Bubble Therapy

"Don't blow bubbles in the house!" I'm sure we've all heard it. Around here we don't blow bubbles much, but we definitely don't blow them in the house...we blow them outside with the mosquitoes who currently have rights to the backyard.

I am not sure who gave us these bubbles, but they are especially big and...floaty? A good thing, definitely. Since it gives me more time between bubble blowing to get shots of the kids trying to pop them. A viscous but necessary cycle when you are a momtographer.

The kids never argue when I want to "blow bubbles". Which is usually code for you people really need to go outside. Top that, I'll even brave the mosquitoes to get you out of the house. The back yard, although ruled by blood sucking flying things, is perfect for mom stress relief. It's fenced in, and they can't get away, and there's nothing back there to break but themselves. Heaven.

I think once I invest in some bug spray you won't be able to get us in the house till the bubbly runs out.

The first shot is my pick for Theme Thursday, Check out more shots at YouCapture

The Crazy Cousin

Saturday while I was shooting a wedding my kids went and stayed at "Nanny Pop's". Which is what they call my husbands parents...Nanny and Pop. (They call my parents Pawpaw and Mamoo...it's so funny the different names grandparents end up with.)

My kids only first cousins *hint hint married sisters...;)* were there and they got to play all afternoon. My husband's brother has two girls, who my kids love to play with. They don't get to see each other often enough.

I think Tizzy is used to Merrick's antics, but he tried to wrestle with his cousin yesterday and I don't think she was too happy about it. I need to work on his skills with the ladies, obviously, whether he's related or not. He is a sweet heart, but is definitely the wild animal amongst the group of girl cousins.

When I got there the girls were all quietly swinging, and Merrick was literally hanging upside down (and stuck) off the side of the double swing. And screaming. I, of course, took a picture a laughed first before I got him down. (In my defense, he wasn't going anywhere)

I had great times growing up with a big group of cousins, and we are all still really close today. I'm hoping just that for my kids, too. I think they're off to a good start...if I can get Merrick to ease up with the wrestling. ;)

The last shot is for Sweet Shot Tuesday

To Good Friends and Weddings

Saturday a good friend of mine got married. We've been friends since high school, and I was thrilled that she asked me and my sisters to shoot her wedding.

We have stayed in touch through the years, through so many life changes and changes of course. It's great to have friends who are there even when you're a bit of a different person than you were when you first became friends.

Her friendship has always been a blessing, and I always know I can call her up just to chat...no matter how long it's been since our busy lives have let us talk last. That's one of my favorite things about lifelong friendships.

As her friendship is a blessing to me, I hope that her new marriage is a wonderful blessing to her and her husband, as well as their families. I'm looking forward to watching them grow old together! Thanks again, Katherine, for letting me be a part of this special day.

The last shot is for Macro Monday

Pink or Blue

With another one on the way, it's hard not to imagine what it might be. I honestly can't say that I care one way or the other...truthfully I just want a healthy baby and pregnancy. I have wondered, however, what gender might mix better with the two we already have.

By that I mean will another boy contribute to the wild and crazy that we already have? Or would having a baby sister calm them down a bit? Honestly though, Tirzah is just as crazy as Merrick is, so I'm not sure boy/girl will have anything to do with that. Maybe I should just be hoping for a laid-back, easy-going baby of either gender. But then, I wonder if that type of personality would be harassed by the other two strong willed little individuals in the house. You see my dilemma.

Which I guess is a lesson for me, if I think about it. God knows already what gender this baby is, and what it's personality will be. He hand-formed and breathed life into it Himself, to be the perfect fit He planned into this family.

It'll be a few weeks (I'm about 12 weeks now) before we find out what BabyB3 might be. But I'm realizing, even as I write this, that God's perfect plan is always what's best for me...even when it comes down to whether I'll be painting a nursery blue or pink.

The last shot is my pick for The Paper Mama

Personal Touches

As we moved into our new house, my husband and I tried to make a promise of sorts that we wouldn't just fill up the house with junk we don't want or like. I had kind of done that before at our old house, to the point where I really hated it. I was honestly embarrassed to have people over at our house because I really didn't like the way that it looked.

