tales from the crib

Yep, I made something

2012-01-22T15:25:00.001-07:00

It has been a LONG long time since I was crafty for the sake of just being crafty. Not something for my business. Not something for the kids' school. Not for holiday or birthday gifts. Just "over indulgent hey I wanna make something funky" crafty. As it happens every January business slows down a bit, I find time to breathe, I feel a need to write, organize, read good books, cook, and craft. I find the need to put some me back into my life. Now don't get me wrong, I'm the luckiest woman alive in what I get to do with my every day life - I'm home with my boys and have a career that I created and can tailor to our family needs, and have a husband who supports all of the above. So yeah, I'm a lucky duck. But August through December is brutal around here. Work and the boys pretty much take over and doesn't leave a lot of time for me to explore my crafty side.

So here's my latest craft. We drink a lot of wine in this house, and with that comes lots of corks. I save the corks in a large vase just for looks. But I was wanting a new jewelry box (my past jewelry box was a shoebox covered with fabric), but I didn't want to pay for it. I scoured pinterest (my new addiction) for some fun ideas and threw a few ideas together to come up with the below project which uses up some of our many corks AND creates jewelry storage as well. I'm so happy with how it turned out, and best of all it was FREE! Gotta love free!

Supplies:
Drawer (this was from the boys' dismantled train table)
Corks (lots of them)
Jenga blocks (I took 10 of them -they'll never miss 'em)
Black paint
Glue Sticks

I first painted the drawer black. After it dried I created a cork pattern, putting the champagne corks upright to I could hang necklaces, and the other corks were laid flat in a random pattern. I then used the Jenga blocks to create little cubbies at the bottom of the drawer. Glued everything into place with hot glue. Turned the drawer upright and loaded up my jewelry collection. Earrings can stick into the cork or go into the little cubbies. Necklaces and bracelets can hang from the champagne corks. Rings can go on top or in the cubbies. You could hang it from a wall but I just put it on a shelf in our closet. I don't have a ton of jewelry so it doesn't take up much room - you could go with a bigger drawer if you had a lot of gems.

Forgive the quality. I just grabbed my iPhone for these captures. Maybe this whole thing will inspire me to pay a little bit more attention to this blog vs. my business one (which is undergoing a transformation this month, too!)!

You are unique and special and are going to become something amazing one day.

2012-01-18T14:48:00.001-07:00

I was chatting with T on the phone the other night. We hadn't caught up in months. T's my Seattle BFF - she brought me out to Seattle in 1997. She introduced me to my husband. She's the first person (after Shawn) to meet my son. She threw me wedding and baby showers whilst very pregnant with her first two children. She introduced me to cosmos and brie and all things sophisticated and adult. She's the bees knees and I miss her something awful.

So anyway, after a quick catch up on each of us, T says - "So what's new with the boys? What's going on with them?"

I lamented the tantrums, the whining, the hard parts of being a mama to two little boys. I was whiney and juvenile.

I said "How are the girls?" She then proceeded to tell me what was special about each. Gracie is funny and loves a good joke "Did you see the picture I sent where she's flipping off her sisters because they won't let her play with them? Where does she get that stuff?? Hysterical!" Sydney was off on her first away from home trip and she told me how sincere and kind she is. About Mia - "Mia loves to write stories and I don't know what it is about that girl but she's going to BE something one day I can tell."

T wasn't saying any of this to put me in my place. That is SO not her. She was genuinely excited to tell me about her girls. Sure, she sprinkled in a bit about sassy mouths, the one who will not give love and hugs, etc. But overall it was just so positive and loving.

After we hung up I was struck by how negative I sounded. About my own children. My boys who ARE funny, and sweet, and smart and are definitely going places in this world. I focused on the bad. Shame on me. T's had her share of ups and downs over the past few years, both professionally and personally, and yet her UP is always up. She tells me she has her moments, her breakdowns, but in the 17 years that I've known her she's always been very positive and up no matter what journey life takes her on. I admire it greatly about her.

So as I went to tuck in my boys her words stuck with me. I kissed Holden good night - he was already drowsy with sleep, but I whispered "I love you to the moon and back my little man - you are amazing and dear and I'm so glad you are in my life!" and he smiled his largest grin and rolled over into happy dreams. Jackson was still awake. I hugged him tightly and told him "YOU are a special and unique boy, and I know you are going to do amazing things in this world. I don't know 'what' you are going to do but whatever it is it is going to be fantabulous!" He grinned the biggest grin I'd seen in a long while. "What do you think it will be mom?" "Something amazing." I responded. And with that he rolled over with a smile and went to sleep.

It was something special to see them both cheered just by words. I always tell them good night and that I love them, but to lift them up just a bit higher brought me UP just a bit higher. I don't think there's anything wrong with lamenting and venting about our children. Don't get me wrong. Parenthood is the hardest job in the world. But I hope this realization also helps me put my boys up a little higher, whenever the opportunity arises. A lesson learned. hopefully one I won't forget anytime soon. Thanks T.

GIving thanks...

2011-11-24T21:01:00.001-07:00

I know, I know, I've fallen off the face of the earth. Lest you think I'm not grateful on this, the day that is designated for thanks, I am. I am thankful for these people above who make my every day worthwhile. Who make me smile, and laugh, and love, and who allow me to be grumpy now and again, too. Happy Thanksgiving! May your blessings overflow!

Phinneus and Ferb

2011-10-08T13:54:00.003-06:00

Phinneus and Ferb is a very funny show. It is also very, very loud.

ps - Jackson did this to his brother:

Holden started it. Jackson ended it. Mommy and Daddy finished it with early bed time for everyone involved. This picture is 3 days post-pop. Sigh...life with boys...

Anatomy of our day..

2011-09-28T20:37:00.001-06:00

7:15 wake, breakfast for little ones and coffee for me. Shower, dress everyone for school, argue wardrobe choices, brush teeth, sort out shoes and backpacks and snacks, hit the road
8:30 drop off J at REMS
9:00 drop off H at Pre-K
9:15 receive text asking for volunteer help at J's school
9:20 Starbucks iced grande Americano with room
9:26 REMS volunteer hours for fundraising committee
9:55 Take client call while breaking from fundraising group
11:30 Leave fundraising group to pick up H
12:00 Take H to lunch with 7 of his buddies...slightly chaotic
12:50 Race out of lunch to pick up J from his Wednesday 1/2 day at REMS
1:15 Boys at home, work on homework with J. Be thankful he's a quick learn and doesn't need a ton of help with his homework
1:30 Prep pot roast and veggies for dinner; make dessert, too... not a typical dinner but wanted to try a new recipe for all of the above
2:15 Return client calls, emails, curse my iPhone for an unfortunate auto-correct fail and be thankful for a client who can laugh when my phone autocorrects poorly.
2:55 Take boys to Lisa's to play and finish up a session edit and packaging, return client emails
4:00 Take J and his buddy to Karate
4:30 Get gas while boys at Karate ($58 for gas, ugh)
4:50 Do a little Photoshop editing / work while boys are Karate-chopping
5:20 Bring boys home, prep for mini-dinner party, pop some Proseco
5:30 Dinner with the Weik's. Killer pot roast
7:30 Clean up dinner, wish our guests well, send kids to get ready for bed with Daddy.
8:00 Kisses all around and overall thanks for a relatively stress and drama-free bedtime
8:15 More work emails, facebook check in for work and personal
8:38 Write this blog post
Stick a fork in me. I'm done.

Never easy

2011-09-13T21:37:00.000-06:00

Tonight Jackson and I fought. This isn't something new. We have fought since birth, really, in some way or another. Fighting sleep. Fighting breastfeeding. Fighting going to bed, staying in bed, jumping on the bed. We have fought big and we have fought small. It's words. Arguments. Heated discussions. Talking back. Sass mouthing. Refusing to cooperate. He has taken to calling me "Weirdo!" when he's angry -the only words he can seem to summon that will strike at my core. I tell him he has no respect. I become angrier, he pounds the wall, I storm off. Mature? no. And I'm talking about me. We are too much alike, truth be told. I can be just as stubborn as he is. He can be just as dramatic as I am. His eyes flame with frustration and so do mine. I tell him "you are reading alone tonight!" because it is all I can flounder to come up with as a form of consequence. He cries and yells louder. I fell on the verge of tears, my frustration at a boiling point. We both go off to our separate corners to cool down, take deep breaths, and remember what's at heart. Our love for each other. He takes to his book and I finish up some work. Still a rule follower at heart, he yells down to me at 8:15 that he's going to bed. I yell up to him goodnight. Our anger is forgotten. I head upstairs to kiss and hug. We nuzzle and hug and I tell him I'm sorry we fought. He says the same. I tell him I love him so much. He says the same. I tell him he has to respect me, that he can't call me names or be ugly. He nods his head - he knows this. He's a good kid...no, a great kid. Truly. I tell him I know it isn't easy being 7-1/2. He agrees. I tell him sometimes it isn't easy being 37-1/2 either. He agrees. I tell him no matter how much we may argue I'll always be his mama. I'll always love him. And I'll always kiss him good night. He agrees. Our hearts are mended.

It is never easy. Parenting is hard. I often wonder how people who are younger do it. Or people who may not have coping skills. I wonder and hope and pray that my boys grow up happy, secure, comfortable. This boy, my Jackson, he is the first human being that I immediately and completely adored from the moment we met with absolute unconditional love. I hope he always feels that.

