a day in the life

Weekend recap

This weekend was a good one. A really good one. Friday we went out with friends for sushi (lots and lots of sushi.) Lots of laughs, lots of driving (ha) and lots of sushi. I even managed to almost recreate my beloved V8 roll. By the end of the year I have decided I will be a sushi master and just make it at home any time I have the craving.

Saturday morning started with a lovely sleep-in. Until 9am. Yes, my standards may have changed, but it really was lovely. When we got the day started, I did laundry, cleaned, researched my new lights and got some shots with the bigs. LOVE my new lights. Preschool pictures here I come!

Saturday evening we got out the old whirly pop, invited over Nonnie and Grandpa, and had popcorn (with M&M's) and watched Oceans. And laughed about how Beverly's husband is a retired museum. And a professor. Kids to bed, me to my studio to work some more on a very cool assignment for WCS going up Wednesday! and Bj (or WILLIAM as he may or may not want to be called now) over to Nerd McGeek's Game Emporium. After I finished for the night, and shared finished projects with Jess as Jess shared finished projects with me (cause she is all crafty like now) I watched Water for Elephants. I loved it. Though I did not mean to stay up so late (and even later due to the time change) to watch it. Oops.

Today was church in the morning followed by lunch, park for the bigs, me scrapping to some great music, quest to find Charlie's new big boy bed (score of $29.99 off of $90, yes please, thank you very much) and home for a bit more playtime outside, crockpot lasagna with Mor Mor, and even more playtime outside. Lillian and I played a bit of softball-hitting, amazing. Throwing, laughter inducing.

All in all, an awesome weekend.

And just like that, he was one.

Doesn't it seem like just yesterday when Bean looked like this?
It certainly does to me. Or perhaps you remember him like this.
However you look at it, he has grown up and changed a lot this year.
He still has his gorgeous blue eyes that crinkle when he smiles and his Daddy's long forever long lashes.

And a super sweet smile.

And personality?


Yes. He has a lot of personality.

No seriously, a LOT of personality.

He loves pretty much any food I put in front of him sans avocado (which I haven't tried again because wow they have been expensive) and twice now has been very tentative about cake (video soon.) Still goes to bed at 7:00pm and still nursing although I can see that he will be done with that soon. I will be very sad when that is over as I have nursed him longer than the other two and that is just my favorite time to play with him. He is super ticklious under his arm pit, and I love hearing him giggle. He is nearly impossible to change thus we give him non-baby, and well, let's face it, semi dangerous objects to keep him occupied during diaper changes. I am talking thermometers, big kid toys, and Vick's containers. He now can say Mama, Daddy, ball, and yesterday said Yakson in a whisper. He loves to wrestle with Charlie, loves to pull Lillian's hair, and LOVES to be chased. He can totally get past our toy barricade and although still has the oddest crawl I have ever seen, still is not trying to climb steps or walk. We enjoyed his first Christmas a pull here or there on the tree, but he is a very good listener when we say "No touch."
I can't believe it was a year ago that I came home from the hospital with him. Still sore from the SPD and the worst decision I have EVER made in my entire life, getting a stinking tetnus shot. I forgot how much those hurt.
I still kick myself for not getting a single photo of Jess
who answered my call at 2:30AM!! and drove all the way from DE to help me through the delivery, or DADDY who of course is his DADDY until much later.
But don't worry Bean, Daddy held you all the time. So there you have it. Bean, Jack, Jackson is one. ONE. Or, as we said at his party, Uno.
Love you so much Bean

love, Mama

Hello, goodbye; More or less.

This was a year of hellos and goodbyes.

Bj: Goodbye to being gone every week. Hello to going to an office everyday. Goodbye to car allowance. Hello to best friends, game nights, family and old friends. Goodbye to Football on the computer. Hello to games on TV.

Marie: Goodbye to dear friends in PA and more distance between the friend in DE. Hello to dear friends in Ohio, family, trips to see brand new babies, and familiar streets. Goodbye to photography business in PA with families I have watched grow through the years. Hello to growing a business here.

