February Photo a Day Recap...

Being my first month participating in this challenge, I admit I fell off the band wagon a time or two. It is hard to commit to capturing these moments, especially when you have a house full of visitors like we did at the end of the month. Though, I am happy to have put these visitors up for a few days. Visits from Grandma and Grandpa are always memoralbe. I really enjoyed putting this little recap together because some of these photos have great stories behind them, and then there are some others that don't enclude memories, but simple reminders of how I was feeling in that particular moment. This challenge is a true reminder to not take the small stuff for granted... it's those small things that completely fill our days with joy and excitement. It's those small things that make the bad days worth fighting through. I know I have taken much of these small things for granted in the past, but have been given a new appreciation for the small in my life... Those interested in participating in the MARCH photo a day challenge head on over to House of Smiths for the March list and get in on the fun!

February Photo Day 29: Something I'm listening to...

Okay okay... So I missed a few days, BUT Today wraps up the month of February and I am happy the topic today motivated me to capture this moment with my Brenna... We went to lunch, just she and I... She played tic tac toe alone, while I looked over the menu. Or so she thought anyway. Really I was busy listening to her and recording this...

A new blog to follow...

I have this sister. She's pretty awesome. No, Awesome doesn't even begin to touch the surface of what she is. She is someone worth looking up to and believe me I fall in the category of looking up to her. She is simply amazing. There is nothing she cannot conquer or overcome. I am dumbfounded on a regular basis with what she is capable of accomplishing with a whole slew of children on her hip. I have two and struggle. How she does it with six, so close together is beyond my comprehension. BUT she does it, and she does it VERY well! I sure hope she knows how inspiring she really is and just how much I want to be like her when I grow up. I would highly recommend you follow her blog... It is full of REAL! Real laughs, struggles, and chaos. It's perfection. As she says, with a circus like hers... You just can't make this stuff up!

Go to:
http://circusofmine.blogspot.com/

February Photo Day 23: Your Shoes

I love these shoes. Probably more than any other pair I own. The make me feel like a long legged, beautiful bird... Okay, maybe not a bird, but they make me feel fabulous. I get complimented everywhere I go on these shoes. Today at the dentist alone I got complemented by three different ladies, one of which was old enough to be my grandma. Nice to see the elderly still have style. ;) No, but really everyone should have shoes like these... NOT EXACTLY LIKE MINE, but some shoes that just make you feel like you can conquer the world, put some sass in your step, and help you walk a lil' bit taller.

February Photo Day 22: Where I work

I have been told... Many a times actually, that I don't have a "job" or that I don't "work." I like to provide a correction that I just don't receive a paid salary at my "job" for the "work" I do. I'm a mom. I'm a wife. BELIEVE ME I WORK! Not only do I work, but this job doesn't come with some training manual or how to guide. It is all done by trial and error. If you ask my kids, probably done with more errors than not. BUT, I do try to be the very best wife and mom I know how to be. My co-workers are my family. They cannot be replaced with someone more qualified to do what we do. I do know that qualified or not, we are all here loving to our fullest capacity, living life day by day, enjoying every moment. So long as we continue to enjoy our life and our time together, we may not always get it right, but we will always have one another through our journey.

February Photo Days 16-21

February Photo a Day... Playing catch up!



Day 21: A favorite photo of me...
There was a point in time in my life that I HATED my childhood pictures. I thought I had the worst hair and clothes... But now I look at them and see the simplicity and innocence in life a child. I am reminded of good memories. But above all else I see my children and how some of their features resemble my own. It gives me great pride to know how much of me is in them...



Day 20: Handwriting
Brenna wrote this to her dad... So Sweet!



Day 19: Something I hate to do
Clearly I hate to fold laundry



Day 18: Drink
Cheep tequila makes for cheep entertainment... I just got to sit back and laugh at girls night.



Day 17: Time
This is what time it was when I finally sat down at my computer tg do homework... Add three hours and that's when I got done.



Day 16: Something New
I got this little Vase at the DI for a buck, spray painted it white and added the flowers... :)

Been in a slump...

Just haven't been feeling myself the last little while. Do you ever have those slumps where you just feel blah... not physically sick blah, but just mentally and emotionally blah? I have been in one of THOSE slumps. Sometimes life just gets way too out of control, and I am a personality type that has to feel secure, safe, and under control otherwise I become vulnerable and defensive. I am so happy to see these momentary whirlwinds end... today I am feeling much more like myself. I have been doing my photo a day challenges, but haven't been updating them here. I simply just haven't had the time. The last weeks worth of them will be being posted... today because I am feeling much less stressed about my lack of time. :)

A letter to the childhood me...

