Crystal Clear Reflections

24 Weeks... still growing...

2012-02-05T20:40:00.000-08:00

Looking back at the last few weeks I can really see the growth Corbin has made. It's amazing how fast babies grow in the womb. Makes it more real every single day.

We are here at 24 weeks and can't believe how far we are already!

Dear little Corbin,

This week has been full of flips and flops and kicks and punches. You are moving so much I love feeling every single movement you make. Your daddy was FINALLY able to experience that with me by feeling your kicks as well. I was so happy he finally got to feel it, and I think he was too! It has also been tough this week because I was dealing with a few things like fever, soreness, and now stuffy nose. But that's okay, I would go through anything for my precious baby boy. We're getting closer and closer and more anxious to meet you. We love you baby boy!

Love Mommy

Toodles

23 Weeks

2012-01-29T16:22:00.000-08:00

We're here, we're at 23 weeks and baby Corbin is growing so fast.

Dear Corbin,

This week I've felt you move so much. Almost every time after I eat you like to kick and move around to let me know your happy to get some food. It is so fun to see and feel your movement. I do have one complaint, when ever your daddy comes to feel your kicking you stop, and I want him to feel you kick. So this week, can we let daddy feel you kick? Love you little man.

Love

Mommy

Toodles

**Sorry about the quality, no lighting, night time, you get it! They'll be better I promise. I was too lazy to get my lighting out. :P

22 Weeks and Growing!

2012-01-20T16:10:00.000-08:00

Hey all, we're at 22 weeks and Corbin is growing more and more...

Dear Baby Boy,

We're at another week and you have been moving constantly. I felt your powerful kick so hard but Daddy wasn't home to feel it with me. I was pretty bummed! But there were will be other times he will get to feel your movement. My clothes are getting tighter and tighter and some of my shirts are too short now because of how big my belly is. Stretching and pulling won't work, I've already started to get more clothes that will fit me. Counting down the days we meet you.

Love Mommy!

Toodles

21 Weeks

2012-01-15T18:34:00.000-08:00

Hello 21 weeks!

Dear Corbin,

This week has flown by so fast. I have been feeling you flip and flop every day. I can't wait until your kicks are powerful enough so daddy can feel them too. This week my ribs have been really hurting, and I know it's not because your kicking them... but it's a feeling I could do without. I bought your first 2 outfits this week and can not wait to see you in them. We are just counting down the days until we meet you sweet baby boy!

Love,

Mommy

Toodles

Maternity Series... 20 Weeks

2012-01-08T17:20:00.000-08:00

My sister in law over at Fresh Mommy blog did a maternity series when she was pregnant for her 2nd little one. I knew that I wanted to do this when I was pregnant because I LOVE IT! So, thank you Tabitha for all your creativeness...

We made it half way... 20 weeks, which means we found out we're having a BOY.

Little Corbin will be here in May!

Dear Corbin,

You are growing so fast, your daddy and I can not believe how much we can see your growth. I've already had to make more then normal visits to the bathroom. Maybe it's where your laying but mommy could use less bathroom breaks at night. Before we found out you were a boy mommy kept calling you a girl, but the moment we were told you are a boy we couldn't have been any happier. Your daddy and I both had tears in our eyes and can not wait to meet you. I can feel you moving around at least once a day and once I swear I felt you kicking mommy on the outside of my tummy. I can tell you'll be a very active little man. We can't wait!!!

Love Mommy!!

Toodles

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T14:12:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone is enjoying their family time together just like we are. Jeremy and I decided to have our own Christmas Eve dinner and open presents we got each other. I loved that we did that this year, instead of getting up early enough Christmas morning to do our thing, because we have to head over to my mom's for Christmas breakfast, and after that we are heading over to my Grandpa's for our BIG family party. And when I say big I mean BIG!

But since I know everyone is busy with their own Christmas parties I just wanted to share one of the presents I got from my honey bunny.

It's a 50 mm f/1.8 lens for my Canon. OH YEAH! Wanna know how awesome this lens it, let me demonstrate.

These are straight out of the camera.

This shot is from the kit lens. 18-55 mm

This shot came from my new 50mm f/1.8 lens. Both of this pictures were taken with the same settings on my camera. This lens is amazing.

Well, now that I'm done bragging about one of my Christmas gifts you can go enjoy yours. ;)

Toodles

iHeartfaces:: Bust a Gut

2011-11-27T17:07:00.000-08:00

Seeing the category for this week this picture popped in my head. I had to share this one!!!

Share your "Bust A Gut" photo @ iHeartfaces. Go on, you know you want too.

Toodles

iHeartfaces:: Let them be little

2011-10-25T17:12:00.000-07:00

Okay... okay... I know I haven't posted since the big news... woops... i guess I've been trying to get over this morning sickness and nausea that has been taking over my life... okay I might be over reacting a little, but it doesn't seem like it. Anyways... this post is for the iHeartfaces photo challenge...

Pretty soon I'll have one of these to take care of... well not too soon, I have at least 7 months to prepare now for this bundle of joy.
This little guy is one of my friends adorable little man, although he is much bigger now, and sprouting teeth, I couldn't resist using this one for this category.

Share your "Let Them Be Little" photo at iHeartfaces.com

Toodles

You Don't Want To Miss This!

2011-09-23T17:46:00.000-07:00

I figured I'd get your attention with that one. Jeremy and I have some big news to share with everyone....
WE'RE PREGNANT!!!! Yes... yes... it's true, this is no joke. It's not April 1st right? Okay, I'm being honest this time. After all the times I've pranked about being pregnant, this time, I REALLY AM!
We are so excited!!!!
I really didn't know I was pregnant, I was doing my work outs with Christina on Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays. I was sore on Wednesday morning from out Monday morning workout, so I skipped it, but went back at it on Friday morning. Which left me extremely sore the WHOLE weekend. Still, not thinking anything of it. Monday rolled around and I ended up skipping our Monday morning workout because, yes I was still extremely sore from Friday morning workout. It was horrible. I went to the grocery store Monday morning and thought, "Hey, I'll just pick up a box of tests and just do one." I was suppose to start that day too, and hadn't yet. Yes I know it was still in the morning and there was a chance I still could have started, but thought I would take one anyway.
When I got home I grabbed one out went to pee on it and I dropped it in the toilet, uh Gross!!! Luckily I hadn't started peeing yet, so the water was still clean and I was able to fish it out. (Don't worry I washed my hands) so I grabbed a new one and got that one right, I set it down (washed my hands, see I told you) and walked out to put some grocery's away. WHen I walked back in I wasn't expecting there to be 2 lines but right there in front of my face were 2 bright red lines (some might say they are pink) my initial reaction was "OMG I'M PREGNANT!" I kept saying it over and over again until I decided I better call Jeremy and tell him.

When I called Jeremy, I'm sure he didn't expect what I was about to drop on him, but when I did his response.... "Are you serious?" And if you know me, you know that I have done plenty of pregnancy pranks in the past few years. Not nice I know, so I think his firs thought might have been is trying to mess with me?
"So i told him, I'm serious, I'm not kidding. I swear." Because I really wasn't .
His next response, "How the heck does that happen? We just decided to start!"
Seriously, we just decided in late August early September to start trying. And that's how easy it was for us. Praise God!
Although, we might have thought it would be at least a few months before we became pregnant God had different plans for us. So here I am, excited to be a mommy and couldn't me more happier.
AHHHH!! I'm PREGNANT!

**Wanna see how we announced it to my mom? Check out this video!!!

Toodles

iHeartfaces:: White

2011-08-29T18:13:00.000-07:00

Oh White... white is the color that your can't get stains out of... at least I haven't mastered that yet! :P

When thinking of what picture to use for this category I shot back to this photoshoot. It was of my nephew and his older brother. They both looked adorable, but had to share this one because the only thing not white is this little guy himself. :) So cute!

I can only smile when I looking at this cute face smiling back at me... how bout you!!
Go to iHeartfaces and link up your WHITE photo!

Toodles

Hump Day DUMP!

2011-08-21T14:41:00.000-07:00

Join in on a different take of Wordless Wednesday!! Where you dump your camera photos from the week on your blog for everyone to see!!! Then link up over at Fresh Mommy Blog.
See you there!

Toodles

iHeartfaces:: Friendship!

2011-08-09T17:19:00.000-07:00

Friendship: Friends are hard to come by, so when you find them, hang on to them.

having a spa night with your friends is one of the best things EVER!

What about you? Do you have a photo that exudes FRIENDSHIP? Link it up at iheartfaces.

Toodles

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-03T05:11:00.000-07:00

It's just that... wordless!

Toodles

iheartfaces:: WATER

2011-07-26T18:40:00.000-07:00

Water:::: Summer's best friend!

My niece Aliyah in her make ship pool.:) This girl can have fun with anything!!!

Head to iHeartfaces to link up your favorite water photo of the summer. :)

Toodles

CH...Ch...Ch....Ch...Ch...Changes...

