Megan Cieloha

I've Moved

2011-05-17T21:52:00.001-07:00

I just finished my new blogsite and have officially moved over to:

MeganCieloha.com

Come check me out :)

134/365: Piano Fingers

2011-05-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

I often hear comments about Isaac’s long fingers.

Piano fingers… they say.

133/365: Strong Dandelion

2011-05-13T20:51:00.000-07:00

Isaac gave me the time to grab 2 quick shots before he said "It's wet!" and dropped the dandelion due to it's leaking moisture.

His brother likes to roll in mud puddles.

2 different kids :)

132/365: More Friends

2011-05-12T20:44:00.000-07:00

Today we got to meet up with Kristen, another ClickinMom, whom I have taken several workshops with, and her two adorable little girls. Isaac dives right into friendships and immediately accosted the girls with attempts at handholding and intimate (meaning, in your face! hehe) conversation. They made him work for their affection :)

This was the first time I've ever taken pictures of little girls! Crazy. Thanks for coming out to meet us, girls!

131/365: Basement Window

2011-05-11T18:24:00.000-07:00

A little more basement love today. Not quite as creepy this time though :)

An Extra

2011-05-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

He was pulling out all of his cute tricks to try to convince me to put the camera down and pick him up. It worked... eventually...

130/365: Friends

2011-05-10T21:40:00.000-07:00

We got to spend the afternoon with one of my wonderful friends from Clickinmoms, Lacey, and her adorable boys. All of our kiddos got along so well and we had a great time.

Unfortunately the littlest guys were overdue for a nap by the time we got around to the group picture. Had to take what we could get :)

Isaac loved their swings and slide!

129/365: Macro Monday

2011-05-09T22:01:00.000-07:00

Doesn't it look like I found this plant outside on a nice sunny day? Actually, I took this picture, inside, on the couch, on another rainy day.

128/365: Pedicure

2011-05-08T21:50:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day pedicure :) The aesthetician kept questioning my color choice:

"It's really light. Do you like?"

"Are you sure?"

Mmhmm, yep. I'm a crazy neutral loving kind of girl :)

127/365: Birthday Party

2011-05-08T21:21:00.000-07:00

I kind of took a break from the camera this weekend.

We attended a birthday party for a special 7 year old today. Grayden was thrilled with all of the new toys and would have thought the day was perfect if I had let him play outside a bit more. But it is freezing cold here in Pacific NW!!

126/365: The Basement

2011-05-06T22:11:00.000-07:00

Working on an assignment for a workshop on Clickinmoms. Isaac was such a cooperative little model this evening :)

125/365: Streaming

2011-05-06T22:08:00.000-07:00

124/365: Speechless

2011-05-04T22:20:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I look at him and my heart just bursts with soundless words.

123/365: Looking at the Fishies

2011-05-03T21:52:00.000-07:00

The boys and I took a trip up to a recreation area this afternoon. It started out well, Grayden happily toddled along the path and the boys both enjoyed looking at the sparkling bubbling water in the underwater viewing area. We saw one tiny fish and then Grayden noticed the mud puddles. It was all downhill from there. He was absolutely convinced that every puddle had his name on it. Should I try to tell him otherwise, watch out.

I'm pretty sure he's gonna be a stroller baby for awhile longer....

122/365: Exploring

2011-05-02T21:47:00.000-07:00

I couldn't decide which image to use today. While we're battling through this cold we're kind of stuck at home. So the boys and I took advantage of a break in the rain and went on a walk around the property. Grayden is pretty enthralled with the horses... he calls them "daws" or... dogs :) More than once I had to grab him as he tried to crawl through the fence to get to the daws.

121/365: Toys

2011-05-01T20:46:00.000-07:00

We went out to purchase some more toddler-appropriate toys today. Little guy had been feeling rather bored. Hopefully that new toy joy won't wear off too soon!

120/365: Trading

2011-04-30T21:06:00.000-07:00

Today he traded his healed black eye for a newly bloody and swollen lip, with a side of sneezing, snot-filled, fussy virus.

