Below are a few of the portraits I took of Baby Sophia....
....and one of the ones I took of Sophia with her Mommy....
Monday, May 23, 2011
Baby Portraits
I recently had the pleasure of taking some baby portraits for a friend of the family. This was the first time I've done baby portraits for anyone besides my own babies. I learned that I have a lot of practicing to do! Baby Sophia tried her best to be patient with me.
Below are a few of the portraits I took of Baby Sophia....
Below are a few of the portraits I took of Baby Sophia....
Our Weekend Highlights, In Pictures...
We were busy this weekend! Here is a glimpse at just a few of the things that happened over our weekend.
Friday night was the night for Dianna's sleepover birthday party.....
Then, Saturday afternoon/evening we went to Dianna's piano recital. (She did VERY well, by the way!!) 
Yesterday, an acquaintance of Gordon's came over with his big bucket truck and wood chipper. It was time to remove all of the arborvitae that lined the driveway.
It's so strange to stand at the road and look up the driveway now. The front yard looks so big!
Friday night was the night for Dianna's sleepover birthday party.....
Then, Saturday afternoon/evening we went to Dianna's piano recital. (She did VERY well, by the way!!) Yesterday, an acquaintance of Gordon's came over with his big bucket truck and wood chipper. It was time to remove all of the arborvitae that lined the driveway. It's so strange to stand at the road and look up the driveway now. The front yard looks so big! Thursday, May 19, 2011
Happy Birthday, Dianna!
It's hard to believe that nine years have passed since Dianna was born. I look at her now and see the young lady she is becoming. She is artistic, is filled with music, and loves to read. Dianna is a strong-willed, determined young girl. There's no stopping her once she sets her mind to something.We'll be eating pizza tonight for dinner -- Dianna's request. After dinner, we'll sing Happy Birthday to Di before eating sourdough chocolate cake frosted with whipped buttercream frosting. Dianna has invited three of her closest friends over for a sleepover birthday party tomorrow evening.
Happy, Happy Birthday, sweetheart!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
(almost) Wordless Wednesday
It's not deja vu...
We REALLY did get new chickens! A friend of Gordon's delivered six pullets to us on Sunday. They are named Lily, Sophie, Blackie, Reggie Steele, Feathers, and Baby. (Clayton & Kristen, our neighbor's kids, named two of them)What can I say? I missed having our 'girls' greet me happily with scraps from the kitchen. Also, I missed having fresh eggs at my disposal. The first time I had to call Margaret to ask to borrow an egg, I was devastated!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Nine Years ago...
Nine years ago today the doctors estimated I'd be delivering a baby.
Nine years ago I KNEW that baby wouldn't arrive on the 17th.
Nine years ago Dianna didn't surprise me.
Luckily for everyone around me, I wasn't too frustrated at this point nine years ago.
As we approach Dianna's 9th Birthday (May 19), I'll be remembering those last few days before we welcomed her to the family. I'll remember blowing bubbles outside with Grace while trying not to think about the impending work of delivering a baby. I'll remember that by Sunday, the 19th, I wanted so badly to hold my newest baby in my arms. I'll remember trying to keep myself occupied by scrubbing the kitchen floor and baking banana bread.
It's so funny sometimes. I remember those last couple of days with pretty good detail. Ask me about the day Dianna and I came home from the hospital. Ask me about those first couple of weeks, as we adjusted to being a family of four. I couldn't tell you for sure what we did or how it felt. It's all such a haze.
No matter what those forgotten memories hold, I'm sure there isn't much I'd change. Each day, every action, all those feelings have made me the mother that I am today. THAT, I would never change. Not for a million years.
Nine years ago I KNEW that baby wouldn't arrive on the 17th.
Nine years ago Dianna didn't surprise me.
Luckily for everyone around me, I wasn't too frustrated at this point nine years ago.
As we approach Dianna's 9th Birthday (May 19), I'll be remembering those last few days before we welcomed her to the family. I'll remember blowing bubbles outside with Grace while trying not to think about the impending work of delivering a baby. I'll remember that by Sunday, the 19th, I wanted so badly to hold my newest baby in my arms. I'll remember trying to keep myself occupied by scrubbing the kitchen floor and baking banana bread.
