Why am I awake?

It is almost 1 am. Lincoln is working on updating some stuff for work, and keeps begging me to wait up with him. He has said "ten more minutes," a few times.

I want to blog about the week my parents were here, but I haven't figured out how to download pictures from the point and shoot camera yet. Lincoln got a really nice p&s when he was "hired" on with hp. I keep it in my purse, and love having a camera all the time.

I had the worst headache today. It made me skip the middle part of church! =) It took forever to go away. I think Natalia caused it. She was wearing a purple dress with flowers, and white tights. She walked in my room with red and white polka dot shoes on. Not happening! So I tried to change the dress....not happening. I tried to change her shoes....not happening. I finally was able to put a little red skirt covered with kitties, and matching top (over the white t-shirt she already had on!). This was not an outfit I would send her to church in! She looked too sassy...hmmm....fitting for her mood.

Christie is in Utah, and we have Alex here with us. I wanted him to feel welcome and happy, so the first night I made M&M pancakes! I think I have ruined this boy. He will never take a plan pancake again, without bringing up these pancakes. They were good if I do say so myself. The kids were in heaven! I also made scrambled eggs, and hash browns. I will give you the recipe for the pancakes! It is on the bisquick box, and it is so good. (The last time I read it on the box, they said to add a little vanilla. Yummy. I just tossed in some M&M's right before I flipped them. They aren't really pretty, because the m&m's melt a little, but they taste good.)

2 cups Original Bisquick® mix
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 eggs

1. Heat griddle or skillet over medium-high heat or electric griddle to 375°F; grease with cooking spray, vegetable oil or shortening. (Surface is ready when a few drops of water sprinkled on it dance and disappear.)
2. Stir all ingredients until blended. Pour by slightly less than 1/4 cupfuls onto hot griddle.
3. Cook until edges are dry. Turn; cook until golden. To keep warm, place in single layer on cookie sheet. Cover with aluminum foil, and place in 200°F oven up to 10 minutes.
(Total time will vary; cook or bake time is per batch.)

I let the kids pick one story each at bedtime. Natalia picks this funny story about a pig that plots against a fox. The piglet ends up with a bath, a big dinner, and a massage. The fox thinks he is doing all this to prepare his delicious roast pig dinner. Funny story. Well, Alex picked a small cookbook full of ideas for kid friendly food. I think I have found a way into his heart! =) I told him he could pick one meal, and I would make it for him. He is having a hard time deciding! He asked me were I got the cookbook, and I told him "just at Giant." Well, He was with his Dad all weekend, and I guess they went to Giant. Alex said to me, "I saw the book at giant, but my Dad said I didn't need it." So funny! I think I will pick up a copy for him tomorrow. =)

We have loved having Alex in our home. Wyatt can hardly contain himself, and won't stop talking to him at night. I have to threaten separating them to get him to be quiet. I eaves dropped on a conversation of theirs, it went like this.

Wyatt- "Do you believe in Peter Pan?" NO! Do you believe in tinkerbell? NO!"
Alex- "YOU DON'T believe in FAIRIES?"
Wyatt- "My sister does."
Alex-"Those kids read about Peter Pan, and he came to visit them. If I read about Peter Pan, he will come to my house. He'll teach me how to FLY!"
Wyatt-"Do you think pirates are real? I do! I have seen their ships!"

I left the hallway. Laughing. Sweet and silly boys.

Lincoln is done! Goodnight. =)

Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful Boy

I had a really bad day on Tuesday. It think I get the award for worst Mother of the year. I think I will choose to blame hormones. =)

Natalia is obsessed with a fat orange cat in our neighborhood. His name is George. He loves Talia for the first few pets and squeals, but that becomes old very quickly and he "growls"(her words) at her. She still calls him every time we go outside, and he always comes. Then she says "George is nice at me again!" She is trilled, and skips around him while he rolls happily on the ground. Sounds sweet, doesn't it. Well, it is, until I TRY to get her to come inside or get in the car. It is a nightmare. She screams and kicks. What a wonderful world it would be if we could just sit and pet George all day. After chasing her around the yard, I finally got her inside..and I spanked her bum, and yelled at her. Not usually my first choice, but I can say I had lost control. I am so sad about it now.

