us.

Project Life 2012 has begun!

2012-01-27T10:42:00.003-05:00

Project Life is in the houuuuuuuuse tonighttttt! {LMFAO had forever change the way I say Project Life...I sing it every.single.day}

I have just begun my 2012 Project Life album. I am sincerely in love already. I even figured out a way to incorporate my Instagram photos! Yayy!!!

Week one's spread. I went with the basic black binder and the cobalt core kit.

1. My instagram pics! I made a template in Photoshop so I can type a caption and print them out...perfectly sized!

2. I am also using my Instax...the kiddos love to use it and it is a GREAT way to include artwork that you don't want to put in the binder! Just snap a photo of it!

Here are links to all of the above!

INSTAX camera :)

Instagram :)

Have I mentioned...

2012-01-26T09:59:00.003-05:00

...that I am obsessed with Instagram? ;) I just discovered a site that I have to share! It is called Followgram and can be found HERE. It is simply another place to be able to view/follow others Instagram photo stream. It also give you a super handy button that you can put on your blog! Like this one:

Enjoy!!! :) Oh, and follow me! ;)

A few Instagrams from this week...


Super fun Valentine's Day garland.


Michael is working very very hard to write. He is doing so well!!!!

So very proud!

Finally!

2012-01-25T10:00:00.002-05:00

I am finally getting around to posting our Christmas photos. We really had a lot of fun this holiday season. The kiddos are now both old enough to really understand and be VERY excited!!!

Joy

2012-01-23T16:41:00.001-05:00

Last year, I stumbled on a really amazing group of people who choose one word on which to focus all year long. I joined this group and chose the word serenity. At different times thoughout 2011, I would find myself in an overwhelming situation, and would start repeating the word "serenity." I was surprised to find it somewhat helpful!

This year, I have chosen 2 words to focus on...one for my family {joy} and one for myself {transform}. Each day, we will choose joy. Find joy in every situation. Express joy! This is something that comes very naturally for all of us...so it shouldn't be too much work. ;) As for MY word, transform, there are just so many things I want to improve upon this year! Hopefully, I will be able to share many transformations in 2012. :)

All of that said...today, we were trapped inside the house due to super yucky rainy cold weather. What to do what to do? We came up with something!!

Every once in a while, my littles indulge me and allow me to take their photos. Today was one o those days. It really brought all three of us a lot of joy!!! :)

Glitter letters + balloons + the kiddos = JOY!

Ryleigh was eager to participate!

tootsies ;)


blowing kisses

Michael is a super cool 4 year old now. His willingness was not as free...but we got there!

Mom, I am not going to smile.

OK bud....let's make faces. First up, sad face.

Next up, silly face!

And that is all it took! JOY!

tootsies :)

And finally...MY joy.

*sigh*

Til we meet again...

2012-01-21T07:43:00.002-05:00

Today, we say good bye to a dear friend. Although, I don't much like to think of it as good bye...more of a see you later. So, til we meet again...we will miss you Gary. Rest in peace.

Instagram fun!

2012-01-18T10:52:00.002-05:00

I seriously take more photos with my iPhone these days than my camera! I love love love the vintage look of the Instagram app. I have also recently discovered Hipstamtic...so look out!!!! ;)

We have been having fun in this crazy weather...30 degree one day, 50 the next. Inside days are still tough on us...but we are making do.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-10T12:20:00.001-05:00

Holy Toledo! Has it really been a month since I blogged?! Yikes. Well, I guess I took a much needed rest from all things photoshop after what turned out to be my busiest and best photo season ever. I was so thrilled to meet and photograph so many wonderful families. But like I said, I needed a break. Until yesterday, I hadn't picked up my camera since Christmas! :/

I can't believe it is 2012. My littles are just growing up so fast as time whizzes by. We spend much more time inside these days (yucky winter) which means not quite as many photo ops. Yesterday, however, I decided to snap some shots of the kiddos doing what they love best when we have to play inside. I know their interests will change 200 times this year, so I want to remember what they like so much right now.

Mommy trying to be crafty trying out one of her new toys. ;)

Ryleigh loves loves loves her babies. They each have a name...this is "Sister".

This little bookworm could look at and listen to books all day! Especially the works of Sandra Boynton!

She love to show her sparkle teeth after she brushes them. This is her silly sparkle teeth smile. :)

My precious baby and her baby.

No surprise here! My boy and his trucks. I just love the way he lays down to drive them...so he can see their tires moving.

Its funny having a boy...

....and a girl. :)

BUT girls can play trucks too. :)

My sweet babies.

So excited!!!

2011-12-13T10:55:00.000-05:00

Mason Jar Madness

2011-12-05T22:45:00.001-05:00

The kiddos and I are having fun getting ready for Christmas. We are slowly and surely decorating day by day. Today, we focused on our mantel. STILL a work in progress...but we sure had fun making these!

Picture the Holidays | day 1

2011-12-01T18:00:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year again! The MOST wonderful time of the year. I will be taking a holiday photo journey this month with hundreds of others...please join me!

Holding Onto Gratitude

This time of year, more than any other, thank you chocolate. :)

Washi Tape!!!

2011-11-30T13:50:00.001-05:00

Every time I say those words, I hear Benny the Bull in the back of my mind yelling "sticky tape!!!" But anyway, Ry and I made the cutest little craft today!

I have been hoarding some butchers twine for some time now...wanting to do something with it...but not sure what. Until the other day when my Christmas washi tape arrived. :) Here is what we came up with after falling in love with THIS inspiration! Ahhh...I do love a cute bunting.

Again, this is brought to you by Instagram. My new obsession.

Cousins!

2011-11-29T10:13:00.001-05:00

An attempt to get our family's Christmas card photos got these cute shots too!!!

A craft...brought to you by Instagram.

