A Blur

I know how it goes. Too fast. Especially when there are kiddos involved. Before I know it Christmas will be over for another year, it will be 2012, and there will be 3 instead of just 2 to fill up my day. They'll be going to college and getting married and...let's not go there.

I always say I'm going to savor every moment, and I totally plan on it. It's just hard when this is what every moment of their waking hours looks like...a blur:

But they are my favorite little blurry streaks of energy...and I cannot imagine how boring and stationary life might be without them. So I'll do my best to sit back and enjoy every waking, screaming, laughing moment of this holiday season...for their sake and mine.

The first shot is for Simplicity, Second is for Communal Global,

 and third is for Sweet Shot. 

Holiday Purist

I'm one of those "holiday purists" who does not like mixing my holidays. I like to celebrate them one at a time. I get kind of confused when I see Christmas stuff up before we've even had Thanksgiving dinner. Along the same lines is when you go to the Target in June to buy a swimsuit and realize they aren't selling those anymore, but are selling winter coats. Makes sense. Um, no.

I mean, to each his own. It's not hurting anything to put up your Christmas decorations in July...I just don't like to have my tree before my turkey, or whatever. I don't like listening to Christmas music until at least 12am the Friday after Thanksgiving. At that point? Bring it on. I am practically Mrs. Clause. I love Christmas. (Everything except Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You" song, that makes me want to have reindeer stew. Can't...stand...it.)

There have been years in the past, (years of being married to Billy) where my Christmas spirit was met with a bit of Scrooge-worthy resistance. I understand he's the one who had to go to the shed and get all the glittery, messy, sometimes occasionally cheesy decor out, so I give him a break. This year, though? He came home on his own after work (he closed at the store, so keep in mind it was 11:30pm) and got all the decorations out, and ran to Walmart to get more lights for the tree when we realized some weren't working. I think I hear angels singing Jingle Bells or something.

We had a great time decorating together, in that rare quiet while the kiddos are passed out in their beds. (Especially after the nightmare in Hobby Lobby earlier in the day shopping for a few new decorations with the kids. I assure you, it put Nightmare on Elm Street to shame.) Now that it's officially the Christmas season in my mind, I'm also *fingers crossed* asking Santa for a baby for Christmas. Hoping the fact that we decorated in blue and brown will encourage Baby J to arrive in time to check out the decorations. (I'll be full term the week before Christmas) A girl can hope, right? Otherwise I think by that point I'll probably look a bit like Santa myself, minus the beard.

The first shot is for Macro Monday

The last shot is for Monday Rewind

Tizzy Lou Who

I'm so excited that Tirzah finally has enough hair on her sassy little head for doing things like this...which kind of reminds me of Cindy Lou Who:

Her hair, the fluffy, baby fly-away fuzz that is it, is going through a really awkward phase. I want to grow it all out so she can do what she wants with it as she gets older, and so in the process of doing that her bangs are in her eyes 24/7. She can't see where she's going, she rubs food in them, gets angry with them, yells at them, etc. I don't necessarily blame her, it's probably pretty annoying. I haven't had bangs in my eyes in years. So we have to fix her hair most days just to keep from having a huge meltdown.

Well, I fix her hair, but that doesn't exactly mean the sass stops as you can see. She is sassy whether she can see where she is going or not. She just can see who she's throwing punches at when her hair is out of her eyes instead of blind swinging. ;) She's such a mix of diva and tomboy that I don't exactly always know how to handle her. She wants her hair fixed up and pretty but then wants to fight with her brother and gets mad that she's messed it up. She wants her nails painted but before they are dry she's digging in the yard and chips it all off.

I find myself shaking my head at her, but then I realize that she is a lot like I was at that age. Loves pretty things but can't resist getting a little dirt under her nails. She is maybe even sassier than I was. I surely don't remember beating up quite that many boys. ;)

The first shot is for Paper Heart Camera, and the second shot is for Paper Mama

Counting

Joy's a function of gratitude. And gratitude's a function of perspective. 

Counting my gifts changes my perspective - and my LIFE. - Voscamp

So much to be thankful for today, that I don't know where to start.

Wishing everyone a great Thanksgiving!

Check out more shots at Texture Thursday, Shades of Autumn, and This or That.

I'm a bad cook.

Over the next week there's going to be lots of time with family, lots of good food, and lots of driving here and there around here. We are having a "family night" tonight at my mom's since almost none of my newly married siblings will be here for the actual Thanksgiving holiday. (Thankfully they will be around for Christmas.) So I'll probably be recruited to spend a lot of time in front of one of these things:

I don't mind helping in the kitchen, really. Ok, I do. I really don't cook much. I like to go places where people cook for me...like restaurants. I should be ashamed of myself, probably, but I'm really not. I think I wouldn't even mind going to a restaurant on Thanksgiving. (Did I just say that? Yes, yes I did.) I cook when I have to, and because of the little people that need to not grow up thinking all food comes from Chick-Fil-A.

