Ok, so yeah I'm thinking about it....

Bloggin' over here that is.
Another New Year's Resolution per chance?
Hmmm....
Ok, well maybe, perhaps, we'll see... ;)

(but I WILL NOT set myself up for failure & try to blog every day...I'm not THAT crazy...most days.)

Relfections

Ok so I've been tagged & challenged by my bestest friend Rachel & my mama...so I will post a pic of myself for Rach & complete the tag for mom...here goes....

8 favorite TV shows...uhhh well I actually watch almost NO TV...before you think I'm all anti-TV or whatever, know that the bulk of that time is spent with my iMac.
However I do occasionally watch:
1. Grey's Anatomy..ok I ALWAYS watch this one.
...uhh...honestly can't think of anything else I want regularly....
(we don't have TiVo...I know we are totally behind the times)

8 things I did yesterday...
1. Got dressed in my sweats w/o a shower. Good stuff.
2. Watched my girlfriends boys.
3. Emailed a bunch of clients.
4. Finished editing my SIL's family photoshoot.
5. Took my kids to Sonic for slushies & then to the park.
6. Made my bed...a miracle.
7. Took pics of my own kids at the park...another miracle.
8. Chatted w/ mom my while she was over picking out pictures.

8 things I look forward to...
1. Taking pictures of any sort...but especially of my own kids this weekend for our x-mas cards.
2. Thanksgiving...a time to remember my blessings.
3. Black Friday shopping with my sisters...SERIOUSLY one of my favorite days of the year.
4. My kids faces on Christmas morning.
5. A beautifully decorated, scrubbed, immaculate house...(hey I can dream).
6. Actually filling the frames I have on my living room wall with pictures.
7. Brynn to stop crying.
8. LEARNFEST. (a photography workshop I'm going to next year).

8 favorite restaurants (yeah, like I ever go anywhere besides McDonalds....)
1. Carrabas
2. Cheesecake Factory
3. P.F. Changs
4. Texas Roadhouse
5. In & Out Burger...maybe not an official restaurant, but YUMMY!
6. Rosas
7. Crackers
8. Cafe Rio

8 things on my wishlist...
1. All my business debt paid off.
2. 85mm 1.4L, 24-70mm 2.8L, 50mm 1.2, 100mm macro (photography lenses)
3. A clean house.
4. A personal chef.
5. More time.
6. An organized garage, bedroom, closets, etc.
7. A long weekend with my hubby.
8. Wild success in my business.

I tag...whoever is up for this madness!

From the Mouths of Babes

L: "Mom, when will I go to heaven?"
Me: "After you die, probably in a long, long time. Grandma Roberts is in heaven."
L: (pondering) "Is Jesus gonna come down here again?"
Me: "Yes he is, we just don't know when that will be. That is why we have to try our best to do what is right so we can be with him when he comes."
L: "When he comes, I'm gonna give him a big hug."
Me: "Me too, buddy, me too."

(random conversation with L just the other day...unprovoked...just driving in the car...)

Saying Goodbye to the Blankie

It all started when little Z was about 2...somehow she became tremendously attached to a beautiful soft, pink blanket that her Great Grandma N made her (thanks Grandma!!). That blanket has pretty much never left her side since...well ok SHE DOES go to school, dance, friend's, etc without it...but at home and ESPECIALLY at night, it has been a constant companion. Once a few years ago we left it in a hotel by accident and had to have it shipped home asap....

Alas, the time has come to retire this faithful friend. It has been sewn and resewn and is basically in shreds....Z has taken to climbing inside it lately & cuddling up with the lining & batting. Bless Grandma L who made Z a new blankie for her birthday this year. She is already cuddling up with her new friend & had no trouble tossing the old one. I did, however, HAVE to document this event...this blanket did get us all few its share of illnesses, long nights & sad days.
P.S. I HAD to convert these pictures to black & white as the color of this blanket is....ummm....well lets just say it is no longer pink. ;)

How Did this Happen?

My little girl turned six on Friday....SIX!

How on earth did that happen? The years are flying & she is getting so grown up.
I love watching her little personality grow & develop. Does a mother's heart bleed with joy as well as sorrow? It seems to for me. Oh how I love my girl!

Here she is with her favorite birthday gift...maybe she does want to be like me...maybe just a little...sometimes. :)


P.S. I think 3 1/2 months of silence has been a little long, don't you??...I am going to EARNESTLY TRY to be more faithful with posting here....(really Mom I am!!) :)

July 1...Random thoughts

I am up at the insane hour of 5:45 am, and have been up for a whole hour. Can't sleep, must be all that Coke I've been drinking lately...BAD Jen....or possibly little L kicking me in the face as I tried to sleep. Will that boy EVER sleep the night through in his own bed...sigh. Anyways, I figured I might as well post on my sorely neglected little blog.

