I know that I have been more than delayed in updating, and it is still that you will have to wait. All is well, but busy... just wanted to post that we are all good and that a huge update of pics and stories will come on my return from a last minute trip to Butte, Montana. I leave Thursday and return sometime next week. Yes, this is the longest I am away from my family in ever and I will be missing the last two days of school... that was fun to try and get a sub for... :P Hope this blurb finds all well.
Oh yes, and Isabelle is with me today, on 'my' last day of school as my students shoot off their botle rockets. They are loving having her here...
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Friday, June 05, 2009
June, June, June... June Already?!?!
I know, it is June and there has not been a post in weeks. Sorry. I have taken a hiatus from anything computer... needed that break (except grades for kids, and a little bit on FB games) no computer. That of course did not include taking pictures all around, just loading them onto the computer. That still having to be done, there will be no photos to share right now. soon, I promise.
As for what is going on... school is coming to an end. I only teach 5 more days, but there are two weeks left of school (remember I work everyother day). I got a summer job for Saturdays (messes up the weekends and the summer get-aways - but needed a bit extra) at a local wood products store. I have had a few photography shoots, but not many in the near future as of yet. I am HOPING! Pass it along!! Eric is good... working a bunch as always. Isabelle is growing like a weed, new phrases daily and now that the weather is good, all she wants to do is play outside! With the weather being as hot as it has been, we got a couple sprinklers and we LOVE them. Running through them, under them, in between them... all good as long as you are soaked. We also bought a tent like cover that can be moved around the backyard for extra shade, but it broke the second day we have it... so there was a waste of money! and no more shade. Guess I will have to spend more than $60 on shade for our back yard. :P
Till the photos!
As for what is going on... school is coming to an end. I only teach 5 more days, but there are two weeks left of school (remember I work everyother day). I got a summer job for Saturdays (messes up the weekends and the summer get-aways - but needed a bit extra) at a local wood products store. I have had a few photography shoots, but not many in the near future as of yet. I am HOPING! Pass it along!! Eric is good... working a bunch as always. Isabelle is growing like a weed, new phrases daily and now that the weather is good, all she wants to do is play outside! With the weather being as hot as it has been, we got a couple sprinklers and we LOVE them. Running through them, under them, in between them... all good as long as you are soaked. We also bought a tent like cover that can be moved around the backyard for extra shade, but it broke the second day we have it... so there was a waste of money! and no more shade. Guess I will have to spend more than $60 on shade for our back yard. :P
Till the photos!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Phrases of the Week
** "Daddy, fix it! Needs Battries. Push button!"
This phrase is used with any toy now, whether a stuffed animals that have no button to speak of or a toy that really needs a battery.
--Note all spelling errors in this post are on purpose, since it is Isabelle speaking.
** "Kitty puuuuk"
This is a new phrase that we hear every time she walks down the hallway, since our cat puked in the hall. Isabelle went and got me the paper towels to clean it up... how sweet... :P I am not the messy cleaner upper, that is daddy's job.
This phrase is used with any toy now, whether a stuffed animals that have no button to speak of or a toy that really needs a battery.
--Note all spelling errors in this post are on purpose, since it is Isabelle speaking.
** "Kitty puuuuk"
This is a new phrase that we hear every time she walks down the hallway, since our cat puked in the hall. Isabelle went and got me the paper towels to clean it up... how sweet... :P I am not the messy cleaner upper, that is daddy's job.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Izaa--beelllee
At least that is how it sounds when Isabelle says her name. She started trying out saying her whole name on Mother's day (up until then when you ask her her name, she would say 'Belle'). Now you ask her and she says it with a 'z' sound and drags out the belle... so cute.
Also, you ask her how old she is and she will say, ' twoooo-five' Not sure where she gets the five, (unless it is from teh 'hi-5's' that we do), but she shows the right fingers when she does it... holds up 2 fingers, then all 5.