It's so funny sometimes. I remember those last couple of days with pretty good detail. Ask me about the day Dianna and I came home from the hospital. Ask me about those first couple of weeks, as we adjusted to being a family of four. I couldn't tell you for sure what we did or how it felt. It's all such a haze.
No matter what those forgotten memories hold, I'm sure there isn't much I'd change. Each day, every action, all those feelings have made me the mother that I am today. THAT, I would never change. Not for a million years.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Project 3--
Tuesday, April 26
Thursday, April 28
Friday, April 29 -- Will 'testing out' the little tractor Gordon brought home for the kids 
Sunday, May 1 -- Dianna takes a turn driving the new tractor
Tuesday, May 3 -- dandelions that Nora picked for Mommy
Thursday, CINCO DE MAYO! 
Friday, May 6 -- Grace & I went for an overnight at the Mystic Aquarium with our scout troop 
Saturday, May 7 -- watching the beluga whales during our outdoor tour of the aquarium
Tuesday, May 10 -- Nora woke on the 'wrong side of the carseat' after running errands
Wednesday, May 11 -- not slave labor, simply bubble fun in the kitchen! 
Thursday, May 12 
Friday, May 13 
Thursday, April 28
Friday, April 29 -- Will 'testing out' the little tractor Gordon brought home for the kids 
Sunday, May 1 -- Dianna takes a turn driving the new tractor
Tuesday, May 3 -- dandelions that Nora picked for Mommy
Thursday, CINCO DE MAYO! 
Friday, May 6 -- Grace & I went for an overnight at the Mystic Aquarium with our scout troop 
Saturday, May 7 -- watching the beluga whales during our outdoor tour of the aquarium
Tuesday, May 10 -- Nora woke on the 'wrong side of the carseat' after running errands
Wednesday, May 11 -- not slave labor, simply bubble fun in the kitchen! 
Thursday, May 12 
Friday, May 13 
May Flowers
I'm sure you've heard the saying, "April showers bring May Flowers". If you haven't....well.....now you have. Isn't it great to learn something new? You're welcome. ;)
Every year, when I was in elementary school, my mom would allow us girls to cut some lilac bunches from the bush in our backyard. We would wrap the stems in wet paper towels and then wrap that in saran wrap and then in foil. We didn't want the blooms to wilt on the way to their final destination -- our teachers at school!
I still love lilacs. They are one of my favorite flowers. Second only to black eyed susans.
When we moved here, I was THRILLED to see that the previous owner had a very well established lilac bush. I couldn't wait for the following spring so that I could fill the house with cut lilac bunches.
A couple years later, Gordon had to break the news that the lilac bush was in the way of where he intended to build the shop. He'd have to rip it out. Before he started digging with the backhoe, I grabbed a shovel and dug out three of the smaller shoots. I wanted to transplant them in the front yard.
At first those shoots were nothing more than sticks in the ground. I worried they wouldn't survive. Time, sun, rain, and patience was all that I needed. Now, just under four years later, the lilacs are blooming for the first time!
I was excited when I first saw the buds a few weeks ago. I couldn't wait for the petals to open up and release their fragrance. They finally have started to open within the last few days. They're absolutely BEAUTIFUL!
Wanna see?
Every year, when I was in elementary school, my mom would allow us girls to cut some lilac bunches from the bush in our backyard. We would wrap the stems in wet paper towels and then wrap that in saran wrap and then in foil. We didn't want the blooms to wilt on the way to their final destination -- our teachers at school!
I still love lilacs. They are one of my favorite flowers. Second only to black eyed susans.
When we moved here, I was THRILLED to see that the previous owner had a very well established lilac bush. I couldn't wait for the following spring so that I could fill the house with cut lilac bunches.
A couple years later, Gordon had to break the news that the lilac bush was in the way of where he intended to build the shop. He'd have to rip it out. Before he started digging with the backhoe, I grabbed a shovel and dug out three of the smaller shoots. I wanted to transplant them in the front yard.
At first those shoots were nothing more than sticks in the ground. I worried they wouldn't survive. Time, sun, rain, and patience was all that I needed. Now, just under four years later, the lilacs are blooming for the first time!
