David after Dentist

Have you seen this yet? Stinkin' Hilarious! I really need to figure out how to post YouTube better...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txqiwrbYGrs

Andy's first swim

We headed to our sweet neighbor's pool the other day and Andy had his first little swim. It was a little cold, but he still loved it. Am I surprised? Nah, he's still the easiest little guy ever.

Um... should this worry me? My nine month old is off on his own, already. ;) He's like, "Hey! Guys! Over here, guys!" Disclaimer: This was only for a moment and obviously, I'm watching him very closely as well.
I love this shot. It's his little life. We'll be with you in just a minute, little guy. And he's fine with it. Yup, sugar and spice.
My newest little pool rat.
You just gotta love those trunks. :)

Time to Grow

2007

What happens two years after you carve pumpkins in your back yard?

They sprout! Hmmmm.... do I mow them over? Try to transplant them? Just wait and see?....
What the heck, I'm gonna try and grow some pumpkins - smack dab in the middle of my back yard. :)

Katie Resolved

Well, we did it. We put a prosthetic eye in our dog. Crazy? Likely. But, it's done and she's doing great. It's been so sweet to see what a little care-taker Suzy has been. We've had a family of troopers. For the first week, I had to do various medicines no less than TEN times a day. It was insane. Thank God this is almost behind us. Katie should get her collar off on Thursday and her meds should only be twice a day from here on out. We did confirm it was genetic, so the drops will hopefully increase the mean time for the other eye to become effected from 8 months to 3 years.

Here she is with her little eye all swollen and shaved.


Pitiful. Just pitiful.
Oddly, however, she doesn't seem that bothered. Still barks at eveyone and everything.
She does have a bit more navigation issue. She's constantly slamming into someone or something.
But even then, doesn't seem to mind so much.
We love you, Crazy Kate.

Suzyisms

Last night Andy was being loud at the dinner table and Suzy says, "Andy, I love you very much but you are hurting my ears. Please don't do that, baby brother." Rob and I laughed so hard. Wonder how she put that all together? Hmmmm... could it be that she has been told that herself, like.. a gazillion times? We've started her on a auditory program and it really seems to be helping. If nothing else, she's more aware of how annoying whining and fussing is! ;)

Suzy and her little neighbor friend, Sopie, were in the front yard last night. Debbie and I were talking and Sophie's dad was on the phone across the street. The girls delighted in picking flowers from my garden and running them over to Joe. Now, two parts of this story amuse me. One, the Dad got all the flowers. Ummmm... two mommies... standing right next to them.... Second, I LOVE Gerber daisies. Shastas are a close second. Suzy is fully aware of this and loves to pick them for me. I think it's super sweet and one of the reasons I plant so many flowers. I want to allow the freedom to pick my flowers without creating huge bald patches. However, EVERY time I get a Gerber daisy that is just about to bloom, either Sophie or (more often) Suzy will snatch it up...at the top. So, I have lots of "floating flowers" since they have no stems to put in a vase. I don't mind, really. But I keep thinking I need to plant more Gerber bushes if I ever want to enjoy them on the plants. But, then again, I may get more joy from the funny frustration of thinking,... "Oh, come on! Not the last Gerber daisy... again! There are thousands of flowers out here. WHY do you always pick my Gerbers? Oh, yeah, because you know they are my favorite - and you love me."

Here is my garden with my many Gerber Daisy "stems".

Here are the many other daisy type flowers, just inches away for them to pick.... (Do you see the little stems in the foreground?)
I love you too, sweet Suzy. Screams and wadded up flower picks and all.

Sweet Hannah and Rachel

My friend, Tamber came to visit the other day. We did a very impromptu photo shoot of her new little girls. It was so fun. Granted, neither of us were really prepared. But that made it kinda nice since there were also no expectations and no pre-conceived shots that we "had to get." We just kinda let the afternoon go by and we all enjoyed playing. Suzy and Bethany are two peas in a pod and it was fun for everyone to have a buddy. Suzy particularly enjoyed picking out our fabrics. I love how the Lycra looks all Glamour shotish. Made me laugh. Suzy, you are such a great little helper.