Oh, little man.

119/365: Sunset

2011-04-29T20:58:00.000-07:00

118/365: The Walk that Almost Wasn't

2011-04-28T16:18:00.000-07:00

Rounding up 2 kiddos, getting them into their shoes and coats, and then gathering up everything Mama needs is kind of an ordeal. (I know- those with more than 2 are thinking "she has no clue what tough is!") We had just stepped out the door and were pulling the stroller out of the van when the rain started up again. Drat. Those kiddos needed some time out of the house! After 10 minutes or so talking to the horses in the barn the rain had stopped and we took off on our walk. Our used-to-the-Californian-heat bodies could only handle about 5 minutes before we had to head on in. What happened to spring, Oregon???

117/365: Mt. Hood

2011-04-27T16:15:00.000-07:00

Can you see it? Back there at the end of the valley under the clouds is Mt. Hood. The mountain wasn't "out" today as the locals say. However, OR is beautiful even when it's soggy :)

116/365: Crazy Weather

2011-04-26T21:59:00.000-07:00

Rain, sun, who knows! I do love how sun shining through raindrops looks, though.

His black eye is recovering nicely. Fear has no meaning to this one.

115/365: Macro Monday

2011-04-25T21:57:00.000-07:00

Part of my beautiful Easter bouquet.

114/365: Easter

2011-04-24T21:46:00.000-07:00

Because who doesn't wear their Christmas pajamas on Easter morning?

Later in the day Grayden finally got his chance at an egg hunt. He wasn't quite sure what was going on, but ever since then if we bring out the eggs and basket he'll shake out all the eggs and then go around picking them up one by one and put them in his basket.

113/365: Egg Hunt

2011-04-23T22:11:00.000-07:00

The boys got to go to an Easter Egg Hunt this morning. The 1-2 year olds had just finished their hunt as Grayden got to the field, but Isaac's basket was really small so we let him gather a couple extra from the 3-4 year old field to share with his little brother :) Grayden was thrilled with the eggs which he insisted were "baaas." (balls)

112/365: A Good Distraction

2011-04-22T21:14:00.000-07:00

What do you to with a fussy 1 year old who can't be calmed indoors? Take him outside for a mini photoshoot in the pretty afternoon light, of course! He wouldn't look at me, but he did stop crying!

111/365: Froggy

2011-04-21T21:05:00.000-07:00

110/365: Follow the Leader

2011-04-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

109/365: Mr. Moon

2011-04-19T21:11:00.000-07:00

Mr. Moon has become a fast friend. He is a nightlight that Isaac can hold in bed with him. When we first moved to this house Isaac was waking up almost nightly, usually coinciding with the train passing by a mile or so away. When Mr. Moon arrived we told him that whenever he was scared he could turn Mr. Moon on and he would help him feel better. Now, we only deal with night wakings once or twice a month. Yay!

If you're not a grandparent, or otherwise interested in seeing a snapshot of my kiddo, just skip this one :)

108/365: Macro Monday

2011-04-18T21:49:00.000-07:00

Tulip Texture

107/365: Sunday Self-Portrait

2011-04-17T21:47:00.000-07:00

An Extra One

2011-04-16T21:44:00.000-07:00

The moon was so pretty with the drifting clouds on Saturday evening.

106/365: So Dejected

2011-04-16T21:00:00.000-07:00

Little guy was just having a tough afternoon. Big guy wasn't putting up with all of the TV button pushing. We made it through the evening and now they are asleep. Yay! :)

105/365: Back in the Weeds

2011-04-15T20:49:00.000-07:00

On our walk today Grayden got to get out of the stroller and take a turn posing in the weeds. The loud hum of buzzing bees (and yellow-jackets, I saw them... yikes!) made me wonder- what kind of precautions do the pros take when they take a client out into a field or forest? I guess there are common sense things you can do to avoid insects and snakes... but I would still be super nervous! We snapped a couple shots and headed back out of the weeds :)

I did a little split toning on this image, playing with the colors in the highlights and shadows. Pretty fun :)

104/365: Thursday.... Taxidermy?

