Wordless Wednesday- Vacation

I know, lovely picture from the photographer- I JUST took it with my iPhone, not the fancy schmancy camera I have :)

Anyway, this is our home-away-from-home for approx. 12 days, starting in 10 days... confused yet?



I should start by saying this is a little bitter sweet for me. See, when we originally decided to take this camping adventure, I was a tad apprehensive (umm, have you MET me???) and frankly, had no intention of- a) getting 'into' this trip or b)having any fun whatsoever. Well, my husband quickly figured this out, so he decided to 'redo' our camper in an effort to 'rally the troops' (ie. ME)... that's right, our 1973 Coleman pop up camper that sleeps 4 (yes, there are 6 of us). Ok, we replaced the floor, re tiled, painted all the 70's wood a really hip red and reupholstered the booth cushions in a really trendy striped fabric... the booth cushions were all I really did :) The overall product was mesmerizing... at least from the stand point that it WAS from 1973, it was FREE and the remodel actually made me buy into the whole 'camping' thing... a little!



Ok, fast forward a few weeks and we get a call, or rather a text from my dad that his friend is getting rid of his pop-up and would we like to go see it? My immediate reaction was "Ummm, NO, does he even REALIZE how much time WE spent redoing ours???" (which was really Stacey- 3 straight days in the blinding heat, me- 2 hours one evening with a staple gun and a Bud Lime, but whatever). Then he mentioned that it was a 1995, sleeps 6, has a sink, stove, and microwave, and doesn't smell like, well, a 1973 pop up camper. Ok, by that point I was intrigued.



We looked, we smiled, we bought.



Now I have guilt that we promised that 37 year old camper that we were going to take her to Yellowstone and then left her for a newer, younger model. Isn't that every woman's nightmare??? So now we have a garage that holds 2 campers... but the one pictured above is our new one- here is the old one:

I did my remodel magic on the new one as well, making new curtains and recovering the booth seats and will take inside pics soon. It's set up in our driveway as we start packing it up- so far we have a bath basket (all the stuff we'll take to the showers in YS) toothbrushes and tooth paste, hiking backpacks with first aid kids, and all that jazz, camping chairs, minimal dishes, towels, and last night I made the beds. We pull out of town Friday morning, 3am-ish (July 9th). We are trying to get to Manitou Springs to see my friend Clare by a decent hour Friday, before heading out again at some ungodly hour Saturday morning for the remainder of our, what I'm sure is to be a family bonding and incident free drive to Wyoming.

More on the trip later- I know I have more to say, but I'll save it for tomorrow and hopefully will NEVER go this long without blogging again!

Saturday Songbook- Goodbye Rue!

Did you know this song was actually recorded by a man and was on the Billboard Top 100 in 1978? Me neither! Here's my salute to Bea and Rue... two Golden Girls I will miss... these were really funny gals that had pretty amazing lives. Check out their Bio's on the Biography channel if you get a chance... you'll be surprised at what you learn about them!

Thank You For Being a Friend

by Andrew Gold- 1978 Billboard Music Charts

by Cindy Fee for the show

Thank you for being a friend
Traveled down the road and back again
Your heart is true your a pal and a confidant.

And if you through a party
Invited everyone you ever knew
You would see the biggest gift would be from me
And the card attached would say thank you for being a friend.

Check this video out for extra words to the song :)

Family Friday- movies? maybe

So, we've spent, well, three nights over the last week watching Karate Kid I, II , and III. We are priming the kids for the release of the NEW Karate Kid, which comes out today... Stacey doesn't get off tonight until 7pm, so I don't see us getting out that late to see it, especially on opening night, but I MAY be able to talk him into the matinee tomorrow morning? The only one I worry about is Lucas, but I think if I bring headphones and turn the brightness down low, he could play with my phone if need be. I want to see it, though I am a loyal Ralph Macchio and don't know if this Smith kid can compete with the level of pathetic Macchio has perfected over the years... who knows... I'll let you know if it all works out. I am now on the hunt for the Karate Kid movie with the blond girl... I guess I should mention that we have that Netflix that streams movies right through the PS3, so if we want something, we get on the computer, select it, and have it playing 5 min later! I love technology :)

Thursday Thoughts- computer time

As much as I look forward to summer, I forgot about all the TIME we have on our hands.... I am home... with 4 kids... and no consistant plans. This is where Webkinz comes in... at least for now. This very moment, as I get ready to make dinner (the THIRD meal of the day, not to be confused with the bedtime snack which, with 3 boys, is like another meal), my sweet kids are all at the breakfast table playing Webkinz... with eachother... with no screaming involved. I love 5:30-6:30 because they know that's what they get to do IF they have gotten along all day. Today, they have, though that is not always the case. I will continue this new summer tradition for as long as it works.

In other news, I woke up yesterday with this crazy crick in my neck- kept heat on it all day and today, woke up with is 10x worse than yesterday! I think we've figured it out and already, I can at least turn my head enough to drive safely, but it still hurts and I still need the heated rice bag every hour or so... blah! Happy Summer to me!

