just be...m[E]

family photos...

As you all know, I am pretty obsessed with photos. So, I began searching online to find a "not in the studio with fake backgrounds" photographer to get some family portraits taken (since my friend Heather lives too far away!). I stumbled upon Memories That R Precious (Jessica Wright photography), and immediately fell in love. Yesterday we met Miss Jessica in Batavia, OH (only about 30 minutes away) at a beautiful park. (Thankfully the weather was amazing!) She was so sweet and very patient with all of the "no-no's" that Mr. Owen told her. He did not want her in front of him, as he is Mr. Independent and wanted to explore the trails without her help. Anyway, she was kind enough to post a "sneak peek" of our session on her blog. Oh my, you must go look! Owen looks amazing in the first photo...it almost takes my breath away. I can't wait to see all of the rest.

Jessica... thank you so much for capturing our family and for being patient and understanding of little boys "attitudes!" We really appreciate it!

Now, go look at the photos...and tell me what you think! Hope you enjoy them as much I do!

peace and love...

Mr. Owen...

So, for the past two days Mr. Owen has decided to scream and run away from me (no joke) when I arrive to pick him up at school. Yep, he literally puts his cute little hand up and says NO! I know in my head that this is a good thing. It shows how much he enjoys playing with this friends, and of course all of the snacking and paper crafts just add to the fun (that's my boy). But, in my heart I want him to run TO me...not away! Such a silly boy lately. One who fills my heart with more joy than I could ever imagine. I know this is just another stage of parenting, and one that will be surpassed by the arriving "terrible twos!" Thanks to the doctor we are now aware that this begins in the "second year of life," and not necessarily after he turns two. Nice. Why didn't I ever think of it this way? Looking forward to fun times ahead...and hoping to have the patience and strength to be the best mom I can be.

Thanks Mr. Owen...you are so loved!

Back to the real world...

So, it's been one week today that we got home from visiting Kelly, Brian and Emma in warm and sunny Florida. We had an amazing time, full of so many firsts for Owen. His first flight and trip to the beach, and not to mention our first vacation as a family of three. Although the flight to Orlando was rough for O (the woman beside me didn't help), our return trip was great...and the time in between was perfect. It was great to leave the cold here in KY, and to spend the entire long weekend in a bathing suit. It was awesome to watch Emma walk while trying to keep up with Owen, and to see Grandma and Grandpa taking it all in and enjoying the kids. (We just wish Alexis could have been there too!) Owen LOVED the beautiful pool (just 5 steps outside the door), and was sad to leave (as were we). The beach was awesome...even if Owen didn't agree. It helped me feel more refreshed and more ready to function at work, as I'm in the middle of one of the hardest years of teaching yet. He did warm up to the ocean, but seemed to enjoy eating watermelon under the umbrella even more. Yep, that's my boy. Thanks so much to the Adkins family! We had a truly amazing time, and cannot wait to visit again! (But, next time I'll apply sunscreen to myself too...to prevent the peeling I am still dealing with. Oh well, the hardship of being in the sun...in October I guess!)

Photos: Sweet Emma (10.5 mos); O modeling Emma's armadillo hat; playing in the pool and watching Gracie the cat.

Well, off to chill and watch TV (and maybe eat ice cream...I know you're shocked!). Have a great week my friends!

peace and love...

stories to tell...

