I finally had to go back inside and study my homework. Let dad do the dirty work while I tried desperately to think of anything BUT what I had just seen outside.

Well, I've missed my bedtime goal, but even this snippet was therapeutic. I needed something for me. For us. My family. My sanity. Here's to another day. Another chance to snuggle these cute things called kids, dance to the music with them, run in the leaves, and to give my husband a much needed hug (well, when he's in town again). Night.

And that makes 26

2010-09-14T21:52:00.004-04:00

The whole reason Matt's parents came in was because Bug was getting baptized (although we'll just say it's because they missed us so much!) into our church. Instead of baptizing when they are infants, our church waits until they reach the age of 8 because at that point, they are old enough to make the decision if they want to or not. And they are also old enough to be held accountable for their actions. And another thing we do a little differently is that we baptize by full submersion under water. It's really neat.

So Saturday Sept, 4th was going to be the big day. After we had a few days of calm with Matt's parents, in came everyone else. My Parents, my Grandparents, my Aunt and uncle, and my bff from Alabama (well, from way before then really) all came in from out of town. Then we had those in town as well. It was awesomely insane! At the church we had so many wonderful friends and family who were there to support Dylan and share their love. Then afterward we had a smaller crowd of 26 at the house to continue the fun. Sadly, we missed my Aunt and Uncle in the picture (they slipped out to change clothes) and if we didn't take a group picture when we did... we wouldn't have gotten one. So I'm sorry you two!!! The party most naturally wrapped up with all the guys taking a trip to watch Nascar. Yup. They loved it. But most importantly BUG loved it! It was such a wonderful day. Thank you everyone for making it the special day that it was!

So here it is. Bug and his dad all ready for the big event!

What? Rain, here?

2010-09-14T21:17:00.002-04:00

So the last couple of weeks have been crazy, busy, fun, exhausting, and wonderful all at the same time. It all started with Matt's parents coming in for a week. We had to share them for a bit with Matt's brother down south (I know, really.. how rude!) but we got them here for a bit too. We LOVE having them come and visit, and they are really very easy going. Besides, they helped fix our kitchen table crisis! :) But there was a funny moment, where I just had to laugh. We had all planned on going to see a laser show at stone mountain. Us, Matt's parents, Matt's brother and his family, and Matt's cousin and her family were all going to watch the show. We stopped by KFC on the way, planning to have a great picnic on the grass, watching the kids play, and enjoying the family time until the show started. The minute we parked the car, a torrential down-pour hit, like only it does here. But we were all really hungry. So 10 of us piled into our mini-van to eat the KFC. Grandma Dotti did a lot of dishing up for everyone, and the rest of us did a lot of eating. :) Luckily the rain stopped. So we piled out like a clown car, and started getting all the blankets ready for the blanket. Then the rain came again. Good thing we hadn't made it but a few parking stalls aways. We all piled back in. One of the nice things about the rain here, other than the awesome amount of buckets that drop, is also the fact that usually it lasts for a short time. And it did. So once again we piled out of the car and headed out to meet the rest of the party already out on the grass waiting. We had just walked far enough that there was no turning back, and the downpour hit. Again. To the rescue was a pavilion area that was covered! So in we ran. I think everyone had about had it, and the clouds looked like it was only going to get worse. But once the rain stopped... we kept in going. While 90% of the people were heading out, there we were heading in. But guess what. It didn't rain again. So other than walking through mud instead of grass, and a few of us going home with very wet clothes (turns out he waterproof backing on the blanket, wasn't so waterproof after all!), it worked out great. And with the crowds a lot smaller than usual, it was actually really nice. Yay! So here are the two picture I have of the entire crazy night. My flash is not working right on the camera, so I gave up on pictures. But these two were while we were waiting under the pavilion, waiting out yet the third storm. I love nights like these. Much better memories!

riding on two

2010-09-14T20:51:00.002-04:00

So Bug finally decided he was ready to learn to ride a big boy bike! And in the same fashion as he does anything else... he waited until he knew he could do it, and then just did it. Matt went out there on two different occasions, holding the back bike seat trying to keep the kid balanced. Then next you know Dylan asked the next day to go and ride his bike. He did, by himself, and has never looked back! Not even a week on the bike and he's been going off the curbs and through everything he can. It's pretty amazing, fun, and scary. I'm just waiting for that first big crash. But it's amazing. I'm proud of that kid!! I was beginning to think this day would never come. :)

My last's first...

2010-09-11T21:30:00.002-04:00

So this was a big day. MY BABY went to her first day of school. It was a little hard for me, but I was so excited for her at the same time. And she really wanted to go. So here she is, in all her glory. She couldn't wait to get there, although once there.. she didn't quite want me to go. Her teacher got her busy working on a puzzle... and she was concentrating very hard on it to make herself not cry. And she did it. Not a tear, from either of us!! And I wish I had a video of her when I picked her up. She was SO proud of herself, and was so excited to tell us about everything. She felt like such a big girl. Which, as much as I am not ready to admit,

She is. She really is a big girl now.

School, it's a love hate thing

2010-08-23T10:28:00.000-04:00

That's more for me though than them. I hate being tied down to the schedule. What if I want to, say run off to another country for 2 months? Or just go visit my sister for a week. I can't. And it's back to driving the kids to a million and one activities. But wait, I can go to the store without ALL the kids in tow. I can keep the house clean for a little longer at a time. So I don't know where I stand with it all. But the kids were very excited!! So for that, I guess I'll have to say I love school. :) Happy first day kids!

Home Run!

2010-08-11T10:25:00.001-04:00

Next morning we woke up and dropped some goodies off for my brother. He's on a church mission there, but sadly we couldn't meet up with him... so we dropped off some of his favorite treats, hoping the neighbors wouldn't steal them off his door knob, and headed on home. This drive was 6 hours I think. But that was it. We were home!!! It was so good, but weird to walk in the house. Funny the things that for a short time you forget all about, but the walk in and it all starts coming back. 5 days isn't too bad. Right? I could have thrown a few more things in there, but for some reason Matt thought he had to worked. Dang jobs anyway! And lets just say, since then, it's been mayhem. We had a week to get ready for school. Yikes! And know what... this is a post without a picture. WOW. Don't know how I feel about that! If I had the motivation I'd scrounge up some random picture, but I don't. So you'll have to just close you eyes and come up with your own. :)

Day four and counting

2010-08-10T10:14:00.003-04:00

First thing in the morning, we woke up and went to the museums. Of course we hit the Air and Space. The kids enjoyed it, but I think we took a little too long in there. We tried to see it all, and shouldn't have just hit the best parts (assuming we knew what that was). We completely exhausted them, and it had been a long night before that traipsing around. Way too much walking for them! So really, there aren't any good pictures. It was just get through it mode (for us at least. Bug was eating it all up. I think he could have spent days there. Such a guy!) for the girls. After that we headed to the Natural History (you know.. from Night at the Museum). Just knowing we were going to where the movie was, the kids perked right up. And yes, the girls did much better. Animals and bones are much more exciting then planes and war stuff! Here, I think we discovered what Nutmeg is going to be when she grows up besides and Olympic swimmer. She's going to be a forensic scientist. She is fascinated with death, bones, and how and why. The museum was closing and I couldn't drag her through that area fast enough. We missed half the museum because she was finally in HER element. Who's child is this!?!? lol

So sadly, here are our two pathetic pictures, one from each stop. Have to remember to much better next time. :(

And then we were off. Again. This time heading to Chapel Hill NC. This also was (everyone in unison now) 4 hours away. We got in late at night and crashed.

Here is the view outside on our drive

And the view from the inside. And no, I won't make you pick which is better looking! But notice the smiles on them? They are good travelers, but I think these smiles were there mostly because we were ALMOST HOME!! (relatively speaking)

Day three on the road

2010-08-09T09:53:00.001-04:00

So why Penn Sate? Matt was born there. It's where his dad was going to school when he was born, and he's always been a huge Penn Sate fan because of this. It's literally in his blood. But the poor guy has never been there. Never. So of course, I decided we needed to head over. It wasn't too hard to convince him, so we made it fit in the plans. We got up in the morning and were able to walk around the campus, trying to convert the kids to Penn Sate fans. They liked it enough to want pictures and souvenirs. Guess we'll see come football season how well it worked! And of course we had to go to the ever famous Creamery. The ice creams were HUGE! If we had any idea they were that big we would have gotten one for all of us to share. The kiddos totally lucked out in our lack of knowledge. Won't be the last time I'm sure!

>

But don't think we stopped there. No way! On to DC. It's only another (yup, you guessed it) 4 hours. Bug has always wanted to go here since he was little. He wanted to see the Lincoln Memorial more than anything else. So we HAD to do it on the way too! We got it about 7 that night (we didn't plan for traffic too well from Penn) and dragged the kids out walking that night until about 10. It was nice and cool, so I wanted to get as much of the walking stuff done as possible. And all things considered, they did amazing.

The wall. I do wish they had this better lit at night. It was so hard for the kids to actually grasp anything. But, they kind of got it.