Maybe a bit shallow, I guess. But I think there are probably a lot of females out there who will understand what I mean. When you think your house isn't attractive, you feel a bit hesitant to have people come over. You feel like it's a reflection of who you are, and your personality. I guess this is the reason we go on cleaning sprees when someone says they're on the way over.

I want our home to be somewhere that I'm comfortable, and somewhere that I'm comfortable welcoming people into. I'm not saying at all that my stuff has to be expensive...I just want it to be "us". So we decided to make sure we took our time settling in and putting the personal touches on our new place.

I know most people really probably won't care if they come over and see crumbs in the kitchen floor, or a whole meal if Tirzah has anything to do with it. So I need to keep this in perspective and remember that it's not the end of the world if I have an ugly lamp in my house, or if our desk is a leftover from Billy's high school days. But I do want our hearts, and who we are, to be plain to see when people walk in the door. Which I guess means you'll probably trip over a toy or two, but we'll be glad to see you. ;)

The last shot is for Texture Thursday

The Year of New Stuff

I feel like I've been saying this all year...the "I had the opportunity to..." start to one of my blog posts. I guess I could call this year the year of new opportunities. A lot of it has been kind of unexpected, and kind of nerve-wracking, but kind of fun at the same time.

This time the opportunity was to do my first maternity session. Oh, sure, I've taken belly shots of myself, forced the hubby to take them of me, avoided taking them of myself because I felt huge, etc. But a friend from college recently contacted me and asked if I'd do a session for her as she's 29 weeks along with their first baby...a little girl.

I was so excited to be able to do it. It was fun to catch up with her and her husband. We wandered all over a local university and were able to get lots of great shots and had a lot of time to chat and catch up. I don't think my usual antics of climbing on and through things scared them too bad...they were really good sports and had fun together, which always makes my job easier.

I am excited for them as they get ready to meet their little girl. I'm also honored that they let me have a part in capturing this stage of her life! Best of luck to them as they become parents: one of the best new opportunities anyone can experience.

First shot is for Trendy Treehouse, Second is for Simplicity, Third is for Sweet Shot

Professionals...sometimes.

Last weekend I had chance to shoot yet another wedding. This one came from another referral from a friend at our church. It was the second wedding I've shot with my sisters. I love shooting with them...they make the job even more fun. We love to laugh and have a good time, but we can be professional long enough to shoot a wedding. ;)

The wedding was a small, sweet ceremony at a local country club. A laid back event where no one was in a hurry or stressed about the wedding schedule...just enjoying each other's company. As a budding wedding photographer, having a couple who would just rather marry each other than make sure every petal is in place makes it so much more fun. It's so easy to capture that kind of excitement.

We had a great time capturing this couple's "I Do's", and getting to know them a little bit better. I also had a great time getting to know my new lens a little bit better too. Thanks for the great excuse to try it out, Mr and Mrs Hagstrom! ;) Wishing them the best in this new chapter together!

The last shot is for Macro Monday

Letter to My Pre-Child Self

Parenting is one of those things that often makes you do things you swore you would never do. Like bribe your kids with candy, or say "because I said so, that's why", or not shower as often as is socially acceptable. (Did I just admit that?)

Another thing I said I'd never do is cut the crust off my kids' sandwiches. I mean, my mom made me eat it, and I'm not dead. Why can't they eat it? I have had so many wars at lunchtime (only with Tirzah...Merrick will eat it) over Tirzah not eating the crust. Not only that...she won't eat it, and she balls it up and throws it in the floor.

My pre-child self would have said "send her to bed with no lunch", or "I'll show her who is boss". And while I do still try to stick to my guns on things that are truly important, I think I realize that the crust of bread is not. Or at least, maybe my sanity is more important than picking up that crust off the floor ever day. Because every day that we have sandwiches she manages to throw it down there.

I hated the crust growing up, and now I really think it's my favorite part. I suppose her eating habits, while I do still make her try new things and eat what I give her before she has something else, will not always be this particular. Maybe one day I'll be able to serve something besides crustless PB&J and not have to hear weeping and gnashing of teeth. But for now at least the simple things keep them happy.

