Shot of Whimsy

Whaaaaat????

2009-12-04T00:18:00.002-06:00

That's not my blog address anymore...

Hello...It's www.shotofwhimsyblog.com

and my WEBSITE for my photography business is www.shotofwhimsyphotog.com

DUH...

Come visit me!!!

Blogging Elsewhere....

2009-08-06T12:02:00.002-05:00

As you all know, I haven't been the most faithful blogger on the block these days. I've kinda dropped off the map.

I have, however, transferrred all of my personal blogging to a new site, so update your bookmarks and subscriptions!!

www.rookiephotogirl.wordpress.com

NOT sure if this will help me to blog more or not, but I'm hoping so...we'll see.

Thanks for following....now you just have to follow a new path to keep up with me!

Tony and Lori's Website

2009-06-10T23:20:00.003-05:00

Tony and Lori's new website is up and running!!! Yay....they are SO incredibly talented and I am so proud of them!!

Take a look see and see just a teeny tiny small little bit of their talent!!

http://www.grooveefortune.com/litmus/index.html

Yet ANOTHER Photoblog

2009-05-16T22:08:00.002-05:00

Okay Guys, you're going to have to bear with me...I have been trying so hard to create a photoblog that's worth a ding dang...with much sweat, tears, blood and a whole lotta money, I think I've finally found what I was looking for. I'll be updating the blog with all the photo shoots that I've done throughout the past year, so check and see if your pics are there!! Fun Fun to look back and see how I'm slowly getting better! :)

Love to all of you that have allowed to access to capture your beautiful families. Much love.

Here's the link (it will also stay on the sidebar of this blog).

www.shotofwhimsyblog.com

Thanks again to all that have supported me in this crazy dream of mine that I've had since I was a little fart - it's so much FUN!!

August Reinhard Stadler

2009-04-30T03:10:00.000-05:00

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

My Little Garden

2009-04-20T15:43:00.000-05:00

I've always wanted a garden. With a little help from my friend, Sebastian, it's finally come to life. This picture was taken right after I planted the garden so the plants are so much bigger now. It's amazing how life grows so fast.

I know we are going to love this little garden. It will be a lot of work, but it will be well worth it!!

2009-04-17T22:20:00.000-05:00

Trying to figure out this mobile blogging thing. Don't think I'm having all that much luck?

That's pretty cool that I did that first part of the post from my phone...but I just tried to send one with a picture and it's not working for me, so I'm thinking "what the heck good is it to do it from your phone if you can only "text" it and not even include a picture. Must be like Twitter kinda...but who cares...this a blahhhhg for goodness sake!

Okay...a posting I will go.

Eli Has Caught the Swim Bug...

2009-04-16T22:26:00.000-05:00

...and he just won't stop. Thank goodness Joan bought Wonderland!

Photography is My Passion...

2009-04-14T22:33:00.000-05:00

I just can't get enough. Here are some of my new favorites:

Michele over at Pinkletoes told me when I took her class that I should take tons of pictures and also delete tons of pictures too. I am doing much better with deleting, but as you can see from the pics above...maybe just not enough. I could take and take and take and take pictures all day long.

I've got 3 shoots coming up and my niece's birthday party/petting zoo!!!! I can't wait!!

Easter '09 in Wimberley

2009-04-12T22:51:00.000-05:00

We started a new tradition last year on Easter and that was to go out to Hutto and be with the Bradley's and the Hutton's. This year, we decided we'd ask Joan if we could borrow "Wimberley Wonderland" to celebrate this year and of course, she graciously allowed us to have our Easter Dinner and Egg Hunt out there. She's so wonderful to us!!!

Of course, there were a few missing pieces....Brandi and Hunter, Shelly, Rick and Charlie and Tony and Lori....maybe we can all be back together next year...I sure hope so.

The kids all had a blast, LOVED that the Easter Bunny left them all an egg with a dollar in it and even put their names on the egg so they could know which one was theirs!!! They kids even managed to squeeze some swimming in (with the help of the pool heater!)

Thanks to Mikie for cooking brisket and ribs (which were devoured by Mac and Sebastian before we ever got there!!! MAN the trailer is awesome!!!

Four Times Three at Kiddie Acres

2009-04-11T19:47:00.000-05:00

Mandy has four kiddos. On every one of their 3rd birthdays they have celebrated with family and friends at Kiddie Acres. Kiddo number 4 was no different. Austin is a special bundle of joy wrapped up in disguise as a 3-year-old. He had SO much fun and we were once again thrilled to be there for the celebration. Thank you to Austin for inviting us to share his special birthday. Love you sweet kiddo!!

I HATE Pictures of Myself...

2009-04-07T22:11:00.000-05:00

But Sullivan took this one of me and was SO proud. I read somewhere to let your children take pictures of you, even if you don't like it. It doesn't matter what you think you look like, they love you and think you are beautiful and will want the memories later in life. That being said...

LOOK AT THIS GREAT PICTURE of my little mommy!!

I just LOVE it!!

Practicing With Light

2009-04-05T16:02:00.000-05:00

Mac let me practice with the sunburst over his shoulder. Too bad he's so silly.

And just a quick shot of the trees on the porch in Wimberley.

The World is a Better Place

2009-04-01T22:03:00.000-05:00

Because of our pets...

For some reason Rusty and Gracie don't EVER let me take pictures. They are FREAKS...luckily I got ONE good one of Rusty and a good one of Joan's pup Macy...Animals are harder to photograph than people!!!

Eli's Bowling Party

2009-03-30T21:33:00.000-05:00

We had such a good time celebrating Eli's 7th Birthday at the Bowling Alley! I think the kiddos had a great time and Eli was so glad so many of his friends and family could come.

I know the time will come when the boys will be too old and too "cool" to have birthday parties like this. Until that time comes, I will enjoy every minute of celebrating their next years with cake, presents and friends!

March 29, 2002

2009-03-30T13:27:00.000-05:00

This is the day that Eli was born. He just celebrated birthday number SEVEN! And this...is the story of his birth.

Although it took us 2 1/2 years and fertility drugs to bring baby number 1 into the world, it only took 6 months, fertility drugs and pergesterone to create beautiful baby boy #2.

I remember the day we found out I was pregnant. We were so excited that it had happened so much quicker for us this time around. I just knew it was a girl, Mac just knew it was a boy.

We had to have several sonograms this pregnancy because they considered it "at risk" since I had high blood pressure with my first pregnancy. When the day came to have the sonogram which told us if we were having a baby boy, or a baby girl, Fisher got sick and couldn't go to school, but they wouldn't let him come in the room with us to have the sono, so in swooped one of my dearest friends (Shauna) to the rescue. She has always been there for me in a moment's notice and this time, it was no different.

Off Mac and I were to see what we could see. It's a BOY they said!!! Oh, and he's got sorta short arms and a large head..."But don't worry...." WHAT? Don't worry. Don't worry. Then WHY the heck did they say anything. Needless to say, there really was not a darn thing to worry about...whew.

