Time-Out

This is Toby standing in time-out after his bath on Monday afternoon. I know it's a pitiful sight, but don't feel bad for him. He's a big boy now.

I decided to use my new iPhone to quietly capture this moment that could potentially be used as blackmail one day. Right before I tapped the shutter button, I heard his little voice say, "Cheeeeeeese."

Even during time-out the boy knows how to prepare for a photograph.

Amazing.

And super-cute.

And in feety pajamas nonetheless.

Just for You, Mama...

Although I meant to blog sometime during the past week, it never happened. Here is what has been keeping me busy lately:

• The Boys. Our "snow day" last Tuesday was lots of fun...until my SmartWool socks failed to keep my feet warm inside my uninsulated rain/snow boots. I think I got a small taste of what frostbite might feel like. Seriously. Here are a few photos from our fun morning outside:

• Our Fabulous New iPhones! Being the technologically savvy man (i.e. GEEK) he his, Aaron has wanted an iPhone since the day they came out. We had been having problems with Sprint and were able to get out of our service contract with no "early termination fees," so we decided to switch to AT&T and get refurbished iPhones. Aaron had to do quite a bit of talking, but he finally made me see how the numerous benefits of the iPhone could change our lives forever (a little dramatic, I know...). I'm still learning about my iPhone, but I'm pretty sure Aaron has every detail of his figured out. I love that I can check my e-mail, text, listen to music, check the weather, read the Bible, take photos, check my calendar, use a GPS, keep a running grocery list, and SO much more...all thanks to the iPhone. How did I ever live without it?

• A Sinus Infection. Oh, the joys of working with children :) I went to the doctor on Saturday and he told me that the stabbing pain in my ears, sore throat, and stuffy head was the result of a sinus infection that had been brewing for weeks. Ewww. He gave me a Z-Pak and sent me on my way. I'm feeling much better now.

• Working Out. I found this awesome website that has helped me revamp my workout routine and burn off most of the holiday goodies I enjoyed over the past few months. Freedieting.com has dozens of calculators that help you figure out your daily caloric needs, body fat percentage, ideal body weight, target heart rate, and so much more. This is the workout I've been doing for the past 3 weeks...and I started seeing results after the first few days. Between counting calories and sticking to a structured work-out plan, I've managed to lose 4 percent body fat and gain a few pounds of solid muscle. You can do it, too!

Photography Playdate 2

Sam and Cooper had another "photography playdate" yesterday...and I thought it would be fun to take photos of them taking photos :)

And you know a photo shoot of mine wouldn't be complete without a photo of Toby's piercing eyes...

and Asher's precious face...

It's currently snowing outside and the boys are ready to go play! Every time Toby looks out the window, she screams, "Gamma Gampa house! Gamma Gampa house!" (Mike's parents live in Iowa and it's the only place Toby has ever seen snow).

Be on the lookout for some SNOW photos in the next few days :)

I Have A Confession to Make...

This is really embarrassing - but it's time for me to stop hiding. I'll feel so much better once I admit this to you...

I LOVE the new Britney Spears album.

Don't hate. I wish I didn't like her music...but I do.

I think Britney has been a terrible role model for this generation's youth...and I'm still not convinced that she can really sing outside of the studio...but I think it's great that she is dealing with her issues and getting healthy. She is one HECK of an entertainer - and she makes really good work-out music. Thanks, Britney.

Just added to the "Cardio" play list on my purple iPod mini:

"Womanizer" - Britney Spears
"Circus" - Britney Spears
"Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" - Beyonce

Oh, yes.

Treadmill, here I come...

The Charlotte Family Buzz

As the Nanny of two engergetic, inquisitive, curious little boys, I'm always looking for new activities to do with them everyday.

Liz told me about The Charlotte Family Buzz earlier this week...and it's so great! Click on the link and it'll give you the "buzz" about what's going on around Charlotte for kids and families. The best part about the activities listed on this site is that you can participate in many of them for little or NO cost!

Toby and I are going to "Boogie Woogie Books" at ImaginOn today...and he's so excited. If you're anywhere near Uptown this morning, join us at 11:15 for some singing, dancing, and reading!

