Busy week.

I will start with last Saturday. We went to Eggpectaion for breakfast with Andrew, Kirsten, and baby Henry. My kids love breakfast foods, and both ate a TON of food. I was so sick last week (the WHOLE week!), and I shouldn't have indulged so much. I didn't feel well after we left. We met them again at Arundel Mills Mall. Kirsten, NATALIA, and I went to go get pedicures. Talia sat in my lap, and "that lady that's a mom" painted her toes. Then they did mine, and Talia sat there and watched her work. She wouldn't even let me look at a magazine, because it kept getting in the way of her view. Funny. It was nice to do something so fun with my tiny girl.

That evening we got a sitter, and went at had dinner at Kortney's home. Karen and her husband also joined us. It was such a fun night. It is amazing how I came to be friends with these women. Here is the story: I frequent a photography forum, and about two years ago Kortney hosted a get together of the photographers from the area. It was such a well planned event, and so fun to meet everyone. There were probably 25 women there, and one man! A few months later Karen, Kortney, and I went to a photography work shop in Philadelphia. We had a wonderful experience together, and became life long friends. We get together every so often, sometimes with kids, sometimes without. We had never had our husbands together. (Except for Kortney killer Christmas parties, where there were too many people for them to really talk to each other.) I was glad Kortney made the effort to get the six of us together. The food was fabulous, the conversations were hilarious, and Lincoln and Kortney had a little jam session on their guitars! All in all a wonderful night.

On Wednesday, the three of us ladies went to a concert. I haven't been to a concert in a long time. Kortney keeps emailing me and asking me if I want to go to concerts, but they are usually concerts I would NEVER go to. Too hard core for me. Finally a more mellow concert shows up in my email....Collective Soul, Live, and Counting Crows. Karen and I both agreed to go, but on the drive up admitted to each other that this was a "courtesy" concert. We had a wonderful time. Well sort of....we didn't sit in out seats, but went down on the ground in front of the stage. We got really close to the stage, and so did everyone else. It was so hot, and humid that night. All I can say is YUCK! There were some very drunk people by us that started getting to rowdy, and throwing bottles. We moved away from them, and to the back of the crowd. Much cooler, in both senses of the word. The music was so much better preformed live. I enjoyed that part of the night.

On Thursday this week we went to Gun Powder Falls State Park. The ward was planning a beach day, and Christie, Emily, Felicity, and I decided to drive up together. I got to ride up in Emily's new SUV, equipped with a DVD player. The ride up was a dream, because the kids were watching Sleeping Beauty. It started to rain while we were on the freeway, when we got to the beach it was pouring. We decided to kill a little time and go to a near by mall. We ate our lunches in the food court. You know, I was scrambling around in the morning trying to get out the door, and I asked Lincoln if he would pack our lunch. He did, and it was so delicious. We had a container of tuna salad, and bread (no soggy sandwiches), frozen gogurts, Cheeto's, puddings, a grapefruit (we at that later), a snickers bar, and I bought some fresh peaches at a produce stand on the way to the mall. My kids were covered in peach juice, and I don't think I have had a peach THAT good in long time.

Then we drove back to the beach, but Christie and Felicity had to go back home. I am so glad we went back. It was a GLORIOUS day at the beach. Our kids had the most fun in the water and playing in the sand. I think this the first time I have actually had my suit on at this beach, and I went clear out to the rope in the water with Wyatt and Talia. Lincoln was shocked when I told him that. =) We took lots of pictures! Here are a few.

Wyatt looks like he is either up to something, or a pirate!

I love these two of Emily's girls. They are sitting under the jetty, and it love the green in the wood!

Here's my little crazy! *SMMOOOOCH!*

Cute little idea

I love Wondertime magzine, and I found this idea a week ago. I thought I would share it. Some of you may not be able to do this, because your kids are grown, and some of you may laughing because you think I will not be able to keep it up for all my kids. Well, Wyatt's tooth is in a little jar, taped to a piece of paper, with the story how he lost it written on it. We'll see if there are other teeth added to the same jar. =)

Here is the link...but I will post a small bit of the article here. tooth wisdom

by: Ann P. Lewis

I asked several children what they think the Tooth Fairy does with their teeth once they're retrieved from under the pillow. Clara, 5, said, "she puts the teeth in a big bowl, covers them with pebbles, and grinds them to make money." Colleen, 6, claimed that "she brings all the teeth back to her house and uses them for tables and chairs and other stuff she needs." And Ruth, 5, swore that "she turns them into pearls and wears them." Me, I think she puts them in an attractive glass vial so she won't forget where they are. Here's how I imagine the Tooth Fairy does it.