Also, you ask her how old she is and she will say, ' twoooo-five' Not sure where she gets the five, (unless it is from teh 'hi-5's' that we do), but she shows the right fingers when she does it... holds up 2 fingers, then all 5.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
My Coat
My mom brought over a coat that I wore when I was two... I believe it a Navy seal on the sleeve of my grandfathers, when he was in the Navy. How cute is Isabelle in it?
My new toy... Eric is setting for me... Isabelle's eyes really brighten with the right angle. :)
Mother's Day....
... Lasted the whole weekend.
It started Saturday with a brunch at our house, that I cooked for my mom. ( I know.. the word 'cook' in the same sentence as me is a new one, but I do yummy breakfasts!!) There was fruit, muffins and two different Quiches. Then after a nap, we met up with some friends at Olive Garden for dinner. For some odd and yet very wonderful reason, they treated us like VIP. For only four adults and 2 kids, we got a table for 10 in a cove and had 3 waitress' for us. They even gave us our appetizers for free. No complaining here, it was wonderful... the dads had the kids on one side and us moms were on the other, enjoying and relaxing. Of course we did have to do the diaper duty, since there are no changing tables in men's rooms.... what is up with that?? Of course, that is a whole other post and soap box. :)
Sunday began with waffles and juice in bed... lazy morning. Hmmm. Then I went to a local art show in Maple Valley and did the photography for it. I took photos of the art and people looking at the art. It is way harder then that sounds... I didn't want to take the photos of the backs of peoples' heads, or their heads blocking the art... I had to get faces and art work. That proved a bit difficult, but I got some. I'll post them next. Of course, it was easier to accomplish when some people I knew showed up, and I told them where to pose. hahaha
After the art show, I came home, changed and met up with Eric's parents and sisters for dinner at a Greek restaurant. Now I am not a big Greek food fan, but the 'Chop Chop Chicken Kabob' was SUPER!!! And the risoto... YUM
The best part of the weekend was the gift. We ALL know how much I am loving photography and taking pictures... so Eric got me a relfector set. I am going to need to practice a ton! So I volunteered Eric to be my model. hahaha, he doesn't know it yet though. But it came with a DVD, which I watched and am so ready to play.
It started Saturday with a brunch at our house, that I cooked for my mom. ( I know.. the word 'cook' in the same sentence as me is a new one, but I do yummy breakfasts!!) There was fruit, muffins and two different Quiches. Then after a nap, we met up with some friends at Olive Garden for dinner. For some odd and yet very wonderful reason, they treated us like VIP. For only four adults and 2 kids, we got a table for 10 in a cove and had 3 waitress' for us. They even gave us our appetizers for free. No complaining here, it was wonderful... the dads had the kids on one side and us moms were on the other, enjoying and relaxing. Of course we did have to do the diaper duty, since there are no changing tables in men's rooms.... what is up with that?? Of course, that is a whole other post and soap box. :)
Sunday began with waffles and juice in bed... lazy morning. Hmmm. Then I went to a local art show in Maple Valley and did the photography for it. I took photos of the art and people looking at the art. It is way harder then that sounds... I didn't want to take the photos of the backs of peoples' heads, or their heads blocking the art... I had to get faces and art work. That proved a bit difficult, but I got some. I'll post them next. Of course, it was easier to accomplish when some people I knew showed up, and I told them where to pose. hahaha
After the art show, I came home, changed and met up with Eric's parents and sisters for dinner at a Greek restaurant. Now I am not a big Greek food fan, but the 'Chop Chop Chicken Kabob' was SUPER!!! And the risoto... YUM
The best part of the weekend was the gift. We ALL know how much I am loving photography and taking pictures... so Eric got me a relfector set. I am going to need to practice a ton! So I volunteered Eric to be my model. hahaha, he doesn't know it yet though. But it came with a DVD, which I watched and am so ready to play.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Baby Shower
No, don't' get all excited... not mine!
My dear friend Katie, the one that moved away to South Carolina with her hubby to get her dream of living on the east coast (near a beach with her new adorable black lab Hans) came back to Seattle for her baby shower, which I oh, so happily hosted. I got my hands filled with all sorts of research and played my hand at party / event planing. Being the dork that I am, I researched ideas, games, activities, decorations (which was made so easy after she mentioned that she was having a boy and they were going with a nautical theme in the nursery) , and gifts. I was extremely lucky that another dear friend of Katie's was going to help out with the shower as well, since there would have been no way I could of done it all alone.
