nostalgic

I'm feeling a little nostalgic today, thinking about how much my little boy has grown up. Maybe its that his hair is long enough where it doesn't lay down flat anymore, or maybe its his exploding vocabulary and interest in everyone around him. He isn't afraid to walk up to a stranger and ask them what their name is, much to my proud dismay. (is it possible to be dismayed and proud at the same time??)

Anyway, I had to look back at some pictures and see how much he's changed, and oh my gosh. Baldy chubs is totally gone. He's now a lean, tan little surfer boy with white hair and a mean set of abs. I miss old Carter, but love the boy he's becoming.

wordless wednesday

two pictures from galveston

that's all for now

family portrait

I don't even remember the last time we've had a family picture taken. So while we were in Galveston Matt took a few shots of us. This was our best one. I think we need more practice at this family portrait thing.



Anyway, we had an absolutely fabulous, relaxing time in Galveston and I wish we could go back once a month or something. I have pictures, just no time to post them. :)

well half of you were right...

It's a BOY!

Now we just have to think of a name.

blessed

Abby (as usual) asked to say prayer at dinner tonight, but this time her prayer was especially detailed and specific and I giggled as she spoke. As we said "Amen" I kept my eyes closed a little longer and drunk in the miracle of the prayer she had given. And then I looked up at Brian and said, "She is DEAF, and she was able to give a prayer like that." Brian gave me a knowing nod and said "I know, its incredible."

It truely is a miracle and I am so, so, so, SO grateful for the blessing of her hearing through her hearing aid and cochlear implant.

I will never take her hearing for granted, and I will be forever grateful for it.

baby 3

So people have been asking me, "What do you think it is?" and "What do you want it to be?"

And honestly I have no idea what I think it might be, and up until this week, I wasn't really sure I had a preference if it was a boy or a girl.

But I think I know what I want now. I'm just not telling. I don't want to offend the baby, you know. :)

But what about you? Boy? Girl?

I find out on August 5th!

Take the poll!

4th of july weekend

We had a busy, action packed fourth of July weekend! I actually took pictures, which I've been bad about lately. But I'm in a rush to post this, so I didn't have time to edit them, so you get to see my pics in all their naked glory. Did I just type naked glory?

Friday we had Cousin's School, which is a weekly semi-preschool thing we do with all the cousins in the McMurdie family. We have a lesson, music time and then a craft. Then we usually have lunch and go swimming. However, this Friday everyone else had other plans after lunch so it was just me and the kids. It rained, but the kids didn't care.









That night we went to ci-ci's pizza. Always a good time at ci-ci's.


And yes, Abby was blinged out the whole weekend. Go America!



Saturday we went to our ward breakfast and the kids joined the bike parade. Wish I would have taken pictures of that. It was crazy fun. Then after breakfast we went to the lake with Brian's family, which is a common occurance in the summer. But this summer is going to be different, because Carter discovered the jet skiis.



He was SO excited, and then once he got on he wouldn't get off. He rode that thing four or five different times with Brian and then Grandpa. Carter is a natural daredevil, and now I have something else to add to my gray hair list. Abby just enjoyed playing in the water with the girls. But at the end she got on the jet ski for the first time and loved it too.


(Don't ask about the pose. I haven't been letting her read SI swimsuit edition. Promise.)

After the lake we did our traditional trip to the fireworks stand a few miles from our house. Have to get a picture every time.


That night we were supposed to go to Concert in the Gardens with my family, but because of the rain, we decided not to risk it and stay around here instead. Of course, it didn't rain, and the concert was wonderful, and I'm sad that we didn't go, but we had fun anyway. We hung out with Brian's family that night and watched the fireworks.

Sunday we went to my Mom's house for hamburgers and fireworks. Brian helped John (the fireworks guru in our family) set the off, and they had lots of fun. The bugs were AWFUL, and Abby and Carter have mosquito bites everywhere, and I mean EVERYWHERE. But it was fun nonetheless.

I took pics on missy's camera, so maybe she'll get around to giving me those.

Okay! Off to speech therapy!

drumroll please...

Today I am excited to announce the launching of my brand new photography website!
mandiemcmurdie.com

Go on over and take a look!

Special thanks to Missy, who, in a huge conflict of interest, helped me redesign my logo, website, and blog. Her talent exceeds description! You are an amazing artist and a wonderful sister!

good times

We saw Toy Story 3 tonight with the kids. I laughed, I cried, I went to the bathroom with Abby three times while we were there. Before the movie Abby and I got in the photobooth for a few pictures. Its been a while since I posted any pics of the kids, and like YEARS since I posted a pic of me... so here ya go. I loved the movie, but I think taking these pictures might have been my favorite part of the night.

so far

the summer has been going pretty well. We've managed to keep a really full schedule with playdates, swimming and such so there's not much time to be bored. However, when Abby and Carter are alone, they manage to get on eachothers nerves really fast. I guess that's partly due to them being only 17 months apart. We've been watching more TV than usual, which might classify me as being a bad mom, but I don't care, and figure what's a little more tv for a month or two going to hurt??? We balance it with other educational activities, so its not all bad.