2011-11-26T17:17:00.001-05:00

I have a new favorite toy...it is the instagram app on my iphone. I loooooove it. I also love the craft my Suz, Lil, and I made the other day (inspired by: THIS) We had a BLAST adapting this idea and creating it together. :)

click to see larger...if you so desire ;)

Step by step, we made these adorable advent calendars that will be filled with yummy goodness for the littles to enjoy each day of December!

Captions for the photos in order left to right, row by row.
1. Print randomly fonted numbers on Christmas cardstock scrapbook paper.
2. Use the lovely 2" hole punch to make the circles. We decided to have our numbers NOT centered.
3. The circles!!! Ready to be mod podged.
4. Seriously, who doesn't love a girl who loves mod podge. :)
5. Paint those suckers with mod podge and stick them in the lids of the tins...
6. The tins!!! Finished and ready to be magnetized!
7. I used magnetic tape and stuck them on an old chalkboard that the kiddos play with. I love it!
8. And VOILA! Our homemade advent calendar!
9. My Christmas cactus is already in bloom. He must be excited. ;)

ENJOY!

Thankful

2011-11-25T13:26:00.001-05:00

I am thankful for...

Oh, Thomas...

2011-11-21T23:21:00.001-05:00

It is official. Thomas is here and he is staying. Michael has discovered this little gem of a character and is smitten. He even loves the show! ONLY Thomas that talks, though. ;) I remembered today that while we were in Myrtle Beach this summer, he rode a faux Thomas the Train at an amusement park. I located the photo and thought I would share. :) Oh, and of course, there is one of Ry from that same day too.

My sweet boy riding Thomas!

Both kiddos loved bubble baths in "Granddad's tub"!!!

Gosh, I miss summer. Counting the days already. *sigh*

This and that...

2011-11-18T15:43:00.001-05:00

This and that. Perfect title to a blog post about, well, just stuff. Stuff I don't want to forget. And since is the ONLY memory keeping I do these days, here is the best place for it!

As Michael's birthday week comes to an end, I need to share the few snapshots I took the actual night of his birthday. Yummy ravioli (one of his faves) and delicious Thomas cupcakes (another fave). Perfecto!

I love how you can see my little Train Engineer in the background!

I made those cupcake toppers, btw. They are super easy. Especially if you are the proud owner of these thingys...I have them in all shapes and sizes. I LOVE them. I keep them in my BRAND SPANKIN NEW CRAFT CART! I am sooooo excited about this!!! My friend and neighbor, Kim, gave me this wonderful gift this week as a thank you for taking her family's photos. Not only is the cart super cute and handy, but the drawers were filled when she gave it to me. Filled and labeled. I kid you not. I.was.speechless.

I keep my cute punches in the top drawer. The one that is labeled "scissors/punches." Amazing, right? :)

Lastly, a quick shot of the littles playing with one of M3's new birthday gifts. They love it!!

Happy 4th Birthday Michael!

2011-11-16T09:08:00.001-05:00

Today is a super special day! My sweet boy, Michael, was born at 7:02 am 4 years ago this morning. My life has been forever changed. I am so honored to be the mommy to my loving, snuggly, brilliant, inquisitive, and feisty little man.

This past weekend, we celebrated his birthday with his favorite people in the world...his family. We had a blast!

Crafts and Drafts...November :)

2011-11-15T10:54:00.001-05:00

Oh what fun we had at Crafts and Drafts...the November edition! I was inspired by this awesome blog post
by one of my all time favorite bloggers. The gals and I had a great time hanging out and making our latest creations!

Let's start with our newest Crafts and Drafts friend! Hello Miss K!

The set of plates I found at a local thrift shop...PERFECT for this craft!

They were actually stained glass!

The only step involved! Paint with chalkboard paint!

The necessary supplies. ;)


My final product on display! (yes, that is an outlet over my mantel)

Love it! It can be changed with each use...menus, greetings, decoration...the possibilities are endless!

How is it possible?

2011-11-14T14:25:00.001-05:00

I can't believe I am about to say this...but my sweet little boy is about to be 4. We had a nice little celebration this weekend with our immediate families. Michael had a WONDERFUL time and loved every single minute of it. :) I haven't uploaded the photos yet...but I did use some recent photos to make a banner to go with the theme. Can you guess what the theme was? ;)

Seriously...the leaves.

2011-11-11T08:45:00.001-05:00

The leaves are out of control here. CRAZY! We have so many tall trees in our front yard that no matter how much you rake, the next day...the grass is covered. Luckily, I have my little helpers. ;)

After a long day of hard work, he needs to take a little rest.

Hooowheeeee

2011-11-08T15:54:00.000-05:00

This is a VERY busy time for me and my camera...unfortunately, it is not very often MY children in front of the lens! Recently though, we took what is most likely our last trip to the local petting farm. The weather is shaky at best here nowadays. Once day it's 70 (like today!) and the next it's 40. :/ We had a great time and even got to wear our new hats and mittens (which is a very big deal around here!)

Who knew there was a monkey at the farm!? ;)

Ry loves to just chat with the goats. :)

Thank goodness for the "rides"!!!

Obligatory hand holding shot. ;)

My sweet girl LOVES those animals!

Wanted....

2011-11-03T15:18:00.000-04:00

Halloween Parade and much much more!

2011-10-28T13:24:00.001-04:00

Have I mentioned how much I love this time of year? There is just so much to do and so much fun to be had! This week, Michael had his Halloween parade at school. It is a wonderful little program in which the kiddos march around and then sings songs for us parents and grandparents to swoon over. This year, Michael is a cowboy. And he takes it very very seriously. During the parade...he WAS a cowboy. And would NOT break character. You see, cowboys are very cool and very serious. And so is Michael. ;)

After the parade...we could go back to the classroom for a few more photos. Cowboy Michael seemed to relax a little back on the ranch. ;)

On another note...the weather is sure crazy around here! Rain, sun, warm, cold....it's been nuts! We have been having lots of fun though...no matter the weather. :)


Anyone else's kids puddle addicts?

