flat yeast bread

wordy Wednesday

2012-01-25T13:41:00.000-06:00

*watching the plow*

*climbing the snow pile*

*snowball fights*

*snow angels*

*sledding*

*making foot prints*

*seeing animal tracks*

*drinking hot cocoa*

*sitting by the fire*

*what's not to love?*

One Month

2012-01-23T15:46:00.003-06:00

Happy one month, to my little Essex!

The only way

2012-01-20T13:30:00.002-06:00

To get anything done around here.....

(feeding the little one while making dinner for the rest....awesome!)

I heart faces {best face of 2011}

2012-01-09T09:53:00.001-06:00

My 'best face' comes from early 2011.

A great interaction between Coralee and he cousin, while playing at the Children's museum :)

You Capture {top 10 of 2011}

2012-01-05T11:35:00.001-06:00

Getting back into the photo challenge scene :)

Starting with 'you capture', digging up my top 10 photos from 2011

is an easy way to get back in the groove.

Looking back, between being pregnant and having a computer die,

it was a slow year in the photo department

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-04T10:00:00.001-06:00

Capturing all 16 grand kids on Christmas morning.

A RAW new year....

2012-01-01T07:47:00.001-06:00

A forced 'resolution' of sorts....

I had it all worked out, after getting our new computer, to get photoshop up and running ASAP.

Well, 'all worked out', didn't exactly work out. I've thought about messing around with one of the many great free options out there, but I have decided, instead, to spend this time trying to improve my SOOC shoots.

I'm not sure how long this will last, as I'd like to get photoshop back yesterday,

but from now until whenever, I'll be posting all SOOC photos :o

and I resolve to improve my photography skills by doing so.

I've learned at this point not to make it any sort of 'assignment' for myself.

I'm not promising to take/post a photo every day for the year, or make any sort of 'quota' for myself.

I'm just going to do my best to plan out photos, and take them with the intention of making them look great form the start.

I've really fallen in love with post processing,

so I feel like this is stretching me a bit, but stretching is good.

Here we go....

Now wipe the drool off your chin.

Seriously, how could you go wrong when taking pictures of the cutest little dude on the planet?

And then there are these two crazy kids....

We get home from the hospital, and Haakon decides it's time to be potty trained!

It's about time, and thankfully, he is doing quite good on his own, with little work from my end of things.

Coralee and this dress.... yikes.

It's become a favorite of hers. My mom made it for me when I was 5(ish),

and Coralee thinks that is the coolest thing ever.

I'm always sure to let her wear it on days that we are staying home, so that it's conveniently in the wash anytime we're out and about.

Starting to feel like we're settling in to our new normal,

and excitedly looking forward to 2012!

Baby Essex { a birth story}

2011-12-29T10:40:00.001-06:00

Wednesday December 21st, I had an appointment to see my midwife, at 4 days past my due date, and with my blood pressure going up (again) I couldn't avoid the induction talk. Reluctantly we scheduled one for Tuesday the 27th, but I was going to do everything I could to avoid it......induction was NOT a part of my VBA2C birth plan.

In a last ditch effort to 'help things along' my midwife stripped my membranes. I honestly wasn't holding my breath that it would work, but by the time we were on our way home, I could already see a difference in my contractions, and quickly realized that, I WAS going to have this baby on my own BEFORE the induction date (praise God!).

The contractions continued to progress through the evening and into the night.

I was SURE the baby was going to share a birthday with my best friend on the 22nd.

So we packed up, brought the kids to my brothers house, and headed to the hospital.Things kept up at about the same pace all night. Not getting stronger, but not letting up. Something needed to give. I either needed a break from the contractions, so I could get some sleep, or I needed to see some progress.As Thursday morning dawned, the contractions finally began to lighten up and space out.

BUMMER!

I was not happy to make to 'walk of shame' out of the hospital with no baby, but I knew I needed the break, and I knew it wouldn't be too long before we were back.

I had put a call into my mom that night so she was planning on coming up in the morning,

it was great she came, because after a completely sleepless night, I was able to rest/sleep on the couch ALL DAY. I remember 'coming to' a couple times through out the day to eat, but mostly I was passed out resting up for a another long night.....

Thursday evening as we got the kids ready for bed, the contraction picked up again.

They progressed quickly, and within a few hours were very regular at 3-4 minutes apart.

I actually hadn't been timing the contractions myself, but my mom had been listening to me breath from the other room, and like any good worried mother, came out to say

"they're really close, are you sure you can make it there in time!"

(we had an hour drive to the hospital).

Way to freak me out mom! ;)

We made it to the hospital around 1:00am on Friday 23rd.
Being a VBA2C, I had to be on continuous monitoring, and have a hep-lock placed,
I had thought about refusing one or both, but decided to just let them be. In the
end neither bothered me at all, and I think it helped that the nurses had a little extra peace of mind.
When first checked, I was at about 5cm and fully effaced.
I was THRILLED, seeing as I was a tight 2cm and only %50 effaced just 24hours earlier.
Everything was looking good and I was ready to start laboring in the tub.
Unfortunately for me, we had to wait for my midwife to come check me out, AND they wanted to see a little more progress before letting me jump in.
And so, I pressed on,
finding no relief at all in the many techniques I had so look forward to trying.
Somehow the nice squishy birth ball felt like I was sitting on pole.
The birth stool (kind of like sitting/squatting on the toilet) felt the same.

All I could do was stand and either hunch over or squat down with each contraction.

Finally my midwife arrives...I have no clue what time,
it felt like forever, but looking back it could not have been that long.
She checks me, and because the baby is still pretty high, she can't get a good feel for how far along I am.
The only way for her to tell is to try and check during a contraction. I really did try to let her, but as that contraction came on, and I was laying on my back being checked, I was suddenly not so cooperative.
She still couldn't tell for sure, but we were pretty sure I was complete....
Ok, I was sure I was complete, I don't know what she thought.
She also wasn't sure at this point if my water had broke or not.
After what felt like hours (probably more like 30-40min) of contemplating how far along I was,
I was finally let into the tub.
It. Was. Heavenly.
My first contraction in the tub, and I felt myself pushing a little, and I couldn't stop it.
I feel like I always hear of people feeling like this hours before 'real' pushing begins, so I just let my body do it's thing and I didn't say anything.
Second, and third contraction in the tub, and more unstoppable pushing.
Fourth contraction in the tub, more pushing, and then I feel something coming out....
John yells to the nurse so I know now it's not just in my head.
My midwife was just walking in, my bag of water was bulging out, she grabs it and pops it.
Just like that I can feel baby slide back UP. Not a good feeling.
Turns out, my midwife had just come in to get me out of the tub. Baby's heart rest was not doing well at all, and they need to get a better monitor on him.
They whisked me, 'kicking and screaming', out of the tub, and back to the bed.
I couldn't do this.
Since I began planning an unmedicated birth 5 years and three kids ago, not ONCE did I imagine I would be in bed, pushing from my back.
This was all wrong, and I just knew I couldn't do it this way.
My *picture perfect* birth was gone, and I suddenly felt like everyone was doing whatever they wanted to me, and I didn't like it. I felt myself becoming very uncooperative, and even more pessimistic about seeing this birth through.
A couple minutes later, baby had an internal monitor on his head, and I was told to push.
I couldn't though. Pushing felt all wrong in bed. The position just seemed like it was totally conflicting with what my body was trying to do.
I think it was two or three contractions later when my mind started to clear a little.
I started to see the concern on the nurses face, and I started actually listening to my midwife.
As I began to actually listen, I could hear my midwife telling me, we needed to get baby out ASAP, he wasn't doing well, and we needed to hurry. I heard as a nurse left to call in my back up OB in case they needed to use the vacuum.
I had heard enough, and got my focus.
I had already lost the water birth, there was NO WAY they were going to use that vacuum.
Baby need to come out, and I was the only one who could make that happen.
Once I was able to set my mind to it, it was only about 5 more contractions before he was out.
I got to hold him for a second, but he wasn't crying, and because his heart rate had been so low, he was quickly taken from me again. As they took him from my arms I quick looked to see if baby was a girl or boy.....It's a BOY! (I knew it!)
Another small thing that I had SO look forward to, resting with my slimy baby on my chest, gone.
I watched as they looked him over, still no crying, but also, no concern on the doctors face.
A few more minutes passed, and still no crying.
Finally they handed my quiet little baby back to me, perfectly pink and healthy, just quiet.
Born at 4:54 am, on December 23rd.
(40 weeks 6 days)
Weighing in at 8lbs 14oz (seriously can't I just say 9lbs?)
It wasnt what I had dreamed, but it was perfect, and beautiful.
I had done the impossible.

