from the catbird seat

too powerful

2012-02-09T11:23:00.000-08:00

Zach helped me clean his room this morning.
He's wonderful like that.

While cleaning, I noticed his headphones looked a little "broken" on the floor.

Me: Hey buddy, what happened to your headphones?
Zach: *deep sigh* Um, actually they are broken.
Me: I kinda noticed that...that's why I wondered what happened?
Zach: *tsks his tongue* Well, I think I can fix 'dem.
Me: *nodding*
Zach: I think it's just because I'm too powerful.

Me: *sprints to the bedroom to grab camera*

Zach: See mom. Easy squeezy rack-a-peezy. (he refuses to say lemon-squeezy so he made up his own)

I love my super-helper-too-powerful-son.
He delights my day.

Love you like...

2012-02-08T11:47:00.000-08:00

love is in the air!

freebie printable here ... right click the image and save to your computer. it's sized for 8x10 and free for personal use only. Put it in your favorite glass frame and write on the glass over and over again about how much you love your sweetie! Use a wipe-off marker or a sudz-free marker (the kind they use on cars before you enter the carwash)...
enjoy!

please leave me a comment about how you plan on using this printable...or send me a link of how you used it! Thanks!

influenza.

2012-01-26T08:41:00.000-08:00

today i'm kinda glad you were sick.

not because you were snuffleupagous-snotty-nosed...
or coughing like a tug-boat...

i'm glad you were sick because we got to play today.
and take it easy.
totally on purpose.

and maybe i'm glad because that extra snot in you made you especially fiery.
a little extra funny...
totally silly...
and beyond excited to break every game rule.

so today, i let you.
break the rules.

we played.
you cheated.
and won.
a lot.
and when you win by cheating you laugh really really hard.
you sipped my coffee.
and wrestled with me.
and read me brown bear again.
and again.
until i crossed my eyes and begged you to read me a new book.
you didn't.
so we read it again.

and i wiped your snotty nose for the 100th time
and i thought...
today.
i'm glad you stayed home sick.

He legitimately won "GUESS WHO."

TWICE.

Biggest cheater ever at "HEADBANDS."

Seriously.

And this is what I was: Bacon.

Although I was lead to believe that I was sweet, a breakfast food, and okay in cereal.

Not so much Zach-O.

After he beat me at "CONNECT FOUR" it suddenly turned into a design game.

Of all yellow.

It's a good thing I love you so much

cheater-mc-cheater-pants!

dear macy

2012-01-14T18:28:00.000-08:00

please remind me to dig this up when Macy is an adult, mother, wife....if she so chooses....

Dear Macy,

I know you just cleaned your floors.
Everything smells yummy, and sparkly, and you're feeling like
right now you have it all together.

The dishes are put away,
the kids aren't screaming at each other...
and life feels clean and organized, and all together wonderful.

You are probably thinking that you might actually qualify
for a Better Home and Garden feature...
You've been eyeing those other homes wondering, "how do they do it?"
Does their house ALWAYS look this way?
The perfect house, perfectly groomed kids, dogs that lay still for the front of the
house shot...with the nice lawn and perfect lighting.
You can almost smell the cologne on that perfect husband too.

And you think,
your kitchen looks kickin' right now.
You probably could totally qualify.
Really.

Out walks your oldest child.
She's carrying a box of cake mix.
You're probably holding your breath right about now
thinking you can "will-away" the question you know is about
to spill its way from her lips...
But you can't.

Her sights are set.
It's the box of cake mix you promised to make way back around Christmas.
It's been hiding in the pantry.
Much to your gratefulness.
Now, it's making an entrance.

It's being escorted down the hallway with eyes the size
of oreos and a hopefulness that resembles the candy "pop rocks."
You know it's coming.
She's going to ask.
And she thinks she already knows your answer.
You've said no twice already...
What she also knows is that she has the tenacity of a puggle.
And she knows you know it too.

"Mom, can we please make a cake today?"
silence.
*sigh*..."I already know what you're going to say..."
she continues.
You make eye-contact.
(here comes the lawyer in her...)
"You said we could make this a long time ago...and we still haven't,
and we really aren't doing that much today, and it's just you and me
here at home, and it would be really fun, and you said we were going to have
fun today, and making a cake would be really fun, and i promise i won't make a
mess, and when the boys come home, we could have cake for dessert tonight,
and we need to make it before it expires, and i promise i won't make a mess."

*sigh* this time it's going to be you.
**contemplative**
you're going to look around your pretty kitchen.
trust me.
you will.
you will still smell the yummy smell of clean floors.
the thought of batter running on the counters will probably make your
heart palpate a little because YOUR KITCHEN IS SO PICKIN' CLEAN.
and you'll catch a glimpse of that gorgeous little being in the corner of your eye.
and you'll realize it's not the sparkling sink that made you pause.
it wasn't even the thought of your lemon-fresh microwave that is no longer crusted in exploded
pizza bites.
it was her.
she made you pause.
she made you pause because right now she's little.
and you can already feel her growing up.
you can mark the changes just in the last few months of her maturity.
and it will click for you that this is your moment.

your moment to say yes.
yes.
to surprise her with your enthusiasm.
to encourage her unabashed love for creating.
to embrace that life is not a magazine ad.
to clarify that what is important to you is her.

and you will.
you'll say yes because it was harder to do.
you'll say yes because you'll remember making a cake with her.
and she will too.
and you'll remember cleaning up a mess that was made in fun.
because that microwave is still going to get pizza bites slathered in every corner,
and the sink won't stay that clean for long.

and hopefully macy,
you'll have some fun too.
but i'm willing to bet, that in the moment
that you say yes to your sweet little one...
the hardest part is over.

because the rest my dear, is just fun.

i hope that someday,
you get to have as much fun with your little one,
as i have had the privilege of sharing with you.

Love,
Your mama

conspiracy theory

2012-01-14T17:31:00.000-08:00

i'm thinking this needs to be pinned up on
mel gibson's wall.
he has a pinterest, right?

remember the movie conspiracy theory?
with mel gibson?
julia roberts?
ringing a bell?
love that movie for your information.

well i think i'm onto something here.

it's called: kill the consumer in shipping costs.

and now there's evidence.

cue story:
a while back we had a crazy-a-double-snakes wind storm.
lots of stuff got blown around.
it was a little less dramatic than dorothy's wind episode.
but, for california...it was pretty wild.

upon surveying the damage at our house,
i stumbled upon one of my favorite tchotchkes.
i don't really even know what you call it.
but i scored it on clearance at Longs (now CVS) and I was pretty pumped.
seeing it broken to bits was a little disheartening.
and quite revealing.
and a tad startling.
and head-scratch worthy.
and MEL GIBSON CONSPIRACY THEROY worthy.

i'll admit.
at first i kinda felt like i was on an episode of LOST,
where they find the abandoned airplane with all the virgin mary statues
and when they bust them open they realize they are packed with coke.
(not the drinkable kind)
and they surmise it was a big smuggling business.

while mine isn't packed with coke
(not to worry fbi...)
it's packed with little churches and other tchotchkes.

it's WEIRD people.
really weird. right?

and then.
it hit me!
like an unexpected tether ball hit to the head.

it's a weight issue!
the little sneaky-sneaks.

to get more in shipping costs.

they take their leftover crap that they can't sell.
they shove and glue it into the said tchotchke so it doesn't
rattle around and get people all suspicious.
and they pack it.
and they weigh their cheap little shipment....
and now it's worth more.
ta-da.
they have a deal with ups.

i'm onto you.......you little sneaky-sneakers.
i've exposed your elaborate, weird, and wildly amusing scheme.

and mel gibson....you can send me my royalty check in the mail
when you decide to do a conspiracy theory part 2 and you want to use
this little gem.
you're welcome.

inhale...exhale...repeat

2012-01-07T22:30:00.000-08:00

it's okay mama.
i consistently have to keep reminding myself.
i need to remember to keep breathing.

my macy.
...she's-a-growin'-up....

and it pulls on this mama's heartstrings.
a lot.

friday night was her first father-daughter dance put on at the local high school.

i felt like i was getting her ready for a date.
holy batman.

thank GOD...it was with daddy.
gulp.

it was incredibly sweet.
he brought her some purple mums.
like a real date should.

