My Life, My Snapshots

Life Recently

2012-01-23T11:31:00.000-08:00

Oh man. I wish I had more time to blog. I always have cute things to post about and the best of intentions of doing it, but it never happens. Life around here has been a little crazy. I never realized how much busier I'd be by adding another munchkin into the mix. I really should be doing something else - one of the million things on my list, but I thought I'd do just a quick post about life recently for us instead.

Kyle passed his last actuarial exam! Hooray! We're so happy. We found out about a week ago. However, Kyle had to start studying for the next one. But there's only one more! One more and he'll be done. Life will be glorious again and I'll have a husband again.

Leon is so funny. Today, he wanted to color. He colored one little thing and then asked me to finish it. He just sat there and watched me and then said "Good job, mommy."

It is also Day 3 of Leon's potty training. Yesterday, it took every ounce of will power to not put him back in a diaper. It still hasn't clicked with him yet, but I can tell we're getting close. I've bribed him, squealed like you wouldn't believe when he does go, and done just about everything I can think of to help the process. The problem is that he won't tell me he needs to go before he goes. He'll start going and then say "uh-oh. potty." So, we just have to get him to understand that he has to listen to his body and go pee and poopy in the potty chair.

I'm ready to start doing some portraits again. However, I'm not sure where to begin here. I don't have time to do a lot of editing. The weather is disgusting so I'm limited in that area. I still haven't found a lot of great locations here and I don't have the time or means to go exploring right now (you know, because I have a toddler and a 2 month old) This part of life makes me REALLY miss Lafayette.

Grady is sleeping great and I'm so thankful for it! He gets up 1-2 times to eat but always goes right back to sleep. He's got the sweetest smile. He loves to watch me. He loves to gaze into my eyes and it's so sweet and sincere when he does it. Here's some pics of him sleeping with Kyle:

We've been trying to think of ways to revamp our evenings. We've been in kind of a rough rut of doing nothing and feeling blahish. Kyle and I are usually so dead by the evening that we eat dinner and just watch TV or cartoons (so we don't have to mess with Leon). It's terrible. We're going to start exercising... hopefully. We've been trying to bust out the games. We also thought we'd start doing some ABC and counting things with Leon. Do any of you have fun things you do as a family in the evenings - on just a typical week night?

We'll Grady just woke up, but there's a few of the billion things floating around in this head of mine to tell you all about. Hopefully, I'll get better about blogging.

Christmas

2012-01-12T14:23:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Eve, we had our tradtional fancy dinner. This year we grilled ribs and shrimp and made yummy virgin pina coladas. We made then made cookies for santa, watched Polar Express, and then told the nativity story using our new Little People nativity. It was a good evening!

Grady being mezmorized by the Christmas lights.

Leon's card to Santa:

Sneaking one of Santa's cookies:

Later on Christmas morning:

It was a good one!

Family Resemblance

2012-01-06T12:59:00.000-08:00

I didn't see it at first - not until my sister-in-law said something, but my little Grady looks so much like my dad. He's got the same forehead, hairline, nose, eyes, and well, so many other things. Having these pics side by side makes me realize it so much more. Right now, Grady's pretty dark complected - brown eyes, dark hair, even more olivie skin - just like my dad. I'd been wondering where on earth that came from. I hope he stays this way. My dad was one cute kid. I wish I had some scanned pics to show, but I don't.

Now, we just have to wait and see if he can give that "Kirk look" that my dad is so infamous for giving ;)

hip-hip-horaay!

2012-01-06T11:51:00.000-08:00

Leon grew!

My little guy is now wearing 24 month/2T clothes! That big container is full of 18 month clothes (from every season) that I decided to keep for Grady and the trash bag is full of 18 month clothes to donate.

I can't believe how big he's getting. I'm even looking for preschools for next fall. And next week, we start potty training! I love watching him grow and learn. He's such a fun kid - so easy to love.

Grady's Quilt

2012-01-03T13:18:00.000-08:00

About a week before Grady was born I finished his quilt. This is my first real quilt and I'm pretty proud of how it turned out. There's definetly lots of flaws, lots of things I should have done better. However, I love the homemade look that is has because of all of those flaws. I did most of it without any help - just using books and online tutorials. I learned so much. I really enjoyed doing it and can't wait to have the time to start on another!

Here's a couple more photos:

Grady's room is almost done. I still have a few more things to do and then I'll post pics.

I can't wait to share because it's looking really cute.

Also, Mr G is smiling! Melts my heart.

a new year

2011-12-31T09:48:00.000-08:00

It's crazy how fast the last year went by. In last years "resolution post", I had wrote about how it was going to be a big year for us. Man oh man, how right I was and that was before I even knew we were going to have to move uxepectedly. It's been a year of many, many changes but it's also been wonderful.

We learned a lot. Our family grew.

We grew stronger as a family.

We're happy and that's what is important.

However, there is still much, much more to improve on a family level and a individual level. Our family goals for the year will be talked over and decided at our next Family Home Evening. This year I have plans of posting them somewhere we can see them every day and be reminded of what we need to be working on.

Last years post, I had goals of setting up an esty shop for my artwork, revamping my portrait photography, not loading so much on my plate that I'd always be overwhelmed, being a better mom and wife, planning a vacation, reading the Book of Mormon again, and working on the budget. Unfortunely I didn't do most of those things. Most of those things got put on hold or totally thrown out the window due to our move. However, I think I definetly have become a better mother. The wife thing could use some more work. I did revamp my portrait style to where I wanted it. And, It think I have been much better about the whole getting overwhelmed thing.

But what about this year?

Well. Three words:

Organizing. Simplifying. Healthifying. (???)

But more specifically,

My 2012 "things I need to work on" are:

get the house organized, make it functional for us.

simplify my life.

be more active/exercise

budget and stick to it.

eat out less, cook more.

spend my time more wisely.

make personal prayer a priority.

Happy New Year!

rolling over

2011-12-30T07:28:00.000-08:00

Grady is 7 weeks old today. He's as sweet as can be. He slept so good last night. I'm one happy momma!

Also, he decided to surprise me during tummy time by rolling over...alot! Take a look:

and:

He's only 7 weeks old! Slow down, baby! Slow down!

Also, check out his shirt. Camera Magnet. So appropriate! Thanks Grandma Allen!

Art with Leon

2011-12-11T15:06:00.000-08:00

I've decided that I wanted to start posting all the little art projects that Leon and I do. It's really important to me to teach and explore creativity with my kids as they grow and blogging it will be a great way for me to record all the fun stuff we do and learn. So, you'll be seeing lots of art work from Leon from now on and eventually from little Grady one day. Take a look at some we did this last week. While Mr. Grady did this:

Leon and I had some fun:

He's very serious while he works.

Now he's just showing off for the camera.

Here's one of the very successful pieces Leon did: We used cut up tissue paper and stars to decorate a Christmas tree.

Here are some water color paintings he also did. I love them, particularly the one on the right. It's frame worthy. It will be perfect for the playroom!

Super Mom?

2011-12-05T13:34:00.000-08:00

Am I? Maybe. Probably not though. However, I've only been left with the kids for more than a few hours at a time 3 times so far and each time has gone very, very well. Today was one of those days were I keep thinking to myself "isn't supposed to be soooo much harder than this". I realize that it's just the beginning and that we aren't in full swing of things yet. Today I gave Grady a bath, got us all ready, played cars with Leon, fixed real meals, got Leon to take a nap in his own bed, took a nap with Grady, and cleaned up. I think that's pretty good. It made me feel like a super mom. All I need now is a cape and a shirt with a large letter S and I'll be set!

The Second Time Around

2011-12-04T08:51:00.000-08:00

Doing the whole baby thing the 2nd time around has been wonderful. I've really enjoyed the last few weeks with our new little guy. It's been so much more relaxing and stress free than it was with Leon. I'm not worried about every little cry and whimper. I know what to expect. I trust myself and my instincts so much more this time. It has been overwhelming at times, but in those moments I know it will pass so I don't panic or get too frustrated. It's been so nice, so much easier. I feel like I know what I'm doing and what a difference it makes! Life with two kids is so much busier (which explains my lack of blogging lately) and maybe a little bit harder, but I still love being a momma to these boys. Leon has been such a sweet big brother - sharing his toys, giving hugs and kisses, giving little pats on the head, and taking the time to come and talk to his new bubby. Kyle, also, has been awesome about helping out. He's taking really good care of us.

(little Grady, 3 weeks old, fast asleep)

I've also had a lot of people ask me how was doing a c-section the second time around. All I have to say is that it still totally stunk. There have been parts that were better - it was planned, I knew what to expect, we were prepared, the recovery seems to be going a bit quicker. However, it still was a c-section. It still was painful, inconvenient, painful, and did I mention painful? It was worth it though. I mean, look at that little sweetheart!

Grady is doing really good. He is a good eater and a fairly good sleeper. I can't wait for his personality to show. I can't wait for those first smiles and giggles, but for now I'm just going to enjoy him just the way he is. I've realized with Leon that it is true what everyone says - it really does go by too fast. All the sudden Leon looks so big to me, like such a little boy instead of a new toddler. I certainly want to enjoy every moment with Leon and Grady.

First Bath

2011-12-03T14:32:00.000-08:00

To our surprise, Mr. Grady really rather enjoyed his first bath. I was sure there would be lots of sad faces and crying, but it was quite the opposite for our new little guy. He just looked around and watched his parents and brother while we all washed him up. He was quite content and it was incredibly sweet! I guess we have another little fish on our hands.

Photos by Kim Davis

2011-11-23T11:06:00.000-08:00

I'm very, very fortunate to have photography friends. We could be bitter rivals, but instead we've made our love of photography into something else - a friendship where we encourage and help each other out...and on the occasion do photo shoots for one another. It's wonderful and I'm grateful for them. One of my photography friends from Lafayette, Kim Davis, came down to visit her family and take some beautiful portraits for us. Take a look at some of my favs:

I have this theory that every mother needs beautiful photographs with her children. I cherish mine SO much. Motherhood is an incredibly, beautiful thing - it's one of my favorite things to photograph. Kim did a beautiful job capturing these photos for me.

This is a fun one. I love it. It may become the new (and much needed) header for this blog.