2011-07-22T18:27:00.000-07:00

There have been a few changes these past few months in our lives, some good, and some maybe not so good.
For starters....

1. Our "roommate" got married and moved all the way to Atlanta... which I'm over the top excited for her, but sad they moved so far away.

We were having too much fun at her wedding. :P

2. We've moved from a 2 bedroom apartment to a 1 bedroom apartment... which will save us a pretty good amount of money a month.

3. I've started a new job... and I LOVE IT! I am not working at a daycare anymore, but that's okay. I'm doing something completely different. But still enjoying it. It's a similar job to a Pharmacy Tech, except I'll be doing it over the phone for a specialty pharmacy and I'll be working towards my Pharmacy Tech certificate. I'm super excited to see where this job takes me. :)

Sometimes life throws you curve balls, you just got to catch them and throw them back!! BAM!

I hope life isn't throwing you curve balls all over the place. But make sure you catch them and throw them back!!!

HOpe everyone's MOnday was mondaylicious!

Toodles

iheartfaces::Summer Fun

2011-07-11T18:52:00.000-07:00

When you think of summer fun what comes to your mind? Beach days? Volleyball games? or maybe S'mores? For me when I think of summer fun I think of my niece, Aliyah. This girl knows how to have fun in the summer, even when her pool is out of service. This girl decided to have her own kind of summer fun....

See what I mean? SO MUCH SUMMER FUN going on here. She even had her swimming goggles. :)

Why don't you join in? Go to iheartfaces Free Community to share your Summer fun photo. :)
Toodles

Sunday Citar: Frogs

2011-07-10T10:17:00.000-07:00

This little itty bitty frog was adorable. My niece Aliyah is so cute, she kept this frog in a bucket for a little while, but don't worry, we were able to free the frog before it was too late for the little guy. ;)

“I'd kiss a frog even if there was no promise of a Prince Charming popping out of it. I love frogs.”
-Cameron Diaz

Why don't you link up at Fresh Mommy blog and share your favorite quote!

See you there!

Toodles

Red, White, And BLUE

2011-07-04T18:41:00.000-07:00

This 4th of July season we spent time with Tab from Fresh Mommy and her family. We had lots of fun and laughs. Starting from an awesome yummy cook out to the amazing fire work show that our men put on for us ladies. The weather was so nice for us and because their pool was out of order this is what we had to keep ourselves cool from the weather...

Although the adults didn't play in the water Aliyah sure had fun with it. :)

Sophia had lots of fun in the water too, but then she decided to sit and relax in the shade with her mama!

After much enjoyment in the "pool" Aliyah did some swinging in the trees. And of course Aunt Crystal had to help her get high enough on the branch to keep her butt from smacking the ground. :)

FUN!

While playing in the grass Aliyah found a tiny itty bitty frog! It was so cute!!!!

When night time came around we whipped out the sparklers and fireworks!!

Our 4th of July celebration was so fun, and I'm glad we were able to spend it with family. :)

I hope everyone had a fun and safe 4th of July, I know I did.

Toodles

Happy Birthday America!

2011-07-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

(I took this last night of our own special show of fireworks!)

Be safe everyone!!

Toodles

Graduating!!

2011-06-12T10:51:00.000-07:00

I can remember when I was an 8th Grader getting ready to move on up into High School. It's a scary thing. Bigger school, more classes, older kids, it's a lot different then Middle School and sometimes scary. When spending some time with this 8th grade graduate reminded me about my transition between Middle School and High School. Which happened to be a good one!!!
But this girl was ready to go graduate and looking better than ever!!!

See what I mean!! Adorable!! Congrats chicka!!

Toodles

Iheartfaces:: From A Distance

2011-06-06T12:01:00.000-07:00

I made it... I made it... I finally made it to another Iheartfaces contest. :P I've been trying to remember but always remember on a Wednesday when the linky is closed. :( But not today, because I remembered!

My friend Brittney is always my guinea pig for ideas or if I just want to go photograph an actual person and not the grass blowing in the wind. ;P

If you'd like to join in on the iHeartfaces FUN link up your photo on their website. :)

Toodles

Bittersweet

2011-06-05T18:39:00.000-07:00

There are so many changes going in right now in my life. Good and bad. Sad and Happy. It's all so BITTERSWEET!
The daycare I've been working at for the past 7 years is closing. It's sad to be leaving the kids, it's the hardest part. I wish I could take them all with me. The happy side to this sadness is that I get to start something new. I haven't made a decision on where I'll be working, but I'm not jumping back into the daycare scene. I love kids so much, and if you know me you know that. But, I'll still be working in the children's department at my church, Faith City, so I'll still be working with kids.
But I'll miss these faces!!!!

So as I finish up our last week of school this week, not just the last week for the summer, but our last week forever I'll be soaking in every moment with these kids. I know as they grow up they won't remember me, but I'll always remember every single one of these kids. I've truly been blessed to have put into each child and have enjoyed teaching them.

I better go before I get my keyboard all wet!!!

Enjoy your week all!!!

Toodles

Sunday Citar

2011-06-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

The grass may be greener on the other side of the fence,
but you still have to mow it.
- Anonymous

Grass is the forgiveness of nature - her constant benediction.
Forests decay, harvests perish, flowers vanish,
but grass is immortal.
- Brian Ingalls

Head over to Fresh Mommy blog and link up your quote!

Toodles

Sunday Citar

2011-05-28T19:02:00.000-07:00

"AFLAC"
-The Aflac Duck

“If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, looks like a duck, it must be a duck”
-Proverb

“Be like a duck. Calm on the surface, but always paddling like the dickens underneath.”
-Michael Caine

Isn't he just the cutest thing?

Head to Fresh Mommy Blog and link up your quote!

The Secret to Throwing A Party

2011-05-27T17:46:00.000-07:00

What is the secret?
Really.... I want to know.... What is the secret? Do you know?
Because I would like to know for the next time I throw a baby shower and then a bridal shower in the next month. Yes, I did that, but it was so fun. The first baby shower and first bridal shower I've ever had the privilege of putting together.
The baby shower was for my pregnant friend, Chelsea. Whom you have seen on my photography blog, Crystal Rae Photography. I loved throwing the party, it was very fun to put together too. I wanted to be a little more creative with the decorations and I have seen two different ideas online that I kind of meshed together. I saw pictures on clothes line with paper baby clothes on a clothes line in seperate websites. So I kind of meshed those together by posting pictures of pregnant mommy and clothes that she had gotten before for little Eliza. I didn't have to pay for paper, or find paper baby clothes or print them and use my ink. So I saved money there. It turned out so cute!

What I saved from paper and ink from the clothes line decorations I used to make the banner... which said, Celebrate Eliza. I designed each circle in Photoshop and printed it on my card stock paper. I bought different colored and styled ribbon to put each letter together and came out with this....

Chelsea had a great turn out and her and Eliza were BLESSED!

The Bridal shower I threw was for my BEST FRIEND, Brittney. She is getting married July 9th and I'm so excited for her to start a new chapter in her life. To help her celebrate her upcoming wedding I threw I black and white themed shower. The decorations I used were easy, simple, and fun.

I found the 2 sided frames at Ikea and they only cost me $0.99, that's right. If you have never been to ikea you need to find your way to one. It is one AWESOME store. In the frames I put a black and white picture of the bride and groom on one side and a love quote on the other. I used quotes from movies, the bible, and books. To help add to the frame center piece I made the flowers. I did see the idea on a blog, if I could find it I would link it up, but I can't find it again. :( What I did was made a flower template in Photoshop, which can be found in
custom shape tool, you go to the Shape: menu and there you pick the flower shape. I put 2 per page, once I printed the flowers out he one side I put the paper back in the printer to print a book on the opposite side. That way when I cut the flower out you didn't see the black likes on the top. I actually used the first chapter of New Moon, one of the books in the Twilight series, which happens to be a love story that Brittney enjoys reading. To keep the 2 flower pieces together I bought a jeweled brad from Michaels and poked it right through the center. Then I kept one prong out and stuck it into the stem (bought at Michaels) and hot glued it in there so it wouldn't fall out. Whala! You have a homemade flower! I then bought pearl garland I guess you would call it to wrap around the frames and to just add a little something more to the tables.

And these gorgeous cupcakes were made by my friend, Emily, who happens to be a baker. They were awesome!!! When I saw a cupcake like this online I knew I wanted these for the "cake" rather than buying a huge sheet cake no one would eat. She did such a great job on them, they went perfect with the theme.

We most definitely were not lacking in the food department. We had food galore. All of it tasted great and we still had some left over to bring home. :)

She then floated away on her balloons!!

Brittney was one blessed chicka!

2 great parties and I got to be a part of both. Thanks gals for letting me throw you a party!

Oh... and when you figure out that secret, be sure to let me know!!!

Toodles

Sunday Citar:: Momma

2011-05-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

Okay I know I'm a week behind on the whole mom quotes because last weekend was Mothers day, but better late then never right?

Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever. ~Author Unknown

Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible. ~Marion C. Garretty

Mother - that was the bank where we deposited all our hurts and worries. ~T. DeWitt Talmage

For gifts to our mothers for Mother's day Jeremy and I took pictures of us spelling out MOM with our hands. They turned out really well, except for the fact that my hands are so white and they just kind of blend in with the rest of my skin so the hand letters are hard to see. No worries!

I hope all you mothers out there enjoyed your day of celebration!!!
Really you should all link up your quotes this week. Just head over to Fresh Mommy Blog and DO IT!

Toodles

iHeartfaces:: Motherhood

2011-05-08T16:15:00.001-07:00

I recently took photos of my niece and her little girl Sophia and when looking at one of the photos I took of them all I could think about was what a great mother she is to her little girl. She is a single mother working hard to take care of her little baby, and boy, does she do a fantastic job. i'm so proud of her and the steps she has taken to make her and her daughters life a great one. ;)
To me this picture screams "Motherhood" and that is why I chose it.

What about you? Would you like to share a photo of your mother or a photo that when you look at it it says Motherhood? Link up at www.iheartfaces.blogspot.com

Toodles

Sunday Citar

2011-05-07T18:47:00.000-07:00

If I had to sum up Friendship in one word, it would be Comfort. ~Terri Guillemets

A good friend is cheaper than therapy. ~Author Unknown

Friendship isn't a big thing - it's a million little things. ~Author Unknown

A few weeks back me and a couple of my girls got together to treat ourselves. It was so relaxing and just what I needed. We didn't end up getting to bed until very late, but it was worth it. FO SHO!

Link up your favorite quote over at Fresh Mommy Blog. You won't want to miss out!

Toodles

SNEAK PEEK:: Ethan & Aiden

2011-05-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

Woah, two sneak peeks so close to each other... that's right, I'm one busy girl!!!
It was so fun photographing these two little dudes. Mainly because they are my nephews and I was so honored when their Mommy and Daddy asked me to take their pictures.

We were trying to teach Ethan how to pretend laugh to get a natural smile... I think he did alright!!

Ethan has these amazing blue eyes that just POP. He's a very handsome little dude!

Aiden did so good, he went almost the whole time with out fussing, we did have to pause close to the end for a little snack.

This one is my favorite of Ethan. :)

Thanks guys... I love you! :)

Sneak Preview:: Little Sophia

2011-05-01T15:24:00.001-07:00

Easter was last weekend and part of my Easter weekend fun I had the privilege of taking photos of little Sophia. She was so good, we had to bribe her with marshmallows a couple times but she still did a great job.
Here are a few of that beautiful little girl. OH, and a few with her Mommy!

This one is my FAVORITE of the whole bunch!

The photo shoot ended with a happy mama and a tired of a camera pointed at her, little girl. :)
It was really fun and so glad I was able to photograph this cutie pie!
I hope everyone has an awesome weekend.

Toodles

iHeartfaces:: Shadows

2011-04-11T08:55:00.000-07:00

I'm officially welcoming myself back to the blog world!!! WELCOME!!!! :)

Join in on the fun and link up your Shadow photo at iHeartfaces. Come on... you know you want too!

Toodles

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-05T19:04:00.000-07:00

Toodles

Winter... Spring... Winter... Spring... Make Up Your Mind!

2011-03-23T12:03:00.001-07:00

We had such wonderful weather last week, it was in the 50's, and last night it snowed and snowed and today it's freezing rain. Seriously, FREEZING RAIN! I had to capture this weather to show you what we're dealing with here in good ole Michigan.

Yesterday morning there was NO snow on the ground. Not one speck! This is NUTS!

Hopefully this snow and ice is GONE just as soon as it came!

Toodles

iHeartfaces:: Sun Flare

2011-03-14T07:58:00.000-07:00

I love when there are challenges and I know exactly what photo I want to use. About a month ago my friend and I went out to take photos, just for fun, and I captured this one of her as the sun was coming down. The best part, all the snow on the ground. :) Although I think it's the best part in this photo I'm so over the snow. Spring is right around the corner and it needs to get here NOW. :)

Head over to iHeartfaces to enter your photo for this weeks category: Sun Flare.

Toodles

iHeartfaces: Best Of February

2011-03-08T17:52:00.000-08:00

Spending time with this family was a treat. This little cutie was a joy and I of course always love spending time with her. I get to see her at Church and teach her in the children's ministry at church. :) And when I saw that the category for this week was best of February this shoot popped in my head. I love when it's that easy!

Here's what you should do, head to iHeartfaces and link up your photo for Best Of February. And don't forget to leave comment love!

Toodles

iHeartfaces:: Anything BUT a Face

2011-02-28T09:29:00.000-08:00

Typically iHeartfaces categories have to include a face, but this week they are doing something a little out of the ordinary. This week your photo should include anything but a face... as I was pondering which photo to use this week I thought of this one. It's my friend Chelsea, whom you can see here and here. She is pregnant with a little girl and she is an adorable pregnant woman, that's for sure. This was taken when she was 20 weeks along.

>

Although this one technically has a face in it, it's a picture of a face. :)

I think you should join in, don't you? Head to iHeartfaces and link up your photo! Can't wait to see it!

Toodles

iHeartfaces:: Phone Photo

2011-02-22T11:22:00.000-08:00

I LOVE taking pictures with my iPhone. I post them on Twitter and Facebook to give my friends a visual of what I might be talking about. But all that came to an end the other day when I dropped my phone. When I went to snap a quick picture my camera wouldn't open. So now I can not take quick shots with my phone. BUT, what I can do today is share a photo from my phone for iHeartfaces challenge this week.

My husband and I love going to Sam's Club and eating "lunch" by going to each of their taste stations and nibbling on those. We usually leave full. :)

Want to join in on the Phone Photo Challenge? Head to iHeartfaces and link up your photo. :)

Toodles

iHeartfaces: Fix It Friday

2011-02-11T17:24:00.001-08:00

It's been a while since I've participated in iHeartfaces Fix it Friday, but found time this time to get to it. ;)

Hope you enjoyed your Friday!

Toodles

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-08T19:29:00.000-08:00

**I know I've been posting a lot of Baby Holifield, but she is such a cute pregnant lady!!!

Toodles

Sunday Citar

2011-02-05T16:43:00.000-08:00

Before we you see this post just know this is NOT a picture of me. I'm not pregnant yet! :P

A grand adventure is about to begin.
-- Winnie the Pooh

A mother's joy begins when new life is stirring inside... when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone.
-- Author Unknown

Making a decision to have a child--it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.
-- Elizabeth Stone

My friend Chelsea is Pregnant with a baby girl and I'm so excited for her. She is going to be a great mommy! (Check out my Photography Blog to see more pictures from our Mini Shoot.

Toodles

Spa Night

2011-02-04T19:52:00.000-08:00

Yes, I have done this before... acutally not too long ago... but I thought it was time for another one. This time i had a spa night with my friend Brittney and we did within the comfort of my own home. We went to LUSH of course to get supplies. While there we found a Choclate face mask to go along with another face mask called Catastrophe Cosmetic.

Both great face masks that leave your skin smooth and soft like a babies bottom. I actually had an allergic reaction to something and had dry skin and bumps on my jaw line down my neck and after I used these masks together my skin was 75% more smooth and the next day it was completely cleared up. Just really showed me how well these masks work. Along with the face mask we did a hair mask called, H'snan Wen Hna.

I don't quite understand the name but it does wonders to your hair. It's a leave in mask. You put it on your dry hair leave it in for 20 mins then wash it out. My hair was extremely smooth.

We couldn't miss an opportunity to take some pictures with our face masks on.

This was definitely a much needed spa night. Working with kids you have to make sure to take time for yourself when you can. Baths, getting a manicure and pedicure, spa nights with your friends... I try and do least one thing every weekend for myself.

Very relaxing!

Toodles

Winter Wonderland

2011-02-04T07:54:00.001-08:00

Last two days we have had snow days so I've just been laying about. Except yesterday, my friend Brittney and I went out into the snow and did a little shoot in the snow. We didn't get much because we went later in the evening and the sun was quickly fading behind the trees. Before we knew it it was too dark outside to do anything. But here a few shots we did get.

Brittney is so photogenic, i wish I could be as photogenic as she is... seriously!!!

Enjoy your weekend!

Toodles

Running Away To The Circus!

2011-02-01T11:25:00.000-08:00

I've been totally slacking on my blog these days. I think being addicted to a video game may have a small part in that. Yup, you read that right, I'm addicted to a video game. It's horrible! I tried it once a few weeks ago and haven't been able to put the controller down. My husband thinks it's awesome and is having me try a few other games, once other I did like but not as much as Call Of Duty: Black Ops, or as some would call it, BLOPS. :)

And when your computer doesn't autosave your post and then your browser decides to quit worker and you lose your posts (because that just happened to me) it makes me feel like not reposting, but I'm going to anyway.