I'm not even going to try and guess which one is which. I'll leave that up to Tamber.









So sweet. Thanks for hanging out with us! I think we all enjoyed the play date.

Mother's Day Stalker

I'm a stalker, I admit it. Lindsay Stadtner is an amazing photographer who lives here in Austin and has an incredible blog. I look at it often for admiration. She has three kids and her youngest two remind me a lot of Andy and Suzy. I only know what her blog tells of her, so really, I don't know her at all. But isn't that what is so funny about the internet? We read each other's blogs and feel as if we have somehow "connected". Weird. So, I've emailed her a few times just trying to get to know her a bit. I keep thinking, "I'm sure she would like me." Why not! Most people do! But, alas, she probably thinks I'm some big blog-world weirdo.... Let the comments roll on that one. ;) The only response she ever gave me was that she was too busy to take on any mentees. Heck, I just want to buy the gal lunch... How do you try and meet someone you feel like YOU know but is way busy and has no interest in meeting You? I struggle with this same scenario with Jimmy Buffett. Yeah, I know Jimmy and I would be BFF if we could just be introduced. ;)

I'm tempted to have her take photos of Andy or something just so she could see how very cool I am.... lol. Not happening. If I had the money to afford it, I just spent it on a dog that drives me absolutely crazy on a daily basis.

Anyhow, she had a contest on her blog to win a purse for a funny Mother's Day story. If you read my blog, you know I have lots of stories and I love to tell them. If you know me personally, you know I have way more purses than I need. ;) So, I waited until after the deadline and submitted this....

Marti Smith said . . .

I love being a mom. I love the ever flowing information for life’s comedy routine. Is it that Suzy plays hide and seek by going five feet away and saying, “Come find me, Mommy! I’m right here!” Or is it the time when she insisted that she also needed to pee in the little cup at my OB appointment? AND place it in the door, with her name on the cup. Maybe it’s the time we were coming home late and Andy (just a few weeks) was crying and I look in the rear-view mirror and hear / see, “Don’t worry, Mommy. I’m holding his hand. He’s OK.” Or how about the time we discussed how we shouldn’t be naked when we have company. The next day, she asks if PawPop is company and I reply “No, sweetie, he’s family.” So, within moments she is streaking. Or is it when she doesn’t want to go to bed and she sits by her door and says, literally, “Oh boo hoo hoo. I’m not sleepy.” Or maybe just yesterday, when she held her little toy camera and pointed it at me and Andy and said, “Mooommmy! You’re in my shot!” (As in - MOVE out of the way!) I could count so many reasons being a mom is so great. But, mostly, it’s because it has to be the most humbling, challenging, exhausting, and yet rewarding things I could ever do. My kids bring me to my knees every night. But I thank God for them while I’m down there.

I like how I said it. I thought I'd share it with you. Might as well. I doubt Lindsay will ever read it... sigh.... chuckle... Happy Mother's Day to all my wonderful Mommy friends!

Little Kipper

I had a chance to take some pictures of my friend, Melanie's, little guy, Kip. He is soooo cute!

Today's Calgon Moment

Today's Calgon moment comes courtesy of Katie and antibiotics. Yes, once again I will post about poop on my blog. Why? Because this is my life. I want to remember it. ALL of it.

So, I love the moments right before nap time. Isn't it just pure bliss to try and get two kids to bed while they are both melting down? I know it's a highlight of MY day. ;) So, today, Andy is in the toy room and Suzy is on the potty. I'm five minutes from finally getting a moment to myself. I keep smelling something, but Suzy insists it's "just gas". As I get her off the potty to wash her hands, I spy this outside the bathroom door. So, I follow the trail.

It ends here with my sweet son in the middle of it. EEEEWWWWW! Thank GOD for two things. One, there was none in or around his mouth. Two, it seems to be contained to the hardwood. But still... EEEEWWWW! I wisk him up and plop him in the sink.
His hands are all over EVERYTHING. Yes, I will eventually eat from this sink. But first, it will need to complete way more sterilizing than the first go-around it just received. I'm frantically trying to get the poo off of Andy while at the same time keeping his hands out of his mouth or onto the stack of clean drying dishes so close by. All the while, Suzy is crying in the bathroom. Yes, my life is awesome. A neighbor was expected around this same time and when the doorbell rang, I wisk my naked son up and run for the door. I swing it open in hopeful anticipation that she can help me. Nope, it's yet another roofer. I'm covered in dog poo and my son is naked and soaking wet. My daughter is screaming in the other room. Uh, "Not a good time?" he asks me. "Ya think?" is all I could reply.