Thank you so much Kim! It means the world to me!

Grady - Newborn

2011-11-21T16:26:00.000-08:00

This little guy is sweet as can be. He is an eater and a sleeper. He loves to sleep right by his momma (which I love too, all though it scares me a bit). He's got the sweetest eyes and you want to melt whenever he calmly stares into yours. Their color is very muddy right now - they have dark brown around the pupils and dark blue around the edges. His expressions are to die for. I'm just in love with him. Can you tell?

a little side smile. his smile is going to be so precious. i just know it.

probably my fav:

brothers:

i asked leon to kiss his brother on the head. this is the reaction i got:

he still is so happy and sweet

Grady's Story

2011-11-16T17:53:00.000-08:00

We went into the hospital around 8:30. The nurses (who were awesome) prepped me for surgery and took the time to help calm my nerves. By 10:00 I was in the operating room. It all went so fast. The doctor and nurses were all amazing - talking to me and making me feel good. I felt some pressure in my chest and then out came Grady at 10:21. They all commented about how he was a big boy, but he looked perfect. He didn't cry real loud, but made a little whimper and was brought over to a nurse to be cleaned up. It was great because where she was working was actually in my line sight so I didn't have to wait another 30 plus minutes just to see him. I was overwhelmed at seeing him. His cheeks were so chubby and he had that dark hair like Leon did. I was already in love with him. They cleaned him up, wrapped him up, and then Kyle was able to bring him over to me for a closer look but of then they had to take him away. He was having some breathing problems (fluid in the lungs) which I guess is common in ceseran babies. Then I was having some issues - I got dizzy and told them I thought I was going to get sick right there on the operating table. The anatigolist gave me something for the nausea and after a couple minutes of gripping Kyle's hand as hard as I could it was over. They decided to send Grady to the NICU. They stitched me up (no stables - horaay!) and sent me on my way to the recovery area for observation. I spent most of the next two hours by myself. Kyle visited me a couple of times, the nurse kept me company, and then my dad and Claudette (his wife) came. After about an hour of Grady being in the NICU he was fine but the peditrician said they wanted to keep him a little longer just to make sure. They took me to the post partum room where I visited with my dad and Claudette. Kyle stayed with Grady. Around 2:00 (the time I thought Grady would be able to come to me), Kyle came in and said they wanted to keep Grady for another two hours! At that point, I was mad and frustrated and heart broken. I wanted to hold him SO BAD. I sent dad and Claudette to see their new grandson. I tried to rest but between the itching (a side effect of the drugs) and my restlessness to see my baby which we still hadn't named, I just couldn't. So, I made phone calls to my family. Finally at 4:30 - 6 hours after he was born- they finally brought him in. I had my baby! I nursed him, we talked about names, and things were perfect. I had my baby!

I'm still overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude and love. I'm a mother of two beautiful little boys. We're a family of four. Motherhood, parenthood is such a beautiful gift. Grady is the sweetest thing. I'll write more about him when I post his newborn photos. I just am just so in love with him

*****

Here are some other pics, taken with our little point and shoot, of our weekend in the hospital.

Waiting for the big operation

Grady getting some extra help

Look at those cheeks!

Daddy and Grady in NICU

Papa and Claudie

They're goofballs!

Grandma Allen

Grandpa Allen

Nana. Mom bought be the prettiest autumn floral arrangement while at the hospital.

Big Brother (of course he's picking his nose) and daddy took a break to get a snack

Grady Ray Allen

2011-11-14T09:04:00.000-08:00

Grady Ray Allen

born on 11.11.11 at 10:21 am

19 inches, 9lbs 5 oz

Sorry it's taken me four days to put up a photo, but between the pain and just wanting to enjoy my new little one I haven't really had much time to even take any photographs. Grady is precious. We all love him so much. He's a chubby verison of his big brother (you can see here). He's been sleeping and eating like a pro. I feel so incredibly blessed and am in complete awe of my new little guy.

Hopefully I'll get some time today to edit the photos I have taken and put up Grady's story today or tomorrow, so stay tuned!

I am Thankful for...

2011-11-08T05:13:00.000-08:00

this guy.

This man I married is one of the best guys in the whole world - one the best husbands. I couldn't have asked for anyone better to love, marry, create a family with, and to spend the rest of eternity with.

Kyle finished his exam on Friday. We're both so relieved. The pressure and stress that has been waying on us has lifted. We're eager to find out the results, but we have 8 weeks until then so we're not even worrying about it right now. Kyle has spent almost every free moment studying for that crazy exam so to have him back is wonderful. But, this is what is even more amazing about him: Instead of thinking "Oh, I just took all this time working, I deserve a break" he has jumped right in to help me with whatever I need. He's been giving me breaks. He's contantly playing and laughing with Leon. He cleaned pretty much the entire upstairs last night with barely any help from me (I'm not really that helpful right now even though I'd like to be). And then before we went to bed, he gave me a much needed massage to help me relax. Tonight he is letting me have a Ladies Night Out. He is taking most of his vacation time to spend that next two weeks after the baby is born to stay home with us. I feel blessed. He could be going fishing or playing video games or trying to restore his old '55 chevy Truck that he's had stored in his parent's garage for years, but he chooses to be a husband and father first - and a good one at that.

I love you Kyle! Thank you so much!

You CAN Dew It!

2011-11-02T12:03:00.000-07:00

Leon and I went out to the store today to get Kyle some "study" food for tomorrow. He is taking the day off of work so that he can study all day for his next big actuarial exam that is taking place THIS Friday. I know that he likes to have some snacks when he studies and I thought it might be a good way to keep him motivated throughout the day. These exams are a big deal and they're pretty crazy hard. I don't think anyone can really grasp how terrible they are unless they are taking them or if your a spouse of someone who is taking them. I try to explain to people what it's like, but no one seems to really understand unless they've been there. It's recommended that for every hour of exam you take that you should study for 100 hours. So, a 6 hour exam should require 600 hours of studying in preperation. Yeah. 600 hours! Kyle spends alot of his free time studying for these exams. He's been gone alot. However, there is good news! This is his second to last exam. If he passes this one, then he only has one more! Hooray!

If you could please say a little prayer for Kyle, I would appreciate it so much. It's been hard the last couple of months. I don't want all his hard work to go to waste. Also, pray that this baby doesn't decide to come tomorrow or Friday. That would just be terrible. I'd be having a baby all by myself ;)

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-01T05:41:00.000-07:00

With Leon's love of anything and everything train, I thought it would be appropriate to dress him up as a train engineer for Halloween. It was super easy and cost be about $10 total. He thought it was pretty cool.

We did the trunk or treat at our ward and a halloween party with the local Mom's Club, so Leon had plenty of candy before it was actually Halloween. However, Kyle took him out to some of our neighbor's houses on Halloween. I think they got a kick out of him. Leon was very, very good about saying "Trick or Treat" and "Thank You" which made me proud.

After a few houses, Kyle and Leon came back and relaxed with me on the porch while we waited for the other tricker treaters. They also played catch with Leon's little football - he loves playing catch. Here is Kyle and Leon. Leon is munching on some of that candy.

This is the pumpkin we carved. I really wanted just a traditional jack-o-latern this year. Leon thought that carving the pumpkin was pretty neat and took the whole process very seriously.

Pregnant and Barefoot

2011-10-26T12:31:00.000-07:00

2.5 weeks to go. Heck yeah! I'm beyond done being pregnant. BUT Kyle's exam is next Friday, so I have and am willing to hold on. Also, just about everyone is telling me I'm not going to make it, so I kind of want to just to prove them wrong ;)

Anyway, the above pic is how I spend most of my days - barefoot. I actually had to bend over slightly to take this picture. I have about 3 pairs of nonsandals that fit my swollen, fat feet. I can't wait to be able to fit into all the others. Then again, maybe if I can't, I can just go buy new ones, right?

Hmmmm...something to think about.

I have a seriously cute maternity dress that I just bought from a second hand store. It's GAP. I got it for $18 with the tags still on. It was orginally $60. I really want to wear it, but all my cute shoes won't fit.

It's not fair.

My contractions are slowing down which I'm not sure whether to be happy or mad about. I think I'm going to be happy about it since I'm having a c-section. Who needs them, right? I've already had a ton. It's time for a break.

I can't wait to hold my baby. We're not any closer to picking a name. We actually just added a few names to the list. It's going to hard. Hopefully, we see him and just know. Leon loves to give my belly kisses (especially when he knows he is starting to push the limits - he's sly, I tell you) and also loves to do belly bumps. It's pretty stinkin funny. He's been going 100% - he's serioulsy a wild child right now. He's going to be such a fun big brother.

Bubble Baths are Always the Best

2011-10-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

Some little pointers for any of you ever wanting to do some bath time pictures:

Make sure you get AS MUCH natural light as possible OR learn about white balance. Bathrooms are known for their terrible florescent lighting which can make everything very yellowy and therefore unpleasing. I'm lucky enough to have a great big window over our garden tub in our master bathroom where I did these pictures. And please, oh please, turn off your flash!
Use lots of bubbles. I had just enough before I ran out. You need to hide all those private areas, especially if you plan on posting or publishing ANY online. Seriously - if it shows those private areas, then it can be considered child pornography even if that isn't your intention at all!
Have fun and let your kid be a kid. The best pictures come from when they are just enjoying themselves. I did make suggestions to Leon like "put the bubbles on your face" and "can you go swimming" and "no please DON'T get me" because of course I knew he would think it was SO funny if he did. I laughed and squealed at every little thing he did and that's how I got so many good pictures of a little smiley boy looking right into the camera.
Usually bath time pictures always look good in black and white, so give it a try. It can also be a good cure if your pictures do have a yellow cast to them.

