Racing to be Still

black & white wednesday, on friday

2010-11-12T09:28:00.001-05:00

Check out my latest post
on my photo blog site

{and be prepared to cry - tears of JOY}

Kim Rahn Photography

Check out more amazing black & white photos...

my garden is confused

2010-11-05T19:13:00.004-04:00

As I write this post, I am contemplating turning on my heat.

My house is freezing and the weather outside is rather chilly.

Fall has set in and now we are feeling some wintery temperatures for the first time.

Up until this week, our weather here in the south has remained quite warm.

My garden is so confused. It is still producing lots of good stuff.

All through October, I noticed lots of new veggies appearing.
I love walking out there and seeing the plants remaining VERY green and full of life.

Red and green chilis

Crazy hot habenero peppers.
{I have a funny story about these little guys in an upcoming post.}

And this plant has been my favorite ALL summer.

It's full of tiny chili peppers.

Full of color.

And hundreds of peppers.

Still producing...

We even have tons of these little pumpkins.

I was so excited to pick them and decorate the house with our very own PUMPKINS

for Halloween!

Yep...even a few gourds.

But this is my most prized veggie for the fall.

Finally, after months and months of caring for this plant,

I got me a sweet yellow bell pepper.

First one from the garden...in October.

The bugs kept eating them {no matter what I tried}.

But, when fall set in and the temperatures cooled off just a bit...no more bugs.

I finally got to pick and EAT one BEFORE the bugs.

And now, my pepper plant is full of them! YAY!!

I told you our garden was confused.

Our zinnias died, fried from the extreme heat during the summer.

Look what's blooming again...

All of our plants seem confused and still blooming.

With the first signs of winter approaching {today, in fact...brrrrrr!}

and freezing temperatures forecasted for tonight,

mother nature is about to show my garden who is in charge!

It was good while it lasted...all through the fall.

Quite YUMMY in fact!

still behind on posting

2010-11-05T16:14:00.002-04:00

More Halloween photos...

The boys got to dress for school.

Sam's dress up day was actually a few weeks ago. Apparently I had not seen the note that came home from Sam's elementary school notifying me of this big day. So, on the way home from school I overheard Sam telling his brother "I get to dress up tomorrow for school and I am going to be a pirate." I panicked! We threw this pirate costume together {with the help on Nonnie and Party City} in a flash.

One catch, he had to be a book character.

So we pulled this book off of the kids' bookshelf {one of my boys' favorites} and sent him on his way.

Whew...nice save!

The kids got to "parade" through the hallways to show off their costumes during the

Character Parade.

There's Sam and his amazing teacher, Mrs. Buff!

James actually got dress up the Friday before Halloween.

Argh Matey!

I snapped these pix as we were walking out the door for preschool.

Notice the breakfast cereal in his hand.

That's just how we roll {and yes, I just said that}.

Oh how I love the picture below, of the little ones saying the blessing before snack time.

This is James and his best buddy, Cody.

This is Mrs. Julie.

Mrs. Julie and I are actually friends - we went to elementary school together.

She take very good care of my sweet boy!

And she tolerates that crazy kid, too!

argh matey

2010-11-03T17:28:00.000-04:00

Yep, you guessed it...
more Halloween aftermath {I'm not quite done yet}.

This is THE BUSIEST time of year for me {as a photographer}.
I am photographing beautiful families left & right
for the upcoming holiday season.

I have 6 sessions to edit as of right now
and 5 sessions coming up this weekend.

I did take some time to use my talents on my own kidddos!
We did a little Halloween Mini-Session in the backyard on Monday {after Halloween}.

They made the most ADORABLE pirates EVER!!
And ABSOLUTELY LOVED being "in" character for this mini-session.

Lil' Matey MAX

Just about to throw a fit.

Then I brought in the reward for smiling at mommy's camera...

...candy!

And, now Sam's turn.

Pirate SAM

Last, but not least...

Scallywag JAMES

I love this shot...

Check out more amazing black & white photos...

something a little fun

2010-11-02T17:21:00.001-04:00

"life is short, so make it what ya wanna..."

halloween

2010-11-02T15:53:00.001-04:00

Decorations

that I can't claim.

These photos were taken in Charleston, SC

at my friend Leslie's house.

My family piled in the SUV and took a road trip to visit Leslie and her family a few weeks ago.

She said she loves to decorate for Halloween and I believe it!

I loved ALL of the flares of fall throughout her home.

With a little "scary" thrown in, too.

How festive and fun!

Her home looked like something out of the Southern Living Magazine.

I loved it.

She inspired me to spice up my own home with some ORANGE and BLACK

in honor of Halloween {pictures to come}.

Thanks, Les, for sharing your home with my crazy family!

saving money

2010-11-02T15:28:00.001-04:00

This week the sales weren't that exciting plus I was overwhelmed by other things going on, so I didn't HURRY to the stores at the beginning of the week. I HAVE found that to be the key to this "couponing/sale" game. If you want to get the best deals, you have to hit the stores on Sunday and Monday to really stock up things you NEED. Otherwise, you get the left overs.

I wasn't planning on hitting up the stores for the sales this week. I did make one trip to Kroger at the beginning of the week which was VERY productive. But, the other sales (at CVS and Rite Aid) didn't seem too appealing.

However, I got VERY excited when I got my "Single Check Rebate" $ from Rite Aid in the mail on Tuesday.

Remember a few weeks ago (week 2) when I actually PROFITED from my trip to Rite Aid?

Well, I got my rebate check for $41.41.

That inspired me to look over the sale papers again and hit the stores QUICKLY for just a few things.

It was a very random list of items that I got, but overall lots of BIG savings.

Seriously random items - so no pictures!

Kroger Purchases

I paid $4.46 for $46.92 worth of groceries.

Rite Aid Purchases

I paid $13.38 for $67.47 worth.

AND I earned $9 in Up Rewards (good towards my next purchase)

$1 in "Single Check Rebates".

So REALLY I only spent $3.38 and will be giving MOST of the items I purchased away.

CVS Pharmacy Purchases:

I paid only $9.27 for $136.22 worth.

Yep, you read it right. That's a savings of 93%.

AND, I earned $10 EXTRA CARE BUCKS (good towards my next purchase.)

So technically I made $0.73 PROFIT.

I did get 3 boxes of Purex laundry 3-in-1 Sheets that made this trip completely worth the time!

SO FOR THIS WEEK...

All of these items should've cost me about more than $255.

I paid just a little more than $27 for all of it.

AND, I earned $20 towards my purchases next week.

In the end...

I SAVED 90% from my purchases this week.

halloween

2010-11-01T10:10:00.001-04:00

I LOVE decorating for Halloween.

I love using pumpkins to add the feel of FALL to my home.

This is the first post of many this week that include my take on FALL and HALLOWEEN.

Consider it the aftermath (considering Halloween was yesterday!)

I am such a slack blogger!

This is the first project that I did for my son's school - the Silent Auction Fundraiser Basket.

The theme - Halloween, of course!

And I loved it!

saving money

2010-10-29T23:21:00.002-04:00

This week: Not soooooo exciting {like last week}. BUT, I got lots of items that we NEEDED at really great prices. I stocked up some staples for our household.

Rite Aid Purchases

I paid $31.69 for all of this. AND I earned $2 in Up Rewards (good towards my next purchase).

The packages of diapers were just under $4.

YES, we are STILL using diapers, so this was a plus!

Lots of savings for this trip to Rite Aid...but no major steals.

Kroger Purchases

I paid $19.08 for all of this.

6 Tubes of Kids' Toothpastes - FREE
1 Can Shaving gel - FREE
2 Containers of Similac Formula - made a slight profit
11 Packs of rice - $0.10 each
12 Boxes of cereal - about $1 each

I got LOTS of items to donate from Kroger this week.
I love giving stuff away!

Publix Purchases

I paid $11.23 for all of this.

No major steals, but stuff we needed at great prices.

I'll take it!

CVS Pharmacy Purchases:

I paid only $15.12 for all of this.

AND, I earned $10 EXTRA CARE BUCKS (good towards my next purchase.)

So technically I got all of this for just over $5.

Some I will give away and some of the Aveeno products I will actually use.

Not too bad!

So for this week...

All of these items should've cost me about more than $260.

I paid just a little more than $77 for all of it.

AND, I earned $12 towards my purchases next week.

In the end...

I SAVED 70% off my purchases this week.

AND, gots lots of stuff for MY family

and LOTS of stuff to donate.

Week #3 - Experiment Totals So Far

I spent {out of pocket}

$71

For almost $400 worth of STUFF

A savings of over 82%

saving money

2010-10-29T22:06:00.000-04:00

This week:

Rite Aid Purchases

Ok, this was a little exciting! So, keep up...

{sigh, yes, I am a nerd}

I paid $32.65 for all of this. AND I earned $5 in Up Rewards (good towards my next purchase)

BUT, I GOT BACK $41.41 in Single Rebate Checks.

Yep, I MADE a profit of more than $13 from my trips to Rite Aid.

I said PROFIT.

Another good thing about my trip to Rite Aid...

I got LOTS of stuff to donate this week.

CVS Pharmacy Purchases:

I paid only $3.44 for all of this.

AND, I earned $5 EXTRA CARE BUCKS (good towards my next purchase.)