Finally, our (my) newest crafty addiction. Making stickers!!!!!!

Guess which ones are my faves? ;)

Be still..

2011-10-24T20:50:00.000-04:00

...my heart. I love walking away photos. And this one is my new favorite.

Kids + Fall

2011-10-20T08:59:00.001-04:00

Rock the Shot's challenge for the month of October is Kids + Fall. I thought we would submit one!

I love this shot for so many reasons...the kiddos using teamwork, the kiddos helping us with the leaves, and the pretty fall light. Enjoy!

More Pumpkins and More Leaves

2011-10-19T11:00:00.001-04:00

We have been having loads of fun around here! Fall is definitely our "season." We can't get enough of the weather, the leaves, the pumpkins, the mums, and the football! We have been doing so much that I made a couple quick collages so there wasn't a major photo overload!

Pumpkins pumpkins everywhere! We have been having a blast carving and painting pumpkins!

The leaves...they are everywhere too! Leaf-pile-jumping and Gator-leaf-removal is happening on a daily basis!

Apples

2011-10-15T14:17:00.001-04:00

If I were to write a prescription for the perfect fall day...today would be it. Not only is the weather as close to perfect as can be...but the 4 of us had a wonderful day at the farm. Mazes, pumpkins, and apples...couldn't ask for anything more!

The princess and the hay.

Love it!

Picking apples is FUN...even when you have a wardrobe malfunction. ;)

Team Edward

They REALLY loved picking the apples. We could have picked 100.

Pumpkins and mums and gourds, oh my!

2011-10-11T09:53:00.001-04:00

The kiddos and I had a ball yesterday picking out mums, pumpkins, and gourds for our front steps. They are very excited about Halloween...especially since their costumes are ready to go. ;) We will eventually get to the pumpkin patch as a family...but these will do for now!

Getting a good shot of these two with their new pumpkins was TOUGH!!!

Well hello there Mr. Scarecrow. :)

hug...love the look on her face.

She looks soooo grown up carrying her own pumpkin!!

Another attempt at a cute fall pic...silly!

Can we say fake smile?!

Another hug...his new favorite pose! I'll take it. ;)

Ryleigh

2011-10-06T16:41:00.000-04:00

I keep trying to get good photos of Ry for her "official" two year photos...haven't gotten it yet...but there are super cute!

Peek -a-..........

.......boooooo!

Michael was keeping busy playing with rocks....

....which only made her want to also!

Cute and cuter!

2011-10-05T11:13:00.000-04:00

Quick little post while the littles are at school. :) I learned a great trick from my mom...take pictures of your holiday decorations from year to year so that you can remember what you did and liked. This is the first time I did it, because I am so happy with my fall mantel this year!

My neighbor pals and I recently started a monthly ritual of getting together to snack, chat, and make something festive. This month's project? You guessed it...a fall bunting! ;)

We used fall scrapbook paper, hemp twine, and teeny tiny clothespins to make it. :) Love.

Now for the cuter part...GO RAVENS!

Fall

2011-10-02T10:16:00.002-04:00

All of a sudden, it is fall around here! Well, at least for a few days. ;) Naturally, the littles saw leaves on the ground and were ready to JUMP!

my ruby

2011-09-30T10:17:00.000-04:00

As September comes to an end, I can't help but think about my little girl. I still can't believe she has been here for two years already...and at the same time, I can't remember life with out her! She is a girly girl that loves trucks and mud. I love that. She is a baby who wants to keep up with every step her big brother takes. I love that, too. She is fearless and cautious...all at the same time. That, I love. ;)

As I was going through my vacation photos from this past summer (still...ugh) I found a few that are just so...her. And thought I would share them here. :)

This photo actually happened by accident...but I love it anyway. It shows my littlest running freely into the ocean...something not every member of her family is comfortable doing. Fearless!

Ry loooooves rides. I actually admire her for this. I have never been a fan of rides and I love to see the sheer joy on her face as she courageously tries new things without batting an eye.

Perhaps my favorite. Here she is, trying to keep up with big brother...riding bikes...all while caring so lovingly for her precious baby. *sigh*

It's official...

2011-09-28T14:09:00.003-04:00

...the girls are two. Or, the "neighbor twins", as we like to call them. These two little rascals were born just 2 hours apart, at the same hospital, and shared the same recovery room. For some, the thought of sharing your recovery room after having a baby is just awful. We felt the same way...until it actually happened. I will never forget the charge nurse coming in to tell me that in a perfect world I would never have to share my recovery room...but alas, it's not a perfect world. The good news turned out to be that I was sharing my room with my next door neighbor! My real life next door neighbor! Our girls will forever be connected for so many reasons...and this is one of my favorites. :)

Trying to get a picture of these two little monkeys started getting tough right around the time they turned 1. But, we rarely let a milestone go by without at least a quick snapshot. Turning 2 was no different! It was quite a little task to get these two looking at the camera at the same time...I had lots of help. :)

attempt #1...not so great...

Michael trying to help me by making the girls laugh. It worked...but not really what I had in mind. ;)

Nope...not yet....

There we go...the best of the bunch!

...unless you count this one. ;)

my new favorite

2011-09-25T21:34:00.001-04:00

And all it took was a simple sentence..."good listeners get candy." ;)

yes...even more from the farm...

2011-09-22T14:40:00.000-04:00

I just can't help it! Not only was it a fabulous day...but many of our beloved friends and family were unable to make it that day. And they want more more more!!! As you can imagine, I am more than happy to oblige. :)

The girls! Lily looooves to carry Ry around.

Well hello there cutie. Love your barrette. ;)

Easily one of her favorite parts of the day...she could hang all day long!

The goats were ready for a snack...

... and JJ and Ry were happy to help!

She looooooooooves the petting "zoo".

Contact!

Big brother loves the petting part too. My kiddos LOVE animals. :)

Ry and her favorite girl, Lily, hanging out on the hay ride!!