I would rather spend the holiday hanging out with said little people, but it's Thanksgiving. So cook we will. We actually celebrate on Wednesday, so we will be microwaving leftovers on Thanksgiving and doing that hanging out/relaxing I was hoping for. Maybe a little sleeping in and all that good stuff...but that part is up to the hooligans of course. ;)

The first shot is for Sweet Shot, and You Capture,

Second is for Communal Global, Third is for Simplicity.

Man Card

No, I don't think I have one of those. Pretty sure when you're pregnant you exempt yourself from any such thing. My hubby was glad to announce however, that he still has his when he got our long-unused fireplace in working order without injuring himself or the house.

I absolutely love a good cozy fire. The smell, the warmth, the crackly noises, the warmth...I already said that one but it's very important to my toes. I was hoping this personal heater/baby belly would keep me warm this winter but I'm noticing that I'm still cold. Come on. So glad that Billy heard my pleas and spent his Saturday afternoon covered in soot and ashes. It hadnt been used in 8 years, so I think he was a little worried about, ya know, burning down the house but so far so good.

The hooligans have mixed reviews of said cozy fire. Tizzy was annoyed that she had to pose her striped socks for a shot, and Merrick helpfully suggested we call the fire trucks. (I explained to him it was ok only when it's in the fireplace. He then tried to throw in more wood. I quickly screamed and scared him and the neighbors to death. Don't think he'll be assisting with that anymore.) Looking forward to lots of coziness this winter. I've never had a fireplace in my house before, so I do believe it'll be making up the 8 years it's had off.

The first shot is for Monday Rewind

Second shot is for Macro Monday

Preparational Chilling

As we get closer to the end of this pregnancy with Baby J, we are trying to make the most of the weekends we have off with the other two kiddos. Billy has a great schedule, but doesn't always have a whole weekend off. We realized yesterday that this weekend (which we are going to spend playing outside in the relatively warm weather with the kiddos) may be one of the last full weekends we have off before Baby J's arrival. Maybe not, you never know, but we want to make the most of it.













This fall has flown by, but at the same time the weeks seem to drag as we anxiously await Baby J's arrival. Trying not to rush it, but you know how that goes. Feeling like you're in a holding pattern waiting for what you know is coming and most likely going to turn your world a little upside down for awhile. (3 am feedings, anyone???) Cannot believe that Thanksgiving is happening this coming week...but also glad I'll still be pregnant on this most blessed of face-stuffing holidays. I feel a little more excused to eat for two when, ya know, I'll be 34 weeks pregnant. ;)

Not sure what exactly we have planned for this weekend, other than just some hanging out. But I'm sure it will be lots of the usual fun and craziness. Next week (and the aforementioned holiday) will be busy, but fun...so looking forward to some  "laid-back" this weekend. As fun as holidays are, around these parts they tend to be loud and crazy. Are you really surprised? Surely not...;)

Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. Ecclesiastes 5:18

The first shot is for Paper Heart Camera, Second is for Scripture and a Snapshot, third is for Paper Mama.

Maternity Leave

So technically I won't be getting any such thing as "maternity leave". I have two kids already, who am I kidding, right? I'll be lucky if I get to "leave" to take a shower those first few weeks after Baby J is born, much less a few months off of work.

So when I say maternity leave I'm referring to the fact that I am taking a break from client work until after the baby is born. My camera will strictly be used as a torture device for my own children and various objects out in nature. No really, the hooligans are terribly vain these days and love looking at pictures of themselves. They are getting pretty good at posing, also. They know the drill. ;) J's first word will probably be "cheese".

I did one last session this past weekend with two of my favorite faithful families (don't try saying that three times fast), it was a "double session" I guess you could call it, and we got some pictures of their two kiddos playing together which was fun. Might sound a bit daunting photographing two fast moving kiddos, but if you read this blog you know...that's what I do every day. The belly makes it a bit harder, I'll admit, but it's nothing new to chase a kid or two with my camera.

Their two families are so fun to work with (and no, I'm not just saying that cuz they pay me...I really love working with them) and these two kiddos make my job easy with their cute antics and quick smiles. I've been taking their pictures since before their first birthdays, and it's been fun watching the two of them grow. I appreciate their parents' continued requests for me to photograph them...even in spite of my current bent towards waddling. ;) Great working with you guys, as always!