(The last shot is for The Paper Mama)

Brain Dead

It's the end of the day, the night before I'll post this, and my brain is fried. I sincerely hate the days where Billy works late (usually till about 11:30pm). I love my kids, but by the end of the day with no relief, I just wish there was someone to tag team. (I have friends who are single parents...and they are superhero's IMO)

So all that to say, I really don't have a lot to say right now. The kids are finally in bed, and the house is finally quiet, and I just feel like a vegetable.

I have a few minutes now, though, to play with my new toy. I had saved up all the money I'd earned from shoots/weddings to get a new lens. (With a little help from my parents in the form of birthday money) I got a Canon 100mm macro/2.8, and am having a great time playing with it. (The other lenses I am dying for was are a 24mm, and a TS-E 45mm...but those are a bit more pricey. As in anyone want to buy a kidney?)

I've always loved macro shots, well...the ones that aren't of bugs, and now I got my hands on my own macro. Which incidentally doubles as a good portrait lens....double win. So please humor me as there may be lots of close-ups for a bit here on the ol' blog. ;)

The first shot is for Theme Thursday, and the last is for Texture Thursday.

Summer Craft Quota?

Yesterday was one of those days where the crafty-ness happened. It's been a nice summer day with nothing really to do. And it wasn't painful at all. I know a lot of you probably have the crafty days all the time. You wake up with crafty ideas in your head. Not me. I am one of those people that see a great idea and wonder "why can't I think of this stuff?"

I want to be creative with ideas for the kids. I know they need that kind of thing. I don't want them to be stuck with their mom's lack of skill with all things that require you to be able to cut a straight line. So I'll probably just have to rely on picking other people's brains for that. Maybe if I keep going in Micheal's it will happen. Ya know, if you build it they will come, kind of thing? Yeah, probably not.

The kids don't take very well to me not paying total attention to them. (I have to focus on what I'm doing completely...not a multi-tasker, especially if it involves scissors or super glue.) So I have to wait till nap time for the crafty to happen.

Yesterday they woke up while I was still working on making these new things for the house. (Disclaimer: not my ideas. Thank you Pinterest. You inspire me with your pretty pictures.) But I do like how they turned out. Maybe there is hope for this Hobby Lobby phobic yet?

First shot is for Simplicity, Second is for Perceptive Perspective, Last is for Sweet Shot.

Running Buddy

Anyone within a 10k of me knows how much I love to run. I have run since high school/college, and it is kind of like my drug of choice. Well, that and cake. But I guess that works out well and they balance each other out.

I'm glad that I'll have a running buddy for the next few months. Sometimes it seems this little buddy is a lot heavier than less than an ounce, and dragging myself through 5 miles is extra exhausting. It also seems like I cant get through a run without having to hop off the treadmill and run to the bathroom. (You know you're pregnant if you pick the treadmill closest to the bathroom.)

I'm hoping that this baby (who is about the size of an olive right now) will let me keep on running through my pregnancy like the last two did. But we all know who's boss around here right now. (Hint: not me)

I Want Candy

I remember posting last year about how on our fifth anniversary the traditional "gift" you give was supposed to be wood. I thought that was a bit odd. I mean, unless I'm getting a big piece of furniture or something. But please, no sticks or anything. Today is our sixth anniversary, however. And I read that the gifts are iron (???) and candy. That I can handle.

I mean, I'll take candy any day of the year, but it appears that today I'll have an even better excuse for acquiring some of the stuff. We are also going on a cruise for our anniversary (and just because we are going insane needing a child-free vacation. Ok, one child will be going, but it's in my belly and I can't leave it at home with Grandma) later this summer...I wonder if that means I get candy then too? ;)

All candy, I mean kidding, aside, it's been an unbelievable six years. Two kiddos and one on the way, several moves, disasters and blessings, lots of great memories and even lots more great dreams for what's to come. Looking forward to the next 60!

3's Company

So for the longest time I swore up and down we were done having babies. My labor and deliveries with both my kiddos had been nightmares that I really didn't want to relive. I would shiver when walking past a maternity store, and catch myself flinching when I saw a pregnant lady. It took nearly two years to stop flinching and shivering. ;)

My hubby had always said it was up to me if we had more, because he was well aware that he wasn't going to be doing all the work to get the baby here. He said he knew there'd be no c-section for him, or stitches in places I'd rather not mention, so it was my decision. But I had said, um, NO. I'm really not sure what changed my mind...but gradually I started to feel like there was someone missing. Kinda weird, maybe, but true. So, along comes Baby B III!

