It's the best time of year...

Opening day.

It's opening day!!!

I'm way excited.

Will and I are having an opening day party today.  Which really just consists of us.  In our reds jersey.  Watching the game.

I don't have much to say today because everyone should bask in the awesomeness that is opening dayyyyyy!

Happy Thursday, everyone!!!

Annoying myself & Photography

I tend to be pretty independent.  With everything I do.

Sometimes so much so that it even annoys me.

Robby worked in a camera shop for two years.  So he knows everything about cameras(he would disagree with this fact, but I don't!).  But if there's something that I need to learn, I totally want to learn it by myself. I need to go out with my camera in hand, to really consume it.  It's frustrating to him, I know.  Because if he just tells me, it's so! much! quicker!

So, I started taking a photography course through the mail from New York Institute of Photography.  I'm learning a lot, and I.love.it.  Even though Robby could probably tell me everything.  Lame, I know:)

Have a great Wednesday!

Technology, facebook, & Will

So, I'm not exactly technological savvy.

I know how to check facebook.  And blog.  And online shop(my specialty!).  And check my email.  But other than that... I'm not sure.  Robby called me the other day while he was working and said "Get the newsletter out of the documents folder, convert it into a pdf, export it, and drop it on the idisk."  Ummm... what?

Will on the other hand... already knows how to unlock our iPhones.  I had to put a code of mine that needs to be entered to get into it because he was making random phone calls to my family.  Robby downloaded an app on the ipad which are flashcards that he can go through and he just sits there and swipes to move to the next one.

It's just crazy to think that I'm sure soon, he will surpass me in technological-savvy-ness.  It's crazy that he's growing up with this stuff and already knows how to do way too much for a child who's one and a half.  But Robby's a total gadget nerd and I have a feeling that Will is going to be as well.

Have a fantastic Tuesday!

Cross Country & my parents

I'm not a quitter.

I learned this lesson in 7th grade.  My oldest friend, Laura asked me to go to a cross country practice to see 'if I liked it'.  (Side note: I've never liked running.  Ever.)  So, I think it's pretty needless to say that I did. not. like. it.  Laura liked it.  And then she hurt her back.  And she couldn't run anymore.  And without me, they wouldn't have enough people to compete.  I was the fifth person and I had to do it or our school wouldn't have a cross country team.

I wanted to quit so bad.  But my parents wouldn't let me.

So, I ran that whole year.  I hated it.  And it hated me.  I was horrible.  I was always in the back of everyone... I was never last, but always way too close to all the last people:) I was so upset at my parents for not letting me quit because I hated(ok, hate) doing things I'm bad at.  But they would tell me 'Julie, you are such an important part of that team.  Without you, there wouldn't be a team'.  Generally, when people hear that it's because they are the BEST at something.  Not so much here.

But I learned a very important lesson.  I am not a quitter.  Things aren't always fun, but if you make a commitment, you have to carry it through.  It wasn't always a welcomed lesson, but it's a lesson I am so glad that I learned.

Thank you, Mom & Dad, for instilling values in me that I still use in my adult life.  Thank you for being a constant source of encouragement(even when I sucked at cross country).  Thank you for being an example of how I should live out my life.  Thanks.

Apparently, there is no picture of all of us since my wedding day.  So, this is Robby and I with my parents.  We've all aged three years so use your imagination! :)

Have a great Monday!!!

Dave Ramsey, Taco Bell, & Baking

Random facts about me:

1. I love baking.  I make a killer home made apple pie.

2. When I was a senior in high school, my parents took the FPU course from Dave Ramsey and my spending money(Ok... their spending money they were gracious enough to GIVE me.) went kaput.  My favorite saying was "Dave Ramsey is ruining my life." (Yes, I was that dramatic back then!).  My parents made Robby and I take the course before getting married and I fully believe it's the only reason that I can stay home with Will.

3.  Robby and I were only engaged for five months.

4. My favorite color is black, followed closely by gray.  But I feel teenage-angsty saying that, so I usually tell people it's blue/purple.

5. I had an emergency c-section with Will.

6. Robby and I got our dog, Canon three weeks after we got married.  I thought he was too much responsibility.  Sometimes, it still surprises me that I'm a mom.