It was over an hour before we got a full cry out of our little man!
and 6 days later, his personality hasn't changed.
A good eater and a good sleeper, the boy hardly makes a peep.
I keep wondering how long it can last like this.
Surely he won't be this easy forever, right?

Hey there little red riding hood.....

2011-10-31T01:30:00.000-06:00

You sure are looking' good....

You're everything that a big bad wolf would want......

Nesting.....

2011-10-28T15:30:00.004-06:00

(@ 31 weeks)

Don't you just LOVE a successful day of nesting?

Sure, there might be a load of dirty dishes in the sink,

there might be Mac & Cheese still stuck to the table from lunch,

and there may be a real need to run the vacuum through the house.

BUT

There is a 'new' bunk bed half assembled in one room,

one bed moved to a new room, the toddler bed has been converted BACK into a crib,

and clothes have swapped dressers.

PHEW!

and the cheery on top......

Halloween costumes have been completed, and even photographed.

(photos to come soon :)

Now I guess I should clean the kitchen.

Head above water

2011-10-18T13:32:00.004-06:00

A few weeks ago, I was in denial and seriously overwhelmed with 'stuff'.

Well, I got one wedding worth of editing DONE and another is not far behind.

I'm actually starting to feel like I can breath again! And that's a pretty good feeling.

To celebrate, I took a little break today, and edited a few personal photos!

What a joy!

I think forgot how much I loved photographing, and editing the simple beauty that I see every day.

** 60 days (+ - ) to go! **

... but who's counting?

Squirmy Worm {baby update}

2011-10-04T13:37:00.001-06:00

I thought I might be due for a little baby update.

Plus I have some pregnancy 'goals' I've been meaning to post for about 6 months now.

There more as a reminder for myself, but I want to get them 'out there'.

Here I am today, 29 weeks and 3 days.

I'm feeling all around pretty well, I just wish I had another inch or os of torso.

I can't do much about that though, so I live with it.

As some of you may know I had preeclampsia with Haakon, so we've been keeping

an eye on that. So far my blood pressure has been perfect at every appointment,

and I haven't had even a hint of swelling (my wedding ring even still fits)!

I have, however had a 'trace' of protein in my urine at the last two visits,

which can be completely normal, but it does have me a little on edge.

I'm still down about 10lbs from my pre pregnancy weight,

but seeing as I was, well...... HUGE before

I'm not going to complain.

Not to mention baby is growing just fine,

I still have plenty of stored energy to provide ;)

Within a week of Haakon's birth I had come up with a

list of goals for my next pregnancy. Even though I had no clue if

there would ever be a 'next pregnancy', I knew what I was going to be aiming for.

Over all, I'm just shooting for a 'normal' birth experience.

1) A healthy pregnancy. I really want to avoid any and all complications....obviously.

I'm doing well so far in the pre-e department (though I often remind myself that all was well last time too, until 3 days before Haakon was born). I just barely squeaked by the gestational diabetes test, and I'm borderline anemic, so all that combined as me walking a thin line with this goal.

On another note, I've been very consistent with my workout routine.

I've been hitting up the gym for 1 1/2 to 2 hours every week day.

I'm convinced that this has helped me feel better and stay healthy in many areas.

Hopefully I can hang on for the last couple months.

2) 38 weeks. Even though Coralee was full term, I was still only 37 weeks.

Like I said, I just want this to be as normal as possible,

and it's more likely then not my last pregnancy, so I figure lets milk it for all it's worth.

Obviously I really don't have any control here, but it's more for my state of mind.

**I'm already having a hard time sticking with this one :/ there have been a number of days I

find myself wishing for a "as soon as it's safe" delivery, and that is exactly the state of mind I want to avoid.**

3) Labor. Yep, pretty simple, I just want to labor. I didn't have more then a few hours to labor with Coralee and no labor at all with Haakon.

Even if I don't get a VBA2C I want to at least labor for as long as possible.

I know what you're thinking "sure you say you want that NOW, wait until your in it".

and I'm sure you're right, at least to a point, but as long as it's safe for me and the baby, it's

just something I want.

Not laboring, for me, would be like driving to the grand canyon with a blindfold on.

4) VBA2C. Vaginal birth after 2 cesareans. I really don't even know what to expect here,

seeing as I've never really labored. I do know I have a great couple of midwives, who I trust

will do everything they can to help me.

babywearing photos

2011-10-03T15:16:00.001-06:00

I had the pleasure of taking photos of some friends and fellow babywearers this weekend.

I have TONS of other work I need to be doing, but I couldn't resist just a few edits :)

Two and a half months? Really?

2011-09-30T12:09:00.001-06:00

I'm in denial today!

I'm in denial that tomorrow is October!

I'm in denial about the amount of photo work I need to catch up on,

I'm in denial about all the 'stuff' we need to buy right now,

and I'm in denial about the fact that I have COMPLETELY neglected this blog for 2.5 months!

Here is the scoop...

since my last post,

I've shoot two weddings (never thought I would get into weddings at all, so two is a lot!),

we got a new ~~car~~ minivan,

Coralee turned 4 (nope, I didn't take a single photo of the occasion),

Our motherboard on our old computer crashed,

we got a new computer (made the big switch from PC to an imac!!!)

that still needs photoshop (hence the 'catching up on work'),

I started my third trimester,

and well, life has pretty much been going on as 'normal'.

......I'm also in denial that after a few minutes of searching, I have to accept the fact that I don't even have a photo to add to this post!

OUCH!

Hopefully we can get photoshop up and running this week,

then, with the new computer sitting nicely in our living room (rather then in the cold unfinished basement), I'll be able to quickly catch up on everything and get this blog back into "working order".

