Life as I see it.

72 degrees in December.

2011-12-06T13:40:00.000-08:00

Meet Yogi.

2011-11-18T12:06:00.001-08:00

I caved. Just look at his face. You would too.

Connor named him Yogi.

They love each other.

There really is a floor.

2011-11-06T15:00:00.000-08:00

Time after time, I have cleaned up thousands and thousands of legos. Not anymore!

BEFORE:

Buckets of legos would get dumped out so that he could find one small piece

AFTER:

Brilliance! Thank you Pinterest.com!

A Lego drawer that rolls completely under the bed...OUT OF SIGHT!

Took about an hour to make.

Easy to sort and find, no dumping out buckets needed.

Opinions Please!

2011-09-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

I took several pics while camping and I've got several I like.....BUT I've got a free canvas that I can order, and I don't know which one to pick.

Which one do you think??

It's been a while......

2011-07-31T17:09:00.000-07:00

It's almost a year since I blogged last!

I've been consumed with two VERY active little boys! Ever since Riley began to walk, it's been non-stop.

As Connor says it "Riley is a messer". And yes he is, indeed.

So trying to keep up with my whirlwind life, and keep it all straight in my head to write it up here is a lost cause.

So for now, enjoy some photos:

Last Fall:

Connor turns four Matey!

Riley turns 1.

First Baseball season!

Summer Mini Session Pics:

Fall = Corn mazes, cool crisp air, & Halloween

2010-11-06T19:15:00.000-07:00

Fall is where it's at.......

You WILL want to read this post.

2010-10-09T08:46:00.000-07:00

No. It is not about my kiddos.

It's about this:

TWIX CHEESECAKE PIE

Absolutely the easiest, yummiest, sinfully delicious recipe I have ever run across.

FIXIN'S:

With an electric mixer beat 2 8oz bars cream cheese (softened at room temperature) with 1/2 cup sugar and 2 large eggs.

Yes. That really is it.

After well beaten, mix in 16 chopped Twix FUN size bars. Pour into 8 inch chocolate cookie pie crust (I bought mine pre-made). Bake at 325 degrees until set 40-45 min. (I stuck a toothpick in the middle, it needs to be moist but not runny) Sprinkle 6 chopped twix bars on top. Chill in fridge til firm.

Oh yeah, yes siree.....boo-yaaaah!

ENJOY!

Balloon Glow.

2010-10-03T10:51:00.000-07:00

Glow baby glow.

Balloon Fest at Pellissippi Community College.

LOVED it!

Whew! Days 6-12.

2010-07-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

Finally got the pictures for my Project 365 loaded up, Days 6-12.

Day 6:

Mom's 50th Birthday Party

Day 7:

Massanutten Water Park, VA

Day 8:

The Washington D.C. Temple!

Day 9:

Back to TN.

Day 10:
Out, about and around.

Day 11:
My real estate closing, "Uncle" Mike, and raindrops!

Day 12:

A beautiful day.

Five.

2010-07-08T07:08:00.000-07:00

As in 'Day 5'

Day 2, 3 & 4.

2010-07-06T17:46:00.000-07:00

I am in Va and have very little time to be on the computer.

I am still taking pics for my Project 365 though!

Here is Day 2:

Day 3:

Day 4:

I am really enjoying this project! It makes me use my camera every single day!!

Project 365

2010-07-03T15:53:00.000-07:00

I love this book. Photojojo!

In it there is ALL sorts of fun photo projects.

One of them is called project 365.

You take a picture every single day of the year.

Kind of like a documentary of your life, day by day.

I love this idea. It forces me to be creative on days that absolutely nothing is going on. Or not.

I am going to do one for Connor, Riley and then my daily life. At the end of the year, shutterfly will make me a pretty little flip book out of 'em.

So here is Day 1:

We're on the NEWS!!

2010-06-25T07:23:00.000-07:00

Our Frame The Alphabet business is being featured on WATE channel 6 news! They are doing promotions for Half off Thursdays, and have asked us to participate!

Click here to see the video!

Airline Pilot

2010-06-08T19:41:00.001-07:00

Great old abandoned airport in Powell! Fun for boys to go and pretend!!

A Birthday and a Baby Shower.

2010-03-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I'm double posting.

What can I say, lots going on!

Well my little boy turned 3........unbelievable.

We had a Bounce house party with lots of his friends, and on his actual birthday we fixed him a special breakfast!