7. I used to eat Taco Bell in college all the time.  Now it makes me sick if I eat it.

8.  I tend to call a lot when someone's babysitting Will.  Yes, I'm one of those mom's.

9. I like really bright colors on the walls of my house.

10. I like getting up early.

11. I knew after our second date that Robby and I were going to get married.  It took him a little longer to admit this fact:)

Will and I when he was three weeks old.

Have a great weekend, everyone!!!

iPhones, pregnancy, & condolences

Robby and I have iPhones.

I was totally against this.  Robby had been drooling over them for... well, ever.  Every.time. we'd go shopping, he'd pull me over to it and explain how it works.  Because obviously to not want one, just meant that I simply didn't understand that an iPhone is pure awesomeness in your hand.  How did we come about getting them?

Robby hit me at a weak moment.  I was in the hospital.  When I was pregnant with Will, my blood pressure became a problem, so they put me in the hospital under a "24 hour observation".  Which turned into "just another day, just to be completely sure."  Which then turned into "keeping me in the hospital until they induced me at 37 weeks."

It was only ten days they wanted me to be in there, but it felt like eternity.  I hated it there.  I hated lying in a bed and not doing anything.  I know some moms even now that if they don't have their kids, they'll just spend a day lounging.  I.am.not.one.of.those.moms.  If I'm without Will for the day, I'm cleaning.  And running errands that would be easier without Will.  And going to the gym.  I'm sharing this so you know, that ten days in a place where Robby couldn't be with me all the time and I was bored out of my mind.  Horrrrible!

So I caved.  I told him he could get the iPhone as long as he brought me mine that night.  So he brought it to me.  I couldn't work it.  It was horrible.  Robby wasn't allowed to spend the night the first few nights I was in the hospital because I had a double room, so he was texting me the next morning.  And I wasn't fantastic at typing on the phone so our conversations looked like this:

Good morning!  How'd you sleep?

Nqot fanrtastic.  How's yoii sleep/?

It was a lot of back and forth like that.  It was bad enough, Robby thought something was wrong with me.  You know, besides the fact that I was serving out a death sentence at the hospital and couldn't text.  But I didn't have much time to figure it out... While the doctors wanted to wait another nine days for Will to come into this world, he had other plans.  He was born that evening.

We have decided once our contract is up in August, to get different phones.  Let's be honest, I decided this.  So, once August hits... If you see Robby, send condolences.  He's going to need a good friend to get him through that rough time.

Here are a couple of my favorites of Will back in the day:)

Have a fabulous Thursday, everyone!!!

Toilet paper, battles, & Canon

Robby tends to be more of a relaxed parent than me.

He tells me all the time, "There are battles worth fighting."

We generally have a different view on those battles, but it works because between the two of us, Will doesn't get away with too much.  My battles, generally come with it costing us money.

Example: This past weekend, we were cleaning.  Robby had our bedroom and I had our office and Will was just running back and forth hindering helping both of us.  At one point, I went into the bedroom and was talking to Robby and said:

"You do realize he's throwing all the toilet paper into the bath tub, right?"

"Julie.' Robby said.  'It's not that big of a deal."

"We're going to end up with wet toilet paper."

"Pick your battles, Julie.' Robby said practically."

Later, he pulled out a sopping-wet-now-useless roll of toilet paper and felt a little foolish.  That's why parenting between the both of us work.  We both don't really know what we're doing and we tend to have strengths where the other has weaknesses.  Robby and I were just talking the other day how we got our dog, Canon as a practice child to see if we could keep him alive or not.  He's now over three years old and still kicking:)

Robby- there's no one I'd rather be fumbling through parenting with than you.  We'll get the hang of it one day:)

Happy Wednesday!

Off days & Glee

I LOVE Tuesdays!  They are my favorite days.

Tuesdays are Robby's off days so I get to spend the whole day with both of my loves.  On top of that, I get someone to share in parenting responsibilities for the day which is a good break.  A needed break, generally.  Since it's Robby's off day, I can also catch up on laundry, school work, and dishes.  Also!  Tuesdays are my favorite TV nights.  Biggest Loser, Glee, and Teen Mom(Please do not judge me).  Tuesdays are fantastic, overlooked days...

