change.

Life has been changing so fast around me. Seriously. Life as we knew it has totally been rearranged. Greg is starting a new job. I just found out that my part time position at work has been eliminated, due to them needing a full time person. So much change.

As you can see from the picture, my little guy isn't so little anymore. I swear he's growing and changing so much right before my eyes. He's turning into a boy - a sweet, caring, entertaining little guy. He has made his Mommy and Daddy so happy and so grounded during all of these changes. I'm so thankful for his patience with us while we've been stressed.

Forgive me, yet again, blogland friends. I'm trying... I'm trying...

I WILL be a regular blogger... some day... I hope any of you that read my blog still come out here and check every once in a while just to see if I'm still here! :)

Back to my friends...

So, I had this grand idea of writing about my friends for a week, and well, I had those other things on my heart so, I kind of got a little sidetracked. Today..... let's talk about Darci!

Oh, Darci. You and I have been through so many good things together, as well as many trying things. Thankfully, through it all, we've been there for each other, we've been there to pray, and we've been there just to be there. Your friendship is a wonderful blessing to me in many ways. You have taught me a lot about being a better friend and person. You have shown me your faithfulness in God. You have been an example of an excellent, patient, self-less parent.

You are a natural teacher. An instructor with the best motive - love and true devotion to your student... no matter what the area of study. You have determination, motivation, and excellent execution of your plans. You follow through with what you've set your mind to, and I admire that very much. So many of us have these amazing plans and ideas but never really follow through with them. You, however, set a goal and totally go for it.

I still question sometimes why you call me 'friend', but I'm so glad you do. I am also so pleased that our sons have become such wonderful little friends. God is faithful, friend. God is faithful.

Only One.

There's only One who never fails to beckon the morning light...

-Only One by Caedmon's Call

Every shadow is evidence of sun...

-Sunrise by Nichole Nordeman

Only you can see the good in broken things...

-Hallelujah by Bethany Dillon

I believe You are good and righteous...

Be Near by Bethany Dillon

And, pretty much all of the lyrics to Beautiful by Shawn McDonald. (check this out)

These are just things that have been on my mind lately. There's so much junk in this world. So many things that are clearly wrong that are gradually turning into being accepted. Don't offend others, keep your beliefs to yourself. There are so many people (myself included) who are losing focus. My son is nearly 4 years old and we've done a very bad job of making sure he's been to church to learn about Christ. This is something I've been feeling extremely guilty about lately. We pray with him every night, and I'd like to think we set a good example of trying to be kind to others, help others in need, and just love, but that's not enough. It's not enough to be "good people". It's not enough. So many people are losing that core belief that Christ needs to be our Savior. We need to admit that "good" isn't enough.

Taking him to church does not guarantee his salvation. Churches can have just as negative effect in people's lives as well. I know this. But, will he ever know Christ if I don't expose him? Will he ever know the Way, if I'm not showing him?

Gulp.

Yes, exactly why I needed to write this post. To call myself out. To quit being a coward. To get my happy behind out of bed Sunday mornings and show my son what it is to obey. Churches can hurt people. I know this full well. But, churches can love people too. Churches can be something good. And, I know this full well too.

So readers, I'm asking that you pray that we find a church where Gabe can grow up. Where he can see us actively involved and obeying.

I know I'm being very personal here - and why blog about this? Well, no more worrying about what people think. It's exhausting feeling like I need to please everyone. This is part of the reason I stopped blogging before... I felt overwhelmed with feeling like I wasn't as great as these other blogger moms out there. I felt inadequate. I felt inferior. But, I guess I'm feeling stronger now or something!

Thanks for listening, friends. And, thanks for letting me be me. :)

Autumn's Blessings

Just because I'm feeling incredibly blessed:

• I have wonderful inlaws (on both sides of the family) who feel more like immediate family than "inlaws".
• I have a healthy, happy, hilarious little boy.
• I have a loving husband that loves me for who I am.
• I have terrific friends. Love them to pieces.
• I have the best siblings a person could ask for.
• I have awesome, talented, intelligent, cool nieces and nephew (and another little one in the oven... :)
• I love my part time job as a photographer.
• My business has been growing without advertising.
• My house is clean.
• It's Autumn - my favorite time of year.
  

What made my day...

Ok, we must have a break in the Momma Getaway talk about your friends week for this important announcement! Ahem...

I am going to be an Aunt again!

That's right! Dan & Sonya are expecting their first child. I am so thrilled because I know more than anything they want to be parents. And, they will be awesome ones. They are just naturals with kids... they will do such a great job with their own little bundle.

Congratulations, Brother & Sonya. I am praying for a happy, healthy, joy-filled pregnancy! Can't wait to meet that little one!

