Field Day

A nice morning calls for a nice walk in the fields.
Patches of flowers for picking.
Birds for chasing.
Room for running.

I ♥ Tucker, A Photo Shoot

Last weekend I had the pleasure of taking Tucker's photograph. You saw my preview here. The location chosen was great and I myself can't wait to go back with the girls and see what other shots I can capture.

I finally finished editing them today. All of the final cuts are now viewable on Flickr!

But wait, there's more.

Tmrw is the last day to enter I "Heart" Tucker's Flip Flop Scrapbook Giveaway! All you have to do is a leave a comment with some well wishes for his journey to Boston in TWO WEEKS!!! Yes, can you believe the time is almost here?

So, feast you eyes on my favorite photo today, and then head over and enter!

"Thought Bubble"

Thursday Thirteen- Edition "U"

1. Universe - So big and so vast!

2. Uncle - We have some fabulous uncles in our family.

3. U-571 - Never seen it, was it any good?

4. Unique - To each Their own.

5. Usually - I usually have TT posted on Wednesday night. Not this week.

6. Umbrella - I own two, but rarely use them.

7. Usher - Didn't have any for my wedding.

8. Utilities - My electric and gas bills are my biggest bills.

9. Underworld - Watched this movie yesterday.

10. U-Turn - Make them all the time.

11. Unicorn - Pretty things.

12. Us - Me and my family.

13. Unfortunate - A little too often.

Bare with me for the next few weeks as I participate in Thursday Thirteen, Alphabetically. I think it's going to be a lot harder than I thought. LOL!

If you are playing along, you may sign Mr. Linky below. Please sign Mr. Linky with your actual TT permalink and not your blog's homepage.

Happy Thursday Thirteen and don't forget to visit a few other participants! Have Fun!



*Mister Linky has been working out some kinks, just click the image to sign the log. Thanks!

Memorial Weekend Madness (Part 2)

Spending the weekend with cousins was one of the best times we've had in awhile. There were 14 of us, that included these six blue eyed beauties. All of the kids had such a blast and loved on each other every moment they could. *Memorial Madness Part One.

Back Row: Levi (4) and Brett (4)
Front Row: Izzy (3), Brooklyn (9mths), Blake (9mths) and Emmy (18mths)

The older three loved walking around Jiggle Jam and especially enjoyed the Bounce Houses. There were six Bounce Houses to play on, so each of these three got to choose. Levi chose a traditional Moonwalk House, Brett chose a train maze and Izabel chose a large gladiator type house. You had to run past and through things, climb a wall and then slide down.

Emmy had loads of fun in this one too!

Jiggle Jam also offered a huge tent with nothing but Bubble Mania! Several tables filled with bubble juice and every bubble wand imaginable made for a very good time! There was also a big bubble maker blowing thousands of bubbles into the tent.

There were horses to ride, with your eyes open or otherwise.

And pirates hunting treasures.

And of course, Princesses meeting Princesses!

I didn't take as many photos as I would have liked to but there are plenty more for your viewing pleasure over in FLICKR! Remember, we also did swimming and Kaleidoscope.

Tmrw, I'll conclude with Part Three. I know, the anticipation!

Memorial Weekend Madness

To say we were busy this weekend would be an understatement. We had such a full but wonderful weekend full of festivities!

Saturday we spent time with our cousins in from out of town. In one day we managed to:

Attend to Jiggle Jam, the biggest kid's party ever!

Yes, Emmy's about to start crying.

Eat at Fritz's at Crown Center where a train delivered our food.

Then off to Kaleidoscope for a little bit where the kids could get a little creative.

Daddy made the girls swords too, very fun!

Back to the hotel for some swimming.

Finally, ending our evening at T-Rex Cafe.

The most amazing atmosphere and the food was really quite delicious.
Not to mention those Mammoth Margaritas!

That was just Saturday! We had so much fun and the girls did too! They loved going to Jiggle Jam to blow bubbles, hear some great bands, jump in multiple Bounce Houses, eat great food and love on their cousins. It was a perfect day!

I have so many more photos to share too. More throughout the week and also on FLICKR.

Memorial Day

To all of those who have served or are serving our country, Thank You.