Anyway, time went on and we were excited to be welcoming baby boy #2 into the world. I had a scheduled day to be induced and my dad was coming all the way from Washington State to be here for the birth. I remember laying in the bed with Fisher that night crying and crying and crying that it wasn't going to be just him anymore, we were going to have to spread our love to another baby...and just HOW was that going to be possible?? The day came and I went to Dr. Morgan's office and he did a "final" check. "Welp", he said, "Looks like you're not quite ready yet after all. You just haven't progressed as far as I thought you would. I'm thinking we need to wait just one more week." You can NOT do that to a pregnant lady after you've already scheduled the date and her dad has flown here from a state far far away. I was in shock. Total and disbelieving shock. I told Dr. Morgan of my wishes and concerns and well, he just wasn't too concerned that my dad was already here. "You and this baby are just not ready yet. I'm sorry."

So....I went home and sat on the couch with my Dad and Fisher and Mac and just cried my eyeballs out and apologized over and over for my dad having flown all the way down here. No problem he said.

Welp, "Body" decided she WAS ready and started having contractions all day. And they got closer and closer and closer and stronger and stronger. I called Dr. Morgan. He told me I should go DIRECTLY to the hospital and not to stop at all. It was a Friday during 5 o'clock traffic. It took us a long while to get there. Dad followed us with Fisher in the car with him. When we finally arrived, Dr. Morgan walked in and said, "So, you just wanted to prove me wrong, did you?" Cute.

I labored, had my epidural, the darn thing wore off, I told my male nurse....who didn't care. (That's St. David's for ya!!) So, anyway...it was the closest thing to natural child birth I hope to ever get. I do know that it helped things go a heckuva lot faster though. I only pushed for 15 mintues (whereas I pushed for 2 1/2 hours with Fisher). Eli was born at 1:30 in the morning on March 29th, 2002. He was only 6 pounds 15 ounces. He was kinda tiny. He was welcomed into this big wide world by his Daddy, Nonie, Pop-Pop, Aunt Missy and Gramps and Grams Linder. They were all there to love on him in his very first moments of life. His big brother met him the next morning and was so excited. Except when he figured out that the little baby brother would soon be coming home with us to live. "Not MY house," said Fisher. Thank goodness he fell in love with him when he did come home.

Eli has been the sparkle of my life ever since that day. He's everything a mom could dream of and more. I love you so much Sweet Eli.

Twitter....fer real.

2009-03-27T22:22:00.000-05:00

Welp, I did it. I jumped on the Twitter Bus. Well, because...you know...I don't have enough to do with my blog, my photoblog, my website, Facebook...not to mention work, the boys and all their special this and thats they have going on.

I actually jumped on the Twitter Bus a while back, but never did anything with it. I had just heard about it so much on the Bobby Bones show and it's ALLLLL over the TV now, so I went and got all curious again. I've updated it a few times and I'm following a few folks, and a few are following me...but I still don't know if I like it that much. Though I did the same thing with Facebook. I love Facebook. I just don't know if I like to "Tweet" yet. Y'all let me know if you have an account with Twitter and whether or not you like it. It's the same thing as Facebook, just without all the "fluff". Supposedly all the "fluff" is coming to Twitter soon and you'll be able to blog and have all the same bells and whistles that Facebook has...we'll see.

For now, I'll visit here and there and stay loyal to Facebook, but I need y'all to let me know if you think I'm missing out or not??

Where?

2009-03-27T10:40:00.000-05:00

Where oh where has my little blog gone, on where oh where can it be?

I'm taking some kinda break from exploiting my family and friends lately, but don't you worry. I'll be back in the saddle shortly. Maybe even today...

Check Out My Photoblog...

2009-03-24T23:44:00.002-05:00

www.shotofwhimsy.squarespace.com

You can see the awesome pics I took of Missy on our outing to The Cookie Lounge!!

We had so much fun!! The place is great and I got some awesome shots of Missy!! Fun Fun!!

This Place is a Zoo!!!

2009-03-17T21:09:00.016-05:00

Mandy and Mike asked us if we wanted to take off work today and take the kiddos to the zoo!! Since Sullivan and Eli were both so little the last time we went, we were so excited to join them.

The Reptile house, was of course one of the boys' favorites...but not Adyson!!

The Bald Eagle, Zebra, Kangaroo and OF COURSE the Giraffe were all a hit...

The boys were on mostly good behavior and really had a blast!!

A few more favorites...

Thank you Mandy and Mike...we had so much fun with you guys!!!

I Wonder When...

2009-03-16T16:09:00.005-05:00

I wonder when it will stop hurting my heart so much...that they are growing up so fast!!

Just Look At 'Em Wouldja?

2009-03-15T21:01:00.005-05:00

How exciting it is to have all three boys in soccer? I just love this sport and I am so glad that they have decided they love it too. Gone are my Saturdays for the next couple of months, but if I get to sit and watch the loves of my life play soccer, I don't mind a bit!!

I TOTALLY did it!!!

2009-03-15T00:53:00.001-05:00

I have a new website for my photography business! Yay!!!

http://www.shotofwhimsyphotog.com/

So much fun to create! This just keeps getting better and better!!

Excuse Me...

2009-03-06T23:53:00.002-06:00

Do these ears make my butt look big?

My Little Hillbillies...

2009-03-06T23:14:00.003-06:00

Nice, dontcha think?

Words of Love

2009-03-05T11:46:00.004-06:00

So, at Spend the Night Bunco this year Missy did this little project with us where she asked us to write things about each of the girls in the group. It was anonymous and she put the collaboration together and we all read it outloud the night of the party. I was expecting a nice sentiment from everyone, but I really had no idea how much it would impact me and that I would start to to have tears of awe and thankfulness to my beautiful friends. Here's my list:

For those of you that can't read it, and need glasses like me...here is what it says:

Passionate, Devoted, Generous and Loyal, Creative, Loving, Talented, Founder, Heart of our group, Movie-lover, Generous, Gregarious, Hilarious, Always makes me laugh, Excellent photographer and story-teller, Outspoken (which I think whoever wrote this meant "expressive" hahaha), Wonderful with written word too!, The best friend anyone could want or have - and the best daughter in the world (thanks Mom), The genuine article, Her heart may burst one day from all the love she carries for so many people, Loved.

Wow, right? Someone forgot to put LUCKY.

CHECK it out!!!

2009-03-03T14:42:00.005-06:00

Mandy has used her artsy graphicalacious skills and put together a new logo for my *hopefully upcoming* photography business!!! Isn't it just PERFECT???

If you ever need any help with any "graphics for hire" her email address for her business is mandy33303@yahoo.com - don't be shy. She's amazing at what she does and she loves to do it, which is even BETTER!!!

Twelve

2009-03-01T21:09:00.000-06:00

Twelve years of togetherness, love, fun, compassion, caring, laughs, good times, understanding, patience, protectiveness, beauty, sweetness, tenderness. Have there been ups and downs? Absolutely...but what we mean to each other and what we have together has always paved the way for an incredible life together.

Thank you from my overflowing heart for the twelve years (really 16) that we have had together. You are my everything. Here's to the rest of our lives together.

Grandpa Comes to Town

2009-02-22T20:40:00.001-06:00

It's been over 4 1/2 years since I last saw my dad. The boys only really know him through pictures and letters and talking on the phone. They were so excited to see him and get to know him better.

What a wonderful visit we had.

The boys did not want him to leave and were so sad to see him go. They are already asking when Grandpa will be back. Me too. Can you move a little closer dad? Please?

And We Had the Time of Our Lives

2009-02-21T21:00:00.000-06:00

Once a year we get together for "Spend the Night Bunco" at Christa's house. Lots of drinks, lots of snacking, drinks, dancing, drinks, stories, drinks, games and MORE drinks. Did I mention drinks?