Tooth

Me--"Oh my gosh, Wyatt! Where is your tooth?"

Wyatt--"What?!!!!"

Me--"Let me see. It's gone. Where did it go? Oh, did you swallow it?" (sad voice)

Wyatt races to the bathroom.

Me--"You put it in the bathroom?" Chasing after him. I find him looking in the mirror to see if it was really gone.

Wyatt runs back to kitchen. I follow behind, a little frantic. He gets on his knees and starts to search the floor.

He finds his tooth on the ground, and lifts it in the air. Lincoln has now joined us in the kitchen.

Me--"Why is my little boy's tooth on the floor?"

Wyatt--"I thought it was a little rock from the beach."



We went to the beach today. He was eating a peanut butter and jelly tortilla at home (a special request), and must of thought he was just chomping on some leftover sand.=)


Here is a sneak peak and some "different" beach pictures. This is my favorite....Wyatt getting washed over by a little wave. I love when my kids let me get creative!

Busy, and an IDEA!

I have really been trying to cut back on photography sessions. It is adding too much stress on my family. Then end of the summer is slipping away to quickly. I was sad to leave my family so much on the only day my husband is home. I "booked" a few sessions and titled them "TAKE A BREAK!!!!!". Then I got a call from a woman who wanted family pictures, ASAP. I made an exception and scheduled a MONDAY evening session for her. I am crazy. I couldn't call one of the girls in my ward and ask them to babysit on a Monday night. Thank goodness my friend Emily came to rescue me. She watched her kids, and mine over here.

Then I got a call from a woman that had her baby a month early. We had a tentative date set aside in Sept. Well, now I am photographing her baby on Friday. I also have another session on Saturday. At this moment I have 3 sessions to proof, and after this weekend I will have FIVE. So much for taking a break. I usually proof at night, but sometimes I would rather NOT sit at my computer.

Okay I feel better now. Sometimes I just need to get it all written out, and then I can go take care of it.

I have the most wonderful idea. I am starting to get a lot of families that want to book sessions in the fall. We all know the colorful leaves aren't on the trees very long. In order to take advantage that time, I am planning to do a FAMILY PHOTOGRAPH DAY! This day will just be for friends and ward members. I will book the entire day (well at least the parts of the day with good light) in half hour increments. I am trying to figure out exactly what to charge, and what the families will receive. I know everyone will want a big picture (11x14 or 8x10) and then ONE digital file so they can use it for their Christmas cards. I am still brain storming the details....like an add on package for individual images of the kids. They would have to book another half an hour for that. I can already hear Lincoln saying, "Don't you DARE give away that digital file.", so I may need to design a Christmas card package. My cards are cuter than anything you will get a Costco anyway. Let me know what you think.

I forgot about Lincoln's wreck....

While I was in Utah Lincoln was in a car accident. Obviously he is fine. He was on the 95 in heavy stop and go traffic. Lincoln was stopped, and a UPS truck couldn't stop in time and smashed into the back of Lincoln's new Honda. The car slid forward and hit the ball hitch on the car in front of him. The ball poked a big hole in the hood. Lincoln is now having back problems. Some days are worse than others, but he is doing better than he was a few weeks ago.

Here is the car situation at our house....
They gave Lincoln a PT Cruiser as a rental car. He took it back and requested (demanded) something else.
He is driving a Jeep Patriot now.
Honda is in the shop.
Pathfinder has just been detailed, and looks brand new. I love that car! Love it!
A new Gold or Bronze Pontiac Grand Prix is going to be delivered to our house. This is Lincoln's temporary company car. He is glad it is temporary. =)
Mom and Dad, you don't need to rent a car when you come! =)
The Impala is no longer a car, but is now a portrait studio.

Happy Birthday Lincoln!

Today is Lincoln's birthday. We had a wonderful day. It started out like a normal day. I watched the Mahaffey kids, and then we went to a fabulous pool party. It was beautiful weather today. I just sat and soaked up an entire day of summer with a big smile on my face.

Then we took the kids over to the Mahaffeys. Lincoln and I went to Red Lobster, and Lincoln got the biggest lobster they had. It was FOUR pounds. We didn't expect such a big lobster to show up on our table, because they only put the puny ones out in the front tank. They must have been hiding this monster in the kitchen! He was delicious! =)

We took this picture with the intent of giving it to Lincoln as a birthday gift. Look how cooperative they are being! SMMooooooOCH! I could just kiss them.



