what a week
Friday, December 18, 2009Labels: baby love, family matters
Oh what a week. I had a yearly doctor's appointment in town on Wednesday. I worked it out with my mom to borrow her car. She got a ride into work and then I would pick her up before the appointment. To say I was excited to leave the house was an understatement. I don't get to leave the house much these days. Josh needs the car to get to work and pick up parts for work during the day. So Jasper and I are kind of trapped most days. I've accepted it and I'm okay with it. (Even though some weeks I feel like I'm going a little stir-crazy.)
Wednesday I got us all ready to go and we headed out. I burnt a cd with Jasper's favorite songs and we were jamming to the tunes. I got two blocks out of town and hit a huge pothole, hard. I worried that it popped the tire and drove a bit to the stop sign. By the time I was there I was sure the tire was flat. I got out of the car and checked. Yep, flat.
I quickly called Josh and drove the six blocks to his work to switch cars. I know you're not supposed to drive on a flat but I didn't really know what else to do. We swapped cars and I headed into town. I couldn't believe it. Once I was almost into town I called Josh. I was worried driving on the flat did damage to the rim. Turns out hitting the pothole damaged the rim and not driving on it.
So I trashed my mom's tire and rim within five minutes of driving it. I was feeling so awful about it. On Thursday my dad sent me a link to this commercial and said he wasn't upset and that crap happens. To make matters worse the tire and rim probably wouldn't be fixed until early next week. So my parents and us would be sharing our one good car throughout the weekend so we could leave town if needed.
My dad called Josh today to let him know he wouldn't be using our car this afternoon to pick my mom up at work. The tire and rim were out for delivery on the UPS truck! In the words of my mom "it's a Christmas miracle"! Thank goodness. I am so thankful that we can start the weekend off on the right foot. I still feel terrible about the tire but I'm glad it's going to be fixed today.
I swear I have the worst luck ever. I guess it's a good thing I don't get to leave my house. And at least I have an adorable kid to hang out with.
jasper's first birthday
Thursday, October 29, 2009Saturday was a big day for us! Jasper turned one and we had his first birthday party. I have been planning forever so here is a massive post with all of the details. Labels: baby love, family matters
We bought 36 inch balloons and rented a helium tank. I really wanted to keep the decorations simple. I bought aqua colored card stock and printed out letters to make the banner. My mom was nice enough to cut out all of the letters. I glued them to the card stock and strung them through a ribbon for the front porch. It was pretty windy on Saturday so we ended up popping two of our four huge balloons. The other two were kept inside after that.
I started sewing the flag garland months and months ago. I bought fat quarters from the fabric store in different patterns. These flags are all over the Internet these days and there are a million different ways to make them. I of course, took the more complicated approach. I didn't want to do the easy way and just cut the fabric using pinking shears. I sewed each triangle so they are front and back. Flipped them the right way out and then made my own bias tape for all of the flags. The flags are reversible and I will definitely be able to use them again. I think I ended up with about 90 flags so it worked out to be 9 separate sections.
I had originally planned to sew all nine sections together so I had one long garland. I'm glad that I didn't do it that way. We put a section over the stairs leading downstairs, two downstairs, and the rest upstairs. It really made the whole house look very festive.
I got loads of prints for a Jasper timeline. I printed them through Mpix because you can get the white border automatically on them. I got 78 prints to begin with. Friday night I laid them all out on the floor to figure out placement. Turns out I got way to many...it was just so hard to narrow it down. I picked through them a couple times and ended up with five rows. I loved being able to see these all out in a row. They are still hanging in my kitchen because I can't bear to take them down.
I bought a bag of 100 balloons and we filled up almost all. I tied them around upstairs and just let the rest float around downstairs. It looked so fun! The kids really enjoyed playing with them as well. I currently have about 90 dead balloons on my floor downstairs. One of these days I will pop them all and throw them away.
The food was simple. We did sugar cookies and cake. I bought a large number one cookie cutter and decorated the cookies with stripes and stars.
My mom made the cakes. A little one just for Jasper to dig into.
And an awesome book shaped cake for everyone else to enjoy.