We had SO much fun this year....we always do, but there was something about this year that was CRAZY and fun all at the same time.

Thank you to my girls for showing me another fun year!

My Boys are Growing Up!!!

2009-02-15T21:15:00.000-06:00

Eli learns to ride his bike with NO training wheels!!

Fisher mows the Neighbor's (Ms. Atricia) yard for the first time.

And Y'all, this was ALL in the very same day. I love it and I don't like it all at the same time. Makes me happy and yet makes me sad.

Thank you for letting me share.

Happy Birthday Amanda Michelle!!

2009-02-15T11:56:00.000-06:00

I'm so sad that I couldn't spend the day with you on your birthday. I hope that it was as wonderful as you are. I can't quite explain to you what you mean to me other than to say that I feel you are my female soul mate. You are what I want to see when I look in the mirror. I love you.

My First Belly Shoot!!

2009-02-14T22:19:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Kelly and Sebastian for letting me enjoy this wonderful miracle with you two. Can't wait to meet Baby Boy.

You're Not a Baby Anymore...

2009-02-13T13:49:00.000-06:00

I was there the day you were born. It seems like just yesterday that I saw you take your first breath in this world. You were so cute and so sweet and so very very loved. You were one lucky little boy to be so surrounded by so many that were in love with you.

Cody, I cannot BELIEVE you are sixteen. I cannot believe you are so grown up. Slow down my sweet cousin. You are still so lucky, you still have so many people that adore and love you.

Happy Birthday to you.

One Sexy Little Mama...

2009-02-09T23:39:00.002-06:00

Only 12 more weeks to go Kellygirl! I'm so excited. Aint she just the cutest darn thing EVAR???

Happy Birthday Sister Shel

2009-02-03T21:13:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday to one of the most BEAUTIFUL women I know.

P.S. I'm so glad we found our way back to each other again. My life just wasn't right without you in it.

Is He Trying to Tell Us Something?

2009-02-02T20:35:00.001-06:00

These two pictures were drawn by our Sweet Sullivan.

This first masterpiece Sullivan explained to me that Daddy is on the right side and Sullivan is in the middle. The person on the left is Mommy. I asked him why MY eyes and hair were like a crazy woman and he said...well because you are. Thank you very much. Humpf.

Masterpiece number 2 is of our family on a boat. The captain is in the engine room, or whatever the heck it's called. The people on the left are from left to right...Daddy, Mommy (again with the crazy ass hair, Fisher and Sullivan. When I asked him where Eli was he said, "He's the one way at the front by himself." This was right after they had been fighting.

I think children's artwork tells us something, don't you? Yikes!!

Funny Fisher Stories

2009-02-01T22:14:00.002-06:00

Okay...he was in rare form this weekend, but it sure gave me lotsa blogging material.

We were on the way to pick up Mom so that we could go shopping and Fisher decided to talky talky talky all the way there. Here's how the first conversation went:

Fisher: Mom, this is going to sound bad and I love Nonie and everything, but she sure is a pain to pick up.

Me: What? Why is that Fisher.

Fisher: Because the road is awful and it takes forever to get to her (it's where they are bringing the south tollway into 35.)

Me: Yeah, it's kinda a pain.

Fisher: When I grow up, I'm going to be the president and I'm going to fix this road.

Me: Oh yeah, is that going to be your main goal?

Fisher: Well my main goal will be soccer, but yeah then this road.

(Thank you for the laugh son.)

Next conversation went a little something like this:

Fisher: Hey Mom...I need to lose weight.

Me: What? Why?

Fisher: Well, we had this lady come to our class today and talk to us about Diabetes. And well, I need to lose weight.

Me: Did she TELL you that?

Fisher: No. She just said that you need to keep weight off because it can hurt you and you can't live without your...gosh, I can't remember the word. It starts with a "P". I think it's your Persnikity.

Me: You mean your Pancreas?

Fisher: Yup.

Conversation number 3:

Fisher: Hey Mom, I'm not saying this is going to happen, because it might not...but if Taylor and I got married, you know how we were born on the exact same day?

Me: Mmmmhmmmm.

Fisher: Well, if we got married...our birthdays would be on the SAME day and I would have TWO birthday cakes.

(So much for his persnickity, huh?)

4th Conversation (Still on the way to pick up Mom)

Fisher: I didn't know Haley was older than me.

Me: Really, when is her birthday?

Fisher: September

Me: Oh. Do you still like her? Is she still "cute"?

Fisher: Yeah, but sometimes she's twitchy.

(Lord help me. I do not understand this boy)

Last Conversation of the evening:

I was on my way to drop the boys and Mom off so that I could head back up to North Austin and go to the movies with Missy. Fisher wanted to go straight home so that he could play with his friends. He wasn't happy about this development. This is what Fisher had to say:

Fisher: Gah Mom, you never want to spend time with us.

Me: What are you talking about, Fisher?

Fisher: Well, you always go and do stuff and we're always with Nonie and we're not even going to know you. We're only going to know about Nonie.

Mom and I giggle.

Fisher (in the best smart assy voice he has): It's going to happen ya know...Mom.

GAH.

And we were home all day today. Do you think the little turdball spent any "time" with me...nope he was with his friends ALL DAY LONG. :)

January Babies

2009-01-31T15:09:00.000-06:00

Look at ALL these people that I love that were born in January!! If I missed you...well, I suck. Just let me know so I can know how BAD I suck!! Happy Birthday January Babies!!!

Amelia Griffin

Pop (aka Uncle Ernie)

Mom (aka Nonie)

Riley Cook

Rachael Hembree

Gage Hembree

Reed Routh

Lauryn Ward

Kelly and Sebastian

2009-01-27T23:47:00.002-06:00

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

France 2009

2009-01-26T22:36:00.025-06:00

Missy says that I must do some explaining about my France and Germany pictures. I really don't have much to say other than it was quite beautiful and breaktaking. The history of Europe comsumes your every breath. I am so not an historian type of person and I couldn't tell you the names of any of the places we went, only that it was unlike any place or feeling I've ever known. We only had a couple of days surrounding the wedding, so Kelly and Sebastian took us to Strassbourg, France and Baden Baden, Germany. Both were about an hour train ride from Sebastian's home in Karlsruhe, Germany. The train ride itself...wow. Stepping off the train, walking down the streets, drinking the port wine, eating the crusty bread and drinking the vassa with gas (bubbly water),sharing it with good friends and a wonderful husband, walking to the pubs, crunching snow beneath our feet, wearing coats and gloves and scarves and hats, listening to all the different accents and laughter...these are the things I will remember forever. I'm sorry friends, I can't explain or name the places...here is the church, here is a steeple, look at these buildings, pose with these people. Forever memories.

Germany 2009

2009-01-26T12:36:00.000-06:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Fisher Gets Roped

2009-01-25T19:03:00.005-06:00

The Animals at the Farm...

2009-01-20T21:54:00.015-06:00

...go Neigh Neigh Neigh, Bark, Bark, Bark, Neigh, Neigh, Neigh...

Happy New Year...I know, I'm a LITTLE late!

2009-01-20T19:10:00.009-06:00

I pulled my camera out a little too late, but still got some cute shots. Thanks guys, we had a great time!!

I FORGOT Christmas, Y'all!!!!!