4 Weeks

2011-10-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

(35 weeks)

I have a whopping 4 weeks left until I deliver. The end of this pregnancy has been well...pretty miserable. I'm finally starting to feel a bit better. I feel like I can make a few more weeks. About 5 weeks ago, I was measuring 6 weeks bigger than what I should. Luckily it was nothing, but can you imagine what it felt like to be SO big SO early? Yep. You should see my stretch marks. However, I'm catching up to my measurements which is good because it means that I'm not getting any bigger - at least, for now I'm not. I've been having contractions for the last 2 months. I can't fit into most of my clothing, including maternity clothing. I think I have about 6 shirts that fit (which are starting to get a little small), 2 pairs of jeans and 5 pairs of sweats that fit out of my entire wardrobe. Thank goodness for those sweats. I wake up with swollen feet and hands. What I'd do for a good pedicure and foot massage. I've had no energy - you should see my house. Things are getting better. I'm finishing up the baby's room and starting to get a little more obessed with things getting done in the house. My arms are wide open to that nesting instinct. It can come whenever it pleases and stay for as long as it likes.

What has made it worse is that up until about 2 weeks ago, I was having irrational fear of having another baby. I kept thinking "what if I don't want to hold the baby" or "how on earth am I going to take care of Leon and a baby" or "what if the baby blues are way worse this time - they were pretty bad with Leon" or "can I really do this again?" and many others which, of course, I can't remember. Thankfully, I've gotten way over that. I can't wait to meet this little baby boy. I can't wait to kiss him and hold him. For heaven sakes - I even can't wait to nurse the kid ;) I can't wait for Leon to be a big brother - to see his reaction to this baby. I know everything will be okay. I know I'll love this baby. I'm so excited to have another little person in our family.

So 4 weeks. I can totally do another 4 weeks. Let's just hope this kiddo can too.

Something New

2011-10-12T07:34:00.000-07:00

Before we moved my photographer friend, Kim Davis, invited me over to try out her little studio setup. I've never done anything with any sort of studio set up so was curious and decided to embrace the opportunity. It was fun to try something new. I don't think it's my style but it was good the have the experience - I've always wondered how'd I like it. Leon was a total stinker so I didn't many good shots of him but here are a few somewhat successful ones:

It's so wonderful to have photography friends. I miss them so much. We always had a good time sharing our ideas and trying out new things with each other.

6 Years

2011-10-07T09:21:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, Kyle and I will be celebrating 6 years of marriage. They've truly been the best 6 years ever. I love this man more than I ever have. I'm so grateful and so blessed to have him as my best friend and husband. I love you babe!

2005: Our Wedding Day

2006: 6 months

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

my little firefighter

2011-09-28T11:18:00.000-07:00

A new friend from church invited me to her Mom's Club open house today. The Mom's Club is "club" for moms and their little ones where they have planned activities. Yesterday, we did a trial run with the group at a local stable where the kids got to see, pet, and ride the horses. Leon loved it. The open house today had some fun things for the kids and vendors & give aways for the moms. Leon got a little firehat from a firefighter and also got his face painted for the first time. I could tell that he thought it was pretty cool.

When we got home, he grabbed his hat (which he thinks is supposed to be worn backwards - maybe so its more like a baseball hat?) and ran over to his rocket car, saying "Bye mommy, my fire truck, go!". I had to pull out my camera.

He's also pretty stoked about his face painting. It's going to be a battle to get it off tonight.

Out Take

2011-09-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

We did a little portrait shoot with Leon yesterday. Here is one of the photos of him just being silly. I don't know why he is lifting up his shirt - he's just a goofball. Anyway to see more click here.

Playing Catch Up

2011-09-18T14:42:00.000-07:00

Oh man, this week has been rough. Lots of things I could say about the week but I'll give you the "short", easy version:

We had an ultrasound on Monday because I was measuring 6 weeks bigger than what I actually am in this pregnancy. They wanted to make sure nothing serious was going on in there. I wasn't nervous or worried until Sunday night came and I started freaking out a bit. Thankfully it appears that everything is fine - the baby is a tad big and I just have lots of fluid, but it doesn't appear to be a problem.

Leon has been a pistol. 2.5 is hard. It's like having a moody teenager - one moment they're happy, the next they're not. I can't tell you now many times I've said "no" or "stop it". We haven't had to do many time-outs lately, but this week canceled it all out.

I got some sort of big bite or something on my inner thigh last week. I figured it would just go away in a couple of days. It didn't. It got worse - hurting and swelling and getting bigger - until I got so worried that I called the doctor. They made me go in. They ended up cutting it open and draining it. Sorry, I know that's gross. I've been hobbling around the last few days. It hurts like H.E.L.L. and I can only take tylenol. Luckily, when I went in yesterday they said it was looking really good.

Because of all of this, Kyle had barely gotten all of his study time in. His next acturial exam is the beginning of November. He's stressed about it. I'm trying to be very supportive. This week I blew it. Luckily he still loves me and understands.

I haven't cooked dinner once this week, but I'm making up for it tonight with one of our favorite meals. I'm burned out on our usual foods - anybody have any good recipe blogs they really like?

Anyway! I've put up a few new posts in the last couple of days in my attempt to catch up. Please take a look! One day I'll be better about blogging.

1st Baseball Game

2011-09-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

Florence, the city where we live, has a minor league baseball team. Kyle started going with some work buddies every now and then. We decided that we'd go to the last home game of the season together as a family. It was a good time. We got in for free - someone didn't need there extra tickets. We ate hotdogs and drank colas. Leon, of course, wasn't too interested in the game but I he still had a good time running around with us. I love the experience of going to a good ballgame. This place was so family/kid friendly. It was fun to have a carefree night doing something new with our little family.

p.s. Leon now has a baseball hat and loves wearing it. He says "i'm cool" everytime he wears it.

EnterTRAINment Junction

2011-09-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

We found out about this cool train place in Northern Cincinnati and we knew we'd have to take our train-loving munchkin to it. They were having a special exhibit with Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends, so we thought we'd take advantage. The place was cool. Leon was so entrawed in it and was so busy taking it all in while we were there that he didn't even take a moment to smile. However, I know he LOVED it.

The place is big for a train musuem and it has amazing models of train history. Some of it looked so realistic.

Included in our tickets was a pass to the kid friendly fun house which Leon loved just as much. It was so much fun to watch him try to go through the mirrored hallways and the funky unbalanced rooms with us.

It was a good time and I'm glad we've been able to discover a few things with our little guy before this next little one comes.

Cupcake Heaven

2011-09-17T09:15:00.000-07:00

We've discovered, with the help of some new friends, a little cupcake bakery just a few miles away from our house. It's heaven. I'm in love. There's nothing better than a super moist cupcake with buttercream frosting - nothing! Here's a few pics of Leon enjoying his half of our cupcake.

This is Kyle's which he hasn't eaten yet. It's a peanut butter cup cupcake.

It's taken all my might not to grab a fork and devour it.

Next time I'm going to get the red velvet or the pineapple-cherry or maybe the other 10 flavors they have. How on earth are you supposed to choose just one?

How we are doing...

2011-08-28T12:16:00.000-07:00

Most of my posts so far have been mostly in the need-to-know, what we've been doing, new baby, or Leon catergories. But I thought I'd sit down and share a little more about how we're actually doing. We'll start with the most important:

Leon

Leon had a pretty rough time adjusting to this move. It really didn't go over well with him at all. However, I'm happy to say that after 2 and half months he is finally getting more and more comfortable and adjusted. He went to nursery at church today without crying (HORRAY!) for the first time since we got here. He doesn't have to be right outside the shower when I shower - he'll play in the playroom or in my bedroom. He's not afraid of his massive closet anymore. He actually went downstairs all by himself today to play (I was in the shower and when I came out I started to panic because I couldn't find him anywhere - I went downstairs and he was happily playing with his trains). His speech has really taken off. He surprises me daily with the words/phrases he picks up and the sentences he puts together. He's become very observant - On our way to church today, he saw McDonald's and shouted out (with joy) "french fries!". A few weeks ago he started calling me "Mommy" instead of "Momma". He is very gracious - he says "thank you, mommy" just about everytime I compliment him or give him something. His temper tantrums have declined signficantly since we moved. He now can count up to 5 and knows most of this colors. AND, when I ask him if he wants a baby he usually says "Yes" while shaking his head up and down. It's adorable. I love the kid and every time he does something cute or sweet or funny I wonder how on earth I was lucky enough to have this little boy be my son! He's just awesome. The one bad thing we're still working on is getting him to sleep in his own bed throughout the night - he just gets worried without us there with him.

Kyle

Kyle has been having to make a lot of changes when it comes to his work situation. His commute is much different - driving into the big city requires a lot of dealing with traffic and rush hour. He is getting used to how different the work enviroment is at this new company, but I think he's liking it. It's different but not bad. He's got another one of his crazy actuarial exams coming up right before the baby is due. His study schedule is pretty intense which isn't so enjoyable. However, there's light at the end of the tunnel - if he passes this one he only has one more and then he is done! Forever! Yay! He's told me that he really likes the area and the people he works with. He is also enjoying having a yard that only takes 20 minutes to mow instead of 2 hours and having a house that doesn't have an endless list of improvements to work on. Despite his busy work and study schedule and the stress that comes with both, he's been so awesome. He's been helping me with all my house projects and with Leon. He's making life around here great.

I miss home - mostly my friends and family, my favorite photography locations (I haven't had much success with scouting places out here), and the convience of just knowing an area for so long. However, I do like the area for the most part. I've been making friends with ladies from church and they're great. I joined their book club and have been invited to a couple of ladies nights which have been a lot of fun. I really like our new house. I love that all I have to do is paint and decorate and keep it clean. That's ALL! It's really starting to look like a lovely home for us. I can't wait to show more pictures. Most rooms are very close to being photo worthy. As far as the pregnancy goes, I'm already very uncomfortable. I'm huge and I still have 12 weeks to go - people keep asking me if I'm having twins or their eyes get really wide when I tell them the baby is due in November. I'm not usually too offended when this happens because I agree with their thoughts - I'm big and I know it ;) I'm already having contractions which stinks. But luckily everything else is going great, so I'm not going to complain too much. I miss taking photos. However, I'm not feeling to creative while being big and it's nice having the free time. I'll start things back up in the spring.

Baby #2

He's nice to me. Well, other than the whole making me huge thing, giving me contractions, and being up in my ribs most of the time. He lets me sleep when I need/want to and he lets me get things done. I appreciate it. His room is going to be so stinkin cute when it's gets done. We are still are debating on names. We've got a list going but we just can't decide. Here are some of our options (the ones I can remember at least): Owen, Oliver, Ollie, Greyson, Griffin, Charlie, Ray, Ethan, Everett, and James.

