Welcome to 2015!!

Welcome to 2015!! (Geez, 2015? How the heck is it already 2015??)

Seeing that it's a new year, it's time for goals. (I don't do resolutions, but I do set goals... less pressure with goals. More long-term thinking.) And one of my goals for this year is to update this blog more. Lots more. So much more that a year from now (January 1, 2016) I can click "ORDER" on a book made from this year's posts - photos included! Something I can keep forever. A journal for this year.

I also want to read books. Lots of them. (I read 215 in 2014!) But I don't have a number goal - instead? I have a reading challenge. A list of topics/ideas/items to check off.

So with those goals in mind? I suppose this post should be a jumping off place. A Who are we? What are we doing? What's going on in our lives? (So we can measure progress, right?) 

I am working on Ali Edwards One Little Word project - At this point? I can't really tell you what all it entails!! The workshop/project was a Christmas Gift from a friend! And I chose my word "Action" because it kept popping up in my life. So 2015 is the #YearOfAction (for those of you following my social media!) 

If I'm not at Skyler's Hockey Practice, or working on school work at home, or leading Girl Scouts? I'm probably at church, in the sound booth. The past year I spent a good chunk of the year learning how to run the sound board, and then the past few months I took over the computer in the booth! 

Honestly? A few years ago I never would have imagined I'd find a church I loved, let alone one I would be wanting to spend all my time at! But I have most definitely found that!! 

I'm still running (and loving) All Things Pueblo - although it's been a bit of a burn out lately! So I'm hoping to jump in feet first and revitalize the site this month! 

"Dancing is my talent!"

Skyler is full of energy - as every six year old should be! She loves to dance (and tonight, she announced that it is her talent, then promptly asked if I would take her video and post it on Facebook. I guess I spend a bit too much time on the computer!)

So here goes 2015!! Hope it's a good one!

Turning 30... {Reflections}

All my life, I've heard a lot of people talk about how they struggled with turning 30. For me, it wasn't that way at all. I looked forward to 30. But, I've done a lot of things backwards, and my friends (and husband) are mostly older than me, and always have been. So I suppose it's just something I'd never really feared.

Well, on March 6? The day came and went without so much as a flinch from the universe.

Sure, my family and friends were fabulous! I got flowers, and cookies and wonderful gifts. And Skyler (who LOVES birthdays) was fantastic! (Ryan was on the road - but managed to make sure my day went well anyway! Besides, I'd had him home for Valentines day - which in this life? It's always one or the other for us!)

Skyler and I made a Snickerdoodle Trifle the day before and all the flavors had settled just perfectly by the time we got home from our Wednesday evening church activities! So she helped me light and blow out the candles. And all in all? My 30 birthday was fantastic.

I've spent the last two weeks thinking about my 20's, and all that I accomplished.

I got engaged. Married. Got my CDL and spend four years driving a truck - in which I was able to travel and see many parts of the United States! We went to a Red Sox game, and fishing in Canada (on a lake only accessible by Float Plane!)

As I was coming up on my 25th birthday, I took a pregnancy test in Bozeman MT. We were going to have a baby!! And on June 20? After a nightmare of not thinking Ryan would make it home on time? Skyler was born!

My 20's also brought a lot of self discovery.

I completed 2 "365 Projects" - meaning? My camera was attached to my hip and I took a photo each day. One was entirely self portraits. (Yep, 365 photos of me! EEEK!) And one was a day in my life.  (I will finish my third project in August 2013!)

I also completed a "Day Zero" project. A list of 101 items I hope to accomplish in 1001 days. (I'm now less than a year from completing my second project!)

I created a successful book blog. I became more involved in my local community. (Leading my MOPS group, participating in the Pueblo Newborn Hope luncheon.) I've found a church home that I love. And a group of fabulous friends who I wouldn't trade for anything. I learned to ride a motorcycle (although not very well...)

With all the wonderful things that have happened in the past decade? It hasn't been without it's share of trials.