I forgot to post out Anniversary. We celebrated 9 wonderful years together two weeks ago. We planned on a temple trip, and a nice dinner out. I ruined it. I had a long photo session, that made our plans get cut short. We planned to attend the temple the following Saturday. (See post below to see how that plan didn't work out.) We went to a gourmet French restaurant that is near the temple. Our food was divine. I got the Parmesan crusted Rockfish, and Lincoln got Rosemary Lamb Chops. For dessert I had some fancy-smancy chocolate mousse torte, and Lincoln had a soufflé. They wrote "Happy Anniversary" on the edges of our plates with chocolate sauce.

Lincoln got me a dozen gorgeous peach roses. I got him NINE assorted beverages when we stopped for gas. =)


This shot would look so much better if I had a macro lens! =) Oh well, this will do.

I will join in......

Cut and paste and put in your own answers. Rule.... One word answers only.

1. Where is your mobile phone? Purse
2. Relationship? Happy
3. Your hair? Highlights
4. Work? Passion
5. Your sister(s)? Wonderful
6. Your favorite thing? Photography
7. Your dream last night? Weird
8. Your favorite drink? Lemonade
9. Your dream car? Lexus
10. The room you're in? Family
11. Your shoes? Beaded
12. Your fears? Alone
13. What do you want to be in 10 years? Happy
14. Who did you hang out with this weekend? Up-chuck
15. What are you not good at? phone
16. Muffin? Pumpkin
17. Wish list item? Macrolens
18. Where you grew up? Texas
19. The last thing you did? Lunch
20. What are you wearing? Green
21. What are you not wearing? sunglasses
22. Your pet? Cyrus
23. Your computer? ALWAYS
24. Your life? Bliss
25. Your mood? Happy
26. Missing? Family
27. What are you thinking about? Vacation
28. Your car? Detailed
29. Your kitchen? Nice
30. Your summer? Lazy
31. Your favorite color? Lt. Greenish bluish (I should put...CHANGES as my answer.)
32. Last time you laughed? Today
33. Last time you cried? Movie
34. School? more
35. Love? overflow

Judges' Choice!

My photograph of the mother holding her baby in the window received Judges' choice at the visitors center exhibit. You can visit the exhibit until Sept. 10th, at the Washington D.C. temple visitors center. All three of my images were hung on the wall, and I think they look so wonderful. I am glad I printed them large! =)

I went to the open house for the exhibit last night. The open house was for the photographers and their guests. Lincoln stayed home with Natalia, which was a bummer because we were going to go to the temple. (I didn't know that the temple was closed until I got there.) Thankfully, Christie came with me! She left her sick husband home with their four kids, so I was especially grateful that she was my guest! It was a little strange, because a few people wanted to meet ME. I didn't know how to act, so I hope I didn't make a fool of myself. It was fun to look at all the photographs, and it turned out to be a nice exhibit.

Lucky

Last night at 4:30 Talia came in my room covered in throw-up. (Just typing that word makes me sick.) I cleaned her up. When I walked in Talia's room to clean up the mess, Lincoln was already done with most of it! The linens were off the bed, and he was spot cleaning the floor. I wiped off the WALL! I made her a little bed with towels on our floor, tucked her in, and crawled in bed. After putting the sheets in the washer, Lincoln came up stairs. He came in so quietly, and kissed Talia on the head.

Then I heard him say, "Let's say a prayer," to her. She sweetly agreed. Tears filled my eyes as I listened to them pray together. I was already so thankful for all the help I received in cleaning up the mess, put this put how grateful I was to a whole new level.

I am so lucky. I don't know many men that will willingly get out of bed to clean up puke. He has always been like this. I am so thankful for him, and all he does.

(He also made some wonderful chicken chili for us today.)

The longest blog ever.......

This has to be a giant blog because I haven't had time to blog in a long time....so here is most of my Utah trip.



First my flight out to Utah was amazing. Why, Do you ask? My favorite baby sitter was on the flight with me! (AGAIN!, she was also on our flight out to Utah at Christmas time. Both times this was unplanned.) I am so thankful Courtney was there, because I had to spend most of the flight in the bathroom. I was so lucky, because she would sit with the child that wasn't going potty. Yes, I take my sitter on all my flights! =)

Relax.

Catching "butter faeries" in the backyard.

I love this sweet girl.

My brother, Mike, and my Mom had our rooms ready for us. I had a vase of the coolest red roses, and the kids had the cutest beds. Wyatt and Talia's bed had bedding from the movie Surf's Up. Wyatt's was blue with Cody on it, and Talia's was pink with Lani on it. These beds made all the difference in the world at nighttime. They were so happy to sleep in them....even thought they woke up at 4:30 am the first night. They eventually got used to the time change.

The first few days were not my favorite. I found out that I had bronchitis and Talia had a terrible bladder infection. Not fun. The fourth of July was a bomb for us, we went to bed at nine. We didn't really start doing fun stuff until the weekend, when we started to feel a little better.

