a day in the life

Ten on Tuesday: Family edition

Let's go over a few things

1. My schedule has gotten a bit...crazy lately. My calendar is packed to the brim with things. Crazy May is beginning with crazy April. I have a Saturday coming up where I have six different (but all fun) things. Like I said, crazy.
2. In the past two days I have lost my phone (which I called 26 times while walking around the house, looked in the fridge, in the trash can by the curb...) and my glasses. Phone was found in Missy's couch (after making them think some toy went deranged and was coming to get them...ha) and my glasses were found in Charlie's bed. Where he took them. Note, I am BLIND. And it is hard to look for glasses when you are BLIND. We had a...talk about that.
3. Jackson is still mostly shuffle thumping along, so much so he nearly has a hole in a pair of my favorite jeans-so much for reselling those. Until the kids stop shouting "Jackson's WALKING!" every time he takes a few steps, I am not going to consider him a full blown walker.
4. He is also...OH MY GOODNESS cute. His laugh, his smiles, the way he giggled with pride when I gave him a banana still in the peel to eat like a big boy. He gives kisses. He snuggles. He wrestles with me all the time. He says "YAY!" Man do I LOVE that little boy. I saw a teen-aged boy in Acme a few days ago and thought to myself "I need to wrestle and cuddle and kiss these boys as much as I can now, cause someday they won't want to...and it may be inappropriate." Ha.
5. Charlie is all set for school next year-four days of school. Now I am having mini freak-outs as Jack and I will miss him SO much. I know it is just one more day than normal at that age, but what will I do without him? I may have to rethink this one.
6. Today he came down and said "Mama? Can I sing you a song?" then preceded to sing his version of "Hey Soul Sister." In his teeny voice. Oh love. And a note to myself-remember when Charlie came down in his blue and brown moose jammies and said he wanted a hug and a kiss? I said Jack will do that someday. I promised Bj I would try to remember that.
7. Lillian is currently attending her book club meeting. I am excited that she has FINALLY started reading chapter books with ferocious abandon, instead of reading her princess books and comics books over and over. But, need to work on her comprehension. I think she has a tendency to read very quickly and forgets key parts. Hoping our summer book club will help with that.
8. She is also gotten on an organizing kick. Oh be still my organizing heart.
9. Bj is getting over a wicked case of bronchitis. Like every time he coughed it sounded like he was being stabbed. Ouch.
10. He has also started grilling for us more-oh how I love that $25 grill I found while walking. In addition to his growing grilling skills, he is a master at the Whirly Pop. Goodbye microwave popcorn...forever.

Ten on Tuesday

1. Finally, yes FINALLY, Jack is starting to clap. He has always been a foot kicker when he is happy, and I was beginning to worry, but today Charlie came running in the room and said "Mama! Mama! Jack is CLAPPING!"
2. Speaking of Charlie, he is less than a month away from four. The past two weeks I have seen a huge change in him. Yes, we still have some three-year-old fits, but less and less often. He is taller. He is more descriptive. He is super fun.
3. Speaking of older, a few days ago Lillian turned 6 1/2. That's right, 6 1 2. My favorite age. Hee hee. I am a crazy person.
4. Speaking of crazy, anyone else tired of this crazy winter? We have had two straight weeks of a horrible virus-Lillian being its latest victim. Give me a solid cold snowy winter any day if it means we don't have this up and down weather of sick. Thank goodness it is the end of February and spring is almost here.
5. And speaking of the end of February, it is a Leap Year. SO happy that I saw on the Ella blog about doing a Leap Year time capsule to be opened in four years. AWESOME and totally doing it. How fun is that. I plan on taking lots of photos, listing some things about the kids, and Lillian and I are going to look some stuff up (as yes, she will be home again tomorrow I'm afraid.)
6. Speaking of photos, I have a mini book due in a few weeks and can't decide what the topic should be. So, dear readers (if there are any left because wow still not blogging as much as I should!) what are some mini book ideas you have planned?
7. Speaking of big decisions, I have a big one to make. Sometimes I don't mind, but this one is just really annoying. Grrrrr
8. Speaking of grrrr..nope got nothing.
9. As I am running out of things to day, I will just show you a picture. Of me. Right now. My studio with my growing favorite photos wall, my new necklace from Charming Charlie (LOVE) and my hair that already needs to be cut...
10. And now for my last thoughts. Yesterday there was a shooting at a high school in the area. A friend from college is actually the choir director there. As of now three of the five students shot have died from their injuries. I can't help but think back to last year where Lillian's school not only allowed, but exposed the entire student body to guns in the school. This is a very stark reminder that it is never ok to bring guns into school. Never. We need to tell our kids if they ever hear about a gun, or see a gun to report it immediately. I am still processing exactly how to talk to Lillian about this, as while I think it is important, I do not want to bring up the other details of that project with her. But just as she corrects anyone who says the word "stupid, hate, or dumb," I hope she will immediately report anyone who has a weapon. My thoughts are with all of Chardon, and all the families affected by this tragedy.