At 22, a month before my 1st wedding anniversary in 2005, I got a call that my Dad was in the hospital. He'd been relatively healthy, but battling pneumonia that wouldn't go away. Turns out it wasn't pneumonia, but rather a massive heart attack and it was a miracle he was still with us. Ryan and I drove all night to get home to Nebraska, where I stayed for the next month while we awaited an LVAD surgery.

Five months later my world flipped upside down again. My new husband? He left his job of 10 years with Boston Market and was getting his CDL. He was going to drive a truck. A TRUCK?!?! OYE!!

In November he was nearly finished with Truck Driving school in Lincoln and I was visiting for Thanksgiving. The morning before the big day, I was at my parents house. My dad and I were going shopping to prepare for the meal... But the phone rang. They had a heart. Thus commencing an insane dash to gather my family (my mom was in a meeting and un-reachable. My sister was in high school, where they didn't want to let me - her sibling - pick her up without a parent.) Then, just before midnight on the eve of Thanksgiving? We got word that my Dad was out of surgery and had a new heart. Another miracle that I will forever be thankful for.

Just two months after Skyler was born, my Grandmother passed away after a battle with Cancer.

And again, with just a few years left in my 20's? Tragedy struck again. My other grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She wasn't yet 70. (She's 73 now, and still with us. But Alzheimer's is something I would not wish on my worst enemy.)

So with all the ups and downs of my 20's? I can honestly say I'm a stronger person than I ever could have imagined. I'm sure not where I thought I'd be at 30. But I'm happy with where I am and where I am going. I'm optimistic that my 30's are going to be even better than my 20's! And I can't wait to revisit this post in 10 years to brag about all my fabulous accomplishments of this coming decade!

December/January Recap!

It's been ages since I updated - I don't really have an excuse. I suppose for the most part, our lives are pretty routine and there's not a ton to share!  But, the more I think about it? December was a bit crazy! So, here's a photo recap of our last two months!!

DECEMBER 2012

My sister was the Queen of her Madrigal Dinners at Wayne State! I got to ride up with my parents to watch the dinner, and it was a lot of fun! (I even got in a few of the photos!!)

Three days later? I drove up with my parents again to see her Senior Honors Colloquium. (See, I know big words!! More importantly? People in Wayne Nebraska know big words!)

 

Then? A few more days later? My dad, Skyler and I drove up to help her move out of her dorm. (Yep - are you keeping track of our time on the road? There will be a tally! I promise.) 

Then we drove back to Wayne (2 days later) for her Graduation! (CONGRATS KID SISTER!!)

 

Total driving time (from Lincoln to Wayne in December) approx 30 hours! 

Total driving time total in December (up until now?) 35 hours! 

But, we're not done! See, Skyler and I drove back to Colorado! Where we got home just in time for a big snow storm, where a tree fell on our house! 

And then, Ryan got home and we turned around to head BACK to Nebraska for Christmas!

Total Drive time now? (December 21?) 55 hours! BUT WAIT!! We have a trip to Iowa, a trip back to Lincoln and a trip back to Colorado still to come!! (Are you tired of my car yet? I am!!)

So, I mentioned Iowa? We spent 2 days with Ryan's sister and her kids! (Which was an absolute blast, and now I understand how horrible it was for my parents to drag Kate and I away from our family on trips to Chicago!)

Then back to Lincoln where we did the whole Christmas thing - which included this awesome cake ball tree!! (Drive time now? 62 hours.)

Then, we had Katie's birthday! (Geez, she's 23... that's like... old!)

Then back to Colorado - Drive time total? 73 hours. Yep - more than 3 full days in the car. THREE FULL DAYS!! (Ok, that's not a huge deal - I did drive a truck. So, it was actually enjoyable. But wow... just now totalling that up? EEEK!)

JANUARY 2013

After a quiet NYE at home (where I was asleep before Midnight - thank you very much!) Ryan hit the road and life returned to normal in Colorado!!