But I sear, I do a lot more than just sit around and play video games... things like ice skating... going to the circus.... rollerskating.... AND watching a fierce game of rollerderby!

I decided to runaway to the circus...

These guys seem to enjoy it!

See I do a lot more than just sit around and play video games. :)
Catch ya tomorrow... maybe...

Toodles

Wordless Wednesday:: Winter Sunshine

2011-01-26T04:05:00.000-08:00

For More Wordless Wednesday go HERE & HERE

Toodles

iHeartfaces:: Innocent Wonder

2011-01-25T14:06:00.000-08:00

I'm going to be honest, it took me a minute to think about which photo I would use for this theme... okay, more than a minute. But when I searched through my plethora of photos I came up with this one.
Innocent wonder? Yeah, I think so!

My nephew is the cutest! Link up your Innocent Wonder Photo @ iHeartfaces blog.

Toodles

Little Taste

2011-01-15T20:44:00.000-08:00

Here is a little taste of my weekend so far...

Bet you can't wait for more!!!

Toodles

A WhoossiieeWhatsie

2011-01-14T20:49:00.000-08:00

Woah... I've been slacking this week.

Although I've been slacking on my blogging I most definitely haven't been slacking on LIFE! I've been trying to think of new things for me to try. Things that I shouldn't judge before I try it. Like... a video game. My husband is a video game addict, as some of you may already know, and has been trying to get me to try a few of his "shoot em up" games. I told him I would try Call Of Duty: Black Ops. Can I just say I wish I would have given it a chance a long time ago. It is so FUN! And although I haven't reached the level of some of the people I play against I still enjoy it. We play online against other people so we're not playing with a bunch of robots, so it makes for a more interesting game. If you haven't played it and you have a chance to try it, DO IT!

I've also been getting over this sinus stuff. It's gross! You know that blowing your nose all the time, water eyes, sneezy junk that happens. Thats what I'm getting over. I'm so over blowing my nose too. It's been redonkulous (re-donk-u-lous) how much kleenex I've gone through. We bought 10 boxes of soft kleenex so we don't run out.

I've continued working out about 3 times a week. I haven't added any "real" workouts. My friend Britt and I have been doing Dance Central as a workout, which believe it or not makes me sweat like crazy. It's fun too. I almost forget I'm getting a workout from playing it. I'm using this as a way to form a habit to exercise and when I do that I'll add some more extensive workouts. That's my plan... and a pretty good one too. At least I think so.

Yesterday I was able to take the kids outside, which hasn't happened all week because of how COLD it's been outside and they just soaked it up.

It really showed how much the kids need the fresh air, even if it's just for a few minutes. Can you believe there are some schools who don't even take the kids out ONCE during the winter season. I'd like to do an experiment on behavior during the months when kids get to go outside and the ones where they don't take the kids outside at ALL.
But while we were outside, I thought it to be the best time to snag some winter shots.
OKAY, and eating the snow is SO much fun!

As we go through our busy weekend, my goal is to photograph all the fun we're having. So stay tuned.... fun weekend for me ahead....

Toodles

Sunday Citar

2011-01-09T17:44:00.000-08:00

"A Friend is someone who knows all about you and loves you anyway."
-Uknown

"A good friend is a connection to life - a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world."
-Lois Wyse

Today Brittney and I spent a few hours at a Bridal Show. I haven't been to one since way back when Jeremy and I were planning a MI wedding. Of course as some of you may know we did not get married in MI we got married in Hawaii. :P
I went with 3 brides to this Bridal Show. It was very eventful... :)
It was fun to spend time with friends. Can't wait to go to another one.

Toodles

Better Me

2011-01-06T17:35:00.000-08:00

Every new year is filled with questions like, "What is your new years resolution?" "What are you going to do different this year?" Well friends let me tell you, I hate doing new years resolutions because I always FAIL. I don't do it on purpose, but I think sometimes I give myself very high goals. So this year I decided to do something a little bit different. How?, you may ask, well I plan on giving my self MINI GOALS and at the end of that goal is a reward for myself. For example my first goal is to lose 10 lbs and when I achieve that goal I get to give myself a Tanning membership, because I am so white right now. :)
After I loose a few pounds my goal is then to tone up. I haven't decided on what my reward will be. But it's not just an award, more like an incentive. I'm thinking of things I REALLY want. :) Then I will be more likely to reach that goal. GO ME!
As another incentive I am going to be taking pictures of me through my journey to a healthier me. I haven't fully made the decision of the picture part, but am leaning towards the yes part. I just need to do it during a time when I have some natural light to get some well lit pictures. ;)

Cheers to a better healthier me in 2011. :)

Toodles

Sunday Citar

2011-01-01T19:59:00.000-08:00

“Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!”

-William Arthur Ward

Toodles

1-1-11

2011-01-01T14:25:00.000-08:00

January 1, 2011. The very first day of the new year 2011.
Have a very relaxing day... I have today and tomorrow off and it's back to work. So I am going to sit and relax...

You should do the same!

•Sorry so grainy, it was late and dark. :)

Toodles

Reflecting

2010-12-29T22:38:00.000-08:00

As I've been jumping from blog to blog I've seen several different posts where people have broke down their year month by month. Just adding something special that happened in that month. Since 2011 is just a day away I feel if I were to wait any longer I'd miss my opportunity to share my year with you...

January 2010
While waiting for the cold weather to leave us here in MI we enjoyed the warmth of hot cocoa and snuggles with each other.
I'm sure something happened in January, I just can't remember. ;) Would you like some hot cocoa?

February 2010
We celebrated my nephew, Jude's, 1st Birthday. I couldn't believe how fast the year had gone by. Jude loved opening presents, but not so much with the whole eating the cake bit. But that's okay, he was still cute.

March
Dresses for Haiti. After that horrible earthquake hit Haiti the ladies at Faith City got involved. We came together to hand sew dresses made out of pillow cases for the little girls and we made blankets galore. It was so fun to get together with all the wonderful woman of Faith City for a great cause. I made 2 dresses. And although it may not seem a lot I worked hard on making those two dresses the cutest dresses EVER.

April 2010
Tristan & Jude's first Easter egg hunt. It was so cute to see the boys searching for their eggs with their own little prizes inside. We had to make sure they weren't snagging other kids eggs and only getting their own. After our egg hung we took a few family portraits.

Trip to Grand Rapids I went on a mini road trip with the ladies at Learning Zone Preschool to a workshop for Early Childhood Education. It was a great way for us ladies to bond and get to know each other a little more. We had to walk to our workshop from our hotel and I spotted this beautiful scene.

The Ladies!!

May 2010
Jeremy and I celebrated our 2nd year Anniversary. One of the best parts of my year was being able to celebrate another great year of marriage. I can't wait to celebrate many more with my wonderful husband.

He's the best in the world... that's for sure.

Although May was filled with love and joy as we celebrated our 2nd year anniversary it was also filled with sadness and heart ache as we said goodbye to my Grandma who went to dance with Jesus. We miss her so much but know she is no longer suffering and is looking down on her family smiling from ear to ear. ;)

June 2010
Jeremy and I spent alot of time at the shooting range keeping our target shooting up to par. We both have a growing interest in hand guns. Jeremy's is more extreme than mine but I do enjoy going to the shooting range and practicing on my aim. It's fun, but also a great way to learn how to properly shoot and handle a gun. I wasn't comfortable with even putting a finger on a gun before Jeremy took me and showed me how to handle a gun properly and safely. He's a great teacher.

July 2010
In the months before we had planned a Kautman family reunion. I've never attended a Family Reunion for either families (the Fays or Kautman) at least not one I can remember. So it was fun to meet distant cousins, great uncles or aunts that I've never met or haven't seen since I was to little to remember. The only thing missing was Grandma, and although she wasn't there in body she was most definitely there in spirit.

I took on a project this month that I had been wanting to do for a very long time. I re holstered our dining room chairs. I wanted something with black and brown in it and found this pattern. After getting it home I realized it doesn't quite go with our decor but I still put it on and figured later I would change it again. That's what I was planning on doing anyway. I big accomplishment for me I would say. I didn't even use a how to I just went in blind and figured it out.

August 2010
Celebrated my 23rd birthday with a little kitty named Ammo. We went to the kitty orphanage and picked him out of all the other little kitties looking up at us with big kitty eyes. I initially had chosen a female cat that was all black, when we went to fill out paper work Jeremy suggested I go in the kitty room one more time and make sure that was the one I wanted. So I did and you know what? I changed my mind. I ended up choosing a male cat that was black and white. We took him home that day and have spoiled him ever since. I mean, he even has his own room. :)

Along with getting a new kitty I also ran the Crim.

It was an amazing experience and will do it again next year with out a doubt. I finished the race in about 36 mins witch is pretty darn good for your first time. I ran with Marla and Dana a couple of friends and co workers. We ended up serperating at some point during the race but met up at the end and took a few victory photos. :)

September
We celebrated my little niece's 4th birthday. It was an Alice in Wonderland theme complete with tea party and a visit from Alice her self.