2009-01-20T17:02:00.002-06:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Tha Girls

2009-01-20T11:09:00.019-06:00

Wow. I had a great time doing this shoot, but let me just tell you...I was QUITE wiped out by the end of it! Five 13-year-old girls. HOLY toledo!! Afterwards, I turned my face to heaven and thanked God in Heaven Above for blessing me with 3 crazy boys. He knew what he was doing alright! Thanks for a great time girls!! You are all so very pretty. P.S. Happy 14th Birthday Ashton...hope you enjoyed the pictures!!

Martin Luther King Day

2009-01-20T10:59:00.002-06:00

Okay, so yesterday I stayed at home with the kiddos because they were out of school for the holiday. Well, they did pretty well all-in-all, I even took them to see Hotel for Dogs....which, by the way, if you are a dog lover, you should see it. Can you believe that I cried in THAT movie and not The Wrestler or The Curious Case of Benjamin Button? Gracious.

Anyway, by about 8:30 last night, I had had it with the name Mommy. And when Sullvian came in again to tell me something I turned to Mac and said I am SO tired of hearing "Mommy, Mommy" every other minute. To which Sullivan replied "Hey You".....yes, he's just like his dad. Bone for bone, just like his dad. Who do you think laughed so hard he almost rolled off the bed? Yup. MacDaddy.

The Gorgeous Golas

2009-01-19T20:48:00.027-06:00

Pull up a chair Y'all...there were too many good ones to choose from so I uploaded a lot. It's always easy to take pictures when your subjects are so darn gorgeous. Enjoy.

Kristen's Crew

2009-01-19T12:35:00.015-06:00

Wow. What a beautiful family you have Ms. Kristen. Thank you for allowing me to capture it all on camera.

Ash and Cami

2009-01-18T22:05:00.016-06:00

Two of my favorite girls. This shoot was so much fun! I haven't had the opportunity to photograph too many girlie girls yet, so this one was unbelievably fun. Thanks you two - you really know how to brighten my day. I had a blast and will take pictues of y'all ANY day!!

The Hembree Family

2009-01-18T21:08:00.012-06:00

I was sworn to secrecy on this one and had to wait it out until after the Christmas cards were sent out. I'm so glad to be able to share them now, what a beautiful family they are. Here are a few of my favorites!!

How Do I Do It??

2009-01-18T20:52:00.005-06:00

I think this is the longest blogging hiatus I've been on since I started my blog in November 2007. I have been so busy and had so many things going on I haven't had a chance to post. There are so many things I wanted to post and talk about, but now I can't remember any of them...

I've been so hung up on Facebook since we got back into town, I haven't had the time to give my blog my attention and my Flickr page. Gaw, priorities.....

I'm not sure how to get back into the swing of things, can you try to help me out?

How 'bout I start with the photo shoots that I did in December that never made it to my blog for one reason or another? And then I'll go with my awesome and wonderful trip to Germany.

Okay, stay tuned. Tons o' pictures to come!!

A Neighborly Santa

2008-12-20T11:19:00.003-06:00

Every year one of our neighbor's father dresses up as Santa and hands out candy canes to all the kiddos on the block. The boys LOVE this ritual and go through all the questions like "is he the real santa", "how did he get here", "where are his reindeer", "how does he know our names"...

This year, Fisher didn't ask any questions. I fear it's the last magical year for him. For, I remember I was in third grade when I was "schooled" on the subject of Santa. I was so sad, I even cried and refused to believe it was true.

He hasn't said a word to us about it though, so at least he's letting us pretend we don't know that he knows. :)

Merry Magical Christmas!!

The For the Moment Love of My Life

2008-12-18T23:12:00.002-06:00

Can you believe I haven't written about her yet? She's special. I can't say enough good things about this new love of my life. I've learned so much lately, but a class or 20 could surely help. Thanks to Michele over at Pinkletoes for the suggestion. LOVE working with this baby. I would recommend getting you one whenever you possibly can!!

I actually started doing photo shoots this summer and have only gotten better with better equipment. What fun to be doing something I've always wanted to do, since I got my first camera in 6th grade. Remember those disk cameras? Wow. Photography has come a long long way!!

Merry Christmas to ME!!!

Five Years Ago Today

2008-12-17T14:30:00.006-06:00

I had miracle number THREE. He was so precious. His name, you ask? Sullivan Davis Russell. Named after one of Mac's nearest and dearest friends, Jason Sullivan, and the town Mac grew up in, Ft. Davis.

I knew that I wanted to have three kids, but we were sure surprised after having fertility problems with the first two, to learn that I had accidently missed a couple doses of my BC pill and Wha-lah. When I found out I was pregnant, I was at the house with the two boys, waiting for Mac to come home. I kept telling him I thought I was pregnant, he kept saying "Whatever Babe, you're on the pill." I kept replying, "REMEMBER BABE, I missed a couple." To which he came back with, "Eh, itta be aww-ite. You had such trouble getting pregnant with the boys, it will be fine."

So, after peeing on le stick, getting a positive result and crying for the next three hours, I decided that the way I would tell Mac would be to tape the test stick to the door. When he came home, he pulled it off the door, came inside, chuckled and said, "What is this? Is this a joke." More tears from me, great big hugs and reassurances that all was going to be alright from Mac.

4 months later we found out we were having another boy. As soon as the culprit popped up on the sonogram, I said, "It's a boy". The sonographer said, "How do you know?" I said, "I know what that thing right there is by now."

I only shed a couple of tears when I realized it wasn't going to be a girl and have really never looked back since. I can't imagine my world without my Sullivan. He has been such a wonderful gift...even when he throws rocks and breaks windows!! :) Have you SEEN his smile? Ugh.

Anway, a few short months after that, I was sitting at home having the worst contractions evarrr. I figured we should head to the hospital. After we got there, the contractions slowed. I was so tired and so embarrassed. After all, I had been through this two other times...I knew how this was supposed to work!!!

One week to the day after that, I was at my annual Christmas Bunco with my girlfriends at PF Changs and WHAM, they started again. Mom drove me to the hospital, Mac met us there and after spending all night there, they sent us home again. I bawled my BRAINS out...I was so ready for him to be born!

Exactly one week later, I was induced and we had another beautiful baby boy. He was 21 inches long and weighed 8 pounds 13 ounces. He was SOLID. Wouldn't know it today with his skinny little self.

Anway, I thank my lucky stars each an every day for the gift of Sullivan. He's an incredible little person and growing so fast. My baby is FIVE today.

Happy Birthday Sweet Sullivan.

Ninth Day of Christmas...

2008-12-16T21:30:00.004-06:00

You KNEW it was coming!!

Eli accidently stomped on Elvis' little baby leg and broke it. $566.23 later and a cast on his leg that he has to be in for 7 - 12 weeks. Poor little baby. Eli feels so bad he has cried every day since it happened late Saturday night. He said...."But Mommy, what if I broke him forever?"

My life is not full unless it's packed fulla crazy.

It's a BOY!!

2008-12-15T22:15:00.001-06:00

Congratulations Sweet Friend of Mine....1/2 way there!

12 Days of Christmas

2008-12-04T22:43:00.003-06:00

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
An A/C on the fritz - woo-wee.

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me..
A power steering pump, yes it did go out,
and an A/C on the fritz - woo-wee.

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
A son that threw a rock, through the daycare door,
A power steering pump, yes it did go out,
and an A/C on the fritz - woo-wee.

