hot momma

the other day kadence did something so grown up, without me telling her to do it, say it or correct it.  she didn't even look at me for approval, she just - did it.  i was so proud of her.  i said, "kadence, that was such a good thing you just did, you are really growing into a young lady."  she responded with, "ya after i am a young lady i turn into a hot momma."  i hope she still likes candy necklaces when she is a hot momma.

(for the record, we used to call her 'little momma' when she was a toddler)

can't wait

i can't believe how fast things have been going lately.  it has been over six months since eric left.  it has been about five months that i have been doing this photography thing.  i have had eight clients in the past four weeks.  crazy.  i am so thankful for the opportunity to do this, i just hope that i capture them the way that they see themselves.  sometimes i can't believe all that has happened since eric last deployed.  kadence stuck herself in the back of the throat with a pencil resulting in a hospital stay, ty potty trained himself, kambel learned how to write her name - in order, we traveled to alabama (twice) and to illinois, went to the beach, went to the theater to see beauty and the beast live, kadence started first grade, kambel the 'four year old classroom' and ty the two's, ty can point out the letter "T" - but calls it a "T Y", if he sees it in a stop sign he says "look a "T Y"", both girls completed a season of t-ball, we helped launch our new classes for k-5 at church, trained for a marathon, cried about running the marathon, and even thought about getting a cat.  ya right.  it sucks that our lives have to go on without eric here.  as much as i say it sucks it has to down right hurt for him.  he was to leave home for r&r the 25th of nov.  well they moved it to the 21st of nov!!!  he should have a few days of travel, but will be home before thanksgiving... amazing!! got the turkey today!  the kids don't know that he is coming earlier than our m&m jar counting technique, it will be so stinking amazing if we can surprise them!! especially if we are to pick them up from school... may have to call in the camera crews! just kidding... i will record it though!!!  anyway, just thinking that soon our hero will be home and i can't wait!

go team

well tonight was it.  the first night of cheerleading.  oh my goodness.  i was being nice and not giggling when they did the sprinkle things with their fingers.  at least she got new shoes out of it!  kambel did too.  go team!

trying to show off her new shoes while we were watching kadence

great travels

we went on our trip to alabama to see aunt catie officially become an aviator.  she will be stationed at fort campbell and will be flying blackhawks.  congratulations catherine.  below are some pictures of our rest stop rocket visit, our adventures playing on a blackhawk and then dad pinning the wings on catie at the graduation.   we had a good time and great travels.

dad couldn't push the pin through the uniform, ha!

they liked me

look what i found ;).  i know, i know.  what in the world!  i am pretty eXciTEd about this!  it is a late 1800's school desk.  it needs work.  a lot.  but the bones are great!  i have seen them in magazines as an end table and then cute little pillows on the seat side (plus offering more seating).  one awesome little note is that it is made by grand rapids seating company.  my dad lived in grand rapids!  how cool!  can't wait to get this one done!  the price you ask? the ticket said $100, with a huge sign that said make an offer.  i totally low balled it and offered $40.  they liked me :)!

trick or treat

Happy Halloween

featuring batgirl, the black spiderman, and the little mermaid

awesome gift

i had the pleasure of doing a photshoot for the fundingsland family (my girlfriend jenae and her family) a few weeks ago and she gave me this awesome gift.

can you believe it??  it is a newer version of the model i found at one of my junkin' days ('say cheese' entry).  i would almost say it is in mint condition.  i can't believe it!  once things calm down a bit, i can't wait to get film in it and snap some photos!  thank you so very much jenae!

hurry up

21.9 days left until our hero comes home (according to his countdown!).  man.  i c.a.n'.t wait.  this deployment has been incredibly difficult.  not because eric isn't here to fix things that break.  not because daddy isn't here to tuck in his kids.  not because he isn't here to change the oil, the windshield wipers, bring home milk on his way from work, to help out with field trips, to mow, weedeat or to fix the deck - but because we miss HIM. 

his laugh. his smell. his hugs. his kisses. his smell. his arms. his smell. his dirty clothes. his shoes. his coat. did i say his smell? 

hurry up and get home eric!

fun times

playdates on wednesday have been a regular thing lately.  my friend jenae and i have been rotating houses each wednesday and make lunch for each other and let the kiddos play while we try to toss around craft/decorating/child rearing/life ideas.  it has been such a blessing! yay!  ty was wrestling with baby james (lol) and kambel was helping jenae make yummy pizza.  we made a tent fort and went outside for a bit.  fun times!

gulp

playing a little catch up here.  this was the last tball game of the season.  both the girls had a blast.  grandpa came to watch too.  they all loved that he came to see them!  finished until next season.  kadence is signed up for cheerleading now.  gulp!