They're HERE!!!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Texas in the Spring!

Tuesday Ten

These are the TOP 10 smells of all time... according to me...

10. "Home for the Holidays" Yankee Candle

9. a baby fresh from the bath

8. roasting garlic

7. The New York City subway

6. pot roast

5. gasoline

4. fresh basil

3. spaghetti sauce

2. grilling steak

1. freshly cut grass

Manic Monday

Soccer Scores

Andrew, 1-0, WIN

Ryan, a lot-not a lot, LOSS

Grace, a whole lot- not much at all, LOSS

I was a little distracted by the previous night's events to actually count goals, so just know that, aside from Andrew's win, it wasn't the best day for soccer...

Sunday

OFF

no plans! Yay!

Monday

Stacey- 8:30-5

Charly- Outback dinner w/ Cate, 5:30-7:00

Ryan- 5:00, Sandstone

Tuesday

Stacey- 12:30-8:30

Charly- 6:15pm BBS- Sielken

Andrew- 4:45, Sandstone

Wednesday

Stacey- OFF

Charly- 6:15 BBS Nolen

Ryan- 5:00, SWV

Grace- 5:15, Samdstone

Thursday

Stacey- 8:30-5:45

Charly- Easter prep with TB

Andrew, Eric- 4:45, Sandstone

Grace, Lauren- 5:15, Sandstone

Friday

Stacey- 8:30-6

Charly- OFF

Saturday

Stacey- 10-6:30

Charly- Taylor, BBS, 6:15

Sunday Sweet- a baby story

I got a call from a woman last week sometime about doing maternity shots for her. She was having her 6th child and wanted pictures of her 5 children (1 girl, 4 boys) and her pregnant belly, (another boy). I agreed, we set up a time, and that was that. As the day came, we eventually made the call that it was too chilly and windy to shoot, so we rescheduled for the following Friday, knowing that day was exactly a week out from her due date and really cutting it close.


On the Friday of the shoot, I get a voicemail about 2 hours before I am scheduled to meet her at the George Bush Library pond, saying that she wasn't feeling well and we would have to cancel. My heart broke, as I knew the belly pictures were important to her, so I called, got her address and my son Andrew and I headed to her house so we could AT LEAST get her belly on 'film' before that wasn't an option and her little man made his debut.

When I arrive at her home, her children were all dressed to match, and she looked lovely is this amazing sheer black lace top that showed off her belly nicely. We headed to her back yard, found a pretty spot in the shade for everyone to sit and started shooting. We shot for about 15 minutes and in that time, she had SEVERAL severe contractions and with each one, I was getting more and more nervous.

We made our way back to the front of the house, I packed up my equipment, and was about to head out when I realized that, inside the house, things were going downhill fast. I didn't know what to do and soon found out that her husband was in town at the grocery store, she had been planning on a water birth, but her midwife was in Austin and she had no real plan for where her kids were going to go for all this, which is completely understandable considering she was a week out from her due date.

At some point, I talked to 0ne of her friends and we made some plan to get the kids to her, but that took a back seat very quickly when I noticed she was in real live labor and there would be no transporting of children, as I was absolutely NOT leaving this stranger in her home to have this baby alone, no matter what!

Then, her water broke. Now, I should mention that this mother-to-be was the absolute calmest, most in control I have EVER seen for someone about to literally give birth on her living room floor. She was on speaker phone with her midwife by this point, and that was probably all we needed to get through this situation, but me being who I am (a mother, yes, but a TEACHER, a PHOTOGRAPHER, not, I repeat NOT a doctor) I called 911 because I needed direction, coaching and support. I think I remember telling the sweet 911 operator "I am about to have to deliver a baby, it is NOT going to wait and I need you to tell me what to do." She had lots of other questions for me first, so I was trying to rack my brain for old episodes of ER, and really wishing I had been a fan of 'Rescue 911' or whatever that show was called... I kept thinking 'boil water, get towels, sheets, I need a shoelace'.

Under strict orders, my son Andrew kept her boys outside, but her 11 yr old daughter stayed in the house with us simply because I had no idea where towels, shoelaces, or anything else would be in the event that they were needed. She was a champ, doing anything and everything we asked her and is really the heroine of this story. We got a small stack of towels between the mom's legs and about 20 seconds after that, what we think was a head appeared, and less than a minute later, a chunky, pink baby boy was in my hands.