We were sitting atop the Lincoln Memorial (well okay, just on the stairs) and we couldn't figure out what was going on with all these search helicopters that kept scoping out the area. Next thing we know.. one of them is dropping the President off at the White House. Very cool indeed!

Matt snagged these at the new World War II monument. It was absolutely beautifully done and a great addition to the area.

And of course, the white house. We actually stayed in a hotel that night 2 blocks from the here. It was perfect for walking around that night. :)

The start of a LONG journey home

2010-08-07T09:41:00.001-04:00

i think I have to much of my Grandma in me. She will just see a sign for something and want to venture off and find out about it. I've heard stories about road trips with her, but haven't witnessed this first hand yet. :) I suppose I also have my dad and Grandpa too. They enjoy driving. Both drove truck for years. But could just, well, drive. And my dad's mantra was always, "look out your window and enjoy the scenery". As a kid, you wanted to kick him. But now I do just that! So somehow, our 10 hour drive home turned into, well... lets just say a LOT more than 10 hours. Normally the route would take you from Canada, through Detroit, and then just straight down. But here's how WE did it.

Day 1... We didn't go through Detroit at all. We went the other way, through Niagara and Buffalo NY. First stop, Palmyra, NY. The kids hadn't been, and who knew when we'd be up here again. So off we went. It was great to see all the church historical sites with them, and it was only about a 4 hour drive to get there. Totally do-able.

After Palmyra we headed over to Cleveland Ohio. Couldn't resist seeing our first home away from home. We still love it there and were extremely home sick driving around there. If I didn't want to tarnish our perfect memory of it, we might ever consider moving back. But it was too good the first time to mess it up the second! We spent the night and spent Sunday getting to see some old friends whom we haven't seen in YEARS. It's so crazy how our friends never seem to change, but the kids. Wow. Way too big! We left that afternoon and headed back over toward Penn Sate. Yes, I know. Completely back tracking. But hey, just another 4 hour drive. We knew we could do that!

This is where it all went down

2010-08-06T09:33:00.000-04:00

Want to know what we lived in for the summer? No, want to see where we lived for the summer? After the hotel stint, we got the great little two bedroom apartment. We actually had a kitchen, our own washer and dryer, and there were two more beds. We lived the downtown city life, with than just the parking lot for a view out the window. Sadly, bug had the floor the entire time, but that was his choice. We offered the couch and he declined. Yes, he's nuts... and we're horrible parents. Who puts their kids on the floor for an entire summer!! lol So here it is. Who would have thought we could survive in something so small. :) And want to know how I pack a suitcase for the kids, in which I will have to keep their clothes for the summer? Here you go. Each had their own row. Everything stacked on it's side so I could always see what there was and what I wanted. It actually worked really well and was easy to keep up. This is what I always do when we travel with them. Beats shoveling clothes around looking for what you need... or 3 different suit cases. Pathetic? Yes. A little too organized as my husband would say. Probably!

at it again!

2010-08-04T08:58:00.000-04:00

Really, this became our daily ritual. The kids loved getting to go to the pool every day. And one of the best parts was that we usually had it all to ourselves. AWESOME! They could be as rambunctious and loud as they wanted to, and it didn't matter. And I could sit on the side doing something completely unrelated without looking like a bad parent! This time for pictures, I actually was in the pool with the camera usually as close to the water as I dared. It made me really want an under water camera. How cool would that be?!?!

In the Park

2010-08-02T08:46:00.000-04:00

Just some fun pictures of the kids, playing in the park on Bugs birthday. :)

A birthday in the sky

2010-08-01T23:55:00.001-04:00

All Bug wanted to do for his birthday was to go to the CN tower. The largest tower in the world. And not just see it of course, but go up it. He'd been staring at this thing out of the apartment window for so long, we figured we had to do it! So off we went. First we get to take the subway, which I don't care how often we do it... they never tire of the excitement. Something about going underground, and the screeching brakes. The frequent stops with everyone getting on and off. It's just too much fun!

Someone had given us the great advise to eat at the restaurant at the top. It's not that much more, you get a meal, and you skip all the lines. You didn't have to tell us twice! And it really did end up being the best option. We got a table right by the window. And this wasn't just any restaurant. It was a revolving one. So the floor was spinning around, so you basically got a 360 view of the city, 110 floors down. It was pretty cool. Well, other than the fact that I was a little motion sick most of the time in there. I actually had to make Matt switch me seats because I couldn't handle facing the way I was. But the kids just LOVED it! We actually were in there for about 2 hours. We were in no rush because the kids were just enthralled. Besides, we payed for it, right?

This was Dylan most of the time at dinner. In a complete trance. Their favorite was watching the airport. They got to see the planes land on the water and all the helicopters. It was cool!
And of course we got to sing Happy Birthday to him! And can I tell you, that was the BEST vanilla ice cream we've ever had. Ever!

After dinner we went to the glass floor. Nutmeg wouldn't even get on it at all (there were a lot who wouldn't!), and Dylan was a little tenative but checked it out. Ase, on the other hand, was in her element. While we were trying to convince the other kids to get on and look, I look up to see Ase jumping on the glass. "Look mom, I can see everything! And I can even jump on it!" Yup. That would be her. She saw some people laying down looking out, so decided to try it. I literally had the drag her off the floor. She did not want to leave. It was funny how many comments we got. Obviously it's not something you see a lot in kids up there! I have to admit though, it was a completely trippy feeling. :)

The minute we hit the Subway home, Ase was out. She was SO tired and exhausted!

And here's the birthday kid! He was so good to wait until the end of the day to open presents. We just knew he wouldn't want to leave them if we opened them before going to the tower. So he waited. Can you tell he's a little excited?

>
The gift. No, wait. Ahem. The gift. This is what this kid wanted more than anything else. And he's been asking for a long time for one. We don't normally go for this, but it was a big birthday this year... but man. What did we get ourselves into? Happy Birthday Bug!!!!

Really we missed it

2010-07-30T23:38:00.000-04:00

So we took off on this awesome trip to the country side. We got a cabin on a lake up near the Christian Islands. It was beautiful up there, and the cabin was a last minute steal. We couldn't find anything anywhere. ANYWHERE! Amazingly one of the rentals called back saying they didn't rent out one of their large cabins and we could have it for a fraction of the cost. Done! Matt had been heading to work, but quickly turned around, came home and helped pack, and we were off.

Without the camera.

I was so upset, it feels silly now. But really, I felt like I had left a child back home or something. This whole time in Canada I really wanted to get pictures of the kids up in the country side. I love what the photographers here are able to capture in just the every day life around them. Here was my chance, and I left it at home. Thank goodness for a husband who helped me learn to just laugh about it. So it quickly became a joke. A painful joke at times. But a joke. "This would be such an amazing picture if only I had my..." or " wait, let me get a picture of that. Oh...." or "wow, wouldn't that just be the perfect picture, right there..." Ah. O-well. We snapped a few on our phone and called it good. Guess that's all we can do. It really was beautiful though. The moutains, the lake, the cabin. We Kayaked with the kids, and actually had to light the fire place in the cabin during the mornings and evenings (i know, all my southern friends... please don't hate!). It was the perfect weekend, and non of us wanted to go home. But there it was.

Sunday, we were headed back home, and it was BUG'S BIRTHDAY!!! I still can't believe he's 8!!! We usually celebrate the birthday on that day at all costs, but this one really would have stunk, and he actually opted to wait until Monday. Good call kiddo!

And since we didn't manage to get any pictures of the kids on the lake, or the sunsets, or anything of such.. here are some of the kids and, well, water. Close?

gRowInG uP Is hARd tO do

2010-07-29T21:09:00.000-04:00

but I think it's the parents who are really the ones who think it's hard. Not the kids. The kids can't seem to wait. I took Ase out for her birthday photo shoot. She was wearing one of her new shirts... which was very fitting of who she is. And I'll just say, she did me proud (both mom and photographer)! I actually had a hard time editing. The mom in me couldn't find anything good enough to represent all of who she is.. and I was getting too nostalgic in the process (which is not me. i'm not a crier). Then there was the photographer side of me trying to squeeze in there. I think the two me's finally figured out how to get along, because before I knew it.. I was done. So here you have them. I know. There are WAY to many, but I'm a proud mom and just couldn't help myself. Besides. It's MY blog, and my kid! *smile*

Cinqo de Ase

2010-07-27T21:48:00.000-04:00

I can't believe my baby is 4. And literally, she is my baby. The last of my kiddos is 4 and will be headed to pre-k this fall! It seems like yesterday, well no not yesterday but not that long ago, that I was heading to the hospital to have her. Checked in, an an hour later and 3 pushes, there she was! We didn't know what we were having (we guessed boy), and there had been some health concerns regarding her during my pregnancy. But when she came out.. we had a perfectly healthy little girl. It's only been getting better and better every day since then! So here is some of what I have learned in these 4 short years.

Her happiness just radiates from every pore.
She shares nearly anything she gets, to the point that sometimes she doesn't even get any of it.
She LOVES to snuggle and get hugs and kisses.
And when she snuggles, she is smashed into you. No personal space or boundaries with her!
She's the worst one when it comes to crawling in to bed with us during the night.

