captured by erin w

We have MOVED! :)

2011-04-19T06:35:00.000-07:00

Yes, its finally official!! You can now find us over here:

Erin Wheeler Photography

So updated your bookmarks, rss, bloggers ect ect! I am so excited to have a new blogsite and take my photography to the next level! :) No worries everything will still be the same....52 week project, my rambles ect. Hopefully now I will be able to post much more because this format is way easier and you get bigger photos- how neat is that!?! I still have a bit of work to do to the site but I am so happy with my new look so far! I am not going to delete this blog at all because its still near and dear to my heart plus its always nice to look back. Thanks so much everyone for your love and support and I hope you will join me on my new adventures!!

And of course I can't post without a photo!! Sooo....week 14/52 Perfect Day :)

13/52 Dinner

2011-04-12T16:18:00.000-07:00

Love it when I have the night off from making dinner! ;)

12/52 Rain, rain go away!!!

2011-03-31T20:23:00.000-07:00

Its been cold, wet, gloomy, raining and 40 degree weather here. What gives spring?! I'm ready to break out my flip flops!!! :)

Stay tuned I have an announcement to make in a few short weeks (and no not that kind of announcement- wink wink!).

11/52 Birthday Breakfast

2011-03-23T18:59:00.000-07:00

Because it only happens once a year. :)

Hope you all are having a great week!!

Grown Up

2011-03-15T20:19:00.001-07:00

Happy birthday today to my sweet girl!! Seriously where does the time go!?! It seems like yesterday she was just born. On a funny note Kassidy told me this morning she is NOT going to grow up. I was so relieved! Whew!

9/52 Ruffles, Ribbons & Curls

2011-03-08T19:55:00.000-08:00

Three of my favorite things. :)

8/52 Storytime

2011-02-28T21:11:00.000-08:00

Found these adorable little books at my favorite antique store. She loves these books to death--- calls them her "tiny books". I love how they fit so perfectly in her little hands.
Hope you all are having a good week. :)

7/52 Play

2011-02-21T18:09:00.000-08:00

Wow... so how late am I on this post? ;) Not only that I can't believe I am sitting here listening to the snow fall (or is that sleet??) and it was just around 60 degrees last week. Well we enjoyed the sunshine while it lasted!! :)

6/52 Create

2011-02-12T19:30:00.000-08:00

She loves to color so much she could spend hours doing it. I think I could wallpaper my whole house with the amount of pictures she colors per week! :)

5/52 Morning

2011-02-05T19:30:00.000-08:00

This is what mornings look like around here. Yes, I know her slippers don't match but she insists on wearing them this way. :) It cracks me up because it matches her little funky personality. She is usually always dragging a stuffed animal everywhere and talking nonstop. Oh how I love mornings. :)

4/52 Tutus & Tea

2011-01-29T19:18:00.000-08:00

Week #4

"There are lives that I can imagine without children but none of them have the same laughter & noise." Story People

Love warms the heart...

2011-01-27T20:28:00.000-08:00

Had a quick Valentine photo session with the little one the other day. I almost froze my fingers off....I think I am done with the "white stuff." Bring on spring!

Gotta love these mittens...they are my fav!

Bubbly week #3

2011-01-22T18:39:00.000-08:00

Well I made it to week #3! :) I just need to remember to upload before the week ends. Ms. Kassidy loves her baths....in fact its a struggle to get her out. A little funny thing she has been doing lately is floating on her back and singing songs...her favorite lately is "twinkle twinkle little star".

Coming soon...a snowy valentine shoot! :)

Cookies N Milk~ Week #2

2011-01-15T20:29:00.001-08:00

Yikes-- before I forget and the week is over- I decided to do the 52 week project! I have no idea WHY- lol- I have so many things going on right now- my office is getting a makeover- everything is torn apart in this house, working on lots of other projects and thinking I really need to sign up for a Mac class because it took me 20 minutes to figure out how to post this pic from my new macbook! :)

But here ya go- week #2 my girlie making some yummy cookies the other day!

Hope you all are having a great weekend!!

Ms. Chelsea

2011-01-11T21:02:00.000-08:00

This is my wonderful neighbor Chelsea. She asked me a long time ago to do some photos for her-- not only did I take forever to do her session I took forever to edit and post these...oops! BUT since today is Chelsea's birthday (Happy Birthday Chelsea!!) I thought what better than a perfect day to surprise her and post these!! I hope you love them as much as I do Chelsea! :)

Favorite movie: Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 1
Favorite item in your closet: American Eagle Grey & White Striped Sweater

Last thing you bought: A pack of Gummi Bears
Dream job: Always wanted to be an actress but my more practical choice
would be an author/illustrator or maybe a lawyer cause they make good $$

Last thing you ate: an amazing bagel with cinnamon and sugar
Favorite website: Mylifeisaverage.com or the amazing Facebook

Favorite pastime: Painting
Dream vacation: Europe..Paris, France, London...the beautiful scenery!! (love her style!)

Favorite song: Changes all the time- right now its "Back to December" by Taylor Swift
Favorite word: Tricky question- maybe "fancy" or "spiffy" or "ninja"

Someone decided to jump in here...lol.

Thanks so much for being patient Chelsea & braving the cold with me-- hope you had fun! :)

Still here...

