Brandi Young Photography

2012-02-12T10:22:00.002-06:00

We had a message on the answering machine the other day. Someone we knew in college passed away. He found out a month ago he had liver cancer. He died Friday. His wife writes a blog and in it she said that she didn't know how to pay the bills, because her husband did it. She was going to stay in bed until they took his body away. So sad :( It is so blunt and in your face when you are faced with how short your life is. You want to turn away from the reality of what if that were you and your family.

In my mind the things I think about dying are:

what about my kids? I want them to know how much I love them and will miss them.
will my husband know how to make food or wash clothes? I really hope so (I have been trying to teach the boys how to use the washer and dryer, so they can become independent :)
make sure my husband knows my passwords and can pay bills and get into the safe deposit box
i want my family to be happy

I remember what I was doing that day

2011-09-11T08:30:00.000-05:00

There are certain times in your life that you just don't forget. Wedding, baby's birth, baptism, May 3 1999 tornado, April 19 1995 and September 11 2001.

I know exactly what I was doing that morning. I was getting ready to get my retainer adjusted at the dentist at 9am. I got up early to eat a good breakfast because I knew that I wouldn't be able to take out the retainer for hours afterward. My first son was only 14 months old at the time and he was still in bed. We had plane tickets to go to Wisconsin in about a week. The phone rang and it was my mother in law telling me to turn on the TV, the world trade center had been struck by airplanes. I won't forget the feeling I had that day and the sadness for all the people who lost their lives that day. All flights were canceled, the lines to get gasonline was a mile long, people began lining up to give blood. It was just crazy. Our flights to Wisconsin got canceled and we had to drive instead.

Super Busy Lately

2011-09-10T21:10:00.000-05:00

I am still here, just busy.

I have been making cute stuffed cuddly things lately! (Picture coming soon.)
I am learning Adobe light-room. I have to say it is pretty fantastic so far. :) It makes editing pictures so much easier.
We have been doing a lot of family things lately too. Watermelon Festival, Grady County Fair, and Dollar movies.
Tomorrow we are going to an amusement park.

Yea I am so excited about that!

Fun pictures

2011-08-16T12:15:00.000-05:00

Aren't they just the cutest!

2011-08-11T08:43:00.000-05:00

School is starting soon and I am going to start playing catch up since last spring.

His name is.............

2011-05-06T21:28:00.000-05:00

Ezra Joel

Ezra means Helper

Joel means The Lord is God

New addition

2011-05-05T12:14:00.003-05:00

My sister in law had her baby yesterday. No name yet, but he is a cutie! He was 9lbs 3oz, 20" long and very alert. His big sisters are so glad he is here and they finally get to hold him. I was privileged enough to get to photograph the labor and birth. It was so very cool and Kristen did a terrific job! Congratulations!

Zac got sick while we were there and Aaron had to run over to CVS and buy some motrin. We went back on tonight so that our whole family could see the baby and hold him. Everyone is better now!

2011-03-27T07:58:00.002-05:00

I have made a lot of crafts lately. Nothing like a baby shower to motivate though! I don't think that my machine has been used this much in a while! First, I made a blanket for my soon to be nephew. Then I thought of ways to use onesies. Next was another thing that hasn't quite turned out right (I need another month on that one). Last was the cute owl pillow. I can't wait to see this little guy wear these crazy things!

My own Pillow Friend

2011-03-26T14:08:00.002-05:00

I am made this! (It's a gift, so sshhhhhhhh.) I just have to stuff it and stitch up the edges. I am super excited, cause I think I did my best sewing on this. And it wasn't even HARD to do. I had lots of fun creating it and now I can think of ways to make my own designs. I plan on making some more for gifts and my boys really want one now too! Pictures to come.....

Update:It is incredibly hard to stitch up the edges. I had to ask for help, because I tried 4 times and it just wasn't right! But it sure is CUTE and I had the best time making him! Next time I make him for a baby I will use satin, so he can be a lovey! (and change his feet)

Updated list for March

2011-03-24T06:55:00.001-05:00

Ok, I have done some of the things on my list for March.

Took pictures of my boys (didn't print anything yet, I am sure I will have to take more good ones first)
Read several good books (didn't finish Harry Potter. Not sure if I will, but that's ok)
Took pictures march 5th and the dinner was so good!
Tried to go to the science musuem, but it was too crowded
Made several gifts (I am pretty excited about them:)
I haven't run my heater in about 2 wks, YEA!

saving money

2011-03-23T12:27:00.003-05:00

I have been trying hard to save money on grocery's this month. I bought 2 Sunday papers for coupons, subscribe to coupon blogs and look up recipes. We are still planning our vegetable garden, but since it's not planting time, there is not much to be done with that yet.

I got an email about a deal from Moolala. I have never bought anything before, but this seemed to be what I've been looking for. I will let you know if it works out. It is supposed to save money when you grocery shop, because you only buy what you need to make meals for the week. We will see.

I need to save money anyway possible nowadays. My husband did not get a promotion that he was promised due to budget cuts :( He hasn't had a raise in over 5 years and everyone knows that the economy is not what it was 5, even 10 years ago. When I got our taxes back from the CPA, I was shocked to see how little income we had. It is pretty terrifying! I have been praying about it lately. I wasn't surprised that the promotion was cancel, but others got their promotion because it was looked at before the state budget went into effect, really sucks! We have never had to worry about this in our marraige until now! I am sure God will send something along in place of that though.

2011-03-10T12:17:00.004-06:00

We had a good time at the going away party. Everything went great and the pictures turned out great too. My friend gave me a $50 best buy card as a thank you, now I just have to think of what to get. (Maybe a TV for my bedroom.) It should be something that is not a business expense.

Start to the weekend

2011-03-05T08:39:00.005-06:00

Friday Parker woke up with a sore throat and a low fever, so I had him stay home. Thankfully Aaron was working from home, so I could take the dog to get his stitches out. No more cone, Yea!