Per the 911 operator's instruction (or instinct, I cannot remember which), I untangled the little man from the cord... it wasn't around his neck, just everywhere else, like he had been caught in a spider web. I cleared his mouth with my finger, wiped his eyes, and strategically passed him to his mother, being careful not to put any stress on the cord. We still had a 'placenta to deliver, catch and wrap up for the doctor', Miss 911 tells me, to which I responded (only in my head, I hope) AWESOME, only with very sarcastic undertones.

Luckily, the mom had planned on a home water birth, though the moment she asked me to start gettign her pool ready, I quite sternly told her to give up that dream, because there was no time for me to blow up a pool and fill it with warm water so we could follow her 'birth plan', but she did have the blue and white hospital pads, suction bulb and other necessities on hand, so as 911 was asking me for things, we (11 yr old daughter and I ) were able to go to the birthing box and find them. The mother used the bulb to clear the airways, we got mom to a sitting position and got our little man on her breast within 3 minutes of delivery.

That's when the cavalry arrived. The new daddy got home first, to a huge surprise, then the sheriff appeared, closely followed by the ambulance. As throngs of people started pouring into the little home in the country, I took advantage of the break and unpacked my camera. I was able to capture the still unnamed newborn only minutes old, in his mother's arms, looking around, probably wondering what all the fuss was about. I have so much admiration for this new mommy, who was so happy and content to look her baby over, smiling and talking to him, posing for pictures... In all my life, I have honestly never seen anything like the strength this woman showed.

The last picture I took was of two gloved hands holding clamps, as an 11 yr old girl who demonstrated such maturity and grace under such pressure, cut her new baby brother's umbilical cord. I will never be the same.



So, what did YOU do Friday night?

Saturday Songbook

I have always loved this song, but I was raised on the Anne Murray version. I think I like this one better... anyway, I was present for a childbirth recently (more later) and I thought of this song... Not too sure why (I think it was the 'brings a tear of joy to my eyes part), but maybe after looking at all these 'Saturday Songbooks,' we'll start to figure out the pattern to why I think the way I do...

Danny's Song

Loggins and Messina

People smile and tell me I'm the lucky one,
And we've only just begun.
Think I'm gonna have a son.
He will be like she and me, as free as a dove,
Conceived in love.
Sun is gonna shine above.

And even though we ain't got money,
I'm so in love with you, honey,
And everything will bring a chain of love.
And in the morning, when I rise,
You bring a tear of joy to my eyes
And tell me everything is gonna be alright.

Seems as though, a month ago, I was Beta-Chi,
Never got high.
Oh, I was a sorry guy.
And now, I smile and face the girl that shares my name.
Now I'm through with the game.
This boy will never be the same.

And even though we ain't got money,
I'm so in love with you, honey,
And everything will bring a chain of love.
And in the morning, when I rise,
You bring a tear of joy to my eyes
And tell me everything is gonna be alright.

Pisces, Virgo rising is a very good sign,
Strong and kind,
And the little boy is mine.
Now I see a family where the once was none.
Now we've just begun.
Yeah, we're gonna fly to the sun.

And even though we ain't got money,
I'm so in love with you, honey,
And everything will bring a chain of love.
And in the morning, when I rise,
You bring a tear of joy to my eyes
And tell me everything is gonna be alright.

Love the girl who holds the world in a paper cup.
Drink it up.
Love her and she'll bring you luck.
And if you find she helps your mind, better take her home.
Don't you live alone.
Try to earn what lovers own.

And even though we ain't got money,
I'm so in love with you, honey,
And everything will bring a chain of love.
And in the morning, when I rise,
You bring a tear of joy to my eyes
And tell me everything is gonna be alright.

Family Friday

I don't have the time or enery to post my experience from tonight, but it's coming... for now, just know that I was instrumental in adding another member to a family tonight (no, not mine!).... interesting post coming soon!

Thursday Thoughts

I really think people should go out of their way to do something nice for someone else on a regular basis.... without them asking!