P.S. Check out our little adventure of feeding the ducks at a nearby lake here.

Leon's Big Boy Room

2011-08-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

The first room I really started working on when we got here was Leon's room. I pretty much knew what I wanted to do so it really didn't take much, just time and some money. I loved how it has turned out so far. There's still a little bit more to do - I have a wall shelf to paint & put up and some other pics to frame. But here is what it currently looks like:

A little collage of some of my favorite things in his room (top to bottom): 1) his new green quilt, a train pillow I made him, and our favorite family photo hanging up 2) Mr. Potatoe Head - he's just cool 3) Leon playing with Mr. Potato Head in this room 4) A poster I made with this saying 5) Books from the libray that are kept under his night stand that we read before bedtime everynight 6) The wonderful Ikea bookshelf - I absolutely love this thing

Leon's room has a massive walk in closet too (which is good because eventually the boys will share rooms). It's barely even filled up with things right now. I wanted to make a little reading nook for Leon. One of these days I want to stamp glow in the dark stars all over.

I loved how it's turning out. Leon likes his room too - he just isn't so sure about being in it alone though. It's just one of those things we've had problems with since we've moved. HOWEVER, Leon slept ALL NIGHT for the first in his own room, in his own bed, without mommy or dadda, since we moved in. That's gotta be a good sign that he's getting more comfortable.

Counting

2011-08-14T18:03:00.000-07:00

Leon is picking up things left and right. His speech took off after the move and is getting pretty good at talking. He is also learning many of his colors - I think blue and orange are his favorites. In the last week or two, he's been counting. He started out with by saying "1, 2, 3, GO!" but now he counts while going up the stairs or putting his trains out. Today we worked on counting to 5 and he got the hang of it pretty well. I tried taking some video of him. It didn't turn out wonderfully - he gets a little distracted when the camera comes out, but it does show him counting to five (it goes by pretty quick). Take a look:

I love this boy! I'm loving this stage in his life - although I could do without the temper tantrums and hitting, but all the rest of it is incredibly fun!

Totally Worth It

2011-08-13T05:49:00.000-07:00

When I found out that our county 4-H fair had a $8/person admisson I was pretty ticked. Seriously, $8???? We really wanted to go (for the fair food and the demolition derby) so we decided we'd chance it and hope that the $16 admission would be worth it. It TOTALLY was and here is why:

Watching Leon hold and eat a corn dog. He's not much of an eater so this was a big deal to us.

Seeing Leon's mouth turn blue as we shared a blue rasberry-cherry snow cone.

Seeing Leon's reaction to the demolition derby.

It was everything from concern to gittiness to totally getting into it to cheering with the crowd.

Leon is yelling "car craaaaash" in these photos.

And having a really wonderful evening with my family. We had so much fun.

My Plan for the Baby's Room

2011-08-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

So for baby #2's bedroom, I've decided that I don't want to do a theme but a color scheme. I don't want to get too caught up in doing a theme when I'd just end up changing it in a couple of years. I want it to be simple and classic with a contemporary design.

Here's the color scheme - blue, green, gray

I've started to make a quilt already. I've already have the top done (this is a not-so-great pic of it). It's simple, fun, and incorporates my chosen color scheme. I just need to find someone to quilt the back and front together for me so I can do the binding.

This time, I'd really like to get a nice, comfortable rocking chair (we moved the chair we used for Leon into our living room so we need a new one). I'll cozy it up with pillows, cushions, and a ottaman. OR maybe a nice upholstered glider similar to this one.

Other things I'm hoping to do:

a bird mobile, like this one, with the left over quilt fabric
family photo(s), temple photo/silhouette, and some other artwork
some pretty, simple white wall shelves
repaint Leon's old dresser and use it as a dresser/changing table
big monogram letter(s)

Also, I'm getting tired of calling this baby "baby #2" - I could use some ideas for boy names if anyone would like to share!

I wanted to do more pics in this blog post, but blogger isn't allowing me to link any pics through URL - so sorry for all the silly links.

I've been busy...

2011-07-28T12:51:00.000-07:00

working on a house, spending time with my nieces, visiting family, sewing pillows, working on a baby quilt, reading, sleeping, learning a new area, being homesick, editing photos (which I desperately need to post), picking out baby names, playing with Leon, attempting (and repeatedly failing) to discipline a two year old, painting, and growing a baby.

(23 weeks with baby boy #2)

One of these days I'll find time to post about some of these projects. I've been a terrible blogger.

Louisville Temple Trip

2011-07-18T06:51:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we were able to go to the Louisville Temple. It's only 1 hr 20 min drive which is soooo much better than the 3 hour drive through Chicago to get to the temple. I think we'll be taking more advantage of short trip in the future. We met our friends from home there so we could do a trade off kiddos. We had a great time playing with their little Dax and then enjoying a late lunch all together. Here are some pics from our visit:

Our boys - they had a good time together.

I think Kyle really enjoyed having both boys together. Just a little view into the future I guess.

Mr. Dax

My Leon and the boys exploring the beautiful temple grounds together.

They had the most beautiful pink hydraneas on the grounds.

It was a great trip. I always love the refreshing perspective I get at the temple. It's a wonderful blessing.

A Brother

2011-07-12T08:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had our ultrasound. I'm happy to say that we're having a healthy baby boy! Leon is going to have a little brother and we couldn't be more excited. I was sure it was a girl so I was surprised, but the more I think about it the more excited I get. Two boys to play with each other, two boys to send on missions, two boys to have adventures with. It will be wonderful.

After the ultrasound, Leon and I went to Babies R Us to celebrate and get some fun new things for the baby. Leon helped me pick out the little doggie and the cars pj's and I picked out the cute robot pj's.

Now it's time to start making decisions. What on earth are we going to name this boy? We don't have a lot of names picked out. Should I have a VBAC or another C-section? The doctors here DO NOT like doing VBACs. How should I decorate this kiddos room?

I'm so excited about it all!

Lately with Leon...

2011-06-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

The last two weeks have been pretty hard on Leon. He started to refuse to sleep in his crib - screamed and cried and was just plain terrified everytime I tried to put him in it. He also has been extremely clingy. He freaks out anytime I go into another room where he can't see me. However, he is getting better everyday. I've been working with him to try to get him to feel secure again. Kyle also said a special prayer (aka a father's blessing to you LDS folks out there). I feel like it did wonders. He's still not 100% back to himself but I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

We bought Leon a train table a few weeks ago. He LOVES it.

And a few days ago we bought Leon a big boy bed. It was pretty obvious he was just DONE with the crib. I was sleeping on the couch with him every night. He loves his bed, but I still have to stay with him until he falls asleep right now, but I know it will get better with a little bit of time. We had fun picking out his Thomas the Train sheets. I can't believe my little boy is big enough for a twin bed.

Jumping on his new bed:

Our New Home

2011-06-03T06:17:00.000-07:00

Well, we're moved! I'm missing home like crazy this morning, so I thought maybe...just maybe, showing off our new house a bit might help. And I know some of you have been asking to see photos. These photos were taken while we were house hunting, so they don't show any of our stuff in them. I'm going to wait to do that until we get a little more settled, throw some paint on the wall, and getting it looking more like us. We're mostly unpacked, but we have lots of organizing, rearranging, painting, and all that other new home stuff to do. Well, here you go:

The Outside:

I usually don't really care for brand new houses, but after spending the last two year fixing an old home up (and still having about 10 more years of work to do) just to have to leave it, I didn't want to put all that work into another one.

The Kitchen and Breakfast Area:

It's small, but has a pantry. We now also have a fridge. I also are going to replace those ugly vinyl floors soon - I can't stand them. We turned the dining room into the office, so that large breakfast area will be the official dining area. It's big, so we'll be able to fit a good sized table there.

The Living Room:

It looks a little dwarfed in this pic, but it's actually very big and roomy. We have a lot of spare space. This pic is taken from the kitchen, so everything is nice and open which I love.

There's also a 1/2 bath on the first floor. The second floor has the master "suite" with nice bathroom, another bathroom for the kiddos, a rec area (which we're using for a toy room), a huge laundry room, and two more bedrooms. We also have a full basement which we hope to finish if we're here long enough. This house is big - much bigger than I'm used to. However, it will be plenty of space for us for quite a while, if not forever, which is nice.

Leon is adjusting well. We bought him a train table when we got here (which he is keeping him occupied at this very moment) and absolutely loves. He's been getting up early, around 5:30, most mornings which is not soooo wonderful for me. He had been very clingy and worried around us, but now that all of his favorite things are out of boxes and we're getting settled he is doing so much better. Kyle started work a few days ago and has been working hard, but he likes it so far.

3 WEEKS?

2011-05-06T14:13:00.000-07:00

Huh? I just looked at the calendar. We have only 3 weeks until we move? Huh? What? OH MY GOODNESS.

Reality just hasn't set in. I haven't done a single thing to really prepare for this move. Well, that's not true. We've almost sold our house, almost bought a house, and I've found an OBGYN down there. But honestly, that's it!

We're going to be gone in 3 weeks. whoa.

eek. I don't wanna go. Please, don't make me!

Well, I guess I have to. I've been so not wanting to think about this move, that I've consumed myself in doing other things. I've had quite a few awesome photography sessions, I've sewed, I've slept and ate a lot. I just don't want to deal with it. But at the same time, I'm just so ready to have it all past us. You know, to feel like I'm not waiting around anymore - to start life again. I've had a bad attitude - the "what's the point, I've moving" and "who cares, I've moving" attitude. I'm so torn about all of it.

Anyway, I'll share a pic of my amazing little artist. This is the first time finger painting. More pics to come:

Some Special News

2011-04-29T09:37:00.000-07:00

We have some special news:

Need a hint? Read Leon's shirt!

