Our vacation journal

We are home. It feels strange to be back. I have had to sit at my computer all day to catch up on photography stuff.
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We had the most amazing vacation. It was such a happy time for the four of us, and I am so glad we went.

Day one: Lincoln received his new company car, so we drove that. We put the kids seats on top of towels to protect the back seat. We left at 3 in the morning and drove to Myrtle Beach, SC. We knew nothing about Myrtle Beach, so we went to go explore the beach. Well, after about 10 minutes on the sand my kids where in the water. Natalia was in a cute little brown skirt and top from the gap, and Wyatt was dressed in some brand new clothes. (I thought we were going out to eat!) They had such a ball in those cold waves. I loved watching them. I soaked it all in, because I didn't have my camera. The sun was setting and Wyatt was picking up shells, and running through the water. Natalia kept falling each time a big wave would come, and she would get up laughing. I really enjoyed that day.

Day Two: We got up early (4:00) and drove to Orlando. We stayed at a HUMONGOUS Marriott...for FREE! Lincoln used his points to pay for all of our hotels. It was such a nice spot. We swam in the pool after enjoying a hamburger (kids shared) and tuna stackers (we shared) and four drinks that cost $50. Lincoln said "That's what fifty bucks looks like at the Marriott," as we walked away. I thought he was kidding. Then we went to Downtown Disney for Thanksgiving Dinner. We were not the only ones with this idea. We ate at Disney's Rain Forest Cafe, and had a great time. We walked in and out of a few shops, and the kids spent the Disney dollars they had earned. Yup...all of them.

Day Three: Walt Disney World! We had such a wonderful day. The kids loved the jungle cruise the most, and Natalia really thinks those animal were real! She loved the characters, and would ask to hug them as we walked by. There was always a huge line, so we never stopped. I knew there would be characters on the cruise to hug. We didn't have to wait in too many long lines, and discovered the fast passes really quickly. Those things are fabulous. Lincoln's favorite ride was the Buzz Lightyear ride, where you have a gun and targets to shoot. I got a score of 13,000, and Lincoln's score was 250,000. I was really trying too! My favorite was the Pirates of the Caribbean....you know that little waterfall that make you go down....they don't warn you anymore...and they make you go down in the DARK! Natalia grabbed on to me to tightly, she pinched my skin under my jeans! I smiled. =) Oh it was such a good day!


All these pictures were taken with our point and shoot. I didn't take my camera, and sometimes I would be so sad that I didn't have it. Overall I am glad I didn't take it, because I never had to worry about it getting lost or stolen.


Day Four: We went to Sea World. I love Sea World! They have finally changed the Dolphin Show, and it was so amazing. It was like watching Circ De Soiel with Dolphins. They had a show with pets, mainly dogs and cats, and the funnest part of that show was watching Natalia! She would clap with all her heart after every trick, and then ask if she could pet them. She got to pet a sweet old dog at the end of the show. He kissed her face and she giggled happily. We got to feed and pet sting rays and dolphins. I loved petting the dolphins....but that may be because I have longer arms than the kids. For dinner we went back to Downtown Disney to eat the "best bread pudding on the planet", that Lincoln had tasted on a business trip. It was at as Irish restaurant, and it was the MOST delicious bread pudding on the planet! Yum, (I don't normally like bread pudding.)

Day Five:We drove to the Ship! The first time we spotted out cruise ship we were all a little shocked. It was so huge! We got on and found our state room. It seemed so small, but I emptied our suitcases into the drawers and closets - and it was just the perfect size. We only slept in there anyway. We found a buffet, sat on by the pool , and drank Bahama Mama's. Lincoln had to submit (finish it too) a paper, so the kids and I went up to the party on the top deck. As we sailed off, we waved to all working fishermen below us, and they waved back! Then we went to a fun magic show. That is when I started to feel the ship really moving. The curtains would sway on the stage, and Lincoln and I would just look at each other with raised eyebrows. We were so worried about Wyatt getting sea sick. He is always getting car sick, so we thought the cruise would be a similar puke fest. He actually only complained once the WHOLE time, and never got sick. THANK GOODNESS! This was the most I felt the ship moving, so we must have had rough seas that night.
On the cruise you get three waiters that serve you every night. Our waiters were Levi, Marco, and Nino. They were so fabulous, I wanted to sneak them in my suitcase. They cut the kids food, they would make mickey mouse ketchup for Talia, they did magic tricks for us, and they were just sweet as can be. We had a wonderful dinner, but we were unfortunate with our dinner time. We missed out on the good dinner times. Ours was at 8:00 pm. That is what time I put my kids to bed, and we usually eat dinner at 5:00. It took some creative snack times to get them used to this schedule, but Natalia still fell asleep at the table twice.

Day Six: Day two of the cruise....We got to the port in Nassau at 9:00 am. Before we left the ship we visited with Belle, Cinderella, and Snow White. The princesses loved Natalia, she would hug them, and then have a conversation practically nose to nose with them. Cute!
Anyway. We had prepaid for a shore excursion called Black Beard's Cove & String Ray Encounter. We got off the ship and walked to a boat. It took us to a little island, where there were a few huts and buildings, and many lounge chairs on the beach. We got to go in with the stingrays first. Part of the beach isolated, and they kept the stingrays in an enclosed area. It was so fun. The stingrays would swim right up to you. I was surprised because these stingrays had poky bumps down their spines, and more texture to their skin than they rays we met at sea world. The females were much much larger than the males. Lincoln and Wyatt swam with them, and Lincoln tried to teach Wyatt how to snorkel - but the waves were much too strong. The waves were a very bad part of the day. They kept knocking Natalia over, and her legs got so scratched. Wyatt's did too, the sand was so coarse, there was a lot of coral being washed ashore also. Then they had us line up women and children on one side, and the men on the other side facing us. The stingrays immediately began swimming down the center. They knew what was coming....SQUID! They came and dumped a big pile of squid in my hand. A sweet lady next to me held up Talia, and I held Wyatt. We all fed the stingrays and laughed as they sucked the squid from our fingers.

The excursion included a lunch....this was not provided by Disney. =( The island was so "breezy" that day they couldn't even get their grill to heat a precooked hamburger. The first windy day in the Bahamas? My goodness. There were so many disappointed quests, but my kids didn't care. They just chased birds. We went back to the empty beach, and played in the water and dug in the sand. There were shells every where, but Wyatt collected rocks. We bought Wyatt a necklace with a sharks' tooth, and Talia one with pink and blue shells.

That evening we went to the Hercules show, and to a terrific dinner. The kids both had colds so we went to bed.

Day seven: Day three on the cruise....We went to Castaway Cay, Disney's private island. We loved it! There were two characters on the walk to the beach and they loved Natalia. Donald Duck picked her up and swung her around. Even when there was a long line of people waiting, Pluto took her by the hand and played ball with her. So cute again! There were TONS of people on the island. I didn't let that bother me, we still had a fantastic day. Lincoln went snorkeling, and the kids and I played in the water. Then we had a BBQ lunch that was delicious, and back to the beach for a NAP. Yup! Natalia fell asleep on the beach with me under and umbrella. Pure heaven! Lincoln and Wyatt went snorkeling, Wyatt laid with his face smashed up against a clear intertube, so he could see straight to the bottom of the ocean. Lincoln just pulled him around, until Wyatt actually fell asleep too! Then we laid in hammocks under some palm trees, and laughed when Lincoln did a flip out of his...not on purpose! It was a good day.










That evening we went to see the Golden Mickeys show on the ship, without the kids. We felt so guilty because they would have loved it. It was one of my favorite shows on the cruise. There was a pirate party on the ship that night. We bought hooks, earrings, and two toy daggers- and they gave us four bandannas covered with skulls. We looked great, but Talia fell asleep at the table. =) We were all tired anyway.

Day eight: Day four on the cruise - a day a sea. We went to see the new movie Enchanted, and swam in the Mickey Pool. We had a great seafood buffet for lunch, and we saw the Disney Dreams show. We ate our last delicious dinner. It was a totally enjoyable day.