Jasper did so awesome all day. He didn't get an afternoon nap in so I was a little nervous that he would get frustrated with all of the people over. His reaction to everyone singing was hilarious. He looked confused and just looked from one person to the next.
He picked at the frosting for awhile and then Josh helped him really dig in. He definitely enjoyed the cake but I think he liked the frosting most. We did the cake first before anything else. I just rolled up Jasper's sleeves and put a bib on him. I've seen a lot of people have to hose their kid off after the cake. Jasper pretty much gets most of the food in his mouth so I wasn't too worried. He just needed a little wiping off after but we were good to go.
Before presents we showed a video slideshow I put together with videos and pictures. I used music by Renee and Jeremy and I loved how it turned out.
Jasper wasn't super interested in opening gifts. He helped pull some of the paper but mostly Josh and I just unwrapped the presents. He got so many awesome books. We have already read through quite a few of them. Amazingly I think we only got like two duplicates. It was awesome to see a huge stack of books when we were done and not a ton of toys.
Jasper's outfit was something that I spent some time on. It started with the brown denim jeans from babyGap. I picked out the shoes from See Kai Run. Then I got the long sleeve cream shirt from babyGap. And after three different fabrics I finally settled on one for the shirt. I cut out a one and used those iron-on fusible sheets. You just stick them to the back of fabric and then iron it on the shirt. I did run it through the sewing machine for a more finished look.
Since my good friend, Sondra, was there I enlisted her help to take pictures. We were able to take a few pictures of my little family which was awesome. I was so thankful knowing that she would be taking pictures so if I was too busy I didn't need to worry about it.
Josh and I took Jasper outside for a few pictures with the large balloon. It was so fun to have those huge balloons. Jasper thought they were pretty cool. All in all it was a great day. Good to spend time with our friends and family. Jasper was such a trooper. He walked around, played and giggled all day. He's such an amazing kid. It was a great day to end our first amazing year together.
am & pm
Wednesday, October 28, 2009This morning was a trying one here in my house. Jasper flipped some imaginary switch around 10:00am and became a different toddler. He was whiny, grouchy and tried to do everything he's not supposed to do. It started with the plant he knows not to touch. He went over to it and ripped a leaf off while looking right at me. I took the leaf, sat him down and said no. He started crying and immediately went back to the plant to pull on it. He got in trouble again and things went downhill. I put him down for a nap and he wailed. Since this is very unusual for him I got him back up and tried to occupy him. He wanted to be held and then wanted down. Up and down, whining the whole time. I seriously said to him, "Who are you and what have you done with my baby?". We tried nap time a few more times but he did not go down for a nap until ten til one. And then he proceeded to sleep for THIRTY MINUTES. He cried more this morning than the entire month of October. Getting two teeth and four molars is apparently hard work. Labels: all you need is love, baby love, family matters
The morning sucked but my day improved. My awesome neighbor agreed to watch Jasper. (Of course he was an angel for her.) Josh took off work early to pick him up. Sondra and I went into town. I got a Starbucks and we looked at all of the Christmas decorations at Hobby Lobby. My parents stopped by around supper time to entertain the little guy for a bit. Then Sondra cooked us an awesome supper. I gave Jasper his bath tonight and he giggled every time he splashed me. We snuggled for a little bit and I'm pretty sure he still likes me.
I feel very thankful...thankful for my parents, good friends and my husband. And thankful for a healthy baby who only is cranky when he's cutting teeth.
what is my family coming to
Thursday, June 25, 2009Labels: family matters
My poor little momma... First my brother got a tattoo, then got a second. Josh got his forearm tattooed. Now my dad joined the tattoo club. He decided on a running tattoo above his ankle. I think it turned out pretty cool. The tattoo artist combined the version I designed and another version. It's also cool because it means something to my dad. It's like he's announcing that he has committed to running forever. 
I have been tossing around the idea to getting my eyebrow re-pierced. (I had my eyebrow pierced between the age 22 and 23.) I really miss it but can't help wonder if I'm too old for it. The other night at supper I said to my mom, "What would you think about me getting-". My mom interrupted, "getting your eyebrow re-pierced?". (That's the problem with your parents having Facebook too...) I said, "Yeah, I'm considering". Little Momma says, "What is my family coming to?? Tattoos, piercings?"