I just spent the last 55 minutes (while Owen is napping) listening to Ali Edwards first presentation of Yesterday and Today.  As you probably know, I've been a huge fan for many years now, and had the privilege of taking her Week in the Life class a few years back (man, such great memories...right girls). Anyway, I approached Brian about this new class a while back, and he was very supportive in my spending the money to do so. I know, I'm very lucky that he understands the importance of all of my photo taking, and scrapbooking (even if he doesn't always want to be in the pictures). This brings me to today. I got the chance (thanks O!) to sit and listen over the past hour, and I was again reminded why I create. It's about the stories...yep, plain and simple. What I've learned already (and only in week one of twelve) is that my layouts don't have to look fancy or appear in magazines to be important. Yes, I've known that in my heart, but I needed to hear it again. This class also came at a good time since I have recently (during the summer) been applying for lots of design team stuff, only to get rejected over and over. I've been kind of down about it, that is until today. Ali reminded me once again (thanks Ali) that it really doesn't matter what the pages look like...as my present and future generations are not going to care what color paper I used, or if the stickers looked right, etc. It only matters that my stories are told. So, I've created a 2 page list of stories I want to tell...and I challenge you to do the same. Even if you don't scrapbook, just write down what you want your kids (and theirs) to remember about you. Maybe in a journal, on your blog, or even on a napkin tucked in a book, but just do it. You will feel proud of yourself...as I do sharing this with you. I'm feeling inspired (once again thanks to Miss Ali), and hope to inspire you to tell your stories too.

(Oh, and the class registration doesn't end until October 7...it's not too late since the class is self paced. I really recommend it!)

Speaking of O, I hear him playing in bed. Time to create more memories and stories to tell...but first one of my favorite photos at the moment. Love them all...

The weekend is here...

and I could not be happier! We had a good week at school, but I'm always ready for some time with my boys. The good news is that Brian is off and able to hang out with us! Yippee! Hopefully someday he'll have a job where he is home at night...
   So, Mr. Owen is 17 months today! I mean really? 17 months!? Time is flying and we keep commenting on how much he looks like a boy, vs. a baby. Of course it makes me a bit sad (especially during those lovely "throw yourself on the floor and bite your arm" tantrums). Yep, good times. I've tried all of my "teacher tricks," but soon realized that at this age, it really doesn't matter how I react...but most times he just needs to work through it. It is amazing to see him learning so much at school at such a young age. This week it's been "Open them, Shut them" over and over. I love watching him do the motions while I sing (and make up what I don't know). Poor kid...he's never going to learn songs correctly, since I have a tendency of just making things up. You can even ask my ladies at school...as I think they get tired of my silly songs (and there's the ever popular corduroy song!). But, we have fun and I love watching O dance and play...puts a big smile on my face and in my heart. Such a lucky mom to have him!
  Well, just finished watching Grey's from last night. Man, I love that show...not too mention all of the hotties (Oh, did I just say that out loud?) Looking forward to a good season of fall TV. Thanks goodness for the DVR! Off to catch up on more TV, then go to sleep.
    Have a great weekend! We're looking forward to time together and hanging out with our extended family. Hope to take pics to share soon, and to post my somewhat recent layouts. Until then...
peace and love...and a cute photo of O!

hi...

    So, once again this poor old blog has been neglected. Just day to day stresses and lots of "projects" at work have been keeping me busy. But, as I uploaded photos tonight I realized how much I miss this. Just being able to put my thoughts and feelings out there...just being me. I need this and I hope to keep up with it more often as we get into the swing of the school year. It's been a bumpy couple weeks, but we're hanging in there...
    Speaking of photos, I'll just share a few cute ones of Mr. O. He is doing great at school, and is learning from a planned academic curriculum at age one. Yep, you know that makes this teacher mama very happy. Last week his favorite was "Where is Thumbkin," and of course we've been singing it lots here at home too. It's amazing to see him learning and changing every day. On the other hand, we've (I say we since it's affected all of us) been struggling through 4 molars. OUCH! No sleep, lots of crying, screaming, and frustration from the little guy is hard on all of us. We actually drove home from school today with no screaming (a rare event), so I'm hoping we've "turned the corner"...that is until the flu shot tomorrow! Keep your fingers crossed! OK, on to the photos...

Enjoying some last summer moments...and our first day of school. Can you see how happy we both are?!
    Alright, off to watch America's Got Talent and just chill.
Peace and love...

poor blog...

I feel bad for you old friend. I know I've been ignoring you lately, and it's just not fair. I hate that I've had so much "homework" taking away all of my free time. Hopefully it will all come to an end very soon, so my mind will be clear enough to say something witty and funny. But for now I've used up all of my energy, and must get Owen up from his nap. So, I'll be back my friend. Don't forget about me...as I've not forgotten about you.

peace.