Five things to smile about right now:

1. Will just learned to fist bump.  (Yes, we teach him all the really important things in life.)
2. We got to have dinner with Robby's sister last night.  We hadn't seen her since January!
3. The gas station across from my house has fantastic vanilla lattes.  Seriously, fellow Sardinians.  They're awesome!
4. The weather has been fabulous.  Will loves being outside!
5. I've lost 15 pounds(Jillian, yes... Jillian Michaels.  She'd be so proud:)

I hope you all have a fantastic Tuesday!

Conflict & Outlets

There's a study that breaks down human personalities into four basic categories:

Lion- Visionary, practical, productive, strong-willed, independent, decisive, leader
Beaver- Analytical, self-disciplined, industrious, organized, aesthetic, sacrificing
Otter- Outgoing, responsive, warm, friendly, talkative, enthusiastic, compassionate
Golden Retriever- Calm, easy-going, dependable, quiet, objective, diplomatic, humorous

You can read more about this here:
http://weirdblog.wordpress.com/2007/02/22/personality-types-lion-beaver-otter-and-golden-retriever/

I like to think that I'm a healthy balance of all four, but my husband says that I'm a golden retriever(Yes, I realized my husband called me a dog... moving on!:) In this study, it talks about how a golden retriever will take arguments/conflict and store it up until finally! they! explode!  And I have to agree, that's totally me.

Most days, it doesn't bother me that Robby takes his socks and shoes off by the couch.  And there. they. sit.  Most days, it doesn't bother me that toys hold Will's attention for .00023 seconds and then he's on to something new.  The other toys?  Everywhere.  My house looks like a tornado ripped through it after Will's had a really productive day.  Most days, I don't mind the post office ladies telling me that the one bill(though I've changed it a million times) still says my old address and I should change it.

But then some days... it's just too much.  I don't want to take it with a smile anymore.

But I try to anyways.  It comes in handy, actually.  When I have one of those days that I feel like I don't have the grace I should... I write.  I write my blog posts about one to two weeks in advance... And I generally write them all in one day.  Let's be honest... I have a child.  I write them all in one night when he's in bed(I just rocked Will to sleep).  Writing has been a fantastic outlet.  It just started out as a photography blog to get our name out there more turned into a therapy time.  (Not crazy... promise!)

So thanks for my husband(I love him mucho!), my son, and the post office ladies.  When I am quiet and not saying much, it's because there is usually something not-so-grace-filled in my mind and I'm trying not to say it:) It's a problem I'm working on.  Here's a secret for you: I'm so totally not perfect.  But because God shows us grace, I'm trying more and more everyday to have  more grace for those that I love the most.

Have a fabulous Monday, everyone:)

Henri Bendel & Newlyweds

Fun Fact Friday, peeps!

1. We have cable. However, I never really watch any shows when they happen.  I always use the DVR.

2. For our first date, Robby showed up three hours early.

3. I'm a really good speller, generally.  In fifth grade, I was in a spelling bee.  And I nailed arithmetic(I'm still impressed with that!), but I misspelled  buffallo buffalo.  Still to this day, I have trouble spelling the word and even if I DO happen to spell it right, it still looks wrong.  I'm totally self conscious, apparently.

4. I like my coffee black.  I do it with some sweetener, but no milk/creamer.

5. I LOVE Henri Bendel.  But the closest one is Columbus.

6. Robby proposed to me in the exact spot where we shared our first kiss.

7. My eyesight is super bad.

8. I hate camping, but Robby loves it.

9. Robby and I started a lot of projects in our house when we first moved in, but with the first of the year, we got really busy.  So our house consists of a lot of half finished projects... so Robby's taking a stay-cation in May!  Hoorah!

10. I almost always love the Glee version of songs rather than the originals.

11. My roommate in college and I used to watch Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica before we did homework because it made us feel smarter.

Some of my dear friends: Kristen, Me, Tiffany, and Laura(She was my college roommate!)

Have a fabulous weekend, everyone!  Spend it with the ones you love!