In the mean time....

I'll be trying to stay awake, while waddling (yes I'm already waddling) around after the kids.

Ice

2011-07-13T21:12:00.002-06:00

Another fun idea from Play at home mom.

It was a great one!

Honestly I'm not sure what the kids thought of it....

I was too busy taking photos of awesomely bright, melting ice.

The kids were drenched by the time we were done, so they must

have at least thought it was okay.

Let me just tell you.

If you want to try something new,

Color some water (don't skimp on the food coloring)

Put it in the freezer for.... a few hours.

I think it looks cooler when not frozen totally solid.

bring mostly frozen ice outside on a bright sunny day,

and snap away!

It's great fun!

Oh and if you have kids, they might get a little kick out of it too.

Rockin' The baby

2011-07-12T14:05:00.000-06:00

How could you pass up an opportunity to

post your favorite baby photos?

{thank you 'Things I can't say' for giving me a reason to post these photos!}

{Coralee, a few days old, trying to soak up the vitamin D}

{Coralee..... sometime in the first month}

{Haakon enjoying the swing, a few months old.

Adjusted age was about a month and a half, check out how strong he was!}

{Haakon - 3 months old}

{...and my babies together :) Usually I would have them both facing out in the swing

but with Haakon so small they were more likely to bump heads that way}

{This photo really sums up that first summer with two kid..

....beautiful!}

Is the sky the limit?

2011-07-11T12:31:00.000-06:00

I know I don't often go into parenting 'issues', and I'm sure there is a good reason for that (maybe it has something to do with my lack of writing skills.... or maybe the fact that I avoid any kind of conflict like the plague. I don't know), but I'm going to break my mold a little here a dive into breastfeeding!

I remember when Coralee was just a few weeks old,

talking to a friend (with a slightly older child) about how long

we would breastfeed.

At that point, I had never really though about it,

did I need to have a number of months set in my mind?

I had NO clue, I figured I would just do it until we were done.

My friend mentioned that she was going to try to keep it up for a year.

That's the point when I specifically remember nearly falling face forward

onto my beautiful new daughter.

A YEAR! 12 MONTHS!

My mind was racing...

"this kid nurses non stop,

how on God's green earth am I supposed to do

this for a YEAR! She must be kidding,

No one can really have a kid nursing at their boob for that long.

Are we really 'supposed' to nurse that long, or is she just extreme?"

I don't remember exactly how I answered the question,

I guess it was something along the lines of

"we'll just take it a day at a time".

Now I look at that conversation (or more like my thoughts during the conversation)

and I get a good laugh.
How was I so clueless?

I really hadn't thought about breastfeeding as having 'rules',

and I guess, in reality, I still don't.

To me it was (and is) just a natural thing you do

until you and baby decide you're done.

Obviously I had NO clue when that 'natural ending time'

would be, as I seemed to think it was well before a year.

{these were taken in March}

Since that day, I have turned into one of 'thoes' moms

who delays solids, tandem breastfeeds,

nurses a child who can clearly ask for it,
and nurses past the age of two.
(all of which I said I would never do)

Between the two kids, I breastfed for 3 years, and 8 months.
I know some people go much longer, but that was plenty for me.
I was pretty happy last month when Haakon refused to nurse after falling and getting hurt.
He hadn't been nursing too often anymore, not even every day,
but I took that moment as my que that he was done. done. done.

Now, I'm enjoying a break... kind of.
All the things I could think of doing when I was done nursing,
are probably frowned upon to do while pregnant ;)
I am trying to enjoy the fact, however,
that I can get through a day without my nipples feeling like they're
going to fall off.
(have you ever nursed while pregnant?
if so, you know what I'm talking about,
OUCH!)

I've set (and broke) four limits so far.
I definitely believe that self weaning is ideal,
but considering that the average age for a child to
self wean is 4.2 years, I'm not sure I'm prepared
to continue for that long. Instead, I'm going to go
until it stops feeling like the right thing to do
(I'm thinking this will be between 2 and 3).
'Go with your gut' has been my parenting motto since day one,
and I think I'll stick with it.
So what is YOUR breastfeeding limit?

What's this?

2011-07-06T12:39:00.000-06:00

I have to admit, I have no clue where this came from or, really, who's behind it.

Maybe it means nothing, maybe it's my 15 minutes of fame.

Whatever it is.....

THANKS!

"look at that Silly guy!" - Haakon

2011-07-06T12:08:00.003-06:00

We saw this Ship in the Duluth harbor,

Haakon was in love with silly face starting back at him.

Gotta love a 2 year olds view of the world!

Touch up Tuesday

2011-07-05T13:59:00.000-06:00

Getting back into the swing of things!

SOOC: Lovin the sun flair and splashing!

Edit: Wanted coralee to be more of a silhouette, so I bumped the contrast.

Also just had to change to color tones, because well... this is just more 'me'.

Sweet shot Tuesday

2011-07-05T13:51:00.000-06:00

Check out my three boybarians for more sweet shot Tuesday photos!

We went up to the north shore of lake Superior.

We spent the morning at the beach, and headed up

to gooseberry falls for the afternoon.

It was a lovely {and exhausting}day!

Sailor and Company RAW {America}

2011-07-05T13:34:00.002-06:00

I'm slowly tyring to get back into these photo challenges.

Keeping up is even harder then I remember.

This week's Raw challenge 'might' be a little bit of a stretch.

We spent a long day in Duluth,

almost hit a giant black bear with the car,

and got home with just enough time to

smoother aloe on our backs,

and crawl into bed just as the booms

of the fireworks began.

So, you see, there were no parades,

no fireworks, and I didn't even come away with

a photo of a flag.

That, my friends is why this might be a bit of a stretch.

AMERICA:

... let me explain.

Minnesota is CLOSED.

All our lovely state parks have ugly gates across them.

So, we did what any good AMERICAN would do;

we jumped over the gate and enjoyed the lovely

Gooseberry falls

(along with about 50+ other people who did the same thing).

..... told ya it was a stretch.

{go HERE for more RAW photos}

Want to know what we jumped the gate to see?

stained by science

2011-07-03T13:23:00.000-06:00

Some of you recently saw this photo that I posted for wordless Wednesday.

I had every intention to expound on the photo Thursday, but well, if you know me at all,

you're not the least bit surprised to see that I'm just now getting to it.

I recently found play at home mom.

a group of moms with FANTASTIC ideas on how to

teach kids through good old play.
I don't think learning through play is an entirely new concept,

but I know I struggle to come up with new creative things for the

kids to do.

Plus it's so easy to fall into today's 'norm'

of pushing 'acidemics' by bombarding your kids with flash cards and workbooks.

The women at play at home mom are just full of fun, creative ideas.

Last week, we let the kids explore, and learn about

mixing things.

It started with bowls full of colored vinegar,

and 'salt and pepper' shakers filled with baking soda.

They got to see and touch the reaction

that happened when you mix vinegar and baking soda.

After that, they went on to scoop vinegar from one bowl to the next,

and they learned all about mixing colors.

It didn't take long for them to see that mixing ALL the colors

created a pretty ugly brown.