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in a baby carriage!

Today's Friend??? ...Marya!

Miss Marya (pronounced Mary-uh) is a great kind of friend. There are so many times that I'll just look at her and start smiling, trying not to laugh. Then she will look at me and say, "What?!" She just cracks me up. Often times, I find myself smiling, near laughter, as I approach the walkway to her house. I told her this one time - she didn't know why I'd start smiling. And I told her, "Because we always have such a great time together, and I just know I'm going to be laughing!"

Today is Marya's day because she and I scrapbooked together today. Gabe had preschool this morning and I was off work. So, she came up and we got to scrap. She and I can sit and scrap for hours (and we do!) It'll be nothing for us to start at 9:00 in the morning and not be done until 12:00, and that's only because we know we have to get home!

She's a mom that's a lot like me - pretty easy-going, yet worries about what she does or doesn't do to be a good mom. I know a lot of moms are like that, but she's just a lot like me. And, she's a lot like Tami. And, I think that's why the 3 of us get along so well! Marya has a very gentle heart... she will cry at any sad story. I love that about her, because she is able to show her emotion easily - not something that comes very easily to me.

Another thing about Marya is that no topic of conversation has not been approached between me and her! My husband always says, "What did you and Marya talk about tonight?" My response is always, "You know, weiners, like always!" For some reason, my husband thinks that's all women talk about when they're together! Another thing I love about Marya is that she takes crap from Greg and gives it right back to him. And, I think he really likes her for that. I don't know about you, but it's pretty cool when your husband likes your friends. Another way Marya and Tami are similar!

Marya, thank you for being a friend I know I'm guaranteed to laugh with, a friend who will talk about weiners with me (hahaha), and a friend who has been through thick and thin with me.

PS: Marya, please don't hate me for this picture... we really need to get some new ones of us together. I couldn't find ANY pictures of you by yourself! Hopefully this picture made you laugh... it sure made me.

Write About Your Friends Week!

So, I thought I'd write a little something (or sumfin, as Gabe would say) about each of my friends attending the Momma Getaway in a couple weeks. All these ladies mean so much to me, and well, I think I should share a little about them!

First up? Mrs. Tami Lyons! C'mon on down! You're the first friend on the Write About Your Friends Week!

Tami is one of the best people I've ever met, and the coolest thing about her is, she doesn't even know it. She and I have some of the best times ever, some of those being at the Momma Getaway's. Since I'm a snorer (booo...) I have to sleep in the snoring room. Well, Tami doesn't want me to be in the scary room by myself - If you saw where this lodge is located, you'd be afraid too... It's like Deliverance!

I digress.

Anywho, we have some of THE best conversations in there. We always lay in our bunks (not in a gay way - she in hers, me in mine!) and talk. Just when we say goodnight, one of us inevitably starts talking again, and we end up staying up for an hour or more talking! What a good friendship.

She's put up with my insecurities, my forgetfulness, and my busy life. She's cried with me when I've been upset, and she's given me hugs even when I didn't know I needed them. She's the best kind of friend - one that loves me for who I am and isn't afraid to tell me if/when I'm making a mistake, or doing something I may regret.

She & her family have introduced me to a world of new things: Serious garage sale shopping, Dominoes, Twilight, a new appreciation for scary movies, sewing, etc... Her family has embraced mine as their own. She and her husband Steve have raised fun, unconditionally loving, hilarious kids that we have grown extremely close to.

Tami, I am so thankful for you. Thank you for being my Bestie.

MG Fall 2010

Oh my goodness... I am so ready for the Fall Momma Getaway! What's a Momma Getaway you ask?? Well, let me just provide you with a little bullet list of details...

• Me and a few of my very closest friends. I'm kind of the common denominator among all of the ladies... I introduced them and we all seem to get along great!
• A LOT of scrapbooking. I mean A LOT. We each get a large table, put them in the shape of a large square (so we can see each other when we're talking) and scrap, sew, make jewelry, whatever from Thursday night to Sunday mid-afternoon! It's kind of like the old quilting bees.
• Good food. Each lady is responsible for providing a meal to share. And, we all bring snacks and our own drinks.
• Good conversations... sometimes its deep, sometimes its just funny!
• Staying up as late as we want (sometimes as late as 3:30 am... wowza... we're rebels!
• A lodge-type cabin... complete with a stuffed bear. (for our protection)
• Bunk beds! :)
• A snoring room - I won't say who's sleeping there.
• We have a TV/DVD combo there and we like to have movies playing in the background and we'll bring music too.
• No distractions and no "MOM!!!!!" or "I'm Firsty!!!" :) It's kinda nice to be able to relax a little without being distracted by all you have to do around the house too.
• Great husbands that realize that we work hard all year and understand that we need a break too.