2011-01-06T20:57:00.000-08:00

I haven't fallen off the face of the earth! I feel like I have been in hibernation over the holidays. So, so much fun just relaxing with my girls-- I was so sad when they had to back to school this week but I am over it now! :) I received a yummy new computer for Christmas so I have been working on that & some other new exciting projects...can't wait to share! :) I've been thinking about doing a 52 week project-- has anyone done this...I need some encouragement!! :)

So I can't sign off without a photo...I am dreaming of spring now...are you?

Happy Holidays

2010-12-23T20:06:00.000-08:00

We finally received a little winter weather the other day and we were beyond excited! I've had this photo shoot planned out in my head for sometime at this location but was afraid it wouldn't snow before Christmas so I was unsure this was going to happen. As soon as I heard the weather we jumped up and headed out. Little Ms Kassidy did not last too long... it was SOOO cold we had to run and get some hot chocolate after 15 minutes! :) I went back later with Maddison and we toughed out the cold weather and had some fun! Anyhow on with the photos...I will let them do the talking!

Wishing you all a joyous and wonderful holiday! :)

Gumdrops & Lollipops

2010-12-16T20:43:00.001-08:00

Now that I have mailed off our Christmas cards I can finally post these. :) These are from our Christmas card photo shoot...I was going for something fun, colorful & girlie this year.

Trust me all this candy came in handy for bribes...the three of them together AND smiling-- oh that never happens!!

I think the sugar was setting in here.....

Some fun with my vintage Kodak Duaflex...

Some individuals....(I am surprised they let me do this they were done at this point!)

And if you wondering Kassie new "thing" lately is wearing her hair down. She looks like a totally different girl...not so much like a baby anymore :(

Hope you all are staying warm....we got some "white stuff" today- can't wait to post the photos-- its so beautiful!! :)

Charley

2010-12-06T18:53:00.000-08:00

Meet Charlotte aka Charley....seriously how cute is that? If I ever have another girl I am going to steal that name!! :)

Favorite thing in my closet: Forever 21 Sweater

Favorite movie: Ramona & Beezus

Last thing I ate: Steak Quesadilla

Dream job: To be a veterinarian

Favorite word: supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Favorite store: Aeropostale

Favorite pastime: Soccer (I heard she is one awesome player!)
Favorite artist/song: Selena Gomez/Intuition

Last thing I bought: A camera (whoo hoo! :)

Thanks so much Charley for being such a great sport out in the cold! It was definitely fun! :)

Grateful

2010-11-24T21:21:00.000-08:00

Can't believe its pretty much the end of November. Decided to take the girls out on one last fall photo shoot. I am going to miss these days during our cold yucky winter...

Gotta love watching a three year old trying to throw leaves :)

Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!!

Jess, Matt & Freddie

2010-11-22T21:13:00.000-08:00

Here is your sneaky peak. :)

Aren't they the cutest?! I was only going to post one but I could not resist one more...

Happy Tuesday everyone! :)

Falling

2010-11-18T19:39:00.000-08:00

Do you ever get lost in a place in time and just want to stay there forever?

I do.

The view from up top...

2010-11-11T19:54:00.000-08:00

Seems like we left the beach for....

Sigh...yes...some fall eye candy. Decided to go on a little rode trip and do some hiking. This little one was CRAZY with the hiking...she would not stop!!!!

We kept trying to hold her but nope little ms independent wanted to walk on her own.

See that little (okay not little) house down there? I would LOVE to live there...

Fun Fact: Kassie is sitting on a old home site we found. Nothing was left but the stairs, foundation and an old barn...

Fun Photography Fact: this photo was taken in full sun-- early afternoon! Never would I have attempted this before but I am trying to master some new skills. :) Yes, that background is real--- its so amazing there!

We went on some crazy trails...one so rough I couldn't take my camera out at all...until I got to the top...then I was afraid to move....yes on top of the cliff literally looking down to see this....(yikes!)

Overall we had fun maybe might try camping next year..still undecided on that but the girls can't wait to go back!!!

If you believe in fairies...clap your hands!!

2010-11-04T20:13:00.001-07:00

It was a beautiful unusually warm day last week.....

The girls were at school. My littlest girlie was bored to death-- so we decided to go have some fun in the woods....

Apparently there are "fairy queens" in the woods and they use sticks as wands. :)

The wind was blowing hard and the leaves kept coming down. Kassie thought it was "raining leaves"-- of course she tried to catch them all. Gotta love a 3 year old imagination...

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! :)

Last Night......

2010-11-01T16:42:00.000-07:00

Hope you all had fun and safe Halloween!!

The light

2010-10-25T19:48:00.001-07:00

I'm really dreading daylight savings time...I know its coming soon....

The light this time of year is so magical...

I'm going to be so lost without it...

Sigh...that is all ;)

Makenzie

2010-10-13T15:56:00.000-07:00

Meet Makenzie....

We meet up a week ago for a mini session at this amazing cute place (thanks for the tip Jess!)

Her mom wanted something casual, cute, fun & colorful to put on a Christmas card. Makenzie was a little shy at first....

Then about five minutes into the candy...

she was ALL giggles.....

Like tickle-monster-I-can't-stop-giggling! (note to self: don't break out the candy so early in the morning!!)

She was soo much fun though :)

Such amazing eyes!!

Thanks so much Laura & Makenzie for the great time! ;)

Autumn

2010-10-05T21:07:00.000-07:00

Its finally here...

The cold crisp mornings and the warm afternoons..