Imagination

2011-04-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

Today as I was getting the clothes sorted for doing the weeks laundry, Leon's imagination took flight. After I filled up each basket, he preceded to scoot them into the living room where he lined them up one after the other. I had no idea what he was doing until he got his little radio rocket flyer (which he loves) and put in front of the laundry baskets. He looked at me and with a smile said "train! choo, choo." I was amazed to see what his sweet little imagination thought up. He loves trains and this is just a testament to how much. I love seeing how his imagination is developing. Yesterday, he got his cookie monster figurine out and tried feeding me cookies from it's little cookie jar. Sometimes he acts like he is putting us to bed - laying a blanket over us and then gives us a kiss goodnight. I love it and I hope it stays with him for a long time.

P.S. Aren't his pajamas so cool?

Worn Out

2011-04-04T10:12:00.000-07:00

Leon had a long day yesterday. He spent the entire day at his Grandpa and Grandma Allen's playing with them and his cousins while Kyle and I went back down to Cincinnati in search for a house. He didn't take a nap at all and didn't go to bed until about 9:00 last night. Around noon today I was in the computer room, paying some bills, while Leon was out in the living room watching a show and munching on some food. When I came out to check on him, I found him like this:

sleeping like a little angel.

(p.s. photos taken with my little point and shoot canon)

First House Hunting Trip

2011-04-04T10:03:00.000-07:00

About two weeks ago, we took a long weekend to go to Cincinnati for a house hunting trip. We spread it over three days so we could feel like we were getting a little mini vacation and so Leon could come with us. We looked at about 12 houses, explored the area, and did a lot of fun stuff as a family.

Leon and I around bed time in the hotel. We're watching cartoons.

When Leon saw the carousel at the mall, he HAD to ride it. He really loved it too!

We went to a lookout at the Cincinnati airport and watch the planes take off and come in. Leon thought is really pretty cool for about 5 seconds and then proceeded to just run around and explore.

We also took Leon swimming in the hotel pool which is loved and was soooo mad when it was time to get out. We all went to what our realtor calls "the cheap show". It's a discount movie theatre that shows movies that are just about to be released to DVD. We saw Tangled and loved it. Leon did really well. He enjoyed eating popcorn and watching cartoons on a really big "TV".

(P.S. All photos taken with my point and shoot canon)

My House

2011-03-09T09:12:00.000-08:00

Finally, here are some photos of our first little house. I love what we've made it. It still could use some work but this is what we've made it. Before you start browsing, you really should take a look at a few before photos by clicking here.

The Living Room

Improvements made: ripped up nasty carpet to expose beautiful hardwood floors,

painted wall and trim, and put a new mantle on the fireplace.

I love the big windows and the great lighting they provide.

The Master Bedroom

Again, great windows and lighting.

The Kitchen

Our improvements: new ceramic floors, new wall oven, new counter tops and sink, we painted the cabinets and put new hardware, and painted the trim. Oh, and of course, fresh paint.

We also got this cute little pantry.

And this is my other favorite things - I put up old shoe horns on the wall and we use them to hang up our jackets or purses.

The Office/ 4th Bedroom

The 3rd and 4th Bedrooms used to be one big room. We gutted the room and made them into

2 separate bedrooms - making it a 4 bedroom house.

The 3rd Bedroom/Playroom

Leon's Bedroom

The Screened Porch

The 1.5 acre yard

These big pine trees where the previous owner's (who built the house) Christmas Trees!

The rest of the outside isn't anything to be proud of right now. We had big plans of landscaping this summer but now those plans will be someone else's. I just hope who ever buys our little house will put just as much love and planning into it as we have the last two years.

So there it is. It's not much but we've loved living here!

Moving update

2011-03-06T19:58:00.000-08:00

Well, haven't I just been the worst blogger? I remember when I used to blog 3 or 4 times a week and now I'm lucky if I do it once a week! I guess my life has just gotten a little boring...or maybe I'm just realized that not everybody wants or needs to know about every little thought and/or detail of life. Anways, here are some details about our upcoming move that some may want to know more about.

1) Getting a house ready to sell really, really, really sucks! Especially when you really don't have any true desire to sell it. I like my little house. I've put a lot of love into this little house. However, I will say it is looking rather beautiful with all the little things we've been doing to get it ready to go on the market. We've been cleaning and organizing all weekend and will continue doing so for the next two days until it's perfect for the realtor's camera. And then we'll have to keep it clean and beautiful for what I'm sure will feel like forever - aka until it sells.

2) We're going to get to buy a house!!! I'm so excited about not having to rent and to be able to move into a house. I'm so excited about house hunting. I will say that even though I love this little house it DEFINTELY has it's flaws. We've learned so much by this house being our first house - we know what will be important to us for the next house. We're going in a few weeks to search the northern Kentucky side of Cincinnati which I think it'll be a perfect place for us to live. It's all little more rural then other parts of Cincinnati and it's still close enough to downtown where Kyle will be working and still has all the conviences of the city too.

3) Have I mentioned that there is an Ikea in Cincinnati? Or that the closet temple is only 1 hour away? Or that they supposedly have one the best Zoo's in the US or that they have this awesome aquarium. As much as I think it'll be hard for me to adjust to not knowing where just about everything like I do here, there will be so much to explore. Our days and weekends will never be dull with all these new explorations!

4) As much as I'd love to stay here for the rest of my life, I am getting so excited for this next chapter in our life. I think I'm past that utter state of shock (although, I'm sure there are still a few meltdowns still to come). I know that the Lord has something in store for us. I'm not so sure what'll it be, but I have faith that it'll be wonderful for us.

Thanks for reading - I'm sure I've lost some of you over the time I haven't been a very good blogger. Hopefully the next post will include photos of our sweet little house - I've been promising them for quite a while.

I blinked...

2011-03-01T17:36:00.000-08:00

I feel like this happened in the blink of an eye:

I'm beginning to really understand what people mean when they say "they grow up so fast". The other day, I was getting Leon out of the bathtub and wrapping him up in a towel (one we got from a baby shower) and couldn't believe my eyes. My baby boy is now a little boy! Unbelievable.

I love this kid so much. He's so sweet, so funny, and so incredibly wonderful. Honestly, he's amazing. I've said it before and I have to say it again - I'm so lucky to be his "momma".

p.s. We signed - We're moving to Cincinnati! I promise I'll post more later.

Birthday Candles

2011-02-16T15:26:00.000-08:00

Leon made a very good effort - it was impressive actually - but Daddy did have to help out a little too.

First visit to Cincinnati

2011-02-09T09:13:00.000-08:00

The company bused us over to Cincinnati to wine and dine us last weekend. It was my first trip to Cincinnati. They put us up in a fancy hotel, we had a fancy dinner where we met Kyle's potential boss, took us on a bus tour (where I pointed out every floral and jewelry shop close to Kyle's work), and then we got to go out with a realtor to scout potential places to live and/or houses to buy. Over all it was a good weekend. It was our first night without Leon. I was so antsy to get back to him the following day. I will say I'm getting overwhelmed with all the new things and how real this is all becoming. There are so many things to do and so many decisions to be made. We're working through them. I'm so glad I have Kyle to keep me from going crazy. This is a big change for us.

My babe and I in our hotel room getting ready for our fancy dinner (it was soooo good).

Our view from our room was over the Fountain Square which is a main point in downtown.

Our room:

The Square at night. It was pretty cool.

There's some pretty cool things in Cincinnati. Discovering a little bit of it made me feel a little better. I know now that I could live there...if I have too.

All right, I'm off to go paint...and then paint some more...and then paint some more.

Turning Two!

2011-02-01T10:38:00.000-08:00

Today my baby turns two. I can hardly believe it.

He's such a blessing in my life. He's a happy little guy who knows just how to make his mommy and daddy smile and laugh. He's loved by just about everyone. I can't get enough of his smile, laugh, and this energy (even when it does wear me down). He loves his blankie, playing with his cars and trains, his cousins, junk food, and being wild. He's amazing and I'm so lucky that he's mine.

One day soon, I'll take some "nice" portraity photographs of him. The lighting is terrible today (that oh so wonderful midwest winter storm is to blame), but it'll happen soon. However, I love these candid photographs I took of him is last weekend. They just capture his personality so well.

Our Moving News Continued...

2011-01-28T09:47:00.000-08:00

Well, we're still not sure if we are going to take the job in Cincinatti yet. It's likely we will, but we're not 100% sure. We're still figuring everything out, weighing our options. The one thing we do know is that we will have to move. There aren't anymore acturial jobs for Kyle here in Lafayette now that his company is moving to Cincinatti. The offer that was given to Kyle is a good offer with lots of very nice moving benefits included. It's nice to know that he's not out a job. We have one if we want it.

We met with a realator last week. I have a page full of small projects to work on the next month before we put it up on the market. Lots and lots of little projects. I've already started. It's been a little hard though because Kyle is working and studying so much that he barely has the time to help. Luckily I have a handy-man brother who is going to help me out with the things Kyle would normally be doing.

I've had a couple of meltdown the last week or two but I'm doing pretty good with everything. I think the thing I'm most bummed out about is the house. I've worked so hard on this house and we just have to leave. Someone else will get to enjoy all the hard work and love we've put into it. It's seriously an entirely different place then when it was when we first bought it. It's a home now, our home. I'm going to be so sad to leave it to move into a rental. Yep, a rental . We want to save for a good down payment and get to know the area of where ever we will be living before we buy our next house. It's pretty bad when you have seller's remorse before you even put the house up for sell.

This will be a new adventure for us. One that will be really good for us, I think. We'll have to expand our horizons. We'll get to start over again. And that'll be nice.

Thank Heaven for Cars

2011-01-21T10:41:00.000-08:00

I honestly have no idea what Leon would do all day if it weren't for his cars. He loves him and therefore I love them. He's such a little boy.

I'm trying to work on my everyday photography skills. I think by working toward a more lifestyle approach to my everyday photography would be so beneficial and rewarding. I'm currently loving the work by Molly Flanagan whose everyday photographs of her children are just wonderful - they're so real but so aestically beautiful it makes me want to cry. So, with that said (or typed, I guess), I hope to be posting more fun, playful, and beautiful photo post of our everyday lives.

P.S. I'm sure everyone is wondering about our recent news about moving. I promise I'll most more next week.