Haakon wasn't a fan of the brown, so he found my unattended

food coloring and decided he needed to

make the vinegar a pretty color again.

unfortunately the vinegar stayed brown,

and only his feet changed colors.

We look forward to our next little science experiment

which will include corn starch and water

...... and likely more food coloring.

wordless wednesday

2011-06-29T14:23:00.000-06:00

Hopefully I'll get a post, explaining this photo, up tonight or tomorrow.

For now though,

it's wordless........

Have you noticed?

2011-06-27T13:33:00.000-06:00

Have you noticed that we like to bike around here?

It's true.

With only one car, I tow our bike trailer all over town.

When we're not running errands on the bike, you can find the kids

crusin' around our culdisac.

Haakon has been asking, more and more, to ride Coralee's big "pedal bike"

So we went ahead and upgraded Coralee to a BIG 16" bike..... it"s still a little too big,

but she can get on and off ok. Not to mention, she loves it!

Haakon then, has been working on the "pedal bike". At 28 months, he has got the balance part

down, and is working on 'keep peddaling'. He's not quite making the connection between pedaling to move and therefore staying upright. He things he can just pedal a couple times and coast it out for a while.

I heart faces {a touch of whimsy}

2011-06-27T12:40:00.001-06:00

What better way to come back into blogging world,

than with an i heart faces challenge?

{touch of whimsy}

Workin' it out.

2011-06-26T22:08:00.000-06:00

So here's the deal.

I want to come back to blogging.

I'm just not sure yet, what exactly it'll look like.

My photography is feeling VERY rusty, and I'm sure it's

due to the fact that I'm not displaying any of my photos.

I didn't realize just how much blogging was sharpening,

my photography skills.

So I think I need blogging for that purpose.

So here I am!

I think I might try to jump back on to some of the weekly challenges.

Hopefully I'll be able to keep up :)

Bowlus, Minnesota - and a growing baby.

2011-06-15T13:09:00.000-06:00

A couple of weeks ago, we loaded the kids into the bike trailer and took off on a 30 mile bike ride.

Our lovely ride (on the Soo line trail) took us right through Bowlus, MN. From the "trail side cafe" to the lovely central park with giant tire swing, the town has done quite a good job at making it's "quaintness" something to really draw in bikers. I hope to do the ride again before I get too huge.

As for that Christmas present I told you all about in my last post?

He/She is doing great!

At my first appointment with my midwife, she said I felt like I was 14 weeks!

This as a bit of a shock seeing as I was still a day shy of 11 weeks.

The discrepancy, however, got me an unexpected look at the little bugger,

and it was nice to see 'it' wiggling around in there.

The baby was measuring right on track, and apparently I'm just carrying

very high, and that is why she thought my uterus felt further along.

Here I am now, nearing 14 weeks, feeling GREAT,

but trying to find a good balance between staying positive, and

planning for the worst (the worst being, getting pre-e again, and having another preemie).

I feel pretty confident though, and I'm loving my midwife, so hopefully things will go my way :)

WE'RE SO EXCITED!

2011-05-11T12:49:00.000-06:00

We are so excited here, I just HAD
to come blog about it.
Why, you ask, are we so excited?

Quite a few reasons really,

lets get started.....

First of all, it's spring in Minnesota!

Second, there is mud for digging!

Third, said mud yields worms for pets!

Fourth, we're putting lots of miles on our bikes!

Fifth, flowers are blooming!

Sixth, frogs are being found once again!

BUT MOST OF ALL......

We're excited for this coming Christmas!

We have quite the little gift on the way ;)

Last words.....

2011-03-13T20:00:00.002-06:00

So you're driving down the road, and you witness a terrible accident. You're the first to the car, where you find a man clinging to his last breath. He pulls all his energy together, to slur out six last words "tell my wife I love her". He then closes his eyes and breaths not another breath.
Now you have been asked by a stranger to carry out this simple task. How do you prioritize accomplishing this task? "oh I better go home and blog about this....maybe she'll see my post" or do you blow it off thinking "eh, that would be an uncomfortable conversation, I'm sure someone else will tell her, or better yet, I'm sure she already knows". I would venture to guess, that most people would take that responsability rather seriously you would be happy to bring her a sliver in comfort in knowing her husbands last thoughts were with her.

I've been feeling convicted lately about NOT taking Jesus' last words seriously. We can't try to pretend that His last words were just a simple suggestion. Nope, they were a serious command. A serious command that many of us think 'is for other people'.

So what were his last words? What is this serious command we've all been ignoring?
"19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." {Matthew 28:19&20}

I don't know what you guys guys think, but thats a pretty big task to carry out! Yet, at the same time, it's so simple "go and make disciples". There really isn't anything too tricky about that, I don't need to organize an elaborate no-profit to help people with an obscure disease, I don't need to make a 5 step plan on how to become a Christian. Just, make disciples. How do you do that? Well, Jesus did it by investing years of his life in the relationships with his disciple. So, I think that could be a good place to start.

I know one thing for sure, this blog is doing SQUAT to make disciples. It's fun and all, but God is showing me that I have a responsibility to Him first,and this is taking away from that. So I'm taking a step toward that great commission, I don't know exactly what it'll look like, but I'm going to go and make disciples.

Good bye. It's been a blast, and you all have been true inspirations to my photography. Thanks.

Maria

{ps: go read 'Radical' by David Platt, it might change your life.}

Dressed for a tea party....

2011-03-11T20:21:00.000-06:00

I made this dress for Coralee a few weeks ago and I've been meaning to get it posted here for ever since.

There is nothing like seeing your daughter LOVE a dress you made. I've had pretty good luck with that so far, I guess because I know she'll love it as long as it twirls :)

If you give a three year old some yarn......

2011-03-08T14:31:00.000-06:00

she'll most certainly want a little brother to tie up...

Her little brother will remind her of messes, so she'll quickly begin to make one for herself.

After she sees the glorious mess she has made, the hodge podge of string everywhere will make her think of a nest, so she'll ask you to tie the string up in the chair so that she can be a bird.

You'll tie the string up, but there will be one little strand hanging off the edge. Your three year old will certainly see this and think of a tight rope. She quickly ask for help in stringing it from one chair to another.

After many failed attempts at tight rope walking the yarn, her concentration will break and she'll see that the strung up string looks quite a bite like a jump rope. She'll immediately give up the tight rope idea, and begin to jump back and fourth across the rope.

All this jumping will remind here again of her brother again, so she'll dash out of the room to look for him.

Now your three year old will jump to her hearts delight, until she goes back into the living room and sees the mess of string. Once she has seen that the string is still out, she call for her little brother to tie him up....

Critique this

2011-03-07T13:55:00.000-06:00

If you want to critique me you must go over the Monica's Pixel Perfect and link up too :)

I guess I would consider myself somewhere between Intermediate and pro. I have yet to charge my advertised fees, but I have charged a lower 'friends and family' fee.

This was from a recent engagement session with a life long friend of mine.

The photo was edited in Photoshop CS3

Scavenger hunt Sunday

2011-03-05T22:26:00.000-06:00

1: Diptych

{Pizza night}

2: Books

3: when I think about how my health is in the latrine, I just have to go to the gym and run....