When I came home Parker was feeling worse, so I peeked in his mouth. It was NASTY! I made him an appointment for the afternoon. Dr. said he has STREP THROAT! I am praying that no one else gets it and that Parker is feeling better soon. What a way to start the weekened right?

Oh yea, and the dog has been jumping the fence and wandering the streets again. I should enter him in a contest for the highest jump!

I have a lot to do today with housework. Then I have to get ready to take pictures at a national guard unit's party. Charlie Med here we come!

coupon's

2011-03-03T12:38:00.002-06:00

I have found a coupon blog for stores in my area! This makes me very happy! It's www.couponclippermommy.blogspot.com. So far I am really impressed. This person searches all the coupon sites for local stores and puts it all together on one Blog for everyone to see.

Month list for March

2011-03-01T00:59:00.002-06:00

I thought I should have some goals for March. Sorta like a Big List, if you know what I mean? Well, this list should just be fun/want too stuff just for me. Maybe family stuff that I think is fun.

Plant a vegetable garden
take portraits of my children and print them
take portraits for other people-Kristen, I am ready are you?
read a book a week-right now I am starting Harry Potter #4
go to the movies
have a date with my hubby (march 5th we are going to take pictures for a friend's army unit that is leaving for duty. They are having a party/dinner)
fun day trip during spring break for the family
make some handmade gifts
open my windows and turn off the heater

List #2

2011-02-28T09:53:00.003-06:00

Ok, this is my list for this week

grocery shop (already done, saved 26% Yea me)
change sheets
clean floors
go to bank (already done)
clean bedrooms
read some more
call about pricing on gutters for the house
get garden ready for planting veggies

List

2011-02-26T09:39:00.007-06:00

I am going to make a list of things to do this weekend. I saw this idea on a blog I read and it sounded like something I could do.

clean kitchen
finish laundry
sweep
eat lunch
print some 8x10's
read a book
make dinner
watch a movie
help a friend declutter
play outside in the garden
church
get ready for the next week

Sounds pretty boring, right??? Yea I am sure it is, ha! I am going to start as soon as I am done on the computer!

2011-02-20T10:00:00.000-06:00

She

has been married 13 yrs
wants to read more good books (suggestions welcome)
has a college degree in art and photography
has 3 children
wants to strenghten her relationships
wants to improve her additude
needs to stop drinking so much pop
needs to make money doing something from home (what I don't know?)
wants to take her family to yellowstone national park
wants her children to experience an adventure
enjoys vintage furniture
wants to have a cozy home
likes to bake, not clean up
loves getting a new hairstyle
loves photography
probably will think of lots of better things to add later, ha

2010-12-07T13:17:00.003-06:00

Don't I have Beautiful Niece's!!!! I took their pictures last week and they are just so photogenic. One day, their dad will be beating boys away from his doorstep, ha!

A sweet little family :)

2010-12-01T12:05:00.003-06:00

I met this mom thru a friend. She hadn't had any pictures taken of her new baby girl and asked if I could do it. Of course, I said YES! Parker came to help me out and thought that the baby girl was so cute. The mom was very nice and had such cute little ones!

A Dog & his family

2010-11-27T16:04:00.003-06:00

Isn't this a cute family? I was surprised when I met them that they brought their dog too! I just loved taking their pictures. The dog was so good and barely moved.

I really want this

2010-11-26T10:46:00.004-06:00

Ok, I have entered this giveaway 7 x's! I really want to win this Tamron lens! I need a new lens, but times are tough and lens cost lots of MONEY! It would be so awesome to win something. If not, oh well at least I tried.

I also entered to win this laptop too! How incredible would that be? Yea, I am pretty excited about entering! I usually don't enter contests, but I thought it seemed safe. Why not! If I can't be on Oprah's favorite things show, then I might as well enter contests, cause you never know when you might be a Winner! If I win, then I will be telling everyone. WOO-HOO!

Church friends :)

2010-11-23T12:42:00.000-06:00

These are some friends from church. I asked if I could take their pictures for fun, since I was having a hard time taking group pictures. I think that it actually helped me. I can't always practise with my own kids, they seem to not want to cooperate sometimes, haha. I think it turned out good!

Family Session

2010-11-18T10:20:00.001-06:00

Will Rogers Park

This is my best-est friend with her family. Aren't they cute! He is about to deploy again, so I have been begging them to let me take family pictures. I love these pictures. I think that they turned out Great!!

Kids

2010-11-14T08:34:00.000-06:00

Don't ya just love these little faces? I do, but I am kinda partial. I had fun practising on these kiddos. I was trying to get some good shots for Christmas gifts for my family. So I had my niece and nephew over for a play date. I think they turned out pretty good. (Doesn't she have the most striking eyes? I always wanted eyes like that, ahhhh)

newborn

2010-11-03T13:15:00.001-05:00

This little girl is such a sweet baby! I had fun taking her photos. It is exciting to take pictures of little girls, with their fru-fru clothes and bloomers! I don't get to do that at my house. Everything at home is boy stuff, ha.

Happy Fall :)

2010-10-31T21:19:00.001-05:00

Well, fall has officially arrived! Pumpkins, Halloween and hot chocolate. We have been very busy with soccer and scouting events this season. It's nice to be busy and have this time outside before winter arrives and keeps us in.

KM Photoshoot-July 2010

2010-08-25T08:53:00.001-05:00

I finally finished editing for KM. It took longer than I expected, but it was my first time doing everything on the computer myself. Also, I became unorganized with the files I created. Aaron helped me get on track so that I would remember exactly where I was. I have to say that I am Very Pleased with the result!! All of the pictures needed minimal exposure adjusting and not much else, which means I did good.

It was my first time doing Maternity and I think that they turned out well. I think that these are some of the best pictures I have taken. I hope that they like them as much as I do. Now I just have to wait for baby to be born, because I get to take those pictures too! Yea Me!!!

S.L. Photoshoot

2010-08-03T08:09:00.004-05:00

I am pretty happy with the way these turned out. I have few more good ones to edit. I only wish that I had taken better quality pictures. I would love to try again soon. I have to finish editing these, so I can finish another editing project. My photoshoot the other day turned out Fantastic!!! I am very excited about those pictures. They are some of the best pictures that I have ever taken! I really hope that the family likes them too!!!