Lots of baking, decorating and visits to the farm for some goodies..

Just a few little things to look forward too!
(note Maddisons new toy-lol- 1940's Kodak Duaflex- she loves it and of course won't put it down!)

Sunday afternoon

2010-09-20T19:11:00.001-07:00

Its amazing what 10 dollars will buy you...

I was poking around in a local antique store for some photography goods and some decor. Maddison discovered this little case and opened it right up.

Seriously you would have thought it was Christmas. Most girls want dolls, littlest pet shops, polly pockets, stuff animals ect. No way~ Maddison was not leaving the store without this~ she truly cracks me up. :)

So off we went...to a beautiful field right near the forest. Spying on some birds in the trees (she is really interested in owls lately-- we tried to find some sleeping ones).

Her binoculars by her side & my camera by my side. A Sunday full of memories...

The best 10 dollars ever spent ;)

Ole School...

2010-09-06T19:57:00.000-07:00

The time has come....it happens this same time every year....

Crazy, busy, back into the routine swing of things. I am going to miss summer so much but I am trying to look forward to fall. Crisp new beginnings. I took the girls to this little historical school house for some shots. Loved stepping back in time for a bit....

Hope everyone is having a fabulous first week of school! :)

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-01T06:24:00.001-07:00

Ode to summer

2010-08-26T20:36:00.001-07:00

I think I am one of the very few people who does NOT want summer to end...

I want more days of relaxation, beach trips, swimming in the pool, catching fireflies...

running through sprinklers, the ice cream man, sleeping in, lots of lazy time...

I want more fresh fruit & veggies out of my garden, lots of more frog catching... and playing outside until we here the crickets all around

Its coming to an end...no more denying it...sigh...I just wish I could rewind these sweet days just one last time...

Touch the sky

2010-08-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

"Rise and touch the sky We never know how high we are till we are called to rise; and then, if we are true to plan, our statures touch the skies."

Emily Dickinson

Life is good

2010-08-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

Just got back from the beach. A little r&r. Lots of photos- I will try to have them up soon. It definitely was not enough time...not enough hours in the day. I definitely need to go back......soon.....

Bad, bad......

2010-08-01T19:59:00.000-07:00

Blogger. Okay so I have been a bad blogger lately..oops! But with a good excuse...we are sooo enjoying summer...

Outside everyday just enjoying the yummy sunlight...

Never looking at the clock to see what time it is..

Freedom has never felt so good...

Hope you all are enjoying your summer as much as us! :)

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-21T17:16:00.000-07:00

Ripe

2010-07-13T20:17:00.001-07:00

Now you know I could not resist a few pictures after getting our strawberries...

My little shortcake...

Lovin the taste of summer :)

Happy 4th!!! :)

2010-07-04T11:05:00.001-07:00

Summer is...

2010-06-24T20:56:00.000-07:00

Cute little sundresses...

Eating yummy popsicles in the beautiful sunlight...

Lots of bike rides to work those calories off ;) ...

(can u believe she was in cast not too long ago & now is riding her bike everywhere??)

Hope you all are enjoying your summer so far :)

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-23T18:54:00.001-07:00

Strawberry Fields

2010-06-16T20:19:00.001-07:00

I've been a slacker lately- oops. But here are few from our recent fruit pickings (many more to come of the other fruits :)

I didn't know I such serious pickers...

Of course after a while this one did more eating than picking...

And lost all respect for the fields (can you hear the strawberries--smoosh, smoosh?)

But we had a wonderful time and now I have a million strawberries coming out of my ears (recipes anyone?!)

Life is a bowl of....

2010-06-07T19:14:00.000-07:00

And coming soon- Fresh pickin in the orchards with my girls....

Late

2010-05-27T19:17:00.000-07:00

A little late with this post since I have been sooo busy here.

Happy Birthday to my middle girlie Maddison.....

Can't believe its been 8 long years....

I wish time could slow down just a little

She is definitely the sweetest, gentlest soul I know. Can't you just tell?

So girly...

So care free...

Enjoying the world one beautiful day at a time..

Hope you had a wonderful Maddison birthday and all your wishes come true!

When life gives you lemons......

2010-05-18T18:39:00.000-07:00

Pucker it up....

laugh at them....

make it a little sweeter....

wear them....

But most of all...

don't forget to make your L E M O N A D E :)

Wildflower

2010-05-13T20:41:00.000-07:00

We finally took our annual trip to the wildflower field :)

I just adore this field. It comes and goes quick though. Literally about two weeks after full bloom it is gone. So I have been biting my nails hoping for no rain, some beautiful light to hurry get my girlies out there...

So much magic in these flowers.... I am so thankful to capture the little memories even if they don't last long...

Because at least I can hold on to these photos forever...

Bloom

2010-05-09T21:03:00.001-07:00

Coming soon...a date with my girls in my favorite field.

The littlest chef

2010-04-28T19:12:00.001-07:00

One of my favorites from allrecipes...

Fluffy Pancakes

3/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons white vinegar

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons white sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg

2 tablespoons butter, melted

cooking spray

Directions:

	Combine milk with vinegar in a medium bowl and set aside for 5 minutes to "sour".

	Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk egg and butter into "soured" milk. Pour the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and whisk until lumps are gone.
	Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and coat with cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the skillet, and cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip with a spatula, and cook until browned on the other side.

definitely double this recipe-- mix it up and add things you like-- cinnamon, blueberries, chocolate chips! And don't worry about that "sour" part- there is definitely nothing sour about these pancakes!

