Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Lately...

Outside my window..it's snowing lightly.  it rained earlier & it's been cold this week.
Today I feel..sick 
I am thankful..for our new home! & all of the help we've received from family to get us settled!!
I am listening..to the Traveler soundtrack by Chris Stapleton on repeat these days!  i bought the album for Adam, but I'm the one most obsessed ;)
I am smelling..this Glade plug in that my MIL recommended.  so good!
Tomorrow I am going..back to work.  Finally.  I have worked a part of one day since December 22nd, so I'm super behind!
I am wearing..leggings, long sleeved tee, & a vest
I wish..I was able to start working out this week like I had planned {damn sickness}
I am planning..decor for the new house! :)
This weekend..we're planning to go to the lake
I miss..Murdock.  Always.
I am reading..Sweet Salt Air by Barbara Delinsky {great so far!}
I am working on..Getting the new house organized.  preparing for the new year.  taxes.
Yesterday I..was in bed nearly all day.  sinus infection & the flu :(
I want to..lose some weight, again
I am hoping..to get everyone healthy & then work on our winter bucket list :)
I am hearing..all the new noises of the house! {heater, fireplace, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer/dryer}
I need to..take the time to work on the kids' photo albums from the past several years. sigh.
I am excited..to set my new year's resolutions!  i know...i'm a dork!
I bet you didn't know..I still haven't uploaded Christmas photos from my camera!! {eek!}

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Happy Sunday

I'm super behind on posting everything {swimming lessons, pools/splash pads, my birthday, new daycare, etc.} I want to, so I decided it was the perfect time for a catch up post. My kids are playing on the deck in a fort I made, so we've got 10 minutes max.  Grab a coffee, or in my case a cold can of Mt. Dew and sit down...

My mom and I shopped with the kids all day yesterday before going to a baby shower and then listening to Adam's band play last night and so we're all dragging a bit this morning.  Actually Adam's still in bed sleeping and I'm up with the kids but very much still lounging.  My sister is coming over today since she's in town for the weekend.  The kids are already jumping off the walls with excitement. :)  I literally fell over Murdock this morning when I walked back into the {dark} bedroom and didn't see him on the floor.

I would say the weather has finally cooled down a bit, but it supposed to be back in the 90's this week, so I guess it was just a bit of temporary relief. :)  Either way, we were happy to get a little time at the parks.  Maybe we'll make one last pool/splash pad run this week.

Speaking of this week.  I have a couple of photo sessions {as I do every week} book club {my first} and a few days of the regular stuff {work/daycare/etc.} and then we're headed to the lake for another long weekend.  I'm super excited! An Iowa football game with my family, Adam's band is playing at a big outdoor concert, play an extra day of lounging with friends and family on the boat…yes please!  Oh and about my first book club…I'm currently on page 7 of 359!  I'm feeling the anxiety of college all over again.  Does anyone have the cliff notes version of The Invention of Wings?! ;)

I feel like I should just cancel our gym membership now.  Fall is insane with photography and I haven't really went since Spring {yes, you can judge me…I am!}  I'm up 10-15 pounds from this time last year {in my defense that was probably the smallest I had ever been, so it wasn't really my normal, but I'm still feeling the effects of the extra weight} :(

Mentioning photography, I've been approached about another exciting opportunity, so once the details have been worked out, I'll tell you all about it. :)

Other semi-big news that I haven't mentioned yet for fear of jinxing it {yes, I know there is no such thing as jinxing and whatever is meant to be will be, but I'm still scared/nervous/excited and pray that it goes through, so I don't talk about it} If all goes as planned, we'll be closing on our condo at the end of September.  This brings all kinds of emotions {as I mentioned last time} but again, we didn't have it listed and the opportunity came to us, so we're taking this as a sign and going with it.  We don't really know what's going on with anything else yet, but I'll keep you updated when we do.  Prayers appreciated.

Okay, the kids are getting rowdy and Adam woke up, so we'll cut this.  Here's to hoping I get caught up this week.  Happy Sunday everyone!

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Blurbs

I already posted about our March Dates & Deeds this morning, but I'm feeling chatty so I thought I would do a random post...