Ten on Tuesday: Almost, but

1. I am almost better from one of the worst colds ever, but not quite so I decided to take another much needed nap. Sorry for not answering the phone Elizabeth, but I was asleep.
2. I almost didn't want to get up from my nap because I was dreaming about this house. But, as I am typing this, you can see that I did. Now how do I get my house to look like that?
3. I almost missed that post of that gorgeous house but didn't because of Flipboard. I almost went without knowing about Flipboard despite the fact that both of my sisters knew about it, but didn't because of Pinterest. What else aren't you telling me?
4. I almost wanted to run away from Charlie's conference at school today, but decided to bite the bullet and go in. Good choice as I have found that he is doing wonderful at school. I would almost describe his teacher's comments as glowing. But why have I scrubbed walls with doodles, spent too much time fixing broken things, and repeated myself 1000 times at home? Need to figure this one out.
5. Jack is almost walking. But not quite.
6. It is almost February, but feels like April. This weather is very weird. About this time of year I am usually almost ready for winter to be over, but this year, I am wondering when winter is going to really start.
7. I almost can't wait to hold Katherine's book in my hands, but I guess I will have to. At least until March 31. I think you should hold it in your hands too...
8. I almost have an idea of all the paint colors in the house, but I still can't decide on my studio. One wall has to be gray-does light aqua look ok with that? I almost want to start painting this weekend, but must wait a bit longer.
9. I almost have 8300 emails in my inbox, but soon I will not. What are most of them? Emails from companies telling me about sales and new products. I can't take it anymore. Unsubscribing and deleting as part of my More or Less quest for 2012.
10. Cassie's birthday is almost here. I almost want to stop teasing her about how OLD she is, but really, what is the fun in that?

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.

Ten on Tuesday:: Charlie turned THREE

Forgive my lack of blogginess lately as I haven't seemed to figure out how to stay awake late at night anymore. Oh I miss my late night hours of creativity...
1. Charlie turned THREE on Saturday. I can hardly believe it. We moved here when he was only six months old. Ohio isn't "home," Ohio is a vacation to him. Just weird.
2. In our attempt to figure out the whole family of five thing a bit better, we opted to forgo the party this year and just spent the entire day together-just us. We spent all day opening presents-open one, play with it forever, open another, play with it forever, it was great. Big sister did excellent except for the brief moment of disappointment to losing a game, but she was so excited for her brother and it was fun to watch.