*Thought #1: We are off to San Diego today. Most beautimous of places. I am thrilled to be leaving the horrendous, scorching heat behind, but must say that I do not relish the though of traveling 6-7 hours with my 16 month old...love her soul. True to her age, she is a busy bee & will probably have a difficult time sitting still for so long. I am having painful flashbacks of last years drive when our little peanut screamed almost the entire way home...but it'll be better this time...right? But she's cute anyway. :)

*Thought #2: Z lost her first tooth on Saturday. It has been loose for a few weeks since she took a voracious bite of a big green apple (her favorite) and made it "wiggly". She walked in from the front yard & said, "Look Mom." In her palm lay the TEENIEST, TINIEST little tooth EVER! Are they SERIOUSLY THAT SMALL??? I hugged her & we got all excited, but I felt that little jolt in my heart as she skipped away. My little girl is growing up. Another milestone. Bittersweetness. (yes I DID take a picture of her with her cute little gap...but my Mom has it...MOM! I need it! :D)

Thought #3: I am ashamed at the state of my office. It is a pit of despair. Seriously. Piles & piles EVERYWHERE. I think my goal for the month (for the few weeks we are in town) needs to be to clean out this space so that my mind can breathe a little bit better. Maybe when I get home I'll post a before & after pic...no promises, but surely that would motivate me.

Thought #4: Who knew that starting a small business would consume absolutely every particle of brain cell in one's head. Just an FYI for those of you who were unaware. Joyful obsession.

Thought #5: I have a new favorite store...Hobby Lobby. Yep, we Arizona folk have finally been blessed with this rockin mecca of crafty, home decory goodness. My mom, sisters (and little B) spent a lovely hour there on Saturday. Ooooh what delights. It is like Michael's and Joann's all rolled into one. I'm addicted. Of course all I could think about was stuff for the business, but that is pretty general these days. Who knows maybe I'll actually buy something for THE HOUSE next time I go. Now that would be a novel idea.

Thought #6: Speaking of novels, I'm reading a GOOD one. Katherine by Anya Seton.

Originally published in 1954, it is a LONG, epic, historical story that I'm absolutely loving. I couldn't even find it in the library, but ended up borrowing it from a friend. It is GOOOOOOOOOOOOD. Best book I've read in a LONG time.

Thought #7: And still speaking of reading, me & miss Z are enjoying this:

Totally takes me back to when I was growing up. I am LOVING that Z is into the chapter book thing now. We have read so many fun ones together lately, the Junie B books, Wizard of Oz, Charlotte's Web, Trumpet of the Swan and Stuart Little to name a few. Good times.

And now I am hearing the sounds of awakening...goodness it is going to be a long day. Make it a happy one. Ciao!

Tag, I'm it....

Alrighty, been tagged by my very awesome cousin Kristie. So I'm doing it...although my answers are probably gonna be WAY boring.

1. Four places I have lived: Mesa AZ, Tempe AZ, Fresno (I think...right Mom??) CA and uhhhhhh oh yeah....Safford AZ. See, boring.

2. Four shows I watch (gosh TV...what is that?? I'm always on the computer): Grey's Anatomy, Supernanny...sometimes (makes me feel good about my own insanity). Honestly I can't even think of anything else...I really never watch TV.

3. Four jobs I have had in my life: Waitress at Denny's, Bank teller, L&D RN, and NOW photographer! :D Hardest job?? Mom of 3.

4. Four places I have been: Mexico, Maryland, California, Guatemala.

5. Four Blogs I read regularly: Goodness there are a lot...my Mom's, Tara Whitney, my friend Rachel, my sister Jessica.

6. Four of my favorite foods: Shrimp, lobster, jamocha almond fudge ice cream, sourdough bread w/ clam chowder FRESH from San Francisco....YUM!!!

7. Four places I'd rather be right now: Photography workshop, shopping all by myself w/ LOTS of money, on the beach w/ a good book & no interruptions, on a date with my hubby.

8. Four things I look forward to in the next year: My new business flourishing, B heading off to nursery, Z in full day school, getting new floors...please oh PLEASE let this happen in the next year.

9. Four things I like to do in my spare time: Read, take pictures, spend time with friends (including my dh), play in Photoshop/work on my business stuff.