So this happened...

2011-09-09T19:48:00.000-06:00

A helicopter came by Jackson's school yesterday and dropped several hundred bandanas down to the kids for their bootcamp fundraiser today. We didn't have to sell cookies or wrapping paper or magazines or anything else, the kids just asked their family and closest friends to sponsor them for 1 solid hour of physical activity. Another reason I'm so glad he is at school where he is. It is unique, fun, and has the motto of "no child left inside." The kids learn by doing, and there is a sense of pride and accomplishment with everything they do...even fundraising.

When Jackson was a baby we used to visit the park across he street from REMS. He was about 15 months old as they were building it and he would watch the bulldozers and cranes working away. He loved anything construction. Little did I know that 4 years later I'd be jumping for joy when he made the lottery into this public choice school. It is not our neighborhood school. I drive 10 minutes to get him there each morning. But there's more sense of "crew" in this school than any other school I've seen.

School!

2011-09-07T21:22:00.000-06:00

This kid started school today. Pre-K to be exact. It was a morning of mixed emotions. He didn't want to get out of bed. He didn't want to get dressed. He did both begrudgingly. Then he ate dry cereal and brushed his toofers. He sweetly and happily posed for pictures in front of the house (a tradition). He waved good-bye to his brother who kindly wished him a good day. I then commented that it was chilly out and he proceeded to whine that he didn't like chili as a snack and school was not going to be fun, especially if he had to eat chili. I tried to explain chilly as the weather, not the food. He was beyond it. He cried. He whined. Then his buddy Cullen showed up. Holden's face lit up. He happily walked into Ms Mindy's colorful classroom with his favorite buddy and all was right with the world. He didn't even say goodbye to me. Seriously, not a passing glance. Neither of us weeped. In fact, no mama or daddy there was weeping. We all congregated for a few minutes discussing our summers and who had who for a teacher. Then Cullen's mama Leslie and I went for coffee and a shopping date at our favorite antique store. We had a morning off for the first time in a long while. It was delightful. And when I picked little man up he was all smiles and oh so grown up looking. Life is pretty sweet if you're 4-almost-5 and your best friend is in your class at school and your teacher is pretty and you get to have rainbow goldfish crackers and pretzels (and NOT chili) for snack.

Elitches-2011

2011-09-05T20:44:00.001-06:00

For the 2nd year in a row we hit up Elitch Gardens in downtown Denver for a labor day extravaganza. Ok, maybe not "extravaganza" but a whole lotta fun! It wasn't crowded, it wasn't hot, there was hardly any time spent in lines, no one fought or argued, everyone got to ride whatever they wanted (and let me say, Jackson is a complete dare-devil!), and eat what they wanted. At one point I turned to Shawn and proclaimed: "This is better than Christmas!" And you know, it was.

2011-08-25T21:21:00.000-06:00

I love this boy so very much. He gets left behind a lot. Not literally of course, he's always with me, but he's always dragged from one place to the next -- taking Jackson to school or karate or to a playmate; with me to the post office, the thrift store to search for props, meetings at school, coffee dates with friends, etc. He's so affable most of the time, too. In 2 weeks he starts Pre-K and I'm so ready for him to have his "thing" to go to. I was blessed by his calm and his sweetness and his ease at adapting. I hope the same holds true when school starts up. In a blink he's a big boy and ready to forge his own way. Bring it on little man!

2011-08-10T17:05:00.001-06:00

This kid started 2nd grade last week. Seriously. 2nd Grade!

His teacher is Ms. Hanni (his school calls everyone by first name), and she is sweet and smart and beautiful and kind. The perfect combination for a teacher if you ask me! He thinks she's the bees-knees (my words, not his), and he's thrilled to be back with his friends paling around and having fun and learning. Apparently he thinks the spelling homework for 2nd grade is for the birds (my words, not his -- what's with the animal analogies?), but he's a smarty-pants so I don't think spelling is going to give him a problem anyway. His biggest dilemma so far is -- buying lunch or taking lunch in his transformers lunchbox. Ahhh, to be 7.

And just for the record, it wasn't so long ago when this was his first day of daycare...

...man, who IS that girl?? She looks about 12. A 12 year old with a baby. And baby weight. But still, 12 I tell ya. Oh yeah, and I sure do miss that house...

The Gift

2011-08-04T11:15:00.000-06:00

So our 10 year anniversary isn't the only anniversary going on in our house - Shawn just rounded out his 5th year at his job. I'm beyond proud of him, and honestly, I admire his every day for going out to work while I'm home with our children. It's a tough, long day for him, and then he's home to yelling children, messy house and more often than not uncooked dinner. He takes it all in stride. As a "thank you!" for 5 years his company offers a 5 Year Gift to employees. The gift is their choice; they choose from a catalogue of items. He mentioned it briefly last week, and may have thrown out the idea that he could choose a watch or a really kick-ass flashlight... 'cause nothing says "thanks!" like a flashlight!

Last night the doorbell rang around 7pm. We figured it was the nearby neighbor kid who is ALWAYS ringing our doorbell, day and night, Christmas and holidays included, even though it was raining cats and dogs last night. It wasn't him. It was Fed Ex delivering Shawn's 5 year gift. I didn't even notice him open it. Then he walks over to me with a jewelry box and says "do you like these?" He holds out a beautiful pair of silver double-hoop earrings. He chose a gift for me for his 5 year gift. I was flabbergasted. It was a terribly sweet gesture, and I felt like I had to share with my general reading public because it was too kind of an act not to shout out over the blogosphere. How amazing is that fella, I ask you?!

Full

2011-07-28T08:58:00.000-06:00

I am full...

My heart is full...

10 years ago today I married this guy...

It's not always easy. We work hard on our marriage. We also play, laugh, love and share. All those things together are what make it work. Here's to a continued lifetime together my love...

Also...
This past week I've had my youngest niece in town visiting with my beautiful baby sister. There are few things more beautiful than watching your baby sister excel at motherhood. I wish I could have had half the calm she possesses as a new Mama...

Seriously, how adorable is she?!?!

Also, these two boys ...

they surprised me with their sweetness to their baby cousin. Especially Jackson. I did NOT see that coming. He was attentive, sweet and caring. Knocked my socks off. We have one week of summer left (ONE WEEK!!) before J goes back to school. I want to soak it all in. Also, yes, I do feed that baby boy of mine. Good grief he looks emaciated! I love them so.

(ps -thank you for the sweet card BJ...I promise I'll try and be a better blogger! We love you!)

Mexico

2011-07-20T20:53:00.000-06:00

oh yeah, Shawn and I went to Mexico - Cabo to be exact - to celebrate 10 years of weddedness. How crazy is that??? Honestly, it was the best vacation of our lives and here's why:

All inclusive resort on a gorgeous, pristine beach
I didn't have to get juice or milk or water (or snacks or lunch or wipe bottoms or answer 20 questions or wake up at the crack of dawn) for 5 beautiful full days (ok, except the morning we left when my alarm went off at 5:02 am)!
All inclusive means ALL INCLUSIVE. We ate amazing meals, drank fabulous drinks, and over indulged in everything!
Parasailing for the first time, and definitely not the last
Couples massage in their incredibly posh spa
Exclusive dinner for two on the beach - I mean, seriously, doesn't get more pampering than that. Did I mention the full moon?!
Cabo Wabo and The Office
Peace. Quiet. Solitude.
Sleeping in
Napping
Did I mention it was all inclusive?
Dirty Monkeys, and I don't mean primates (it's a beverage, look it up)
Drink service, on the beach
Napping
One bedroom suite bigger than our first 2 apartments in Seattle
International data charges meant no phones or email or internet - utter peace
Seafood!
Pina Coladas
Jacuzzi bath for two (hush yo' mouth!)
Little treats on our pillows every evening
Oh yeah and uninterrupted conversations with my sweetheart from the minute we left home (5:43AM) to the minute we returned home (12:57AM). Snuggling. Laughing. Remembering why it is we are "we" in the first place.

I love you Schmoop. Thank you for an incredible 10(+) years together, and the trip of a lifetime. And thank you for those all too sweet little boys I couldn't wait to smoosh on as soon as we got home, too!
xox!

Empathy

2011-06-29T22:14:00.000-06:00

That's the buzz word - empathy. Kids who show empathy. Teaching empathy. Being empathetic. It's not an easy thing to teach, or to learn. It is far easier to be a wee bit selfish and focus within rather on those around us. Even harder when you are 4 or 7.

Today I didn't feel so hot. We spent the morning at the park playing in the fountains, eating less than healthy food, and probably getting less than an adequate supply of water. Add to that my late night's editing, a little guy who woke me at 3am due to a bad dream, and a smidgen of hormones, and you have a cranky mommy. I had a killer headache -something that comes upon me about once every month or two since giving birth for the first time 7 years ago. Blame the epidural, or hormones, or mommy-hood, but they are this side of debilitating for me. It is hard to move past them, especially when I'm simply expected to be "on" 24/7. Today it hit rock bottom. During "personal time" (what I have renamed quiet time to make it sound more appealing) I felt the absolute need to lie down. Despite piles of work, both home and professional, I just couldn't move past it. I got little rest - the phone rang, texts came through, I thought of another thing to add to my to-do list, and then 50 minutes into it, without truly a wink having been had, the kids started the inevitable: can we come out yet?? I finally acquiesced and let them play. On the one condition that they give mommy a little more time to rest. The did. Which was lovely. And a few minutes into it I felt the pad of little feet, and the quiet that comes only from the stare of little eyes...