Think about it... REALLY think about it. Has anyone ever surprised you with a cup of coffee, just when you thought you were going to lose it from lack of caffeine? Or a Sonic drink, perhaps? What about a lunch delivery? An unexpected movie rental? Trinket of jewelry? Candle? Perfume? Spare camera battery? (OK, clearly that last one is only appealing to a few strange people)

Do you do this? I think this goes back to a post I did several weeks ago, where I mentioned that one of my love languages was 'gifts'... what I tried to explain was that it wasn't the gift at all, but rather the thought that someone, somewhere was thinking about you and, not only thinking about you in passing, but took time from their day to do something to make you smile... It is better to give than to receive as we've all heard and while it is really awesome to give, being on the receiving end of an amazing gesture of thoughtfulness can effect someone in ways you can't even imagine. So, off with you all...

Go send your grandmother some of her favorite candy or a framed picture of your kids, run a grilled chicken Caesar to someone who's having a rough day at work, stick an extra dessert in your child's lunch box, deliver a Route 44 vanilla cream Diet Dr.Pepper to your favorite teacher.... go touch a life. It may just make your day, but it may do a whole lot more to the person on the other end... :)

I've Been Tagged!

The game is to look at your first photo folder, scroll down to the 10th picture and then post a blog about that picture!

OK, I had to get creative, because I wanted it to be a personal picture, not a client picture, so this was technically the 10th picture in the first folder I knew had personal pictures in it.

This is the 2009 Candy Cane Fun Run at my school, which is way cool for the kids (they get to run the halls) and is also used as a food drive. Anyway, I took this picture of my teaching partner, Jayanthi, running and HOLDING my son Lucas. When they started out, they were going to be running 'buddies', but apparently Lucas told her he was getting tired (that kid NEVER gets tired) and asked her to carry him. Of course she did it, because she loves him so much. I have no choice but to put him in her class in first grade, for fear of her wrath if he ends up somewhere else :)

Now, I tag Sara White, Sara Wingfield, Shannon, Beth, and Kelly

Tuesday Ten

INTRODUCING...

Ten foods that make my day when I am sick/down/stressed/overwhelmed/ or just hungry.

10. Double Stuffed Oreos

9. Nutter Butters with Milk

8. Pace Picante Sauce

7. Blow Pops

6. Hershey's Chocolate

5. McDonald Fries

4. Mint Oreos with Milk

3. Cadbury Eggs

2. Blue Bell Rocky Road

1. Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey

Manic Monday

Sunday:
Stacey 11:30-6:30
Charly- Self, 6pm, GBL

Monday:
Stacey 8:30-5:30
Ryan soccer practice, 5pm, Sandstone

Tuesday:
Stacey 8:30-5:30
Charly Durham (Reschedule), 6pm, Campus
Andrew soccer practice, 5pm, Sandstone

Wednesday:
Stacey 9:30-6:30
Charly haircut, 5pm, with Morgan
Ryan soccer practice,m 5pm, Rock Prairie

Thursday:
Stacey 9-6
Charly Self (reschedule), 6, GBL

Friday:
Stacey OFF

Saturday
SOCCER
Ryan, 10:15, Rock Prairie
Andrew, 10:30, Veterans Park
Grace, 11:30, Rock Prairie

Saturday Songbook

This one is a little difficult to explain, but I'll do my best. I actually was listening to "The Bridge" on Sirius satellite the other night when I was editing pictures and this song came on. When it did, it reminded me that I had taken a picture of the old Queen Theatre earlier that day while waiting for a client to arrive at a shoot. Why this connection was made, I'm not exactly sure, but I think it's because Billy Joel reminds me of old New York and so does this particular piece of architecture... so there you go... but to be fair, I love love love Billy Joel, as does my husband... just one of the 1, 532, 234, 965, 946 reasons we are perfect together :)

Don't Ask Me Why

All the waiters in your grand cafe
leave their tables when you blink. (Ohhhh)
Every dog must have his every day,
every drunk must have his drink.
Don't wait for answers, just take your chances
don't ask me why.

All your life you had to stand in line,
still you're standing on your feet. (Ohhhh)
All your choices made you change your mind,
now your calendar's complete.
Don't wait for answers, just take your chances,
don't ask me why.

Mmmm, You can say the human heart is only make-believe
and I am only fighting fire with fire.
You are still a victim of the accidents you leave,
as sure as I'm a victim of desire.

All the servants in your new hotel
throw their roses at your feet. (Ohhhh)
Fool them all but, baby, I can tell
you're no stranger to the street.
Don't ask for favors, don't talk to strangers,
don't ask me why.

Yesterday, you were an only child,
now your ghosts have gone away.
You can kill them in the classic style,
now you parlez vous francais.
Don't look for answers, you took your chances,
don't ask me why.