Pictures

2010-07-31T07:22:00.005-05:00

I have been taking a lot of pictures lately. I have this camera and this lens too, which has been very good for portraits! I am going to use it this evening to do a photo shoot for a friend and her family. I am excited and nervous. She is pregnant and I can't wait to take her pictures. I took some shots of a newborn the other day and that was hard! I definitely need lots more practise with babies!! I may try to shoot those again at a different time of day. I would love to make money taking pictures for people, but I know my limits and I need to practise, practise, practise!!!

Maybe someday I can afford this camera and a few lens!!

Blogging

2010-07-31T07:12:00.003-05:00

I am trying to change my blogging habits. I need to update badly and decide what I want this blog to be about! We have had a lot of things going on the past 9 months that I want a record of. I want this to be a journal in some ways and about other things too. Its hard to decide though.

My day is all turned upside down!!!

2010-07-30T15:13:00.005-05:00

My day is turned upside down and I really hate when that happens!!! I had plans that I changed, but it still can mess up your day. I guess cleaning can put you in a bad mood, especially when you would rather be doing other things, ahhhh well.

I am tired and cranky and I think a nap will help......

Spring has Sprung

2010-05-04T14:28:00.001-05:00

We just planted our first garden in the new house. There are so many flowers blooming here that I don't think that I will plant any this year. Our house is coming along and one of these days I will reveil all the details of work done and needing to get done. It is a really long list! Well that is all for now.

2010-04-10T14:29:00.000-05:00

We just had Easter in our new house. Aaron's Grandma Larson and aunt Ginny from Wisconsin were here the first week of April visiting. Grandma Larson celebrated her 80th birthday with us and we are so happy that she did!! Our house is still a work in progress.

That needs to be an update all by itself sometime.

Hey

2010-01-02T08:21:00.004-06:00

Happy New Year! One of these days I will get on here and really do some updating. Our life has been hectic for a while and we are trying to get settled in here at the new house. I have so many pict and posts to do, but that will have to wait till school starts back next week.

Blizzard 2009

2009-12-28T22:22:00.000-06:00

We just had a Blizzard! On Christmas eve! Like the kind they had way back in Laura Ingalls Wilder day! I measured 18 inches on the back porch when it was over.
It was very fun to watch that much snow come down, but not fun to be out in it. The state closed all major highways and roads. People were stranded in their car for 24 hrs or more. Thankfully, we could just watch it unfold in the safety of home. We did get out in it around 2pm to try and make it to Kathy's for the evening. We turned around about 1/4 mile from our house. It was blowing too hard and the windows were icing over. You couldn't see in front of you. We managed to make it back before it got worse. We sat in the van for a while watching it come down before we were ready to run back into the house. We were very Lucky!

The next day Kathy's neighbor came to shovel us out of the front door. The snow drifts were up to my Waist! It took about 3 weeks for everthing to melt. I have never seen that before and maybe never will again. It was a sight to behold that is for sure. Something like probably only happens every 100 years or so!

Emolyn visits

2009-12-01T21:38:00.003-06:00

The Thompson's came in November. Nicole's grandparents were visiting relatives, when the grandfather had heart trouble and was put in the hospital. So Shawn, Nicole, and Emolyn came to be with them and stayed with Kristen and her family while they were here. While Nicole was at the hospital, we got to spend time with Emolyn. It was our first time meeting her and she was such a little doll! So polite and friendly. The kids all had a blast with her. She loved on the big girls baby dolls and gave the kids real "Kisses". We played and talked for a while, then went to eat as a big group. It was fun to catch up with their little family. Can't wait to do that again!

Halloween 2009

2009-10-31T23:54:00.002-05:00

Aaron and I went to order our carpet today, while the boys went to Grandma's for a while. When we came back we got the boys ready for Trick-or-Treating. We had a quick dinner at Kathy's and then went out with our whole family in the neighborhood to get treats. Zac was so proud to get something in his basket! Alex was a Rock Star, Parker a Ninja, and Zac was a Giraffe first then a Cowboy. The girls were super cute too! Mya was a Cat and Kennady a Fairy. They all got more candy than they needed, but we had lot's of Fun.

Moving In:

2009-10-28T11:25:00.000-05:00

Well, this is us moving in. We had to paint the bedrooms and lay new carpet, hang fans, tile a closet, clean up and cut some trees down. Oh yea, and take the shower out of the masterbath because it was leaking into the bedroom. We all slept on mattress' in the livingroom for 3weeks because we couldn't put in the carpet right away. We also discovered that we can't wash clothes here until we fix something with the laundry plumbing!!!! I am starting to miss the old house already, haha!

Packing is a Pain

2009-10-15T22:41:00.004-05:00

June 2001 (3 months after moving in)

Ok, I am going to try and get up to speed here. We are moving in a week! I can't believe it. We have been here for 8.5 yrs. Alex was only 7 months when we moved in. All of our babies have been in this house. It's the only real house we have lived in. The 1st one that we ever bought and sad to say, we have finally outgrown it. We have buyers for our house and they are very excited to move in too! So I am praying that everything goes smoothly for next Friday. I pray that we like our new house as much as we have LOVED this house!

I am shocked at how much we have accumulated over 8 yrs! When we moved here all of our stuff fit in a tiny corner in the living room. Now every room is overflowing with STUFF! (Especially comic books, Aaron) We have had some really great times here and I am really sad to leave. On the other hand, I am excited about have 2.48 acres to roam thru and a bigger house. I know God has a plan for us and has protected and helped us find this house. It will be very different, and that is a good thing for my boys! I know that the reason we haven't moved before was partly fear and mostly packing, haha.... But seriously, Packing is a huge pain! Once you pack, then you realize that you shouldn't have all these things and I really don't want to unpack it. I am going to just use the same 5 plates, cups, forks, bowls ect....for a while because I don't want to unpack it when I get there! Anybody want to come help organize my new house?