10. Four favorite things to do with kids/family: Make goodies, talk, be "out" together (hiking, swimming, movies, etc), one-on-one time doing whatever.

I TAG: Jess, Mom, Rachel

I'm Alive!

Hello out there! I know you have probably all been thinking I forgot about this little blog, but I haven't...I've just been spending EVERY spare minute on something very important to me! Click the image below to see what has been keeping me up nights...

I'm gonna try to keep up with both blogs, but this summer is pretty much dedicated to getting my little business up & running so you may find me posting over at the other blog more often...and now...back to work! ;)

She Did It!

How on earth is it possible that the sister who was ELEVEN when I got married just graduated from college today? Unfathomable! I CANNOT seriously be THAT OLD?!?!?! But anyways, I'm sooooo proud of you Jess. This is an accomplishment you will ALWAYS feel good about (speaking from experience). Relish this moment.

GO DEVILS!!!

Happy Birthday Ames!

You make the world a much more beautiful & interesting place. Happy birthday little sis! Love you!

My AMAZING Weekend

Can I just tell you that I just had one of the most fun, fulfilling & exciting weekends EVER?!?! I had an absolutely UNBELIEVABLE time at my photography workshop. I made FABULOUS friends who I feel like I've known forever, learned soooooooooooo much & came away with a new lease on life. I definitely feel empowered & set free in my photography. I've made friends who I will have forever & I stayed up WAYYYYYY to late chatting about shooting (pictures that is), kids & everything in between.

Here are a few of us at the end of our whirlwind weekend....the SPECTACULAR Cheryl Muhr, the oh so hip, fun & uber cute Lindsay S. (direct from the UK), one of my new VERY bestest friends who is like me is sooooooooo many ways & who I wish was my next door neighbor....the gorgeous Rachel T. & me.

Stay tuned for some of the images from my fun filled weekend....

In other news....

Just had to quickly report that I'm off to a FABULOUS photography workshop this weekend. I'm sooooooooooooo excited. Haven't been this excited about something in a LONG LONG LONG time. Yippee!!!

Have an awesome weekend...I know I will!!! :)

The Walker:Part II

Ok, I know I JUST posted about little B walking, but I just can't help posting another few pics. Kids are just sooooo cute when they first start to walk with their little arms up in the air for balance & those slow, awkward steps. She has been DYING to get out in the cul-de-sac with her big brother & sister, so I trailed after her with my camera as she waddled around.

Doesn't she look like she is ice skating here? :D

And of course, who can resist a closeup....LOVIN' those pouty lips...smooch!

Looks who's walkin'....FINALLY!

Little B has technically been able to to walk for quite some time now. She stands and has been taking steps for months, but it wasn't until last Sunday that she FINALLY decided to really give it a go. My bet is that the LONG pink dress I put her in finally pushed her over the edge...it was just too difficult to crawl in. This has been sooooooooo different from my other two. Once they figured out how to walk, they pretty much never looked back (especially Miss Z who walked at 10 months!) So B, welcome to the world of walkers...it will be nice to see some clean knees again. :D

(ok photog friends, forgive the SUPER high grain...this room had SERIOUSLY low light!!)

Don't you just LOVE how they hold up their little arms for balance???

AND since chubby thighs are only acceptable in babyhood & because those toes are so irresistibly delicious...here is my favorite shot of the day....

Bubba D & the Divine Miss J

Sound like two absolute opposites don't they. These two lovely people, however, are firmly ingrained in the fabric of my life. And it just so happens that today is their birthday. 18 years ago the Divine Miss J & I (yeah we've been friends that long & then some) were sooo excited to find out that little Bubba D would be arriving on Miss J's birthday! What a gift! I always considered Bubba D "my baby"....I was 13 after all, perfect age to love on a baby & he was such a good one! I remember packing him around all over the place. How can that possibly have been 18 years ago? (sigh)...I am getting old...here is is a big senior & all growed up. Love ya Bubba & Happy Birthday.

And of course he can NEVER stay serious for more than 2 seconds.....please stop the pictures!!!

(Miss J I LOVE you too, but I know you'd NEVER forgive me if I posted the pics I have of you! I resisted scanning some really cute ones from 6th grade. HELLO BANGS! ;) I REALLY need a current one of you in all your gorgeousness. Happy Day my friend!)

Slow Down

Is anyone else feeling like their life is on a runaway train, speeding and careening rapidly out of control? That has been me lately. Too much to do, not enough time to get it done...this week as I hurried to get the kids lunch & was busily running about the house completing this task or that, I happened to glance over at little B who fell asleep right here:

This is something each of my kids has done about ONE time in their little lives...they like to sleep in their BEDS & pretty much no where else. So I was surprised to see her like this. Poor sweet baby. So scooped her up, cuddled her, buried my nose in her chubby little neck, smelled that delicious baby smell & then tucked her into bed.

