A resolution of sorts...

I think we all have hopes for when the new year starts. I have really been trying to balance work and life and family and all those things that come up. It's hard, because I know that work and my kids and THEIR things have to come first.. and usually do. But as a woman, and a wife -- sometimes we have to just PUSH the issues right?!

The first step for us is having the kids MISS activities on an upcoming sat so that they can go and spend time with their Aunt and Uncle (OVER NIGHT even!) and WE can enjoy the gifts that said Aunt and Uncle gave us -- Dinner and theater. I am REALLY looking forward to that night.. and even more so now that we can just not have to rush around on time crunch like we do most days of the week.

Another goal that I have been trying to do for a few months now is to be more crafty. DO something that feels creative, because that keeps me balanced and happy and gives me a feeling of accomplishment that's not a "have to". Besides, when I do things like that other people feel good about it, too. The person receiving the card, or the kids looking at the stuff I put together about THEM.. it's beneficial ALL around.

The other night, Pierce and Carter were looking through scrapbooks that I have done for them. Pierce made the comment "Where are you?".. well I am the one taking the pictures.. or I don't use pictures of me because I don't like how they look. :/ But what happens when he wants to show his kids what Gram looked like when HE was a kid.. =) And sometimes I love reading old things I did, seeing how I was thinking.. what I was like.. because we ALL change.. for the better or worse, we grow and change. So when I saw THIS project today I thought -- THIS is how I can do something that I can have about ME, and it's not too overwhelming (or IS it?! let's hope not). So my goal for January would be to MAKE the book, and then complete January. Maybe I can post about my progress on here..

Here's the project from Simple Stories and their team:

http://simplestories.typepad.com/simple_stories/2012/01/a-year-of-currents.html

I am LOVING the idea of simple stories. Thanks to Kim for introducing me to the concept and now I just have to actually get USING it. Along with the idea of simple stories, I am doing Smash Books for the kids. Quick, easy.. at the moment Smashbooks that they can right in, I can put stuff in and that can quickly sum up their year! Maybe I can blog about that too.. if anyone is listening..

If anyone is.. did you want to Join me in either adventure?!

Happy New Year!

Hopefully I can get into blogging a bit more regularly, because that would mean that I am actually "playing WITH Creative" in life!  Let's hope, huh?

This christmas Carter received a full drum set with cymbals and all the fun accessories (like cowbell - Thanks Mark!).  Here's their (Pierce had to get in on the action too) at playing on the drums...

Christmas pics...

Just thought I would put up a Sneak Peek of some Christmas Photos I did for neighbors. They are the best neighbors and we are really lucky! If only we could duplicate them and fill the block. ;)

These two are my absolute favorites:




I love having captured her intensely looking at the lights and the tree with her baby..




This one is just priceless because her face is SO serious / annoyed and mom and dad are smiling.. the glow of the lights really gets me too.

Here's a few more...

Cutie - Sneak Peek....

So I was able to take some impromptu pics of my little Frankie... I hope that her mom can use something from the 80 that I took for her 2 yr pics. =) She's so cute! Carter did a great job helping me keep her where I wanted her, and even getting her to laugh a little!!!

Sneak Peek

Just wanted to give Jamie and her family a little sneak peek of their photo shoot today! These are just a few that I played with.. and while I went a BIT insane on the NUMBER of pics I took, I have a good 300 to work on for them. Hopefully one will be the perfect picture for the mantle and christmas cards! These guys were SUCH fun to work with.... as you can see from the pics!

Fun in the yard....

My goal this weekend was some pics of the boys before the tree in the yard lost all it's leaves... Here's a sneak of straight out of camera shots! Enjoy what's left of your weekend!

It's been ages...

There's a reason that I am disorganized! I think I get myself into too many things. Between work, and kids and hubby and life.. and hobbies... well you get the picture?! But I am going to try and RENEW my interest in things like blogging.. maybe to be more creative.. maybe just to find a place out there.

Either way.. here's a recent adventure. The kids and I got Dave a Speed Pass for Father's day, and he finally signed up and went. I thought it would be neat to document so I went and took the day off too! I really recommend this to those who, or have hubbies who, like to drive fast, or just try something new!