So it seems we're all rebelling a bit. Who's next? Little Momma? I doubt it. When hearing about my brother's plan for more tattoos she responded, "Oh gosh. I'm going to have to start a prayer chain". I love that little lady.
grandparents
Thursday, May 21, 2009Before I even got pregnant my mom would often comment how my kids were going to have the best grandparents. There was no doubt in my mind that my parents would be awesome at the grandparent thing. Sure enough, they are pretty great. Labels: baby love, family matters
Jasper has a very special relationship with them and I am so thankful for it. I was never really close with any of my grandparents growing up so I'm excited that Jasper will get to experience that.
we're here, mostly
Friday, April 17, 2009Labels: baby love, family matters, randomness
- Tuesday morning we all woke up with a cold. Unfortunately Jasper got it the worse. Luckily he's feeling better today. Hopefully he'll be 100% this weekend.
- We have his 6-month checkup at the doctor today. I'm guessing he weighs 21 pounds.
- I've been trying to finish the wedding that we shot last month. It's going so slowly! Working and watching a baby isn't the easiest thing in the world.
- Josh and I have decided to tear down our summer house. It's a cool building but needs a lot of work. Even if we put the work into it, I just don't think we'd use it that much. Plus it is in the MIDDLE of my backyard. Jasper needs room for a swingset. Hoping to tear that down next month.
- Once the summer house is down, we're going to plant some trees and figure out where our compost pile is going. I cannot wait to get the backyard in order. It may take a couple years but I'm determined to have the yard we want!
- I'm starting to book a lot of sessions for the Spring which is exciting.
- I'm craving a vanilla soy latte like mad.
- My parents have completely gutted their house, minus three bedrooms and the kitchen. It is going to be a different house! My folks have done a ton of the work themselves which involved taking everything down to the studs. (They went through many dumpsters and ended up taking out 8.5 tons of crap!!) The drywall company is going to finish early next week (woohoo, no more wood paneling). Next is painting, then carpeting, then new furniture.. I am so excited for them. This is so well deserved. I'm also pretty sure that they aren't going to leave the house for a month when it's all done. I will post pictures of before and after when it's all done.
- I'm having a garage sale next month. The garage is seriously clean but nothing else is ready for it. Gotta get on that.
- My baby is trying to crawl. I think I'm really in for it when he does. Hmm...how much is a Pack & Play?
- There is a robin trying to build a nest on my front porch light. Every day I go out and knock down what was built the night before. I don't want them to put eggs in there because then I'll have to leave it! This has been going on for TWO weeks. You'd think they would get the idea. They don't know what kind of stubborn person they are dealing with. I will be victorious!
- We had Jasper's four month shots done at the doctor's office. Since it was applied to our insurance deductible we owe $442 for them. WHA-HUH? I had NO idea that shots were so expensive. This month he'll be going to the health dept.
- Jasper has starting sleeping on his belly. At first I fought it by rolling him back to his back all the time. But he sleeps better and likes it. As my dad said to me (while I was worrying about it), "Kimberly, if he can't breath he'll move". So true.
- Every time all of the cousins are together, my mother-in-law HAS to get a picture of them. This is pretty much what every picture looks like. Jasper chilling like what the heck is going on. Kate all over and Tristan trying to get off the couch. Funny how the little ones are cool.
- Josh is off work today and that makes me VERY happy. Off to enjoy the weather with my boys.
happy b-day
Friday, February 27, 2009Labels: family matters
My little momma turns 50 years old today. She's totally not upset about it or anything. She's awesome like that. I'm sure it helps that she doesn't look a day over 40.
Anyway, happy birthday Mom! I love you!
job title
Wednesday, February 04, 2009Josh and I met with our insurance agent last night to finish a health insurance application. She asked what I wanted to put as my job title since I'll be quitting. "Homemaker?", she asked. Why yes, I do make homes. Labels: baby love, family matters
I only have 16 work days left since I have to use two floating holidays sometime this month.
