BrownJELO

Who's bright idea was it?

2012-01-20T12:40:00.000-05:00

Although after all is said and done, I do understand why these precautions had to be made, but I am frustrated with the fact that "they" pulled infant tylenol off the shelves. I realize that there was confusion between the infant concentrated stuff (with a dropper), the infant liquid (with a syringe), and childrens liquid (with a cup)...and that people were giving the wrong dosages not realizing that some of those options are more or less concentrated than the next. I can't tell you how much childrens tylenol I have used in my 11 years of parenting, and I STILL have to check the label to be sure I'm giving the correct amount. I've never gotten to the point where I just remember. Unfortunately, there are people who think they DO remember and have been overdosing, not realizing which concentrate they have.

So, with that issue, they are trying to minimize confusion by taking the infant stuff completely off the shelves. The only problem with this, is that there are still times when an infant is in need of some pain relief. Teething comes to mind first, shots all also come to mind and as of the last day or so, a general fever associated with a croupy baby. I would love to have a little dropper of tylenol so that I can quickly give him a little relief, but that just can't happen because it doesn't exist!

Instead, I am found trying to scour the internet for proper dosage charts for the childrens tylenol that I DO have in the cabinet while I'm sleep deprived at 3 am, holding a crying baby that sounds like a barking seal and is having trouble catching his breath...without my contacts in. I am relatively educated and can manage simple math....but I'm pretty sure that even a physics major given this same scenario might find themselves a little overwhelmed and frustrated! In my personal opinion, it seems that by taking the infant stuff off the shelves...the kind that has the dosage written on it and the measuring dropper attached to the cap...might cause even more of an issue with giving the wrong dosage! If there are parents out there who can't get the dose correct when it is so plainly written out for them, what makes people think that they are going to do the math correctly in a situation similar to what I explained above?

I did, however, find some great information that now (the next day, with a little sleep under my belt and a sleeping baby in my lap) makes much more sense as I read it. I know...it's really not THAT complicated...but still. I figured I would share the dosage charts that I found for both acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Those charts can be found if you click the following links...

Tylenol

Ibuprofen

It also looks like they are trying to remedy this confusion and are going to release a new version of infant Tylenol eventually...there is a great article about how to know the difference between the two....

How to recognize and use old and new infant tylenol.

Maybe this issue isn't an issue for anyone else and maybe I'm just over-reacting...but when you're dealing with a baby who looks like this:

you might be a little overwhelmed too!

Benefit Dinner for Jenn Taylor

2012-01-19T11:55:00.000-05:00

Jenn is the mother of one of Jessalyn's best friends. Jenn and her entire family are dear to us. Please consider donating to this cause.

I do have a limited amount of tickets. If you'd like me to put your name on one (or more) please let me know. The bracelets are being sold for $5. I have a handful of those as well. Let me know if you'd like one.

For more information, this is the letter that was written by the family:

Dear Neighbor,

Jen and Chris live in Meredith with their 12 year old son and 11 year old daughter. Jen is a native of Meredith and Chris has lived in the Lakes Region since he was 3 years old. Chris has worked at American Eyecare in the Belknap mall for the past five years. Until Jen was diagnosed with extremely aggressive Multiple Sclerosis in March 2010, she worked at the memory support unit at Meredith Bay Colony Club in addition to a private care giver for area residents. At the time she was diagnosed Jen lost the ability to drive, work and many other things a 38 year old wife and mother usually do. Jen has deteriorated at an astounding pace with no end in sight. They have tried several very aggressive treatments, yet Jen continues to show rapid progression. Jen spent most of the summer in LRGH and Health South Rehabilitation Hospital in Concord, with occasional stays at Concord Hospital. While in Concord she developed a blood clot in her leg that required bed rest for several weeks. She has continued to weaken since then. At Various times she can’t move her arms or legs, open her eyes or speak. Fatigue really affects her condition so even the easiest of tasks, like getting out of the car or showering, cause her issues.

Jen goes to the Doctor often and has many therapies outside of the home in an effort to regain her strength. She was able to borrow a scooter from the wife of a former patient and her church helped purchase a used handicap accessible van. The van worked great and Chris put $3000.00 into the van so it would last for some time. As Jen’s condition worsened she needed a custom power chair that offered her more comfort and mobility. In August 2011 she received her new chair which was a blessing, unfortunately the new chair is taller and heavier and does not work with the van they have. The chair lift is not substantial enough to safely lift Jen in the chair and the roof is not tall enough so Jen must tilt the chair back and ride with her face 5 inches from the ceiling. This has made their current van useless for comfortable, reasonable transportation.

Jen’s mom, Sharyn Childs, has left her position at the Laconia Clinic after 30 years to be Jen’s caregiver when Chris is at work. Jen’s father Irv was a local police officer for more than 20 years and now works part time for 911. Chris’ father passed away in April 2011 and his mother has been disabled since 1985. Jen thankfully receives Social Security Disability but it is only a portion of what she made when she was working.

A 1999 Ford handicap accessible van has been offered to Jen and Chris for $8500.00. This van has a stronger lift, custom raised roof and many other features which would be perfect for Jen. This is a great opportunity for them and would allow Jen a fraction of the independence and normalcy she has lost.

She is also in need of various modifications around her home. A kitchen that she could use while in her chair, a bathroom she could use independently and a bedroom she can have privacy and easy access too. These would allow her to do some of the daily tasks we take for granted.

Please consider a monetary, tax deductible donation for Jen, any amount would be appreciated.

We will also be holding a fund raiser dinner at Camp restaurant in Meredith from 4-8 pm on January 29th. Tickets for the event can be purchased from any family member or just show up the night of the event. The $20 pp ticket price, half will go to Jen, includes salad, bread, choice of 3 entrées, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage. A raffle will also be held that night, so any product or gift certificate donations are greatly appreciated.

Thank you from the bottom of our heart.

For any questions or to send your donation please contact,
JENNFUND@HOTMAIL.COM

A catch up photo post

2012-01-13T10:01:00.000-05:00

Just a quick catch up post with a few of my favorite pics from a bunch of photo shoots I did over the last couple of months.

A Christmas card for the Carrolls
The Snyder family

The Jameson family

The Keniston Family

The Haskins Family

My Owen:)

My Truett:)

Zach!

Emma!

Just thinking

2012-01-13T09:11:00.002-05:00

It is crazy to me how different raising the fifth kid is compared to the first few. I mean this with all honesty, that I LOVE each of my kids equally as much and have treated them all with the same amount of love and attention. (I'm not just saying that because I know Jessalyn reads this blog either....Hi Jessalyn:) I think all parents of more than one child can understand what I'm saying. I suppose I will just explain the difference between the first and the fifth as far as my perspective.

Jessalyn was the one that taught me this love...the kind of love that only a mother has for her children. This is something that can not be explained but is completely understood the second (well..maybe not right that second) you have a baby. My love for her was new to me and I was 'in her face' as much as I am with Truett and am equally in love with her as I am with Truett.

With your firstborn you tend to look forward to milestones more. I remember always wondering what it will be like to have a baby that can sit up, or crawl, or eat breakfast by herself, or pull up on stuff...or walk, talk, learn to read, lose teeth, go to school, play sports...etc etc. That list could go on and on. It seems that as they get older you start to dread the future milestones...like...Junior High, High School, driving, and most of all college!! There comes a point when you realize that you want life to slooooow down, and that point for me is right now.

Besides Jessalyn, every other "baby" that I had, had a two year old sibling. That in and of itself is a life that can't be explained until you experience it. Fun? Yes. Crazy? Yes! Does it take away from how much you love the youngest? No. Like I said, I have loved each of my babies the same. But you learn to love the youngest in the midst of a certain sense of chaos. For me this meant, while potty training an older sibling or eventually, while potty training one sibling and dragging another to and from school and sports. I wouldn't change a single thing about the spacing between my kids.

I guess I've just realized that "how" I am able to love Truett does seem a little different from the rest. Being that there is four years between Truett and Owen it's almost like having my first again, but without the anticipation of what life will be like when they hit all the major milestones. And honestly, it's awesome. I do feel like I spent much of the day's with Jessalyn anticipating and looking forward to a new stage of life...both for her excitement and my own. It IS fun to watch your kids learn new things and fun to be proud to watch them as THEY are proud of their own new accomplishments. And with that said, I am just as proud and practice certain "tricks" with Truett just the same way I have with all the other kids. It's not that I want to slow it down....but I have learned that with Truett I am able to just live in the moment a bit better.

He's learning to sit now..which is fun. It's fun for him, its fun for all the bigger siblings..and it's a new way to entertain him for me. I enjoy it...and will help him master this, but only because that is where he is now. I am able to just enjoy this stage as it comes...and really, we've lived through many of the milestones that a child can have and it's kind of less of a big deal (to me) as they reach them. And this concept alone is what allows me to "love" Truett a little differently. Not MORE...but just different.

Why am I sharing this? I'm not really sure. I guess it's just something that I've been thinking about and trying to wrap my brain around lately. I guess I can't say enough how much I am enjoying Truett. Just plain enjoying him. There are lots of people who have had a few kids and then taken a break and thought "well...I'd love to have another but the thought of 'starting over'.....". I personally highly recommend it. I remember thinking this of other families...thinking "wow, I can't imagine having such an age gap between my kids" (only because what I 'knew' was an approximately 2 year space). Now that I've experienced it I know that there is nothing like it! Especially if you've experienced family life and parenting as I have...having the first few (or four:) kids just about every two years. The dynamic of our family has changed for sure. It is difficult at times as we experience "baby life" along side of "elementary school life". I just know there are some out there who think they might want another but hesitate because it's "too late" and the older kids are too old....for me, there has been nothing better! Having my fifth baby is just the opposite of "been there, done that"...in reality it's a whole new experience, one very different from the last four.

New Year

2012-01-04T00:08:00.001-05:00

Wow. It's been so long since my last post, that it seems everything here on blogspot has changed!

I've thought of many things that I would like to strive for in 2012...you know, the usual things like 'play my drums more', and 'read more' etc. I even thought about starting a 365 picture thing..which really, would be pretty easy (using instagram)....but I decided that overall I just really want to be able to focus on my family. Somehow Josh and I manage to fit a TON of stuff into our lives....and often times, even though kids are with us, they are sort of in the background of what is going on. I honestly don't think this is a bad thing all the time. There are things that we do that are important and that are good for our kids to see us involved in.

Really though, right now is an intense time in raising our kids! Between having a baby AND elementary school kids it's just tough. Sometimes our lives are so busy and we find ourselves doing 6 different things at a time...and one thing that gets neglected is really listening to them. They all come home from school with many things to say and stories to tell..mostly about what they did in gym that day or on the playground. These stories usually come out during times that are busy..like for example, Ethan LOVES to chit chat while he's in the shower. This is fine, but when we have to get four kids through the shower it gives them each about a 7 minute (yes..we use a timer) limit each before we run out of hot water! Ethan can't chit chat and wash his hair at the same time..multitasking is not one of his strong suits! Anyway...not only is Ethan trying to multitask, but so am I..often helping him in the shower, while cutting someone else's nails and holding a baby at the same time. So when he starts talking...I'm honestly like "uh huh...yep...ohhhh" and not actually hearing a single thing he's saying. That's what I want to work on. I want to work on looking my kids in the eyes when they are talking to me...even if I'm trying to do a gazillion other things at the same time. What I really want to do is drop the other things I'm doing (well..not literally "drop" them...pooooor Truett:)...but I want to stop and focus on what they are telling me. Trust me when I tell you that this is hard for me...when I have four kids that all want to tell me something at the same time, while I'm in the middle of something else....it's difficult. Not because I don't want to hear what they have to say..I DO, I really really do...it's just that the busyness of life really gets in the way. Sadly.

I read a blog post from a friend recently about choosing a Theme Word for 2012...you can read her take on this subject HERE . My initial thought was the word "patience". I definitely need that, but honestly, I don't think that will change from year to year. I need to work on that every second of my life! But, as I typed my thoughts above I am thinking that my theme word for this year should be "listen"...because there's a whole lot more in my life that I could spend more time listening to than just my kids! I can listen more in prayer, while reading God's word...I can listen more intently to my husband and to the people I come in contact with on a daily basis. There is a lot of listening to be done...and not just listening, but actually HEARING. So that's it..my theme word for 2012 is LISTEN.

And with that said, yes, I do have some of the usual "resolutions" in mind. I really really do need to get playing the drums more often. I don't practice. I've now been playing the drums for 6 years so I can't really live on the "I'm a new drummer" excuse anymore. I really need to be improving...I want to be improving. I also want to write in this blog more often. I just love having this as a journal of sorts for the family. As for the 365 idea...I will likely share a picture a day all year (I do this without thinking about it)...but just to keep the things that I "have to do" to a minimum...I'm not committing to that:) Oh, and I have this little idea for a children's book that I would actually love to get written. I definitely do NOT claim to be a writer and have no clue as to how one might go about writing a book...but I have an idea that I think is original (I think?) and really would like to run with it if at all possible. We'll see if that actually happens....

And just because I can't post a blog entry without a picture....who wouldn't want to focus on looking into these eyes and listening to what they have to say to me?!?!

Too busy to post?

2011-10-28T17:24:00.003-04:00

I'm not sure why:) I really hate that I'm neglecting this blog! I blame it on facebook. Or maybe my five kids....or something. It's definitely not MY fault:)

We have been transitioning through lots of changes in the last month or so, along side of keeping up with the usual day to day life of our crazy busy family. It is ALL good and we are feeling very blessed.

Josh has taken the position of Associate Pastor in Training at Calvary Bible Church. This is an amazing opportunity for him and so far he is LOVING it. He feels like he is finally right where he should be. A good feeling for sure. He works full time for the church which has been an adjustment but one that is definitely much better for our family as a whole.

In the meantime we were able to get through the first couple of months of school and soccer season and are enjoying a quick respite before basketball season starts...all the while caring for little Truett who is an absolute JOY.

Such a quick update...and of course, I will leave you with lots of pics:)

Truett with the hat that Karole-Ann made.

Sweet Baby Truett

2011-08-14T14:24:00.002-04:00

A quick little 'photo session' with Truett....

Welcome Truett!!

2011-08-10T12:39:00.002-04:00

I can't believe that it has been over a week since that day! I can't quite imagine life without him here...and honestly, he would quite likely still be in my belly today if we hadn't evicted him sooner. I'm glad we did, because he was/is perfectly healthy and was 8 lbs 4 oz at 39 weeks. Given another week or so we probably would have made it into the 9 lb range...and I'll gladly stay below that!

I like to write out the birth story, so for people who don't want to hear the details just skip past this part.

We had to be at the hospital at 7am on Monday, August 1st. I was 3 cm already so they started pitocin...3cc's. I started contracting almost instantly and they gradually upped the pitocin. I think we reached 12cc's total. The contractions really weren't the horrible 'pitocin contractions' that I have heard so much about. I feel like they came on gradually and were completely and totally manageable. I think I was still playing 'words with friends' during contractions and not really have to breath through them, although at that point I was having to focus a little bit. We walked the halls for a while to help bring baby down and I was checked at about 11am and was 5cm. Still pretty comfortable..I think I was rating my pain at a 4 or 5...but the contractions were obviously helping as I was dilating.

The contractions started coming about a minute apart..and were definitely 'good' ones...but not terrible. The nurses don't like to see pitocin induced contractions any closer than 2 minutes (maybe 1.5 min) apart, so she stopped it all together...thinking my body was probably kicking in on it's own. She was wrong..and the contractions were still coming every 3 minutes, but they were so weak that I was able to fall asleep a little bit. Josh headed out to find some lunch for himself at this point too.

