a day in the life

12|12|12

As I was talking to Jess on the eve of the 12, she mentioned she was going to take a photo every hour for 12 hours. Brilliant, I thought. And it just so happens that I had about the busiest day ever. So here they are-12 hours in my day.
1. Breakfast with Charlie, and probably my favorite photo of him ever. He was looking at me with that sweet smile. 2. Talk about sweet smiles, Jack with Nonnie while dropping him off at the grandparent's house. 3. Charlie in the middle of getting out of the car saw me with my camera and said take a picture of me NOW Mama! Well, when you look this sweet, I am happy to oblige. 4. Volunteering at Lillian's school 5. Quick trip back to pick Charlie up from school, then back to Nonnie and Grandpa's house for lunch-sadly bighugelabs cut off Grandpa's pirate eye.  6. Sitting for a moment to drink my Dr Pepper and put a few words in my game with Jess. (I am winning-she only wins when I accidentally give up-hahahaha) 7. Either like mother like daughter, or like Aunt Katherine like niece Lillian. I found this Ariel while going through one of my old boxes and it just so happens Lillian has been making all the Muppets and now Tinkerbell fairies just like this. I must say though, I think Lillian's is brilliantly done. 8. Almost every day Lillian gets off the bus this excited, runs up the driveway, arms extended, ready to tell me about her day. It is awesome. 9. Originally I thought this was Lillian practicing piano in her dance clothes (yes I need a new piano light) but when I was editing, I noticed this photo is something more about the awe of a younger sibling. Did you catch it? 10. Dance class! 11. Dinner with the boys (Jack was laughing) 12. I have decided in an attempt to get more photos of me, I will be included every month (blurry and all...VERY small bathroom) I was all ready to go out to my first MOMS Night Out in Ohio.

So yeah, this was a very busy day! (Oh and dear spellcheck, I believe it is officially time for Muppets to be included in the dictionary...)

Midweek Miscellany

Taking a page from Katherine and as 1. I haven't blogged in forever (again) and 2. I missed Tuesday (again) I will now share some random things off the top of my head.

1. Charlie calls puddles, "cuddles." I believe that is the absolute cutest "mistake" I have ever heard. I will be very sad when that one stops.
2. The thunder was so stinkin' loud last night it scared the c*** out of me. Yet all of my children slept through it. HOW is that possible?
3. This year the children were supposed to go as The Incredibles for Halloween. Well. Somehow (still haven't figured this one out) my drugstore.com account switched over to Bj's account and Lily's Violet costume was sent off to Chambersburg. It arrived on the doorstep of our old house on October 6. Apparently those lovely people have decided to KEEP IT. I will keep you posted if they decide to do the right thing.
4. Today I went into a bit of a design freakout mode, needing two quicky projects done. That being said, I am quite happy with how this one turned out.
So anyone need a headshot?
5. I am working very hard to figure out a way to get around my EIGHT MONTH wait to get an iphone. Anyone happen to have an upgrade they don't need for Verizon? I would be forever grateful.
6. I think it is safe to say that it is raining CATS AND DOGS outside. Why yes, I did yell that for emphasis.
7. This kid... at his 9 month check-up was a POUND lighter and in INCH shorter than his older brother was at this age. I was shocked. I must also say that this cute face did not make an appearance today. It was a l o n g day around here due to his cold? Teething? Being held? Not being held? You get the idea.
8. I am going to start reading Raising Your Spirited Child tonight. And I am going to cross my fingers it helps me with my spirited child.
9. Yesterday I discovered that mousse actually makes my hair look horrible. Let's see. I have been using mousse since I am going to say 6th grade. So it only took me aproximately 22 years to figure that one out.
10. Not that I am wishing time away because really, I CANNOT BELIEVE tomorrow is Thursday, just as I have that shocking revelation every week, but I am so super excited to decorate my house for Christmas this year. I know exactly where the stockings will be hung, where the Christmas tree will go, what the front porch will look like and I am chomping at the bit to decorate. I think part of my happiness and excitement is because this year I will not be 8.5 months pregnant, and I WILL. NOT. have stomach flu on Christmas Day.

Ten on Tuesday

1. I have a new niece. How nice :) Welcome Genevieve Laverne. I can't wait to meet you. On Friday :D
2. The kids are in VBS this week. Have to say I was really worried about my non potty training, stubborn, clutzy, ran straight into a side mirror and now has a huge goose egg on his head little boy. But, he seems to be doing great.
3. Can I just say sorry for how long it has been since I blogged? I am slowly but surely getting there in the new house. But, there is still a whole lot more to do.
4. I am still 365ing it. Just ridiculously behind.
5. We are also attempting to enjoy some summer...
6. Still haven't seen Harry Potter.
7. Blogged over at Write.Click.Scrapbook. today! Sneak peek of Jack's room!
8. I am terribly behind on So You Think You Can Dance. Terribly. But, have to say I love Melanie.  Love her.
9. It's my Daddy's birthday today! Happy Birthday Daddy!
10. And with that, most pitiful Ten on Tuesday ever.