Which secretly I love.
She loves all things little.
When she grows up she wants to be a bunny.
Her favorite foods are cheese and ice.
Favorite color is pink.
Her fix for anything is her smile. She thinks it works magic. It kinda does. :)
Will do anything to get her sister to play with her. Even to the point of tears.

Only has one volume. LOUD!
She has this strange fear of packing peanuts, or even just lint. Anything that will blow across the floor with a little breeze... she screams. She's slowly getting better, but it's still hilarious.
On the flip side, she has no fear of heights. NONE!
I can't wait to see what she does as she gets older! Whatever it is, I hope she keeps that happy outlook she has.

Happy happy birthday my girl!!!

Mont to the real

2010-07-19T21:01:00.000-04:00

I really don't know what to say about Montreal, other than what I said before. We loved it! The cobblestone streets everywhere, walking to everything, the Montreal Notre Dame, the gelatto (oh how I've missed that stuff!), the street entertainment, the night life, the cafe's lining the street. It's kind of like Paris, but not quite. The kids really didn't want to leave when it was time to go!

>

Too hot for coolness

2010-07-19T20:51:00.000-04:00

As soon as I arrived back home (and I mean it. We left that same day), we jumped in the car and drove over to Montreal. LOVED it there! It was the kids favorite place too. I just couldn't resist and had to grab a couple pictures of the kids and try for something a little creative. Sadly it was so sunny and hot, poor Bug, he's wearing my sunglasses. O-well!

a little less obvious

2010-07-18T20:41:00.001-04:00

I was lucky enough to next go out to Utah for 3 days. It was a bit of an ordeal getting out there, and back for that matter.. but totally worth it. My brother was leaving for a 2 year service mission for our church (the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints), and I wanted to see him off. Sadly, this is the only picture I got of the entire "mini trip". I was at the airport waiting for my flight, and my parents were still hanging out with me. I pulled out my camera to show my dad how the flash was no longer working, and what do you know. It worked. Naturally it hasn't worked since. Either way, I guess it got me a photo. Kind of. Too bad I didn't get one with my brother in it. That would have been too obvious though. :) So there you have it. My dad holding my camera bag, and my mom my pillow.

I also need to say that during this short trip out we had a family tragedy, if that's what you'd call it. On the way to the family party, my Aunt who is already fragile from battling LAM disease was in a car accident with her family. There was a 4 car pile up, theirs being the 4th. The rest of the family was fine, however she broke her neck. C2 and L5 to be exact. She amazingly isn't paralyzed (although they said less than millimeters off from severing the spinal cord, which would leave her completely paralyzed), and despite two different hospital acquired infections, she might, just might be pulling through this. She has a pin in her neck, and we don't know the extend of her brain damage, although we are all hopeful. I was so grateful to be able to see her in the hospital before coming home, but wish I could be out there holding her hand for more support. She has to be one of the nicest, humblest and strong people God has ever placed on this earth. Sending prayers and as much love as I have your way my dear Aunt. I can't wait to see your smile again next time I come out.

Not all milk is created equal

2010-07-15T13:33:00.000-04:00

Just as an odd side note over here. Clear over here. The milk here, it's in a BAG! What? Why? And they actually come in a bigger bag... 3 of them at a time. We go through about one bag for 5 bowls of cereal. So as you can see.. not big bags. And yes, for some reason Ase just wanted to have her picture with the milk. Don't know, don't ask. ;)

Anyway, milk in a bag. Just sayin'. There might be easier ways. That's all!

In da hood

2010-07-10T21:39:00.000-04:00

Since we were so close, we knew we had to visit our friends in Michigan. This family is well, like family to us. They were the family that we were missing clear across the country. Last time we saw them (well, most of them) Bug was 3 years old, Nutmeg was 18 months, and Ase didn't exist. So this was a LONG over do trip. Again, we somehow failed to get pictures of the important thing. The PEOPLE we've missed all these years. But no worries, we go the awesome face paint job (minus one child. she has a serious aversion to face paint). We're pathetic!!

One stick, Two stick

2010-07-07T14:18:00.000-04:00

All I have to say, is that while staying in Markham, Ontario... we had better find a good Chinese restaraunt. And we did. Well, Matt did and was nice enough to share his find. It was a little more upscale than I think the kids appreciated (I wish I had gotten pictures of the place itself.. or even the food. duh me!) but the food was great! And Bug even became a pro at the chopsticks after a few visits for dinner. At least I know one of my kids wouldn't starve if the world came down to eating with only two little sticks in your hand! And this pict? Well, i just loved the way Nutmeg was looking at her dad. The amount of love and admiration she holds for that guy is beyond words!

Keeping pace?

2010-07-05T14:22:00.000-04:00

I know. It's a little insane. First, I wasn't here. Now I just keep adding, and adding. Trying to play catch-up before we're home and back to the craziness. I'll never catch them up if I don't do it now! Besides, it's perfect because I'm actually cataloging the photos away as I go, which I usually end up doing months at a time and it takes forever. So here's to being on top of things! Well on top of originally being behind and now catching up. Wahoo!!

This was one of the kids favorite places while in the hotel. It was just a little park, with splash fountain and a jungle gym. They couldn't get enough. It was this.. or the hotel pool EVERY DAY! But hey. They were happy, so I was happy!

And this is just to show you we really were living in China town. We went to a local mall.. and this is what all the stores looked like. Couldn't read a think anywhere, and the smell of all the herbs everywhere was so strong we really didn't stay too long. We did however find the Japanese candy my dad got us all addicted to from when we were younger and he worked in Japan for a bit. Delish! And much easier than a flight across seas!

Niagara

2010-07-04T10:38:00.000-04:00

Warning: mature audiences only:
Or, Viagara Balls, as my kids would call it (can i tell you this? is this even aloud on here?). They had to clue...I promise! They were back there mixing up letters on a bunch of different words. Anything they could think of really... and for some reason, they got stuck on this one, thinking it was hilarious. I will say, we quickly found a distraction, especially since we were moving into public hearing range. Okay, so onto something more appropriate...

We went to Niagara Falls! The kids LOVED it! I'm sorry, but there happen to be nearly a million pictures, so I narrowed down the best I could.

I think the kids could have stared at the rainbows all day. And the fact that there was as double one was twice as good. Naturally!

We even drug the kids under/behind the falls. They went protesting, and all but Ase loved it in the end. Knew the would. ;)

then we took them up the Skylon tower. Nutmeg was really fighting this one, she tells us she's scared of heights. But once up there I think she forgot and actually loved it. This little one on the other hand isn't scared of heights at all. She was going to give me a heart attack! Who cares that those very reinforced steel rods could by chance just collapse and you could fall to the ground to splat like a bug. Nope. Look at her up there. Not a care in the world.

we tried to tell her it wasn't working, but she was determined to take a peek. Next thing I know, this is how we find her. At least she's independent. She wants it done, she'll do it!

In the Centre

2010-07-03T12:04:00.000-04:00

Okay, I take it back. This one has a million pictures! :) The day before Niagara we went to Centre Island. The ferry was cheap, the view was beautiful, and the atmosphere was worth spending the entire day there. They have a little amusement park here, which if course the kids were begging for some rides. Those were the most expensive rides ever. I think they need to have some words with the ferry to learn how things should run. All in all though, we had a great time.

We fed the geese for quite a while. At one point, they were trying to climb on our laps!

Ase wanted to ride a goose (and can I tell you, she waited 1.5 hours in line while having to go to the bathroom just so she could. impressive determination!)

The older two drove their first car;

>
Bug had his first bumper car experience (you could tell he was a little stressed, but enjoying it. however... notice dad? he was loving being out there with his boy who was finally tall enough!);

Nutmeg had to ride a horse (as if she never does at home!);

watched the ducks and geese some more;

and made funny faces while being stuck in lines. forever.

We ate some pretty awesomely bad-for-you-but-tastes-oh-so-good food;

tried to get the kids to puke- it didn't work;

and left the directions up to the girls. they did a decent job...

until the war. there was a casualty, and although it doesn't look it... it was really deep. there is currently a scar we are hoping will continue to disappear. she was a trooper though.