(insert a tad bit of jealousy here...just a tad)
she hung on his arm.
kissed on his cheeks.
told him how much she loves him.

he doted on her.
opened her doors.
treated her like a lady.
like a real date should.

they danced.
and danced some more.
to every song.
as much as she wanted.
and closed out the dance floor.
like a real date should.

because he's a gentleman.
and she's worth it.

boot scootin' boogie

2012-01-07T21:42:00.000-08:00

officially, we have a cowgirl on our hands.

inspired by her second grade teacher,
macy has embraced all things cowgirl.
it was part of her christmas wish.

a cowgirl hat.
pink.
imagine that.

steve and i took it one step further
and gave her riding lessons to boot.
(pun intended)

she squealed with delight on Christmas morning when she opened her gift.
straight happiness.
that memory makes me giggle.

what makes me giggle, and smile, and reflect with gratitude even more
is the memory of her first lesson...

do you have memories that make your heart race with excitement?
like you remember lots and lots of details.
it's like eating your favorite food.
it leaves a good after-taste...in your heart.

it makes me giddy to think about her experience.
pure enthusiasm...
picking out her outfit with so much intention...
the dirt swirling around her as she walked with
authority out of the car towards her instructor...
going nose to nose with Scarlett...
trotting...
oh the trotting....
bouncing...
learning the horse...
feeling the wind on her face...
becoming a cowgirl...

her experience became my experience.
i'm so grateful for sharing in it.

i like to call it multi-tasking.

2011-11-24T21:17:00.001-08:00

< < this is for my sister-in-law who says i don't blog fun stories anymore .> >
here you go sari.

so.
tonight i'm editing photos.
and listening to music.

it helps my creative flow.
i happen to be obsessed with glee.
i don't care.
judge me.
I LOVE GLEE.
there.
get over it.

anyways.
they did a version of Beck's "Loser" song.

as i'm clicking away i'm totally rocking out singing...
"I'm a loser baby....so why don't cha kill me."
which by the way is so morbid and disturbing all at the same time,
yet i'm rockin it like it's my song.
which by the way it's not.
let's not get the wrong idea here.
i'm rocking it because GLEE sang it.
which by the way is AWESOME.
did i mention that i love GLEE?

anywho...i digress.

i'm singing the section that goes something like...

ohhhhhh....you're a matador....
i'm a loser baby...soo why don't cha kill me.

and i start thinking...are they singing to a bull?
who's the matador?
what?

get crazy with the cheez whiz???
wait...what??

i'm a driver?
i'm a winner...

whoa.

i'm getting very confused by the lyrics
and i'm starting to blame my turkey hangover.

so i decide to do this:
write down what i think it says:

now i've decided that it doesn't say anything about a matador...
i think this is all about soy being a bad guy!
i mean come on...if you've watched food, inc. we all know that soy is totally a predator.
that could make sense.

but if soy is a predator, why are we getting all crazy with the cheez whiz?
((scratching my head))

so, like i always do when i get my self confuzuled, i hit up google.
and google says that the lyrics are:

"SOY UN PERDEDOR"

translated in spanish: i'm a loser

great.
there went 30 minutes of my life.
now, i really do feel like one.
back to editing.

you're welcome sari.

happy dance

2011-11-18T09:07:00.001-08:00

it's kinda my thing.

i bust it out on special occasions such as this...

...a midweek photo session with perfect weather, great setting,
awesome family, natural smiles, the whole sha-bang.
the perfect ingredients for a happy dance.

and yes, i totally did.

they get their good looks from me.

2011-11-17T08:36:00.001-08:00

forget that we aren't actually blood related.
that's just a minor detail.

don't they look amazing though?
really?

i love them.
forever.

the starkeys

2011-11-17T08:30:00.001-08:00

i really enjoyed getting to meet this couple.
they have great energy, and are so in love.

their little dog was seriously too cute for words.
thanks starkeys for making this a really fun session!

in the spirit of gratefulness

2011-11-17T08:09:00.001-08:00

...do you have people in your life that make you smile when you think about them?

i do.
this is an example of one such family that makes me smile when i think about them.

bari and i have known each other for years.
(i won't get into the specifics of just how many that is...)

she makes me smile, and subsequently, her family does too.
that makes me grateful.

grateful for friendship.
grateful for a friend that has a great listening and advising ear.
grateful for a teacher for my daughter that has encouraged her to point her toes during a back walkover.
grateful for the confidence i see her instilling in my very moldable 6 year old.
grateful for the support she has shown me through my business adventures.
grateful.

have you told the friends in your life that make you smile that your grateful for them?
today might be a great day to do that.

90's reference

2011-11-17T08:00:00.001-08:00

if you didn't watch the hit sitcom "martin" this phrase will mean nothing to you.
but for me, it's the only phrase i can think of that sums up this photo session.

"Dang, Gina!!"

This mama has got some serious hops, and her sweet daughters are quickly following in her footsteps. Thanks Aimee for asking me to capture some of your sheer awesomeness. Every time I look at the picture of your back tuck...I can only think, "Dang, Gina!!"

top 3...

2011-11-14T09:09:00.001-08:00

...things about being a photographer?
#1: meeting new people
#2: being excited about "going to work"
#3: immediate gratification.

point in case:
the lauzon family.
what a pleasure meeting this family.

they were fun and easy to work with.
...and seeing their happy faces in my viewfinder was instantly gratifying.
thanks lauzon family.

define it

2011-11-14T08:52:00.001-08:00

i love this family.
what i love even more is that they define themselves as not just a family, a team.
that resonates with me.

so, of course i had to look up the actual definition of a team.

here's what dictionary.com says about a team:

noun

a number of persons forming one of the sides in a game or contest: a football team.

a number of persons associated in some joint action: a teamof advisers.

two or more horses, oxen, or other animals harnessedtogether to draw a vehicle, plow, or the like.

one or more draft animals together with the harness andvehicle drawn.

a family of young animals, especially ducks or pigs.

i think the definition that most fits is the being associated in some joint action.
action=life.
teaming up to tackle life.
love it.
not just a family, a team.

camaraderie is needed for a team.
like mindedness is needed for a team.
effort from all participants is needed for a team.
i like it.
not just a family, a team.

however dunn, family....if i start quacking at you the next time i see you...thank definition number 5 for that. ha.

so they say,

2011-11-14T08:40:00.001-08:00

"one mans' trash...
is another man's treasure..."

i felt like we hit paydirt.
i happen to be smitten with old things.
chippy paint.
rust.
history.

i think it reeks character.
in a really really good way...

this session was super fun.
and totally rain-free!!

youz wrong weather dot com

2011-11-06T13:17:00.000-08:00

weather dot com gives my heart palpitations.

just a few days ago it said that there was an 80% chance of rain today.
those are pretty good odds.
if i was a betting person...i probably would have put down the golden egg on it.

it rained a lot last night.
i was certain today's session was going to get rained out.

this morning...weather dot com changed their forecast to 40%.
i am starting to think that i could actually start my own forecast company
just by looking outside and changing the forecast as i see it coming my way
and be just about as accurate as said billion dollar web company.
i'm just sayin.

however, i say with a grateful heart to mother nature,
"thank you."

thank you for not raining on the gilbert's parade today.
thank you for beautiful overcast skies.
thank you for not raining on their beautiful blue-eyed girl.

and to you weather dot com...
you....(insert shaking finger) you are on probation.
and if you continue with this wiffly-waffly business...
you can start paying for my heart meds.

take a gander at this beautiful growing family.
and you too will thank mother nature for her weather goodness today.

this is real life...

