Sweet Sleep

Last night I worked on the computer for 5+ hours trying to get caught up on work so I don't have to worry about unfinished business here at home while we're in Charlotte for the week.

While I was working, Tony and Emma were supposed to be on the couch watching Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

This is what I found when I was done working.

So sweet.

Daddy's Home!!

Tony's home! Woo Hoo! :)

So nice to be a family again as opposed to single mom to two rowdy little people, business owner, house keeper, freelancer, car pooler, and daughter, grand daughter, neice, and cousin. Many, many roles that all become remarkably easier and more managable once the other adult returns home. ;)

I'm not going to make this a long one for obvious reason, but here are a few of my favorite pictures from our reunion day today.

Enjoy! ;)

My Valentines

emma is such an awesome little girl. she has a huge heart, she never gets mad, she loves everyone and everything, and she's such a great and loving and forgiving big sister.

she is a huge help at home to me when tony is away. there's nothing i ask of her that she won't at least attempt to do and she'll forgive her brother any injustice no matter how large or how small.

i don't know what I did to deserve a child such as her, but i am so thankful everyday to God for choosing me as her mother.

she loves barbies, princesses, horses (and all other animals), the color pink, macaroni and cheese, and her family... most of all her brother.

i think my most favorite thing about her is that she promises she'll never leave me. she'll always live in this house with me and she'll be my baby forever. she promised. i'm holding her to it.

noah. mischievous, rotten, sweet and precious. he has such a temper, but he's so sweet about it that you can't get mad at him. he has his mommy wrapped around his little fingers and he knows it.

he loves his "tom banket" (thomas the train blanket) and he will not sleep without it and his sassy (pacifier). he loves trains, toy story, and nemo. he's all boy.

he won't go outside unless he has a hat on his head and he's prone to pointing his finger at you and telling you what for.

my favorite thing about him is that he loves his mommy best. ;)

tony. he's loyal, easygoing, sweet (most of the time), and he loves me. i know i'm a lucky girl to have him as my hubby. he makes big sacrifices for us and i know i'm lucky he's willing to do that for us.

my favorite thing about him is that he's completely the opposite of me. let's face it, i could not make it for 10 minutes being married to someone as high strung, independent, and opinionated as i am. i love him and he's perfect for me.

happy valentine's day.

Our Family :: 2010

2010 was a very eventful year for our family.

Emma lost her first tooth in February and since then she's lost four more. She's toothless in the front.

I took Emma to see 'The Princess and the Frog' and we had the WHOLE theater to ourselves.

Noah went from being my sweet wittle baby boy to ... a little boy. :( He is still my sweet wittle baby though...

I turned 31. Gag. I guess it's better than the alternative, though, right?

A month before Noah turned two, he wanted to use the potty ALL THE TIME. I, however, was sad that my baby wanted to go and grow up on me, so I didn't push the issue. Now... he wants nothing to do with it. What a moron I am.

Noah turned two.

In May, I went to Dallas to shoot an amazing wedding with the incredible Amy, the owner of Daisy Photography and while I was there, our sweet little Livi (pug) was run over and died. :(

Upon returning from that trip, Tony was fencing in our backyard to ensure that Marley (our springer spaniel) would be safe and contained and wouldn't you know... the day before it was finished, he disappeared and we've not seen him since. :(

So, in June, we rescued two new puppies from the pound... Pepper (poodle mix) and Stella (boston terrier) and we loved them instantly.

Stella was a challenge for us from the beginning, so I had a feeling she was going to need a new home. A home where she could be THE center of attention. Pepper, however, has been a dream since day one.

Noah was nicknamed "junkyard" by my dad. The reason is very apparent... just watch the video. ;)

Emma started Kindergarten.

I traded my Pilot in for an Odyssey... Mini Van... yes, I know, some of you are gasping. It is AWESOME, though!

Emma cut off 11 inches of her gorgeous hair.

Emma turned SIX!

Tony was home for both Thanksgiving and Christmas this year.. the first year that's happened since 2005.

Tony and I went to NYC... but, of course, you already know that. ;)

Now, this video is an overview of our entire year of 2010. In it you will see...

Me looking entirely disgusting with no makeup and zits and just gross. So, just ignore it if you will. All that matters is that THESE are our memories.

Noah's gorgeous, gorgeous hair.

And in general just our life. If you didn't have a good picture of us before, this video will fill in a lot of blanks for you.

One more thing... it is a little lengthy, but this is actually a VERY abbreviated version. Youtube won't allow you to upload a video of the length that our family copy of this is.

Birthdays at Mama Peggy's House

Yesterday my dad's side of my family gathered at my Mama Peggy's house to celebrate mine and my little brother, Jarrett's birthdays.