Bombshell News

2011-01-13T09:50:00.000-08:00

This week we got some news that pretty much has turned our world upside down. All our upcoming plans and hopes have come to a screaching halt. On Tuesday, we found out that the company that Kyle works for is moving to Cincinnati, Ohio which also means that Kyle's job is moving as well. We're so grateful that he'll still have job if he chooses to accept their offer, but we're also flustered, scared, sad about the fact that we're going to have to move. We knew that this was probably going to happen, but we also thought it would be 5, 7, 10 years down the road. It was just so sudden. We bought this little fixer upper house which isn't in any means close to how we thought it would be when it came to sell it. There's still a lot of little projects to do and we haven't even landscaped yet. Fortunetly the offer they gave us is good and includes very generous moving expenses and benefits. However, we still are deciding if this good offer is the right one for us. We would have been happy to stay here forever, close to all our family. And I FINALLY have good friends, ones that I don't want to leave behind. It took me forever to make friends and I don't really want to start over.

I will say this though. We are excited about having the chance to start over. We're excited about having a new adventure, a new learning experience. We'll get to go house hunting again which I love. We'll get to be on our own. We'll (maybe, if he accepts) be in larger city with lots of fun, new things to do - OH, and there's an Ikea in Cincinatti. Once I found that out, I was like "well, this may not be so bad afterall!" hehe.

But...there's always a but. I had big plans this year and moving cancels or puts a lot of them on hold like for instance: Gardening. I couldn't wait to start a garden this year- just could not wait! I was so excited about it. My photography business - it was really doing well and now if I want to, I'll have to start all over again. I was also finally starting to get my art work out there in the community and selling it. We'll have to leave our family and won't be able to just stop by on Sundays or meet up for dinner. Leaving our little house - even though it still has many flaws and we get upset with it every so often we've put so much work and love into it. I love our neighborhood. I love our big yard. I'm not a city girl either. Lafayette, West Lafayette is about as big as I really wanna go. I've never moved further than 45 minutes of where I grew up. I don't know how to really move. I knew what schools Leon was going to go to and I knew they were good schools.

I've got tons of mixed feelings about all of it. I'm mostly scared of all the unknowns. However, I have faith that everything will be okay. It will all work out. It's not the end of the world ;) I know that God has a plan for us and He's sending us on our way.

Smile!

2011-01-10T17:57:00.000-08:00

Now you can't tell me this didn't make you smile!

The part I could do without...

2011-01-06T07:15:00.000-08:00

So last night, I encountered the part of motherhood that I'd rather do without: cleaning up someone else's vomit. Leon started running a fever yesterday afternoon. He wouldn't eat dinner but before bed he was hungry so I got him a snack. Around 9:30 I had to go into get a very scared, very sick, very unconsolable little Leon. I felt so bad for him. After he finished throwing up all over the place, we got him changed, gave him some water, put Curious George on in our bedroom, and preceded to clean up his room. It wasn't fun seeing my little guy so miserable and it certainly wasn't fun to clean up.

Here's after all the mayhem, watching Curious George and trying to get his fever down a bit.

Leon woke back up around 2:00, once again very scared and burning up. I got him calmed down, gave him some tylenol, and got him ready for bed again. But after going back to my bed, I knew there was no way I was going to sleep unless he was right beside me where I could keep an eye on him. Leon won't sleep in our bed with us, so I ended up making a bed on his bedroom floor next to the crib.

This morning he was feeling much better. His fever is much better. He still isn't 100% by any means. He actually just went down for a nap around 9:45 - he's tired and wiped out. I'm glad though because he could use some more rest and I could use a shower. Here is a moment when he was really feeling pretty good.

I love him to death. I hope he starts feeling better. Poor guy.

Looking back, looking forward

2011-01-01T19:52:00.001-08:00

I feel like this last year has been a year of overcoming things and becoming better by doing so. I really feel like I've grown in so many ways. We've accomplished so much. We have so many wonderful things to be grateful for. Leon has grown and changed and developed so much. He's sweet and funny and adventurous. Kyle is a better husband and father than ever. I feel like we are closer and love each other more with everyday counting. I've pretty much defeated my seemingly everlasting battle with post partum depression and couldn't love being a mother more. My portrait photography business completely took off unexpectedly. I finally accomplished my goal to start selling my artwork and did so quite successfully, I think. I finally have friends again, something that had been so much harder since I got married then I ever expected. I really feel good about life. It's been a while since I've felt this satisfied. There are many things that still need working on but I've got a handle on things which makes it all feel so much more easier and doable.

2011 is going to be a tough one. I already know this and I'm prepared for it. I'm just hoping I can keep a good perspective about things. Kyle is going to be studying for and taking 2 actuarial exams. For those of you who don't know about actuarial exams, they are hard and incredible time consuming and hard and exhausting for everybody. For every hour of exam there is you are recommended to study 100 hours. The ones that Kyle will be taking are 6 hours long. You do the math - yep, that's 600 hours of studying from January to May and then again from July/August to November. And that's just if he passes each one. If he doesn't, he has to start all over again. However, if he does pass it will be soooo worth it and he'll be done with these crazy exams for good!

I'm hoping to start an etsy shop selling my fine art photography and revamp my portrait business. I also have a mile high of home project to work on. I'm taking one thing at a time and taking my time with each thing. Nothing will be worth me being overwhelmed this year. We're also hoping to possibly fit some other things in like going on a decent vacation, getting a new vehicle, and possibly another kid? I also have hopes to becoming a better mom and wife, to read The Book of Mormon again, and working on our budget. Kyle is usually the one who takes care of all the finances, but we both agree it's time for me to learn the ropes of it all.

I know it'll be a hard one, but I know those are the ones that always make you better in the end. Happy New Year to you all!

2010-12-24T06:28:00.001-08:00

Catching Up...

2010-12-21T09:17:00.000-08:00

I've been a seriously terrible blogger lately. I hope to get better again, back to the way I used to be. I've just been trying to concentrate on other things recently. I really enjoy blogging so I'm sure I'll be back in no time. The following 3 posts are all new. I wanted to catch up to the most recent events so I can get back in the swing of things! Enjoy!

Meeting Santa

2010-12-21T09:14:00.000-08:00

As you can see, it really didn't go that well.

O Christmas Tree

2010-12-21T09:06:00.000-08:00

We usually go to a Christmas Tree Farm to pick out the perfect tree for our home. This year was especially fun because it was right after the first real snow of the year and everything was so beautiful. We had so much fun.

The tree we picked. It was perfect and petite.

My favorite thing about our tree this year are these little cardinals that I put on it.

Photo Collage

2010-12-21T08:53:00.000-08:00

I've been planning a photo collage for a living room for sometime now and we finally got it up. There's still a few twicks to make to it but for the most part I'm so happy with it. It really brings something to that wall which just had a puny little shelf on it before and it's nice to finally have some of my favorite photos of all of us up on the wall. It took a lof of planning and most of the afternoon, but it was well worth it. Take a look at our process.

Cutting out papers the size of the frames and then arranging them on the wall helped so much. It really elimated a lot of measuring and frustration.

Actually getting some of the frames up.

Leon is helping Kyle who is making sure the measurements are just right.

And the final product:

We actually had plans for another row but we quickly realized we were not going to have enough space. This is what we orginally had planned:

The living room is really starting to look like I've wanted it to. It's so nice. I just have to make a few pillows and finish decoring the fireplace mantle it will be pretty much done!

LOVE

2010-12-07T18:03:00.000-08:00

I've been feeling the love in my home tonight - really feeling it. I've been just been listening to giggles and observing Leon and Kyle play together. I feel so blessed. Leon seriously does have the cutest giggle in the world and it just lights up my whole world when I hear it. He's a coolest kid. Kyle started teaching him how to do somersaults last night and this evening Leon did some all by himself. Kyle and I just looked at each other, gasped, looked at Leon who was smiling ear to ear laying on his back, and then we clapped and cheered. I'll try to get it on video - it's impressive for a 22 month old. 22 months? Gesh. Where has the time gone? Leon came and sat in my lap after he was given some milk. I wanted to sit there like that forever. I don't want him to get any bigger. It breaks my heart a little to know he will. I love him more and more each day and it is amazing. Kyle is such a good dad - and husband. I've been feeling a little under the weather and he's been taking such good care of Leon for me. I'm just loving everything about our little family. I'm so grateful for them. I'm grateful we know how important family is. I'm grateful for the knowledge that I can be with them forever. That's everything.

(all images taken by Mindy Hiatt Photography)

I'm loving this winter. I'm loving staying cooped up in the house and having a break from working. I don't know how long that will last though. I've been getting so much done - things I've actually wanted to do but just haven't had the time for. It's been so nice to just have a break.

P.S. check out my lastest winter photo blog posts.

My Dream

2010-11-22T12:34:00.000-08:00

I have this dream of what I want my portrait photography to be. I have a tough time describing it, but I want my portraits to show love and passion and emotion and timelessness, but to also to be real and unique. I've loved so many of the session I've done this year but I sometimes feel like it's not me and it's not exactly what I want my work to express. I feel like a lot of times I'm just doing what everybody else is doing or wants. Well, a few weeks ago, I finally did a session that I feel reflects me as an artist. The images turned out amazing. While editing them, I was so incredibly grateful to be reminded of what I want. Take a look and please really see these images.

I'm so looking forward to this little break of mine. I'm really going to take the time to evaluate what I want in my life and for my work. I'm going back to my roots and rediscovering what made me want to do all of this in the first place. I'll let you know how it goes.

because I feel like it

2010-11-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

There's about a billion things I should be doing right now, but I just feel like writing and I'm going to. Everything else will just have to wait. Things have been so crazy, but there is finally light at the end of the tunnel from all the business and I'm really, really looking forward to it. I'm pretty much done with portrait sessions for the year. I'm selling some of my art work in a local craft fair in 9 days and that is what is keeping me busy right now. But after the 20th, I'm done. I'm really looking forward to this little break to recuperate, work on my house, spend quality time with my son, and I have a few fun projects I going to work on.

It's been really nice the last few days. It's been sunny and 70 degrees which you just can't beat for November. Leon was getting a little restless in the house - he's be banging on the door or running to get his shoes so we could get outside but it had been too cold. I needed the nice weather as much as he did. We took a little walk at the battlefield again the other day. The above picture is from our walk. It was nice to get out and wander. It's still beautiful out.

What am I going to do about Leon this winter? Any thoughts on how to keep a little guy busy during a long winter?