2011-11-05T22:34:00.000-07:00

one of the number one questions i get asked at photo sessions with kids is...
"oh my gosh...are we your wildest bunch?"
i always answer...
no.

honestly.
i'm totally not lying either.

photo sessions are supposed to be about family.
we all want to look our best...show our best self in a picture.
so during a session when it all seems to be chaotic and true to life...
i'm smiling.
because i know i'm capturing it.
moments that are true.
moments that show your child's personality.
i'm hoping to extend some memories for you in the process.

yes...i typically edit out the one of them pitching a fit.
or at least i don't blog the ones where they are.

but a photo session truly is never perfect.
i encourage bribery.
i admit that i am a bit sneaky.
i pretend i'm not taking a picture when i really am.
i do write down in my little book when i leave all sorts of blackmail.
okay, seriously. i was just kidding.

but miraculously...something wonderful is usually caught.

because it was family just being family.

and all those smiles,

all those laughs were there all along.

so thank you waters family for giving me some true to life shots.
for being silly, and happy, and knowing when to pull out the suckers.
your family rocks.

...making it a habit

2011-11-05T21:50:00.000-07:00

i went to high school with these friends.

i seem to be seeing a lot more of them lately.
i think it's become a happy habit.

it's been fun reconnecting with them as a couple,
and as a family.

thanks for being awesome today.
and chad...thanks for keeping the lights on.

on cue.

2011-11-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

these kids are awesome.
i say smile, and they do.
and instantly, i feel myself smiling too.
loved spending time with you garcias.

how to get the best blog post out of me.

2011-11-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

some people are so competitive!
seriously.

they just have to have the best blog story from me.
they will do whatever it takes to make sure their story
is a good one.

take my best friends, the fergusons and jones.
they went to great lengths for these pictures, and blog story.
trust me.

Here's how to make a good photography blog story:
Step 1: Take your friend, the photographer to your family property...but make sure the road to get there is precarious and unmarked. Also, it's helpful if the road is really narrow, and really really bumpy. Make sure the photographer friend doesn't have four wheel drive.

Step 2: Have that friend make a 12 point turn to turn around because, woops, that was the wrong road. 12 point turns are fun. Ask anyone. They'll tell you so.

Step 3: Woo her with a pretty location. While she's discovering the property and looking for the best places for the shot...make sure you say something scary about bears and the cabins being haunted. That's sure to get a reaction. Your photographer friend might start singing really loud and start twitching a little, because that's how she deals with fear. But that will be fun for you to watch. Really.

Step 4: Bring the cutest kids you can find. Get them all riled-up by doing the "booty" dance and other equally embarrassing dances to make them smile. That's actually really fun for the photographer friend. Trust me, she's making lots of mental notes for blackmail.

Step 5: Lastly, make sure that the bribery at the very end is REALLY REALLY good. You need her to try and forget all the silly things that just went down. Distract her with sugar. She's sure to be a sucker for sugar. If available you might need to offer seasonal pumpkin cookies from the local general store. She'll be so busy drooling over the deliciousness of the cookie, she will start to get fuzzy-minded over how dusty and dirty her car really is.

So there is you have it.
The recipe is really very simple.
Now you too can get your family friend photographer to blog about you.

Thank you fergs and jones.
It really was very memorable.
And, you can thank me later for not sharing ALL of our stories.

cars

2011-11-03T08:21:00.000-07:00

pixar...you missed your opportunity.
this is your poster child for cars.
he is a car fanatic.

he seriously lights up at the sight of a car.
any car.
it's cute, and it makes him smile.
and smiling is good.
especially in pictures.

morgan

2011-10-28T08:13:00.000-07:00

she is one week old.
so sweet and just perfect.
i loved spending my afternoon with this family to get some quick pics
before grandma & grandpa had to head back home.

welcome to the world sweet baby morgan.
you are already so loved.

i did...

2011-10-25T11:27:00.000-07:00

their "i do's."

I don't normally do "i do's"....
but for Molly & Luke I had to make a special consideration.
Because if you knew Molly & Luke...you would do it too.

I love this couple.
Simply in love.
It's a beautiful thing.

Thank you Molly & Luke for including me
in your lovely day.
The weather was ideal.
But mostly, watching your commitment to each other
was refreshing
and beautiful.

I think you guys are great.
Really, really great.

Here's a long photo story of the day.

due.

2011-10-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

yup.
like any day now.

this beautiful mama is still teaching gymnastics
and demonstrating jumps for the kids.
sounds like a recipe for broken water.

we were pretty lucky to get in a session
because this little girl is on her way, soon!!!

can't wait to meet your baby girl DuPrees.
and i fully expect her to come out turning cartwheels.

from a mountain town...

2011-10-19T08:10:00.000-07:00

one thing i love about living in a small mountain town...
is meeting up with people who love the mountains like i do.
they want to be here.
they want to stay here.
they come back on purpose.
because it's home.

i've known this mama since she was a preschooler.
and her family loves the area like my family does.

it's so fun to see the boys embrace
being "mountain boys."
i wonder if they will come back to this area when they are grown.
and make it home again.

i had such a great time Goodmans.
you are a happy, smiley, natural bunch.
you made my job easy.

get schooled.

2011-10-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

i love having friends who are experts in things i know little about.
(it's also a little humbling when their son is able to teach me more than a thing or two...
and their daughter knows EVERY word to the RIO songs and i catch myself dancing to her tunes.)

the chrisman's know a lot about a lot.
especially trees, plants, flowers, bugs, insects....
i have lived in these here hills all my life.
i think all the trees around dinkey creek are pine trees.
(well...i knew about sequoias too...)
but did you know they ARE NOT???

There are Sugar Pines (they have ginormous pinecones)
Gentle Joshua Trees (they smell like vanilla)
Ponderosas (they have the pom pom needles)
...just to name a few.

They have really cool rhymes to remember the difference between ferns, grasses, and (see, I already forgot!)

I almost forgot I was along for the ride to take pictures.
Thankfully, we did get some of those in too.

Thanks Chrismans.
Thanks for listening to all my questions.
Thanks for all the informative answers.
Next time, I would like a study guide.

grenades.