Day nine: We had to get off the ship!!!!! Boo hoo.. I didn't want to leave. We drove to South Carolina, and Wyatt got carsick. It is a funny story. I was driving, Lincoln was sleeping, and Wyatt told me he was going to be sick. I bumped Lincoln to wake him, and the news must of really startled him....because he grabbed a cup half full of sunflower seed shells, reached back to the back seat, and then he jumped. The jump caused all the shells to FLY all over the car. Somehow Lincoln was able to still save the back seat from vomit. I pulled over and Lincoln got out of the car with a limp in his walk. "I pulled my groin," he said. (HOW??) I had Wyatt get out of the car to get some fresh air. He paced around with his mouth wide open, breathing in and out. I was laughing so hard. End of funny puke story. We stayed at another Marriott that night. We walked around a mall before dinner, and Natalia sat on a SOUTHERN Santa's lap. It was funny to hear Santa with a southern drawl.

Day ten: Is not worth writing about, we got home. Back to reality. Cyrus was so happy to see us though!

New hair

The day Natalia got a haircut was such a funny day. I am too tired to tell the whole thing. I will update it later..

*Had to get a birth certificate in the scariest mall in Maryland.
*Went to Holly's for Lucy's 1st birthday cake pictures, Natalia's haircut, my hair color, and so Natalia could pee in Holly's hair sink. (long story, involves a locked bathroom door.)
*Drove home just in time to get Wyatt of the bus.



Me and Talia. Why is she smiling so big for the CAMERA? She never does this when I am behind it.

Should have asked first....

If you are in my ward, and I have photographed you (or your children) in the past year, your pictures may be on a lovely Christmas tree at the Temple Visitor's Center. I know I should have called you all individually and asked for your permission, but I was under a tight deadline. I heard they look lovely on the tree! I know they looked lovely spread across my kitchen counter before I handed them off!

When did I start using the word lovely so much? =)

A tera who?

Lincoln bought me another hard drive. It is a terabyte! I didn't know this until now, but that is a thousand gigabytes. =) I feel so safe now. I have three places to put files, and more than enough room.

Lincoln sold his Honda! OH MY! It took less than 8 hours on ebay. We will only have three cars now. He sold it to someone in Florida, and now he is trying to convince me to drive it down we then we go on the cruise. ??? We shall see.

We are going to name this baby Ava, after the avocado. =) (see below...and also know I am kidding.) Wyatt yelled to me after I said good night to him, "take care of that avocado!" We all think it is funny. I love my silly family.


Back to work now.

A little stuck.

My C: drive is completely full. 180 GB. I can't download any more sessions, so tonight we are going to best buy on a date. Woohoo...(that was sarcastic.)

Where are all the pictures on this blog? I haven't really been taking any of my own kids. I haven't done their Halloween pictures, and I keep telling them we are going to do it. Things just keep getting in the way.

I did finish proofing one session last night, before I realized I was in "crash my computer" territory.

My baby is a big as an avocado this week. Last week was a small apple, and the week before it was as long as a lemon. What is up with the comparison with FOOD. These things are not always the same size. I have bought a giant avocado before, and we have really tiny apples in the fridge right now. It just made me laugh that they use food. Speaking of food. I have FINALLY chosen a color scheme for my family room. It is vanilla, chocolate, pear, and raspberry. Doesn't it sound lovely! Lincoln made fun, and said I only picked those colors because I am pregnant, and they all happen to sound like dessert. I got my inspiration from Divine Design...I love that show. I actually bought some pear colored candles, so that sealed the deal. Now to really start decorating!

Another funny food story. I take my prenatal vitamin every night. The other night I stayed up way too late. After I took my vitamin, I got sick. I came out of the bathroom laughing. I said, "Lincoln, I threw up because I didn't eat dessert." It really struck me as funny, and I had the giggles for a long time. This was at 2:00. That means I have had dessert every single night this whole pregnancy....and before too. No wonder my bum thinks it needs to expand, and my belly is taking is own sweet time. I do have a little belly now, so I took a picture. Lincoln said (in a very loving way) that if I showed anyone that picture they would laugh at me. So I will take another one in a few weeks. =)

H I J K and a little P.............

This week was a gorgeous week. The weather was gorgeous anyway. The week was actually a whirlwind of events! I have so much work to do, so I have another busy week ahead of me. I think I need to get on my calendar and plan every second. Here is a quick highlight of this week.

Monday- I was able to repay a dear friend for years of of kind deeds. I would need to do something similar many more times, to even begin to compare to the kindness she has shown me. I watched her little boy that is Natalia's age, and the only reason I did so is so she could take a NAP! Her newborn was as equally kind, and took a long nap with her.
We also told the kids they were going to get a little brother or sister. Wyatt was cute about it, and gasped. Natalia thought we were going to get the baby that I mentioned above.

Tuesday-We woke up early, and as the kids and I walked down the stairs together Wyatt said, "So....You still going to have a baby?"
I had an appointment in the morning. Everything went well. Natalia got to hear the heartbeat, and Lincoln was able to be there too. Then I had Christie's kids, and then she watched Talia for me. I had a session in Severna Park, RIGHT on the bay. I have had one other client in this area, and I love being able to use the private beaches. The pictures turned out so lovely, and it was a miracle...the six year old girl was sassy. Let's just leave it at that!

Wednesday-I went to water aerobics, and to Walgreen's to stalk up on MEDS. I bought so many the register went nuts, and thought I was going to make drugs at home. =) I was doing this spa rewards thing that Christie found. Then we raced to the Halloween parade at the school. Oh there is a story to go with this....My son is SUCH a rule follower. He is a little naughty, but if you explain why a rule exists he will OBEY it. (and enforce it on others, I am afraid) There was a rule about not dressing up as anything that portrays violence. He must have asked his teacher if he could be a knight, and she must have said NO. We made him into a king, and he looked wonderful. Lincoln was up way too late making a foil crown with the "Tidwell Code of Arms" on the front. (There were many many many violent characters there.) Each child had to choose a word that described their character, and Wyatt proudly wore the word "BOLD" around his neck.

We went trick or treating around out neighbor hood. (I'll add pictures) It was such nice weather, and the kids had a wonderful time. Lincoln bought these crazy teeth....a grill (all gold teeth) with gross crooked teeth. Then he put on his hunting jacket and pulled his hood down to his eyes, and walked around saying "Rick of Reet" to people we know. What a dork! I am still laughing about it. =)

Thursday- I went to Lancaster with Christie, and Emily to buy three dollar dresses. As soon as I got started shopping, Talia announced to the whole store that she needed to go potty. The whole store laughed, or at the least the people also looking for 3T. I had to take her so far away to find someone that would let us use their potty. I still got some good dresses though. I also got a Cherry Limeade (and a corndog...which I was teased about) at Sonic. We stopped at The Christmas Tree Shop and I spent $147 on the coolest $1.99 stuff. I love that store.

Friday- I was back in Lancaster. We were invited to have dinner with Lincoln's co-worker. His name is Tom, and he has six children. It was so nice to share a day with them. The conversation was so nice, and the food was wonderful. The family has decided to try to be vegetarian, but Tom had to cook up a great steak. I don't think he is trilled about being a vegetarian. Lincoln was ranting the entire drive home, "Did you see the kids' plates, how are they going to live on THAT!" It was funny. Their plates had one little carrot, one bit of cauliflower, and a little scoop of scalloped potatoes. That was it! It was a little bear. Lincoln would die if he knew how often becoming a vegetarian crosses my mind. My man is BBQ loving fool. We both agreed it would be nice to really cut back on meat, and I am looking forward to trying it.

Saturday- I had a session with 11 people at a beautiful garden in Virginia. It went well, but it made me realize why I usually turn down large family groups. I love the interaction I have with my subject. LOVE it. If I don't have a chance to really get to know my subject, I leave the session with an empty feeling. I love being able to ask questions, and try to find something I have in common with every subject (that can speak =). I have a hard time when it is more than one child even. I don't get to sit and talk, and then I have to be silly. Rambling.....anyway....
Then I had three sessions in a row at Centennial park. It was such a nice way to work. It was only three hours of shooting. I had a good time, and am downloading all the images now. Here's to proofing! =) LOL! FIVE sessions this week, and four next weekend. See.....I am going to have to plan out ever second this week, I have to get all this proofing done by Saturday.