Lillian: Goodbye to dear friend I, Uga, and a bedroom in a tower. Hello dear friend Maya, fabulous school, dance and piano, family and new friends.

Charlie: Goodbye to Logan and London and Hank. Hello to Laney and all the trouble I'm sure the two of you will get into together. Goodbye to the only place you knew as home. Hello to a place that will become your home.

Jack: Hello world. Jack will be one tomorrow. I will not have a baby. A toddler. A toddler with personality. One starting to stand. With FOUR teeth-a record for my babies. An eater. A laugher. A Houdini. I am trying hard to look forward to the new toddler-dome, trying not to be sad that my babies are not going to be my babies for much longer. But that doesn't mean I didn't hold him extra tight and give him a few extra kisses as I put him in bed tonight, on the eve of the New Year and the eve of his birth. My baby...

This year my word(s) are more and less. I will be saying to myself all year, Do we need more of this or less. More reading, less stuff. More activities? Less time committements? We may have to make some tough decisions, but I think more or less will help us in our crazy three children busy lives. More...or less.

First Grade

Here is another small attempt to get back into blogging. Good grief.

Lily Lillian was SO excited to start school this year. Partly because she got to go to Maya's school, partly because she is my nerdy girl who absolutely loves school.
Very, very, excited.
So we of course went out early for pictures, and although it was wet (see front porch) it stopped raining just in time. Goodness she looks older to me... Our bus stop is within view of the house (instead of a looooooong walk or short car ride away) so I don't have to get everyone dressed and out the door this year. But, Charlie wanted to see his sister off too.
Hee hee. But then we waited. And waited. And waited. And although we saw the bus...
It just went around us. So sadly no pictures of getting on the bus for the first time this year. Instead Daddy and Lillian jumped in the car and made the mad dash to school. At least we have a story to tell.
We spent the day hanging out, missing Lillian, and waiting impatiently for her return.
And happy to report, everyone had a great day :)

Ten on Tuesday

1. I believe this could actually be named Ten Thousand on Tuesday as I have not blogged in so very long. The only reason I am blogging today is because I have a horrible cold and feel awful so I am sitting. I don't sit much these days.
2. The moving plans are coming right along. We found a house, had a good inspection, and now are waiting for the appraisal. Our money guy is working quickly to get us closed on June 23. Not bad since we put in the offer on May 30. Until everything is really set and papers signed, I will hold my breath. But I will tell you everyone will have their own bedroom (well I guess Bj and I have to share ;) I have a wonderfully well lit studio, and there is a sun porch on the back where I will enjoy many hours watching the kids play in the fenced in backyard. I can't wait.
3. Lily has (after today) three more days of school. Then she will be a 1st grader. School has been a bit of a massive stress lately as I have major concerns about the choices and judgement of the teachers and staff. I turned into a full fledged Mama Bear, writing lots of emails, making lots of calls, and meeting with the Assistant Superintendent. Lily may be gone in three days, but I could not let the kids we are leaving behind ever go through this again. I know I am being vague, but honestly this is the kind of stuff that you would see on the Today Show or Anderson Cooper. And if they don't take steps to make this right, it may be still...
4. I miss taking pictures. Oh don't worry, still doing my 365 despite the fact that I haven't posted a photo in FOREVER. I just miss taking client photos. But soon I will have my brand spanking new and gorgeous site up and I will be shooting everywhere.
5. Speaking of taking pictures, OH MY I want one of these.