We tried to see the other side;

played at the beach;

skipped rocks in the lake;

ran from the.....um.... waves(?);

dug for sea shells, with non to be found;

gave some high-fives;

took the ferry back to Toronto with an awesome view;

and best of all.... got to drive one of the Pirates of the Caribbean boats. ;) I'm dreaming of Johhny Dep right now..... you know at some point, he had to have touched that same wheel... *sigh*

It finally hit

2010-07-02T14:19:00.000-04:00

I am no longer in my youth! I am officially out of the 20s, and can no longer pretend... I turned the big 3 0. I guess it's bound to happen though, and I'd much rather progress than to stop, so I guess I'll just be happy! My birthday made the second birthday to get celebrated in the hotel, and we are now half done with our summer birthdays. It was fun, and it's always great to see what the kids are going to pull out. :)

Here's the table they had all ready for me. And yes.. this cake was MUCH better! We actually ate it. But do notice the cupcakes, Matt was smart enough to get a back up... just in case! :)

Nutmeg was dragging matt through the mall to find this shirt that she'd seen when I was shopping with her. And she did it. She knew right where it was at! So they got it. I wore it. She couldn't have been happier. In fact, she took this picture.

and the ever classic gift that matt always has to get me. Chocolate. And for those of you who know me well enough, I'm not a chocolate person. So the joke is that he gets it for me, which really is for himself. Something he does for nearly every holiday. At least the kids are now getting smart enough to know it's a joke... and that I don't really want it. At all!

and after the celebration, we went to the Royal Ontario Museum. The kids had a blast looking at all the dinasour bones, and Nutmegs favorite part was the mummy, and the bats. I know. She has a weird sense of humor! Do you see us down there?

You knew I was going to drag it out of them

2010-06-30T13:11:00.000-04:00

at some point, right? I couldn't handle NOT shooting for that long. So even in the hotel I managed to drag them into it. :) It was kinda fun though, and the kids got a BIG kick out of what I was doing with their reflection!

Love me some cake

2010-06-21T21:07:00.000-04:00

Every once in a while you get those years where you birthday is on a crappy day of the week. Not one of the awesome weekend ones. Well this year was a bit of that for poor Matt. We started our drive to Canada on Saturday. Sunday was Fathers Day, on which we drove all day. You can imagine of fun that was for him. He did get a watch he's really been wanting, but that was about it. The next day, Monday, was his birthday. We had just gotten into the hotel Sunday night... I knew nothing about the area... and he had to go to work. The kids and I did our best. Birthday gifts weren't the funnest. He's really getting this road bike he's been wanting.

But I couldn't very well pick that out without him.

Or drive it to Canada for that matter.

So he got a card. Saying he was getting a bike.

Super exciting. No?

The kids picked out their usual type of gifts. A bike bell (at least it went with the theme this year), and nerf football (one of the girls actually), cologne (no it wasn't me that picked it), and some chocolate eggs.

But the best part of it all was the cake. Oh that awesome so delicious cake. Luckily we had an awesome grocery store close by, so we drove over in hunt of a cake. Picked out this awesome looking/sounding cake. We dig in... and

blech.

We couldn't even eat the thing. Even the kids were talking about how gross it was, which kids are usually pretty adept at eating anything with frosting on it. The cream was horrible in it, the texture was disgusting... just the whole thing really. It was so bad, we still are laughing about it. Wow. And that was our first experience in Canada! Needless to say, the entire thing ended up getting thrown out. We did get to go to an awesomely nice Italian restaurant close by. So that helped even the score. Just a little though!

For me though, it was the best Father's Day/ Birthday because we actually got to spend it with him. I mean, really. Other than work.. one of the days he was trapped in the car the entire day with us. And then we had him all to ourselves in a little hotel room. We have been seeing so little of each other lately, that I was very happy. :) I love this man to death!

Love you babe! Happy Birthday!!!

is it too much to ask ;)

2010-06-15T21:26:00.000-04:00

for a little more space?

Haha! It really wasn't that bad. To be honest, I was dreading the whole hotel thing. I was being kind of a pain about it, but I'm also one that will just tough it up and be a brat at the same time. So that's what I was doing, but trying to leave out the brat part. But really, it worked out well. We had a suite, which was one actual bedroom, and then a living room with a pull out bed. It had a large kitchen table (which I did find odd since there was no kitchen. Just the mini fridge), but the space it gave us was greatly appreciated. I have found that my kids need a lot less than they have at home and they've been more occupied then ever. I don't understand that. I've also managed to get them all asleep in the same room. In the hotel it worked great. Here was the plan. In the morning at breakfast I was the one taking the kids down since Matt was already at work. So it was a slow-ish process. So the first one to sleep got to be the first one I'd help get breakfast for at the buffet. The last asleep was the last for breakfast. Worked like a charm. Pretty soon they were even pretending to be asleep so they could be first. Either way, I didn't care. They were in bed and quiet.. and that's all that mattered!

So we had about 3 weeks in that hotel... and although the city wasn't the funnest, it really did go by much quicker than I thought it would. The only issue was (well other than matt's birthday cake) was that I couldn't get my computer to run CS4 and my Quicken I so badly needed. So 2 laptops later, and 3 programs, with two different comp techs and we finally got it working. Yea!!! After that, it was all smooth sailing! Here it is though, a small glimpse into some of our days. I didn't take a lot of pictures, seeing as the subject, and scenery seemed to nearly always be the same. especially since we have just over a week of clothing... it always looks as if the same outfit is on!

(here's the kiddos in bed at the hotel)

I'll just say I was really thankful when she lost those nose plugs the first time she went in the pool. I didn't know how many trips to the pool I could take her looking like THIS!

This was the BEST fish and chips joint! Look at that thing, it takes up the entire plate! The fish was huge, the chips were great, and it was a first for the kids. Mmmmm....

Drawing and coloring were a great past time of the hotel room. Funny what they will resort too when there's nothing else to do! :)

Super tired naps. This thing has officially stayed up later than ever, on a consistent basis. This school schedule is going to rough in the beginning for all of us!

happiness found here:

2010-06-15T17:21:00.000-04:00

Nothing makes me happier than when this guy laughs. I mean, when he finds something funny, it's a real laugh. And for someone as relaxed and expressionless has him... it's worth the wait. We just took the kids to go see Despicable me. He could not stop laughing the entire time! All those little yellow guys had to do was show up on the screen and he was dying. Seriously! And here my friends, who have not been so fortunate to experience this laugh of his, is what it looks like. Take a look and tell me that won't make you happy. :)

The second best? Just check it out. She discovered this on her own, and now does it every now and then. At just the right moment to get a good laugh from you. She looks right at you, and says: "look, I made two of you!" Good, right?

a LAST minute idea

2010-06-15T17:18:00.000-04:00

What should we do tonight? I don't know, you don't have any ideas?

We have the hardest time coming up with things to do. Especially with the hours Matt's been working lately. I want the kids in bed, he wants time with the kids. It's hard to find a win-win solution. But this night, we found a winner! Although it sounded completely absurd, and had a feeling we'd be leaving very grumpy... it turned out to be a blast. We took the entire famiy to the driving range. Yes. Thats right. ENTIRE! And the girls were amazing. I guess I should clarify. Amazingly well behaved and happy. Their golf skills could use a bit more practice, as could mine! :)

Horses R where it's at

2010-06-15T17:15:00.000-04:00

At least for my middle child. She wants to be a cowgirl, and an Olympic swimmer when she grows up. So naturally, being the awesome mom that I am, I got her riding lessons. She couldn't be happier! Well, except those days when they are running a little behind and I make her play model for me and my camera. mwahhhhhahaha :)

just a smile

2010-06-15T16:22:00.000-04:00

Call it silly, or what you may, but smiley faces mean something special to me.

My Papa was an artist, and you'd see them creep up in things quite often.

My dad used that as his signature on everything. But his had a winking eye instead of the two generic circle eyes.

I even follow a blog that is all about faces found in random object, because it reminds me of these two very important people in my life. And really, what is there not to like about a happy face? Just makes you feel good if only for a brief second. So when I looked out my kitchen window and saw this one shining back at me, I was elated (and my kids thought it was just about the coolest thing ever)!

I took it as a sign that my Papa was smiling down on me in his own little way. I was oddly giddy inside it made me so happy. Then even happier that I could actually catch it in the camera. And it took us a VERY long time to figure out where the reflection was coming from. I almost didn't want to know because I didn't want the magic ruined. But curiosity killed the cat, and I discovered it. But trust me. That purse stayed there until there was no more smiley shining on our deck, and I now love that purse. Just because we had that brief moment of bonding. :)

Krog

2010-06-15T16:10:00.000-04:00

I took the kids on a scavenger hunt a bit ago. I had heard about this tunnel, famous in Atlanta for it's graffiti, and decided I had to check it out. I'm a sucker for these types of things. Turns out, my middle child is too. As much as I think she didn't come from me, I keep seeing all these things that are the same.. and I just might have to claim her after all! I wasn't trying to hard to get any really cool photos... the kids (okay two kids) weren't digging it and I didn't dress any of them for it... but of course I took a few just the same. Some actually turned out okay. And the last, well that was all his idea! I have learned one thing though. If we are going to keep Bugs hair long enough to spike on the top.. the we need to actually do his hair. Makes impromptu pictures rather difficult. There are so many I don't dare show anyone because he's looking like some homeless kid of the street, and then you'd all see what kind of mom I really am!

spring in the atl

2010-06-15T15:57:00.000-04:00

I'd have to say, just coming across this photo reminded me of spring in Atlanta. I mean, I could almost feel and smell spring outside, although it's not quite as pleasant right now. *sigh* The world is alive outside again. The blossoms are everywhere, although making it equally hard for those of us with allergies. The coolness in the air, that won't be there by 10am. The dew that covers everything. And maybe dew isn't quite the right word. Dew usually is a thin layer of water.. Spring here always looks like it just finished raining when you wake up in the morning. All of our pants were soaking the morning we walked in the grass for this picture. I just love it here in the spring. Almost makes the summer time worth it. :)

knick knacks

2010-06-15T15:42:00.000-04:00

Okay, so this isn't really about knick-knacks... but that's kinda how I feel about these pictures. Just a little side decor to what was going on in life. But not a main focus. Something at some point that I wanted to say something about, but that ship has long sailed. So here I'll share a few with you, just because.. why not?