I'm still here...

Yes I've been dreaming about posting again, but since I start work next Friday (why in the world did I vote for that?), I've been soaking up lots of Owen time. So, thought I'd just stop by to jot down some of my favorite things from summer...and to share some photos of course.

My favorite things from summer 09:

-not having to set an alarm...or rush out the door with O in tow
-breakfast with O...he's so cute when his eyes are still sleepy
-Owen walking for the first time...and now climbing on everything
-watching my baby turn into a little boy right before my eyes
-trips to Whole Foods and Trader Joes with Brian and O
-hearing "a ball" all day long...as Owen thinks everything round is a ball.
-Skype chats with the Adkins
-dinner on the deck...and yummy grilled food!
-LOTS and LOTS of walks...my favorite is when it's the 4 of us (Uno loves it too!)
-time with friends...such a lucky girl!
-hearing Lyndsay call Owen "my Owee"...too cute
-a nice visit with my Dad and stepmom
-catching up with friends on facebook...everyone really should join!
-lots of Owen and Grandma time...so special
-lots of playing outside...chasing bubbles, playing in the water table or pool, or just watching O explore     and practice walking
-date night with Brian for our 9 yr. anniversary...thanks Mom!
-scrapping and being creative during the day
-forgetting (or trying) about the stress of school and issues surrounding it...
-feeling SO grateful and lucky to have such a wonderful life
-learning to love my new nose and sinuses...I can breathe again!
-shopping at farmers markets...feels good to support local farmers and reminds me of home
-hearing Mama and getting hugs and kisses
-feeling proud of Brian for all he does for us

WOW...I could really go on, but don't want to bore anyone as I'm sure you're just here for the photos...right?

Brushing our teeth (O loves it as much as I do!)...and enjoying Chiptole for the first time.
 
On the swing...and sharing my favorite treats from when I was young.

Playing in the water...and peeking from behind the deck post (love this one!).

Mr. Independent walking with Daddy...and yes, he is riding the 4 wheeler in the pool..

O & I on the pool (look close to see my "new" nose...still swollen with stitches in this photo...post on that to come) & blackberries from the farmers market...YUM!

Playing peek-a-boo beside our bed (also O's favorite hiding spot) and getting his first taste of Kona Ice...he loves it!

OK, looks like I got a bit carried away with photos...but I'm sure you don't mind. Ha! I also need to upload lots from the past 3 days...but am too lazy to do it right now. What I did realize is that I am hardly in any photos. I know I was "out of commission" all of July, but I wish I would have set up the timer to record more of our days together. Going to make it my goal during the next 4 days of freedom. We'll see how it goes.

Well, off to get ready for bed and get these contacts out! Only 4 more weeks until I can wear glasses again (that is if it doesn't hurt).

Love and miss you all...
peace.

please pray...

for our dear friend Amy. She is going through so much right now and could really use lots of positive thinking at 3:40 today. Thanks for your help...the more positive sentiments the better! We love you girl...and we're here for you always!

I may have an addiction...

OK, I'm back again with more photos. Since Owen went to bed around 8:40 (late for him again), I've been playing around with the new techniques I've been learning. Sorry to my non-scrappin' readers...this may be boring, but I bet you'll love the photos so hang in there. I am no pro, and I get mad at myself for not remembering the simplest things, but I am trying to just enjoy this new photo editing journey. So, here are just a few before I get these contacts out and head to bed.

Using grunge and textures...the goal was to choose a non-people photo, so this was what I could find!

Here it is in real life...yum!
This was a very special delivery from the Wells/Allen families, as a "get well soon" gift. Thanks so much! We all enjoyed it, and I really appreciated the sentiment! Love you guys!

I LOVE this one using textures and the sweet frame...with color editing as well. Look at sweet baby Emma. I just want to snuggle her!
One more...

I didn't get this technique right, but I LOVE this photo of Brian and Owen. They LOVE each other so much...such a lucky girl!

Alright...done for the day and heading to bed. My neighbors like to keep me up at night, and I'm tired.
peace.