Swing

Stop and consider the wonderful miracles of God! - Job 37:14

Then our mouth
was filled with laughter,
and our tongue
with shouts of joy;
then they said
among the nations,
“The Lord has done
great things for them.”
- Psalm 126:2

Lunch Break...as in the rules.

Growing up we always had a lot of rules for when we were eating meals. I want to raise my kids to have good manners, also. Whether or not a 2yo and an 11mo can have any semblance of manners is up for debate, however. A debate which I seem to be losing. In this post I'd like to show you some good examples of said table manners.

On second thought maybe I should go with what not to do at the table. We seem to have that down. See above, for example. You probably shouldn't put your feet on the table while eating. While a relaxing position, no telling where those things have been. Actually, I know where they've been. So get them off my table, por favor.

In some situations, it's probably best to use utensils. Tirzah's idea of utensils is kind of limited, since we are still working on not throwing food onto the floor, the walls, and the mother, (another rule breaker) but Merrick has also been known to use a fork as a drumstick or a dart. Also, please do not throw your silverware away. I finally figured out recently why I had no more kiddo spoons. Merrick had been diligently tossing them out after each use. Dearest, those are expensive, please try throwing them in the sink of you must throw your utensils. Gracias.

Another good mealtime rule: don't put too much in your mouth. You will choke and your mother will have to fish it out of your esophagus. This picture is deceiving. While it appears Miss Tirzah Shae has stuffed one too many cheez-its into her mouth and broken yet another rule, she really just sports the guilty chipmunk look regularly. *These babies are all real, people. I do not stuff my cheeks.*

And last, but not least, don't talk with food in your mouth. Or as we see in this case, scream. While jokes abound about see-food, they are no longer funny, and looking at mushy banana-covered cheez-its is really unappetizing for other diners. Especially when you are the mother, and you know that what she is planning next is yet another lunch-time no-no: please do not projectile spit your food onto your siblings or your mother.

Hope you enjoyed this post on what not to do at the table. Another rule I have learned in my many 2.5 years of parenting? Don't photograph your children while breaking meal-time rules...cuz you are just asking for it then. De nada.

P.S. Also, hope you enjoyed this bi-lingual blog post. Those are the only 3 Spanish words I remember from high school. Sorry, Mom.

Better than...

God loves a lullaby
In a mothers tears in the dead of night
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes.

God loves the drunkards cry,
The soldiers plea not to let him die
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes.

The woman holding on for life,
The dying man giving up the fight
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes

The tears of shame for what's been done,
The silence when the words won't come
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes.

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah
Better than a church bell ringing,
Better than a choir singing out,singing out.

// Better than a Hallelujah, Amy Grant

Just saw the lyrics to this song on facebook, and it really made me stop and think, and feel overwhelmingly grateful for the God I serve, who truly listens to me, even and especially when I'm crying on His shoulder. I felt like these words were a gift He knew I needed just between us, and a reminder of how much I mean to Him. What's an unexpected gift God has given you recently?

The Love Fern

I love funny movies. I mostly love quoting funny movies. It's an odd (read annoying) habit that all 6 kids in my family have. We quote movies at each other and then laugh at ourselves. It's really probably not that funny to people around us who are wondering why we are saying things that make no sense.

So this past week, when Billy gave me my anniversary present, the opportunity to quote presented itself. He brought me out on the porch to show me the hydrangea *featured in these pictures* he had bought me...to which I squealed "our love fern!" *100 points if you know (no googling, cheaters) what movie that is from. Don't know what you will use the points for...but that's your problem. ;)*

My hubby is a patient guy. Always asking "what's that quote from" when I say something that makes no sense, and makes me laugh at myself. Sometimes it's not even a quote, I just don't make any sense...but it's diplomatic of him to blame it on quotes. He is actually getting pretty good at knowing what movie I'm quoting at the moment. He's even managed the pick up the habit and start throwing out the quotes himself.

One of the family favorites to quote is Robin Hood, the Disney cartoon of course. "Oo-da-lally" pretty much applies to everything. And a few other favorites are Nacho Libre and Just Married. And don't forget classics like Oklahoma the musical or new favorites like Pirates of the Caribbean, yes all three of them.