Currently, both kids are in bed. The poop has been cleaned up. I have a nice candle burning. All's well, that ends well. Life is good.

It haunts me, really

Seriously? 400 photos and not one that is in focus, with both of my children looking decent, and being able to read the adorable print on their shirts...

I even had Rob's help and an arsenal of M&Ms....
T-shirts .... Beware! I will NOT surrender! (Well, not until I try JUST ONCE more.....) Happy Weekend!

My "real" job

Right now, I'm pretty much a stay-at-home Mom. Suzy and Andy keep me super busy and any time I do have to spare, I'm usually playing around with photos. Even that is mostly because of my kids. I think in pictures and I remember things like a photo album. Rob jokes that if I don't take a picture, it didn't happen. So, I try and chronicle our lives through photos. Maybe some day my kids will think it's great. If not, nurses can remind me who these beautiful children are as I rock in the old folks home with my sisters. I'm blessed to have a great, supportive husband and a lucrative career. So, I have some nice equipment. Sometimes people think I'm a pro photographer or aspiring to be one. Nah. It's too much work. ;) I love my career and although I'm only VERY part-time right now (like only 15-20 days per year), I may do more as my kids grow up.


So, people often ask me, "What do you do, anyhow?" I fly around the country and show people some slides. My brother would say that makes me an expert. I went to school to be an occupational therapist and it suites me perfectly. I use adaptive techniques and equipment to better the lives of any type of person or disability. I can literally work anywhere. The only common denominator in my field is that we enrich the lives of those we work with. We can work with old or young, mental or physical. I chose to work primarily in pediatrics with a ton of nursing home / rehab / home health on the side. You see, if you work in the schools, you get the teacher schedule and can therefore moonlight all kinds of places. I've always been a bit of a workaholic.

A few years ago, I was approached to do a seminar on teaching handwriting. I loved it instantly. My personality and therefore personal presenting style is very practical and creative. Not a lot of "fluff". Just honest to goodness tried and true techniques on how to get patients to recover quicker and lead more fulfilling lives. So, eventually I wrote more courses for Physical Rehab, Autism, General Home Health, Dementia, etc... I have ideas of literally thousands of tips and techniques. In the beginning, they were all my ideas. But now, God has blessed me with meeting literally thousands of amazing therapists who may only have one or two great ideas but they let me share them with everyone else. It all adds up. It's the best thing ever. I get to stand up and give hundreds of ideas and if each person in attendance is able to help just one or two people, I am so excited about the impact that just one seminar can have. So that's it. When I put on my lipstick and "big girl clothes", I am an expert. I fly around the country and people actually pay to hear me gab - for hours. I usually fly out one day and speak all day the next. I'll then travel to another city and do it all again. I fly home that night. Go to bed exhausted but feeling like a super star.

I remember one time being on a plane and the lady next to me kept going on and on about how she was so excited to be going to Chicago to attend this really great course that she's been trying to make it to for a very long time. Turns out, she was flying up to see --- me. She was so flustered when she found out who I was, she fidgeted and fumbled the rest of the trip. My ego swelled and my head probably hit the overhead bins. Then, I come home and Andy wakes up way too early with his dirty diaper that humbles me. The ego leaves and I realize that right now I'm called to do the most important job of my life. It may not be my career, but it's my life. I love the saying that we make a living by what we earn, but we make a life by what we give.