You can NOT go wrong with Mickey Mouse Pancakes!!

Even more presents to open!!

Happy Birthday my sweet little boy!!!!

Even though I was supposed to be on bedrest........I went to my baby shower!!!

Funny, my baby shower for Connor had a gorilla on the cake......hmm.....
Are they trying to say something here??

Of course my little helper was right there the whole time opening more presents!

Baby Bingo.....A new fun way to play. I would open a gift and it would have a bingo number on it that I would call out.

Every one brought a pic of themselves when they were a baby, and we had to match them up. Really cute!

Alice gave out really great prizes for the games too!!!

Literally the only pictures I have of me pregnant with Riley!!

4D Ultrasound

2010-02-20T13:04:00.000-08:00

So Riley is proving to be stubborn already! haha.

We could not get this little guy to turn his head for us for nothin' !

So we only got side profiles........still yet.....absolutely adorable!

Full moon in the middle of the day.

2010-02-10T20:16:00.001-08:00

When potty training...........

be prepared for surprises like this when you walk in the kitchen!

Winter.

2010-01-31T12:57:00.001-08:00

My newest pic!

The icy weather has made for some interesting photo ops!

I just added it to my website www.FrameTheAlphabet.com

Click here to go visit my website and create your own name!

It's a........

2009-12-03T14:06:00.000-08:00

BOY!!!!!!

Talent.

2009-11-06T11:10:00.000-08:00

Where did this talent come from?

First of all, he's two!

Secondly, Lee and I neither one can draw. In fact, these faces that Connor drew are just about as good if not better than what we can muster up.

You can clearly see the faces he is drawing.
He's really funny about because this is what he does:

Picks up the marker and pauses for a minute.
Then says: "Hmm....Let's draw...Elmo". "Ok, draw Elmo"
The proceeds to draw Elmo or Grouch or Zoe or whomever he decides.
Unbelievable.

Relax.

2009-11-05T17:53:00.000-08:00

Driving down the road the other day, Connor was pitching a fit because he wanted a pair of sunglasses.

That, of course, were behind my seat on the floor. Out of reach.

Repeatedly, over and over, he asked for them.

I kept telling him that I couldn't reach them, and that I was driving.

Finally, clearly frustrated, I raised my voice a little higher and enunciated each word. Ya know, to get the point across........

That. I. Could. Not. Get. Them. While. I. Was. Driving.

So, Connor responds by saying "Mommy, you need to eelax"..........*sigh*

Yes, he told me to "eelax".

Or in other words Relax.

And then let out a big sigh, as if to say I was frustrating him.

Two is a little too big.

First time.....

2009-10-31T06:22:00.000-07:00

Carving a pumpkin!

Naturally it had to be Blue's Clues.

Connor just dove right in!

Connor cleaned the pumpkin.

Daddy designed the pumpkin.

Mommy carved the pumpkin.

Connor kept saying "Good job Mommy, Good job!"

Corn and Pumpkins.

2009-10-14T07:17:00.001-07:00

My Mom and little brother were in town and we decided to take the kids to the Corn maze and Pumpkin patch.

Good 'ole fashioned fall fun.

Playing chase.

Big Corn Maze.

No....You can NOT eat that corn.

Punching the maze card!

Getting lost.

Kid sized tractors.

Choosing the right pumpkin is hard!

Got mine!

Ahhh........ I love fall.

This week.

2009-09-20T07:58:00.000-07:00

This week I realized that at 28, I still need my mama.

I am so grateful that she was here this week, and that she was able to help me.

Connor came down with strep first. Then I did, and it turned into bronchitis.

THEN......

I got the flu two days later.

Lee had some major stuff going on at work, and was there almost round the clock, and was completely unavailable to me.

My mom is one of those super, multi-tasking, can-do-it-all, mothers that I am very blessed to have.

It's nice to know that at 28, I still have my mama to take care of me.

Boomsday.

2009-09-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

The largest Fireworks show in the nation.

Definitely one of my favorite events that Knoxville puts on.

Unfortunately, my camera battery was dead, and I only got a few shots. Waterfall fireworks off the bridge. Beautiful.

Morning sickness.

2009-08-20T19:47:00.000-07:00

Why?

Why do they call it Morning sickness?

Why don't they call it:

"All day long, from the time you wake up, til the time you go to bed, no relief, no appetite, miserable, puke when you sneeze, sickness"

Yeah, That would be more like it.