After I got home from the sessions, Lincoln took us all to see The Bee Movie. I can tell I loved the promo about saving the bees, with Burt from Burt's Bees at the beginning. That is about ALL I can tell you, because Natalia and I fell asleep. That was my second nap of the day, because I managed to squeeze one in before my family sessions. I must have been tired. =)

Today- We left church early so we could go to Lincoln first guitar recital...or concert. He did a good job, but I could SEE how nervous he was. His fingers were shaking. =) I love him.

There are a ton of needs in our ward right now. The most ever at one time. My heart is just breaking as I try to get them all taken care of. I am very thankful for this calling and all I have learned from it. It has opened my eyes immensely, and has taught me many valuable lessons. I know almost all the sisters in my ward, some of them by voice, but not by face. It was amazing the first time I met a sister face to face that had helped me on several accounts. We hugged each other, because we had shared so much over the phone, it felt like we were old friends. She is many years older that I am, and I don't think we would have become friends without this calling.

Holy cow this is a long post.

My title is taken from the middle section of the ABC song, sung by Natalia.

The quiet game begins..........NOW!

Wyatt said this about twenty time is the car tonight. Obviously the quiet game doesn't last very long in our car.

We just got home from the ward Trunk or Treat. The entire eight minutes after we stepped in the door, Talia had us all laughing. Lincoln told them to take their costumes off, and put pjs on. They both started stuttering and scrambling, "but, Mom...Mom said....we could have...Mom said...one piece of candy." (They already had a ton, I am not that mean.)

We let them dump their candy on the floor to see all of its glory.

Talia started to open a box. I noticed it was HOT TAMALES, and motioned for Lincoln to watch her. Both of us were laughing as she took a bite, after I told her it wasn't a good choice. Lincoln was handed a half chewed piece of candy. She started to unwrap her second choice, and I began to pick up her pile of candy. She wasn't happy about that, and franticly started gathering arm fulls of sweets at her feet. Then she sat on them, and fluffed her dress so not a single piece would be seen. I said, "Talia, your pencil is right behind you. Get it before it rolls under the stove." She wouldn't budge! She knew exactly what I was trying to do.

Then it was up to bed. It is hard to put a sugar wired three yr old to bed.

(Natalia was dressed as Cinderella, and Wyatt was a knight. They looked wonderful.)

This weekend was supposed to be my family photo day. I had to cancel because it has been raining here for two days straight. Today actually turned out to be a nice day, but it was still so soggy. Speaking of rain, Wyatt went to a pumpkin patch with his class on Friday. In my gut I thought they would cancel the trip. Rain filled the entire forecast. He was wearing an undershirt, and a long sleeve t-shirt, and then I put him in a windbreaker. I should have put him in a winter coat! Poor boy was freezing. He did have a good time though. They found his Transformers lunch box this week. It was in the lost and found. (Did they check there before?) I jokingly asked him if there was a moldy sandwich inside as I opened it. There was a moldy sandwich inside! SICK! It was over a month old. Thank goodness for ziplocks!

Today, we went to the gym, to Mimi's Cafe for lunch, then Wyatt had a birthday party, and then we went to the church. It was such a busy day, and I can't believe it is over.

We did it....

We booked a Disney Cruise! I am so excited. I have wanted to go for almost THREE years! (Thanks for all the help booking, Corinne.)

I decided we were going to go. It really is the perfect time for us. I can't go on the ship when I am over 24 weeks of pregnancy, Talia is three now and can go in the different child activity areas (as opposed to only the child care center), and if we wait until after the baby...I will have to wait THREE more years. See....perfect timing. Lincoln disagreed, and turned on his money saving mode. RUDE! He only goes into money saving mode when it is something I want to splurge on. =) We went back and forth about going for a week or more. Then last night Lincoln came home to an exhausted wife, and a naughty three year old. I asked him to go and check on Talia, and said the words "I am done with her!". After a minute I remembered he had just got off a long flight, and was probably starving. I went upstairs to trade places with him. I told him there was homemade soups downstairs (Chicken noodle from Monday, or Potato from Tuesday), but he wouldn't leave. He said "I just want to be with you," and then he made a sad face. I asked him what was wrong. He said he just had the scariest flight of his life. People were screaming! The plane dropped hard and fast, and all the drinks flew into the air. The plane was pushed violently from side to side by strong air currents. Lincoln thought, "if my wife was on this flight, she would be bawling." Lincoln used his blanket to clean up spilled soda on man on his row. He comforted an elderly lady next to him, and helped the man just across the aisle that was panicking. After he told me about the flight he said, "so I was thinking, let's go on that vacation."

Can I just say, the way he helped those people on the plane is TOTALLY like Lincoln. He is always willing to help others in need. I love this quality, and it is one of the reasons I fell in love with him.

We are going on the cruise right after Thanksgiving. I guess the bad news, is we aren't going to Utah for Christmas now. Lincoln won't have enough vacation days.

Just had to share! =)

She bathes in Evian......or Crocs.

We have had a busy week. I mostly watched my friends' kids this week, so from Tuesday to Thursday I never left the house. On Wednesday I made this beautiful grocery list, and I spent a lot of time making it. What is a beautiful grocery list, you ask? It is organized into sections of the store, Dairy, Produce, Meats, Misc Home, Misc Food, and Frozen. I had complied a menu for this week and part of next, and written all the ingredients I needed to make those meals. I even made a separate menu for the fridge, and the cookbook/page numbers were written next to each meal. Then the best thing happened, Lincoln said, "I'll go to the store for you." Woohoo! I hate to shop, especially when I am tired. I set the meal list and grocery list on the counter by the microwave when I was clearing the table for dinner. When I went to pick it up later it had vanished into thin air. "Natalia," was my first thought. All four of us searched this house. Natalia asked for a piece of gum (nothing new) and I told her if she found my grocery list I would give her TWO! She said "I will chew two pieces of gum in two minutes! I will be right back!" She came back with a tuber (as in Tubers and Zots). I ran up stairs as started a bath for the kids, came back down and kept searching. Talia came up to me a few minutes later, okay MANY minutes later, and said "The bath is ready, I turned it off." Oops. Forgot about that. I hope they enjoyed such a deep bath. =) Anyway, I sent them up to get in (I tested it, not boiling hot), and came up right after them. Talia was already sitting in the tub with her hot pink crocs on! What a nut, she wasn't wearing them when I sent her upstairs! The wonderful grocery list was never found, until today....Sunday. Lincoln came home early from church. (story below) He got some crayons out for Talia, and my list was inside a craft box with green foamies stuck all over the back. I knew she had taken it!

We drove two cars to church today. Lincoln was going to drop his off at the mechanics after church. The alignment has been pulling to the left, but it miraculously fixed itself after he put air in his tires. =) After dropping Talia off in the nursery, they gave her back to us five minutes later! Why? Because she was coughing! Raise your hand if you have EVER heard Natalia cough. Does she sound like she has the croup even when she is healthy? Yes. Did she get the nickname "Baby Darth" when she was two weeks old for breathing like him? Yes. They did say she coughed up some gunk, which is not like her. That is probably why she was coughing, but she hasn't coughed again all day. I just laughed. I am going to get a note from my doctor, not really for the nursery at church....but for the childcare center at the gym. I do not want to get pulled out of the water and sent home, because she is coughing. Luckily we had two cars, so Lincoln just took her home instead of trying to chase her for two hours in the hall.

Oh, this post is getting too long. Short version for everything else.

Lincoln and I went on a double date with Christie and Brent to the Cheesecake Factory. Yum.

Saturday morning I got to go shopping with Christie. I got tons of cute stuff and it was all on sale.