It probably really does drive people crazy, and maybe we should consider growing up a little. But I lost all hope for growing up when I got so excited that Merrick quoted Nacho Libre that I tweeted about it. It was one of my proudest moments. *Kidding...sort of.* Speaking of quotes, he looked at me today and said "Mommy, I'm funny." If that doesn't mean he gets his sense of humor from his mother then I don't know what does. Cracking ourselves up seems to run in the family. But I guess it's better than not cracking up at all. ;)

This week's theme at YouCapture was "Get down Low". Check out the link for more great shots and blogs!

Extreme Strolling

Just a snapshot of Wild on the walk we took last night. We took advantage of the summer solstice and went on a long walk after dinner. But around here even a walk needs to be done with flair.

SistaTwin

I know a lot of people think it would be a lot of fun to have a twin. I thought that growing up. One of my younger sisters actually was a twin. The second baby didn't make it full-term, though. So we were never able to meet him or her. My sibling and I are all really close, in different ways. I think we each are able to be close in different ways to each other, but yet are all really close as a group. We get each other, and get on each others' nerves, all at the same time. ;)

I am glad, at this point in my life, to be able to get closer to my next to youngest sister, Abby. We are about 10 years apart in age. But that isn't so much of a big deal the older you get. The older we get, the closer we get. And apparently, the more like twins we look. My own husband, and our mother, has mistaken her for me from a short distance. We both share a love (ok, ok...obsession) for photography, can't have enough pairs of big sunglasses, and have been accused of being the family loud mouths. We may not be twins...but we sure coulda fooled my mom. ;)

So grateful for each one of my sisters, and the unique way they are each a special part of my life.

*If you don't understand how a woman could both love her sister dearly
and want to wring her neck at the same time,
then you were probably an only child.*
~Linda Sunshine

Wood?

This year was the big 0-5. Five years ago, on June 11th, we got hitched. *I looked it up, and 5th anniversary gifts are supposed to be wood. That sounds kind of lame to me. Who decided these things?) It seems like we've been married way longer than that. I mean that in the best way, of course. I guess what I mean is I can't imagine not being married to this guy. (Each of these photos are from around our anniversary that year...)

We knew we wanted to get married since he was literally 14, and a stalker. Not kidding, he totally stalked me. I was the sophisticated, hard to get older woman of 17. Ok...I was just older. But he still stalked me. I just didn't play hard to get very well. Much to my mother's dismay. She finally has stopped saying "he's too young for you" now that we have 2 kids. ;)

We've gotten to know each other pretty well in these last 5 years...10 years if you count all the time we knew we were meant for each other. I knew he was the one for me when he not only didn't care that I put my ice cream in the microwave before I ate it, but he joined me and put his in too.

We've gone through a lot together, a move or two, a kid or two, a fight or two, ahem, thousand...but it's still just us two. He's the person I first want to tell something, the person I can't sleep without, the person who makes me the maddest and happiest in the entire world.

There is so much in him I admire...and it doesn't hurt that he thinks I look great in sweatpants and no make-up. We have a lot to learn...we see that every day. But we also know how good we have it with each other. I think we'll stick it out. Plus I really want to get to next year's anniversary. I hear the sixth anniversary is "candy". ;) That's much better than wood.

Looking at all or nothing babe it's you and I, With you I know that I'm good for something So let's go and give it a try. We've got our backs against the ocean, It's just us against the world. Looking at all or nothing, babe it's you and I.
// All or Nothing, Theory of a Deadman

Time flies.

Time flies when you're having fun. So weird how that is true. And time drags by when you are bored or wanting it to hurry up. Guess that must be why this past year has flown by. We're having way too much fun around here. Almost exactly one year ago today I took photos of a much smaller, but still just as studly, Merrick swimming in a pool on our back porch.
I also weighed about 40 lbs. more at the time, and was begging and bargaining with God to make me go into labor with Tirzah. *Please, Lord...I'll do anything. Just give me contractions now!* At the time, it felt like time was dragging. I was so pregnant, and little did I know I still had all the way until 11:26 pm on my due date before Tirzah would be born. Thank goodness I didn't know that then. There would have been a mental breakdown I think.