Nutmeg as been begging, no BEGGING to make these cupcakes since she first got the maker at Christmas time. We've been avoiding it ever since she made the first batch after she got it at Christmas time. Really, dread isn't quite a strong enough word. I'd read warning from disgruntled parents, but decided to be the cool parent and get one anyway. It's all she really really wanted. I should have listened. They are impossibly messy, taste like cardboard gone bad, and... well I can't think of anything good to say. Wait, there is one things. She still loves it all the same. So we finally pulled it out with her little friend down the street for round number two. And yes, the cupcake maker won again. Luckily, we are out of mix. So maybe I did win after all!

These little gems are a candy we brought back from Paris for the kiddos. They were actually supposed to be shared with the kids of my amazing bff who watched them all while we took our trip. I mean, really... 7 kids, Bug being the oldest at 7. WOW. But being the lame one I am, we totally forgot... took the whole bucket home, and it turned out to be a rockin cool treat the kids LOVED! I'm a shmuck. :)

We really had no clue what we were getting, but we lucked out. They are hollow little foam-ish things, that have a very sour but sweet powder inside. I even kept sneaking them when the kids weren't looking!

and really, you didn't want to miss out on this one did you? lol

some left overs

2010-06-15T12:52:00.000-04:00

So there were a few left over pictures to share. So here you go.

The oldest bridge in Paris. Pont Neuf. Also conidered one of the most beautiful. (and a side note, this is probably my fave photo from the entire trip. well, without Matt it in obviously!)

Of course I have to give a shout out to all the pastries. I mean, how do the people not all weigh 300 pounds?

macaroons. worth every penny.

and this little shop was where we had breakfast every morning. Fresh fruit and some sort of cracker/cookie. The scale just wouldn't appreciate us eating at the cafe's every morning.

and I just don't think I'll ever tire of looking at the streets. The buildings are just so beautiful.

the end of the last

2010-06-15T12:41:00.000-04:00

So on our last day there, we finally got a chance to see Notre Dame. After that we went to the Sacre Coeur church. Notre Dame was cool. Something you just go to because you do. But Sacre Coeur was amazing. We actually got to sit in on a service, and the view from on top was breathtaking.

And then the next day was 4

2010-06-15T12:25:00.000-04:00

Today we went to the D'Orsay Museum. This would be my other favorite in Paris. The Louvre had tons of stuff in it, but the D'Orsay had the artists I really wanted to see. And you could get much closer. Rembrandt. Van Gogh. Degas. Gaugiun. Monet. Renoir. Just to name a few of the greats there. That, and it didn't take ALL DAY to get through. Whew! So after that, we went up the Eiffle tower. That was cool.. and a little freaky at first. :)

The view from below...

and atop.

Day 3

2010-06-15T12:09:00.000-04:00

So after the enormous amount of walking we did and the palace, we decided our feet hadn't had enough and went for the Louve. Yep. It's as big as they say, and bigger even still. The amount of artwork in that building alone is impressive. We didn't get to many pictures, because pictures of art just can't be that exciting. But we did get to see the Mona Lisa. Can I hear an oooooh!

on a side note, we of course had many good crepes. Mmmmm

and sadly at one point we ended up at McDs. But notice the difference? The fries? The custartd? Even the sandwich was worlds better. I feel we are getting a little shorted here in the good 'ol USA.

Catching up

2010-06-15T11:54:00.000-04:00

So my husband, who doesn't have to update this, has been pointing out how long it's been since I've put anything up. That... and where did the rest of Paris go? So I'm finally here to show that yes, we spent more than one day in Paris, and hopefully in the next few (i will not specify hours, days, months.. I can't be held accountable) I'll have some our summer in Canada up too. :)

On the second day, we visited the Palace of Versailles. Gorgeous. Probably one of my favorites of anything there. The entire thing was just amazing, and if you ever go.. you HAVE to make sure to visit while the fountains are going. Makes a huge difference. We saw it with both, and there is no comparison!

so this is the back of the palace, facing the gardens.

and this is part of the queens palace gardens. Yes, she had her very own palace and gardens. As if they couldn't possibly share the huge first one.

one of the most expensive rooms. mirrors, gold and chandeliers lining the whole thing. I think there were 17 chandeliers total?

I know, so cute! There are the gardens behind us. Freezing and rainy weather of course. And this was when the fountains were going. It was raining too much when they were on to take a picture. Sorry. You can't even see as far as the palace owned. The queens palace is down by the lake, but to your right a way.

this is to one side of the palace. Stretches past that lake over there. This is the small side. The other side is much larger.

Gone a little too long, but then again.. not really!

2010-06-13T17:40:00.003-04:00

That's the last time I'm allowed to go to a photo conference! Look what happens... I forget about my blog! Okay, not really (and trust me... my sister has made sure I didn't), but just couldn't get the time to post. I've been slammed... but it a good way! Being room mom of two classes and getting that stuff squared away for the end of school.. the kids activities, church stuff, and my man's travels. It's been insane. Throw into that mix an awesome trip to Paris, and I think you're caught up! And yes, Paris France!! So thankful for my bff who was willing to take the kids for 7 days so we could go out there. I OWE her, and I will be making up for in early next year when it's my turn to watch her 4 kids. I'm sure you won't be hearing much from me that week either!S So yea, um, back to the trip. Although we had all the bad weather, a wonderful dose of jet lag.. it was all worth it. No kids, and my husband. Life was great! I'll just take you through a quick play of each day, since I can't figure any other way to do it. So buckle up and here we go.

I was going along getting way too much done before my flight out (Matt was already in Paris) and feeling rather accomplished.. I hit stopped traffic. It's then I realize it was a holiday weekend. You NEVER travel on a holiday weekend around here, unless you like traffic, and lots of it. But I made it. Barely. Then after about a 9 hour flight with the meanest stewardess' EVER to fly, I arrive in Paris. The trip started off very French (no offense). Rude, and very unhelpful! After wandering around the airport for an hour with my new friend to whom i bonded from my flight, we finally both figured out how were supposed to get our our hotels and we tentatively went our separate ways. Got me a cab (very smelly driver!) and made my way to the hotel where Matt was. When I finally get there, it was about 8:30 am Paris time. When I asked the desk asked if they could check me in I told them my husband was already checked in and I just needed to find out what room he was in. They guy looked at me and said, "are you sure it's not too early"? Um, HELLO! I just flew 8 hours to see this guy. It had better not be too early!! After a quick 2 hour nap in the room we were off. I didn't have much in me since I hadn't slept on the plane at all (yea, too busy talking to that new friend of mine) and we decided to take it easy. We actually did one of those bus tours. We sat on the top, and completely froze the entire time! I came all the way there, I was not about ready to sit below and ruin my view! It was a perfect way to start the trip because we got all the little stuff out of the way in a quick and time efficient manner. We could get off whenever we wanted, and get back on. So here's some random picts from our first day in Paris!

And can I just say that in Paris, they seem to always build everything big. And if it wasn't big enough then they'd just build another one... bigger. Ugh. Such a little man complex. lol!

While on our adventure, it turns out that around the Eiffel Tower there were some HUGE parties going on. The Rugby team was going to win the championship, and so they were celebrating in support... crossing their fingers for a win. So while that was going on, they were also having some roller blading world record for the highest jump ever. This thing was propped up on the Eiffel tower. So we did as everyone else was doing and just packed in to watch, having no clue what was going on since it was all in French. We figured, something cool to be going on since there were so many people and tv crews and a dj there. So you can see the crowd behind us. And that arrow... lets just say there were at least 1000 more back behind that fence. And yup, there he is just jumping off the platform. He slipped on the way down so it didn't count. He was going to do another jump a little later that day. It was so un-exciting it was almost sad. But hey... it was an experience, in FRANCE. Am I right?!

keep looking

2010-03-30T23:13:00.002-04:00

Since I don't want to post it twice, go ahead and check out here where I was for my convention. There's not a lot there... but if you're interested it's a little something. :)

on my way back

2010-03-30T10:02:00.002-04:00

So this really isn't what I've been doing with my time (or depending on how you look at it, this IS what takes up all my time. my kids!). I swear! I've got some pictures I am going to post from the convention, and so much I wanted to say from it, that I might not say much at all. Just too much to say. :) But here's a start. Here's the last week of my kiddos. Yes, I have still managed to keep up on pictures every day. I may miss a day here and there (or the entire time I was gone), but for the most part... I've done it. At least there's one thing I've kept up on.

