Photography Journal

Catch Up!

2009-09-13T18:10:00.001-07:00

After two months of not posting, starting to school, a little boy turning 4, a 75 anniversary at church, a new puppy, plenty of photo sessions and weddings, football games, pancake Saturday mornings, hanging out with friends, taking six hours of grad school, a last short visit to Crossett and just daily life around the Hasley house has taken it's toll on the extra time to post....but here are A LOT of images that filled up our last two months.

Great Wolf Lodge

2009-07-19T11:59:00.003-07:00

Here are some shots from our little get-away in Kansas City. The lodge had everything fun for kids, from put put to an interactive video game just for Bennett. It was a nice short vacation.

My summer pictures

2009-07-11T13:20:00.001-07:00

Here are a few from the last few weeks. I realized today that I've not taken too many shots this summer! I need to step it up and quit reading so much by the pool listening to the kids swim. ha!

The month of June for the most part was relaxing. We swam a lot! Bryant has really learned how to swim after lessons with Ian. We had a fellowship with our Sunday school class with over 30 kids swimming in the pool and Bryant acted like he was a big kid! Isn't little Owen just precious in the picture with his daddy! Doug started his shop in the backyard! yea! I am so happy for him to have a place to put all his tools. The garage just isn't cutting it, so he along with both of our dad's are working on it and hope to finish it in a few weeks. My neices came up to visit for a few days with mom and dad---that was so much fun. I didn't get one picture, though! Kerry, Amy and Becky came up to visit for a few days! I loved spending time with my friends. Too often I get in the mom, teacher, photographer mode and everything else goes.....but it was fun catching up and we had a housefull! July 4th slipped on us all, and the kids had a terrific time in Mena with the Conine kids. We skipped rocks, went on the slip and slide and made homeade ice cream. I love summer! We also got to help out Mrs. Beckman pick her potatoes! They had a blast and the potatoes were delicious! We had Bennett's birthday party so we could have a pool party. He had fun with friends from school and church. We barely got out of the pool before the big storm hit that knocked out our power for 24 hours! oh and Doug and Bennett with Daddy Doug went to Omaha to see the hogs play in the college world series. I haven't gotten the pics downloaded yet, so I'll add those later. Just reading this post makes me tired. Maybe June wasn't so relaxing after all?

how much can we cram into two weeks? see the pics below....we've been busy!

2009-06-08T19:46:00.001-07:00

VBS kick off night

Fire Power! Buddies

Butterfly catch'n cousins

Backyard ball

Big boys

Basking in the sunshine

Just missing Max

Happy 12th Anniversary to us! I love him! I'm one lucky girl:)

Love my mom.....she's the best especially when a girl turns another year older!

Baby Boy

Butterfly nest......just missing the butterfly?

The big swimmer

And the water gun shooter!

i didn't plan to have his googles match his popsicle, but it's cute isn't it!

A boy loves his shop! and his grandaddy's too!

Shooting some hoops!

Always the first one in the pool in the morning and the last one out at night.

Favorite action shot of the week.Enjoying his time away from work!

The three of them spending time with Grammy and Grandaddy without us for a few days.

My last official minutes for the '09 school year was spent wishing the graduates good luck as they cross the stage. There were some priceless kids in this class.....one pictured here!

the month of May....what else can I say?

2009-05-23T19:09:00.001-07:00

The month of May is absolutely insane around here year after year and '09 was no exception. The pictures really go in opposite order of these captions. Rain, Rain, Rain! I caught my younger two splashing it the water today. We had our end of the year awana program. Addy got clubber of the year, Bennett got the spirit award for his class and well Bryant....is nowhere to be found with his little cubbie group because he was flirting around with Mrs. Valerie I guess? He kinda wondered off to the back of the stage instead of saying his A verse and C verse with the rest of the Cubbies....Next up is Mother's day picture we snapped after church.....next I captured the Northside senior class singing their alma mater at their banquet as they closed our their night. Up next is Addy's end of the year program...she sang take me out to the ballgame and some summer song, thus the ball caps and beach towels! Oh and just to complicate my life, senior banquet ended at 7:00 and Addy's program started at 7:00, thank goodness there were not any cops between Holiday Inn and her school that night!:) Up next is Suong and I at Prom....isn't she beautiful. Last for this post is the kids musical at church last weekend. Bennett and Addy both had a small solo part...all the kids were so cute and the musical is precious. Well, our May isn't over yet, but needless to say we've had a fast and furious month worth of activities not to mention more than 30 high school seniors I've photographed. I'm so looking forward to a slow paced June....