2011-04-14T16:09:00.000-07:00

I found this little guy out on the workbench in the garage this morning. I wish he had passed with his head in a more flattering position. I thought about moving it... but I'm not all that well versed in bug taxidermy.

Kind of a morbid post, huh?

103/365: Cars Kid

2011-04-14T16:03:00.000-07:00

Blocks (of any kind) and Cars are a favorite in this house. These were "tower cars."

If you're interested in Tessy and Tab, check them out here. Isaac loves getting his own mail :)

102/365: Tessy and Tab and Chapped Cheeks

2011-04-12T21:57:00.000-07:00

Isaac got a new Tessy and Tab book in the mail today. It was definitely a high point of the day.

Sweet little Grayden has been dealing with some dry skin lately. I'm not sure if the peeling is due to a sensitivity to something he is eating or if I just need to break out some heavy duty moisturizer. I hope I figure it out soon. Poor little guy.

101/365: Non-Macro Monday

2011-04-11T21:53:00.000-07:00

We spent the day with some wonderful friends today. The boys had a blast and Grayden got to eat twice in a booster seat pushed right up to the table. He was quite proud of his big boy status.

I brought my macro lens along, but forgot to pull it out :)

100/365: Self-Portrait Sunday

2011-04-10T15:41:00.000-07:00

Not too happy, not too sad... just about right :)

Congratulations on 100 days, everyone!!

99/365: Gerbera Daisy

2011-04-09T21:50:00.000-07:00

This week TJ's had some pretty Gerbera Daisy bunches. I decided to step out of my white flower box and go with pink. I almost grabbed some gorgeous vibrant red ones... but that was just a little too much color. (Plus I probably would have had those pesky gamut issues again.)

Karren- I was using the 105 2.8 Macro :)

98/365: He's Sweet Too

2011-04-08T22:09:00.000-07:00

Today I told him he could have an M&M, so off he went to get one. A couple minutes later he was back, with an M&M for me. I love how he's starting to do thoughtful little things like that.

97/365: Sweet Boy

2011-04-07T21:17:00.000-07:00

Grayden really enjoys the time in the afternoon when he is sometimes up and Isaac is still in bed. Most of the time, Isaac just has some great idea for how he and Grayden can play, or he's trying to hug him or wrestle... but it is sure nice to have a little time when I don't have to decipher if a crying episode is because of annoyance or actual need.

96/365: Sprinklers

2011-04-06T22:08:00.000-07:00

Our sprinklers have gone crazy and are totally off their schedule. I think I fixed it this afternoon. We'll see...

95/365: Like This?

2011-04-05T21:24:00.000-07:00

He's at the stage where throwing the ball equals it falling behind his head about 50% of the time.

So. cute.

94/365: Macro Monday

2011-04-04T21:32:00.000-07:00

The ranunculus lasted all week and modeled for a few last shots before they met their demise. The top image is from a monster weed in the backyard. Seriously, it's huge. I think I'm going to have to hack it down with the trimmer we use for tree branches!

For those who don't appreciate Macro Monday :) Look how hard he's working!!

93/365: Field of Weeds

2011-04-03T21:55:00.000-07:00

I love a good field full of weeds! I also thought I could have captioned this image "hey look- I can jump in a field too!" Hehe... asking Isaac to jump is my current best trick for getting him to stay in one spot and do something that is interesting to look at :) I really did love that I found this field on our walk this evening, My favorite road is fabulous and all, but it was nice to have a change of scenery.

And just for fun...

here is what you get when you ask your blue, very sensitive, eyed child to look up at you when it is sunny. I tried the "open your eyes when I count to 3" trick but I don't think we're quite at that point yet. He would open his eyes on 3, but look directly at the ground. Oh well.