We picked up our sitters, that happened to be friends, on our way home. We told them they could get together with our kids and walk to the tot lot. They did and had such a good time (the sitters and the kids). They also planned dinner together, and made cookies. Natalia was covered in chocolate when I got home, I wonder how many cookies she ate?

We went to the Renaissance Festival, and had a wonderful time. I could sit in one spot and just people watch for hours. There are some crazy people there! We didn't have a lot of time to spend, because we spent over an hour sitting in traffic on the way there. While we were walking the mile through the parking lot to the festival, we passed a super drunk woman (it was 3:00 pm) who was dressed very elaborately. She was walking with a man that was even more elaborately dressed. She was walking crazy zigzags through cars, and he said "Where are you going?". She replied "Somewhere where my feet don't hurt!" Isn't that the funniest thing? I will quote her for the rest of my life. It was so nice to go without the kids. We looked in just about every shop! We tried some crazy food, and some how all I ate the entire time was desserts! I had an ice cream sundae in a waffle bowl, a deep fried snickers, and a chocolate dipped frozen banana. When I got home I wanted to die, and I wanted something super healthy to eat. Lincoln was willing to run to the store to get me a watermelon! This was the last weekend for the festival and I am glad we were able to sneak in a visit.

When we got home I had to put chocolate dipped Natalia in the tub. I was helping Wyatt out of his shirt, and heard a spraying noise. I turned around and Talia was emptying a bottle of evian water into her bath. It was a new bottle, I had only taken two drinks out it. She wanted to play with the bottle in the tub, because it had a squeeze top.

Here are a few funny things Wyatt said this week.

*Lincoln wanted to have venison for dinner again. I said, "Please don't make me eat that today!" Wyatt said, "Mom, you could just have a delicious salad!"

*One morning I was in his room, and asked Wyatt to make his bed. He started making it and said, "I am going to make it nice, like the maids!" Rude, I guess all those times I made it, it wasn't nice. =)


*We were at Costco with Christina and Eli for lunch. I needed to run and grab milk. (Ya right, that is all I left with!) I put both kids in the cart, which looked a little funny because Wyatt is so big. I just didn't want to deal with dawdling. On the way out of the store, Wyatt located both ends of the seat belt. He tried to pull them together, but only made it as far as his sides. Then he looked at me and asked "Does this come in a larger size?" I laughed all the way to the car.

Big Sigh.

I am done...for now. =) I have finished proofing all my sessions. (pictures below) I have a bunch of very happy clients, now to get them to order LOTS! One is for a super cute friend of mine that is starting up an accessory business. I trade her for haircuts...and of course for the fun of it too. Now I can say I have done commercial work! =)I wish her all the luck in the world with this new business, and I know that good photography can give her a nice boost. The two boys are from a session that was a referral from Christina! Thank you Christina!!! They were so fun to work with.

While my Mom and Dad were here, my Mom made a comment about getting us some new garbage cans. Lincoln said that we didn't need new ones and that our cans were "FINE". Then I went and looked at them.....splitting up the side, horrible permanent goop in the bottoms, handles hanging on by a shred of plastic. Yup, they looked fine to me too!! =) So we bought two new wonderful garbage cans, with lids and wheels! There is a BUT to this story. My dear husband still puts the trash in the old disgusting cans! Today, I had to drag these two smelly cans to curb. Why is he boycotting the new cans? I just don't get it!

Jumping Bean

We looked up on the ultrasound screen, and it looked a little bleak. I couldn't see a heartbeat flicker, and I held my breath. As the technician looked around the baby jumped, and wiggled. She said, "well, I know it can't do that without a heartbeat," and then she located it. What a happy day. Lincoln came a grabbed my foot, and gave me a big smile. I feel very relived. I also wanted to thank you all for the prayers and well wishes. I felt so much calmer the day of the appointment.

I need to figure out our scanner so I can post the picture.

Oh, the heartbeat was 150, so my Mom said "it's a boy!" We shall see. =)

A report.

My Mom and Dad just called me and said, "We are calling for a report!" She was so excited, and the first thing I thought of was that my ultrasound appointment wasn't until tomorrow. Silly me, she meant a report on the So You Think You Can Dance concert!

It was DIVINE! I was so giddy to be there, it really did my spirits a lot of good to go.

First because Lincoln was gone, I called up my good friend Corinne to see if Christie and I could join in on their evening a bit. Corinne, Jann, Jenni, Cami, and her husband Jake planned to have a yummy dinner at Qdoba. We got take out and then met at Cami's to watch a few highlights from the show. Then we all hopped in Cami's van, which was such a blessing for me. Five words; stick, traffic, high heel boots.

The concert started with the top ten dancers, and every once in a while they would surprise us with a dancer that was not in the top ten. The first of which was HOK! They did a breakin' routine with all the breakers. Then a routine from the show that showcased Danny with Anya, was performed but it was Danny and Jaimie. I was a little sad because Anya wasn't going to be there, but then they brought her out with Pasha! I screamed, they dance so well together.(Jesus was there, and so was Shauna) I actually could keep on typing about every dance. I loved the dance with the two princes with Danny and Neil, this was amazing live! I could scream right now, but my kids are asleep. Neil was my favorite live, and Sabra, and Danny...because his last name is Tidwell, and I loved seeing Pasha's Pas a Doble solo, which I missed on the show. Another number that shocked me live, was the swamp creature number. I wanted to be up there in Sabra's hooded cape! Too fun! I forgot to mention Night of the Dancing Flame, the Angel and Devil routine with Niel and Lauren. So good, I mentioned this one to my Mom first.I loved hearing Lauren scream her heart out! HA! The reunion in heaven routine by Mia, was not my favorite on the show....but the way they performed it last night brought so much more emotion. It started with a quiet stage and all the dancers in white with their arms full of flowers. They slowly walked forward, and scattered the flowers. Then Niel and Lacey came out and had to search for each other through the crowd. Perfect beginning, much more memorable. I recorded a few little clips on my p&s, and I just watched a few. Now I am all giddy again. Check back for a few video clips.

This concert has inspired me to do THREE things. One: get laser eye surgery! I couldn't see very well, and we had pretty good seats. Two: Go back to dance class. Both of these will have to happen after the baby is born, but I still think they are two very good goals. Three: Update my cell phone contact list. After the concert we couldn't find our friends, and it was POURING rain. I didn't have anyone's cell phone numbers in my phone. They ran back to the car with out us, and were soaked to the bone. We found them, my cell phone finally worked, and some home I managed to come home pretty DRY. No stones please. I feel bad they were so wet, but I am sure it added some excitement to their night.

I bought a concert T-shirt, which was a total splurge. I also ran into some of my coolest clients. Their little boy is the one crawling on a giant yellow toad stool. I am so happy I was able to go, and next year I will be there again! This night ended up costing a lot of money, but I would spend it again in a heartbeat. Courtney babysat for me on a school night, and missed YW's too! Bless her heart, I didn't get her home until midnight. I paid her $50! She was so sleepy, with crazy bedhead when I came home. I hope she knows how much I appreciate her! My children love her, she knows where everything is in my house, and the best thing...I do not worry while I am out. I am lucky.


(I am feeling very nervous for tomorrow. I keep praying for comfort, but I don't feel it. If I could ask my sweet friends to pray for me (us). I am so afraid to look up at the image on the screen tomorrow. I can only picture the worst.)

one down....

three more sessions to go. This is the follow-up shoot for the session that got rained out. I love the serious images! I do have pictures with smiles, but why in the world would I show you those? =)These are so me.

Slowly

catching up. I have over booked myself again! So I have been trying to catch up, but I have been so tired. I usually stay up very late and proof. For some reason (smiling ear to ear here) I have fallen asleep when I put my kids to bed. That is at 8:00. I have 3 more sessions to proof....oops I mean four. Gosh, how am I going to do this?

Here are a few favorites from two sessions I recently finished.