I loved being the behind the scenes of the event... I was able to watch people enjoying Katie's company for her short visit her, get photos taken, printed and put into a small album that she was able to take with her before she left the house, plan out how games and activities were going to go and make sure to tweak things if needed... and that tweaking was always adding more time to them... seems as though everyone enjoyed the games. I was so happy about that, but I do think that part of that is I know how to read individuals (being a teacher and all) so I tried to present things in a way where everyone could enjoy each other company - even those meeting for the first time.
The party started with food! Lots and lots of good food, all done by Katie's friend who co-hosted with me (we all know I don't cook - I just eat). We meandered into the playroom (aka living room) where we played some games.
First game was the name the baby animal that goes with the listed mommy animal. When watching the guests struggle (I borrowed form Isabelle's favorite show, Go Diego Go - not everyone is familiar with this show), I decided to give bonus points as we went through the answers... if you could make the sound of the animal - give yourself a point... that was a 'hoot!'
The second was an activity, which each guest was to draw a number, which corresponded to an age (o-18) of a child's life and each guest was to write, on a card provided, advise to / for Katie for that age. Each advice card was to go in the book with the photos of Katie with each guest that she took home with her. Since many guests were stumped at first, I lightened that mood by introducing the next game... "Baby Food Tasting." Using Popsicle sticks, guests had to taste and /or smell baby food and write it down. Now this game can easily go two ways... no one plays it, or everyone does... and YEAH, everyone got into it. Some even tasted a couple of the foods twice.
The last game we played, in pairs, was 'Finish the Nursery Rhyme.' This is self explanatory, yet way harder than it seemed... and for bonus points (can we say teacher), I let teams sing the rhymes.
After all was said and done, it was present time and then cake time. Now here was something fun... I didn't like any of the cakes I went to buy (and our Safeway only give 2... yes TWO choices... lame ones!!). So with the recommondation of some co-workers I went to a local hole in the wall, home town bakery - pricier than most - and they let me design a cake. How cool is that!!! Of course, it took a few days for me to do more research and come up with a design, but I did, and it was cute. So YEAH! It was a success... Maybe I should do this on the side ;) just kidding.
Enjoy some photos.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Bang Bang Bang
Goes the baby...
Yes, this is how Isabelle wakes up now... by banging on the sides of the crib which bang against the wall. Sometimes they are soft kicks and sometimes I swear a foot or something is going to go through to the kitchen , there is so much force. Up from naps or first thing in the morning... bang bang bang. These sometimes come with happy screams or lots of garbled talking and other times belly bursts of pure laughter! Which of course makes me laugh and wait a little longer in getting her, since she is obviously enjoying herself. So I might have a hole in the wall to fix someday, Eric has had practice with drywall... :)
This morning, no different than any other... I'm in the kitchen making my lunch and 'WHAM' and 'hehehehehe' comes through the monitor. Yes, I jumped out of my skin... nice quiet kitchen and then the walls shake... who wouldn't of jumped? Of course next came the sweet laughter and garbled conversation that she has with her dolls. SOOO CUTE!!! After a few more hefty bangs, and chatting, she fell back asleep... of course I peeked and sweetly was she laying there in her crib, head to head with one of her dolls who she had placed a blanket on top of and her arm was around.
Perfect Morning
Yes, this is how Isabelle wakes up now... by banging on the sides of the crib which bang against the wall. Sometimes they are soft kicks and sometimes I swear a foot or something is going to go through to the kitchen , there is so much force. Up from naps or first thing in the morning... bang bang bang. These sometimes come with happy screams or lots of garbled talking and other times belly bursts of pure laughter! Which of course makes me laugh and wait a little longer in getting her, since she is obviously enjoying herself. So I might have a hole in the wall to fix someday, Eric has had practice with drywall... :)
This morning, no different than any other... I'm in the kitchen making my lunch and 'WHAM' and 'hehehehehe' comes through the monitor. Yes, I jumped out of my skin... nice quiet kitchen and then the walls shake... who wouldn't of jumped? Of course next came the sweet laughter and garbled conversation that she has with her dolls. SOOO CUTE!!! After a few more hefty bangs, and chatting, she fell back asleep... of course I peeked and sweetly was she laying there in her crib, head to head with one of her dolls who she had placed a blanket on top of and her arm was around.