United States Flags may be flown at Half Staff today until Noon, local time.
Flags must be raised from Noon until Sunset.

Please take a moment today to remember every man and woman who has served our country. Thank them and their families for the sacrifices they have had to endure as well.

I have the pleasure of knowing a few military families. Stop over at their blogs today and thank them for all that they have done.

Joe, Michelle, Kayla and Lucas at Big Blueberry Eyes

Tommie, Tommie's Husband, Livi and Will at Tuesday Update

Frank, Renee, and all their Special K's at Life With My Special K's

I "Heart" Tucker

I had the pleasure of taking Tucker's photos today. This one was my most favorite! Thank you Karen and Hunter for allowing me to play.

And don't forget, I "Heart" Tucker still has an amazing giveaway going on!

PhotoStory Friday - Superfly

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

It turns out that when there are no children to play with Izabel at the park, she plays with the one thing she fears most; bugs.

Aren't those the cutest. little. dirty. fingers you've ever seen?

Flip Flop Giveaway

Tucker's mommy and sister designed these very sweet and trendy scrapbooks made out of flip flops. Are these not the cutest memory savers! You can add photos, keepsakes and journal all about your upcoming Summer vacations and activities.

We are so thankful and grateful for the support and love you have all shared that I have decided to give away one of these fabulous scrapbooks to one lucky winner!!

All you have to do is leave a comment OVER HERE wishing Tucker and his family all the best on their journey to Boston next month. I want them to be leaving with as many well wishes, cards and photos as their hearts (and suit cases) can handle. We are exactly one month away from departure.

If you would like additional chances to win one of these really fabulous scrapbooks, make a donation to Tucker's heart fund via the Paypal button on the right of I "Heart" Tucker. You can have an extra entry for every $1.00 donation.

Contest runs from now until May 31st.

Smiles Filled The Skies and Laughter Filled The Air

The breeze was cool yesterday but the temperature warm. The girls and I ventured to the park for the afternoon in spite of the sweat creeping through their hair and down their cheeks. There's something about the park that just makes Izabel and Emily come alive. Their smiles are genuine and their laughter contagious.

Freedom to run away far, scream their loudest, and jump their highest.

It was a great day at the park.

A few more captures from the afternoon can be found over in the Flickr! account. Enjoy!

Thursday Thirteen- Edition "T"

1. Tantrums - My girls have plenty of tantrums, and it's usually over something very minor.

2. Thunder - I had a dog once who was terrified of Thunder. He actually ate through a closed door, frame and all, while we were out during one. Izabel and Emily are also both terrified of Thunder too.

3. Tequila - My choice of liquor, when I have the time to drink.

4. Trees - My love for trees is almost an obsession. I am constantly admiring their shapes and sizes and framing a perfect shot.

5. Twenty - I am still in my twenties, but not for long.

6. Transformers - One of my favorite movies to watch these days.

7. Taffy - It's been awhile, but Salt-Water Taffy is really yummy. I used to get some at Crown Center all the time.

8. Talk - Me. All the time.

9. Tornado - Very common here in the Midwest. A real rush to watch and chase them, as long as they stay clear of my house.

10. Toddler - Emily is my little toddler for now. Izabel's growing up so quickly.

11. Tator Tots - So yummy! My girls won't touch them.

12. Ta Ta's - Mine could use a lift.

13. Tea - I really like tea, hot and cold. Sun Tea is the best, and it's time to start making it again.


Bare with me for the next few weeks as I participate in Thursday Thirteen, Alphabetically. I think it's going to be a lot harder than I thought. LOL!

If you are playing along, you may sign Mr. Linky below. Please sign Mr. Linky with your actual TT permalink and not your blog's homepage.

Happy Thursday Thirteen and don't forget to visit a few other participants! Have Fun!

Wordless Wednesday - Forever Sisters

For More Wordless Wednesday, Visit 5 Minutes For Mom, MomDot and the Wordless Wednesday.

I "Heart" Tucker

As seen on I "Heart" Tucker, a journey to Boston for a whole heart.