I think she liked it :)

Spring breakers

2010-04-19T19:46:00.000-07:00

We had some insanely warm weather the week of spring break so what better to do than pack up and head to the beach?

It was so nice...no crowds, no waiting in line, it felt like at times we had the whole place to ourselves.

Pigged out-- ate lots of goodies. Stopped at our favorite candy store...

Sat back and enjoyed the beautiful scenery...

The plan was to stay only one night but my **awesome** (you know who u are!) neighbor met up with us and took us out to lunch and told us we needed to stay longer.....at her beautiful oceanfront condo! She is the BEST! And its a good thing I packed clothes like a crazy lady! :)

Now we are back to the daily grind :( I am sooo ready to go back and play...

Summer hurry up and get here!!!!

Spring...

2010-04-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

Or is it summer here??

Coming soon a very beachy trip with three girls...

Chicks

2010-04-05T20:36:00.001-07:00

Kassie just cracks me up. I gave her a few chicks the other day and she was just squealing in delight over them! Holding them so gently and petting them so softly.

It almost made me want to run out and buy her real chicks! Almost....

Easter was crazy warm (still is now!!). Usually I don't even bother with the cute dresses because we just end up in tights and winter coats. Luckily this year I had a few cute things stashed away for the girls. They spent the whole entire day outside playing, blowing bubbles and of course a Easter egg hunt!

I think I hid some of those eggs too well.....we are still finding more today. :)

Littlest Lady

2010-04-01T19:35:00.000-07:00

I have been a slacker all week--- the sun is shining and its been sooo nice out so who can blame me? I took so many pictures of Kassie's party I don't know where to start. I will try not to bore you with too many :)

A few details.......

Now on with the FUN!!! :)

I could not believe the weather!! Usually we are still in our winter coats in March- nope it was 75 degrees out! Perfect Birthday party weather!!

And lots of more fun......

I even took pictures of the food but I promise not to bore you with that :)

And officially a three year old now!! Don't you love the three ladybug candles? Its all about the details lol!

Happy Birthday sweet Kassie! And thanks everyone for making it so special! :)

Coming soon.....

2010-03-28T19:16:00.000-07:00

A little lady turns three...

A sneak peek....

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-24T19:50:00.001-07:00

Wishes

2010-03-15T18:25:00.000-07:00

Today

She is three :( Sniff sniff....

I came across this picture the other day of our sweet peanut. Hard to believe it was not that long ago...

She has grown so much...so much wisdom for someone who has only been here with us for three years. And so much she has been through with all her surgeries but she still stands strong~ nothing will ever keep her down. Innocence, truth, wisdom, strength, beauty, magic, joy and unconditional love she brings to our lives....

Happy Birthday my sweet Kassie~ may all of your dreams come true! ♥

(this morning with her mouth full of cookies no less.... :)

So lovely...

2010-03-09T19:03:00.000-08:00

Its finally starting to feel like spring here. The snow is finally melting. The sun is shining. No more layers of clothes and big winter coats. I got a wonderful box of goodies the other day...

You know you love those socks-- the just scream spring. If you haven't ordered your Matilda Jane I don't know what you are waiting for! Head on over there! :)

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-03T17:35:00.001-08:00

Baby Steps

2010-03-01T19:57:00.000-08:00

A post long over due...

Finally our sweet little angels day came!

Patiently waiting for the nurse to come in ( a little nervous!)

Prying the sucker off! Didn't get any pictures of them cutting it because she freaked out~ but who wouldn't with someone coming at you with a saw?

Her "new" body! She has successfully rediscovered her belly button the past couple of days. As she tells me "its my favorite belly button"! Hee hee!

Later at home after a nice long bubble bath (dora bubbles!!) soo yummy and clean!!

Walking for the very first time (well you know not the first!)!! :)

She is getting stronger and stronger everyday. Tonight she tried running! She is definitely the strongest little girl that I know and I am so proud to call her mine. :)

Ready for spring??

2010-02-21T19:04:00.001-08:00

I am.....

'nuff said :)

Hearts Day

2010-02-14T19:19:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a good one!

Yes, these were Maddie's Valentines that I created this year! She loves them!

And my little short cake enjoying all her Valentine goodies. She gets her cast off this Thursday...we can't wait! :)

Scenes from the wild...

2010-02-08T16:56:00.000-08:00

Its a been an interesting weekend. All this dumping of snow was completely insane.

(from my windows)

There is definitely more than 24+ inches out there and another storm coming tomorrow! Ugh!

The most snow we have seen in a looong time! After getting stir crazy for a while I decided to go driving the next day along with my camera. I've been wanting to shoot something besides people lately so this was a bit of challenge for me. There was no where to park except for the middle of the road (which I did a few times!!) so I was mainly shooting from inside!!! This is why I love my tiny little town...it was so peaceful this day...

My favorite mailbox. I hope they don't replace it. Ever!

My next house is going to be right here. My backyard facing the water :)

My fav part is the four birds (you can barely see!) in the distance here.

Another 12 inches on the way-- don't know where we going to put it!

The white stuff

2010-02-03T18:56:00.000-08:00

Dear Mr Groundhog,
I have been dreaming of tulips, baby bunnies, sundresses, yellow fuzzy chicks and sandals on my feet. Did you not hear me when I said enough IS enough?! Bring on spring!!!