..I'm totally exhausted and have a headache today.  I blame this on my sister & the weather.  My MIL had my kids yesterday and we were kid free, so Adam and I went over to my sister & BIL's house after work to help them with some landscaping.  They're tearing out the railroad ties around the house and replacing them with cement patio blocks.  It was 80* and sunny, so I ended up drinking four drinks & eating 4 pieces of pizza.  To say I'm not feeling 100% today is an understatement.  I was almost 45 minutes late to work, & haven't been overly productive this morning. #MamaCantHang

..Speaking of productivity, I made a {small} dent in my huge work project and have about 50% done now.  Which is great, except that still leaves me with about 70 hours of work to do for it.  And it's due by April 30th. Since I'll be off work from the 8th to the 14th, this means I really need to dedicate some time to it.  soon.  I know my mood will improve once it's done.

..Want to know what else will improve my mood?  Spending a long weekend in Arizona with 8 of our friends!  I simply cannot wait!  Sunshine.  Hiking.  Swimming.  Dining {sans children!}.  Napping.  It all sounds glorious!!! I may even get time on the plane to read or blog. ;) So many hobbies, so little time!

..My favorite hobby, photography, is in full swing again!  Jess has my website 90% done {I'm getting so excited!!} I photographed a sisters on Sunday, a squishy newborn yesterday, and have a session with a sweet boy and his grandma this afternoon. Plus I took a few business photos for my real job and the PR/Marketing department asked me if I would be interested in doing a few shoots for them in the future.

..Probably most exciting of all right now--my whole family will be in town to hang out all weekend!  I can't wait to catch up with my mama and sis & to snuggle my babies.  It's been a crazy 2015 so far, so I'm ready to stay home for a weekend--even though I've got lots on my to do list! :)

Okay, I better get back to work.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Random...

Because I feel like I haven't just blabbed for a while...

Outside my window..it's flurrying.  I'm sure it won't last, but still...it's NOVEMBER!
Today I feel..overwhelmed.  excited.
I am thankful..for so many things...from heat {because it's freaking cold out!} to new business opportunities.  
Tomorrow I am going..work. gym. dinner. baths & bed for the kids. edit. bed.
I am wearing..work clothes.  Wishing I was wearing sweats, but after work I'll be wearing gym clothes, so it will be a bit yet!
I wish..my photography website would build itself!
I am planning..friendsgiving. 
This weekend..I have a {baby} photoshoot, then friendsgiving, followed by a {business} photoshoot, & a final {newborn} photoshoot.  Plus lots of editing.  And hopefully cleaning.  And laundry...always laundry!
I am reading..Fly Away by Kristen Hannah
I am working on..building a photography website
Yesterday I..worked, worked out, did the usual nightly routine with the kiddos, edited & went to bed.
I want to..make a blog book, finish several photobooks for the kids, finish my photography website, & update my blog.
I am hoping..do all of that by the end of the year.  Lofty goal, I know, but maybe?!
I am hearing..Take Me To Church by Hozier
I need to..start Christmas shopping & working on our tax info for the accountant, you know since I don't do anything ALL YEAR at then have to do 12 months in 2 days usually!
I bet you didn't know..my sister started a business!

Friday, September 12, 2014

life update

I'm fighting the urge to go get the kids from daycare early, but the idea of spending $60 for Cullyn to spend 2 1/2 hours and Jordyn 1 hour makes me leave them there and use this time for something productive.  Like editing the 5000 photos that need finished {and this super important blog post obviously}

It's cold it Iowa right now.  Like the high is 47 today.  Ugh!  Two weeks ago I was rescheduling photo sessions due to extreme heat and humidity.  Today I rescheduled because because it's too cold {& rainy} for a one year old or three year old.  Photographer problems.  Also?  It's supposed to be like 30* tomorrow morning.  So much for tailgating for the Iowa/Iowa State game. :(

I'm wrapping up deals for Jordyn's 3rd birthday.  I'm still in denial.  Three.  Really?!  Also, I've had 'post Cullyn's 1st birthday photos' on my to do list since April.  Maybe before he's 1 1/2?!

Jordyn turns three on our five year wedding anniversary.  My mom offered to take our kids for the weekend so we could go somewhere to celebrate.  I'm totally torn.  I want to spend a long weekend in Galena, IL, but every time I think about the money we would spend, I feel like it would be smarter to put it towards some debt.  Or pay for Jordyn's birthday and Christmas expenses.  But I wonder if I'll look back and wish we took the time to celebrate our anniversary.  After all, who cares if we pay the car off two months early.  Gah…being an adult sucks sometimes.  Especially times like when I got a letter in the mail from the IRS yesterday saying we owe $700 for an error on our 2012 taxes.  Really?  Or the fact I still need to renew the tags on both of our cars.  Can I just be 17 again?!

