Day 25 - 1/25/13 - Fly Away

Giving a little shout out today to one of my favorite local designers.  Ursula's Handmade Treasures makes the most wonderfully unique and imaginative items.  We have clothing, handmade dolls, and beautiful wings from this fine lady!

Check her out on FB and tell her I sent you!


Karen

Day 24 - 1/24/13 - Dog Lady

I really wasn't a huge dog person in the past, but my husband and my in-laws were.  My allergies had prevented us from having/keeping a dog in the past.  When we found out about labradoodles, we thought that might be a good solution.  They are shed-free, allergy-free, and 100% lovable!!!  My Mommy instincts were kicking in for another baby, but since that isn't in the picture for us.  I found myself craving a puppy, and boy do I love my two little fuzzballs!  My two cuties have converted me!  I am a dog lover indeed (at least my two pups)!  What's not to love about those puppy dog eyes!!

Karen

Day 23 - 1/23/13 - What Are Little Girls Made Of?

Although Lindsay isn't always a frilly, prissy girlie girl, she has her moments.  She loves makeup!!!  In fact, she says she wants to be a face painter and a makeup artist when she is bigger.  I took these the other day when she was playing with some lip gloss.

Karen

Day 22 - 1/22/13 - Blue Skies

I was born and raised in Delaware, lived in Maryland for four years, and then moved to Florida after I got married.  Although Florida is my home and I love it here, I can't help to feel like my home will always be Delaware.  I miss my family, I miss my friends, but I do not miss the cold or the gray, dreary skies of winter.  I took this picture from my backyard on a warm, sunny January day.  I never realized how much I was affected by the seasons until I moved to Florida.  There is something to be said about having sunshine every day - good for the soul, good for the spirit.  I always say everything happens for a reason.  Although the heartache of missing my family is overwhelming at times, I couldn't think of a better place to be.  I have so many blessings here in Florida - a supportive husband that works so hard to provide for his family, two beautiful children, incredible in-laws, a job that I love, a great group of friends, and sunny blue skies!  Life is good!

Karen

Day 21 - 1/21/13 - Day Off?

I thought days off were supposed to be relaxing or a day to get things accomplished.  Ha!  Well, I guess I did get caught up on this.  Our day off today consisted of dentist appointments for both kids, a fun 2 hours at Chuck E. Cheese's, making cookies and crafting with the kids.  I have a million other things I need and want to get done, but I couldn't think of a better way to spend my day off.  These two cuties light up my life!!

Karen

Day 20 - 1/20/13 - Dishonest Mom of the Year Award

Do you want to know how I get my kids to pose and smile for the camera?  I bribe, I say potty words, and yes, I sometimes lie.  I got a new lens for my camera that I was excited to try out on the kids.  Neither wanted their picture taken.  So, what did I say?  I told them it was a special lens that makes really pretty faces look ugly.  They smiled really nice and I got some great shots!  Then when they asked to see the pictures and if it worked I said, "No but I did take some pretty pictures so I guess I'll keep it."  Yup, totally losing the Mother of the Year Award.  The things moms do for a good shot.

Karen

  

Day 19 - 1/19/13 - Sleepover Success

Patrick and Lindsay ALWAYS beg to have a sleepover in one of their rooms.  They want to stay up and play and then sleep in the same room.  We have tried several times but it usually ends up in tears and off to separate rooms.  Well we finally had sleepover success!!!  No arguing, no yelling, and they even slept in.  When I woke up in the the middle of the night to check on them this is what I found.

EXHIBIT A - The Aftermath of Staying Up and Playing:

EXHIBIT B - Two happy, sleeping, content, sweet children:

Karen

Day 18 - 1/18/13 - Documenting for the Future

So, I'm not doing so hot on my New Year's Goal of doing laundry every other day, folding and putting away.  As I'm tying this I'm looking at the laundry on my storage bench in my bedroom that IS folded but definitely not put away.  Sigh.  As soon as my children wake up said laundry WILL be put away!  Anyway back to the documentation.  Lindsay had been battling a rash (originally diagnosed as Scarlet Fever to later find out it was hives) and I took the day off with her.  We spent the morning with the allergist getting the hives diagnosis and we spent the afternoon folding and putting away laundry.  She is a fierce little washcloth and towel folder.  I took documentation of my beautiful chaise lounge totally cleared off calling me to snuggle up to read and enjoy a glass of wine.  Haha.  It only took me a sick off to get caught up.  So, here it is my proof that I did accomplish something.

While we are looking at my master bedroom, here are my awesome new curtains.  I love them.