Let's not deceive anyone.

I've been robbed.

2009-08-14T13:38:00.000-07:00

Seriously people.

My car was broken into last night.

IN MY OWN DRIVEWAY!

2 dvd players and ALL of Connor's dvds......gone.

I feel so totally violated now.

I don't feel safe in my own neighborhood now.

I hate this.

I am pretty sure that I must have scared them off while they were doing it.

Here's why:

My neighbor texted me this morning at 6 am to tell me her husband's car had been broken into.

I got up and looked at the window, and indeed saw that my car door was standing wide open.

I felt my stomach drop.

I called my neighbor(who lives two doors up, before me)and got the details of her thievery.

They took everything valuable in the car and shut the door.

My door was open......hmm.

I then talked to my neighbors two doors down, past me.

Their car was unlocked, and undisturbed. hmm.......

I then talked to my neighbors four doors down, past me.

Their car was unlocked, windows down, and a laptop computer sitting on the seat. NOTHING was missing. HUH?

You see, something woke me up last night around 2 am.

I didn't know what, but I got up to go to the bathroom.

Usually I try to do this as quiet as possible, as to not disturb Lee and Connor.

Well, this time, I had a real uneasy feeling for some reason.

So I turned on ALL the lights on my way to the bathroom (which you can see from the front of the house, where the cars are parked).

They must have seen the lights come on, and booked it.

Luckily, it stopped with us.

I am so aggravated with this situation though.

The developers of this neighborhood have decided to rent out some of the houses in this subdivision.

Well, the newest tenants have A LOT of visitors.

All hours of the night.

I know, because their music wakes me up often, as they are driving through.

Very shady looking individuals.

Drug traffic. Bottom line.

The new tenants drive very nice vehicles, and have nice things, and CLAIM that they have won the lottery.......a lot.

Hahahaha.......uh, haha. YEAH RIGHT!

I've called the developers, and informed them of all these things.

Something had better be done about it. Bottom line.

I am very irritated. I want to feel safe in my own neighborhood. Bottom line.

I knew before it did.

2009-08-11T16:51:00.000-07:00

I had a feeling I knew, ya know?

Pregnant!!!

Approximate due date: April 19th, 2010

Good neighbors are hard to find.

2009-08-02T13:02:00.000-07:00

I have never lived in a neighborhood with such good neighbors!

(Yes, that is Connor and Noah in a BARBIE mustang......hot, baby, hot!)

Our kids play together, and we hang out.

I love small neighborhoods!

I'm excited.....

2009-07-28T07:07:00.000-07:00

About these new letters I have posted to my website Frame The Alphabet.

This is one of Connor's curls. Cute, huh?

This was at the Capital building in SLC.
(Doesn't this bench make the perfect R?)

Again, Capital building.

Yet again, Capital.

Temple square, SLC.

I got a ton more,but these pics have already become the new favs of my customers.

Which is your favorite?

Visit my site to see the rest: http://www.framethealphabet.com/

Open Letter.

2009-07-22T20:40:00.000-07:00

So I really like this idea I saw over at On The Front Porch blog. Wendy has such a good sense of humor and I get a laugh daily. Read some of her open letters here and here.

Here is mine:

Dear Gym Goers,

Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought the purpose of going to the gym was to get sweaty, and let's say........work out? However, I get the drift that most of you are there for other reasons. What, with all the cologne you are wearing, and the minimal amount of clothing that is covering your body, and LACK of sweat dripping off of you, one might get the wrong impression. That perhaps you aren't there to work out, but rather, you are there to pick up chics or to be part of a social cliche, or to look your best. For those of us who are there to use the gym for it's original purpose , we tend to get a little choked up by the cloud of fumes permeating off your body. Do you think that the 12.2 ounces of cheap perfume you put on is going to cover up the stench of your sweat, should you actually decide to break into one? However, I do get enjoyment out of watching a mini soap opera unfold before my very eyes. It is extremely interesting when things get a little monotonous on the treadmill to watch the girls fall all over one guy who clearly thinks he is Romeo. Only to see that girl A, has now found out about girl B. Oooh, can't wait til next week's episode. As for me, please don't talk to me while I am running, WITH headphones on(those aren't by accident), and try to strike up a conversation. I am not there to do anything but workout, and get an old fashion sweat on.