Check out more Something Fun shots at You Capture

 The First shot is for Autumn Photo Challenge and second is for This or That, 

Third Shot is for Fabulous Friday and Photo Story Friday, 

and last is for Texture Thursday

Crunchy Goodness

Yesterday was a perfect fall day. Actually probably too warm for what some would call "perfect", but 70 degrees in mid-November seems pretty perfect to me. The leaves, the sun, the warm air moved around with just a little bit of a breeze stirring up the essence of autumn, and scattering the already fallen piles of color.

Billy was home from work, so we ate at Sonic, I was able to run 4.5 miles after we all slept in a little bit...like I said: perfect. While the kiddos napped I got to sneak outside and take some shots of the crunchy goodness all around our place right now. I was a little worried when we moved "into town" that I wouldn't have as much nature-ish stuff to take pictures of, but this fall has been one of those...so colorful that you can't help but be aware of the artist God is.

As I sit here writing this, I'm overwhelmed by the fullness I'm surrounded by. So thankful that my little family is here under this roof with me, safe and sound and not in need. So many people I know going through so many things, that I feel guilty when I let out my little complaints about a Baby J induced bad night of sleep. I am grateful that he is here to kick me all night so I don't sleep, and grateful for those other two kiddos who wake me up after one of those nights, bright and early yelling for "froot yoops" and waffles.

I know there will be hard days in the future, and there will be moments during this day where I'm not so poetically grateful for said fullness in my life. But I hope that I will remember this post, and remember how blessed I am. I hope I'll remember the warmth of yesterday on days when it's hard to scrounge up a good attitude. I hope I'll remember all this crunchy goodness.

 

The first shot is for Sweet Shot and second is for Happiness Project, 

Third is for Communal Global and last is for Simplicity.

Sailboats in the Tub

So I am a big fan of taking baths. I think I could live in the bathtub. Especially at this point when everything aches. I probably take a bath almost every day. Most of the time I either wait until the kids are in bed napping, or in bed for the night. Because if I don't wait until they are unconscious this is the kind of thing that happens:

[ Now, keep in mind this was Sunday afternoon and their daddy was home, so I thought I was safe. He is a great dad (and is awesome about giving me a break while he's home) but for some reason they cannot seem to leave me alone, and repeatedly sneak into the bathroom whenever he is otherwise occupied. (I should be grateful for this attachment, I suppose.) ]

I love them dearly, but sometimes you just would like a little peace and quiet. I know, what's that right? I decided yesterday that what I needed to be thankful for in my 30 days of gratitude project was the "sailboats in the bathtub", or the little kiddo trail they leave in my life, that I know I will definitely miss one day. It's hard sometimes, when they are pretending to be Spiderman swinging from the towel rack in the bathroom when I just want to soak by myself in silence, but at the same time I can't help but love every minute of it.

Check out more shots at Monday Rewind. The last shot is for Macro Monday.

Slow it Down

The time is flying by this fall. This weekend is super busy with two photo sessions, a good friend's wedding, and church activities. So before I run out the door and don't come back for days, I'll leave you with this shot and the lyrics to a new favorite song.

The house is dark, but I see clearly
Kettle sings a morning song
The bacons frying, babies crying
I soak up the sights and sounds
Minutes turn to days and I wish that I could slow it down / Lady Antebellum

 -->Hear

Ok, and just for laughs...I think she is planning on attending the wedding like this:

The second shot is for Paper Mama, and first is for Paper Heart Camera

At Least the Food is Comfortable

I think Autumn is a very "comfy" season. It's starting to get chilly, so it just makes you want to snuggle up. Sometimes I snuggle up with the kiddos, the hubby, or...food. Recently that comfort food has been peanut butter and banana. And this week we are planning on making our first batch of chili. Nothing says fall quite like some good chili.

This fall we are also "nesting" around here, or I am at least, in preparation for the arrival of Baby J. (Hopefully that will be *fingers crossed* before the end of the year as uncomfortable as I am.) We worked on his nursery, painting and redoing some items we got at local junk stores, and are now painting what will be both the older hooligans bedroom.

I'm fairly certain the two of them moving into a room together will be the straw that breaks the camel's back, or drives me over the cliffs of insanity...however you want to say it. I could be pleasantly surprised (would love to be...) but am trying to set myself up for a large amount of noise and a small amount of sleep when this move happens.

I wish I was spending this cozy season hibernating like a bear, catching up on sleep before we have a newborn in the house. But at this stage in the game (almost 32 weeks!) I am not doing so much sleeping as I am cat napping between trips to the bathroom and the laborious task of attempting to roll over when I wake up with everything aching.

I also realize I spent this entire post talking about being uncomfortable, and food. I really shouldn't complain, since I have had a relatively uneventful and healthy pregnancy...for which I am so grateful. But I guess you can you tell what is on my mind these days: aches and sandwiches. ;) On that note I think it's time for another pb&b.