There were trips to the Children's Museum

And the Nature Center

And the Children's Museum Again

And some bike riding and picnics at the park

And of course we stayed busy at home...
We baked

And made silly Finger Puppets

We crocheted - Ok, I crocheted... while Skyler slept.

We played Dress Up

A lot of dress up...

We went for walks (when it snowed again!)

And we colored. A lot. (Because it's our favorite thing to do!)

I think you're caught up on our life now!! (Hopefully my next few entries aren't as photo heavy!!)

MotherFunny HouseParty!

What are two of my favorite things? Mom jokes and Parties! (Seriously - Have you seen NickMom yet? ) This site is awesomely hilarious! And, to make the site better? I was selected to host a houseparty for the premiere of this awesome new TV network!

 

So next month, I'll have a group of friends gather at my house (are you a local mom friend? And do you want to come?? Let me know!) and we'll watch some of the new shows, play some games, drink some fluffy drinks and have a great time!! 

Bad Mom Syndrome?

This whole "I'm a better mom than you" thing really irks me! And it seems to be EVERYWHERE!! (Moms can be such snarky witches, can't they?) On a daily basis lately I am incredibly thankful for my non-competitive, non-snarky mom friends! (So if by some chance any of you are reading this? Thank you for not being that way!)

It started yesterday when we went on a nature hike with some friends. There was another group of mom friends there, and as I hung back so I could take pictures (I've found my telephoto lens is better for getting pictures of Skyler, she doesn't realize I'm doing it then!) and they were each one-upping each other about whose kid goes to a better school, whose kid is closer to fluent in Spanish (umm - they're 4?) and on and on. I just said a silent prayer that I'm so thankful for down-to-earth friends!

Then this morning my friend linked me to a blog roll about being a "Crappy Mom" which made me giggle! It made me realize that I'm not alone in some of these parenting sins that I commit on a daily basis! (Although I still use the excuse "But my husband is gone!" far to regularly!! )

So, without further ado? My Parenting Sins!

1. I let her entertain herself - Yep, that's right. I don't have every minute of every day structured. In fact? There are hours every day where I tell her to figure out how to entertain herself. I don't care if she's in her room, or the living room. But sometimes? Mama just needs a break and a chance to sit down and read a book, or do the dishes without participating in the 350th tea party of the day!

2. She gets too much TV/Computer Time - Again? I'd never get anything done. Really. So, my kid watches more tv than most kids probably do. (Or at least more than most of my friends will admit they let their kids do!) Because (and yes, I know this is an excuse) I am a single mom for 6 weeks at a time, and Grandma and Grandpa live 600 miles away - so I don't get a break. TV is my break. I let her watch Netflix Kids and pick whatever she wants so I can have some time for me!

3. I let her get hurt - If she falls down? I don't go running to her side. I mean, sure, if she is really hurt? I am there and quick. But I monitor the situation from a ways a way. We can't wrap our kids in bubble wrap, so she may as well learn now what really hurts and what is worthy of mass amounts of attention.

4. I take a zillion pictures of her - I know; that's one where you're going "Why is that so bad?" But let's be honest - I take THESE types of pictures of her. A lot.  (And a plot the days I an show them to her boyfriends and laugh while she's angry and annoyed! Perhaps I'll even use one of my free shutterfly coupons and make a book of these photos!)

 

5. If she doesn't want to eat it, I don't force it - This is one I beat myself up on a regular basis. Yesterday, for example. We went on a picnic with some friends. The other moms had all these yummy fruits and healthy treats that their kids ate. (I watched on, as I always do, with a bit of jealousy that their kids are eating healthy. And slightly wondering, are they judging what's in my kids lunch box? My kid? She had apple slices (which she didn't eat) a PB&J on white bread and Goldfish. Why? Because it's about all she'll eat. So I feed her Mac N Cheese at least once a week, Spaghettio's and PB&J because I know she'll eat it. Sure - I try the fruits and veggies. Most nights I try to feed her what I'm having for dinner. But she's so picky - she likes White Chicken Breast (no breading, no dipping sauces) which is great! But that's about it for meat. So no, I don't force the healthy stuff... I have her try it, and if she won't eat it? I give her something she will eat so she doesn't go hungry. 

