They call me... Toothless!

Brenna FINALLY lost her very first tooth! This tooth has been loose since June, yes that is 5 months worth of talking about how much more loose the tooth is on a daily basis. Brenna was given plenty of prep time for this tooth to fall out. Yet, she still FREAKED out. Her tooth had gotten to the point that it was hanging there, by a little thread of gum. She could bend it forward and backward nearly 180 degrees. As we sat putting her shoes on for school the morning of Nov. 8, she was playing with her tooth on her front lower lip. I looked at her and said, Brenna, show me how far you can bend it. So she did, and pop! She felt that tiny little last thread finally give way... caught her tooth in her hand and then....

She THREW it! Yes, threw her itty bitty baby tooth across the room, and started bawling hysterically. I was dumbfounded, at a loss for words. Not because I didn't know what to say to console her, but because she actually threw her tooth! Finally she calmed down, I convinced her that she and her smile were still a beautiful as they were WITH the little tooth in place. It didn't take very long to find the little tooth, as I watched in disbelief as it landed in a general area. I love my little ones, even with the dramatics... My life really wouldn't be so entertaining without them in it!

Photoshoot with THE GAILEY'S

Today I had the privlage of shooting my sister's family. Here is a sneak peek.

Photoshoot With my Beauties!

I took my kids out and did some pictures of them... Here are just a few.
I love them so much. They are my world. :)

OUR Kindergartener....

Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. I must admit it is a very intimidating time to say the least. Entering into the world of public school, not knowing the rules and processes of the school, and even where to pay for school lunch. I was under the impression that school lunch was .80 a day and today was informed it is actually 1.40 a day so I had to quickly re budget. Not a big difference I know, but when you had intended to pay for 3 months at a time, it does make quite the difference. The principal did give us "new to school" parents a tour of the school this morning. I was able to see where she will eat lunch, the library/media center, and even the newly remodeled gym where they will be able to meet with a PE Specialist (also new to the school this year). I guess the school hallways all use to be carpet, but over the summer they tiled everything in hopes to keep an allergy resistant environment for the little ones. Those carpets hold lots of germs so I am very happy about this. Bill woke up late this morning and I was actually counting on him to wake me up, though I didn't discuss this with him before hand as he NEVER wakes up late. Alas, today was his late to wake day so we got a late start as well. Making it to the school just in time for me to rush her into the classroom as the bell rang. I am a bit unsettled as I sit here watching the clock. Right now she is headed to lunch. I wonder if she is making way okay, following instruction, and what she will choose to eat as they offer like 6 different main dish choices. I didn't even get the chance to give her a hug or kiss goodbye. She just walked right in and sat down and never looked back. I love this little girl more than life. Only another mother can understand the discomfort I am feeling today, sending my first and only baby girl off to Kindergarten. I did have a talk with her about bullying, and told her that it is likely someone will be mean to her. It is important that she understands that she is of good worth and deserves good, kind-loving, and supportive friends. I know she will find her place, I just don't want her to be teased or hurt by another child though that too is inevitable. 3:50 can't come soon enough.

My first Bridal shoot.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to do my first ever bridal shoot, PAID! The bride asked me not to share the photos on facebook until after the wedding as the groom apparently is a snoop, so I am only allowed to share what I have so far here on my private blog for my few selected readers. Oh well. I am really excited to continue editing these pics, but for now here is a little preview

















Over all this was a very easy, laid back, and fun shoot to do. I even lost my flip flop in the river in the process of it all. I really hope Amanda likes the end product. And I can't wait to finish up the editing of the rest of the shoot. I will have the pleasure of shooting her wedding at the end of the month... Lets hope I can do her beautiful day justice.