At 1:30 Dr. Ebner came in to check me and break my water. I was still only 5 cm (hadn't changed since 11am). He broke the water and it was a FLOOD in my bed. I've had my water broken like this 3 times before and never felt anything like it. It made me laugh..it was weird. It was pretty much instant that I started getting real...REAL contractions...the kind that I recognize and hate:) It is amazing how much breaking my water changes things for me...it has in all of the other labors as well. They wanted me to stand for a bit to help things move along..and probably to change my bed too:) I stood up, unfortunately directly over my sandals that were sitting next to the bed, and it was another FLOOD of fluid. It just kept coming. I was laughing so hard. The nurses said they hadn't seen that much fluid in a long time and thought it was funny. They had to call housekeeping in to mop up under the bed it was so bad. No wonder I was measuring so big at all the appts!

I sat in a rocking chair while they cleaned up and changed my bed and the contractions were getting really good. I was rating them at an 8 or 9 at this point. Definitely getting intense. I got back in bed and then things got a little scary. Truett's cord was around his neck (which I knew from the 31 week u/s). During the peak of each contraction, his heart beat would be completely gone. They put me on oxygen, and proceeded to flip and flop me around (during the peak of the worst transitional contractions) trying to get his heart beat back. Although this was scary for me thinking about baby, I was more just trying to get through the pain of the contraction and all of the pushing and rolling and manipulating they had to do to me. I did think for a second that if I was only 5 cm..we had a ways to go and I wondered how he was going to handle the rest of this labor. I had c-section in mind and apparently so did the nurses as Josh tells me they did call down to the OR to have them ready in case it was necessary. It wasn't long after this when I was feeling the pressure of baby coming down.

They checked me again and sure enough I was fully dilated...and ready to go. As soon as he started coming down it took 2 contractions to push him out. At 3:09 (an hour and a half after having my water broken) he was born. He was nice and pink..even with the fact that he was strangling himself with his cord the whole time. He got 9 and 9 on his apgars and was just perfect! I was, of course, relieved!!!

Josh cut the cord, and I got to hold him right away. He was weighed in at 8lbs 4oz and 20 inches long. We called our parents...who had our kids and were very excited to have everyone meet him!!

At that point, my placenta was being stubborn and didn't want to come out. This has happened before with me (with Jessalyn) and it was not a good thing. We waited there for a good hour..which is about the longest you can wait before something has to be done about it. Unfortunately, they had to knock me out for an hour and "manually remove" my placenta. Like I said, this has happened before and the first time they didn't have time to knock me out. Let's just say that even though I lost more than an hour of the first moments of Truett's life, I was very glad to have been able to be asleep for this procedure! I remember seeing the kid's feet walk down the hall and hearing their voices as they came in..and then I was asleep. I woke up, all cleaned up with the shakes really bad. I waited about a half hour with the shakes hoping they would go away a bit because I didn't want the kids to see me like that.

Finally I was able to invite them all back in the room.

Josh was amazing as usual. He knew when he needed to jump in and help me and he knew exactly what to do. He's a pro at this labor and delivery stuff. He became an awesome photographer as well...as he had to record and photograph that hour that I was missing when the kids were meeting Truett for the first time. With the pics and video, I honestly don't feel like I missed a thing!

We were able to head home on Tuesday afternoon...to a nice homecoming with Kirsten and Mark (who made dinner!), Shara and Jake, Heath and Karole-Ann, Ashley and Alicia and Karen. What better way to introduce Truett to our crazy lifestyle:) The first night was OK...I'd say a little 'discombobulated'...as I tried to fumble through the logistics of where to change him and feed him...and just getting to know him. It didn't take long though, and we have already settled into quite a nice routine. The first 4 or 5 days he was eating every 2 hours day and night...and it took about an hour for him to eat..and burp. My milk came in on day 3 (which is early for me..so I was HAPPY!)...and that helped him transition himself to a 3 hour schedule. At this point (9 days in) he is on a 3 hour schedule...maybe giving me a 4 hour stretch at night but that is not consistent. Nursing is going great...the easiest time of it yet.

Josh took the older kids to the Soulfest each day of Tru's first week. It was awesome to have everyone (including Josh) home during the day, but then nice to have it be just me and Truett in the afternoon. We would take a nice long nap and just had time to enjoy each other. I was able to get to the Soulfest two nights that week...to see Petra and 10th Avenue North...and visit with some friends too!

Having Josh back to work has been hard. Not having to do with being a mother of 5, but more so because I just miss him! He had a nice 10 day vacation and I just like having him around. He went back to work and a week full of meetings and things that have put us back to reality real fast. Poor guy, I don't think he even held Truett yesterday:( If so, it was very brief.

I honestly was worried even to the end of the pregnancy about how Truett might affect the dynamic of our family. I KNEW that we would love him like crazy, but still...at the point of pregnancy it is sometimes hard to believe. Truett has definitely changed the dynamic here...but for the better for sure. I can't imagine not having him and just love him to pieces. He is so easy and chill...sleeps through anything (he has to!). All of the kids are loving him like crazy..it's sometimes hard to manage everyone's 'Truett holding time'. He is smothered with kisses and hugs and is in no need of attention! Of course, there is some adjusting that everyone has to work through...and of course, Owen seems to be the one with the most issues. He doesn't take it out on me or Truett really...but he really seems to be taking it out on Ethan and Luke. I think Owen is trying to figure out his place now. He's not the baby...and yet sometimes his older brother's don't include him the way he wants to be included. It puts him in an odd place...and is definitely frustrated at times. I know from experience that it takes the kids about a month to really fully adjust to a new baby in the house....and am prepared to try to be as patient as I can especially with Owen as this whole idea of being a big brother is completely new to him.

Overall, our transition to a family of 7 really couldn't be going any more smoothly. Besides losing a little (or a lot) of sleep....I feel great and have recovered quickly.

I said it again for the video camera just after delivering Truett...."I am NOT doing that again". Funny how quickly that thought changes. Not that we have plans to do it again, but like usual...I can't quite imagine NOT experiencing it all again. The thing is..I KNOW I am crazy. I hate it...I dread labor....the entire 9 months of pregnancy I dread labor. And yet...give me a sweet little newborn baby and I completely forget it all!!!

Of course, I will post a bunch of pics from the day....

LOVE him!!! We feel SO blessed to have been given another baby!!! He is amazing.

2011-06-20T09:12:00.002-04:00

Me and a group of friends had a much needed "girls night" on Saturday. As usual, I spent the week looking forward to this time out....little did I know that they turned it into a "girls night/baby shower" for me! Being that this is my 5th time through this, it's not quite necessary to have an all out full blown baby shower so this gathering was PERFECT! Not only was it fun to be with the girls, it was also a nice time to celebrate Truett and be showered with the perfect amount of baby necessities! Besides moving a dresser into his room (from someone else's house!), I feel like I have everything I need for this special occasion! There is still some work to do as far as organizing it all, but I feel relieved that I can at least diaper the child once he's born!

I can't tell you how blessed I feel. Because of such awesome friends and family, I have not "needed" to purchase a single item! (I say "needed" in quotes like that because I did actually buy a maternity bathing suit..but I wouldn't quite call that necessity!) I have been handed down (or over?) all of the maternity clothes and have either been given used baby gear or am borrowing it for the time being. It really is awesome to have such a great community of friends and family!

While I loved and appreciated every gift that I received during our girls night, I really wanted to share this one particular thing that was made for me from one of my besties, Karole-Ann! I can't wait to get his room organized so that I can hang these up!

(ignore the very cluttered, yet very well used piano!)

(I'm noticing the notes above this photo...must be notes from the kids for youth Sunday because I don't recognize that writing:)

It was a perfect girls night. I have the best friends!

(...and what better 'baby shower' game than a friendly game of the classic 80's Mall Madness?!)

Thoughts on blogging...

2011-04-26T15:42:00.002-04:00

It seems like the more and more people get connected through facebook, that blogging tends to go 'out the window'. I suppose it just seems redundant to post pictures on facebook, and then again on the blog...when 'most' of the people have already seen them on facebook.

One feature I love about blogger is that it gives the other posts you might like at the bottom and I find myself clicking on these from my own blog very often. I absolutely LOVE to look back and read about things that we have done and since it has been over 3 years since I've been keeping this particular blog (I think...maybe more?), there are many posts about many random things that we've done as a family.

I think as I started getting more serious into photography that I started to use the blog as a place to show my favorite pictures, rather than just to document the on-goings of our family. I also have found that I tend to not want to take pictures unless they are in perfect light situation or perfectly in focus...and just overall photographically good. These two things have actually made me write less on my blog and take less pictures..and looking back over the last few months it is kind of sad!

There are SO many things that have gone on that I could have been blogging about! I started the blog with the idea in mind that it would be more of a family journal for myself...and for anyone else interested in reading it. I think I sort of strayed away from what that initial goal was. I don't think I've posted a single picture of our new nephew Zach..and there are very few pictures of Emma on here.

So...from now on, I am going to go back to documenting the usual stuff that we do as a family. I'm not going to care if the pictures are great, or the story isn't profound or really if anyone even reads it! I'm going to post so that I can go back and read and remember all of the fun, crazy, silly things that we do as a family.

So here goes..I shall start now with a completely random photo review of April! Lots of pics..so beware:)

Jessalyn after she and I put together Truett's crib..

All the kids after making a snowman with daddy..in April.

Owen...on his birthday.

Youth Group at the Community Center.

Emma and Zach!

Zach

Ethan and Luke at football...try getting by this defense!! :)

Hike!

Daddy and Owen with his favorite lion hat..

Owen at his birthday party..

Ethan and Zach

Me..at 24 weeks preggo...growing what appears to be a giant Truett!

Jessalyn's craft for Easter..

Kids and Nana..on Easter

More pics from Easter..

Papa..

Josh

Jessalyn

Zach, Emma and Shara..

Zach and Emma

Papa taking a picture of Zach and Emma

Josh the grill master

There...a very quick random run down of this last month:)

TruJELO

2011-04-02T13:49:00.003-04:00

We don't typically do this. And in doing it, it does sort of feel weird to both of us, but at the same time it just feels so right:) Our family has had a name in mind for the baby boy in my belly for weeks now. We actually were talking about this name before knowing he was a boy.

Again, coming up with names for our kids usually takes a long time. We both want to LOVE the name and so usually suggest names for months trying to come up with something that we both equally love. This time we have the added input of four other kids. Having three kids in school makes for many "name associations"...and our kids have outright despised some of the names mentioned because of some sort of school association. With all of that said, we kind of knew that this baby would have a name that was somewhat "out of the box" ...a bit like Jessalyn. She loves her "out of the box" name!

So what's his name?

Baby Brown #5 is ...are you ready? :) Ok...

Truett Striker Brown

Just how did we come up with this name you might ask?

One day while driving in the van with the kids we were listening to Toby Mac...this is the usual artist of choice right up there with T-Bone, Skillet and Family Force 5. On every Toby Mac album, his son (who is right around Jessalyn's age I think) does a song. They are always quite catchy and are particular faves of the kids. On the albums, his name is TruDog. I knew what this stood for, but the kids realized it on this trip in the van when at the end of a song Toby Mac uses TruDog's real name...Truett. I'm not sure who mentioned it first, but it quickly became a name suggestion for our baby. All four kids were like "yeah!!!" and completely agreed with each other. I kind of liked it right away, and as soon as possible sent Josh a text suggesting the name. He didn't say anything right away, but then later that night mentioned that he couldn't get that name off his mind and that the more he thought about it, the more he liked it. The same thing was happening to me.

Striker is Josh's mothers maiden name. Josh's mom died of ALS when Josh was around 8. We have always loved Striker and have tried with each kid to implement it in their name somehow. It just never seemed to work with the other names. Josh mentioned Striker to go along with Truett and again, we all LOVED the idea. It seems to fit perfectly, in our opinion!

We have 'played' with this name for a few weeks now and it just seems right. None of us can come up with something that we like better...or that we like at all:) So we are going to throw ourselves a curve ball, and go ahead and name this baby before we meet him!! Like I said, doing this feels a little odd to us considering we haven't actually done it like this before, but his name seems so right to us that we couldn't help but share it with everyone else!!

And really, even though it seems completely permanent because I posted it on my blog and facebook, it isn't on any birth certificate yet so if we really came up with something we all like better (highly unlikely..since we aren't even looking!) we could technically change our minds! What is it about posting on facebook that makes things so official anyway???

I think it's safe to say that Truett is official!!

Jessalyn came up with changing BrownJELO to TruJELO. I like it.

Nights of Arrethtrae (a childrens book review!)

2011-03-30T13:21:00.003-04:00

I'm not really sure if you can really post a 'review' of a book that you've only read a few chapters of...but I can already tell that this is going to be a GREAT series. Back before Christmas I saw a review of this series on Pioneer Womans 'homeschool' page on her website. One of the other writers for that section posted a review of this book and it had me intrigued back then. We searched for the books as a last minute gift idea for Ethan and Jessalyn but weren't able to find them at any local bookstores. We didn't have enough time to order them from anywhere else so we sort of scrapped the idea. A few days before Christmas I did try calling the local Bible Bookstore to see if they had them and they hadn't heard of the series at all.

Last weekend we made a stop at that particular bookstore for Josh to pick up a few things and he came out surprising us with all 6 books of the series! Apparently, between Christmas and now, the bookstore decided that these books were something they wanted to carry and we quickly snagged the books!

The books are fictional and definitely geared more towards boys, although I'm pretty sure Jessalyn will get into them as well. She suggested that Ethan and I read the first one while she is finishing up another series that she's into at the moment, and then she plans to pick it up when we are done. It is a tale of a great King and his Son and the many Noble Nights who serve them. From what we've read so far, the Biblical parallels are VERY clear and the story of the nights is awesome!

"Journey to Arrethtrae, where these knights of noble heart live and die in loyal service to the King and the Prince. These knights are mighty, for they serve a mighty King. They are...the Knights of Arrethtrae!"

According to the CBD website, the books are geared towards 9 to 12 year olds...although, I've read some reviews that have told about how many of the older teens enjoy them as well. As you can see from the pictures, Ethan really enjoys silly/funny books. He has a stack of books on the floor next to his bed including lots of "Magic Tree House" books, and the silly "Captain Underpants" books. His bedside table always has his "go to books" for when he doesn't have a current book to read. Because he's a silly guy, he LOVES the "Whimpy Kid" books and is constantly giggling at the "Light in the Attic" book too! Ethan can read the Arrethtrae books, but I find that for him they are a little 'much' as far as his reading capability. He reads the text fine, but I think he has to concentrate a little too much to get through it and then misses out on the comprehension end. We have found that it works well with him for me to read some and him to read some..and then I can be sure that he's 'getting' it. There are also study questions at the end of each chapter with questions guiding you to look up scripture to find the specific parallels.

Ethan and I are eager to read a new chapter each night! Jessalyn is eager to read them and get to the 4th book "Lady Carliss".

Here is a link to the actual Knights of Arrethrae website.
http://perfect-praise.com/index_files/Page2253.htm
(for some reason I'm having a hard time actually creating a link for this...if you just google it, you'll find it!)

"One wedding, 4 rehearsal dinners"

2011-03-09T10:29:00.002-05:00

This was pretty much the first thing Josh said after finding out that baby #5 is another boy! Of course, I'm sure he was feeling grateful for another healthy baby as well, but as a man and the provider for this family, he can't help but think logistically like this! It's true though.

I was not one bit surprised to see those 'boy parts' on the ultra sound. Had this baby been a girl I would have been HUGELY surprised. There was a part of me that was hoping for a girl ONLY because of how much Jessalyn wanted a sister. I would have loved to see her squeal, or more likely scream in delight...instead we saw her scream the words "NOOOOOOO". But, in all honesty, she has a GREAT attitude about it.

I know that she was praying daily for this baby to be a girl but I also know that she understands that God has a plan for us as a family and for her specifically and that she does trust in His plan. After her initial tantrum...that was immediately followed by big smiles and the relief of having another healthy sibling...she has come to terms with the fact that she is just gonna have to deal with being the only girl.