92/365: Elmo is out of Gamut

2011-04-02T20:59:00.000-07:00

We'll just pretend I rocked the SOOC's and that Elmo red is a color that my camera's sensor likes, mmmkay?

We've got a little rash going on on little guy's torso today. High fever for several days, with no other symptoms besides reduced appetite and increased crankiness, followed by onset of flat rash after the fever has broken. Bingo- Dr. Google says Roseola. At any rate, I can't wait until he's well!

91/365: Recovering

2011-04-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

No fever since 3 am this morning. We're still in recovery mode though. I forgot how clingy babies with few words can be when they're sick. Poor little guy. Hopefully we'll be getting out of the house tomorrow.

Otherwise we (read, mostly I) might go crazy.

In other fantastic news, check this out:

I am so thrilled to be joining the team over at ClickinMoms. The forum has been instrumental in my growth as a photographer and I am excited to have the opportunity to be involved in the future of CM!!

90/365: Hanging in There

2011-03-31T16:24:00.000-07:00

Just like the ranunculus (well, most of them) we are hanging in there. Poor Grayden is suffering with a pretty high fever and the rest of us- while we aren't sick- are kind of cranky as well. If it wasn't such a gorgeous day we'd be in trouble :)

We're about out of baby tylenol and motrin so we're going to have to make a super quick run to Target when the boys get up from nap. Yes... I'm going to be that Mom. The one who takes her sick kid out in public. In my defense, he isn't coughing.

And... I promise not to put him in a cart, so he won't spread slobber germs!

89/365: Jump Around

2011-03-30T17:21:00.000-07:00

Stuck at home with a feverish, fussy, clingy little guy. We did get out of the house for a walk and I asked Isaac to jump while showing me "star hands." Does anyone else know that term from gymnastics class? Isaac has benefited so much from going to gymnastics... I highly recommend it for any kiddo!

88/365: Hopeful During Breakfast

2011-03-29T16:07:00.000-07:00

Don't need to explain this one, really.

Another one for the grandparents out there. I was recently informed that Macro Monday is my Mom's least favorite day because it doesn't include any pictures of the kiddos...

Poor little guy was being fussy at the park. When we got home I realized that he was feeling a little warm. Temp of 100.3. Boo. Hopefully we'll make it through the illness quickly!

87/365: Macro Monday

2011-03-28T21:03:00.000-07:00

Ranunculus has been added to my list of favorite flowers. Love them!

PS- I wasn't really that sad yesterday... just needed a good excuse for posting another moody self-portrait :)

86/365: Sunday Self-Portrait

2011-03-27T19:14:00.000-07:00

Contemplating how to get the camera to grab focus. I was having an uncooperative gear day.

85/365: Um... I didn't take a picture!

2011-03-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

After we left the movie theatre and were walking into the restaurant for dinner (yay date night!) I realized I hadn't even picked up my camera today. Cell phone to the rescue. What a beautiful sunset we had. Plus... forecasted temps of mid to upper 70s next week.

Woo. Hoo!!!

84/365: Walking

2011-03-25T21:17:00.000-07:00

There's no more denying it... he's a walker. Pretty proud of himself too :)

I love watching a little one who is learning to walk!

83/365: Rain. and wind.

2011-03-24T15:30:00.000-07:00

Not a very inspired shot, but it's not exactly an inspiring type of day. Yes, our patio furniture is working its way across the lawn. The small basketball hoop has been repositioned as well and while waiting in the cell phone lot at the airport I seriously thought the van was going to be lifted off the ground.

What happened to Spring?

82/365: Cake

2011-03-23T20:57:00.000-07:00

I spent the day working on a scavenger hunt for ClickinMoms. Doing so required me to buy a slice of cake.

Twist my arm.