Yet again this week, I really profited from my trip to CVS this week.

The Purex detergent was $6.49 regular priced - by itself.

I got 2 of them, plus more, and MADE $1.56.

Not too shabby!

So for this week...

All of these items should've cost me about more than $150.

I paid just a little more than $36 for all of it.

AND, I earned $10 towards my purchases next week.

Plus, I will be getting a check in the mail for $41.41.

In the end...

I MADE more than $50 from my purchases this week.

AND, gots lots of stuff for MY family

and LOTS of stuff to donate.

Week #2 - That was FUN!

saving money

2010-10-29T21:43:00.000-04:00

In an effort to save my family money...

I have become a coupon cutie!

And I am loving it!

I save my family TONS of money.

I buy things we need and things we don't.

Getting most of it for next to nothing or FREE.

Keep what we use and donate the rest.

I am a total nerd and decided to make it an experiment.

For the next 3 months (Oct.-Dec.)

I am going to to be VERY methodical and see how much I can BUY

and how much I can SAVE.

The idea is to STOCK UP on the items we use so that they never run out and I am never buying our household staples without using a coupon combined with a sale!

I do my regular weekly grocery shopping at Kroger - buying bread, veggies and meat.

I hit up the other stores around collecting MY DEALS.

So here goes!

This week:

Rite Aid Purchases

I paid only $4.44 for all of this. AND I earned $1 in Up Rewards (good towards my next purchase).

CVS Pharmacy Purchases:

I paid only $5.55 for all of this.

AND, I earned $6 EXTRA CARE BUCKS (good towards my next purchase.)

So I really profited $0.45 from my trip to CVS this week.

The Purex detergent was $6.49 regular priced - by itself.

I got 2 of them, plus more, and MADE $0.45.

Not too shabby!

Publix Purchases:

I paid only $7.70 for all of this.

The box of wipes was on sale for $7.99 by itself.

Nice!

So for this week...

All of these items should've cost me about $70.

I paid less than $18 for all of it.

AND, I earned $7 towards my purchases next week.

ALL of the items I purchased this week are for US (no donating this week).

Week #1 - I impressed myself!

music on mondays

2010-09-27T21:08:00.000-04:00

here comes fall

2010-09-22T15:50:00.004-04:00

I made the effort to go for a walk this morning.
I am praying that since tomorrow is the first day of Fall,
it will start cooling down a little bit here in the south.

With cooler weather apporaoching...
I would like to get back into the routine of daily exercise {and meditation}.

Today I was not alone.

I had a walking partner {and a little added resistance in the form of a jogging stroller}.

I actually started my "couch to 10K" exercise program today.
I blogged about this wonderful app HERE.
But I will definitely have to do a "do-over" of day #1, workout #1
since we stopped to take lots of pictures and enjoy our surroundings.

Max kept saying "leaf falling, leaf falling".

Amazing that I took the previous picture
in the shade with falling leaves and a "slightly" cool breeze.

As I glanced to my right,
hot sun, beautiful flowers and flittering butterflies.
So, I snapped this shot.

Bring on the change of seasons.

I am looking forward to cooler weather & earlier sunrises
so I can get my walking/running in before everyone gets up
{well, I'm not really looking forward to that, but it will help get my day going}.

Whew, my boys are ready for Fall, too.
They love to be outside and right now it is just too dang hot!

Since the other 2 boys are in school now...
my time with Max is so precious.

This kid is REALLY this cute AND this happy all the time!

I promise we did get in a little exercise...

Ummm, just a little!

One thing is sure...my priorities are in order.

I am a mommy and photographer.
I am NOT a marathon runner.
I'll start my "couch to 10K" over again

TOMORROW.

music on mondays

2010-09-21T23:04:00.000-04:00

My new favorite song...

I think if I decided that I wanted to grow up and be a singer...
I would want to be Sara Bareilles
and sing a really cool & "confident" fun song like this one
and be all cute like she is
and dance all cool like that in a really fun video
and grow my hair out just like hers, too
{but no bangs...I can't do bangs!}

I'm just sayin...

It's my new favorite song.

i owe you an apology ahead of time

2010-09-21T10:58:00.001-04:00

On Facebook, I have noticed a new trend...
to "check-in" at places around town and tell your FB world exactly where you are.

It seems to be very popular in the iphone world.

Why on earth would someone need to tell me on FB where they are all throughout their day?

I have 2 friends on FB that literally "check-in" at different places around town
at least once a day if not 5-6 times a day.

Susie is eating grabbing lunch at McD's.

David is at the BrewWorks bar and Grill for dinner.

And so on...

I will admit that I have thought this to be a little over the top in the social media world.

BUT
I think I found the cause of this new trend.
I may be a little late catching this train, but here goes!

So, I have downloaded the FREE WeRewards app for my iphone {you can also get the app for the android and blackberry, too}.

<

How To Unlock Your World With Foursquare on Howcast

I have also downloaded the Foursquare app, as well.

From what I understand...

You actually earn $$$$ {well pennies} for checking in at places with WeRewards.

Most of the "checking in" includes taking a picture of yourself at the place with the logo in view.

As for Foursquare...it seems to be more of a game. You can earn points and badges and "play" with friends. However, the more you check-in at places on Foursquare the more likely you are to be offered specials and discounts.

Facebook friends, I am apologizing ahead of time for keeping you updated as to my where abouts.

Please know that I DO NOT feel that my life is so important and exciting

that I constantly feel the need to share it with the world...

but, that I am just attempting, yet again, to save a little money or even possibly make a few $$$ here and there.

We are headed to McDonald's for a quick Happy Meal to give it our FIRST TRY!

According to the app...I will make 14 pennies for going through the drive through today.

We'll see.

preparation for the race

2010-09-12T10:07:00.001-04:00

{excerpt from my daily devotion: A Daily Hope with Rick Warren}

You can count on God.
He's dependable, reliable.
He is worthy of your trust.

Scripture says God never has a bad day.
He doesn't wake up grumpy.
He's not moody.
He doesn't get up on the wrong side of the bed.
He's consistent and faithful.

2 Timothy 2:13 says,
"If we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown Himself."
Even when I'm unfaithful, God is faithful.
Even when I'm inconsistent, God is consistent.
Even when I'm unreliable, God is reliable.
No matter what else is changing in the world, there is one thing I can count on:
God always acts the same way toward me.
He is loving and He is consistent regardless of my mood.
He loves me just as much on my bad days as on my good days.

I am always amazed when I hear stories of great tragedy & loss and the victims repeatedly give testimony of faith & trust in God.

I aspire to be that way. I want to be such a faithful follower. However, during the rough times I tend to doubt and question what goes on around me. I tend to struggle with having faith in God's plan that has yet to be revealed.

I am so glad to know that while I am imperfect and sometimes doubting of Him...he never waivers. He loves me and remains faithful and consistent.

I needed to be reminded of this today.

where were you?

2010-09-11T10:11:00.002-04:00

I remember my day very clearly. I remember what I wore, the moment I found out, and the immediate blanket of sorrow that fell over everyone that I knew on September 11th, nine years ago.

I was a 4th grade teacher "back then". My day was like most others...I walked into the school office to give my daily dose of a "hard time" to the office staff who I adored...and saw the horrendous looks on their faces. They were watching the news on a small TV. I remember Ms. Debbie leaned back in her office chair with her hand covering her mouth in disbelief. I said "What happened? What's wrong?" In silence they pointed to a small TV which was replaying the footage of that dreadful attack on the World Trade Center after happening only moments before. I remember the tightening in my chest and the feeling that the air was being sucked out of the room as I watched. Butt I watched. I watched for as long as I could, 15 minutes or so, and got enough details to know that this was a major tragedy and a huge crisis for our country. At the end of my break, as I walked out of the office, I had tears rolling down my face.

I wiped my tears and put on a fake smile as I approached my sweaty and stinky 4th graders coming back from P.E. Lauren, a sweet little girl, wrapped her arms around my waist and rested her sweet face against my stomach, and squeezed tightly. Still attached to my body, she looked up at me and asked, "Why do you look so sad?"

Careful NOT to share any details and to protect their innocent hearts, I shared simply that "some very bad people did something terrible and hurt a lot of people". I told them that when people do things like that, it makes me very sad. I shed a few more tears as I looked at their faces and realized this would affect them too. In the comfort of their homes and with the strength of their parents they too will be told about this tragedy. With the media frenzy happening, I knew that they would see much of the devastation that was occurring. Something they shouldn't be exposed to, but would since they lived in the U.S. No one had immunity from this situation.

What I didn't know, was that within hours it was going to get worse.

Another plane crash in Pennsylvania.

Horrific numbers of lives lost.

Terrible video and photographs of extreme sadness and despair.

Immediate panic of another attack with some concern that Atlanta could be a target.

Soon, my principal was at my door in a small panic...

Our school was on lock-down until further notice. Parents began showing up to get their children in hopes of getting them home to keep them safe.

Uncertainty & sadness overwhelmed me.

At the end of that school day, I was so glad to be home, on my own sofa, watching the news, gathering information and letting the tears flow. I sobbed for what seemed like hours.