Only 2 more days

2010-03-27T22:52:00.002-04:00

I miss you all. :( It's been way WAY to long. But I've been busy, and gotten SO much stuff done it's good. No, it's great. So Monday, when the biggest consumer of my time and attention is back on the road, I'll be here. Number one thing on my list! :)

yes, we did have snow and I never showed you.

2010-02-18T21:40:00.003-05:00

Okay, okay, so it wasn't quite tomorrow, but I'm here now. I'm back. It's been a busy couple of days. We are putting in new carpet Saturday, (yay!!!) so I've been emptying out all the rooms upstairs. It's a strange task. I can't decide if I want to spring clean EVERY little nook and cranny, if I want to paint, or if I just think I need to put it all in boxes and move. We've been in this house longer than anywhere else, and so it's a very forgotten but familiar feeling of having the empty rooms. The ones with the kids sleeping on their mattress on the bedroom floor and nothing else in the room. At all. They echo again. I want to say I'm more than half done, but I doubt it. The fullest, messiest room is last. The toy room/office. All those toys... two desks... no fun! Man Matt has it easy traveling all week like he does. Come home Friday night just in time to say good job. 4 rooms isn't bad though, right?! I still have tomorrow. :)

So anyway, the infamous snow here in the ATL. Everyone else has their pictures up, but not us. I got tired of feeling left out, and wanted to share. It was my kids favorite day EVER. Really. They've prayed for snow every night since. Maybe should move. But do you see that snow??? It made me SO homesick. That was Utah snow right there! Big huge flakes. The kind you can make snowman out of. Have snowball fights, and have stick around for two days. Oh, I really did love it! And this first picture. I love that too!

Here's Ase and I on our way back home. She was too cold to really "sled" but managed to love running through the snow covered field.

Helping Nutmeg get back up the hill after a run down.

Think she's having fun at all? Didn't think so.

Throwing snowballs at me. Turkey.

Yup. This is why I called it "sledding". Should it be lidding? Just doesn't sound right. That and no one but us Southerners would possibly know what I'm talking about.

Okay, maybe one of my faves. She was having a snowball fight with Matt. Can you just see the fun factor written all over her face?

And I LOVED watching the kiddos build their snowman (well, and then two more for the neighbors!)

On the 6th week of....

2010-02-16T22:01:00.003-05:00

I know. I really need to be posting normal pictures in between these, if I'm going to do these. I'm going to loose everyone really quick here! And trust me, I have another one coming... tomorrow. But here's the kiddo's last week. mmm. Love these guys! (oh and please don't judge that Ase is wearing the same outfit two days that week. I'm sure it was actually two days in a row. shhh! guess I kind hide it anymore!)

Week 5

2010-02-04T21:12:00.002-05:00

So I was going to talk about something a little more interesting, but I didn't have anything more interesting. Today was a nothing day for sure. I did get to go to school and help Nutmeg in class... which I usually love... but had a hard time staying awake. It was cute, but not the same. Tried out some unsuccessful shopping. Watched a lifetime movie over lunch, and napped when the kids got home from school. Poor kids. Thank goodness they don't mind playing instead of doing homework. They were a little confused when it was time to go to bed and I told them not to worry about homework, but I think they were okay. ;)

So instead of waiting to post this tomorrow, and telling you some great story about today, I figured I'd keep it real. There was no story. I'd probably still be in my pj's, if it wasn't for me going into the school. I have to get going tomorrow. You should see what this place is turning into. And the fridge. Impressive! So glad we have the food storage we have, although I do realize we could NEVER, ever live off it for too long! Ahh, one more thing on that list to do.

Instead of words for this week, since it would be rather short... here's the pictures instead. Imagine they were great, wonderful days full of fun and adventure. We'll leave it at that!

Enough just isn't enough

2010-02-03T22:38:00.002-05:00

Do you ever have those days where you just feel you need more of something? But you don't know what it is? Today was one of those days. I just couldn't figure it out.

More of a clean house (which is usually all it takes for me to feel better)? Nope, tried that and still felt like I was looking. Like I was hungry.

Talking to one of the people who usually always makes me smile? Nope.

Worked on the computer? Caught up on every blog of everyone I know? Payed bills and finished all the HSA forms? Got more sleep? Took an extra long shower? Organized? Read? Spend time with my husband? Time without my husband? Shopping? Clothes? Food? NOTHING???

I just couldn't figure out what it was that felt like I needed more of. This constant almost starving feeling for which I couldn't fill the appetite. Somehow amidst all this I was able to get out the door to our church's youth group, which I work with. And funny thing, it filled me up. I was content and happy. It seemed to be exactly what I needed. But then I got home and was back to that same starving feeling. Then it hit me. There was a great spirit at the activity. And of all the things I tried.... to fill my spirit was not one of them. Sad. How is it that sometimes the most basic and important thing is the forgotten one. I hate that I can be such a slow learner. So here's to adding fuel in the right direction. Besides, I won't go broke or gain ten pounds on this one. ;) Hopefully I won't be so hungry by tomorrow!

You didn't really believe me, did you?

2010-02-03T14:23:00.002-05:00

You didn't really think i would get the weekly colllage up ON TIME every week did you? Somehow, although it's been a good thing, my computer hasn't been a big part of my life this last week. I know. Read it again. Slowly. On that note, I'm REALLY REALLY behind on all computer work. So first thing up... the blog of course! I mean really.

Of course it is.

So here is our last week. We had some sick days, and some days where I wish they were still sick days. But it's okay. We made it!

irrelevant

2010-01-27T23:56:00.002-05:00

* while doing laundry, I was complaining to myself about the fact that my son leaves all his dirty clothes inside out. The 2 shirts are still layered together, leaving me to pull them apart. I find lego after lego falling out of the clothes. Grrr. Then it hits me. He's 8. In another 8 years, he'll be 16. He will be so close to being out of the house and doing this on his own. These 8 years have gone so fast, I can't imagine the next 8. I'll stop complaining. I'm nearly half way done doing his laundry.

No more griping. Just appreciate.

* my youngest could possibly be in part time school next year for pre-k.

No, no.... not yet.

*when my husband is always traveling, there is usually something I really don't want to do, that I'm kind of waiting and leaving for him. Finally, I can't wait any longer. I give myself a pep talk. If I didn't have him in my life, I would have to do this.. no matter how gross or scary or "guy-ish" it is. I finally convince myself I am woman enough to handle it, and I do it. While sitting at the sink doing dishes, trying to give myself this pep talk about a project needing work, I stopped. NO! I DO have him in my life. So why am I having to pretend I don't. I won't!! I am married, and I'm going to use it.

The project is still waiting. :)

*I think I'm going back to school.

I think.

*I look at my daughter, and realize she's not so little anymore. She has moments where I just see someone so much more mature than should be. Someone longing for love and acceptance, but also her place in life (which in her world is IN CHARGE). I love seeing her emerge into this little person.

Beautiful.

*I'm trying to convince my daughter that when I turn on cartoons in the morning and cuddle up with her on the couch, and then proceed to fall asleep that it's just because I just want to spend time with her 'cause I love her.

Not because I'm lazy. OR a bad mom. Right?

*I realized I really only do my thinking in the shower. Maybe that's why my showers are never shorter than 20 minutes. Maybe that's why the days I don't shower, I just don't get things done, or function well. I never turned on my brain. But when I get in there, I can't stop myself from thinking. I've tried. I stress myself out when I try.

Not so normal. Is it? Mhmm.

*Love doing homework with my kids. The fact that they are doing homework. That we are doing it together. Why?!? I guess if you knew me in my later years of school, I didn't do enough of it. Maybe, just maybe I'm making up for that now.

Check back in 5 year and we'll see what I say then.

*Would drop everything if I could to go to Haiti and just serve the relief effort. I want to be there, tangibly helping. It's not just there. I'd love to go to Africa and help. I'd love to adopt an entire third world orphanage and rescue them all. I'd love to be a doctor and go serve medical missions. Oh, the good you can do.

Maybe I really should have done better in school!

*Love taking pictures. Hate the fact that it's a growing process. It takes practice, and finding who you are first in the pictures you take. I just want it all now. I sometimes feel like I'm starving for it, because I don't have it all now.

NOW

*Just felt like sharing some of the thoughts going through my mind today (although I thought there were a lot more, until I started writing this at... Akkk 1 in the mornig). Why not? I'm the only one who hears them, or I guess whoever might be on the phone with me. So now it's out there for everyone.

Fascinating, isn't it.

pitter patter, drop

2010-01-24T19:52:00.003-05:00

That's how it all started today. Just a little here and there, and then whoosh right back into the down pour we seem to know all too well here. Some days I welcome this weather. I actually enjoy it. But today, no. Not so much. Maybe it was dragging three kids out to the car to get home from church. Maybe it was the darkness that came with it when I was already so tired, but didn't have a husband to help relieve the responsibility. Maybe, it just wasn't supposed to be a rainy day in my mind. But thats okay. It rained, it poured, and we all survived. Just please let there be sun tomorrow! (that and i can finally start editing some photos i've been dying to get to. That always makes for a happier day!)

Toodles!

