UPS Men are like Santa Clause.

Not in the sense that they have white beards or anything, BUT they do bring lots of goodies to expectant people. I think UPS men are kind of like Santa for grown ups. I mean, you should see how excited I get about checking on my front porch, or my mailbox, when I know something is on the way.
Recently I took a leap and ordered some mini moo cards for my photography "business". Go to their website...they have the cooooolest stuff. And I got these for pretty cheap too. I was super excited. Possibly squealing and giggling, when they showed up the other day. Makes me feel kind of important. *I've been practicing saying, "here's my card". Kidding.*

And another exciting couple of things came in the mail too. I recently set up a pro account on Flickr *you can find my stream on the side, towards the bottom* and got 50 free prints from snapfish. Ok...so as if getting something in the mail can get any more fun? Getting something I didn't have to pay for? It's like catnip for people or something.

And one more little present to me. *I never order stuff, btw...unlike this post makes it sound.* I found these really cool hanging wire picture frames on a site called photojojo.com. I thought they were pretty cool, and way more interesting than a traditional frame. I think the only problem is that I forgot I own 2 children when I ordered the frames (pictured above). You should have seen their eyes light up at all the possible methods of tearing them off the walls and doing damage to the house and/or each other.

I could literally see the wheels turning in Merrick's head. I had to strategically place them over a nightstand to protect them from the scavengers. So far so good, they are still hanging and no one has been injured. And I am kinda feeling like I was on Santa's "nice" list. So feel free to mail me something anytime. I'm not picky. ;)

Vengeance...sort of.

Around this time last year Billy and I ran a local race together. I recall, um, barely finishing. For a girl who loves to run, and has been running since college...I was pretty not happy. It did not matter that I had just had a baby 8 weeks before.

Billy and I ran this race again together just last weekend. This time? I finished a whole 9 minutes faster than last year. I felt much better.

My hubby was excited for me, and didn't even grumble...much. He even tweeted about my 1st place finish in my age group, and that I got first place female from our county.

I was super excited about my little medal, and the cool plaque that they gave me. I realized, though, that as exciting as all that was...I'm still just "mom" when I get home. My kids promptly tried to eat my medal, and the plaque? It's already collecting dust in the closet.

I'm hoping maybe one day my kiddos will be impressed with their mother's running "career", but for now? They're just interested in what's for breakfast when I get home from a race. ;)

Traveling

Traveling as fast in one direction as she can go before she has second thoughts & goes back to doing the same old stuff. / Story People

I found this quote recently. I feel like maybe it's more about what I'd like to do, than what I'm actually doing. I don't want to miss out on the opportunities in my life because I'm scared...mostly scared of failing. Scared when it comes to being a wife, mom, friend, photographer, runner, child of God. I think the real failure would be the not even trying. So...here goes nothing.

Check out more shots at Communal Global and 3 Boybarians

Seriously?

Although I'm not sure why...I was surprised the other day to see this little blond head sticking out of his bedroom window, during an alleged nap-time.

It was Labor Day last week...Billy was home from work, and I thought the entire family was napping. I am not a napper, so I decided to go outside and work with my camera. I heard strange noises, and after seeing nothing I ignored them and kept on about my business.

A few minutes later I noticed him. He didn't see me at first, until he heard the yelling. I don't think he can actually figure out how to get out of the window...since he can only pull the top half down. But...I have said those words before and he has made me a liar.

So I had Billy fix it up like Fort Knox. He put a stick in it (on the outside) to keep him from sliding it open, and tie-wrapped the locks closed.

Let's see you try and get out now, mister. No, really...please don't. I don't want to have to up the ante with iron bars. ;)

The Tutu, and Leaves for Lunch

I usually just snap random shots of my kids. I'd never actually thought to try an actual photo shoot with them.

I have noticed in the past, that sneaking up on them is the best option. I'm getting lots of practice with candids, which are my favorite anyway.

Usually when I do pull out the camera, and they notice, all hints of what I was trying to document disappear. I start to see the back of heads. Hands go over faces. Children run screaming...ya know the drill.

I have always wanted some girly shots of Tirzah. Since a lot of my shots of her include some farm equipment her brother owns. So the other day we donned the tutu and went outside on the front porch. It went pretty well considering it was nap time, Merrick was trying to tackle her, and she never stops moving for .5 seconds. Oh, and that she was eating leaves while I was shooting. But everyone needs their fiber, right?

(The 2nd shot is my pick for the Paper Mama photo challenge)