Lincoln left for Oregon on Sunday at 6:30 am, and he won't be home until Thursday at midnight or later. DO YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS?!! He is going to miss the So You Think You Can Dance concert. I bawled when we realized he was going to miss it. I am so bummed. I thought about flying my sister or Mom out here so one of them could go with me. I called Christie, and luckily Brent is post call that day. (That means not working.) Now, it is going to be a girls night out!

I thought watching Conference with two kids was going to be really difficult without Lincoln here to help. It was very nice. Thanks to a conference bingo game Wyatt's teacher gave us. He watched the first HOUR and a HALF attentively! I gave him a cup full of small treats; raisins, peanuts, cereal, chocolate chips, gold fish, and almonds. He only got to eat one if the word being said already had been marked. He loved it. He exclaimed in one of the very last talks in the last session, "FINALLY, this the first time I had heard BISHOP!" (Yes, he could have missed it earlier.) I photocopied the game for Talia. She ripped it in pieces and gave it to me, calling the torn bits tickets. I would asked what they were for, and she would either reply, "for the ballet," or "Jail! You are going to jail." She is good entertainment around here.

A Strong Heartbeat!

Well, here goes!

We are announcing.........We are expecting our third baby!

I had my first appointment today, and heard a nice strong heartbeat. =) I immediately started crying, because I didn't think everything was going alright. I have been such a pessimist this pregnancy! A constant worry that things were not going to work out, has been here since the day I took the test. I am still worried, so we are not going to tell the kids until we have a nice ultra sound picture to show them.

I have not been sick AT ALL. Not at all, I feel pretty normal actually! Sounds lovely doesn't it, well, it really hasn't been great. "Everyone" says morning sickness is a good sign that things are progressing well. That has been looming around in my head(and Lincoln's) for the last few weeks. I would pray for a little comfort to know that the baby was doing well, and wish for a sign of some kind. Then I would back paddle a little and think, "oh please, I am not praying to be sick." It really is an odd thing to go through. I have a few symptoms, but not many. I am 11 weeks along now, so I may not get sick at all. What a blessing! (fingers crossed)

Why am I awake?

It is almost 1 am. Lincoln is working on updating some stuff for work, and keeps begging me to wait up with him. He has said "ten more minutes," a few times.

I want to blog about the week my parents were here, but I haven't figured out how to download pictures from the point and shoot camera yet. Lincoln got a really nice p&s when he was "hired" on with hp. I keep it in my purse, and love having a camera all the time.

I had the worst headache today. It made me skip the middle part of church! =) It took forever to go away. I think Natalia caused it. She was wearing a purple dress with flowers, and white tights. She walked in my room with red and white polka dot shoes on. Not happening! So I tried to change the dress....not happening. I tried to change her shoes....not happening. I finally was able to put a little red skirt covered with kitties, and matching top (over the white t-shirt she already had on!). This was not an outfit I would send her to church in! She looked too sassy...hmmm....fitting for her mood.

Christie is in Utah, and we have Alex here with us. I wanted him to feel welcome and happy, so the first night I made M&M pancakes! I think I have ruined this boy. He will never take a plan pancake again, without bringing up these pancakes. They were good if I do say so myself. The kids were in heaven! I also made scrambled eggs, and hash browns. I will give you the recipe for the pancakes! It is on the bisquick box, and it is so good. (The last time I read it on the box, they said to add a little vanilla. Yummy. I just tossed in some M&M's right before I flipped them. They aren't really pretty, because the m&m's melt a little, but they taste good.)

2 cups Original Bisquick® mix
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 eggs

1. Heat griddle or skillet over medium-high heat or electric griddle to 375°F; grease with cooking spray, vegetable oil or shortening. (Surface is ready when a few drops of water sprinkled on it dance and disappear.)
2. Stir all ingredients until blended. Pour by slightly less than 1/4 cupfuls onto hot griddle.
3. Cook until edges are dry. Turn; cook until golden. To keep warm, place in single layer on cookie sheet. Cover with aluminum foil, and place in 200°F oven up to 10 minutes.
(Total time will vary; cook or bake time is per batch.)

I let the kids pick one story each at bedtime. Natalia picks this funny story about a pig that plots against a fox. The piglet ends up with a bath, a big dinner, and a massage. The fox thinks he is doing all this to prepare his delicious roast pig dinner. Funny story. Well, Alex picked a small cookbook full of ideas for kid friendly food. I think I have found a way into his heart! =) I told him he could pick one meal, and I would make it for him. He is having a hard time deciding! He asked me were I got the cookbook, and I told him "just at Giant." Well, He was with his Dad all weekend, and I guess they went to Giant. Alex said to me, "I saw the book at giant, but my Dad said I didn't need it." So funny! I think I will pick up a copy for him tomorrow. =)

We have loved having Alex in our home. Wyatt can hardly contain himself, and won't stop talking to him at night. I have to threaten separating them to get him to be quiet. I eaves dropped on a conversation of theirs, it went like this.

Wyatt- "Do you believe in Peter Pan?" NO! Do you believe in tinkerbell? NO!"
Alex- "YOU DON'T believe in FAIRIES?"
Wyatt- "My sister does."
Alex-"Those kids read about Peter Pan, and he came to visit them. If I read about Peter Pan, he will come to my house. He'll teach me how to FLY!"
Wyatt-"Do you think pirates are real? I do! I have seen their ships!"

I left the hallway. Laughing. Sweet and silly boys.

Lincoln is done! Goodnight. =)

Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful Boy

I had a really bad day on Tuesday. It think I get the award for worst Mother of the year. I think I will choose to blame hormones. =)

Natalia is obsessed with a fat orange cat in our neighborhood. His name is George. He loves Talia for the first few pets and squeals, but that becomes old very quickly and he "growls"(her words) at her. She still calls him every time we go outside, and he always comes. Then she says "George is nice at me again!" She is trilled, and skips around him while he rolls happily on the ground. Sounds sweet, doesn't it. Well, it is, until I TRY to get her to come inside or get in the car. It is a nightmare. She screams and kicks. What a wonderful world it would be if we could just sit and pet George all day. After chasing her around the yard, I finally got her inside..and I spanked her bum, and yelled at her. Not usually my first choice, but I can say I had lost control. I am so sad about it now.

Then Wyatt came home, and we had a nice normal day. I had a follow-up shoot for the session that got "thundered" out. It was a good session,no, a great session. The kids were actually happy to come and do the shoot again. What a complement! A seven yr old boy didn't dread getting his pictures taken again. (Patting myself on the back.) Lincoln had to go out to dinner with some people from work, and he needed me home by 7:00. I didn't want to leave, seriously, I was getting some GREAT stuff. I regrettably ended the session, only to get in the car and realize I was already late! Time flies. I hate speeding, I never do it. I sped home. Only to arrive to a very irritated husband , he waved to me in the driveway before walking to his car. I later found out I misinterpreted this wave. I thought he was giving me the "you loser, you don't care wave" but it was really the "I love you, and fifteen minutes is not more important than my sweetie wave." "quote"

I gave the kids a snack, a bath, and a story. Then Wyatt prayed for us. Natalia climbed on and off the bed 6 times during the prayer, and Wyatt was being silly. After he finished I spanked his bum, and said "We do not pray like that in this house!" Sent him to bed, and put Talia in hers. I was so mad, and he was so sad. I sat and talked with him for a long time. He really didn't understand what deserved a spank. Did he really think the refrigerator needed blessing today? I did notice that he said "Bless Mom, Bless Dad," which is his "robot statement" in prayers about six times...but now think that may have been on purpose because I needed it. =) I got him settled down, we apologized to each other, and forgave each other. Then I started crying. I buried my head in his bright blue pillow. Then my sweetest boy said "Mom, look at me, look at me," and picked up my chin. "Everything is okay. You can have a better day tomorrow." His eyes filled with tears and he hugged me tight, and I sobbed. Not because I was sad, because I felt so lucky to have him in that moment.

The picture at the top is him picking a flower. Then he found out it had thorns. I thought it was a fitting image.

