The Cabin

We spent the weekend with Lee's side of the family.

We stayed at a cabin up by Norhtfork.

It was great.

All the "cousins" were there...

That made it super-special for my kids.

We had good food, and great family.

What else do you really need?

:)

Lee & Lester played vollyball with the older girls.

They LOVED that.

Soon, the little ones wanted their turn.

Stacie was sweet enough to "show them the ropes."

Thanks to Aunt Steph, and Uncle Steve,

They all had gingerbread houses to build.

The kids had a blast with that.

( that's a "bikini" top... by the way.)

Hahaha!

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We played games...

(Sydney thought she'd help Grandpa out with this one.)

We just hung out, and enjoyed each others company..

There is nothing better than family time.

 

Especially when you have a family that is as AWESOME as ours.

Happy Thanksgiving

We had my parents over today for Thanksgiving dinner.

It was nice.

Lee took over the camera for some the day, and

I have to admit: He got some pretty impressive pictures.

I am so thankful for this life that I live, and the people that are in it with me.

God is GOOD.

2nd photo shoot... Success.

My best friend Becca has been wanting me

(for I don't know how long) to photograph her boys.

Lately, the weather hasn't cooperated.

So we've had to put it off.

 Well, with our sunshine these last few days, I figured it was our best chance.

We spent some time together today, and I "clicked" away.

Daniel & Benjamin were great,

and I truely enjoyed myself.

Thanks guys.

:]

O' Christmas tree...

Well, We decorated for Chritmas today.

( Yes, I am aware that it's not even Thanksgiving.)

But, that's how we do it in this house.

Now, usually I like to put the tree up by myself.

ALL by MYSELF.

But, the kids were itching to help,

and honestly I kind of wanted them to be a part of it this year.

I realize that they won't be little for long, and they are just as excited as I am about Christmas.

So, we did it as a family.

Of course It took us longer...

A LOT longer!

But, in the end...
The smiles on their faces,
made it well worth it.

Thankful.

Lee and I sat down to watch a movie tonight.

Before I knew it I had BOTH kids crammed on the couch with me.

I didn't even really realize it until Lee got my camera and took this shot.

Looking at it now, it just reminds me of how blessed I really am.

Sometimes I wonder what I ever did to deserve such AMAZING little kiddo's.

Running ALL weekend.

This weekend was BUSY.

My Mom kept the kiddo's for us

Friday, and Saturday so we could "celebrate" our anniversary.

We ended uo going to the movies. (New Moon... which was AWESOME.)

But, came home early, due to my cold.

I wasn't in the mood for a late night.

Sad. I know.

No kids, and bed-time at 9:30PM?

Not so romantic.

I woke up feeling better on Saturday, &

Lee had to deliver a report for his Dad, so we went to lunch,

then took a road-trip that lasted way longer than I expected.

It was a good time.

We had some interesting encounters on the way...

Which made for some interesting converstaions, as well as some good laughs.

Being cooped up in the car for hours is SO much more peaceful without cranky kids. :)

I loved it.

We woke up Sunday, and went to church, out to get the kids, then off to Cash's 1st birthday party this evening.

So like I said...

Busy, busy, busy.

But fun, fun, fun.

 Thanksgiving week is also right around the corner, so I have a feeling that this busy-ness

will be sticking around.

I'm up for it though, and super excited.

#9

Today marks our 9th year anniversary.

Wow. 9 years.

We were up until 2AM a few nights ago,

reminiscing over all that we've been through, and how our lives

have changed in those years.

It took me back to the 1st night we met.

I would have NEVER thought that "the hot guy in my living room"

would turn out to be my husband, and the father of my children someday.

It has been a journey.

One that has made us stronger as a couple, with every day that passes.

It's a great feeling being married to your best friend.

Yep. He's my favorite.

It's crazy at how after all this time...

The guy STILL gives me butterflies.

Wow, She's growing up.

We went and watched our oldest niece in her 1st volleyball game this evening.

I still can't believe she's in the 7th grade this year. Where did the time go?

I remember her 1st day of Kindergarten... now she's as tall as me?

Scary.

Anyhoo...

The girl did AWESOME.

It was fun cheering her on, and watching my husband.

You could tell he was one PROUD uncle.

He couldn't stop talking about how "good" she was.

(Even after we had been home awhile.)

Hahaha.

It was adorable.

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Good job Stacie.

We'll be at the next one.

Oh brother!

Today was a 1st for me.

I was getting Layton dressed after his bath, and as soon as I buttoned up his new pair of cargos...

he froze, looked down, then looked back at me, stuck out his bottom lip and said:

"I don't like these Mommy. I DON'T like these."