Momma Getaway might seem a little selfish, but this is really the only time of year I get to scrapbook. We have a late winter/early spring one too. During the rest of the year, I'm busy as a Mom, wife, and photographer. Greg travels a lot with his job too, so this gives me a little away time. For like the entire month before, I'm busy organizing my pages (a lot of the fun of the whole thing for me!!) and just thinking about all I hope to get done. This year, we're going to incorporate some devotions in as well. I'm excited about trying to tie that into a scrapbook layout or craft idea too.

Momma Getaway - we're ready!

when I get where I'm goin...

I've thought a lot about the moment I get where I'm going. Now, because I'm a Christian, I believe with my heart that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. So, that means I'll meet Him in Heaven some day. I've thought about that time, walking with my Savior... What I'll ask him. What will matter. Will infertility matter? Will being overweight matter? Will the answer to whoever killed Jon Benet Ramsey matter? (Yes, I really want to know who dun it!)

Well, I don't think I'm going to ask 'why' me for infertility.

Crazy probably for me to think that way, I know. But, also remember, I have dealt with this for many years now - 8 or so. I've kind of come to a peace with it now. I know what my motherhood purpose is - to be a mom to the little boy I hear playing Batman in the tub right now. The little boy who makes me laugh everyday. The little boy that is guaranteed to frustrate me at least once a day. :) And, the little boy I would give everything up for. The little boy I would do it all again for. The hormone shots, the negative pregnancy tests, the waiting, the crying, the waiting, the pain, the waiting, ...

I would do it all again. In a second.

So, I guess it's not going to be one of the things I ask Him "Why?" I know why. Every road led me to Gabe, every tear, every heartache, led me to the little boy who is the center of my world. I could not love him any more than I do. I don't feel like he's someone else's. I don't feel like I missed out on the pregnancy. I feel like I got my own blessings in adopting a child. I don't feel like I was short-changed or cheated in any way. I feel blessed that I didn't experience the physical pain of labor. I feel blessed that Gabe's birth family has become part of our family. My boy has so many people in his life that love him so much.

So, I know why it all came together now. It took me a long time to get here, but I'm here. I feel like I'm right where I'm supposed to be, and God knew that all along.

So, other women out there with fertility issues, remember God knows what He's doing. And just as a parent looks out for their child (even when they don't think it's fair - something I'm going through with a toddler right now), God is doing that for you. He knows how it will all pan out, and remember, His plans are to prosper you, not to harm you. He will fulfill the desires of your heart. Trust me, I've been where you are. Through great pain, and I mean awful pain, comes wonderful, amazing things. Just trust that He will get you through it.

It's good to be back.

So, after a break of blogging, I realized that I missed it, and well, it's good to be back. I really enjoyed writing about our lives, so I thought I'd try and get going on it again. Life's been pretty busy this summer, but awesome. My sister, Lindsey married her high school sweetheart on Cocoa Beach in FL in June. We had a reception for them at my parents' farm, and it was a great time. We took a few formals by the barn too.

My niece/Goddaughter was born July 24th to my sister, Jenny and her husband, Rene. She is the most beautiful little girl and I already feel such a bond with her. I was able to be in the room when she was born (an experience I will always cherish and be thankful for) and I got to hold her just minutes after her entrance to the world. Jenny and Rene are wonderful parents. She is such a sweet little one with such a calm, easy-going disposition. Love her, love her, love her.

And, August 28th, my little brother, Dan married his sweetheart, Sonya. I was honored to take the pictures at their wedding too. Sonya was a beautiful bride and their wedding was so special. I know I've talked before about how these "kids" (Jenny, Lindsey, & Dan) were all in an accident. Watching Jenny and Rene bring new life to the world, watching Lindsey and Matt say their vows, and watching Dan and Sonya dance to their song brought back a lot of emotion. Believe it or not, I'm not a very emotional person. I feel a LOT in my heart, but for some reason, I'm not a big crier. I sympathize and empathize with many, but tears don't come very often. Tears flowed from my eyes as I watched my brother and Mom dance to Always a Child.

Our family has experienced so many blessings in the past year. I have a new sister and two new brothers. I have a niece. I have a healthy boy and husband.

This adorable one starts preschool up again on Tuesday. He is very excited about it. I have to admit, I'm a little selfish when it comes to preschool starting again! I like having that 2 1/2 hours to get some work done, uninterrupted! I think I am a better mom for it! If I get to work those 2 hours when I'm home, I have more free uninterrupted time to do things with my son too.

