Work from home

The Girl cracks me up...almost daily.  Tonight as I sit here and work on my homework and The Man looks for a job on the other computer, she comes in and asks him why he is always looking for bank jobs.  He just kinda looks at her funny and this is the conversation that followed:

The Man: ...because i'm a banker??

The Girl: Yeah, but I don't want you to work at a bank, I want you to stay home so you can pick me up from parent pick up every day from school.

The Man: I have to get a job honey or we can't afford to pay for anything

The Girl: Well, why can't you just work from home...you know, get a work computer and do your work from home.

She cracks me up and it really makes me appreciate her innocence.

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Re-writing songs

Music is such a big influence in my family. It is weird to me that people don't listen to music in their cars. It is wonderful to turn on the satellite radio on the TV during dinner instead of TV. I love music and because of that my kids love music. The Boy has really found a passion for music and is currently using the trombone for that outlet.

The Girl...well she sings. She LOVES to sing. She doesn't sing very well...but she sings with all her might. And I love her for that.

Now keep in mind she is 8. There are PLENTY of songs that are not appropriate for her to sing. As we are standing in the bathroom this morning she starts singing this song..(sidenote: we like country, so if you don't, you won't know this song) "I gave up smokin', women, drinkin'...it was the best 15 minutes of my life"

Me: "Whoa! Honey, I don't think that is a very good song for you to be singing. "
The Girl: "Sure it is mommy, it is about becoming drug free!"

- God love her...she is completely convinced that what the song is all about.

Me: "Yes, but honey...I just don't think it's very appropriate"

The Girl: "OK! "I got my toes in the water..." (this song starts)
Me: "WOW! Not that one either"
The Girl: "No mommy, Daddy said it was ok. You know, the song that says "toes in the water, somethin' in the sand"?"
Me: yes
The Girl: "Well daddy said I could say "Toes in the Water, Toes in the Sand""
Me: "well, ok. that is fine"

So she goes right back to singing as loud as she can with all of her heart. I'm just laughing at her sweet innocence...

The Girl: "I got my toes in the water, toes in the sand. not a worry in the world a cold beer in my hand...."

Me: "Wait! How about a cold DRINK in my hand?? That might be better than BEER??"

The Girl: Big sigh..."okay!"



It really is kinda funny to listen to her sing songs that are on the radio. She either makes up her own words because what she hears is COMPLETELY different than what is actually being said, and sometimes that's a good thing. Or we have to re-write the songs because they use inappropriate words. ~All in a days work!


Later this morning, I recount this message to The Man. He starts laughing and says they heard the Toes in the Water song yesterday in the car and he belted out "I got my toes in the water" and she followed suit with "Ass in the sand"...stopped abrubtly and got a little scared because she said a bad word. She then proceeded to blame it on him because he started it, meaning he started singing that part. He told her that he didn't make her sing that line...and that is when they determined that it should be "Toes in the Water, Toes in the Sand".

Gotta love them!

1st day of school...done!

I wonder how long the newness will last of school starting again.

Today is day two of the school year. Both kids still jumped right out of bed, got dressed, ate breakfast, The Girl had to change clothes, brushed teeth, brushed hair, put on deoderant (an ABSOLUTE must), and were ready to go in plenty of time. The Boy has decided he wants to try the whole bus thing again, and sure enough he was out the door in plenty of time.

So how long do you REALLY think it's going to last?

First day was a good day for both. The Girl didn't really have too much to say about it, for her it was more about seeing her friends. The Boy had LOTS to say...here's a recap

~ One of his teachers...he can't figure out how to say her name, is REALLY BORING!
~ He has to have his physical completed by Friday or he gets removed from Athletics...I'm working on it people!!
~ He made it into the Advanced Band (A) ...I don't really know what the (A) is, but apparently it's a big deal. He is one of five trombones and only two of the five are 7th graders...Woo Hoo!!


So one day down...and it was a success!

Do you hear that??

No...you don't hear that? Hmmm...oh wait, that is silence. That is the sound of my cell phone not ringing 18 times a day. That is the sound of my children not fighting with each other. Ahhh...it's a great sound.

Today was their first day of school. I walked The Girl in to her class (which is ALL the way at the end of the building) and got her supplies put up. She was trying to look cool, special, and hot stuff all the way to her class. I know she was looking to see if she saw any of her friends. By the time we got to her class she could barely contain herself. She was almost frantic trying to take it all in. She gave me a great big hug before I left...and it was then that I remembered that she loves me. Through it all...she loves me.

After the million mile walk back to my car it was The Boy's turn to be dropped off at school. He insisted I drop him off at the corner. WHAT??? No...that wouldn't be ANY kind of fun. I proceeded to tell him that, No, I wouldn't be dropping him off at the corner. I was going to park and walk him in also (sidenote: he's in 7th grade this year) and before leaving I was going to plant a great big smacker on his cheek! Wait...where's my lipstick?? "Mawwwwwmmmmmm, no! please please please don't go in" (insert evil mom laughter here)

So I relented, I dropped him off in front of the school. But you know what?? He climbed over to my seat and gave me a kiss on the cheek. He loves me too.