Signed,
Freezing in MD

I think there is no end in sight. But some are still enjoying it....

Another storm is on its way this weekend. Grrr. Now who wants to send me a plane ticket to Hawaii? :)

The last.........bath

2010-01-25T19:06:00.000-08:00

I know, I know...its silly it seems but when you have surgery and are in lovely body cast for x-amount of time really you don't get to "bathe" anymore. (okay sponge baths will do but seriously they are not the same!)

So here we celebrate "the last bath". Lots and lots of bubbles and lots and lots of scrubbing.

She gets to stay in until her hands are looking like raisins and the water starts to get cold.

Or until she tries to snatch up my camera :)

More to come!

Sockin it

2010-01-14T19:40:00.000-08:00

Taken before surgery of course. This is what happens when its freezing cold outside and there is nothing to do....pump up the heat and run around in knee socks :)

Ms. Kassie is doing good. She is finally trying to move around now instead of being a limp rag doll in a cast (I think she was in the frame of mind that she couldn't move at all!). She begs to get down on her belly now...

And does her silly army crawl...

More to come! :)

Quick Update!!!

2010-01-07T18:55:00.000-08:00

Just a real quick update so everyone knows we are still alive!! :) Kassie's surgery went well. She woke up ticked off...I mean REALLY ticked off. Pulling wires off, IV off, ready to hop out of the bed even though she still couldn't feel anything waist down. She was MAD. First she kept asking for her "brace off" (she wears one at night), then she kept asking us to "open her cast" (maybe take it off?) now it is literally "I wanna get down and walk NOW"! Yikes I hope 6 weeks FLIES by!

Here she is all looking awful. :( Her face is so red cause she was SO mad!

And her puppy friend that got to go back in the OR with her. Complete with a hospital ID of course!

Gotta run~ will update more later! Thanks everyone for the messages & emails!!!

We're off!!

2010-01-03T18:27:00.000-08:00

In the wee hours of the morning we are heading off for Kassie's surgery. If you can please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. I am going to miss my bouncing, running, energetic girl.

I will update when I can.

Christmas Morning

2009-12-31T18:49:00.001-08:00

I am still digging myself out from the madness so please pardon the mess...

But here are a few from Christmas morning. Actually lets start with Christmas Eve~ Kassie would not stop looking out the windows hoping to see Santa..

On to the madness- Maddie was in American Girl heaven!! I will spare you all the photos but she got a ton of boxes great and small!!!

I Touch heaven

Puppy heaven

And what the heck was Santa thinking bringing this big ole thing to my house? I need an extra room for it alone- its HUGE!

Hope you all have a wonderful New Year!!

Dreaming

2009-12-24T18:28:00.000-08:00

Of Gingerbread cookies tonight....

Around here we LOVE gingerbread ~~men~~ girls. When I found these adorable little goodie bags I KNEW we had to do something with them!

So we decided to fill them with goodies and bring them to Maddie's classroom on the last day of school.

Of course we had to find some cute little tags also. :o)

The kids just loved them and Maddie was so happy to give her classmates all a gift.

I hope you all have a WONDERFUL holiday and tonight I will leave you with one question....

Naughty??

Or Nice??

Snow Much Fun!!

2009-12-20T16:44:00.001-08:00

I think we got a little snow this weekend. My view first waking up...

Then someone opened a door and in fell the snow...funny Kassie knew to RUN and make some snowballs!

Then after much begging we eventually headed out...

You would have thought it was Christmas

Well if it stays this cold we WILL have a white Christmas! :o)

It was HARD walking in all that snow!

A few times falling....

She gave up and decided to make snow angels!

Not sure why kids feel the need to taste snow?!

What a crazy day!

I have a feeling its going to be a LONG winter!

Tasty

2009-12-15T19:50:00.000-08:00

So I decided to do a little holiday baking this past weekend.

I know what you are thinking~ I am crazy to do this with three girls!!!!

Well the littlest one got bored quick when she realized we were not going to cook her "marshmallows" so she went on with more important things...

And the oldest told us promptly to get her when everything was done. But oh Ms. Maddie is SO into baking she did spent hours creating yummy cookies!

Don't worry it didn't actually touch her nose :o)

Lining up the decor...

And spending all afternoon waiting and waiting...(and yeah I think she needs a hairnet too!)

Finally some of the finish product!!!

A sad attempt at mouthless snowmen

And our fav!!

And finishing off the day with some yummy hot chocolate in cozy jammies (yes we found a use for those marshmallows!!)

Beauty

2009-12-10T18:58:00.000-08:00

Is all around us everyday...

I hate, hate winter but I have been slowing down lately and discovering beautiful little places here and there that I past by so many time during the summer. Simply because I didn't see them because of the green full trees. Love this little Pine Tree road. I can just picture a little tiny cabin in woods at the end...

Hopefully if the weather corporates (its Arctic windy here today) I will be able to hop a few fences with my girlies and photograph more of my favorite winter places. :o) Warmish air come my way!!!

Getting ready

2009-12-01T18:57:00.001-08:00

Okay so maybe I am ready!!! We started pulling out the decor before Thanksgiving!

I got a little crafty over the weekend and decided to make something for our big foyer window. Two hours later in Michael's I got a cart full of stuff and came up with this! Now Mr. Snowman came that way (except for his bird) but everything else was put together with the help with my nifty glue gun!