81/365: Chuck E Cheese

2011-03-23T20:54:00.000-07:00

It was a milestone- our first family trip to Chuck E Cheese. I still have the touch for skee-ball and the games all still felt as grimy as I remembered. Isaac loved it, though :)

80/365: Macro Monday

2011-03-21T14:48:00.000-07:00

This is the grill on our air conditioner unit :) I just realized I forgot to explain last week's image... it was the suction cup we use to hang a hummingbird feeder on our breakfast area window.

And... a PSA. It really is Mod Podge! All of the comments calling it "ModGE Podge" made me doubt myself so off to trusty google I went. From the company site itself: Mod Podge :) I think it's kind of like brussels sprouts. Everyone is just so used to saying brussel sprouts without the extra "s."

If you wanted to do the clothespin project it is super simple. Cut out pieces of paper the exact size of the clothespin face. Slap some Mod Podge on the clothespin, top with paper piece, then add another coat of Mod Podge. Allow to dry and then you can add a little decorative do-dad (like the buttons that are sitting on my counter...) with a dot of hot glue if you wanted to dress them up a bit.

79/365: Mod Podge

2011-03-20T18:27:00.000-07:00

At MOPS this past week we had craft day and used Mod Podge to decorate clothes pins. We were advised to use them as a means to hang greeting cards up on a ribbon, or in some other decorative manner... but I think these lovelies will be doing kitchen duty. My new kitchen towels are mainly blue (gasp!) so they fit right in and I'm sure the chips bags and bagel sleeves will appreciate the touch of whimsy.

78/365: I DO Smile!

2011-03-19T16:05:00.000-07:00

I received a question recently in my Ask Me section about the lack of smiling self portraits on this blog.

Let me tell you.... it is awkward to take smiling self portraits. Laughing is even worse. I sit there thinking "hmm... what can I laugh about?" Then I look at my camera staring back at me... it's not very funny. Its sense of humor is a bit lacking...

It has been on my list of goals to capture a genuine laughing (but still semi-attractive- it has proven to be a little tricky) self portrait. I'll keep trying.

If I grab a kiddo to tickle that would probably help.

77/365: Editing

2011-03-19T16:02:00.000-07:00

Why do I procrastinate? Whenever I do a session for a friend I'm super excited to get home and load the images up on my computer. Then I sort through them and do an initial cull and edit one or two to email out that day. After that I tend to wait more days than I had planned to edit the rest of the session. I think perhaps it relates to my perfectionism....

I had a deadline today because little guy's shower was this evening and I needed to have the disk of images ready to present to his Mama. What a sweet-pea he is!

76/365: Things I Love Thursday

2011-03-17T16:05:00.000-07:00

Love, love, love some white flowers. These are freesias and smell so good. Very short-lived though. This bouquet isn't going to break any longevity records!

75/365: Soft

2011-03-16T14:34:00.000-07:00

Poor little guy had taken a long time to fall asleep and had only been snoozing for 20 minutes when I had to go wake him up so that we could make it to an appointment on time. I love his squishy little face :)

I'm starting to have a thing for intentionally soft (focus) images. And grain isn't always bad either. I love how much there is to learn about, and experiment with in, photography!

74/365: Gloomy

2011-03-15T18:50:00.000-07:00

Ok- now Nor Cal is experiencing the winter gloom. Forecast for the next 10 (!!!) days:

RAIN

Maybe this is winter's last big hurrah before Spring officially takes over.

Let's hope.

73/365: Macro Monday

2011-03-14T21:09:00.000-07:00

This blossom is actually attached to a tree/bush in my own yard. Woohoo!

72/365: Sunday Self-Portrait

2011-03-14T21:02:00.000-07:00

We have been needing new phones. So, today at Costco we picked up the HTC Inspire for 20 bucks! I have been lusting over an iPhone, but I think I'm going to love this phone. Anyone want to reassure me that this Android phone will fulfill all my needs and desires and I won't end up with iPhone envy??? :)

71/365: When the Dogs are Away...

2011-03-12T16:07:00.000-08:00

... the children will play. Contentedly. For 20 minutes at least. Who knew that a dog crate made such a good toy??

