Just a few recent edits from the fall...

His hair is so much longer now, so I'll be taking some more recent photos to post very soon.

Our newest piece...

One thing I love to do is shop for "home decor" and furniture. Sometimes I wish I had several homes (and an unlimited budget) because I like so many different pieces and looks.

Over the weekend I asked my husband if we could go and LOOK at furniture and get a few ideas for our entryway. We've lived in our home for over a year now, and the entry has been empty the entire time, UNTIL NOW! My poor hubby, he should have known that "looking" at furniture never really goes over well, we always end up buying. :)

This is what we came home with....

We have a gorgeous mirror to hang above it, but we're too afraid to put holes in the walls, so we'll have to hire someone to hang the mirror (and several other items) around the house. :)

The last time we tried to hang something in this house, we ended up with a huge hole in the wall, let's leave it to the professionals this time.

Ray of Sunshine

Amidst devastation, chaos, and sadness even the smallest signs of hope remind us that God is good, and is with us even when the odds are against us.

This story had me sobbing with joy, yet complete devastation. This tiny survivor is one of the lucky few who made it through, when hopes had been lost. I cried from happiness to see his smiling face and the character of his little personality, but I cried also thinking of the family he undoubtedly lost, the poverty that surrounds him, and the utter dismay of his country. I want more than anything to scoop him up and bring him into my home.

This story reminds me of the amazing rescuers who are working day in and day out to help those in need, and keeps me focused on what we can do to help this impoverished nation.

http://cnn.com/video/?/video/world/2010/01/21/moos.mile.wide.smile.cnn

Lord, we thank you for the blessings you have bestowed on us, and ask you to usher us in the direction that we may do the most good in this very trying time.

When daddy's away...

......the kids will PLAY, an play, and play, and TRASH the house.

Then mommy spends her evening cleaning up, and catching up on her favorite DVR'd trash shows and movies. :)

And then at the end of the night, she'll go to bed ready and excited for the hubby to come home tomorrow. :)

Toddler bed??

The scene of the incident... (the floor right in front of Jack's crib)

the evidence...(a smashed crib bumper)

the CULPRIT, now sleeping soundly in MY BED, after taking a tumble up and over his crib. :( So does that mean it's not time for a toddler bed, or do you think he actually learned his lesson the first time? The bumper came out, and I'll be placing pillows at the base of the crib tonight, just in case he decides to pull the same acrobatic move again.

Going back to work...

I am so excited to start working in the field this Spring with Be You Photography, as an Independent Photographer. I have always LOVED photography, and this opportunity came at the right time in my life. I am so blessed to have been considered for this position, as Becca, at Be You, has established a fabulous name for herself and the company here in the Kansas City area. I am in constant awe of her work, and will continue to strive to be as talented as she is.

Below you will find the most recent Be You newsletter with my formal introduction to all Be You clients. I'm so excited, and wanted to share with all of you! Click on the text below and

enjoy!!

Be You Photography Newsletter

Stand by your MAN!

I would consider myself a good wife, but not one without flaws. I enjoy taking care of my husband, spending time with him, and knowing that I am part of what keeps his world centered and grounded. I love knowing and feeling just how important our relationship is to him, and just how special our life is together. That being said, there are times throughout the year that the family time is lessened, my husband is a bit stressed, and our life seems slightly off it's axis. Work can be stressful, situations can be difficult, and my husband withdraws a bit more from his sheer mental exhaustion. You would think at times like this I would be at my strongest, helping to keep the family upbeat and positive, yet I find myself becoming exhausted and stressed (about all the little things) right along with him.

I guess this is what they call "maturing" or maybe simply understanding your partner better, because now, more than ever, I'm intent on changing my attitude, my behavior and taking hold of my emotions to better "Stand by my MAN." I know I've added stress in the past, or even said things I shouldn't have, but I'm learning now just how much he NEEDS ME to be strong, supportive, and capable of handling things without a fuss.

I've always known I was emotional and easily hurt, but what I'm starting to understand is that the hurt I sometimes feel, I let take over my attitude and outlook. My husband works harder than anyone I know, and deserves the utmost respect and love, so as his wife and BIGGEST SUPPORTER, it's time to put my emotions aside and be the wife I know I can be, by simply being his ROCK, and the one who proudly stands beside him. After all, I know if I do it for him, he's be certain to return the favor.

I Love you, Nathan!

Ever been to Haiti?

I woke up today in my beautiful home, in my warm bed, with heat blasting through the vents. I walked to the kitchen, fed my son, made myself breakfast and drank some hot coffee. I then sat down at my MAC computer and the devastation continued to unravel. I AM SO SPOILED!

A country that is already riddled with extreme poverty was hit hard by one of the most intense earthquakes in it's history, and many throughout the country have lost everything, if they were fortunate enough not to lose their life.

It's easy to sit hear and feel terrible, but the truth is, I have NO IDEA what these people are going through, no idea what true devastation looks like, and no idea what I can do to aid in the recovery. I feel helpless....

So instead of feeling helpless, I decided to take action and find ways that I can help from here at home, and thought many of you would want to know how to help as well:

1. To help with relief efforts, text "HAITI" to "90999" and $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross, charged to your cell phone bill. Or visit Red Cross and Mercy Corps.