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
A case of food poisoning - god it was so bad,
A son that threw a rock, through the daycare door,
A power steering pump, yes it did go out,
and an A/C on the fritz woo-wee.

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
A hair dryer that died, half way through the "do"
A case of food poisoning - god it was so bad,
A son that threw a rock, through the daycare door,
A power steering pump, yes it did go out,
and an A/C on the fritz woo-wee.

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
A big old flat tire, running late of course
A hair dryer that died, halfway through the "do"
A case of food poisoning, god it was so bad,
A son that threw a rock, through the daycare door,
A power steering pump, yes it did go out,
and an A/C on the fritz woo-wee.

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
A son with lovely ringworm, from the new puppy
A big ole flat tire, running late of course,
A hair dryer that died, halfway through the "do"
A case of food poisoning, god it was so bad,
A son that threw a rock, through the daycare door,
A power steering pump, yes it did go out,
and an A/C on the fritz woo-wee.

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love game to me...
A different son you see, with a cavity
A son with lovely ringworm, from the new puppy
A big ole flat tire, running late of course,
A hair dryer that died, halfway through the "do"
A case of food poisoning, god it was so bad
A son that threw a rock, through the daycare door,
A power steering pump, yes it did go out
and an A/C on the fritz woo-wee.

On the ninth day of Christmas....well shit, I'm just waiting for the other 4 days of Christmas.

Peace Love Joy, Ya'll.

Meet Elvis

2008-11-30T22:27:00.003-06:00

Yes, we are officially certifiably NUTS. Three doggies for three boys. I told Mac to tell me no when we went up to meet Rusty's pups...but then I argued with him until he gave up. Plus, Sullivan went up to Aunt Kim with 50 cents and asked her if he could buy Elvis for his birthday. Who could resist that? My Gosh. I'm sure there will be many more pictures to come, but for now, I just felt the need to introduce you to the newest Russell...Elvis. He was already named when we met him. We thought up some other names, but I think this one is just gonna stick. Love him already. Yes, we're NUTS.

Happy Thanksgiving..."Russell Style"

2008-11-27T23:02:00.001-06:00

What's "Cook"in'??

2008-11-24T10:31:00.011-06:00

Here's what:

THE PRIZE!!

We had such a great time. Missy has agreed to let me post these, but I can't post the family shots. You'll have to wait for your Christmas cards for those!! Thanks to the Cooks for another wonderful photography experience!!

The Wimberlys of Wimberley

2008-11-22T15:57:00.000-06:00

Got to do another shoot. This is my sister-in-law and brother-in-law and my sweet niece and nephews. We had a great time and they took some wonderful pics.

And I even managed to capture the cuteness of Macy!!

A Few New Favorites

2008-11-21T10:35:00.006-06:00

I have a couple of favorites from my new camera. Still trying to work it out, but I'm LOVING it so far. I have a photo shoot with the Cooks this Sunday...but I'm sure I will forbidden to post them, just like the Hembrees. Uck. It's killing me!

Here are a few of my new favorites:

"Up to Something"

"Cutest Boys on the Block"

"One Tough Sully"

"Babe. He loves me."

Dynamo is DY-NO-MIIIIIIITE!!

2008-11-20T16:09:00.005-06:00

Congratulation to the Hays Dynamo for a very well played 1st place season. I'm especially proud of this "supah-stah":

Here's to next season. Hope you have as much fun as you did this one!

My Bumpy Little Friend

2008-11-19T09:41:00.004-06:00

DANG. How come I couldn't ever be this darn cute when I was pregnant? I LOVE this little bump with all my heart already. Can't wait to meet you in person, Little Bump.

No More Wire Hangers.....

2008-11-17T15:59:00.003-06:00

Do you know what this is?

It's an adult-sized clothes hanger. And do you know why it is so significant to me today? Because yesterday is the first time I've had to start hanging his clothes on them, instead of the little baby child-size ones. And by "his", I mean him:

Really? At the age of NINE? I don't want you to grow up anymore. Please stay little, please don't grow up and leave me when you're older. Boys love their mommies, but they always seem to grow up and leave them too. I know one Mother-in-law who knows what I'm talking about. Sorry Jane, I get it now....it's just takes a a while to figure it all out.

The Hudson Four

2008-11-17T13:00:00.015-06:00

A while back I had the pleasure of doing a photo shoot for this pretty lady of her and her boys for a surprise Father's Day gift for her husband.

Well, yesterday I had the pleasure of capturing the whole crew. Not only are their parents pretty wonderful, but these boys are amazing too.

Thanks to the Hudsons for allowing me to capture your lovely family.

Just Where the Blog Have I Been???

2008-11-14T16:54:00.002-06:00

At home with Food Poisoning!! Are you jealous? Never knew a human body could lose 18 pounds of liquid water weight in a day and 1/2!!

But anyway, I'm back to the land of the living and shall I ever get such a thing again, just go ahead and shoot me. LAWD.

Rusty's Pups

2008-11-06T15:52:00.002-06:00

Here is a picture the pups from of our dog (Rusty) and my sister-in-law's dog (Tipsy)...

Kim sent us these pictures last night. Aren't they precious? They are Toy Australian Shepherds. Sullivan just had ONE question...

"So, why are they at the beach Mommy?" Never fails to keep us laughing our guts out.

A House Divided

2008-11-04T21:32:00.001-06:00

So, I guess by now you all know that Mac and I rarely agree on politics. It's fine, it's okay. Well, he actually agrees with me on everything, except for some reason he still thinks he has to vote his way, but you can't tell him that, he won't believe you.

Anyway, tonight as we were sitting in the living room and the first numbers came out in favor of McCain, my boys...ALL of them started to whoop and holler and cheer. I said, why do y'all always have to be like Daddy, why can't y'all be like me? To which Sullivan replies, "Mommy, I am like you, remember? My legs are hairy just like yours!" For the love of crab legs.

I love my life. Just when it gets too serious, I have my boys to keep me in smiles.

P.S. GOBAMA!!!

Spooooooky.

2008-10-31T10:15:00.000-05:00

Well, gone are the days of dressing up as ducks, Thomas the Tank engine and anything Mom may decide is cute. Now, I have children of some darkness of death. From left to right: Sullivan the NINJA, Eli the Skulzor and Fisher the GRIM REAPER. Next to them are Fisher's best friend Aston the SOMETHIN OF DEATH and Taylor (remember, my future daughter-in-law?), she's dressed as a DEAD ZOMBIE COWGIRL...here's a closer look:

Unfortunately, I couldn't get the boys to stay still long enough to get a better picture of each of them. Costumes on, they were raring to go. I usually am not a fan of Halloween, but this year was SOOOO much better since it was on a Friday, I actually enjoyed it!!

Little Ole Me?

2008-10-30T19:02:00.008-05:00

My sweet friend, Lavender Chick, sent me TWO awards. Ain't she the sweetest darn thing ever? She is a pretty amazing person and one of the most sincere and gracious and hilarious women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. When you meet her, you instantly feel as if you have known her all of your life...which brings me to the first award she gave me:

This is called the Perfect Blend of Friendship Award and along with it, comes these answers which you must answer:

Do you have the same friends since childhood? I most certainly do!! Shauna, Christa and Deanna I have known since they accepted me into their circle in the 1st grade. They all went to the same school in Kindergarten so their friendships had already been formed, while I wasted my time in some dumb private Kindergarten. These ladies have been my backbone throughout my life and I still see Shauna and Christa at LEAST once a month, if not more. They are in my Bunco group that I've been in for 8 years!! I don't get to see Deanna near as much as I would like, but we still remain close and I know that she would be there for me in the blink of an eye.