Photography is insane right now.  I finished one wedding this week.  I'm hoping to finish another wedding this weekend.  And I shoot my last wedding of 2014 next weekend.  I had my first inquiry for 2015 this week, so I'm getting excited about that.  Also, I'm trying to get a website together.  And I'm hoping to do my first wedding show next year.  And, I got a credit card machine.  I'm feeling so official now!  Maybe someday I'll be able to go full time!!!

Okay, I have photos to edit and only a couple of hours left before I pick the kids up from daycare, so I better get focused.  Have an awesome weekend everyone.  And GO HAWKS!

Monday, September 8, 2014

This & That {v.34}

Brace yourself…2 weeks worth {again}

Did this:
Got mani/pedis w/ Jordyn
Volunteered at a local food packaging benefit
Packed/prepared everything for our trip to Mexico
Celebrated Myles & Ashley's wedding
Went zip lining
Had my first fish pedicure treatment
Relaxed at the spa for an afternoon
Drank too much
Took photos with my sisters and mom in our wedding dresses on the beach
Sent Jordyn to her first day of preschool
Partied at Myles & Ashley's wedding reception
Recovered from M&A's wedding reception
edited {lots!}

Instagrammed that

Shot this:  

Edited that:



Friday, August 1, 2014

Today was a no good, very bad day.  Work is fricking INSANE!  New students this time of year, so that just adds to the madness.  To say I'm very overwhelmed is an understatement.  Something is going to have to give, soon.  :(

My kids are gone this weekend.  Adam took dropped them with my parents while I did a photoshoot last night because I had to work today and we don't have a Friday sitter.  I'm SO incredibly thankful for my mom watching them {and keeping them all weekend since we have adult activities going on} but I'm always extra emotional and out of sorts when they're gone.  :/

My to do list is a mile long…the bank, the dmv {UGH!}, the bike shop, the shoe store, clean the house, edit {x5!}, the post office, email clients, stop by a clients house to finish her photo assignment, etc. but the only thing I'm focused on is getting a nap {which will hopefully help my mood! but unfortunately makes me miss Mudock--he's the best snuggler!} and going out with my husband tonight.  BRING IT!

I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

PS…Let's hope our weekend picks up a little, on our first kids free night, we bought Chinese takeout and sat on the couch watching recorded TV {we rented movie, but never even watched it} until we both fell asleep on the couch {me} and chair {Adam}.  This is the {married} life! :)

I promise, my next post will be more upbeat! :)

Thursday, April 24, 2014

What's Going On


We have been so busy, I've done a terrible job updating this space!  I currently have 31 drafts waiting to be finished and published!  Since I don't have time for that {obviously!} I'll give a brief rundown

[Murdock]
Actually healthy!  We've been weaning some of his meds away, so he's down to two pills, once a day!  Unfortunately he still thinks he's hungry all.the.time, but knock on wood, he's doing really good.

[Cullyn | 1 Year]
Just turned ONE! {this blog post is one of my top priorities!}  I have yet to take his one year photos {sad mama!} because we were rained out, but I'm praying things will fall into place and I can get them taken this weekend!  He had his 12 month well check yesterday and is in the 11 percentile for weight....such a little man!  But, he's got 12 teeth, he maybe that's why he's been a biting machine the last couple of months! :(  I'm totally surprised, but he still isn't walking!  He's taking steps {has been for months} but has no desire to walk.  Jordyn did at 13 months, so I would imagine he'll start anytime now. {they have been so similar with stats/milestones}  Also, he's getting used to the grass.  He will pretty unsure the first few times! :)