I think it is time to get off the train, or at least slow it down.

April Fools

Miss Z was WAY into foolin' this year. In fact this is the first time she has actually really "got it". She came home from school yesterday saying, "Guess what??? Tomorrow's April Fool's Day! We get to trick each other!" Then she proceeds to gear up with all her silly jokes. Here is a small sample of what we heard today...

(as we are driving) "Mom, there is a lizard crossing the road!!!! ..........April Fools!"

"Hey Mom, there is a tree growing in our house.......April Fools!"

"Mom, look out the window, it's snowing! .............April Fools!"

"Watch out Mom, there's a spider on your head! ..............April Fools!"

"Moooom, don't look now, there is a monster behind you! ...........April Fools!"

(in case you were wondering, it was crazy hair day.)

Silly girl. :)

A Good Day

I must say it has been a positively lovely morning for me. Why, you might ask...after all it is Monday...weekend is over...back to the grind. Actually I really like Mondays. Monday is usually my cleaning day & I love a clean house. Monday means we get back to our schedule & I love being on schedule. Monday means family night, which our kids LOVE & which always brings me back to what is most important. HOWEVER today is an unusual Monday.

This morning I got to hang out with one of my VERY bestest friends in the world...the divine Miss J...who has been my friend for over 20...yes 20....years. We got PEDICURES!! I love pedicures, but never get them because I can't justify the expense. However, today I had a gift card from my birthday (thanks R&C!!) and so I indulged. I even got a flower put on....oh frivolous me.

I am eating chocolate covered strawberries at this moment, which I received yesterday from a church friend...mmmmmmmmmm!

I steam cleaned the carpets over the weekend and so, even though I haven't done my usual Monday cleaning, my house still looks good.

My babies are napping peacefully and the house is absolutely still...minus the sound of my fingers tapping away on the keyboard.

The weather is still absolutely HEAVENLY, breezy & 75 degrees.....blissful!

I've even had a chance to read a chapter from my latest book club book, the ORIGINAL Phantom of the Opera while snuggling with little L as he fell asleep.

Just now my sweet friend Jenny O. dropped off the most darling little dress for Baby B that her little girl has grown out of. I'm so excited cuz Jenny has GREAT taste.

And all is right with the world.

Happy Monday!

Bursting

Her smile, so big it seems to be just bursting out of her with unbridled joy.

You know that feeling when your heart is so full, it feels like it is about to burst? That is how I feel when I see this face...bursting.

I have always loved this quote & I think it is appropriate for me today:

"Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart walking around outside your body."

~Elizabeth Stone

So true. Love you B.

Happy Birthday Daddy

31 years ago today I was a birthday present for a very special person, my Dad. I was the first, you see, and born only 5 days before his birthday, talk about an awesome present! ;)

Through the years my Dad has taught me much about life...especially hard work, persistence, a positive attitude, faith, family and forgiveness.

Not to mention the joy of shoe shopping. ;)

I love you Dad, thank you for the example you are to me.

Happy Birthday!

P.S. As I prepared to write this post, I discovered that the only pictures I have of you are carving the turkey at Thanksgiving...which, as you can see, leave a little to be desired. heeheehee. Watch out, my camera & I will be on the prowl!!

Easter EGG-stravaganza

I love Easter. I love its meaning, I love that spring is in the air, the flowers are blooming & the world is reborn. New dresses, egg hunts & lots of family time, what more can you ask for.

One thing I really enjoy each Easter is coloring eggs with the kids. I love the great colors, I love watching my kids faces light up as they watch an ordinary white egg turn to pink, purple, blue and every color in between. Plus it is a great opportunity for picture time.

This year we hung out at grandma's house with the cousins & had a great time coloring eggs & ourselves in the process.

Group shot of my kiddos...don't you love how they all look my way???

Sweet cousin E's first Easter...

My bunny, little B...ain't she cute?!?!

Little cousin A always runs away when I point the camera his way, caught this one though. He & B look so much alike, they could be siblings...

Now we get down to business...

I LOVE this face!!!

Now, why does it seem like I always get a shot like this??? Hmmm, wonder if my kids ever get sick of being photographed?

Little A managed to color his toes too, and his face and his shirt, etc, etc, etc....hahaha, good times had by all.

Happy Easter!!