She does this for all our birthdays... cooks a big, delicious home-cooked meal and we have cake and presents and celebrate together.

It's so nice to see everybody and eat yummy food and laugh and love.

Mama Peggy has a great old swing on her front porch that's been there my whole life and it's pretty much everybody's favorite place to gather, especially the little ones.

Yesterday, I got lucky and captured that picture up there that I LOVE with my crappy camera phone.

WHY didn't I have a decent camera in my hands????

Oh well, it's still precious and I'll treasure it and it's horrible pixelation (is that a word??) forever. ;)

My Granny

This lady means so much to me... words just can't describe. My mom was quite young when I entered this world and so the first 5 years of my life were spent almost entirely with her. She was my world. She took me everywhere she went, read me a huge stack of Little Golden Books every morning of my little life, taught me how to bowl, and loved me more than life itself. I was the first grandchild and she treated me as if I and I alone was the reason the sun rose up in the sky each morning.

As I grew and my mom and I moved away from here, our relationship never wavered. Not one bit. All during college, I came home to her house almost as much as I went to my mom's or to see a boyfriend. And it was so wonderful to move back here to be near her after college and marriage.

And then when the opportunity to build our house beside her was presented, I jumped! Nothing sounded better than my babies being able to grow up next door to her and we could see her as much as we wanted. And we do spend as much time as we can with her. Emma and Noah love her so much.... Noah REALLY loves her. He thinks she's all his. :) We have lunch together several times a week and she is my constant shopping partner. She'll go anywhere and do anything and always tells me the same stories I've heard a million times my entire life. I love it. Every second of it.

Life wouldn't even make sense if she wasn't in it. I would lose such a large part of myself... my heart.

Please pray for her. She's had an endless stream of health issues the past few years and this week gave her yet another. She suffered a stroke on the right side of her brain. Unfortunately, a stroke is a silent attacker. Concealed deep in the brain, you have to be very aware and look for outward changes. The family knew that she was acting differently, but the changes weren't huge. There was no facial parylization, as is common with strokes, so it was unclear as to whether she was possibly coming down with the flu or some sort of infection or if it was something more serious. Well, being that the kids and I have been sick since last week, I hadn't been around her, so I hadn't observed any of these changes. So, yesterday when my mom called and told me she was unsure of what to do, I dressed the kids for the first time in days and we trekked over to Granny's. I immediately wanted to take her to the ER, just as a precaution and to make sure we knew what it actually was that was ailing her. So, after some discussion, my mom took her. They discovered it was a stroke and now she's in the hospital and will remain there at least a few more days. They're very optimistic about her recovery. The doctor said that where the stroke occured, she should be suffering speech and swallowing difficulties, but so far, these things aren't happening. This is a great relief, of course, but she still isn't acting just right. She doesn't seem to be entirely there all the time. I was there for four hours with her today and the first two hours, she basically slept the whole time, but then, her eyes would flutter open and I would talk to her and she didn't register that at all. She just looked off into the distance and didn't even acknowledge me when I got right in her face. But then later, when she woke up and was completely coherent, she seemed quite normal, which was very reassuring.

I appreciate all the prayers you've prayed for her so far, I would appreciate it so much if you could continue. I'll keep you guys updated on her progress...

La Dee Da Dee Dee

Yesterday was quite a day. I needed to take Emma and Noah to get haircuts, because it was just way past time. Emma's hair was starting to look a little stringy to me and Noah's was starting to hang in his eyes again. This was his FIFTH haircut and he's not quite 13 months old. Crazy. And you may recall how good he was for his first haircut when he was only 9 months old.


Unfortunately, I do not have a picture of the horror he was during his haircut today, because not only was he refusing to sit in the chair, hanging from my shoulders, I was having to hold his head still with my hands to keep my sister from impaling him or her one with the scissors. Bless her heart, I don't know how she managed it, but his haircut is actually even, with no bald spots. And you can see his cute little cut down below in the pictures of him with my grandma.


You're probably wondering why I have a picture of a plethora of hair care products on here, aren't you? Well, I never win actual prizes. Never. I've entered tons of drawings. I never win. Well, this was my time, friends. I paid $1 to enter this drawing they were having at my sister's salon. ONE DOLLAR. And I got ALL of these products in a basket, with a t-shirt, and a gift certificate for a free haircut! Can you believe it??? Whoa... is all I can say! I think I may have to start doing give-aways like my friend Jessica does on her blog, because all these products are AWESOME, but they won't all work on my hair type. And Bonnie also gave me the idea that I could do a drawing for my awesome bedding that I just replaced with the new stuff Tony got me for Mother's Day. So, I may do this... keep your eyes open. I'm still contemplating the idea...