Don't ask me why

Family Friday

So, you probably know by now that I am a photographer. I specialize in children and families and there is the occasion that I may need a 'smile maker.' What is a smile maker, you ask? Well, you're looking at one. This is Grace, one of my resident smile makers. See, she makes kids smile. Sometimes, believe it or not, a strange lady holding a big, black box in front of her face, squatting in near impossible positions, singsonging a child's name at them in an attempt to make them smile can be rather intimidating, so.... enter the smile maker~ another little person not put off at all by above mentioned strange lady/ black box combo. Not only is the smile maker uninhibited, but it (she, in this case) usually brings toys and other pretties to catch the scared child's attention. Smile makers are specifically instructed to go where ever the photographer (their mom) tells them, such as "Dangle that dog right above my head," or "go over there and make monkey noises," etc. These little bits of sunshine are cool because they work in exchange for room, board, and a college education! Cheap!... and totally worth every penny :)

*this picture of my beauty Grace was taken as a light test at our shoot yesterday... she did a FAB job making baby Kate smile!

Thursday Thoughts

Today is Thursday and at almost any other point in my life, I would love this fact because it would mean ... it was almost... FRIDAY! BUT not this week. It's Spring Break, a week in the lives of school teachers everywhere that teases of summer... helps us remember why we do what we do... because there is always an 'end,' which, in turn, creates a new 'beginning.'

I am an instant gratification type of gal. If I want it, then I want a LOT of it and I want it NOW, not tomorrow, not in a week, NOW! It's just who I am.

I think this fact makes me a good teacher... or, should I say, makes teaching a good career for me. I get to instantly see children bloom before my eyes.... and it is REALLY almost instant. Also, teaching is never boring. People that seek instant gratification are often bored easily. Teaching is definitely not that! Plus, think about it. Teachers get to take 18-22 new kids...no, scratch that, 18-22 new FAMILIES into their lives every August. They get to know them, teach them, love them, then send them into the world (or in my case, 2nd grade) and then get a whole NEW 18-22 families the next August.... it is ever changing and no two years are the same.... did you hear me? NO TWO YEARS ARE THE SAME!

This is the best job I could have asked for. I was totally led here by God, as I was NEVER the type to set out spending 7 hours a day with other peoples' children for a living (not to mention an additional 10+ hours PLANNING for above mentioned children weekly).

So there. My Thursday Thoughts on teaching :)

Why are my kids so weird?

As Grace spins around the living room in her 'Elton John' inspired feather boa, she announces that, if she spins long enough, her eyes cross all by themselves. So there you go.

Tuesday Ten

Ten things that get in the way of me having a good day.....

10. headaches

9. a messy house

8. kids fighting with each other

7. it being too cold/ too hot

6. overwhelming laundry

5. no caffine in the house

4. a grumpy 'mister'

3. sticky (ANYTHING sticky- floors, kids, counters, etc)

2. getting in the car to go somewhere and realizing I need gas

1. a bad mood

I am happy to report that I have NONE of these things going on today so I am going to have, like, the best day EVER!

(not so) Manic Monday

SPRING BREAK!!!!!

There are NO soccer scores because there are NO soccer games because it is SPRING BREAK!

Sunday:

Stacey- off

Charly- Newborn shoot, 1:00pm

Monday:

Stacey- 9:30 to 6:15

Charly- Lane family shoot, DTB, 6:00pm

Tuesday:

Stacey- OFF

*Family daytrip to Alvin for some dental cleanings, famioy visits, and a shoot

Wednesday:

Stacey- 8:30 to 5:15

Thursday:

Stacey 8:30-6:30

Charly- White 1 yr old shoot, DTB, 6:00

Friday:

Stacey- 8:30- 6

Charly- Smith family shoot, TAMU, 6pm

Staurday:

Stacey- 9:30-5:30

Charly- Durham engagement shoot, TAMU, 5:45pm

Sunday Sweet- a baby

If one feels the need of something grand, something infinite, something that makes one feel aware of God, one need not go far to find it. I think that I see something deeper, more infinite, more eternal than the ocean in the expression of the eyes of a little baby when it wakes in the morning and coos or laughs because it sees the sun shining on its cradle.
-- Vincent van Gogh

Saturday Songbook

I absolutely love John Denver. I was raised on country music and he was a prominent figure in the late 70's/ early 80's. I remember my mom singing to his records when we cleaned the house... What I find interesting is that one of my first conversations with Stacey, right when we were teetering on the edge of dating, somehow turned to the music we grew up listening. Apparently, John Denver sings the soundtrack to Stacey's childhood. I kind of feel that way too. It seems silly now, as I see it in writing, but what are the chances? It was this obscure musical connection that really opened the door to what is now a family.