SOLD (if everything goes as planned)

2009-09-18T12:54:00.003-05:00

Well, we went on the market September 10th at 11pm. We had 2 contracts Saturday morning and we accepted one of those. Monday, the buyer decided not to buy our house because she didn't have childcare and didn't want her kids to walk to & from school without an adult, she wants them to ride the bus, but we live 1.5 blocks from school (she works and is a single mom.)

So Monday we are back on the market and had people lined up to see our house. Tuesday evening we had 3 contracts to look at. We picked one of them and we now close both houses on October 23rd.

I can't believe how God answered our prayers. He more than provided for our needs. We thought for sure that we would have 2 house payments for a while. Other homes in the area have been on the market for several months or longer! Our realtor said it must be a record, 5 Contracts in 5 Days. I am just thanking GOD that this happened for us. Oh and the seller of the new house is putting on a NEW ROOF next week at no additional cost to us! Can you say AMEN!!!

OUR HOUSE AFTER PHOTOS:

2009-09-18T12:52:00.001-05:00

Bedroom, bath, laundry

2009-09-18T12:34:00.002-05:00

Well, these rooms speak for themselves. The boys room had to be de-cluttered, so did the laundry room. Kathy came over after church and helped in the boys room by dusting, picking up toys, and arranging the shelves. Now they look great!

Living, Dining, Office, & Sewing Room

2009-09-18T12:31:00.003-05:00

In these areas, we just had to clean up and remove stuff. Aaron cleaned the office all by himself. Kristen came over one day and helped clean the sewing room.(Thank you so much) I could not have done it alone. Then we had to vaccum and dust everything. And it looks great!

master bedroom & bath

2009-09-18T12:27:00.002-05:00

In this room, we put in new carpet, sanded and painted all the wood, painted the walls, put up crown moulding. I scrubbed the shower with acidic cleaner. And of course we got all of our junk out :) I LOVE IT. I am going to do the exact same thing in our new house. Hanging crown moulding wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be either (especially with a nail gun, haha). I am very proud of Aaron and myself!!! Way to go

Kitchen

2009-09-18T12:18:00.007-05:00

This is it. Our finished kitchen. We put in a backsplash, new countertops, appliances, moved a cabinet, textured and painted. I love it. Now we are moving :( But, I know that we did a good job and we can do it again!

OUR HOUSE BEFORE PHOTOS:

2009-09-03T14:52:00.000-05:00

Getting our house ready

2009-09-03T12:03:00.001-05:00

Ok, I know what you are thinking "How in the World can this house be ready to sell in a few days?" Believe me I am wondering the same thing. But we do not have a choice. If we don't want to make 2 house payments then we have too! I know it can be done. Thank goodness that Labor day is Monday. I decided to take a few pictures of the mess here, to remember later. Today our bedroom carpet is being installed and the handyman came to fix my ceiling in the kitchen all at the same time. But it is none too soon, let me tell you. I need to get all of this done as quickly as possible. Hopefully it will go smoothly?!

Our New Home (next month)

2009-09-01T11:54:00.003-05:00

We are buying a new house!!

Ok, here are the details

2.5 acres,
3 bds
2 baths
2 living rooms
Kitchen/dining combo
Huge 24 x 30 Workshop w/contrete floor
a well house, gardens, pergala, 1960's storm shelter and a huge deck
1 mile from Family (we could ride our bikes or walk thru the farmer's field)

We have been looking for a long time and were pre-approved in July. We looked at this house August 30 and put a bid on it the next day. We didn't do a contigency for our current home to sell. Aaron and I were afraid that we would lose this home because there were 2 other offers, so we took our chances. We even upped the asking price so that we could get it. Our closing date is October 30th and hopefully we will have a contract on our current home and not have to pay 2 Mortgages. Now we have to get our house ready to sell. Our goal is Tuesday the 8th of September. So we have labor day weekend to get cleaned up and move a lot of stuff to Kathy's garage. (Thank you Kathy So Much)

Looking @ Houses

2009-08-28T10:11:00.002-05:00

Kathy just called and told me a house just went on the market today. I am so excited. My realtor looked it up and sent us the photos. We are looking Sunday after church. I just have a feeling that this is the one. Pray for us.

Storm clouds

2009-08-10T12:33:00.000-05:00

Turner Falls 09

2009-08-07T23:52:00.002-05:00

On Friday we went to Jimmy's Egg for breakfast. Because they are only open until 2pm, we had missed chances all week to go. We got there about 9am and had a wonderful breakfast. Afterward we made the decision to go to Turner Falls for the day. We hadn't been in 3 years and wanted to go again. It is a little pricey, but cheaper than driving far and having to stay in a hotel.

Turner falls and the Arbuckle mountains are beautiful. The water is clear and the views are awesome! Aaron and I used to camp there when it was cheaper, now we will have to go in the off season to afford to camp, but it would still be worth it. I was worried about how Zac would be, but he was so good! He did his usual in the car, but once we got there he was fine. The boys had a blast and we took 275 pictures of just the 5 hours that we were there! I bet we have to get another hard drive soon so that we can have more space for all the photos, ha.

We came to the conclusion that Alex and Parker will be taking swimming lessons again this fall. Parker panicked 3 times and never told anyone he needed help swimming. It was scary! He can swim great, but couldn't touch and got nervous and didn't remember what to do. Alex was fine the entire time, except for being too brave and going off by himself. Zac has no fear, that boy would jump if you told him to. He didn't care! Thank goodness for life jackets and floaties. Overall, it was a fun day. Now we just need to get people to go with us, anyone?

Yea for Snow-Cones!

2009-08-06T22:58:00.001-05:00

Aaron is on vacation all week, so we have some little things planned here and there. Monday, the big boys went to the dentist for fillings, Yuck! (I am pretty sure the dentist would say to not have sugary treats). My boys are so awesome, they just let the dentist get the job done without painkillers, so that they can go home. Tuesday, we had snow-cones and watched Speed Racer. Wednesday, we went fishing/swimming at lake Thunderbird. It looked rainy when we got there so we didn't stay long and there wasn't a good place to fish from. Thursday, Aaron cleaned out the garage and did a GREAT JOB! We are not sure what we are going to do Friday.