Oh and lets talk about this little one she can't keep her paws off of anything. I suppose there isn't a way to child proof our trees? (yes I said trees- we do have several trees :o)

She goes missing throughout the day several times. Usually taking ornaments off and sticking them in her pockets or under the couch. Not sure what she is stuffing them away for.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend of relaxing, eating and of course decorating!! :o)

My three

2009-11-24T18:52:00.000-08:00

Yes, that is right folks....take a good look cause you might not ever see this again!

All three in one photo- COOPERATING!! This is a first and probably a last so take a good look. :o) Years of bribes- candy, movies, McDonald's, Littlest Pet Shop, trips to Target, pizza, ice cream, a new puppy- you name it!!

And how did I get this- just one pit stop at the gas station for lollipops (which I didn't even end up pulling out) and a break for pizza in between. Yes, it had to be a full moon. Either that or I am still dreaming!

Fooling around a little for some Christmas cards...whatca think?

Yup we went on a little road trip- I think that is what did it. Out faarrrrr in the woods around absolutely nothing for miles. Made for some fun and good exploring.

Kassie was riot with her "hiking stick"! This ended up coming home with us! Silly girls.

Gotta love when I take a road trip I end up with a van full of camera equipment, bags of clothes, a chair and various other props. Priorities people!! If we ever get lost in the woods I guess we won't go cold and will have some documents of our time. Come on you have to looove these boots! :o)

All tucked out ready for a nap...

I think they had a good time. :o)

Singing the Blues

2009-11-16T19:20:00.000-08:00

Sooo sad....

Yes, she needs another surgery and it won't be done until after Christmas. I absolutely *hate* the thought of putting her through this again with another cast. Sad part is I am probably a pro at it now! So out we dig all the "cast" toys, highchairs, chairs, carseats and throw out the idea of potty training for right now. She is going to be TICKED I tell you when she wakes up in that awful hospital room. So for now she is just singing the blues...

Poor babe but I know it will only make her stronger. And no worries she really wasn't sad she was actually jamming to "twinkle, twinkle little star". This girl is SO dramatic with her singing!!! :o)

Ps~ Thank you for all your kind words!!

Pss~ Please excuse the hair that is what it looks like at the very end of the day!

Psss~ If anyone knows any good "hands on" toys for a 2 year please let me know so I can put them on her Christmas list for surgery time! :o)

Update

2009-11-13T07:39:00.000-08:00

In case you were wondering......

She needs another surgery :o(

My heart is so broken :o(

Hope

2009-11-09T17:45:00.000-08:00

Hope is that thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops... at all. ~Emily Dickinson

Our wee peanut Kassie has her Ortho appointment on Wednesday. No ordinary appointment. If most of you remember Kassie has hip dysplasia. She had surgery and was casted for six long months and then was set free. But not quite free yet.

She may need another surgery more casting and maybe another one after that. Only the xrays will tell this week. Six months ago her doctor waved us out the door and said "have fun see you in six months"! My feet could not carry her fast enough out those hospital doors to began a new life...

I know life will go on if she needs another surgery. Maybe not how I hoped or dreamed for her but it will go on.

We came up with the idea to send her some warm wishes up to sky. Maddison came up with the idea at the last minute to send a message because how would heaven know what her wish is?

Gotta love her 7 year old writing!!! It reads: "Kassie is brave. But she is just a baby. She is 2. Take care of her. I love her."

Fly.....

Hoping for another day of running, walking, climbing, jumping and twirling...

Gotta love her bummed expression- wanting her balloons back!

♥ ♥ Love you Kassie- hope you fly higher than the sky on Wednesday! ♥ ♥

Anticipation

2009-11-02T19:03:00.000-08:00

Waiting....

Finally.....

Thank goodness..if I hear how many more days mom- one more time ;o)

And thank goodness the rain finally stopped!! How does it even rain on Halloween I ask you?!

This one was already on a sugar high before we left. I STILL think she is on one~ is it nap time yet???

What are you....

2009-10-25T19:29:00.000-07:00

going to *bee* for Halloween???

Are you ready?? :o)

Bliss

2009-10-18T17:57:00.000-07:00

Its been raining, pouring, and freezing (48 degrees in Oct??) the past couple of days. So there is nothing better to do than cuddle with your sweetie and heat up that oven for some TRUE bliss!!!

I am talking cupcakes here peeps. Get your minds out of the gutter. Here is a GOOD one for ya:

Pumpkin Bliss Cupcakes

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tbsp., plus 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

3 cup sugar

1 15 oz. can pumpkin puree

4 large eggs 1 cup vegetable oil

¾ cup orange juice

Preheat oven to 350°. Line the muffin pans with liners or spray them with baking spray. Sift together the flour, spice, baking soda and salt. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, pumpkin and eggs, and whisk until smooth. Whisk in the oil and the orange juice until the batter is smooth. Add the flour-spice mix to the pumpkin mixture and fold together until well incorporated, but do not overmix. Bake 20–25 minutes. Frost with cream cheese frosting.

Creme Cheese Frosting

4 oz. unsalted butter at room temperature

8 oz. Philadelphia cream cheese at room temperature

1 tbsp. vanilla extract

5 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

Cream the butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and beat. Add 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar at a time and continue to beat frosting for about 5 minutes.