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.

This month's attempt

Again I am kind of going for the photo that makes me laugh out loud. This was the winner this month.
Hee hee.
Luckily this month I was able to get a shot that I love.
Sweet children.

Friday Five, errr, Six

1. Charlie made me laugh and roll my eyes today. First, the laugh. We walked into the doctor (more on that later) and said "Mama? Do you want to see my dance moves?" The reason being, I have carried on the very odd but long standing tradition of dancing in elevators. Only when no one else is riding. And when the elevator slows or beeps, we stop and pretend nothing ever happened. He knows the deal. Second, he said to me this morning, "Mama! I see poop!" Oh. No. But then he said, "Mama it is Whinnie the Poop!" No Charlie it is Whinnie the Pooh. P-o-o-h. "Yes Mama, P-o-o-h, POOP!" Fabulous. Really, fabulous.

2. So the doctor. I am officially 2cm dilated and having more labor like contractions. My doctor said she doesn't see me going much farther than 37 weeks. I am 37 weeks on Christmas Eve. I think it is time for me to start getting ok with possibly missing Christmas this year...and coming up with creative ways for Bean to still have his own special day on his birthday. And weather? Please cooperate.

3. We finally have our own Elf on the Shelf. He decided to come to us on Monday (don't know why he didn't start on December 1 as he was in the house...) and is a BIG hit with Lillian. The first thing she says to me each morning is "Can I find George?" Her first three wishes are as follows. 1. I wish I wish with all my heart that I could see Maya. 2. I wish I wish with all my heart that I could see Ella and Abby. 3. I wish I wish with all my heart that I could go to Nonnie and Bapa's house. And yes, she says it exactly that way. It melts my heart. Oh and for the record, George's full name is George Elfie Thomas Peepers. Who do you think picked each name?

4. So Write. Click. Scrapbook. is having a pretty amazing month of fabulous holiday ideas and giveaways. I definitely think you should check it out.

5. I am once again going to be delving into the world of 365 (which may start early if Bean arrives before the New Year.) I really hope you join me. It doesn't matter what kind of camera you have. It doesn't matter what kind of photographer you are. You will be happy with all of those recorded priceless memories. I promise. 

6. I have also picked my word for 2011. Thankful. I think it is a good time to be thankful for what we have, the big things and the little things. I am going to try very hard to focus on this word while photographing the things that are important to us-whether it be a favorite toy or the birth of Bean. I want this to be an extra meaningful album that I will end up with where in addition to stretching my photography, I just want to remind myself to be thankful. So what is your word?

Ten on Tuesday

1. I am 31 weeks pregnant. Nine more to go.
2. I am actually really excited that Prince William got engaged. And so is Lily. I think we are both excited about the wedding. Already thinking about a fun little Princess party on the day of the wedding.
3. I am almost completely done with Christmas shopping-thank goodness because I had to go out to the store today and I do NOT want to go back. It was not fun, in so many ways.
4. I am done with my 2010 photography season (except for a bit more editing) but don't worry, I will return and I have lots of new ideas.
5. December 14 starts the 12 Days {Before} Christmas. Won't you join me in this fun and easy photo-a-day project? It will be my fifth year. Wow.
6. Speaking of photo-a-day projects, will you join me in a 365 project for 2011 as well? I guarentee you will improve your photography and you will have a lot of great documentation of your life. It will be worth it.
7. I have a lot of handmade gifts to finish. Must. Get. Cracking.
8. I can't believe next week is Thanksgiving. But I am SO HAPPY that it is. Time is flying.
9. Charlie is very lucky he is so cute because WOW is he good at being two at the moment. REALLY GOOD.
10. Harry Potter t-three days. Sadly have to wait  a few more days to see it, but never fear, I WILL see it in the theatre. And I can't wait.

Ten on Tuesday

1. I voted today.
2. I had completely forgotten about my November Thankful project until a friend reminded me on Facebook. Join in and share what you are thankful for.
3. November 1: I am thankful that Lily was awarded student of the month!
November 2: I am thankful for my husband who loves his children, plays with his children, and tells them that he loves him every single day.
4. My thankfulness today comes from a tragic story from my town. I am waiting to hear my town on the national news. Let me just say please hug your children.
5. I am so glad all of the nasty horrible ads are over. I am so tired of the fighting. I am believing more and more that most elected officials are not doing what is best, but following what will get the best headlines. I understand people have different views-that's what makes America, but since when does respect not matter? Ok soapbox over.
6. I have been thinking about Meemaw all day-I loved having politics conversations with her.
7. This pregnancy is kicking my behind. Counting the weeks.
8. I have lots and lots of ideas for Christmas presents, but I have yet to buy one. Must get on that. Soon.
9. I have been an editing maniac recently. Getting near the end of my 2010 photography season.
10. Have you checked out the Write. Click. Scrapbook. gallery? It is up today and it is very, very fun. See that picture in the top left? There is another very interesting picture on this particular layout ;)

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.