I keep thinking I'm going to be taking a short vacation from work, not that I am really quitting. I've been working since I was 15 years old. It's hard to imagine not working.
Thanks everyone for all of your comments yesterday. The response to quitting has been so positive! It's awesome to have so much support. Alright though, be honest...who thought I was pregnant again?
dream job
Tuesday, February 03, 2009Let's have a little conversation, Internet. Pretend like we've never met. Labels: baby love, family matters
Me: Hello! What's your name?
You: The Internet. Yours?
Me: Kimberly. How are you today?
You: Oh, I'm fine. So what do you do for a living?
Me: I'm a stay-at-home mom and photographer!
You: That's awesome.
Yep, I am going to be staying home with Jasper!! At the end of February I will get to say I am a stay-at-home mom. I am able to do what I've always wanted to do. Not only do I get to spend every day with my favorite little man, but I get to start investing more time in my business. I'm going to take it slow at first but I can't wait to see what happens.
My husband has been incredible and totally committed to get me home no matter what. Money will be tight, we have a serious budget, no more regular Starbucks, and I'm giving up my wonderful addiction of Fiji water. I also have started clipping coupons. I'm actually really excited about the prospect of following a budget and cutting costs where we can.
I still can't believe that I get to be a stay-at-home mom. I admit I get choked up just at the thought. It truly is my dream job! I am feeling so thankful for the opportunity and the husband that is making it possible.
changes everything
Monday, December 15, 2008Today Jasper and I are attending the funeral of a very great man. A man that was the closest thing to a grandpa I had growing up. A few weeks ago we got to see him one last time. He gave me a hard time about being ornery and staying out of trouble. He also got to meet Jasper which I was so thankful for. The past couple days have been sad for me. Having Jasper though changes everything. I can just look at him and feel better. Life goes on. And hopefully someday Jasper will be a great man just like my "Grandpa". Labels: family matters
rest in peace, tob
Monday, November 17, 2008Labels: family matters
Good-bye, Toby. I miss you already. You were a good friend to me.
hearing Tony
Monday, October 13, 2008Labels: family matters, music
I told everyone I would make it until Tony's show on October 11th and that I did! I got to hear him play twice which was awesome. He sounded great.
It was so amazing to see Tony play his music in front of so many people. People we knew, people we didn't... I felt pretty proud to be related to so much talent!
better LUCK this time
Friday, October 10, 2008Labels: family matters, music
I am so excited for my brother's show(s) tomorrow! If you're in the area, come to Fusion Brew at 3:00 or Border's at 7:00. You can see a big 'ol pregnant woman (ok, so not that big) and hear some sweet music by better LUCK this time!
jenna's pictures
Wednesday, September 17, 2008Labels: family matters, knight light
I took my sister-in-law's Senior pictures last night. We were running out of light quick so some of the shots were completely dictated by that. She wore a prom dress in the middle of a creek and it was awesome.
She's fearless that girl and didn't mind anything I asked of her. We actually ran out of daylight to finish up her pictures so we've got one more outfit to do. I wonder what other crazy things I can ask her to do.
better LUCK this time
Monday, July 28, 2008Labels: family matters
My extremely talented brother, Tony, put out his very first cd. I finally got my hands on a copy over the weekend and was so excited for him. I'm so proud of him for deciding to do this on his own and making it happen. The cd sounds awesome and I'm quite proud of the design and pictures. Knight Light is even credited on the cd. Now when he makes it big I can say I designed his first cd.
You can check out Tony here: www.myspace.com/betterluckthistime. Also I have a few cds to sell so if you'd like one let me know. Ten bucks and I'll throw in free shipping!
did and did not
Monday, June 23, 2008Things I didn't do this weekend: Labels: family matters, randomness
- Clean my bathrooms.
- Organize the one section of the house left to organize.
- Take pictures for money.
- Do laundry.
- Take my dog on a walk (although we had every intention of doing so).
Things I did do this weekend:
- Sit in a coffee shop with my husband and enjoy a latte.
- Prune our grapevine.
-Enjoy the gorgeous weather. (That is, after our photo session got rained out.)