Little Ms LOVED the frosting!!

And if you think she was jumping off the walls from all the sugar. Well.....

HAPPY BAKING!!!!

October ♫ ♫ ♪ ♫

2009-10-08T20:06:00.000-07:00

I have been waiting to do this for a while. I can just hear the music...

My sweet baby with her sweet baby!

I totally lucked out finding this sweet vintage crib. She is always looking serious..

More to come!! :o)

Falling..

2009-09-28T18:10:00.000-07:00

Just a few short days ago we were enjoying our last days of summer.....

And now we are getting ready for one of my favorite seasons:

Yup, I whipped out my decorations the other day. I love decorating anything and everything -mostly my kids though :o)

Maddie helped me put this together the other day- it was super easy and quick!

Ms Maddie loves to go to the pumpkin patch- run through the corn mazes, decorating her pumpkin, carmel popcorn and candy apples, the fabulous pony rides but most of all....

And who could forget Halloween? I made this very recipe for dinner tonight- Delish!

Happy..........

Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!

Little Adventures

2009-09-17T19:16:00.000-07:00

My little tomboy...

I have to admit she is a tad bit of one. She loves puppies, trucks, cars and those fake frogs and bugs that you find at the dollar spot in Target :o)

But thats okay she is still my girl...(and I still have time to convert her).

Yup can you believe she sat still long enough for her cute little baby braids? Love IT!

Busy, busy

2009-09-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

I have been so so busy since school started. I thought things would slow down but nope busy as ever.

Don't ever except to see a photo like this again. Want to know why they are sooo still and looking at the camera? Everyone was behind me watching them get their pic taken! :o) So I guess that is what I have to do to get photos of all 3~ any audience out there want to volunteer for their Christmas pictures? :o)

The girls have been having fun the past few days modeling oh such gorgeous clothes!!! We got a little gig with a boutique. Its is soo much fun getting surprise boxes in the mail of such pretty clothes~ lovin it!

You definitely need to check this place out if you need some fall goodies. You know you need them. :o)

Back 2 Cool

2009-08-27T18:31:00.000-07:00

It's been really quiet here this week

Very quiet :o(

I know I should be taking it all in and relaxing but boy do I miss them. And so does Kassie~ she keeps begging me all day to pick up her sissies.

Time takes away our babies way to fast but I'll hold on to them with my heart...

Ps~ crazy girl did not get glasses- she found these at Claire's begged for them and I gave in. Ended up being a super cute prop! :o)

A bit beachy...

2009-08-23T19:14:00.000-07:00

We took the girls on a little trip to the beach.

Kassie was a normal picture hog that day. She was too cute of course and you would think this girl lived at the beach her whole life~ she was just one with the sand and the ocean (mostly the sand). We've taken her to several small beaches here in town but this was her first time at the big one and she knew just what to do!

And this one was too funny. We were walking along the boardwalk and who did we see?

Maddie was a little disappointed that he talked to her- "characters aren't suppose to talk mom!!!". Too much Disney World for her huh?

Gotta go get ready for the first day of school tomorrow- its going to be lonely here. :o(

Tutu Cute

2009-08-16T17:17:00.000-07:00

More coming soon....... ;o)

Some bunny...

2009-08-10T19:15:00.000-07:00

Loves her

apparently ALOT to let her dig all through the dirt in her new pretties :o)

A Few more..

2009-08-04T19:27:00.000-07:00

I love this place and need to go there more often. Of course its allll the way out in the sticks... well I live in the sticks but its much further out out ya know. There is such pretty fields, and old barn or two, and right near the water. Of course I picked the hottest day to go so Kassie could wear these new little flower beanies I've been making (because I need another new hobby right?)!

And she begged for this one. She really wanted to "drive". Oh dear --John Deer you are HUGE! You should have seen me sweating my tail off trying to lift her and push her buns up there, camera slung over me, flip flops on my tippy toes trying not to fall in a prickly bush near by...oh and all the while trying not to get caught!!! Geez the things we do!

I'll be throwing these beanies in my Etsy shop here shortly. And in celebration of my bday this month (don't ask what day or how old cause I won't tell ya!) I am offering free shipping for the month of August for my blog readers! Since there is no button to do so just pay through paypal like you normally do than send me a message through Etsy "free ship blog" and I will refund your shipping asap. Got lots of goodies I am makin up!! :o)

Pretty places, Pretty faces

2009-07-28T19:14:00.001-07:00

We have been enjoying alot of our summer outside discovering new and beautiful places. No complaints from me here!

Maddie doing her sunset dance :o)

This is why I love summer!!

Silly girl just could not resist!!

More to come!!

Little Joys

2009-07-16T20:25:00.000-07:00

When her mommy leaves the room for 5 minutes....its time to party (is that confetti she made?)!!!

When they mow down one of my beautiful fields (much to my horror!) that I use for photos and can still make pretty good use of it..

Telling silly sister secrets and tickles..

Having your very first ice cream cone all to your little self (excuse the diaper shot- she is sooo lady like!)

Yup~ that pretty much sums up my week! :o)

One year ago.....

2009-07-09T03:00:00.000-07:00

Something changed my life...

Forever...

My sweet Kassie was dx with hip dysplasia and had her surgery that morning. Bringing my baby in that awful cold operating room and coming out something completely different than anything I have ever know is not something I can forget.