We got to do so many fun things and visit so many people. My whole family came over on Saturday for a BBQ "in my honor." At least that is what my mom called it. =) It was so good to see everyone. A few of my brothers even talked cameras with me! Earlier that day we got to go to cousin Mason's 3rd birthday party. Jennifer made superman capes for all the guests, they had delicious cupcakes, games, and a fabulous photographer to document the whole party! (He he. Kidding.)

Mason and the cupcake....can you believe how RED they are.

We had a girls shopping day one Thursday. Mom, Jennifer, Brina, Lori, Jana, Ann, and I went to Gardener Village and had lunch and shopped. It was a fun day. Emily and Tim watch my kids for me. Talia loved Emily's little dog. They had a good time with their cousins.


We went to the dinosaur museum and the petting farm at Thanksgiving point. Talia rode a pony, and now is a horse fanatic. She was so happy and proud to be on that pony. Wyatt joined her the second time. Except he didn't want the "tall" pony, so he got on the short one and Talia rode the biggest one. Wyatt loves the dinosaur museum, except the "scary music" they play at in the front entrance area. He is scared of the funniest things, because somethings don't even phase him. He had a great time, but Talia didn't. I think we went to the bathroom 4-5 times....it isn't close to anything, so we had to race there a few times.



We got to go fishing with Grandpa. They didn't catch anything, Wyatt was disappointed. Grandpa told him "Fishing is always fun, and sometimes you catch a fish." I think he took that as a good answer, and stopped complaining. We had the most delicious salt and pepper potato chips while we were at Adventure Park. I bought some for us here, and Talia tasted one a few days ago and said "We eat these chips at fishing. *crunch crunch* With Grandma and Grandpa. Tasty." I thought it was funny that those chips sparked a memory for her.



My Grandma celebrated her 93rd birthday while we were there. She is doing pretty well, but stays in here home all the time. She also has stopped crocheting. Which is a little sad, because she has crocheted my whole life. I have afghans, doilies, pillows, Natalia's blessing dress, baby blankets and booties, slippers, hand towels, and more. These will always be treasured by us, especially because I know they were done with love, and with a little pain. (She has arthritis in her hands, which is why she finally stopped.) Well Natalia thought Grandma Great was one of the best things about the trip! We would walk past Grandma's door, and every time Natalia would say "Let's go say Happy Birthday to Grandma Great!" Grandma's birthday lasted about a week and a half, because Talia kept wishing her a happy birthday. Talia would get all of the stuffed animals in Grandma's apartment and line them up. She would look at everything on the table and ask "What this?" She loved to go visit her. One day I walked in to see if I could take a picture of Grandma and Natalia together, and she was sitting in her chair crocheting. I don't know exactly why she decided to start again, but it made me so happy to see her doing it. Here are the pictures of my silly little girl with her Grandma Great.

I got to do two non-family sessions while I was there. One for Adrie (we traded again) and one for my Laurel leader, Sister Greenwood's grandchildren. Both were good sessions! Adrie's kids are dream to work with. We went to the Scera pool with them a few days later. One the way there I said "Brighton, when I came over to your house, did I come over to play or to take pictures?" She yelled back with a big smile "TOO PLAY!" I can't tell you how much that means to me. I successfully tricked them. =) I had a similar experience at the Greenwood's home. That session was with two boys, four and one. I was warned that the four year old had several melt downs that day, and they were sure that the session wouldn't go too well. We had a fantastic time together, and when I started to leave he asked me if I would please come back tomorrow! =)

A few more pictures of my kids.

A sweet conversation by Grandma's tomatoes.

Title help please.....

I am submitting three photos into a photography exhibit at the Washington D.C. Visitors' Center. I finally have my prints framed, which was quite a fiasco. Thanks to my good friend Kortney, who let me come and cut mats at her home, it all ended well. I am so excited to enter my photos, and feel very confident about the images I chose. I hope my images will be chosen for the exhibit!

I am struggling with the titles for all three images. I have too many thoughts bouncing around in my head. I will share a few titles or ideas for each image. If you have an idea please share it with me here, or email me. I turn the pictures in tomorrow at noon.

The theme is memorable photographs depicting reverence, inspiration, and joy.




Sunshine for the soul
Long Awaited
Mother's Love



Heaven's Light
You're not alone
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. (I am not sure how to make a title out of this scripture.)





Sheer Bliss
Joy
"Push me higher, Grandpa." (??????)


As you can see I need help. I hope there are some night owls still awake! =) Thanks in advance!!!! =)

That's bloggable

(Christie and I have a new phrase for funny things we should blog.)