She knows that this is actually a great benefit to her. She knew this all along. She has always gotten privileges that the boys don't get..like her own room. We have stressed even more the fact that she really is our "miracle girl"...because honestly, looking at our pattern, it seems crazy that we have her at all! Josh and I have told her over and over that WE are glad that she gets to be our only girl and that she and I have to stick together being the only girls in the house. She is good with this. She even says that having brothers is really cool.

I am relieved to know that everything, as far as we can tell, looks normal and that he cooperated enough to give us a clear view of his gender. I am excited to add another crazy boy to this family! I can say this..he's gonna have to be a tough little guy to survive the antics of his big brothers! I have a feeling he's going to learn things quickly and strive to keep up with the big boys as much as possible. It will be an interesting adventure for sure!

Phone calls from the school.

2011-02-25T11:09:00.002-05:00

I don't know about you, but when I get a phone call and see that it is from the elementary school where my kids attend, I tend to think the worst. Fortunately, discipline is not usually an issue (so far), but my immediate reaction is that it is the nurse calling and that someone is sick. My next thought is that it's Jessalyn who has forgotten something that she desperately needs at school, causing me to make yet another trip up there!

A few days ago, I had already received a call from Jessalyn at school. Luke hadn't left for kindergarten yet and Ethan was home with a slight fever. I couldn't figure out why I was getting a call from the school for the second time in one day.

After answering, I got even more confused because it was the guidance counselor calling about Jessalyn. She's a quiet lady and at first I thought something was wrong. She then went on to explain that she was calling with "very exciting news" and that Jessalyn had won an award. The guidance counselor was very excited to be sharing this news with me.

She went on to describe the award and the reasoning. She said that Jessalyn had been nominated by her teacher and then ultimately chosen by the guidance counselors, principal and assistant principal who had to choose two students who are considered "Outstanding School Citizens" and who serve as positive role models for others in their actions at school.

What a GREAT reason to win an award!! I feel like just being chosen as an "outstanding school citizen" was a big enough "award" on its own, but she does actually get something out of this! She won a scholarship for a week of day camp with the Squam Lakes Association this summer and will get to spend a week hiking, canoeing and kayaking! She is very excited about this!

We are very proud of her!

The "BrownJELO" dilemma.

2011-01-25T09:54:00.002-05:00

We have received very excited and supportive feedback on our Baby #5 news. It's funny, because after two or three, you find that you can get some varying reactions. I really was expecting more of the "haven't you figured out what causes that" response..and I even have the perfect 'come back' ready to go, and not one person has asked the question. It's a good thing.

After the initial excitement and "congrats" from people, the next question is something to the effect of "what will you name this baby so that you can stick with the JELO theme. Truth is, it really does come to mind for us! Silly, I know.

We have thought through this and we do have some options here! I will say, if we come up with a name that we both love and it doesn't fit with JELO it will be ok. We are definitely not making that a criteria for our name choice. But, with that said, we could go with a name that starts with "E"...and we happen to have a few boys and girls name that start with E that we like, or we could use a name that starts with "H". Josh says ending it with an "H" would make it the "Biblical JELO". I just so happen to LOVE a name that starts with "H" for a little girl:)

First things first, we will find out what this little teddy graham is. Then Josh and I will start the almost torturous process of name choice. While I do enjoy this process, in fact, I LOVE this process....we do have very particular things that we look for in a name. I suppose everyone does:)

We also, typically, don't decide for sure on a name until we meet the baby. We will go to the hospital with a few (or maybe just one or two) names narrowed down and we will wait until we get to snuggle for a few minutes. Usually, it only takes a few moments and we are both 100% sure of which name to go with.

Now that I am pretty much through the first trimester I am starting to really get excited about this new baby!!

(Also, this is totally a random note at the end of my blog...but Kathy H...please email me!! brownjelo@metrocast.net The Oct girls have been asking about you and then I saw your comment on my blog, and can't think of another way to contact you!!)

It's been pretty quiet here on my blog:)

2011-01-11T19:30:00.006-05:00

You see...I have been keeping a secret:) And while I AM good at keeping secrets, I really really HATE secrets. If you tell me something, especially something exciting, and tell me not to tell, I won't. But it is very hard for me. My method of keeping secrets is to avoid talking altogether and even sometimes avoid people in general! I find myself so afraid to 'slip up' that I just don't talk.

This type of secret keeping is even harder when it's about myself...because really, if I want to share a secret about myself, then I should just share it. But for various reasons, I even felt as though I should keep this secret quiet for a bit. Even on facebook I have been relatively statusless...because if I were to have posted statuses over the last month and a half or so they would probably have looked something like this...

What's on your mind? Lucky Charms for breakfast, lunch and dinner....mmmmmmm:)

or

What's on your mind? napping. again.

or

What's on your mind? Watching The Notebook is hard enough...but watching The Notebook while pregnant is a BAD idea.

It is common for me to by a pregnancy test after some sort of hormonal/emotional break down. I am not an emotional person in general. But, when something like watching Dale Earnhardt Jr. win a Nascar race brings me to tears (I HATE NASCAR)...I immediately run out for a test. (This is what happened when I was preggo with Luke).

Which brings me to a moment right after Church in early December. My brother in law (or..my sister in laws husband...so my brother in law, in law??) said something to me that irritated me. For those of you who know him, you know that this is nothing out of the ordinary. He lives for saying things that get people riled up...and usually the people who know him well just ignore him and move on..because we know what he's trying to do. For some reason, this particular time, I reacted in a way that surprised everyone (including myself). Instead of ignoring him, I got really mad. My face got red, my eyes got teary and I sort of yelled at him and then finished by saying "I want to punch you in the face SO bad right now". Of course, all of this making him chuckle...and making others around me wonder 'what the heck was that all about?':) At that point I knew I acted very oddly..and started laughing at myself and then almost started crying. At that moment I knew.

So yeah, the next day I went out and got a test...and sure enough...TWO LINES. Oh my goodness. Now...we know how this works, we know what causes this. It was not a total surprise...but even if you have been actively trying for months on end when you see two lines on a pregnancy test it freaks you out. I was in a daze for the rest of the day.

We kept this secret for a while. After having an appt a couple of weeks ago and having an opportunity to see the baby (after I suggested that the doc get his little u/s machine and get a sneak peek...because apparently when you are on #5 you get to call the shots!)...and seeing a little baby with a beating heart, we figured we would tell the kids. This was SO fun.

I set up the video camera (they didn't know this) and we showed them the u/s pic. They all guessed that it was "Kirsten's baby" (Kirsten is my SIL who is also pregnant). I said "no"...and then it clicked with Jessalyn. She said "is it yours??!!" ..and I said "yep!" and she said "You're PREGNANT?!" and I said yep. Ethan quickly said "is it a boy?", and Jessalyn jumped up and down for joy shouting "I hope it's a girl, I hope it's a girl, I hope it's a girl"...and Luke, after a second of processing what the heck was going on, said "I KNEW IT" and started rubbing my belly. Luke has been telling me for weeks that there is a baby in there! Owen didn't really react much until later.

The kids are excited. As we continued getting ready for bed the questions starting coming. Luke wants to know all the logistical things about a baby in my belly. How does it eat? How big is it? How will it come out? (a question I avoided) Owen kept listing all the things we need...a crib, nukys (2 of them in case SHE loses one), bibs, baby food. He also said he needs to pick up all the toys so SHE won't eat them and put the gate on the stairs. He's really thinking:) Jessalyn wanted to be sure she could go tell all her friends at school. Jessalyn and Ethan ran downstairs to get a baby name book and spent time together in Jessalyn's bed listing their favorite names..and interesting list for sure! I will be sure to share it.

The excitement continued through the next day. Jessalyn took a picture of the u/s and printed it out to bring to school and share with her friends. Luke and Ethan proudly told their classmates and teachers and Owen said he can't wait to tell Riley. Owen has asked me daily since telling them "is the baby coming out today?". It's gonna be a long 7/8 months for Owen! Luke gives my belly hugs and kisses every chance he can. Imagine what they will be like when the baby is actually here!!!

So..this all brings me to the fact that I am still only 11 weeks along. Doc said everything looked great and baby looked like the right size and was in the 'right place' and all that...and the heart rate was good. I do pray that everything continues to go well...even though we are nearing the end of the first trimester it seems that the worry never really stops.

So...long story short...Baby Brown #5 (YIKES!) is due around Aug 7th...

We are all excited!

The Shark (product review)

2010-12-07T21:17:00.002-05:00

My mom called me up a few days ago and told me that I needed to sweep my floors because she was on her way over with a new mop that she just bought called the Shark. I know this may not be new to many, but it is new to me and I have to say that, after using the Shark, I most definitely shared my moms enthusiasm for this product!

In looking at the Shark website, there are many products. My mom has the "steam pocket mop" (that is shown in the link above)...but my mom said she got it at Walmart for $99.

The things I loved about this mop...
1. The durable, reusable/washable mop pads...as compared to having to buy them for my swiffer.

2. The fact that it only uses water and no chemical cleaning products..not that I'm a super freak about the chemical thing, but again, it's just something that you don't need to continue to buy.

3. It steams as you push the mop. The handle has a pump type action. (ie: the kids can mop and not spray an excessive amount of cleaning product all over the floor)

4. Because it uses steam it dries almost instantly! (again..very helpful with a house full of kids!)

5. It really does do a great job. It cleaned the floors very nicely.

6. It isn't any bigger than my swiffer.

You do have to plug it in and deal with the power cord...but I suppose this is no different than vacuuming. It also does get very hot. I had to refill the water 3 times to wash the entire downstairs of my house, but that process is quick and easy.

Overall..I think it is GREAT! I plan to borrow this from mom on a regular basis!

Stinkin' Santa!

2010-12-06T12:00:00.002-05:00

On Saturday One Voice was asked to sing some Christmas Carols at the tree lighting ceremony in town. The kids participated in this...or, they all started to participate:) (It was SO cold...so the boys dropped like flies and came over to hang out with Josh and I.) Anyway..."Santa" was there that night and handed out candy canes and pencils to the kids.

Later that night, while the kids were getting ready for bed and I was making their beds (after washing their sheets earlier in the day), Luke was holding his pencil and decided to jump. He slipped on the blankets on the floor and proceeded to poke his eye pretty hard with the end of the pencil..which was fortunately NOT sharpened yet.

He screamed pretty loud and was clearly in lots of pain and as I examined his eye realized that it was actually bleeding. I'd never dealt with a bloody eyeball before, but at that point was thinking the worst. I quickly picked him up and brought him downstairs..prepared to bring him to the ER or something. I grabbed some ice and tried to calm him down. It became clear very quickly that it wasn't as bad as I thought and the bleeding stopped right away. (There was never a time when it was 'gushing' or anything..but it was clearly bleeding).

At that point I was pretty sure that it wouldn't result in an emergency trip to the hospital..worst case maybe a trip to the doc at some point, so I put him on the couch with Josh and his ice and I headed back upstairs to finish making beds and putting the other kids to bed.

When I got upstairs, Ethan was very upset. They all tend to get upset when someone in the family is 'seriously' hurt. Ethan was crying a bit..trying hard not too, but definitely crying. He was standing on his bed very upset about Luke's eye as I was telling him that he was going to be fine. Ethan then burst out in this fit of anger saying "STINKIN' SANTA! IT'S ALL SANTA'S FAULT. IF HE HADN'T GIVEN LUKE A PENCIL THIS NEVER WOULD HAVE HAPPENED!!!" Yelling this full of anger and tears and emotion. It was hard for me not to laugh..actually, I think I did laugh a little bit.

I assured the kids that Luke was fine and put them to bed. Jessalyn handed me this little bracelet made out of a few pieces of string and asked me to tie it on Luke's wrist when I got downstairs. I did. Then Jessalyn came down to tell me that her, Ethan and Owen were all wearing matching bracelets. I guess in memory (or honor of?) Luke's eyeball:) I thought it was sweet. A little dramatic maybe...but cute nonetheless!

My kids fight like crazy. They seem emotionless at times when each other gets hurt..probably because little booboo's happen frequently in our house. I am encouraged to see how the kids 'band' together when there is a serious issue. Seeing how they were when Owen was in the hospital last April was like this. There was true concern...true prayers...and an honest excitement when he was home and better. I really really hope that they continue this relationship throughout adulthood.

And...because I am sure you are wondering. It was clear that Luke was fine within and hour or so of the incident. It did hurt quite a bit and he was sensitive to opening it at all for a bit. But he kept the ice on and it wasn't long before he was acting totally normal. I thought sure that by morning he would have a pretty ugly eye..but you can't even see anything. His eye looks perfect! I am actually thinking now that the bleeding came from his eyelid..not his actual eye, because there is no visible mark on his eye at all.

I am thankful for God's protection in this situation. This could have been WAY worse!!!

Sunday Schmunday

2010-11-18T14:00:00.002-05:00

Even though I feel completely alone on this subject, I feel like there HAS to be at least a few others who agree with me here.

Why do we continue to send our kid to school events/practices (mandatory or not) on Sundays??

I know, I know...the majority of families in the community do not attend Church on Sunday morning, but regardless of that, I feel like EVERY family needs a day with nothing scheduled. We all need a day to be a family. This 'family time' looks different for each family. For us, it looks something like this: Church and Sunday School in the AM, usually Subway for lunch (if my kids have any say in it) followed by something we do as a family in the afternoon (this time of year it's relaxing, watching football), sometimes popcorn for dinner, America's Funniest Home Video's in the evening..then bedtime. Nothing 'special', yet we are all together getting refreshed, relaxing and getting ready to start another crazy busy week of piecing together the scheduling puzzles.

Trust me, I am competitive. I have been a part of sports teams my whole life. I played on a basketball team in high school that got together every morning BEFORE school (not mandatory) to play basketball ALL SCHOOL YEAR LONG. WMRHS was serious about it's sports. We competed well, most often making it to the tournaments at the end and occasionally winning them. At first, it was a normal thing to see practices on Sunday....but then a few parents started to stand up to this, refusing to send the kids. It didn't take long for this concept to trickle through other parents and soon enough the school board banned any activities on Sunday. You know what? We still were often ranked at the top of the other schools in our class (which happens to be the same class as Inter-Lakes).

As a basketball coach for the 3rd and 4th grade girls I understand (trust me I do!) the feeling of needing more practice time. Like I said, I am competitive...but really really feeling strongly that we don't need that extra practice time to be on Sunday. Not just because of my own family but for the sake of every other family out there!

It seems that more and more activities are being planned for Sunday. These practices are never mandatory...but, I've been a part of sports teams long enough to know that whether you show up at a mandatory practice or not really does play a big role in your place on a team...whether the coach means to do this or not. I would like my kids to take being on a team seriously and very much encourage as much participation (mandatory or not) as possible. I also want to encourage them to take our family seriously as well. I would like them to see the priorities here.

I don't blame the coordinators of these events. I am VERY grateful for the people who step up do their best to keep these different leagues running and although I haven't experienced it myself can only imagine the work and the headache that this involvement provides. I know that by scheduling things like this that they are only trying to make everyone happy. Sometimes I wonder if it is one big misunderstanding and miscommunication...and I wonder if everyone is just jumping into the flow of the water and just 'going' with it. Sometimes I wonder what would happen if all of the parents were actually honest with one another...I wonder if everyone would agree that we all need a day. Just. One. Day to catch our breath, relax, recharge and gear up for the week ahead of us. I know for sure I need this day. I also know for sure that my kids NEED this day. I think every family needs THIS DAY. A day without running around in three different places. Those of us with multiple kids in multiple activities can understand this.

I wonder if scheduling stuff on Sunday is something that we are doing because everyone thinks that this is what everyone else wants?

Or maybe, like I said, I am completely alone with this? Maybe I'm the only one? I would really love some response here just so I can stop wondering:) Regardless of who agree's with me, we will continue as a family to keep Sunday our day of relaxation. At the same time, if I am met with others who agree with me, maybe we can work together to change this?! I know it can be done..I've watched it happen before.