Perfect Morning
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Spring Drama
Ok, so this is a post dedicated to teenagers! AAAAaaaarrrrgggggghhhhhhhh!
On that note, what is with the teens this year? The drama has started so, so, so early! Between the fights (and posting them on you-tube), dating drama, he said/she said, rumors, taking and sending inappropriate pictures through cell phones, and other non-sense (like throwing apples down the hallways), I am not sure there is a sane teenager out there. Of course there is the normal chatter boxes -mostly the girls- that never ever stop talking and the 'not listening to the directions because I was looking outside at the sun and daydreaming' teenager on top of all this. -Yes, the windows get closed when the sun is out... how sad is that for me!- Goodness Gracious!
And then there is me.. still loving it all (for the most part) and teaching science. Though, I can do without all the teen drama, I do still love coming to work everyother day (since I only work everyother day). Those Ahh-Haa moments from teens are the best... I just hope that they remember that Ahh-Haa later in life (or at least till the next test). ;)
At the end of each day though, these teens simply crack me up... they are laughing non-sense and enjoying life. If we could only all have so much fun; drawing our interpretations of the skeletal system.
Enjoy your day!
On that note, what is with the teens this year? The drama has started so, so, so early! Between the fights (and posting them on you-tube), dating drama, he said/she said, rumors, taking and sending inappropriate pictures through cell phones, and other non-sense (like throwing apples down the hallways), I am not sure there is a sane teenager out there. Of course there is the normal chatter boxes -mostly the girls- that never ever stop talking and the 'not listening to the directions because I was looking outside at the sun and daydreaming' teenager on top of all this. -Yes, the windows get closed when the sun is out... how sad is that for me!- Goodness Gracious!
And then there is me.. still loving it all (for the most part) and teaching science. Though, I can do without all the teen drama, I do still love coming to work everyother day (since I only work everyother day). Those Ahh-Haa moments from teens are the best... I just hope that they remember that Ahh-Haa later in life (or at least till the next test). ;)
At the end of each day though, these teens simply crack me up... they are laughing non-sense and enjoying life. If we could only all have so much fun; drawing our interpretations of the skeletal system.
Enjoy your day!
Busy with Jobs
Yeah!! I have had two photography jobs this week, both for school sports! I am hoping that this pattern continues (for next year, since this school year is almost over).
Also, I did two other family shoots earlier in the month! I am so happy that this is starting to take off... though slowly, I am glad of that to honest! I was worried a bit, and still am, but I am also happy with how things are going.
The website is getting revamped / reprogrammed by my wonderful sweetie and it is going to look so AWESOME and AMAZING. He hasn't showed me much yet, but he keeps saying that I will really like what and how he is changing it. I have peeked a few times, when it is in preview mode and it does look cool. Not sure when it will be up and running, since he can only work on it at night, after work and after Isabelle goes to bed... but I will sure post when it does!!
All that is left for me to advertise, since I still mostly want this is be advertised by 'word of mouth' is getting my new business cards done (I have a perfect logo that I am going to keep a secret for now, I just have to wait for good weather to get the photo I want for the logo) and then take them to different venues.
Those of you reading this... start spreading the news! :)
Also, I did two other family shoots earlier in the month! I am so happy that this is starting to take off... though slowly, I am glad of that to honest! I was worried a bit, and still am, but I am also happy with how things are going.
The website is getting revamped / reprogrammed by my wonderful sweetie and it is going to look so AWESOME and AMAZING. He hasn't showed me much yet, but he keeps saying that I will really like what and how he is changing it. I have peeked a few times, when it is in preview mode and it does look cool. Not sure when it will be up and running, since he can only work on it at night, after work and after Isabelle goes to bed... but I will sure post when it does!!