Then Wyatt came home, and we had a nice normal day. I had a follow-up shoot for the session that got "thundered" out. It was a good session,no, a great session. The kids were actually happy to come and do the shoot again. What a complement! A seven yr old boy didn't dread getting his pictures taken again. (Patting myself on the back.) Lincoln had to go out to dinner with some people from work, and he needed me home by 7:00. I didn't want to leave, seriously, I was getting some GREAT stuff. I regrettably ended the session, only to get in the car and realize I was already late! Time flies. I hate speeding, I never do it. I sped home. Only to arrive to a very irritated husband , he waved to me in the driveway before walking to his car. I later found out I misinterpreted this wave. I thought he was giving me the "you loser, you don't care wave" but it was really the "I love you, and fifteen minutes is not more important than my sweetie wave." "quote"

I gave the kids a snack, a bath, and a story. Then Wyatt prayed for us. Natalia climbed on and off the bed 6 times during the prayer, and Wyatt was being silly. After he finished I spanked his bum, and said "We do not pray like that in this house!" Sent him to bed, and put Talia in hers. I was so mad, and he was so sad. I sat and talked with him for a long time. He really didn't understand what deserved a spank. Did he really think the refrigerator needed blessing today? I did notice that he said "Bless Mom, Bless Dad," which is his "robot statement" in prayers about six times...but now think that may have been on purpose because I needed it. =) I got him settled down, we apologized to each other, and forgave each other. Then I started crying. I buried my head in his bright blue pillow. Then my sweetest boy said "Mom, look at me, look at me," and picked up my chin. "Everything is okay. You can have a better day tomorrow." His eyes filled with tears and he hugged me tight, and I sobbed. Not because I was sad, because I felt so lucky to have him in that moment.

The picture at the top is him picking a flower. Then he found out it had thorns. I thought it was a fitting image.

About me

1) What I was doing ten years ago, September 1997

I was dating Lincoln. We had been together for a little over a year. I would have been going out on dates. We loved to go cosmic bowling, go to movies, go out to eat (that hasn't changed), and smooch! =)

2) What I was doing five years ago, September 2002

I was the mother of a four month old baby boy! I remember one day around that time, Lincoln called me from work to let me know that the Camry had caught on fire in the parking lot at work. What a mess. It wasn't insured at the time, it had lapsed. We learned a lot from that experience. We were also thankful I wasn't driving the car, with our new baby in the back. Scary thought.

This is also the exact time when I started to LOVE photography. I had the best "session" with Wyatt, I still love those pictures.

3) One year ago, September 2006

You can read all about it here...

4) Yesterday, September 17, 2007

My parents were visiting! My Mom didn't feel very well, so we had a very productive day at home. I packaged orders, my Mom did tons of my laundry (love her), my Dad did many many odd jobs around here (love him too), and Lincoln tried to fix his BRAND NEW laptop that wigged out on him. (I do love him also.)

5) Five snacks I enjoy: Fresh fruit, spicy hummus and pita bread, popcorn with tabasco, ROOTBEER FLOATS, smoothies.

6) Five things I would do if I suddenly had $100 million: (totally copying you Kayelynn =)...Pay Tithing, I would finally buy expensive shoes, a beautiful photography studio, a beach house in Oregon, a house closer to family.

7) Five locations I would like to run away to: Hawaii, Cancun, Disney cruise, Utah, Malibu...to "our" spot.

8) Five bad habits I have: I always finish ALL the food on my plate! (My Dad used to say in a joking way, "You'd better eat it, or I'll rub it in your hair." I guess I thought he really would.) I blame others for things I actually did. (Then I realize it was me!) I don't balance my check book. I stammer and say dumb things when I talk to someone I don't know on the phone.....even the pizza man. If I read an email...I'd better reply right then, or I will forget to do it.

9) Five things I like doing: Napping or sleeping in, Dancing with my kids, watching movies with Lincoln, girls nights, and shopping with out kids.

10) Five TV shows I like: So You Think You Can Dance, Barefoot Contessa, Lost, Heroes, and Survivor.

11) Five things I hate doing: Taking out the garbage, Calling a for a babysitter (because of the phone thing), cleaning up maple syrup, folding socks, driving without a gps.