Last of our kids

2010-01-23T20:02:00.002-05:00

Poor thing is always last! So this catches us up to date. Yay! Here are the last three weeks of Ase. Lets see if I can actually get THIS week without missing any days! And I promise to not bombard you with these constantly. After this you should only see these every Friday.

* and just to clarify for all those poor confused souls out there... this is my 365 project, and the other one is my 12 on 12 project. I know. A little bit of the same things all at once, so I'm sorry! The 12 on 12 is more just for fun, and for me (one day, 12 pictures). The 365 is something I'm actually going to make the kids books out of, and it's really only for them (a single picture every day of the year). Although I'm sure I'll appreciate it more than they will! So you'll have to bear with me while I do both of these projects. I really wanted to take on more that would make sure I picked up that camera every day, and document the smaller things. So why start small... just start them all! haha. I think that's my new theme this year. Home projects, service projects, photo projects, school projects -why start small... just start them all.

Bring it on 2010!

Impatient

2010-01-22T12:15:00.004-05:00

I did say I was going to post the next set today. Right? Well, my daughter couldn't stand not seeing her's yet. She LOVES these, and wanted her's made right away. And did I mention I can't get her to Not pose for the camera? The one who always runs from the camera, waits for me to pull it out for these. Good thing I'm not going for top quality photos here! She cracks me up. So here I sat, with a million other things I would like to do (like say, shower), creating her pages. It was good though. Frees up my evening.

At least that's what I'm telling myself.

*wink*

A picture a day

2010-01-22T01:06:00.003-05:00

is quite the undertaking. It's one of the things I've been working on this year. Which has actually turned out to be really quite fun. So far, I've missed only 3 days, which I don't find to be that bad. 1 a week! That, and I'm not looking for hang on the wall quality per say. Just something to document them that day.

So I'm finally getting these up. Today are bugs. Week 1, 2 and 3 (well, actually you'll be looking at them as weeks 3, 2 and 1). Tomorrow it will be Nutmeg's turn, and Sat I'll get the youngest. Then hopefully I'll keep up with them and not have to stay up all night putting pictures in a collage!

having difficulties

2010-01-13T14:31:00.002-05:00

(getting in the car coming home from Walmart)

Me: "Ase, buckle up"

Ase: hides in the backseat

Me: "Really Ase, buckle up now so we can go"

Ase: More giggling

Me: "I'm going to start counting..... 1.....2....

Ase: "Mom, why are you being so difficult? Really. You are being so difficult. "

Me: "uh, what?!?!"

My Jauary 12 on 12

2010-01-12T22:08:00.005-05:00

Inspired by a blogger friend (it's a one sided relationship, but I'm okay with that!) to try this, I had to give it a go. I have many photo projects I'm working on this year, but thought squeezing in one more wouldn't hurt. On the 12th of each month you take 12 photos, kind of journaling the day. And of course, there are 12 months, so it all works together with perfect symmetry. Now if only my days could be so well planned! So here was today. Happy 12th! By December, I can't wait to see the results. And hopefully, I will start before 3pm the day of!

As for what I did, lets see if I can list it, or at least some:

*woke up at 6:40. Right on time. The kids were both up and happy already. Great start.

*got the kids off to school

*worked on laundry, and then more laundry

*got the youngest in the tub

*organized and cleaned

*finished painting and hung paintings in the hall

*still working on the stairs. beginning to think the project will NEVER end.

*had Pandora running for most of the time on my phone.

*kids came home from school

*started working on homework

*took the garbage out and saw a glimpse of the sun. Very happy moment.

*read books with the kids

*put away another section of Christmas. Should be done tomorrow. Worst part of Christmas

*fixed tacos. One of my favorite dinners from growing up

*fed the fish. haven't forgotten a night yet

*got the kids to bed. thank you.

*read a book just for me. hasn't happened in a very long time

*went to bed WAY too late. dreading the wake up in the morning.

it's all in an outfit

2010-01-12T21:26:00.003-05:00

I know. I've disappeared.

Trust me, I've been looking.

I think I found myself though. And I was back into these clothes. My painting/staining/home improvement "outfit". Maybe not attractive, but looks good to me. So many things on the list that are finally getting crossed off. Stairs are nearly done. Halls painted, pictures hung. Basement light fixed, under counter light fixed. 4 light switches and an outlet changed out and repaired. Garage cleaned out. Christmas nearly down. Girls room reorganized. Closet getting overhaul. If you showed up, you'd still think I was mia. The house is torn apart. But it's good. It's okay. It's has to get worse before it gets better. At least, thats the way we do it around here. That's the way I do it. There were way too many things I wanted to getting working on and felt like a bird looking for the perfect worm to start the day. So I didn't pick one. Instead, a bite of all I see. I'm just starting a little in all of them. Crazy backwards, I know. But there you have it. If you're lucky enough to find me, I might look like this. Don't be scared. It's still me. And hopefully, I will be back soon. This attire is exhausting me.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-29T20:08:00.003-05:00

So here was the picture on our Christmas card this year (although it's much cuter in the actual card, I will say). So to all those who didn't get one, I'm sorry! And we do hope you had an amazing Christmas. I actually ran out of cards this year, and we mailed out 150 of them! We HAVE to quit moving... our list just keeps getting longer and longer! But yes, it was the most successful card yet, only because there was No hassle. No fighting the kids (or my husband is more like it) for the perfect picture. No getting another photographer to help us out. Nothing. 10 minutes on a Sunday afternoon, with the camera remote in hand; and WE'RE DONE. Woohoo! Think it would be tacky to do it again next year?

Christmas this year was good. Quiet. Very quiet. In fact, when it came down to being Christmas Eve, I had a hard time convincing myself it really was. Not that I didn't want it, but just didn't seem stressed enough. Or rushed. Or crazy and loud enough. But it was good to have it nice and quiet for a chance. Very low key, and simple on the presents. And somehow regretfully, I never get around to taking the pictures on Christmas day. Too much of everything else going on. It always makes me sad when it's all done and I realize I missed it. But we did get it all on video this year. So that makes me feel much better. At least, better than the other years. Maybe that should be my New Years resolution. Take pictures of the kids next Christmas. It would be easy to succeed, or quick to fail. Either way. I think I have my winner! :)

Merry Christmas to everyone!

Smart guy

2009-12-09T17:34:00.002-05:00

So this morning we awoke, and guess where we found Nicholas.

On top of the tree. Never trust an expression like that. ;) But I think the elf did the trick... because upon finding that he did indeed move and must have talked to Santa....

.....this is what I found next. He was hoping it wasn't too late. And sister soon followed. I was wishing I hadn't done all the Christmas shopping yet, I may decide to have a slight re-do. We'll check the motivation later. For now though, this all just brings a smile to my face. Sometimes I wish we never had to grow up. But most times, I find the other side is just as magical. {smile}

waivering in belief

2009-12-09T16:58:00.005-05:00

We had an unbeliever here. We decided we had to do something about it. When posed the question, must felt to leave it that way. But there were still plenty, us included that just couldn't. Not this year. Besides, the risk of it becoming a trend in the home was far to great. So we were on a mission. The very next day we woke up to a small miracle. A package had been dropped down our chimney. Once discovered, the excitement in the room was very contagious. Santa? Sure enough. :)

He left us an elf. Someone to keep an eye on things, since the big guy was getting a little worried. So "Nicholas", as he's officially been named, will be tracking things. Every night he flies home to Santa to report what he's found, along with any secret whisperings he's been told throughout the day. Then before you can wake up, he's back. And hiding in another spot. Or causing trouble of some sort. You never know with these guys. That smile just says they're up to no good. The only rule is, you can't touch him, or the magic is gone. So the kids are very careful to keep a safe distance. And you what? I think it did the trick. ;)

(photo of Nicholas still in the box. Courtesy of Bug)

Just tired

2009-12-05T20:46:00.002-05:00

It's been one of those days, and I could use some of this happiness. Maybe tomorrow. Right? I was setting up to take pictures Thurs for a friend, and she hopped in so I could start metering. To awesome to just catch an expression like that. :)

Just can't get enough of the fall

2009-11-30T22:12:00.005-05:00

I finally took fall pictures of the kids, to update the old ones on the wall. Yay! Magically in 15 minutes I was able to get something of each kid that would work. Whew. We won't even talk about the group picture though. Let's just say it will take more than 15 minutes and gum as the bribe. :)

(disclaimer: the pictures really are a lot warmer than they are showing up. I swear.

I'm looking at the printed copy right now!)

Katie, look what I'm finally working on!!

2009-11-24T17:05:00.002-05:00

So a couple of weeks ago one of my favorite neighbors EVER raked all her leaves together in a huge pile for all the kids to come and jump in. Yea. She rocks! So many pictures to choose from, and for which she is patiently waiting to see her darling little ones. So here are mine and I'll start working on hers! ;)

One of my favorite pictures; for so many reasons. Her expression. The fact that she was the first one in the pile, no shoes and no cares. SO not her!!

Okay, and this was pretty awesome too. The airborne ones crack me up. Got tons of my neighbor kids sailing through the air too!