boy am I behind! A week's worth of photos

2009-04-26T19:00:00.000-07:00

I've got lots of pictures that detail our life since April 15th, some of the photos were taken today and some were really taken in the last few days. Needless to say this time of year goes straight from tax season to senior season around our house. I should have Doug take a picture of the back of head, since that's what he sees the most of while I'm editing! We've managed to play a lot on the trampoline. The funny thing is that Doug can do a back flip which I can't and I can do a front flip which Doug can't. We thought that was so funny seeing how there is literally not even flipping that we have in common. God really has a good laugh about us daily. We are so different but so in love! While we aren't outside on the trampoline, we've planted the landscape out front. I've got a before and after picture here so you can see just how much we had to do. Basically the homeowners before us left nothing but dirt and some shrubs on the side.....But it looks really good now. Doug did all the planting last weekend and I and Bryant finished up today with the bedding plants. The kids have enjoyed kite flying in Mena, golfing, and playing skippitz.

Tax Season is OVER!

2009-04-15T18:47:00.000-07:00

Calling it a day! We celebrated by going out to eat. Choir was off this week, so we had a little date night in the middle of the week, while the kids were at awana's. It is so good to have another season behind us.

Sweet Face April 14th

2009-04-15T18:46:00.000-07:00

Monday April 13th

2009-04-15T18:45:00.001-07:00

My new favorite album. I just got this in the mail on Monday and I am so excited about it. I told Donna, I wish Doug and I had one just like it? too bad we are too old to have an engagement album, huh!

Easter Sunday

2009-04-12T16:26:00.001-07:00

I love the fact that the whole nation stops and recognizes this Christian holiday....sure you can still go buy your heart out at most stores and eat at most places, but still the nation does still recognize that 2,000 years ago a savior redeemed all of us. My prayer is that our nation will continue to recognize the miracle of sacrifice Jesus did on that cross. My heart is full.

April 12th

2009-04-11T18:52:00.000-07:00

Easter Fun.....a great day. The kids and I went to our church's easter egg hunt. We all enjoyed the fantastic weather. I'm guessing with the rain setting in that Easter will be rainy and cold. Isn't that always the case? After what we celebrate on that day...the sun should be so bright! Oh well, I know that inside my heart the son is buring bright.

April 11th

2009-04-11T18:41:00.000-07:00

My kitchen is finally done! Dad has been constructing the cook book rack for under my cabinets and he brought it up with them this trip. We had a big hole where the fridge was supposed to go, but didn't fit. So, dad and mom came up with this idea. They are a talented pair! It was fun seeing them again. Speaking of my dad, he helped me out Friday night at the Military Ball. Because of Doug's long hours this time of year, I didn't want to bother him with being my assistant and taking picture orders so dad came along. It was fun, thanks Dad. You are welcome to be Still Moments assistant anytime!:)

April 10th

2009-04-11T18:38:00.000-07:00

Easter is coming! Mom and Dad came up today. They made a cake together...isn't it the cutest. Thank goodness for Grammy's. Too bad the kids didn't like coconut..more for me. The cake was almost too pretty to eat.

April 9th

2009-04-11T18:32:00.001-07:00

Sweet brothers....not best friends yet...but maybe one day. Bryant is just still a little young to udnerstand that Bennett needs a some space. I hope they will continue to grow up closer and closer

April 7th

2009-04-11T18:29:00.000-07:00

The big 9 year old being silly with his mom and his dad trying to capture a good picture....I love him anyway.

April 6th

2009-04-11T18:19:00.000-07:00

More and more trampoline!

Sleepy Sunday Afternoon April 5th

2009-04-05T14:24:00.001-07:00

Bryant was the first to fall asleep watching scooby doo,then Daddy came home from work and crashed, next was Addy after jumping on the trampoline for over an hour, fell asleep in the recliner....Just the oldest and me awake getting some quiet time....I love Sundays that i don't have to work! Bryant did fall off the couch about mid nap, I finally got him back to sleep more on the couch then off like this picture shows!

Happy Birthday to my favorite 9 year old

2009-04-03T21:08:00.000-07:00

last night, I spent some time digging out Bennett's first scrapbooks. Other than the poor quality of cameras we had when he was born.....those books are so sweet. I think about how much that little guy taught us as parents. There is so much to learn from a first born. It can't ever be replaced.....I love the sight of his nursery to the blanket he started with 9 years ago and still sleeps with.... to the smell of his baby wash we used those first few months....My absolute favorite thing about Bennett now is his way of knowing when I need that "I love you, mom" It never fails, I call it Bennett radar. He knows when I need a pick me up and those four words do the trick every time. I am so blessed he calls me mom. Thank you God, for giving me such a terrific smart little guy. His year 8 was pretty special...he began to trust in God and see Jesus for the sacrifice that he was and is. I know year 9 will be ever thing God wants it to be. Happy Birthday little man.

love mom!