Our Cupcake Picnic

2011-09-21T14:27:00.002-04:00

One of the really nice things about having a birthday party is the leftover goodies. Specifically, leftover CUPCAKES (from the amaaaazing Kupcakes & co.)!!! The littles and I decided to enjoy the fabulous fall-like weather and go outside to have a cupcake picnic. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

His shirt pretty much sums it up...

Then the silliness ensued!!

Later on, Daddy mowed the lawn. We watch from a very safe distance. ;)

More from the farm...

2011-09-20T13:06:00.002-04:00

I just love looking at all the photos from Ry's farm party. We had such a great time...even if we did get a super late start! I really think the kiddos liked it!

M3 and JJ being silly on the hay ride!

HOORAY for the Cow Train!!!

Yummy cupcakes from Kupcakes & Co.

Howdy Y'all!

2011-09-18T10:52:00.000-04:00

Ryleigh's birthday party at the farm was a hoot!

Sooo many more to come...I just wanted to put these two up for those who had to miss it. ;(

Playland

2011-09-16T09:29:00.006-04:00

Well, it finally happened...I took the littles to the Playland at our local McDonald's. Not only have they never eaten inside a McDonalds, but I have never taken them to a Playland before either!!! The teacher in me just has a hard time with those places...I knowwww what kinds of germs are thriving in those places! But, it was worth it...we got to spend a nice (albeit short) afternoon with the girls!

He loved it! Except the part where I wanted to take his photo...

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Ryleigh and Kara had a BLAST jumping!!!

First day of school!

2011-09-14T14:57:00.002-04:00

Today was Michael's first day of school!!! He LOVED it (thank goodness) and was even pretty bummed when I picked him up! Luckily, it was a half day...tomorrow is a full day, so he *should* get his fill. ;)

We start off the day going over M3's schedule...please ignore the painters tape...more paint coming!

Littlest also wanted a schedule...:)

3 day 3s!!!

Waiting to be called in...

Finding his hook....

Ready to learn!!!

After pick up...Ry was sooo excited to see him!

YAYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!

BIG boy!

Official first day photo!

Or should it be this one!?

Smore please!

2011-09-13T22:31:00.000-04:00

As summer winds down, I think we are all a little excited for fall weather to begin. Labor Day weekend was still very warm...but we had a "camp fire" anyway. ;) The kiddos loved roasting marshmallows and having lots of chocolate. But most of all, they just enjoyed playing together!!! So did the grown-ups. ;)

Many of the littles enjoying a nice swing with Mark!

Michael's first marshmallow roasting! Can you tell he kinda liked it? ;)

She love her "shlows"

Love this one! My girl!

Neighborly love

2011-09-08T13:35:00.001-04:00

We are so lucky to have the best neighbors around! My kiddos and theirs love to play together, explore together, and naturally, have popcicles together!

Click to see the silliness even bigger!

Happy Birthday Ryleigh!!

2011-09-06T12:53:00.000-04:00

Our sweet baby turned two yesterday! We absolutely cannot believe it! It seems like just yesterday that she surprised us by coming just a few weeks early, ready to face the world. :) Our family enjoyed a nice quiet celebration at home with both sets of grandparents, Uncle Mark, and Aunt Kerri. We all had a perfectly lovely time...especially the guest of honor!

The bunting I made for the celebration!

The birthday girl! Yes, I made her hat too! ;)

We do wardrobe changes at our birthday parties...doesn't everyone? I made the shirt, too!


LOVE this action shot...you can actually see the flame going out!

Thank you Grandmother for the yummy cake and cupcakes!

Atta girl!!

Michael wanted a party hat too...so he picked his color and wanted it plain. :)

Phew!

2011-08-31T21:21:00.000-04:00

We made it through Hurricane Irene fairly unscathed. Thankfully so. It has been rather quiet 'round here...so I thought I would pop on a couple oh-so-cute vacay photos!

He doesn't go anywhere without his bike these days.

My sweet baby in the pool!

Puddle Practice

2011-08-25T20:49:00.000-04:00

Well, it appears as if we may get an actual hurricane this weekend! If not the wind, then still lots and lots of rain. At our house, that means puddle jumping! Michael had looooved jumping in puddles for years now and Ry is following right in his foot steps...or foot jumps! As my dear wise father once told me, if life hands you lemons, make lemonade. Can't think of a better time to do just that! Yes, torrential down pours have their negatives. BUT, they also make puddle jumping quite fun! (we have also been watching quite a bit of Peppa Pig lately, in which they puddle jump and use the word "quite"...now so do we.)

In honor of our impending storm, the kiddos and I went out today to practice! Poor Michael. Same boots, third year in a row. He has a hard time getting them off now. Oops. Gotta get him some new boots!

I had some fun with these....made the photos super vibrant and put them in super fun frames!

Beach Photos

2011-08-24T14:07:00.000-04:00

This year, it is my intention to make a digital scrapbook of our beach trip. There. I said it. Now someone hold me to it! I have started to fiddle with the photos, and these are two of my absolute faves!

The bathing beauty :)

My little fish! Such a difference from our June beach trip!

How?

2011-08-23T12:44:00.002-04:00

How is it that she is almost two?!

Ruby Sue is almost 2!

2011-08-12T12:58:00.000-04:00

I can't believe I am saying this...but my littlest is almost 2!! We went out today to try to capture a cuteypie 2nd birthday shot...didn't get it. BUT, we did get this little gem. ;)

Goldy and Other Goldy

2011-08-10T14:49:00.000-04:00

Yes, Michael is now the proud papa of yet another fish, aptly named "other goldy." Just like his beloved bears, Guy and Other Guy. :) We went to the Howard County Fair and he won Goldy himself! We are so proud. Ryleigh was in hog heaven (no pun intended) because of all the "an-mals" she got to see. We had a blast!

The proud papa and his new Goldy's new home.