Thanks,
Me

*******

Dear Angry guy at the gym,

Why so angry? Is it all the pretentious gym goers? They make me angry too, I understand. But Angry guy, I think your anger goes deeper. You were hitting that punching bag like you saw a face in it that drove you to kill. Who has made you so mad Angry guy? Has someone offended you beyond your control? With all the muttering and mumbling to yourself, I have to believe that you were either talking to your inner voice, or practicing what you would say to the person that has made you so angry when you encounter them. Good luck with your inner demons. And remember, it's easier to smile than frown, so turn that frown upside down.

Nevermind that last statement. Forget I said anything.

I promise to stay out of your way Angry guy.

-Me

*******

Dear Lady who sings out loud with headphones on,

You are at the gym, not an audition. You are singing loud, very loud in fact. People can hear you. And they are laughing.

Sincerely,

If you see me.....

2009-07-15T15:05:00.001-07:00

Sailing through a parking lot on one of these,

just wave.

I haven't quite grown up yet.

Only if you see me next to the cart like this:

should you be worried.

Anonymous.

2009-07-11T06:31:00.000-07:00

What to do?

I am a little torn here.

I have been having Anonymous visitors leaving comments.

It kinda bugs me a little, I don't like not knowing who said something to me.

And, how am I supposed to reply to someone that is Anonymous?

As of yet, I haven't had anything offensive left.......yet.

But I am sure it will happen.

I am sure I will be left feeling totally violated.

BUT, I don't want to have to make my blog private.

I don't want all of my comments left for others to now be Anonymous.

Any suggestions?!

*btw.....to the person who left the last Anonymous comment:

I read your info, and it's not the same thing. In fact, I disagree with using hot sauce, I think it is cruel. A dab of vinegar would NEVER cause the tongue to swell or any adverse side effect similar to that.

Yuck.

2009-07-07T07:49:00.000-07:00

Better than time out.

Better than losing toys.

Better than spanking.

A lil dab of this on the tongue, straightens him right up!

Best thing ever.

We call it Yuck.

Boom-Boom.

2009-07-05T07:24:00.001-07:00

He LOVED it!

Doesn't it look like this firework is right next to them?

He kept reaching for the sky saying "Boom-Boom"

*I am not sure why, but this year Our fireworks here were very.....uh, minimal.

Can't wait til Boomsday!

Thrift.

2009-07-04T15:04:00.001-07:00

and the bread box was only $5

I love thrift stores.

I am in love.......ahhhh.

2009-07-02T07:13:00.000-07:00

Plasticland.

Anyone want to support Crystal's "I don't need any more shoes, but I want---um..... I admire these shoes" fund?

They have a ton more shoes and clothing, and jewelry, and home decor, and......well just go check it out. Plasticland.

I love little.

2009-06-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

I love little fingers wrapped around mine.

Little arms reaching up for me.

His little kisses when I have a "boo-boo".

Little giggles.

Little toes to play "this little piggy".

His little mind learning.

Little hugs that feel so big.

Little words.

Little body snuggled up in my lap.

His sweet little spirit.

I love that the little things make big memories.

Most of all I love that he is still little and still needs me.

More.

2009-06-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

More vacation. More pictures. More memories.

Olympic Park.

Fun.

Unbelievable mountains.

Snow in summer?

Park city.
Nice quaint little town.

Uh, excuse me little boy, that is a Bear.

This was the store that the infamous Mike Adams told off a rude lady on the street.

(Highlight of my trip! haha!.......She was extremely rude)

YUM!

More yum!

Our most favorite Missionaries ever.

We were very blessed to see grandparents on both sides of the family also!

Connor's Great Great Grandma (Daddy's side), and Connor's Great Grandfather(Mommy's side)!

Great trip!

Ahh....Vacation.

2009-06-25T14:20:00.000-07:00

We just got back this week, from a vacation of many firsts.

We had a lot of fun, and I didn't want to come home.

Connor's first time on an airplane.

These things were the coolest invention ever, especially when you are trying to entertain two small children in an airport when you have a two hour layover. Uh-hm.

It was a bunch of tiny umbrellas that came together to form a big umbrella. When a person would walk in front of it, the little umbrellas would all scatter, then re-group again.

Genius.

Our first time in Utah.

Our first time at the Salt Lake Temple.

Absolutely. Beautiful.

Yes, he managed to get in this fountain a couple of times.