Oh to be a kid again.

This one however thought the leave business was insane. She loved to watch, but just didn't get it. So we ventured to the backyard to let her have some fun. Glad we did.

Moving on, I swear!

2009-11-24T12:48:00.003-05:00

I know. I'm stuck in the past right now, but I just can't help it. I've been spending so much time at the computer screen working on other's photos, I just miss working on my kids. So I'm gorging myself for just a bit. Allow me this guilty pleasure for just a bit longer, and I swear I'll move on. :)

I don't know why I have to talk so hard to get him to decorate a pumpkin. His is always the best. Show off!

Ase really worked hard at getting her's just right. I was so glad the girls opted to paint this year. Not the same, but so much easier!!

Final product and a proud girl!

I love catching her when she works. You can actually see the peace in her face.

And another proud girl!

This was my favorite year for Bug. He did the ENTIRE thing himself. Start to finish. It was AWESOME!

Because of it's AWESOME-NESS you would think we took a picture. Nope. Sad. :(

Fetching cute is what this is.

Or maybe I was thinking of this!

Still catching up.

2009-11-21T22:18:00.002-05:00

I know. It's not Halloween anymore. I have a million pictures inline to post and catch up on, at these have been at the top for basically EVER! So here you go. Just about the best of the kids in costume. Bug was Darth Vader, and the girls were cats. It was really cute! Okay, and I did dress up...hehmm, unlike my husband. The girls picked the costume. :) So there ya go!

Lovin NY

2009-11-17T08:55:00.003-05:00

A little while ago, Matt and I got to jet off to NY for a few days. He was working, and I was out playing. It was great, and it's easy to see why everyone LOVES NY. I so badly want to go back there for a girls trip. SO FUN! Our hotel was crazy. All the fixtures and wall hangings were just a little on the phallic side. Here are the lights. I'll let you decide what they look like.

While I was walking around by myself, I decided I was going to document it anyway. So I took a bunch of photos of myself in all the different locations...

(me in Central Park)

Then when finally Matt was able to join me in the evenings we took the same idea and continued to take pictures of ourselves. I was actually trying to make it so people didn't offer to take ones of us, so we could keep doing it our way! So here we are on top of the Rockefeller, and on the red steps right outside our hotel, in Time Square.

The Empire State Building. One of my fave photos. Hanging this in our bathroom. Those who've seen our bathroom will understand!

I also learned how to take panoramic photos and actually have them turn out. I had fun with these. The first is the Empire State Building in the NY sky line. The second is the other direction, with Central Park. I think you can click them to make them bigger...

Pretty cool huh!?

I hope not :]

2009-11-12T20:46:00.002-05:00

I had one of those, "go-back-to-sleep-once-the-older-kids-are-in-school" mornings, and upon wakening; found my youngest watching her cartoons like this. That doesn't make me a bad mom does it?!!?

Pumpkins

2009-11-11T07:26:00.003-05:00

While my mom was here, we headed took our yearly trip to Burts. It was sad because the kids had be counting down the days until we went, and when we got there... there was a lot of grumpiness. Too many missed naps. :( All in all though, it went well. The kids picked out their pumpkins, we went for the hay ride, and we of course had to take some pictures!

My mom

2009-11-09T22:32:00.003-05:00

I'm really behind. Really. :) There is so much that has been going on around here, and I just can't seem to get here to talk about it. Then it gets almost overwhelming in thinking of all I'd like to talk about. So in typical me fashion, I'm just going to throw so much out there at once! A bit ago, my mom flew out to watch the kids while Matt and I took off to NY for a few days. Then I was lucky enough she got to stay for a little longer so I could actually have a chance to see her! It was awesome. Of course, before she left I had to snap a few pictures of her and the kids. They LOVED having her here and keep talking about when she is coming back. Sad to say, I don't know when that next chance will be. So THANK YOU mom for coming to our rescue!! Everything about it was awesome!

We love you!

(and this picture is my absolute favorite. The look that I have always wanted to capture, but is hard to get "the moment" with a camera in the face. I have always loved this expression on her.)

where did the sun go?

2009-10-15T11:32:00.002-04:00

it's been hard around here to stay motivated. the sun has disappeared for quite awhile now. we saw it for a few, and then gone, yet again. but today will be good. i'm making it good. who needs the sun anyway (besides all living life forms. i'm not talking about them). i have my list of things to get done. and they will. well on the way already. this isn't a huge overly developed list. i tend to do that and fail before i can begin. this is attainable and doable. must be done. so here i go. and i'm leaving all blinds and curtains shut. why? so i can just imagine the warm sun out there. maybe that will help. i guess on a good note, it's not dumping rain right now!

When the dust settles

2009-10-12T22:49:00.002-04:00

So, we haven't made it too far. The stairs have been sanded. They've been ready for the next step for the last week. I just haven't made it to the store to get supplies. Sigh. This is when it's hard with kids. They are napping, need rides, in bed for the night, need to eat. Something. So here is how we've sat. {crossing fingers} We'll have it done sometime this week. So until then, here are the pictures of sanding. My men at work. See, this is how you do it. Start it, and then pass it over. Sorry for the butt shots. The best is that layer of dust. Can you see that? ALL OVER THE HOUSE. So glad I deep cleaned two weeks ago. Totally worth it. Right.

Let there be light

2009-10-09T20:49:00.003-04:00

Si I guess I really don't have that much to talk about, although I really wanted to say something. I seem to be so busy lately, but it's a good busy. Taking pictures, going to class, running the kids everywhere, birthday parties, church stuff. You know the grind. And lucky for me this week I had one of my favorite people in the world at my house. :) Love her and her fam to death. So that was awesome. My kids (and well me too) were sad it was so short. And get this. We went up to the pumpkin patch and totally forgot the camera. I suck! Luckily we're going up there again on Monday. Maybe Wed on early release day, if we dare wait that long. The longer you wait, the less there. So we'll see! Anyway, I guess I'll put on a few photos I took for class. This one was a fun assignment. Light drawing! Just wish I was taking more pictures of MY kids for a change!

Bored, and didn't know it

2009-10-02T11:27:00.003-04:00

I just couldn't take it one more day. Really. I stood at the bottom of my stairs, with my list of things to do, in hand, and just couldn't bring my self to do it for an other day. I will no longer vacuum those stairs. They have been in desperate need of a re-do, and I just hadn't bucked up to the challenge. This was the day. The same day I had a million other things that really did need to be done. But no. I threw a fit, and this is how it looks. Because of this temper tantrum, I now have 7 blisters, and almost ready stairs. Matt can't get back into town early enough. I have a project waiting for his help. Wahoo! It's been way to long since we've done this. I forget how happy it makes me. :)

(Okay, so this is the before, but I have to give the disclaimer that I had already started ripping out the

upper stair carpet. So all that mess in NOT how our stairs usually look. I swear!!!)

I know you're dying to see how they turn out. You are, aren't you! Give me the weekend and hopefully we'll be looking at those beauties next week. Or, at least somewhat more beautiful. :)

Missing out, but second best

2009-09-29T10:46:00.002-04:00

Two of the biggest photographers in the children market put together this workshop called Learnfest. A 3 day workshop. I wanted desperately to go, but it didn't play out in the cards for me, and it looks like this will be their last one. :( However, I was able to get my kids in to be models for their workshops. Ase took one day, and the other two the next. Just being there those few hours 1-made me sick I didn't go to the whole thing, 2- so inspired I was grateful just for those two hours 3- determined to talk them into just one more workshop! Aside from just getting to watch these amazing women in action (which for me was the best part) I'll also get some pretty amazing photos of the kids. Yay! Tamara Lackey is one of the photographers, and has actually posted a few photos from the workshop. Just a small preview of what's to come! You'll have to check out her blog to see the pictures she has up! The first is actually me there holding the reflector, with Nutmeg and Bug sitting in the grass. Tamara is the blond closest to them. I'd say the one with the camera, but you'll see, there's not just her. A little intimidating to have 20 cameras aimed at you! If you scroll down further you'll see 3 of Ase and under that 2 of her and me (I was not supposed to be in these... and was rather embarrassed I didn't get ready.. but I'm so glad they threw me in there!). Then down toward the bottom we have Nutmeg. LOVE that last one! One day I'll be there... you'll see! The other photographer is Audrey Woulard. If you haven't heard of either of these, and you are in photography I think you're hiding under a rock. They are the stars in the industry. I'm waiting to see if she posts anything and I'll let you know!

And since I can't post without a picture..

this was for my class. The theme was lost. I ended up really liking it!

More alike than previously thought

2009-09-22T23:38:00.002-04:00

So I've been working on some photos for an assignment. Not going as easy as thought, but I'm getting some fun stuff in the process. I was setting the girls up for a frame I was trying to get, and I was a little taken aback by this first photo. I know it's not necessarily a good photo, the colors off and everything. But I couldn't help but notice, their profiles are so similar. From the front they are very different, but the side. Wow. And the second I just love. As much as Nutmeg didn't want to be there, she can't hide that she might actually be enjoying herself! :)