About me

1) What I was doing ten years ago, September 1997

I was dating Lincoln. We had been together for a little over a year. I would have been going out on dates. We loved to go cosmic bowling, go to movies, go out to eat (that hasn't changed), and smooch! =)

2) What I was doing five years ago, September 2002

I was the mother of a four month old baby boy! I remember one day around that time, Lincoln called me from work to let me know that the Camry had caught on fire in the parking lot at work. What a mess. It wasn't insured at the time, it had lapsed. We learned a lot from that experience. We were also thankful I wasn't driving the car, with our new baby in the back. Scary thought.

This is also the exact time when I started to LOVE photography. I had the best "session" with Wyatt, I still love those pictures.

3) One year ago, September 2006

You can read all about it here...

4) Yesterday, September 17, 2007

My parents were visiting! My Mom didn't feel very well, so we had a very productive day at home. I packaged orders, my Mom did tons of my laundry (love her), my Dad did many many odd jobs around here (love him too), and Lincoln tried to fix his BRAND NEW laptop that wigged out on him. (I do love him also.)

5) Five snacks I enjoy: Fresh fruit, spicy hummus and pita bread, popcorn with tabasco, ROOTBEER FLOATS, smoothies.

6) Five things I would do if I suddenly had $100 million: (totally copying you Kayelynn =)...Pay Tithing, I would finally buy expensive shoes, a beautiful photography studio, a beach house in Oregon, a house closer to family.

7) Five locations I would like to run away to: Hawaii, Cancun, Disney cruise, Utah, Malibu...to "our" spot.

8) Five bad habits I have: I always finish ALL the food on my plate! (My Dad used to say in a joking way, "You'd better eat it, or I'll rub it in your hair." I guess I thought he really would.) I blame others for things I actually did. (Then I realize it was me!) I don't balance my check book. I stammer and say dumb things when I talk to someone I don't know on the phone.....even the pizza man. If I read an email...I'd better reply right then, or I will forget to do it.

9) Five things I like doing: Napping or sleeping in, Dancing with my kids, watching movies with Lincoln, girls nights, and shopping with out kids.

10) Five TV shows I like: So You Think You Can Dance, Barefoot Contessa, Lost, Heroes, and Survivor.

11) Five things I hate doing: Taking out the garbage, Calling a for a babysitter (because of the phone thing), cleaning up maple syrup, folding socks, driving without a gps.

12) Five biggest joys at this moment: Having had my parents here for a week, my happy and silly children, Lincoln, safety and health, and my camera.


I'll tag Christie and Christina.

Horrible.

I have a wonderful client. She was my first client in Maryland, but she was also my landlord when we first moved here. She is the sweetest person you'll ever meet, and she sent me this email last week. Why am I sharing it? I don't know. I just ache for this family. Why do people own dogs like this?!!

I am not posting this so people will help them. (If you feel compelled, by all means call me.) I just look at my sweet baby girl, who is probably the same age as this little one, and want to cry. I am so thankful for our health and safety.

Here is the email.

Hello everyone. I am writing about my sweet little cousin. She is two years old and was attacked by a pit bull last Wednesday. The dog bit her face and neck and swung her around. She was taken by helicopter to Children's hospital in DC. She is currently in the Pediatric ICU. She has over 300 stitches in her face, neck and mouth. She may have vision and neurological damage. She lost five teeth and has a broken jaw. She is still intubated and is heavily sedated.

She is the daughter of my first cousin Danny. Due to some difficult times, Danny, his wife and their four children are presently homeless and living in my aunts dining room. My cousin works in a factory and is presently working 60-80 hours per week to help get his family back on their feet.

The children all have Medicaid health insurance. My cousin did not notify the Medicaid office that they moved and now Medicaid is denying all medical coverage saying that too many adults live in the house and they do not qualify for medical coverage.

His family could use help. If anyone would like to help them out we would appreciate it.

They have four children. The girls are 7, 6 and 2. The two year old will need shirts with a button up front, size 3T. (Because of all the facial damage she will not be able to pull a shirt over her head.)

Their son is 4. He witnessed the attack and is having a very hard time.

Any help would be appreciated. Ideas: Phone cards, WalMart gift cards and gas cards (children's hospital is 1 1/2 hours away from where they live.)

Thanks so much.

christy and erica

Seven

Christie tagged me to play this game of sevens:

A. List 7 habits/quirks/facts about yourself.

B. Tag 7 people to do the same.

C. Do not tag the person who tagged you or say that you tag whoever wants to do it.


1. I have a place on my ankle that doesn't tan, it is shaped like a star.

2. I love make-up. For me it is more of an artistry thing, than a beauty thing. I wish I could wear more, without getting funny looks! =) If someone ever asked me what I collect, I would say make-up! Twice a year a get a bad itch for new make-up...and I am feeling it now. Sephora anyone???

3. I am not a dog person, but I have one.

4. A lot of my memories are sparked by the clothes I was wearing when that memory was made. The earliest memory I have is of me in my C3PO underoos. I was holding my Mom's hand, and we were about to cross the street to visit my little friend. I said, "Wait I am in my C3PO's!", and my Mom reassured me it was okay. Then I felt fine about it, and then we walked across the street. (This would have been in Midland, in the house with the pecan tree. How old was I then?)

5. I love art. I want to take a watercolor class, or maybe sketching. I will never be as good as my brothers, but I still love to do it. I just love to create. I love for my children to be able to create. That is why I love to have lots of art supplies with in their reach.

6. I am proud of the fact that my kids will eat weird stuff. Natalia LOVES hummus, Wyatt loves seafood, Natalia will eat sauerkraut with me, Wyatt *loves* TOFU, Natalia and Wyatt will eat an entire plate of Pad Thai noodles, they both love black beans, and Wyatt will eat an salad like it was a bowl of ice cream. (They do have things they don't like still.) Just watch, one day I will have a really picky eater.

7. I still have an Oregon drivers license. (oops.)


Now for tagging....I think everyone has done this. I will tag Kayelynn. =) If anyone else hasn't done this, please do.

Wildlife Rescue

Saturday we went to the fall festival at the Wildlife Rescue. We went last year also. Lincoln's co-worker is very involved with the Rescue. They have made many improvements since the last time we were there. They have many domestic animals, some that were purchased and then regretted by their previous owners. An example of this is the two GIANT potbelly bigs. Did the people think they would stay small? They have llamas, alpacas, goats, pigs, a donkey, and sheep. The rescued animals are in different smaller enclosures. We saw Canadian Geese with casts on, a porcupine, many rabbits, ducks, geese, a blind Barred Owl, Two goats with clothes on (from Pinocchio?), and our favorite of the day several baby fawn. Not everyone got to visit the baby fawns, but Lincoln helped feed some last July, and asked if we could see them. They are the cutest little things. The youngest one was two months old and so tiny. The rest were between 4-6 months old. There was one sweet one that had been hit by a car. She had quite a lot of head trauma when she arrived, and had quite a few stitches still. She has just started eating well again, but she is blind. =( We walked into the shed where the fawns were being kept, and they slowly approached us. We put out our hands and they began licking our fingers and arms. They love the taste of our salty skin. We were being tasted by 7 little fawns, and it was so funny. Wyatt was a little afraid, but Natalia loved it. One even licked her cheek, and she just giggled. Petting the fawns was the funnest experience of the day. We also got the feed the goats vanilla wafers. ??? I don't know why that is what they were eating, but some of them loved them, and some didn't.

They had a nice silent auction, but we didn't win anything. They had a moon bounce for the kids. They also had some wonderful food. This year the biggest donation was 10,000, and the people that made that donation were appalled that meat was served at last years venue. This year all the food was vegan, much to Lincoln's disgust. It actually was a nice spread, and we got to try some new things.

It was wonderful day, and I am glad we get to be a part of it. Yes, I still hate squirrels by the way. We don't hurt our squirrels, we just relocate them.

Here is a link to their site.

Ipod quiz

From Jenni and Cami)

Title: Many the Miles

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Put your music player on shuffle.
2. Press forward for each question
3. Use the song title as the answer to the question even if it doesn't make sense. NO CHEATING!

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Bottle it up (Sara Bareilles) My new favorite artist.- Not bottling anything at the moment though.