Here is one of my favorites!

Poems, Prayers, and Promises

John Denver


I've been lately thinking about my life's time
All the things I've done and how it's been
And I can't help believin' in my own mind
I know I'm gonna hate to see it end
I've seen a lot of sunshine, slept out in the rain
Spent a night or two all on my own
And I've known my lady's pleasures
Had myself some friends
And spent a time or two in my own home

I have to say it now it's been a good life all in all
It's really fine to have a chance to hang around
And lie there by the fire and watch the evenin' tire
Along with friends and my old lady
Sit and pass a pipe around
And talk of poems and prayers and promises
And things that we believe in
How sweet it is to love someone
How right it is to care
How long it's been since yesterday
What about tomorrow
What about our dreams
And all the memories we share

The days they pass so quickly now
The nights are seldom long
And time around me whispers when it's cold
The changes somehow frighten me, still I have to smile
It turns me on to think of growin' old
For though the life's been good to me
There's still so much to do
So many things my mind has never known
I'd like to raise a family, I'd like to sail away
And dance across the mountains on the moon

And I have to say it now it's been a good life all in all
It's really fine to have a chance to hang around
And lie there by the fire and watch the evenin' tire
Along with friends and my old lady
Sit and pass a pipe around
And talk of poems and prayers and promises
And things that we believe in
How sweet it is to love someone
How right it is to care
How long it's been since yesterday
What about tomorrow
What about our dreams
And all the memories we share

Family Friday

Stacey, Andrew, and Lucas are heading to watch Aggie baseball. Grace, Ryan, and I are staying home. I finally broke down and went to see the doctor, who diagnosed me with a severe sinus infection and gave me Cefprozil and Cadista (antibiotic and steroid). I am going to lie down on the couch and try to get better... I am shooting like crazy this week and refuse to let a headache get in the way. I hate getting sick... ever since last summer it seems like everytime I feel sick, I convince myself it's cancer and another tumor. I need to get over this!

Thursday Thoughts

I think the week before spring break should only be 3 days. I mean, really. The kids are totally and completely checked out, as are the teachers.... Let's just extend the vacation by a few days and make everyone happy!

Sorry for such a lame post- I am getting overwhelmed. I am shooting 5x this week and just booked 3 weddings. NUTS! I guess my Jan- Feb dry spell is O-V-E-R! Praise God!

I am sure my kids are appreciative too... so I'll get my camera out of their faces and into someone else's!

Let God lead you...

Just do it. It may seem strange, you may feel out of control, but let Him lead you...

Let Him control your heart.

I don't think people would necessarily call me a 'shy' person, but I keep to myself, especially when I'm out of my element. I am not one to go up to strangers and initiate a conversation. I sit back in new situations and watch... feel things out a bit.

But recently, I've let God lead me....

I am finding myself led to people, led to blogs which, in turn, lead me to people. This is all very new to me. Being somewhat of a control freak, I have a hard time, but I am letting God lead me. There IS a reason... I can't wait to find out!!!!

This is huge for me, but it's kind of nice, not being 'at the wheel'... let Him lead...

That's all for now.

Tuesday Ten

This Top Ten thing is throwing me for a loop... (what does that mean, anyway?). So, I was thinking of things I'd like to do.... again. These are the top ten experiences that were so amazing, unbelievable, emotional, exceptional, etc. that I'd do (or want to do) all over again in a heartbeat. These are in no particular order...

10. BUILD A HOUSE

Yes, I know, technically this is a 'thing,' but I loved every minute of the building process... the picking and the choosing, the visualizing and the actualizing. I once heard a woman say that if she and her husband had to build a house again, she would be divorced. I never understood that. It was a fabulous experience for us, but I'm lucky in that we were always on the same page with everything...


9. SEE MY HUSBAND SEE THE CHRYSLER BUILDING

I know, weird, but that man is absolutely entranced by that particular piece of architecture... why, I do not know, but I SWEAR we have 5,419 pictures of the Chrysler building taken from every possible part of New York City floating around here somewhere. Hey, we all have our things, right?