I know that we were ALL affected by 9/11 in that we are all a part of this country that we live in. Today, I pray for all of the families who experienced loss and prolonged pain from the events of that day. I continue to pray for the soldiers that fight to protect our rights, freedom and safety.

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

I HEART faces photo challenge

2010-08-25T00:11:00.001-04:00

This is my entry for the I ♥ Faces weekly photo challenge!

This week at I Heart Faces the theme is the "beach".

There is so much to like about this image...
That's my kid...my sweet sweet James.
His arms open wide as if to measure the greatness of what he sees.
I can sense his anticipation as he waits for wave.
That was the first time he actually enjoyed the beach & wasn't so grossed out by all the sand.
This image amazes me seeing his little body against the big ocean.
I see such beauty in my child and in nature.
Both are God's miracles.
And both take my breath away!

Head on over to I ♥ Faces

& take a look at some amazing images

by many inspiring photographers

...of some adorable BABIES!

feeling crafty

2010-08-23T14:39:00.000-04:00

Ummm, I tend to stress over things. Alot!

Something I stress over is scrapbooking. Of course, I love love love taking photos and I absolutely adore creating fun and oh-so-cute scrappy pages of my boys....

but I can NEVER find the time.

That's not even what stresses me out.

In order to work on my scrapbook, I have to lug out ALL of my stuff,
scissors, paper, cutting tools, cutesy little embellishments, and so on & so on...
It takes so much time to lug it out and put it all back up nice and neat.
I have even left it out before on the formal dining room table...
Since I have NO kid free space to do this "scrapbooking hobby" my materials end up destroyed and hubby ends up ill at the not so lovely table decorations.

That doesn't even stress me out!

What causes me stress when I think of scrapbooking is...
all of the unfinished pages I have started,
all of the supplies I have purchased {with the best initentions} and never used
all of the adorable kodak moments I captured but never actually got them in a book for anyone to view and enjoy!

Living in the digital age of uploading photos...my boys never get to sit and flip through old photos of themselves.

Now that causes me stress.

So, I have officially joined the digital age completely...
and started digital scrapbooking.

Check out the very first 12x12 page I created:

I am so impressed with myself.

I have recently learned about the whole digital designing process while "branding" myself and my new photog business {since I am too cheap to pay the big bucks for someone else to do it}. I am actually designing my own Christmas cards for the upcoming holiday season. The more I have learned about the designing side, the more I realized I LOVED it...

so why not try applying it to digital scrapbooking?

{My hubby is thinking - just what she needs, ANOTHER creative outlet!}.

When I place my next print order for one of my photography clients, I will simply order this image for me in a 12x12 print {so all of my images on the page will be top quality}. Then I will simply slide the print in one {of the many} scrapbooks I already own.

I am so excited and feel slightly accomplished {even though its just one page}.

I have been purchasing design supplies/tools for my business from The Shabby Shoppe and I am inlove with ALL of their stuff! Yummy!!! Yummy!!! I have drooled over many of their adorable digi scrapbooking kits for a while now. I actually purchased my blog elements from The Shabby Shoppe and I love the way my blog looks!

Not to mention that the ladies over at the Shabby Shoppe are soooo unbelievably talented and give out lots of tutorials and ideas on their blog.

I plan on using my pictures, my previously purchased kits and their ideas to create something adorable and sentimental for my family.

I am set and I am going to give this digi-scrapping thing a shot.

I store all of the supplies on my computer. There are no scissors to worry about hiding from my kiddos. The kits I own {digitally} can be used over and over and over and mixed & matched with others...the possibilities are endless.

You know I will be throwing a big party when I finally have just ONE book completed and full of my very own pages. I can't wait to share!

Game on...

black & white wednesday

2010-08-17T23:37:00.001-04:00

I ♥ photographing pregnant mommas!

You can see a few more images from my latest maternity session on my photog blog:

Kim Rahn Photography

Check out more amazing black & white photos...

music on mondays

2010-08-16T14:50:00.004-04:00

I am so thankful for my "girls" weekend get-away last weekend.

Whew! I have had a rough few weeks and I NEEDED to be with my BFFs.

So,

Amy and I drove up to Charleston, South Carolina
to spend the weekend with Jan
at Jenny's house.

Amy and I left our kiddos at home for 2 whole days!
Rock on!

Our friend, Jan {who's baby boy is in one of my previous posts},
is leaving the country for a few years
and we needed one last chance "to be together"
...the 4 of us.

We have been friends
...the 4 of us
...for over 15 years now.

Good food.

Good friends.

Good wine.

Being friends with these amazing women is such an honor & a blessing.

They are so easy to be with and always have been.
I can be myself when I am around them
...it's like exhaling, relaxing and just being real.

I can count on them to keep me grounded when I need to be and encouraged when I need that, too.

They let me whine and cry about something and then tell to put on my big girl panties and deal.

They each have their own practical advice and always know just when to give it and when to bite their tongue.

In some ways we are so alike and yet in others we are very different.

And these girls can make me laugh so hard until I almost pee in my pants.

Most of all...they love me. They know the real me and love me anyway.

The only way to repay them for the amazing gifts they continue to give me
...is to forever love them back.

We have all 4 lived in the same town {ages ago} and we became the best of friends.
We have lived all over the US and we're still friends.
We have been mad at one another...gotten over it...and we're still friends.

We've gotten married (half of us more than once), had babies...
been through really good times and really bad times and we are STILL friends.

And now, Jan, is moving across the ocean and we will still be friends...the 4 of us.

I am a better person for being a part of such a strong bond between this group of 4.
I am a better wife, a better mother and certainly a better friend because of each of them.
They inspire me daily and I am so thankful they are in my life.

They are my sisters and love them dearly!

It's funny how our chats over the years have gone from

sex to breastfeeding...
really great expensive shoes or a really great dress
to practical diapers and coupons

hot dates to potty training...

weddings to pacifiers...

road trips to car pool...
late night trips to the Grill {in Athens, GA} to "getting our bodies back" after having babies.

We have been through alot over the past 15 years.

Now {well, when we get the chance}, we laugh about the old days, while sipping a glass of wine

and watch our kids play together...

We only hope that they too,
will be friends like we are...

or get married to each other.

Certainly, since the 4 of us have produced
9 kids - 5 boys and 4 girls...

we will get one betrothed couple! Right? {wink, wink}

Since this is Music Monday...I really wanted to post the song "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler
...ummm, ok, I really didn't want to. But it sounded good. Didn't it?
{My girlfriends, while reading this, just vomited a little in their mouth.}

But, I did find a song just as meaningful...
and a little less cheesy!

Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road.
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go.
So make the best of this test, and don't ask why.
It's not a question, but a lesson learned in time.

It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

So take the photographs, and still frames in your mind.
Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time.
Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial.
For what it's worth, it was worth all the while.

It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

I love you, my sweet sweet Jan.
I hope you have the time of your life!
{and take lots of pictures}

preparation for the race

2010-08-15T15:30:00.000-04:00

black & white wednesday

2010-08-11T21:35:00.001-04:00

I traveled to Charleston last weekend to say good-bye to one of my dearest and best friends. She has been more like a sister to me since the day we met, 17 years ago. Now, she is making a major move with her family to Brazil as her hubby begins a new career. I am amazed by her strength and inspired by her continuous faith. I know this is going to be an amazing adventure for them, though I will miss them dearly.

Thank God for Skype!

I was honored to photograph a "quickie" almost 3 month session

for the newest little man in her life.

I snuggled this little 11-week old as much as possible throughout our weekend together.

I am afraid I confused him just a bit.

His little sister has always called me Auntie Kim, but now I am known as "aunt pillow boobs".

I accept that title proudly considering I nestled him comfortably on my chest and watched him sleep as often as I could.

I know all of you {especially mommas} are recalling that snuggle of a newborn sound asleep...

...the sound of a newborn breathing, the smell of a baby's hair

... calm, still and peaceful.

I feel my blood pressure dropping just thinking about it!

I {heart} photographing newborns and I {heart} this little guy.

You can see a few more images of this adorable kid on my photog blog:

Kim Rahn Photography

Check out more amazing black & white photos...

music on mondays

2010-08-10T10:14:00.001-04:00

For my golden girls...Amy, Jenny and Jan.

You are "golden" in value {not age}!

Thank you for being a friend
Traveled down the road and back again
your heart is true you're a pal and a confidant

I'm not ashamed to say
I hope it always will stay this way
My hat is off, won't you stand up and take a bow

And if you threw a party
Invited everyone you knew
You would see, the biggest gift would be from me
and the card attached would say,
Thank you for being a friend

If it's a car you lack
I'd surely buy you a cadillac
Whatever you need, anytime of the day or night

I'm not ashamed to say
I hope it always will stay this way
My hat is off, won't you stand up and take a bow

And when we both get older
With walking canes and hair of gray
Have no fear, even though it's hard to hear
I will stand real close and say,
Thank you for being a friend

And when we die and float away
Into the night, the Milky Way
You'll hear me call, as we ascend
I'll see you there, then once again
Thank you for being a friend

black & white wednesday

2010-07-28T12:11:00.000-04:00

wordless wednesday

2010-07-28T12:09:00.000-04:00

breakfast

2010-07-27T19:53:00.001-04:00

I love to read blogs that post amazing recipes and beautiful pictures of food.

I LOVE amazing images of food!