Missy is my best friend and has been since the 7th grade. I can't say enough about her and how she has helped to shape my life. We may not talk daily like we did for so many years, but we sure don't let it go too long. You can read a little about her here.

Mandy is my cousin, but also a best friend. I guess you could say she's been my friend since childhood since I've known and loved her since the day she was born. There is no reason why we couldn't have been twins...if only we were the same age and had the same mother and father. (That one was for my uncle!!) Mandy is this ball of completely special that you just won't ever understand unless you meet her. She and I are so alike. We love the same things and both have a handful of crazy kids and one crazy husband each. I don't think there is anything new that one of us can pick up that the other one doesn't want to automatically do too. If I ever in the world had a sister, I would have picked her...but since I couldn't do that, I will settle for a cousin and a best friend!

What do you value most about your friends? The thing I value most about my friends is their kindness and loyalty. They always, every one of them, pull together within seconds to help each other out. They are miracles, they are my sisters.

Are your friends sounding boards? Uh. Yeah. Especially since I'm the most opinionated, non-quiet, on-your-soapbox person you'll ever meet. My friends, they have much patience.

To which I shall pass this award along to my life-time friends Missy and Mandy and Christa...I would pass it along to Shauna too...but we can't convince her to blog!!

The second award is the Blogging Friends Forever Gold Card Award.

This one has to be given to the following sweet friends of mine:

A Day in the Life How in the world can I explain Rachael to make you understand? I have known Rachael for quite a while. She came to be my friend because she is best friends with Shauna (one of those childhood friends of mine I talked about above). I have gotten closer to her over the years and have always loved her dearly. BUT, this past year she came to me from what I thought of as a pretty close friendship to alter into a forever friendship that has captured this incredibly special place in my heart. Rach stepped into my heart when I needed her the very most. I think she knew how much I was hurting and she was able to help me see things about myself that I was not able to see. She has been a breath of fresh air for me and a confidant that I can turn to any day, at any time. Love you lady.

Under the Stars and Dreaming. I met this wonderful friend about 8 years ago when we used to work together over in hell (just kidding). But anyway, you know those friends when you leave a job and yeah, they were great friends while you worked there, but you'll never see them again...well Susie is SOOO not that friend. She's a friend that I will hang onto forever. Without her, my life just wouldn't be quite right. Although we are different in many ways, we also have so many of the same loves and we can talk for 4 hours straight and still not be done. We have remained friends over the years, to which I cannot be thankful enough. She is one of the smartest, most clever and funny people ever in the world of me. I am so glad I have her in my life.

I shall end my post with the most wonderful quote about friends that I have ever read:

"A friend is someone who knows the song of your heart and can sing it back to you, even when you have forgotten the words."

Surely Not

2008-10-16T21:24:00.005-05:00

Is this the face of someone that would pick up a rock on the playground at school?

And is this the face of someone that would pick up said rock and CHUNK it at the door of the school and shatter the entire door?

No, surely not.

Happy Birthday Ladybug!!

2008-10-15T09:47:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday to you, faithful friend of mine.

You have known me for 24 years and still love me.

You have been a light in my life through good times and bad.

You know more about me than most...and again, you still love me!

You have been through all my big moments holding my hand along the way, my marriage, the births of my children and deaths that were too hard to bear on my own.

I wish you the best day today for it's not even close to what you have given me.

You are a treasure that I am so proud I can share with others.

I love you, not for 24 more years, but forevermore.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAKE!!!

Fisher's Taylor

2008-10-13T10:09:00.006-05:00

Fisher and Taylor have been friends since they were 18 months old and she lived across the street with her grandma and grandpa. They share the same birthday - the very same. Same age and everything.

This year is the first year they've been in the same class at school. They sit directly across from each other, which makes me very happy because she is one of the most kind and sweet and caring little girls I have ever met. Every minute that she spends with Fisher just makes me smile, because I know she is, without realizing it, showing Fisher how to be a good friend.

She has been to dinner with us several times and every time she's over at her grandparents house she is across the street in minutes to play with Fisher. They never fight and argue like when his "guy" friends come over. I love it. Every year on her birthday Fisher is the only friend she invites to join them. I know this will change when they get a little older and strictly do the "girl/guy" thing for a while, but for now I cherish it.

The other day Taylor was over playing and I went across the street to ask Ken if she could come to dinner with us and take some pictures here and there. He said absolutely. Well, I got the above pictures and a BUNCH more...but the best part of the day was when we were sitting down to dinner and they were talking about their class and how glad they will be when Ms. Williams is back from her honeymoon. I asked him about this little girl named Haley in his class because I heard a rumor that she had a crush on him. When I asked him, he got all flushed and silly. Taylor said, "It's true, she told me." And then she said, "Do you know what Haley told me? She said that she has known Fisher for FOUR years. And I just had to tell her, well oh yeah, we've known each other since we were babies!!" Maybe a little hint of jealousy at such a young age? :o) And you know, I know you can never pick for your children who you want them to end up with in life...but a mom can hope, right?

Sunday Photo Favorites #14

2008-10-12T11:52:00.001-05:00

As If...

2008-10-11T11:06:00.001-05:00

As if I need ONE more addiction to take me away from housework.

As if my habits I already have are not enough. As if Gardening and Reading and Movie-going and Scrapbooking and Photography and TV Watching and Blogging and now Facebook and Cooking and Bunco and all of these things and more are not enough wonderful habits to have...I must add ANOTHER...

THIS is Mancala, Y'all. The boys have been playing it in after-school for years and I always thought to myself, "Now how much fun can that really be? All they're doing is moving a buncha flattened marbles around a board." Well. Well. Hmpf. Fisher got the game from my Aunt Sandy and Uncle Ernie (otherwise known to my kids as Granny and Pop) for his birthday. I have played it a bazillion times and have been beat everytime and I could play about 899 more times just today and not get tired of it. WHY? It's so simple, but yet so fun. Another fun-filled way to hang out with your kiddos. But BEWARE...they'll try to make it where they want to play instead of you...you just hold your ground...you just tell them who's boss. But all joking aside, it is so much fun. Crazy little game.

A Speedy Quick Fast Recipe

2008-10-10T10:02:00.003-05:00

That is OH SO GOOD!!!

I got it from my sister-in-law (Joan). She calls it Taco Soup, but I didn't get that same feeling...so I'm calling it:

Can of This, Can of That

1 lb ground beef
1 can hominy
1 can chopped or sliced black olives
1 can ranch style beans
1 can regular corn
1 can stewed diced tomatoes (I used Rotel instead)
1 pkg dried ranch dressing
Shredded Cheese
Frito's
1 cup water

Optional: diced red onions, Sour Cream

Brown ground beef in large pot. Add stewed tomatoes and boil for approx. 5 minutes. Add can of hominy, ranch style beans, olives, reg corn DO NOT DRAIN JUICES. Mix well then add dried pkg of ranch dressing. Let simmer for approx. 10 minutes. Add cup of water to "soup" and let simmer for a couple more minutes. Serve over Frito's with diced tomatoes, cheese and sour cream on top (All Optional...you can just eat like a soup).