{then come home and eat some junk food :/ Man I SUCK at that!}

4: Taste of Italy

{pitcher from Sicily}

5: Reminders

3/4/5...6!

2011-03-04T08:27:00.001-06:00

6 years ago today,

the date was 3/4/05.

I was ready to try out this thing called SEX!

Tonight, though, I'll sleep alone

while John is enjoying sunny California,

surrounded by women.

(It's okay, we celebrated last week with my birthday....

seriously Valentines, my birthday and our anniversary all within weeks.)

Happy Anniversary John,

I LOVE YOU!

before and after

2011-03-03T14:02:00.000-06:00

{Click the button for more before and after fun}

SOOC:

Edit in Photoshop CS3:

wordless Wednesday

2011-03-02T07:00:00.001-06:00

Two books

2011-03-01T14:24:00.002-06:00

That are changing my life......

Both are must reads for {Americain} Christians.

I heart faces {anything 'butt' face}

2011-02-28T20:55:00.001-06:00

So, this weeks entry isn't exactly high photographic quality, but the one I really, really wanted to enter seems to be lost :( hopefully not forever.
Anyway, since I couldn't find the first one I thought of, I decided to take the goofy route.

Scavenger Hunt Sunday {Monday} I'm back for more!

2011-02-28T13:51:00.000-06:00

Scavenger Hunt Sunday....It's fun! I never know how much I was missing out on.

It's even fun on Monday or Tuesday ;)

Capture the sky:

Everyday:

Furry:

Life:

Blurred:

In my face!

2011-02-24T13:32:00.001-06:00

You know how God can really get in your face about things?

He's been in my face lately.

Really, really in my face.
I'm seeing God shove this in my face many times a day, and I'm still finding ways to doubt and fight with God about it.

I mean, I know best right?

I'm telling you, if God is trying to take us where I think he's trying to take us

There will be Mountains to be moved, big mountains, and stubborn mountains.

I don't want to go into any detail now, but I'm very excited to see the outcome of all this.

Prayer would be appreciated.....mainly for the moving of stubborn mountains.

:)

scavenger hunt Sunday {Tuesday}

2011-02-22T14:36:00.000-06:00

This blog hop falls under the "I've been meaning to do it foooooreeeevvvver, and am finally getting on top of the game to do it" category......really 'on top of my game' might not even be accurate seeing as it's Tuesday, but hey, better late than never right?

*Chocolate*

*Numbers*

*Canned Food*

*Music*

*Stack*

O-V-E-R

2011-02-20T16:30:00.000-06:00

We had such a beautiful week last week...

It was such a tease!

Temps in the 40's!

I had to remind myself repeatedly that it's only February, and we have a good two months left of winter.

Thursday, we got hit with reality, it was a beautiful 'jacket-less' morning, turned frigid evening.

Today, it's snowing, they say "6-10 inches" but I don't believe them, I'm guessing more like two....

None the less,

that beautiful spring tease, is O-V-E-R.

Photoshoot Friday {I did it!}

2011-02-18T14:48:00.000-06:00

I did a selfie for photoshoot Friday.....I even took a new photo today, just for it!

Hello, close up! Maybe I should have made this smaller....

presenting......

2011-02-18T06:00:00.002-06:00

The newest member of the family.

Everyone, please say hi to Buzz!

Two

2011-02-17T15:11:00.000-06:00

Two years ago I was completely out of it. Overdosed on magnesium sulfate, trying to sort out what my new normal would be with a little 4lb preemie.

As it turned out I had a strong healthy little boy on my hands. Besides a few weeks in the NICU to grow, my new normal was typical for a mom with two under two.

Today Haakon, is 60% for height and 40% for weight, and right on track for all developmental milestones.

He has recently learned to ride and coast on his balance bike....it's currently his favorite activity.

He also loves his planes, trains, and automobiles, feeding his baby dolls "na-nas" (not to mention getting some na-nas for himself) and watching strawberry shortcake with coralee.

Haakon is the sweetest little boy I've ever seen, he is quick to give hugs, and knows when you need a smile.

akon! {2}" />

I love you so much Haakon!

Critique this

2011-02-16T20:56:00.000-06:00

Monica over at pixel perfect has a new blog hop 'critique this'

Here is mine, it's from fall 2009 with my old camera. I've come a ways since then, and can think of a few things I would change here......but the question isn't what would I change, it's what would YOU change.

paint

2011-02-16T14:20:00.000-06:00

It'll really be fun when we can do this outside.

{not so} wordless wednesday......again :/

2011-02-16T13:34:00.000-06:00

Oh me, oh my!

It's been exactly TWO weeks since my last upload to flickr

I'm wondering.....did anyone feel the earth stop?

I've got some good news though,

it's warmed up to ABOVE freezing here and we've been playing outside!

Know what that means?

That means, that today I have TWO napping kids :) and

I've got my computer working double time here.

The bad news?

It's only February, and reality is, we still have about TWO months of winter.

Also, I think the naping is partially due to a little bug going around the house.

For now though, I'm happy with the moment.

......oh, and something about the number TWO.

It's how many years old Haakon is!!!!

Yeah, he turned two on the 10th,

and I totally missed doing a birthday post for him.

I'll have to work on that today too.

Happy Chinese new year!

2011-02-03T06:48:00.001-06:00

Happy Chinese new year!

From Coralee, Haakon, and their favorite singers "The four golden princess"

*Gold star to the first person to point out what is so very wrong with this photo*

Basement Biking {double speed, chipmunk voices and techno}

2011-02-02T14:58:00.000-06:00

The paper mama's Valentines Challenge

2011-02-02T14:01:00.000-06:00

I wasn't sure if I would be able to do this challenge in time, but I managed to pull it together today, with 2 days to spare....

I rock!

Head on over to The Paper Mama to see more Valentines, they're all great!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-02T11:08:00.000-06:00

I'm liking Wordless Wednesday lately.

It seems to be one thing I can actually find time to do.

Awesome.

Wrodless{ish} wednesday

2011-01-26T14:13:00.000-06:00

Some days, winter feels soooo long.

Today is one of thoes days, but we find ways to have fun.

Sewing...

2011-01-23T15:12:00.001-06:00

New pillows!
While going through some closets last week I came across two uncovered throw pillows.
They were burning a hole in my ~~pocket~~ sewing stash for days, before I finally got to the fabric store to do something about it.
Now that they're done, they are back in a closet so the kids don't ruin them before anyone gets a chance to enjoy them.

good bye A - Hello B

2011-01-22T22:14:00.000-06:00

Our first week of letter learning is DONE!

Trying to actually sit at teach, is tough.

It takes waaaay more patients than I thought.

I thought I had stuff planned that would be fun enough to not need (much) patients...I was wrong.

I went okay though, this will be a good trial run for considering the big

'to home school or public school' question.

We ended the week by making whole wheat cinnamon bagels

as 'A's.

I think we'll have to incorporate food every week,

it just makes it more fun.

Photoshoot friday

2011-01-20T23:46:00.000-06:00

We squeezed quite a bit of fun into our three days at my parents house last week,

but there was one thing I didn't mention......