On the business front, Wish I Might is staying very busy. I'm in senior picture mode and have several sessions lined up for Sept/Oct. It's been a blessing to have Wish I Might and I feel like I'm learning more and more everyday. In July, I had my first Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep session. I made it through it, but it was very difficult. I cried the entire way home from the hospital. I really was glad that I did it though. And, I had an awesome photographer there to help me through it. Really, emotionally and technically, she was so supportive. She let me take the entire session, but was there when I had any questions. I've really been thinking a lot about the session and wondering if I'll be able to do it on my own, and I think I will be able to. I'd like to be a part of 1 or 2 more sessions first - just to be a little more comfortable.

Greg had his first carpal tunnel surgery Thursday, so I'm playing nurse this week... pretending I know what I'm doing while changing bandages! :) With a mom and 2 sisters as nurses, some of it had to be passed to me too, right?

Thanks all for reading, putting up with my indecisiveness, and for coming back! :)

Memory Keeper

I am a memory keeper. And I am tired. I keep up with Facebook, scrapbooking, Flickr, ordering pictures, and unfortunately, not my blog. I've realized that I'm really repeating stuff. I put a picture on Flickr. I write a description. I usually put it on FB too, because I share a lot with family and friends that way. And then, if I think of it, I put it on my blog and write a brief summary about why that picture is special to me. There is probably some fancy way to link them all together, but I'm not that interested in taking the time to learn it! :) And, lastly, I print that picture and scrap it. Well, enough double work. I am a mom to a busy boy and my favorite of these activities is scrapbooking. I love the homemade feel, I love the personalized handwriting (I very rarely type any text) and I love that it's something I enjoy doing with my closest friends. I will keep up Flickr because I do use that as a site to post previews for customers. I will not, however, continue to blog. I'm not a modern girl. I feel like an old-fashioned, snail-mail enjoying, simple housewife who just isn't up for blogging. If I felt like I had a lot to say that was worthy of reading, I may keep it up, I just think I'm going to save those memories and thoughts for Gabe's books.

I have really enjoyed blogging as a way to express myself and share my thoughts, but at the same time, I kinda just like reading other people's blogs! I don't really update mine that much! So, farewell from GabesMom/WishIMightPhotography! If I decide to pursue photography more seriously in the future, WIM may make a blogging reappearance, but maybe not. Thank you to everyone that's read the blog and thought I had anything interesting to say. If you'd like to keep up with us, friend me on Facebook - I'd love to keep in touch!

Madrina

See this beautiful lady in the pictures? I'm very proud to call her my sister and she is carrying my little niece. I found out yesterday, that Jenny & Rene chose me to be the baby's Madrina, or, her god mother.

I was so happy. I started crying. I'm not one that cries very easily, but I was so touched. I am so happy for Jenny & Rene as they start their family together, and being a Madrina, well, I am honored to have a role like this in their child's life. I've never been a god mother before and I am not really sure what the role entails. I have been doing a little research just so I can help to honor Rene's side of the family. I'd like to share in the culture and history with them. Jenny had a really nice bridal shower yesterday with Rene's family. We played games, had great food, and really had a nice time.

I can't wait for the baby to get here. It's so hard to believe that in less than 10 weeks, she will be!

Quiz Time & Circus Pictures

Gabe & "Mr. Hoover"

Gabe & Billy

Gabe & Garren

Gabe & his future wife - I mean, Maelee

Gabe standing up with some of his class. Doesn't he look cute in his polo and faux hawk?


And, switching gears a bit here...

I thought I'd follow Sarah on this! It looked like fun!

What is your current obsession? garage sales. I can't get enough.

What is your current favorite memory? the day we brought Gabe home.

Starbucks or Peet's? Starbucks, rarely... not a big coffee person. Unless its a mocha.

What's for dinner? Right now, grilling out. Love sitting on the back patio with my guys for supper.

What would you eat for your last meal? hmmm... my mom's roast... complete with a gravy sandwich. Along with strawberry limone as a dessert. And, an ice cold Coca Cola.

What's the last thing you bought? some vintage goodies at a garage sale yesterday... including greeting cards, a chair/stepstool, and vintage Pfaltzgraff service for 12.

What are you listening to right now? I've been listening to Lit... reminding me a bit of college.

What is your favorite ice-cream flavor? Hmmm... vanilla, Hershey's syrup, and crackers

What was your favorite toy growing up? All of our 'school stuff'. We played school for hours!!

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? Ireland. And I would take my camera!

Which language do you want to learn? I've always wanted to learn German

What is your favorite color? dark brown, green, turquoise, yellow

What is your favorite piece of clothing in your own wardrobe? Ugh. I hate my wardrobe. If I had to pick, I'd say my new jean jacket to go over my dark brown beaded shirt.