We also did face painting too. I had to get a flower on my whole face.

October
My best friend Brittney got engaged and one of the first things she did to prepare for her July wedding was begin the hunt for the perfect dress. Did we find it? We sure did!

This halloween was Jeremy's 2nd time EVER carving pumpkins. A new tradition we both enjoy doing. Can you guess which one he did?

November 2010
I went to Seattle for the very first time with my sister in law Tabitha. We had so much fun. We got to go to a lot of cool places, one was the Space Needle. It was huge. We got to go all the way to the top to see the beautiful city up high.

December 2010
I volunteered my time for a great cause. Standing outside Sam's Club ringing the bell for Salvation Army. Now, I know I don't need to explain what ringing the bell means because I think it's pretty much world wide.

Jeremy and I celebrated our first Nerdy Christmas. :) Our theme of our Christmas cards we sent out. It was so much fun. I'm not sure how we'll top next years.

As I close my New Years Post here are my last Truths...
Day 28: What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do? Well I can't get anyone pregnant, but if I were pregnant I think I would be happy. I know Jeremy would like to wait a little longer to have kids, and when I say little I mean little. But I think I am ready to expand our little family. It would be a good thing.

Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself. And why. I hope to change my eating habits. I'd like to say I have a great eating habit and my diet is healthy but it's not. I need to change that for me and my body. I think it will help me to have more energy and do better when it comes to cooking, cleaning, and doing my job. And add a little workout routine in there. That would be the ultimate change I'd like do. So I guess that means I'd like to change my body. :)

Day 30: A letter to the one you love.
Jeremy,
I can not express to you what you mean to me . Since I was young I knew you'd be a big part of my life, even if I didn't know that meant we'd be married. I enjoy waking up next to you every morning and giving you kisses goodnight. You are one of the best things to have ever happened to me. I can't wait to see what God has in store for our family. And when we have kids what they will look like and how they will turn out. But I know for certain that my love will never change and I will love you forever and always. I love you husband... thank you in advance for all the great wonderful years ahead. :)
Your Wife
Crystal

Be safe everyone as you celebrate the New Year.

Toodles

Shopping Spree & Truths

2010-12-28T19:26:00.000-08:00

Today I spent 6 hours at the mall... I spent the whole time shopping... and it was AWESOME! I haven' spent that much time at the mall in forever, I think it was exactly what I needed to do on my week off of work. Very Therapeutic!
We went from store to store and I found a lot of awesome things. I even found a few things for other people. Even though it was money I got to use for myself, I just couldn't go without picking these things up I know that they would like. I LOVED IT!

Well, because I haven't been keeping up very well on my 30 Days Of Truth I have a big bulk of Truths for you...

Day 24: Post a song that reminds you of your significant other and explain why. If Your Not The One By Daniel Bedingfield... because that was the song we had our first kiss too. :) I love that man SO much! :)

Day 25: The reason you believe you’re still alive today. God... that's it... the END!

Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why? Because this is 30 Days of Truth and I must tell the truth... I honestly at one point in my life felt like giving up. It was when I was younger and I was going through so much at that point in life I just didn't care. And I would think well if I do this then I wouldn't have to worry about that or be hurt by that. And only at one point was I feeling this way. I haven't felt that way in a LONG time. Since my relationship with God has been stronger and I know who I can go too in troubling times. ;)

Day 27: What’s the best thing going for you right now? My husband. Jeremy does so much and he is the 2nd best thing to have ever happened to me. What's the first you ask, well, GOD, of course.

Tomorrow is Wednesday, in case you didn't know that. :)

Toodles

Christmas Party III

2010-12-27T11:01:00.000-08:00

Christmas day was one busy day, but a good one none the less. Jeremy and I began our morning with each other and opening gifts. Jeremy opened his first and I loved seeing the look on his face when he opened each one. Everything he wanted... well not EVERYTHING, but what I could get him this year. ;)

After Jeremy opened his gifts I got to open mine. MONEY!!! That's what I wanted. I'm totally going on a shopping spree.

Oh and a Snuggie, which I love!

Go ahead, laugh all you want, but this thing really keeps me warm when I'm sitting on my laptop. So I don't care if you laugh because your not sitting here in my Snuggie keeping warm while on my laptop. So HA!
Before we headed to my moms for a Christmas breakfast we took some fun pictures with our matching Pajamas. A tradition we started this year.

After breakfast I made the turkey, sweet potatoes, gravy, and dressing for our Kautman family Christmas dinner. At the end of the day I was exhausted, but had a great time with family.

And then I decided to get bangs again. Remember when I had them before? I like them alot better now. Maybe it's the dark underneath or that my face looks thinner. I do like them a lot more than last time!

Hope your Christmas was a fantastic ONE!

Toodles

Gifts on Christmas!

2010-12-25T19:28:00.000-08:00

Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall
-Larry Wilde

"Christmas began in the heart of God. It is complete only when it reaches the heart of man."
-Anonymous

Come join in on the Quoting FUN!! Head to Fresh Mommy Blog to link up your quote!

Toodles

Christmas Party I & II

2010-12-25T14:56:00.000-08:00

Christmas started Thursday night for us. We went to Jeremy's Aunt's house and spent time with his family there and then Christmas eve we did Christmas with his siblings and parents. It was a relaxing and very fun filled night. We were definitely blessed with some goodies there. I got a few scarves and Jeremy got some things for our cars. And I got the cutest ornament ever by my ummm... Niece... :) Bianca.

I love that it has Ammo on their too. Because he is part of our family!

We also made fried Oreos, Twinkies, milky way, and fried a bunch of other goodies. The Oreos though were the BEST! They were so yummy!

Then Jeremy's Dad read the birth of jesus to us all. It was awesome. All the kids gathered around to listen to the amazing story of Jesus' birth.

After going home we got our matching Pajama's on and cuddled in our bed with the "fire" on the Tv... :P

laid our heads down for what was to come the next morning!

Stay tuned for Party III tomorrow!

Toodles

The Eve Of Christmas

2010-12-23T21:20:00.000-08:00

It's here... Christmas eve. And although you may not be ready for it... it's here. Christmas has creeped up on you and me and it will be over and done with faster than you can say Christmas cookies. It's AMAZING... no... Astonishing how long we take to prepare for just one day out of the year. But, totally worth it in my opinion when you get to spend it with family and friends. OH and give gifts too. Another reason it's worth it, I love giving gifts.
Since we're here I'll share my 30 Days Of Truth...

Day 23: Something I wish I had done in my life.
First off I'm only 23, I still have a lot I can do with my life. But as far as what I wish I had done while I had the chance would have to be telling my Grandma I love her more. She has gone to be with Jesus and I know she is happy and dancing with Jesus. I know she knows how much I love her, but you can never tell someone too much that you love them. And I wish I would have taken an a few extra moments during her last few days to just say "I Love You".

Merry Christmas Grandma, I love you!

Merry Christmas friends. Enjoy your family and don't take them for granted!

Merry Christmas & Truths

2010-12-22T20:39:00.000-08:00

I've fallen behind on my 30 days of truth... I better catch up.

Day 17: A book you've read that changed your view on something. I book that I read that has changed my view on something would have to be the bible. It's changed or rather helped me understand a lot of different things. Like...(read next question)

Day 18: Your view on gay marriages. First off let me say that I'm not against gay people, I have no ill will or think bad of these people I just don't agree with their life style. I don't believe men and men should be together intimately or woman and woman. God created Man and woman to reproduce. Men can't do that with men and woman can't do that with woman. I'm not going to go on and on about it, because I think you get where I'm coming from.

Day 19: Post a picture of your favorite pet and explain why.

This is Ammo, my kitty. I got him for my birthday in August and he is my favorite pet by far because he is mine and my husbands first baby. He is so cuddly and lovey and he loves being around people. He cuddles with us at night and sleeps on the bed with us. He is the cutest. He's like a little dog really. Following us around the apartment, and fetching bottle caps. :) He's the BEST!

Day 20: Your views on alcohol and drugs. I don't care for any alcoholic drink at all, and it's non of my business whether you want to have a drink or not. Just don't let it rule your life. As far as drugs, no no no. Gross, disgusting and now one should allow any of that into their lives.

Day 21:(scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do? I race to wherever they are and wait for them to wake up! Even if it takes 2 weeks. Yup, that's the kind of friend I am.

Day 22: Something you wish you hadn't done in your life. Something I wish I hadn't done in my life is be quiet. Especially when I should have spoke up and said something. In many different situations.

Now that I'm all caught up I can relax.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

2010-12-20T16:26:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

Toodles

Giving

2010-12-18T18:03:00.000-08:00

“If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one.”
-Mother Teresa

“Hands that give also receive”
-Uknown

I've never done this before. I've never stood outside for 2 hours ringing a bell, singing Christmas carols, in the freezing cold, for a good cause. Or for any cause at all. It was an awesome experience and have officially made it a tradition. It was awesome to see people smiling at us, whether they were smiling/laughing at our singing or smiling because of all the Christmas joy we were exuding.
I don't think I've ever seen a group this big ringing that bell for the Salvation Army. If you've never done it before, you should. Have a friend volunteer with you, it makes it more fun. ;)
Go to Fresh Mommy Blog to link up your quote.