More to come......

It's the small things in life.....

2009-05-28T14:26:00.000-07:00

That bring us joy.

I don't wanna grow up!

2009-05-22T20:57:00.001-07:00

Ahh, to be a kid again.......

Orange.

2009-05-21T11:44:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is about this color that I am so drawn to.

But even better than the color, was the price.

These beauts were half off!

$2.50 baby!

What an example.

2009-05-16T22:01:00.000-07:00

Every night he races up the stairs so he can be the first to kneel.

Beauty.

2009-05-11T09:05:00.001-07:00

$5.00 Flower bundles at Wal-mart. Totally worth it.

Oh Mama!

2009-05-09T12:46:00.000-07:00

I got my Mother's Day present early!

Isn't it beautiful?

Etsy.

2009-05-06T19:58:00.000-07:00

I am now selling my work on Etsy!

I am excited about this venue of selling.

Check my store out here.

Katie.

2009-05-02T21:10:00.001-07:00

I had the opportunity to take Katie Freestone's Senior portraits for her.

It was so much fun going to the stables and working with her and the horses.

Here are a few of my favorites.

Incredible.

2009-04-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

STOMP.

Hands down, the best show I have ever seen.

They wouldn't let us take in cameras, so I have added a clip with a similar act.

AWESOME! A MUST SEE!

Little Boy Knees.

2009-04-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

Ouch.

Outside.

2009-04-26T20:17:00.000-07:00

The outdoors can afford you so much fun.

Playhouse.

Caterpillars.

Except this......

Yes. This. IS. A. Black. Widow.

Not so much fun.

Inheritence.

2009-04-17T20:48:00.001-07:00

So, Connor did actually take after me with a few things.

Big brown eyes.

Clumsy.

NOT a morning person.

Doesn't like anything on his hands.

But this is the best ........

His aim isn't quite as good as mine, but he's getting there!

Easter Bunny.

2009-04-11T15:36:00.000-07:00

I went out to get in my car, and guess what I found?!

A baby bunny nestled in the grass in my front yard.

He didn't mind having his picture taken at all.

I even got to pet him once before he hopped away.

It's good to have a friend.

2009-03-29T13:20:00.000-07:00

What child labor laws?!

2009-03-21T19:39:00.000-07:00

Ooooooh yeah!

That's what I'm talkin' about!

Train 'em up right!

That's all I'm sayin.

Wanna see something cool?

2009-03-20T07:24:00.000-07:00

Check out this website to make shadow paintings!

Your kids can do it, heck, I am gonna do it!!

Smile.

2009-03-13T18:27:00.000-07:00

"I would like to have you smile because after all we must keep a sense of humor whatever comes. I think, of all the people in the world, we should be the happiest. We have the greatest and most joyous message in the world. I think when we get on the other side, someone will meet us with a smile (unless we go to the wrong place and then someone will grin), so let us be happy. But let our happiness be genuine - let it come from within"

President Hugh B. Brown, The Abundant Life

Sooooo...........Smile!!

One dollar.

2009-03-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

Connor is learning his ABC's.

$1 at Walmart!

Two.

2009-03-06T18:22:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it.
We celebrated Connor's birthday tonight with the rest of the family.

Skatetown........ooooooh ya!

Connor insisted I carry him while skating.

He blew out his candle all by himself!

I had to include this pic. Mike mid-fall!

Oh, good times.

Fifteen.

2009-03-03T21:05:00.000-08:00

That's the number of pounds I still have to lose to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight.

Tonight is when it happened.

I was leaving the gym (aka my second home)

When a guy comes up to me.

Guy: "No offense or anything (never good to start a sentence like that)"

Guy: "But, you keep working out like you do, and you're gonna look great one day"

Me: "I sure hope so"

Guy: "Oh you will, you work out on that machine like a champ!"

Seriously. Seriously?!

Did someone really just say that to me?

Wait.

Was that an insult or a compliment?

or both?

Either way, I took it the way I took it.

Reality check.

So starting this week, strict diet.

You're goin' down fifteen!

These boots are made for walking.......

2009-02-28T12:39:00.000-08:00

And that's just what they'll do!

I am so over the top, stupid excited about this:

2009-02-25T20:37:00.000-08:00

Adobe Photoshop!

This is why I love birthdays (and my parents!)

Realizations.

2009-02-25T08:57:00.001-08:00

Things I have recently realized.