I've been loving being around my Leon so much lately. I feel a refreshed perspective about motherhood and it's made life much happier and easier. There are still bad days (like yesterday) but I feel like I'm handling them much better. I'm loving seeing Leon grow and learn. He's getting quite the imagination. We taught him how to say "I love you" by pointing at his eye, hugging his chest, and pointing at us. It's so cute. He's also quite the little dancer with lots of funky moves. I love to hear him crack up - it makes my world go round. I can't believe he'll be 2 in just a few months. It really does fly by like everyone says it does.

Well, I'd love to keep writing about...well, everything, but I shouldn't. There's so much to do. Hopefully I'll be back to write in a few days.

Cowboy

2010-11-01T18:26:00.000-07:00

Leon was a cowboy for Halloween.

He really wasn't the best at being a cowboy, but he sure was the cutest!

I made his chaps out of some left over felt I had.

Shooting daddy.

It was a FUN halloween. We really enjoyed it. Now, I'm just stuck wondering where October went. I seriously can not believe it is November already!

Energy

2010-10-27T11:13:00.000-07:00

Oh how I wish I had his energy. I wish I could bottle it up...for me. We went to the park this morning. I still can't believe how wild this little man can be - you'd think I'd be used to it by now. I've been dragging myself around. There are moments when I think drinking coffee wouldn't be so bad (you know, just for the caffiene aspect of it) and those moments have been coming much more frequently lately.

big yawn.

Things have been busy and are going to get even busier the next month or so. I don't know how often I'll get to blog but I'll try to update here and there. If you really want to know what I'm up to then just check out my photo blog cause photos are just about my life right now. However, after November I'm taking nice LONG break. Can't wait.

Our Family Pics

2010-10-22T05:34:00.000-07:00

Check our family pics here by my friend Mindy Hiatt.

Thank you Mindy! We love them.

Armoires

2010-10-20T11:39:00.000-07:00

I seriously love armoires. Always have, always will.

Just take a look and you will too...

This past weekend we gladly welcomed an armoire into our home. We had been looking for one for a little while but they are sooooooo gosh darn expensive and hard to find. We finally found one on craigslist that was in superb condition and for a GREAT price. It isn't necessarily the finish I wanted, but I still couldn't pass it up. Maybe after years of wear and tear will restain it or paint it, but for know it's beautiful the way it is.

So we went from this... ...to this. Much better, huh?

It fills our living room much better than our old little stand. Our old one looks so pathetic in the above picture. We just love this armoire. Leon can't reach up and turn the TV on when we don't want it on (he loves watching TV and pushing all the buttons). It's also nice because when the doors are shut, the TV is out of sight and therefore out of mind. I LOVE it. Now I just need to finish up decorating the rest of the living room. It really needs some color and needs to be lightened up. I kinda want to paint again (maybe a lighter neutral color that doesn't match our sofa so much) but I don't dare tell Kyle that ;) We'll see how things look after I get some new pillows made and some more frames on the wall.

Two Peas in a Pod

2010-10-19T09:55:00.000-07:00

I think Leon's best friend is his cousin, Harrison. They're so cute together and Leon has so much fun with him. They love to chase each other around. Leon is full of laughter and smiles when Harrison is around. It's music to my ears. Today I'm watching Harrison while his momma goes on a field trip with his older sister. He's so easy. Right now, Leon is taking a nap and Harrison is watching a movie. Every now and then, Harrison comes in to tell me something or ask a question. He's such a sweet heart.

Leon is so crazy.

I love Harrison's big smiles.

Isn't he a cutie?

fjkbbgjlgi m ccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccxijirdjifrhfiofhfuifijfhdfufifjfuh

Harrison wrote that.

Anniversary, birthday, and yummy food

2010-10-11T08:39:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Kyle and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary and Kyle's 28th birthday. It was seriously a great weekend for the two of us. We spent a lot of time together with it being just us and it was really good (even though we did miss Leon very much).

On Friday night we went to a local Thai restaurant and ate some delicious Thai cuisine. We got spring rolls to share. I got the red curry which was sooooo yummy and Kyle got an old favorite - Thai Basil Stir fry.

My yummy curry.

I love him. He's my best friend on the whole earth.

After a very satisfying dinner, we took a little walk on the pedestrian bridge to work off some of that food.

Then we went and had ice cream at the best hand dipped ice cream shop - The Silver Dipper. This is me enjoying my all time favorite ice cream.

On Saturday we celebrated Kyle's birthday by spending some more time on our own, going to the movies, and out for a late lunch.
Kyle is looking all studly in this pic.

For a while we thought we were going to be the only ones there, but we were soon disappointed. Oh well.

We ate at Kyle's favorite restaurant - South Street Smokehouse. It has the best BBQ in town. This was my yummy sandwich.

Kyle got the ribs which also very, very yummy.

We definitely had a great time. I think we gained about 5lbs each but it was well worth it. I love you Kyle.

(all pics taken with my crappy little point and shoot camera)

An Afternoon at the Battlefield

2010-10-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took Leon to one of my favorite places, the battlefield in Battle Ground. I let him roam and be curious and adventurous while I watched and took pictures. It was a wonderful afternoon.

Throwing things into the creek and watching them float away.

Taking a little walk.

Finding a way down to the creek to play in it. It was only 75/80degrees out but he was very insistent. Don't worry - I only let him play in it for 10 minutes and I had warm, dry clothes in the car.

Cold and wet - heading back up to the car. He didn't want to come. He was having way too much fun in that creek.

The Little Oink

2010-10-07T08:09:00.000-07:00

by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Jen Corace

I found this book at the library. It is so stinkin cute. It is about a little pig who doesn't like to make a mess but his mommy and daddy won't let him go out to play until he has made a "proper" mess. So he makes a mess so he can go out and play. But guess what he does when he gets to go out and play finally?
He plays house - cleaning and sweeping and scrubing - making everything tidy!

So cute! I loved it!

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

So you may have seen the nice, cool photos of the pumpkin patch on my photo blog but you haven't seen the ones I took of Leon while we were there. Leon was crazy - having so much fun so it was pretty much impossible to get a really good, nice photo of him but here they are:

He LOVED running up and down the aisles between the pumpkins

We took a little walk to see where they grow the BIG pumpkins.

And then on our way back we stopped to look at the little pumpkins.

Leon was showing me how strong he was by picking them up...

I'm just glad he didn't try to throw it.

We had a great time. It was a great way to spend some time while Daddy was on a business trip. We have a pumpkin out on our porch waiting to be carved.

I love Fall.

Best Book I've Ever Read

2010-10-01T13:53:00.000-07:00

I'm don't know if this is the best book I've ever read because it is or if it is because it's contents are those that I've needed to so desperately. I loved every moment of this book. It made me smile, it made me cry, it humbled me, it made me feel good, and it gave me so much perspective on my role as a mother.

This book is all about being proud to stand up and say "I am a mother". It reminds us how important our roles as mothers are, not only in our families lives, but in society. I especially loved how it reminded us that we need to view the role as a mother as something worthy and important - and how me need to teaching others to believe and show that too. It talks about how we are in a partnership with God to raise and nurture the generations coming forth. It talks about how sometimes it is hard but also how we can do it. It talks about how me need to step into other women's and mother's shoes - how we need to stop judging and start loving the women around us. It also talks about how every woman, not just mothers, have a role in "mothering" others.

I've been so grateful for this book. I know what I'm doing as a mother is God's work and I am meant to do it. I'm so glad to be reminded that He is there urging me on, helping me. I'm also very grateful to have read it at this particular time in my life - I really did need it.

P.S. This is written by a LDS (aka Mormon) author, so there are a lot of principles/doctrine from our church in it - just in case you're wondering

Thanks to my friend, Melissa, for letting me borrow it. I'm going to buy my own copy.

Apple Orchard

2010-09-29T17:53:00.000-07:00

Our ward's moms-and-tots went to an apple orchard farm last week. We had a great morning walking around the orchard and playing.

Harrison and Aunt Kris went with us. Harrison is much more obedient when it comes to picture taking compared to Leon.

Dax.

Dax and his momma, Shayla (my great friend).

Oh, and there were goats so we had to go take a look.
Here are some of Leon's little friends with the goats.

It was in deed a great time. Leon was wiped out for hours afterwards.

Haircut

2010-09-21T11:28:00.000-07:00

Before After

Leon got a haircut about a week ago. I'm not too sure about it. I used the clippers instead of just the scissors which made it much, much shorter. He looks too grown up with it short. It makes me want to cry. I will say that I think in the before pic above it is too long. However in this pic below it is just right, right? I'm not ready for my little guy to look older then this. And I'm sad that it won't be like this (below) for our family pics coming up in a couple of weeks.

Isn't he soooo dang cute in this pic?

(this is one of my all time fav pics of him - it's perfect)

I love him, I love him, I love him.

Fun on the Farm

2010-09-20T09:42:00.000-07:00

Labor Day was forever ago, but I've been wanting to post these pics for a while now. It was Leon's first time on Uncle Ron's farm and he had such a blast (although it doesn't really look like it in a lot of these pics).

Kyle and Leon in the (HUGE) john deer combine.

I wheeled Leon around on that tricycle for a good 10-15 minutes. He loved it. He was mad at me for leaving him for a couple of days so I was trying to get back on his good side.

He even just like push them around.

Aunt Kris and Aunt Candy were making him smile. And yes, I dressed him in overalls on purpose.

Uncle Kent took the kids on a ride on the gator.

All of Grandma Phylis's great grand kids (at least the ones that were there).

Us in tire rim of the combine

Where to begin?

2010-09-15T17:27:00.000-07:00

I feel like my life has been this crazy mess the last couple of weeks. And I want it to be done! Our rooms are so close to being done but I can't seem to find one ounce of motivation to do anything - literally. I'm beyond ready to have my house back to the way it's supposed to be - clean and organized. Between my house being a flippin MESS and this absolutely "spectacular" case of poison ivy rash all over my neck I seriously would like to go crazy. I'm a little OCD when it comes to my house. I don't know how much longer I'm going to be able to stay here with it like this. Somewhere, there's a hotel calling my name. sigh. If only.