Love them!

This is definitely NOT one of those posts.

small pancakes for my big boy

weekend trip

2010-07-25T22:04:00.004-04:00

This weekend I had the AMAZING opportunity to travel to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to attend a lifestyle natural light workshop taught by Lisa from The Long Road to China. I met Lisa through her blog and we instantly began a long distance friendship/mentor relationship. She is extremely talented and even more giving of her expertise! When she advertised the workshop on her blog...I jumped on it!

And so glad I did...

This was such a wonderful blessing for so many reasons:

I got to take a little trip ALONE.
Now, usually, I don't like to be alone.
But for some reason {wink, wink}
the peace & quiet time of traveling solo
and staying in a hotel room all alone
was just what I needed.
I miss my boys & hubby terribly, BUT
I have embraced all aspects of this trip and enjoyed every single minute of it!

I got to spend the weekend doing something I am truly passionate about.
I was so eager to soak up all of the knowledge that Lisa
{and so may other talented ladies} were willing share.

I know that this weekend will continue to further my career as a photographer,
which at this point is helping not only feed my passion,
but provide for my family, as well.
I am so thankful for this opportunity.

{photo collage courtesy of Felicia - thanks for the permission to use it - I was actually in these shots!}

I also got to meet some wonderful ladies.
Before, I had gotten to know most of the ladies from the workshop through their blogs.
However, I have never spoken to any of them {not even Lisa} until this weekend.
It was so neat being a part of this group, finally meeting everyone in person,
and I know that I have made "new" friends
& created some wonderful relationships that will continue to last!

We spent alot of time working...but we spent alot of time playing, too!
We have already started planning next year's trip!

{these photos are not so great considering they were taken with either my phone or Lisa's}

I have added a column on the far right of my blog
listing all the wonderful ladies from the weekend and their blogs.
I can't wait to keep up with their lives and their talent as a photographer!

I even cried today as I said goodbye to everyone!

Lastly, I feel truly honored to be a part of Lisa's journey. Lisa is heading to China this month to meet her new daughter after waiting 50 months for this blessed day. This weekend workshop allowed her the opportunity to raise some of the funds required for the adoption. I am so happy for her and so anxious to continue to follow her story with a prayerful heart. I wish her the best and know {after spending time with her this weekend} that her new little girl is so lucky to have Lisa for a mommy!

Most of the women attending this workshop have also been blessed with little girls from China. Everyone was overwhelmed with emotion and truly moved by this experience. We did a little sneaking around and secretly took up a collection for Lisa. We presented her with a BIG FAT gift card to help her buy some fun goodies for her new baby girl! She was so surprised! And, YES, she cried {and so did we}.

Check out that adorable cake! Yum!!

I have already started editing my images from the weekend

{we snapped shots for 6 hours on Saturday - whew!!}

I can not wait to post them soon!

My flight leaves Pennsylvania at 6am tomorrow

and I can not wait to get home to my family.

But, I am sad that the weekend was too short!

Bye-bye Bethlehem, PA.

Check out Lisa's amazing images of this little town & the hotel we stayed in.

summer fun

2010-07-23T17:03:00.000-04:00

{FREEZE and EAT}

preparation for the race

2010-07-20T14:49:00.001-04:00

I love it when I read my daily devotion & it starts out: Dear Kim,"

{insert from my daily devotion: A Daily Hope with Rick Warren}
The day you resign as General Manager of the Universe,

you're going to find that it doesn't fall apart.
You can relax in faith, trusting that God is able to run things
without your help.
Twice in this passage it says,
"Don't be afraid,"
and "Don't be discouraged."
When you face a seemingly impossible situation,
don't be afraid and don't be discouraged.
Has God ever lost a battle?
No. He doesn't lose battles.

You stand firm on two things:

The character of God - He's faithful. He does not bring us this far just to let us down. He doesn't bring you out on a limb and then cut off the limb. Have faith in the nature and character of God.
The truth of his Word - God's Word is faithful. You can count on the promises found in the Bible.

Ahhhhhh, the truth hurts sometimes.

I know I am not the General Manager of the Universe.

....I see myself as...the assistant General Manager.

alright, alright

Give up control and let Him fight the battles.

I get it, I get it.

good for the soul

2010-07-16T20:03:00.009-04:00

Typically, if I take some time off from my blog...
or facebook...
it means I am just a little too grumpy to be "real" with my words.
Real & uncandidly truthful
just ain't pretty
when your just plain grumpy.

However, I have finally made time
for my walks around the neighborhood
my only means of exercise
and truly my only quiet time
ever...
which does wonders for my soul {and my bad mood}.

I listen to my ipod and pray
or make deals with God
{highly inappropriate, I know!}
But, my "God" music does wonders for me
when I need to put things into perspective.

I have been feeling very small & tiny
in this big ol' bad world.

"I know God won't give me more than I can handle.

I just wish he didn't trust me so much."
-Mother Teresa

Amen, Sista!
I'm just sayin'.
Enough already...

I have been reminded
however small I may be
my God is ultimately huge.

Time to put on my big girl panties and march on.

I got no time to pout!

As for my walks & my God music...
my best friend introduced Jennifer Knapp's
music to me many years ago.
Still, today, her music speaks volumes to me!
Good for my soul.

I have been singing these words...

"I am weak. I am poor.

I'm broken Lord but I'm yours.
Hold me now."

Check out these links
I made {wink, wink}
of 2 of my favorite Jennifer Knapp songs:

So turn on the light and reveal all the glory
I am not afraid
To bare all my weakness knowing in meekness
I have a kingdom to gain
Where there is peace and love in the light, in the light
Oh I am not afraid"

I admit, I have been a little afraid...
{in this big ol' bad world - pout - pout}

For now,

I seek faith in place of my fears.
I yearn for peace in place of disharmony & frustration.

I long for contentment in place of my consistent wishful thinking.

I seek forgiveness in place of my ever growing resentment.

And, most of all,

I pray for God's will in place of this time of uncertainty.

"And like a lamp on a hill
Lord I pray in Your will
To reveal all of You that I can"

preparation for the race

2010-06-20T09:47:00.000-04:00

my boys' toys

2010-06-19T21:27:00.003-04:00

I took my boys to see the new Toy Story movie.

First of all, I took all 4 boys to the movies.
Even I think that is mighty brave of me.
My sweet Max, who is only 2 sat through the whole thing.
And all of the boys, ages 2 to 14, loved the movie!
I was so happy about that.

Second, holy cow, going to the movies are so expensive!
It cost us $44.50 just to go to the movie {not including snacks}.
Ughhhh! I was NOT happy about that!

And last....the movie was somewhat traumatic for me.
Don't get me wrong, it was a cute movie.
I liked it!
I really liked that Max sat in my lap for 2 hours through the whole thing {snuggling with Mommy}.
However, the whole plot of the movie is that the kid who owns the toys is going off to college.
{that part is in the trailer, so I haven't given anything away, wink, wink!}

At the very end, this 18 year old kid says good-bye to his "mommy"
and to his toys and I was sobbing!

I glanced down the row of my boys {who were staring at the big screen}
and suddenly I had a panic attack...
they will say good-bye to me
and go off to college one day, too.

In the quiet, dark theater I suddenly wanted to scream
"you will never go to college. you will never leave your mommy!"

NO!
Not yet.
I am not ready.

I know, I know...
I pray for them, all the time,
to grow
and to learn
and be strong men some day
{sometimes, I even pray for the one woman that they will meet & marry
but, we must never speak of that again - for at least 20 more years!}

But, I am not ready for my boys to grow up...not just yet.

Oh, right now I want them to play with toys.

More toys please!

So in honor of my small panic attack...
In honor of the tears I cried
for the kids' movie that I paid almost $50 buck to see...here are some of my boys' toys.

This book is a keepsake in our family.

Daddy tells this story like no other and our youngest 3 boys have each been addicted to his charming story telling and addicted to this book.

We have replaced this book twice over the past 6 years because of wear-and-tear.

It is definitely one of our favorite things. It makes my boys so happy.

black & white wednesday

2010-06-16T21:56:00.001-04:00

We have been spending so much time at the pool this week.

Honestly, I have had very little time to take pictures of my kids splashing around.

With 2 little that can't swim independently,

I always usually right there in the water with my boys!

I LOVE close-ups!

As we were packing up to leave the pool today...

I grabbed my camera and zoomed in

on a few of my favorite things!

I love my boys!

Check out more amazing black & white photos...

i HEART faces photo challenge

2010-06-15T20:52:00.002-04:00

This is my entry for the I ♥ Faces weekly photo challenge!

This week at I Heart Faces the theme is all about babies.

I have the most amazing job...getting to photograph newborns...

this time..not one, but two!

Seriously, could these 2 little guys be any cuter?

Check out that smile of one of their little faces.

Adorable!

Thanks so much Stephanie & Charlie for sharing your family with me!

Head on over to I ♥ Faces

& take a look at some amazing images

by many inspiring photographers
...of some adorable BABIES!

music on mondays

2010-06-14T10:33:00.000-04:00

I need to make a confession...

At the young age of 15,
I fell in love with Eddie Vedder.
I have been in love {or lust} since then.

Maybe some day I will find the courage
to actually tell him about my feelings.
Maybe some day our paths will actually cross.