2011-10-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

has anyone else noticed that the acorns this year are on steroids?
seriously.
i'm thinking it's time to start walking around with a hard hat on
during any photo session under an oak tree!

at this location, there is a metal roof on the house.
when an acorn hits the roof it sounds like gun fire.
this is hunting season people.
i duck.

then, suddenly a menagerie of acorns will decide to
drop...........all in unison.
i'm am not exaggerating when i say they sound like grenades.

thank goodness for this good-natured family.
and thank goodness we didn't get nailed by any
of those acorn torpedos.

sometimes decisions are really hard for me...

2011-10-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

...especially when i have to choose photos to put on the blog.

in cases like this, i want to smother my blog in photos.

i want to show them ALL to you, because i love them ALL.

yup.

really.

so please forgive me for going overboard with pictures here.

i just couldn't help myself.

It's (almost) the most wonderful time of the year....

2011-10-11T08:44:00.000-07:00

did i get that song stuck in your head now??

Costco already has their Christmas Decorations out.

I just saw a commercial on tv yesterday about the holidays.

So no, it's not too soon to think about your Christmas cards!

This family is ready to go!

One less thing for them to think about as the holidays roll around.

They are stocked for photo gifts, christmas cards, and they can even showcase their new family photo at Thanksgiving for all the family to see.

Now that's what I call efficiency.

Are you ready to take yours?

Have you already picked out your outfits?

Are you going for traditional pictures or something a little different this year?

Thanks B family, your stories kept me fully entertained, and your laughter was a just a bit contagious.

Hope I get a Christmas card in the mail. :)

i would like a new song.

2011-10-03T18:37:00.000-07:00

someone needs to make up a new song for me
like the ever popular "Nice day for a white wedding....."
super emphasis on the "g" sound at the end....insert crazy guitar solo.

I need one that goes something like,
"Nice day for perfect pictures..."
with the wailing guitar too please.
I bet maroon 5 could sing it.
OR, I could totally wish for a rebirth of the 80's hair bands.
Then someone would have to pinch me,
because I would literally think I was in heaven.

Not sure it would be quite as big of a smash hit,
but it would be super fun for me to sing at photo shoots.

But then I might lose clients
because word would get around about my singing voice.
And that, that....would be very sad.
and humiliating.

So for now, I'll just groove to the beat in my head.
And always remember that this day,
it was a "nice day for perfect picturesssssssss"
super emphasis on the "s" sound again.
and a little air guitar.
just for funsies.

So Rinon family...this was loads of fun.
Your kids were awesome.
I could probably write a song about that too.
But, I'll save it for later.

For Sure...

2011-10-03T18:00:00.000-07:00

....lee. (inside joke).

This family is fun.
Easy to laugh with.
For sure.
Right, shirley?

I really enjoyed capturing the laughter they share,
the personalities of the girls,
and Jeff, you's a really good sport.

Lots of fun Turners.
Lots of fun.
*sigh*
I get a belly ache just thinking about laughing with you.

even the squish made an appearance!
love this little man!

balloons and grins

2011-09-28T08:33:00.000-07:00

do you remember when balloons made you giddy?
i guess i had forgotten.

after seeing these kiddos squeal in delight over the
presence of balloons, I think I should start bringing some to sessions.
it was genius on the part of nana and mama.
thank you.

400.

2011-09-26T17:50:00.000-07:00

this is my 400th post.

what better way to celebrate this post than to

highlight what started it

in the first place.

my macy.

so i decided this post had to be dedicated to her.

it just so happened that we had a photo date yesterday.

i have been busy photographing other people's laughter,

other families joy.

other people's memories.

don't get me wrong,

I LOVE IT!

but,

macy needed some mom time.

so we had a private photo session.

and we had a laughing blast.

macy, rock on baby.

your free spirit,

easy laughter,

bubbling joy,

and mad posing skills

fill my cup.

you make me feel joyful.

and that makes this mama very happy.

I even let her take some pictures of me.

That was ~~scary~~ fun.

love you lu-lu.

thank you for giving me a reason to start blogging.

fuentes family

2011-09-25T09:50:00.000-07:00

seriously.

loved working with this family.

this session was great for a few reasons.

1. i love preggo mama tummies.

2. they brought g.g. to help...and she was funny...and helpful.....and really funny.

3. peanut m & m's work as awesome bribes for little ones, as do silly jumping g.g.'s who know how to make their grandkids laugh., did I mention she was funny?

4. capturing their love was easy. it's one of those the exudes.

really enjoyed you fuentes family.

can't wait to meet your little one!

On the menu this morning::

2011-09-20T09:02:00.000-07:00

Peanut butter banana pancakes!

1 c. flour

2 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 c. creamy peanut butter

2 T sugar

2 T vegetable oil

1 large egg

1 c + 2 T milk

1 ripe banana

Mix until smooth and cook on a griddle.

Yummers.

Top with sliced bananas and toasted peanuts and a drizzle of maple syrup.

L is for the way...

2011-09-19T21:44:00.000-07:00

...you look at me.

well.

not me so much me.

but, each other.

cuz that would just be weird if it was me, ya know?

sweetness

2011-09-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

this family was so nice.

my favorite part...how much this brother loves his sister.

it's sweetness.

monkey in the middle

2011-09-19T20:29:00.000-07:00

i tend to title all my posts about this family with something about a monkey.

this little one will always be my monkey-girl.

although i felt a little like monkey in the middle trying to get her in some of the pictures.

i'm pretty convinced someone paid her not to like the camera this time.

maybe.

i did happen to catch her in some shots.

despite her efforts.

ahem.

here's the said "monkey."

literally.

double take

2011-09-19T20:11:00.000-07:00

yes, you are looking at two sets of twins.

this family delights my heart.

thank G family for sharing your smiles and laughs with me.

you can pick...

2011-09-11T22:02:00.000-07:00

your friends
you can pick your nose.

but you can't pick your friend's nose.

gross.

anyways.

we did a different kind of picking tonight with some friends.
berry pickin'

and it got kinda loopy.
and even a little dangerous.

there were some dangerous pits.
ask casey...she's sure that she disturbed some slumbering animal
when she fell in the precarious crevice.

some gnarly pokies on the vine.
you can ask casey about this one too.
she got bit.
by the vine.
and it hurt.

some very committed screams.
i can testify to this one.
once you feel like you are going to fall in the briar patch
your brain knows this can't end well, and there are no bandaids around.
so you scream.
like a little girl.
and sigh when you catch your footing in "oh sweet jesus" relief.
and sometimes,
when you are tami...
it sounds like a cackle of birds when you scream.
and that's funny to people like me.

some banana plants that don't exist.
okay.
this is mine too.
i literally thought i saw a banana and it didn't even faze me.
until i thought for a real second and realized this is not a banana patch.
crazy. i know!

some twigs and berries.
literally.
this is all liz.
she pulls the entire twig off with the berry.
apparently, she likes her jelly a little woodsy.
woah.
this is going nowhere good fast.

there were killer mosquitos.
ask becca.
she was saved by tami.
she even ended up with some not
so subtle mosquito bites.

but we walked away with over 30 cups of berries.
maybe more.
we have some work cut out for us now.

thanks ladies for a fun evening.
i needed some good laughs.
and i got them.
and a few berries to boot.

McKenna

2011-09-11T10:25:00.000-07:00

Remember these?

That beautiful glowing mama has a beautiful glowing family.

And the beautiful glowing baby is already sooo big!

i'm old.