April 3rd

2009-04-03T21:05:00.000-07:00

TGIF

The kiddos were sweet tonight. We made a run to Academy to pick up Bennett's bday present...pictures of that coming this weekend. After that we came home and enjoyed the lazy afternoon and evening with each other.

April 2nd

2009-04-03T21:03:00.000-07:00

* picture coming soon, Beth Ann send me one? please?
Natalie Grant concert with the best friend---is was a blast.Beth Ann and a crew from VB took a night out and worshiped with Natalie Grant. It was a blessing to be there.

April 1st

2009-04-03T21:01:00.003-07:00

I was so afraid nine years ago today that Bennett would be born on April Fool's day, thank goodness he stayed in a little bit longer.

Yoga Master March 31st

2009-03-31T17:22:00.000-07:00

Addy is pretty good at the yoga moves on wii fit...better than her mom anyway. I could learn a thing or two from her skills and balance.

Spring Break 09

2009-03-27T08:46:00.001-07:00

I love this story of adventure with Katniss and Peeta! It is a great read!

Can you feel the love? Learning to Jump In

John Deere Fun

Big Sister help

Lizard Love! yuck!

Before the haircut!

I'm going to encompass the week's worth of photographs in seven shots from our week.

Endless Thursday, March 19th

2009-03-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

I never thought we would make it through the day, but we did. I had p.t. conferences until 9:00, but I had the opportunity to snap some soccer pictures for Sims around 7:00, so I stepped out of the gym to the field and spent about 10 mintues snapping our girls in action against Southside. They tied but played their hearts out. All that running, I tell ya.......

Wednesday March 18th

2009-03-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

I don't have an image as of yet, but needless to say this day was just a tad bit hectic for the Hasley household. We missed, no I forgot the first appt we had for church directory pictures, so today was the makeup day and our time was 4:45. I hate having to listen to the sales pitch....I wanted to hand him my business card on the front end, but that would have been rude, huh? So, while I sat and listened to the pitch, Doug took the kids to grab a bite to eat before church, bring me something back, and change their clothes. The bad thing is that Doug thought I had forgotten Bryant's pants so he drove all the way home....no close at all, and searched and found some new ones, all the while the right ones were right in the front seat. I didn't have my cell because I left it in the van, so I'm sitting at church waiting more than 45 minutes....you think we need to work on the communication a bit, huh? oh well, we were all fed by 6:30 and in our places for church. I also didn't manage to spend a dime on the photos that were taken, though they weren't bad at all......I'll post that image after I receive in the mail.

Tuesday, March 17th

2009-03-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

Luck of the Irish. Bennett's favorite color has always been green, so today was a perfect day for him!

Just a tad bit of personality, yea right! March 16th

2009-03-27T08:18:00.001-07:00

I'm going to enlist on any and everyone's prayers to get this girl through adolescence. I just adore her and I'm so thankful God blessed me with her. My prayer is that she will follow God and seek his face even when mom and dad seem to be unfair...that she see that the truth is the easier way to follow.

The before and after! {March 15th}

2009-03-15T11:22:00.000-07:00

Isn't he the cutest little guy! hard to believe he looked that bad. This is what you call an extreme makeover in a dog's world.

SATURDAY {March 14}

2009-03-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

The kids and I went to VB today to visit with Beth Ann and Meredith. It was great, I've not seen Mer in a really long time. The house was full of kids, that's for sure. I love having the time to just get back in touch....facebook, blogs are great, but nothing beats just hanging out.

Friday the 13th

2009-03-14T18:10:00.000-07:00

I should have taken a picture of the fire when we started it, but I was too busy reading by it instead of photographing it. I am hoping to have one more fire tomorrow and I bet that is the last one of the season. I'll be sad...I love sitting in my red chair and hearing the crackle and POP!

Dirty Dog {March 12}

2009-03-12T11:48:00.000-07:00

Bath? Haircut? Anyone? How sad is this cute little guy. I've really been watching our budget and one of the cutbacks was the 50.00 haircut for Murphy, but today I realized that enough is enough. I miss my cute little fluffy westie. Happy Tails here we come. by the looks of the picture they might not even recognize that he is supposed to have white fur?

Where should we sleep, tonight? {March 11}

2009-03-12T11:43:00.000-07:00

Bennett has always been attached to his bed and likes the privacy of his own room, now. But the other two are like nomads searching endlessly for a place to land. Some nights they are on the floor with their covers in big brother's room. Some nights they are both in litlle brothers twin size bed and then there are nights that they opt for the full size bed in Addy's room. Occasionally all three of them land in their own beds....Maybe once a month. Wednesday night, Bryant actually came downstairs and asked if we could put Addison in her own bed.....Doug agreed and moved her from Bryant's twin bed to her room. Addison and Bryant I think are going to be the closet in their relationship... Bryant adores her and she enjoys taking care of him, too.