I LOVE to sew!

I Love to Blog.

I don't like scrapbooking (I have tried, I just can't get into it)

I like writing in my journal.

I think it is beyond cute when Connor says he found a "ock" or when he is "orry" ("rock, sorry") It makes my heart melt.

I despise cooking (I know, that is bad)

I really want to learn to play the piano.

I LOVE being married.

I know, I know........

2009-02-21T09:05:00.000-08:00

Enough daydreaming about my son being a professional basketball player!

It's just that he LOVES basketball and is very ambitious.

Who says I can have high aspirations for my 2 year old child?

Tell it like it is Son!

2009-02-18T19:53:00.000-08:00

Sorry it's so blurry, it was taken with my camera on my phone!

I need your help.....again.

2009-02-16T17:12:00.000-08:00

Is it a

C? or G?

or neither?

Opinions Please!!

Scarred for life.

2009-02-11T07:12:00.000-08:00

[disclaimer: Prepare to be horrified. You've been warned.]

So I am driving down Broadway on my way to St. Mary's for a doc appointment. I get stopped at the traffic light to make a right turn in front of Fulton high.

Sitting there waiting [tapping fingers to music], I start looking around.

I peer over to my right, and mortified, I do a double take.

What. Is. That. Man. Doing?

[Bare butt shining like a full moon. I think I hear coyotes howling.]

Crouched down, with his pants down around his ankles, I see more of his business than I care to.

About this time, he reaches for a shirt and starts wiping his rear end.

[shrieks of horror escape me]

No. I. Am. NOT. Kidding.

This man was busy with his "#2" right there in broad daylight on Broadway.

Ladies and gentlemen I will be checking myself into the psychiatric ward immediately after this post. Please send gifts and well wishes.

I can honestly say I have seen it ALL.

He shoots....He scores!

2009-02-09T17:20:00.000-08:00

It was finally sunny out.

I should've been doing laundry, and cleaning, and work for the business.

Buuuuut.

We played outside instead.

He's quite the basketball player.

2 out of 3 ain't bad.

NBA here we come...Mama needs a new pair of shoes!

Perspective.

2009-02-04T19:24:00.000-08:00

Funny how it changes.

Situation:

I over heard some high school girls at the gym talking about when the came in and the "short, old lady at the front" told them something.

Whaaaa?

I say that because I know what short, old lady they are talking about. Short-yes, Old-no. She may be in her 40's.

This got me thinking how much our viewpoints change as we get older and wiser.

Remember when we were teenagers and everyone over the age of 25 seemed to be soooo mature and if you were over 40 then forget it, you may as well have one foot in the grave! I can remember thinking that you were "officially" an adult when you turned 30. Well that is only 2 short years away from me, and I don't feel OLD at all! I look at the people around me in my life that are 50+ and they seem to be so vibrant and young. Change in perspective? Why did anyone that age seem soooo old when we were younger?

Sooooo over it!

2009-02-02T10:12:00.000-08:00

Winter.

Whining.

No playing outside.

It's all a very nasty combination that is taking me to the brink of insanity. Connor's toys have lost their "luster" and he is no longer interested. He doesn't like the snow, and it is too cold to go to the park. The playground at the mall...well, let's face it, it's inside! So it doesn't really count as a "playground". We have tried every possible thing to make the indoors exciting. We draw, we read, we chase each other, we sing and dance. I've even given in to letting him watch Elmo more than I'd like. Things are good for a while, then when Elmo is over.....the drama (aka whining) starts again. "Oh Elmoooooo, Elmoooo!" The persistant, heart felt cries for the one he loves so much are draining. All of these things combined is why I AM OVER IT! My child needs some kind of activity, and he is only happy outside!! What's a mommy to do?!?!

ANY suggestions?

The time has come.....

2009-01-31T13:46:00.001-08:00

Connor has moved to a big boy swing.

Camera phones are so handy!

C'mon, Is he really that bad?!?!

2009-01-24T17:10:00.000-08:00

Cool craft for you and your kiddies.

2009-01-24T09:15:00.000-08:00

Check it out at daisy yellow.

My newest letter.

2009-01-23T16:00:00.000-08:00

Is it an obvious "E"?

What do you think?

"Connor, Clean up."

2009-01-23T15:47:00.000-08:00

So he did.

"Honey, let's do the grocery list"

"Check the fridge for me, will ya?"