Ryleigh petting baby chicks and ducks!

The next day, we had a super fun playdate with Ryan and Brandon.

The littlests having a snack. :)

The big boys watching Scooby Doo...we didn't dress them alike on purpose :)

Color Hunt

2011-08-09T10:52:00.000-04:00

The littles and I went on a color hunt around our neighborhood recently. We went out armed with our camera and imaginations. :) Our goal was to find a flower (which are few and far between nowadays) that represented every color of the rainbow. We loved doing it and will probably do it over and over! Here are our findings from this hunt!

Click to see larger and prettier. ;)

mommy

2011-08-04T09:41:00.001-04:00

mommy mommy mommy mommy mommy

My days are filled with this word...spoken in two different voices...each with a million different ways of saying it. I would be lying if I said there weren't times I wish they would just STOP saying it. But, my littles are almost 2 and almost 4 (gasp) so I know my "mommy" days are numbered. I am writing this post for purely selfish reasons. I know that one day, I will want to look back and remember these days...and I am hoping to gain a little of that 20/20 perspective right now. ;)

mommy mommy mommy mommy mommy...so many different reasons...here are just a few...

Mommy! Ichael me wet! (translation: Michael got me wet)

Mommy! Watch me! I jumping!

Mommy! My trash truck needs trash bags...enter tissue, ziplock baggies, scissors and tape. :)

Mommy! I am stuck on this level! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.


Mommy, you took too long in the bathroom. So, I threw my crayons and books.

Anyone else suffer from the mommies? If so, leave me a comment! :)

Sweet Jackson

2011-08-02T22:23:00.001-04:00

Here is my sweet nephew Jackson. I love this series...it is so him. Coy, smiley, silly, and adorable. He is the best nephew anyone could ever ask for. :)

click to see larger and clearer. :)

the simple things

2011-07-31T23:00:00.000-04:00

It has been a while since I have participated in Simple Things Sunday found on one of my very favorite blogs, Simple As That. But after taking these photos of my littlest loooving her watermelon this week, I knew I had to!

Check out all the other amazing entries here:

Fresh from the farm!

2011-07-29T09:53:00.000-04:00

Little Miss is totally loving farm animals right now! The books she reads, the toys she plays with...all farm animals. She loves to list the animals she sees at every farm we go to..."seeps, gickens, goats, pigs, cows, gookies." That last one is turkeys, by the way. ;) The littles and I went to Clarks Elioak Farm in Columbia yesterday to pay a quick visit to the animals (and the yummy produce stand). We had a blast, even though it was WAY hotter than I thought. :)

Telling me alllll about the goats.

The Enchanted Forest is part of the farm..we love it!

The petting zoo is Ry's favorite part...can you tell? ;)

Michael eventually warms up every time.

Weeeeeee! {check out M3's shadow...always having to do what her brother does}

Super pretty and only 50 cents!!!

meet goldy...

2011-07-28T23:35:00.000-04:00

WOW! We had a first folks. It was the dreaded haircut time at the ol Wist house. Michael is just not a fan of haircuts...I am thinking because they use the clippers so close to his poor little ears. Anyhoo, M3 just cries and cries and cries through each and every haircut. This time around, I promised him that if he was brave {i.e. didn't cry...he was still allowed to sit on my lap}I would buy him a fish...just like Aunt Suzanne's. And...he did it! Nary a tear. So now, my big boy is the proud papa of a fish which he aptly named "Goldy". Even though, as you will see, the fish doesn't have a drop of gold. Eh, that's alright. He names everything Goldy. :)

Photo taken by the proud papa himself. :)

The haircut that inspired our adoption!

Cute Skyfort shot for the heck of it!

Summer lovin!

2011-07-27T20:26:00.000-04:00

Even through the unbearable heat...we are still loving summer!

Beautiful sunflowers that light up our otherwise darkish living room. :)

Yummy yummy watermelon! You should hear her say it...hilarious.

My very proud big boy...and his beloved bike.

Riding bikes in the court!

Hi. My name is Ryleigh. I am almost 2...and I am practicing.

HoDge pOdGe

2011-07-19T12:48:00.000-04:00

Whew! We have had a very busy weekend! We did so many fun family activities, and of course, I had my camera along (yes, cameras..plural...my point and shoot and my DSLR). Our weekend started with our first ever yard sale. We sold almost everything we put out! It was awesome! Good bye baby/puppy supplies! The rest of the weekend was spent outdoors hiking, exploring, and crafting. :) Fun fun!

The littles and I made coffee filter butterflies...and evidently, I was HILARIOUS.

How cute!?

Our family hike...at where else? The Howard County Conservancy!

snack break!

My little man...who is just growing up way to fast...at one of our new favorite spots, Kinder Park!

Did I mention...

2011-07-12T22:59:00.000-04:00

...that my perfectly precious niece lost her top tooth? And that toothless grins are my favorite!?

WOOHOOO!!!! Skyfort!!!!!!!

2011-07-09T13:17:00.001-04:00

I can't believe I haven't posted these photos yet! Mick and Matt worked very very hard...through all kids of bad weather...but it is DONE. Sky Fort is complete (it actually has been for a while...oops!) The kiddos love it! Especially the swings. I am so excited to watch the littles play on this amazing playset for years to come. :)

Click on the collage to see it larger. :)

If you love this photo collage as much as I do...than you MUST check out this site. I love everything she makes!

the littles

2011-07-07T10:11:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it...my littles are getting so big! Michael recently turned 3 and half (BIG deal in his world) and Ry is 22 months (just a little bit older than M3 was when she made her arrival!). My babies are growing and changing everday. Here's what they have been up to...