**********

Joey from The Weeks Family Blog has come forth and offered an amazing collection of home made candles. A portion of the profits from each sale will go directly toward Tucker and his family.


Candles By Scorpio offers a wide range of fragrances; everything from Almond to Zinfandel. I think the Orange and Lilac would be my top picks. Joey also has many different sizes to choose from. The largest size she offers is a 26 oz. This is the kind of candle I would buy, the long lasting burning time would keep my house smelling yummy for a long time. She also offers smaller candles such as your Tea Lights and Votive's.

Everything you need to know to to put together your order can be found at Candles By Scorpio. Fragrances, Pricing and Sizes as well as photos of her products.

This is a wonderful opportunity to stock up on some of your favorite candle scents and all the while you will be helping Tucker get to Boston. We are down to last few weeks before Tucker leaves. Every last bit we can do to help will make a world of a difference. Joey has volunteered to send a protion of each candle sale to Tucker and his family. Thank you Joey for your kindness!

To place your candle order, please visit Candles By Scorpio. You can contact Joey directly to get your orders in process by emailing her at candlesbyscorpio@aol.com

Who Says Monday's Can't Be Wordless

13 Years of Bliss

Today, Saturday, May 16th, 2009, Greg and I are celebrating 13 years; 6 years of marriage. It doesn't seem like that long ago that we met and yet at the same time, It seems like we have known each other our entire lives. There is not a day that goes by that I am not thankful for everything Greg has brought into my life.

Every year is more exciting than the last and I look forward to so many more years. There's no place I'd rather be than with Greg.

Happy Anniversary Honey!
I love you bunches; Forever and Always.

More Retro Relationship photos of us can be found over in FLICKR! Enjoy!

Peeing Princess(es)

Izabel has become famous (okay, not really, but a little) on YouTube, so I thought I would share why. This video of Izabel has been viewd almost 13,000 times! This was from when Izzy was potty training. Nanny used to sing a similar song to Greg and we just picked it from there.

The reason I brought this up is because today I started singing the song to Emmy. Yep, Emmy started sitting on the potty today. We aren't going to rush things but I think it's time to get the ball moving.

Soon enough I will have a video of Emmy singing herself the same song. Enjoy!

Thursday Thirteen- Edition "S"

1. Sisters - I am glad my girls have each other.

2. Spongebob - There's just something about him that my girls like. It's rarely on here, but when it's on, the girls are so quiet.

3. Shoes - I used to have quite a few, now not so much. I live in flip flops.

4. Sacker - My first job was a sacker at a grocery store. I loved it and loved getting to know the same people who came in time and time again.

5. Star Trek - Greg and I went to see the new Star Trek movie last weekend. It was very good and we hope to see it again while it's theaters.

6. Sale - Some I cannot pass up, others are not as good as they appear.

7. Snowmen - Our Christmas and Winter seasons are filled with everything snowmen. Our Christmas tree is covered in tons.

8. Saltwater - Oh how I miss the ocean and the beach.

9. Sandbox - We have a turtle sandbox for the girls. They enjoy digging very much but it's almost too small for the both of them.

10. Storm Systems - I love the rain and all the magnificent clouds it brings with it.

11. Stars - Living slightly out of the way from the city lights, we can see so many stars in the sky. It's amazing to see all those tiny lits points of energy.

12. Sarcastic - My beloved has more than enough comments stored away for any occasion.

13. Strip - Both of my girls would rather run around in panties/diaper than clothes.


Bare with me for the next few weeks as I participate in Thursday Thirteen, Alphabetically. I think it's going to be a lot harder than I thought. LOL!

If you are playing along, you may sign Mr. Linky below. Please sign Mr. Linky with your actual TT permalink and not your blog's homepage.

Happy Thursday Thirteen and don't forget to visit a few other participants! Have Fun!

Wordful Wednesday - A Spalsh of Life and Color

Instead of being completely Wordless today, I am going to be slightly Wordful. My absence (yet again) from the blogosphere is becoming more and more pronounced. I'm still popping by to read your posts and saying something from time to time, but no where near the time I used to.