[Jordyn | 2 1/2 Years]
This little girl turned 2 1/2 yesterday--how is that possible?!  I'll do a separate update since her last one was 6 months ago.  But long story short, she is too smart for her own good!  She's definitely started with the two year old attitude!  Luckily, her heart is as big {or bigger} than her mouth!  Nothing melts me faster than when she runs up to one of us and gives us a hug or kiss for no reason. :)  She's also mainly potty trained.  She's started having a few accidents here or there {mainly not wanting to come inside to go!} but she's 95% trained, which is nice.  She's also begging for a boat ride now that we've been at the lake more, so I'm excited to see her reaction once she's out on the water.  Last year she was just 18-24 months during lake season, so I'm anxious to see if she really remembers what it's like.  I'm also curious how swimming lessons are going to go.  She hasn't had them since she was 6 months, so I'm a little nervous!  They both start class on May 1st.  Speaking of May 1st, I've started planning MayDay baskets for the kids to take to friends' :)

[Me]
Work is pretty crazy {busy} right now, isn't it always?!  I have a new boss, and new office, but other than that it's the same.  Photography is actually slower right now {only because we're so booked with personal stuff that I can't open any time for sessions--boo!}.  Because of personal stuff like I mentioned, we've had an increased need for night sitters.  It's amazing how everyone wants to babysit when you have a newborn and a year later you can't beg someone to watch your kid {for money!} Our one and only night sitter is now in a serious relationship and almost 100% sitting.  So we tried another girl.  She was okay.  Great with the kids {which is most important} but just okay in other areas.  Okay, that was a rant.  On to other things...I've been doing a bit of photography for my 'real' job and it's been fun.  They've now hired me for three annual projects which is exciting! :)  I've had several people ask for an update on my half marathon progress, working out, classes, weight, etc. so I'll do a separate post on that {someday!}.  Life has been insanely crazy, I'm happy to have Easter and Cullyn's party over {not happy that he's already ONE!}, anxious to finalize the details for my sister's bachelorette party {next weekend!}, happy to have had a little me time lately {got my hair and nails done before Cully's party and went to a fundraiser with some girls another night}, excited for our Spring {picnics, park fun, activities for the kids, etc.}

[Adam]
His work is crazy {stressful}, too.  He's ridiculously excited {as always!} for lake season.  That is definitely his happy place.  So I foresee lots of campfires, boating, fishing, golfing, & quality time with friends and family!  His need to be social is one of my most favorite {and frustrating!} things about him! :)  He has lost almost 30 pounds since January!  He is so good about tracking every single thing that goes into his mouth.  I would love to get him to do a post about dieting/weight loss/lifestyle changes.  I think it would be interesting to see it from a man's perspective since I feel like women are always saying 'I'm watching my weight, counting calories, etc.' so it's normal {& I always feel like we have a support system} but it has to be different when you're with a bunch of guys {think work lunch or social golf outing--not BFFs} and have to pass up a beer because they're 200 calories a pop, or ask for a low-cal menu, etc.  Okay, another rant!  Anyways he's looking fabulous and most importantly feeling awesome!  He's even been suggesting family walks in the evenings which totally makes my heart explode! :)  Other than all of that, his band has some fun gigs lined up {balloon festival--my favorite, street dances & bar gigs, and even a gig at the marina near our lake house!}

Monday, April 14, 2014

This & That {v.15}

Did this:
Took the kids on their first buggy ride {8.5miles}
Went to the park twice {made it to our 3rd park--I'm hoping to hit all of them in town this spring/summer}
Took several family walks! :)
Ran 10 miles {for the 1st time EVER!!}
Went on a date with Adam our to dinner and to see Hamilton Loomis in concert {with friends}
Tried a new night sitter {who showed up 30 minutes late :/ }
Took the kids to their first Easter Egg Hunt {it didn't go as well as when we practiced at home!  :/ }
Enjoyed AMAZING weather on Saturday
Bought a new grill
Started prepping for Cullyn's 1st Birthday {SOB!!} :(
Celebrated two of my nieces birthdays
Met up with friends for a late night get together
Played Monopoly with friends while it rained allll day! 
Cullyn's 1st Birthday Photoshoot got rained out! :(  

Instagrammed that:


Shot this: 

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Currently...