I have been asked by my counselor to write a letter to my childhood self. I am suppose to ask for forgiveness and give in site on what I know now vs. what I didn't know then. I have put this off for two weeks because there are some things that I don't want to revisit and because I am a bit confused by how I can ask forgiveness from myself. I realize that the mistakes I made when I was young have contributed to my downfalls that exist in me today. I am also aware of the happenings in my life where I held no control, but was still on the receiving end of trauma. I have grown to except these moments in my life, but never did I think that it could be possible to completely move past them. I have come to realize that though I thought I had properly worked through my demons, I really just learned to live with them. It is a slightly terrifying thought to let go of these demons simply because I have used them as justification and a foundation to build my protective walls upon. The process of tearing them down and creating a new foundation for a healthy, happy future is probably one of the most terrifying things I have encountered to date. I just have to remind myself that my kids deserve the very best me they can get, because if I allow this process to be only about me I won't commit. I am okay with my walls, with my armor... but I know that my children suffer for it. Who knew that a letter would be so damn difficult to write???

February Photo Day 15: Phone

Weird photo topic... and how else do you take a picture of your phone with your phone camera, but in the mirror. :)

February Photo Day 14: Heart

This morning Brenna woke up bright and early, full of spunk and excitement for Valentines day. I thought for certain the excitement was rooted from going to school and passing out her valentines. I was wrong, she went straight to her backpack and pulled out the valentine she made at school. They were allowed to make one valentine for someone in her family... she made it for brother. I seriously couldn't be more thankful and filled with joy for the love they have for one another. They may fight and torment one another, but when it comes right down to it they would bo anything for each other. Moments like this make me feel like Bill and I are doing a good job teaching our kids the importance of family.

42 Valentines and a headache later...

Awwwww... I can breathe! The kids valentine's requests were anything but simple this year. Okay, I take that back... not kids, just Brenna. Sam's were easy. Pop rocks! Punch a hole, tie a ribbon, and poof! Perfection. Brenna's on the other hand required me to hand make 24 friendship bracelets. It really wasn't nearly as bad as I was anticipating and I am happy I could make fond memories for my little ones. I am certain that NO ONE in her will be gifting friendship bracelets to their entire class this year aside from her. I really hope the kids enjoy them. Brenna sure is excited about them. Sam on the other hand is only excited to get candy, eat candy, and have his picture taken with his girlfriend. We are in some serious trouble

February Photo Day 13: Blue

I totally spaced posting this yesterday even though I took the picture and made it all fancy...



Mmmmmm Poweraid.

February Photo Day 12: Inside Your Closet

I thought this was a really odd topic for the day... I was half tempted to take a picture of my completely empty livingroom closet, but decided that would be even more boring than this one. LOL My closet is boring, as it should be right? I have seen some "Pretty" and impeccably organized closets... maybe one day mine will be too. Ha!

The "Trendy" Valentine

It seems this year the "in" thing to do is to have your photo on your valentine, EVERYONE is doing it right? My kids are no exception. They were both insistant upon having their picture on their valentines too. Sam's reasoning is simple, "Because his girlfriend needs his picture!" Brenna just wants it because brother wants it. Both kids decided on their theme. Brenna wants to give her friends homemade friendship bracelets... 23 of them to be exact. I am going to be busy tonight and tomorrow on those for sure! Sam just wants pop rocks. THAT'S EASY! Phew.... Here is what I came up with using my Adobe Photoshop. Granted they aren't nearly as fancy as some of the stuff out there, but my kids are perfectly happy with them and that's what matters right?!?!?!



I will have to post some pictures when we have them all put together.