What is your dream job? photographer - with my own studio.

What is your worst habit? overeating

If you had £100 now, what would you spend it on? Stuff for Gabe. I love buying for him.

Do you admire any one's style? Elsie & Rachel, Danielle Thompson... so many more!

Describe your personal style? vintage, retro, comfortable, homey. I buy things that I love - things that are me. Not necessarily because they are in style or not in style.

What are you going to do after this? Go to bed! (which is where I should be right now!)

What are your favorite movies? Oh GEEZ. The Notebook, The Holiday, Love Actually, anything with Paul Rudd, Hugh Grant, or Jonah Hill.

What is your favorite fruit? strawberries & bananas

What inspires you? etsy, music, family, friends, magazines, books

Your favorite book? Any thing by Jodi Picoult - favorite of hers - The Pact

Do you collect something? vintage trivets that read "Cookin don't last, Kissin do" and ribbon - I have TONS of ribbon.

What are you most proud of? Having a wonderful little boy - never giving up on our dreams of having a family.

What do you like most about yourself? I think I'm pretty good in times of trouble or crisis. I usually cook and take meals - to me, I feel like I'm helping... people don't ask you to cook for them, they just eat it when you do! And, I like that for a minute, I can help.

Ok blog readers, if you filled this out on your blog too, leave a comment here on mine! I'd love to read your quiz!

Little Moments

Today is a big day for my little man. Today he's performing in the circus at preschool. They've been practicing for a while now and Gabe is supposed to be a lion and a strong man. (I will post pictures later!).

There have been several moments since Gabe was born that I've thought, "I can't believe I'm here. I can't believe I'm finally living one of the moments I've always dreamed of". Today is one of those days. My heart is so full today. I love my son so much. More than I ever dreamed I could love someone.

At times through the adoption, I wondered "what if I don't feel like his real mom? what if I feel like a phony? what if he eventually thinks that too?" I have to admit that I wondered those things. But, I know now that I am his mom - I am his mom 100%. There is not a small part of him that doesn't love me or know me as his mom. He knows he has a birth mom and she will never be replaced. And, she will always mean so much to him (and to me). I cannot, nor would I ever want to change that. But, when it comes to knowing what comforts him, or knowing what foods he doesn't like, or knowing when we're reaching his limit, etc... I am his Momma. I reached this point with help from his birth grandmother. She called me his mom from the beginning. She has reassured me when I've felt insecure. She has really made me feel like his mom. I am so thankful for her - I am so thankful too that they have chosen to be a part of Gabe's life. They are family - to all of us.

So today, I will be a proud Momma. Watching my little boy in the circus. Smiling from ear to ear. Holding back tears of happiness as I watch the grandparents watch him. Little moments - like this.

Brother

My little brother is getting married. I can't believe I'm saying those words... My little brother, the one who's always had a soft spot in my heart. The one who made us cry as he stepped out onto a football field. The one who always looked up to his big sister.

Dan is a blessing. Dan was in a car accident when he was 9 years old and it was very, very severe. He was in critical condition for days, as well as my sister, Jenny. I remember when he woke from his coma. We had finally talked Mom and Dad into going to get some supper. The nurse came to get us (me & Greg) to tell us that he was awake. I kept telling him that I loved him, over and over, just to hear him say it back. I just wanted to hear his voice.

Now, I am so blessed to see him reach another milestone. He's getting married and building a home with a girl who is so incredibly sweet. I am excited to have Sonya in the family. I love watching him experience love and I love watching him make a home.

Brother, you are a blessing to me and the rest of our family. I love you and I'll always think of you as the youngest of the "kids". I'll always look out for you, I'll always be your biggest fan. I'll always be your big sister. Congratulations on starting your life with Sonya. I wish you both a life full of blessings and happiness.

On my mind.

I don't know what it is about turning 30, but I feel like I've been doing a lot of soul-searching lately!

I made reference in one of my last posts about knowing what one of my goals is - to make people happy and not to tear them down. One of the worst feelings I've ever felt is knowing that I've hurt someone's feelings. I think a lot of times my personality comes across as insecure because I'm always apologizing or worrying about what someone thinks.

Honestly, in the little things, it doesn't matter to me what people think. I love owls. I love vintage trivets. I love vintage stationary. I love vintage, ok, well pretty much anything from the 70's! I love to change the toliet paper roll to a fresh one when we have company coming over (don't worry... I'm not wasteful, I just put it away for later). I do that so our company doesn't run out... so they don't have to go searching. I don't do it because I'm afraid our house won't look perfect. I straighten my naturally curly hair. I give in to my child a lot. I yell at Greg sometimes. My house is a fright right now (and most of the time due to a busy life!). I am me and I'm an ok gal.