12) Five biggest joys at this moment: Having had my parents here for a week, my happy and silly children, Lincoln, safety and health, and my camera.


I'll tag Christie and Christina.

Horrible.

I have a wonderful client. She was my first client in Maryland, but she was also my landlord when we first moved here. She is the sweetest person you'll ever meet, and she sent me this email last week. Why am I sharing it? I don't know. I just ache for this family. Why do people own dogs like this?!!

I am not posting this so people will help them. (If you feel compelled, by all means call me.) I just look at my sweet baby girl, who is probably the same age as this little one, and want to cry. I am so thankful for our health and safety.

Here is the email.

Hello everyone. I am writing about my sweet little cousin. She is two years old and was attacked by a pit bull last Wednesday. The dog bit her face and neck and swung her around. She was taken by helicopter to Children's hospital in DC. She is currently in the Pediatric ICU. She has over 300 stitches in her face, neck and mouth. She may have vision and neurological damage. She lost five teeth and has a broken jaw. She is still intubated and is heavily sedated.

She is the daughter of my first cousin Danny. Due to some difficult times, Danny, his wife and their four children are presently homeless and living in my aunts dining room. My cousin works in a factory and is presently working 60-80 hours per week to help get his family back on their feet.

The children all have Medicaid health insurance. My cousin did not notify the Medicaid office that they moved and now Medicaid is denying all medical coverage saying that too many adults live in the house and they do not qualify for medical coverage.

His family could use help. If anyone would like to help them out we would appreciate it.

They have four children. The girls are 7, 6 and 2. The two year old will need shirts with a button up front, size 3T. (Because of all the facial damage she will not be able to pull a shirt over her head.)

Their son is 4. He witnessed the attack and is having a very hard time.

Any help would be appreciated. Ideas: Phone cards, WalMart gift cards and gas cards (children's hospital is 1 1/2 hours away from where they live.)

Thanks so much.

christy and erica

Seven

Christie tagged me to play this game of sevens:

A. List 7 habits/quirks/facts about yourself.

B. Tag 7 people to do the same.

C. Do not tag the person who tagged you or say that you tag whoever wants to do it.


1. I have a place on my ankle that doesn't tan, it is shaped like a star.

2. I love make-up. For me it is more of an artistry thing, than a beauty thing. I wish I could wear more, without getting funny looks! =) If someone ever asked me what I collect, I would say make-up! Twice a year a get a bad itch for new make-up...and I am feeling it now. Sephora anyone???

3. I am not a dog person, but I have one.

4. A lot of my memories are sparked by the clothes I was wearing when that memory was made. The earliest memory I have is of me in my C3PO underoos. I was holding my Mom's hand, and we were about to cross the street to visit my little friend. I said, "Wait I am in my C3PO's!", and my Mom reassured me it was okay. Then I felt fine about it, and then we walked across the street. (This would have been in Midland, in the house with the pecan tree. How old was I then?)

5. I love art. I want to take a watercolor class, or maybe sketching. I will never be as good as my brothers, but I still love to do it. I just love to create. I love for my children to be able to create. That is why I love to have lots of art supplies with in their reach.

6. I am proud of the fact that my kids will eat weird stuff. Natalia LOVES hummus, Wyatt loves seafood, Natalia will eat sauerkraut with me, Wyatt *loves* TOFU, Natalia and Wyatt will eat an entire plate of Pad Thai noodles, they both love black beans, and Wyatt will eat an salad like it was a bowl of ice cream. (They do have things they don't like still.) Just watch, one day I will have a really picky eater.

7. I still have an Oregon drivers license. (oops.)


Now for tagging....I think everyone has done this. I will tag Kayelynn. =) If anyone else hasn't done this, please do.