2. Concern Worldwide-http://www.concernusa.org/Public/DonateOptions.aspx

3. www.foodforthepoor.org

4. Organize a charity drive at your church or school to raise money, gather food or clothing for the people of Haiti.

5. If you are unable to contribute financially, or physically, please PRAY for those hit by this extreme tragedy.

We are unable to fathom what it feels like to live in poverty or extreme devastation, but it's so important to help those in need, as we'll never know when a disaster like this will hit closer to home.

My prayers are with the Haitian people, their country, and with those who have lost the ones they love!

Put a little love in your heart!

Getting him ready to quarterback...

This is his, "please mommy" look...

Jack what do we say in church? (Shhhhhhh) LOVE IT

All SMILES

Tick tock, tick tock!

I might be stating the obvious, but last night I got to thinking about TIME. Have you ever realized that our lives revolve around TIME?

BedTIME

NapTIME

DinnerTIME

LunchTIME

TIME for church

TIME for work

Appointment TIME...

...and the list goes on and on.

There never seems to be enough time in the day, yet we plan our days to revolve around the clock. In my head all I hear is...

What time should I be there?

How much time do you have?

What time does it start?

What time do you need me home?

What time do you have to leave?

AHHHHHHH....make it stop already!

All I know is, instead of rushing around and only focusing on time, I'm planning on putting the people, opportunities, and experiences in my life at the forefront. I'm putting TIME on the shelf, and enjoying the moments rather than the ticking minutes.

I encourage all of you, even if it's one day a week, or every other week for that matter, to enjoy your life and your day without the constant rush of the clock. Sleep in, eat when you're hungry, nap when you can, worship when you feel close to God, and live like you have nowhere to be but in the MOMENT!

Now, I had better get going, it's NAP TIME, which means TIME for me to get in the shower. :)

Is it time to thaw out yet?

Today is our first day of the big "warm up"and I couldn't be more excited!

Jack and I have been stuck in the house for the past three days, as running errands with an 18 month old, in and out of a car seat, is not my idea of a fun day out. Although the below zero temperatures and the negative windchill have put a kink in my daily routine, I have to admit, I've loved the look of pure white snow in our neighborhood. Until just a few days ago we would wake up to tracks in our yard, but had yet to see the culprits. We were fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of this beautiful creature as he took an afternoon stroll through our yard......

One of Jack's first words was, deer, so you can imagine his excitement as this buck stood in our yard. He eventually moved on after seeing us through the window, and I'm certain, after he heard Jack yelling, "deer", at the top of his lungs.

Although we'll warm up to the 20's or 30's this week, I'm thankful that I'll still be able to enjoy some of my favorite winter things....

....oh how I love a k-cup of Hazelnut coffee in front of the fire with my warm and cozy Ugg's.

I hope you'll take the time to enjoy the beauty of the season, the wonders of nature, and the things that make wintertime a special time of year.

Time to party...20's style

So my husband has an event coming up and the theme is 20's Speakeasy. The first thing that comes to mind when you think 20's fashion, is flapper dress, but I decided to take another route. I decided to do 20's glam, and although my outfit may be almost 30's style here's what I've got so far.....

Any suggestions on what I might be missing, or what I could add? I'm looking into elbow length cream gloves, but having a hard time finding them.

How to get mom's attention while she's cooking dinner!?

Someone learned how to take his clothes off while I was cooking dinner. Can we say desperate for my attention? :) I laughed so hard I almost cried, and let's be honest, it worked, I left my cooking post to snap all kinds of pictures of the moment.

What's for dinner?

One thing I don't consider myself is a GOOD COOK, but this recipe is a winner in our house every time. It's great on a cold day, or as a good alternative to your typical chili.

BBQ Beef and Baked Bean Chili

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 pound coarsely ground sirloin
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1/2 tablespoon cumin
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 can pinto beans (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bottle of beer, such as Budweiser
• 1 cup chili sauce
• Salt, to taste
• 2 1/4 cup biscuit mix, such as Bisquick brand
• 2/3 cup milk
• 4 scallions, green parts only, chopped
• 2 cups yellow cheddar cheese, grated, divided

PREPARATION

Pre-heat the oven to 450°F.

Pre-heat a heavy bottomed pot over medium heat with vegetable oil and brown the bacon until crisp. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the fat in the pot.

Add the sirloin to bacon drippings in the pan, using the back of a wooden spoon or a potato masher to break it up while it browns. Season with the chili powder, cumin and ground black pepper.

Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 7-8 minutes. Add the beans, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and beer and cook for 5 minutes. Add the chili sauce and season with salt, to taste.

While the chili is simmering away, mix up the biscuit mix with milk, scallions and half of the cheese. Drop six spoonfuls of biscuit batter onto an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Top with the remaining cheese and cook for 3 more minutes.
A few minutes before serving, add the reserved bacon back to the pot and stir to combine. Serve the chili ladled into bowls with a cheesy biscuit on top.

**I serve with shredded colby cheese on top, and instead of the biscuit we use crackers, but it's yummy both ways.