Before and after

2011-01-20T21:11:00.002-06:00

**Click the button for more before and after fun**

SOOC:

Edit in CS3:

Wordless wednesday

2011-01-19T14:37:00.000-06:00

Letter of the week

2011-01-18T15:46:00.000-06:00

I started doing a letter of the week with Coralee.

This week is A

I also made a song to go with the letter.

I'm no composer, so give me a little break.

It goes to the tune of "rise and shine"

'A' is for animals like antelope and alligators

'A' is for animals like alpacas and anacondas

A - is - for - an - Arctic fox

now sing along with me...

Okay so I need a little help in the song department, but at least Coralee songs it with me :)

bear wearing....

2011-01-16T16:09:00.000-06:00

Baby wearing has been my life saver on many occasions.

As the kids are getting older I'm finding fewer and fewer opportunities to wear them.

The kids are finding it's fun to not just to be worn, but also to wear.

Coralee wore her baby here, but this was Haakon's first try at it....I think.

They both were thrilled to have their bears on their back :)

Before and after

2011-01-13T14:45:00.000-06:00

**Click the button for more before and after photos**

SOOC:

Edit in photoshop CS3

Cuz

2011-01-13T08:00:00.001-06:00

Coralee and Haakon have no shortage of cousins.

From my family alone they have 10 with another due this spring.

Honestly I'm not even sure of the exact number of cousins they have on John's side, 6 that we have met.

These two though are their closest cousins.

The 'big' girls are just 3 weeks apart,

and the little ones are 7 weeks apart.

They sure do have fun together...

and we're pretty sure Haakon and Emma could pass for twins.

home. back to reality.

2011-01-12T21:53:00.000-06:00

We're home from our little stay in the cities.

Coralee got to hang out with her best bud Mason,

we enjoyed an afternoon at the zoo,

we played at the children's museum,

we rode some rides at the Nickelodeon Universe,

we had a birthday dinner for my brother,

we got the meet my cousins new baby

and the kids had some fun cousin time, with their closest (in age, not distance) cousins.

All in a matter of 4 days.

Phew!

We came home to a snow filled driveway that needed to be shoveled.

The after the 'long' car ride the kids were happy to play in the snow while I shoveled.

I only wish their enthusiasm lasted long enough for me to shovel more than

just the bump from the snowplow.

Stay tuned for more photos.

There are not a ton as I realized when I got there that my battery was just about dead :/

I managed to hold back on taking too many photos, and my battery lasted for the entire trip.

Photoshoot Friday

2011-01-07T21:36:00.000-06:00

Ahh, to let somone else host a self portrait blog hop....I like that idea.

A beautiful life, started this new self portrait meme "photoshoot friday",

I'm all in.

Operation declutter

2011-01-06T23:21:00.002-06:00

*sigh*

decluttering the blog.

It feels so nice and clean.

No more distracting sidebars.

Just photos.

Bigger and better photos

(well maybe not better, but bigger for sure).

Simplicity photo challenge {white on white}

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

Before and after

2011-01-06T08:02:00.000-06:00

Wow It's been almost two months since I've done this blog hop!

SOOC:

Edit in photoshop CS3:

The tea party

2011-01-05T14:59:00.000-06:00

A juicy

controversial

political post

by me?

No Way!

I have no desire, what so ever, to 'go there' on this blog.

The only tea party talk you'll get here is

"excuse me Ms. Coralee, would you like a biscuit to go with that tea?"

"what about you sir Haakon?"

My use of "Ms. Coralee" and "Sir Haakon"

has caused Coralee to give me the nickname

"Ms. tea party sir"

I've had quite a few nicknames in my day, but this is a new one.

Get me outta here!

2011-01-04T13:23:00.000-06:00

Every year, I see myself taking less photos in the winter. It's normal. This winter, though, it's been bad. There isn't much to get out and do in our new town, and this house has such awful lighting, it's very difficult to take any photos in the house. The cabin fever is hitting me hard and I need an out!

The good news is,

I get one!!!

I'll be spending a few carefree days at my parents house next week.

Children's museum, zoo, and friends, look out

because we've been deprived of you for 4 long months.

{just cuz he's cute!}

I heart faces {best face of 2010}

2011-01-03T22:46:00.000-06:00

Click the i heart faces button to see more 'best of' photos.

{a mix of pizza and grass clippings on his face}

Memories, dream and reflections (another look back)

2011-01-03T09:44:00.002-06:00

1.Me! - picture of yourself (you don't have to show your face). What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2010?

{I'm most proud of my kids. Cliche, I know, but seriously, how could I be more proud of anything else? I'm proud of everything they do, everything they learn, and (almost) everything they say.}

2.I Love You - picture of your husband, boyfriend, children, pets, etc.

{summer 2010 family photo}

3.Still Laughing... - a moment you're still laughing about now...tell us a story.

{oh dear. This wasn't so funny at the time, but I laugh now. I set up the tripod, and set out to take some self portrait jumping photos. A few shots in, and Haakon made his way up the hill, right as I flung my arms, full strength, into the air, he stepped into the path of my arm :o Not only did I hit him pretty good, but my ring got him right in the head, and left a nice little cut. This photo is the actual hit, as he is falling to the ground in pain, and shock that mom would ever do such a nasty thing to him.}

4.Winter Wonderland - a picture that reflects Winter.

{My parents have two great sledding hills in their back yard. I didn't realize how awesome that was, until we moved to a place where we have to drive to find a good hill. I still love going home to sled on the best sledding hills ever, not to mention the yummy hot cocoa waiting just yards away inside the ~~toasty~~ drafty home.}

5.Birthday - share a birthday picture (your own or someone you love).

{This is from Haakon's 1st birthday, I can't believe his second is just 38 days away!}

6.Friends - a picture with friends (this could be your friends or your children with their friends).

{Hanging out with my best friend Emily (on the right) and our good friend Kristen (on the left)}

{Coralee at the zoo with her buddy Mason, we miss him TONS these days!}

7. I Was Inspired... - could be a picture of your inspiration (person or thing), or inspired by...

{Really I'm inspired by you, yes you! All the awesome blogs I read through, you guys inspire me the most. I didn't know how to show that in a photo though, so I went with my next inspiration. Color!}

8.Spring Fever - a picture that reflects Spring.

9.Travel or Vacation - a picture taken on vacation or on a recent travel experience, OR of a place you'd like to travel.

{Vacation? What on God's green earth is that? I'm sure that less than 24 hours in Nebraska does not count as a vacation, but that's the closest thing I've had to a vacation in years.}

10.Summer Days - a picture that reflects Summer.

11.A Day In My Life - a picture of a typical day in your life.
{Haakon has toy -- Coralee takes toy. A day in my life.}

12.All Smiles - a picture that makes you smile or of smiling faces.
{Coralee in the Chicken coop at my sister's house. How can you not smile?}

13.Autumn Harvest - a picture that reflects Autumn/Fall.