"Mommy? Are you ok?" -- Jackson staring at me with slightly concerned eyes. Mommy rarely lies down anymore. If ever...

"Yeah buddy, just not feeling so great. Think I'll rest a bit more."

The quiet continued. Then I felt the bed heave. And Jackson's wee little body snuggle up to mind. I felt a kiss more tender than anything he's given me in at least 4 years. And then, his warm little body snuggling up to mine, and his arm around me. He was snuggling me. It gave me the greatest sense of comfort and warmth. He snuggled me for at least 20 minutes, alternating kisses and hugs and pats. My headache didn't really subside, but in all honesty, I felt better than I had in a long time. My son showed an empathy I hadn't felt from him in a long while. It was honest and genuine, and without desire of reward or praise (so common for 7 year olds). It was, in a word, true bliss.

Best. Daddy. Ever.

2011-06-19T16:31:00.000-06:00

Thank you my love. For always being there for me, and for our boys. Thank you for always alternating diaper changes (whew, aren't you glad those days are behind us?). And midnight feedings. Thank you for playing Pokemon, and Star Wars, and pretend camp outs. Thank you for showing our boys respect. Thank you for being the calm when I'm a storm. Thank you for sharing in everything, and often times taking on more than your share. Thank you for giving me my Pentax and helping me realize my future. Thank you for encouraging me and supporting me and never doubting me. Thank you for the up times and the down times. There's always both, with any partnership, but thank you for making the ups outweigh the downs, and always making sure we can laugh. Thank you for giving me the softer pillows when we travel. Thank you for travel. Thank you for mowed lawns, repaired computers, washed dishes, and a million other things that make life complicated. Thank you for Jackson. And Holden. And the one we lost. Thank you for letting our boys have a full time parent with them always. Thank you for being a wonderful son to your parents. And a wonderful son-in-law to mine. Thank you for knowing lots and lots of things. Thank you for saying thank you. Thank you for respecting my full time job and my part time job. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being fair, honest, and trustworthy. Thank you for showing our boys what a good father is. Happy Father's Day to the best one I know. It is corny and cliche but it is true - YOU make me a better Mama. I love you.

My joy...

2011-06-14T20:31:00.000-06:00

This has brought me immense joy this summer. Tending my perennials in their 2nd summer. They are fuller and more lovely than last year. They are only 2 years old - this yard was a barren wasteland when we moved in. But it has been a true joy to nurture and watch them grow. I've lost a few, I can't take claim to being the greenest of thumbs. But overall I'm thrilled with how well they have all flourished. Many were drastically reduced plans purchased in the fall after their growing period - .50c for a shrub?! You betcha! Or little buds from my friend Gidget's amazing garden (she has the true green thumb and has passed along not just her plants to me but her love of gardening, too). I love seeing these guys bloom the most because they start so small and bloom so full. This year also brought on our first Colorado veggie garden. It too is flourishing! I can't wait to taste my first snap pea, or a salad made with fresh greens, ripe tomatoes, juicy cucumbers and crunchy carrots. Fingers crossed that it continues to do well...

...and just so I don't get too cocky...the grass is a mess and is being reseeded next week. Can't win them all!

Did I Tell You?

2011-06-10T16:50:00.000-06:00

My hubs rode his first century ride last weekend. He was supposed to do his first one last year but there were major fires near Boulder, where the ride was to be held, so they had to cancel it. He had trained for months for that ride. So he registered this year for the Castle Rock Subaru Elephant Rock ride. He hadn't intended to do a full 100 miles when he registered, or even when he left the house at 5 am that morning. He planned to do 62 miles (which let's be clear, is a whole helluva lot of miles to ride), but then called me from the road and said "Hey hon, decided to go ahead and do the 100 - won't be done until 4!" oooookkkkkkk....that's a major butt kicking if you ask me. And he hardly trained, for reals. He rode his bike to work twice the week prior - that was his training. Insane. We went out to the fairground to cheer him on as he crossed the finish line. My camera totally fritzed out on me (dammit, that has NEVER happened to me before!), so I missed capturing the finish, but I gotta tell you, I totally choked up as he rode across the line. I have never been more proud of him - ever. He rode a HUNDRED MILES!!! On his bike! (not in a car!) That is seriously major stuff.

So honey, just know, as I proclaim it to the entire world wide web - I AM SO FREAKING PROUD OF YOU!!! And I love you. Positively, absolutely, indubitably...

What I Did on Day 3 of Summer...

2011-06-08T21:31:00.000-06:00

Played with the Mac's Photo Booth ap...

First Day of Summer

2011-06-06T22:18:00.000-06:00

Day one of summer, 2011. Just about perfect. We slept in (which is 8am in our house). Hung out in our jammies until almost 10 then went to the grocery. I sort of forgot how much more work it is to go with 2 rather than my usual 1. Little man begged for gum about 56 minutes of the 62 minutes we were there. At one point he was sitting in time out in the freezer section. Big man just kept disappearing. So it goes. Luckily the store fed them - oranges, cheese samples and cookies -- sounds like a decent lunch to me. Once were were home I started dinner in the crockpot and set up the slip in slide. Seeing as how our backyard is d.e.a.d. due to an incredibly dry winter the boys did more mud-slide than water-slide but they had fun so that was all that counted. After a hot bath everyone enjoyed "personal time" (my code word for "get the heck out of my hair for a hour and let's restore peace and solitude to our home." It actually went over extremely well - I managed to get some work done and they managed to keep quiet in their rooms for an hour. Score.

Just as we were leaving for Karate Daddy showed up with Grandpa who is visiting for 2 weeks from NY. We had quick hellos and then J-man and I headed out for some akata action. He actually asked me to drop him off and pick him up when he was done. His way of showing some independence. My way of sneaking in some solo time at my mecca - aka: Target. Then home again home again for bbq chicken sandwiches and homemade potato salad. The men-folk talked fishing and reels and I headed out to water the garden. We have all kinds of goodies coming up - sunflowers, peas, lettuce, cucumbers, carrots, zucchini, strawberries, blackberries and tomatoes -- all from seed except the latter 3. I'm jazzed to see it all blooming and can't wait to taste the yumminess!

Holden and Grandpa and Daddy read together while Jackson read to me from Diary of a Wimpy kid. That kid is funny. And then everyone went off to sleep, mostly without a hitch. I indulged in sugar free ice-cream and an on-demand episode of What Not To Wear -- happiness.

2nd grade...

2011-06-04T22:38:00.000-06:00

The end of first grade - out with a POP!

Seriously Mom, I got this thing - I'm totally ready for it.

Wait, what? I still have an 8:15 bedtime?!?!

2011-06-01T22:12:00.003-06:00

I love my job. (all of them)

Lucky.

2011-05-30T21:30:00.000-06:00

Yep, I'm feeling that word today. Truly, utterly and absolutely lucky. Because as up and down and all around as this little life of ours is, at the end of the day our blessings overflow. I have a husband whom I love. Boys who are dear and sweet and healthy and smart and kind. A job that is fulfilling, creative, part time, and heck, actually pays me to do something I love. I actually sorta believe that we make our own fate. You think the Pacific Northwest is gonna just knock on your door one day and say "hey, come live here, meet your future spouse, buy a house, have a baby, find a career!" Nope. I made it happen that way. Sort of. I mean, I got on a plane. I planted a first kiss. I signed a mortgage. I pushed. Those are things that came my way, sure, but I didn't sit back and wait for them to happen. I went after them. And today I feel that, too. Lucky. But the luck I have goes back further than that. A generation or two, really. A mounted policeman catching the eye of a beautiful dark haired girl in British occupied Palestine. A best man saying "nice to meet you" to the maid of honor at a wedding. Those are my grandparents. Their meetings were as kismet as my own meeting of my love. And there's a lot of fate in there, and luck, but there's also a lot of "I think I will smile back" or "I should giver a call." That sort of thing. That's luck. Fate. Kismet. That's going after what you want and making it happen. THAT'S what it is all about.

Thank you Ms Char

2011-05-26T23:00:00.000-06:00

Dear Ms Char

Thank you. My words to you can never be enough, but I will try. Thank you for teaching not just one of our boys but both of them. As Holden's last day of preschool snuck up on me I realize what a great impact you have had on our family. And especially this year for Holden. Thank you for always sharing your smile and your kind heart. Thank you for listening to him and understanding him and helping him through whatever he was going through - even when Mommy didn't understand. Remember when he kept complaining that he got "dizzy" during clean up time? I thought that sounded like a little boy who didn't want to clean up, but not you. You recognized his feelings and understood that clean up time did actually make him dizzy - he couldn't figure out what he was supposed to clean up so he's go from thing to thing in total confusion. You helped him figure out how to focus on one task at a time and he no longer is dizzy when he cleans up. You respected him, and for that I thank you. Thank your helping him love school, learning, playing and friendships. Thank you for teaching him Zoophonics because with that lesson you have taught him how to read and by teaching him to read you have opened the world up to him. Thank you for praising him always. For redirecting him when he wasn't sure the best choice to make. Thank you for showing him how a chrysalis becomes a butterfly. Thank you for teaching him the word chrysalis. Thank you for teaching him to love music, singing, dancing and rhyming. Thank you for giving him boundaries. Thank you for letting him explore. Thank you for loving him almost as much as we do.