Again, I can't stress enough that I don't 'blame' anyone for this type of scheduling. I am so glad to be a part of a community who has great programs for the kids and am happy to have my kids involved. I know that the coaches mean well and are just trying to do their best to teach our kids. I also understand that there are times when a Sunday event has to happen (tournaments, rain dates etc)...but it seems as though more and more is getting scheduled every day of the week and I know I need just one day to be home with my family all together, in one place! I want to bet that the Coaches wouldn't really complain THAT much if none of the teams were allowed to practice on a Sunday...it would probably mean an actual day off for them!

Anyone else??
*crickets*chirp*chirp* :)
You can be honest..calling me crazy won't hurt my feelings!

Jeremiah

2010-11-04T09:36:00.002-04:00

Miah and I hit a bunch of my favorite locations for this senior session..but it wasn't long before he caught on to the 'type' of location that I look for. He was helpful in giving suggestions and ideas and spotting out cool places for pics!

The full album is in the 'teen' gallery of my website.

A highly anticipated Christmas gift!

2010-11-04T09:29:00.002-04:00

My sister in law is expecting her first baby due on Christmas Eve! The whole family as anxiously awaiting this little baby girl. This baby girl makes grandchild number TEN on our side of the family and grandchild number ONE on the other side.

Shara couldn't be more 'perfectly pregnant' at this point so we took the opportunity to capture this time as best we could.

Szostak Wedding!

2010-11-02T10:40:00.003-04:00

Ashley and Alicia have been friends since childhood. They grew up together in the same small church. It wasn't until their later teens/early twenties that they realized that they were meant to be together. They both decided that they wanted to have a small wedding in the Church that meant so much to both of them. It was a beautiful day.

I feel privileged to have been a part of this day. I haven't known either family for long, but both families have known Josh for a very long time. You see, this Church means a lot to Josh as well. It is the Church that his mom grew up in, and also the Church that his dad pastored for many years. We have known Ashley and Alicia for a few years and were glad to have been there with them on this very special day!

I also had the opportunity to team up with Karole-Ann as we tag teamed the photography! She got some beautiful shots that you can see on her website HERE

There were many photo's taken this day, but I compiled them into a story board form for blogging purposes! The album is, of course, on my website.

It is always a good time with the Patterson/Szostak families...even boutonniere pinning was fun!

If you ever need a professional flower girl, hire this one! She was GREAT! She walked perfectly slow and dropped each petal one by one:)

This is Grammy Goodwin. She is the COOLEST lady ever...although, she has a crush on my husband:) She's threatened to fight me for him and to be honest, I wouldn't mess with her!

There seem to be hooligans at every wedding...

Cakes by Sweet Lealea

2010-10-24T21:03:00.002-04:00

October is birthday month for our family. Jessalyn and Luke have birthday's a day apart from each other, which always makes for an interesting time of party planning and coordinating. I am not much of a party planner...so I try to go as simple as possible. Because it is Jessalyn's 10th birthday, we will be celebrating with a couple friends on the actual day..but otherwise, we had a little family gathering for Jessalyn and Luke together. This is what typically happens for them.

This year, we did make the party a bit more "special" by ordering two specially made cakes for them. A friend of mine (who happens to be the mom of Luke's best buddy from school and the sister of one of Jessalyn's best buddies from school) who makes cakes. They aren't just 'any' cakes though...they are super cool and SUPER yummy! We have now set a new standard of birthday cakes in our family! We stood around these cakes for as long as possible..admiring all the little details, dreading the moment when we were going to have to cut into them. Fortunately, once that dreaded time came, the taste of the cakes most definitely eased the pain! They taste just as great as they look.

We joked that with our family (including extended family) we could keep Sweet Lealea in business! It seems like we have a birthday every other week around here!

I'll share a few pics here..but of course I have pictures of every possible angle on the website:)

And..definitely go to the Sweet Lealea website and order your next cake there!!!

Sara

2010-10-11T15:15:00.002-04:00

It's hard to believe that I have known Sara since she was 11...just a year older than Jessalyn is now! Sara is now a senior, working two jobs...looking at colleges, thinking about becoming a nurse. Sara is amazing. She is a hard working, smart, BEAUTIFUL, Jesus loving young woman. She's a great babysitter and will one day be a wonderful mother.

After rescheduling a few times because of weather and work schedules we were finally able to get together for her senior photo session. We had an 'almost' perfect day with wind being our only issue. We found a bunch of cool locations and I snapped and snapped away while she smiled her beautifully photogenic smile.

After photographing most everyone else, it is easy to filter through the pictures to discard the bad ones and keep the good ones. There are usually a higher percentage of funny expressions, closed eyes and poses that just don't work for whatever reason. Not with Sara. I came back and chose over 70 pictures that came out nicely. The problem with Sara is that she doesn't take a bad picture! It made my job of filtering through them quite difficult, but overall I am confident that I chose the ones that best show her personality.

We had a fun few hours together. As usual, all 70 something photo's are on my website, but I will choose a few to share here. How will I ever decide? There are so many to choose from!

Thank you to Mrs. Oliver and her barn. The plan for this barn is to tear it down..and that will be a sad, sad day for "kristin brown studio"! :) (Thank you Mrs. Oliver!!!)

And one of Sara and Owen. Owen was glad to flash a nice smile to be in a picture with her!

Damon

2010-10-05T10:03:00.002-04:00

Damon was great. You just never know what to expect with these senior boys! He helped me carry my step stool around and 'weeded' the area's that we chose for pictures. The step stool was absolutely necessary because Damon is over 6 feet tall. He is a basketball player, but for some reason, he couldn't seem to find a basketball anywhere! (note to self: bring my own props!) Damon also has an injured knee which made his posing options fairly limited. It ended up being fun and I think we got some great pictures!

There is this spot in Whitefield that I had in mind. I grew up in Whitefield and knew that there was a building that had some graffiti on it....that was loving placed there by my brother Matt:) It is a big spray paint of "AC/DC". Assuming he was a teenager when he did this then it must have been done at least 25 years ago! While thinking about this, I thought sure that it would have been painted over by now....but sure enough, in true Whitefield fashion, it is STILL there! It made for a GREAT place for a senior boy photo shoot!

We headed to a few other locations and then I said something to the affect of "do you know anyone with any old abandoned cars in their yard?". Damon was like "yeah...I do"...so we headed to a new location and got these pics:

The full galleries of all of the shoots can be found on my website.

McKayla

2010-10-05T09:53:00.003-04:00

Photographing McKayla was SO much fun! She was willing to try anything...from sitting on twisted metal, to tractors, train cars and even old abandoned CREEPY houses! We had some good laughs. McKayla's boyfriend made sure everything was safe first! McKayla and her boyfriend just so happened to be celebrating their two year anniversary that day.

We got about 45 'keepers'...but I will post a few of my favorites here.

McKayla and her boyfriend (who happens to be on of my childhood best friends nephew!)

McKayla and her mom. Mom was a big help driving us all around scoping out new places for pictures!

Skye

2010-10-05T09:48:00.003-04:00

Thirteen going on...well, I don't know? But, she is a beautiful girl for sure!

I did senior pics for her big brother so we decided to snap a few of Skye too.

Kelly Family

2010-10-03T21:03:00.002-04:00

I had a great morning photographing one of my oldest (as in, time of friendship) friends. Emily and I have been friends since right around 4th grade. We spent much of elementary school side by side. Even after high school we were able to be in each others weddings and have remained great friends. Although our time spent together is not nearly what it was before..or even what it 'should' be now, when we DO get together it is always a fun time! Between each of our crazy lives and a little bit of a distance, we find it hard to get together often. It doesn't affect our ability to pick up right where we left off though!

I know I had fun that morning...but with a husband who doesn't exactly enjoy his picture taken and an active four year old, we tried to work quickly! I think we got some great shots in the end...I'll choose only a few of my faves from the day.

Frida

2010-10-03T20:58:00.002-04:00

Frida is Shawn and Karen's foreign exchange student. She hasn't been here long, but seems to be adjusting quite well. I can imagine she finds herself quite overwhelmed when, what seems like, the whole world shows up at her house each week to watch football. She's catching on to the rules of the game..and the rules (save seat, seat save) of Shawn's house!

Again, a VERY quick shoot...

More catching up...

2010-10-03T20:50:00.002-04:00

I was also able to take some family pictures of one of my best friends and her family. We only had a little bit of time before the Patriots game started so we tried to work quickly!

I like this one. There is just something about a picture when everyone is doing something besides looking at the camera that appeals to me!

I have fallen behind.

2010-10-03T20:37:00.002-04:00

It has been a few weeks since I did a photo session with Lj, but for some reason have yet to post about it here.

Lj is someone I have known for quite a few years. She has recently been asked to do some motivational speaking engagements in order to share her testimony of life with an amputated leg as well as the recent loss of her father. Lj is awesome. She is rarely seen without a smile on her face! She needed a few pictures taken for her promotional brochures. I was happy to help her with this.

We had a fun afternoon visiting, taking pics and getting to here more of her testimony!

Here are a few pics from that afternoon...the rest are on my website.

Hospitable?

2010-09-30T22:37:00.002-04:00

Hospitality seems to be the theme lately. Papa (otherwise known as Pastor Roger) spent the last two weeks preaching on hospitality, we had a "hospitality" themed small group gathering and today my daily devotions were on, yep...hospitality. I think it is clear that He is trying to tell me something here!

It has been very interesting to look at hospitality from different angles. Learning the difference between being hospitable and entertaining. Learning that hospitality should start in your own neighborhood. Learning how to pray for your neighbors...but to pray with "your eyes open", meaning, listening and paying attention to the needs of your neighbors and trying your best to help fill those needs. Learning where hospitality (particularly to our neighbors) fits into God's plan for the mission of the Church. Each one of those 'angles' on hospitality could easily be their own separate blog post. Hospitality is important.

In my devotions this morning the angle was a little bit different. It skimmed the usual hospitality ideas, but this devotion was focused on being hospitable to our own family!

I don't know about you, but I am guilty of this. When we are having guests over we tend to go 'all out'. We get out our 'good' plates (in our case, this means the NOT paper kind!), we make a real dinner (not just chicken nuggets), we make sure the house is clean...etc, etc. The kids know when we are preparing for guests. They can tell, even if we didn't say anything about it.

What kind of message are we sending our kids (and husbands!) if we are always 'putting out our best' for our company, and on normal days we skimp? My devotions today were reminding me to continue to make things special for our kids, to continue to be hospitable to our own family!

And trust me, I know that there are many days when chicken nuggets, paper plates, and a dirty bathroom are what our families are going to get. There are just some days (or weeks!) when there is not time for a nice meal and a specially made desert. This goes back to the "seasons" post I wrote a few weeks back. But...even during the crazy seasons of life, we do tend to have a few (or maybe just a couple) of days each week when we 'could' make them special for our family.

I plan to seek out those types of days, and try to use them as opportunities to be hospitable to my husband and kids!

And just so that I don't leave you with a pictureless post...here are some soggy fall leaves on my back porch. It has been very rainy here for the last few days. I am hoping that all this rain doesn't cause the leaves to fall before the peak foliage season hits!

"EPT" #2 (Easy Photography Tip)

2010-09-28T13:21:00.002-04:00

Having a good quality camera is VERY helpful. There are things about higher quality cameras that makes life for a photographer (or even just your everyday picture snapper) much easier. Whether is has to do with the ease of the menu's or the type of glass inside the camera itself, to the mechanics of the the camera...there are reason's why an expensive camera is, well..expensive. Does an expensive camera guarantee you great pictures every time? No.

But! At the very same time, does an inexpensive camera mean that you will never get great pictures? No!!! The reason for this is simple...and yet, takes a lot of practice to figure out.

The key is finding the right light. Whether or not you have an expensive Nikon, or Canon or have a less expensive point and shoot....if you find the right light, you will get great pictures. So how do you find the right light? It is pretty much a trial and error process, although there are a few things that can make this trial and error process quicker.

First things first...natural sunlight is best, but it is important to avoid direct sun. (you'll know, because your subject will be squinting!). Shadow's are bad...your subject hiding in a shadow will make for one big ol' shadowy picture. Finding that perfect shady, but not shadowy and yet sunny at the same time spot can be difficult. Sometimes you are in the right spot, but just a small change in position will make a big difference. I go by the eyes...the second I see the subjects eyes light up (from the sun) I am sure that I am close to a good spot!

A few examples:

This picture was taken with my cell phone. While the picture is slightly "oof" (out of focus), you can see that the exposure was good and that his eyes have that nice reflection in them. I like this picture of Ethan alot! Not great camera, but good light equals a decent picture.

This picture is a good example of good exposure. This is "neighbor Owen" standing in our driveway. The sun is directly in front of him, but he is just slightly shaded by the tree's behind him. Getting him to look up just a bit made me catch the crazy amazing color in his eyes. This, taken with my Nikon (which is only an entry level not super expensive camera), is another one that I love.

This is a picture of Luke taken outside of the Church. This time, a morning on a pretty cloudy day. He is standing under the entry way roof near the front door of the Church. Again, the sun is in front of him and he is slightly shaded by something behind him.

There are tricks to use when you can't quite find the right light. I will use this picture of Elijah (taken over a year ago or so)...

We had just returned from a walk and the sun was bright. He was being happy so I was trying to grab a few pics. In this picture he is facing away from the Sun...the sun is behind him. He is also in a stroller with the canopy up, so not only is he backlit by the sun, but he is in the shade. If I had turned him around the sun would have been way too bright in his eyes and he would have never looked up at me, so instead, I used our white garage as a, sort of, reflector of the sun. I rolled the stroller over and faced Elijah towards the garage and I stood between them. This allowed for some good light in on his face and eyes. You can see that he is still a tad dark, so if I were editing this picture now I would do a very small bump in the curves just to lighten his face a bit. (I also would have fixed the white balance...which is just an example of how much you can learn in a year!).

What happens when you just can't possibly find the right light? Take the pictures anyway!! It's not always about a perfectly exposed picture....it's about capturing a moment! As you take more and more pictures, looking for these lighting situations will become like second nature for you and you will find yourself still being able to capture the moments and at the same time get properly exposed photos!!

Practice, Practice, Practice!!

My new favorite pic of Jessalyn....

2010-09-24T09:43:00.002-04:00

I am really so grateful and feel extremely blessed to have Jessalyn in our lives. When I was pregnant with her I was sure that she was going to be a boy. We didn't find out, but my 'maternal instinct' was telling me pretty clearly that she was a boy. We chose two names just in case, Jaden Matthew and of course, Jessalyn. After a long labor (through the night), she was finally born and she was a SHE! Josh and I were in shock and really could not believe that we had a baby girl in our arms.

Little did we know what an amazing blessing this little girl was going to be in our lives! This blessing became more clear as we followed her with boy, after boy, after boy :), of whom we love, and feel blessed to have....but most definitely make the blessing of our little girl even more clear to us!

She is in the final month of her 'single digits' as she is anxiously awaiting her 10th birthday. Ten going on 25. I'm not sure why we are blessed with such an amazing daughter...but I am thankful for every one of her personality traits and attributes. She is a hard working and self motivated and really strives for excellence in everything that she does. (not to confuse excellence with perfectionism...which is something that we try to help her understand as she can become frustrated when things don't come quickly to her.)

I love to hear stories about her leadership in her classroom as she organizes a line to help their class get to the lunch line quicker (she's a Brown...when she's hungry, she's hungry!) or learning of how other students look to her for help throughout the day.

Most of all, her growing faith and love for Jesus. I love to see the little notes that she leaves herself...Bible verses written in random places to remind her to be patient and kind to comforting words to help her through a difficult day. A note written on her calendar that says "Next Baptism, Get Involved".

I write this about Jessalyn because I am certainly proud of her...all the while find myself completely humbled to have been chosen as her mother! Thankful, grateful, blessed...she is truly a gift.

and, I know she reads this blog so...
I LOVE YOU!!! :)

Seasons

2010-09-17T09:18:00.002-04:00

This happens to be a season of adjustment into a new schedule of responsibilities. It is going relatively well so far. Jessalyn is enjoying 4th grade, Ethan is enjoying 2nd grade and Luke is loving his first year in school at kindergarten. I can't wait until parent/teacher conferences so I can hear all about what they are doing, because they seem to forget between the time the bell rings and get into the van. They all seem happy.