February Photo Day 11: Makes Me Happy~

Though we had originally set out to find me a new couch for my upstairs livingroom (the dog scratched up my cushion) we found ourselves looking more for the downstairs family room. Our furniture down there was 9 years old and visibly showed it. It really was time for new stuff, though we could have made do with what we had for a few more years, with some couch covers that is. Bill and I spent an extensive amount of time looking on Friday for something we liked. We started our search on KSL then browsed the Internet stores of some well known furniture places, and when we were just not finding what I wanted (for my upstairs) we set out to some stores. We went to RC Willey scratch and dent to see what they had. They had A LOT of stuff, much of which was accompanied by a sold sign. I was really bummed out. Bill found a few things that HE liked for the downstairs, but I just wasn't sold. We were told to come back the next morning as they would have new stuff out on the floor by then. So I loaded the kids up on Sat. morning and headed over. They open at 10am and we didn't make it there until 11am. I didn't think and hour would make much of a difference, but I was wrong. The did have SOME new stuff out on the floor, but much of it ALREADY had a sold sign on it. UGH! Then I came across this chaise lounge, it was only the chaise lounge and 4 pillows that was in the clearance section, but I really liked it AND it was only 199.00. I began wracking my brain trying to come up with a place in my house I could use just a chaise lounge... I came up empty. I walked away and began walking through the new furniture section when I came across the complete couch that particular chaise lounge belonged to. I LOVED IT, for the downstairs of course. So I grabbed the nearest salesman and asked him home much I could buy just the one half of the couch for brand new... He went to check on it for me when I glanced over and literally saw 4 couples eyeing MY chaise lounge in the matter of just a few minutes. I told the nice gentleman to meet me over in the clearance section and I hustled my butt over to MY chaise lounge and sat down. I didn't move from that spot until I got the go from Bill to buy the complete set for (drum roll please) a total of $550 dollars and that included scotch guarding!!! Yeah, THAT MAKES ME HAPPY!!! While the salesman was writing up my furniture I spotted a green ottoman (kind of an olive green) and made the guy drag it over by the chaise so I could see how it looked. I think it would add the perfect amount of color to are OH SO BROWN room, so I grabbed that too. I paid a total of $747.00 for everything including tax! Seriously a MAJOR score! Bill and I spent the rest of the afternoon (Thanks to his dad for helping us get the new furniture home and the old furniture out) re-arranging our downstairs living space. Bill suggested that we put the couch by the fireplace, which I am so glad he did. It has really created a VERY cozy and enjoyable space... but now I am left with a VERY awkward space where our tv area was originally. THAT'S okay though... I will figure something out for in there. I am brain storming and have a few ideas... one being a little reading nook. We will see....

Cyprus High Mini-Cheer

We signed Brenna up for the week long Cyprus High mini-cheer camp. She participated this past week and really had a blast. The girls literally only had 3 days to learn and practice two cheers and one dance. Considering the time restraints I must say that our little Brenna did remarkably well, but I didn't expect anything less from her. She really is a natural at all this dance type stuff. She definitely didn't get her coordination and dance skills from her mom.



Her best friend from school participated in the cheer camp with her because she just wasn't comfortable going alone. They both really enjoyed this experience and being able to do it together. Here is a video for your viewing pleasure... I apologize for the bad quality, us parents were sat up in the upper bleachers so with the zoom the quality is really poor. Brenna is front and center with her little friend Amaya to the left of her in pig tails clearly needing to use the potty. LOL



I feel that I spend so much time with Brenna and her extra curricular activities. Poor Sam has yet to be a part of something. I can't wait for spring and little league baseball. This is something he REALLY wants to do, and I won't lie I really want him to do it too. I have some of the best memories going to watch my little brothers play baseball, I even played a little of the sport myself when I was young. Of course it wasn't "baseball", but softball is the same right? Sam also recently expressed that he wants to do karate so we will be looking into that as well. I hate how boy sports are only seasonal. He is definitely coming to the age that he needs something consistent to occupy his time and the discipline of karate really may be a great thing for him.

February Photo Day 10: Self Portrait

Me today: Not in the very best mood and not feeling well at all.

February Photo Day 9: Front Door

Nothing, compares to the exhilaration I feel when I find bargain. Last week I went to the DI (local thrift store) to just look around. I came across this little plane jane wicker heart shaped wreath. Still with a tag on it. I bought it... For .75. Pretty awesome right? Well, then I dressed it up with some garland I found at the dollar store, of course it was a dollar. The heart I already had from a project I had done years ago and I had some good adhesive as well. So my little .75 wreath turned into the cute little festive door decor... All for $2 (counting the things I already had). Not bad for a bargain right?

February Photo Day 8: The sun

The sun is playing hide and seek today... I found him though. Even if just for a moment. :)

February Photo Day 7: Button

Nothing more adorable than a cute lil' button nose... Unless of course that button nose comes on a fiesty, fuzzy, little, white Charlie Puppy. She really is adorable (when she isn't chewing on whatever she can get her little teeth on).