And thank you, most of all, for pulling me aside today, and telling me how wonderful he is. And not just him, but both of my boys. And thank you, thank you, thank you for telling me I've done a good job with raising them. That filled my heart with so much joy that you can't possibly understand, and on a day that I think I really needed to hear it. You brought tears to my eyes, and not just in that moment, but all day today your words have echoed in my ears and filled me up. Some days I truly desperately need to hear those words. I think every mother does. So thank you for that - I will hold onto it as a precious gift. You have been a blessing not just to their lives but to mine as well.

Wind Down

2011-05-19T10:13:00.000-06:00

We're winding down the school year for both boys in the next couple of weeks. One more week of preschool for little man H, and 2.5 more weeks for J-man. Crazy to think -- I guess all Mamas say that - but seriously, weren't they just babies?! I ran into a friend from my old 'hood yesterday who moved about a year ago and she saw Holden and was astounded. She still pictures him in his baby sling! Honestly, so do I. And yet he keeps talking about going to Pre-Kindergarten (at the same school he's currently at, so not a huge difference, but let's be clear - I get one more morning a week of free-time...and let's be clear again, by free-time I mean "catch up on stuff" time.) He is suddenly starting to spell and read. I still think of him so much as a "baby" that I was stunned to hear that he could spell and read. When did that happen?? Oh, and thank you Ms. Char for teaching him that because I wasn't as vigilant with reading to him as I was the first kiddo. He's the softy of the two boys but he's starting to assert himself in ways that he never has before. He's going to have to to keep up with that big brother of his...

And don't get my started on 2nd grade for Jackson. Seriously!?!? He's so grown up it slays me. The other day he cleaned his room without me asking. And that is HUGE because this kid is m.e.s.s.y. He has so many teeny-tiny toys that clutter his room to no end. But he cleaned it up, by himself, without me asking/begging/pleading/threatening/crying. He's moved on from his beloved Magic Treehouse books to Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. Wha?!? He told me last night's dinner (fish, tomatoes and risotto) was the best ever. I almost don't recognize him. He's lost all traces of baby-hood. Not an ounce of fat on his skinny body - all muscle and skin. He's ridiculously strong, and I fear for the day he knocks his brother into next week, literally.

Lots to do in the next few weeks - end of school picnics, hikes, parties, etc. Then on to summer. Grandpa is visiting from Buffalo for 2 weeks in June -- we're all so excited to see him; it's been too long. Shawn and I are heading to Cabo in July to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. CAN'T wait for that! I'm anxious about leaving the boys but they'll have both of their doting grandmas on hand, and honestly, 5 days of solo time with my love sounds really really nice right about now. We'll sprinkle our summer with trips to the pool, the zoo, museums, a Rockies game or 2, ice-cream, water balloon fights, and whatever else we can come up with. It's gonna be a rocking time!

...and fun was had by all...

2011-05-09T20:59:00.002-06:00

2011-05-07T18:46:00.000-06:00

7

2011-05-05T00:01:00.001-06:00

Oh my. How in the WORLD did that happen???

I love you my sweet, wonderful, smart, intense, talented, thoughtful, focused, karate-choppping, book-reading, bike-riding, lego-playing, story-writing little man! You rocked our world 7 years ago on this very day, and continue to do so on a daily basis. You are the sun, the moon and the stars and you are very, very loved.
Happy 7th birthday Jackson!

******

Oh yeah, and if you want you can check out:
six
five
four
three
two

sorry, wasn't blogging at one...I think I was barely surviving much less writing.

bring your kids to work

2011-04-28T10:24:00.001-06:00

Judging by the little girl taking my order at Daz Bog this morning it is Take Your Child To Work Day here in Colorado. This leaves me with a bit of a dilemma. Because, you know, they are my work. Should I make them do laundry? Vacuum? Meal plan? RSVP to the next birthday party on the calendar? Plan for the school fundraiser? Answer emails from their teachers? Clean their rooms (oh wait, I did make them do that this morning before school).... Or of course, I guess, I could take them on a photoshoot with me? Except I don't have one scheduled, because I don't do that part of my job during the week because I'm being Mama. And the one time I did take them on a photoshoot with me (yes, I did, with the client's blessing because he wanted the portraits done asap...) was a bit, well, hectic, to say the least. But at the end of the day, they ARE my work. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in all the little things that make up my day I forget that they are what I'm doing it all for. That I did leave behind an entire past life for them - a career, a home in a different state, friendships, marriage without the added stress - because nothing, and I mean nothing, is more important than them. Most days I fall into bed with utter exhaustion, and still manage to lie awake thinking of the 105 things I didn't get done in the day. It is these little things that I didn't consider when I took up being a stay at home mama. I thought of the love and hugs and giggles and stories and silly songs and all the goodness that gets wrapped up in a Mama's day. But it is the little things -- the rsvp's to parties, the teacher emails, the school committees, the carpools, those are the things that also make me a Mama. They are my job, too. They are the "work" part. The love and hugs and stories and kisses, they are the easy part. The work is the hard part. But I wouldn't trade this job for all the money in the world. And I'll gladly continue to "bring my kids to work" with me every single day.

**Addendum: and to my friends/family who do hold down full time outside-the-house jobs AND manage all of the above as well, my proverbial hat is off to you because though I was only in your shoes for a year, I know how very hard that job is as well.**

Hoppy Easter

2011-04-24T19:57:00.000-06:00

House Rules

2011-04-16T18:56:00.000-06:00

I have some new blog-love going on -- Jones Design Company. Emily is an uber-talented designer who is also a full time Mama to 4 darling kiddos and wears the cutest, most with-it outfits ever. I sorta kinda want to be like her (except the 4 kids thing - I'm good with 2, for reals). A couple of days ago she posted an adorable print of her house rules (which she sells on her site, btw) and I knew I had to copy it (sincerest form of flattery and all).

We have had a list of "house rules" up on our refrigerator for about a year now. Last year I gathered the boys together and asked them to help me draw up our house rules. I intended for it to be a fun way for us to establish, once and for all, the rules of our home. The boys really got into it -- as you can tell from the last rule of the bunch (for the record, Uncle Al had just broken out in a poison-ivy rash a couple of days prior and obviously it left a strong impression on the boys). On occasion when the boys are acting out I will proclaim "What house rule is being broken?!" It sort of (sometimes) breaks up a tantrum or an argument and helps restore peace and harmony to our home once again (again, sometimes, I make no claims that my house is in any way continuously peaceful and/or harmonious - let's get real here, ok?!). So I took our tattered list of house rules and printed up a design similar to Emily's on my favorite papers.

And so, without further ado, I present...The House Rules:

365 - 4/15/11

2011-04-15T20:45:00.000-06:00

Belaying at J's school. Awesomeness.

bad blogger, bad!

2011-04-12T10:33:00.000-06:00

I obviously have been beyond negligent. It is apathy, pure and simple. And the fact that my hobby has become a job and in that time I don't take nearly as many pictures of my boys as I used to. The last pictures I took of them are Holden with the firetruck and the boys in Texas. I need to find that balance. If there's any Mama out there who's figured that out, call me, k? Never mind, don't call because I never hear my phone. The curse of a cell phone existence is that you don't have a phone in every room of your house (remember when that was like the ultimate in luxury??!). Oh wait, maybe that's not a curse. Sounds more like a blessing. I'm just not a phone person. Don't like it. Don't like to talk on it. I'm an emailer. Want to reach me? Email me. Or Text me. But don't expect elaborate texts back because my cell is from 1982 and is really a pain in the ass to text from. I'm kidding, I didn't have my own cell phone until 2001. Hey, 10 years - yay for cell phones!

Ok, so where is this little odd post going? I dunno. The boys are both at school and I had a meeting get cancelled so I'm literally sitting in my incredibly quiet empty house all by myself with my feet up on the ottoman. It is SUCH a weird feeling. I'm not even trying to work or do house stuff or cleaning or whatever else I'm supposed to do as a full-time-Mama-part-time-photographer-full-time-homemaker. My head is buzzing with all that is going on and yet I sit here.... This month I'm working with the fundraiser group at Jackson's school for their big silent auction event. Lovely working with such dedicated, hard-working women who want the best for our awesome school. Yeah, I said awesome - cause it is. I'm hosting a mini-social-networking event at our house on Thursday. Need to prepare noshies and figure out my own presentation. Next week I'm shooting a larger networking group. I'm trying to of course drum up ever-more clients who want me to photograph them in cool settings like meadows, parks, and rustic urban areas, and rescheduling those that have been tossed aside the past few months because of our wackety-wack weather here in Colorado. I'm also trying to cook at least 1 decent meal a day that my youngest son will inevitably complain about without even seeing/smelling/tasting. I made Gnocchi last night! Yes, from a bag but everyone loved it. Except Holden, who proclaimed it was "not good" without - you guessed it - tasting it. I'm trying to keep our house clean because with the weather change that means grass, dirt and tiny rocks find their way into our home on a continuous basis. And legos are obviously mating because they are taking over every nook and cranny of this house. And I have to wonder why I feel utterly compelled to have neatly made beds every single day but I could care less about mopping my kitchen floor?! Oh yeah, and Easter's in a couple of weeks. Probably should figure out what the Easter bunny is bringing. And then Jackson's birthday is the following week. Oh boy. And Karate twice a week. And foolishly, in the midst of all of this, I'm refinishing my childhood dollhouse. Just for fun. 'Cause I want to.