Outside my window..it is raining.  It's supposed to turn to sleet and then snow, with 45 mph winds, before noon
Today I feel..overwhelmed.  happy.  productive.
I am thankful..for healthy babies.  I can't believe Jordyn is almost 2 1/2 and Cullyn turned 10 months yesterday.  How is this possible?!
Tomorrow I am going..to have my MIL come to watch the kids because I have a photoshoot in the morning.  Then I want to spend the afternoon just playing with the kids
I am wearing..dress pants that I haven't fit into since Adam and I first met
I wish..weight loss were quicker & more noticeable...haha! :)
I am planning..Cullyn's 1st Birthday.  Okay, I haven't started yet, but I really need to!
This weekend..I have two photoshoots, a wedding reception, & hopefully church
I am reading..Promise Me by Barbie Bohrman
I am working on..packing my office up because I'm moving to a new location
Yesterday I..worked, worked out, & did the usual nightly routine
I want to..make a blog book {for 2010, 2011, 2012, & 2013 posts}  Anybody have any suggestions of a company to use?
I am hoping..transfer a bunch of photos from my computer to my external hardrive and then transfer all of the photos and video from my iPhone to my computer and also my hardrive.  It's going to be an all weekend process, but I'm determined to clear out my phone because it's a constant source of stress for me.  I would love to be able to put some new kid apps on it for Jordyn or take a photo/video without having to delete a bunch of other stuff. 
I am hearing..Right There by Ariana Grande
I need to..start getting our outfits together for family photos {YAY!!} and Cullyn's 1st Birthday photos.  Any color scheme suggestions?!
I bet you didn't know..We still haven't made an appointment to get our taxes done.  I sure hope we don't have to pay in because we won't have much time to save!


Happy {almost} Friday!

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

I'm back! {sort of}

Wow...It's been a while since I blogged!

I think about blogging about 57 times a day.  Unfortunately when I finally have time to blog {Read: once both kids go to bed} I am exhausted and take myself directly to bed as well!  If I don't go to bed I'm cleaning, doing laundry, or editing photos.

I have 37 posts started and stilling my drafts {no really!} I swear I'm going to get at least a few of them finished up before I start to forget what I even wanted to say.  A few are vacation related, some are fun things we've done this summer, and most are parenting/baby/life related.

Our family photos are booked {for October 12th!} and the outfit planning {for J's 2nd Birthday, C's 6 Month, Our Little Family, & my Family}has begun.  I'm so excited about the colors, the coordinating, and most of all the finished product!! {Outfit Boards are also on my list to share with you!}

Am I the only one that feels like summer is over?!  Now that I'm back to working full time {4 days a week} it seems like summer is over!  :(  There are just a few more things that we have on the calendar to indulge in before I put my fall decor up {the Iowa State Fair, My Birthday, a Sleepover with our Nieces & Nephews}

Photoshoots are back in full force again.  Which I'm so so thankful for since we have birthdays {mine, my parents, Adams, and Jordyn's} coming up and Christmas shopping has begun.  I'm also thankful because I love them and I hope to get going enough that someday I can make it full time!

Okay...that's all I have time for now.  I'll be back with a bunch more in the next couple of weeks.  Until then, follow me on Instagram.

Monday, July 1, 2013

This & That {Lakehouse Weekend Renovations + Photos}


Did this:

Found a lemonade Stand
Worked 3 days
Took J to the Strawberry Patch 
Made popcorn {& s'mores} over the open fire
Purchased new running shoes
Spent the day at the pool with my sister in laws and our children
Walked to the Ice Cream shop with the kiddos
Replaced the windows and side door at the Lake House
Edited and uploaded photos
Took our first boat ride of the season with Gram and Papa

Instagrammed that:



Ate this: 
Chicken, Bacon, Cheesy Potato Casserole
------------------------------------
1 bag frozen tatortots
1 bag shredded cheese
1 lb. cooked bacon
3 cups cooked, cubed chicken
1/4 cup milk

Throw in crockpot on low for 4 hours

Edited that: 


Shot this:


Scheduled that:
M::This & That of the Weekend
T::Jordyn vs. The Neighbor Dog
W::[pure] Michigan
T::Happy 4th of July
F::Bryn's 18 Month Photoshoot