Part of this 'season' of life involves school...and soccer. Basically, it means that we don't eat any nice, real dinners. It's nearly impossible for me to spend any time cooking, which I DO actually enjoy when I have the time. We are back to the season of soccer every single day...with Luke on Monday and Wednesday and Ethan on Tues and Thursday, and Jessalyn has soccer most Monday, Wednesdays and Friday's ...and games on Saturday. Add in piano lessons, One Voice twice a week, youth group on Wednesday nights, most weeks have a worship team practice on one of those nights....well..lets just say, its pretty crazy. Never mind homework, getting together with friends, Jessalyn starting in Band (learning the Trumpet) and trying to squeeze this in all before 8pm so that hopefully the kids are in bed and have a half hour or so to read before they fall asleep. It makes for an intense day. But..we make it work and it's all good:)

Jessalyn had her first soccer game earlier this week. It went well, with her team winning 7 to 1. Jessalyn scored two goals!! She is doing really well and enjoys playing the left striker position.

Just as soon as we adjust to this season of life, it will change. It's a good thing that I actually enjoy change!!

"Today's best is tomorrow's starting point"

2010-09-15T08:57:00.002-04:00

Josh and I had the awesome opportunity to be a part of a mentoring relationship with another ministry couple. This couple has kids who are grown, grandkids and have been in the heart of ministry for many years. They've 'been there, done that', so to say. They most definitely do not have a 'been there, done that' type of attitude, but because of their experiences prove to be a wonderful couple for mentoring us 'young bucks' in the ministry. We tried to meet as often as possible..which usually turned out to be monthly, until they felt a call to move out of our area. We miss this relationship for sure, but know that this is what needed to happen.

During one of our times together, John (the husband of this couple), talked about how today's best should be tomorrow's starting point. At first this didn't 'click' with me..but he explained. He used an example of his time as a teacher. I don't remember the exact specifics, but it had something to do with a project that he would have his class do. He did this project every year and each year, while explaining the project to his class, he would display the BEST projects from the previous class. Last years best projects became the starting point for the following year...and he would find that the results of this project would get better and better and better every single year.

I'm sure that this concept can be applied in many ways in each of our lives. I think of it often in my daily work as a stay at home mom and 'housewife'. A big part of my job here is keeping up with the daily household chores, and in the end, making a place of 'en gedi' for my family, especially my husband. He works VERY hard all day and the least I can do is make his return into his home each day a time of refreshment and relaxation, rather than a time of unorganized chaos. (with four kids, he usually comes home to 'organized chaos'...but there's just not much we can do about that!).

I have a very bad habit of spending a day cleaning and organizing...and instead of going on the "today's best/tomorrow's starting point" idea, I will sit around the next day thinking "the house is clean, so today I can sit back and relax". But see..what happens when I do this, is that the very next day I am back at catching up and cleaning and organizing like a crazy woman. The day's when I take to heart making today's best tomorrow's start things go MUCH more smoothly. If today, I build on the work I did yesterday, then I actually end up doing far less work in the long run.

A practical example: If yesterday I cleaned the bathroom so it's all sparkly and clean and then tomorrow ignore it completely (because I just cleaned it yesterday)...the following day I will be back on my hands and knees scrubbing the pee (yes PEE) that is on the back of the toilet and sometimes the floor from my 3 young boys. BUT...if I clean the bathroom one day and then the next day take the time to just wipe down the toilet (taking less than a minute) then I will save myself MUCH work.

...or better yet! When the bathroom only needs a little wipe down then I can have the kids take part in this as well. It is hard and overwhelming (and downright disgusting) for a 5 year old to try to clean a bathroom that hasn't been cleaned in a week.

I encourage you, to take this concept and run with it, in whatever area of your life that seems appropriate. And for me, I assure you, keeping with this idea ends up allowing me more time to sit, relax and enjoy my time at home with my kids!

Emma's 1st Birthday!

2010-09-13T11:37:00.002-04:00

We had the privilege of being able to spend the day with some of our favorite friends and their little girl on her first birthday! We arrived late on Friday night, but had lots of time to play and snuggle on Saturday while mom and dad prepared for the party.

The party was celebrated with many of Emma's friends and family. It is clear that she is very loved by many people! It was a perfect party for a one year old. Guests both old and young enjoyed the day with yummy appetizers and being able to help participate in the opening of the presents as well as blowing out the candles. Not to mention..being able to share the yummy lady bug cake that Emma didn't want anything to do with!

Our time with Ken and Erica always seems so short...especially compared to years ago (before any of us had kids), when we spent most of our waking moments together. It is SO good that we have been able to keep this relationship going over the years, even if our time together is short.

No matter what, Josh and I are so happy to be able to be a part of Emma's life and loved being able to spend this special day with her!

Of course, pictures...(as usual, there are more on my website)

The kindergarten years.

2010-09-10T08:48:00.002-04:00

This is my third year with a half day kindergartener. We know this drill. We like this drill...for the most part. Luke missed the kindergarten age cutoff last year by a month. It was the same for Jessalyn (because of their October birthdays). It's a good thing really, especially for Luke. He's a boy, he needed the extra year...mostly to get his reactions under control and to assure us that he wouldn't beat the other children when he didn't win or when things didn't go his way. Yes, this is Luke's personality and we have been struggling with him for years trying to help him with his anger issues. I have read and re-read books on strong willed children and they help. They really do.

Although Luke still has his moments (daily)..he is MUCH better. People look at him and can't quite believe that we had so much trouble with him. I am glad. He is really the sweetest kid and lately, out of all of my kids, seems to be the easiest to handle.

Having an extra year before kindergarten was a big deal for him. It helped in many ways. His first instinct is not to tackle someone when he doesn't get his way anymore. This will probably benefit him while he is at school:) He was also VERY comfortable with the transition to going to school. He couldn't wait and now ranks up there with Jessalyn and Ethan as actual "school goers" and he feels like a big kid. This is cool.

It helps that all three of my kids have had the same kindergarten teacher. After Jessalyn's year with this teacher, we decided that I would request her again for Ethan. Having him comfortable with her from his daily interactions with her classroom and her while picking up Jessalyn and various other activities that we participated in was a big deal for him and his first day and year of school. We requested her again for Luke and this transition seemed to go just as smoothly as it did with Ethan. We'll see...hopefully in two years she will still be there as a kindergarten teacher and hopefully I will get what I want again in requesting her for Owen. I would love for all four of my kids to start their schooling "career" with her.

Of course, the kindergarten year doesn't come without that extra trip to the school each day. Having to drop off the big kids in the morning and then Luke in the middle of the day, then heading back up at the end...along side of whatever other trips we have to make in a day (sports, groceries etc)...it makes for many trips out the door. I don't mind this as much now when the weather is nice, but when it comes time for boots, and hats and mittens and snowpants.....and fifty feet of snow to walk through and brushing (shoveling) off the car and scraping the ice. Yeah...this is NOT fun. The middle of the day drop off also seems to make the day go by super fast. I feel like we just get back and get settled..and get into a project and then its time to head out again. I suppose this year I only have one other kid to tow around..and no baby. This will make it easier.

But...overall, Luke is enjoying school very much. I haven't heard any reports of his temper causing a problem, and honestly, at school I don't expect it to. We'll see!

Love this boy.

2010-09-08T08:53:00.002-04:00

Its funny how the act of taking a picture with a camera tends to 'lock' a moment into my mind. Maybe that is why I do it so often? I mean, obviously, the moment is 'locked' into place with a picture and when everyone looks at a picture they are reminded of the moment by what they see on the picture in front of them. For me its more than that though...when I look at a picture I not only am reminded of the moment that was captured, but I can also, most of the time, remember actually clicking the shutter release button. Even in pictures taken many many years ago. I guess, by looking at a picture I can imagine myself in the moment by thinking about how and what I was doing when I snapped it. Maybe it is this way for everyone? I don't know. But, for me, it keeps me snapping away at milestones big and small!

For example...I was inspired this morning to take a few pictures of Ethan before school. Why? It wasn't the first day (we've already done all of those pictures)...it is a normal Wednesday morning. The 'get out the door' routine went smoothly today (it's hit or miss)...and the kids were at school on time...which in Jessalyn world means way early.

I guess lately, Ethan has been seeming so old to me! I took notice of this today as he took a shower completely by himself...and as far as I could tell, got out of the shower and was actually pretty clean. As I watched him brush his teeth and comb the hair that he is insisting on growing long, I felt like I needed to capture this 'moment' in my mind..which translates into 'on film' (or pixels!).

So, while Jessalyn sits in the car stressing that we might not get to school at exactly 8:25 (the announcements don't start and they are not "late" until 8:40), I took the opportunity to stop Ethan at the door and snap a few memories. He was fairly cooperative...probably because he knew he was making his sister squirm in the car...because he is a pesky little brother.

...and for the record, we were...as usual...at school with plenty of time to spare.

Buddies

2010-09-07T09:00:00.002-04:00

A relationship like none other for this group of boys. They met when Daniel and Ethan were only a year old...then each of them got new little brothers...followed by one more brother for each of them! Karole-Ann and I like to coordinate our baby making (not really!).

These six boys spent much time together when they lived here in Meredith but a few years ago they moved away:( It was sad for all of us...but especially sad for the boys. But this move didn't affect their relationship at all. Even after all the time spent with friends at school or church..when asked about best buddies (while school and Church friends are listed too) Daniel, Andrew and Sammy are always number 1 on the list from my boys.

We were fortunate to spend much time with them this summer at camp and soulfest and then more camp. The sight of them running across the field to each other when we arrive is priceless...and then they are off and playing as if there was no time missed in between.

Although the boys spend much time all together, they do tend to pair off by age...Daniel and Ethan, Andrew and Luke and Sam and Owen. Its interesting to see the similar personalities of each of these pairs!

It has been fun to see them grow up....all six of them loving Jesus! I pray that each and every one of them will continue to hold each other accountable as they get older.

Karole-Ann and I had this idea of a little photo shoot with the boys. We came armed with denim and white t-shirts...going for a 'stand by me' type look. We prepped them...warning them that this occasion was going to happen and with the help of Cindy who was armed with brand new silly bands as a reward we were able to get them to cooperate. They actually seemed to enjoy themselves..while watching friend Brandon be silly behind the camera! We worked quickly..while battling the sun that kept creeping out from behind the clouds making our lives difficult.

When I look at these pictures from a photography perspective I can find myself frustrated by the details...ultimately, it was not the perfect time of day for this location. But! I still LOVE them..because we really did capture the personalities of the boys here and their friendships for sure. Just getting them all in one place at the same time was considered a victory...and then to get a few cute pictures of this special relationship is even better!

All of the 'keepers' are in an album on my website...but I will post a few of my faves here.

I couldn't decide which of these I like better of Sam and Owen!

Yes? No?

2010-09-02T21:54:00.002-04:00

Does this sort of idea work? I think I like it:) Josh thought the black and white was too "ghostly". I could drop the opacity even more on the b+w...or raise it more. Also...maybe a different font color for her name?

Anyway...just looking for opinions:)

An 'everyday' photography tip.

2010-09-02T11:49:00.002-04:00

I have learned 98% of what I know about photography (which...admittedly is probably only 10% of what I NEED to know) from reading photography websites, forums and blogs. (the other 2% came from the one photography book that I read.) I am constantly amazed and grateful for those professional photographers who share their knowledge with people like me!

I figured, that I would try to share some of what I know with all of you! Again, this is not to say that I don't have more to learn...I will forever be learning the art of photography!

So...for my first 'everyday photography tip'....and remember, all photography rules are made to be broken, but some of these tips and rules are generally best to stick with..here ya go...

I could call these "EPT's"..but then that makes me think of "early pregnancy test" instead of "everyday photography tip"...so I won't do that.

Or maybe I will.

When taking a picture of a person's face while focusing on good eye contact, try to get at an angle with your subject so that the whites of their eyes shows on BOTH sides of the iris...on both eyes. This might involve having the subject move their head just a tiny bit, or sometimes their head can stay in the same place but you just need to move a little bit and have their eyes follow you.

Breaking this rule is very common...and it doesn't make for a TERRIBLE picture. I have many "keepers" that do not show both sides of the whites of the eyes...but when comparing them to a photo that keeps this rule in mind there is a significant difference as to how much I like the picture! I think you will find the same.

I have an example...with the pictures I took recently of Kenzi...

There are a few differences in these two pictures..mostly, her angle towards the better lighting in #2 is better as far as her eyes go. I still very much like the first photo and considered it a keeper (and if I remember correctly, mom considered this one a keeper too!) but in comparing the two, my eye is definitely more drawn to the 2nd photo. In looking at many pictures, on my site as well as other, I have found this to be consistent in that, in a portrait type photo, I prefer the ones where you can see each side of the whites of the eyes!

Again, this does not mean that every photo that do not follow this 'rule' must be tossed...its just a little tip to some better eye contact!

So, while photographing for someone else, snapping a pic of your friend, or even trying to get a self portrait with your cell phone in the bathroom mirror...this little tip is one that is easily accomplished and can make for a much more engaging photo in the end!

They grow up so fast!

2010-08-30T21:49:00.002-04:00

It's hard to believe that I have known Kenzi for 6 years! At first a little hesitant about getting her pictures taken...and could have done without the last squirt of hairspray straight in her eye:) She overcame her nerves and the red eye rather quickly and eventually started to enjoy having her picture taken. She was a great 'subject' and was easily finding natural poses that made for great pictures! A beautiful photogenic young lady for sure...and a pleasure to spend the morning with.

We came away with over 50 of what I like to call "keepers"! Naturally, I will share a few of my faves here.

The Boston-New England Air Show 2010

2010-08-29T20:11:00.002-04:00

We took a trip on Saturday down to Pease Airport to watch the 2010 Airshow. We had never attended one of these, and it proved to be one of the highlights of this summer for sure. It was a beautiful day...and many pictures were taken! There are over 100 photo's on my photography site, but I will (of course) post a bunch here too!

I will try to narrow down a few of my favorites of the planes in the sky....(sit tight..this could be a long one!)

There are a bunch of skydivers on my other site as well..but this was one of my favorites. He is actually standing on the other guys parachute! CRAZY

I absolutely loved watching the little kids (usually boys) with their little blue angel planes in their hands...

And then there were the other random cute kids...the look of amazement on their faces!

...and some adults..

I really liked this guy on his Panchito..

Of course, a reflection pic:)

It's so hard to choose which pics go on here! The link to my photography site is over next to my profile..and the airshow photo's are in the portfolio under events!

"Many Faces"

2010-08-25T11:34:00.003-04:00

It's been a long time since I've done a string of "many faces" for my kids...so here is one of Owen:) I snapped these pics while we were driving down the highway..I, obviously, was not driving. Ha ha. Its always helpful when he is strapped in and can't run from me!

I love this boy. I just love to kiss his pouty lips!

..and my fave:)

nephew

2010-08-25T10:01:00.002-04:00

Finally...three weeks after he was born, we were able to make a quick day trip to visit the Browns in Ma. We had some great cuddle time with Noah and had a great time visiting with Joel and Michelle. Of course, I had to have my camera in his face for some of the time!

On our way to visit we were held up for an hour and a half in traffic because of the air show that was happening. It turned out to be a pretty cool thing as we watched the jets flying right over our van. The kids were very entertained by this..as was I! Right then I got on my phone in search of when the next NH air show was going to be and sure enough it was next weekend! We went ahead and got tickets and are going on Saturday to see the Boston-New England air show that looks like its going to be awesome! I hope to have some pics to share from this day..but, I saw how fast these jets fly by. Who knows if I'll actually get any good pics! We'll see!