He wasn't sassy, or disrespectful, just very "matter-of-fact."

Of course, he made me laugh.

He's NEVER been oppinionated about his clothes.

I told him that he looked handsome, and

that I would never dress him in something that didn't look nice on him.

(Honestly, he DID offend me... just a little.)

No matter what I said, he wasn't convinced.

I was stunned.

I Still am.

My sweet, easy-going, laid back child can be STUBBORN?

Go figure.

Simple Sunday

Today was a good day.

Church, and lunch afterwards with the family, then home for a day with nothing to do.

Yesterday wiped me out!

We spent most of it organizing the kids' bedrooms.

So, today was low-key.

The weather was cold, and gloomy.

Perfect day to stay in our PJ's.

The kids played, we relaxed, and I baked chocolate-chunk cookies.

Yep. It was perfect.

Parenting isn't easy.

I hate the moments when being a Mom, just makes me want to cry.......
When I feel like I'm doing it wrong and when I feel like I just can't do it right.
These moments are rare, but so real, and they scare the living crap out of me.

Drastic measures.

With all the craziness, and sickness going on around here the last few days, and my lack of blogging.

I forgot to share what I did over the weekend.

Yep. I got brave.

Very BRAVE!

I went from being a brunette... to being goth.

Haha.

Just kidding.

(I don't look goth, but I DO have black hair.)

Yes, you read that right.

It's BLACK.

Now, honestly.

At 1st. I panicked.

Everytime I'd walk by a mirror, I'd scare myself.

But, I'm getting used to it now, and I actually REALLY like the change.

It's funky, spunky, and different.

Great for fall, and winter.

Plus, my friends LOVE it and the hubby thinks it's HOT.
So, I'll go with it.

I don't think They'd steer me wrong.

(at least I hope they wouldn't.)

Experiment.

A few nights ago, Lee offered to set some of the settings on my new camera.

I knew he liked to "play" with it just as much as I do, so I told him to go ahead.

Next thing I know...

 BOTH of the kids are leaping from the coffee table to the couch totally having a blast.

Laughing, giggling, and then there is Lee.

 Just snapping away.

He informs me that it's the only way to set the "motion" setting.

Needless to say:

It worked...

... and the kids weren't complaining.

Update.

Haven't posted in a few days.
Been sick around here.
Haven't even been on the computer.
You know SOMETHING is up when I'm not on the computer.
Hahaha!
I've had the cold, and then messed up my back while coughing.
Yeah, COUGHING!
Pathetic, I know.
Anyhoo... happy to report: I'm on the mend.
Lee's out of town tonight with his Dad and it's just me and my stinkers.
Cindy was sweet enough to bring over dinner, Becca stopped by to visit, Tirzah picked up my kids from school, and brought over homemade fudge, and muscle relaxers.
With their help, I have survived this evening alone.
It's so appreciated.
Looking forward to tomorrow.
Lee gets home, and it's TUESDAY!!
What's so exciting about Tuesday?
Hellloooooooo?
The Ugly Truth is out on DVD!!
Whoop-Whoop.

Sick to my stomach... in a GOOD way.

I have been looking forward to the day that I could really focus on my dream.

Thanks to my wonderful in-laws, that time has come sooner (waaaaay sooner) than I expected.

With the help of them, I now have an awesome camera, with endless possibilities.

(Yes, I will be "paying them back" for the rest of my life, but it is my pleasure.)

I can't thank them enough.

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I have been playing with it since I got it, and TOTALLY feel like a kid on Christmas morning. :)

Most people wouldn't understand the "big deal" of it all...

But, for me this is everything that I have wanted for a very long time.

This allows me to begin.

Begin my journey in photography.

Yeah, I have TONS to learn, and I have BIG dreams.

But, I am passionate, and I will do it.

I am so excited for all that is in store for me.

I know it won't be overnight, but that is totally ok.

I am going to enjoy it all.

Every step of the way.

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 The winning phrase this week has been:

"You have to start somewhere."

Well... I start HERE.

Say CHEESE!

You all know of  my LOVE for photography.

You also know then of how my poor kids are ALWAYS my little guinea pigs.

I take pictures almost everyday of them... Yes people. EVERYDAY!

(That is why I said "poor" kids.)

Hahaha!
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Well, today I ventured out.

I actually photographed children who aren't mine.

I was a little nervous of the unknown,

but totally amazed at how comfortable I was with it after a few shots.

It was an awesome feeling.

Capturing moments, and memories for this family to always have.

I got great pictures, and most importantly GREAT feedback.

(It also didn't hurt to make a little extra dough.)

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~Thanks Dawn for giving me the honor to photograph your little girls~

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Here are a few of my favorites.

Enjoy...