We are very excited, and praying that both the baby and I stay healthy throughout this pregnancy. Right now I'm praying specifically that I'll stop wanting to puke all day, but I'm not holding my breath on that one. ;) Baby B III is due January 10th, but is more than welcome to come a week or two before that if they would like to. Already I've had several people tell me they can't wait to see what name we pick out. I'm not really sure why...it's not like I pick weird names or anything. ;)

It's Here!

It finally feels like summer when you go to the pool. (Well, 90 degree temps always help, too) Growing up I always loved swimming, and while now I do more laying out and trying to keep the kids from drowning each other, I still love going to the pool. I don't know many people that don't like the pool. (sorry for the cell phone shots, I forgot my camera...ahh!)

We went for the first time of the summer yesterday with my sisters and mom. The kids are at an age where it's much easier to be at the pool and still stay somewhat sane. The shallow, roped-off part of the pool is shallow enough that no one is going to drown, theoretically at least. There are still life guards for good measure, however.

Both of the kids did the inaugural accidental face plant into the water, coming up choking and looking extremely confused. Merrick decided being under water was not for him. Tirzah, however thought that it got a good reaction out of her audience and continued to "accidentally" face plant for dramatic effect. Always the drama queen.

Looking forward to lots more pools trips this summer, as well as the extremely exhausted children who fall asleep on the way home afterwards. ;)

The first shot is for Trendy Treehouse, Third shot is for Sweet Shot.

A Rare Moment

I've really been struggling with the fighting and fussing lately. They argue and pick at each other. They snatch each other's toys, pull each other's hair, stand in front of the TV so the other can't see...it seems never ending. Sometimes I feel like they will fight forever. But then...

I remember all the fighting me and my sibling did growing up, and I know they are some of my best friends now. So, I think there is still hope. Moments like this one help too. ;) (I found Tizzy snuggled up with Wild when she was sent to wake him up from his nap. He was only pretending to be mad because I was taking his picture)

Presents

So yesterday was my birthday. I'm pretty sure I said that at least once already this week. I'm sure you already are aware of my love for birthdays. This birthday, however, was kind of interesting. It didn't exactly turn out how I had planned. Cuz I didn't really plan on being stuck at home all day with a little girl with pink eye.

At first, I was pretty annoyed. I mean...really? Pink eye? I've never had pink eye, my kids have never had pink eye, I've never even seen but like one person with pink eye. I mean, what is it? But it's not her fault. And she's so cute, pink eyes or not, I couldn't be annoyed for but so long. (Well, after I got over the fact that she insisted on getting up at 5:30am because her eyes were stuck shut. Which to me, sounds like a good reason to sleep, but I guess not. ;)

During the course of this odd birthday at home with the kids, I realized, honestly, where else did I want to be? We had fun just watching TV, eating junk (It was National Doughnut Day, in my defense), napping, and spraying everything with Lysol. Turns out it makes the house smell really clean, even if it's not. (I need to remember that.)

So, moral of the story...the real presents are not always wrapped up in tissue paper. Actually they are little people who wake up at 5:30 and need you to wipe their eyes all day with tissue paper. ;)

Check out more shots at The Paper Mama.

(The last shot is my pick for this week)

It's your birthday...

Well, it's my birthday as of tomorrow, I don't know about your birthday. I'll be turning the big 2-9. My last year before the big 3-0. I'm not sure how I feel about that just yet. I've always said age really doesn't matter, and to be worried about turning 30 was silly. But it seems a little more daunting now that it's here.

I still think age doesn't matter, though. I feel like this time of my life is way better than when I was younger. I have so much more to enjoy, I've learned so much more, and (I think) I'm a little bit smarter/wiser. Sure...if I'm honest, sometimes things hurt, I'm always tired, and I dream about going to bed early. But still...I wouldn't turn back the clock.

The pictures are two of the presents I got for my birthday. That is one area where I've yet to grow up. I get pretty ridiculously excited about presents. This works out really well since my husband cannot wait until the actual day of to give me my presents. And I have to say, I don't mind. So, whether I'm turning 29 or 99...I hope that I still enjoy each birthday like a kid. ;)