Day 17 - 1/17/13 - Fashion Diva

I snapped these pictures of Lindsay when she was getting ready for bed.  Yes, folks, this is what she picked out to wear to bed.  This was after trying on and discarding several pairs of pajamas.  If this is how she is at 4, we are in BIG trouble at 14!

Karen

Day 16 - 1/16/13 - Let Me Tell You Something Bout My Best Friend

I have been blessed with so many wonderful people in my life.  I have friends and family members that pick me up when I am down, laugh with me until we cry, hug me through the tears, and just walk next to me enjoying life.  My friend, Kristen, is one of these people.  We met in third grade and have been friends ever since.  Our friendship has always been a constant in our changing lives.  We grew up together, celebrated our first kisses, consoled each other through our first break ups, stood by each other's sides at our weddings, and now play with our kids together.  So thankful to have her in my life.  Here's a picture from our visit.  We always try to get a picture of her and I with our children each time we get together.  They are usually pretty funny but this one is not too bad.

Karen

Day 15 - 1/15/13 - Circus Pictures Part 2

Kid picks.  The first collage is one of Lindsay's favorite parts of the circus, the girls twirling by their hair.  The second collage is Patrick's favorite part, the ninjas.  Will and I were slightly concerned that both children might try to do some of these stunts on their own.  So, we had a little chat about these performers being professionals and not to try this at home!

 

Karen

Day 14 - 1/14/13 - Circus Pictures Part 1

I am still working on taking pictures in darker settings.  The circus was a bit of a challenge.  We had soooooo much fun though!  I had never been to a real three ring circus so it was just as exciting for me as it was for the kids!  Of course the company of great friends was enjoyable too!  I took so many pictures I had to do collages.  Enjoy!

Bring on the elephants!

Karen

Day 13 - 1/13/13 - I've Got Friends in Low Places

One of the best things about this weekend was watching my children bond with my best friend's little boy, Smith.  They both love him so much!  Lindsay wanted to be next to him almost the whole time we were there.  I love this moment in time I captured. 

Day 12 - 1/12/13 - Just Monkeying Around

Okay, so it happened sooner than I expected.  I got behind.  I took so many pictures this weekend though that I'm going to spread them out a little and catch up. 

My Peanut love monkeys and climbs like one too.  We went to a playground during our visit with the Lawlors.  Patrick has been working hard to tackle the monkey bars and this weekend he DID IT!!!  Now I didn't get a shot because he wanted me right there by his legs for security and comfort, but I did snap this one of my little monkey climbing!

Day 11 - 1/11/13 - Cheers to the Weekend!

I'm very excited for this weekend for several reasons.

1.  I'm going to see one of my oldest, best friends, Kristen, and spend time with her family!

2.  We are going to the Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus on Saturday.  I have never been to a big three ring circus and neither have my kids.  I think I am just as excited as them.

3.  We have some new wine to try.  I sent my husband to the local winery to pick up a few bottles for the weekend.  This is what he came home with.  He's a good man!

So, cheers!  Have a great weekend!!! 

Day 10 -1/10/12 Playing

I caught my kids playing on the swing.  I took some pictures.  Then I played a little too.  Enjoy!

Day 9 - 1/9/13 - Sleeping Beauty?

My favorite time of day is that last kiss goodnight.  Sneaking in my kids room before I go to sleep, checking on them, and giving them one last kiss fills my heart!  Sometimes, though, it can also make me crack up.  Now last night, Lindsay went to bed with pajamas on and in bed, but when I went in to check on her this is what I found - pajama top off and sweatshirt on inside out and backwards, on the floor, and book in hand.  Too funny.  I tried to get a picture of Patrick too, but you couldn't even see him with all the stuffed animals and toys hoarded in his bed.  My kids crack me up!

Day 8 - 1/8/13 - Tablet Time

We got a tablet for Christmas.  I immediately loaded a ton of kids apps on it.  Let's be real, it's mostly for them.  The first couple days there was a lot of arguing and whining over the tablet, so we decided to institute Tablet Time.  Every day they have to earn minutes of tablet time by doing things the first time we ask them to or just by being caught doing something good.  On school days, we have tied it into their behavior charts at school.  Then after dinner and before bath they get their Tablet Time.  We set their timer for the minutes they've earned and let them play.  Best thing we've ever done!!  The kids are clearing their plates after meals without being asked and as soon as I mention the tablet the mood changes.  Here's a picture of my Peanut during his Tablet Time last night.  (Yes, I know that he is 5 and has on 2-3 Toddler socks on but he loves them and some battles aren't worth fighting!)

 

 

And since Patrick is very much like his father and doesn't really like getting his picture taken, I either get an angry face or a super cheesy smile face.  The times when I get a good genuine smile are few and far between.  Well, I camped out while he was playing the tablet.  When he looked up excitedly to tell me he figured a game out, I snapped this gem.  Mustard stain in the corner of his mouth and all, but I'll take it.  I love my sweet boy with all my heart!