Check out more Fall shots at You Capture

 The First shot is for Autumn Photo Challenge and This or That, and Texture Thursday

Second shot is for Fabulous Friday and Photo Story Friday, 

Part 2

Merrick recently had his 4th birthday, which was the perfect time to stock up on his latest obsession: the movie Cars and all it's characters. We had the first movie, which we watched until the entire family can quote the movie in our sleep, and various Cars paraphernalia.

For his birthday he got the second installment: Cars 2. We are now well on our way to memorizing this movie as well. (He also got Veggie Tales, which both the kids love. I also need to point out that Tirzah calls it "Wedgie Tales"...so I make sure to have her repeat it constantly for my own entertainment.) He also got several of the characters from the movie on top of his cake, so they drive all over everything anywhere we go. The gym, the shelves at the grocery store, the sidewalk outside, church pews...

Tizzy did surprisingly well being that all of this has been all about Merrick. She tags right along with the Cars frenzy, and likes to assign certain Cars characters names to herself and family members. Recently she told us that Mommy was Sally (who is a Porsche) and Daddy was 'Mater (who is a banged up tow-truck). I thought this was pretty funny, but Billy wasn't quite as amused. I'll take what compliments I can get, ya know. ;)

The first shot is for Sweet Shot and Happiness Project, 

Second is for Communal Global and Simplicity,

Third is for Little Somethings.

30 Days

Last November I did a photography project called 30 days of Gratitude. (Not everyone makes it a photography project, but that's me...) You  may have noticed people facebooking or tweeting about how they are thankful for certain things each day. I wish I was more focused on being thankful all the time, but the month containing Thanksgiving is a good place to start.

There are a lot of things I am thankful for right now. Some of them are simple, like sitting at the kitchen table eating PB&J with my kiddos, or chocolate cake and coffee. And other things are more complex like my salvation, the love of my little family, healthy kids and paid bills. So many things I don't deserve and take for granted that I want to start noticing. What are some things you are thankful for today?

"Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon His name; make known his deeds among the peoples!" :: Psalm 105.1

Check out more shots at Scripture and a Snapshot, Macro Monday, and Monday Rewind.

Bump not Frump

The other day I went shopping for a few things to fit this bump. Not an easy task if you want to stay away from the typical maternity wear, which I'm allergic to. ;) I am pretty particular about my clothes, and normally maternity fashion is short on the...fashion. But thankfully I've been able to find a lot of nonmaternity clothes that will work...which also saves money since I can wear them after Baby J is here, too.

Billy and the kids went with me, which was part fun/part insanity. The kids get pretty bored pretty quick while shopping. But Billy is awesome witih them, and with giving me a chance to browse while keeping them entertained. As you can tell, they not only entertained themselves but all of H&M. I'd say it was a pretty successful shopping trip, since we all lived to tell about it and I actually have a few things to wear for the next 9 weeks.

The First shot is for Autumn Photo Challenge, Life Rearranged, and Imperfections.
Second shot is for Fabulous Friday and Photo Story Friday, and This or That.  

Sugar Rush

This year was a lot of fun trick-or-treating with the hooligans. They were both old enough to have a little more fun, and it's always fun to see your kiddos having a good time. And picking out of their candy bags after they go to sleep never hurts either. Although I did pay dearly for that with a violent candy-induced kicking spree on the part of Baby J. Wow...kiddo meant business.

We took the hooligans (who were Spiderman and "Cimbrella", aka Cinderella) to a local children's museum for the candy harvest. It was fun since there were other things to do besides just grab the goods. We got some ice cream, painted some pumpkins (one of which is sitting on the table looking at me with 4 eyeballs...Tizzy went a little crazy with the eyeballs. Kinda creepy.), played on a playground, and climbed on some dinosaurs.

Afterwards we had some dinner, which was a decidedly rambunctious event where Spiderman spent more time looking at himself in the windows of the restaurant than eating, and Cinderella refused to eat anything but french fries. (She's apparently a vegetarian these days, and nuggets must be spared at all costs.) Oh well, that's what daddy is for: to finish the kid's leftovers. Mommy's, however, are much better at finishing leftover candy.

Check out more Halloween shots at YouCapture,

The first shot is for Show Off, and last is for Texture Thursday.

Up with the Birds

The birds they sang, break of day

Start again I hear them say

It's so hard to just walk away

The birds they sang, all a choir

Start again, a little higher

It's a spark in a sea of grey

The sky is blue, dream that lie til it's true

Then taking back the punch I threw

My arms turn wings oh those clumsy things

Send me up to that wonderful world

And then I'm up with the birds / Coldplay

The first shot is for Sweet Shot and Happiness Project, Second is for Communal Global, 

Third is for Little Somethings.