Until then,
I listen to Pearl Jam,
and watch the videos
and dream {and drool}.

PS. Dear Hubby, you were {without a doubt} my first choice. Eddie was on a 12-month tour the year we got married. He was unavailable. {wink, wink}

preparation for the race

2010-06-13T09:25:00.000-04:00

simple gardening

2010-06-12T15:53:00.002-04:00

Since the beginning of spring, we have worked VERY hard in the yard
and I am so ♥in-love♥ with the beauty that continues to bloom
as a result of our hard work.

From beautiful and colorful flowers {I am a color junky}
to a garden full of veggies {soon to be}.

At the very beginning of spring,
Sam & I spent a lot of time {and energy} planting lots and lots of seeds.

zinnias
marigolds
sunflowers
cantaloupe
watermelon
squash
tomatoes
eggplant
beans
peas
bell peppers
jalapenos
cucumbers
habenero peppers

We watched the seeds grow into tiny little plants.

We actually planted so many seeds,
that we had enough little seedlings to give away to Granny & Aunt Tammy, too!
This was a good lesson for Sam on so many levels.

Soon, the little seedlings were big enough to put in the ground.

And now, the garden is big & green
and absolutely on the verge of a vegetable explosion.
Many of the plants have tiny blooms on them that will soon be food.
Some even have little baby veggies growing already.

We have some surprises growing.

These pumpkin plants have sprouted up everywhere in the garden.

EXPLANATION:

Last November, we buried our rotten Halloween pumpkins in one of our garden beds.

Now, we have at least 10 pumpkin plants growing from the recycled Halloween favor.

We will have our very own "home-grown" pumpkins for fall 2010.

Most of the boys enjoy the garden.

Sam likes checking up on all of the plants and progress of our growing veggies.

Tyler is old enough to actually work in the garden.

He actually helped put many of the seedlings in the ground.

One of Tyler's chores is to water and weed the garden every other day.

Max just enjoys being outside for any reason.

Then, there is James...he cares nothing about the garden at all.

Honestly, he doesn't like getting hot or sweating, much less "working" in the yard.

great photog give-away

2010-06-11T16:56:00.001-04:00

OMG...I really want this Kelly Moore camera bag!

It is fabulous.

It is delicious.

It is sooooo yummy & my camera would look great in it!

I have a weekend girls trip {photography workshop} in Pennsylvania

coming up in July & I would so like to be sporting this camera bag.

The Savvy Photographer blog is hosting a Kelly Moore Bag give-away!

feeling crafty

2010-06-08T16:04:00.001-04:00

We start our summer reading program tomorrow at our local public library.

I decided to make some library totes for the boys to help them keep up with the books they plan to check out.

They turned out great and were VERY inexpensive.

Materials I used for this project:

canvas tote bags that I already had

1/3 yard of fabric {I spent 11.63 to make 3 bags}

The fabric wasn't on sale which was slightly upsetting.

The older boys got help choose their fabric {thus, the skulls}.

This project takes less than a 12" x 12" square for each of 3 fabrics per bag,

that you could EASILY use left over remnants from other projects!

woven wonder {I spent 1.99 for one yard to make all 3 bags}

sewing machine, thread & scissors - which I already had

printed letter templates from my computer

and a few measuring tools - one of the kids book & a mixing bowl from the kitchen

I must say - I way over spent on this project...
that's right...less than $14 for 3 bags and I over spent!
I have enough materials to make AT LEAST 3 more bags.

By may calculation...each tote would cost less than $4...easy!

How awesome is that?

I have the materials to create an adorable tote for the next birthday that comes up.
I can fill the personalized tote with some markers and an art tablet or
a few books and a little flashlight {depending on the kid}
and I'll have an inexpensive and meaningful gift! {wink, wink}

As for timing...
I made all 3 bags for my boys in less than 2 hours.
I spent about 45 minutes working on them yesterday during naptime and
finished up the sewing part in about 45 minutes during naptime today.

That's right - less than 2 hours to make 3 bags!

10 easy steps for this project:

1. First I ironed on the "wonder under" to the fabric I was going to use for the bottom square. Then I did the same for the fabric I was going to use for the middle layer, the circle and then the top layer, the letter.

2. For the bottom layer, I used on of the kids' square books {roughly 10" x 10"} and traced the outline of the square onto the fabric {wonder under side}.

Then, on the fabric I was going to use for the middle layer, I used a round mixing bowl and traced the outline of a circle {tracing on the wonder under side}.

3. I used my computer {microsoft word} to create a cute letter for each of my boys initials.

I printed them and cut them out.

4. Then, flipping the letters over, I traced them on the solid orange fabric for the top layer.

Again, I traced on the 'wonder under' side.

5. Next I cut out all of my shapes & letters.

6. Then, I peeled off the 'wonder under' from the backs of the circles and letters

leaving the 'wonder under' on the back of the square.

{I peeled it off LATER}

Seriously, this was the most difficult part of the whole project - peeling of the 'wonder under'.

I couldn't get the edge of the 'wonder under' to come up.

It was hard to grab onto.

I know...I'm a wimp!

7. Next, I ironed on the circle to the square

& then the letter onto the circle.

{following the iron/heat instructions that came with the 'wonder under'}

No sewing so far - just a little tracing, cutting & ironing!

Simple, right?

8. NOW I peeled off the 'wonder under' from the square!

8. Time to sew - which took less than 5 minutes per bag.

I sewed the outline of the letter with a straight stitch, just inside the outside edge.

{This was the second trickiest for me...I don't sew well on curves.}

9. Then I sewed a zig-zag stitch just inside the outside edge of the circle.

**NOTE - with the stitches being just inside the edges of the cotton fabric...

I suspect, with some wear & tear, there will be some fraying.

{'wonder under' will keep that to a minimum}

A few frayed edges is okay with me.

It's a kid's bag and I am totally into shabby chic, anyway!

Ummm, this is what the little guys were doing while I worked on this project!

{wink, wink}

Isn't he cute?

So close to being done...

9. I ironed on the square {other layers already sewn onto the square} to the tote bag.

10. Lastly, I sewed a straight stitch just inside the outside edge of the square.

I really thought this was going to be the hardest part - working with the bag that had the sides sewn together, but it wasn't hard at all.

Viola! It's done.

All of the bags turned out so cute!

I just love them.

We are all set to head to the library tomorrow to fill the new {inexpensive} tote bags with books!

Head on over to Tatertots and Jello to find lots of amazing crafts!

music on mondays

2010-06-07T22:32:00.001-04:00

Just needed to feel a little fun & silly.

summer fun

2010-06-07T14:38:00.005-04:00

Today is our first day of summer vacation.

In hopes of using our time together
{without the schedules of school}
in an intentional way rather than being lazy,
we had a "family meeting" to discuss the summer.

We created a list of things we want to do.
{I had to say no to Sam's Alaska trip request.}

Financially we can't take big vacation this year, so we have some "stay-cation" plans.
Even if we aren't counting down the days until we get to the beach {not happening this summer},
we ALL have lots of stuff to look forward to.

I am so excited about this!

I got a little inspiration from Digital Reflections and her list of "100 Free Things to do With Your Kids This Summer."

I have find local activities and event in our community that are FREE!!!

Check this out for FREE movies once a week:

We will going to the movies for FREE once a week.

We will also be visiting our local library for puppet shows, book readings, magic shows, etc...for FREE!

I even have a few craft plans for us to enjoy {inexpensive crafts, of course}.

I bought the kids each a journal.

I have some WONDERFUL scavenger hunts and photo projects that the kids are really gonna love!

I have also implemted Thoughtful Thursday - where we will make a concious effort to be extra thoughtful that day and brainstorm ways we can do that together {like taking lunch to Granny or helping out with the Summer Lunch Program at church}.

We even created a summer chores list for each kid in the family.

They are very excited about earning an allowance

{and placing stickers on their chart, too}.

We also had to set some major rules on the amount of TV and video game time!

This is going to be a great summer!

preparation for the race

2010-06-06T00:29:00.001-04:00

2010-06-04T16:28:00.000-04:00

I love Stephanie's doodle's!

give-away for photogs

2010-06-02T20:43:00.000-04:00

Fellow photogs...
head over to The Maternal Lens for a wonderful give-away from My Four Hens Photography!
I just found out that she (the "my 4 hens" chick) creates AMAZING Photoshop actions!
I love them and want them all!
This give-away is for a $100 gift certificate to her actions store!
Check it out!

fast food

2010-06-01T22:36:00.004-04:00

I am still in the country
seeking simplicity, peace and slow kind of living.

All I got was...SICK!

I have spent the last 2 days in the bed
listening to my hubby take care of the boys
while confined to the same bed, pillow & blanket...
...feeling like crap.

Oh, and I have giggled a little
while listening to the chaos
going on outside my sick room.
Hubby is doing great being the only parent in charge
...but it's wearing on him.
I can tell.

Today,
I decided I WOULD feel better!

I got out of bed around noon and threw a pork roast in the crock pot
with a can of soup and a pack of Lipton Onion Soup Mix.

On a side note...I ♥ my crock pot.
I could cook in it every single day!
Chicken, pork, beef...I could go on and on.

Anyway...

Then I went back to bed.