Trucks, shoes, & independence

Will is an independent child.  Already.

Example: The other morning, I dressed him in pants, shirts, and boots.  He then carries his Chucks over to me and says "shoes, shoes" until finally I put those shoes on him.  And then he was fine.  He wanted to wear different shoes then I put on him.  At EIGHTEEN months old.  It could be a wild ride with him, I've decided.

Will likes to do things himself.  As much as possible.  Sometimes he likes for me to pull him in his wagon on walks and sometimes he likes to just pull the wagon himself(but not with me in it... rude, right?).

He likes to sing the backpack song from Dora and Baby by Justin Beiber.  He likes to clap for himself when he's proud of something he's done.  He LOVES being outside.  He calls for our dog, Canon saying "Nanon!" and tries to whistle but it comes out as kiss-y sounds.  He loves to eat.  Constantly.  He likes drawing outside with sidewalk chalk.  He likes to cuddle in the evenings. He would take baths about four times a day if you'd let him.  He really likes cars and trucks.  Especially my dad's truck.  But instead of the traditional 'vroom' noises, his comes out as 'Mmmmm' like he just ate something really, really tasty.

I'm really excited to see what God has in store for his life.  I already pray for the path that his life is going to take, the woman he'll marry, and the hope that he'll be better than Robby and I combined.  But until then, we'll continue watching Dora, changing shoes, and playing with side walk chalk.

Have a fabulous Thursday!

Personal trainers & birthdays

So, Robby and I are starting to eat healthy.  It was about the time that Will starting eating everything that we did, that we decided to do so.  We're trying to leave our fast food behind us and just eat healthier.  Switching over to organic fruits/veggies and making the switch from white to whole wheat everything basically.  We're trying to get out and walk more or play basketball, just to get active.  


But I'm telling you, I was doomed from my birthday to my anniversary.  They're all within almost two weeks of each other.  My birthday is February 12th, Valentine's day is the 14th, and our anniversary is on March 1st.  So, I had the piece of cake(or two:), I had the chocolates for Valentine's day, and Robby and I had a meal on our anniversary that could've kept me full for days.  


The whole time, I just kept thinking, what would Jillian say?  You know... my personal trainer, Jillian Michaels.  My personal video trainer, at least:)  So it's time to start getting back on the wagon.  Doing the healthy eating thing and getting some exercise.  It's easier now that Will LOVES being outside and especially since he doesn't walk anymore but runs. Fast.  

Don't worry, Jillian.  I'll be back soon.  I'll do two-a-days to make up for it.  Promise.

Zombies, camp, & the day I met my husband

Robby went to a ministry conference.  He left our house yesterday at a little after six a.m. and won't be back until late this afternoon.  I'm lonely.  And realizing God did not cut me out to be a single parent.  Having time alone allows me to reflect and today I was thinking about how Robby and I met.

Robby's a much better person than I am.  Really.  All the qualities that I strive to have, just come naturally to him.  He always thinks the best of people and is always nice and kind.  He's really funny.  He's makes me laugh more than anyone I know.  He always has time to help people.  He has never met a stranger... He's insta-friends with everyone.  And he really tries to make me happy.  The truth is, I couldn't feel luckier.  Plus, he's the best father to our son.

Robby and I met in the summer of 2006.  I actually first noticed Robby when he was talking to his friend, Jessa.  He just genuinely looked like he cared.  He wanted to be in the conversation and was interested in what she was talking about it.  Also, let me preface this whole statement with the fact that I was nineteen and most guys my age still acted like they were twelve(That's about right, correct?  Seven years behind?).  So to see a boy in a serious conversation and not looking to run in the other direction was surprising and refreshing.

Then Robby talked to me.  Let me preface this by saying, we were working at a summer camp.  With Jr. Highers.  They like to go to bed late.  We had to get up early.  I had NOT had my coffee yet.  And he told me I looked like a zombie.  So, of course... I didn't like him.  Oh, internet... it didn't stop there.  That lunch, he sat across from my friend Trevor and me and said 'What?  Doesn't your friend(yes, meaning me!) talk?'  For some reason, it didn't cross his mind that I just didn't like to talk to boys who call me zombies.  Yes, this is now my kind, compassionate husband.  He swears to this day, he was trying to flirt.  Still to this day, I tell him it didn't work so well.  And still... he tells me it. obviously. did.  He got me.  