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

A Catch Up Post Of Sorts {+ LOTS of Instagram Photos}




Outside my window..it's finally warm! {Ten days ago it was snowing and yesterday we broke a heat record with 103*}
The time is..3:21p
Today I feel..happy we finally have good weather and I'm getting several things accomplished, excited to take the kids to the park after naps, and sad I have to go back to work soon.
I am thinking..I have TONS of blog posts started in my head that I wish I had time {& energy} to post!
At the moment, I am thankful..the nice weather, working part time in June, and for getting internet at our house yesterday so I could upload photos {to eventually make photobooks} to Shutterfly.
I am wondering..what the heck happened to my milk supply... :(
I am going..to the chiropractor {hopefully} tomorrow.
I am wearing..shorts!
I wish..I had the time to focus on my photography business.  I would love to make it full time and stay home with the kids!  I also wish it was possible to get a tan while outside, but that's impossible when you're trying to make sure your newborn is shaded 100% of the time.
I am reading..I finished Hearts in Darkness yesterday and hope to start Beautiful Disaster tomorrow.
I am working on..this blog post, photobooks for the kids, thank yous, birth announcements, and laundry.
I am hoping..to enjoy the next two weeks as much as possible, get my camera out MUCH MORE, and work on my running again!
I am hearing..silence {it's nap time} except the sound of the ceiling fan and chatter outside
I bet you didn't know..my baby turns ONE MONTH on Sunday {how is this possible?!}  ::SOB::
One of my favorite..feelings is the feeling after a good run.


Weekend Plans..
[Thursday] iCubs baseball game with friends {thankful for box seats since it's supposed to be raining}
[Friday] Cookout & campfire with lake friends
[Saturday] Barbecuing & hanging at our lake house with friends
[Sunday] Celebrating Mother's Day with my in-laws.


Monday, April 15, 2013

This & That

Did this:

Went to my 38 week OB appointment 

Took J's 18 Month Photos


Got a Mani/Pedi & painted J's nails

Went to the dentist

Celebrated 3 birthdays


Took J to the park 

Got Adam's car stuck in the mud

'Graduated' from a program at work

Finished J's 1st year photobooks!

Instagrammed that:

Ate this: 
McDonalds & Jimmy Johns in one weekend...

Edited that: 

Shot this:


Scheduled that:
M::This & That of the Weekend
T::What my Loved One says about me...
W::Mother's Day Wishlist
T::Our Holiday [Michigan]...You'll Never Guess What
F::Thomas Turns 2 Photoshoot

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Mishmash


I'm so ready for a 'normal' week.  Don't get me wrong, I love a good holiday week, but Adam and I both commented that it's time for life to settle down again.  

We've watched several movies lately.  None of them great, unfortunately.  We rented
One For The Money, Tower Heist, The Expendables, The Expendables 2, and Safe House.  I ordered Sons of Anarchy: Season 4 today, so I can’t wait to get that in. 

We Adam and my sister Ashley are planning to paint the guest room turned toy room next weekend, so I’m excited to get that project started!  Photos to come! :)

We went to the lakehouse this weekend and watched our niece [A] play basketball.  She’s a freshman, but made her first basket on the Varsity team this weekend, so that’s exciting.  We also watched the Vikings lose so that was less than fun.  At least we had good friends and good food for the game! :)

Sunday was a much needed family day.  This emotional pregnant mama wanted nothing more than a day with her family.  So we packed up and headed home early.  We sorted through our newborn clothes for the little man and made our first couple of purchases for him! ;)  No worries, we made a few for Jordyn too! 

Speaking of Jordyn, we have her toddler bed {say what?  where did the time go?!} together and in her room.  Oh my word, that is going to be a task!   Girlfriend thinks it’s an indoor trampoline.  For a girl with no fear, I see an ER trip or six in our near future.  We haven’t started the transition yet, but I don’t think it will go down without a fight.  I’m ordering the bedding this week and we’ll go from there.

My youngest sister Alicia started her student teaching yesterday, so we had dinner with her and my other sister Ashley and her new boyfriend last night.  It was fun to catch up.  We've been so busy we haven’t been meeting for our weekend dinner date. 

Only 7 more pay periods before this baby comes, which isn't really what I’m concerned about….it’s the fact that it means there are only seven more times I earn PTO, which means that most of my maternity leave will be unpaid.  Which really sucks because we have to pay for Jordyn’s daycare spot at the new sitter during my maternity leave, when she won’t be there [and I won’t be making any money]. 

I’m itching to get out and take some photos.  Iowa winter is no fun for a photographer.  Maybe I’ll take Jordyn’s Valentine’s photos next weekend…

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Down Time

Well I had no intentions of writing a post today [other than the scheduled one] but they kicked me off my work computer to replace it with a new [faster] one [if only it were a mac!] so I'm left with nothing to do for a few minutes...