That's okay though, I've decided that this lack in blogging has me looking at other areas of interest. Last night in fact, I started watching the first season of True Blood. It's pretty good but defiantly a switch from Twilight. I kinda liked when my vampires sparkled. True Blood is good enough to occupy my time though and I'm sure the Twilight books would like a break, after all, I've read the entire series 3 times in the last few weeks.

The girls have really been keeping me on my feet as well. Spring has them climbing up the walls and hanging from the ceiling. Yesterday, Izabel had an interview with out first choice pre-school. We filled out the paperwork to get her on the waiting list. She has to see her doctor and dentist for physicals and then we will be good. We hope to hear some good news by the end of July. There are only 22 spots available next Fall, so cross some toes.

Emily continues to grow and learn so much. She's constantly walking around singing Twinkle Twinkle to herself and trying so hard to make the words right. She has most of it down pat. She loves to work on her ABC's too. It won't be long and she'll be a singer like her sister. She will be 18 months old at the end of May, shocking!

And finally, a rant if you will. Is anyone else having issues with certain websites? Flickr, Yahoo Mail, Facebook? I haven't been able to access ANYTHING in those areas for two days. My cable company says everything is fine on their end (after numerous sun spot outages) and that it's me or the website servers. Ugh! it's so frustrating, especially not having email or anything. I have checked and double checked everything. My settings haven't been changed, my firewalls are where they should be and it was just all of a sudden. I've never had these problems before. And yes, I've tried multiple browsers including Firefox, Safari and Opera.

So again, all of that kinda explains my absence in other areas of this big web too. I can only hope it resolves soon.

Thursday Thirteen- Edition "R"

1. Rejection - No one likes this in any scenario.

2. Riddles - I've never been good at riddles and puzzles.

3. Rambunctious - My girls!

4. Rosie - Our PATS teacher. The girls love her and she does so well with them.

5. Reading - Something I like to do as well as Greg and the girls.

6. Rouladen - A German dish I've tried once. It was pretty good.

7. Rodeo - I've been to a couple and I find them to be quite suspenseful.

8. Rainbows - Always as beautiful as the dark sky that proceeds them.

9. Reliable - It's very comforting when you can find the reliability in your life.

10. Renaissance - My family and I have gone for a few years now and enjoy the festival very much. The food is fantastic!

11. Restraint - The older I get, the less I have.

12. Responsibilities - I have enough to keep me busy for a lifetime.

13. Repetition - While I do find myself repeating the same things over and over to my kids, I never loose faith that one day they will get it.

Bare with me for the next few weeks as I participate in Thursday Thirteen, Alphabetically. I think it's going to be a lot harder than I thought. LOL!

If you are playing along, you may sign Mr. Linky below. Please sign Mr. Linky with your actual TT permalink and not your blog's homepage.

Happy Thursday Thirteen and don't forget to visit a few other participants! Have Fun!

Clay County War Memorial

In addition to the bridges, Greg and I went to visit the Clay County War Memorial last weekend. It was recently completed and holds the names of all lost from the Civil War to the current War in Iraq. It's in a nice serene park, surrounded by trees and a fountain.

The eagle that stands high in the center of the memorial has been carved in great length with very fine details and the names are etched on solid granite.

There are three flags that surround the memorial. In order, the Missouri State Flag, The United States Flag and a black POW Flag.

Memorial Day is Monday May 25th, 2009. Take a moment and acknowledge those who are serving and who have served our country. Flags may also be flown at half-staff from dawn until noon, local time.

A Date Under The Bridge

Saturday, Greg and I had some time to ourselves. The girls went to Gama and Papa's house for the day and Greg and I spent the day gallivanting around the town shooting some photos. I'm still trying to get the hang of this new 300mm on loan from Karen. It's a manual lens, no VR or auto focus. I am terrible at it to say the least. I think that's why a traditional 35mm never worked so well for me.

We spent some time down at the riverfront, trying to capture some of the great lines of the many bridges we have going across the Missouri river. There are many more bridges that I want to capture, but these are a nice start.

Greg and I had a wonderful day together. It was fantastic just being the two of us. I look forward to the coming weeks as we have a few other dates planned, including our 6 year wedding anniversary.

Click to enter for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card
that I am giving away over at I "Heart" Tucker.