Wildlife Rescue

Saturday we went to the fall festival at the Wildlife Rescue. We went last year also. Lincoln's co-worker is very involved with the Rescue. They have made many improvements since the last time we were there. They have many domestic animals, some that were purchased and then regretted by their previous owners. An example of this is the two GIANT potbelly bigs. Did the people think they would stay small? They have llamas, alpacas, goats, pigs, a donkey, and sheep. The rescued animals are in different smaller enclosures. We saw Canadian Geese with casts on, a porcupine, many rabbits, ducks, geese, a blind Barred Owl, Two goats with clothes on (from Pinocchio?), and our favorite of the day several baby fawn. Not everyone got to visit the baby fawns, but Lincoln helped feed some last July, and asked if we could see them. They are the cutest little things. The youngest one was two months old and so tiny. The rest were between 4-6 months old. There was one sweet one that had been hit by a car. She had quite a lot of head trauma when she arrived, and had quite a few stitches still. She has just started eating well again, but she is blind. =( We walked into the shed where the fawns were being kept, and they slowly approached us. We put out our hands and they began licking our fingers and arms. They love the taste of our salty skin. We were being tasted by 7 little fawns, and it was so funny. Wyatt was a little afraid, but Natalia loved it. One even licked her cheek, and she just giggled. Petting the fawns was the funnest experience of the day. We also got the feed the goats vanilla wafers. ??? I don't know why that is what they were eating, but some of them loved them, and some didn't.

They had a nice silent auction, but we didn't win anything. They had a moon bounce for the kids. They also had some wonderful food. This year the biggest donation was 10,000, and the people that made that donation were appalled that meat was served at last years venue. This year all the food was vegan, much to Lincoln's disgust. It actually was a nice spread, and we got to try some new things.

It was wonderful day, and I am glad we get to be a part of it. Yes, I still hate squirrels by the way. We don't hurt our squirrels, we just relocate them.

Here is a link to their site.

Ipod quiz

From Jenni and Cami)

Title: Many the Miles

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Put your music player on shuffle.
2. Press forward for each question
3. Use the song title as the answer to the question even if it doesn't make sense. NO CHEATING!

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Bottle it up (Sara Bareilles) My new favorite artist.- Not bottling anything at the moment though.

WHAT'S YOUR OUTLOOK ON LIFE
Plies (Robert Long Ballet Class Music) Oh dear, there are going to be a lot of ballet moves on this questionnaire. Plies, that is so funny.

WHAT DOES YOUR FAMILY THINK OF YOU?
A Dream is a wish your heart makes.(Ilene Woods from Cinderella) That is sweet.

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Yummy (edited) (Gwen Stephani) Wow, Thanks guys.

WHAT DO STRANGERS THINK OF YOU?
Petits Battements (Ballet class again.)

WHAT DO YOUR EXES THINK OF YOU?
Jimmy Gets High (Daniel Powter) Random. No, I never got high.

HOW IS YOUR LOVE LIFE?
Way Back Into Love (From the Music and Lyrics soundtrack.) I guess this is fitting. We had a hard year last year, and this year has been bliss.

HOW WILL YOUR LOVE LIFE BE IN THE FUTURE?
Better Together (Jack Johnson) Wow. What are the chances. Yes, it will get better and better.

WILL YOU GET MARRIED?
Reverence (Ballet Class again) I guess out of all the ballet terms, this one is fitting.

WILL YOU HAVE KIDS?
Skeleton Bones (Hi-5) LOL! Does this mean they will be the death of me?

ARE YOU GOOD AT SCHOOL?
Little Wonders (Rob Thomas) I am not going to interpret that. =)

WILL YOU BE SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE?
The More I see you (Micheal Buble) ???

WHAT SONG SHOULD THEY PLAY ON YOUR BIRTHDAY?
Love Song (Sara Bareilles) YAY, That is a great song for my birthday. I love it.

WHAT SONG SHOULD THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
It had better be tonight (Michael Buble) Hmmm. Interesting choice.

THE SOUNDTRACK OF YOUR LIFE:
Will and Elizabeth (From Pirates of the Caribbean) Silly. This is the main score from the movie. Wyatt and I sword fight like mad to it. I rescue the princess Natalia, and then I always get killed at the end. How is this a sound track to my life? Maybe that I was a fun and crazy Mom?

YOU AND YOUR BEST FRIEND ARE....?
Wintersong (Sarah MacLachlan) Don't get this one. This whole Christmas album is my favorite...I listen to it all year long.

HAPPY TIMES:
Feel the Beat (Hi-5) =) Yes, that is a good one. (Not the actual song, this is on my Kids playlist.)

SAD TIMES:
The Best is Yet to Come (Micheal Buble) How fitting, I am a very optimistic person most of the time.