14.Family - a picture of your family or a picture that represents family for you.
{My parents, my brothers and sister, our spouses and kids :) and of course, 8 months later, this photo is already out of date and missing another baby}

15.Celebrate! - a picture that reflects a celebration.
{Easter Sunday. A day to Celebrate!}

16.Let's Do It Again... - a picture of something you'd like to do again soon.
{I want to take Coralee out ice skating again soon....it's fun.}

17.I Miss You - a picture of someone or something you really miss.
{I miss these guys TONS! Emily and I have been best friends since we were 10(ish), and her little twins are to die for. I wish we were neighbors.....or at least closer.}

18.Beautiful - a picture of someone or something you find beautiful.
{frosted trees, one of thee most beautiful things God gave us to look at}

19.Dress Up - this might be a picture from Halloween or not...but someone who is all dressed up!

20.Macro - share your favorite macro image.
{notice the wings are still curled up, this guy was fresh out of the cocoon.}

21.Holidays - a picture from the Holiday of your choice.
{Haakon, Christmas morning, with his favorite present. A cheesy Camaro that lights up and plays glam rock.}

22.My Favorite - share your favorite picture or memory from 2010.
{I love this moment to pieces}

23.Don't Ever Change - something you love about yourself, someone, or something that you never want to change.

23.Don't Ever Change - something you love about yourself, someone, or something that you never want to change.

{this is childhood. please don't ever change}

24.Just Because...So There! - share any picture(s) that you really want to share, but doesn't fit in any other category.

{I just love this little prairie dog}

25.Hopes and Dreams - share what you hope to come or dream for 2011. Feel free to share an image of your choice.

I hope to see my photography business grow (just a little, I don't want to be swamped).

I dream of seeing my kids learn and grow.
I hope to learn new ways to keep my family healthy and happy.
I dream of seeing my kids develop a relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Top 10 of 10

2010-12-31T09:01:00.000-06:00

A new tradition?

2010-12-31T09:00:00.001-06:00

It all started with my lack of planning.
All I knew is that I (and the kids) would be heading to my parents house on the 21st, John would join us on the 22nd and we would all head home on the evening of the 24th in time to get a good nights sleep for Christmas morning.
What more does one need to plan?
Well, thankfully Christmas eve, we had the wisdom to think about breakfast Christmas morning. We were pretty much all out of food at home, so we found an open grocery store and got what we needed for french toast.
That's as far as my brain could go, thinking ahead is not something my brain understands.
Christmas day, lunch time rolled around, the kids were getting hungry, and we realized we didn't really have much to feed them. We managed to get through lunch with peanut butter and honey sandwiches (the kids favorite food ever), but we didn't know what on earth we were going to do for dinner. We figured that there had to be at least one restaurant open, so we packed into the car and started driving. We were thrilled to see our favorite Japanese restaurant open and quickly went in to watch the coy fish swimming in the pond before getting seated (seriously, you can't get seated without letting the kids watch the fish for a good 5 minutes).
It was quiet, fun, and something different.
John and I tend to like things being a little different.
We decided to try to keep this up as our unique Christmas tradition.

Back in the 'bloggin' saddle

2010-12-30T21:53:00.000-06:00

I want to get back into the swing of things here in bloggy world again.
I'm loving all the 'big kid' games Coralee and I get to play at nap time, but I'm missing my blog outlet.
I'm not sure when I'll squeeze it in anymore, but I'm going to try to get going again....

Happy day

2010-12-29T20:43:00.002-06:00

Happy BIRTHDAY that is!

To my handsome husband John!

wordless wednesday

2010-12-29T15:31:00.002-06:00

"But how can we give Jesus his cake?"

2010-12-25T13:51:00.001-06:00

"you know what makes Jesus even happier than eating cake? Seeing YOU be happy!"

......and happy we are.

and on Saturday....

2010-12-20T08:52:00.000-06:00

We went ice skating!

Gymnast

2010-12-17T22:35:00.000-06:00

I have a little gymnast on my hands :)

and it's SO much fun!

Alive

2010-12-17T22:33:00.000-06:00

We're still alive.
It's been cold and snowy,
Haakon and I are all stuffed up,
but we are alive.

Praise God for that!

no nap time

2010-12-07T14:12:00.000-06:00

As you may have read about here, I'm no longer forcing Coralee to take a nap (quiet time).
It's actually been quite nice. Our nap time had turned into a daily battle and was NOT helping either of us feel better for the second half of the day. Now we do 'school time' like most three year olds she loves the idea of doing school like a big kid, and is so proud of her projects (or 'progress' as she says it) hanging around the house. She also had her fist gymnastics class this week! She is a great athlete with amazing balance, gymnastics will be great for her.
A look into our crafts....

Christmas time...

2010-12-07T14:02:00.000-06:00

Raising the white flag...

2010-12-01T21:16:00.000-06:00

I can't remember the last time Coralee slept during nap time.

So I'm raising the white flag.

Today, in a last ditch effort, I removed EVERYTHING out of her room except her bed and one blanket, and I 'locked' her closet door. It didn't work.

So I'm raising the white flag.

It's the end of an era for me. I'm not sure what this will mean for blogging, but I can't fight it any longer. Nap time is now a thing of the past. Starting tomorrow, I wont jump on the computer for 'mommy time', instead, I'll gather up coloring pages and learning activities to start some preschoolish type stuff while Haakon is sleeping.

Farewell sweet nap time, it was nice knowing you.

I heart faces {scenic B&W}

2010-11-29T13:11:00.001-06:00

*click the button for more i heart faces photos*

{Duluth, MN lift bridge}

underexposed {a semi-tutorial}

2010-11-28T21:45:00.000-06:00

Remember this bath photo from a while back?
The SOOC shot was typical of most bath time photos, it was pretty underexposed.
I tried something different with the curves and managed to bring it photo brilliance!
Okay maybe not photo brilliance, but I sure did save it from the pit of the trash bin.
I can't give you an exact tutorial for that one. There was so much back and fourth between minor curve and minor contrast adjustments, I'm sure I couldn't do it again. The basic idea of what I did, however, I have used quite a few times since then to save under exposed photos. Honestly it doesn't work on all under exposed, but I've had pretty good luck with it.

Start with an under exposed photo. One that you just can't toss because of the sweet expression on your little ones face.

This curve adjustment is what I typically do with photos. It's basically a nice contrast boost. You can see though, that it doesn't work great with the underexposed photo.

Here is the curve adjustment I do now with my underexposed photos. I pull the line up, near the top and the bottom (usually slightly more on the bottom).

Boost your contrast! Your making your subject look ghostly on the curve adjustments, and then making up for that ghostlyness on the contrast. Don't over do it though, just go as far as you can without washing out any of the bright areas.

Back to another curve adjustment. At this point I do quite a few back and fourth with very slight adjustments. I've found that giving that ghostly look in the curve adjustments, is a great way to brighten the photo while keeping the already bright areas in check. After 4 or 5 times going back and fourth, once it's just right I'll do that contrast boost with the curves, that I mentioned in the beginning, only it's a very slight one.

Another hint for brightening photos is this free redness relief action from the coffee shop blog. I've found that with just about any contrast boost comes extra redness, this is an easy way to get rid of it.

Check out my fun make-shift studio. This house has very little natural light, so this was the best I could do for lighting. It was pretty cold, but at least we were out of the wind.