And that, is that. Just keeping it real. Maybe I'll upload a photo again one of these days. Maybe.

Baby Mine

2011-04-07T21:33:00.000-06:00

"Baby Mine"

Baby mine, don't you cry.

Baby mine, dry your eyes.

Rest your head close to my heart,

never to part, baby of mine.

Little one, when you play,

pay no heed what they say.

Let your eyes sparkle and shine,

never a tear, baby of mine.

If they knew all about you,

they'd end up loving you, too.

All those same people who scold you,

what they'd give just for the right to hold you.

From your hair down to your toes,

you're not much, goodness knows.

But, you're so precious to me,

sweet as can be, baby of mine.

365 - 4/6/11

2011-04-06T19:03:00.000-06:00

2011-04-05T15:22:00.000-06:00

Hey look! Crib Tales Photography's work is featured in this month's Douglas County Living! It was actually also featured last month but due to a mix up they credited the wrong photographer. :-( But this month we are back in business! I've had so much fun working with the Douglas County Divas - a really wonderful networking group for women business owners, and it's been an honor to capture the last few events for them. I sort of feel like my little business is an infant who is growing into a running, squealing toddler. :-)

365 - 4/4/11

2011-04-04T22:30:00.000-06:00

Makes my heart crazy-happy that my two boys have a gaggle of cousins that they love to be with and play with and hang out with, whenever we can make it happen. Growing up I had a lot of cousins myself, and practically grew up just down the street from two of my cousins , Ryan and Jordan. If I ever came close to knowing what it would have been like to have brothers it would be through those boys. They were part of my every day world for most of my youth. Now Debbie has 3 girls and I have the 2 boys, and Kimi's got her new baby girl and her beautiful step-daugther...to say my boys are outnumbered on my side of the family is an understatement. But they don't care. They have the best time with their cousins, and it takes me way way back to my own childhood with my two favorite cousins. And it makes me smile. Big time.

365 (or whatever) - 4/3/11

2011-04-03T19:38:00.000-06:00

365 - 3/30/11

2011-03-30T21:43:00.000-06:00

My sister pushing my babies and hers on the tire swing
Lubbock Texas
March 2011

I'm back

2011-03-28T20:54:00.000-06:00

...from Texas. 8 hours there, 8 hours back, 3 full days in between. It was about 85% fun, 15% dealing with cranky, moody, tantrumy boys, and 100% food. I'm afraid to get on the scale. Abuelo's. Rise and Shine Donuts. 82nd Street Cafe. Spoonful FroYo. Dion's. Rosa's. Jason's Deli (ok, we have those here, but I never go, so I count is as a treat). And of all things, Brian's steakhouse, which apparently has been in Lubbock for like 325 years or something and I never ever heard of it or have eaten there or even noticed it on 50th street, but oh boy, I will not lie when I say I had the best chicken fried steak I've had in 15 years (and actually, now that I think about it, probably the first chicken fried steak I've had in 15 years)! It was divine -- and complete with loaded potato, salad bar - Texas style (that means it had iceberg lettuce, croutons, beets, fried okra, hush puppies, nachos, ranch dressing and cheese), and of course Texas toast. I'm not joking when I say my pants were t.i.g.h.t. beyond belief by today's drive home. I may have to fast the next week or so. Or not.

But beyond food, which in my family is sort of like a religion, we did a lot of hang'n around, watching the kids play and laugh and fight and play some more. It was really laid back and easy going. The tantrums, well, I don't go into too much in this here blog about my eldest son's tantrums. They are epic. They are also something we've dealt with for 6 years now and even though I sort of know to expect them when he is in a changed environment, it still stresses me out and makes me angry and sad and overwhelmed and embarrassed all at the same time. Because I know that he is an awesome, amazing, smart, loving kid, and it is hard when this side of him comes out and I don't know how to bring him down. And it seems to come out the most when we are around family (naturally). But I'm lucky to have a caring, supportive family, and they do love him dearly -both of them - despite tantrums and tears. I just sort of have this secret hope that one day I'll get through a family visit tantrum-free, ya know?? A Mama can dream...

876

2011-03-23T20:38:00.000-06:00

Hey, guess what? This is my 876th post! That's CRAZY!

Anyway, this is another post about Karate. If you are sick of reading about me talking about Karate, then move on to your next blog. But since I think I have 3 people who read my blog on a consistent basis, and they all share my same blood line, I'll go on.

Today Jackson did his first Karate belt test. In a word - awesome! I didn't expect to be so moved by the experience, but I was. Here's what gets me. My kid is 6 years old. His Sensei is speaking to him in a combination of English and Japanese, and my son responds to his Sensei's words. I have NO IDEA what Sensei Swain was saying, but Jackson did. Sensei said something, Jackson responded with appropriate actions and words. It was so freaking cool! It was, dare I say it, powerful.

Here's the thing - all the things my son knows to date are things I know. He has "fact power" at school (meaning he knows all his math facts), which as a 37 year old woman, so do I. I know the amount of geography he knows. The spelling he knows. Art and music, I can keep up. Science, sure, I can swing that. I even know how to belay down a climbing wall like he does (though I confess, he's far better at it than I am). Not major feats - I SHOULD know all the things my 6 year old does, cause, you know, I have 31 years on him and I completed the first grade with flying colors 30 years ago. But you know what I don't know? Shotakan Karate. Know who does know it? My 6 year old. That's wild! I doubt I'm expressing myself the way I want to, or the way my brain wrapped around today's experience, but the word that comes to mind is powerful. I see so much potential in my boys, and to see it happening before my very eyes just brings me to tears. And yes, I teared up, sue me. My boy rocked it!

Oh yeah, and woo-hoo, 876!

365 - 3/20/11

2011-03-20T20:42:00.000-06:00

Experimenting with Photoshop.

Spring Break is this week. Have planned out almost every day, including a trip to Texas for me and the boys. They are excited to see their Grandparents, their cousins and their aunt and uncle. I'm excited to see them all, too, but don't be fooled, I'm also ready for some good Texas grub - Taco Villa, One Guy from Italy (yeah, good calzones in Texas - go figure! and yes, he really IS from Italy, that one guy...), Abuelo's, and maybe even Spankys this time around (fried cheese, please!).

365 - 3/19/11

2011-03-19T19:48:00.000-06:00

Bread Rising
(Don't be too impressed, it is from the freezer. But you can be impressed that I turned it into cinnamon rolls.)

365 - 3-17-11

2011-03-17T22:18:00.000-06:00

I'm failing miserably at this 365 project. Here's a picture of a sandwich.

365 - 3/14/11

2011-03-14T22:32:00.000-06:00

This kid's testing for his striped belt next week. Crazy proud Mama!

365 - 3/13/11

2011-03-13T15:15:00.000-06:00

March 13, 2011
Lazy Daze
After a crazy busy day yesterday - Karate tournament, movie date with the Weik's to see "Mars Needs Moms" (yes, Lisa and I both cried a wee little bit), and then dinner with the Weik's as well, we needed a chill out day. So that's what we've done. I'm about to head off for a much anticipated family shoot with one of the founders of Eenie Meenie Miney Moe, but wanted to throw up these two cuties who are actually worn out and tired and testing boundaries - but still, obviously, ridiculously handsome. Good thing, otherwise they might be sleeping out back with the coyotes tonight.

365 - 3/12/11

2011-03-12T21:40:00.000-07:00

Today was Jackson's first Karate tournament. I don't have a picture to post. We have video, which will come, but need to get it from Shawn. But I had to post about it. Awesomeness!! I had such Mama-Bear pride going on. He was nervous all morning long, and told us he didn't want to go. We got to the tournament and the tears started as soon as we were registered. His nerves were getting the better of him and I flashed back to my first high school play performance. I know those nerves. But I also knew once he was in the moment his love of the sport would shine through. He really has grown to love Karate, and I see it as a great sport for him to put his attention and focus to. I was proud of him for competing as only a white belt - his Sensei encouraged it.

So the tears eventually dried and he started to do some practicing. When time came for the meet to begin he seemed so small to me, compared to those with more experience. But he had his game face on and was ready to go. He did his Kata beautifully and even won his first round! I think the pride was leaping out of my skin. When the tournament was over he was full of pride in himself as well, even if he didn't medal. He faced a fear and over came it. He performed solo in front of a room full of judges and parents and competitors. He was confident and proud and that was all that mattered. He was a true little man today - I can't wait to see how he continues to grow.

365 - 3/11/11

2011-03-11T20:15:00.000-07:00

365 - 3/10/11

2011-03-10T20:35:00.000-07:00

Tonight I just want to do this. Nighty-night.