But this last year with her? Where on earth did it go? And Merrick? He's lost all his "baby". He is all little boy, and it makes me cry and feel so proud all in the same moment. He is talking and saying things that take me by surprise because they actually are in English. He is even trying out his English as a means of talking mom into things, if his long eyelashes and big baby-blues don't work, that is.

We're getting close to Tirzah's first birthday. My sweet little girl is growing so fast, and doing new things all the time. She is clapping, cruising and waving, and even put my sunglasses on at the pool today. I know, I know...she's a genius. Every minute with them is awesome. *It is easier to think these happy thoughts while they are snoozing in their beds, I know...but even in the trenches of the whining hour I know it's true, too.*

I am not wishing the time to pass any faster, but I think the fact that it is says a lot about just how stinkin much I love these kiddos, and the time I've been given to be in their lives.

This week at YouCapture the theme was "water". Check out the link for more shots!

...and it was good.

Just notice this little sun-flare powered moment while taking a walk with the kids. Thankful for every little moment with the two of them. They are growing so fast. One day they'll be pushing me in a wheel-chair, for now I'm grateful I'm still pushing them around. ;)

"God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good." (Genesis 1:31)

How I see it...

Recently I had the chance to do my first newborn/family shoot. Ya know, that didn't involve someone I gave birth to. ;) So...a few brave souls actually asked me to take their pictures for them. I was honored, and terrified, all at the same time. What if I messed up?

Thankfully by the grace of God and photoshop...I did not. Mess up, that is. I mean...I tend to jabber and say embarrassing things while nervous...but I didn't count that part. These sweet people even thanked me many times and said I was talented. Said they would recommend me to friends and even hire me again. It was music to my very amateur ears.

I am enjoying this hobby turned obsession so much, and hope that I never get stale or feel like I got enough swagger and stop pushing myself. Also that I continue to have the opportunity to find people, learn a little bit about them and myself, through these lenses I am aquiring.

Sounds cheesy maybe...but I feel like this camera is a gift I've been given. I've been handed a camera that's helped me to slow down and notice the beauty around me, and find ways to share it with the people in my life. It's also helped me notice the details...things I didn't see before.

I had a great time getting to know this family a little bit better, and hopefully show exactly who they are. And when it comes down to it...I think that's the whole point.

This week at i♥faces the theme was "babies". Check out the link for more shots.

Rite of Passage

I know every girl loves her chocolate. Well, most girls. There are a few, like my little sister who is certifiably insane, who does not like chocolate. Life must be a lot simpler for her. I am truly jealous. Godiva and Hershey do not scream her name, or whisper "eat me" in her ear like they do to me.

From the looks of this picture...I think Godiva was whispering in Tirzah's ear the other evening. *More accurately, my cocoa powder I have in a canister in the kitchen. Ew.* I was in my bedroom working on editing a shoot, when she crawled into the room. I paid no attention until Merrick says "Oh! Baby happen?"

I realized, after the initial "what is on your FACE?!" shock that she had gotten into the canister of cocoa powder. I do believe it was with a little help from big brother since she can't open the canisters herself. She had then proceeded to dump it all over the floor, my cookbooks that I don't use *shhh*, and, of course, herself. I then did what I always do when my kids make a big, hilarious mess. I cleaned it up got my camera.

Billy did not think the incident, or me photographing the incident, was quite as funny as I did. But he forgave me once he saw the pictures, cuz admittedly it's much funnier once the floor, and the kids, are clean. ;)

I'm 28...no really.

Speaking of fun...last week was my birthday. I'm not one of those girls who "doesn't have birthdays" and is forever 28. Maybe I'm not old enough for that yet. *This year was 28 actually...wow. Wasn't I just 18? Like...Tuesday?* Or maybe I'd just rather tack on an extra number if it means I get showered with love and cake. And presents.

And like I said...the two kiddos pictures above give me lots of attention. So much so that, as you can tell from the above shot, they don't even let me go to the bathroom alone. *FYI...I staged this shot. I do not carry my camera into the bathroom with me. Sometimes.*

No really...I am blessed with sweet *although slightly high-strung* kiddos, and a thoughtful hubby who always makes sure I wake up to a present. He put a card and the above shirt and necklace on the nightstand so they were the first thing I saw after the "where am I and who is that screaming mommy* stupor cleared.
My mom also fixed dinner for me, for a change. Bless her heart the woman really hates to cook...so usually I end up fixing dinner when we eat over there. But I got the night off, and even sneaked outside to get photographic evidence that I didn't fix dinner.