Boys and their Sticks

2009-03-12T11:39:00.000-07:00

The kids and I worked in the yard again today seeing how this might be the last day of warm weather for a week or so.......They helped bag up the last leaves out of the flower beds and I trimmed back some of the crepe myrtle bushes. Those sticks I trimmed off were perfect for brothers to wack each other with!

A child's creativity {March 9}

2009-03-12T11:31:00.000-07:00

While Papa and I were working in the yard, Addy decided it was a great day to fly a kit, except we don't have one anymore, so she built her own, then the boys joined in. It was a great day to be a mom, the kids were totally entralled with their creations I was there as an observer! Addy and Bennett were both very resourceful with their kite making materials. I was impressed. I really like this phase our family is in right now...anyone have a freeze frame?

leftover Sunday

2009-03-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

I couldn't help but to post this picture even though it was taken on Saturday. Bryant is really growing up. He played all afternoon....we forget he is just three.

60th birthday

2009-03-08T07:59:00.000-07:00

Daddy Doug turned 60 today. We helped celebrate with him. The picture is great! All the grandkids are in there except Max...he was a little scared of the bounce around.

Fun Friday

2009-03-08T07:56:00.000-07:00

It was so warm today, my air broke in my classroom and by the afternoon the reading was nearly 80 in my room, so we ventured outside to at least feel a breeze. When the kids and I got home, they hit the bikes. Addy really likes her hula hoop. I love spring, but not so much the allergies!:(

Tennis Thursday

2009-03-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

Bennett has been playing tennis for the last month on Tuesday afternoons with his school friends. There was a tournament between three local elem. schools. He got to play two matches. He lost the first one, but won the second. He had a great time learning a new sport. I hope he doesn't want mom to help. That is one sport that I never quite understood...maybe it was because I got tired of trying to chase that little yellow bouncy ball.

Work Wednesday {March 4}

2009-03-08T07:50:00.000-07:00

Other than work after school and tonight to get stuff done for school, Wednesday's are always fast paced and tiring....

Tuesday chores {March 3}

2009-03-08T07:48:00.000-07:00

Bennett and Addy are great loaders and unloaders of the dishwasher! This is their main chore. Can't you tell I told Bennett,"To Smile". He still has to work on the verse....do with a cheerful heart, but don't we all, huh!

Dinner without Daddy March 2nd

2009-03-08T07:45:00.000-07:00

So much of tax season means dinner's without Daddy, how sad is that. But we make the best of it. Here's Bryant enjoying his nuggets, fries and applesauce...a staple around here, that's for sure.

Singing kids, March 1

2009-03-01T12:44:00.000-08:00

{No picture as of yet?}Tonight we had our praise night at church. All the musical groups in our church performed praises to God. It was great and it is amazing how much talent God has given to our church. From the little 4 year olds all the way up to the adults. It is a gift, really. A blessing from God that we give back to him.

Addy's stash {Feb. 28th}

2009-02-28T11:41:00.000-08:00

Since it has been so nice this week, Addy's been outside on the bike mostly, but today is frigid, so she took advantage of the sticker stash today and created her own card. She should have enough stickers to make cards for years! yea, it's the last day of Feb. Bring on Spring!

Finally caught up! {Feb. 27th}

2009-02-28T11:31:00.000-08:00

Finally I got my 07 and 08 Christmas albums done tonight. I got two identical albums as Christmas gifts in 07. I usually put together a small 5x7 album of all the Christmas adventures for that year. But for some reason 07 got skipped even with these adorable albums. So tonight since my scrap room(closet, I mean) was clean, I finished up stuffing the albums for 07 and 08 Christmas'...it took all of 10 mintues, now why haven't I done that before now?

Feeling like Spring {Feb. 26}

2009-02-28T11:30:00.001-08:00

When I picked up Bryant today, he was outside just a sweating. So before gymnastics, we dug out the shorts and short sleeves. Gotta love 70 degree days!

Creative Cleaning {Feb. 25th}

2009-02-28T11:22:00.000-08:00

I have mucho scrapbooking supplies in a little tiny closet inside our staircase. It used to serve as a wetbar to the living room, but since we don't need that, it works well for mine and Addy's stash. I took one hour to get it in shape. I shouldn't taken a picture before I started. You couldn't even see the floor, not anymore! I don't scrap much with the real stuff, but Addy loves it. So she will have a place to work from now on.

The man in the house is another year older {Feb. 24}

2009-02-24T19:39:00.000-08:00

We celebrated on Monday, Doug's 35th birthday. We had the family over and ate at our house, which was fun for me.. I love my new house. Have I said that lately?