365 - 3/9/11

2011-03-09T19:28:00.001-07:00

Growing up we shared a room most of our youth. We fought over the top bunk and closet space and shared shoes. At night I would tell her stories and quiz her about them the next day as we waited for our ride home from school. In our teens we ignored each other as much as possible. I was jealous of her athleticism and size 2 figure. I doubt she was jealous of me for anything. We both had convertible Mercury Capri's - mine was red, hers was white (maybe she was jealous of my red car). When I left for college (which was just 70 blocks from home) she whined to Mom that I probably wouldn't even miss her. When she left for college (100's of miles away), I helped mover her across the state and whined that she got the TV from our old bedroom.

Now she's a mom. A mommy. And a really, really good mommy at that. At 4 weeks post-partum I was a walking zombie. At 4 weeks post-partum she laughs and stays up until 11:30 at night. I struggled with nursing my first baby, and though I stuck with it I found it challenging and stressful in the beginning. She quickly made the decision that nursing wasn't for her, but pumps every single bottle for her baby girl. That's dedication and love. Her baby sleeps in the same bed my two boys slept in. I sighed when I saw it - it took me back. I cried when I got off the plane and saw her standing there - already fitting into her post-pregnancy jeans, with a pink and brown stroller and a sweet little bundle of cuteness quietly snoozing. She adores her daughter. Absolute adoration.

I loved our brief few days together. We laughed and played and talked and laughed some more. I loved seeing she and Robert with their newborn baby girl. There's all kinds of love going on there, be certain of that. We got mani's and pedi's (me and Kim, not Robert). We went out to lunch. She got a haircut. I bought a new shirt. I cuddled that sweet newborn as much as I could. We posed Chloe for multiple photosessions. And on the last day we realized we forgot to take a picture of us together with Chloe. We set the timer and snapped this shot -- Robert was already at work. I'll treasure it. Just like I treasure her.

365 - 3/8/11

2011-03-08T10:58:00.000-07:00

I am back from my trip to Texas to meet this cutie-patootie. Isn't she lovely?!?! I am blessed with 6 gorgeous nieces (and one handsome nephew), Chloe being the youngest. Seeing my sister as a mommy was breathtaking. She has it all under control - I remember being a mess after my first was born. But not Kimi. She was made for mommyhood. She has wanted a baby for awhile now and this little one does not disappoint. She is sweet and gentle and perfect.

I have been having a bit of a baby bug for awhile now. Not that I could do anything about it, we, um, took care of business a few years ago, so no more babies for us. But that doesn't mean that my heart wouldn't yearn for another. And as much as I adored Chloe, and how easy of a baby she is, I realized on this trip that I'm definitely good with my two boys. Babies are a LOT of work. Ya know? You kind of forget that. And we're in a place now where there is a certain amount of independence in each of our boys, which means I can focus on my career a little bit more. And honestly, my photography business is a bit of a toddler right now. We're making big steps together, but it still needs hand holding and nurturing - quite a bit like a baby.

So Miss Chloe... thank you for letting me snuggle you and feed you and play with you and sing to you. And for being a perfectly lovely little niece. You are dear to my heart, as is my sister and the rest of her family. But I'm good on the baby front.

365 - 3/4/11

2011-03-04T11:16:00.001-07:00

a conversation at dinner

2011-03-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that Holden is the pickiest eater on the planet. He refuses to eat dinner approximately 5 nights out of 7. I'm trying to put my foot down on this and NOT be a short order cook. Eat what I cook or don't eat at all. I do put out something I know he'll like with each meal - strawberries, apples, something like that. Often that is all he eats. Tonight I'll claim a small victory in that he didn't just try his homemade talapia fish sticks, he actually ate 3 bites (after I told him it was a dinosaur - it did look like one).

ANYWAY, so he's not eating anything but his berries at first. So the conversation goes:

me: Holden are you going to be a vegetarian?
H: What?
me: Who knows what a vegetarian is?
J: ME! It's a doctor for animals!
Shawn and I bust out laughing but try to hide that laugh so Jackson won't think we're making fun of him.
me: No, close, a veteranarian is a doctor for animals, a vegetarian is someone who doesn't eat meet. So are you going to be a vegetarian Holden?
H: No, I'm going to be a teacher.
More of Shawn and I trying to disguise our full on gut busting. Best. Dinner. Conversation. Ever.

365 - 3/1/11

2011-03-01T15:40:00.000-07:00

March 1, 2011
Bananas with Boo
Hang'n on the couch, eat'n 'nana's, and laughing.

365 - 2/27/11

2011-02-27T21:10:00.000-07:00

February 27, 2011
Wine and Mystery
Last night I got to photograph a really cool event at Wine 2 Water in the DTC - a Murder Mystery Party! It was a who-dunnit with a wine and cinema theme and suffice it to say, having it at a winery was a top notch idea and made for a perfect venue for the evenings' fun and entertainment! The theatre geek in me was totally excited, the photographer in me was honored to be asked to participate, and the wine drinker in me was jazzed for some good vino! There are lots more images I'll post on crib tales photography's blog, but just thought I'd share this one for my daily photo (and with apologies I missed a few days this month!)!

365 - 2/24/11

2011-02-24T19:28:00.000-07:00

February 24, 2011
Forced Bedtime
Yes, I forced bedtime on them at 6:57 tonight. It was a rough day of child rearing, to say the least. The morning started with a 25 minute meltdown that didn't end until I dropped both boys off at school, and picked back up again as soon as they were both back in my care. Rough on all of us. I acquiesced to allow them to read together for half an hour. In 2 more minutes I'll close the book on today's child raising, and be grateful for a new day. But I'll also have this little image to lull me to sleep tonight. A precious moment of them reading together, without mom or dad...contentedness.

365 - 2/23/11

2011-02-23T09:32:00.000-07:00

February 23, 2011
Chandy-Re-do
About once a month I get the itch to do something to the house. While my focus has definitely turned from house-stuff to my photography business, and of course our crazy-wild-on-the-go-boys, I still love a good house project. I've been eyeing what I consider to be our ugly-builder-grade chandelier for almost 2 years now. It was a fake bronzy color that doesn't even belong in a tanning booth. U-G-L-Y! I toyed with doing a safe black or nickel, and then thought, what they hay, let's paint it green! If I hate it I can either repaint it or get a new one. I didn't even take the chandelier down - I painted it while it hung from the ceiling. I paid for three bottles of crafters paint - .29c each, and a couple of sponge brushes - $2 worth of supplies! It took 3 coats, which I then proceeded to distress with a sandpaper block. I covered the table with an old sheet so we wouldn't be eating paint dust for the next year. It really was a super easy project.

At first I wasn't so sure about the color, but after I distressed it a bit I'm in love with it! It definitely "pops!" and really highlights the dining room. It adds to the "vintage-modern" (my words) look I'm going for in our home. Living in suburbia there are dozens of our house model out there, so I feel pretty strongly about trying to make it unique and different. I channel our 1932 Seattle house frequently, as that is the vibe I'd like to continue on this house. Harder to do since this house was built in a very modern 2001. But I'm working it as best I can. Relaxed. Comfortable. Vintage. But still with some sparkle and sass (no light sabers near my mercury glass collection puuu-leeeze!!)!

I think everyone deserves a home they love to be in. I truly, absolutely do love our house. I say it at least once a week to Shawn. I love it. It is our forever house and it will forever be undergoing some kind of transformation, big or small. Next up on my list - board and batten (have to talk Shawn into that one still)!

365 - 2/22/11

2011-02-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

February 22, 2011
Drums
Each student at Jackson's school makes their own drum in their first year. Throughout their tenure at the school they participate in many drumming sessions, intended to build community and team work. I'm dying to be a fly on the wall sometime to watch him at it. As it happens the do have drumming night a few times a year so I'll be able to watch and participate with him at some point. How cool is that?!

365 - 2/21/11

2011-02-21T18:52:00.000-07:00

February 21, 2011

Missing You

Today I'm missing this place. Not the market specifically, just this place that I once called home with the cloudy skies and the smell of the ocean nearby. I get this way a few times a year. Maybe the sun shines too brightly here one day, or I talk to a dear friend from back "home," and a feeling of nostalgia and missing-ness overwhelms me. Makes me sort of sad and happy all at the same time. Sad that I miss it so. Happy that I have that place in my heart and always will. That's what's going on with me today. How about you?

365 - 2-20-11

2011-02-20T21:50:00.000-07:00

February 20, 2011
Baby No More
This kid is at a sleepover tonight. He's about to turn 7 in a couple more months. He's smart as a whip. He reads chapter books with no pictures. He rushes through his math homework. He still sleeps with the same three blankets we swaddled him with when he was but a babe in arms. He is vigilant about tooth brushing, making sure he's fed his fish Firewater, and playing the Wii. He follows the rules to a T, unless he's at home and then he turns into a completely different kid (sigh). I know he's being good on his overnight playdate. I know he's being polite. I also know he's being shy. And maybe a little bit unsure of things. And maybe missing us, just a touch. He's having THE best time with his friend Andrew. I also know tomorrow when he comes home he's likely to have a meltdown because he's tired and overstimulated. But most of all I know I love him to the moon and back. He's the baby we wanted so desperately 8 years ago this time. He's one of the three greatest loves of my life. He's one of two human beings that I loved at first sight. He means everything to me. He's my Jackson James.