I hope they have great days today. This is the beginning of another fun filled year. I can't wait to see what they learn, what they accomplish, what they are capable of. It's going to be a great year.

...and they love me

A note to The Girl's Teacher

I am hoping the teacher wants some insight into the girl...I would.

Good morning,

I hope you are ready for school to start tomorrow, I know The Girl sure is. I wanted to take a moment and send you an email about her. I am never really sure if the teachers sit down or leave notes for future teachers…although I think it is a GREAT idea. Here a couple of things you should probably know about The Girl…


1. She is a talker. I promise you the only time she doesn’t talk is in her sleep. It’s been that way since she was a baby and it has only progressed since then. She will wear you out with it, but she is pretty funny to listen to.

2. She has a heart of gold. She is a pleaser. Not only does she want to make the kids laugh, but she wants to make you happy as well. If she knows you are pleased with her, she will work wonders for you.

3. #2 seems to get in the way a lot, because she REALLY wants her friends to think she is funny, cool, and the life of the party. She has a hard time knowing when to draw the line.

4. She has a problem lying. She does it instinctually. It is her first reaction…even over something so very little that it doesn’t make sense. We have worked and worked and worked on this. But it continues.

5. She is incredibly smart…I know, I’m her mom and I am biased. But when she is bored…this is when she is going to act out. I know this is typical with a lot of kids, just please keep it in mind. She loves to help and feel special…if you can help her find a way to help you, it will cut down on a lot of the problems.

6. She needs structure, and a strong willed teacher. She needs tough love.


Have I scared you yet? I just wanted you to know a little about her before the year gets started. She will love you so very much, but please know that she will test you in every way you can imagine and then she might even find a new way.

I am so very willing to work with you in every way possible. Please let me know what you need from me to help make the year successful. I am always open to suggestions and always willing to try something new.

Signed...Crazy mom (ok, not really. I didn't sign it like this, but it is pretty true.)

MaddiePie Creations - Mini-Session {tutu}

Don't forget the little ones in all the hub bub of back to school. Book a mini-session for that sweet little girl!

Click HERE for the details!!

Cry Babies

I have the cry babies today. I HATE to cry. I really really hate to cry. For no good reason. Maybe tired, maybe stressed, maybe hormonal...maybe all the above.

I just left a meeting with my boss and seriously teared up twice. How embarressing! Fortunately she is a girl...but still.

I have GOT to get a grip.

Water Challenge

I do NOT drink enough water. In fact, I really don't ever drink water. Don't like it, and sure don't have the time it takes to go to the bathroom if I drink a lot of it.

I know I know, try squeezing a lemon in it...I don't like that either. That just tastes like watered down lemonade.

So Crystal Light has started a water challenge and if you see above, you will see the widget that helps me track how much water i'm drinking. I am ALL for fun stuff, so maybe this will make me want to do it. Maybe...

Wish me luck - you can follow along with me or you can join in the fun too. Click here if you want to learn more.

by the way...I think they should have a "trips to the bathroom" widget. :)

The phone

Well...we had to take The Boy's cell phone away from him...and lo and behold he became a great, normal, kid that is part of the family. This weekend we will lay out the new rules and he has this week to prove to us that he can be responsible. He now understands that one more lapse back into Mr. Hateful will cause him to lose his phone for good....FOREVER. Well, at least until he can pay for it.

Took him to get his physical today, hellooooo awkward. I had to stay in there as the chaperone since the dr. was a female. HOLY MOLY!! Not a fun place for The Boy, or for mom.

Turns out The Boy does have some things going on that require further testing, but we are choosing to remain positive and believe that everything is going to be just fine.

He also grew another 1/2 inch in 6 weeks. Woo Hoo!! Finally catching up to the other boys his age.

So with that little nugget of good news...I'm going back to work. Hopefully we will now find the balance between The Boy with cell phone and The Boy without cell phone.

Rope

How many times can I be at the end of my rope?? I hate that I don't like my kids right now. Don't get me wrong...Love them...but seriously, this is getting ridiculous.

How is it that when The Boy is getting in trouble, I take his phone away for punishment and he becomes this great kid...I give it back because he proved he can be good and he becomes a BUTT. He gets this "I'm hot $#!% attitude". It has become a vicious cycle and I have no idea how to stop it.

The Girl...oh LORD! Her lying and her defiance...and just her overall demeanor. It makes me a freakin basket case.

something has to change...but what??

You have to really know my kids to truly understand. These are two kids that don't respond to punishment, not spanking, not taking things that matter them, not guilt, not talking to them, not time out, not...anything.