Not saying that I will actually get it, but I want it.
6. I got that photo from Pinterest. Have you heard of it? It may be the coolest thing that has happened since, oh I don't know, the internet. Follow me if you haven't (Marie Willis Taylor) and see just want inspiration may end up in the new house. OH cannot wait to paint/decorate/play in my new house. I am giddy. And buyer beware, it is time sucking there is so much goodness.
7. Did you hear that Write. Click. Scrapbook. is TWO years old? While I am sad I have been so busy lately that I barely have time to scrap, when I do, this is where I go. There is so much inspiration there. And such wonderful, smart, funny, and dedicated ladies there. I am super lucky to be part of it. Elizabeth, I am proud of you for making the tough to decision to take a break, but come back soon cause it just isn't the same without you.
8. As I prepare to move I am SO excited to make plans with all of my Ohio friends. To sit on my back porch and chat. To scrap. To meet at Hibachi in 20 minutes. To go to my parent's house or Bj's mom's house with just a diaper bag and not a car load of stuff. That being said, I have made so many friends here. Really, really good friends. Friends who were there for me when Jack was born. Friends who came over to chat. To scrap. To eat at Aki. Who love my children. What Marnie said about me over at WCS "Marie - is smart, steady, and loyal. Her photos draw you into her pages but it is her scrapbooking of fierce friendships that makes me wish I were one of her besties." Well, I can't tell you what that means to me. If you remember me for anything, remember that I love my friends. I know they are so very important-especially if family is far away. So do what you have to to find them and keep them-even if it has to start with an interview at a coffee shop over queso. ;)
9. Jack turned five months old! The pictures are still on my camera, but I will tell you I will have another doozy for my 12 attempts album. He is now rolling and turning all over the place, looks a bit like a wild animal when he wants to put a toy in his mouth, has the BEST smile and giggle for his brother and sister, still is a pretty wretched sleeper, has FAT legs, ate Rice cereal for the first time on Sunday, still spits up but not nearly as much as the others, is happy 95% of the time but then WATCH OUT when he gets mad, and loves his Mama.
We all adore Baby Bean :) OOOOOO Do you see that up there on my photo? Why, it's my brand new logo designed by Patrick Jebber of Monsters Unlimited. I LOVE it :) Website coming SOON.
10. Charlie is also super sick. And super stubborn. Won't blow his nose. Potty training is non existent. Ever so slightly makes me want to lose my mind. And yet he is the sweetest, most loving little boy who gives me the best hugs and tells me I look like a princess everytime I dress up.

11. Ok you get a bonus. On Friday I taught a photography class to my MOMS Club. The goal is to help the average user understand their camera a little better so they can capture those every day moments of their kids a little better. Ohio readers I will be teaching it soon in your area too! Anyway, while preparing for the class I found this...
which reminded me of this...
My goodness does time fly.

Add to the list...

Packing up the house and moving. It is official, we are moving back to Ohio. And we are doing it soon. I am definitely a mixture of celebrating/shedding tears as I adore my friends here and I adore my friends and family there. All I know is I have the best friends in the world. So the Adventures in Moving tag will be used again. And look forward to a "Things we will miss about the 'Burg" album too.

Friends

I have been thinking a lot about friends lately. I have a lot of wonderful friends. Some friends are my oldest friends, who know everything about me because we have spent our entire lives knowing each other and even though we may only see each other once a year, we pick right up where we left off. Some are middle school friends who, well, helped me through those horrible middle school years. Then the high school friends. Some who have been constant companions over the last 16 years, and some who have come back into my life with a bang (and will never lose touch with again.) Some friends are music friends, some scrapbooking friends, some neighbors who I will dream about living by again forever. Friends who have become my family. Little friends who I love watching grow up. Ohio friends, PA friends, living in the computer friends. Regardless of your title, I cherish each and every one of you. You have become a part of me and you have made me who I am. And I thank you for that.

An understatement

To say that we miss you is a complete understatement.

Hello, remember me?