So, I guess tonight I just wanted to talk a little bit about me. I am enjoying life right now - where we are. Our growing family - Jenny & Rene are expecting, Lindsey & Matt are getting married, and Dan & Sonya are getting married. Gabe is at a great age to play. Greg and I are in a great spot. I have a job. I have my photography. Life is good. I feel like I'm maturing and at 30 years old, I'm really not so worried about what other people think.

Bottom line - Love my Greg & my Gabe, love my family, enjoy each day, and don't stress the small stuff. After all, we've got one go around here. I'm not going to spend that time - waste that time - on relationships, activities, and stuff that aren't me and what I'm living for.

Photography Milestone

Well, it's that time of year! Getting back into the swing of things with my photography business. It's exciting and a lot of fun, but busy. I love taking pictures so much. I have gotten better since last year, but I still have a lot of work to do! I'm really excited because I have a day-long seminar coming up in May that focuses on outdoor portraits. It's a very small class and it's pretty hands-on. I learn so much better that way!

This little sweet girl was a newborn the last time I took her pictures... In fact, she was my first newborn session! It was so great to be able to take her 1 year pictures.


It was a beautiful day for pictures!

I want.

I need.

I love.

Life is so full of wants... I want a nicer car. I want a newer house. I want more time. I want a less stressful job. I want this, I want that. I want the beautiful necklace in the picture (hint hint for Mother's Day, Greg... :) ) hehehe.... Sending subliminal messages your way... You are getting sleeeepy... :)

I know I don't have the best home, but I love it. I know I don't have the perfect marriage, but I love it. And, I know I don't have enough time, but I do know that I'm thankful for what I've been given. Bear with me while I reflect on life while listening to my kiddo play. I may not keep up with the Joneses, but life isn't about the money and the nice things. It's about the people you love. The people who love you back. And, it's about making someone else's life better - not trying to tear them down because they don't have the best in this or that. It's about making your kids lives better and teaching them to love all of God's people. It's about remembering your committments. It's about faith. There's only one go 'round. I don't want to be sorry that I treated someone worse than they were worth. I want to go to bed at night and feel like I helped someone that day. These are my goals and I fall short. But, this is what I try to be.

I am not afraid to garage sale.

I love to garage sale. It's one of my favorite activities with my BFF, Tami. Here are some of my recent finds!

I plan on cutting the front of this pillow off and framing it for my scrapbook room. I loved, loved, loved the embroidery, but even with washing it, the thought of laying on someone else's pillow creeped me out. Ok, only one of these is from a garage sale. The top middle one is what started my collection. It is one of the only items I have from my Grandma Smith and I have always cherished it. I love the design and I love how sweet it is. The one on the bottom right, I got from a garage sale for $2.50. I was so excited to find it!! The one on the left is from eBay. I think I paid $7.00 for it. Periodically, I'll get on eBay and etsy and check for them. I just think they are precious. I'd like to have a collection on my kitchen wall.

And THIS. Oh, it just makes my heart melt! It's in near perfect condition, an antique, and best of all, I found it for $12.00. I got this at the Pantagraph's garage sale. I am thrilled about this one. This will be great for newborn pictures. I'm toying with the idea of spray-painting it white, but after photographing it, I think I may leave it alone. I've got a couple baby sessions coming up, I'll just have to try it out.

And this. This was too sad not to buy. My mom and I collect recipes and always put together our own recipe books. This was a recipe book belonging to someone in Washburn and it was being sold for $1.00. All of the recipes inside were either hand-written or collected from the 1950's-1970's from newspapers or magazines. I thought of the time, thought, and care that was put into this. I thought of the mom/wife sitting and planning out meals for her family. I thought this was a treasure.
AND, we can't forget about Gabers! My most exciting finds are when I find vintage Fisher Price toys. I love the little people like I had when I was little. And, Gabe loves them too. He loves getting to "give them a bath" when we get home - which consists of him pulling a chair up to the kitchen sink and me helping him wash all the guys. Ok, so Mommy washes and Gabe splashes and makes a mess, but he loves it. I think I paid $20 for the above set, but it was worth it. It had all the pieces, plus a few extra. And, it went great with the family house we got him on eBay for Christmas last year.

And, I got this one yesterday at the Pantagraph's garage sale. It was only $4.00 and it had all the pieces (except for the side door, but that's ok!). And, Gabe loved it. He's been playing with it non-stop since I brought it home.