So, my little Leon has feeling like 5:00/5:30 in the morning is the perfect time to wake up and stay up. This momma isn't going to be able to take much more of it. I'm tired. AND I got some blood work done yesterday which has made my fatigue about a billion times worse. Leon has also felt the need to have the TV on ALL the time. It drives me nuts. He whines until it's on. What's up with that? I get that he loves it, but he can't watch TV all day long. I think I'm going to start unplugging it (b/c he knows how to turn it on himself). When he isn't wanting to watch TV, he's into everything. I love that kid so much and am trying so hard to be patient but I can't help but having my moments when I wish I had a daycare where I could just drop him off for a few hours. That sounds sooooooooooooooooooooo harsh, but I can't help myself right now. I hope that doesn't make me an awful mother.

I wish there were more hours in the day - more hours that just allowed for a little bit of time to get all these things I need to do done. I have lots of photos to edit, lots of cleaning and laundry that really, really needs done, and some projects that I've been dying to do. Oh, and not to mention that I'm supposed to sell fine art prints at a craft fair in two months. I haven't printed a single thing or shot any of my brilliant ideas.

I'm sorry I'm complaining. Do any of you feel the same way today? I really hope I'm not the only one today. I'm going to go take a shower and wash this day away.

In love with...

2010-09-11T07:44:00.000-07:00

this book!

I checked out this book from the libray and I am absolute love with it. I told Kyle that I wanted it for Christmas but I don't know if I'm going to be able to wait that long. Usually I'm not such a huge fan of Martha's because I think I alot of her stuff is much more complicated (and expensive) than needs be, but not the stuff in this book. It's got TONS of cute, simple projects and ideas. It's great and if you love to sew or craft with fabrics, you'll love it too!

Seriously though, I'm in LOVE! (sigh)

10 Foods I Love

2010-09-08T11:28:00.000-07:00

I don't feel like writing about all that's been going on. I feel like sharing something much more fun. I got my journal jar out today and the topic I pulled out was "10 Foods You Love". That's what I'm going to share with you.

1. Fresh Salsa and Avacados. Can't get enough of it this time of year.

2. Cheeseburgers with everything. I particularly like mine to be really messy and have lots of ketchup and onions. Mmmmm.

3. Fried Foods - fried veggies, corndogs, french fries, dougnuts, crab ragoons. If it's fried, it's usually good!

4. Thai food. Kyle served his mission in Thailand. The first time I had it was with him and I'm totally hooked!

5. Bacon. I don't need to say more.

6. Buffalo wings or anything with buffalo sauce. I blame my dad for that one.

7. Creamy, cheesy, rich Italian sauces.

8. Fresh Fish or Fresh Seafood

9. I love me a big salad bar - the ones where you can find just about anything to put on it. I love a good big salad.

10. Chocolate, of course - cake, icing, icecream. Couldn't live without it.

I could probably go on for about 10 more but it might get a little boring. I hope everyone is having a good day!

Wiped Out

2010-09-07T17:02:00.000-07:00

It's been a full day of playing catch up from all the busy, crazy things that have been going on in our lives. We're all wiped out and ready for our beds. Leon had trouble sleeping last night which resulted in getting up early and therefore resulted in an early nap which then resulted in passing out at 5:30 for about an hour. I have so much to write about, to update about. Hopefully tomorrow I'll find time to blog about it all. But until then please enjoy these pics of my sweet little guy sound asleep on the living room floor.

Tim

2010-08-30T15:27:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday evening, I got a message saying the my photography professor from Purdue had passed away from a terrible car accident. I was completely shocked and immediately struck with grief and overwhelmed with tears.

I can't even to begin to tell you how much Tim Fuller meant to me. He meant a lot to all of us. I had Tim for 6 out of my 9 studio classes. By my Junior year of college, he was the photography department - he ran everything. He did so much for us, sacrificed so much of his time and sanity for us. He was who we went to for all our questions. He had a hand in all my work, helping me develop it and make it better. He mentored me. He gave me the kind of encouragement that I really needed, the kind that not many others ever or could ever give me. He knew I was good. It meant the world to me that somebody recognized that. He was an amazing teacher. It seriously was amazing how good he was at what he did. I don't know if you remember me writing about getting offered a "full ride" back to do my masters, but he was the professor who was giving me that wonderul opportunity.

I wish I had told him all that - how important he was to me and all of us.

I went to a memorial for him this last Saturday. I was able to tell his family what an amazing teacher he was. They had some of his art work out. He rarely ever showed us his work. I knew he was a good photographer, but I don't think I ever realized how AMAZING his images were. I stood there is awe of them. I was able to see pictures of him with his family when we was young. He was so handsome. He was so lively too. I smiled so big as I saw the snapshots of him in the 70's with his big, thick, dark mustache and this trucker hat that had "TIM" written in big letter across it. I've been so heartbroken over it this last week and getting to talk to his family and see all those images was such a comfort - such a sweet way for me to remember him.

I'm sure many of you don't understand how I could be so attached to a professor. He will forever have a place with me. Tim Fuller was an amazing teacher and friend. He changed my life, my way of thinking, my way of looking at things. Thank you Tim for the things you taught me about photography and life. I'll never forget you. You mean so much to so many of us, especially me - you made such a difference in my life. I wish I had told you sooner.

Home Improvement: 1 Room to 2 Rooms

2010-08-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

When we bought this house we knew there would be a lot of work to be done. One of the big projects was this room. It's a big room that was once seperated into two bedrooms by one of the accordian doors (like at the church) by the previous owners for their kids and then once their kids had left they opened it up and made it a dining room. It had wood paneling on it just a few days ago and it has the ugliest floors you've ever seen. Yep, as you can imagine it is/was ugly and gross and we knew immediately that it would have to change. Our plans are to (which are now taking place) rip out all that ugly wood paneling, frame two real rooms (each side already has its own closet! so that will be nice if we ever sell), dry wall, put trim up, carpet, paint, etc. One room will be my office and the other will be the next kid's room.

Today the drywallers came and started their job. Here's what it currently looks like (sorry the images are terrible):

We now have a 4 bedroom house!!! Well, almost. I love making this house a home.

It's been a little crazy and overwhelming but I know the outcome will be well worth it. Leon and I have been crashing at Kyle's parent's house during the day. It has actually been nice during that time. Leon loves it over there and I don't have any work I can do while I'm there, so I've been reading and watching TV during naptime.

So, if you've been wondering where I've been, I've been busy, busy. Home improvement projects, photos to shoot and edit, family functions, and just everyday life has really been happening around here! And it's just going to get crazier the next couple of weeks.

Well, I'm off to look at paint samples.

OH! I have to let everyone know - We are so, so grateful to Clark, Kyle's little brother, for helping us! He's awesome, such a good young man. Seriously - he's helped us so much with our house (the kitchen, moving stuff, paint walls, painting trim, and now this room). I don't know how we are EVER going to repay him. Thank You, Clark. Love you!

tomato, tomahto

2010-08-18T13:49:00.000-07:00

Leon just loves picking the cherry tomatoes from the garden, although he doesn't really like to eat them. I do have to give him credit though because he at least them a try.

I love him.

Always, always on the run

2010-08-16T09:11:00.000-07:00

We spent a lot of time running around in our attempt to get some 18 month old portraits of Leon. Yep, you read that right - 18 months old! I can't believe it. He's getting so big. He's is currently obsessed with any object with wheels. He is constantly going around saying "car! car!" and pointing to anything with wheels (you can only imagine what car rides are like). I love his boy.

You can see his "real" portraits by clicking here. They turned out so cute!

Sometimes I Delete My Posts

2010-08-13T18:21:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I write a post, post it for a few hours and then go back and delete it. Anybody else do that? Probably not. I had something to say and wanted it to be out there for a while but then I'm okay and delete it. I don't regret writing it. I'm okay if someone saw it. I'm glad I got it off my chest, but I'm good now and don't need anybody else read about it. I just wanted it out, just for a little.

Does that make sense?

Is that weird?

Are you wondering what I wrote about?

Good Night!

2 minutes

2010-08-06T06:02:00.000-07:00

I leave the room for 2 mintues and this is what happens.

He even threw them off the back of the couch.

Oh, the joys of motherhood.

he. he.

A week with the girls

2010-08-04T08:31:00.000-07:00

Once or twice a year I get to have my nieces for about a week. This year I wanted to make sure we had lots of fun and we did! It was crazy, busy, and overwhelming taking care of 4 kids instead of just one but I had so much fun with them. Here is a brief recap of our week together:

I took the girls bowling. We did awful but had a blast. Don't they look awesome?

We relaxed, watched lots of movies, and colored.

This is Leon climbing all over Rose.

We took walks at the celery bog.

We (well, they) played outside in the kiddy pool and sandbox with Leon. In this particular photo, they're having a contest with Kyle to see who could stay in the freezing water the longest. Leon was the first to lose.

We did our traditional photo shoot. You can see more here.

You gotta look - they turned out so cute.

And we went to Purdue to see the campus and play in the fountains.

Aren't they beautiful girls? I love these girls so much. It's crazy how much they've grown up in the last few years. I'm so glad I got to spend a week with them because before long they'll be to busy to come and visit their Aunt Kelly.

Indianapolis Zoo

2010-07-24T19:46:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at the Indianapolis Zoo on Friday. As you can probably tell, our favorite part was the oceans exhibit. Leon was mesmerized by the sea creatures. It was a wonderful day for us to spend together as a family - something we really needed.

blah.

2010-07-21T09:32:00.000-07:00

Leon's been a real booger today. Anyone want a really cool, but sometimes CRAZY 18-month old for the day? Man, I'm already ready for a break. I talked to Kyle on the phone - I actually asked him to come home although I knew it wasn't possible. I feel like I've wasted so much time the last couple of days. I'm tired and feel like doing nothing!!! I've got photos to edit, a home decor project I'm working on, my mom's dog for 5 days, a garage sale to get ready for, and no stinkin energy to do any of it. Oh, and I need a shower. I haven't eaten lunch either (or breakfast really). Well, I'm off to feel like I'm wasting time to do the things I need to do to take care of myself - showering and eating.

Anyone else having a crabby day? I sincerely hope it gets better.

blah. blah.