I was excited when I first saw the buds a few weeks ago. I couldn't wait for the petals to open up and release their fragrance. They finally have started to open within the last few days. They're absolutely BEAUTIFUL!
Wanna see?
Gorgeous, no? Can you almost sniff their sweet scent? Close your eyes....I bet you can imagine it!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
No Extreme Couponing here!
Have you seen that new reality show called Extreme Couponing? The show features men and women who have mastered the art of combining coupons with store sales. Very often, they pay less than pennies on the dollar for a boatload of groceries. Many of them end up utilizing just about every spare square inch in their house to store all of their food.
You can catch the show on TLC tonight at 9:00pm and again at 9:30pm.
I love to watch Extreme Couponing. I find it fascinating how these people can dedicate so much time and energy in an effort to save money. I'm impressed. I'm inspired.
Inspiration or not, I will never be able to be a true Extreme Couponer. I've noticed that a lot of the products that these shoppers purchase are packaged mixes, soda, bottled flavored water, and even candy. Things that I hardly ever or even never purchase.
Still, I have always wanted to be more wise in our grocery purchases. I try to do my best to catch savings and cut costs whenever possible. Not always that easy -- when was the last time you saw a coupon for produce?
All of that being said, I am excited to share with you that I AM getting better with my grocery savings! Just yesterday I went to CVS, after scouring the weekly sales flier and searching through my coupons. I walked in to the store with my fist full of coupons and my list of items I planned to purchase.
I hit a couple of stumbling blocks while at the store -- they only had two of the Speedstick deodorants I was looking to purchase and I had planned on getting four. I also discovered that I'd miscalculated my savings and anticipated Extra Care Bucks (ECBs) when I planned my trip. I had had $4.77 worth of ECBs from a previous trip a week or so ago that I was using. I mistakenly expected to get $8 ECBs back, but only received $2 ECBs. A closer look at the sales circular after I returned home and I realized my mistakes. (Lesson learned -- I'll be sure I double and triple check my calculations before I go next time!)
Even with my miscalculations and the lack of product on the store shelves, I'm quite pleased with my shopping. I think I did quite well! I purchased 3 tubes of toothpaste, 3 toothbrushes, two deodorants, 2 bags of cat food, a bottle of shampoo and a bottle of conditioner. My out of pocket expense was only $10.78. I saved a total of $42.70!!!!! Plus, I received and additional $2 ECBs that I will be able to apply to a future trip to CVS.
You can catch the show on TLC tonight at 9:00pm and again at 9:30pm.
I love to watch Extreme Couponing. I find it fascinating how these people can dedicate so much time and energy in an effort to save money. I'm impressed. I'm inspired.
Inspiration or not, I will never be able to be a true Extreme Couponer. I've noticed that a lot of the products that these shoppers purchase are packaged mixes, soda, bottled flavored water, and even candy. Things that I hardly ever or even never purchase.
Still, I have always wanted to be more wise in our grocery purchases. I try to do my best to catch savings and cut costs whenever possible. Not always that easy -- when was the last time you saw a coupon for produce?
All of that being said, I am excited to share with you that I AM getting better with my grocery savings! Just yesterday I went to CVS, after scouring the weekly sales flier and searching through my coupons. I walked in to the store with my fist full of coupons and my list of items I planned to purchase.
I hit a couple of stumbling blocks while at the store -- they only had two of the Speedstick deodorants I was looking to purchase and I had planned on getting four. I also discovered that I'd miscalculated my savings and anticipated Extra Care Bucks (ECBs) when I planned my trip. I had had $4.77 worth of ECBs from a previous trip a week or so ago that I was using. I mistakenly expected to get $8 ECBs back, but only received $2 ECBs. A closer look at the sales circular after I returned home and I realized my mistakes. (Lesson learned -- I'll be sure I double and triple check my calculations before I go next time!)