My little man continues to amaze us everyday. To think that on his 2nd birthday he had ONE word. Dada. He now speaks so well and so much...we want to start keeping a journal of all that he says! We are so afraid that we aren't going to remember! He is totally into trash collection and recycling right now. He is always on the lookout for trucks and the recycle symbol. We drove through downtown Baltimore the other day and I showed him the recycle plant right off 95. His question? "Is there an incinerator in there?" Naturally, right?! Don't all three year olds concern themselves with incinerators!? ;) The outdoors continues to be the place for M3, especially riding his bike. He is quite the daredevil on that thing. Not sure I will ever feel comfortable taking the training wheels off!

Ahh, Ruby Sue. My little Lulu. She has so many nicknames, I can't keep them straight any more! This little firecracker has really come into her own. She is no shrinking violet! She has a voice and a variety of faces that instantly let you know what she wants/needs/thinks! She is talking up a storm. There's nothing she can't say (at least she likes to think so!) She can count up to 13...but for some reason, she leaves out the number 4. I am not sure what 4 ever did to her, but nonetheless...4 is gone. She loves to play and play hard. She can *almost* keep up with her big brother, "Ichael." She is so sweet, always saying "peaze" and "gank you." And there is nothing she loves more than her Piggie Blanket. And she lets you know...."PIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIG!!!!!!!!!"

More beach photos coming...so stay tuned!

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-05T12:00:00.000-04:00

We got back from the beach just in time to celebrate the 4th of July with friends!

On Sunday, we went to the Smiths Annual July 4th Celebration. My...what a difference a few years makes...

Michael's first sparkler...can you tell?! ;)

This picture includes the Hannas, Swanns, Eyes, Lawsons, and Wists.


Cutie pie. :)

My sweet boy on the 4th. :)

"Happy 4th of Julyyyyyy!!!"

A rare smooch. :)

Enjoying some popsicles under our shade tree. *sigh*

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-22T20:16:00.000-04:00

Our family had such a nice Father's Day celebration this year!

We enjoyed lots of family time...including a T-Ball game in Nanmom and Po's backyard!

Daddy the future T-Ball coach.

HIT!!!

After playing ball, we went to the park in Nanmom's neighborhood and had a blast!

WE love daddy! :)

Beat the heat

2011-06-11T14:34:00.000-04:00

Take THAT heat! It is hot outside...so my little brood and I are constantly trying to find ways to stay cool...including lots and lot of inside activities. We don't LOVE staying inside, so they have to be good! Here is what we have been up to lately...

Tea for two!!

We often enjoy a spot of tea!

Just like Nanmom!

The girl has skills. ;)

Tea time usually ends up being play time!

Pillow Park...it's a pillow, it's a park, it's a pillow park!

JUMP!

Sweet Technology. :)


Dear Steve Jobs, Thank you. Love, Allison Wist

We also really enjoy playing hair salon...even big brother!

Completely on her own....

Mirror, mirror...

*sigh*

More inside activities...

We love to take pictures too...like mama like daughter.

Juuuuust starting to get interested in sitting down to color.

And the face she makes when she is reminded that crayons are not food. :)

When we DO go outside...

Snacktime in the shade

Painting

Enjoying our almost completed swing set!

Aye Aye Captain!

simple things sunday

2011-05-29T10:13:00.001-04:00

We spend our days outside...enjoying this lovely weather, riding bikes, and blowing bubbles with friends. Or trying to blow bubbles with friends. ;)

My garden helper

Helmets!

The girls love to try to blow bubbles. We keep telling Ry to hold the wand a little bit closer. :)

sweet ryleigh

2011-05-28T12:24:00.000-04:00

I just can't help taking her picture all the time...can you blame me? ;)

the battle of the birds

2011-05-23T23:10:00.000-04:00

I am brand spanking new to the whole bird-feeder-community. I have been wanting birdfeeders for awhile...inspired by my mom and sister...who have paved the way flawlessly! Their yards are always filled with birdfeeders and lovely birds eating away. Soooo, this year, my mom and sister each got me a hook and feeder for my birthday. Well, it has been almost a week...and NO BIRDS. :( I thought I would try to lure them to the feeders with old fashioned pinecone feeders...and it was a super fun activity for the kiddos as well!

We started with peanut butter and a pine cone...

...then added the bird seed.

Voila!

Ryleigh was VERY into it.

So was big brother.

Silly face...but so proud. :)

Off to hang it on the tree!

Ryleigh had a hard time letting go. ;)

Tehy

They were so excited!

Hooray!!!!!!!!

Ring around the rosey...

2011-05-22T22:33:00.001-04:00

It is Simple Things Sunday again...perhaps my favorite post of the week. :) Today, the kiddos and I made some super cool pine cone bird feeders followed by a quick game of Ring Around the Rosey...what else?! ;)

My girl is HAPPY...

...the reason? He big brother is playing with her. :)

*sigh*

I was so honored to have one of my photos highlighted in the Simple Things Roundup last week! :) Please go see the post HERE.

16 on 16

2011-05-16T20:42:00.000-04:00

I recently read about a really neat idea on a blog somewhere...I just can't remember where. Anyhoo...the blogger puts up a collage of 12 photos on the 12th of each month. Well, I missed the 12th. AND I have soooo many photos from May that I haven't put up yet. So, I thought I would do 16 photos on the 16th. Hence, 16 on 16. Enjoy!

So far this month, we have been extremely busy! We have enjoyed 3 birthday parties, 3 Mother's Day celebrations (including the one at school...my favorite day ever), a carnival, may flowers, trips to the park, and (of course) playtime with our dear neighbors. Hooray!!

ahhh....the simple things....

2011-05-15T22:20:00.000-04:00

It is true that there is nothing like the sound of a child's pure and true hysterical laughter. But when it is your own child...it is that much better. :)

Inspired by (as always...)

April {in pictures}

2011-05-03T11:15:00.000-04:00

What a fantastic month April was!!! The weather finally broke and we were able to get outdoors! Here is our April in photos!

April was filled with:

~splashing in puddles

~crafting outside (yea birdhouse!)