Of course y'all know me and I added some more "spices" to the meat when it was browning and a can of HOT green chilies. I was fully prepared for my boys to say "YUCK" and eat a bowl of cereal instead....Y'ALL, they ate it UP!!!!

Enjoy.

**CORRECTION** I have been informed that was one of my other sister-in-law's (June's) recipe. I stand corrected. Whoever it was...DAMN it's good!!

Happy Birthday CC!!!

2008-10-06T13:50:00.000-05:00

Just a Few...

2008-10-05T16:12:00.000-05:00

Our bunco group has been together heading into our ninth year. We have ourselves a little bunco fiesta once a month to get together with our best girlfriends and we try to get together once a year to include our husbands and once a year to include all of our families. Today we were missing quite a few, but here are just a few pics of a couple of the precious kiddos that were in attendance.

Beck

Lindsey

Reed

Fisher

Gage

Sullivan

Amelia

Hayden

Eli

Hope everyone can make it next year. We sure missed Y'all!!!

Happy Birthday #9 Tootah!

2008-10-04T10:12:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

The Flight of Time

2008-10-03T16:33:00.000-05:00

Nine years ago tonight will forever be on my mind as one of my most memorable. I couldn't sleep, we had tons of company and my anxiety was through the roof. We were living in a great big farm house in Plano, Texas and tending to the little Shetland Ponies for our landlord. We had quite the life. Pretty laid back, pretty easy.

As soon as Mac and I got married we (mostly me) decided it was time to start trying to have a baby. Almost 2 1/2 years to the day our dream came true. This is the birth story of Fisher. My first born. My sweet baby.

As I said, we were all cozied up with a house full of family anxiously awaiting his arrival. Two weeks prior I had been diagnosed with Preeclampsia so I knew the exact date of induction and was so excited yet so nervous at the same time. It was decided that Mac and Mom would go to the hospital with me and that my step-dad and my brother would soon follow. This was at 5:00 in the morning folks. It was a chilly chilly morning in the Dallas area, but I didn't mind. I got dressed in my shorts and sandals while Mom and Mac wore jeans and jackets. The cold didn't bother me a bit. (Mac had actually been wearing coats inside our house for the past few months because of how cold I wanted it. Funny Stuff.)

We walked into the hospital, signed in, got all the paperwork filled out and got settled into our birthing suite. My sister-in-law was head nurse of the labor and delivery unit, so I got all kind of special treatment...which later would be to my demise at the births of my other two children. When you know how it CAN be to be a rockstar when having your baby and then to find out how it really is in real life...ugh. Everyone should get special treatment. Anyway, after we got all settled in I soon got started on the dreadful drug named PITOCIN! You know it, don't you? After about 30 minutes on that mean drug I felt like I was being ripped apart from the inside.

I will never forget when it was time for the L&D nurses to "check" my dilatation for the first time, I told Mom and Charlie and Tony that it was time to leave. Charlie replied, "What, I'M supposed to leave? I don't have to, right?" Now, we all know that he was present when welcoming Mandy's first child into the world (the first time he met her she had her legs spread with a baby coming out), BUT....we all also know how modest I am, so I wasn't having any part of that sort of participation. I think he got over it fairly quickly???

After I was at approximately 4 cm dilated, Dr. Umholtz came to check me and told me it was okay to start the epidural. An hour or so after that, I met the most wonderful Anesthesiologist. For the life of me, I can't remember his name...but at the time, I thought I was going to french kiss him when it was all over. As you all know, the price to pay for the ease of pain is the actual slow-down of contractions and dilatation...but that was okay by me. Within 30 minutes I was back to feeling like a normal-ish human being instead of an alien.

Around 4:30 in the afternoon, I gave birth to the most precious baby on earth. He was everything I ever dreamed of. The most magical part of it all was how MUCH I was filled with love...not only for this brand new gift of mine, but for my husband too. It was far beyond anything I'd ever felt in the world. It's not an emotion I can explain...I just knew I had wished I could grab onto it forever.

I have since gone on to have 2 more wonderful, precious beautiful sons and there births were beautiful and miraculous also...but there's something about the birth of your first child that you just can't seem to explain. Amazing, truly and utterly amazing.

You CAN Cry on Celexa...

2008-10-02T16:29:00.001-05:00

Apparently all you have to do is go see Nights in Rodanthe. And really, if you feel snot pouring out of your nose, it's okay...because the lady in front of you will be sobbing so hard she'll be snorting.

90210

2008-09-30T11:14:00.000-05:00

I know that I'm the only 36-year-old mom of three children that still is obsessed with that zip code, you don't have to tell me. I still can't seem to get enough of Kelly, Brenda, Nat...and soon to be Dylan. The show's not even that great, but it's getting better and I'm already hooked. LIKE I NEEDED ANOTHER ADDICTION, right?

But just check it out...they aren't THAT much different, right?

Come on...join me...you know you want to. Tuesday nights on the CW. Don't be scared!

F's...There you are!!

2008-09-29T15:43:00.006-05:00

Sorry for the delay. I've been all busy and stuff these days. Can't seem to slow down. It's either a sick kid or a school thing or soccer or what-have-you. I've only got a FEW "Fs" to share. Enjoy.

Fisher. Of course.

Friends. Jacob and Fisher on the playground at sunset.

Frustrated. Eli is tired of being a model today. Tomorrow will be different.

Fashionable. Sully gets a real mohawk.

Maybe I Have Crossed the Line?

2008-09-19T11:08:00.002-05:00

I suppose growing up and living in Austin has given me some sort of wordly open mindedness that others in different areas of Texas or even our beloved country might not come by naturally.

I have always loved and been intrigued by different cultures and ways of living. I don't think one way is right and one way is wrong, just that we are all co-existing together in the best way we can and that it's okay to be different as long as you're not hurting anyone else.

That being said, I've never been surprised by cross-dressers or trans-sexuals. I don't know what it is, but I've never been offended or scared or felt out-of-place or uncomfortable. I think there's enough people in the world that give in to that, so the place in which I reside in my own little world, I've always been quite proud of. Heck, the first person to ever cut my hair (besides my mother) was a year into the required therapy for a sex change. She was the best hair stylist EVER. Miss you Blair!! Which brings me to why my open-mindedness might go a little overboard sometimes.

I pulled up to McDonald's the other day and there was this man that had very obviously adopted the feminine side of his persona. He was very well manicured, Had the most beautiful long hair pulled back in a headband, eyebrows had recently been waxed and his color of lip gloss was quite appealing. He was the most polite individual I have ever dealt with in the McDonald's drive-thru, heck any drive-thru as a matter of fact.

But MAYBE I crossed the line...you be the judge. As he was handing me my 800 happy meals that it requires to feed my ever-growing lot of boys I call my kiddos I leaned out of my window and asked, "So, how many people have told you that you look like America Ferrera?" He said, "No one. I don't know who that is." And without a second thought, I started to explain that she was the girl in "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants." To which his eyes got as big around as saucers and he replied, "OH. Is that a GOOD thing?" I said, "Um, yes, she's very beautiful." He chuckled a bit. And while I don't think he was offended in the slightest, the size of his surprised eyes reminded me that sometimes maybe my "open-mindedness" should be hindered a bit because at the precise moment we were driving off Sullivan asked, "Mommy, why did you just tell that man he looked like a beautiful woman?"