I heard Talia come in my room, but I hadn't heard Wyatt. Somehow he was already in my bed, and Lincoln was gone.

Natalia walked over to the side of the bed, peeked over and saw her brother.

Talia- "I love you Wyatt."

Wyatt, opening his eyes- "I love you too, Tai."

Talia (after climbing on the bed)- "I love you much all the world."

Wyatt- "Wow,That's a lot. I love you as much as all the eyes in the whole world."

Talia- "THAT'S A LOT. I love you as much as the Eli's in the world." (Eli is Natalia's little friend.)

Wyatt- "I bet there are a lot of Eli's in the world."

I didn't move a muscle or even open my eyes. I love listening to my children tell each other how much they love each other. =) They continued for a few more minutes. I can't remember all that was mentioned, except for DIRT. Someone always says "I love you as much as all the dirt in the world." Silly kids.

End of sappy story. =) Don't hold your breath though, I have another one.

I have a few silly games that I play with my kids. Our favorite is called "gross sandwich." We play this one while we wait at restaurants. We stack our hands on top of each others, and each time you add your hand to the pile, you add something disgusting (or delicious) to the sandwich. My kids are seriously so creative...it makes me laugh. The game always starts ...I'm the bread. Then they know what to do. We can make 5 huge gross sandwiches before our food arrives. We always taste each one...at least one bite.

Here is an example of some things I have heard in the past.....for my own memories sake. =)

bread
tomato
marshmallow creme
spider legs
pickles
rotten lime
dirt
spicy peppers (but only on your half Mom)
strawberry jam
one worm
pasta...no...pesto pasta
chicken leg
crab
chocolate sauce
rotten eggs
lettuce
peanut butter
snails
yogurt
crunchy noodles
garbanzo beans
pepperoni
I'm the bread

We have a new game. It's called the perfect day. I played it with Wyatt. We each did two perfect days. I loved hearing what his perfect day would be! I will post one of mine and Wyatt's. (I invite my blogging friends to join in on our game....but post your kids perfect days too.)

Me-
Wake up, but only after getting to sleep in.
Cuddle with my kids for a minute. (I forgot about Lincoln...no wait, he is busy down stairs mopping the floor!) =) I said PERFECT day.
Go and have fractured prune donuts for breakfast.
Drive to the beach, and take lots of picture of my kids.
Eat a yummy BBQ, that Daddy will make. (and clean up.)
Take a nap in the shade, or just be lazy (now cuddling with Lincoln) with a big smile on my face.
Eat a big, fancy salad for dinner when we get home.
Kiss my kids, and put them in bed.
Watch my favorite show (sytycd) and go to bed, but not before looking at the pictures I took at the beach. =)

Wyatt-
Wake up eat "breakfixed."
Go to the gym.
Eat a healthy lunch.
Then Talia will take her nap, and I can play xbox.
When she wakes up we can go to the park.
Go to the Crab Deck for dinner, and I will have my own HUGE crab.
Watch a family movie.
Bed.

I will add Lincoln's and Talia's later.

I hope everyone is having a perfect day.

The aftermath of a day off....

It is 7:30 in the morning. Talia woke up at 5:45. I am still not feeling well, and am so tired.

Wyatt and Talia were in the kitchen eating raisin bran.

"MOM, I have some bad news," Wyatt yelled to me. I was in the front room. "You have so much dishes to do in here."

He walked in to look at me and said, "Don't worry, I will help you." He paused, "You clean them, and I will put them in the right spots."

I guess waking up early isn't that bad, when you have sweet children.

Our week...

Well we made it through a week with out Daddy. It was a pretty good week.

Monday. I cleaned and we went to the park.

Tuesday. I went to water aerobics, and then the kids played in the pool at the Walls.

