Florida Vaca

So we had a vacation planned for 3 weeks at my parents condo in Forida! At first I thought 3 weeks was going to be UHMAZING! After 1 1/2 weeks, we realized it was just too long with 4 kids and headed home early. Lets be honest, 3 weeks would have been awesome without kids! We could have just layed out all day! We did have a great time; enjoyed the beach, the pool, and some good outlet shopping! Its always good to be back home though. Of course I'm planning out next Dallas road trip...

My newest hobby

It's been a while since I blogged! You'd think I would have more time, but we've been so busy and out of town a ton! Speaking of out of town; we're about to leave for Florida for 3 weeks; Hollar! I can't wait!

So lets move on...

The past month or so, I've been dabbling into photography. I've spent countless hours reading articles, learning my camera, looking at websites, and have had a hand full of practice sessions. I've really enjoyed it. I have lots of visions in my head, and would love to put those into reality soon. There are a few things I would love to purchase, but those will have to wait until the timing is ready (IE; earn some mula first!) I have a facebook page and separate blog already designed and ready to go, I just haven't made them public yet.

My next thought...

I have a hand full of friends that are amazing photographers, and I am by no means trying to compete or compare myself to already greatness.I don't claim to be the next big thing, and Im not trying to be. Im not trying to do this full time, purchase a studio, or live off this. I am a stay at home mom, who is finding her niche and enjoying a hobby. Everybody starts from somewhere or nothing, and this is me starting from the ground. I realize I have a lot to learn and master, and I plan on taking a class when the timing is right for me to do so. In the mean time, I would love your support and your "likes" when I publish my facebook page! I welcome your comments and encouragement (just dont rip me apart or give me too much "constructive criticism"! I may not be able to handle it! ha).

Ready for a few previews?!

The "Mom I'm Bored" list

We all know summer is a fabulous time to spend with our children, other family and friends, and do fun things! We also know its a time that we try to keep our kids occupied, from killing one another, and from driving us insane. 2 months is a long time, and I am certainly blessed to have a husband that gets to be home the entire summer. I may end up in a mental facility, if I was home alone with 4 kids all summer.

Even with my husband at home, there are still those moments when the kids say, "mom I"m bored!". We don't really allow our kids to just watch TV all day, or play countless hours of video games. They certainly get ample time of technology; we just limit it.

This summer is going to be a little bit busier than last summer (our youngest was born so it was pretty slow moving at the beginning of the summer!) We're going to Florida on vaca for 3 weeks, and our kids will be with grandparents near Austin for about 1 week. SOOO, we dont have 2 full months of boredom at least!

So, without further notice, here is my "mom I'm bored" go to list. When a child is bored and/or has run out of video game time, they can check this list to find something else to do. If nothing STILL peaks their interest, there are plenty of chores listed as well!

We can go to:

The Pool

The Library

The park

A friends house

Sonic

Somewhere to take portraits with mom (Keira is the only one that will let me go and take her picture! ha)

You can:

Ride my bike

Jump on the trampoline

Play in the sprinkler

Read a book

Make crafts

Draw/Write in a notebook

Color/Paint

Play with Legos/toys

Play a board game

Take pictures with a camera

Cook or Bake with mom

Go run errands or go to store with mom

Lay out in the sun

Jump rope/blow bubbles/play with chalk

Paint toes

Go on a walk on our street

Talk on the phone/Text

Play dress up

Make a card

Write someone a letter

Make a video with videocamera

Play hide and go seek

Water balloon fight

Write mom and dad a note

Go to mall

Take a bubble bath

Vacuum /Sweep kitchen

Clean my room

Clean the bathroom

Wash car/do yardwork

Play on the computer

Pick a movie

Help play with Kase

Make beds

Do laundry

My baby's 1st birthday party

This past Saturday we had a little shindig for our son's first birthday! We didn't want to make it a huge deal; just because you never know if they'll be sleepy or in the mood! Thankfully he had some great naps before the party, so he was good to go! We just had some family in the area, stop by for some cake and cupcakes! Of course I had to decorate a little bit!

The Big ONE polka dots

Having some fun as the party started!

Cousin, Miss Quinn, striking a pose

Miss Blayke wearing Kase's birthday hat! Somebody had to; there's no way Kase was!

I think Kase is laughing, that his cousin is flashing him

Trampoline; one of the best investments we've made.

Just sang happy birthday, and he's "assessing" his cake

he figured it out.

Sharing some cake with daddy!

Time for a quick bath in the sink

Got to get all that chocolate off, so the party can continue!

Opening presents (with the help of a cousin and daddy of course!)

Eating a birthday card

Looking at some presents with Aunt Misty

The 3 kids enjoying Kase's new toys!

My red velvet cake; and all the leftovers I get to eat!

Thank you for those that came, and for making it special AND non stressful! Happy birthday little man!

Im linked to Tuesday's blog hop!

My baby is 1! A year in Review

I cannot believe that a year has gone by. So much has changed, and Kase has grown so much! I am SO thankful that God has brought us to this point. It was really, really difficult in the beginning. Kase struggled with reflux and colic, and NEVER slept. I wish I knew why some babies are easier than others, but count your blessings if thats you! Kase is such a joy now (although hates church! ha), and LOVES his family to pieces. He cant get enough of his siblings, and they can't get enough of him. We are so blessed.

One of my last prego pictures (sorry the picture is blurry)

Kase Holden 6lbs 11 oz.

First outing; mama's getting a pedicure!

Happy birthday sweet boy! We love you so much!