Tragedy at The Citadel

I am deeply disturbed this morning.

As you know, my brother attends The Citadel military college in Charleston, SC. At 9 o'clock last night, Bryn called my parents to tell them that a Junior in his company had been found dead in the barracks. All signs point to suicide.

I talked to Bryn for a while last night and he's having a hard time processing everything that happened. Out of respect for the cadet's family and The Citadel, I don't want to reveal any of the details my brother shared with me until we know exactly what happened.

Please keep the Citadel Cadets (specifically the men of November Company) in your prayers. Pray for peace of mind, comfort, healing, rest, and support for the cadets. I can't imagine how difficult the next few days and weeks will be for each of them.

Piano Lessons and ABCD's

Over the holidays, Mike and Liz took some great videos of the boys that I wanted to share with you.

This first video is Sam at his first piano recital in November! He had been taking lessons at Queens University every Wednesday for about 10 weeks before this performance. As you can see, he was a little shy (or NOT!). His next semester of piano lessons starts tonight!



This next video is Toby singing his "ABCD's" (as he calls them). He's talking SO MUCH these days! Can you imagine? I wonder which 5-year-old brother he gets that from?



If you want to see more videos of the boys, Mike and Liz have many more posted on their YouTube acocunt.

Little Miss Gracen

When my friend Lindsay told me that her friends Diane and John wanted me to take photos of their 3-week-old baby, Gracen, I was beyond excited. I absoutely love photographing children...and there's something about capturing photos of a baby in her first few weeks of life that is extra-special. Gracen is one of the most laid-back babies I've ever met and she was a dream to photograph.

I think I spent just as much time talking to and getting to know Diane and John as I did taking photos of Gracen. I left their house on Saturday with new friends and some great photos of their beautiful family.

Here are a few of my favorites:

I have a feeling that Aaron and I will be seeing lots more of Diane, John, and baby Gracen :) I can't wait to watch their family grow!

Don't Do It.

Along with 95 percent of the rest of the world, Aaron and I are trying to ring in the new year with better eating habits and wiser food choices.

During a moment of weakness this afternoon, I texted Aaron:

I've been doing really well watching my calories today...but I want chocolate or sugar so badly right now. QUICK! Talk me out of it!

My loving, bluntly honest husband's reply:

Don't do it. It will add jiggle to your outer thighs.

See? I knew he would do a good job of talking me down from the ledge...and I love him for it.

:)

Vacation 2009

Now that the year 2009 is officially upon us, Aaron and I have begun thinking about where we would like to vacation this summer. It'll be hard to beat Oregon, but we sure as heck will try.

We're thinking somewhere where there are no beds. Or toilets. Or showers. Or restaurants.

Just each other, the great outdoors, our backpacks, and (hopefully) two best friends who will share the journey with us.

We're thinking Yellowstone. Or Grand Teton. Or the Grand Canyon.

We'll keep you updated :)

Hayes and Hailey

I was excited when my aunt Krystle (who is only 4 years older than me!) asked me to take photos of her son Hayes and step-daughter Hailey on Christmas day in Charleston. Nine-year-old Hailey loves the camera and is one of the most photogenic children I've ever worked with. Four-year-old Hayes is a ball of energy and a complete ham.

Here's what I got after chasing them around the yard for 2 hours:

The skateboard Hayes is holding has lots of special memories for my family. It belonged to Krystle's older brother (my mom's younger brother and my uncle) Eddie. More than 15 years ago, we used to ride the skateboard down the driveway of my grandparents' house, carry it back up, and ride down again. Sometimes we would ride solo on our bellies. Sometimes we would ride double with our legs folded up in front of us. Sometimes we would get our fingers smashed between the underside of the board and the wheels. Oh, we have so many memories associated with that skateboard...

When Eddie died tragically in 1996 at the age of 18, my grandmother gave his skateboard to my brother, Bryn (the only other boy on my mom's side of the family). When Hayes comes to my parents' house, he rides the skateboard down the driveway, carries it back up, and rides down again. It was amazing for me to be with my family on Christmas day, reminisce about years past, and see a new generation play with the same toys that were the center of so many wonderful memories in my childhood.

Here's to a year of many more memories and photographs :)