Yes, we've come a long way from our first rocky encounter.  By the way, he got much nicer and much better at flirting by the time school rolled around, but that's another story.  There's no one I'd rather have by my side than him.  Especially when it comes to being parents:)

I'm watching the boy I met when I was 19 morph into the man of my dreams more and more everyday.

Have a fantastic Tuesday, everyone!!!

Change & Growth

Change.

It's a word that doesn't always have positive connotations to it.  I, myself, struggle with this.  I want to accept change full steam ahead, however I too am leery to actual want to change.  Because, generally speaking, it's uncomfortable.  Changing out of our everyday habits and stepping into something new, is scary.  And I don't like scary.

Comfortable.

That word generally always has positive connotations to it.  Confession: I hate that word.  Ever since I was young, I loved fashion.  I loved clothes.  I loved how you could totally convey your mood in what your wearing.  As my favorite Lauren Conrad has said "It's wear-able art."  I watch What Not To Wear like it's going out of style(HA:), but 9 times out of 10, they have someone on their who's just gotten sloppy.  (I totally understand this and especially being a mom.)    But the first thing they say is "But it's COMFORTABLE!!"  After watching my numerous style shows that I stalk, I hate the word comfort.

I don't ever want to be comfortable.  In life and in photography.  I don't necessarily like being uncomfortable, but I ache for the change.  Writing a blog makes me uncomfortable.  Half because I still act like a junior high girl wondering if people are going to think I'm cool or not and half just because I tend to think I'm HILARIOUS and I'd hate to find out differently!  Putting yourself out there is scary.  But I make myself uncomfortable and force the change, because I have dreams for my company... to create a brand that is reflective of my personality and style.

So I'm going to keep being uncomfortable and watching the change.  Why?  Because that causes growth.  Without growth, things tend to die.

Snow storms & Diet Pepsi

Thank goodness it's Fun Fact Friday!  TGIFFF, anyone?

1. Our son's name is William David Ballmeyer.  William after Robby's dad and David after my dad.  We wanted to honor the two men that we respected the most.

2. Robby and I went to the same school for a year and never met.  We met while working the same summer camp in 2006.

3. I love the show Criminal Minds.  But I don't watch it unless Robby's home because I get scared.  (Yes, I'm THAT much of a scared-y cat.)

4. I LOVE exercising.  In the summer, I make Robby take walks with me every.day.  He hates it.

5. I love Diet Pepsi.  Mmmm.  I could drink it all! day! long!

6.  I really like skittles, but I hate the orange and yellow ones.  I always throw them out.

7. In 2006(before Robby and I were dating), there was a really bad snowstorm.  My car got stuck on eighth street about a mile from campus.  (Side note: I'm not a bad driver.  Lots of people were stuck.  Even a fire truck couldn't make it up!)  Robby walked the mile from campus to my car and back so I wouldn't have to walk alone.

8. I love love love Adele's new album.  If you haven't checked it out... you should!

9.  I almost died giving birth to Will(but I think he was totally worth the heartache!)

10. I love Panera's potato soup.  That makes any cold better.  Now if we could just get one closer so I can enjoy my reality shows... with my snuggie... with the potato soup.  Perfect:)

11. I love coffee, but only Starbucks.  I grind my own beans at home because I like it to be uber fresh.

The other day, I wanted to get some more pictures of Will.  But when we went outside, Will saw his wagon.  And only wanted that.  There's really no negotiating with him... (though I try daily).  So these pictures are from Robby pulling Will around in his wagon while I was shooting away. Photography with an 18 month old is always so difficult exciting;)

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Sprinting full steam ahead!

Occasionally, something that was said offhandedly smacks me right in the face.


When I was younger, I'd be talking to my parents about life decisions I was making and then they'd start to argue their point.  SMACK.  They were right.  Sometimes, it's in the middle of an argument with Robby and then... WHAM.  He says something and I know he's right.  I hate that.  Sometimes I love it.  But most of the time, I hate it.  