There are a zillion other ways I don't match up to a lot of parents. But I try not to beat myself up. My kid is healthy, safe and happy. (And for every Parenting Sin I commit? There are a lot more things I'm doing right!)

Random Rambles

Thunderstorms, clouds and rain seem to be a theme lately. (Although not so much rain in Pueblo... but dark clouds and thunder!) And Lincoln apparently is getting it's fair share too.

Skyler discovered tonight that she LOVES water colors. Six masterpieces later, it was time to crawl into bed... but only with the promise of being able to paint tomorrow as well.

This weekend is my 10 year high school reunion (photo above is from my original 365 photos - large here)... Sometimes I'm shocked it's been ten years, and others I wonder how it went so fast. Sadly, a lot of people I wanted to see aren't making it back to Lincoln for whatever reason. But it'll still be nice to see some old faces hopefully.

With a few exceptions, my camera hasn't received much love lately. I have hardly taken any photos (even while in Vegas) and I need to work on changing that this weekend! Hopefully I'll get some fun shots...

I have two new favorite websites this week... Pinterest.com (My Page Here) which is basically a glorified bookmarking site! But I've found some neat decorating and cooking ideas there! As well as Google+ which I hope picks up speed! I like the interface a lot more than facebook.

I suppose I have rambled on; I just felt like it was time to update this blog!

I'm a bad Blogger!

I haven't updated in AGES - (But to be fair? I haven't really taken any photos in ages either...) So I thought I'd give a quick update/rundown of what we've been up to!

We've had a lot of playdates lately! (Skyler had a lot of fun playing "Dress Up" with her friend Taylor! They were the cutest princesses.)

On a trip to the Children's museum, Skyler had her face painted like a Kitty. (Which resulted in her crawling around and meowing for 3 days after!)

And me? I've been reading and writing!

Happy Thanksgiving! (A bit late!!)

I lost my Camera Mojo... Luckily, I've finally crawled out from under my rock and started to edit my photos from our Thanksgiving in Lincoln. I thought I'd share a few of my favorites with you!

Nutcracker Skyler:

Singing Skyler

Storytime Skyler

Piano Playing Aunt Katie

 

Daddy is Home!

Daddy has been home for 3 days now, and Skyler is about as happy as any little girl could be!

We've had a lot of fun playing outside (the weather here in Southern Colorado has been beautiful! Mid to upper 60's!)

But so far, her favorite activity has been playing Candy Land! (Her first ever attempt at a board game!!) While she was definitely too young to actually play, she did have a ton of fun trying to learn her colors and move the little men around the board.

A Year In The Life...

Back in 2008, I embarked on an adventure. I took 365 self portraits! A full year of getting in front of the camera every day.

As a photographer, I spend most of my time BEHIND the camera, so the project forced me to have a few shots of myself. I loved the project, but it was a bit tough trying to figure out a new way to take a photo of myself every day.



Which brings me to the real reason for this post.

November 15, 2009 I took a photo of Skyler. I'd intended it to be for our Christmas cards, but it ended up kicking off a 2nd year of insanity! This time, it was more a project to document my life for a year. Our family.

So I've completed my year. 365 consecutive photographs. And I thought I'd share a few of my favorites with you :)  (It is kind of fun to see how much Skyler has changed and grown in the past year! )



Day 44, I got this beautiful photo of Skyler. (No real story behind it, she's just too cute!)

Day 51 we brought home Presephone from the local humane society.

Day 112, I turned 28. My Great Grandmother Celebrated her 100th birthday!

Day 212 I returned to Camp Kitaki for the first time in almost a decade!

Day 217, Skyler turned 2!

Day 293 we surprised Ryan's Parents with a 40th Anniversary Party!

We also had some not so happy moments in the year, but I feel they are worth mentioning because they are part of what helps us grow and move forward.

Day 19 I came home to find that our house had been broken into.

Day 72, Skyler had her first Ear Infection.