 



Day 7 - 1/7/13 - She Gives Me Love

This little girl knows how to brighten up my day even when she's whining and being sassy.  Her smiles and giggles are infectious!  Her free spirit and bright personality are illuminating!  I love her so much!

Day 6 - 1/6/13 Puppy Love Part 2

I felt guilty that my first Puppy Love post just had Sparky.  This post is dedicated to our almost 4 month old mini Labradoodle, Jazzy.  Patrick picked Sparky's name and Lindsay decided on Jasmine, Jazzy for short.  She is sweet and snuggly, but feisty!  We love our pups!

Day 5 - 1/5/13 - My New Wheels

We have been thinking about trading in my minivan for an Equinox for awhile.  Will does not fit well at all in the Honda and it was very uncomfortable for long trips.  I've been wanting something smaller, as well.  The fuel efficiency is much better on the Equinox and the features are soooooo much better.  I'm loving the MyLink!  The only drawbacks are that it doesn't have the third row seating and no DVD player.  Trust me we will be getting a DVD player installed ASAP!  We don't use the third row enough to justify it.  So here it is, my new car...

Day 4 - 1/4/13 - I am Woman Hear Me Roar!

 

My husband is a building contractor.  Therefore, I rarely put things together or do any work with tools.  But before I married Will, I lived on my own for about six years, and I did a pretty good job taking care of things myself.  So, when I saw that our new shelf had arrived I decided I was going to put it together myself.  I enlisted the help of two sets of little hands and borrowed my son's tools.  (I have never met a 5 year old with a more complete toolbox than my son, and I'm talking REAL tools.)  We (really just me) worked to put this awesome little shelf together before Daddy got home from work.  I was pretty darn proud of myself.  Now for the fun part - decorating with knick knacks!!!

Then I threw together these awesome homemade pizzas.  Chicken, bacon, and ranch for Will and I and a half cheese/half pepperoni and sausage to accomodate both kids.  Threw together a little side salad (opened a salad in a bag) and dinner was served. 

Both projects completed within an hour!  I am woman hear me roar!!! 

Karen

Day 3- 1/3/13 - Bloom

This year instead of making a resolution, I made goals and a plan for the new year.  I had so many things to include, but I picked my four most important.  So here goes...

1.  Do a load of laundry, fold, and put it away immediately at least every other day.

2.  Keep fresh flowers in the house.

3.  Practice patience in all aspects of my life!

4.  Organize, organize, organize!!!

Now, some of you might say that #2 is silly but look at these pictures!  Flowers are beautiful and it makes me happy to get a bouquet every week or every other week.  So, I included it in my top four because it's important have random things in your life that make you happy.

 

 

 

Day 2 - 1/2/13 - Puppy Love

We have 2 labradoodles, Sparky and Jazzy.  Today's picture is of the older one, Sparky.  He is about six months old and totally goofy.  He has a fun personality and is very funny looking also.  We recently got him trimmed up.  My husband thinks he looks ridiculous and likes him better fluffy, but I think he looks cute. 

Karen

Day One - 1/1/13 Crafty Kids

My kids wake up at 100 mph and ready to craft.  My daughter would craft 24/7 if I let her.  Today my kids cut up paper and made confetti for their stuffed animals birthday.  (It is always one of their stuffed animals birthdays.)  I have a little problem with being indecisive so I made a collage of pictures for today.  I loved their sweet faces, little hands and crafts all organized in the awesome new buffet we got from Ikea!

Karen

2013 - A New Year and a Fresh Start to My Blog

Happy New Year to All! 

Last year for my birthday/anniversary my husband bought me an awesome Canon Rebel T3i.  I LOVE it!  I had also been taking an awesome photography class for moms called Momtography with Amanda Star Photography.  I learned so much about my camera and how to take pictures, in addition to having a ton of fun!  I'm really going to miss the classes this year!

Anyway, back to the fresh start.  I have decided to make this blog into a display for my 365 days of photos.  I have learned a ton but still have lots of room to grow.  Mom always told me practice makes perfect.  So I'll be practicing daily and showing you how it goes.

Here are my promises:
1.  There will be a ton of pictures of my kids!
2.  I will probably get behind, but I am going to do my best to keep up and make it up if I get behind on posts.
3.  I will have fun doing it!

You must promise me:
1.  You won't be too critical.  (Remember I'm still learning!)
2.  You will comment if you like it.
3.  If you don't have anything nice to say, you will say nothing at all.  :)

Sit back and enjoy!

Karen