Gracious Golly. Must learn to self-edit. Not everyone needs to know what I am thinking at all times.

A Short Little Funny From This Weekend

2008-09-15T16:05:00.002-05:00

It's always been a habit I adopted of my parents to do the "counting" method when my kiddos get into trouble. "1. 2. 3." But, in the last year or so I've switched it up a bit and counted down from 5 to 1. This method of counting seems to get paid attention to so much better in the Russell household...that IS until last night. I asked Sullivan (you know, "Evil with a Smile")to pick a toy of his up in the living room. He said "Nope." I said "Excuse me Young Man, WHAT did you say?" He replied, "I said NOPE, I ain't gonna do it." I said, "FIVE. FOUR. THREE. TWO. ONE!!!" and as he was running away from my mad grasp, he shouted....."BLAST OFF".

Little Turd.

Amen Jon Stewart...Get 'Em!!

2008-09-12T11:23:00.001-05:00

Don't have a LOT of "E"s this week...

2008-09-11T16:10:00.011-05:00

"E"s are extremely hard!! Plus, I've been stuck with my head in the Twilight books. I'm on the very tail-end of the fourth book. GAWD I'm hooked.

ANYHOOOOO.....here are the only "E"s I could come up with in my non-creative state:

Eli...of course!!

Eager. That Austin...he's a jumper!

Embrace. Austin and Ady lovin' on each other.

El Jefe. The boss.

EEEEEEK!! That's not one of mine...'tho I'm SURE he learned it from them.

Easygoing. Austin and Ady take a walk.

Extremely....as in cute.

Do These Pants...

2008-09-10T16:00:00.000-05:00

...make my butt look big?

Happy Grandparents Day at School!!!

2008-09-08T16:33:00.000-05:00

Thanks Mom...for always going up to the school to read to the boys on Grandparent's Day. Next year there will be THREE to read to! Smooches.

Alright. Alright. Alright...

2008-09-03T12:01:00.009-05:00

So, you ALL know what a terrible movie whore I am. I can go to the movies EVERY single day of my life and sometimes even twice (right, Kel?) Well, in all the years that I have loved the movies and Big Hollywood, I have never ever had the chance to go to a movie premiere. I tried to go to a Kevin Smith one once, but it was ALL sold out.

Well one of my lifelong best friends, Shauna, had a spot open up with her group of buddies and she was so incredibly sweet to ask me to go. We had a BLAST!! Her buddies were a HOOT.

It was so fun to see Matt McC and Woody Harrelson in person. Shauna couldn't get her camera to snap the pics at the right time and I FORGOT TO BRING MY CAMERA. I know!

Anyway, it was quite an experience and one I'm glad I go to share with Shauna! Love you.

**NOTE TO READERS** I, myself thought Surfer, Dude was pretty cute. All the other girls didn't agree. But then again, y'all know that I am not a movie snob, I like almost everything out there. Plus, it's fun to see Matt, Woody and Willie Nelson all smoking weed on the big screen, dontcha think?

Happy THIRTIETH Birthday Beautiful!!

2008-09-03T11:54:00.001-05:00

HEY Cupcake!!

2008-09-02T11:35:00.001-05:00

Went to see Mamma Mia on Sunday with some of my posse. LOVED the movie, we laughed and sang and cried (well, those of us that aren't on anti-depressants anyway...what's that about? I can't cry anymore!! :)

Well afterwards, Missy and Rach suggested "Hey Cupcake" for just a little snack 'em. Missy had been talking about this place for MONTHS, so we couldn't wait to see what all the hype was about.

I'd seen the cute little airstream trailer down on Congress for quite some time and always thought, "What a great little gimmick"...never DREAMING the damn things would taste so good and be so BIG!!

*PLUS* There's a little bonus plan, you see. Just LOOK how skinny you look after eating one of those moist little cakes of love!!! I will be going back. Oh yes I will!!!

Brought to You by the Letter "D"

2008-09-01T16:08:00.013-05:00

Donut. Yum - Democratic, Labor Day kinda yummy.

Drink. Outside when it's 101, nothing better than water. Aaaah.

Devilish. Describes my boys perfectly. Evil with a smile. :)

Direction. Lily points the way to Fisher.

Determined. Sully hunting baby froggies.

Distant. Eli - Sometimes the bravest of them all.

Ducklings. My three.

Definitely. Kelly's blood test proved positive on Tuesday and that levels were doubling, just like they should be - YAY.

Delicate. These are the blooms from the seeds I planted that my mother-in-law gave me. I'm in love.

The Big Barrett Debate...

2008-08-31T17:39:00.002-05:00

Okay, so Lavender Chick and Mrs. Bankston looked so darn cute with their barretts in their hair, I decided I'd give this whole "pulling your hair back a little to the side trick" a whirl.

Here's the result:

I got a couple of compliments, but not enough to write home about. And Y'ALL, I'll be DAMNED if it didn't make my ASS look big! Go Figure...

I'm SORRY!!!

2008-08-28T20:56:00.003-05:00

Okay. Okay. Okay. I should not have done that, it was cruel and I am so sorry and I will NOT make y'all wait until I post my "D" pictures for the week.

I've got people calling people to ask them if they are pregnant, people calling me, texting and IM'ing me, so I will reveal the mystery right now.

NO, it's not me. And no, not Missy either...though there is not doubt in my mind it will be her turn very, very soon. Send some positive thoughts her way if you have a minute.

So, I got an IM at 3:00 in the morning on Tuesday from my Kelly saying she was pregnant. I was so excited and elated for her I never really went back to sleep, so I can only imagine how she was feeling.

I am so happy for her and Sebastian and I can't wait to meet this precious little bundle.

Sorry again folks...I will try (really) to not be so cruel in the future.

Betcha Wish You Knew....

2008-08-28T10:36:00.002-05:00

...who's test this was...dontcha? Wouldn't YOU like to know!! Maybe I'll reveal in my "D" pictures this week.....maybe.

The First Day

2008-08-25T20:48:00.013-05:00

Here are the pictures from the first day of school for the last FOUR years!!

2005

2006

2007

2008

Boy, they grow fast. 1st and 3rd...and I aint talkin' baseball folks! Today was rough on my little Eli. He told me as I was walking them to school this morning that he was really scared. I explained to him how much fun he was going to have in 1st grade. He did okay, until we dropped Fisher off at his classroom and then headed down the 1st grade hallway. He got huge tears in his sweet little eyes and it just broke my heart. He bawled a lot once we got to his classroom and I could barely peel him off of me to hand him over to Mrs. Bankston. Bless his heart.

He's had this problem with "they" lately. Why do "they" have to make ants? Why did "they" have to build Fuentes Elementary? Why do "they" have to make so many rules and laws that make us have to go to school? I didn't have the heart to tell him that for some of your life, not ALL of it, but some of it, you will feel as if "they" are against you...

After we picked him up this afternoon and grilled him about his day, he said that he loved it and that he was so happy that there was no way he was going to cry anymore and that he promised that he wouldn't cry tomorrow...probably.

We'll soon see. For now though, he loves 1st grade and Fisher...well he was back in his social butterfly habitat and he had so much to say that I'm sure he would still be talking about it, if I would let him. Sweet boys. NEXT year...my baby will start kindergarten and I'm sure I will just fall apart, but today....today was good. Thank you teachers...you all are incredibly amazing.