Friends {Feb. 23}

2009-02-24T19:36:00.000-08:00

Andrew came over to play with Bennett and Bryant on Monday afternoon. Andrew and Bennett have been friends since they were born for the most part. They were both at mama Doris' and now they are at Ballman. Because Fort Smith is so big, I really didn't know if my family would form those small town bonds like I had growing up, but we have with this family. Andrew's mom has taught two of the three for their kindergarten year and we hope the third will have her in a few years. The boys have yet to miss a birthday for each other and between baseball and play dates in the summer, they will be lifelong friends I'm sure.

Soccer Afternoon {Feb. 22}

2009-02-22T13:38:00.001-08:00

the kids and Doug enjoyed the sunshine and played some soccer today. Still a bit cold, here but spring's coming!

Saturday {Feb. 21}

2009-02-21T16:53:00.000-08:00

Bennett and Grandaddy ventured off to WalMart this morning. Since last summer Bennett has been keeping a bank and he finally had enough money to buy a new bike...seeing how his old one needs a new rim and rim's cost as much as a new bike.......we thought it would be okay for him to spend his own money on the bike. His new bike has a kick stand that Addy thinks is the coolest thing ever. She doesn't have one for some reason.? We are sending the old bike home with mom and dad and hoping they find a rim to replace the one we bent.

Friday{Feb. 20}

2009-02-21T16:49:00.001-08:00

The carpenter arrives. Mom and Dad came up for lots of reasons, but one was to bring my cabinet dad built. Because of the fridge issue, I had a big hole left open that was very tacky. Step one was to build a cabinet. We can now check that off the list. Step two is get a butcher block counter top to cover the compactor and new cabinet. Then Daddy is building a magazine rack to finish the job. I am so thankful that he's got skills in the shop and the time to do it. Thank You

Thursday {Feb. 18th}

2009-02-21T16:41:00.000-08:00

Bennett started shooting hoops a couple of weeks ago. It is amazing how clear that sound of a thumping basketball and a little kid bouncing up against the door sounds. There is no telling how many shots my brother hit on his hoop over the door when we were growing up. Anyway, other than Bennett's room is directly over my bedroom and it sounds like he is going to fall right through.....I'm glad he has taken up the "very boy" pastime. Anything other than just video games!

Wednesday {Feb. 17th}

2009-02-21T16:37:00.000-08:00

Bryant, my little poser! If he isn't asking to take the pictures, he is posing for them. This is definitely a new development. I can recall needing a prosac when he was two years old, to get him to actually be photographed.

Tuesday {Feb. 17th}

2009-02-18T15:11:00.000-08:00

Tonight when I let the dogs inside, I asked Bryant to go upstairs and shut the bedroom doors. I don't like for the dogs to be up there to eat toys, etc. So up he went, he is such a sweet boy and never minds helping me....so when it was bath and bedtime I go up there to help get them ready and discover he not only shut the doors, but decided that locking them would be much better...just in case the dogs figure out how to turn the knob, I guess?! So, Bennett freaks and says, "Am I going to have to wear these clothes to school tomorrow?" It was so funny. I wasn't ever stressed because of that handy tool we have that pop the locks. Boy, if we ever loose that thing---Bryant thought he was so smart and cute..locking the doors! Oh, well. I guess next time I will be more specific with my youngest helper.

Monday {Feb. 16th}

2009-02-18T15:08:00.000-08:00

Addy has been taking gymnastics for more than a year, but she's had little success with moving up levels. Well, we switched teachers in January and realized that was more than likely the problem. Addy has finally learned her backbend kickover! Yea, Addy. Funny looking picture, but she was so proud. I should have caught her face the first time she did it. But I didn't have the camera then. I ran downstairs so we could capture it.

Sunday {Feb. 15th}

2009-02-18T15:03:00.000-08:00

I spent some time setting up Bryant's train table. He has the attention of a three year old, imagine that. So, once it is built for about 30 minutes, it ends up being a mess. But he for that 30 minutes, he loves it!

Valentine's Day {Feb. 14th}

2009-02-14T15:33:00.002-08:00

I could get all mushy, but I will spare you on that stuff. I am one lucky girl, that's all I have to say.

apothecary jar {Feb. 13}

2009-02-14T15:33:00.001-08:00

Guess What I received today. I don't remember the last time I got such a surprise! I've been wanting one of these jars and mamaw found one for me. Thanks so much and I'll hope to keep some little kiddy hands out of the candy.

Facebook junky {Feb. 12}

2009-02-14T15:25:00.001-08:00

During the ice storm, Doug created a profile on Facebook. It is so funny watching guys on Facebook.

Broken Bike {Feb. 11}

2009-02-14T15:22:00.000-08:00

Guess what was left behind the van? Guess who is terribly sad about not having a bike?....yep Bennett and I'm sad, too. It's tough learning responsibility. I could have just cried when he got out of the van and saw what the van did to his bike.