The Hearts of Aggieland

What makes Texas A&M so special?
It isn't hard to understand.
The answer is found when one is transformed
By the Spirit of Aggieland.
Some may scoff at our traditions.
Some may mock our sense of pride.
But what other school plays Silver Taps
When one of its own has died?

Could it be the famous Corps of Cadets,
Or perhaps the Fighting Texas Aggie Band?
Could it be ol' Sul Ross, or E. King Gill,
The original Twelfth Man?
Maybe it's the student body, ready and willing
To answer the call, who proudly stand.
Or the Aggie bond, when you see
Another's senior ring, introduce yourself,
And shake his hand.

Maybe it's Reveille, or Kyle Field,
Or the Aggie War Hymn and its "Hullabaloo".
Perhaps its Bonfire, signifying our burning desire
To "Beat the Hell Outta t.u!"
Maybe it's the Former Students.
There are no "exes" here.
Maybe it's Muster, when the Roll is called,
And another answers, "Here".

You see, my friend, all of these and more
Make Texas A&M stand apart.
For once you're an Aggie, you're always an Aggie, and the Spirit burns within your heart.
And though "some may boast of prowess bold of The school they think so grand",
The Spirit is alive, and they bleed maroon
In the Hearts of Aggieland.

Pat Canuteason
Class of '77
Copyright 1993
All Rights Reserved

Tuesday Ten

I put my iPhone on shuffle and these are the first 10 songs that came on :)

10. Dedicated to the One I Love-

The Mamas & The Papas

9. Say You Love Me-

Fleetwood Mac

8. Somebody Like You-

Keith Urban

7. Gloria-

Laura Branigan

6. Shut Up and Let me Go-

The Ting Tings

5. Stompin' at the Savoy-

Harry Connick Jr.

4. Take It Easy-

The Eagles

3. American Ride-

Toby Keith

2. Just Missed the Train-

Kelly Clarkson

1. Ain't Goin Down (Til the Sun Comes Up)-

Garth Brooks

This weekend I got the unique opportunity to photograph a high school reunion. It was very interesting, as it was a 25th year reunion ( I am only 14 years out of HS) and it was a very eclectic group of people. I am putting all the images on DVD for the reunion goers (the ones that bought the DVD for $15) to print as they wish. Several people that weren't able to come to the reunion ordered the DVD, to be able to see all their classmates. It was a fun experience and I hope to get to do more!

Last night we, as a family, watched Karate Kid. Tonight we are watching Karate Kid II. The kids have loved it and I have too... as many times as I remember seeing that movie, I had forgotten so much! It must be old age! Anyway, kids LOVED it and look forward watching Karate Kid III soon!

My Sweetie!

Happy birthday to the most wonderful man/husband/father on the planet! YOU, my dear, are an angel sent to me from God, who knew exactly what I needed and when I needed it! I love you and can't wait to celebrate many more birthdays with you!

Tuesday Ten

This was soooo hard, but I think these are my 10 favorite pics from this weekend of shooting... I should say 10 of my favorites, because there are tons more! Anyway, enjoy :)

Manic Monday

This Monday sure was MANIC! We shot 5 families, as well as visited the Apple store to get Stacey's phone replaced, shopped for a dress for me to wear to my sister's wedding, and went to an amazing dinner of pizza and wine with friends... it was great! Here are a few more from Dallas- the Hunter family!

Sunday Sweet- Dallas

On Sunday, Stacey and I traveled to Dallas, Texas- about 3 hours from our home, to shoot several families (most of whom I knew in high school). I was rather hot (hello! Texas in JUNE!), but despite the sweat dripping off of my body and hair, it was a grat place to shoot, the families were amazing and we had a great time! Here are a few from teh White family from today!

It's Official

It's official. School's out for summer... it's always a bit bittersweet for me... see, this is still my 'new class' and now, all of the sudden they're my 'old class' and actually, I am in limbo, as I currently have no class... over the summer, I plan new lessons... I plan for kids I don't even know yet. It's a little strange.

Anyway, summer is here! Sleep, lazy days of reading, swimming, hanging out with friends. I'll miss the kids, but it's not like they're moving th China :) I'll see most of them again next year.

Thursday Thoughts

teacher

\ˈtē-chər\
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
1 : one that teaches; especially : one whose occupation is to instruct

Really, Mr.Webster? Is that all we get?

Here's a picture of our Flat Stanley Project from this year.

One year ago tonight I was told I had tumor(s) growing in my body.

One year ago I was told that it very well might be cancer.

One year ago I sat in a dim doctor's office, my husband by my side, holding my hand, crying with me as a doctor explained what all this meant, scheduled blood work to check for ovarian cancer, then scheduled my hysterectomy... at 31 years old.

One year ago I was faced with my mortality.

One year ago, for the first time ever, envisioned leaving my children motherless....

never seeing Grace as a beautiful bride...

never seeing my kids graduate from Texas A&M...

never meeting my grandchildren.