Toodles

Nerd Gaming!

2010-12-17T19:17:00.001-08:00

I think we had a little TOO much fun with our mini photoshoot!

Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without. I can live without people forgetting to turn on their blinkers. It's so annoying. It's my biggest pet peeve EVER. I can't stand it when you have to break because the person in front of you is breaking for which looks like no reason, but really they are turning they just didn't turn on their blinkers. So I can live with out people like that!

can you deal with that!
Happy Weekend!

Toodles

30 Days Of Truth: Days 14 and 15

2010-12-16T13:47:00.000-08:00

Day 14: Someone who isn't in your life, but you wish was.
I don't wish there was anyone in my life. I'm pretty content and happy with who is in my life. I love my husband, I couldn't have asked for anyone better. My family and friends, how could I ask for anything more?

Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without. I couldn't live without my husband, Jeremy. He is so important to me and I love that man so much. If I didn't have him in my life I don't know where I would be.

*I know I'm showing our Christmas photo shoot photos a lot, but they are just so gosh darn cute.

I hope everyone's Christmas preparations are coming along smoothly. ;)

Toodles

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-15T12:13:00.000-08:00

Toodles

iHeartfaces:: Pets Faces

2010-12-14T08:23:00.000-08:00

This is one of Ammo's favorite things to play with. We try and keep one of these around the house because he likes to hid in it and then when you walk by him he'll jump out at your feet. He is by far the CUTEST kitty EVER!

Toodles

Birthday Wishes

2010-12-13T21:39:00.000-08:00

My nephew just has his 2nd birthday party. I can not believe he is 2 already. Time flies WAY too fast for me. I need it to go a little slower for my sake. Do you think you could do that for me time? Could you slow down... just a bit. As time slows down cause I asked it too take your to check out these photos from the birthday boys party.

Look how much he has grown. I keep telling him to stop growing up, but he doesn't.

He blew out all the candles by himself.

And he was so excited to have accomplished that all on his own.

He also enjoyed every single one of his presents he received.

I don't know what we'll all do when he turns 3. It's going TOO FAST!

Well... heres to hoping time slows down.

Toodles

Thanksgiving Is Over???

2010-12-12T21:42:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know Thanksgiving is over but I couldn't let these pictures go to waste. So let me start by saying...
I love Thanksgiving, and not just because of the awesome food you get to eat, but because you get to spend the day with family.

Family you may not get to see everyday. Next to Christmas it's the best holiday around. My grandpa always cuts up the turkey, although my mom was the one to make it he still cut it.

This Thanksgiving was filled with firsts for me and my family. It was our first Thanksgiving with out Grandma. I know she was looking down on us with a great big smile to see her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandbabies coming together and giving thanks for all that we have. She loved when we all got together. It always put a smile on her face. As I was scanning the room I imagined Grandma in her chair watching her family laugh and enjoying the day together.
Especially with Jude playing Peek A Boo. This kid is adorable, I wonder if he could get any cuter.

My first time ever cooking my own Thanksgiving dinner for my husband and our friends Brittney
and Tim. Sadly I didn't get any photos of what I cooked or have our little party. I think I was too involved on making sure the food I was cooking was going to taste good. :) But next time, I won't forget... It was the first time I cooked a turkey. It was a great success by the way.
I can't believe Christmas is just around the corner. I can't wait to spend more time with my family. :)
**This post dedicated to Grandma Kautman. We love you and miss you!

In closing I will do my 30 Days Of Truth:
Day 13 :: Write a letter to you son or daughter!
To my sweet unborn baby,
You are nothing but a mere though. But your daddy and I already have so much love in our hearts for you. We wonder what you'll look like all the time. If you'll have your daddy's thick dark curly hair, or my blonde straight thin hair. We already know you'll be tall because your daddy and I are both tall but hopefully you won't be freakishly tall. Even though we don't know if you are a boy or girl your grandma wants you to be a girl really bad. She has 2 grandsons already and says I have to give her a granddaughter. But just know she and I will love you no matter what, OH and your daddy too of course.
Love Mommy.

Toodles

Christmas List

2010-12-12T21:14:00.000-08:00

I've never made a Christmas list as an adult. But there is a first for everything. These are just a few things I added to my list this year...

Camera Straps

This etsy shop has the coolest straps for your camera. These are just a couple of the ones I like.

This Intuos Pen Tablet is something I would love to use for my editing. You can do so many things easier with this rather than using your fingers on a mouse pad on your laptop.

This Fuji Instax Wide Instant Camera

Vibrant prints instantly in your hands.

Canon Rebel T2i

The number one item on my Christmas list is a Canon Rebel T2i. This camera does so many things and I'm so ready for an upgrade. This camera does 1080p Video as well. What a great thing to have when Jeremy and I have kids. Besides, I've used this camera and I LOVED it.

Is it weird everything on my Christmas list is photography related? Oh well, it's my list, not yours. ;P

What's on your Christmas list this year?

Toodles

Catching Up

2010-12-12T16:44:00.000-08:00

My new friend at Life Through My Lens had started this on her blog and thought I would join in.

30 Days Of Truth:: Days 2-12
I had to catch up and they were on 12 this week. So here goes...

Day 2: Something you love about yourself. I love my sense of humor. That I don't take everything so seriously and that I can laugh at my self. :)

Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for. I need to forgive myself for those stupid things I do or don't do because I didn't think of it or I didn't think at all what I was doing. Does that make sense.

Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for. I need to forgive my father. I've never said this publicly but there have been times when we were kids that we were given empty promises and it hurt. And I think I held on to those hurts. So heres to forgiveness.

Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life. Travel to far countries and take awesome pictures of my travels.

Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do. Experience life without my husband.

Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for. God, if God wasn't in my life I wouldn't be where I am now.

Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you badly. In high school there were a few people who chose to not treat me well because of how I chose to live my life. But guess what, all is forgiven.

Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted. My friend Ashley. We were great friends in high school but because I was home schooled for my last 2 years of high school we just drifted apart. She was very fun and a great friend.

Day 10: Someone you need to let go. At this point in my life, there is no one I feel I need to let go. I had to do that when I was younger but I feel I've done a pretty good job at surrounding myself with influential people.

Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on. I think I get most compliments on my smile. I remember that's what my grandma would say almost every time I see her, that my smile can light up a room.

Day 12: Something you never get compliments on. I don't ever recall getting compliments on my butt. I guess you can say I have a pretty average butt.

Now... for a little Christmas Cheer...

My nephew at his little birthday...

Have a great night! Snow day tomorrow for me! YIPEE!

Toodles

Sunday Citar and Other Things

2010-12-11T19:44:00.000-08:00

"Smile at each other, smile at your wife, smile at your husband, smile at your children, smile at each other -- it doesn't matter who it is -- and that will help you to grow up in greater love for each other."
-- Mother Teresa

"When a wife has a good husband it is easily seen in her face."
-- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I love my husband! Link up your quotes at Fresh Mommy Blog.

30 Days Of Truth:: Day 1

Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.

Something that I've always hated about my self is my body. I've always felt self conscious about it. Although, my self confidence has boosted ALOT since I was younger, I'm still working on it. :)

Toodles

Christmas

2010-12-11T18:10:00.000-08:00

I finally got our Christmas tree up, FINALLY! I took longer than what I wanted too, but I got it up before Christmas day and that's what's important. Right?

Isn't it just the cutest little tree? We were going to borrow a tree from someone until trees go on sale but that didn't work out so we went to Wal-mart and just bought a small one. It fits perfect in our apartment anyway. Oh... and if in case you didn't guess, it's fake. We don't really care to have a real tree, at least not now. I probably would have killed the tree before Christmas day anyway, I'm not very good at keeping plants alive. :P
I hope you had success getting your tree up too!

Toodles

Words...

2010-12-10T17:57:00.000-08:00

You know when you know the words you want to say, but you just don't know how to say em. LIke put them together to mean something? I fell like that right now. I feel like there is a whole blog post inside my brain but it just doesn't know how to come out. Am I making sense?
Either way.... this is me not making sense...
alskdjfaowieualskdfjaksldcnaskdfnaksdjfasldkfjas;dkfjasdf

But maybe this will make more sense...

Isn't he so cute... now that definitely makes more sense.

Toodles

iHeartfaces:: Self Portrait

2010-12-06T15:29:00.000-08:00

My iheartfaces have been fewer and fewer, these holidays have been crazy. But without further adoo here is my post for this week.
My self portrait

So there you have it... ME!

Come join in this week and post a picture of you!