EVERY DAY:
Warm up Jumps (Ballet Class) LOL! I guess I must still be trying to get it right.

FOR TOMORROW:
Meaningless Kiss (Music and Lyrics soundtrack)Look out Lincoln.

FOR YOU:
Can't take my eyes off of you (Lauren Hill)

WHAT DOES NEXT YEAR HAVE IN STORE FOR ME?
The Imperial March (Star Wars) =) LOL!

WHAT DO I SAY WHEN LIFE GETS TOO HARD?
Wild Hope (Mandy Moore)

WHAT SONG WILL I DANCE TO AT MY WEDDING?
People Watching (Jack Johnson) I guess they would be.

WHAT DO YOU WANT AS A CAREER?
He's a Tramp (Lady and the Tramp) Hmmm... That is strange. What would I do?

YOUR FAVORITE SAYING?
Big Rock Candy Mountain (Elizabeth Mitchell) See how Jolly I am? (BTW this my favorite children's album)

THE SONG THAT YOU'LL PUT AS YOUR SUBJECT?
Many the Miles (Sara Bareilles)

Whirlwind...

I have had a busy day, and a busy week. I can't believe tomorrow is Friday.

Monday, We went to Ikea as a family. Talia was able to go in the play area for the first time, and we were able to get almost all our shopping done while they were there. We got a bookshelf divided into cubes (had a link, it didn't work)...and the bins that fit perfectly, to store toys in. Our basement is going to be a nice, new place to play again. It was so out of control before that the kids wouldn't go down and play. I had too many different bins, and they were just lined up against the walls. This is going to be so much better.

Wyatt lost another tooth. I pulled it, and then I cried. He told me "no boo-hooing." He usually says that when I fake cry about him growing up, and then we hug and laugh. This time I couldn't help it. What a baby I am.

Tuesday, I took Natalia to the Columbia mall, WITHOUT A STROLLER. We had a fun girls day. I got a new purse. After I got it home, I realized it looks *REALLY* similar to my old purse. It is a little bigger and a different color. I think it is the color of raspberries. =) I even bought the matching wallet...so cute. We really made the trip to get some foundation that I ran out of, over 3 months ago. It is called MAC studio tech, and I really like it. I don't have to use very much, and put it on with a (ridiculously expensive) brush. Nice. I was really tempted to buy new eyeshadow, but I resisted. Then we went to baby gap, and looked at the sale rack. Got some stuff for Tai. Then we headed to the carousel. She loves it, and she wears a permanent smile the entire ride. Oh, I forgot the funniest part of our shopping trip. We were walking through Macy's, and Talia yells "Oh CUTE!", then she kicks off her butterfly sandals, and puts on some red patent heels. =) LOL! This happened many more times, to all kinds of shoes. I even lost her shoes for a little while. I thought I was going to have to carry "little miss barefoot" out of the mall.