365 - 2/19/11

2011-02-19T20:38:00.001-07:00

February 19, 2011
Post-Donut Hike
Today the idea of a fresh box of one dozen donuts was too tempting to resist. We indulged. We OVER-indulged (have I mentioned I've majorly (majorly) cut back on my sugar in take in the last 3 months - like 15g or less a day, so the likely 75g I consumed this morning really sent me into a sugar-coma!?!?!). So to combat the sugar, and because it was an absolutely gorgeous 65d today, the whole family set out for a little hike on the Ridgeline trail. Shawn's ridden it a few times on his bike but the boys and I hadn't tried it out. It is literally tucked just behind our housing area so it was an easy destination. It felt absolutely lovely to be out of doors, in the fresh air. There were a few muddy spots from recent snows but overall it was simply perfect. The boys were really really good and seemed to have a great time, and I think we just enjoyed being in their company outside again. We've felt (I'VE FELT) really cooped up this season. Loving the post-donut hike and hope we'll do it again soon (the hike, not the donuts)!

365 - 2/18/11

2011-02-18T20:01:00.002-07:00

February 18, 2011
Disco King
I keep discovering ever-cuter images from our disco shoot. Seriously, does it get any cuter?!

365 - 2/16/11

2011-02-16T21:52:00.000-07:00

February 16, 2011
Lynn and Me being Diva-esque
Last night I got to do photographs for a fun networking event geared at women-business owners. Lynn and I dolled ourselves up and hit the Harley store (yes, it was at a Harley store - it was cool!) and mixed and mingled with other like-minded-women. I got to do what I love best - photograph people! Hoping it will bring in some business for crib tales photography, but more than that it was really cool to be in the presence of over 200 other women pursing their passions and dreams. Plus I got to hang out with Lynn!
ps - I have a pie face, ugh.

365 - 2/15/11

2011-02-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

February 15, 2011
Hearts on the mantel
Valentine's Day continues at our house -- Holden's school had their party today. 14 four year olds singing about falling hearts will steal your heart any day of the week, I don't care who you are!

365 - 2/14/11

2011-02-14T13:54:00.000-07:00

February 14, 2011
A little someth'n for ya!
Shawn wore this suit circa 1977. His son is wearing it circa 2011. I majorly had to bribe him but oh man, it was so worth it. A great surprise for Shawn this morning, but the surprise was all mine when I discovered not just the awesome Amos Lee CD Shawn gave me this morning, but I discovered 2 dozen tulips and a box of chocolates on the front steps just moments ago. I may have had an "ugly cry" when I opened the box. I was completely surprised. The days sometimes go by in a blur and though most days we say I love to each other, sometimes we get caught up in our day-to-day and forget to say those words to each other. It is nice to take a moment to just focus on that love. Sure, it's totally a Hallmark holiday, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

I love you my sweet husband of almost 10 years. Thank you for the flowers, the chocolates, the music, and your love. But most of all thank you for giving your heart to me, and those two amazing boys we call sons. xoxox

365 - 2/12/11

2011-02-12T22:50:00.000-07:00

February 12, 2011
Morning Ritual
Every morning (except morning's in which we go to Starbuck's) I make a pot of coffee first thing in the morning. It is the only way I get my blood pumping. My add ons are half-n-half and Truvia all natural sweetener. Bliss. Happy, sweet, creamy, caffeinated bliss. Oh. And these mugs are from the dishes we received when we got married. We ordered 10 place settings. I remember the day that Shawn called me at work to say we got our mugs in the mail -- all 72 of them. WHA???!! Obviously there was a shipping mixup. And no we didn't hang onto 72 mugs - we don't drink that much coffee. But we did hang on to 12 of them.

365 - 2/11/11

2011-02-11T22:39:00.000-07:00

February 11, 2011
Mixed up holiday
I made these for playgroup. For Valentine's Day. They are Easter cupcake holders. So it goes. They were yummy and that's all that counts. The "frosting" was the best part - after the cupcakes are hot from the oven plop a large (white or pink or whatever color is in season and available) on top of the cake and put back in the hot oven for 3-4 minutes. As soon as they are out squish the warm, gooey marshmallow down into the cupcake with the back of a wooden spoon. Perfectly frosted Valentine's cupcakes in mere seconds. Or Easter cupcakes. Or whatever.

365 - 2/10/11

2011-02-10T18:52:00.000-07:00

February 10, 2011
Street Musician
Seattle, 2008

365 - 2/9/11

2011-02-09T23:20:00.001-07:00

February 9, 2011
Dreaming of Spring
We're inundated with a cold that goes to my very bone. So I'm dreaming of spring today and thinking of these lovely little flowers...

365 - 2/8/11

2011-02-08T22:02:00.000-07:00

February 8, 2011
New Brand
Ok, not a photo, but a new logo for crib tales photography! I'm so excited about it I can hardly stand it. The former marketing-muffin in me is shining through! This past weekend I stumbled upon a designer who creates logos targeted at photographers. She makes several at a time and then sells them first come first serve. I perused her stuff - fantastic really - and came upon this one and my heart skipped a beat. It was perfection - vintage but fresh, quaint but classic. Until I noticed the "sold" written next to it. I was crushed. I emailed the designer to ask her a question about compatibility and mentioned that the logo I really liked was already sold. She asked which one it was and I told her this one. As it happens the person who bought this logo decided on a different one, but usually the designer doesn't do returns. In fact, she had never had anyone attempt to return a logo before. She asked if the buyer was still wanting to return it so I could purchase it - and she did! Kismet! And two days later it is all mine. It feels like Christmas and my birthday all wrapped up in one. This is exactly what I had been wanting and just didn't know how to personify. She nailed my brand to a T, and I'm so so happy this sweet boy and girl silhouette is mine. I'll be doing a ton of updating on the website, blog, facebook, business cards, postcards, etc, etc. I am so ready to take my business and my brand to the next level!

365 - 2/7/11

2011-02-07T22:09:00.000-07:00

February 7, 2011
Cinnamon Twists
I need to take more pictures of food 'cause I really do love it (the food and the pics)

365 - 2/6/11

2011-02-06T20:35:00.000-07:00

February 6, 2011
Chloe, Day 2
I can't help myself. I have to post another picture of Chloe. I'm dying that I can't be there to snuggle her or hug my sister. Something about my baby sister having a baby is really touching me. I can remember Kimi as a little girl with her long swinging, white-blonde pony tail and coke bottle glasses. We fought like cats and dogs, she, Debbie and me. But we also had the best time playing Barbies and swimming in Dad's pool and talking at night after lights were out. I don't know if she remembers it but I remember I used to tell her stories to help her fall asleep at night. I'd make up fairy tales about princesses and castles. And then the next day while we waited for our ride home from Murfee I would quiz her to see how well she was paying attention to my story telling. I also remember her talking in her sleep one night, she must have been about five, and she had just learned to spell her name. She kept saying "K.I.M. spells Kim" over and over. And now look at her, she's a Mama! I'm beside myself with joy for them.

365 - 2/5/11

2011-02-05T21:27:00.000-07:00

February 5, 2011
Chloe Renee Cantu
After a long day of waiting my beautiful niece Chloe arrived earthside at 9:02 pm (Texas time, ya'll) weighing 6lb11oz! She's perfect in every single way and I can hardly wait to meet her next month when I get to go visit. Congratulations Kimi, Robert, Rachel, Bubba (Kimi's first baby - her Bassett) and of course Chloe! I'm a crazy-proud auntie!

365 - 2/4/11

2011-02-04T22:00:00.000-07:00

February 4, 2011
BFF
Jackson James and Jackson George have been friends since they were 3 and 4, respectively. Sometimes life gets so crazy busy that weeks, even months, go by before they see each other again. Especially since JG's family move to the next town over. But when these two DO get together (they're now taking Karate together 2 times a week!), they have the best time ever. Tonight I trained the camera on them and they just had a ball. This was their best portrait - two boys and a saber. Need I say more? (come back to the Meadows Weik family, please!!)!!

365 - 2/3/11

2011-02-03T21:43:00.000-07:00

February 3, 2011
Sweet Tooth
Yes, I realize there is a plethora of junk food displayed in this picture. It was a bribe of tremendous magnitude. This is NOT the norm, just so ya know. I mean, yes, bribing happens a lot (just being honest here), but this depth of junk food is not standard operating procedure. But let's ignore that for a moment and focus on how adorably happy and content he is. I'll serve double apples tomorrow. And carrots. And floss.

365 - 2/2/11

2011-02-02T21:57:00.000-07:00

February 2, 2011
Today's Vintage Find
Holden, February 2008. Gads, such an adorable little squirt. And honestly he still looks exactly the same, maybe a tad leaner. And as sweet now as he was then. Holden is our "yes man." We don't get a whole lot of argument from him on things. Whining? yes. Arguments? no. He's been that way since day one. He's an all around affable, easy-going kid, and always has been. I think we're in for it when he hits the teenage years. Then I'll really be wishing for some vintage-pictures!