- Watch my husband with our niece. And yes, my heart melts a little bit each time.
- Was completely mesmerized by niece's eyes. (I can't wait to take her two year pictures in another month.)
It was one of those really random crazy weekends. Good friends, good food, time with both families, lots of relaxing, and some Knight Light work... Whew!
being like my mom
Tuesday, May 13, 2008Last week my mom commented to me about how she didn't think I should worry about if I'll be a good mom. My mom's childhood wasn't a good one and yet she turned out to be an amazing mother. She stopped what could have been a continuing pattern in her family. She said, "Even though I didn't have a very good mom, I never once worried that I wouldn't be a great mom to you and Tony". I told her that it makes perfect sense that I would worry. I have a lot to live up to. Labels: family matters
For as long as I can remember I've wanted to me a mommy. I'm pretty sure it's because as long as I can remember I've wanted to be like my mom. Who wouldn't want to be a geniunely nice person, someone who's kind to strangers, someone who is sensitive and feels others problems, a person that would go out of their way for others, a peacemaker, an awesome cookie maker, a giggler, a Guitar Hero playing Little Momma? I know that I would. Happy Mother's Day, Mom. (A couple days late...) Thanks for being you.
quick recap
Thursday, December 27, 2007Labels: christmas cheer, family matters
Even though I know how fast Christmas flies by, I'm always surprised when it's over. It was a good Christmas though. As usual, I was spoiled. I got a really nice sewing machine! Now I can give my mom back her old one. I'm excited to spend some of the winter months sewing. Josh and I got to spend time with both of our families. It was at times a bit chaotic, but a lot of fun.
My nephew, Tristan is turning into quite the little butterball. So completely adorable! He's already sitting up by himself which will make his six-month pictures even easier next month.
Kate, my niece, was really getting into the whole present thing. Although she usually wanted to help everyone else open their gifts but not do her own.
I was inspired by the Square America photo website to process some of my Christmas pictures that way. View the rest of them on Flickr.
Hope you all had a very happy Christmas!
sure you can use my camera
Thursday, November 29, 2007Labels: family matters, kodachrome
My sister-in-law, Jenna, snapped this picture. She wanted to take a picture with my camera so I said she could take one of me and my nephew, Tristan. Just as she was getting ready to take the picture Tristan made a little noise and then looked right at me. It cracks me up.
Jenna has seemed semi-interested in my camera lately. I'm really hoping she wants to learn more but I'm not pushing it. I'm just waiting for her to come to me. I had to bite my tongue last night because I was getting ready to explain the settings I was using. Shoot, I don't want to scare her off before she really gets into it!
4 day recap
Monday, November 26, 2007My mini Thanksgiving break was very good. I did everything on my list except start crocheting. I think I need to finish up processing photo sessions before I can attempt that again. Josh and I went to his folks for Thanksgiving lunch. My parents were invited to come with us so that was really nice. Labels: christmas cheer, family matters
We played with our niece and nephew which is always fun. The dynamic of the family has changed so much, now that there is two little ones. Christmas should be a lot of fun.
We ate yummy food and pie.
We played a couple games including one called "You're an Idiot". It involves answering questions and labeling others as "an idiot". At one point during the game Josh's brother-in-law called Josh's mom an idiot. I informed him that never under any circumstances (even a game) should you call your mother-in-law an idiot.
It was a good day spending time with Josh's family.
Friday night Josh and I got all of our Christmas decorations from my parent's basement. I wasn't sure if I would have the motivation to start decorating but I ended up doing it all. It's easier now because I have places for everything and know where I want to put things. Of course, decorating was finally a snap this year in what I hope is the last Christmas in the apartment.
I love the coziness of the apartment right now. With the candles all lit and the white Christmas lights on, you can hardly tell how junky the apartment is. We love being in the living room now. Josh and I watched Love Actually, Elf and The Holiday throughout the weekend. I figured I should start my Christmas movie watching early because last year I ran out of time.
Yesterday we put the ornaments on the tree which was the last bit of decorating to do. I wrapped a bunch of presents and worked on a Senior photo session. It was hard to accept that my break was over but now I can really start looking forward to Christmas!