I got up again, feeling guilty for not parenting AT ALL over the last 2 days,
and decided I WOULD put dinner on the table
{like a good momma should}.

So...
I threw the pork on a plate.
I microwaved a pouch of rice for 90 seconds.
I microwaved a pouch of veggies for 4 minutes.
and set the table...volia...dinner!

I will call this fast food
{it took me all of 6 minutes to put on the table}.
And, slightly healthy might I add
{yeah, yeah, I know, minus the sodium from the prepackaged food}.

And then,
I went back to bed.

i HEART faces photo challenge - soles 4 souls

2010-06-01T21:48:00.005-04:00

This is my entry for the I ♥ Faces weekly photo challenge!

This week at I Heart Faces the theme is all about feet. My friends over at I ♥ Faces, Angie & Amy, are hosting this week's challenge in honor of an amazing charity, Soles4Souls, that is helping cover FEET with shoes, changing the world one pair at a time. Soles4Souls is a Nashville based charity that has collected and distributed over 7 million pairs to those in need around the world. Anyone can donate money, new or gently used shoes to this fantastic charity. They are also a 501 (c) (3) that is recognized by the IRS.

I know that I am truly fortunate to ♥ shoes the way I do and have a closet full. It is easy for me to take that for granted & often forget that there are people all around the world that NEED shoes & would do almost anything for them.

We can all do our part to help those less fortunate than ourselves. It will make a huge impact on someone’s life as well as your own.
Click here for more information on Soles4Souls.

Don't forget, head on over to I ♥ Faces & take a look at some amazing images
by some inspiring photographers...of FEET

a beautiful day

2010-05-30T11:19:00.003-04:00

We are on somewhat of a vacation.

My in-laws live very south of us & they have taken a month long trip, traveling across the US.
So, we decided to "house sit" for them.

Over the past month we have traveled 3 hours away from our home,
many times, to stay at their house out in the country.
My in-laws own an old country house,
a big barn housing a big ol' tractor,
and lots of land & trees with a big beautiful pond.

Hubby has a few clients near there, so he can work while the rest of us "vaca" in the country.

It is so different than what we are used to.
Nothing nearby but grass, gardens & wildlife
{the occasional tractor & farmer can be spotted as well}.
There is no Chick-Fi-La or Target within miles of their house!

This could be a huge problem...

except, the benefits of this "retreat"
{as we have called it over the last month}
far exceed the negatives of being away from civilization.

Today, we woke up to this view, my in-laws back yard:

We sat out on the sun porch together as a family.

The kids played while the hubby and I carried on a few conversations,

but mostly, we just enjoyed the state of simplicity we were experiencing

...and enjoyed the view of course.

{BTW, the tv was not on & my kids were having such a good time playing with each other - go figure}

The grass is vibrantly colored green and the sky is completely clear and blue.

The noises we hear are only the sounds of nature and our kids laughter.

This all sounds extremely "Norman Rockwell"picturesque

& honestly, that is the way it feels here.

{aside from the occasional sounds of brother bickering that occurs - hubbs and I tend to ignore that}

Right now, I am having an amazing morning...

sitting at my computer sipping my dr. pepper

hubby took the boys outside to play in the dirt

the house is completely still and peaceful

itunes playing my favorite music, softly

and I am catching up on reading all of my favorite blogs {and writing my own, too}.

We have nothing planned today,

other than to enjoy each other's company,

take-in the many of God's gifts of nature and all it's beauty,

take a short walk to the pond to let the dogs go swimming

and of course, a NAP for everyone!

monsters in my home.

2010-05-28T15:55:00.015-04:00

There is THAT one last missing sock! What a monster! Ughhhh...

I find little monsters like these in pockets at my house ALL the time.

I knew monsters were eating the remote! It disappears all the time.

Oh, that gooey, sticky, caked on forever dried & icky jelly!

I fight with the monsters in my dishwasher all the time. There is NEVER enough room for all the dirty dishes in my house!

These little monsters look very familiar...just like the ones I pulled out from under my sofa this morning!

I have monsters lurking and hiding in the corners of my CLEAN floor.

They POP out when guests arrive, ruining my facade of having an extremely clean home!

I love these images by Christoff Niemann for his "Haunted House" post. Thanks Natalie for sharing them with me!

swagger wagon.

2010-05-26T18:03:00.003-04:00

For all the cool moms {and dads}....this is REALLY funny!

2010-05-26T17:17:00.003-04:00

"No" or "Not yet"?

2010-05-26T13:29:00.003-04:00

My husband and I have found ourselves in a state of transition. Faithfully, we believe in God's plan for our lives even though we aren't sure what we are transitioning to. We are struggling with major decisions dealing with where we should live or move to, the church we should attend and use as an outlet to serve Him and even questioning our careers. This has all seemed to come about at the same time, leaving so many open doors. We continually pray for His plan for our lives to be evident and for His guidance in the decisions we make to fulfill His plan.

Over the past 2 months I have grown quite impatient.

This "transition" time has lasted a little too long for me. I have come to feel lost and lonely and slightly rejected by God. I continually pray "tell me what to do & I will obey". Feeling extremely human - I get nothing. {remember, I am the one who needs God to send me messages via billboards OR sticky notes on my forehead, so I can REALLY get it.}

I have found myself making my own decisions since God doesn't seem to be answering my prayers. Feeling rejected...I have turned away from Him a little as well. This leads to a whole other issue...maybe I am doing it my own way and choosing NOT to listen to Him. I don't know at this point! One word for you...LOST!

But I do know that I have grown weary of carrying this heavy burden. Not feeling led by Him and doing it myself is exhausting. I am giving up and slumping humbly in to the spiritual fetal position. I can no longer do this on my own. I am tired and I am done. I am giving up these feelings of rejection and sadness that have come with transition.

***********************************

Today, my "Daily Hope" email from "A Devotional from the Purpose Driven Connection" by Rick Warren was this:

"But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!" Habakkuk 2:3 (LB)

Even as you make a decision to follow the dream God places in your heart, you can expect a delay. God will not fulfill your dream immediately because this is another step toward building your faith.
In Habakkuk 2, God says, "These things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled."
In this step of faith-building you will most likely start asking the question, "When, Lord? When are you going to answer my prayer?"
And we hate to wait. We don't like to wait in a doctor's office, or in traffic jams, or at restaurants, or for Christmas presents, or for anything else. But what we hate worst of all is waiting on God.
Have you ever been in a hurry when God wasn't? It's so irritating! You're ready, but God isn't. God wants to work on you before he works on the project. Every believer must go through the University of Learning to Wait (ULW). Some of us are still working on our degrees from ULW!
Noah waited 120 years from the time he started building the ark until it began to rain.
Abraham was told he would be the father of a great nation and didn't have a child until he was ninety-nine.
God told Moses he would be the leader to lead his people out of four hundred years of slavery, but then made him wait in the desert forty years.
Joseph spent years in prison before God raised him up and he became the ruler God wanted him to be.
God had David anointed as king, but then David waited for years until he actually got to be king.
We all have to go through these waiting periods. Even Jesus waited for thirty years in the carpenter's shop before setting out on his public ministry.

Why do we wait? It teaches us to trust in God. We learn that his timing is perfect. One of the facts we have to learn is this: God's delay never destroys his purpose.
A delay is not a denial.

Children must learn the difference between "no" and "not yet," and so must we. Many times we think God is saying, "No," but he is saying, "Not yet."
***********************************

Ah, I see, I have let my grades slip a little at the University of Learning to Wait (ULW). I need to study harder and become a better student.

{hello, billboard!}

Dear God, I am so sorry for turning away from you and feeling rejected by your "not yet" response to my prayers. I am sorry for not being patient and faithful. Thank you God, for using your perfect timing to teach me to trust you more. Thank you, for seeking different ways to speak to me and remind me of your presence in my life. I promise to be open and ready when you reveal your plan for us.

Oh, being patient will not be easy {obviously}, but I know now he hasn't rejected me or said "no". He is simply saying "not yet".

I can wait.

music on mondays.

2010-05-24T22:01:00.004-04:00

Feeling a little fun and nostalgic...

"let's go out late, stay up past 8:00, and then dance, dance all night!"

I love you my sweet, sweet friends: Jenny, Jan and Amy and miss you so often!

THESE are the days - but those days were good, too! Weren't they?

check this off my list.

2010-05-24T12:08:00.002-04:00

I bought this old beat up dresser at a yard sale about a year ago. It has been sitting in my bed room UPSIDE DOWN (because one of the legs was broken). It has truly been an eye sore, to say the least! So this weekend, I decided to tackle this make-over project.

This is the before:

Yikes...it needed some serious love & sanding, paint and new knobs, of course.

Here is the AFTER:

I absolutely love the shabby chic look of the NEW dresser (that cost less than $50 with all the make-over materials included).

It has become my new favorite piece of furniture! I can't wait to buy the new lamp I've been eyeing at Target to match the crystal knobs.

Oh, and the flowers sitting on the dresser...why those beautiful hydrangeas came right out of my front yard! SIMPLY gorgeous!

where's waldo?

2010-05-21T21:54:00.007-04:00

My kids have a new obsession. Notice anything strange in this photo?

They have been putting their most valuable possessions (AKA - dog, wookie, big yellow blankie, and teddy bear) in the fridge..."to make them cold."