But the other night, I loved it. Well, I kinda hated it.  Ok, I had a love/hate relationship with it.  I love the concept, but I'm bad at it which makes me hate it. 


People are more important than tasks.  BAM.

I know it seems obvious, but how many times do we get caught up in massive "to do" lists, and neglect the people that are right in front of us?   I am often guilty of this.  Of getting stressed with all of the millions of things I just HAVE to get done, and forgetting to enjoy the moments with the people I love.


I know I write about Will and Robby a lot, but that fact of the matter is... I write about what I love.  Robby.  Will.  Photography.  In that order.  


I still remember the day I found out I was pregnant with Will.  I was so scared.  I was only 21 and had only been married about 11 months.  Scared probably doesn't cut it.  I was SHAKING.  I remember thinking my life was over, but in reality, it was only beginning.  He was born August 21, 2009 and times has FLOWN by.  Seriously.  


I remember the sleepless nights.  I remember his first smile.  His first laugh.  His first word.  His first steps.  


And then his first steps quickly turned into walking.  Steadily.  That turned into sprinting everywhere.  Will does not walk anymore.  He sprints.  Full steam ahead. I have to slow down and treasure these moments with him or they'll be gone.  Life, like Will, is charging full steam ahead.  

Have a fabulous Thursday everyone!

California.

This past summer my family and I flew out to California.  Robby's sister and her family live in Burbank.

A direct quote from my husband?  "Burbank is kinda like the armpit of California."

Burbank is in a valley.  Which means there is like no wind.  Or at least it feels that way.  It was in the upper nineties every day we were there.  We would go to the beach and it was feel insta 15 degrees cooler and a sweet action breeze.

I love it there.  I think it's so beautiful.  I want to go back... now.  Spring is not approaching fast enough for me!

The pier at Santa Monica...

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous view.  I love that you can see the ocean + the mountains.

California- you have some of my heart.  I thought it was about time that you knew.

House quirks

Robby and I bought a house last November.  We moved in last December.  So we're still fairly new to the house and just figuring out all the little quirks.  Example: Flushing the toilet leads to scalding hot water in the shower.  Just for about 20 seconds.  But 20 very LONG seconds.

Now, let me say this... We love this house.  I love decorating it because it feels more like our house everyday.  But still, this is not a new house.  It has quirks.

Guys.  I found a quirk.

The other night, Robby, being the dear and loving husband that he is, decided to start a load of laundry while I was in the shower.  So, I was enjoying the first few minutes of my shower and then... it's getting warmer.  Ok, more warm now.  No, this is getting hot.  NO, this is BURNING.

"ROBBY!" I yelled out.  "WHAT are you POSSIBLY doing right now???"

I'm not one to discourage laundry doing(especially when I'm not the one doing it) but this was like the shower was on perma-flush.  Luckily, Robby heard me yelling and turned it off.

We're still learning things about this house.  We're still learning things about photography.  And life.  And parenting.  But I hope we don't stop anytime soon.  When you stop learning, you stop growing.

Not that it has anything remotely to do with this post... he's just adorable:

Have a fabulous Monday!

Worrying makes the world go round...

Or at least my world:

"Do you see it?" I asked.  "Right there!  And over here, too."

"Julie, it'll be alright." Robby said.   "Just calm down.  Babies get rashes sometimes... It could've been something he ate or the new laundry detergent."

"Well, it's almost his bedtime... maybe he should stay up so I can see if anything changes."

"Julie, you know you're both just going to be miserable if you let him stay up.  He needs to sleep."  Robby said practically.

"Ok." I whispered walking out his bedroom door. "Will, please don't die tonight."


As you can see, I'm always the totally calm and collected one in our relationship.  Never an irrational thought in this head.  For the record... It WAS just the new detergent.  Confession time: If you could tell from the above conversation, I am a worrier.  Over everything.  It's a trait that's been aggravated with having a child.  Even things that are honestly so minute that they do not need to be worried about.  Don't worry... I know one day I'm going to solve all the world's problems with all the worrying I do.  Or drive myself/Robby crazy.  Whichever comes first.