House projects

2009-07-21T14:39:00.004-05:00

Here is a list of all the improvements we have done since June 2nd

Fix 2 windows
tile backsplash in kitchen
paint kitchen
replace missing trim in bathrom
caulk trim in bathroom and kitchen
attach back porch post to patio
fix plumbing leaks in bath and laundry room
have insulation blown in attic
new porch light
paint mailbox
drywall behind washer and freezer in laundry room
texture walls in laundry & kitchen
replace plug-ins & light switches to match
install light in living room

I am sure that I forgot something. It really feels good to get things crossed off the to-do list! We have a few more things to do before we are finally done with everything, but right now I am a happy girl!

Kitchen is Done

2009-07-21T14:12:00.002-05:00

Before

New tile, paint, countertops, sink, faucet, stove, dishwasher, switches, plug-ins........It is finally done. And it feels really good. Don't get me wrong though, putting in the tile was really, really hard! But it looks really good!

We have done more this summer to our house than we have in years, and everything is almost done. We just had insulation blown in the attic yesterday and it has helped out tremendously! Aaron and I both were surprised by how cool our house became. We are dumb for not doing it years ago, we probably spent thousands on our utilities because our attic was not insulated. Oh well lesson learned the expensive way, I guess. Our goal was to sell this house and find an acreage, but so far only one house was available we could afford and fit our needs but I don't think that it is the one. So we may have run out of time to move to another. It looks like the economy is going to get real bad soon, so we may have to just hunker down where we are for a while longer.

After

I have got to go take a better picture soon!

Happy Birthday Alex

2009-07-19T17:30:00.000-05:00

Before & After

2009-07-12T13:49:00.001-05:00

Before

I put the drywall up after 3 years of having a hole in the wall. We were just lazy after we switched the plumbing and never got to it until now. It is nice having it done!

Happy Birthday Zac (4th of July too)

2009-07-06T13:53:00.000-05:00

father's day

2009-06-21T23:02:00.000-05:00

Passing the time....

2009-06-01T09:53:00.000-05:00

This is what I have been doing to pass the time this evening. Taking pictures of Zac sleeping on the floor next to his crib. He woke up about 10:20 screaming, probably with gas pains. When he stopped screaming he laid down beside me and wouldn't let me put him back in his bed. So I got out the camera and started taking pictures. The light was not ideal, and the pictures are a little blurry, but I still like them. I think that Aaron is in there right now laying him down again.

The reason I am passing the time, is that my best friend, Dani, is having her First Baby. We have been friends since 4th grade, were room mates in college, and she was a bridesmaid in my wedding. We know everything about each other. Dani and her husband have been waiting for this for so long! They are going to be great parents.

I had a message around 7pm from her, saying she was in the hospital ready to give birth. I so wish I could be there. I don't think that giving birth is something you ever forget. It just reminded me of what I was doing 2 years ago. It is exciting and scary at the same time. And you know when it is over, a whole new adventure is beginning. I am praying that everything goes well and I have news soon!

And Aaron's friend and roommate in college, Jesse and his wife had their First Baby tonight too! The room mate's mom cuts Aaron and the boys hair. Sandra, (Jesse's mom and hairdresser extraordinaire) was not at church today because they were driving to be there for the birth! They have also been waiting a long time. And he was a big baby too, 8lbs. 2 oz and 11 days early.

Update: Dani had her baby after being in labor since May 30th. He was finally born on June 1st around 1am, weighing 6lbs. 4oz and 18" long.

Baby Zac

2009-05-28T09:41:00.000-05:00

This morning Zac was being silly at breakfast. I laughed and said, "Zac, you're a Goofball". This is what he told me after that,"No mama, I soccerball. Get shoes on."

Summer Reading Kick-off

2009-05-27T13:45:00.005-05:00

I will just do bullet points of all the highlights. I will tell you that before we started marching, neither of my big boys wanted to do it. They both said it was dumb and no fun. That is why in some pictures they look a little grumpy. When we left they couldn't wait to call and tell their daddy about everything they did because it was "So Awesome".

All the kids got a Kazoo to play as they marched from City Hall to the Library
Found friends from school and scouts
Zac got a picture with the motorcycle police officer
Signed up for Summer Reading, 10 min a day until the end of July, then you get a medal!
Got more free tickets to events during the summer
Ate snowcones
Played WII
Face painting
Computer games
Checked out books
The boys got their OWN LIBRARY CARDS with a certificate!
Ate a Happy Meal

All in all, it was a great way to start summer break. I am so glad we went!

Water Fun Day=Last Day of School

2009-05-26T16:08:00.001-05:00

It's the last day of School, YEA! So far our summer looks full.

*Cooking Classes start June 15th
*Summer reading program kick off is tomorrow, with a Parade thru Downtown and ice cream social
*VBS is June 22-26. I signed up early this year and they get a shirt and chick-fila sandwich free
*We have free tickets to events at the Library so far. OKC philharmonic string quartet, Howard Hangar, Art Lesson
*A local furniture store has Family Zoo Passes for $15 off. Yippee
*Work sent home from school for the summer every afternoon Monday-Thursday
*The boys will have to read a Book everyday (especially if they want to play WII)

2009-05-26T15:38:00.001-05:00

By the way I have tons of post's to put up. I am trying to get it all typed out and pictures up, so hold on. It will be about a months worth of stuff! We have been very busy!

camping @ witchita mts

2009-05-25T22:06:00.000-05:00

Day 1:

We dropped Zac off at Grandma's and then drove to the witchita mts. We found a campsite after driving around like vultures waiting for someone to leave. As soon as we unpacked our tent and chairs, it started pouring rain! So we put a tarp over it to keep from getting wetter, paid for our site and then went exploring. We went to the nature center, had a yummy dinner in Medicine park and then drove back to camp. Alex and I drove to find wood for a fire. On the way we stopped at the bathrooms and saw a buffalo. I made him take pictures with the buffalo in the background. As soon as we got back in the car, 3 guys were chased by the same buffalo so I guess we were really lucky that wasn't us!