Tuesday {Feb. 10}

2009-02-13T17:07:00.001-08:00

This series written with teens in mind, I suppose has been pretty good. I will admit that I'm tired of the series, but I'm not one to just drop things, so I'm about 200 pages shy of finishing the thing. I have so many books that I'm ready to read in the young adult fiction category. Since so many of my kids ask, "What are you reading good, Mrs. Hasley?" I have to give them something they might like, too. So, I'll share more titles that are appealing other than werewolves and vampires!

Guesstures {Feb. 9}

2009-02-10T19:01:00.001-08:00

We took some time Monday night to play a game with the kids. Doug cracked me up. Addy and I were on a team and the boys were on a team. They won by two points, but we sure gave them a run for their money. If you haven't ever played that game, it is basically charades with a timer...Funny watching 7, 8 year olds act out words like squint...that was definitely the hardest and needless to say we didn't Guess it in time! But they did guess words like heart and apple, and Bennett even got the words like sprain and serve which I thought was hard to act out. I love that they are growing up.

Guess Who got his first bike?

2009-02-08T13:21:00.000-08:00

Bryant has had a hard time keeping up with brother and sister on his big wheel, so after church we stopped by and got his very own thomas bike! he is already a pro! imagine that.

Blueberry pancakes {Feb. 7th}

2009-02-07T17:03:00.000-08:00

The kids and I made their favorite this morning. Bennett and I are the only ones that like blueberries in our pancakes so the other two had to have plain ones. Doug is usually our pancake maker, but he is busy with tax season. So we all joined in this morning.

hanging out on Friday night

2009-02-07T15:55:00.000-08:00

I vaguely remember the days when Friday night meant going anywhere other than my home. Now a days we being all five of us can't wait until we are home on Friday after work. We usually spend the evening haning out. I try my best to be done with all house work, no photography work and a light dinner....little clean up. The rest of the time we are just being us! I love it.

Big Girl Haircut! {Feb. 5th}

2009-02-06T16:25:00.000-08:00

Addison got a new do tonight. She's been begging me for awhile now to get a cute hair cut as she calls it. I really like her long blonde look. I'm afraid we don't have much longer with blonde, so I was hesitant to cut it, but oh well....she has layers in the back. I had to take all the kids and I mean all to get a trim today. It is a shame was super cuts costs, really!

Wednesday {Feb. 4th}

2009-02-06T16:24:00.001-08:00

Nighty Night, Sleep Tight

Hungry Like a wolf {Feb. 4th}

2009-02-06T16:19:00.001-08:00

Bryant gets his turn with Rock Band. He loves playing with his daddy and Addison singing. His two favorite songs to play are Hungry like a Wolf and Eye of the Tiger....don't think for a minute I have a prodigy on my hands. He gets boo'd off the stage after about 1 minute of beating those drums. Oh, well. it is the exposure we are after right?

School Buddies {Feb. 2}

2009-02-02T15:08:00.000-08:00

I give Lily Kate a ride home every Monday and today she came to our house to play with Addison. These girls are best buddies and her mom and I work together. They look like a mess, after playing dress up!

Super Bowl Sunday {Feb. 1}

2009-02-02T15:00:00.000-08:00

After we got home from church, all five of us, put down our fair share of some nachoes and then topped it off with snickerdoodle ice cream! yea, that was the best thing I've ever eaten (even though it doesn't appear to be by the looks on their faces.) It's Blue Bell's newest flavor. I love it. I did go to bed before the game was over. But I heard it was a close call for the Stealer fans. I didn't really care who won. I just like to think about all those people who bet on the games and how miserable the end of that game must have been for so many.

Mr. and Miss NHS {January 31}

2009-02-02T14:47:00.001-08:00

Here's where I spent my Saturday... with the new m/m NHS. We had over 40 contestants who competed on Saturday. The finalists questions were pretty tough. One was the following, "Name one book or movie that your life most resembles." These 10-12 graders only have a few seconds to gather themselves and answer on stage with everyone watching and wating for their responses. Another one was, "Name one thing you would change about parents and or teachers." The first runner up, Jasmine answered that question so well. She said, "I would change their title from Parent/Teacher to friend, because a great teacher and a great parent in the end can become some of your most dear friends." Isn't that a great response.....and she didn't even have to think.....it just came right out. I tell ya, I was impressed this year with the finalists' answers. Congratulations to Vincent and Shavonda! I don't know why I didn't save a picture of Shavonda smiling, she's got a great smile.....Vincent's hat cracks me up, doesn't it you?

Laundry anyone? {January 30th}

2009-02-02T14:43:00.001-08:00

So, I only do laundry one day a week. After 2 of the 6 loads, here's the product! Ready to be picked up and put in drawers. The kids have really learned to help me put clothes away, which is nice...especially since we have upstairs now! I typically don't bore myself on Friday nights with laundry, I try to do it all Thursday night, but I worked really late on Thursday so there wasn't time. I'm curious, do any of you wash only once a week? Or am I weird?