All that is left for me to advertise, since I still mostly want this is be advertised by 'word of mouth' is getting my new business cards done (I have a perfect logo that I am going to keep a secret for now, I just have to wait for good weather to get the photo I want for the logo) and then take them to different venues.
Those of you reading this... start spreading the news! :)
Monday, April 20, 2009
The BEST Present
Today, on her actual birth-day of Isaballe turning two, she gave ME the best present ever. She said "I love you" for the first time! Of course I wasn't sure if that is what she said, so I asked her to repeat it, she did, looking right at me this time. My heart just melted.
I LOVE YOU, ISABELLE!
I LOVE YOU, ISABELLE!
We are TWO!!!
We... meaning Isabelle of course! Her birthday was wonderful! We had just our families over to celebrate with her and our wonderful neighbors with their 2 boys. There was, of course, more food than people that will last us for many days to come, a ton of great gifts that Isabelle loved opening and tearing the paper into small bits and a really yummy custard filled chocolate cake.
One of my new FAVORITES!! Me and my baby
My one big wish was to have both families in a massive family photo... and I got that! So Yeah ME! After that, I didn't really care what was taken, except a good birthday with family. We got MANY photos and videos of it all.
Still to come are her actual 2 year portraits which I plan on doing sometime in the next week (as well as my business logo... stayed tuned for that).
Enjoy!
Yes, you see correctly... there is a pink tricycle. However, the bubbles were taking over in that area - they were Diego bubbles!
One of my new FAVORITES!! Me and my baby
There was outside fun too!
I know, I know... white dresses and goats?!?!?!
Isabelle was so helpful, she pushed Baby Brianna around in her stroller when we were outback... looking at all the new grass growning in the backyard. See it?!?!?! I mean, see Isabelle peeking?After everyone had gome home, (mind you this a day of no nap and this little angel held her own perfectly) she went through all her presents again, with my help, and found some she wanted to take outside and play with. Can you guess? You are probably right... the Diego bubbles and the tricycle!
Maybe someday we will use the tricycle as it is meant to used - riden. Till then, it is a great seat for blowing bubbles.
There are photos that are still on the camera that I haven't even had a chance to view yet... but to keep you anticipating till then, I will tell you what two other items she LOVES!!! Her new stuffed huggable 'elepemints' and her new pair of sunglasses! Oh, so cute!
Most of her gifts are for the outside, since we almost have a livable backyard... so sandbox, and play area are in the future.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
In Four Days...
... Isabelle will be TWO! Two years old already! WOW
(and as for the potty training... it was a 'flash' - we havent touched it since)
It'll happen in its own time. No worries here.
(and as for the potty training... it was a 'flash' - we havent touched it since)
It'll happen in its own time. No worries here.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Let's get this Potty Started
Yes, I spelled it right....
When Isabelle was about 18 months old we bought her a 'potty.' She has played on it, used it as a chair, pretends to sit on it in our bathroom and go potty. She is sometimes into it and sometimes (mostly) not. My goal was to buy it when she was young, let her play with it, look at it, get used to it and then when she hit 2 years old, to really start working with her and potty training.
Well, I have started researching all the different potty training tips... getting children's books about the potty for Isabelle to look at to sticker prizes when she does good to use or non use of pull-ups (which BTW don't hold as much as diapers) to looking for 'all' the signs of her 'telling' me that she needs to go potty to setting a timer and asking her every 20 minutes each day if she needs to go potty and sitting on it every 20 minutes to using bribes or not to how excited or not you should get if they do potty in the potty. Yes, there is a lot here and every place I have been has hundreds of tips to help.
Oh, and Girl potty training and Boy potty training is VERY different. Supposedly girls are easier because of the aiming issues... however that can be solved for boys by putting a 'target' in the potty for them to aim at. I digress....