WHAT'S YOUR OUTLOOK ON LIFE
Plies (Robert Long Ballet Class Music) Oh dear, there are going to be a lot of ballet moves on this questionnaire. Plies, that is so funny.

WHAT DOES YOUR FAMILY THINK OF YOU?
A Dream is a wish your heart makes.(Ilene Woods from Cinderella) That is sweet.

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Yummy (edited) (Gwen Stephani) Wow, Thanks guys.

WHAT DO STRANGERS THINK OF YOU?
Petits Battements (Ballet class again.)

WHAT DO YOUR EXES THINK OF YOU?
Jimmy Gets High (Daniel Powter) Random. No, I never got high.

HOW IS YOUR LOVE LIFE?
Way Back Into Love (From the Music and Lyrics soundtrack.) I guess this is fitting. We had a hard year last year, and this year has been bliss.

HOW WILL YOUR LOVE LIFE BE IN THE FUTURE?
Better Together (Jack Johnson) Wow. What are the chances. Yes, it will get better and better.

WILL YOU GET MARRIED?
Reverence (Ballet Class again) I guess out of all the ballet terms, this one is fitting.

WILL YOU HAVE KIDS?
Skeleton Bones (Hi-5) LOL! Does this mean they will be the death of me?

ARE YOU GOOD AT SCHOOL?
Little Wonders (Rob Thomas) I am not going to interpret that. =)

WILL YOU BE SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE?
The More I see you (Micheal Buble) ???

WHAT SONG SHOULD THEY PLAY ON YOUR BIRTHDAY?
Love Song (Sara Bareilles) YAY, That is a great song for my birthday. I love it.

WHAT SONG SHOULD THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
It had better be tonight (Michael Buble) Hmmm. Interesting choice.

THE SOUNDTRACK OF YOUR LIFE:
Will and Elizabeth (From Pirates of the Caribbean) Silly. This is the main score from the movie. Wyatt and I sword fight like mad to it. I rescue the princess Natalia, and then I always get killed at the end. How is this a sound track to my life? Maybe that I was a fun and crazy Mom?

YOU AND YOUR BEST FRIEND ARE....?
Wintersong (Sarah MacLachlan) Don't get this one. This whole Christmas album is my favorite...I listen to it all year long.

HAPPY TIMES:
Feel the Beat (Hi-5) =) Yes, that is a good one. (Not the actual song, this is on my Kids playlist.)

SAD TIMES:
The Best is Yet to Come (Micheal Buble) How fitting, I am a very optimistic person most of the time.

EVERY DAY:
Warm up Jumps (Ballet Class) LOL! I guess I must still be trying to get it right.

FOR TOMORROW:
Meaningless Kiss (Music and Lyrics soundtrack)Look out Lincoln.

FOR YOU:
Can't take my eyes off of you (Lauren Hill)

WHAT DOES NEXT YEAR HAVE IN STORE FOR ME?
The Imperial March (Star Wars) =) LOL!

WHAT DO I SAY WHEN LIFE GETS TOO HARD?
Wild Hope (Mandy Moore)

WHAT SONG WILL I DANCE TO AT MY WEDDING?
People Watching (Jack Johnson) I guess they would be.

WHAT DO YOU WANT AS A CAREER?
He's a Tramp (Lady and the Tramp) Hmmm... That is strange. What would I do?

YOUR FAVORITE SAYING?
Big Rock Candy Mountain (Elizabeth Mitchell) See how Jolly I am? (BTW this my favorite children's album)

THE SONG THAT YOU'LL PUT AS YOUR SUBJECT?
Many the Miles (Sara Bareilles)

Whirlwind...

I have had a busy day, and a busy week. I can't believe tomorrow is Friday.

Monday, We went to Ikea as a family. Talia was able to go in the play area for the first time, and we were able to get almost all our shopping done while they were there. We got a bookshelf divided into cubes (had a link, it didn't work)...and the bins that fit perfectly, to store toys in. Our basement is going to be a nice, new place to play again. It was so out of control before that the kids wouldn't go down and play. I had too many different bins, and they were just lined up against the walls. This is going to be so much better.

Wyatt lost another tooth. I pulled it, and then I cried. He told me "no boo-hooing." He usually says that when I fake cry about him growing up, and then we hug and laugh. This time I couldn't help it. What a baby I am.

Tuesday, I took Natalia to the Columbia mall, WITHOUT A STROLLER. We had a fun girls day. I got a new purse. After I got it home, I realized it looks *REALLY* similar to my old purse. It is a little bigger and a different color. I think it is the color of raspberries. =) I even bought the matching wallet...so cute. We really made the trip to get some foundation that I ran out of, over 3 months ago. It is called MAC studio tech, and I really like it. I don't have to use very much, and put it on with a (ridiculously expensive) brush. Nice. I was really tempted to buy new eyeshadow, but I resisted. Then we went to baby gap, and looked at the sale rack. Got some stuff for Tai. Then we headed to the carousel. She loves it, and she wears a permanent smile the entire ride. Oh, I forgot the funniest part of our shopping trip. We were walking through Macy's, and Talia yells "Oh CUTE!", then she kicks off her butterfly sandals, and puts on some red patent heels. =) LOL! This happened many more times, to all kinds of shoes. I even lost her shoes for a little while. I thought I was going to have to carry "little miss barefoot" out of the mall.

Today. Christie husband, Brent, has the week off of work. Christina and I decided to give them a day without kids. I had Tori and Katie in the morning. We had a nice time, the girls played really well, and Katie took a few naps. Then the late afternoon came, and my nice simple day was gone. The bus comes at 3:25, and I was going to pick up Wyatt, Liza, and Alex at our bus stop. I had a few complications with that....1.Natalia was asleep on the couch, and Katie was asleep upstairs. 2. The Merry Maids were supposed to be here at 3:00. 3. Lincoln said he could be home by 3ish to help me with kids, so I wouldn't have to take them all to the bus stop. I couldn't wait anymore so I woke Katie and Talia, and got their shoes on. As we started down the drive way, I saw Wyatt walking toward us without Alex and Liza. He told me they had gotten off at their bus stop. I ran inside to get keys, and my phone, so we could walk to go pick them up. Left a note for the maids to go in. Then I saw those two kiddos running down my street! Liza said she was told I would be at her bus stop, and Alex said they had said a prayer that they would make it safely to my house. (Sweet.) We all ate popsicles, and then those merry cleaning women showed up. We left my house, and walked to the Walls. I opened the door, and punched in the alarm code. The alarm went off anyway!!! I had to push another button after I had punched in the code, which is not like our alarm system. I ran to the pitch black basement (broken light switch, that I KNEW about) and tried to catch the ADT man leaving a message on the answering machine. Missed him, but I got to talk to Howard County dispatch! =) They said the homeowner would have to contact ADT, and if the police were already dispatched there would be no way to cancel it. So I tried to call Christie, and I tried to call Christie, and I tried to call Christie, and I tried to call Christie, and I tried to call Christie, and I tried to call Christie, and I tried to call Christie, and I kept getting the terrible message about being unable to complete the call, and error 48376589999838 or something like that. I was dying. I called Christina to see if she had Brent's cell. We both began trying to reach them. I then I finally did. Phew. Christie called me back to tell me the police had already been dispatched. Great. I waited for them, and changed a poopy diaper right in the doorway. Why? What criminal would take the time to change a diaper! They would see me, and then they would know I was just a mom, trying to do something nice for a friend, and failing miserably at it. The police never came. Christina did though, and we decided to take the kids to the family picnic at the school. Free hot dogs, and a place to wear the kids out. Why o why didn't someone say, "DON'T GO!!" Oh someone did.....my husband. He thought we were nuts. When we arrived at the picnic, my earing got stuck in the hair of sweet baby Katie. My ear almost tore, and Christina had to help me out. Lincoln walked ahead of us with the older kids, and then came walking back............."They are out of hhhoootttttt dooooggggssss," came out of his mouth in slow motion. I was starving, so I know the kids were starving. We took the wall kids back home, and I left Christina with them. Did a dance of joy in the driveway..........kidding. Lincoln suggested Olive Garden, and we were off. My kids were so well behaved and sweet at the restaurant, and I had a moment of bliss. I enjoyed looking at my handsome husband, and chocolate covered (literally) children. I just soaked up a happy moment. It was a nice end to this wild day.