Friendship {January 29th}

2009-02-02T14:33:00.000-08:00

You know those people that instantly you just know that they will be a friend for life? Well, I meant most of those types of friends in college, and a few more while working and Aimee has been one of those friends that I could not live without. She is the best at, well just about everything. She has sponsored senior council with me and by herself, too. I might add. She took it over when Bryant was tiny. She has been co sponsor with me ever since. We work very closely at school on lots of things other than just senior council. Anyway, this week we organized the pageant and had very little stress mainly because we've worked together for so long that it just works!

Geo Trax {Jan. 28th}

2009-01-28T10:43:00.000-08:00

With another day out of school, the boys asked if they could get the geo trax set out! Yes! what a great day for that activity. Addison's in the background giving us a concert from her keyboard. ha! Other than that, we played some major Wii music. If you have kids this is a great game vs. Rock band. The little ones can do this super simple game and they really will learn some things about music without the lyrics we don't necessarily want our little ones singing!

Mooring Point Monsoon {Jan. 27th}

2009-01-28T10:39:00.000-08:00

This is the view from my upstairs window. My backyard is a lake! This picture doesn't bode well for what our spring will look like in the back yard! yikes.

Wishing for a Day out of school {Jan. 26th}

2009-01-26T18:16:00.000-08:00

Can you tell we all are pleading with ole man winter? I just hope we have enough to be out of school, but not enough to loose power? How could I keep up with Harper's progress. If you haven't read her post today, you should AWESOME NEWS!

Sunday Night at it's best {Jan. 25th}

2009-01-25T17:47:00.001-08:00

We just finished pizza parlor pizza and watching a little Superman Returns by the fire. Does a Sunday night really get any better than this?

Funny boy

2009-01-24T15:10:00.001-08:00

Bryant loves bathtime and even better than that, he loves playing in the mirror! I don't think he will be too proud of that in the years to come! I love it!

NHS Homecoming

2009-01-23T19:37:00.000-08:00

My yearbook editor was named homecoming queen tonight at the Northside homecoming game. Yea Johanna! I love it when the good girls win!

homework {Jan. 22}

2009-01-22T17:38:00.001-08:00

Bennett is busy learning mulitplication facts and he is doing super. He has a test tomorrow, so the homework was some worksheets to review. he's a smartie partie!

Lost {Jan. 21}

2009-01-22T17:35:00.000-08:00

Doug and I started "trying" to watch and decipher the series Lost last year. Well, I'm hooked now. Tonight was the first one back since the year started. It is always filled with questions and very few answers. I wonder just how long they will be lost?

American Girl {Jan. 20th}

2009-01-20T18:21:00.000-08:00

I know with the inauguration today and all, I should have gotten a photograph of that, but instead I played with Addy tonight and her dolls. She got a new American Girl doll for Christmas that looks like her with matching p.j.'s.

Wii Day {Jan. 19th}

2009-01-19T13:11:00.000-08:00

Since we are out of school today, the kids and I have made the most out of Wii. We started with bowling and have played all of our games for the most part. Even Bryant is really getting the hang of it.. except for the occasional fit..because he never wins! But Bryant was the one taking this photograph, so he has some skills. I love this day every year. I usually stay inside all day and enjoy the downtime with the kids.

Bennett's Baptism {Jan. 18th}

2009-01-18T16:40:00.000-08:00

Today was a very special day in the life of our family. After months of prayer, Bennett was baptized at Grand with many many of his family there to witness this testimony of faith and trust in Jesus. I was definately a proud momma today! Here's a snapshot.

Birthday Party {Jan. 17th}

2009-01-17T18:04:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Addy's 7th birthday today! I love parties and especially when I can have them at our home. We had school friends, church friends and neiborhood friends over to play games, eat cake and open presents. Bennett has already started with what he wants for his birthday party in April.

Birthday Fun {Jan. 16th}

2009-01-16T18:55:00.000-08:00

My mom celebrated her birthday today! Jan. 16th. and Addy's 7th birthday party is tomorrow. We went out to eat with mom and dad and then came home to get the party stuff ready for in the morning.

Bedtime {Jan. 15th}

2009-01-15T19:43:00.000-08:00

I got home from Girls' Night, which was some great fellowship and greater food, Thanks Jen....This was what I found from my youngest. Sweetness

Awana's {Jan. 14th}

2009-01-14T19:57:00.000-08:00

Bennett is in the truth and training section of our awana program at church. He is learning more and more each week. He finished another section tonight and got a new badge.

