maui

Maui is awesome.

We're having a great time.

But I'm just aching for my babies.

I'm glad for this time away, this break from reality, but going home will be sweet.

holy cow, abby

Lots of times Abby draws what she sees, but this was completely from memory. The yellow/black polka dotted tie is awesome.

creative juices

The other day I was driving through a neighbhorhood and saw a man sitting on his front sidewalk writing "happy birthday" in sidewalk chalk. I don't know if it was for his wife, or one of his children, or another family member, but I thought, how creative is that? And then I thought, more guys should be that creative when doing things for their loved ones. especially their wives. But most men just don't have the time or creativity, or inclination to do something other than the traditional.

So then I thought, wouldn't it be cool if we all came up with some great, creative ideas that husbands can do for their wives on special occasions, and then compile them into a nice little document, and give them a copy. Then, when a special occasion comes along, all they have to do is take a look at the great resource we made them, pick one, and do it. And we will think they are the most thoughtful, creative man in the world.

So while I'm gone, leave a comment with a few ideas. And if your husband has done something creative, now's your time to brag on him.

seven nights

SEVEN nights that I will be away from my children. It hit me a few days ago. I don't want to say goodbye to my kids. I don't want to leave them for that long. Yeah, I know I need a break, and I can't back out now, and when I get there and settle in I will probably love it, but in the meantime I'm beside myself. I haven't even told Abby yet because I don't want her to be sad, which will make ME sad. Carter knows, but he doesn't grasp it like Abby will. I know they will have fun while we're gone, and they will be in good hands at Melinda's house, but I am going to miss them terribly.

At least we will be with all of Brian's family who will have also ditched their kids with other people. We can commiserate together I guess.

happy #3 carter!

Happy Birthday, Buddy!

Here are some of the things that Carter likes to do:

Flirt with the cashiers at the store. Sometimes he'll even give a thumbs up and wink. Not kidding.

Stand on his head. Sometimes I'll come into a room and see him hanging off a chair head first in kind of a headstand position. He'll stay that way for a long time too!

Eat all his food. He's gotten a better appetite in the last couple of weeks and I think he's finally starting to grow a little!

Take baths. The kid LOVES to take baths.

Still loves watching George, Mickey mouse clubhouse, Incredibles and now loves the movie Iron Giant.

Doesn't like to draw. He leaves that for his sister.

Run, jump, play, and ride his bike.

Growl like a lion.

Turn around in the pew at church and get laughs from the people behind us.

Give hugs and kisses.

heavy reading

Brian and I are going to Hawaii at the end of the month and I plan on spending a LOT of time laying on the beach, soaking in the sun, and reading some good books. Except the last time I picked up a book (other than the scriptures and kids books) was a looong time ago. I have no idea what to get! Criteria: romance, funny, interesting plot, maybe some suspense, I'd prefer fiction over non-fiction but most of all they need to be CLEAN. No cursing, no funny business.

Got any suggestions? Anything you want to loan me? I'll love you forever.

forte

Out of all the posing possibilites in photography, I think I'm probably best at the individual head shot. Maybe because it's the easiest. :) I just wanted to show you a recent before and after. For you photographers out there, I've listed my settings as well.

SOOC (straight out of camera)
f/1.8 Shutter 1/320, ISO 100


Edited


All I did was sharpen, reduce the red in her face a tiny bit, lighten the image, add a little contrast and touch up a few blemishes. I didn't touch the eyes.

happy mother's day to me!

I'm 9 weeks along now and everything is looking SO much better than my last pregnancy did. But we could still use your prayers that everything goes well and we end up with a healthy baby!

baby shelby

My sister Missy just had a baby two weeks ago and she came over the other day to hang out and take some pictures in my mock studio. Since my sister is a photographer also (and a freakin' good one) I wanted to act as assistant and let her do the shooting. But Shelby was the PERFECT newborn model so in the end I had to get out my camera and take a few pics. She is such a sweet little thing. Ugh!

Besides, I'm going to need as much practice as I can get so I'm ready to photograph my own baby in December. ;)

8 things

1. Carter is fully recovered from his surgery, is gaining weight back and even has his cute little husky voice back. So glad about that!
2. My sister, Missy, had her baby two weeks ago. She and my mom and Melinda came over to play today. I set up my little newborn photography studio and we did some pics of her. I can't believe how easy going and moldable she was! It was awesome.
3. I think we need to do a mapping session with Abby. It's been about 6 months and I notice that her /s/ sound is not very sharp anymore. But other than that, she's a superstar. She talking so well and I'm AMAZED and her progress and know she's going to keep amazing us for a long time.
4. Speaking of, Abby said the prayer in church on Sunday in front of all the Primary kids. I helped her because she was pretty scared, but she was clear and understandable and she did such a great job. Its a lot to ask a four- year-old to get up in front of everyone and say an intelligble prayer, let alone a child that is DEAF! As I sat her down and walked out of the room my eyes welled up with tears. Her CI/hearing aids are a miracle. SHE is a miracle.
5. Brian hasn't been traveling for a couple of weeks now and hopefully will be in town for a great portion of the summer. He's been traveling since we've been married, so I guess you could say its old hat. But its not home without him home.
6. Brian got called to be Elder's Quorum President in our ward and so that will keep him very busy. But its a big calling and I'm proud of him for being worthy and willing to accept the assignment.
7. Our dryer went kaput two weeks ago so we bought a new set. We got dem new front loading contraptions and I think I'm in love, although it has been an adjustment! We stack them on top of eachother and we're going to build a little workstation in the area beside it so hopefully it will improve my laundry workflow. Because laundry seems to consume my life. I don't know how you people with 4+ kids do it.
8. It's midnight and I'm going to bed.