Oh...and did I mention that I finally praise the Lord got that 50mm that I've been dying and salivating over? Stalking it like a ninja, actually. I have wanted a 50mm since I started getting serious about photography, and now thanks to the 'rents I got one. :) I'm their favorite. Kidding, but I'm so in love. The bokeh makes my heart go pitter patter.

And not just in love with my lens...I do love this guy, too. He always goes out of his way to make my birthday special. He even changed his work schedule so he could come home early and make sure the kids didn't kill me on my birthday. It was a fabulous day...and I miss it. And the cake and presents, too. But don't worry...I'll be gladly turning 29 next June 3rd. ;)

These weeks YouCapture theme was "fun". Check out the link for more great stuff.

Everybody's trying it...

Around here we are CFA fanatics. So of course we signed up for the free sandwich coupon to try the new Spicy Chicken sammy. Billy and I went last Wednesday and tried it. We were not disappointed. But I'm pretty sure CFA would have to start selling mud sandwiches for us not to love it. We even kind of made a date night out of it and left the kids with my sisters. I'm sure even Merrick would have loved it though, since that kiddo can down some Chipotle hot salsa and not bat one of his long, get-me-out-of-trouble eyelashes. ;)

Have you tried it yet? If so...what did you think?

Nothing says summer like bored kids.

This time last week we were all enjoying a long weekend. I think that 3 days is a good length for a weekend, and maybe that should be mandatory. Or at least summer vacation should be required...not just for kids. They don't seem to fully appreciate the finer things in life. 3 months with nothing to do, naps, early bedtimes, playing and having people clean up after you, etc. I have always loved summer...and last weekend we had a great time kicking it off. For Memorial Day my family always gets together, grills out, and plays a game of volleyball or softball until we are all suffering from heat exhaustion. Then we eat some more:
It was a great start to the summer. And even though I'll be working my behind off for the guy pictured above...it's the best kind of work, and I really can't believe they pay me for this. Oh wait, they don't...but whatever.

What are some things that say "summer is here" for you?

Let my people (of walmart) go.

Odd title. Yes, I know. As usual with my posts...they start out having you thinking "this woman needs more sleep" and end with you saying "I was right, this woman needs more sleep". You are right, on both counts. And I went to Walmart with both kids yesterday...so I have a good excuse.

Yesterday I was doing my mom's grocery shopping...which I usually do about once a week. My sister has been sick with a unidentified virus *No thank you very much* so I didn't leave the kids with her as I usually do on such trips. We were doing pretty well aside from Merrick having a few fist fights with groceries taking up too much space, and Tirzah repeatedly getting her chubby little legs caught in the cart bars.

About half way through Merrick started to get bored. He tried to help me load items into the cart, which is thoughtful, but I didn't really want 99% of what he put in. He was efficient, however, when asked to put things back. *Such as the tomato he hurled across produce...which by the grace of God actually landed in the tomato bin. Twice. That's the problem with laughing at your kids...they repeat what you laughed at. Hey, I really tried not to laugh when he threw that tomato.*
Merrick also did a great job of fending off any shoppers, or possible muggers, with the bottle of Resolve. People minding their own business would walk by the cart and he would menacingly say "I SPRAY you." A few snickered, a few looked confused, a few looked at me like "Honey...you'll probably make it out of the terrible two's alive."

After I took his weapon from him. I got a phone call from my mom. I had to park at the end of an aisle for a second since the cart weighs 487 lbs and I cannot push it and put Merrick back in it with one arm. *This is where Charlton Heston made his appearance, hence the title.* Merrick stands at the end of the cart and spreads his arms...kinda like Mr. Heston here:

...and yells "PEOPLE....STOP!" Thankfully...people laughed but kept on walking. We did make it out without many more incidents, and thankfully before "Moses" had a chance to send a plague on the meat department or anyone's first born.