I thought I'd be doing better at blogging this time around, but we are so busy right now. Our last month consisted of the following:

• a minor car accident and dealing with a rental car, insurance, repairs, repairs messed up, etc...
• Greg in the hospital for 4 days with a minor surgery & MRSA
• a kitchen flood
• mid-remodel projects
• a messy house
• wedding invites & shower invites to design and prepare
• shopping and planning for a shower (I love preparing for showers!)
• a busy preschooler
• Greg travelling

I'm so excited for this coming week. We're going to St. Louis with Greg while he travels for work. We'll be going to Gabe's first Cardinals game and Gabe and I are going to head to the zoo while Greg's working. (Sorry Greg!). It'll be a well-enjoyed break and mini-vacation for the Herrman family! I'm sure I'll have a ton of pictures!

Hey Mr. Golden Sun...

Gabe's learning some songs at preschool and it is TOO cute! "Hey Mr. Sun, Sun, Hey Mr. Golden Sun, Please shine down on meeeeeeeeee!!" Also, he loves his Batman guys, his Daddy, and picking his nose. Enjoy!

Daddy's Home!

What a week it's been for the Herrmans! Greg just got home today after being in the hospital for four days. Last Thursday, he had a hair follicle inside his nose that became infected. It caused him a lot of pain, so Friday, he went to the doc in a box to get it looked at. The doctor put him on a couple of antibiotics thinking it would help calm it down. By Monday, Greg still hadn't gotten better and was feeling weaker and more achy my the minute. So, we went to see our primary physician. The doctor was going to send Greg home with a heavy dose of antibiotics, but after hearing there'd been no improvement since Friday, he ordered us to go to the hospital.

Upon arriving there, Greg was seen by another doctor who determined Greg needed to go to the hospital in Bloomington so he could see an ENT. The doctor also ordered a cat scan so it could be determined how far up into the nasal cavity the infection went. Greg went by ambulance and I stopped by home to pack a bag for Gabe. Thankfully, we already had care set up for Gabe since Greg and I were supposed to be going on vacation with Steve & Tami. We didn't get to go on vacation, but that's ok by me. I'm just glad Greg's on the road to recovery!

Greg was diagnosed with MRSA at the hospital and an ENT performed a surgery to drain the infection and get the area cleaned out. In surgery preparation, they couldn't get a tube down his throat, so to relax the throat muscles, they gave him some medicine. That medicine caused his potassium levels to drop and when he woke up from surgery, his entire body was cramping. He was in so much pain! They were able to kind of get the cramping to stop, but his head and neck remained in pain - severe pain. I'd never seen it that bad before.

So, Greg was referred to a neurologist. The neurologist (who was awesome!) ordered an MRI and discovered Greg had 3 ruptured discs in his neck, one of which was very severe. The neurologist seemed to think that's been the reason for his chronic neck pain. It must have flared up because of the muscle cramping after surgery. He advised that surgery could be done to fix this. I felt nothing but hope after hearing this! Greg's suffered with neck pain for so long! So, we waited until he was safe to be off of the IV antibiotics and now he's home! We'll be following up with the neurologist in a couple of weeks to talk about treatment for the ruptured discs.

Craziness, isn't it? I couldn't believe that he had MRSA from an infected hair follicle and that we were finally able to find out about his neck problems! He's doing pretty well today. We both got a nap, I went and picked up Gabe, and we just did pizza delivery for supper. I'm so thankful that Greg is ok. I'm also thankful for all of our friends and family that stopped by, prayed for us, and helped with the Gabers. We love you all and are so thankful for you.

And... the results are in!

I am going to be the aunt to a lovely little girl at the end of July! Jenny and Rene found out yesterday that they are having a little girl. I already went shopping and bought her something for Easter! I'm thrilled about becoming an aunt again.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes...

This will be a year of changes for the Smith family. Tomorrow, we find out whether my sister, Jenny, is having a baby boy or girl. This June, Lindsey and her fiance, Matt, are getting married. And, in August, my brother and his fiancee, Sonya, are getting married.

I couldn't be more blessed - My siblings have all chosen wonderful people as their spouses. When our entire family is together, we have the best time. I find it awesome that my brother in law, Rene, and I can email back and forth and tease each other. I love that when I see Matt, he comes up and gives me a hug. And, I'm thrilled that Sonya wants me to design their wedding invitations... and Lindsey too! I'm honored that I'll be taking pictures for both weddings and I'll have as many newborn photo sessions as I want with Baby Hernandez!

So many changes. So many blessings!! Our family has had it's share of heartaches and tough times (like everyone's) and it feels so good to be in a time full of blessings and new beginnings!

just like me

He likes crackers in his ice cream. Just like me.

We have a birthmark of nearly the same size and color. In exactly the same spot.

He has a little temper, and MAY tend to over-react... just a little. Just like me.

He has the love of a generous, intelligent, kind man. Just like me.