Well, that was an unplanned, really long break. For my readers that have stuck around for the drought, I thank you. A few things have been happening around here so lets get started.
1. I'm pregnant! (Hence the super long break) Due January 14 and hoping to feel better and more energized soon. Keep your fingers crossed.
2. We went to Ohio! A wedding of an old friend, THREE double dates with Ben and Missy, and a long car ride where Bj and I actually talked without being interrupted. It was the longest time we have spent together since July 2007. Wow.
3. We went to the Cleveland Zoo and I got to play with my Dad's telephoto lens. Two of my favorite pictures of the day were the Mama Koalas and their new babies. Have to say I'm excited to do this in January :)
We had to be very quiet-only whispers to prevent waking their slumber.
And boy is it hard to keep color consistent under zoo lights. But sadly we remember I can never, ever be a wildlife photographer, so zoo lights it is.
I was also super surprised with the sheer volume these birds could create. It literally hurt the ears...but check out the boca! Didn't know I could have that with a telephoto.
We took this trip with a very large group and have to say it was so much fun-until Charlie was done, and then Charlie was done. But it was fun with Nonnie, Bapa, Shelly, Jalen, Missy, Maya, Laney, Rachel, Riley, Brady, Stephanie and Brenna. See? A lot of people!
4. Lily and Maya had their very first official sleepover. Sadly it will be the last for a while, but it was an interesting experiment...yeah, sorry again Missy ;)
Charlie got to hang out for a while too-just long enough to teach Laney a few new tricks.
(sorry again, Missy ;)
5. We also went to see fireworks-my first time in many years. Actually I think one of the last times was back in the day of a film camera where I took a million pictures to commemorate the engagement of Cassie & Patrick-lucky for me I ended up with one good one.  I still need some practice on the firework shot for the next time. It is hard...
6. Next up was our family reunion. I can't remember the last time I saw my cousins-at least fifteen years, and I have never met any of their GORGEOUS kids. Let me just say I am really proud to say, every single one of them was so sweet, so nice, so fun. I just wish I got to see them more. Lily was especially taken with the girls and their crafts and most definitely Hayley who was famous (to her) with her broken foot. The boys kept Bj very busy with all the basketball and catch (although I am happy to say, I got in a really good catch with Dylan myself and I still have it if I do say so myself ;)
7. Finally, the parade. Sadly I didn't take too many pictures this year as it was so so hot. I was hot. REally hot. Unpleasantly hot. Plus I had to try to keep Charlie away from eating all 20 pounds of our candy. I only slightly succeeded. At least he listened to me when I asked him to show me his blue tongue.
So that's it-our Ohio trip. Stay tuned for more stories-primarily about a boy named Charlie. Really, you want to stay tuned. And hopefully it will be blogged soon...

Ten on Tuesday

1. Good: Did you see? I am one of the newest design team members of Write, Click, Scrapbook. So excited, so inspired, and I think you should check it out. Click on the Blinkie. Look! I have a Blinkie! That's a first too.
2. Bad: I got stung by a bee the other day. Not enough to hurt, but enough to itch like crazy. Still.
3. Good: I went to an AMAZING photography workshop on Friday with my dear friend Rachel. I learned SO much, now have a million new inside jokes to giggle about, and so many new techniques to try.
4. Bad (really, really, really bad) When I was on my way back, Charlie fell and had his tooth impacted, or pushed all the way up into his gum. The ER didn't believe Bj when he said the tooth didn't fall out-they couldn't see it at all. Bj called from the ER and told me what happened. Needless to say I didn't handle it very well. After a night of the worst migraine I have ever had, I woke up and we took Charlie to a Pediatric Dentist and where he had the tooth extracted. It was stressful, horrible, and sad. Charlie is FINE, but still. I think about long term effects, everything from how he will eat corn on the cob to will he have a speech problem; everything has been running through my mind.
5. Good: Charlie said today at the park "I'm so happy Mama. I'm so happy." and "This is fun, Mama!" I think this is his way of telling me it's ok. STOP HOVERING.
6. Bad: I forgot my camera in Ohio. Seriously?
7. Good: I got it back today-all in one piece.
8. Bad: I am on a mission impossible to find another lovey for Charlie. After the accident it has seen better days. Hello, why didn't I buy two at the time?
9. Good: I had the BEST dinner tonight. Organic crock pot chicken, an ALL organic/fresh from a friend's garden salad and some really good melon. Awesome.
10. Good (because it would be best to end this on a happy note): Photo-a-day for May is complete and edited and will be updated here soon. Checking one thing off the list at a time.