Wednesday. I went to water aerobics, and then we went to waterfront in Columbia for the lunchtime concerts. I packed tuna pitas, pears, Frito's, and oreos for our lunch. It was fun concert, and the kids played very well. Natalia has to pet all dogs, and there is one dog that is always at the concerts. This dog is sweet, and I feel okay about letting her pet it. Enter dog #2, as soon as Talia walks over to it, I yell at her to stop. Of course she doesn't listen, and keeps walking towards the dog. The owner of dog #2, proceeds to pull out a muzzle and put it on the dog. I am glad the dog has the muzzle, but I am so angry that she doesn't listen to me when I yell at her to stop.
Still Wednesday..we went over to the mall, and while we were in the Disney store Talia needed to go potty. I left Wyatt with Christie, and ran across the hall. Talia had swallowed a penny a few days earlier. How do I know this? I gave her the penny, and said "go put this in the pig." I guess she thinks SHE is the pig, because a few minutes later she came to me with tears in her eyes, and a red face. She said "I choke on the money," gasping and coughing. Swallowed penny. Back to the mall....Talia had GREEN poop. (TMI) My mind thought of a story of a little girl who swallowed a penny that stayed in her belly, and the coin corroded....it made her very sick. I was so worried the penny Talia swallowed was doing the same thing. I walked back over to the Disney store, to see Tori (Christie's little girl) in Christie's arms. When Tori saw me, she started to cry. I asked what happened to her. Christie, with the cell phone on her ear, turned to me and said "She fell, and then she passed out." I was in shock. Suddenly, sharing my story of green poop didn't seem very relevant. Tori seemed to be okay, and Christie finally got a hold of Brent on the phone. We were walking back to the car, and Tori was so out of it. Her eyes were blinking really fast, and she looked as if she was going to fall out of the stroller. I was so worried, I didn't think I was going to be able to hold it together. Luckily, she is just fine. We all went out for pizza, where she was her normal self.

Thursday. Christie and I went to the gym. After dropping our kids off in the Childcare center, we went and had massages. It was my first massage, and it was wonderful. Worth every penny. It was nice to relax after having the kids by myself all week. Then I drove to Severna Park to deliver an order. The kids were good, and stayed in the car and listened to a book on tape while I went into my clients home. Then we went to a little private beach in my clients neighborhood. It was a lovely little park, and since my kids didn't have their suits we just played in the sand. That was the plan anyway. When I loaded them in the car, they both had wet pants. =)

Friday. We stayed home and cleaned. I washed sheets and clothes, did dishes, picked up clutter, sorted toys and threw away many, and made beds. I had an order ready to be picked up, and I had to get ready for my date with Lincoln. His flight was going to come in at about 5:30, so we went out as soon as he got home. We were celebrating the day we met. That was eleven years ago. What a happy day. We went out for Thai food, and to a movie. We saw the Sliver Surfer, which was totally for Lincoln. I got to run through H&M and buy some cute clothes before the show started, so I was happy.

Saturday. I had a session, it was actually a follow up session for the little boy that got sick. It was a good session. Then we took the kids out for ice cream, and went to a park in Ellicott City. It was the park I used to take Wyatt to when we first moved here. It made me remember how little he was, and how afraid he used to be of the slides. He was only 2 and half. My, how time flies. I was pregnant then. This time he went down a very steep slide, and said he was finished with that slide forever. Talia went down it, got her feet on the ground, looked back at us, pointed sharply at the slide and exclaimed "THAT'S BIG!" Lincoln and I laughed. I started to feel a little sick, so we went home and I took a nap. I woke up to and empty house, and Wyatt asleep next to me. (great...that means he'll be up until 10) Lincoln had taken Talia to blockbuster, and got Chipotle for dinner. Thank goodness!

It is Sunday now. Lincoln is at church with Wyatt, Talia is asleep upstairs, and I am blogging. I feel like I just was sick, and now I am again. I just have a head cold, cough, and body aches. That is the worst part, I am so sore. Hopefully, I can rest today and get over it soon. I have to pack and get ready for our trip this coming week. I am excited to see my family, and take pictures of them. They must think of me coming and cringe! I only see them once a year, and I have to update the pictures right? =)

I have some pictures...I'll add them later. =)

Father's Day 2007

We had a nice Father's day here in Maryland. We'll I was told it was the "best Father's day ever." I have to agree. I have failed at making Father's day wonderful too many times to count. Lots of IOU's and such, that never end up happening. Not this year. I did everything right....if I do say so myself.

We gave Lincoln his presents on Saturday. Natalia gave him a harmonica and lesson CD, Wyatt have him a golfing gift certificate, and I gave him a smoker. He actually asked for the smoker, but I picked it out. Christie and I carried it up the stairs and hid it in Wyatt's closet. He had no clue that I bought it, and was probably expecting to be let down. We had to give the gifts on Saturday, because I knew he would want to buy some meat to smoke. We took him to Qudoba's for lunch, and then I had a photo session that evening.

Sunday morning we brought him breakfast in bed. He had requested chorizo and eggs. I also brought him the worlds biggest glass of oj, and made a hashbrown and put a big red ketchup heart on it. Then he slept in some more.

We went to church, then we had the Walls and the Hansens over to help us eat a giant smoked brisket. Lincoln was worried it wouldn't turn out, because he is a smoker-newbie. It was absolutely wonderful. It was a nice dinner, and it was fun to share it with friends.