8. CHER IN CONCERT

I was in awe. She is a legend.. iconic.. almost not real, but there she was. The woman is 64 and I've NEVER looked as good as she does, though it's a wonder half her body didn't melt in that Vegas heat. It was truly an out of body experience for me to see her with my naked eyeballs.


7. WALK UNDER THE EIFFEL TOWER

Of all the places a little girl dreams of visiting, Paris is always #1. And not just Paris, but Paris with the love of your life...strolling hand in hand, drinking coffee at a sidewalk cafe, getting caught in the rain... I did it ALL. My dreams came true...


6. RECEIVE MY LETTER OF ADMISSION TO TEXAS A&M

I can't really put into words what this felt like, but I just know that after years and years of thinking I wouldn't amount to much, then getting that letter and finally realizing that someone thought I could do it... it was liberating.


5. HEAR 20,000 PEOPLE SING 'PIANO MAN'

"It's 5 o'clock on a Saturday...." Just the man, his piano, and 20,000 voices. It was a moment frozen in time... something my mind will never forget.


4. HOLD MY NEWBORN BABY FOR THE FIRST TIME

I wish I could go back and truly appreciate this will all my senses; feeling smooth, chubby arms and legs and feathery soft hair, hearing those little sucking sounds, grunts and groans, looking into the eyes of something your body created, the smell of powdery sweet skin mixed with milk...


3. GRADUATE

Graduation, the event, wasn't all that special... it was more the 4 1/2 year roller coaster college was for me had come to an end and I was victorious. It was the first significant thing I'd done and the feeling of accomplishment was something I had never felt before.


2. BE A NEWLYWED

I wish I had been more mature, I wish we'd had more money, I wish we'd been smarter with the money we did have, I wish we could have stopped and seized every single moment we had when we were just responsible for ourselves. I would love to relive that, only knowing what I do now...


1. WALK INTO THE HILTON ON THAT JULY DAY FOR TRAINING WITH BEST BUY

I sat down across the table from a man named Stacey Stagg. That day, my life changed forever.

Manic Monday

Soccer Scores:

Strikers 5-0 WIN

Dragons 4-6 LOSS

(Ryan scored an amazing goal, didn't let ANY by when he was goalie, and was totally and completely hard core the entire game! Absolutely amazing soccer player!)

Unicorns 9-3 WIN

(Grace scored again because she's so little, she sneaks up on them and STRIKES!)

Schedule

Sunday:

Stacey - OFF

Monday:

Stacey 8:30-5:30

Ryan- soccer practice, 5:00, Sandstone

Tuesday:

Stacey 12:00- 8:00

Andrew- soccer practice, 4:45, Sandstone

Wednesday:

Stacey OFF

Charly- meeting, 4:00pm, AMCHS w/ Michelle

Ryan- soccer practice, 5:00, SWV

Thursday:

Stacey 8:30-4:30

Andrew- soccer practice, 4:45, Sandstone

Grace- soccer practice, 5:15, Sandstone

Friday:

Stacey OFF

Saturday:

Stacey- 12:00-8:30

Charly- Williams wedding

Grace- Libby's bday party, 2:00-3:30

Happy MONDAY!

Sunday Sweet- The Baby

This is Lucas. He's the last in our set of four and, frankly, some of our best work. Aside from being an absolute doll, he has personality for miles and is an all around, likable kid. He is ALWAYS smiling... that is, when he's not crying. That's really it for him: Smile or cry. Luckily, he smiles way more than he cries! He is our baby and I think it's funny how different things are for him. With the oldest, you rush, rush, rush... everything! Hurry and walk, hurry and talk, hurry and write your name, hurry and know your colors and animal sounds so I can show off to all my friends how smart you are.... Yeah, not so much with the fourth. We really didn't rush anything with him and I can tell a huge difference between Lu and our first. Andrew (#1) is always 'on,' always rushing, always bouncing from one thing to another, one room to another, one channel to another (a whole other post ENTIRELY!). Lu is different. He's a chill kind of kid, with a great c'est la vie attitude. He operates on his own time, in his own little world and I love him for that. We could all take a lesson from the four year old that has access to Nintendo DSs, Playstation (2 &3), computers, iPods, tvs, Wii... and chooses to roll cars on the wood floor.