Winnipesaukee

2010-08-18T11:14:00.004-04:00

A lovely night out on the lake.....

Sometimes I love to break the 'rules' of photography. As a general rule it is not good to put the horizon line directly in the center of a photograph (rule of thirds)...but, for some reason in the following picture I like that the horizon is the center.

Sweet little baby girl.

2010-08-18T11:03:00.002-04:00

I love photographing infants!! A friend of mine recently had a new baby girl. During big bro's birthday party we took the opportunity to snap a few pics of the baby..and mom. We hope to do another 'real' photoshoot with the entire family soon!

A family photo shoot

2010-08-18T10:57:00.002-04:00

A quick photo shoot of a family I met at camp. The mom (who happens to have a super cool name:) was our lifeguard. After some conversation we decided to try to get a few photo's of her and her family. Timing was tricky, but we managed to squeeze in a few snaps before the sun went away. I think we got a few keepers...

Camp

2010-07-19T17:02:00.002-04:00

Ahhhh....week one of our three week camping adventure is over. It was a GREAT week...lots of fun, lots of relaxing, lots of eating, lots of drumming, lots of running....and most of all lots of visiting with friends.

We have moved onto week two. This is Jessalyn's first week of camp! Josh was a camper at this camp when he was 9 as well. She is all ready and very excited. Of course, I am not actually leaving the campground because I really didn't feel like packing up the van just to turn around and come back for Camp MACC next week. Although, Jessalyn would really love it if I left:) In the meantime, I have been elected Jr. Camp photographer, as well as drummer ever now and then...and bathroom cleaner.

Today was a very quite day between the two camps. The campground was pretty much empty so we took the opportunity to do a little photo shoot with the boys. It was fun...for me at least:)

Beach day with the Dundores

2010-07-06T21:15:00.002-04:00

Even though it was super hot, it was BEAUTIFUL at Ellacoya today. We got to go and share the day with the Dundore family. Not sure what happened, but I didn't take one picture of the kids in the water, or even the amazing scenery that we were able to look at all day. Silly me. I did get the camera out for a few pics when we got out of the water for some snacks.

The kids got along great together...I hope to get them together again soon!

A few of my faves from the day...

Brown/Dundore boys...(minus Owen)

Seven great kids!!

I can't wait until August when I do an 'official' photo shoot with this family!

Its a chair.

2010-07-05T00:09:00.003-04:00

At the Jamesons I spotted Owen with his eyes on this little decorative chair. I just knew he wanted to sit on it, and I could see the thought process in his mind. Before he could make a move, I yelled over to him saying "don't even think about it". He replied (with a very matter of fact attitude) "Its a chair". He was then encouraged by the owners of the chair to go ahead and sit in it. He thought it was great.

Right when I started snapping pics, I had in mind a bit of vintage post processing..and this was what I came up with. I just might have to put them together in a story board of some sort!

4th of July

2010-07-04T23:08:00.002-04:00

We had an awesome 4th of July weekend! Josh and I (well..mostly Josh) cleaned out and organized our garage. Josh started working in there at about 10:30am and wasn't done until about 10:30pm.

Sunday started out with a service at Hesky Park..and then a super fun relaxing day at the Jamesons (Jakes parents). We relaxed by the pool while the kids played and swam and played and swam. Lots of yummy food...a chair massage by Ian for everyone and then ended the day with fireworks here in Meredith.

I didn't even try to take pics of the fireworks last year because I was so frustrated with my attempts the year before. Having a much better understanding this year, I decided to give it a shot. I have to say..I am closer...but still not quite there yet!

My issues stem from the fact that one of the legs to my tripod is currently duct taped on..which makes for a very flimsy tripod. Its more like a bi-pod. The second thing that would help is a remote for my shutter. Much of the camera shake in my pics came from the initial shutter release...which is partially the fault of my duct taped tripod! I suppose with a more sturdy tripod, the shutter release would be less of an issue.

Anyway..you can see that in most of the pics there is some shake with the initial firwork, but then you will notice that the ones that came behind it (with my camera set on a 2.5 sec shutter speed) were much more crisp.

I'll take this as a victory:) Next year will hopefully be better!

Camera settings:
ISO 200
f16
SS 2.5 sec
(I also used my polarizer filter to help with the amount of light let in with such a long shutter speed)

Here are a few of the better ones...yet still not quite what I want, but definitely closer! I posted a bunch on smugmug too.
http://brownjelo.smugmug.com/Other/Fireworks/12806982_WDPJW#923343154_UkfnC

Boys

2010-07-02T21:26:00.001-04:00

Some pics before heading to the beach today:)

Baby Birds

2010-06-29T20:01:00.005-04:00

On Saturday, I was spending some time cleaning off our back porch (that became cluttered with cardboard that we were intending to burn..but was starting to take over). I was out there for a while cleaning and hearing this annoying squeak sound that I thought was coming from a tree nearby. It sounded like a dog chewing a squeaky toy...over and over and over. I finally realized that the squeak was actually coming from right above my head...in a nest resting right in rafters of the porch. They were such little squeaks that it sounded like it was far away, but sure enough it was right above me.

I got out a chair and my cameras (still and video) to document this:) I soon realized that Mama bird had been hanging out nearby the whole time...probably trying to get to her super hungry babies who have been crying for food for quite some time now! I took a few pics by just sticking my camera up there, and then some video...and then (even though I wasn't finished my porch cleaning job) shut the door so that Mama could get in and feed her little ones. (I felt guilty that they hadn't been fed because I had been there for so long!).

I KNEW that Mama was gonna have to come feed her babes, so I waited inside the door to the porch (in my kitchen) with my video camera to try to get this feeding on video. Sure enough, after a bit of hesitation, Mama dared to come back onto the porch to feed them. It was so cool to watch.

I am aware of how birds feed their young, so to see her give them food was no surprise, but what happened after is still a mystery to me! I watched this same pattern over and over (and got it on tape three times)...but Mama would come, give a bird something and then almost immediately, she would take something back from them. The little birds would regurgitate some sort of white gross looking 'thing' from its mouth and Mama bird would take it and fly away. Its actually pretty gross...but apparently part of the process. I have yet to share the video with someone who had a 'for sure, certain' answer as to what is going on here, although, I have had some pretty good guesses. I am certain that one you who read my blog MUST know the answer:)

Mama bird is doing a GREAT job protecting her babes. She is nearby ALL day long, sleeps with them at night and freaks out when I am on the porch taking video or pics. She just flies from object to object squawking like crazy until I leave. I have yet to see one fly away, but they are really really close. There is lots of flapping going on inside there!

It has been fun to watch...although, my mom assures me that I will be quite annoyed by them very shortly!

I will share a few pics and the video that I am talking about...someone please tell me what is going on here! (and really..it is kinda gross, so if you don't like gross things then don't watch!).

Prayer Run.

2010-06-24T11:23:00.002-04:00

We've all heard of prayer walks before...and I am sure that the concept of a "prayer run" is not new, but it is something that I figured out is a huge part of my own running. I have NEVER been a good long distance runner. Give me a basketball, or a field hockey stick and a ball, or a soccer ball...and I will run, but to run just for the sake of running has never been something that I thought I could do.

I remember struggling through the mile run's during gym class in high school...granted, most of the time this run was done inside around the library and the nasty nasty smoke filled bathrooms that made me gag on every lap...but still, even when we were outside I hated it. I think I might have run a mile in JUST under 8 minutes, ONE time...but I was more of an 8.5 minute mile (and that was running just one mile). I honestly don't think that I have ever run more than one mile at a time...unless maybe during field hockey practice, but I don't think our pre-practice laps around the field equaled more than a mile. I'm not sure.

Lately, I have been using my running time as a concentrated time of prayer. More specifically, I devote one lap to pray for someone or something in particular. It is amazing to me how I find myself at the end of the lap..not quite finished with my thoughts, then I wonder where that whole lap went. The cool part about devoting an entire lap per person is that my list of people to pray for could go on and on! Today, I set out with the intentions of running one mile. The problem was, I spent a lap in prayer for myself, my health, my parenting...etc, then I spent a lap in prayer for Josh, then a lap in prayer for a specific friend, then a lap in prayer for Jessalyn.....and that was my mil. The problem is, I couldn't possibly stop at Jessalyn! So..I kept running. I then used a lap to pray for Ethan, then a lap for Luke...then a lap for Owen. If I counted correctly, I am up to 7 laps...but I still wanted to devote a lap in prayer for my mom....TWO miles!!

Usually when I run it is my lungs that give up on me....I can't breath....I feel like my lungs are bleeding and that I might pass out. Lately, its not that at all. The prayer keeps my mind off from that and this particular two miles it was my legs that were getting tired. By the end of two miles I was pretty spent, but the time went by quickly and I was not totally 'dead' like I would expect.

My advice...leave the ipods at the door and use your running time as your prayer time!

Oh..and just to clarify, "prayer runs" and "prayer walks" do not require your eyes to be closed:) That would be interesting!

Fun stuff.

2010-06-20T21:44:00.000-04:00

A few more of Brian...

2010-06-18T23:35:00.003-04:00

The first few of Brian are in the post below this one.

...and here are the last bunch.

"Baby" Brian

2010-06-18T15:49:00.003-04:00

...he's not such a "baby" anymore though. He has celebrated his first birthday and is walking around like a champ. I was able to spend the morning with Brian. It is amazing how quickly a house that has had a baby in it for the last 10 years can get UN-baby proof so quickly! All it takes is a one year old to let you know of that:)

In reality, I didn't even allow the one year old time to show me where we lack in the baby proofing department because since it was so nice out we headed right out for a walk down through the Mills Falls to the docks. Right after that we were at school to celebrate the last day of first grade with Ethan and his class with a picnic!

Brian was great all morning long...and of course, I had to bring my camera along for our walk. I have quite a few that I love...but these are the first few that caught my eye. I don't have time to sift through them right now, but as soon as I do they will sure to be uploaded to my website!

Here are a couple though...

...more to come....

Just a little trim.

2010-06-16T12:57:00.003-04:00

We scheduled hair cuts for the boys (including Josh) last night. Luke and Owen wanted their 'regular' short cuts and Ethan decided that he wants to grow his hair out a bit longer. Shara trimmed Ethan's hair a bit..but otherwise left it to grow more. Ethan's hair has been buzzed short since he was about a year old so I am curious to know what it will do if we let it grow!

After the boys were done Shara said it was my turn:) I wasn't really planning a cut for myself, although I really needed it badly. My hair has been growing long for a LONG time. I can't remember the last haircut..maybe a trim before Shara's wedding last year (June)?

I had been thinking of going short again. I tend to do that...grow it out super long, the chop it all off. A very spur of the moment decision had me in the chair chopping probably close to 10 inches off my head. Fortunately I am not one to be emotionally attached to my hair. I could care less...it grows fast so if I happened to hate it (which I never do), then I know it would grow back. No big deal. The problem with choosing a hairstyle for me is that I don't want to have to do ANYTHING to it! I am terrible. I don't like blow drying, or styling..or any product really. At least, I don't want to have to rely on that every single day.

Even though Josh prefers my hair long (must be a guy thing), he encouraged me to cut it in a way that would be easy since we will be spending much time this summer in a tent, and swimming in a pool. He's such a good guy:)

So..after some snippety snip, a huge weight lifted off my shoulders and it FEELS GREAT. Don't you just love the feeling of having tons of hair cut off?! Then you get in the shower and you dump 4 times too much shampoo in your hand thinking you still have a ton of hair to wash. Then you try to wash and your hands don't know what to do without all the extra hair. Yeah..I think this is cool...but I love change in general so that might be why:)

So of course..a few pics to share:)

Luke was messing with my camera last week so I happen to have this picture of me with long hair....

I tried to snap a few of myself..the whole 'in the mirror' process...with my new cut..

I'm loving it:)

(funny that I happen to be wearing the same shirt in the before and after pics..although..considering I have like 3 shirts to choose from I suppose its not really the big of a coincidence! :) )

Leanne and Owen

2010-06-13T22:29:00.002-04:00

Today was Leanne's 3rd birthday party. Leanne and Owen are Sunday School buddies. They really do get along very well. Its interesting to see how differently Owen treats her compared with how he is with boys. I asked Owen what he thought Leanne might like for her birthday and he replied quite confidently, "a dollie". He was certain that this would be just what she wants. In the store we found a rack of dolls for him to choose from and again he just 'knew' which one he had to get for her...a cute little princess one. I think he knows her quite well:)

At the party, Leanne let Owen sit with her and he helped her open all her gifts. Every time Leanne was ready to open another present she would ask Owen which one..and he would pick one and then they opened them together. They were a good team.

Before we left I was sure to get a few pics of Owen and Leanne together..and this is what I came out with....

I have the cutest video of Owen singing while he was trying to go to sleep. If I can figure out how to get the video from my phone to my blog I will be sure to share it...lets just say that Leanne was a part of his little song:)

An undefeated regular season!

2010-06-10T15:52:00.004-04:00

Jessalyn's softball team went their entire regular season without losing a game! It was quite exciting, especially since our last official game was such a "nail biter". We were playing against Newfound, and this was the first time that we were behind in runs for the entire season. It was close though. We managed to tie the game, and then Jessalyn scored the tie breaking run by stealing home. This started a little rally of runs, followed by a nice inning defensively for the win.

We have one last tournament this weekend with this team, and then we move on to All Star tournaments for the summer.

Of course, I put together a few collages....these are meant to be printed in a 16x20 size, so they are pretty big.

Roses

2010-06-07T11:53:00.002-04:00

I previously shared pics of these flowers that Josh got me for Valentines day...but I just wanted to try out something new (new for me anyway). I'm just practicing on the pics that I have..so that when I do future photo shoots I can incorporate some of this stuff in the final products.

Mad JELO

2010-06-04T09:11:00.001-04:00

They really aren't mad...just being serious for the camera:)

Oh how I love you clipping masks...endless possibilities!

Passing the time...

2010-06-04T00:15:00.002-04:00

I spent the time while Josh watched the Celtics lose to the Lakers working on more story boards. I finished this one, and have a new one in the works (but really should go to bed!).

You've seen these pictures before...but I'm kinda liking them put together like this...

Fun stuff:)

Wedding Story Board

2010-06-03T22:38:00.003-04:00

The super nice weather has been preventing me to completely finish the post processing of the wedding I shot...in May. I suppose, the good weather, and the fact that May was one of the most hectic months of my life as a 'soccer mom' to date.

A bit of a rainy day today allowed me to finish it up and got me inspired to do a bit of 'creative editing'. I did a very light chocolatey black and white conversion on a few pictures..and then created a story board.

I added many more photos of the wedding to my website.

A few new faves..

2010-06-01T11:55:00.002-04:00

Jessalyn:

Ethan:

Luke:

Owen:

unrelated

2010-05-28T10:02:00.002-04:00

Just posting a few pics...non of which have any particular story...just pics that I like:)

My amazing husband:

Golfing on our anniversary weekend...

at a softball game..

Lake Winnepausakee...Meredith Bay.. (pics I snapped on a walk for some ice cream)..

Jessalyn. Love her. She's really not mad..this is her usual picture taking pose.

Actually..now that I think of it, she was kinda mad because she finished her ice cream and she wanted more. She really thought that I would get her another ice cream after eating an entire cone. She's a hungry growing girl:)

90 degrees in May!

2010-05-28T09:57:00.002-04:00

90 degree weather in May in NH is unheard of...until now. We have had some crazy hot weather here lately...which has lead to some great days at the beach and front yard water play. Of course, Jessalyn and Ethan are pretty mad since they are still in school and are missing out on all of this fun!

Here are a handful of the many pics that I took while playing with a hose...

BBQ smoke and sun = really cool

2010-05-27T17:44:00.002-04:00

So this morning I decided to set my alarm at 4:30 am, in order to wake up in time for sunrise so that I could get a really cool shot of the sunflare in the early morning haze.

...Ok, don't believe that for a second. Actually....