Ummm, should I worry about this?

private practice

2010-05-14T22:31:00.003-04:00

I watch way too much TV. I wish I didn't, but I do.

However, I was really upset by Private Practice last night. That show and Grey's Anatomy are constantly killing people. And, it usually has something to do with a parent dying or a child dying or both.

That is horrible.

I went to bed last night sobbing after watching that ridiculous TV drama.

Seriously, I have enough anxiety issues without being reminded about death and how this will effect my kids and my husband...and what if he dies...and blah, blah, blah. Next, I can't sleep because I am trying to solve all of the "what if's" about death. All because of this stupid TV drama.

I mean, enough already.

I have enough drama, for real, in my life.

I need happy TV shows & happy thoughts!! Maybe I should watch more Sesame Street. That whole neighborhood is so stinkin' happy and they CAN solve ANY problem. How about deadly car accidents, Big Bird? Yeah...and, cure sick babies, Elmo!!

Yikes, I am really bothered by that ridiculous TV show. Honestly, I have nothing against Sesame Street and my boys LOVE Elmo. {feeling guilty, now}

I have to go now.

I need to watch my tivo'd Desperate Housewives and Army Wives episodes while my kids are sleeping.

wordless wednesday.

2010-05-12T18:50:00.004-04:00

I love close-ups...

oh, and my sweet Max turned 2!!!

What a BIG BOY!!!

...with donuts on your ears!!!

for fellow photogs.

2010-04-28T11:18:00.002-04:00

Head on over to MCP Actions Blog to enter a great give away from Photographer's Cafe. Both sites are awesome sites for photogs looking for amazing resources! Check it out!

photog giveaway.

2010-04-21T20:20:00.001-04:00

www.AllThingsBaby.biz is having a giveaway! Don’t miss your chance to win a free photography posing guide from Willette Designs.

wordless wednesday.

2010-04-14T12:27:00.003-04:00

music on mondays.

2010-04-12T20:45:00.003-04:00

No one in my family has died. No one is sick...but, yet, we have experienced pain.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
may the name of the LORD be praised. Job 1:21
We are still healing our broken hearts. I struggle daily with patience & forgiveness & faith...faith in His plan for our lives. I MUST praise Him in this storm.
{Praise You in This Storm} by Casting Crowns
I was sure by now, God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

give-away.

2010-03-28T14:40:00.005-04:00

I am all about photographing little newborns!

I have found a new website that is all about photographing babies.

All Things Baby is a fun new blog that inspires me with talented photographers, teaches me handy tips for getting that image just the way I want it, and introduces me to new products that will help my business. {plug, plug}

This week All Things Baby is hosting a great giveaway!

I am hoping to win this giveaway for my new and blooming photography business!

The giveaway is for an amazing marketing kit created by Leah Stimmel of Go4Pro.

my selfish prayer.

2010-03-21T21:42:00.006-04:00

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (Psalm 9:9-10)

This week my husband and I were hit extremely hard with a scandal that rocked his job & our positions in our church. By scandal I mean accusations that were ugly and wrong, but lead to some speculation by people we trusted. His job, that has provided the means for me to stay home with our children, has overlapped with some members of our church...in a...soap opera type of way. He said this...she said that...just a whole lot of ugliness!!

Our friendships we thought were solid were tested.

It became very obvious to us that the Devil was lurking in my hubby's work place (which was obvious way before now), in our relationships, in our church and then in our home. This has caused a great deal of sadness and self-reflection for us both. The saddest part of all is that many people have been hurt by this "scandal". This breaks my heart that anyone has been caused heartache at our expense.

Yesterday, I was on my knees in prayer (literally), but not really praying. I was at a loss of words for my Savior. I have prayed so much over the past 6 days and I haven't felt things were getting any better. These days have truly been so dark for me.

On my knees, I cried, sobbed, hard, uncontrollable cries for what seemed like an hour.

Sobbing, alone, in a dark room, I said, "I don't know what to pray for." Then selfishly, feeling unworthy, I prayed, "I need a visible sign that I am loved. I need to be covered with Your love and grace."

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7-8)

Honestly, I had very little left in me to pray for.
Do I pray for God's will?
I am not liking his will for my family and friends so far.
Do I pray for strength?
I have prayed for that already & I am still feeling extremely weak.
Do I pray for other people affected by this?
I am feeling pretty needy myself.

I have tried to remain faithful. I have tried to remind myself that He is with us through the good and bad. In my heart, I still had faith for His plan, but was struggling with remaining strong in His name.

I was feeling each day get harder and sadder. I could see the Devil driving a wedge between my husband and me, when we needed each other the most.

So, I gave in, gave up, & sobbed a selfish prayer, in silence.

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17)

After feeling the despair last night...today, my simple and selfish prayer was answered.

Part of my struggle was losing faith in a church (not the building, but the people) that I believed to be my family, my friends, my means of support. I was afraid of losing them because of my husband's part in this situation. Mistakes were made and people were hurt. It looked as though we were going to be judged for our sins and possibly turned away from our church. I have seen this happen before and I knew the outcome.

However, after praying for visible signs of God's love for my family...I walked into a church meeting tonight, with my husband. After a short discussion about the situation...the 11 people at this meeting declared love for my family {well, most of them}. I expected judgement and received love. I expected coldness and received compassion. God was in this meeting and knew what I needed. He used His people, our church family, to assure us that our mistakes are not a reason to lose the family He has provided for us. I was amazed and so thankful for the goodness of people and my selfish answered prayer.

A gentleman in this meeting that I don't know very well at all...shared some wonderful insight. He said that our walk with Christ is a constant journey of learning about being better, doing better, and learning to walk closer to Him - and we DO make mistakes along the way. He even said that my family needed to stick around (our church), let people love us and give them the opportunity to be loved even more by us.

Now, I am not sure of what the future holds for my family...whether we can continue to be members of this congregation or not. So MANY of the relationships have been affected by this situation. I know that some can be repaired with the help of His grace and forgiveness. But I am afraid that some can't be repaired and sadly, have been lost.

Only time will tell.

I know that we will continue to struggle because of the happenings so of this week. I DO know that the devil will continue to work through this situation, against the good of those who love the Lord.

Today, I was just humbled by His goodness to answer my selfish prayer and that tonight...after days of despair and loneliness...I feel His love that I longed for. I am so grateful for the vessels {the people of our church} of love He provided for my husband and me.

I felt His love, just like I had asked for. How truly amazing is that?

Your father knows what you need before you ask him. So do not worry, saying 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today's trouble is enough for today. (Matthew 6:8b, 31-34)

i love apps.

2010-03-13T09:59:00.012-05:00

I headed out the door this morning for another walk/run around the neighborhood in my continuous efforts to become healthier (aka - lose weight). Yes, that is 3 walks in 1 week. Oooooh, watch out! I just might start a pattern!

Each walk makes me fall more in love with my ipod touch. I begged my hubby for this amazing gift last Christmas & since then, I have become addicted to it. I love my playlists. I love my apps. My ipod touch is my friend, my favorite toy...oh, how I love thee (I believe this is actually a sin, but hey, I am being honest).

I downloaded some new apps for getting fit! Thanks to Drew over at Mom*Tog for sharing her walking/running apps with me. I love them!!

Yesterday, I downloaded Couch to 5K. This is "a fantastic program that's been designed to get just about anyone from the couch to running 5 kilometers or 30 minutes in just 9 weeks". It actually tells you what to do day by day. My "tells" I mean it talk to you. You can play your music as usual and it speaks over your music telling you when to run and when to walk. So you work in intervals of running until you are up to running a whole 5K. I used to run alot in college and LOVED running in 5k races. I was never in it for the race, but just to cross the finish line. I have yet to use this app but I think it sounds pretty cool. I also downloaded Couch to 10K. This is a 13 week - 3 days/wk - program which is supposed to coach you along, building up to running a 10K nonstop. I am really excited about this app. My hubby and I want to run a 10K together, the famous Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta on July 4th. I have exactly 13 weeks to get in gear! Both apps were just $2.99 each.

The app I used today on my walk/raum was pretty cool, too - iWalk (just $1.99). It's a customizable pedometer system. I plugged in my stride length to begin. Then, using the ipod touch's shake/movement sensor, this app kept up with my steps, time, distance & calories burned. It can do much more than this...but still, I thought that was pretty cool. I walked/ran 2.45 miles this morning.

Ooooh, I like saying that!!!!

Now, obviously one doesn't need all of these apps, but I am slightly addicted to apps. So, yes, I "collected" them all. I am also very interested in Nike+.

This might be a little over the top for me (at this point,

anyway). Apparently you use Nike+ shoes and the Nike+ sensor/receiver - all that YOU have to purchase. Sensor goes in the shoes & receiver attaches to you ipod. It tracks your run and keeps up with the data in your ipod.

{You use the Nike + iPod menu and choose how you want to run. You can use custom workout shortcuts to start your favorite workouts quickly. Try the open-ended workout or select one with time, distance, or calorie goals.

Then pick your favorite playlist,

shuffle songs, or choose Nike-created Sport Music. You can even program a Power Song to play when you need instant motivation.}

Now that does sound cool!!!!

