Amber Waves of Grain

Happy 12th anniversary to Nathan !    Here we were 12 years ago today: Here we were last weekend at a wedding:   We haven't aged a bit, right!?!  One thing is true after 12 years.... I know Nathan loves me.  Here are a few ways I can tell: 1.   Nathan sneaked in & turned my heated mattress pad on for me when I was asleep because it had turned off during a power outage. He liked knowing I was warm & cozy in bed. 2.  He spoon-fed me applesauce when I had my wisdom teeth pulled and I was delirious from the drugs. 3.  He made me jello when I was really sick. 4.  He brings me flowers for no reason. 5.  He lets me put my icy cold feet under his body to warm them up. 6.  He will watch chick flicks with me. 7.  He always puts the toilet seat down.  Always. 8.  He whispers, "I love you" in the middle of the night when I'm asleep.... even though it wakes me up. 9.  He kind of sort of tries ...

Last fall I had the privilege of taking engagement photos for Joe & Callie ( LINK ).   This past weekend was their big wedding day and I got to play the role of 'candid photographer' ( aka : a friend with a nice camera willing to take over 600 photos ).  I had so much fun .  It was like having a special backstage pass. Here are some photos of Joe & Callie's special day. A quiet sanctuary...ready for a wedding!   Before the wedding..... What a cute sign!: The reception hall, ready to go!: Homemade centerpieces: The bridal party table:   The bride's dress and dresses for her two bridesmaids (both sisters): Pretty flowers and the bride's shoes: Callie! The beautiful bride: Callie with her mom and two sisters.  I can't say enough good things about this family.  The two sisters (bridesmaids- Alyssa & Emily) are also our babysitters.  (Have I mentioned that I have the BEST sitters ever!?):  Kennedy ...

Are you ready for a new ah-ha use?  A shower caddy with suction cups makes a great child's car organizer! I was tired of the kid's belongings sliding off the seats and onto the car floor constantly.  This has been the perfect solution. Each kid has one on their window.  They are just big enough for some books, hand sanitizer, sunglasses, etc.  But, not so big that the kids feel the need to bring toys from the house to the car.  That's a no-no at my house. Here's Keegan's: One for Kennedy. This one is on the sliding door.  It's never come off despite us opening and closing the door hard.   And, a small one for Savannah.  She has to have what the big kids have. They sell them for a variety of prices depending on the size and material.  So, that's today's ah-ha use!  Perfect for roadtrips or everyday use!

It was finally warm enough today to force everyone onto the porch for a quick photo shoot. Not the best, but here's what we got! Keegan's eyes shut.  Two out of three kids with open eyes isn't bad, right? Again, Keegan's eyes shut.  *sigh* The girls are getting annoyed by the 3rd try..... If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.  Funny faces are MUCH easier.  Ta-da!!

I've been picking up "How to Draw" books for Keegan at the thrift shop.   Most recently, I found one with has-been cartoon characters from long ago. Last night he drew an entire page of characters.  Here are a few close-ups: Hagar the Horrible.... Dino from the Flinstones: The Little King, Lyle The Lion, and Beetle Bailey:   And, Baby Puss:  Not bad for a 7 year old, right?! (*insert bragging rights here*) !

My sweet Savannah turns TWO today!   Words cannot describe how much I adore her.  She's fun.  She's sweet.  She's easy to love. Here are some photos for you to just soak in her adorableness.  Is that even a word?       Savannah is Miss Independent .   She wants to do everything her siblings do.  Most recently she's trying to potty train herself and insists on going through every step herself. She loves to sing and is often heard singing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and the ABC's, but never when I turn the camera on, of course. She can count . She loves Mickey Mouse (who she calls "Da-Da").  She loves Elmo and Blue's Clues too.   She insists on putting on her own coa t, shoes and socks. She tries to dress herself too but usually needs some help.   She loves to say "Blow it up!" while holding out her fist for a fist bump.  Cutest fist bump ever. She's a good eater and can out-eat my oth...