I am barely holding on to the end of the rope...in fact some days i think they have tied it in a noose and are quietly slipping it over my head.

MaddiePie Creations - check it out!

Two blogs is getting a little tough :) I may eventually settle on just one...but for now, go check out the MaddiePie Creations blog. Pics from the wedding were posted over the weekend.

Summer Days

Summer is quickly coming to an end...well at least the days of no school is coming to an end. It's still crazy hot.



We are fortunate to have a pool (although i don't think i'll ever be able to sell the house because of it) and we get occassional visitors. We live in a new neighborhood so we have no trees, so the visitors aren't usually to yucky.



But we still have to go frog hunting every once in a while....

Uncertainty

It's funny to me sometimes how life can be moving along and then it feels as though you have slammed into a brick wall of uncertainty. It definately makes me wish I was a better money manager so that I could afford to not have to rely on working full time.

While my job situation has been chaotic over the last year to say the least, it hasn't ever really been all that stressful. I have always believed that it would work out...and thankfully, it always has.

The Man's job has been a rollercoaster for the last 2 years. It literally can change from day to day and sometimes several times within a day. He works for someone who I SWEAR has to be bi-polar or have some other mental unstability. The last 2 months have gotten extraordinarily bad and we feel as though The Man can no longer 'ride it out' and wait for things to get better. So we have started the process of him looking for a job. Obviously not the best time because of the economy, but it still must be done.

We are both trying so desperately to hold on to faith and believe that something will come along. Even if it is not what we hope for, something is going to happen and we choose to believe that something good will come out of it.

As he searched for jobs online at our desk and I sat on the bed working on homework last night, I could see the defeat all over him. He is so great at what he does and he has such a gift for teaching people...but how do you transfer that into a new industry. All he knows is banking. It's all he has ever done. After a while he snuggled up next to me and it broke my heart because I know he is loosing hope for finding something great. We are both so stressed out and it is so hard to hold each other up when we both feel so weak.

We are at a funny place because we moved here and made so much more money than we were making before and we just racked up a ton of debt. Now we are having to figure out ways to get it all paid down so that these things don't control our lives. There is so much we want to do, including my photography business, but can't seem to figure out how to get there financially.

Maybe this is His way of getting us back on track.

It's been a busy week

Last week was crazy...so very busy. Good, but busy. The hooligans were out of town and it was a much needed break for all 4 of us. MUCH NEEDED.


Between trying to wrap up the last week of my ethics class and working full time (and a week of date nights :) ) I had several photography related things going on too. I did the bridal shoot, a family shoot, and squeezed in a couple of lovebirds at the same time. This weekend was the wedding and while I wasn't the "official" photographer for the wedding, I still took some amazing shots...those are to come next week. But for now, here are some of my favorites over the last week.

Thoughts

If you haven't noticed by now...I have LOTS of thoughts going on in my head, it's crazy in here. It's all very random and if you are a friend on my facebook you will see that there is a constant musical soundtrack going on in there...It's really funny when everyone "sings" along with your status - LOVE IT!

But recently I have a lot of thoughts about my photography. I want to make that leap but financially we are not in a position where I can just jump in with both feet. I finally got the camera and lenses that I needed, now I just need to get the studio created...but of course, that takes money and time. Both of which I currently am NOT in excess of.

It's kinda funny because when I think about it...it really isn't going to take that much money. But it's money nonetheless. So I have decided to just make a list of the things I need and slowly start checking them off. I am putting that list here, because it helps me be accountable.

So here we go. Things I need to create the indoor studio:


- curtains to block of the room to the upstairs
- floatable hardwood floor
- background stand
- seamless paper rolls - white, black, and gray
- light kit
- futon type mattress
- white linens
- fuzzy blankets
- funky colorful chairs..just one or two
- curtains for the windows (white sheer type)


OK, so that is what I need to get started...and then of course some fun props, but those can wait. The 1st half of the list are the essentials to get started, the 2nd 1/2 of the list are the things that needed to be added VERY soon.


As I think thru these things I have to stop and wonder, ok so what type of photography am I going to do in the studio. I don't want to do families up there because I think families in a studio are too stuffy and doesn't capture the essence of the family. I visualize some kids photography and perhaps some boudoir sessions. I have so many ideas floating around in my head and really want to get them out and materialized into some pictures.


I have also been thinking alot about my photography in general. I think I have spent so much time blog stalking other photographers and trying to recreate their techniques that I have lost the style that I want to have. I have gone into the last couple of sessions and have been so preoccupied with trying to get the images that I have seen on other blogs that it has become too stressful. I think I need to take a few steps back and re-evaluate what I want my images to accomplish. How I want to portray my photography style.

I have a family shoot coming up this week and I am absolutely terrified because I feel as though I have no idea what to do, how to communicate with them, how to make them feel comfortable. I need to step back and just trust in myself and know that I can do it.

See...told you it was crazy inside this head of mine.