Today, I am going to roll cars with Lucas...

Carnival- Lucas won a MUG!

Today was our school's Spring Carnival. Truly, I absolutely love stuff like this. I think its hilarious when students see you with your own children and are like, "oooh, oooh, there's Mrs. Stagg," like they don't see you EVERY DAY! I like watching my own children interact with my students, I like taking pictures of them playing games and having a fabulous time being kids.

Also, this year, I am an auction item.... at least sitting fees of mine are... I have donated 2 sitting fees + high resolution DVD of images as a silent auction item... I think the fact that I'm a photographer is going to be a huge surprise to a lot of the school... I have never really advertised in my school community... I guess I wear so many hats in the Pebble Creek building... teacher, mom... photographer seems like a little much to me, so I've never made it a topic for discussion. Well, it's out there now! It kind of feels like walking out of the womens room with your skirt tucked into your pantyhoes... maybe hard to understand, but... ok, here are pics- I know you have only read this far for this reason :)

Saturday Songbook

Everything Brad Paisley sings is, in some way, relatable.... I appreciate that from an artist. This song makes me tear up, because when Stacey and I saw him in concert sometime in the Summer of 2009, when he started to sing this song, Stacey grabbed by hand and never let it go... the whole song. I wonder if he even realizes he did that... I am so blessed to have the love of that wonderful man.

Waitin' on a Woman

Sittin' on a bench at West Town Mall
He sat down in his overalls and asked me
''You waitin' on a woman?''
I nodded yeah and said, ''How 'bout you?''
He said, ''Son since nineteen fifty-two I've been
Waitin' on a woman.''

When I picked her up for our first date
I told her I'd be there at eight
And she came down the stairs at eight-thirty
She said, ''I'm sorry that I took so long
Didn't like a thing that I tried on.''
But let me tell you son she sure looked pretty
Yeah, she'll take her time but I don't mind
Waitin' on a woman.

He said, ''The wedding took a year to plan
You talk about an anxious man, I was nervous
Waitin' on a woman.''
And then he nudged my arm like old men do
And said, ''I'll say this about the honeymoon, it was worth it
Waitin' on a woman.''

And I don't guess we've been anywhere
She hasn't made us late I swear
Sometimes she does it just 'cause she can do it
Boy it's just a fact of life
It'll be the same with your young wife
Might as well go on and get used to it
She'll take her time 'cause you don't mind
Waitin' on a woman.

I've read somewhere statistics show
The man's always the first to go
And that makes sense 'cause I know she won't be ready
So when it finally comes my time
And I get to the other side
I'll find myself a bench, if they've got any
I hope she takes her time, 'cause I don't mind
Waitin' on a woman.

Honey, take your time, cause I don't mind
Waitin' on a woman...

We did it!

Here is one of two precious girlie sets we made for the Pebble Creek auction! They are FABULOUS!!!!!

Family Friday- Grace

Did I ever tell you that Grace is a fashion designer? Well, at least she thinks she is. As part of my "unplug" movement, I am going to start little projects with my kids. I am starting with Grace (mainly because I actually know what to do with her). I am going to let her design an outfit, then we are going to go to Hobby Lobby and get fabric to make it. I do not expect this to turn out well, however I think we'll have lots of fun making it ... then she can honestly say she is a fashion designer!

Thursday Thoughts

This week, I've been thinking a lot about my children and I 've made a desicion. I am letting my computer get in the way of my mothering. I am letting my TV get in the way of my mothering. I am letting my iPhone get in the way of my mothering.

I believe I am a good mother- I think my children are proof of that, BUT I could be so much better. I need to unplug, so.... I am making a commitment to unplug myself from my digital world from 3:30-7:30 every evening. Obviously, I will still have my phone to answer calls, but for the most part, my focus is going to be solely on my home and family. I will NOT let my self get distracted by email or facebook. I will not turn on the TV... you KNOW there's a catch, don't you! My kids won't either. If I am going to unplug, they are too. This will be tragic to a few of them... but they'll live. We can play games, kick the soccer ball, take a walk, eat dinner in peace (without 3 different tvs blaring in 3 different rooms, along with the mystery music the DS likes to provide). Ok, so I have commited to this. We'll see how it all pans out!

What you may not know.....