We ended up sleeping in our van because it was just too wet to make a tent, plus it rained more that night. It was nice and cool and not bad sleeping arrangement either!

Day 2:

Because it was so shaded, we slept in until 8am. Aaron made a breakfast of eggs and bacon. We packed up the campsite and set off to fish and hike. We spent about 3 hours fishing. It was a blast! We all put on sunblock, but Aaron and I were sunburned anyway. After fishing, we hiked up a little mountain. It was a little scary on the top, because the boys were running everywhere. We took some great pictures and started walking down. Afterward we drove to the prairie dogs, had dinner at sonic and then drove home to get Zac and unpack.
I have to say that the Witchita Mts is now our favorite camping place and will for sure go back!

Older New Car

2009-05-19T20:45:00.002-05:00

Well we finally bought a 2nd car. It's a 2002 Honda Accord, with 108,000 miles. We have been looking for a year, and everytime we see a good deal it is already gone. So this time I emailed the seller asking if it was still available. They said yes and we went to see it. The owners bought it brand new with 20 miles on it. It was kept in the garage all the time and the lady only drove it to work and home. The interior is spotless! The husband kept a journal of everything they ever did to the car in the glove box. We just couldn't pass it up, even though we have never paid $6,900 for a vehicle. We are hoping that it is worth it and we can drive it for a very long time!

1st tooth and later 2nd tooth

2009-05-18T14:47:00.001-05:00

Parker lost his 1st tooth! YEA! It was just very ready to come out and he easily pulled it out. He was very brave and it didn't even hurt. In fact he was a little surprised that it just popped out so fast. Good job and we are very proud of you. The tooth fairy brought him $2.

Then tonight, you lost your 2nd tooth at Grandma's house when you were eating an M&M. It just fell out. So the tooth fairy brought you another $1.

Parker's Kindergarten round-up

2009-05-14T21:42:00.000-05:00

Parker had kindergarten round-up tonight. The whole kindergarten recieved certificates and had cookies, punch, and got a balloon. Parker had the same all day teacher that Alex had, Mrs. Smith. She is a great teacher and was really good with both my boys. Parker is so smart already too. He got a math award for math in the 2nd grade level and he can read too! I know that he is going to do great in 1st grade.

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T19:19:00.000-05:00

Alex's class made a cook book for mother's day.

Parker made a poem and hand prints for me.

The gifts were so awesome, I just wish I had a group picture with Zac in it :( After church we went to Joe and Kristen's new house and had lunch with all the mothers in the family. It was a nice, relaxing day.

Boy's music program

2009-05-07T21:13:00.000-05:00

A music director comes to the boys school every spring and each grade puts on a performance. It takes 3 days of practise and on the 4th day the school has a program for the families. I am really amazed that these kids can learn how to make music together in such a short amount of time, but it is Fantastic! I can't wait till next year.

5 bad things....

2009-05-04T23:07:00.007-05:00

I heard the boys arguing after they went to bed. So I went in their room. Alex was yelling my name over and over. Parker was interrupting and telling me that Alex was saying bad things. This is the conversation that followed.....

me: what did Alex say?

Parker: Alex said "mom and dad sitting in a tree, k.i.s.s.i.n.g. first comes love, then comes a baby, then comes C H O L E S T E R O L..."

Alex yelling: Parker thinks that cholesterol is a bad word!

Parker: Yea it is and Mom, he said 5 other things that were bad.

me to Parker: Well, you don't have to tell me what he said, I will talk to him. And cholesterol is not a bad word.

me to Alex: Alex, cholesterol is not a bad word, but I know that you were not singing a nice song and you shouldn't say those other 5 bad things, or you will be in trouble, so don't do it again!

Alex: Well, I guess everyone in 2nd grade is in trouble then!

I held in my laughter until I left the room and told Aaron what they were fighting about. I don't know what Parker thought cholesterol was and I never did find out what 5 other things Alex said. Hopefully it was as harmless as cholesterol!

It's raining, its pouring

2009-05-04T16:20:00.002-05:00

Today it was not supposed to rain! I told Aaron to take the car, I would walk. About 1 pm it got dark, so I looked up the weather. Guess what, rain was coming. So, at 3:20, while it was pouring, I put on my jacket, got out an umbrella, dressed Zac in a frog rain coat and frog umbrella, packed 2 jackets for the boys and set off! It actually wasn't so bad and the boys loved it. When we got home, I made them stand outside, while I got the camera. I am so glad I did, because the pictures are Hilarious.

A Little Diddy

2009-04-29T10:53:00.003-05:00

Rain, Rain
Go away.
Come again another Day.

Seriously, Rain go away.
Come back in July and August.

Thanks
XOXO
B

Happy Birthday

2009-04-23T09:48:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Aaron

Mowing, garage sale and other junk....

2009-04-22T15:49:00.004-05:00

I mowed today. I love how the yard looks freshly cut!
It is warm this week. Right now its almost 90 degrees. It isn't even summer yet!
I didn't get the job I really wanted. They needed someone on call during the day. I don't have anyone to watch the baby and pick up the boys, if I would get called to work. That's a Bummer, because I would have really liked it.
The same job now has an assistant position open that is not substitute and you have to have a college degree. It is 20 hrs, but they need someone with a flexible schedule. I could have a flexible schedule if they told me ahead of time!
It is supposed to get stormy on Sunday. Yippee, I am going to get my camera out this time!
I have been slowly getting rid of things. Now I have a collection of stuff. Should I put it in a garage sale or donate it and get a tax credit? I am torn, because I hate to bring it home if it doesn't sale and then have to donate it anyway. Don't know what to do. Plus, I really like to go to garage sales, not have them. I have never made more than $80 :(
We are going to a small group in our church every week.
Someone I went to school with since 2nd grade died last week. He had a wife and kids. Very sad!
I am already making dinner. My kids are so hungry after school. I thought I would give myself a headstart. Maybe they will all be in bed early?
Zac and I have been outside all week for hours at a time.