Nike+ shoes range from $50 all the way up to $160 and the Nike+ sports kit is $29.99. So this seems to be an investment.

Hmmmm, I will have to put some major thought in this!

I DO need some new running shoes!!

these are the days.

2010-03-11T20:02:00.009-05:00

Ahhhhh, I had...just one of those days.

It was a day that left me happy & comfy & cozy.
It went like this:
Hubby took Sam off at school while I showered. Yes I have to mention the shower part because that is major...a shower. I even brushed my teeth, put on real clothes & make-up, too!
We (hubby & I) started out the day by visiting a preschool to see if it was a right fit for James. Then we dropped the boys off with my dad (it was my dad's Thursday with the little boys). Hubby & I ran some errands together & then headed to eat lunch just the 2 of us. Now, this was not supposed to be a "play hooky" day...BUT...it sorta turned out that way.
We sat in the restaurant just the 2 of us. We talked & laughed. It was so nice. Obviously we don't do that enough.
We didn't completely play hooky...we sat in this restaurant for 3 hours. We both got a good bit of work done (thanks to wi-fi), spent some time together AND had a nice meal!
Then we sat in the carpool line together to get Sam & then headed to get the little boys, too.
When we got home we noticed the sun was actually shining & the roads were actually dry, even after the 2 days of rain we've had.
Ummm, "Hello, sun. Could you please re-introduce yourself. Haven't seen you in a while."
Since the grass was still too wet for the boys to actually play in the yard, we decided to get the boys outside anyway & go for a walk around the block.
Now this "walk around the block" was soooo "Norman Rockwell". Really!
Picture this: After spending the day together, hubby & I were kind of snuggly with each other, so we held hands as we walked down the street. Our boys were so happy to be outside that they were beaming (and being nice to one another). Sam & James rode their scooters in circles around us - having so much fun - & little Max was just running to keep up with them. He was grinning from ear to ear & moving as fast as his legs would take him. Everyone smiling!!!! Nobody fighting!!!! Ahhhh, heaven!!!
It was just a nice family moment. Being a photographer, I snap photos constantly in my brain, even when I don't have my camera. That short walk was filled with moments I would've stopped time with my camera (or for today, just my brain). It was such a great feeling & I was filling my head with snapshots of this memory.
Somebody, quick, take a picture & slap it one a greeting card - that says "for the love of family"!
After the walk, we all headed to Target & the local sporting goods store to get the boys some "soccer stuff" for the new sport Sam & James are trying out this season. For dinner, we drove through McD's drive through to get the boys their favorite...chicken nuggets & french fries (nothing for hubby & I after eating such a big lunch).
On the way home, with the weather so nice, I asked hubby if I could try to get in a walk before it got dark & he gave me the go ahead. Yes, I "asked" if I could go since he would be stuck back at home getting the kiddos bathed & ready for bed.
My walk was the absolute BEST exercise I have had in a long time. I raced against the sun. I walked as hard as I could trying to get in as much calorie burning before the sun went down. I was booking it & smiling about it. Smiling about exercise...go figure! I even ran a little bit (it might not have really been a true RUN, but I made the effort to speed up a little).
This was my view while I walked:

As I walked, I went through the events of my day, evaluating the reason for my giddy-ness. I just smiled & thought "I like my life." My days are RARELY this picturesque. But today was just one of those days that made me feel warm & fuzzy inside. I loved the time I got with my hubby today. I loved being playful with him without the pressures of the world around us. That playfulness spilled over into how we parented the rest of the day. When the kids got crazy in Target, we didn't lose our cool. When the kids were going crazy in the car, we still made jokes with each other about how irritating it was. We seemed more relaxed during the stress of the bedtime ritual. We were calmer with each other & with the boys.
What an amazing day! On my walk, I had to seize the opportunity to thank God for visible richness in my life, visible signs of reality that today was good - we are a family, we have each other, we are healthy & we are loved. Tomorrow might not be like this. Tomorrow hubby will be gone to work as usual, I might get stressed, probably run late & might even have to put some really adorable boys in time-out.
But for today, I want to remember that it was just one of those days that I don't want to forget. I have the snapshots in my head to remind me of this day. Filed away, to recall when I need to put things into perspective.
Yikes, I just brought myself to tears. {sniff, sniff}
I made it home from my walk just as the sun said good night. I was grinning & thinking to myself that I had won that race - I got in a good 30 minutes - I walked my booty off to win that race!!! Good for me!!! (did I really just compliment myself?)
I came in to 3 boys in the bath tub. I stood outside the bathroom door & listened to my hubby trying to bathe & manage all 3 of them. Laughing & feeling unbelievably blessed at the same time.
What a day!!!!! Oh, and on my walk, I thanked God for my ipod. I was walkin' to a little Sugarland!
This song came on & very fitting for my day (I haven't blogged with music lately, so here it is):

"but the hard times pass, like the good times do, too...these are the days"

wordless wednesday.

2010-03-10T14:47:00.002-05:00

Great Give-Away

2010-03-10T14:16:00.005-05:00

I am a HUGE fan of give-aways, but this is the BEST!!

I found a give-away for a week's supply of Pamper's Cruisers with Dry Max diapers from "A Mom's Balancing Act" blog and Pampers. It doesn't get much better than that!

Also included in the give-away is a stylish Liz Lange designer diaper clutch!! This diaper clutch retails for $50 (shown in the photo below).

Stop by "A Mom's Balancing Act" fan-ta-bulous blog and amazing give-away! Check it out!

Either the kids OR the dogs...

2010-03-10T11:01:00.008-05:00

"It's either the kids OR the dogs, but someone has to go!", is what I screamed at my husband just last week. Seriously. I said that.

I am so irritated at our beloved 4-legged family members right now that I could scream (well, actually, I did that already).

Meet Sadie:

and Zoi:

These 2 dogs are driving me crazy. On top of trying to manage a home with a bunch of kiddos running around pulling stuff out of toy boxes,

sitting on counters & playing in water splashing it all over the bathroom (in hiding of course),

pulling out snack after snack out of the pantry,

threatening to draw on walls or other things,

etc., etc. (it's never a dull moment around here),

So, I get slightly ill when the dogs cause messes, too!

And lately, it seems to be too much!

When I pull clean clothes out of the dryer, they are still covered in dog hair. How can that be?

And it doesn't matter how often I vacuum, there are still dog hair dust bunnies everywhere.

Speaking of the vacuum cleaner, when you turn it on, it produce a huge amount of dog aroma which fills my house with a very yucky smell. It's from vacuuming huge amounts of dog hair I suppose.

AND, when they go in and out...whether we wipe off their feet or not (which is a big pain - 8 extra feet to wipe, puh-leaz), my wood floors are constantly dulled by paw prints. I can't ever have clean floors. Really, I want clean floors. I WANT CLEAN FLOORS!!!

Should I dare to mention the amount of stinky smelly gas 2 big dogs can produce. Disgusting!!!

See that dog bed, it's the size of a baby mattress. It's huge! It's in my bedroom. My sanctuary, my resting place, is being invaded by this big smelly, yucky dog bed (and it wasn't cheap, either) and 2 big smelly dogs. This dog bed sheds fuzzy stuff, too! Which means I need to vacuum, but the vacuum cleaner smell like a dog...see, it's a vicious cycle!

Oh, Oh, and I almost forgot. They eat my kids food off the table. Since I am a multi-tasker and never sit still, I will serve breakfast or lunch and continue to do other things around the house. Eventually I hear my baby screaming "Dogs, dogs, no!" When I return to the table, my baby's high chair tray is empty and Zoi is licking her lips. These dogs can swipe a whole sandwich off the counter as quick as it takes you to turn and close the refrigerator door. It has happened, Really!!!!!!

And get this,

my husband will come home from work in the evening and at some point start his little conversation with the "puppies" (as he calls them) & then look at me and say "Did you pay any attention to the puppies today?"

OR he will look at the dogs and say "mama didn't pet you today, did she?" making sure that I hear him. He thinks this is funny. Uh, really, it's not. this is no laughing matter!

Honestly, at that point, I envision picking up a large lamp and throwing it at his head!!!!! And I am NOT a violent person, really!

So, one day last week, I lost it! I threw a full-blown, "mama ain't happy" fit. I screamed at my hubby "its either your dogs or your kids, but someone has to go."

No need to alert PETA, the dogs are still alive and very well taken care of. I eventually returned to my hubby and said "okay, okay, we don't have to get rid of the dogs or the kids."

And of course, nothing is any different around here as far as the 4-legged friends go.

Sadie still has long hair (even though I begged my hubby to get her groomed - there is no way I can get 3 little boys and a very big dog to the groomer's on my own! I would definitely lose someone).

Dust bunnies are still alive and well and roaming around my dirty, dull wood floors.

And the vacuum still stinks!

Today, it is even raining. So when they go out and come back in, I will have 8 extra legs to wipe off and clean.

Apparently dogs and kids rule, mommies drool!!!!

I {Heart} Faces - Jump for Joy

2010-03-08T22:40:00.004-05:00

This is my entry for the I HEART FACES weekly challenge.

The theme for this week..."jump".

These are my boys...being boys. That's Tyler running and jumping over Max! Max, Sam & cousin Alex are running just as fast as their little legs will carry them...running from Tyler, of course!