Do you know how many people I've introduced crackers and ice cream to? A lot. Because, no one can believe me that it is amazing. When I was a kid, my Grandma Smith would always serve us saltine crackers with our ice cream. Schwan's ice cream, Hershey's chocolate syrup, and saltine crackers. We LOVED it. We always mixed our ice cream so that it was smooth and we sat around the kitchen table as a family and enjoyed our creation.

When I asked Gabe to try it, he tried it right away, which really surprised me since he never wants to try stuff. He loved it.

Just like me.

A Comedian, and he doesn't even know it.

Ok, this kid cracks me up on a daily basis. Lately, we've been talking about Aunt Lindsey's wedding that's coming up in June and about how he's going to get to swim in the ocean for the first time. He's very concerned about sharks. I've tried explaining the beach and that we won't go out deep enough for sharks. You can just tell that he rolls it all around in his mind and really thinks about all of his concerns with it. So, we talk it out. Here's the conversation that made me laugh out loud:

Gabe: Mommy, we're going to swim in the ocean, right?
Me: Yes, buddy. It'll be a lot of fun! We'll go when Aunt Lindsey and Uncle Mac get married.
Gabe: (thinking)
Gabe: Well, we have to wear some swim trunks, so the sharks won't get my wiener.

He said this serious as can be.

And I cracked up. And then he cracked up.

This kid is hilarious.

Top 10 Reasons Why I Love the Laundromat.

Ahem...
10. It reminds me of college apartment days.
9. When you go by yourself, (and you're the only one there) it is SO relaxing!
8. You can take a book.
7. Big washers, Big dryers.
6. BIG laundry tables, great for sorting.
5. You can meet interesting people.
4. For the organizer, you can take a huge mess of clothes and transform it into perfect piles!
3. It's relaxing. (Yes, I already mentioned this, and NO I will not do your laundry!)
2. It's quiet (again, if you're the only one there)
1. All laundry. All done. All at the same time!

We had 2 weeks worth of laundry piled up and a washer and dryer that wasn't hooked up. So, last night, I loaded up the car, grabbed my book (The Time Traveler's Wife) and headed to The Paso to get it done. 2 hours later, 7 loads of laundry, and five neatly stacked baskets, and I was all done. Thankfully, Greg helped me load and unload the car. And, Gabe helped me put the clothes away! (kind of).

Our kitchen/laundry area should be finished up this weekend or early next week. I can't wait to post pictures as I'm really excited about how it's turned out!

terrific 3's?

When Gabe turned three, it was literally like a switch was flipped and these crazy temper tantrums started occuring... making me wonder if three was worse than two ('terrible two's'). But now, all of a sudden, it seems like the 'good boy' switch has been turned back on! :) Gabe has been such a joy the past couple of days! He's always a joy, don't get me wrong, but some days are tougher than others! He has been so cuddly the last few days and he's really only been cranky when he's been tired. The tantrums are down to maybe 1 a day, and we can definitely deal with that. They're also becoming shorter in duration.

Greg and I were having trouble with the tantrums and ended up spending one night watching an episode on Dr. Phil called "Controlling the Chaos". (Click on Controlling the Chaos to watch the episode) We learned so much from that! We saw ourselves in the parents that gave empty threats. We also saw ourselves in the parents that got emotional with the tantrums. We learned to basically become "deaf" when Gabe has been put in time out. When he's in time out, the goal should be for him to stay there... even if he's crying and yelling that he wants to get down. Only keep him there for the 2 minutes, and then take him out. This will show him that we're not taking him out because of his crying and screaming, we're taking him out because he listened and stayed for two minutes. It's hard to stay calm, deaf, and unemotional during a tantrum, but it really has helped in the duration and frequency of them. It really feels good to see something working. That Dr. Phil might know what he's talking about!

The kitchen is coming along very well. Greg has done an awesome job and has spent many hours working his tail off to get it done quickly. I'm very thankful to have a handy husband so we don't have to hire everything done. And, I'm thankful that he's willing to put in the extra work. I've watched him come home from a tiring day at work, only to get on his hands and knees and grout the new tile. Then, bracing himself for a toddler to jump up on his lap. I got a good one. I think I'll keep him! :) I'll take some pictures and get them posted tomorrow while the little dude is at preschool.

the champ

Last night we had a blast seeing Rodney Carrington. We have all of his CD's and think he's hilarious. Sure, he's pretty crude, but he's flippin' hilarious. I had gotten Greg the tickets for his birthday as a surprise. We had a great evening... We had a great meal at Lonestar with some friends and then headed to the show. He was the best comedian I've seen live. Most of the time you hear the same stuff at the show that's on the CD's, but almost all of his material was new to us. I'd definitely go see him again!