The next morning Lincoln had to leave for Vegas. He will be gone for a week. You think I would be used to him leaving, and be prepared for that icky feeling. We refer to that feeling as "doom and gloom" in our house. We usually start to feel it the day before he leaves,-- we being Lincoln and I. I am sure the kids feel it too, but they don't verbalize it....they just act out when he is gone. =)

Monday we went to the park. I made a nice picnic. By nice I mean out of the ordinary. I don't know what it is, but I try my hardest not to pack sandwiches. This picnic did have sandwiches though....peanut butter banana sandwiches on raisin bread. The special treat was fresh pineapple, raspberry, and strawberry shortcake. I brought the whole can of whipped cream in the cooler bag. It was so yummy. Wyatt said "I think I will just have the fruit only, I am sure it is more healthy that way." Whatever...I will have my cake, and eat his too!

I brought my camera for a little "my husband is gone therapy." On the way out the door Wyatt said,"Here's the deal, I will only go if you don't bring your camera." I told him if I didn't take my camera we weren't going to go, so there was no deal. He is starting to sound like Lincoln.

See that shirt...he used to be afraid of it. It was only $2.50, so I got it for him. A robot shirt...I thought he would love it. It took more than 8 months for him to put it on. It's says Doctor Galaktro.

(Wyatt is yelling for me to come and push him. =)

There once was a girl with a curl,

right in the middle of her forehead.

And when she was good,

she was very very good.

And when she was bad,

she was horrid.

I finally got over to push him. =)

Speaking of therapy........My session on Saturday ROCKED! It was such a change of pace for me, as my subjects didn't run away from me. It was so nice to be able to meter the light be so creative without chasing anyone. It was a family of five, and the youngest child was 8..(I believe.) We went to Savage Mill. I used the water, and some of the ruins for the backgrounds. The light was glorious, and I was giddy. I think they must have thought I was crazy, but I KNEW I was getting amazing stuff. Here is a little sample of my favorites...so far. (These aren't the traditional portraits, but we took these shots when we were done with the family images.)

the polka dot dress

My Mom made this dress for Natalia. I had to get some pictures of her in it. She wasn't very corporative though. She also made her a yellow dress with butterflies on it. I wanted to take some pictures of her wearing it also. I found the perfect spot, a field of yellow flowers (probably weeds) with hundreds of white butterflies flying about. Natalia was spent, so we'll have to go back another day.

Chicken Parmigiana

I made this for dinner last night. Everyone loved it, and it was so easy. My favorite part was the sauce. I did add several of the herbs from my garden to it though. (basil, thyme, oregano, and Italian flat leaf parsley) Homemade Chicken Parmigiana

Submitted by: Jules203 Rated: 5 out of 5 by 9 members

Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes

Ready In: 50 Minutes Yields: 3 servings

"Show the love with these breaded chicken breasts and homemade creamy tomato sauce. It really is easier than it looks, and no one's going to turn away chicken with two melted cheeses!"

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon butter 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1/3 cup minced onion 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/4 cup heavy cream salt and pepper to taste 1/3 cup fine dry bread crumbs 2 tablespoons freshly grated

Parmesan cheese 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1 egg, beaten 2 tablespoons milk 3 (5 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 3 tablespoons olive oil 3/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in garlic and onion, and cook until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 2 minutes. Pour in diced tomatoes and sugar. Increase heat to medium-high, and bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, and continue simmering for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the sauce has simmered, stir in the cream and season to taste with salt and pepper. Simmer for an additional 3 minutes. Lower heat and keep sauce warm
2.	Stir together bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, and dried oregano; set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together egg and 2 tablespoons milk until blended. Dip chicken breasts into the egg, then press into breadcrumb mixture to coat both sides, shaking off excess.
3.	Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook on both sides until they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F (70 degrees C), and the bread crumb crust is golden brown, about 10 minutes.
4.	To serve, spoon sauce over chicken and top with Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Let stand a few minutes until the cheese has melted from the heat of the sauce.

Printed from Allrecipes.com 6/14

A nice visit

Lincoln's Grandmother, Grandma Eaton, came to stay with us for a two weeks. We had such a wonderful time. She is always so nice to have as company, because she just joins in on our busy lives. The first day she was here we got to go to Wyatt's preschool graduation. He attended East Columbia Preschool this year, and that school has done wonders for him. He has really grown up a lot this year. He had wonderful teachers, and I am sad he has to move on. I struggle with him growing up anyway.....when he was getting ready for bed a few nights ago, he complained that his tooth hurt. I stopped in my tracks, and asked which one. Of course, it was the bottom right tooth, and it was wiggly! I got teary eyed immediately, and tired to hide it and act super excited for him.
A wiggly tooth is sure sign of a big kid.