I'm 15 weeks and feeling so much better. Except I have a pretty bad cold or sinus infection or something, which in 100 degree weather completely drains me. Today I feel worse than I have all week so I'm going to the doctor and hope she gives me an antibiotic. But I have a feeling she's just going to tell me to suck it up.

somethin big

is coming July 1st! Okay, maybe its not as amazing as announcing a pregnancy, but its exciting nonetheless! So stay tuned. I know. You can hardly stand it.

wallamellon

No summer is complete without a few watermelon pictures. And considering how much my kids love watermelon, there'll be plently more photo opportunities.

dreaded longing

You know those milestones in your child's life that you dread, but knowing they've reached it means they're learning and growing?

For example, the "why?" question marathon. Abby has been asking why questions for a long time now, but has never done the proverbial long string of whys that preschoolers are known for. But today she did it.

Mom: I'm hungry.
Abby: Why are you hungry mommy?
M: Because it's time for dinner.
A: Why is it time for dinner?
M: Because we eat at night and its almost night time.
A: Why is it night time?
M: Because Jesus made it night time.
A: Why did Jesus make it night time?
M: Because Heavenly Father told him to.
A: ...Silence...

Thank goodness. Cause I wasn't ready to go there.

Abby's Art

I thought it would be kinda fun to start posting some of Abby's artwork on her own blog. I do this not to brag, but to document her progression. I think she has a gift, and I really want her to grow in her talents and have pride in her abilities.

If you'd like to take a look, click on the "Abby's Art" button in the right column.

pregnancy - week 13

I hardly remember a thing about being pregnant with Carter, although I remember a lot about Abby's. And I looked back at my blog and the entire pregnancy I only wrote one thing about it HERE. So I'm going to try to be better about documenting this journey so that I'll have it for posterity. So if you don't want to hear me gripe about first trimester woes, feel free to stop reading now.

I do know that this baby is different than the other two. I think the reason why I don't remember much about Carter's is that my pregnancy with him was just like Abby's. I got a little nauseous, never threw up, had headaches all the time for about six months, had initial low progesterone counts, both pregnancies ended with my water breaking on its own, with two weeks left till due date.

So far, I've hardly been nauseous at all, except when I'm hungry. Instead my stomach is wracked with torment every time I eat. If I don't eat I get nauseous, if I do eat I sit huddled in the fetal position for an hour or two. No matter what I eat. So really, not eating sounds like the best choice sometimes. Which is good, cause I haven't gained any weight so far. I've thrown up once, had three migraines and a little annoying headach once or twice a week.

However, the past two weeks have been so much better. I started feeling better a few days before Maui and have since been feeling really good. Still get nauseous if I don't eat regularily, but my headaches are very few and far between, and my stomach is settling down a bit. But I still have some triggers.With the other two pregnancies, I craved Barg's rootbeer. Now ANY carbonation sends me back to the fetal position again. Like tonight. Durned orange crush soda.

I'm still totally exhausted though, but that should be passing in the next week or two. And maybe now that I'm feeling better I can catch up on my client work and actually go outside and play with the kids.

Oh, and my dreams, although always very vivid, are now especially insane and fanstatical. One night I was Kung Fu Panda kicking some serious butt, and another night we were fleeing a sunami deep in the heart of Texas. And its funny, cause I didn't seem to mind that waves were feet from our homes. All I was worried about was that our 72 hour kits were outdated and Carter only had size 1 daipers to wear. Nothing like a good dream to get you motivated.

my phone went swimming yesterday

...in a cup of water. So if you've tried to contact me on my cell phone after 12 noon yesterday, I didn't get the message. Until I can get a new phone, please email me at brianmandie@gmail.com. Or if you know my house # you can call me there too.

I knew I was dependent on my phone, but I didn't know how much! I only have five numbers saved on my house phone. No numbers written anywhere, and who memorizes numbers anymore? Everything is in my phone. And now its dead and there are a lot of people I can't contact right now. Including clients. Maddening.

talents

We all have our talents. Sewing is NOT one of mine. Me and the bobbin have a very volitle relationship and my sewing attempts always end with me tangled up in thread screaming at the bobbin. And although I am somewhat proficient at basic sewing skills, I can in no way say that I have any talent whatsoever.

Baby showers are a great place to feel really bad about your lack of homemaking skills. I've been to a few lately where ladies just "whipped up" a beautiful crochet blanket for someone, or made incredibly cute handstiched bloomers and burp cloths. But the one that took the cake for me was Shannon's blanket at my sister Missy's shower. I'm just gonna say it. I was GREEN with envy. She made an activity mat out of some adorable fabrics and the workmanship was impeccible. I almost crammed it into my purse and bolted, but I figured Missy would find me out. Eventually.

Anyway, you can see more of Shannon's work here.

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.

blogging rut

I guess I'm in a blogging rut. I have things I want to blog about, but I've been so busy that its really the last thing that I want to do when I have a free moment. And really, right now all I feel like doing is posting a picture.

I attempted bluebonnet pictures with my kids at Mt. Sachse but the bluebonnet crop was pretty lame and it was way too bright outside, so we ended up exploring instead. I LOVE watching the kids run free.

make a wish

I haven't fallen off the face of the Earth. Just teetering on the edge of it. I'll get back in the swing of blogging soon, but in the meantime, check out Carter's luscious lips. And if you're really bored, hop over to my photoblog. Got some new stuff posted. Ok, so yeah, I love my photoblog more right now. Don't hate.