After we had the haircutting adventure, we went a little further down the road to visit with Mama Peggy (my grandma). The kids always have so much fun at her house. She's one of those grandmas that doesn't hesitate to get right down in the floor and play with the little ones.



She has the most beautiful flower gardens! I'm so envious. I've done so little planting this year. Her yard looks amazing!

And Noah was practicing his standing skills in her backyard.

Yay!!! No hands!!!

I curse the person who invented stairs!!


Poor Emma just wanted someone who would play with the velcro ball thing with her. Mama Peggy did it for a minute, but the NC humidity was just too much for us to endure yesterday.

Oh, and after we hung out for a bit at her house, we went to this awesome, huge antique store and I got a couple of cool prizes there for the house! I'll show you that later when I post another decorating blog. :)

Memories

When I downloaded wedding pictures yesterday, some of the pictures of us in the hospital when Noah was born happened to still be on the memory card. I didn't even know they were on there. I guess since they were taken in jpeg and I was shooting yesterday in RAW, they didn't show up when I was reviewing the card? I don't know, but nonetheless, it was such a sweet surprise when I saw them there.

Gosh, I miss my little tiny baby. He's all big and screamy and he throws fits and wants to eat more food than me and Emma put together now. Oh, toddlerhood. :) I do long for a brand new shiny, sweet smelling baby I can just cuddle with and nurse the days and nights away.

Soon, friends. Soon.

Excitement Flows

Tomorrow is the big day. My first wedding shoot. I'm so glad I'm related to them, it kinda lessens the pressure a little. Then again, if anything goes awry, I have to face these people for the rest of my days.


Pressure.


I've made my lists of shots to be sure to get. I've stalked my favorite wedding photographer's blogs. Hopefully I'm fully prepared. I plan to have both my cameras going at once. Isn't that going to be a feat? :)


I'll let you know how it went tomorrow night.


Wish me luck. :)

Back to the Beach

All week my mom's been planning to go to the beach for the weekend. She's been wanting us to go with her, but Noah's been sick and I just didn't know if it was a good idea for us to leave town with him still sick, away from his doctors. But, he woke up feeling much better this morning, so I started to consider going. And then, my mom came over on her way out and conned me into letting Emma go down there with her. Since I'm not particularly fond of being in a different zip code than my children, Noah and I are packing up and heading down there! :)

Also, I have a VERY busy weekend next weekend.... a wedding and two family shoots, so I figure this will be a nice way to relax before the hectic weekend.

So, I'll be posting lots of beach pictures, I'm sure over the next few days! Have a great weekend!

Sunday at the Bullard's

Weekends suck when Tony's gone. I don't know why. Well.. I do know why, but it really shouldn't be much different than Monday through Friday, but somehow... it is different. During the week, I stay busy. I do things. I have my shows to look forward to that come on. I take my Granny to lunch a few days a week. I have errands to run. Saturday and and Sunday come and I'm just so BLAHHHHHHHH... I don't even want to get up. I'd just prefer to sleep til Monday.

So, yesterday when Alison called and wanted us to come over for pizza and hanging out, I was so excited! Something to do. Great. So then I just had to motivate myself to get out of my pajamas and get us all ready.

We got there around 3:30 and Alison and I took my camera and Noah and left the other three kids with Collins and she showed me around their amazing farm! They have so many pieces of vintage farm equipment. I was in absolute HEAVEN out there! I posted a few of those pics on my photography blog.

And this little cutie.... Jack....

taught Noah to do this... climb the stairs! :)

Later, we took a walk around the farm with all the kids! So much fun! Collins let Garrett and Emma pick strawberries. Emma loves strawberries, so she was super excited!



Collins let the kids get on the combine (hope that's how you spell that...). That thing is ENORMOUS!!! And super cool on the inside! I had to get up there and take a look myself. It's got a tv in there and everything. So much cooler than I had ever imagined one of those things would be. :)


And Alison loves black and white pictures, so I thought she might like this one I snapped of two of her men.

Collins looks so much like Tony, so Noah took right to him!

I am so thankful for great friends like this in my life. Really. Times get lonely when you're alone with very few friends who live just down the road. And these friends of ours... well, it seems like we've known them forever already. I love friends like that. :)

My Perfect Boy {Turned One}

My Boy, I just cannot believe you are a whole year old! You are my love. My life. I cannot believe I lived 29 whole years without you. Oh, I didn't know what I was missing all that time. You captured my heart the moment you entered my world.


Before you came, I swore I wanted only girls. I was terrified to have a boy. I didn't know what to do with a boy. I just wanted girls. I know what to do with a girl. We have all the same parts.... I'M girl.