But for now, I will stop worrying and celebrate the fact that my family is healthy and happy.  God has taken care of us and provided for us consistently. I'm guessing He won't stop anytime soon, but until then I just won't worry about it... :)

Will and I took a walk the other day, and found a cute little fence along the way.  How could I not stop for a photo op?

Reality TV and Lip Gloss

Fun Fact Friday:) lame? Maybs.

1. I love reality tv shows.  I am not into Jersey shore, but I loved laguna beach, the hills, and the city.  Currently, I'm hooked on Kourtney and Kim take New York and I used to be Fat.  It's not a trait I'm particularly proud of:)

2. I love reading.  I'm trying to read more but ever since I've had Will it's hard to find the time.

3.  I love Apple products.  As my friend Whitney has said "If Apple made a car, I'd totally buy it."

4.  I love love love decorating my house.  Seriously.  I could spend all day doing it.

5.  I think my child is the cutest kid in the world.  I have lots of pictures up in my house and I'm always afraid when someone new comes in that they'll totally judge me that I have too many pictures of him!

6.  I love cinnaburst cheerios.  Anyone who hasn't tried them, do it.  I've always hated regs cheerio's, but these are so good.  And for those who care, you get 20% of your daily fiber!  :)

7.  I love lip gloss.  You know the quote that diamonds are a girls best friend?  Not true.  It's lip gloss.

8.  I love painting my nails black but try not to do it too often because I don't want to come off as teenage angst-y.

9.  I like Justin Beiber.  There.  I said it.  Don't judge.  His songs are catchy!

10.  I abbrev (abbreviate:) my words a lot.  Maybs.  Regs.  Diet Peps.

11.  I have a dog named Canon, but Robby and I shoot with Nikon cameras.  Calling for 'Nikon' doesn't exactly roll off your tongue.

Have a fabulous weekend, everyone!!

Justin Beiber & Sardinia

We laugh every day in our home.  Every single day.  Even more now since our son was born, I think.  And I thank God for it.  We get goofy with each other, we dance for no reason at all(Boy band Robby comes out), we talk ghetto(yes, I realize I'm from Sardinia... population: 1,000.), and have tickle fights.

The best part is that we just get to be ourselves, to be comfortable with each other, and know that we can be as goofy as we want.  The end result is always worth it.  And it reminds me how lucky I am.

I am lucky to have a husband who loves me.  But I'm just as lucky to have Will in my life.  And be able to stay home with him.  I love watching him learn things.  

Example: Will was in the habit of calling everyone 'Mom'.  Everyone.  Robby.  Grandparents.  My brothers.  Waitresses.  (yes, I said waitresses.)  I felt like I was kidnapping him every time he didn't want to leave one of my family members because he would start throwing a fit and saying 'MMMMmooooommmmmmmmaaaaa!!!' 

He's finally, finally, FINALLY calling Robby 'Dad'. Actually, he's started calling him 'My dad', but close enough:) He's started calling my brother Jeremy, 'Meremy'.  Yes, he's still has a lot more people to learn their names... but it's a start.  And a start I'll definitely take.  Now hopefully I won't get death stares from older people thinking I'm stealing a baby.

I LOVE the personality he's getting.  He's so funny.

Example: This past week, he's started walking around the house singing Justin Beiber's song 'Baby.' P.S.  All you haters better leave this subject alone because that's my baby you're talking about.  No pun intended.

I'm lucky.  I've been blessed.  And I realize this more every single day.  


Also: Check out Will's new chucks!!

Will actually loves his hanging upside down game.  He was laughing the whole time.  Promise.  Don't call child protective services on us, ok? :)

Have a great Thursday, everyone:)

Bad jokes & dance parties

Right now, my work load seems unending.


Example: Somehow, I did six loads of laundry this weekend, and even still, Robby, Will, and my hampers are almost completely full. It seems like a bad joke.  Note to soon-to-be mom's out there:  I never realized how much laundry a tiny baby could make.  But now, with having a toddler who is constantly outside... pants get dirty.  Or muddy.  Or ripped.  During lunch, I think it's almost a requirement that Will spills something on himself.  It's a bit amazing the laundry an 18 month old can create.