Speaking of computers...I bought my 'new' mac last Thanksgiving [so 2011] and it's full.  THE WHOLE STINKING HARDDRIVE IS FULL!  {insert lots of crying and foot stomping and whining here} :(  So...I have to do through a delete some of my 2039850349590486094 photos and decide what I can part with since I'm currently deleting 500 photos to upload 500 photos [talk about a pain!]

Also a pain [or more scary I guess] is the fact that Jordyn started a new daycare today.  Ugh!  I guess I never really followed up after this post, but loooong story short, we found a sitter.  We checked out two daycare center/in-home sitters/nanny applicants a night for over a week.  After finding a 'possession of a pipe' charge on the potential nanny, we opted for the state registered in-home daycare center.  A [hopefully] perfect mix of structure and lieniance.  She's has an education background, which helps too.  Okay, I forgot where I was going with this blurb....Adam dropped her off today and she didn't give her the stink eye [which if you know us in real life, is a big deal], instead she went to the new sitter and never looked back.  So Adam ran! :)  So thankful for a good first day drop off!

We had our Gender Reveal Party yesterday!  After making it FB and Instagram official, I threw something quick on the blog.  [you may have missed it because I had a scheduled post & Jordyn's 14 month post in there too--when it rains it pours on this blog!] But I'm back tomorrow with a full post of H2's gender reveal party details!  It wasn't perfect...waking up to negative degree temps [plus wind chill], dad getting 60 miles from home before realizing he forgot the generator, and the ridiculous amount of sunshine hiding the precious blue lights, but it was still perfect.  Just what I wanted!!  And we had twenty-some family members come to celebrate with us.  So stay tuned for lots of photos!!  :)

At the end of this month I'll be leaving for a work trip.  While I'm very excited to cross another thing of my Bucket List [taking a solo vacation], I'm getting more scared & less thrilled each day.  Don't get me wrong, I have full intentions of making the best of this by ordering room service in and taking up as much space in the bed as I want, but mostly I'm sad to leave my husband and baby toddler home for a full week.  Yes, I know people do this all the time.  It will be fine.  I will survive.  But it's still going to be hard.

Speaking of traveling.  I'm pretty sure we're locking in our 'summer vacation' this week.  We'll be vacationing with the same friends we did last time.  Only north instead of south this time! :)  I couldn't be more excited!! Bring on the cabin at the lake with a nanny for the week.  Whoop whoop! :)

Ok, back to reality.  The new computer is up!
Hope you all had a great New Year's & enjoy your short week!!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

ten on tuesday..

..I'm more excited for the holidays this year than I ever remember being before.  Bring on the lights, decor, and christmas music!  Perhaps it's because it's the first time I've been preggo over Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Let the family dinners begin! :)

..Our appliances get delivered to the lakehouse today, so ready for that!

..I know I said I would quit posting about Jordyn each month, but the closer she gets to 13 months, the more I feel I need to document a little.  I mean who doesn't want to remember that she loves to clap right now.  And that she opens her mouth completely to give kisses.  And bananas are her favorite thing ever!

..Next year, when I'm not preggo, I'm totally organizing a holiday bake day with all the awesome ladies in my life!

..Speaking of preggo...can you believe I'm {almost} 1/2 way done with this pregnancy?! 

..I'm craving a family vacation to Michigan this summer, but I started looking online and holy whoa!  Probably won't be able to swing that! :(

..Speaking of bills...we're going to have 'double daycare' for FOUR years...yowzers! 

..And more about money...I'm so, so, so wanting a minivan right now! 

..This 30 days of thanfulness has been awesome.  I've started it a couple of years, but never made it past a week or so.  I think I'll make a blogpost at the end with everything I chose to be thankful for this month. 

..My phone is almost 100% done.  It powers off for no reason and will say fully charged and quit.  Sometimes taking the battery out work, sometimes you just have to wait it out.  Very unreliable right now.  So?  I'm begging my husband to get iPhones.  The only problem with that is that we have to switch service providers and the carrier we use now is basically the only one that works at our lakehouse at all.

You might enjoy this too...

5 Year Travel Plan

I got this idea from the Best of Both Worlds podcast .  They suggested making a 5 year travel plan.  They had me at travel and planning -- h...