I was going to start this post out negative- how this went undiagnosed for 15 months, how 2 doctors never noticed, how she spent 6 months in a cast- 4 different cast changes, how I had to search everywhere on the East coast for a doctor/surgeon that was at least half human.

I went from thinking how can I possibly do this for 6 months, explain to her how or why this happen, to how in the world will she ever learn to walk again?

But at the end of the day the only thing that really matters...

I am thankful, lucky, blessed and in total awe. I don't know how she has overcome so much and can walk, jump, crawl, roll, climb, swim and out run me. How can someone so tiny and little just forget about everything and move forward as if nothing ever happen? I am suppose to take her hand and led her... but I think she took mine.

I wish this journey was over but I have no idea what her future holds. It could be more surgeries or we could be one of the "lucky" ones to walk away and never have to look back. But for now I will soak up the all "Kassieness" I can possibly get before her next appointment. I will watch her run, climb and discover herself this summer as a normal two year would. We will just live on hope & love because that's all we have. :o)

We are soooo proud of you my sweet Kassie!!! Here is to "One Year" and hopefully many, many more to come....

Happy 4th!!

2009-07-04T20:09:00.000-07:00

Just a few of the peanut today!! She wanted nothing to do with the water though...

Funny~ this swimsuit use to be Ms. Maddie's when she was this tiny! I was shocked to find it still looking new- I am glad I saved this sucker! :o)

Hope you have a great one!!!

Finally...

2009-06-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

Your photos Ms. C!! (Maddie reminded me!)

I love how all these images have a different feel to them~ bright, cheery, soft, summers sunset...

I think this one is my absolute favorite~ love how the sun hits her hair!

I can still feel the beautiful sunlight in this one.

Doesn't she have the most beautiful hair?

Thanks for coming out to play with us and dodging all those mud puddles! :o)

Little Tot

2009-06-22T19:49:00.000-07:00

If you live on the East Coast than you know its been raining forever here!!! Finally it stopped thank goodness. But everyday that Kassie wanted to play out it seemed like we were headed for dark clouds. We got one break and I guess it worked out because I found this beautiful open spot by the woods and the light was sooo nice. Kassie came prepared with her "brella".

Hey this is huge progress here- I finally got her to hold this upright!!!Usually she takes it tosses it aside or drags it with her. As you see it didn't last long...

I really don't think she was in the mood for pictures because I gotta a lot of this:

And this: (aka shushhhh mommy~ stop telling me to look at you and do a bunny dance!)

Eventually she did break down and do a little song and dance with a "twirl" (her new little thing). Gosh you gotta love her :o)

PS~ Ms. C I am working on your pics and will have them up here shortly! Thanks for waiting~ hope you all are having fun in sunny Disney!!

Under the Sea....

2009-06-15T18:18:00.000-07:00

Just a few from Ms. Maddie's party. She wanted a mermaid/under the sea theme- boy was that work but it was worth it all!!

Totally spaced out and forgot to take pics of the rest of the decorations. So you will just have to invision it! :o)

Excuse the garage- this is what happens when you have no trees in your yard (hey we're workin on it!)

Her cake was 35 cupcakes put together to form a real cake!

And this is what happens when your mommy lets you eat a blue cupcake all by your big girl self! :o)

Err.. actually to tell you the truth everyone left with blue lips that day!! ;o)

Little wonders of the world

2009-06-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

Out on her walk the other day, among the fields and weeds Kassie found a small patch of flowers growing...

Funny how my little one always sees the beauty in the smallest things...

And shares that beauty with all the world...

Pondering

2009-06-02T18:24:00.000-07:00

I always wonder what she is thinking...I'm going to run in that puddle, dig my hands in the mud, pull that puppies tail...

Or make a run for it....

No sorry didn't get a picture of that- had to put my camera down and book it! :o)

For you....

2009-05-25T17:25:00.000-07:00

Ms. R!!! Thanks for being so patient! I know you have been checking everyday so here is your sneaky peak...

Thanks for playing model! :o) Seriously this is the most photogenic girl I have ever met!! I could take pictures of her everyday!

Really I didn't have to tell her to do a thing~ she is a natural! Are you sure your not a pro?? :o)

Heck here is one more cause she's that good! :o)

Seven

2009-05-22T20:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Maddison enjoyed her last day of being...

And today she is just a wee bit older- the age of...

I know, I know I say it over and over but seriously where in the world does time go? It seems like just yesterday I remember this...

And this morning I woke up and saw this....

Happy Birthday Maddison!!! We are so proud of you~ may you always shine brighter than the sun and all of your dreams and wishes come true!!!

Love, mommy, daddy, Mackenzie and Kassidy!

Her new ride...

2009-05-20T17:45:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, her new ride. I picked up this little red wagon the other day and that night the hubby put it together so I could take her out in it the next day. Well low and behold it decided to pour rain the next day so Kassie made the decision to live it in. Nope I'm not kidding- she ate breakfast & lunch in there (parked in the middle of our family room), read some books, played with toys, watched Clifford and by mid afternoon dragged her blankie and pillow into her little red wagon. Thanks goodness the sun came out by evening. :o)

Cuteness...

2009-05-14T19:47:00.001-07:00

Just have to show this off. Maddie & I went out yesterday to do this photo shoot for Shelley of Giraffikiki*Kidz. Such an adorable outfit!!!

So go ahead and bid it up ladies!! You can find it here.