31 Things About Me

Soooo, yeah, it's my birthday...gosh they aren't quite the same as they used to be when I COULDN'T WAIT to get another year older. These days I'm happy if the kids are good & I don't have to cook...both of which are working out pretty well so far, minus B not feeling too well...but that is the life of a mom, right? Anyways, I thought I'd share a few tasty tidbits about myself, just in case you wanted to know. (I know you are on the edge of your seat, aren't you?) So without further adieu...31exciting insights into yours truly. (Betcha can't guess how old I am can you)...

1. My favorite color is green...pretty much all shades.

2. I LOVE LOVE LOVE photography...but you already knew that.

3. I clip coupons & subscribe to CouponSense.

4. I watch VERY little TV, but my one guilty pleasure is Grey's Anatomy, however, since the writer's strike I've been enjoying American Idol.

5. My favorite thing about people is their EYES. The windows to the soul. It is my favorite thing to capture in photographs (second oddly enough is feet--especially baby feet). They tell so much about a person (their eyes that is, lol).

6. I very much ENJOY silence...I hear it soooooo rarely.

7. I will buy anything generic EXCEPT Tide, Downy & Bounce...there is NO substitute for CLEAN, FRESH smelling laundry.

8. I wish I had a better sense of style....sometimes I just feel dorky.

9. I have a bad habit of beginning projects & never finishing them...thus my new years resolution of "being a finisher"...its going....uhhhh....ok. :)

10. I LOVE bubble baths, especially when its cold outside, with a treat & a good book.

11. One of my favorite nights of the month is Book Club. I LOVE to read & I LOVE my book club girlfriends!! They are sooo fun.

12. My worst habit: Biting my nails, especially when I'm anxious. I hate that I do this.

13. I am VERY nonconfrontational. I hate to fight or hurt people's feelings.

14. I think scrapbooking is fun...I especially love the paper, but I can never find time to do it.

15. I waste most of the little free time I have on the computer, especially on photography boards and blogs or playing around in PhotoShop.

16. If I could afford to decorate my whole from Pottery Barn....I SOOOOOOOOO would.

17. There are few things more satisfying to me that a clean house, especially the refrigerator, kitchen sink & toilets...who knows why.

18. I LOVE date nights with my husband. I talk his ear off.

19. Someday I want to travel the world (& take lots of pictures of it).

20. I have a HUGE sweet tooth. Dangerously huge, especially for chocolate, so I was seriously excited when my kiddos brought these (hand picked I might add) into me this morning...

21. I love surprises, giving & receiving....lucky me my sweet hubby surprised me with a night out tonight! Thanks honey! I even got to have my favorite food which is...

22. LOBSTER. I LOVE lobster. I also love scallops & crab. Seafood ROCKS!!

23. I love just talking with my kids. They say the most hilarious, thought provoking & surprising things everyday.

24. I am a registered nurse, specializing in Labor & Delivery, although I haven't worked in 2 years. Someday I will go back.

25. I LOVED school, especially college.

26. I am obsessive about gift wrapping. I love cute wrap, matching ribbon & making matching handmade cards.

27. Although I only have it a few times a year, I LOVE Cherry Coke...mmmm had one today (for my birthday of course!)

28. I love color. I have NO white walls in my house. Ok, actually, the closets are still white.

29. I enjoy burning yummy smelling candles, especially Gold Canyon ones. My favorite scents are spicy ones like Cinnamon Vanilla.

30. I am astounded by beauty in the world every day, from the mountains to the clouds in the sky, to the color of the flowers, to my baby's smile, I notice.

31. I'm ok with being in my thirties. :)

Exploring Arizona--Part III

I've been away far too long! I'm finally getting around to posting about our most recent Arizona Adventure to Usery Park. Spring has sprung in the desert & with the GORGEOUS weather we've been having lately, we decided to enjoy the desert in bloom while we had the chance. We hiked the Merkle & Vista Trails at Usery Park with no mishaps and a good time had by all...even little B who fell asleep in the carrier...arms flailing & head bobbing. AND I took a zillion pictures as usual...

The Lovely Trail...

The kids...blazin' the trail....they were HARD to keep up with!

Our method of water storage/transportation...

The flowers were absolutely GLORIOUS!!!

Me & B...before she conked out...

L & I loved this COOL "green" rock...

Another awesome discovery...

My pretty Z, giving 2 seconds to the camera before she's off & running again...

We made it to the top! I was a little leery of balancing my fourth child (my camera) on the edge of a mountain cliff...so no family shot this time. Now get out there & enjoy the sunshine Arizonans...before it gets TOOOOOOOOOOO HOT!!!