2011-09-05T20:51:00.000-07:00

yesterday, i took senior pictures for a friend's daughter.

her daughter just happened to be in my third grade class the first year i was teaching.

now she's a senior.

that makes me old.

she is gorgeous.

seriously.

like home

2011-09-03T22:22:00.000-07:00

i spent a lot of time when i was younger at my grandma's house.

visiting her is like going home.
it feels good.
because she is there.

she wraps you in comfort and makes you feel loved
by all the little things she does to show how happy she is to have you there.

she bakes your favorite cookies and offers them immediately upon arrival.
and remembers your most favorite places to eat.

she cooks your childhood favorite foods.
and treats your children the way she treated you.

she puts her love on her sleeve.
and it's reassuring to know it's always there.

she serves tomatoes from the garden.
and sends you home with bouquets of fresh flowers from her amazing garden.

she loves you a bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck.
and has no shame in singing it to you at random.

being with grandma cookie is to know you are loved.

grandma cookie, we hope you know just how much we love you back.

out for a birthday dinner

she makes me Portuguese soapish. it's the best.

relaxing, waiting for dinner to be ready.

dinner. yum!

macy loves her tomatoes!!

visting the nursery. grandma knows just about every flower and plant name.

macy's ladybugs.

seal beach

2011-09-03T21:25:00.000-07:00

this post is a month overdue.

i thought i lost these pictures.

like a miracle...they showed up on my computer.

i must have loaded them with something else...woops!

so glad they were found!!

we spent our last weekend in july visiting auntie karen.

it felt like a really real vacation.

we rested.

we visited.

we ate yummy food.

we visited the beach.

and we rested.

it was wonderful.

macy and auntie headed to seal beach.

it was soooo windy.

it did not faze macy.

good wet sand for building sand castles.

he was not a fan of the wind.

celebrating july and august birthdays!

she's such a diva.

he liked the bib.

i have got to stop laughing during pictures. lame.

princess crown.

now that's a bucket.

totally embarrassed by the singing.

okay, i had to take a picture of this plant at the local nursery.

it was packed with monarch butterflies.

they lay their eggs all over the plant and eat it too i guess.

the plant is called "the family jewels" plant.

look for half a second and you'll figure out why.

hilarious.

i think it should be a get well card for men after a certain surgery.

just sayin.

six.

2011-09-03T18:58:00.000-07:00

macy turned six in july.
we celebrated her birthday by going to santa cruz.

but what's a birthday without cupcakes?
we had a small family birthday party for her complete with taco bar and cupcakes.
it was yummy.

s'mores cupcakes.

reece's peanut butter cup-cakes.

auntie sari helping out lu lu.

watch out. i'm crazy like that.

see, macy knows.

i'm sure ALL her wishes came true. (she blew 6 times!!!)

um....sweetness.

happy birthday lu lu.

throat marbles.

2011-09-03T18:20:00.000-07:00

no, i am not referring to macy's recent tonsillectomy and adenoid removal.

i'm referring to that thing that happens to moms when, gulp...
their baby....
last baby...
starts growing up.

and there's this realization of that "said" growing up part.
and there's this thing that starts to grow from your heart
and you feel it slither....
all the way up into your throat.

it makes it hard to talk about sometimes.
it suddenly makes you feel like you can't swallow.
or talk.
and there's not enough air to breathe...
because the other mommy next to you who is realizing the same thing
is sucking up ALL the oxygen in the room.

and it dawns on you.
you've caught the disease.
the emotional mommy disease.
the one that used to make you roll your eyes
when you started to see your mom do it.

it's called the
the throat marble disease.
and it's real people.
trust me.

i've come down with a very serious case of it.
so don't ask me how i feel about my little man starting preschool.
don't EVEN ask me what i'm going to do when he's in school full time.
unless of course you plan on offering me a paper bag to control my breathing.
yup.
it's bad.
it's called love.
and i don't want to talk about it anymore.
thanks.

for the sake of our blog book, i'm including his first day of preschool pictures...
as much as it pains me to show the proof.

Sprouting wings

2011-09-03T18:01:00.000-07:00

My big second grader has a lot of changes before her this year.

We made a giant decision this year to promote her to 2nd grade and allow her to skip 1st.
While there were many factors that played into this decision, we believe we made the right one and
have made the best choice for her.

Among those changes begins a journey at a new school.
Our darling elementary schools closed their doors this year due to enrollment and budget issues.
They have combined to start a new elementary school at the once middle school campus.
While this has been a very big adjustment and change for the entire community, it has been
wonderful to witness the three sites forming bonds. I think it's a good thing.

And in other news, Macy went in for surgery on her tonsils and adenoids the first week
we were back at school.
I've had the chance to refresh my teaching skills and tutor her at home through her independent study.
It's been a good time, although I don't plan on homeschooling her, ever.
She is ready to go back this week.
We are crossing our fingers the doctor says yes!!

Here are some pictures documenting Macy's month:

her first day of 2nd grade.

oh, little "bothers"

i love this face!

her desk and her very own water bottle!

mrs. v, who macy believes hung the moon and stars.

macy's buddy, miss k.

going in for surgery with her doll, madylyn.

recovery.

eating mushed up popsicles. no sticks, no straws.

leaving the hospital in style.

her very best medicine.

C & M ::Wedding::

2011-08-14T20:05:00.000-07:00

i really love this couple.
i had the privilege of taking their family photos a few months back.
i am even more honored to have captured their beautiful reception.
(they were married in MAUI!!!!)

congrats you two.
so happy for you!!!!!!!

Baby Boise Take Two

2011-08-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

so he doesn't want to sleep.
that's okay.
cuz he's stinkin' cute.
and his auntie calls him "squishy".
wonder what he'll think of that when he's 10.
heee hee.

C & J :: Wedding ::

2011-08-10T15:41:00.000-07:00

i shot my first wedding.
in beautiful dinkey creek.
c & j....thank you.
what a privilege.
thanks also to my dad
who backed me up with camera #2
and schlepped my equipment around for me.
thanks again, dad.

Baby Boise.

2011-08-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

I don't think I've had enough coffee yet because that is riotously funny to me.

I was trying to think of a post title.

I just did a post a month or so ago on Baby C.

This is Baby C too, but a boy.

So I said Baby Boy C.

Get it.

Baby Boise.

Bwhahahaaha.

See.

Funny.

Enjoy his yumminess.

Baby Boise wasn't interested in sleep.
So, we're going to do some more shots soon to get those yummy
sleepy baby pics.

love drunk...

2011-07-28T12:36:00.000-07:00

for 10 years.

An entire decade.
Steve and I have made it.
Can I get a whoop whoop?

This is big stuff people.
10 years ago, Steve and I made vows, and promises, and committed to
whatever the future would hold.
This has the potential to be a really long post from me...
however last night Steve and I had the opportunity to have dinner together and celebrate a little early.
(That's how married life with kids works people, you frantically grab for time any where, and any way you can.)
and he gave me one of the greatest and most romantic gifts he's ever given.
so the long post is really his, not mine. :)

before i go into all that detail;
here's something you should know first.
i'm not a flowers and chocolate kind of girl.
i will even pass on jewelry
and fancy commemorative trips (ahem i'm still getting over this one)
for a gift that is heartfelt, meaningful, and drunk with inside jokes.

my all-time favorite gift from steve was before we were even dating for my birthday.
it's how i decided i wanted to pursue a relationship with him.

he gave me crunchy m&m's, individually wrapped ball point pens, top ramen, and a package of napkins.
don't even roll your eyes.
it was romantic.
they all told a story.
they were already a part of OUR story.
he had LISTENED.
he had been my FRIEND.
and he had REMEMBERED all these cute conversations.
they were representative, and it melted me.
i knew then he was a keeper.