Blah, blah, blah....anyway have a good rest of the day!

We are going!

2009-04-14T16:56:00.004-05:00

My husband just bought our U2 tickets! 11.5 years ago, my parents asked me if I wanted free Rolling Stones tickets and I said no. When I told Aaron, he made me call them back and say Yes I did want them. I thought he was crazy, but it turns out that that was one of the best concerts!

So now we both decided not to let U2 pass us by. Because he works for the University, he was able to buy tickets before they went on sale. It is hard to see exactly where we will be sitting, but I am sure that it will be fine. I am just excited to go! When he asked if we should spend that much money, I gave him a choice, either take me to a nice hotel for our anniversary or see U2 in concert. You know what he picked, haha :)

Resurrection Sunday

2009-04-12T23:17:00.001-05:00

Thank you, O'Lord, for sending your only son, so that I may be forgiven of all my sins!

2009-04-12T19:34:00.001-05:00

Egg Dyeing is so much fun. This is Zac's 1st time and he loved it! He rolled in all over his face and licked it and painted it to Death. The paint brush ended up going thru the entire egg! After they went to bed I took some more pictures before I had to throw that egg away. Next year I will have to boil more because they had so much fun!

Happy Birthday

2009-04-08T19:05:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Kathy!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope you have lots of yummy sweets at the Melting Pot.

Happy Birthday, Pa Pa

2009-04-07T23:04:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Grandpa Harold

Running Rampant

2009-04-07T21:02:00.003-05:00

Sickness has been running rampant in our house this new year. Right now Alex has a sinus, ear, & eye infection and is having to take his inhaler to prevent the wheezing from getting worse. Sunday his allergies started acting up and monday he was really not feeling good. He stayed home that morning but I sent him to school in the afternoon. Well, by that night he had a fever and an ear ache. I had planned on doing a lot more blogging this year, but so far it seems I have nothing to post except "we are sick and now we are better", ha ha.

Hopefully soon, I will have something exciting to write about. Till then, TA TA!!

Did you know....

2009-04-02T14:01:00.006-05:00

I recently made a TO-DO LIST for our house. Yep, I did, and it's pretty long :)

I have been applying for jobs? I was offered one and turned that down. Last week I had an interview and haven't heard back from that one yet. (I am a little nervous about that, hopefully it will work out. I think that I would like it)

I would love to have a huge yard. I would plant gardens of all kinds and spend all my time outside.

I read all the time. I am talking one book in 2 days or less. I am a speed reader. It used to be just sci-fi, then romance, and now mystery/suspense. I never read non fiction, unless I have too! I had started posting the books I have read in 2009, but there are too many and it would take up too much space

I collected dragon figurines a long time ago.

I would love to have one more baby!

I always made A's in English and C's in math.

I would love to be a storm chaser, maybe when my kids are older

I don't like to eat the food I make, it tastes better when someone else makes it!

I really dislike all the clutter in my house. It isn't even my stuff, but it is not junk (most of it) and there is nowhere to put it for safe keeping

I love photography and developing pictures

I wish I lived closer to friends :(

I am a shy person

My parents drink and smoke and I do not!

I like to cook and hate to clean it up

My favorite season is Spring

I have an eclectic taste in music-Irish folk, Johnny Cash, William Shatner, Nickelback, CCR, & the Beatles to name a few

I want to take my kids on vacations to the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Alaska, Redwood National Forest, the ocean, the Rockie Mts. Anything natural.....

I am a den leader in Cub scouts and a teacher at church.

I have a college degree in Art and a minor in Photography. I wanted it to be a major, but they didn't offer it and still don't.

I want to find a job I love and will enjoy doing it no matter what. Any ideas?

Happy Birthday

2009-03-30T12:29:00.001-05:00

Isn't she sweet? So much change in so little time, Happy Birthday. I am so sorry that I couldn't make it to your party :( But I had a lot of fun skipping thru the house in Princess Dresses!

My best friend

2009-03-29T21:13:00.002-05:00

This is my best friend and I. She is having a Baby!!!!! Woo-hoo!!! It's her first, and I am so excited for her! You know you just don't realize how much it changes your life. I was thinking of that today at her shower. I would never have believed it if someone told me that. They probably did tell me and I just didn't know it.

I remember when I was pregnant with my first baby a co-worker told me that "raising children is the hardest job" I will ever have and I didn't believe it. I have never forgot how silly I thought that statement was. Boy was I Wrong! I have since learned that it is the hardest, most rewarding job I will ever have PERIOD! I wish that I lived closer to her so I could see this new baby all the time. She and her husband are going to have a blast being parents.

One thing is for sure, I am a better person now that I am a parent. I am so glad that having kids changed my life in every way! I can't wait for her to go on this exciting new adventure!

Our Vacation "Las Vegas"

2009-03-27T13:10:00.001-05:00

I would most definitely go again!

2009-03-27T12:12:00.001-05:00

las vegas part. 2

2009-03-19T15:29:00.003-05:00

Well, currently I am waiting on Aaron to get done with classes for the day. I think that soon I will go see the Living Garden's and visit a rare book store in the Palazzo. When Aaron is done we are going to walk to MGM Grand to see the lions, to the Bellagio for the fountains and the gardens, the M&M store and then find somewhere to eat dinner.

Last night we saw Mystere' and it was spectacular!!! I have never seen anything like it before. It was well worth the money. Las Vegas is nothing like I thought it would be, (not trashy at all, hehe). It is a very cool place. I would definitely come back, especially if it was cheaper and I could win some money, which I haven't yet! I will have pictures later. Right now I have to finish my chocolate cappuccino and focciachia du jour, yum!

Las Vegas, so far

2009-03-18T11:37:00.003-05:00

Well I made it. It was a very long day! I would not recommend flying that way again. I got to the airport about 12:15, left at 1:30, had a 3 hr layover in Dallas, a stop in Lubbock (there is nothing there, and I mean nothing!), and I finally got here at the hotel about 9:30 my time, 7:30 their time. We went to Treasure Island to see the outdoor show and had a burger. It is pretty awesome so far. More later.......