Brenna Says/ Sam Says

I absolutely love the words of an innocent child. I have documented several things via blog that my children have said that made me smile, laugh, cry, and even at times a little embarrased. I have decided to start re-occuring posts titled either Brenna says or Sam says depending on the child who blessed me with the brilliant words. Starting with:

Brenna Says:

A little background about the moment. Brenna has for some reason taken notice in "fat." Not exactly something I am excited about. I number one don't want her to feel that she needs to worry about weight nor do I want her freely expressing her views on what she 'thinks' is fat. Apparently in her eyes I have earned the title of fat. We as parents deffinately have to keep a tight hold on this with her. Anyway, one night at dinner the conversation went like this:

"Mom..."
"Yes, Brenna?"
Followed by a lengthly silence...
"Brenna?"
"Well, I was going to say that you were fat, but your not fat mommy... Your just loved."

Why thank you my DD (Darling Daughter)

Sam Says:

Bill just this past week buzzed Sam's head. I was not too thrilled about the whole hair cut, but it grows back so I can't remain too bummed out. I guess Sam requested the hair cut, and Bill decided that with it being summer a buz cut was reasonable to help keep cool. Okay, I agree with that. Sam is really liking this new hair due, so much in fact he opted it to be appropriate to yell across the street to our neighbor (who is an older gentleman)in his tough "I'm so cool," voice:

"Hey Larry, I'm bald like you!"

Good thing our neighbor Larry has a good sense of humor and has also taken a liking to the kids. He got a kick out of that one.

Money Woes...

I sit here thinking, "Oh how I wish I could go back to the days where responsibilities included what outfit I was going to wear that day, how I was going to do my hair, and how to color coordinate my shoes to my outfit." You know the days where money grew on trees???



When I had no concept of all the hard work involved with having to provide for a family. Then that word "family" smacks me right upside the head, back to reality. I would give a million times over what we have already given just to have my family. They are my all, everything, world. Who could deny the joy and sense of completion these two little beings bring to my life.




I would be lost without this handsome man as well, my other half.



So, forget what I said about wishing I could go back to when all I had to worry about was me. When I could be selfish and get away with it. Bring on the challenges that come along with being an adult, wife, and mother. There is not an obstacle out there that could make giving up my beautiful family worth it. I will fight to my death for them, and them for me. However, if anyone knows the money tree guy, could you send him my way so he can plant one for me???

Our Sam in Glasses...

Considering I haven't updated my blog in ages, this is old news to most everyone. I do have to share it though because Sam I am is so damn adorable in his specs. In February Sam was put in glasses as a result of his Superior Oblique Palsy. Though he had surgery just prior to his 1st birthday, we knew the surgery would only be a temporary fix. Considering the palsy has not returned too sevierly yet, and we would like to hold off on surgery as long as possible for him and for our financial well being the doctor opted to try out the glasses as a way to prolong his need for another surgery. To date the glasses have been a HUGE success. In less than a month he went from not being able to write one letter to his name to writing it in its entirety. He is very well behaved with them and takes very good care of them. He realized very quickly that they were a benefit to him, and often puts them on without me having to remind him. He and I especially notice the impact they have on his ability to see properly while reading, coloring, and watching TV. He has become much more detailed in his coloring and drawing than ever before. His favorite things to draw are bugs and hearts. I sure hope that this adorable little boy in these adorable little glasses will be able to have many many many more years before a surgery is necessary. I personally dig the specs!!!

Our Little Dancer

On June 1, 2011 our little Lou performed in her first ever dance recital. It was so fun to watch her shine on stage. We put her into dance quite late this year, in fact she only had 6-8 weeks of dance class prior to her big performance. We are so proud of the progress she has made and the determination she has to learn and perfect her abilities. She won the shining star trophy in her class (only one child per class gets this award each year). She worked very hard to get up to speed with the other little girls, and was successful in doing so. Next year she wants to try tumbling along with the dance combo class to increase her flexability. She so very badly wants to conquer the splits. So come September, she will start tumbling along with the jazz, tap, ballet combo class. Here are her dance pictures from this year... I may be bias, but I do believe her to be the most stunning one of all.

A step into Photography...

After many years of finding great enjoyment through photographing anything and everything I decided that maybe, just maybe I should try my hand at editing. So, I made my first attempt by photographing my brother for his graduation anouncements. I was pleasantly surprise and pleased with the outcome.... See a little for yourself....












After these pics he requested that I take some pictures of him and his girlfriend Valerie just for fun, so I did. The result....