What you may not know about me is that I am crazy crafty. I love love love making things. I will at least TRY to make anything... clothes, jewelry, accessories for my daughter, scrapbooks, ANYTHING! Well, tomorrow, I am going to try to make one of these:

Ok, so it's small and a poor quality picture, but it is a hairbow made from scraps.... it is fabulous and will soon the all the rage among both young and old... at least, that would be great! I know a couple of women starting a business and I would LOVE to be able to contribute to their inventory with this lovely bobble.... wish me luck- I might post the final result... depends.

Tuesday Ten

I'm not going to lie, I watch a lot of tv, but I'm smart about it... for instance, I watch NOTHING live. If you have spent millions on a commercial specifically targeting my age demographic, then you've wasted your money... I DVR everything, watch when I have time, delete over half of what I record, usually fast forward through parts I think will be more interesting at 60x speed and there you have it- I've just watched an evening of tv in under 20 minutes. For fun, here's a flashback for you... this is what my mom was watching while she was hugely pregnant with me :

Top 10 TV Shows of 1977

1. Laverne & Shirley ABC
2. Happy Days ABC
3. Three's Company ABC
4. 60 Minutes CBS
5. Charlie's Angels ABC
6. All in the Family CBS
7. Little House on the Prairie NBC
8. Alice CBS
9. M*A*S*H CBS
10. One Day at a Time CBS

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

This is how we celebrate the 106th birthday of Dr. Seuss in 1st grade...

a read-a-thon!

Wynken, Blynken, and Nod one night
Sailed off in a wooden shoe---
Sailed on a river of crystal light,
Into a sea of dew.
"Where are you going, and what do you wish?"
The old moon asked the three.
"We have come to fish for the herring fish
That live in this beautiful sea;
Nets of silver and gold have we!"
Said Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.

The old moon laughed and sang a song,
As they rocked in the wooden shoe,
And the wind that sped them all night long
Ruffled the waves of dew.
The little stars were the herring fish
That lived in that beautiful sea---
"Now cast your nets wherever you wish---
Never afeard are we";
So cried the stars to the fishermen three:
Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.

All night long their nets they threw
To the stars in the twinkling foam---
Then down from the skies came the wooden shoe,
Bringing the fishermen home;
'T was all so pretty a sail it seemed
As if it could not be,
And some folks thought 't was a dream they 'd dreamed
Of sailing that beautiful sea---
But I shall name you the fishermen three:
Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.

Wynken and Blynken are two little eyes,
And Nod is a little head,
And the wooden shoe that sailed the skies
Is a wee one's trundle-bed.
So shut your eyes while mother sings
Of wonderful sights that be,
And you shall see the beautiful things
As you rock in the misty sea,
Where the old shoe rocked the fishermen three:
Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.

Manic Monday

Soccer scores from 2/27/10:

Strikers (Andrew)- WIN~ 3-0

Dragons (Ryan)- LOSS~ 2-6

Unicorns (Grace)- WIN~ 7-2

This weeks schedule of events:

Sunday-

Stacey- 11:00-6:00

Dinner: Cheese quesadillas, turkey taco chili (crockpot)

Monday-

Stacey- 11:30-8:30
Ryan's soccer practice- 5:00-6:00 Sandstone

Dinner: salad, marinated grilled pork chops, steamed veggies, brown rice

\

Tuesday-
Stacey 8:30-5:00
Andrew's soccer practice- 4:45-6:00 Sandstone
Grace's soccer practice- 5:15-6:15 Sandstone

Dinner: caesar salad, spaghetti w/meat sauce, bread (made in fridge)

Wednesday-
Stacey 11:30-8:30
Ryan's soccer practice- 5:00-6:00 SWV Athletic complex
Dinner: garden salad, grilled cheese, progresso soup, steamed veggies

Thursday-
Stacey 8:30-5:15
Andrew's soccer practice- 4:45-6:00 Sandstone
Grace's soccer practice- 5:15-6:15 Sandstone

Dinner: beef roast (crockpot), carrots, new potatoes, onions, dinner rolls (veggies marinating in fridge)

Friday-
Stacey- OFF

Dinner: Fish Daddy's with the Taylors

Saturday-
Ryan soccer game 9:00am SWV Athletic Complex
Grace soccer game 10:15am SWV Athletic Complex
Andrew soccer 10:30 Veteran's Park
Pebble Creek Carnival 11:00-4:00

Dinner: TBA