Toodles

Sunday Citar

2010-12-05T10:02:00.000-08:00

I haven't participated in a couple of weeks so I thought I'd better get it on it this week. :)

"A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bank balance smaller, home happier, clothes dirty, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for."
-UKNOWN

"Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body."
~Elizabeth Stone

This is not me... this is my cousin who I had the pleasure of photographing. :)
Link up your quote at Fresh Mommy Blog.

Toodles

Clownin Around

2010-11-24T20:29:00.000-08:00

Our 4th day in Seattle was a very busy day... at least I felt like it was. We started our day in the lobby of the hotel on our laptops. Since we couldn't get on the internet in our room we went to the lobby.

Then we made our way to Pike’s Market again. We were told that the place is more hopping on the weekend, so on our way we went.

We saw a clown making balloon animals and objects, and we found our way back to the fish market. AND GUESS WHAT! They were throwing fish. Someone ordered some fish so they threw 3 of them. I tried to get photos of them doing that but they didn’t really show up because they were blurry, but it was cool anyway. Tab tried to get video, but they finished throwing the fish before she could get the video.

While at Pike’s Market we saw a beautiful view. Actually more than one.

We found this alley that had little shops it was awesome... we had to get some shots of it.

After coming back from the market we just relaxed in the room and ordered in some dinner. It was a busy but relaxing day. Does that make sense? Well, that’s how I felt.

Last full day in Seattle will be posted in a couple of days! :)

Toodles

Fun In The City

2010-11-21T11:07:00.000-08:00

Sunday Citar

“When you look at a city, it's like reading the hopes, aspirations and pride of everyone who built it.”
-Hugh Newell Jacobson

Visiting the city of Seattle was a great experience. I'm so blessed to have been able to go. There were so many beautiful buildings and interesting ones too. A city that everyone should experience once in there life. :)
Would you like to share a quote or two that have touched your life, or made you laugh, cry, slap you knee, or make you want to just hug someone? Then head to Fresh Mommy blog and link up your post. :)

Toodles

New Places, New Faces

2010-11-20T18:05:00.000-08:00

Seattle: Day 3

Spending time in Seattle was so much fun. I love this city. Minus the hills. But, as much as I enjoy this city I couldn't wait to get home to my honey. I was really missing my baby. That was the longest Jeremy and I have been apart since we’ve been married. I could not wait to see him.

But, since I was there I totally took advantage of my time in a new place. Our 3rd day there we spent time at the pool, actually we spent more time in the hot tub. It was very relaxing because my leg muscles had been so sore from those hills. I know I keep talking about the hills but seriously, they kicked my butt. But I guess thats why people in the city look pretty fit... all the walking and the hills. :P
Brayden loved putting his feet in the water.

We found these holes on the edge of the hot tub and when you plugged the spout inside the water it would shoot the water out of the spouts on top.
So Brayden had a fountain surrounding him. :)

After we spent time in the pool area we went back down to our hotel room to get ready for the day. We decided to go to the mall and check out some of the stores. We went into this store called Lush where they make all natural soaps, beauty supplies, lotions, etc. Tab and I decided we would get a Chocolate face mask and hair mask for a spa night. This store is awesome. If you haven’t been in one or checked out their website then do it now. www.LUSH.com. They have amazing items and everyone can find one thing they would love to have. They also have great gift bundles for Christmas or birthday gifts. Seriously, go check them out!
Tab went to work and Brayden and I set out to find me a light coat to wear around. Because silly me didn't bring one, just my heavy coat, which I didn't really need. As we were walking around we found this street performer who was more than happy to let me take some shots of him. He was doing a pretty good job too. Brayden liked it, he was wiggling and dancing all around.

After Tab got back from working her shift we started our spa night.

We cleansed our faces and applied our chocolate face mask, which smelled so yummy. Then we put our hair mask in to help repair our hair. After washing off our hair and face mask we got comfy in bed and watched TV. A nice fun day, which was ended with a nice relaxing evening.

Toodles

The Market & Starbucks

2010-11-13T09:16:00.000-08:00

Seattle: Day 2

Our second day in Seattle was just as fun as our first day. We set on our way to Pikes Market which is like a Flea Market but even cooler.

We were hoping to see them throwing fish to each other, but as we stood by watching they didn't throw one fish. Maybe the guys kept dropping all the fish and wasting them, so they aren't allowed to do it anymore. That's what I think.

So we were a little saddened. But soon found happiness as we went to the very first Starbucks, EVER. It was so cool! They had the original logo on everything.

Tab ordered her drink and they yelled what we ordered and threw the cup to the person who makes the drinks. It was so fun!

After leaving Starbucks and Pike's Market we went hiking back to our hotel room, and I mean hiking. There were so many hills we had to travel up.

Can't wait to see what happens tomorrow!

Oh, I almost forgot about these awesome beautiful flowers we found at Pikes Market. GORGEOUS!

Toodles

Space In The Needle

2010-11-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

Seattle: Day 1

We had so much fun on our first day here in Seattle. We woke up ready for what ever came our way... While Tabitha was working at the Seattle Car Show Brayden and I hung around the hotel. We were getting bored so we went out for a walk. All the beautiful architecture, it was awesome. The weather was perfect, no rain! We walked among tall and very peculiar buildings and they were all sorts of shapes and sizes!

Brayden was being a trooper when we were going for our walk. He was so content.

After our tiring walk we went back to the hotel and spent some time in the coolest lobby ever. There are 3 different sitting areas and took turns in each one. Brayden really enjoyed his freedom to crawl around and talk to new faces. :)

After Tab go out of work we headed out to the Space Needle. It was awesome. We got all the way to the tippy top and saw the most beautiful view.

See what I mean... Beautiful view!

Well... we're on the move..

Toodles.

Pumpkin Carving

2010-10-31T18:12:00.000-07:00

Carving pumpkins is something I've done since I was a little girl. And since being married I have kept on with that tradition. My husband and I like to have a new challenge every year. Last year we did more of a simple pumpkin carving, well this year we definitely gave ourselves a challenge.

First we had the get the pumpkin guts out.

The start of my pumpkin.

Jeremy did Darth Vadar and I did a kitten.

It was so much fun! My favorite part of halloween is getting crafty with my pumpkin carving.

Check out SITS blog to enter to win a Canon REBEL T2i. I'm so pumped about this giveaway!

Toodles

A Goat Named Paco!

2010-10-29T11:01:00.000-07:00

That's right, a goat who is named Paco. At school (where I work) we had a special visit from Paco who just so happens to be a goat. And what letter does goat start with? The letter G. The whole reason Paco came to visit was because we are learning the letter G this week.
The kids loved it. They tried feeding him corn but he wasn't wanting to eat anything. Especially when kids were swarming him. He wasn't used to a big crowd like that. But he did great.
Jeremy brought Ammo out to meet Paco and Ammo was so mellow. I think he was more curious than anything else.

They were sniffing each other, it was adorable.

All in all the kids loved Paco the goat.

Toodles

An Apple Day...

2010-10-28T15:46:00.000-07:00

Keeps the doctor away.
Especially if you have an apple this size, it's HUGE! I haven't eatin it yet, but I will soon. Not sure if I'll be able to it in one setting, but I will eat it... I will.

Look I even took a picture of my HUGE apple next to a normal sized apple for you to compare the sizes. CRAZY huh!

I'll let you know if my mutant of an apple was good or not. :P

Toodles

Who's getting married?

2010-10-24T13:19:00.000-07:00

Not me... I'm already married! :)
My best friend is getting married. She's been dating her boyfriend for 3 years now and they are planning a July wedding. I'm so excited for her. She is going to make a beautiful bride and excellent wife. Her fiance is actually a friend of mine and my husbands. We've known each other for a long time. My husband and him are childhood friends. So thats fun!

I was honored when Brittney, my friend who is getting married, asked me if I would be her Maid of honor. Although I'm married technically I should be called the Matron of honor I would rather be called the Maid of honor. Matron of honor sounds like I'm supposed to be old.
From here on out I'm the Maid of honor.

This past weekend we went DRESS SHOPPING. One of the most exciting parts of planning a wedding, finding THE dress. I won't get into anymore details about THE dress because it's a surprise. BUT, here are a few photos of our exciting day.

Waiting patiently for Britt's consultant.

The dress I would have chose if I found it when I was getting married. :P

We had to wear these booties in the dress shop or take our shoes off and carry them in plastic bags. Just so if the dress got stepped on it didn't get dirty.

Dresses galore

MORE DRESSES!

Looking at dresses. After sifting through all these dresses she found the perfect one. And she can't wait to walk down the aisle to her future husband.

Congratulations Brittney & Tim.

Toodles

Sunday Citar

2010-10-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

Although it's being posted much later on Sunday it's still being posted on Sunday. :)

“I have noticed that what cats most appreciate in a human being is not the ability to produce food, which they take for granted - but his or her entertainment value”
-Unknown

“When I play with my cat, who knows whether he is not amusing himself with me more than I with him.”
-Michel De Montaigne

Better late than never, RIGHT?

Have a great week!