I do promise to get back to some 365 portraits. We're snowed in here and I should have had plenty of time for picture taking. More to come. In the mean time I'm giddy with excitement because my niece Chloe is arriving on Saturday. Can hardly wait! Both of my boys came on their own schedules so the idea of knowing your delivery date makes me a wee bit jealous. I mean, I don't envy Kimi's high blood pressure - I had it with Jackson and all the needles and blood pressure checks and worry and bedrest were not fun - but the boys still came on their own schedules and that anticipation of waiting was agonizing. To have a date on a calendar at least puts you in a place of "knowing." But I guess we just go with what Mother Nature (or our OB) has up their sleeve! And for that we know that Chloe is set for arrival sometime Saturday or possibly early Sunday, I guess, depending on how the induction goes. I'm so so so excited for Kimi and Robert. This baby has been a long time anticipated and an all around joyous time to watch unfold for them. I'll be off to visit a month from tomorrow - going on my own so I can have loads of solo time with my sister and the babe - and I can hardly, hardly wait. A whole new world is opening up to her, and I know she's going to be one amazing Mama. Chloe is a very, very lucky gal!

365 - 2/1/11

2011-02-01T17:14:00.001-07:00

February 1, 2011
Snow Day Bath
The quality on this picture stinks - I took it with my Mac, not my camera. They were having a bath and the windows were steamy from the cold so they took to some art work and I snapped it as fast as I could. We were snowed in today which meant a lot of jammies, cocoa, Wii, movies, light saber battles and a craft forced upon them by their mother. Tomorrow is another snow day. Or I should say "ice day" because accumulation is slight but the chill is in the negative. Brrrr....

365 - 1/31/11

2011-01-31T21:06:00.000-07:00

January 31, 2011
Cutting Myself Some Slack
The last couple of pictures I posted are not actually taken today, or yesterday. They are from a few months ago. But I like them so I'm using them. Somedays I guess it isn't going to be practical for me to get my camera out every single day to snap a shot. I'm a Mama first, after all. So it is snowing and icy and cold today, and school has already been cancelled for tomorrow. So I put a new edit on an old photo and I'm claiming for today since I find editing to part of my journey. It's a cool tree, huh?!

365 - 1/30/11

2011-01-30T20:55:00.000-07:00

January 30, 2011
Cool Wall
I do photo sessions at this nice path near our house. There's a really cool train tunnel on the path and I love this wall. I don't know why it is this shade of blue - surely it wasn't purposefully painted that way? I dunno, but I like it.

365 - 1/29/11

2011-01-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

January 29, 2011
Schmoop
Shawn hates getting his picture taken. The irony is not lost on me. But I needed him to "pose" for me so I could practice my headshot lighting. He's going to hate that I posted this. But that's the price you pay when you buy your wife such an awesome camera. I love his eyes. And those lips. And him.

365 - 1/28/11

2011-01-28T15:42:00.001-07:00

January 28, 2011
Bangs
Yesterday I texted Carissa: "I need bangs!" Carissa is one of my hippest friends with the most fabulous hair. And her mom is a hair stylist, so I figured she inherited her ability to cut hair. I need bangs because I have 2 enormous wrinkles on my forehead and I hate them with a passion. Bigger fish to fry? Sure, but those two wrinkles are so so so ugly and I just can't deal. So today at playgroup C judiciously and carefully cut me some swoopy-bangs. I {heart} them for all of their forgiving nature.

365 - 1/27/11

2011-01-27T20:21:00.000-07:00

January 27, 2011
Shadow Conductor
Still not feeling 100% (but better than my sweet husband), but we did manage a nice little walk in the Colorado sunshine today. This is Holden's shadow, which looks like he's conducting an orchestra of shadows. I like that.

365 - 1/26/11

2011-01-26T19:24:00.000-07:00

January 26, 2011

January 2005

OK, I'm still not feeling good, and getting out the camera just wasn't happening. But hey, remember when I used to do "Vintage Wednesdays" on the blog? Consider this Vintage Wednesday. This is Jackson, taken in January of 2005, not long after we moved to Colorado and I discovered the beauty of "natural light" photography (but pre DSLR equipment). Gads he was a ridiculously cute baby.

365 - 1/25/11

2011-01-25T19:04:00.000-07:00

January 25, 2011
Repeat
I'm not feeling so hot today, so I'm using an image I took on Sunday. I'm so not feeling the rainbow of colors today...

365 - 1/24/11

2011-01-24T10:40:00.002-07:00

January 24, 2011
Starbucks Storytime
Where everybody knows your name...

Our local Starbucks (we have 2 in our quaint town, but this one is definitely more "family friendly") has storytime twice a week. We LOVE storytime at the 'buck! Holden gets a story, a snack and a craft. Mommy gets a lovely hot Americano with half-n-half and a chance to chat with friends and even make new friends (I met my dear friend Lynn at storytime a week after she moved to Colorado -- turns out she lives about half a mile from us and our kiddos have a great time together)! The folks at this particular Starbucks know us by name, even Holden. They know his drink order even - kid's cocoa, 100 degrees, no whip. I keep telling them I want them to put his order on the menu and call it "The Holden." They haven't done so yet, but I'm sure its in the works! I love having a place to go with him where we are both welcome and always with a smile and a "how are you guys doing?!" exclamation. It is the kind of thing that makes living in our small town even more delightful. Sure Starbucks is a behemoth empire but having lived in Seattle through its initial boom, it still feels like a great neighborhood spot to me. And it definitely has become for us a place where everybody knows our name. Love that!

365 - 1/23/11

2011-01-23T16:25:00.000-07:00

January 23, 2011
Arts and Crafts Movement
Sunday activities that Mommy supervises (Daddy tackles Star Wars battle supervision)

365 - 1/22/11

2011-01-22T17:13:00.000-07:00

January 22, 2011
Flowers on the windowsill
What you see if you are sitting on our mainfloor toilet.

365 - 1/21/11

2011-01-21T17:13:00.002-07:00

January 21, 2011
Friday
Need I say more?

365 - 1/20/11

2011-01-20T21:16:00.001-07:00

I'm really proud of this - Primrose School Portrait Day 2010 (you can click on it)

So that is constituting my photo of the day for today. I know, they are from September 2010, but I'm being boastful so just go with it. Cheers!

365 - 1/19/11

2011-01-19T15:26:00.002-07:00

January 19, 2011
Drawer Pulls
I love my desk in my office, so much so that I happily do a close up of the pulls.

365 - 1/18/11

2011-01-18T19:34:00.000-07:00

January 18, 2011
Holden
Today Holden asked me if he could go in the new studio. I took away one of the boys' play spaces when I commandeered our extra bedroom for the new studio. Don't fret for them, they still have a playroom and a basement so I'm not too worried that they are huddling in a dark corner with no place to play. However, it WAS their space originally, so I had to set some new rules when I put all the equipment in there. Basically the new rule was "STAY OUT!" And you know what? They have. They only go in there if I need them to "pose" for me. They haven't even been curious. Even one of my girlfriends said I would probably need a lock on the door to keep them out, but it hasn't been necessary. My boys don't listen to every word the exits my bossy mouth, but they heeded my words on the studio and that makes me happy and proud. It is the little things in parenting that make ya smile, ya know?!

Anyway, today he asked to go into the room and asked me to take some shots of him. Now that is something else altogether. They NEVER ask me to take their pictures because I do it ALL THE TIME, and they are relatively sick of having lenses in their faces all the time. But with them I take snapshots, not portraits -- I don't think about composition or lighting or setting my white balance with them. I just snap. Sometimes I get fabulous portraits, sometimes I get not-so-fabulous pictures. But today's mini-session was purposeful. I used lights. And a reflector. And props. And set my white balance. And we had fun! The above isn't the best shot of the day - I'll put those up on the photography blog - but it was one of my favorites. Nope, his face isn't even showing very much, but something about it just made me smile so I kept it. To me that's what I want to capture in my clients, too. That "thing" that just makes me smile. My little man does that for me a lot. I pretty much love that about him.

365 - 1/17/11

2011-01-17T18:15:00.000-07:00

January 17, 2011
Crafting on MLK Day
Everyone was home from school/work today. We were mellow, and honestly, a little bored. That's not such a bad feeling. I thought I'd try explaining why today was significant to Jackson. Jackson didn't "get" it. Didn't understand why everyone wasn't always equal (and let's face it, we still have a long way to go). I think that shows not the innocence of children but the wisdom.

365 - 1/16/11

2011-01-16T17:33:00.000-07:00

January 16, 2011
Mallows
Some days call for hot cocoa with pastel marshmallows on top... or on the side, as little man takes it.

365 - 1/15/11

2011-01-15T20:51:00.000-07:00

January 15, 2011
Skull Socks
Hoping I can always remember how tiny and cute Holden's feet are right now.

365 - 1/14/11

2011-01-14T16:20:00.003-07:00

January 14, 2011
Conductor Tripp
Playdate turned portrait session

365 - 1/13/11

2011-01-13T19:01:00.000-07:00

January 13, 2011
My very favorite lens
I waited too long to take a picture today so you get what I'm staring at right this minute.

365 - 1/12/11

2011-01-12T16:06:00.001-07:00

January 12, 2011
Model Magic and Mario
Keeping little man occupied so he doesn't notice big brother has gone away to camp for 2 whole days...

365 - 1/11/11

2011-01-11T20:24:00.000-07:00

January 11, 2011
Snow Mound
Don't make a mountain out of a mole hill...

365 - 1/10/11

2011-01-10T17:57:00.000-07:00

January 10, 2011
Sugar Cookie Candle
Burning the whole snowed-in day

365 - 1/9/11

2011-01-09T15:54:00.000-07:00

January 9, 2011
Snow Fall on the Front Porch
Wishing I'd polyurethaned the adirondack chairs after I painted them last spring...