And a bonus image. Thank you so much family who gifted the sand and water table (plus accessories) We are loving it!

70/365: Oh Sweet Baby

2011-03-11T21:26:00.000-08:00

I got the chance to spend some time with another sweet little man today. He wasn't quite sure that our plan of getting naked, laying on a blanket and sleeping soundly was a good idea... but he sure was adorable.

I am now giving notice to all my friends... I want a girl baby to play with! Little guy's Mama and I were chatting, and I realized I have never even photographed a baby girl. So hurry up someone... I'll take pictures for you :)

69/365: 1 Year Old

2011-03-11T21:22:00.000-08:00

This is the face of a 1 year old. Pretty cute, I'd say.

I've been a little uninspired to blog lately, so maybe I'll get that birth story ready to post up by the time I get around to taking Grayden's 1 year photos.

68/365: Redwoods

2011-03-09T21:55:00.000-08:00

We drove through the Redwoods today and took a walk to see the "Big Tree." Those Redwoods sure are huge. Our drive down 101 took us past some gorgeous ocean views as well. The boys loved walking on the beach and Isaac especially enjoyed throwing sand. He remembered when we visited the beach back in the early fall and had consistently chosen "throwing sand" as his favorite activity at the beach. After today's experience he still insists that throwing sand is the best part of going to the beach. Boys... :)

67/365: Unpacking

2011-03-09T21:49:00.000-08:00

We took a short trip and Grayden wanted to help unpack at the motel. A lot of the day was spent in the car... perhaps not a 1 year old's favorite way to pass the day. And there were a lot of cords accessible to small hands in the motel room. At least the kiddos went to sleep without a single complaint!

66/365: Macro Monday

2011-03-07T15:07:00.000-08:00

This blossom comes from the neighbors tree. I wonder if she was watching me as I moved around from branch to branch, inches away from the tree with my huge lens. So happy to provide entertainment.

It's a very macro-ish day. Check it out!

65/365: In the Vast Toy Wasteland

2011-03-06T16:46:00.000-08:00

... there are moments of peace and moments of squabbling. Never fear though, for attention spans are short and toys maintain favor for mere minutes before being passed over for the next coveted item.

64/365: Tickled

2011-03-05T17:10:00.000-08:00

Dada came home after his 10 hr Saturday workday right after lunch and Grayden was "this close" to skipping his nap... he just didn't want to let Dada out of his sight. Thankfully, he was convinced to sleep, but after a shorter than normal nap he was back up, ready to play with his favorite guy.

(PS- I think I'll post Grayden's birth story up on his birthday this coming week... it's a good one :))

63/365: If Only He Could Share

2011-03-04T16:20:00.000-08:00

I realize I'm a little obsessed with eyelashes. My boys just have such lush, full, dark eyelashes. In fact, one of the first things I noticed about Grayden (as I was processing the fact that I'd just given birth to a baby in my bathroom) was that he had incredible eyelashes. I remember hoping that he would keep them past the newborn stage. So far, he seems to be.

This is actually a 100% crop from an image I took with the new 50. It could be a little more sharp, but I like it anyway :)

62/365: Things I Love Thursday

2011-03-03T17:06:00.000-08:00

I love pro level glass. Too bad it is such an expensive obsession. I recently sold off another large bunch of fabric from my used-to-be sewing business and so I was able to purchase the 50 1.4G. I shot both of the pics from today at 1.4 and didn't touch their eyes. Seriously!

I'm going to play around with some more comparison shots. So far, it seems that this lens utilizes light a bit more efficiently than the 1.8 and also handles white balance a little differently.

61/365: Big Boy

2011-03-02T20:46:00.000-08:00

In the past week he has begun standing for long periods of time, using a Snack Trap and two seperate times he has taken 2 or 3 steps unsupported. Oh my. And he'll be 1 in a week! How is that even possible???