Today. Christie husband, Brent, has the week off of work. Christina and I decided to give them a day without kids. I had Tori and Katie in the morning. We had a nice time, the girls played really well, and Katie took a few naps. Then the late afternoon came, and my nice simple day was gone. The bus comes at 3:25, and I was going to pick up Wyatt, Liza, and Alex at our bus stop. I had a few complications with that....1.Natalia was asleep on the couch, and Katie was asleep upstairs. 2. The Merry Maids were supposed to be here at 3:00. 3. Lincoln said he could be home by 3ish to help me with kids, so I wouldn't have to take them all to the bus stop. I couldn't wait anymore so I woke Katie and Talia, and got their shoes on. As we started down the drive way, I saw Wyatt walking toward us without Alex and Liza. He told me they had gotten off at their bus stop. I ran inside to get keys, and my phone, so we could walk to go pick them up. Left a note for the maids to go in. Then I saw those two kiddos running down my street! Liza said she was told I would be at her bus stop, and Alex said they had said a prayer that they would make it safely to my house. (Sweet.) We all ate popsicles, and then those merry cleaning women showed up. We left my house, and walked to the Walls. I opened the door, and punched in the alarm code. The alarm went off anyway!!! I had to push another button after I had punched in the code, which is not like our alarm system. I ran to the pitch black basement (broken light switch, that I KNEW about) and tried to catch the ADT man leaving a message on the answering machine. Missed him, but I got to talk to Howard County dispatch! =) They said the homeowner would have to contact ADT, and if the police were already dispatched there would be no way to cancel it. So I tried to call Christie, and I tried to call Christie, and I tried to call Christie, and I tried to call Christie, and I tried to call Christie, and I tried to call Christie, and I tried to call Christie, and I kept getting the terrible message about being unable to complete the call, and error 48376589999838 or something like that. I was dying. I called Christina to see if she had Brent's cell. We both began trying to reach them. I then I finally did. Phew. Christie called me back to tell me the police had already been dispatched. Great. I waited for them, and changed a poopy diaper right in the doorway. Why? What criminal would take the time to change a diaper! They would see me, and then they would know I was just a mom, trying to do something nice for a friend, and failing miserably at it. The police never came. Christina did though, and we decided to take the kids to the family picnic at the school. Free hot dogs, and a place to wear the kids out. Why o why didn't someone say, "DON'T GO!!" Oh someone did.....my husband. He thought we were nuts. When we arrived at the picnic, my earing got stuck in the hair of sweet baby Katie. My ear almost tore, and Christina had to help me out. Lincoln walked ahead of us with the older kids, and then came walking back............."They are out of hhhoootttttt dooooggggssss," came out of his mouth in slow motion. I was starving, so I know the kids were starving. We took the wall kids back home, and I left Christina with them. Did a dance of joy in the driveway..........kidding. Lincoln suggested Olive Garden, and we were off. My kids were so well behaved and sweet at the restaurant, and I had a moment of bliss. I enjoyed looking at my handsome husband, and chocolate covered (literally) children. I just soaked up a happy moment. It was a nice end to this wild day.

Now let talk about the Merry Maids, because I know some of you read that and 1. thought that I am crazy 2. thought that I am lazy 3. thought that I am spoiled. (...Fill in another word if this one is too nice.) Here is the deal. Lincoln got me house cleaning as an anniversary gift. We tried it twice and decided it was a great "springboard" for me to keep the house clean. It has been a great thing, and I am catching up on many other areas of my life. Areas that have been overlooked for a long time. I have made it my goal to be able to pay for the maids myself. It is my gift to myself, and so far it has been a good thing. (Christie...Liza asked me if they would not only clean, but do homework also!)

I am so tired. I will proof read this post in the morning....so for now enjoy all the craziness and typos.

Sink full of dishes....

but I will blog anyway.

I will post a few favorites from my most recent sessions...

This little sweetie was 2.5 months old. She was so sleepy. I have photographed her older sister three other times, and she thinks I am wonderful. No, really. She keeps asking if I am coming to her birthday and has informed her mother that she wants to be a photographer!!! =)
Their mother only buys the smiles....so the picture below is for me, and I LOVE it.




This image is from a family session. Thirteen people. That session was so hard for me, because it is hard to be creative and artsy with thirteen people. After the group shots were done, I grabbed the only two little kids and got a few images.

This blue eyed baby was the quickest thing. I took more photos in two hours than I ever have before. 180. I love so many images from the session though, and feel it was one of my best.



Oh my goodness. I have to re-shoot this one. The kids were a dream to work with, but this GIGANTIC thunder storm ruined it. This was shot at 3200 iso.....I preferably shoot at 200 iso. There is a BIG difference between the two. So these images are a little too grainy, but not compared to what other cameras would do at 3200. *sigh* I love my camera! I found out later that my client left her purse at the park, and had to race back to get it. She said it wasn't ruined. It was so scary driving home! I am so afraid of thunder, and lighting was striking all over the place. Cars were pulling over, and a motorcycle gang made camp under an over pass. What did I do? I took pictures. I put my camera on my chest and pushed the shutter. I was hoping to catch some lighting, but I didn't.



This newborn session was one for the books. Slept the whole time, let me pose him over and over, and never made a mess! I could kiss him for that.


I have this exact same blanket. My sister made mine, and it is the exact same yarn and color. I was happy to see he had the same one, and made good use of it! Love the texture!
Why, oh Why! I think we held this session on the hottest day of the summer. I got some fun images of this strawberry blond sweetie! (He is on a giant toad stool.) We left 45 minutes later.