Bennett's photography skills {Jan. 13th}

2009-01-13T18:15:00.000-08:00

here's Bennett snapshot for today. He is really pretty good behind the camera. The image was a little blurry, but he did not use a flash and had to handle the camera just right to get it even this good. In other words, it is not a point and click shot. All the kids really like to "take their turns" with the cameras. Maybe I won't burn them out with this hobby of mine.

Photoshop Fun {Jan. 12}

2009-01-12T18:53:00.000-08:00

Tonight after dinner I had some time, or I should say took some time to play with some freebies I downloaded for Valentine's day. Check the other blog for the website. Anyway, I created three valentine's for Addy, which one do you like. There are three on the picture above. I have to keep the one pic a day thing going, so I combined them. I would love some feedback, though.

Lego Extreme {Jan. 11th}

2009-01-11T18:19:00.000-08:00

Bennett loves Lego's and he could really work on these all day, no breaks! He got this super dinosaur thing for Christmas and he finished it this afternoon. What do you do with these things? At least in the new house, he has several empty shelves in his closet. He has a lot of lego sets....I'm sure it will fill up his closet soon. Hopefully, they will stay out of lil brother's hands!

Forever Friends

2009-01-10T17:21:00.001-08:00

We spent a couple hours playing with Laynie and Jones this afternoon. It is such a blessing God has given us daughters and sons, I might add, that love each other, just like we did growing up.

Proud Scholars {Jan. 9th}

2009-01-09T14:09:00.000-08:00

The kids had their awards assembly today at school. Unfortantely, the school changed the time orginally set for this afternoon. So, I missed it. I hate that. Supposedly they called to let everyone know, but it was this morning. I was already at work. Anywho, the kids weren't too sad that I missed it....they know I tried. The both have great grades and good citizenship. Except they both talk to much according to their teachers! Hmmmm, wonder where they got that from? Finally it is Friday, the first week back is always a long one!

Handy Man {Jan. 8}

2009-01-08T17:11:00.000-08:00

I am so proud of Doug.....the Nat'l Championship game is on tonight and I've got a guy working on the house. We still had too many outlets without their faces on. So, tonight after dinner he finished up the downstairs. I love my handy man!

Crazy Wednesday's

2009-01-07T19:08:00.000-08:00

Yep, the only thing I had the chance to capture today was the time I got home. 8:59 P.M. Wednesday's are crazy. School, Gymnastics, then church and sometime in between there I have to feed the three little kiddo's. I made an executive decision today that I'm moving the gymnastics hour to Thursday starting next week. With moving farther away from everything, I simply can't get it done all in one day. So at least this Wednesday, Jan. 7th will be the last time I get home at 9:00.

A boy and his toys {Jan. 6th}

2009-01-06T15:37:00.000-08:00

Bryant loves his new Christmas toys. He has really played with all of them. The police car was his pick today. Lucky for the police car he didn't crash down the stairs like a lot of his toys, do. I love this age. oh and the funny of today....I picked him up from preschool and he had his shoes on the wrong feet..I asked him, "Have your shoes been on the wrong feet all day?" "Yep!" was his response. Tuesdays are the day daddy takes the kids to school. hmmmmmm?

a sweet obsession {January 5th}

2009-01-05T15:01:00.000-08:00

I have this thing I do with homeade chocolate chip cookies, once I start making them I just can't stop. It is like I have to have warm cookies every afternoon. It doesn't sit well with my size 10 pants though that's for sure. The kids and I definatley had a batch this afternoon. It is so yucky outside....just right for cookies.

Sunday afternoon Game Time

2009-01-04T15:53:00.000-08:00

We spent the better part of the afternoon of Jan. 4th playing star wars monopoly while Bryant man was napping. Any of you ever played Monopoly...it takes for ever to finish. Really, I finally lost out which was a good thing seeing how we need to wear clean clothes to school tomorrow and I haven't done laundry in a week.

ducks, snowmen and a date!

2009-01-02T19:29:00.000-08:00

Doug and his parents go hunting as much as possible and today that had a great day with the ducks as evident by this photo. It is also like 80 degree's here today! go figure. The kids and I spent the morning celebrating Laynie's sixth birthday. The kids had a great time playing with the snow for her snowman party! Too bad it isn't the real stuff! Happy Birthday Laynie Beth. Doug and I finished off the day with a date to Red Lobster! yum

Clean Sweep

2009-01-02T13:39:00.000-08:00

I woke up around 8:00 to the little drummer boy upstairs......so instead of going back to sleep. I thought I would take advantage and clean out the garage. We've yet to throw away our boxes from the move and we had a stash of Christmas gift boxes.....so out I went. This picture is what I sat on the curb and by no means can you see all of the cardboard I put out. And guess what, they actually picked up everything! Now, Doug has one more thing off his list to do. I even managed to put all the Christmas stuff up in the attic...All before noon! Now that is a productive 2nd day of the year!