Last night he reminded me on such an important occasion why God chose him for me.

My love language is all about the follow through of intention.
Your yes's are yes's and your no's are no's.
Steve not only has good intentions, he follows through and it takes romance to a whole new level for me.

Are you dying to hear about my gift yet?
Are you guessing in your head what could possibly be such an amazing gift to celebrate 10 years?

Here it is, in all of it's amazingness.
I have tissues.

(Steve contacted everyone who was an integral part of our wedding day, gathered their thoughts, and relayed to me their remembrances and stories.)

From Stephanie: (the maid of honor)::

Has it really been 10 years? Wow. I can vaguely remember sitting at Joni’s dining room table and reading these little notes you (Steve) had written. I think you were on a trip, and so you had left her a note for each day you were gone. She was a giddy little girl reading those…..or was it that she had written you a note for every day you were gone? Either way, bottom line, I remember being so blown away at how much she adored the little notes.

I remember our bible study group with Kristi, Vanessa, Suzanne, Francesca, Lindsay….and our times with the ‘boys’ bible study :) We certainly enjoyed hanging out with the boys :) Didn’t we go bowling…then we started that book….we wrote in it what God had taught us….there were some amazing thoughts written in there…..

Ah, the wedding day…I remember what a hot day it was…and sitting in the little ‘cabin-type’ room waiting for the wedding to begin, being so excited for my best friend…..how could one not forget the fabulous and not-so-fabulous, but now infamous speeches that went down that night….’Tonight you married a sinner….’

From Max: (the best man)::

I have 2 memories of your wedding day. First, it was as hot a day as I can remember with the ceremony being directly in the sun. It was hot!

The second was how my best friend was taking the next big step in manhood and marrying the woman he loves. I am so proud of you two for making it to the decade mark! there have been ups and downs but you have persevered. I am honored to have played an important role in your wedding and am glad that though we have both been busy lately the love and friendship is lifelong and unchanging.

From Heidi: (Steve's sister and a bridesmaid)::

This memory isn't directly related to your wedding day, but it definitely made me think that a wedding should happen one day. Here goes:

The Lloyd family was all set for our final family vacation to Europe for 2 1/2 weeks. I thought I had all the travel supplies I needed to endure two long flights to get to London. Boy, was I wrong. When each of us was lovingly given a survival bag from Joni full of treats and things to keep us occupied during our travels, I knew this girl was not only the "one" for Steve, but the one for our family! I could understand why Joni would do something like that for Steve, but for me!?! And my parents and siblings? I've never had an older sister, but this is exactly the kind of older sister I wanted. But here's the thing: it wasn't what was in the bag that said, "Steve has gotta keep this girl." It was all the time, thought, and love that was invested into putting those survival bags together that spoke so highly of the quality of Joni's character. I always knew Steve deserved a quality girl: someone generous, compassionate, thoughtful, and with a bit of spunk (you know, to balance his mellowness out ;). That girl was Joni -- it was always Joni -- and I knew it from such an early point in your relationship. The gift of a survival bag seems like such a small thing, but it wasn't to me. It was huge. It was a gift of love that said, "I care about you -- even though I don't know you very well yet -- but I want to get to know you." Your relationship has been a gift of love given to me: you've invited me, and now Joe and Elizabeth, into the adventures of your life together as husband and wife and as parents. It has been encouraging and challenging to see you walk the road ahead of us, showing us that the abundant life God has for us is full of joy, excitement, highs and lows, but never lonely -- because your best friend is with you in the journey -- perhaps even with a survival bag.

Here's the truth: Your work, your love for each other, your commitment to following Jesus, and your endless creativity....inspire. There may not be a better word than that, to describe your family. So keep doing what you're doing, loves, cause' we're watchin'.

From Jamie: (a bridesmaid)::

Dear Joni Lane Taylor Lloyd –

This note is so long overdue; forgive me. Thank goodness for your awesome husband and his note about your TEN YEAR anniversary (CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!) I can’t believe it’s been ten years since your wedding!!! I still have that beautiful bridesmaid dress (and I have worn it since, although thankfully I’m less thick now J), and I fondly recall the fabulous ceremony and reception. CONGRATULATIONS Joni, to you and Steve, on your ten years of marriage. I’m so happy for you both; congratulations on your life together, your gorgeous children and picturesque family. I’ve been meaning to write and tell you how much I LOVE reading your blog – it’s SO YOU; fun, creative, beautiful, artistic, original, and inspiring. I read up on you and your fam every couple of weeks; it makes my heart smile to see and ‘hear’ about the rich and real life you’re all living together.

Although it’s been ten years, I still remember the excitement and beauty characterizing Steven Lloyd’s bride; you absolutely glowed (and from your awesome blog/pics, I can tell you still do). As I recall it was a toasty day in the lovely San Joaquin Valley, but that certainly didn’t lessen the joy and happiness felt by everyone in attendance. Your wedding was what weddings are meant to be– a joyful, heartfelt celebration of promised lifelong commitment between two people, commemorated by those family and friends nearest and dearest; a defining moment of perfect beauty, epitomizing truth and hope and love, between two souls who recognize their counterpoint in the other, joining together on this crazy life adventure. And in that moment, wisely embracing the unknown future highs and lows, while trusting in the love of the other and ultimately, His smiling grace…

It’s crazy how life turns out, and yet so perfect in its unexpectedness. And it’s not even over yet, hurray! J I’ve learned that life is profoundly simple, and what really matters are those that we love. The rest is just details.

I wish you, Steve, Macy, and Zach continued blessings, abundance, and love; may you always know the light that you are, and how brilliantly you illuminate the lives of all you know.

From Aunt Karen: (our candle lighter)::

My wedding memories are many! Here are a few - First of all, as we pulled into the wolf lakes parking lot I will always hear your uncle Don saying "look! it is 108 degrees and i am wearing a tux! what was joni hoping for at 5 o'clock the end of july?!" hahahaha

Next are vivid memories of Joni in her dressing room, with the girls in her wedding party and Betty. I couldn't believe how beautiful and grown-up she looked, and the pride and joy in mama's eyes as she helped her get ready. I felt so honored and privileged to be sharing those moments.

Next are you and Joni sharing your first kiss as a married couple. SO much love in both of your faces. And i have only seen it grow.

And of course my brother through-out the reception- so proud! So relieved it was over! And so adorable dancing with your bride and then with his bride.

And of my husband and Marland becoming fast friends and fellow drunkards alike!

Most of all I remember the first day I met you and your friends when Joni brought you to our home in Tustin. She thought you were the one. Now, you must understand, I think your wife is incredibly talented, amazingly smart, riotously funny & heavenly full of love. BUT! Whatever the initial attraction, SHE IS GENIUS! For you, dearest Steve, are the absolute best decision she ever made; one of the best things to ever happen to the Taylor family en total, and a gift to both Don and my lives. I could never thank her enough.

So, in summation, the best part of the wedding for me, was the fact that Joni was now going to have you in her life for always and forever. And so were we.
I love you BOTH to the moon and the stars!

