Ugh.

I couldn't think of a better title for this post.

Ugh.

Claire seemed to be potty trained for the last few days but today has been a never-ending series of puddles. I definitely didn't pressure her into this; she seemed ready and willing. But today was like being back to square one. Although she's had a little look in her eye that's let me know she probably just hasn't felt like walking over to the potty. I have NO IDEA where she gets that kind of stubbornness. (yes, that's said dripping with sarcasm)

Now before you try to make me feel better or give me advice, all four of you who read my blog, I know that this is a normal perk of a two year old. She will be fine and don't worry about it...

But seriously, I'm not worried or concerned. I'm TIRED. And I can't help wondering, how did people manage before Clorox wipes?

Did I mention that Claire also put me in time out TWICE today?

Gosh, I do love this girl. The day was redeemed by running around the house for probably a half an hour after dinner playing a game of "pretend the alligators are going to get us!" This game looks like this: run around the house, yelling, and fall down every few minutes saying, "the alligator got me." (Claire totally made this up and gave me careful instruction.) Then we cuddled in our recliner watching Wonder Pets.

If only I could get that dang theme song out of my head...

Now the youngest beckons from her crib.....

Feedback from Mamas

I've been working on a specialty in eating disorders and body image. I truly love these topics. I truly love meeting with women and talking about how there can be freedom in how you eat and how you look. You may read that and think something like, "I don't want to change anything" or "I don't have a problem" or "There's nothing wrong with being healthy." All could be true statements. But don't we all, at some point, feel a bit controlled by certain thoughts? Why not find some fun and freedom in what you normally do?

Here's my question for you:

As a Mom, what concerns you? What do you think about? How have things changed for you since having your kiddo(s)?

More to come...

Flip Flops

Here it is:

I really, really love this picture more every time I look at it.

I wore flip flops when I got married.
I ended up changing into them at my Dad's wake when he passed away.
(He would have gotten a kick out of that. Heels hurt.)
I wear them almost every single day as soon as the weather gets above 60.

Flip flops are me.

And my sweet girl loves them too.

It may not be the best picture you've ever seen but I really love it.

No word on the contest results.
I'm just happy and proud of my final product.

Contest

I mentioned in a previous post that I took a class with Fresh Art Photography. Well, they are hosting a contest this weekend for all of us who took this class in April. They are announcing the winner tomorrow.

And how am I?

Freaking. Out. I feel like I'm back in graduate school again when professors and classmates would listen to tapes of my counseling sessions. (sidenote: I had written consent from all of my clients)

These women, who are talented and professionals, are CRITIQUING MY WORK.

Okay, my freak out is over. I feel a bit better. Seriously.

On top of just a contest in itself, the topic could NOT BE ANY MORE DIFFICULT:

a portrait of yourself.

Really? ME? Why not cute kids? A cute dog? Flowers?

We were challenged to be creative, so I started with this question:

Who am I?

My answer: God's daughter, Wife, Mama, sister, daughter, friend, counselor, learning to take pictures, learning to garden, cook, baker.....

How in the %*&$ do you photograph any of THAT????

Okay, before you throw out a million ideas that probably popped into your ahead, please read ahead.

How do you photograph those things when you wonder how good you are at any of them? Especially when you have two small kiddos that suck the energy out of you? Especially when you feel tired, stretched, challenged? Especially when you're finally adjusting to living out a calling as a counselor, raising two little people, trying to invest in friendships, and trying to love your husband well?

Uh, narrow THAT down to one picture!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So after tons of pictures, I got it. A picture that sums up the me I've always been, with the addition of the person I've become. You'll get this if you know me well.

And, no, I'm not showing you the picture yet. I'll post it tomorrow after the winner is revealed... so until then.....

One more picture....

While I was taking pictures of the girls one day,
I noticed Jack staring longingly for attention.

Poor guy.

He spends a lot of days in the background of little girls' laughing, crying, or whining.

I managed to get this picture which I love.
And I do love my sweet dog.

Again, not edited.
Again, still learning.

Photography

I took a photography class back in April with Fresh Art Photography.

Oh my word.
It was awesome and I learned that being a true photographer is a MILLION times more complicated than just pointing, shooting, and using your automatic flash.
Not that it's a bad thing if you do it the easy way.
It's your choice.
I definitely go back and forth between cameras and my phone to capture the important stuff.

Here are some of my favorite pictures so far with my Cannon 5D.
These are just four out of a whole lot of blurry and dark ones. :)
By the way, these are totally unedited.

It helps to have such adorable subjects.

Almost a month?

Has it seriously been almost a month since I last blogged??? I need to get better about this.

Since a good bit has been going on, I'll just list the highlights.

1. MJ turned SIX MONTHS OLD yesterday! A whole post and pictures will be dedicated to her soon.
2. MJ was diagnosed with reflux in her left kidney.
3. I took a photography class and have been taking lots of pictures.
4. Things broken in our house right now: washing machine, dishwasher (although still usable), and sunroom roof. Awesomeness. Annoying but good lesson in how stuff like this is definitely an inconvenience but we have a lot to be thankful for.
5. Claire has begun talking and asking questions at a rate I never thought possible. Sometimes she DOES NOT STOP. I do love it though.
6. My garden is growing and looking good!
7. We spend lots of time outside and lots of time playing on the play set. So fun.
8. Bottle boot-camp worked on MJ and I get to go on the Riverside Women's Retreat this weekend WITHOUT a kiddo! Funny to think I was pregnant on the last one so she was actually with me then....

So those are the highlights. I'll get around to more posts about these things, including pictures, one of these days....