3. It was a Thomas and Cars sponsored birthday. Good heavens.

4. There were also a few robot things thrown in too. The Dillows got him the COOLEST robot book, and I gave him a magnetic robot building kit. One that I bought when I was pregnant with him and though wow, it will be forever before he can play with this, but it is ROBOTS so I guess I have to get it. Who knew forever would fly by this quickly?
5. We decided to use some gift cards we got at Christmas and go to Red Lobster for an early dinner. I am happy to say that eating at 4:30 allowed us to be sat immediately, get our food quickly, and have every single member of our family behave perfectly despite the fact they were too busy to allow us to pet the lobsters on our way out. I actually had everyone applaud our behavior in the car on the way home. Much improved from our disastrous Chocolate World trip...another day.
6. On the way to Red Lobster Bj was telling a story and said "I hate." In our family, hate is a bad word and it isn't allowed. So Lily said "We don't say hate!" Charlie then decided to correct us too; for example We don't say 'I hope they aren't busy.' and We don't say 'Did you bring the gift cards.' Hee hee.
7. One of Charlie's favorite presents was his Pillow Pet. Recently our friends came and spent the night and all the girls were comparing Pillow Pets. Wanting to be just like the big girls, he jumped to show of his pillow. Which is plain, and white, and boring. Poor kid. Then he said "I want a LADY BUG Pillow Pet." Every time that is what he went for. So we are now the proud owners of Charlie, the Lady bug Pillow Pet (his name :)
8. The first present he opened was a Cars book, which Lily promptly read to him. Have I mentioned that I love Kindergarden?
9. Charlie requested cinnamon toast for breakfast (normally he eats two kinds of cereal, toast, and a banana, but I think he was a bit excited,) waffle (again, really likes breakfast) oranges and apple sauce for lunch, and macaroni and cheese and broccoli for dinner. He also requested chocolate cake which he barely touched so wondering if he likes the idea of chocolate cake more than the actual chocolate cake.
Cause his mama, not a fan.
10. On April 1, when Bean turns THREE MONTHS, I am also going to attempt to get some shots of Charlie alone. Wish me luck cause I have never seen a kid so determined to not want to take a picture. There will most certainly be lots and lots of bribes.

Ten on Tuesday

1. Well, we do still exist around here, but somehow haven't figured out to fit everything in. Namely, me time. I am behind on emails, blogs, favorite shows, and writing down anything. But my hampers are almost free of laundry and my laundry baskets are completely empty, we had a real dinner tonight, the kitchen is clean, and I mopped the kitchen floor this morning. And I am attempting to blog at 10:47, approximately 47 minutes after I turned into a pumpkin.
2. Jackson is two months today! He is a chubby boy at 11 pounds 2 ounces, 21 3/4 inches tall, bigger than Charlie, but smaller than Lily at that age. He smiles all. the. time. And makes the cutest noises. He made the most heart-wrenching horrible screams today at the doctor during and for about ten minutes after his shots. That, was very, very, rough. No semblance of a schedule yet, but mostly eating every three hours, sometimes longer. And we won't talk about his sleeping. I am not going to fall for THAT again. He is totally out of newborn, wearing mostly 0-3, but is starting to get into some 3-6  hand me downs from his brother. Lily is my calming influence during dinner making time as when she sings to him he immediately calms down. It is great. Oh and he spits up. A LOT. Here he is looking at his brother. Watching, and waiting.
Note: This photo is named Jackson5. Ha.
3. Lily just told me today that a while ago a boy kissed her. SERIOUSLY???
4. Charlie has the ability lately to go from super cuddly happy boy to full on almost three year old who MUST get his own way. Guess what version I enjoy more?
5. I am really ready for Spring.
6. The new gallery at Write. Click. Scrapbook. is up. You should definitely check it out. After all you can read more about this
and see all of the other projects that have been sitting around waiting to be finished. It only took me 16 years to do this one.
7. Does anyone know anything about working simultaneously in Photoshop AND Aperture? I need some help. My brain cannot seem to fix the problems I am having.
8. I am really hoping that our snow is done-at least our snow days. We have already lost our March break and one of our three days of Spring Break. Our Superintendent doesn't believe in snow days. REally? After Snowverkill 2010?
9. Lily is equally into princesses and superheros. Last week a princess book came home from the library, this week a 5000 pound encyclopedia of superheros. 5000 POUNDS.
10. I will get caught up on 365 soon and share the next monthly attempt at a good Taylor children photo. It was an adventure again this month. Until then, Jack Popeye.