One year ago, while everyone else was watching the finale of American Idol, I was making phone calls to family members, starting each call strong, in tears by the end.



I NEVER want to have to go through that again and I thank God that I am here, one year later, loving on my husband and children, looking into my future. I am fully aware I will always be at risk and that at any moment, this could all happen again, but I pray that it doesn't and I'm grateful for everyday I get to spend with the people I love.

Random thoughts...

2 1/2 days left.....

I think I can... I think I can... I think I can... I think I can... I think I can... I think I can... I think I can... I think I can... I think I can... I think I can... I think I can... I think I can...

Sunday Sweet- another baby

Beckett

This little guy lives in my neighborhood. He is what I would call a 'fiesty' child, in that he knows what you want him to do and unless he firmly agrees to it, it ain't gonna happen. I can usually calm a baby, pat, rock, or "Shhh" to sleep for pictures, but the moment we took our hands off of Beckett, he was awake, alert and not happy. I have spent about 5 hours total photographing this child over the course of three sessions. I think we finally managed to truly see Beckett in our pictures and I wanted to share some of them with you.

Saturday Songbook

On Friday, Stacey and I, along with friends Michelle & Jessie, went to see Jimmy Buffett in concert at the Woodlands... it was very relaxing and he still sounds great (for singing for 40 years!). I would say the average age of concert goer was 50, so the people watching was better than than of a New York subway station... and that's sayin' something! It was awesome to hear the thousands of 'parrot heads' singing along with this song. As I read the words, it reminds me of someone-

A Pirate looks at 40

by Jimmy Buffett

Mother, mother ocean,
I have heard you call,
Wanted to sail upon your waters
since I was three feet tall. You've seen it all,
You've seen it all.

Watched the men who rode you,
Switch from sails to steam.
And in your belly you hold the treasure
That few have ever seen, Most of them dreams,
Most of them dreams.

Yes, I am a pirate
Two hundred years too late.
The cannons don't thunder there's nothin' to plunder
I'm an over forty victim of fate; arriving too late
Arriving too late.

I've done a bit of smugglin'
I've run my share of grass.
I made enough money to buy Miami,
But I pissed it away so fast, Never meant to last,
Never meant to last.

I have been drunk now for over two weeks,
I passed out and I rallied and I sprung a few leaks,
but I've got to stop wishin', got to go fishin'
I'm down to rock bottom again. Just a few friends,
Just a few friends.

I go for younger women,
Lived with several awhile,
And though I ran away, They'll come back one day.
And still I can manage a smile
It just takes awhile, just takes awhile.

Mother mother ocean,
after all these years I've found
My occupational hazard being
my occupation's just not around
I feel like I've drowned, gonna head uptown.

Tuesday Ten

Here are 10 things I am looking forward to this summer...

10. time to keep the house clean

9. time to keep up with the laundry

8. getting my class blog up and running

7. establishing a diet

6. establishing a workout routine

5. time to get crafty

4. vacations

3. Sunday night dinner and games with friends

2. time with my sweetie

1. SLEEP!

Saturday Songbook

Ok, ladies... this one is for you. Close your eyes and remember back to when you were first dating him... you know who I'm talking about... HIM. Remember the anticipation as you got ready for a date, knowing that you were about to see him... remember when he touched your arm or grabbed your hand and chills shot up your arms and down your back... remember that goodnight kiss...

At our age (sorry, keepin it real) it's so easy to lose sight of that... when everything is pulling us in what seems like 1000 different directions we need to stop, breathe and remember those feelings. You are the same girl. He is the same boy (+ a few gray hairs, but who am I to talk?).

Sure, priorities have changed a bit, but as I look at him I try to clear from my mind all the practices, appointments, laundry, dishes, email, and anything else that is keeping me from being that person... keeping us from being those people...

clear them all out and let yourself go back... be fearless :)

Fearless

by Taylor Swift

There's somethin' 'bout the way
The street looks when it's just rained
There's a glow off the pavement
Walk me to the car
And you know I wanna ask you to dance right there
In the middle of the parking lot
Yeah
Oh yeah

We're drivin' down the road
I wonder if you know
I'm tryin' so hard not to get caught up now
But you're just so cool
Run your hands through your hair
Absent mindedly makin' me want you

And I don't know how it gets better than this
You take my hand and drag me head first
Fearless
And I don't know why but with you I'd dance in a storm in my best dress
Fearless

So baby drive slow
'til we run out of road in this one horse town
I wanna stay right here in this passenger's seat
You put your eyes on me
In this moment now capture it, remember it

Cause I don't know how it gets better than this
You take my hand and drag me head first
Fearless
And I don't know why but with you I'd dance in a storm in my best dress
Fearless

Well you stood there with me in the doorway
My hands shake
I'm not usually this way but
You pull me in and I'm a little more brave
It's the first kiss,
It's flawless,
Really something,
It's fearless.

Oh yeah
And I don't know how it gets better than this
You take my hand and drag me head first
Fearless
And I don't know why but with you I'd dance in a storm in my best dress
Fearless