A New Year and a New Plan

So..... taking to heart my love for photography I thought to myself... why not try the 365 photo challenge!?
For those who don't know what that is.... It's a challenge to post a picture and tidbit every day. And let's face it, as a mom of 2 little ones, I should have PLENTY of subject matter. Not to mention all the other things that catch my eye (scenic, sunsets/rises, flowers, and everything else)



My own personal challenge will be to advance on my photographic abilities and style. So at the end of the year, I can look back and see if I am taking not only taking "pictures"... but going beyond that and take excellent photographs.

So, bring it on 2011! I'm looking forward to what you have for us ahead in the coming year!

swimming octopuses

When Rebekah came out of the bathroom carrying an armful of bath toys, I told her those toys stay in the bathroom. So she put them away. When she came out of the bathroom she told me they went swimming. Little did I think about the implications of that little statement.

Fast forward a few hours... I had to pee. So to the bathroom I went. And got quite a surprise when I lifted the toilet lid. There swimming in my toilet were 5 colorful octopuses.

Needless to say, I put off my relief and went fishing. Then set up a nice bleach bath for the dirty octopuses to swim in for awhile.

Oh the joys of having a two year old. :)

all gussied up

Yesterday, Ben's sister got married. Lissa asked Rebekah to be one of her flower girls... she was the cutest thing EVER. And she did a great job! Ben didn't think she would go through with going down the aisle, but she did and it was great.
So, a small CONGRATULATIONS to Melissa and Luke (although they won't see this)...

And a picture of our family, dressed to the nines. :)

Christmas Time

and a couple of Christmas pictures of the kids! :)

Aren't they cutie patooties?

The WHOLE gang!

Last week was Thanksgiving. We had a great time with family. We ate dinner and spent the day in Benson, with Ben's family. Then came home and spent the rest of the weekend with some of my family that was in town.
Friday was a big photo-op day when I got to take photos of all of my family.... It's been a LOONG time since we've done this.... and definitely the first time with all the new additions to the family!

The WHOLE gang!

Grandparents Watkins

Momma & Brian

Brother Tyler & Sister Jene'

Brother Kevin & wife Crystal

Momma and her kids + families

Brother Craig & wife, Heidi and son, Jake

My family. Ben, Rebekah, Tommy, & Me

So.... now we're into the time for the Christmas holidays... the countdown is on for finding the perfect gifts for those we love.. getting the house and tree decorated... and the anticipation of having family close together, enjoying one another. It's bound to be a crazy, busy, and exciting time... and I'm going to love every minute of it!

Give Thanks.... with a greatful heart!!!

Thanksgiving will be here before we know it! 3 more days.
I can't believe how blessed I have been this past year and all the years before now. And I do have a thankful heart. I'm thankful from the very bottom of my heart for all variety of people/things I have in my life.

This year is going to be super special because we get to meet the newest member of the Stewart side of our family. My brother, sis in law, and nephew will be down for the weekend. Jake was born in July, but because of time, distance, conflicting schedules, and other factors... nobody in the family other than Grammy and Papa have gotten to meet this little guy. Pictures and videos sent on the 'net, are good... but this will be so much better!!! And I love any and all opportunities to spend with Heidi! :)
On top of visiting family, we will be doing a LARGE family photo session. Ben is going to be putting up Christmas lights for our neighbors, we will do the traditional decorating and pizole at Gramma Beth's....
It will be a weekend full of family and fun!!!

We're all sickies.... :(

Looks like we waited just a little bit too long to think about getting our seasonal flu shots.

It started last Friday with Rebekah getting a fever and cough, now we all have it. This week has not been fun for any of us.... especially Mommy and Daddy since we have to get up (what seems like) a bazillion times a night for drinks or water, or to recover, or give medicine, or just calm whichever kid down again. Let's just say, I am looking forward to the weekend... where we can spend a couple VERY lazy days relaxing and catching back up on our energy.

Family Photos 2010

We went for a drive up to Carr Canyon this morning to take family pictures. This is the first "real" family portraits we have gotten done since Tommy has been born. Although I went into the day thinking I wasn't going to get any pictures worth mentioning, there is one I absolutely LOVE! Totally excited about it! And the best part is.... It looks good cropped differently and in black and white..... so here we go!....

I am having a hard time deciding which one to put in my Christmas card this year.... but I still have a few more weeks to decide on that.

I LOVE MY FAMILY!

Nap Time

After a rough "terrible 2" morning.... I was about ready to rip my hair out. In order to get a little peace and gather my wits, I put a movie on for Rebekah and gave her lunch. After about 20 minutes.... all my previous frustrations and anger drained away. My precious girl was fast asleep, her head pillowed on a giant purple hippopotamus. Too cute not to capture and share. Pictures below...

The orange on her mouth is from her chips....

Isn't she sweet!!!

I think fall is a crafty season!

So along with Rebekah's tutu, and the french memo board... I've added to my crafty list Autumn wreaths and I finally got the wood to start making my PO Box bank! I'm very excited :)

The wood I chose for my bank

My bank face

The kids are growing like weeds. Rebekah is tall enough we have to get her 3T clothes, and Tommy has started cruising, so it's only a matter of time before he is running the roost! (and honestly, I can't WAIT! It's so much fun once they can walk!!!)

another crafty moment.... plus some

So..... In order to make a display board for my sister in law's up coming Bridal Shower, I decided to make her a French Memo Board... I had made a couple of them before, but it was fun to do it again. I love these things... and when I figure out how to decorate my bedroom, I will make another. I'm also thinking of making one with holiday material to display my Christmas Cards!! :)

Here's a couple of shots to show my progress....

the material and ribbon

getting started

Finished product!

Last Sunday we also went out to Apple Annie's to get pumpkins. Some will be carved, and some will be used to (try) to make pumpkin pie from scratch!!! The sunflowers there were gorgeous!

Rebekah picked her very own pumpkin

Our attempt at a family photo

And a couple of the kids.. just because!

So sleepy!

Cooking noodles

Playing while camping

In their Halloween jammies

Playing :)

Watching a movie with Daddy

 

 

Well, that's all for now! I'm looking forward to the holidays coming up, and will remember to count all my blessings this year!

Martha Stewart...

I've been accused of many things... but being a "Martha-frickin-Stewart" is not one I will take offense to.
I like to make things... and I like to be "crafty". I like cooking, scrapbooking, and other hands on type projects.

I just got done making the skirt/tutu for Rebekah's Halloween outfit.
She's going to be a bumblebee.... and this is what I did...

The materials: non-roll elastic and 6 yards of tulle

Elastic sewn to make a band and the tulle all cut up. 

It was a bugger!!

getting started....

about 1/2 way done. I'm loving how it looks!

finished product. TOO cute!

It was fun!