Anyway, Graduation was wonderful! They did a little questionnaire with each child, here are Wyatt's answers.

What is your favorite thing about preschool? When we start playtime because I like to play with Bristle Blocks.

In Preschool I learned.......about dinosaurs. Some dionosaurs ate plants while other dinosaurs ate meat. All dinosaurs are extinct.

The teachers do a little Prophecy about what think each child will be when they grow up. They said, "Wyatt would be an FBI agent, because he is the rule enforcer." I had to smile, because if he knows a rule he enforces it! Then they read something nice about each child. "Wyatt, You are very good at noticing details and using what you know to create and play!" from Miss Kelly, Miss LouAnn, and Miss Sue.

The next day his entire school went to Pump it up. It is a warehouse filled with those inflatable jumpy slide things. Both of the kids loved it, and ask to go back frequently.

We had a really busy week, I made a list...

*Preschool Graduation
*Took a meal to a friend that had a new baby.
*Pump it up party
*Watched Christie's kids
*Had a girls night out with Christie and Grandma. It was co-op night. Lincoln was out of town, and Christie's husband was at work. So the girls went to get a pedicure, and to Chevy's. I could live on Chevy's flautas! They are heavenly...especially with extra sauce for dipping! Yum.
*I had a wonderful session. A great client of mine adopted a little girl. She is the cutest little thing! Here is a cute picture of her.


*Two birthday parties.
*New blinds installed.
*Got a full size mattress from a friend in Catonsville. Lincoln put it on top of the pathfinder. I was so worried about it flying off. Lincoln called me later, and I asked him how it was going. He said " I was going 75 on the freeway, and it flew off like a piece of bread." He was joking, but I believed him, until the bread part. =) This is going to be Natalia's BIG, HUMONGOUS girl bed. A great place for guests to sleep. *hint hint*
*A luau! Yes I said LUAU. My friend Kortney, who is also a photographer, threw the most organized and beautiful luau. We all dressed very Hawaiian,.I wore an orange floral knee length skirt with a white top, Lincoln wore leafy print shorts with a white linen shirt (he looked so handsome), and Grandma wore her black and white floral mu mu. We looked fantastic! They had a hula hoop contest....and can you guess who one. (If you guessed Lincoln you should be punched! =) It was ME!!!! I won a $15 itunes gift card for doing so. =) The food was very authentic (but what do I know....I've never been to Hawaii!) and Kortney had witty labels for everything. It was a beautiful night, and I am so glad we were able to go.
*We had a BBQ with the Wall family over here after church one Sunday. Lincoln made ribs and they were out of this world delicious. He also made some killer baked beans. What did I make??? I can't even remember, so it must not have been as good as what he made. We went on a walk after dinner, and a storm rolled in while we were out. I thought it was wonderful and laughed in the unbelievably strong wind. Wyatt thought we were going to die. =)
*We went to took Christie's water aerobics class, and went swimming with the kids at Lifetime.
*We went to Larriland Farms for Strawberry picking, and a picnic. This was my favorite day. It was such a gorgeous day. We packed a wonderful picnic, that included black bean salad, and had a lazy time in the shade.


*Another photo session. (No permission to share yet.)
*We went to Gunpowder State park. Lincoln grilled hot dogs, and we played in the sand and the water. Natalia is getting a little too brave for my liking. I need to buy life jackets.




*We went to Port Discovery. We had never been there before. The kids are the perfect age for that place now. They climbed, played giant drums, squished clay, sorted shapes, and climbed some more.
*We introduced Grandma to these donuts! They are our favorite thing. I think my favorite one has to be the black forest! If you live in Columbia you need to go try them.(...just look up their hours before you go.)

A busy two weeks. I am sorry I did it in list form, there was just too much to write about.

I have had two more wonderful sessions in the past week. I will have to share when I am done proofing. I love my job!

I had an epiphany the other day. My friend from high school emailed me, and in my reply to her I said, "We live in Maryland, we love it here." After I wrote that I was shocked, but then realized I really feel that way. I do love it here. Hate humidity, love it here.

I will...

try to do a catch up blog, but not today. I am so far behind in everything.

3 sessions to proof.
House to clean.
Watching all the co-op kids tonight.
Vacation plans to solidify.
Need to wash towels. (Since swimming season is here, and the hot tub is fixed.....every single Towel needs to be washed.)
Clients to call.
3 orders need to be submitted. (One for Father's day....the Grandpa/Granddaughter swing images!)

We did manage to go to a Moon Bounce party today. That was so fun. Wyatt jumped until he got sick....literally. We left! I didn't want him to throw up there. Natalia had a good time too.


Here are a few pictures for fun.