From Amy: (a bridesmaid)::

Steve,
You are so thoughtful! I love your idea of getting memories from your wedding party to celebrate your 10 year anniversary!
Wow...first of all I can't believe that it's been 10 years!
My memory of you two leading up to the wedding was Joni was beyond excited to become your wife. I remember every morning before you proposed she would get dressed for the day and come into my room and ask "does this look like a good outfit to wear when I get proposed too?" You fulfilled every dream she had about her engagement day...and the funny thing is I still remember what she was wearing!
The next thing that I remember is that your whole relationship, engagement and wedding was Christ centered. You both put him first in everything you did, which is not easy to do. You both set a great example for your family and friends.
The wedding day...well I remember that it was a classic Fresno July day...with temperatures over 100 degrees! With sweat dripping down our bodies and the heat exhausting us everyone couldn't help but smile watching you both make a promise to spend your lives together. The joy you had to start your lives together was contagious!
Happy Anniversary to you both! Cheers to many more anniversaries!

From Rob: (a groomsman)::

I have great memories about your wedding and the events that led up to it. Because I was privileged to see your relationship grow from the very beginning, I was really looking forward to the big day. I remember going out to Wolf Lakes early in the morning with your brother to pray for the ceremony, your marriage, and all the people that would be coming to your wedding. We were praying that people would have the opportunity to see (as Matt and I had seen) Jesus in your relationship. I think the temperature was already in the 80’s at about 7:00am. As we gathered together for pictures and all the pre-wedding tasks I remember thinking that you seemed very relaxed. I made a mental note that I wanted God to give me that type of peace when I got married. As for the actual ceremony the one thing I remember was looking into the sun as we waited for Joni to walk down the aisle. Even in the midst of the heat and sun, your face was full of joy as you watched her walk down the aisle. The reception was a lot of fun with many (and I do emphasize many) meaningful speeches. It was a really fun day.

Although the circumstances of life have prevented us from hanging out as much as we did back then, I have learned a great deal from you and Joni. One thing you really modeled to me was seeing your spouse as your best friend. The two of you really enjoyed spending time together, and I learned the importance of that from you. I also feel that you and Joni are the type of couple that I could be completely open and honest with. Even if we hadn’t spent a lot of time together, I would not be afraid to be myself with you guys because I know I would be accepted and loved. I think that is a great quality and another thing I truly admire.

Congratulations on 10 years.

From Max: (j's brother and groomsman)::

I remember being really happy about Joni ending up with such a cool guy, and getting drunk and saying "GO DODGERS" in my wedding toast.......dang champagne.
It has been great watching you two build a home and a wonderful family in the last 10 years and looking forward to being a part of the next 10!

From Bill: (our pastor)::

Happy anniversary you guys! Wow… that means we are getting even older!!! We love you guys and wish our paths crossed more often.

What do I recall about that great day 10 years ago…
·         It was hotter than H – E – double toothpicks!!!
·         Kylar was super hyper but pulled it together wearing his little tuxedo!
·         Steve and waited up front for what seemed to be like 3 hours (probably more like 5 minutes) for the wedding party to join us!
·         We had a sense that God would you and your family in mighty ways… and we were right!

From Kristi: (steve's sister and a bridesmaid)::

I remember Jonis bachelorette party and her "wife in training" outfit. She looked fabulous. I was so vain back then (and maybe I still am) and thought she was such a good sport. I think she even had fun. I remember how happy I was that she was so enthusiastic to marry you.

The wedding day came and the one thing I remember most... The heat. I have a fond memory of all of us girls standing around in the bridal room and our prayers for the day and how beautiful Joni looked. I was also very impressed with the skill my brother displayed when removing the garter and how painful it may have been for my mother to watch.

As far as advice goes - keep doing what you're doing because it's working. Keep loving, keep laughing, and keep living each day wrapped up in each other. Your relationship has always been one I have admired. I aspire to cultivate a relationship like yours with my future spouse and am glad I have such great role models displaying the way a marriage should be.

I love you both very much.

From Joe & Betty: (Joni's parents)::

Ten years ago you had a story book wedding. Every girls dream of what a wedding should be. Serene lake, harp music, family and friends gathered to share your day.
Joni your dress was beautiful & seeing you walk down the aisle with dad was tearful and breathtaking. Steve, proud and handsome was so happy.
Every detail was played out perfect for dinner and reception. So many guests said it was the most beautiful wedding they had ever attended. How lucky you both were to have such an amazing day and to be loved by so many. Congratulations my sweet couple. Love Mom

From me,
What stands out most in my memory was how proud I was to walk my baby girl down the aisle. It just didn't last long enough. You were definitely a sight to behold.
Aunt Gloria passed out.
The reception and dinner was top drawer with plenty of toasts and glass clinking.
Then came my favorite part other than the walk down the aisle, a dance with my beautiful daughter bride.
Much water has been flushed down the toilet in all these years but your love for each other has not faded.
You did great in picking a mate. Love Dad

From Jim & Doris: (Steve's parents)::

As with most people, I probably remember how hot it was but even the heat paled in comparison to how beautiful Joni looked! I also remember how nervous mom was regarding the candles-lighting part of the service... How she was afraid that she would somehow mess-up the day. She did a great job, and the rest is history.... 10 happy and productive years together. I also remember Grandma Evie and Grandpa Joe being there for your wedding... Yours is the only one of our kids wedding that she attended and she went home to be with the Lord a year and a half later. I also remember how proud I was of the two of you committing your life's, marriage and future family to the Lord on that special day... And how proud we are of you both for putting into practice and living daily for the Lord for these past ten years. May God continue to enrich you individually as well as a couple as you serve and grow together. Three thongs (oops I mean things) come to mind...Faith, Hope, and Love (I Corinthians 13)

FAITH: This is connected to your walk with God. The greatest strength in a relationship is the bond or glue that holds it together. The bond is Christ. This does not mean there won't be problems, difficulties and adversity (just read Job), but rather you will have the comfort of Christ's presence... It doesn't get better than that!

HOPE: This is related to the dreams and vision you have for your future together... For your work, family, marriage, and all the attachments that come along with this... Career planning, school and college, children's education, marriage and jobs as well as the plans the two of you have when the kids are grown and leave home... This is where the two of you dream dreams and imagine what God is going to do through you and how His Kingdom will be impacted by the choices you make and the prayers you pray

LOVE: This touches directly on your relationship with one another.... First a word for Joni... Understand and support Steven just as you would do for Christ, not just in word but in deed. Steven, Love Joni, provide leadership for your wife and family, not by domineering but by cherishing and loving her as Christ loves the church. For both of you... Hold one another accountable for you're relationship with the Lord, serve one another, and work on being "Best Friends"Finally, spend some time each week and pray together. We love you and are praying for you both...

We got an indication that yours might be a serious relationship when Joni called to say hi while we were all on vacation in Frankfurt summer of 1999!

It was so special to be included in the visits to all the possible wedding sites, getting to know Betty and then the rest of the Taylor clan...fun!

The rehearsal dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory was the forerunner of Macy's great liking of spaghetti:-)

It was the only wedding of a Lloyd child where both sets of grandparents were in attendance and had a great time...

It was a hot day but everything was "cool"...great ceremony, delicious food and fun times visiting with family and
friends!

Advice:
Love the Lord and your spouse with all your heart...be each others best friend...don't go to bed angry...smile and laugh a lot:-)

see. he's the best.
the very best.
and he was so meant to be for me.
10 years later, i'm still love drunk.
and i plan on being this way for at least 100 more.