This photo cracks me up. Since I travel solo, sometimes I have to get creative on how to transport my luggage. Sure, I can afford skycaps, but they aren't always the quickest way to get from point A to point B. Plus, my specialty is adaptivity, right? I carry bungee cords and zip ties everywhere. Oh, the travel stories I could tell. It seems all glamorous and exciting. I've presented at some really cool places. But, in reality, hotels and airports have a way of becoming very similar...
My last "tour" I had a long lay-over in Dallas and was able to eat lunch with my sweet Aunt Mary. I don't get to see her nearly enough. After looking at this picture, I'm amazed at how alike we look! It was so fun to catch up with her.
That same week I was able to re-connect with my dear friend, Holly, from Indiana. She's living in Arkansas right now and touching the lives of many very fortunate little ones. It was so fun to get to see both of these amazing women. :)

So, that's it. That's what I do. I love all of it.

Oh be careful little mouth, what you say...

Yes, yes, I know. Let it go already. But I had to try just ONCE MORE to get these shots. OK, I'm even lying now. I'm gonna try at least once more again in a morning session this week. But THEN I will be done with these outfits. Amy, I'm going to send these to you by the end of the week so that I can no longer be neurotic in this area of my life. :) I actually think I got some cute ones today. I'm still sorting through them and you will be asked to preview this scenario yet again in a few days when I narrow down the 400+ shots I took today. :)


Anyhow, the caption for this photo is: (in an annoyed tone) "Mommy..... you're in my shot."Rob and I laughed so hard. I wonder where she got that?
I was very humbly reminded today to always speak with kind words.... OOOh that is so hard for me sometimes - but I'm working on it! I'm always highlighting bible verses that deal with speaking kindness, words of honey, and taming my tongue.... I guess it's because I'm a public speaker. But, apparently, I also need to be extra diligent with my private speaking as well. ;)

Read me a story, or not.

I thought this series needed a separate post. ;) It's a true snapshot into our family.

A: "Hey, Suzy, whatcha doin'?" Andy adores Suzy and wants to be near her constantly. For the most part, she enjoys it and is more tolerant than I would expect.

S: "I'm reading a story, Andy, would you like me to read it to you?"
A: "Oh, yes, this looks like a great story."
S: "Just wait until you see what happens next!"
S: "Whack! Never mind. I am now instantly bothered by you, Andy."
A: "O.K. No problem. I'll just play over here and give you some space. Sheesh.. girls. So moody."
This happens more than I can tell you at our house... So funny. So true.

1,000 frames

After playing with Erin the other day, I decided that I would play around a bit more with natural lighting. Frankly, it scares me. I like to be in control and it can change in an instant. I'm getting more comfortable the more I shoot, so I figure I just need more practice. And I do have two perfect models. ;) All of our north facing windows are pretty shaded, but we have this one that faces south that is so so. I took the screens out when we got shutters and Rob opened the windows for some fresh air since it was so beautiful outside. How cute is he?
My "little old man outfit" as Rob calls it. Andy will likely be walking soon. He pulls up on EVERYTHING.
I wondered what would happen if I stepped outside and stood in the flower bed. I literally crawled right out the window. It got interesting. And fun!
Please pardon the mess. I didn't really expect any of these to turn out, I was just playing around with the settings on my camera. But, how fun is this? I might frame these as an updated "many faces of Robert Andrew". I Love this little guy so much.
This is his new, "Hey! I want that! look".
My sweet little guy. I love this face, and he makes it often. He loves his momma. We were playing peek-a-boo here.
Playtime with Daddy.


He loves to poke me in the face. I'm not a big fan.
Suzy wanted in on the action and so she read me a story.

Then she drew me a picture. I love how the light reflects off the dry erase board.

Suzy and I headed out to the park that evening for some sunset pictures. Here she's in the shade of the play scape.


She has some faces as well...

Next, we headed over to the side of the park where there is a great patch of wild flowers. I love yellow and blue. Unfortunately, my model was pretty much done with pictures at this point. No sitting still here!
I tried out my reflector with the gold tones up, I LOVE the light and effect it gave. I just couldn't get a good face. It might be because she was "done" and the fact I was trying to hold the reflector, M&Ms and camera all at the same time. ;) I needed a buddy.



We went back out again early Monday morning to see if I liked the morning light better. I think I do! If anyone is up for an early morning session in some wildflowers, please let me know! I need a buddy. :)



On a side, Suzy insisted on wearing her pajamas because as she stated, "They are super cute, Mommy. Good for pictures." She cracks me up.