Ten on Tuesday

1. Jack is one month old today. I can hardly believe it. I happened to look at the clock when it said 11:11, on 2.1.11-the coolness of his birthday will never get old.
2. We made it out to the doctor despite the fact that Lily had yet another snow day. I am so glad I didn't cancel as the roads were totally fine. He is a peanut despite the fact that he has gained a full two pounds since his two week check. He is now 8lbs, 14oz (23%) 21 inches (28%) long. Peanut. Yet, he looks like a chubba chubba peanut.
3. He is mostly a good napper but we are still working on sleeping at night. Four hours is the record, but normally he is up, eats for almost an hour, then takes a 1/2 hour to go back to sleep, then wakes up 45 minutes later. Why yes, I am tired.
4. He is a spitter. Boo. Although again, gaining weight and I have yet to hear the "splat" sound on the floor so we are ok with it. Poor Grandpa, his biggest rule was "don't spit on the floor" and none of my children ever followed it. Hee hee.
5. Despite the fact that Lily and Charlie did not have a binky or a bottle until they were six weeks old, Jack has been a binky kid from the beginning (I don't know WHAT we would have done without it) and had his very first bottle tonight. And did great. Yea Mama may be able to see a movie in 2011.
6. Jack's nicknames are Bean and Baby Jack Jack. I also call him Jackson quite a bit, and bud.
7. Charlie quite frequently imitates Jack's cry-it sounds a bit like a duck. He also has a sad little lamb cry when he is really losing it. None of my children have ever had a "cute" infant cry. They are all LOUD. Jack more than the others. He can go from sleeping to screaming in .1 second. It scares the living daylights out of Bj.
8. On the 24 Jack turned over about ten times during tummy time. Oooooo boy me thinks I am in trouble.
9. Today the gallery at Write.Click.Scrapbook. is up. This month (as you saw in a preview of 365) I made a "guestbook" of all of the emails, texts, and Facebook posts after Jack was born. You can check it out here. Be sure to stick around and look at all of the other wonderful mini albums too!
10. This afternoon I did a little photo shoot with ALL THREE. How is it I can get lots of photos of other children, but THIS is what I get when I try.
Well I will now be starting an album of Hall of Fame outtakes. I did get one slightly passable, but nothing canvas ready, which is what I was going for. So I sent the big kids out of the room, and aaaaaahhhhhh-peace, quiet, and one much more obedient model.
What a difference a month makes. And no, I literally can't stop looking at his cuteness :)

Ten on Tuesday

1. I'm still here.
2. Turns out Lily had the flu last week. The doctor actually decided it was H1N1 due to her persistent fever that stayed around 102.6 and went up to 104. I am beyond thankful that no one else got it. Now we may have created the next superbug with the amount of Purell and Antibacterial soap used by everyone in the house, but we managed to keep this particular sickness away from the rest of the members of the Taylor family. Whew.
3. Charlie really needs to nap again. Every day from about 4:30 on, he turns into the most spectacular two-year-old ever created. And no, not a compliment.
4. Charlie has adorable language mistakes recently. My favorites include: "My brudder is sleeping in the packing play!" and "I want Race Tracks for breakfast." (that would be Rice Chex.) There are more, but that's all I can think of at the moment.
5. Jack turned over from stomach to back about ten times yesterday during tummy time. Wow does that seem early to me.
6. Jack does not like to sleep at night. *sigh*
7. I have to keep telling myself it took a long time to get this behind on everything, it is going to take more than a few days to recover. That being said, I asked Elizabeth when it was going to get easier. She said "At 2:30 you will never have anymore laundry, there will be no toys left out, and your children will listen to everything you say."
8. I am still waiting for this fairy to come. Perhaps 2:30 today.
9. I have lots of pictures to share. And someday I will have the time again to edit. See #7.
10. I believe this post is ever so slightly whiny. I have no time. I am tired. Lily was sick. Charlie doesn't listen. Laundry is never ending. Despite all of that I am so happy, so thankful, so lucky to have healthy children. To get to be here with them throughout the day. To feel SO MUCH better now that I am not pregnant anymore. I have to remind myself why I chose the word Thankful for 2011 every once in a while. My word isn't tired. It is thankful. Even if today I am thankful for the ability to...whine. Thanks for listening.

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 ;)