Category Archives: Personal

Monday Love / Cookies with Nana

Another edition of Monday Love…

A quote: No cowboy was ever faster on the draw than a grandparent pulling a baby picture out of a wallet. -Author Unknown

Something personal: ‘Tis the season…..to be busy, right?  I’m not even sure that I ever posted Halloween pictures (or Thanksgiving pictures) on my blog, and Christmas is RIGHT around the corner!  Sheesh!  We really are enjoying the season though, despite all of the hustle and bustle.  A few weeks ago, Nana and Grandpa came to town for Grandparents Day at Kylie’s school.  She was soooooooo happy they both came, and I think everyone had a wonderful time.  I snapped these pictures of Kylie and Nana making cookies that afternoon, and when I looked at them on my computer I was struck by how grown up Kylie looks.  I still see her as my sweet baby girl, but I know she’s getting bigger (and smarter) every day.  At times I forget how much she is capable of doing herself.

And just a few short years ago…..

Happy Monday!!!

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Monday Love / Giving Thanks

Another edition of Monday Love…

A quote: I am thankful. -Crystal James

Something personal: I am on vacation this week (and I created this post ahead of time!).  I will be visiting some extended family (and friends) and spending time with my kids and husband.  There’s not much more I could be grateful for…… except maybe Thanksgiving dinner!  ;)

Here are some more of the wonderful pictures Andrea Halsey took of my family during our beach vacation.  Beautiful times, beautiful memories!

Until next week…… Happy Thanksgiving!

HAPPY MONDAY!!!

 

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Monday Love / Can I have some more please?

Another edition of Monday Love…

A quote: For disappearing acts, it’s hard to beat what happens to the eight hours supposedly left after eight of sleep and eight of work. -Doug Larson

Something personal:  Can I have some more please?  More time that is.  It seems to be doing quite a disappearing act lately.  In between complaining about not having enough time, I am trying to appreciate the time I do have (instead of thinking about all the other things that I should be doing).  This is especially true when I’m with my kiddos.   Having a flexible schedule is great most of the time.  But when there is more work than there is time (which is often), I find myself distracted no matter what I’m doing.  If I’m working, I’m thinking about my husband, kids, house, chores, etc.  When I’m taking care of my kids, husband, house and chores, I’m thinking about my work.  Then, if there is any time left, I might complain about not having any time for myself.  Sounds awful.  But it isn’t really.  I’m living the dream.  I have my health, the best hubby in the world, two awesome kids, and I live in this big beautiful home…. the list goes on.  I have it good.  Really good.  Nothing to complain about at all.  Well, except for maybe that lack of time thing…..  ;)

So last Friday Jake and I spent the morning together.  We explored this really pretty park I found, and he let me take a few pictures of him.  It was nice.  Really nice.

Simon says “put your hands up!”

A cool shopping find: In the spirit of the holidays coming up, here are a couple more cute stocking stuffer ideas I found at the Container Store:

My kids love flashlights, so these wobbly Chill Pill Lights would be a hit!  $4.99 for a 2-pack

For those who like variety, the Designer iPhone 4 Case (each case includes two silicone inserts to change the color). $32.99 (3-piece set).

I would love these Clip-Tabs since I have a dedicated “idea” binder where I write down everything.  I’m currently using sticky tabs or notes – which look pretty messy.  This would be much more stylish!  $3.49 for 36

Clip Tabs

Clip Tabs

HAPPY MONDAY!!!

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Monday Love | Vacation Recap

Another edition of Monday Love…

A quote:  Vacation used to be a luxury, but in today’s world it has become a necessity.  - Author unknown

Something personal: As many people know, we recently took a family vacation to the beach.  October is a difficult time for a vacation due to my crazy fall portrait schedule and Jeff’s 4th quarter travel schedule.  However, since Kylie started Kindergarten this year we wanted to work around her Fall Break.  I forgot how nice it feels to do “nothing” all day.  Mostly because I never, ever, EVER, do nothing.  It’s impossible for me.  We went to the beach every day, but the last day was the best.  A high of 80 degrees, full sun, and a whole day with nothing to do.  Bliss.  Kylie had her friend Ainslee to play with and Jake loved the sand and water so much, we barely heard a peep from him.  Unfortunately, my point and shoot had a dead battery and I didn’t feel like bringing my BEAST to the beach everyday, so most of our vacation was documented with the new iPhone 4s.  Over the last few years I’ve come to accept that all of my family pictures don’t have to be perfect.  As long as the story is there, and the moment is captured, I’m happy.

So here is a collage of my perfectly imperfect iPhone vacation pics, edited on my iPhone with Instagram.  :)

And here are a few pics of the girls on the beach, taken with the BEAST!  :)

A cool shopping find: I’m a little behind on my Pinterest boards, but I found these cute stocking stuffers in the Chasing Fireflies catalog.  Just thought I would share.  I’m trying to get ahead this year…..  :)

Some all-natural Piggy Paint xmas polish:

Holiday Pez Set:

Festive Hands Temporary Tattoos:

Construction Plate & Tools:  Jake would LOVE this!  I thought it might be a fun gift for him.

** All pictures from the Chasing Fireflies Website.

****HAPPY HALLOWEEN*****

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Monday Love / At the Beach

Another edition of Monday Love…

A quote: A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in. – Robert Orben

Something personal: We are at the beach.  This picture was taken in 2008 (at the same beach) when I was pregnant with Jake, and we were enjoying our final months as a family of three.  So, picture us here, plus one more!  See you when we get back!

HAPPY MONDAY!!!

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