~Easter egg hunts

~delicious popcicles

~super fast Gator driving

As always, this month's collage is inspired by:

20?!

2011-05-02T21:00:00.003-04:00

This week, my little girl will be twenty months old. HOW? It feels like just yesterday this little one surprised me by coming slightly early!! She continues to amaze us everyday! A little glimpse:

~She is talking like crazy! She puts 2, 3, and even 4 words together. Often about her brother. :)
~My littlest loves to snuggle in "Mommy's Bed" with a binky and her beloved piggy blanket.
~"Wawa and Bootsh" continues to be a favorite. (aka Dora and Boots;))
~Ry LIVES to play outside. You can often find her at the door chanting "side, side, side"
~She loves to play with playdoh, sidewalk chalk, and the sand table. All of which become a snack at some point.

Here are some of my lovely little lady in an adorable outfit given to her from her Nanmom. How beautiful!?
(click on the photos to see them in all their glory)

fabulous friday

2011-04-29T12:39:00.001-04:00

Hooray! Today is Friday!!! And the weather is perfect. We spend more time outside than inside these days...and are loving every minute of it. One of the major reasons we have such a blast outside is our wonderful neighbors! We have play time together everyday and the kiddos just love it. There is NOTHING like a good neighborhood. I am so thankful that we stumbled upon this one almost 7 years ago. :)

Michael and his buddy Ava having a BLAST on his Gator!

I also am loving gardening this year. With each new week there are new blooms and I can't wait to see them! I also love to cut some and put them in my house. Even the untidiest of houses can perk up with some freshly cut flowers! ;)


I used to think Azaleas were only good for attracting bees! I love the way this looks in my front bay window!

One of my all time favorite flowers...Lily of the Valley. It looks lovely in my kitchen window!

It also happens to be my birth month's flower!

i am not trying to brag but...

2011-04-28T11:16:00.000-04:00

...Superman helped me dye my Easter eggs. Just sayin. ;)

Easter

2011-04-26T22:16:00.000-04:00

I have sooooo many photos to post from before, during, and after Easter. But I had to share just a few tonight.

Michael and Jackson doing the potty dance! We are sooo proud of them!! ;)

Seriously? The two cutest girls in the world.

I MADE that!!!! Hi, my name is Allison. And I like to craft.

howard county conservancy

2011-04-22T19:13:00.000-04:00

I am in absolute LOVE with this place. It is an outside-lover's paradise! There is so much beauty to see, so many places to hike around, and there are even a few animals...and it's FREE! I also do MANY photoshoots there. And it never disappoints. I was supposed to have 3 shoots there this weekend (stupid rain), so thie kids and I went on Tuesday to scope out some good places for pictures. We had a blast!

my little adventurer!

love this one

the old barn is always an attraction

i love love love the old barn doors

Little miss just outside the chicken coops...enjoying a nice break!

Ahhh another one I love...

Michael is teaching Ryleigh to say "tadpole"...that pond is FULL of them!

I think he might be trying to count the tadpoles at this point. :)

He is so excited to say hi to the baby frogs!


Too bad Ry wasn't in a smiling mood...look at this place!!!

these are days

2011-04-20T13:33:00.002-04:00

I have always loooooved that song. And the words seem to fit now more than ever. Because these are definitely the days I want to remember. That's why I love writing this blog. :)

Such a lovely day.

Painting paper Easter egg decorations for our mantle.

Filling dump trucks with dirt.

All while being supervised by a super cute doggy...finding some shade. :)

girls love to twirl

2011-04-19T22:23:00.001-04:00

...especially when in a dress! My sweet girl is no exception...especially when Aunt Suzanne is twirling right along with her. :)

it's that time again...

2011-04-14T22:06:00.001-04:00

...time to begin planting! Today, me and the kiddos made planters for our front step and filled our window boxes on the deck. They were such good little helpers. :)

Michael was soooo excited to help pull one of the wagons.

All of our good stuff to be planted!

My little helpers.

Michael takes this all very seriously...Ryleigh just wants to eat everything. ;)

sigh

Not many gardeners are this cute.

Then, my helpers grew tired of helping...and decided to play. :) I can't blame them.

yup...

2011-04-12T20:51:00.002-04:00

...that's my son. He waits by the window and the second it stops raining, he puts on his boots and is ready to puddle jump...no matter how cold it is. Of course, I created that monster. :) I love it.

fabulous friday { the return...again ;) }

2011-04-08T20:24:00.000-04:00

Ahhh Sophie. I am willing to bet that most mommies and daddies who owns one of these things will tell you...Sophie rocks. My Ryleigh is 19 months old...and she STILL uses Sophie to teethe. Best.teether.ever.

sweet sophie

she has certainly seen better days

and here's why :)

We have been eating on the deck every nice evening...and loving it! They chat!

I am always so proud of my plants...who knew pansies came back every year?


(fingers crossed) I can't wait to see the flower boxes on the deck full of blooms!

We are 19 months!!! Neighbor "twins"...born 2 hours apart. :)

happy anniversary

2011-04-05T23:08:00.000-04:00

6 years ago...
...I didn't know what a smart phone, facebook, or lansinoh was.
...I was a teacher, roommate, and SUV driver.
...Twilight was published, George W. Bush was president, and Wedding Crashers was at the box office.

And, most importantly, 6 years ago I married my best friend.

This weekend, we had the most fabulous anniversary celebration ever. And we didn't really do anything. :) We spent the morning in Old Ellicott City and the afternoon at Lily's birthday party. Later, we enjoyed a "glass" of champagne at our wedding site. A sweet surprise from my hubby. :)

Peering at the Tiber River in Old Ellicott City.

Riding in a REAL CABOOSE! Thank you B&O!

Choo-choo!

YAY!

"CABOOSE!!!"

Ring the bell! Train's comin!

Teaching littlest how to do it. *sigh*

The view from our wedding site. :)

Cheers! To 6 years!