Since Isabelle does like to 'sit' on the potty, every time she asks to go 'potty' I say OK and off we go. This can last from 30 seconds to 10 minutes of bathroom 'fun.' And she is loving to wear pull-ups now, like a big baby girl (as she calls herself). Today, unlike no other we went in and sat on the potty when she asked and read a couple of books (no, not potty books - number/counting books). While there... she tooted. Yes, you read correctly. She tooted and thought it was the funniest thing!!! It makes a whole new sound in the porcelain. This of course made her want to stay longer on the potty... go figure, I am not in the mind of an almost 2 year old. But finally she was done and stood up ready to go and as I got hte pull-ups to put on her she started freaking out... 'mess mess mess...' and pointing down her leg. Hahaha, yes I laughed at her... she was peeing right down her leg, so I VERY quickly plopped her back on the potty to finish. I got super excited and we Hi-5'ed a bunch... there went that tip of excitement.
I'm sure there will be many an adventure with the potty, but we are off to a great start!
When Isabelle was about 18 months old we bought her a 'potty.' She has played on it, used it as a chair, pretends to sit on it in our bathroom and go potty. She is sometimes into it and sometimes (mostly) not. My goal was to buy it when she was young, let her play with it, look at it, get used to it and then when she hit 2 years old, to really start working with her and potty training.
Well, I have started researching all the different potty training tips... getting children's books about the potty for Isabelle to look at to sticker prizes when she does good to use or non use of pull-ups (which BTW don't hold as much as diapers) to looking for 'all' the signs of her 'telling' me that she needs to go potty to setting a timer and asking her every 20 minutes each day if she needs to go potty and sitting on it every 20 minutes to using bribes or not to how excited or not you should get if they do potty in the potty. Yes, there is a lot here and every place I have been has hundreds of tips to help.
Oh, and Girl potty training and Boy potty training is VERY different. Supposedly girls are easier because of the aiming issues... however that can be solved for boys by putting a 'target' in the potty for them to aim at. I digress....
Since Isabelle does like to 'sit' on the potty, every time she asks to go 'potty' I say OK and off we go. This can last from 30 seconds to 10 minutes of bathroom 'fun.' And she is loving to wear pull-ups now, like a big baby girl (as she calls herself). Today, unlike no other we went in and sat on the potty when she asked and read a couple of books (no, not potty books - number/counting books). While there... she tooted. Yes, you read correctly. She tooted and thought it was the funniest thing!!! It makes a whole new sound in the porcelain. This of course made her want to stay longer on the potty... go figure, I am not in the mind of an almost 2 year old. But finally she was done and stood up ready to go and as I got hte pull-ups to put on her she started freaking out... 'mess mess mess...' and pointing down her leg. Hahaha, yes I laughed at her... she was peeing right down her leg, so I VERY quickly plopped her back on the potty to finish. I got super excited and we Hi-5'ed a bunch... there went that tip of excitement.
I'm sure there will be many an adventure with the potty, but we are off to a great start!
.
As I was leaving this morning, I had to go back in to get the camera and take this photo... snow on our spring tullips.Sunday, April 12, 2009
'Hoppy' Easter!
The day started out pouring and has been raining since. That's ok, we played in the rain in our new raincoat and rainboots! And of course, a new Ladybug umbrella.
We then went next door for a grand Egg Hunt... the big kids were all outside, and the four toddlers hunted inside. Isabelle REALLY gets the idea of hunting for eggs and putting them in the basket. She tied for first place! :) That's my girl.
Balance on one foot - trick
It is hard to tell in this, but daddy is pointing out a puddle to splash in.
We then went next door for a grand Egg Hunt... the big kids were all outside, and the four toddlers hunted inside. Isabelle REALLY gets the idea of hunting for eggs and putting them in the basket. She tied for first place! :) That's my girl.Then off to lunch with my parents. The Easter Bunny was there and unfortunately he scared Isabelle. Santa Clause, to her, is great... The bunny... not so much. But she looked so pretty in her new dress that we attempted a few photos... the whole while her attention was on the big bunny... making sure he stayed a descent distance away.
Balance on one foot - trick If the week is good... I am going to try for a photo in her Easter dress again.
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