I was driving in the driveway after t-ball today and saw the coolest looking sunflare coming through the trees. I ran inside to grab the camera (even forgetting to take Owen out of his seat). When I got out with the camera, I realized that it looked extra cool because our neighbors were grilling what smelled like a super yummy dinner:) ..which was the exact moment when all my kids decided they wanted steak for dinner.

It really does look like I could have gotten up bright and early for these shots though:)

Now I'm craving some steak on the grill!

Shoe tying 101.

2010-05-27T11:40:00.003-04:00

Ok, so I am very excited about this new little trick:) I have found that teaching a kid how to tie their shoes is one of the most frustrating thing to do as a parent.

Lately Luke has been very eager to learn...and I have been very eager for him to learn since he likes to wear his cleats 24/7 (and we don't wear shoes inside the house). This involves lots of tying on my part so him learning would be helpful to both of us.

After a super great trick from a high school friend who happens to be an occupational therapist...we have quickly gone from tears to big smiles as he has pretty much figured it out in just a morning.

The trick? Two different colored pipe cleaners!!

Here is a video...

Waterfalls

2010-05-18T12:54:00.002-04:00

It was nice to have a little time to hike all by myself. I'm not sure I've ever done that before:) I had all the time in the world to mess with my settings and tripod...and not have anyone waiting on me to continue on our way.

Here are a couple of my faves from the day.

These photos were taken with my ISO as low as my camera will go (200) with an f-stop as high as my camera will go (f22) and a shutter speed in the range of 1 to 2 seconds. I had my little tripod with me and was also using a a polarizer filter on my lens (to help with some of the glare from the water).

There's a long way between f22 and f1.8.

2010-05-18T12:02:00.002-04:00

I love my D40. It has served its purpose well... more than well. I don't know how many shutter clicks it has survived, but I would guess (according to my "my pictures" file) its close to, if not more than, 20,000. So far, its still going strong.

In researching this camera I found mostly nothing but great reviews. It is easily considered the best "entry level" DSLR for the money. I would have to agree. In reading the reviews, one of the things that was mentioned was that the D40 has many of the features of some of the other higher priced cameras, but that the functions were harder to get to. Meaning, you have to wade through the cameras menu to get the settings where you want them....as apposed to having a 'one click' type digital button that allows for quick setting changes.

When I first got the D40, I would have never thought this would be an issue. I assured myself that I would just get to know my camera and the menu...which I did, and up to very recently have not had a problem with this.

Last weekend I was asked to photograph a wedding. This was a small wedding...only Bride/Groom, both sets of parents, 7 year old son, and their dog. They chose a beautiful spot next to a waterfall and the little hike down there was perfect! The ceremony was lovely and the couple looked amazing. I enjoyed this capturing this wedding.

I was a little apprehensive at first, knowing that photographing waterfalls is difficult enough on their own, never mind trying to properly expose a waterfall AND people a the same time. I knew going in that it would be difficult to get that 'perfect waterfall look' while at the same time have a nicely focused couple. My game plan was to try with slightly slower shutter speeds to get the good waterfall look, but hopefully not too slow to get a fuzzy couple...but then to just go back to the good ol' fast shutter speed and normal f-stop to be sure that I got decent shots of the couple no matter what the waterfall in the back looked like. I figured, a wide aperture could possibly make for some decent waterfall bokeh. Still tricky though..considering the exposure issue!

What all this means, is that with my D40, the only way to bump up the f-stop is by toggling the little dial behind the shutter release with my thumb. (imagine, taking a picture with a disposable film camera where you have to advance the film after each picture). Its alot of 'toggling' between f1.8 and f22 (which is what is necessary for good waterfall exposure). Not to mention, once you get to the proper f-stop, then you have to toggle that dial more in order to get to get to the proper exposure.

Most times, this is not an issue for me. More often than not, I am not switching back and forth that dramatically anyway...and never am I trying to do this quickly while a wedding party is freezing cold next to a waterfall! I was trying to go as fast as possible, but for the first time since having my D40 was really thinking...."wow..this would be so much easier with a different camera!".

I will, of course, share a few here, but there are more on smugmug. I'm not totally done post processing...I haven't done any of the actual ceremony pics or the family shots...they will come soon.

After the wedding, I hiked back down to the falls by myself and spent some time focusing on just the waterfall. I'll be sure to post those pics soon.

Finally some competition!

2010-05-11T10:41:00.003-04:00

For anyone who knows my family, you will know that we tend to be a little bit on the competitive side...ok, maybe alot:) But..it's all in good fun of course! I've probably mentioned this before, but Josh and I have a habit of turning almost everything into a game....and Josh almost always wins, unless we are playing air hockey and in that case I can usually come out victorious.

Josh would argue with that last statement.

In our town, the kids play t-ball from kindergarten through second grade. In this t-ball league, its strictly instructional with a few scrimmages against the other teams, but definitely no score keeping. This is a good thing for them while they learn the game.

Finally, this year, Jessalyn is on a team that the score is actual kept, strikes/balls/outs are actually counted and in the end their record matters towards something. Jessalyn is on a team that is working very hard and really really enjoying themselves at the same time..at least I know Jessalyn is! She has learned so much in the last month of practicing and now has a couple of games under her belt as well.

She has landed a position at first base which she LOVES...and is doing well with. She's got the stretch down and works very hard to keep her foot on the bag while reaching for the ball.

And..not that it matters...because its all about having fun....but :) we have also won our first two games!

Jessalyn at bat..

at first base..

sliding into home. She was safe:)

My little first baseman. Ok..she's not so little anymore.
..and she's not a man.

A play at first

The runner was safe...but it was close:)

One of my faves of little Molly catching. She might be little...but she is a GREAT player. Not only can Molly throw (she's a great pitcher as well), and catch but she just "gets" it. She knows the game well.

"Good game Moultonboro, thank you officials!"

Many more pics on smugmug of course..in the Events category titled "Softball".

My life is a logistical nightmare.

2010-05-06T14:03:00.003-04:00

I was going to post this as my status message for today on facebook...but I couldn't bring myself to do it, because I didn't want it to come across as negative. I mean really..my life is far from a "nightmare" (I absolutely LOVE my life and my family and all of the things my kids are into and really couldn't be happier!), but this last week has proven to be a logistical mess as Josh and I try to keep up with our family's schedule. And before you think I might be "complaining"...I know, I know...we were the ones who did not prevent these little monsters who are a large part of our schedule craziness....I am not complaining, necessarily:)

This week was the start of t-ball for both boys, each two days a week on different days. Add this to Jessalyn's softball schedule, a vbs planning meeting, a National Day of Prayer practice, a board meeting, youth group, the actual National Day of Prayer concert and a worship team practice we have just filled up every single night of this week. This is with a husband who works more than 40 hours per week and would love to be staying late to work on "The Bu" that is not running at the moment. Now, not all weeks are like this. In fact, we try to prevent weeks like these..but there are just times when it really can't be prevented.

Pretty much forget about dinner...its cereal, poptarts and bagels for the Browns:)

As we try to finagle babysitting and who is covering who this week, Josh and I have had some funny conversations. Sometimes our schedule is like a puzzle..and to overhear us trying to work out the pieces has to be a bit comical.

So as I spent today trying to plan out how this evening would work..with me needing to be in Concord, and Ethan needing to be at t-ball, and Josh not able to leave work early...and us only having one car** , it came down to a call to the neighbor (who happens to be Ethan's t-ball coach) for help and an elaborate plan of action for the rest.

Even though I found myself a bit stressed as to how the day was going to go, I was certain that it would all work out in the end. It always does.

This leads me to my devotions for today. I sat down, just a few minutes ago, to stop and read a devotional book that one of my besties, Karole-Ann, gave me. Its a devotional for "ministry wives".

I'm just going to type out what I read today..because it couldn't have been more fitting for me at this VERY moment. (..and am I surprised by that? No. But it sure is encouraging when you God shows himself in these ways!)

I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, in paths they do no know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them and rugged places into plains. Isaiah 42:16

This is the devotion by Noel Piper:

I'd read in the Little House books about blizzards so thick you could get lost between house and barn. But I never thought blizzards like that happened to real people in real life.

My husband and I were driving home from a speaking engagement in South Dakota-across the prairie through a horizontal gale that was spray painting everything white. Centerline, shoulders, and ditches had disappeared. We couldn't pull off- we'd be buried in the snow and we'd freeze. Anyway, where was "off"? We surely didn't want to stop where another car could plow into us.

A semitrailer saved us. Its driver sat high, with the perspective to make out the snow bumps of sign-posts and other indicators of the road. We fell in behind him, thankfully and trustfully, our eyes glued to his lights. When he slowed, we slowed. When he swerved, so did we. Some days I feel as though I'm in a blizzard, with all the normal pointers obliterated. But Jesus, my Savior, can see my road all the way to my destination, including every curve, bump, and blind spot that confronts me today.

In that prairie snowstorm, I had to keep my eyes on the semi and follow it; I didn't have any other choice if I wanted to avoid crashing. Every day we need to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2) and follow him' we don't really have any other choice- besides crashing.

Now, if that wasn't a more practical devotion for my day..for my week...I don't know what is!

I am thanking Him for his constant provision for my life!

**and as for the 'one car' issue. We are blessed that Josh is able to drive to and from work using a vehicle from his boss, but he does not want to take advantage of this by using that vehicle to drive all over the place. He is determined to keep "The Bu" alive...just for a little while longer!!

New pics of nephew Jaxon

2010-04-28T14:57:00.002-04:00

We took a day during vacation to go to Whitefield to visit Amy and Jaxon..unfortunately, we are always there when Matt is working:( We do have a great time playing with Jaxon though! It also always seems like it is bitter cold or rainy when we are there...so again, these pics were taken inside in the one spot where there is decent light coming in.

Jaxon is such a good sport about having his picture taken. He really loves it. His eyes are a photographers dream!

Turns out we chose the perfect day to visit Whitefield though...because today they got 8 inches of snow!

Amy's Adornments

2010-04-23T23:20:00.002-04:00

I spent an hour or so this afternoon with Amy..and her sisters and mom...taking pics to help advertise the super cool hats that she makes. I volunteered my own kids to help model a few of the hats...but they sort of took over the time, thoroughly enjoying playing 'dress up' with all of the hats. We did get a few pics of Amy, Julia and Jackie...and lots of my kids. I'm thinking we will have to do another shoot with more teenagers and adults just for fun...and because we didn't get a picture of all of the hats that she has available.

I will post a few pictures, although it will be hard to decide which ones to share here! You can see a bunch more on smugmug.

JELO Eyes (take 2)

2010-04-23T09:04:00.002-04:00

My recent picture of Owen inspired me to make similar pictures of all of my kids eyes. I finally finished this project this afternoon as found decent light and decent attitudes who were willing to stand still for a minute or two in order for me to snap a picture. (Funny, because if I were to share the 'behind the scenes' pictures you would see that Ethan is eating an ice cream and has chocolate all around his mouth!)

JELO Eyes

2010-04-22T16:18:00.003-04:00

A couple of handsome boys.

2010-04-21T12:41:00.003-04:00

Between the nice weather and Owen feeling a bit better, it feels nice to be able to get outside to play.

Hopefully Soon

2010-04-21T12:32:00.002-04:00

Owen is most definitely feeling MUCH better and when most people look at him they are convinced of that. Of course, a mother knows and can tell just by looking at their eyes when her child is 'back to normal'. Owen is not quite "normal" yet. He's close...but not 100%.

Oh..and happy 200th post to me:)

Donkey Tales Video

2010-04-15T06:59:00.003-04:00

Our Church presented this cute little "mini musical" during our Easter service that we held at Inter-Lakes Auditorium. The kids did GREAT!

My three big kids (Jessalyn, Ethan and Luke) were all in it. This was Luke's first 'big' performance. Jessalyn, of course, has been in many many of these things, and Ethan has now done his fair share. This was Ethan's first time singing though. He mentioned that he had to sing a part of a song, but he never told me it was the "yodel" part! I didn't know he had this type of part until dress rehearsal..he never once practiced this at home! I was blown away when I first heard him do it at rehearsal..and then he totally rocked it during the show:)

The PICC process.

2010-04-12T14:18:00.012-04:00

I really need to blog about all the events of last week, but right now I just don't have the energy to do it. Instead, I will skip ahead to how life works for us right now. A big part surrounding Owen's PICC line. Let's just say that I am very hopeful that we will only have to do this for 7 days and I am very grateful that they finally found something that is working to make Owen feel better. I will do whatever it takes.

The PICC line isn't really a difficult process..but it is one that makes me nervous for sure. I am the type of person who checks a recipe four times before I actually put the ingredients in, or check my pocket fifty times for my keys before shutting my car door just to be sure that I'm not messing up. So when it comes to putting medicine, and saline and heparin directly into my childs blood stream (through a catheter that comes out directly above his heart)...lets just say I get a little stressed. The problem is, that while this process is great for getting his medicine to his body the most efficient way, it can also do the opposite. There is potential for letting bacteria straight in that same way. The steps taken to prevent this are many...and trust me, I am VERY diligent when it comes to this part.

It all starts here
This is the 2pm ingredients:) Two different antibiotics..lots of alcohol rubs and sodium chloride and heparin:) The antibiotics have to be refrigerated, but they can't be administered cold, so they have to sit out for 6 to 8 hours (and up to 24 at most) beforehand. So, basically for me it means that after every "infusion" I take out the next dose and set it out like this so its all ready for the next dose.

There aren't any "sharps" really, but they still want the syringes sent back in this handy little jug thing. This end of the dining room table is owned by Owen's medicine at for this week:)

These are the crazy little medicine balls:) No idea how it works, but somehow just by unclamping the clamp, this little ball of medicine ends up in Owen's veins. Its a sweet system really. I thought I was coming home with an IV pump and pole.

The following pics provided by Jessalyn:)
First I wash..scrub, scrub, scrub...my hands. Then wash his port with an alcohol rub.

Then you have to get the syringe ready by pulling back and pushing all the air out..and you have to do this with a crazy look in your eye because that is how it is always done in the movies.

This is just to flush the line and make sure it isn't plugged and that the meds will go in ok.
Flush away.

Then wash the port again with alcohol.

Then take the cap off the medicine and hook him up....after obsessively checking to make sure you are hooking up the right one because one of them he gets three times a day and the other is just once a day.

Then the important part of unclamping the clamp to be sure the meds go in.

Then stick the ball in his "fanny bag" and he goes on with his normal crazy life.

..like watching your brothers play the sweet Nintendo DS that came in the mail for them from some wicked awesome friends:)

Then I go about my business as well until the medicine is all gone.

I scrub my hands again and finish by removing his medicine...
Then washing with alcohol again...

Then make crazy faces while getting the syringe ready.

A sodium Chloride flush

..and the faces get crazier and crazier as we move on the the heparin. At the very end he gets a few (3mls) of Heparin to keep his blood from clotting up in the little tiny catheter that lives in his vein right now.

Then clamp his line and tuck the port up into the 'sock' that is covering the wrap that is covering the sterile tape that is covering the actual spot where the catheter is inserted. Like I said, keeping bacteria OUT is crucial.

This is an empty antibiotic.

Then we throw the "sharps" (that aren't actually sharp) in the sharps container.

and reorganize for the next infusion by pulling out a new antibiotic from the fridge to warm...

..and getting the sodium chloride and heparin and, of course, alcohol wipes ready!

An early sign of an infection caused by his PICC line is a fever. I'm supposed to take his temp once a day just to be sure. I might do that more than once a day...like twice...or 50..or 100. Because this whole deal just might have made me a little crazy. I'm not sure:)

Another fun photoshop trick

2010-03-30T12:08:00.002-04:00

Using depth of field to create a "miniature" look to pictures!

In order to get some really cool miniature looking pictures, you really need to have the idea in mind while taking a picture. The effect works best when you are taking a picture from a high perspective. I went through a few of my pics, thinking back to times when I might have taken a picture from this type of perspective and I came up with a few. None of them are spectacular, but I saw the results I was looking for. I will, no doubt, be on the lookout for more opportunities to play around with this idea!