"Milk-check"

"Eggs-check"

"Cheese-check"

"Nerf gun darts-check"

"Block-check"

"Airplane-check"

"Looks like we're good here, hon"

There are just some things that need to be refrigerated.

This sums it up beautifully....

2009-01-20T15:20:00.000-08:00

"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing Sister Schenk's lawn. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor's children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived."

--- Marjorie Pay Hinckley

I really like all of Sister Hinckley's writings and her infinite wisdom.

Ponder?

Shall we?

Yes, I stole this quote from Katie's blog.........Sorry, I just really like it.

Finally!!!

2009-01-19T08:33:00.000-08:00

Snow!!!

I am just so excited it's not rain!

Our back yard looks like a Winter Wonder Playland!

Don't let your kids dress themselves.

2009-01-19T08:21:00.000-08:00

Or this is what happens.

At least he has on matching socks.

I can honestly say.....

2009-01-08T15:30:00.000-08:00

I have NEVER sewn before. Ever.

I got this nifty little "beginners" sewing machine for Christmas from my mother.

So I went out and bought all sorts of remnants (no need to start buying the expensive stuff, when I have nooooo clue what I am doing, right?)

So, I made a little.....

........well what is it? Jenny, some help here.....

(You see I stole the idea from her, she made one for Connor once)

Anyway, I was so proud of myself....pretty good, huh?

[Applause]

I mean seriously...... for not ever having so much as touched a sewing machine, more less

Threading a needle

Adjusting thread tension

Drawing up Bobbin thread....Bobbin? What? Do they mean "bobby pin?"

Bobbin winding

Presser foot lifter

Turning a square corner

Zigzag stitch

Whew....

I had a lot to overcome here.

So I am pleased with my very FIRST sewing project.

Even if I don't know what it is, or when exactly I am going to use it.

Expect more showiness from me as I sew more "projects"

Good Idea Mom.

2009-01-02T21:35:00.000-08:00

"Ah, put the ball pit in the living room for Connor to play with. Don't put it upstairs in the playroom!"

Pictures do not do justice for this. It looks like a gumball machine exploded in our living room. 250 gumballs.

Good idea, huh?

Asleep. On his own.

2008-12-29T16:49:00.000-08:00

Wish it were always this easy.

Festive lights.

2008-12-27T19:38:00.000-08:00

Dolly sure knows how to do it up.

I think next year I will hire her staff to come do my place.

We decided to make one last trip to Dollywood this year with our season passes.

One word:

Mistake.

This was one of two rides Connor got to get on.

Apparently everyone and their cousin had the same thought we did.

70 degrees. Sunny. Christmas lights. Dollywood.

O Joyful.

2008-12-25T11:26:00.000-08:00

This is the first year Connor was really into Christmas.

He very much enjoyed unwrapping the gifts.

Thank you grandparents for all your wonderful gifts!

Santa fun....sort of.

2008-12-20T21:18:00.000-08:00

So at least my kid wasn't screaming.

or running for the hills.

He just could care less who santa is or that he is sitting on some strange, old man's lap.

Nothing.

No expression.....

blank.......

blah.........

yep. that sums it up.

Well mommy and daddy enjoyed it.

They had real reindeer!

wait.., wait.......is that a smile?

Oh....., some kid across the room is jumping for his lost balloon.

darn.

Nose, Choo-Choo, & Butt

2008-12-18T07:09:00.000-08:00

What do all these words have in common you ask?

Connor.

They are his new ones this week.

So, apparently he likes body parts.

Yesterday:

Mama! Mama!

What baby?

Butt!

Did you say Butt?

Butt! Butt! Butt! Butt!

[as he's patting his butt]

Glad we are nailing down the important words first.

No Fear.

2008-12-16T16:18:00.000-08:00

If Connor goes missing, this is usually where I find him.

Yikes.

Now before you go thinking I am a bad parent for letting my child climb up that high. The next shot is while I am standing up. I know, not much better, it's still high for him. What can I say, he is all boy, and fear did not come equipped with him.

Giveaway Bonanza!!!!

2008-12-14T12:29:00.000-08:00

1) Ok up first we have a Super-CALLY-fragalistic giveaway over at Calico.

She is a super talented friend of mine that is giving away some of her wonderful creations! Check her out! Click here.