Vegas

2009-03-11T12:31:00.002-05:00

I am going to Las Vegas next week to meet Aaron at his conference. I haven't flown in 10 years, YIKES! I am nervous about it, but I am sure it will work out somehow. I will be praying about it.

Interview tomorrow

2009-02-24T14:57:00.004-06:00

I really need your prayer. I have an interview tomorrow, (Yea finally)! I know that it will go great and I may possibly get this job. My hestiation is that I have worked this kind of job before and therefore, I know the pros and cons already. I want to go in with a good feeling that God will show me the right thing to do for my family.

One of the setbacks is that this job would be evenings and weekends. I have avoided applying for this kind of job because of that reason for so long! But in the long run, I want to have certain things for my family and we just can't provide those things without me getting a job at some point. So far this is the only call back I have gotten since I have been looking for a job. There are a lot of great jobs out there during the day, but I would need a sitter. For this job I wouldn't.

So keep me in your prayers that this will work out or something better will become available.

Recently

2009-02-21T12:57:00.006-06:00

Ok, I know that this may seem like a rant or whatever, but maybe it will make me feel better when aired out!

Someone recently told me that you should post the blah times too! Well right now I am listening to my baby cry in another room because he has a broken heart. And it is making me sad! The reason he is sad is because everyone went to the circus and we stayed home. I believe it is the right decision for many reasons.

He is too young to go and enjoy it.
I wouldn't have fun chasing him for that long
He has a runny nose and doesn't feel well

I want the big kids to have fun and get to do things without the little ones. So I am fine not going today, in fact, I did not want to go. I don't want to go to the circus until my husband and I can take our family all together.

Sincerely
B

Blah

2009-02-19T19:33:00.003-06:00

BLAH, BLAH, BLAH........BLAH, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH.....Blah, Blah!!!!!

I haven't had much to blog about in a while, just thought I would write something so people wouldn't think that I disappeared. Just in a rut here, that's all. Be back soon............

Happy Valentines

2009-02-15T20:02:00.001-06:00

This was the treat I made the boys for Valentines day. White and Chocolate covered strawberries. They were a great hit and everyone loved them!

What in the....

2009-02-10T20:16:00.003-06:00

OK, I put my baby to bed 45 min ago. The night light was plugged in, so I reached up and turned the light chain off, so the ceiling fan would still be on. Then, I turned off the switch. Zac can turn the switch off and on so I made sure the light wouldn't come on when he did that. I checked him and 15 min later he was sleeping.

I just heard him singing a song and thought I better check again. When I peeked in, he was standing up and the light was on! How can that happen? At first, I thought that maybe I really didn't turn it off, but I know that I did! I am really freaked out. Has this happened to anyone else, ever?

The only thing I can think off is that our wiring is messed up and it has been very stormy outside

What the heck?

Again

2009-02-10T13:12:00.004-06:00

Well, I have been sick again. This time it was a big bad stomach virus! I lost 5lbs in 2 days. Yea for me, but the way I lost it is not fun, and I am sure the 5lbs. will just come right back

Also, my noaa weather radio just beeped and said tornado watch. I thought what the heck is that about, so I checked the nws website. Sure enough, big bad storms are forecast this afternoon.

So it has not been boring here to the least. By the way Alex was sick with me and Zac has vomited twice. One time it was applesauce and he said "Apple good! Apple popped!" Meaning it was still good coming out and that it popped out of his mouth. He thought that it was quite funny. Both times he threw up was in his high chair Thank You God! Alex thought is was a great idea to stick his head over the side of the bed to throw up at 2 in the morning. The rest of the time he made it to the bathroom! So I have been disinfecting the house and washing all the blankets, towels, and sheets all day! UGHH, I hate to do that!

P.S. My husband has been home with us, because I was too sick to take care of anyone. He changed diapers, took Parker to and from schooL, put everyone to bed. I don't know what I would have done without his help. Thank You So Much, and I Love You

Hot Socks

2009-01-31T21:59:00.001-06:00

Parker made heating pads out of socks a few years ago. You just microwave them and put them on your neck or wherever. Tonight, Parker asked if I would heat up the socks and I said no, because it was late and I didn't want to go back into the kitchen, (I know, that is kinda mean).

So I was listening to them take turns saying prayers and before Parker started, he said that his puppy had a back-ache and could I please heat up the sock for him. I had to hide my face to keep from laughing. After Parker finished, I told Alex to give me his sock too, in case his animal had a back-ache and I would just heat them both up. Well, Alex proceeded to tell me that Parker's puppy didn't have a back-ache, Parker just wanted it for himself. Then Alex said that he was going to use his sock for his own neck!

So I went and heated them both up. One for Alex's neck and one for Parker's stuffed puppy named Zackie. I had to laugh because that was a great way for Parker to make me feel bad that I said no the first time. He came up with a good reason to need his sock and I am pretty proud of him for thinking of the stuffed puppy. I could not say no to that!

Next time they ask, I will just heat up the sock to be nice. When I brought the socks back to their room, I told them the only way I was going to give it to them, was if they took a picture with the sock on. So they did!

crazy video

2009-01-29T09:12:00.006-06:00

My husband messing around with video editing software. This is his test of changing speed.

I've been...

2009-01-28T21:34:00.000-06:00

Well, I've been sick. Therefore, no posts in a while. I am going to change that soon though.

1st snow/sleet/ice

2009-01-27T20:23:00.000-06:00

New Blog AlertUpdated

2009-01-09T12:53:00.001-06:00

**I also started a 365 project. My goal is to become more familar using the settings on my camera, while taking better pictures. Bare with me, I may get behind on days, but I am still going in order.

Ok, I have started a Blog just about my boys. I am excited about it! I was going to do a blog for each boy, but this is easier and I can label them individually or together. So go check it out. It will most likely be more exciting than my own. I really want to keep up with what the boys are interested in and how they are doing in school and with activities.