The love birds...:)

ragamuffin

2011-04-05T13:56:00.000-04:00

My sweet girl is 19 months today!

She loves to:

~play outside

~watch Dora the Explorer

~snack snack snack

~snuggle

~be held by mimi (how she says mommy right now)

~her bink

~her brother and daddy

~to eat chalk :(

~her piggy blanket

~and to yank out her barrette every.single.day.

a month in photos

2011-04-04T20:58:00.002-04:00

I cannot believe that March is over! It certainly came in like a lion...but never really turned to a lamb...unfortunately for us outdoor lovers. :) We still spent a good deal of time out there...as you can see in our month in photos!

Inspired by:

the warm days...

2011-03-29T21:37:00.001-04:00

...are coming! We had lovely sunshine today. Let's just hope it continues to warm up!!

I looooove this one of Michael. Right down to the cookie crumbs on his chin and St. Patty's Day Necklace. Not all little guys can pull this look off!

Oh my sweet Ry.

Puddles

2011-03-27T16:46:00.001-04:00

For my Simple Things Entry this week...I am also sharing something for which I am truly thankful...that my little girl LOVES playing outside. Her big brother is happiest when outdoors, and truly so am I. I am just sooo relieved that my little lady has embraced exploring everything nature has to offer! Her favorite thing so far? PUDDLES. Remind you of anyone? ;)

Sandy hands, love it!

She loves seeing her boots in the puddles.

SPLASH!

The guilty look that followed that splash. :)

My girl loooooves to slide!

Pretty purples near the slide. :)

have a great weekend!

2011-03-25T18:10:00.002-04:00

I love this one. You can see the sheer joy on Ry's face. And the sheer annoyance on Michael's. :) Oh, and a little Jack Jack thrown in there. :)

joy of luck | days 1 & 2

2011-03-23T21:17:00.001-04:00

I am terribly behind on my new Joy of Luck class. I kind of spread myself a little too thin these days...but am loving every minute of it! Here are days one and two.

Day 1 | gift...the pups. Definitely a gift I take for granted.

Day 2 | green. John Deere...enough said. ;)

just another day in the neighborhood

2011-03-22T23:11:00.000-04:00

This spring has brought nothing but good times with our wonderful neighbors! We always have so much fun just hanging out...whether it is a planned event or an impromptu playdate! These kids all love each other...even when sharing doesn't come so easy. ;)

popsicle time

ry and sam :)

yummmmmm

ava and michael...FREEZE!

our newest neighbor...

she is sooo sweet!

ouch.

2011-03-16T10:58:00.000-04:00

My sweet Ryleigh took a little spill yesterday...right on her little nose. The driveway was not too kind. :(

Someone wanted in on the photo taking. I was happy to oblige. :)

why i love this photo

2011-03-15T10:12:00.001-04:00

Yet another adorable template from one of my favorite design sites...Paislee Press.

click to see larger :)

joy of luck

2011-03-14T21:50:00.004-04:00

If you enjoyed the Joy of Love class...you should really think about giving the Joy of Luck class a try! It is ONLY a week long, is FREE, and starts on March 16th. It is for all skill levels and is truly inspiring! So...if you like taking photos of just about anyone or anything...click one of the buttons below and sign up!

simple things | signs of spring

2011-03-13T10:41:00.000-04:00

It is Simple Things Sunday! YAY! I love being inspired to stop and notice the simple things. It is truly therapeutic. :) I decided to look for the signs of spring that I love so much. I am sooo ready for warmth and green and flowers and longer days...I can hardly stand it!!

buds on the trees

my neighbors row of daffodils

my sweet girl sliding all by herself

a sure sign spring has already kinds started? ry's shoes are definitely showing signs of outside play!

first haircut!

2011-03-09T21:32:00.000-05:00

Today was finally the day. I took Ry to get her first haircut, aka the end of the mullet. Personally, I rather liked the mullet, but I knew it was time to give my girl a style. :) So, I got her a cute little bob. I am *trying* to get used to it...but everyone else seems to LOVE it. Here is our day!

the mullet is gone

2011-03-09T13:02:00.002-05:00

Here is just a little teaser of Ry's new haircut. Full assortment of photos to come tonight!

is my niece....

2011-03-08T20:23:00.002-05:00

....adorable or WHAT!??!!?!?

best face in february

2011-03-08T09:32:00.003-05:00

I have finally decided to participate in the I Heart Faces weekly photo challenge. This week's theme is "Best Face in February." I just love this photo of my little man. Most likely because he will NEVER pose for a nice picture for me! This one is a keeper. :)

Check it out HERE!

the simple things

2011-03-06T11:19:00.000-05:00

My sweet girl taking loving care of her baby. I snuck behind a chair and bent myself around it to grab this shot. She didn't even know I was there. :)

fabulous friday {the return}

2011-03-04T12:08:00.000-05:00

Joy of Love kinda put Fabulous Friday on hold for a bit. But we are BACK! The kids and I had a BLAST making Mickey's birthday card this year! I set up the old tripod and seamless paper and we created a photobooth type card, inspired by yet another one of my favorite blogs (see below). I have been so excited to share this!!

Click to see it larger if you want. :)

HERE is the link to the blog post that inspired the project.

And here is her super cute fan blinkie!

embrace the camera

2011-03-03T14:40:00.001-05:00

Trying something new...called Embrace the Camera. As someone who looooooves being a picture-taker, I am rarely, if ever, in front of the camera. (the unlost baby weight/vanity doesn't help either). BUT, I want my kiddos to be able to look back and know what I looked like once upon a time. Or at least, what we looked like together. :) On my first attempt, you will notice a few things that I would rather you not:

1. hair in dire need of highlights.
2. ry's bink
3. mismatched pillowcases that are a daily part of my life
4. us lying in bed in the middle of the day

But what you will also most certainly see is me and my littlest doing something we looove to do...snuggle.

Where I got this awesome idea...and many others. :)