2) Next we have MerMag. She is an awesome illustrator/artist who is giving away a PERSONAL PORTRAIT of your choice. Wow, how cool is that! Click here to check it out!

3) Finally, this is a site I ran across through a friends. DesignMom is having a twelve days of Chirstmas giveaway event! They have TWELVE different giveaways! Check out their site to see all of them! Great stuff! Click here.

I love FREE, I love GIVEAWAYS!! Enjoy!

Bounce house.

2008-12-13T12:17:00.000-08:00

Whoever thought of this concept is a genius.

Warm, indoor, inflatable fun.

I'm no Betty Crocker.

2008-12-10T16:10:00.000-08:00

But I learn quick.

The first batch...well..uh..let's just say it was a learning experience.

I got the fire out pretty fast actually.

Exhibit A

Mm-hmm. I filled the pans way to full, and they bubbled over and the drippings caught on fire.(uh, nooooo I wasn't thinking clearly, and didn't place a pan underneath to catch the drippings.)

"Fire! Fire!" I screamed in shock. I mean true shock. Like I said, I am no Betty Crocker, and I've never baked bread or cake or much of anything. I've also never caught the oven on fire, so a shock it was!

Since I catch on quick the second batch went much better. Nice to look at, and yummy as well!

Exhibit B

Ah. Much better.

Maybe there is hope of me becoming domesticated after all.

Spit shine.

2008-12-05T18:52:00.000-08:00

Haha......just watch the video.

Mmmmm....tastes like chicken.

Check it out.

2008-12-03T14:19:00.000-08:00

I LOVE this site! Ziggity-Zoom has fun for all ages. I especially like the art.

They are giving away this print as a giveaway on Bloggy Giveaways.

Ziggity-Zoom.

Check it out.

Color pages.

Games.

FREE monthly art....ya, I said FREE.

This is this months FREE art. Cute huh?

Knows no stranger.

2008-12-02T20:12:00.000-08:00

Connor will climb up in anyones lap and be their friend.

Nice gloves Elder Jackman.

Once a year...

2008-11-28T11:30:00.000-08:00

Sweet potatoe souffle.......Mmmmm.

Yes, I actually can cook.

And, of course I had a helper.

Cookies, and rides, and trees......Oh my!

2008-11-26T19:55:00.000-08:00

We went to the Fantasy of Trees tonight.......

Aaahh.....what can I say, it really is a fantasy place!

They had TONS of gingerbread houses, this was one of my favorites.

Connor made his own cookie!

Then he ate it.

....Merry-Go-Round....

I Loved the blue trees!

Flashback......

2008-11-22T14:20:00.000-08:00

I went through some of my old photos of Connor.....

Travel back in time with me.....

Where does the time go?

Why do they have to grow up?

My heart tightens up everytime I know he still needs me.

I need him to need me.

The joy a tiny smile brings.

I actually miss the nights when I was up with him.....just the two of us.Tiny hugs, tiny kisses Only so little for so long.

Babies just don't keep.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

2008-11-21T06:04:00.000-08:00

I absolutely LOVE Christmas......

Christmas is so nostalgic for me.

The LOVE that is shared.

The PEACE that you feel.

The DECORATIONS.

The CHARITY that swells within our hearts.

And of course...The PRESENTS!

(not for me...I love giving them!)

We put up our tree. I am so excited about it. I did black and silver this year. Beautiful.

Little did you know.....

2008-11-18T11:27:00.000-08:00

Connor is a cover model!!

Click here http://parenting.com/cover to see your child on the cover of Parenting magazine!

Wuh?...When?..Channel Surfing?!?

2008-11-17T06:04:00.000-08:00

When did this happen??? When did my son learn to channel surf? He picked up the remote this morning, turned the tv on, flipped through about 15 channels, found Mickey, and put the remote back. Wuh.........?!?! We're gonna blame these new found skills on Dad

yup, that must be who he learned them from!

Sunday best and cuteness!

2008-11-16T14:39:00.000-08:00

I LOVE sweater vests!

Baby it's cold outside!

llittle boy mischief

Torture.

2008-11-13T19:57:00.001-08:00

My child.

I torture him.

I change his diaper.

I brush his teeth.

I wipe the unknown slime and goop off his face.

I dress him in warm clothes.

I feed him.

What every happened to this being Love? When did it become Torture? Or is it just my child who seems to be tortured beyond comprehension by these things?

Kicks, screams, tears, tantrums.........Torture!