Toodles

Beautiful SKY

2010-10-15T19:35:00.000-07:00

I love fall. I love colors. I love the moon. I love the night sky. I love when in the fall the sky is shaded with so many colors and the moon is glowing bright and high. It's awesome. And beautiful to look at.

I went out with a friend to take pictures and we were out in this field and the night sky was closing in on us and we couldn't help but gaze and admire the beautiful night sky. it was gorgeous! I couldn't believe all the colors.

Enjoy it!

Toodles

A Bugs Life!

2010-10-07T17:04:00.000-07:00

Ever thought of what it might be like to be a bug? A small tiny bug. What about a small tiny bug that has been captured by tiny hands. Sometimes when we're outside playing and the kids come up to me with their hands closed together I say, "What's in your hand?" A smile spreads across their face as they open their hands and show me whats in their hand, A BUG! Most times they ask me what kind of bug it is they captured, or they tell me. But 8 times out of 10 the bug is DEAD. Like this dragon fly...

He looks alive, but he's not.

See the concern in her face? Yeah me neither. :)

On a totally different note... have you ever seen the movie A Bugs Life?

When my little brother was two he would only watch that movie. We had to go out and buy another VHS of that movie because it wouldn't work right anymore. VHS... Crazy... you don't see VHS anywhere anymore. I had a little kid tell me about a moivie that was coming out. I said to him, "Oh it's coming out on VHS." He said, "What's VHS?" I had to correct myself and say, "I mean DVD." Oh, how times have changed.

While you are doing your normal daily routine think about those bugs and about what it would feel to have a bugs life. :)

Toodles

Photobooth

2010-10-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

Photobooth with yourself! Yeah, everyone should do that. :)

It's so much fun!!!!

Toodles

Sunday Citar

2010-10-02T20:33:00.000-07:00

"For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together.
For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad."
- Edwin Way Teale

"I cannot endure to waste anything as precious as autumn sunshine by staying in the house.
So I spend almost all the daylight hours in the open air.
- Nathaniel Hawthorne

I love Fall sunsets. When the sun hits those red leaves it looks like the trees are on fire. It's amazing. I can't wait to capture more of this beautiful Fall season. :)

Enjoy! And take every bit of the fall season in. :)

Toodles

Editing Fun

2010-09-29T19:06:00.000-07:00

See if you can spot what is different between these two photos.

Did you figure it out yet? If you didn't it's the eyes. I will have a tutorial up soon about changing eye color. In case anyone was interested. :P

Toodles

iHeartfaces: Chalk

2010-09-27T16:25:00.000-07:00

Having my niece and nephew over to play chalk is so much fun!
Head over to iheartfaces blog and check out other entries.

Toodles

Sunday Citar

2010-09-26T05:48:00.000-07:00

“Sometimes I wish I could go back to the days when I was six and my biggest problem was what kind of dress to put on Barbie or whether or not I had enough Legos to build a fort”
-Unknown

While touring the antique store yesterday I came across this. It reminded me of when I played with barbies. I had so much! When I got a little older I would play Barbie Beauty Shop and ended up cutting most of their hair off.
I actually had a box similar to this one to keep my barbies in. Except it was a newer version and had a blonde barbie on it. Which is how I remember barbie. Not with red hair or black hair!

Want to check out more quotes? Head to Fresh Mommy blog and check em out!

Toodles

Awesome Antique Finds

2010-09-25T15:34:00.000-07:00

Being Saturday I used this day to do something for myself. I've been wanting to go to this Antique store right down the road from where I live. I have driven by this place countless times and have even said, "I want to go there." But never, still, no matter how much I said I wanted to go there, never went.
TODAY, oh TODAY, I did what I said I wanted to do, I went to that Antique store!
It was so much FUN! There were so many great things to choose from. I already know what I'm going to go back for. Things I'd like to use for props in photo shoots. Can't wait!
Although I didn't buy those other things I did get 2 awesome treasures.
The first thing I found was this awesome suitcase.

Doesn't Ammo look so adorable in my new suitcase? :)
Take a guess at how much I paid for this suitcase. $22.00

My second find was this guitar.

It's in FANTASTIC shape. While I was walking around I spotted it and when I looked at the tag it read $39.00. I knew right away I had to buy it. It worked, it's a classic acoustic guitar, it has all the tuners, and the body looks almost new.
While I'm buying the guitar the little old lady says she knock off a few dollars. So I payed $37.00 for it. I figured it would be a great guitar for Jeremy to learn on. Now I think I might have to learn a little guitar. :)

I can't wait to visit this Antique shop again and find new treasures.

Toodles

Lovin it!

2010-09-24T20:21:00.000-07:00

Cuties in a green skirt!

LOVIN IT!

Carnival rides!

LOVIN IT!

Girls night out!

LOVIN IT!

Getting my face painted at my niece's birthday party!

LOVIN IT!

My cutie kitty, Ammo!

LOVIN IT!

Lovin lots of things right now! What are you lovin right now?

Toodles

Cool TINGS!

2010-09-23T17:36:00.000-07:00

Today I have nothing to say. But instead of using words, just look at this...

Toodles

Scarfs

2010-09-21T17:05:00.000-07:00

I've grown into liking scarfs. And when I saw this scarf at Wal-Mart for $3, I HAD TO HAVE IT. I love it! The color, the length, and the width.

Shnazzzy! HUH!?
My new thing... SCARFS.

Toodles

Sunday Citar

2010-09-11T17:41:00.001-07:00

I know it's a day early but I have a busy day tomorrow.
It's almost Sunday and you know what that means.... SUNDAY CITAR.
Head over to Fresh Mommy blog and link up your Sunday Citar.

"if friends were like flowers i'd pick you."

-Unknown

"If dandelions were hard to grow, they would be most welcome on any lawn."
~Andrew Mason

I used to love picking Dandelions... and so does this little girl. I used to pick them and and then pop the top off while saying, "mama had a baby and it's head popped off." I learned that from a friend in school when I was young. ;)

Have a great Sunday!
I'm so busy tomorrow. Church then a wedding soon after and maybe friends coming over.

Toodles

It's The Simple Things

2010-09-02T20:01:00.000-07:00

It's the simple things in life that can make you laugh, smile, cry, blush.. i think you know where I'm getting at.

These simple things, just happened to make me SMILE!

Playing chalk with my niece and nephew.

A much needed visit to the library for a new adventure.

And a visit to Starbucks for a delicious Caramel Macchiato and update on Facebook status'

See it's the simple things.

Toodles

iHeartfaces: Photojournalism

2010-08-30T16:11:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I finished my first race. I did the 5k run at the annual Crim Festival Of Races. It was amazing. An awesome experience that I can't wait to do next year.

This was suppose to be for iHeartfaces weekly contest, but forgot to post it by Tuesday night. But I still wanted to post it anyway. So WALA, here it is.

Toodles

Sunday Citar

2010-08-29T18:03:00.000-07:00

You have a choice. You can throw in the towel, or you can use it to wipe the sweat off of your face.
-Unknown

Running is real and relatively simple…but it ain't easy.
-Mark Will-Weber

"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that."
-Unknown

This weekend I experienced the satisfaction of finishing my first race. I was determined to do it and I did. It was challenging but I stuck with it and finished strong.

Toodles

iHeartfaces: Beach Bum.. I mean FUN!

2010-08-23T16:48:00.000-07:00

At Cocoa Beach with my cousin, Carrie. We had so much fun! :) The water was beautiful and the sky was gorgeous. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day at the beach, that's for sure.

Want to add your awesome beach entry? Go to iHeartfaces.com. While your there, check out other entries. Give some comment LOVE!

Toodles

Birthday Wishes and Volleyball

2010-08-23T16:04:00.000-07:00

I just celebrated my 23rd birthday... I know... not that old, but to me I fell OLD! Seriously, even though it's only 1 year older I feel old. Last year I got to spend my 22nd birthday with my cousin Carrie, want to hear more about that adventure? CLICK HERE and HERE. It was a blast.
But this year it was a little different. I got to spend the WHOLE day with my husband and NEW kitty, Ammo. Jeremy and I both took the day off of work. We first went to the pet rescue place and took about 45 mins to pick out Ammo. I was making a serious commitment, I wanted to make sure I knew what I wanted. I actually chose a different cat before I then changed my mind and decided on Ammo. I was very undecided, but then Ammo was playful and laid back. That was exactly what I wanted.
After we filled out the adoption papers for Ammo we left to go to St. Helen and pick up Jeremy's motorcycle. It was 1 and 1.2 hour drive and was way too long. But totally worth it for my husband. I guess you can say we both got presents on my birthday. So I just told him when it's his birthday I get to get a present too. :)

Although I've shared with you the cuteness that is my kitty I had to share another one. I love him. :)

Along with my birthday being last week I also had the opportunity to play in a volleyball tournament. My team only played 2 games and lost both, we still had fun. My friend Brittney snagged a few shots of my in action!

Check out that form. LOL. It looks like I'm stretching or something. GO TEAM!

Enjoy your week. August is almost over. :(

Toodles