But you. Oh, I am SO in love with YOU!!! I swear I'm never going to be able to give you away to a wife. You're MINE . All mine. :)


I love when you lay your little head on my shoulder. I love every little thing about you.


You amaze me with your appetite. You eat absolutely anything and everything we give you. I had no idea a baby could or would eat the way you do. I love it.


I love how your little personality is coming to life as you grow older. You're so funny, loving, and full of mischief.


And boy do you love your sister! Watching you together makes my heart smile. Playing in her room is one of your most favorite things to do. And she loves you so much too! As soon as she hears you make the first bit of noise in the morning, she runs to you, climbs into your crib and plays with you until Mommy comes to your rescue.


You are so loved.


Thank you so much for coming into my life, baby boy. You have added more to it than I could've ever hoped for.

This is Emma on Noah's birthday. Right before we went to his one year check-up.

Such a happy boy on his first birthday.

I look hideous, but really, I don't care, it's me and my boy.

Daddy and his boy.

The New Pool

Tony should definitely win the Daddy of the Year award this year. While he was home, he got the kids the new playset and spent a significant amount of his time home putting it together for them. Then, he stained Emma's playhouse to match the playset and put new shingles on it so it would match the house (which was really more for me than the kids. Let's face it, the kids could not care less whether or not the things in the yard match! I, on the other hand, DO!) . And as if that wasn't enough, he also got them (us) a pool and got it all set up and ready to go before he left!

It really wasn't warm enough to get in the pool until yesterday, so after breakfast, we got all suited up and enjoyed the pool for two whole hours!

And I am very safety conscious, which is why my kids have these swim vest things on as well as their floats. :)

I could not believe how content Noah was. Once I got these pictures, I got in the pool on my float with them and he just floated around the pool with me while Emma played for the entire time. It was so great!

I foresee the majority of our summer days being spent this way...

Then There Were Hours

As Tony's time home starts winding down, I find myself saying to myself... he won't be here this time next Tuesday.... next Wednesday, etc... until eventually it's... he won't be here this time tomorrow.

Sunday night, after we put Noah to bed, Emma got in bed with us and we just layed there and played with her... giggling and being silly.

So special and so sad all at once...

Really... It's Not Over

I know it must seem as if I'm breaking up with you... my blog readers, but really, life has just been so overwhelming lately. So sorry. I plan for this to be the end of my blogless stint. I miss writing about my daily doings and reading what you think of them.

Last weekend was Tony's last weekend home and it was super busy.

Friday, we went to Darlington, SC for the engagement party of Maura and Johnny. We got there a bit early and I did a family shoot for Johnny, Maura, their three girls and also a few couple shots of Katelyn and her sweet boyfriend Dustin. It was so beautiful out and so much fun! It's so nice to be around teenage girls that aren't attitudinal and full of drama. They're wonderful. Then, I also shot the whole engagement party. There are hundreds of those pictures, but here are two of my faves..

My handsome boys...

Emma dancing with her Nana...

It was such a great time. However, there was a live band and tons of people we don't know, which together totally freaked Noah out. Then to make it worse, I was all over the place taking thousands of pictures, so Noah clung to his daddy for dear life for the majority of the party. He was finally starting to relax when it was time for us to go. Poor boy, he wouldn't let anyone hold him except Tony and I. It made Tony and I feel special, though. :)

Then, Saturday was Noah's first birthday party. His actual birthday was Friday, but that was an extremely busy day, so we had his party Saturday. Of course, we did a luau theme and we found a lady who was willing to make us a first birthday luau themed cake! It came out awesome!!!

And this is Noah's cake for him to smash! She told me it was just going to be a cupcake, but then when we picked it up, it was this big cake!

My precious birthday boy!I did the party favors as beach buckets full of candy, bubbles, balls, silly straws, and play-doh.

Noah and Tony matched! Love it!

Johnny and Maura brought the bounce house!

Here are my cool margarita glasses... yes, the mommies had strawberry margaritas! :)
Noah feeding Emma the icing off his fingers. So sweet!

He was so full of sugary goodness!

Me and my sister lovin on our daddy

Me and the love

It was such a great weekend and a great month we had together as a family. Sunday night, we went over to have dinner with Collins, Alison, Garrett, and Jack and I was so mad with myself, I completely forgot my camera on the counter at home! ugh! But they are so awesome! We cooked out steaks and they had this humongous steak for Tony since it was his last day home. It was as big as all the other steaks put together. I still can't believe I didn't get a picture of that thing!

Sorry I've been so MIA lately, though, hopefully it won't happen again anytime soon. :)

Now I'm off to try to catch up on the tons of blogs that I know I've missed reading over the past month or so!