60/365: In Need of Suspenders

2011-03-01T21:00:00.000-08:00

Isaac recently got a new batch of underwear that are thinner than the kind he used to wear. Consequently, his pants are constantly falling down off his bum. It's kinda cute... kinda annoying, too.

59/365: Macro Monday

2011-02-28T15:41:00.000-08:00

So, I wanted to play with the oil and water macros today. But, I realized that we didn't have any clear oil (only olive, peanut, canola etc, etc.) in the house. Thus began the "what can I use instead?" search.

Above the washer and dryer I spotted a can of "Camp Dry" in the cabinet. Mostly silicone. That's an oil. Should do the trick.

Then I noticed the large "This product contains susbtances known to the State of California to cause cancer" sticker on the top of the cap. Hmm... will have to discuss with the man of the house if we really need to keep this bottle around any longer.

However, because I really wanted to do the oil and water thing, I determined that I would spray and back away and hold my breath for a bit until the fumes dispersed and that would certainly lower my risk of harm. Right? Right.

(Don't worry... the kids were in bed and I was in the garage with both doors open.)

Next time, I think I'll just wait until I can hit up Target for some baby oil...

58/365: Sunday Self Portrait

2011-02-27T21:50:00.000-08:00

Not a lot of time for a self-portrait (or dishes... or cleaning the counter) today. Instead, I spent 2 hours with a friend and our 4 kids while she tried on bridesmaid dresses at an insanely busy David's Bridal. Apparently Sunday right before prom season is not the day to go if you want quick service :)

We had fun though!

My coffee mug had originally been hand painted with bright orange, yellow and red polkadots. As the paint flakes off it is starting to fit into the neutral theme in the cabinet. I think there must be some peer pressure going on in there.

57/365: Recovering

2011-02-26T16:11:00.000-08:00

I've been dealing with a lower back injury and haven't been able to do much but lay down the past few days. Today I have finally been able to start bending over again. Good thing too... it's pretty frustrating to try to care for two young children without bending over!

56/365: Blueberry

2011-02-25T16:08:00.000-08:00

I can't wait for actual blueberry season.

55/365: Veggie Tales Stupor

2011-02-24T15:55:00.000-08:00

Isaac in love with Veggie Tales movies. I exercise during Grayden's morning nap and Isaac watches a Veggie Tales episode. One of his favorites is "Lyle the Kindly Viking." He likes to tell me (when he wants to share something of mine) "Lyle says it's nice to share."

How do you say no to that?

54/365: Take Your Pick

2011-02-23T15:54:00.000-08:00

You can either choose to look at this friendly little lady-bug, or....

...this decidedly not so friendly spider, who caught, "de-winged," and packaged up his dinner for later while I was crouched down taking pictures. My back was not so happy with me for spending so much time trying to balance the heavy macro with my elbows on the boards of the raised planter beds... but finding 2 (well, 3 I suppose) insects at once was too good to pass up.

53/365: No Shortage of Beads

2011-02-22T15:50:00.000-08:00

I noticed I haven't been posting much color lately... so here is some color, Kapow!

Grayden insisted on double fisting it with the beads on our walk today. I held both strings out to him so that he could choose one and he grabbed both.

You can never have too many beads, I suppose...

LR says that hand isn't blown... I bet if I wasn't lazy and actually took it into PS, CS5 would have a different opinion :)

52/365: Macro Monday

2011-02-21T15:34:00.000-08:00

You're looking a little creepy today, Mr. President.

51/365: Weekend Morning

2011-02-20T15:04:00.000-08:00

I figured my self-portrait from a couple days ago could count for the one that I was supposed to take today :)

The boys absolutely love to be "boomed" on the bed. Dada chases them around, then grabs them and throws them on the bed. Isaac chants "boom me, Dada, boom me" any chance he gets.

50/365: Drip, Drop

2011-02-19T17:17:00.000-08:00

I was really wishing for white tile in my bathroom today. But, I've had white tile and white grout before, and I never want to experience that again... so I will be thankful for my dark tile and black grout.

It does suck up the light though.