February Photo Day 6: Dinner

Mondays: The beginning to a crazy full week. This monday was no exception. Normally we have early morning wake up call to get off to school, but this Monday we woke late and were forced to all get ready in the one bathroom downstairs since the floors are off limits.We (Sam and I)then go back home after dropping Brenna off, clean up breakfast mess... then make a lunch mess to feed myself (This DID go as it normally does). Now, on Monday's Sam would normally go to school. Not this monday, this monday was an exception (meetings for teachers or something). An exception that I was not aware of until an hour prior to leaving time (Ugh, sigh). Sam being home only means one thing... MORE WORK FOR ME. So I spent the afternoon entertaining Sam while trying to get household chores done (which were far more extensive considering the construction mess) and get grocery shopping done. Turning out to be an OVERLY BUSY MONDAY for me! Brenna comes home and snack demands begin. DINNER had to be quick and easy, for the day is simply just not close to over and I am overly exhausted. So quick and easy is what we got...



After taking about 5 minutes to scarf down my delicious meal... Brenna and I ran out the door to sign her up for Cyprus High School's Mini-Cheer. She will be performing at the basketball on Friday. Normally she would have tumbling on Monday, but this monday just was normal. Hell, what day is ever normal? I don't think Normal exists in the Tomlin house.

February Photo Day 5: 10am

Headed out early this morning to pick up the kids from their sleepover at my moms house. Bill and I got a lot done last night... Take a look for yourself. :O)



We got 2 coats of finish on our hardwood floors... LOVING the shine! I wanted those floors that sparkle, that when you polish them... you slide in your socks. That's what I got! Anyway, back to my 10am...

I spent some time hanging out with my brother eating Delicious breakfast food, having boxing matches, and enjoyed a phone call from a friend... THAT was my 10am.

February Photo Day 4: A Stranger

Now I couldn't bring myself to take a picture of a stranger today... Simply because I know I wouldn't be ok with it myself. This little collage has a story to it about one particular stranger who impacted me in a big way today. He gave me a great reminder of how much I have to be thankful for. The house over my head, warm socks on my feet, endless access to my Web addictions, the ability to have food and drink when I so choose, and people who love me... people who would never let me go cold and hungry.

Bill and I sat at KFC tonight, when a man came in asking if there was a shelter near by. Unfortunately, there isn't one in magna. He sat down at a booth alone with a dollar clutched in a white knuckled grip. The longer I sat there across from the man I love, eating a warm meal... My heart became heavier and I found myself holding back tears. Bill looked at me (amazing he knows what I am thinking) and gave me the ok to do what he knew I wanted to do. So I got up and bought that stranger a warm meal of his own. I truly wish I could have done or given more to this man, but I hope that with this simple act of kindness he knows that there are people who care. A stranger that cared so deaply about him and his well being... that tonight I sit here, 2 hours later, still wishing I could have given him more. Feeling a bit guilty that through his poverty I gained so much gratitue for the things I do have. I am so very blessed.

This kid melts my heart...

Sam got his hair cut, of course he was EXTREMELY excited to show off his new hair to His girly-friend... He was persistant about getting all dressed up nice to show her. Unfortunately she didn't make it to school this day, BUT he dressed up again and sher certainly did notice. Her mom told me she saw us walking down the hallway at school and she said, "Mom, he's coming and he looks cute!" Ah, Kids!

February Day 3: Hands

Sitting here watching our morning TV... And Sam reaches over and grabs my hand. One of my favorite quotes, "A Mother holds her children's hands for a while... their hearts forever." Oh how I wish he would need me forever. I know he won't, so I will be certain to NOT take these moments for granted.

February Photo Day 2: Words

Words are EVERYWHERE... they are a big part of everyones day. Whether it is a book you are reading, an inspirational quote that gets you through your days, or the lyrics to your favorite song. Just taking a simple moment to look around and evaluate the words that are in your daily was fun. I have found that in my life, homework has become a regular part of my days... I enjoy watching my children learn, and seeing that lightball just turn on in those "OH! I get it moments..." So today these were my words.

February Photo Day 1: My View Today

I spent much of the day preparing for Bill's 2 weeks of Valentine love. This was a last minute decision, so day one I emprovised and I set out today to find all I needed to make the remaining 13 days a success. :)

Photo-A-Day Fun!

I am jumping on this photo-a-day bandwagon... Though it's a month late, it's never too late. Each day has a new topic, take a photo that applies to that topic, and share. Simple, fun, and a great way to document your life and how you see it. Enjoy my world, one photo a day! :)