Even with my miscalculations and the lack of product on the store shelves, I'm quite pleased with my shopping. I think I did quite well! I purchased 3 tubes of toothpaste, 3 toothbrushes, two deodorants, 2 bags of cat food, a bottle of shampoo and a bottle of conditioner. My out of pocket expense was only $10.78. I saved a total of $42.70!!!!! Plus, I received and additional $2 ECBs that I will be able to apply to a future trip to CVS.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Check-In
I just wanted to post a little 'check-in' for you. We're doing well. We've had a few sunny, warm days lately.
The kids all potted seeds that the Easter Bunny left in their baskets. The girls' seeds have all started to sprout already. Will's has not yet. I wonder if it'll take longer because his is for a pine tree? We'll keep looking for a sprout in his pot!
Mother's Day was lovely. Gordon and Eleanor made french toast to serve me in bed. Dianna made sure to remind Daddy that I'd like a cup of coffee with my breakfast. All of the children showered me with handmade gifts and cards. Gordon gave me an ipod shuffle -- a good choice since my newest MP3 player suddenly won't charge anymore!
We're planning a trip to Pennsylvania in June. Gordon's niece, Allison, lives there with her husband and daughter. Allison's mother, Kathy (Gordon's eldest sister), will be flying to PA from AZ to visit Allison's family. Grandma Pauline and Grandpa will be driving to PA for a few days during the same time to get to see everyone. SO, we decided to crash the party too! I'm very excited to finally get to meet Allison and her family, as well as getting to spend time with Dad and Pauline!
We have yet to plan exactly when/where we'll be camping this summer. I hope to get that planned soon. The longer we wait, the less likely we'll find available spots in the area we like at Hammonassett.
Last Friday, Grace and I went with our Scout troop to the Mystic Aquarium for an overnight. The girls had SO MUCH fun! They learned about turtles, toured the Aquarium after dark, did a scavenger hunt, and even dissected a squid! After spending all that time watching the different sea creatures in the tanks, I decided that a trip to the aquarium as a family should be added to our list of summer activities. Considering how much Eleanor loves looking at the fish in our small tank at home, she's bound to LOVE the aquarium.
The kids all potted seeds that the Easter Bunny left in their baskets. The girls' seeds have all started to sprout already. Will's has not yet. I wonder if it'll take longer because his is for a pine tree? We'll keep looking for a sprout in his pot!
Mother's Day was lovely. Gordon and Eleanor made french toast to serve me in bed. Dianna made sure to remind Daddy that I'd like a cup of coffee with my breakfast. All of the children showered me with handmade gifts and cards. Gordon gave me an ipod shuffle -- a good choice since my newest MP3 player suddenly won't charge anymore!
We're planning a trip to Pennsylvania in June. Gordon's niece, Allison, lives there with her husband and daughter. Allison's mother, Kathy (Gordon's eldest sister), will be flying to PA from AZ to visit Allison's family. Grandma Pauline and Grandpa will be driving to PA for a few days during the same time to get to see everyone. SO, we decided to crash the party too! I'm very excited to finally get to meet Allison and her family, as well as getting to spend time with Dad and Pauline!
We have yet to plan exactly when/where we'll be camping this summer. I hope to get that planned soon. The longer we wait, the less likely we'll find available spots in the area we like at Hammonassett.
Last Friday, Grace and I went with our Scout troop to the Mystic Aquarium for an overnight. The girls had SO MUCH fun! They learned about turtles, toured the Aquarium after dark, did a scavenger hunt, and even dissected a squid! After spending all that time watching the different sea creatures in the tanks, I decided that a trip to the aquarium as a family should be added to our list of summer activities. Considering how much Eleanor loves looking at the fish in our small tank at home, she's bound to LOVE the aquarium.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Turning the Calendar
Holy cow. It's May. When did that happen??
Looking at the calendar for the month of May, I'm trying to gear myself up. May looks to be pretty busy.
We have Dianna's birthday. Dianna's piano recital. Grace's Girl Scout Award ceremony. Overnight at the Aquarium with the GS Troop. Memorial Day. Parade. Soccer games & practices. Karate. Friends' birthday parties. Need to plant the veggie garden. Need to clean out that camper.
There's more. The list is endless.
If you don't hear from me, never fear. I'm probably too busy shuttling to and fro to post. I'll try my best to keep y'all updated as I can.
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