Now let talk about the Merry Maids, because I know some of you read that and 1. thought that I am crazy 2. thought that I am lazy 3. thought that I am spoiled. (...Fill in another word if this one is too nice.) Here is the deal. Lincoln got me house cleaning as an anniversary gift. We tried it twice and decided it was a great "springboard" for me to keep the house clean. It has been a great thing, and I am catching up on many other areas of my life. Areas that have been overlooked for a long time. I have made it my goal to be able to pay for the maids myself. It is my gift to myself, and so far it has been a good thing. (Christie...Liza asked me if they would not only clean, but do homework also!)

I am so tired. I will proof read this post in the morning....so for now enjoy all the craziness and typos.

Sink full of dishes....

but I will blog anyway.

I will post a few favorites from my most recent sessions...

This little sweetie was 2.5 months old. She was so sleepy. I have photographed her older sister three other times, and she thinks I am wonderful. No, really. She keeps asking if I am coming to her birthday and has informed her mother that she wants to be a photographer!!! =)
Their mother only buys the smiles....so the picture below is for me, and I LOVE it.




This image is from a family session. Thirteen people. That session was so hard for me, because it is hard to be creative and artsy with thirteen people. After the group shots were done, I grabbed the only two little kids and got a few images.

This blue eyed baby was the quickest thing. I took more photos in two hours than I ever have before. 180. I love so many images from the session though, and feel it was one of my best.



Oh my goodness. I have to re-shoot this one. The kids were a dream to work with, but this GIGANTIC thunder storm ruined it. This was shot at 3200 iso.....I preferably shoot at 200 iso. There is a BIG difference between the two. So these images are a little too grainy, but not compared to what other cameras would do at 3200. *sigh* I love my camera! I found out later that my client left her purse at the park, and had to race back to get it. She said it wasn't ruined. It was so scary driving home! I am so afraid of thunder, and lighting was striking all over the place. Cars were pulling over, and a motorcycle gang made camp under an over pass. What did I do? I took pictures. I put my camera on my chest and pushed the shutter. I was hoping to catch some lighting, but I didn't.



This newborn session was one for the books. Slept the whole time, let me pose him over and over, and never made a mess! I could kiss him for that.


I have this exact same blanket. My sister made mine, and it is the exact same yarn and color. I was happy to see he had the same one, and made good use of it! Love the texture!
Why, oh Why! I think we held this session on the hottest day of the summer. I got some fun images of this strawberry blond sweetie! (He is on a giant toad stool.) We left 45 minutes later.

First Day

Walking to the bus stop. (That isn't his bus in the background...but doesn't it add a nice touch. =)


Wyatt's first day of Kindergarten was today. He was so excited, so I tried not to show how nervous I was. It's is a long time to be without my boy. I have so many worries, and I know he will be fine, but it is a sad time for me. He is growing up so quickly. Too quickly.

He left the house in the happiest mood, and yelled back to Lincoln, "I will come home and tell you all about it."

Wyatt and Talia waiting for the bus. (I didn't pose them!)

I took this picture, and then the bus drove away. We waved and waved back to him. We started walking home, and I was fighting back tears. I started looking at the images on the back of my camera, and zoomed in on the photo above. He is signing "I love you," which is something he has done his whole life. As a baby he would hold up his pointy finger, as a two year old his thumb joined in, as a three year old he would hold the two folded fingers down with the opposite hand, and as a four year old he finally got it. His current thing is "Double I love yous", the two handed version. Well, after I saw this I started to bawl. Talia asked me if I was okay, and if my tummy hurt. =) We hopped in the car and followed the bus to the school, and they had a little hoorah for the kids as they marched into the school. The boy in front of Wyatt had Transformer shoes on, and I saw the beginnings of a friendship!


After he got off the bus, I got the eyes closed-squish you-hold for a long time-hug. I almost thought something was wrong, and expected tears. There were no tears he just missed me that much. I think he looks a little tired in this picture. He told us all about his day when he walked in the door. I think it was a very good first day at Kindergarten.

Things I learned this week.....

*If Natalia says "lucky milk" it means I have poured sour milk on her cereal.

*If you name your child Lincoln Wyatt, but call him by his middle name, the school will try to call him Lincoln. We had to get special permission to have him called Wyatt in the class room.

*If Natalia is jumping on the bed saying "Mooka Mole' Mooka Mole'!" She is not saying "guacamole" or "Rock and Rollay." She is saying "Book of Morman."

*If Wyatt chooses the Book of Morman as his story choice, he will try to pick another book after you are done reading. He will say "Because the Book of Morman is actually the "family" book, can I choose one more book." I feel so happy that he likes it! I was just going to read it a few nights a week, he makes us read it every night! =) (We are reading the one with the pictures. Comic style.)

*If Lincoln's flight lands at 12:30 at night, and the alarm beeps when the front door opens, both children will wake up. Good thing Lincoln had a suitcase full of toys, and they returned to bed happily.

*If I buy a toy (princess and pirate figurines) and put it on top of the refrigerator, my children will willing help me organize the basement. =)

*You can register your car online, and they send it to you in the mail! You can even a print temporary tag in case you are a procrastinator.

*If you make cream puffs for recipe swap, don't pipe too much dough on to cookie sheet. It expands, way more than I imagined! You will gigantic cream puffs, and have to make another batch.

*How to make simple and yummy chocolate sauce:

8 oz semi sweet chocolate. (finely chopped or chips)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup light corn syrup

Place chocolate in a bowl.

Place the chocolate in a metal bowl.

Combine the cream and corn syrup in a small heavy nonreactive saucepan and bring to a simmer. Pour the liquid over the chocolate and allow it to sit for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the chocolate has melted. Whisk to combine. Allow the sauce to cool slightly, then pour into a bowl or other container. (Stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered, the sauce will keep for up to 2 weeks.)

To serve, warm the sauce gently in the top of a double boiler or in the microwave.

Makes about 2 cups.

*There is always someone willing to help with compassionate service needs. Even at the last moment. Which makes me teary eyed and so thankful every time.

*I learned what it feels like to have my heart truly ache because of someone else's hardships. Making meals and giving rides seems so small and insignificant. Oh, how I wish there was more I could do.

*I learned that "I am a good photographer, and I don't care what I say." Lincoln said this to me in the car. I laughed so hard. The conversation went like this.....

Me- out of the blue- "I am a good photographer, and I don't care what anyone else says!"

Lincoln- "Everyone says you are a good photographer, so what you really should be saying is "I am a good photographer, I don't care what I say."

Good lesson, and a funny one at that.

*A nice dress doesn't have to cost a lot, but sometimes it just does.

*My client is going to go to the temple to see her daughter's picture in the exhibit. She is going this weekend, with her neighbors that are members! =) I wonder if her neighbors are as excited as I am?


*Wyatt's favorite seafood is LOBSTER. He is five!!


*I need to practice photographing food. I want some modern white dishes, so I can make pretty presentations! Maybe I will start cooking more? This picture is Lobster pasta I made with the left-overs from Lincoln's monster lobster.

Mt. Timpanogos Temple

I love this Temple. This the temple where Lincoln and I were married nine years ago. We were married by the Temple president, President Matthews. President Matthews was my parents seminary teacher in Idaho many years ago. My parents hold him the highest regard, and it was an honor to be sealed by him. The temple is absolutely stunning inside. I got to help with the open house, and we went through it three times before it was dedicated. My seminary class signed a document that stated that we would do everything possible to make it to the Temple one day. It was sealed in a capsule and placed into the wall of the Celestial room during the Temple's construction. What a special thing! I hope one day my children and grand children will want to get married in this temple because my name, MY NAME and heart, are a part of this temple.

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.