Laugh a little

I think we are so blessed to have children in this world for so many reasons but today my little man reminded me of two very important ones. First simple moments and simple things are the BEST things in life. Some of my very favorite moments are the simple ones with my kids. With my little man its when sassy pants is taking a nap or sleeping in and we just talk, about everything. With my sassy lady its the sweet little snuggle we have before she goes to sleep or takes a nap. Or when we all snuggle up and read books.

This morning little lady was sleeping in so little man just talked and laughed over such simple things. He was talking about a cartoon he watched at school, he laughed and laughed which made me laugh. Kids remind us to laugh more, I wish I laughed as much as my little ones do.

New goal be more like my little man...enjoy the simple things and LAUGH A LOT!!

Tuckered ballerina

Babies...its what I've been up to...more coming..hopefully!

sun

Its rare in CV Dec-Feb so I ceased the moment.

Cherish

Awhile back I wrote a post on why I wanted to be a photographer and what made all the time, effort, and stress worth it. One of my friends posted this lovely family and their sad story which over time has become super popular (the post I linked to was the first story I read). I cried (ok let's be honest I bawled) and read on, post after post. Every time I open this blasted blog I bawl hysterically.

There are plenty of thoughts that enter my head when I read about the loss of their little girl and how hard that would be but there is one that always comes to mind. I bet they cherish the pictures/videos of Preslee's more then anything. I love the one of her holding and smiling at her sweet baby girl. I can't imagine how much that one picture means to her.

I started to think if anything happened to my kids do I have enough of those sweet cherished pictures of me holding, laughing, and loving my sweet babies. The truth is I don't. I am always the one behind the camera, moms usually are. I hate to even think about anything ever happening but the truth is we just don't know, its something we can never have full control over.

Challenge on...put yourself in front of the camera. Don't wait to take pictures, make it happen even if you aren't looking super fantastic, they will be memories you and your family will cherish forever.

Here is my good friend Becky with some of her sweet kiddos

4 miles in flips

I'm so not a horn tooter, I never have been. For those of you that really know me, know that I'm super critical of myself and rarely allow myself pats or praise. I'm totally fine with it, its how I grew up and its really all I know. I've been wanting to post this story but super nervous its going to come off like I'm tootin. The truth is I have a terrible memory and I'm afraid I will some day forget this cherished memory so I figure I will just post it..for me..to remember.

I grew up in a family of seven kids, five girls two boys. I LOVED/LOVE having a large family (I was hoping I'd give my kids that same awesomeness, not happening kids...sorry!). I have one older brother and one younger brother. I was close with my younger brother because it was just us and he was my buddy in the house (even though he would regularly beat me up..oh the love). I wasn't so close with my older brother, 6 plus years difference makes it a little hard to keep close.

When I went to college I had the opportunity to work for the family company that he also happened to work for....long story short I ended up working really closely with my brother, he became my hero. I totally looked up to him.

(Sorry I know this is a long story of history but it lets you in on why this particular moment was/is so special to me).

I have a great respect for him, he is amazing, strong, dedicated, successful, extremely likable, and an all around incredible guy. I've always wanted to feel a strong bond between us but it never seems to come. One day a few weeks ago I felt a little of what I've always hoped for.

He's never been a runner but decided to hop on the crazy train of (been on less then a year now) running and has since completed 2 marathons and will complete another one this Saturday. Two Saturday's ago was the TOU marathon which normally runs right by our house(super sad it no longer does, silly neighbors). Earlier that morning I served up some killer Plyo Shawn T style. I slipped on my flips and wobbled over to the street where the runners would pass by.

My bro was supposed to run it but because of an injury he told everyone he couldn't do it. I had maybe been there 5 min cheering when I heard my man friend yelling his name! What!! He wasn't supposed to run. I usually put my running shoes on when I know someone that is going to run it so I can run beside them and give them a little boost on the last few miles. I quickly dropped my delicious shake and ran over to him. He was struggling and I could tell he needed some pick me up goodness. I only thought I would run with him for a block or so but he asked me to stay with him, so I did.

I ran the last 4 miles in flip flops. My feet were rubbed raw and covered in blisters but I wouldn't take that moment back for anything. I tried talking the whole way and pushed him to not stop. He got super frustrated with me but I just kept pushing. At that moment I can't explain how proud I was of him, how much more love I felt for him. When we rounded the last block chills covered my whole body and looked over at him with tears in my eyes, he rocked it! He pushed through serious pain and ended up shaving 15 min off his last marathon time.

He powered across the finish line, we hugged. It was an amazing moment even with blood dripping between my toes I wouldn't take it back and will cherish that time with him forever. For those brief moments I felt a love and bond that I've always hoped for. Thanks big brother, for needing me.

Homemakey

So I decided last Sunday I was going to try and be homemakey (its totally a word). I've been wanting to make little lady a skirt so I up and did it, no pattern just winged it! It has many struggles, but I did it and learned a lot along the way, such as....


Patterns are there to make life easy
Measuring might be helpful
Winging it from an existing skirt isn't always smart
Feeding elastic is extremely tedious (and totally the WORST part, anyone have an easier way?)
I have SO much to learn about sewing and being homemakey :)


I made it from vintage sheets I grew up sleeping on and and old t-shirt!


played with PS a lot...they are supposed to look golden and sunny like :) I love this light A LOT!

I'm totally up for making more...anyone want to come get your craft on with me?

Big bang

Well folks I pulled the trigger...took the plunge....went against my promise back in Junior high and...CUT BANGS!! I am rarely in front of the camera (I can't stand it, ha). I set the shot up and had man friend snap it up. Here's the big bang debut, and here they stay until my hair starts to grow. Maybe next year this time I might actually be able to pull them back. Yay for slow growing hair.