A happy {white} Thanksgiving

2010-11-27T13:47:00.000-06:00

Oh there was sooo much GOOD food, and I didn't get a picture of any of it.
My sister made the best sweet potatos I've ever had! She gave me the recipe so I'll have to make it and share it with you guys soon.
It's was beautifully snowy out, we went sledding and froze in the chilly wind. It really felt much more like January than November.

The paper mama Holiday card challenge

2010-11-26T21:50:00.000-06:00

I've been SO excited about this challenge!

After days of of getting it all together,

I almost don't want to share it here before they get sent out.

I'll share it anyway, and just hope that not too many friends and family see it ;)
*(click the button up there to see more Christmas cards)*

A-Z Thanks

2010-11-24T23:57:00.000-06:00

Apples (yum!)
Boys (you know, my handsome husband, my sweet little son, my four brothers, my dad...)
Coralee
Dance shows put on by the kiddos
Eggs for breakfast
Family
Gardens
Home
Instrumentals
Jesus
Kids
Love
Mom
Nachos
Oceans
Photography
Quiet
Resurrection
Soft things
Tall white mocha
Underwear
Vegas (not a fan of the city, but it holds a special place in my heart)
Wisconsin Wilderness Campus
X-country skiing (does that count?)
Yellow
Zzzzzzzz's

Winter.

2010-11-23T13:06:00.000-06:00

Did you guys see this?
I was just slightly excited about it.

Have you heard it's winter here in Minnesota?
We've been enjoying some sub-zero windchills.
It's awesome.

It's the end of November. I need a new pair of sandals.

2010-11-20T22:55:00.000-06:00

I found this blog tonight.

{yes you should go read it}

It led me to these sandals.

And now I need new sandals in the end of November.

jumped on the bandwagon.....took my camera to Target. {bonus joy ride video}

2010-11-19T14:19:00.000-06:00

You know about the 'take photos of yourself and your kids at Target' phenomenon, right?
What?
You didn't know about it!
Well everyone is doing it.
Jess from I rock, so what. Chelsey, from the paper mama. Mandy, form a sorta fairytale,
and I'm sure there are more, because like I said everyone is doing it.
Now it's my turn.

We can't go to target without first driving to the back of the parking lot and checking for trains. Today we were in luck! An Amtrak!

Starbucks in Target....what did we do before someone thought of this?

Coralee LOVES that it's Christmas in Target (and every other retail store).
I'm not sure it'll ever be normal for her. Every time..
"*gasp* wow mommy, it's Christmas time in here!!!"

Haakon, he just likes going for a little joy ride.....

before and after

2010-11-18T13:11:00.001-06:00

As always, click the button to see more before and after photos!

I've gone old school again.
This is from when Coralee was 21 months old.
That's how old Haakon is now.
It's so weird to think of how old Coralee seemed to me here,
now of course, I look at Haakon and think of him a still being something that resembles a baby.

SOOC

Edit in CS3

wordless wednesday

2010-11-17T12:47:00.000-06:00

This little dude says.....

2010-11-16T13:56:00.000-06:00

My aunt still needs your design help!

Go here to give her your opinion.

(at the very least, I need a tie breaker)

**this is a super old photo of one my little nephews, I just did a fresh edit. Ain't he CUTE!**

**Oh and before the day is over I'll have a NEW little nephew to tell you all about!**

I heart faces {silhouette}

2010-11-15T21:47:00.000-06:00

Click the button for more I heart faces {silhouette} photos!

Saturday November 13th

2010-11-15T14:58:00.000-06:00

6:45 - wake up

7:10 - watch news, hear that the 'heavest bands of snow' will be right in my path.

7:11 - tell John snow is a part of Minnesota, you can't let it control what you will or will not do.

7:45 - Coralee and I hit the road, (for what should be an hour and a half drive) with just light snow falling.

8:10 - The snow is getting MUCH heavier. I Realize I managed to start our day without bringing any shoes for Coralee. We stop at Target.

9:29 - Or drive should have been over by now. I'm running out of gas and Coralee is screaming "I JUST WANT TO GO POTTY!"
*this is the view from the car*

9:30 - Exit the highway to stop at a gas station.

9:45 - Despite my 'okay' familiarity with the area, and the fact that I am very much in the metro, I can't seem to find a gas station. We pull into a snow filled parking lot for Coralee to 'mark her teritory'.

10:00 - While running on fumes, I finally pull into a gas station....I pull up on the wrong side of the car. I turn around, but I'm still on the wrong side of the car. I break out in hysterical laughter, seeing that a lady in another car just watched me get it wrong twice. Third time was a charm though, finally I'm able to pump gas.

11:30ish - We finally made it to my moms! I took a few minutes to take in the beauty of all the snow.... We ate lunch and relaxed.

1:30 - Head out to the baby shower

1:50 - Try to pass a stuck UPS truck on a small dirt road, not enough room to pass, I get just a little stuck. Men on hand to get me right out.

1:55 - turn around in a culdisac so I can park on the right side of the street....stuck (again). No men in sight this time. About 5 minutes of back and fourth and I'm free!

2:00 - Pull into un-plowed driveway. As soon as my wheels come to a stop I realize two things. 1) I'm at the wrong cousins house! 2) I'm stuck {again}. *I begin with the forward - reverse - forward - reverse...

2:10 - My uncle comes out (I didn't look like anyone was home because their power was out) to help me!

2:30 - I'm out!!!! Uncle gives me his cell number in case I get stuck on the hill (where the UPS truck had been)

2:33 - I'm can't get up the hill, I call my uncle.

2:43 - He comes to the rescue with snow chains on his tires.

2:44 - Neighbor with bob cat sees us and comes to plow a path for me on the hill.

2:45 - Finally on my way to the baby shower!

3:15ish - Make it to the shower!!!!!

5:35 - head back on our (thankfully) uneventful ride home.

8:00 - I'm home. I tell John that he might have been right.

Before and after

2010-11-11T14:01:00.002-06:00

First of all

THANKS

for your votes last week.

It always feels so nice to know people are looking at

and appreciating my work!

Second, I got quite a few

"how did you get that dark bathroom photo so bright?"

The answer....I messed around with my curves

(that could sound a little funny outta context eh?)

in a new way.

I'm pretty sure I couldn't do it exactly the same way again.

BUT I've used this new way of brightening a few times since then,

and while it doesn't always work so well,

it seems to be worth trying, in an effort to save a photo.

I'll post my VERY FIRST

tutorial on what I did soon.

On to this week.

Click the button to see more...

I'm taking it old school.

This is December 2007, Coralee was just 3 months old.

awwww!

SOOC:

EDIT: Photoshop Cs3

Design help!!!!

2010-11-11T12:49:00.000-06:00

Yall' (yeah, I said 'yall' so what.)

are waaay more talented in this department than I am,

(Ahem* Chelsey I might be thinking specifically of you...maybe.)

so I need your HELP!

I got this table

from my beautiful grandma

(who just celebrated her 80th birthday!)

It needs *something*

I've decided to repaint it, and cover the bottom in fabric.

I've narrowed the fabric down to these two choices.

What I need from you is

WHAT FABRIC?

and

WHAT COLOR SHOULD I PAINT IT?

Thanks for any opinions,

I can't wait to get started on it!!!!

wordless wednesday

2010-11-09T23:05:00.002-06:00