Now, I get to do exactly what I want to do. Work load wise, I mean.  Write. Photograph. Be a wife. Be a mom.  How could I complain?  This is the life that I chose.  And I wouldn't trade it for anything.  However, right now, it is absolutely imperative for me to take the time to consider this season I find myself in. I am lucky.  Extremely lucky.  Currently, I have the opportunity to blossom creatively, a husband who is behind me 100% encouraging me, and a massive amount of laundry to serve… without grumbling. 

When I have a spare moment, I think of the things that I'm filling my time with.  Which begs the question, what am I doing with my life? I can come up with a swizillion (a swiss million) different things that I fill my day with... Watch Dora, have dance parties with Will, Eat PB&J's, change a tremillion (not swiss for anything, move along) diapers, cook, work out, clean up after a whirling tornado of destruction that is my son, do my photography lessons, go to church, vacuum, do laundry like it's going out of style, the list goes on and on and on...

The things I spend my time doing is a bold declaration about what is important to me. Therefore, I dared myself to slow down, even if I don't necessarily have the 'time' to, and feed my soul the things it craves. Regardless of what my agenda is calling for.  One of these cravings is friendship. No, I don’t have time to go out to lunch, and no-no-no I don’t have time to grab coffee with my friends, but in actuality… I really do. I do have time. Here we are, you and me both, we have it. But we’ve delegated it to things in such odd rations that we’ve literally become a slave to our schedules instead of free living lovers of what once was life.  

Let me explain, I'm not a shy hide-in-the-corner-eating-my-hair type girl.  I do have a lot of friends.  Just with all the responsibilities of being a wife(and a minister's wife, at that), a photographer, and a mother has most of my day, weeks, months jammed packed.  But I'll be the first to admit, that most things I put upon myself to do, are time limits that I create.  I tell clients for family/engagement/maternity/baby shoots that it'll be two weeks to get their pictures.  I try to do it in one.  I tell my weddings that it'll be four weeks.  I try to do it in two.  I'm a bit of an overachiever and it's catching up to me.  

I'm not trying to promote anyone to be irresponsible.  Or tell them not to follow through on their commitments.  Or to bail on their schedules.  Only to try to see that all the things that we tell ourselves we have to get done TODAY that are absolutely-imperative-or-the-world-will-end... are not actually the end of the world.  (Yes, that last sentence was a run on. My bad:)

In conclusion, stop putting time constraints on yourself.  Your clients aren't going to know if you spent an extra day than you were planning on their already-faster-than-promised pictures.  Grab the cup of coffee.  Read the book.  Catch the movie.  Spend a day doing all the things you wished you had time to do. (Yes, I do realize this last paragraph was mostly for my benefit.)

Three years, two moves, and one baby.

Three years ago today, I married my best friend.  He's been the glue that holds us together and the optimistic one telling me we can get through anything.  He takes care of me.  He's everything that I always wanted my husband to be.  And we have the most beautiful child together that I can't imagine my life without.

Robby- 

Thank you for being my friend.

Thank you for telling me the truth, even when it's hard...

For caring about me, even when I was broken.

For thinking I'm brilliant, even when I don't make sense...

Thank you for thinking it's funny when I'm mad at you, 

instead of raising your voice...

For explaining something simple 10 times,

because I need to make sure I understand.

For thinking I'm beautiful 

on days that I know I'm a hot mess.

Thank you for showing me God's love, and patience when I'm frustrated and impatient.

For allowing me to heal, to grow, to move forward...

And for moving forward with me.

Thank you for having fun with me...

For making me laugh harder than anyone else...

For loving my silly dance moves, and trying to keep up with me.

Thank you for shutting all the cabinet doors that I constantly leave open,

For doing dishes because I hate them,

And for being the best dad that Will could have.

Robs- You are constantly making me a better person.  A better photographer.  Thanks for never giving up on me and always thinking the best of everyone.  

Pictures courtesy of Rudy Harris Photography

Even though we are professional photographers, I'm ashamed to say we haven't had family pictures taken in over a year!  Will is the telltale sign.  He was only three months old when these were taken!  I promise... once it's warm we are totally getting them done.  

Have a fabulous week!