49/365: "Uh, Really?"

2011-02-18T21:06:00.000-08:00

This is the face my children see when they're getting one of those light "uh-oh, you'd better stop that" warnings.

I mean... how could you ignore that face?

Well, apparently you can, and I'm not so sure I want to share the face that can sometimes accompany the next step up the discipline ladder :)

48/365: Things I Love Thursday

2011-02-17T17:07:00.000-08:00

Love, love, love my cupboards full of white and clear glass dinnerware, glassware and serveware. Some might say it's boring, but I think one of the best decisions we made when we got married was to stick with simple and clean for all of those items. I love them as much today as I did 7 years ago.

47/465: Spring Storm

2011-02-16T16:05:00.001-08:00

We had just walked into Target around noon earlier today when all of the sudden it started to pour outside. It had been strangely silent in the store (don't they usually have music piped in... I could be imagining that...) and then the rain started pounding down. It rained for about 2 minutes and then stopped. By the time we got back to the car the blue skies and puffy, friendly clouds had returned. That's my kind of rain... plentiful, but short lived.

46/365: One of Those Days

2011-02-15T15:44:00.000-08:00

Poor little guy. Slight cold combined with teething, icky windy rainy weather and a Mama who isn't feeling 100% herself.... unfortunately this has been the most common expression on his face today.

Thank goodness for naps!

45/365: Macro Monday

2011-02-14T17:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

This little heart just seemed to sum me up. Too. Cool. (Ha!)

44/365: Sunday Self-Portrait

2011-02-13T16:40:00.000-08:00

I remembered that I was supposed to do a self-portrait and I actually did one, woohoo! Another gorgeous 65ish degree day here, but rain is in the forecast for the entire week. I'm a little bummed about that... but, um.... at least we won't have to turn the sprinklers on for another week.

Yup, there's the positive :)

43/365: Ellie

2011-02-12T17:18:00.000-08:00

The dogs get hardly any picture love now that the boys have taken over our lives. I think I used to take pictures of this cute pup almost daily :)

42/365: A Distant Second

2011-02-11T15:20:00.000-08:00

We had been planning to go to the park, but after less than stellar cooperation when asked to clean up toys, Isaac received the consequence of "no park today. Sorry buddy, we don't have enough time anymore." Going on a walk was not a satisfactory replacement.

Sometimes it's hard to be the Mama and have to stand strong on your word.

41/365: Things I Love Thursday

2011-02-10T17:53:00.000-08:00

I love this company... Bathed and Infused. They've recently had an ownership change, and admittedly I haven't ordered since the new owner took over, but she was a former employee so I can only hope that the service and product are just as good. I love their mega huge scent list and wear the roll on perfume during the cold months and body mist when it is warm. Here are a couple of my favorite scents:

Number 9

Cremasse

Vanille Canelle

Pumpkin Cremasse

Vanilla Fig Cedar

Blackberry Madagascar

Sage and Lemongrass

40/365: He Draws

2011-02-09T15:58:00.000-08:00

He hasn't taken much interest in drawing until recently. Honestly, I was starting to worry a tiny bit, but I should have known better. This little guy waits until he can do something with skill... not much trying and failing going on around here. Perfectionistic tendencies begin early :) In the past week he has started writing some simple words and yesterday he drew a boat. This afternoon in the car he drew his very first face. Unfortunately, this is his second face... as he erased the first while I was still driving.

Oh... and besides the drawing, he pulled up, snapped and zipped his own pants today! Yeehaw!

I love all of these little accomplishments, but I'm going to turn around and he'll be driving.

39/365: Haircuts are so Aging

2011-02-08T17:44:00.000-08:00

This little guy had a haircut the other day, and now he looks months older.

Good thing a trim doesn't do the same thing to adults :)

38/365: Macro Monday

2011-02-07T16:06:00.000-08:00

Last week's TJ's bouquet is still looking fabulous! The lilies opened up a couple days ago and they are so graceful.