"You'd better get inside or you're gonna catch pneumonia!"

2010-03-29T15:34:00.003-04:00

How many of us have been told that line before?

I have been a mom for almost 10 years and, until this weekend, had never had any one of my four kids hospitalized. We've had our fair share of sickies and injuries, but none that have required stitches or broken bones or IV's...or anything more than a quick visit to the doc and some antibiotics for treatment. I consider it a blessing...for sure!

Early last week (3/23) Owen started in with a fever. He didn't have any other symptoms...no runny nose, no cough, no upset stomach. Just a fever that was making him feel really yucky. I did the usual tylenol/motrin treatment and in the midst of his medicine he would perk up and feel pretty good. The instant the that meds would wear off he was instantly very feverish and miserable.

We dealt with this for a good couple of days and having been through it before, I figured his body would eventually fight off whatever it working to get rid of and he would be fine.

On Friday night (3/26) he had been sleeping on the couch next to me..at about 10pm. He woke up and was really uncomfortable and he started to breath very strange. Quick breaths with a grunt sound at the end. It seemed like this process was wearing him out, but he couldn't seem to relax. I couldn't get him in a position that would get his breathing under control so after watching him for a half hour or so, we decided that I would take him to the ER.

We left the house at about 10:30 and got to the hospital at right around 11pm. We headed in to the ER where we happened to be the only patients at the time! The nurse quickly brought us back to take an oral temperature and to check his oxygen levels. She immediately realized that his oxygen was pretty low (not crazy low...but low enough to worry) and that he had a pretty good fever.

She got him set up in a room only a few minutes later with the ER doc by his side. Poor Owen saw the bed and immediately laid down. They quickly assessed that he was very dehydrated, that his heart rate was very high (170's) and that his O2 was not in a happy place (low 90's)...and they took a rectal temp that read 103.something.

They told me that he was "very sick" but that they didn't know what it was yet. After one failed attempt at starting an IV they managed to get one in on only the second try! This was a feat for them as he was very dehydrated and he's just little so that makes hitting a vein very difficult. They had just been given this little machine as a trial that used some sort of light (maybe UV?) to help find the veins. I'm pretty sure that without that, they wouldn't have been able to find his vein. They were very concerned about Owen because he hardly fought the IV process at all...he just didn't have the energy. He was sad though..he cried and said "Owwwwe!"...it was sad.

Once they got the IV in they started pushing fluids right away. They monitored his O2 levels for a while and his heart rate and eventually he calmed down a little bit. As soon as they got him calmed down a bit he went back for an xray. Owen was too cute...he was SO sick and had zero energy, but as he was being wheeled down the hall in his bed he said "weeeeeeeeee!" in his little pathetic energyless voice. The nurses could not get over how sweet he was as he thanked them for giving him drinks and was just a sweet sweet boy the entire time.

Sure enough, the xray showed a clear pneumonia..a bacterial one. IV antibiotics were started right away and we were told that we were getting a room in the ICU (not because he needed intensive care, but because he needed constant monitoring and there was a bed open in there). After some more waiting while paper works was filled and nurses and docs reported all of the 'happenings' we were finally brought up to the ICU at about 2:30 am.

We stayed in the ICU from then until Sunday. The nurses were super great. The continued to monitor him and his breathing was still not good. His fever stuck around for all of Saturday with mid 90's O2 levels. By Saturday night, his fever seemed to be more under control and his O2 level was back to 98 or so. I knew he was starting to feel better. He slept for probably 8 hours of that day. He would sit up to watch tv, but after 5 minutes or so he would get tired and his grunty breathing would start again so he would ask to lay back down and would always go right back to sleep.

This whole day was just Owen and I, because everyone else that I knew was involved with the One Voice Easter show. Cindy took Ethan and Luke for the day and Josh and Jessalyn did the One Voice thing. Then my mom took Jessalyn, Ethan and Luke for the night so that Josh could come out and visit at the hospital. Granny and Papa came to visit too! Even after sleeping for most of the day, Owen went right to sleep and slept all night long. A second dose of IV abx was started that night and by morning with two doses of abx and LOTS and I mean LOTS and LOTS of prayers, he was much better Sunday morning. Still definitely sick, but I felt more comfortable taking him home..so they let us leave.

We were able to make it for the Sunday afternoon One Voice show, but that definitely wore Owen out. By the end he was pretty grunty again...but managed to relax. He slept well Sunday night at home (...in and out of my bed) and as of now (Monday) is ok. He is still pretty grunty at times..but I am told that it will likely take a week or so for his lungs to heal. It is much harder to keep him resting at home...he wants to play with his brothers and sissy. One trip up the stairs or around the house and he gets very tired and the grunting starts.

We will go in later this week for a lung check and hopefully there will be a noticeable improvement.

Owen has certainly been a sweet boy throughout this whole ordeal.

...so today as we were leaving to pick up the kids from school in the rain I told Owen "you better put your hood on...its raining outside and you'll catch pneumonia! Oh wait..you already have pneumonia."

"LIFE"

2010-03-23T12:07:00.003-04:00

The kids and I have been enjoying the show called "Life" that airs on the Discovery Channel. We've only watched two episodes so far, but we are anxiously waiting for Sunday when a new one comes on. I find myself as enthralled as the kids as we learn and watch all kinds of amazing things that all of these creatures do. The camera work is absolutely amazing.

Unfortunately, the show is heavy on the evolution...talking about the millions of years that these animals have been around and how amazing it is that they all 'adapt' so well to their surroundings. For us, it has been a great time for some discussion. We have been able to have many conversations about evolution vs. creation.

The thing is, for me this show proves creation even more clearly. Even down to the littlest creatures and plants. An example....the Venus Fly Trap. We learned a lot about how these traps work. I wasn't aware that the traps have little sensors (that look like a little hair) on the inside of the trap. In order for the trap to close, something has to trigger TWO of the sensors within 20 seconds. It takes a lot of energy for the trap to close, so it doesn't want to close unnecessarily. Also, when a trap catches a fly it squeezes it until it secretes the exact things that a plant needs to live. For me..it seems that something like this could not just have just 'appeared' out of no where.

One of the things that I find interesting while watching this show with the boys is their reactions to things like a komodo dragon killing and eating a water buffalo. Its harsh..to say the least. I was telling Josh about how I asked the boys if it was scary and they were like "NO! Its awesome", but during parts where a baby was compromised or a mother died (octopus), they were very sad. "Why did the mom have to die?" and "Oh no...the fox is gonna get the baby...run baby, run!"

Josh and I were talking about how these reactions kind of show that our boys understand the idea of hunting and gathering food, and also protecting the moms and babies. In a sort of barbaric way, I really do hope that this is something that we are teaching them. It is most definitely something that is modeled to them by Josh on a daily basis. (not that he takes off every day with his gun to hunt animals...but more in a 'he goes to work and works hard to make money to support his family' kind of way!) I do pray that our boys grow up to become amazing husbands and fathers...just like their father!

...although, it sure is hard to picture them all grown up with families of their own!

*edited to add this thought*
As I was looking at the three pics I just posted, I noticed how Ethan is the only one who seems to be squinting with the light in his eyes. This is common for Ethan. I was always under the impression that people with blue eyes were more sensitive to light..but with my kids its just the opposite. Ethan is always complaining that the light is too bright. Even at the dentist they have to give him sunglasses because he can't look into the light without being uncomfortable. Its just funny that all three boys were in the exact same spot within seconds of each other for these pictures and both Luke and Owen are wide eyed and unaffected by the sun.

Just for fun.

2010-03-19T11:07:00.002-04:00

I learned a new photoshop technique:) It is now super fun for me to 'wrap' a new texture/design around different things. I mean...there isn't really any purpose to this, except that husbands and teenagers think its pretty sweet.

(I'm still trying to 'perfect' this idea, so please bear with the flaws!)

Here in our family we use the term "Dizzy Hulk" to describe the feeling of being so hungry that you can't quite function properly. (I believe this description came from an episode of "My Name is Earl" many years ago) I figured it would be appropriate to make Josh into a hulk type figure...with a rock effect to match his head wound:)

This guy is one of the teens in our youth group/Sunday school. He is big into basketball. This was an attempt at making him into a basketball. ..and if you only knew how hard it was for him to act serious for this picture. He pretty much always has a smile on his face so this look lasted for about 2.2 seconds.

Another teen from our youth group who is really into playing airsoft..so I tried out a camo look for him!

It feels like spring...

2010-03-17T09:45:00.002-04:00

This week anyway:) Who knows what next week will be like, but for now...we in NH...bust out the sandals and embrace the sunshine while we have it!

I'm not sure what happened in my last post, but I got a few messages letting me know that a few of the pictures weren't showing up. I have no idea why that is happening, because I can see them just fine:) I will try to re-post some of them for you.

A little family getaway.

2010-03-07T23:18:00.002-05:00

After a crazy busy February we decided to take the kids away for the weekend..just the six of us. We had an awesome weekend. We had fun in the condo, we played on the beach at the ocean, we swam in the pool...and played lots of games. It went by very quickly, but it was a much enjoyed and much needed little getaway.

Here are just a few of my favorite pics from the weekend....

Another Elijah

2010-02-26T16:29:00.002-05:00

I spent some time yesterday afternoon taking pics of Elijah! He is the sweetest little guy...although, he's really not so little! He's getting so big.

It was a difficult day as far as lighting goes, but we figured we would go for it anyway. We found a few spots with decent light inside and then we braved the rain/ snow/sleet mixture for a few minutes to get some outside pics. I can't wait until spring and nice weather to do another shoot! Elijah was a good boy, even though he is clearly not fond of the camera. He was slightly entertained by my boys though!

I will post a few here, but of course, the rest are on smugmug in the 'children' gallery, under Elijah C!

And a few black and white edits as well as some texture:)

A surprise delivery!

2010-02-15T16:05:00.002-05:00

Josh surprised me by having roses sent to the house on Friday...with a sweet card:) He's the best husband ever.

Story Boards

2010-02-15T16:03:00.001-05:00

Endless fun!!

Sweet Baby Emma

2010-02-13T22:45:00.002-05:00

We have had the opportunity to spend the weekend with some long time (and long lost!) friends. They have a sweet baby Girl who was born a few weeks premature back in September. They have a healthy little girl despite her being a bit early but she sure is a peanut!

Of course, we took some time to snap a few pictures this morning and hopefully there will be more to come. These are a few of my faves from today.

Some new, some old.

2010-02-11T22:51:00.003-05:00

This is nothing but a random post of pictures that I've been working with lately. A few winter scenes, a few of the kids and a few of some milk weeds taken last October at the request of my mom:)

No particular order...

Happy Birthday to my Meeper!

2010-02-10T10:33:00.002-05:00

Today, my sweet little boy Ethan turns SEVEN! I can hardly believe that my kids are getting so old. We started his celebration today the same way we start every birthday morning...with breakfast in bed. Ethan brought some snacks to share at school today (and yes, I stopped at Hannaford on the way to pick them up because I am so not organized enough to have made something homemade!)....then, I will be picking him and a few of his friends up from school and they will come home play here for a while, have some cake and eat pizza...then we are going to join with the Friends group and Youth Group for a skating party! It just so happened that this was planned on the day of his birthday so it works out well for me!

Mr. Ethan is doing well. He is surprising us all at school. He is already in the reading level he's supposed to be at by the end of the year, he got all "m"s (mastered) on his assessment and he got a 97% on his math assessment. Also, he is working through the 2nd grade spelling list already! He loves being able to read and particularly loves the "Cam Jansen" series.

He, of course, still LOVES video games (not sure where he gets that!)...and can contend with 'the best of 'em' on any game.

Poor Ethan has still not lost a single tooth! He is 7 years old and nothing is even starting to wiggle! I'm starting to think that Luke will lose a tooth before him. I am just envisioning Ethan being the only kid without teeth...while the rest of his friends have already gotten their permanent teeth. I suppose there is hope that when it happens they will just all fall out and grow back in very quickly! He is getting anxious about it I think.

Overall Ethan is a real sweet boy. He is quiet and cautious when he first meets someone, but if you give him time you find that he is a crazy, silly boy who will do anything for a laugh.

I will be sure to take lots of pics at his party today, but until then here is one from his breakfast in bed.

As you can see...there is some texture in this photo. The reason for this is because I finally purchased photoshop cs4!!!! You have no idea how excited I am about this! (or maybe you do?!) I have been holding out, knowing that I wanted this particular program. I have spent the last few weeks saving up the money I make babysitting Elijah AND my mom decided (out of the blue) to kick in a chunk of cash to my cause. There is SO much to learn and the picture above is my first attempt at any texturing. I can't wait until a year from now..when I have learned much more and I look back at this picture and hate it! For now...as my first attempt...I kinda like it:)

I have been spending the last few days trying hard not to spend all day messing and learning about photoshop..it has been a struggle (and if you walked in my house today this would be clear to you..ha!). ...the options and creative capabilities are ENDLESS :)

More Anna!

2010-01-13T13:26:00.003-05:00

Chris and Kim were GREAT sports, letting me put Anna anywhere I could think of that would make a cute picture! We even tried to put her in a mailbox (inside of course)...but there was just something about being put back into such a tight space that made Anna a bit unsettled:) It would have been super cute...but I think we ended up coming up with some other cute ideas.

She was nice and sleepy at first, which made for some easy positioning and placement for a few cute pictures. After a break for some lunch and a diaper change she was nice and awake for a few wide eyed shots. She kept wanting to fall back asleep...all this modeling was surely making her exhausted! We waited patiently for those beautiful eyes to pop back open...and we were glad that we did!

I got many pictures (MANY more on smugmug)...I'll try to choose only a few to share here:)

Baby Anna

2010-01-11T09:49:00.002-05:00

I just love it when our close friends have babies! Not only does it give me the opportunity to snuggle, but it also gives me the chance to take their pictures! I didn't want to steal Anna away from her mom for too long so I only snapped a few...but we are making a plan so that we can take more very soon.

Anna is a sweet girl...

..and she has a sweet big brother!

A bunch of Wild girls.

2010-01-06T10:25:00.002-05:00

Back in October I had fun doing a little photo shoot for some family friends. These girls are tons of fun and always a great help with my crazy boys. They wanted some nice pictures for their mom for her birthday. Again, I didn't want to post any from that day on the blog, fearing that I would ruin the surprise.

Ahhh, but three months later (and talking with the mom), I can be assured that the gift has been received. I think posting a few from that day is safe now!

I love this one!

A pre-Christmas photo-shoot..

2010-01-04T11:32:00.003-05:00

I didn't want to share any pics from this shoot until after I knew the gifts were in the hands of their recipients:) I believe it is safe now. Kim and Elijah were hoping to get a few pics to give as gifts, so we had a fun morning, torturing Elijah with the camera.

I think we got a few keepers from that morning.

...so I guess that was alot of pics:) There are more in my smugmug!

Twenty-Ten!

2010-01-02T14:58:00.003-05:00

So..what do we call it? I'm thinking we should be saying "twenty-ten" instead of "two thousand ten". I mean..thinking back to the 1900's, we don't say things like "way back in one thousand nine hundred and ninety nine" right? No..we would say "nineteen ninety nine". I don't know:)

We had an amazing Christmas. So much so, that I haven't taken down the Christmas tree yet. Strange for me, since usually I am the one who takes it down the day after Christmas. Here we are in January, and its still standing. I'm just not ready to let the season go.

Ah well. Here are some pictures to start the year:)

I rarely make my pictures black and white. I love black and white photography, but at the same time, part of what I love about photography is the color itself...so I find myself always wanted to go back to the picture where I could see the eye color and clothing colors. Unfortunately, I completely underexposed this picture of Luke...and using my free editing program found myself frustrated with trying to fix it. I was happier with it in black and white this time:) It has tempted me to turn a few more b/w just for fun!

Its a warmer b/w..