Do you have a sari?

2011-07-26T08:45:00.000-07:00

no, it's not one of those skirt sarong things.

it's my sister-in-law.
and she's awesome.

wait.
lemme try that again.
she's AWESOME.
(she's one of those people who deserves capital letters)

everyone should have a sari.

this weekend we ~~jetsetted~~ drove to the central coast.
we had a mommy weekend.
let me 'splain what that means:

*no noses or diaper duty.
*no counting to three or four, or whatever.
*no whining.
*no early dinner and searching for the "kids eat free" sign.
*yummy libations
*food that doesn't come from a mac n cheese box.
*walking around in a store for more than 5 minutes.
*peeing by yourself.

this is big stuff people.
if you don't have kids yet,
you can't imagine what a big deal this is.
trust me.
and when you have someone awesome
who appreciates those things like you do,
it's even awesomer.

here are the must do-see things you have to do if you
visit the central coast.
*Sally Loo's Wholesome Cafe
*Seaside Cafe & Bakery
* Broad Street Tavern
*The Cracked Crab
*Scotty's Bar & Grill
*A Vital Touch (massage)

i won't go into all the details.
what happens with sari, stays with sari. wink wink.
let me just say
we had lots of fun.
lots of laughs.
some funny-guy impersonations
a really expensive taxi ride
and some ko-ko-ko-kolaid.

love you sari.
can't wait for our next one.
boo-ya!

The 2011 Y.A.A.M Award goes to....

2011-07-25T18:38:00.000-07:00

I just got nominated!!!
Have you heard???
There is this awesome new award floating around called the Y.A.A.M award.
It stands for You're An Awesome Mom.

Me????
Seriously????
O.M.G.G.
Oh. My. Good. Gravy.
((blushing))

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be up for such an honor.
I had always dreamed something like this would happen to me.
*sigh*

Wow.

The awards are being held soon.
Tonight in fact.
8pm CST.
I haven't even had time to prepare a speech.

Where will I put my award?
Is the dining room table a little much?
Too showy?

Maybe I'll put it in the bathroom.
It's a little more discreet.
Not so...heyyyyy look at me, I'm awesome.

If it's not toooo big I might hang it from the rear view mirror in my car.
That would be the bomb.

Or, I could wear it around my neck like the rappers who wear the mercedes car symbols.
I'd use my street name, Joe Knee Breaker.
It will probably make me bust out in crazy rhyme.

So yeah, tonight. 8pm. I'm crossing my fingers, because I totally wanna win.
Wait.
What is that you say?
The award is being handed out at Lloyd Mountain?
What the what??
There's no trophy involved?

Gulp.
It's not really REAL???
I made it UP???
shootles.

That's too bad.
For reals.
Because I totally SHOULD win some award called the Y.A.A.M.
Because I don't think ANYONE would have a better entry than me.
Because this totally takes the cake.
Because I have no excuses for the sheer awesomeness of THIS parent moment.
Because it still has me scratching my OWN head and I'm STILL looking for answers.

Here.
See for yourself.

Macy's had these shoes since May.
May.
Ummmm hmmmm.
She's been walking around in one shoe that fits, and one that is TWO sizes too big.
Two sizes.
I know I'm repeating myself.
I just can't believe it.
No wonder she can't walk right.
No wonder she keeps loosing her shoes in the grocery store.
No wonder she didn't want to wear them on PE days .
No wonder.
No wonder I'm giving myself the Y.A.A.M award.
It's totally deserved.
Only super awesome moms could pull this off for 2 months and never even notice it.
the end.

Santa Cruz: Day Three

2011-07-22T12:15:00.000-07:00

i love going on vacation.
i like getting out of dodge.
seeing new things.
spending time with people i love out of our day to day routine.

some things i'm GOOD at while on vacation:
*napping
*eating good food
*taking pictures
*being spontaneous
*shopping
*breathing deeply

some things i'm NOT good at while on vacation:
*giving "long" leashes
*dieting
*parenting in small, busy, congested spaces.
*letting the hotel room be a hotel room.
(let me explain this one: i feel bad for the people who clean rooms because we are pigs... so i'm the kind of traveler who makes my bed in the morning, hangs up all the towels, picks up all the trash, and tries to make the room look presentable...this makes Steve CRAZY.)
*the last day of vacation

The last day of a vacation always kinda sucks.
You always have to be out of your room before noon.
Which means I have to get everything packed up.
I like my dirty clothes to be wrapped in trash bags because I don't want them touching my clean clothes.
Furthermore, I use one of our bags for all the clean clothes leftover, and cram the dirties into what's available.
This is really hard for me though, because I like all the clothes separated into each person's bag.
I have to give up some of the organization on this one because that just isn't possible to accomplish in a realistic fashion. Trust me, I've tried...and it makes people I travel with super crazy, and that isn't relaxing....so I have to let this one go.
Once I clean up the room though, I'm in "home" mode.
So all I want to do is leave and get home.
Stat.
I have bags of laundry to wash now.
Which is not so fun for everyone else, because there is still a whole day waiting to be enjoyed.
I hate being the buzzkill.

SO......
I'm trying really really hard not to rush home. (or to great grandma cookie's house in this case)
We decided to check out the swap meet on soquel instead.
see if we could score any treasures and maybe some awesome produce.

((macy used her birthday money to buy a feather for her hair, i scored two wrought iron frames for $7, some giant buckets, a canada dry wooden box, we brought home a bag of peaches and apricots, a will clark statue *trust me, this was a gift...in no way did it enter our dodger-loving home, and a mickey-mouse loving barbie.))

((this is hottie-mc-hot-pants at the swap meet. i love his hat on backwards,

and this backside view. woo. be still my heart.))

Santa Cruz: Day Two Part 2

2011-07-21T23:14:00.000-07:00

Are you still with me on this picture vacation overload??

I thought this was a good place to start the part two portion of the story because we went back to our room and took naps.
Nice, relaxing naps.
Siestas.
Power naps.
Recharging Stations.
The kind that are a little hard to wake up from.

So....we headed to Mr. Toot's Coffeehouse.
As a coffee shop owner and barista, I'm always a little picky about
my coffee drinks, and honestly....I like a coffee shop with some feel.
A little love.
Not so perfecty-matchy-matchy.
Kinda swanky.
Kinda like this awesome little place called Bubba-Lu's I hear so much about.
Mr. Toot's....you rocked my socks.
Fantastic coffee.
Great atmosphere.... I felt at home.

Macy decided to pop open her new chapter book, "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer."
(she's just like her daddy and finished it the next night.)

Quickly, it became dinner time, so we headed to this awesome little

thai food restaurant called Thai Basil.

There is another thai restaurant right on the main beach street called Mai Thai.

Good food too, but more pricy.

((the kids really enjoyed their fancy napkins. we have no etiquette.))

((i really enjoyed my thai iced tea. did you know we serve these at bubba-lu's??))((i appreciated that they had a lot of colors in the crayon selection.))

After dinner, the beach was nice and quiet.

Perfect for a loud raucous bunch like ourselves.
We felt a little more freedom to have fun.
To not hush hush the kids.
No counting to three because you can't move the sand in that direction or it will get on the people sitting too close to us.
None of that.
It was fun.

((one of my favorite things about this beach is the artistic tile wall that you can sit and stare at all day and get inspired by each tile. it makes me want to meet the person who made the tile.

find out why they painted what they did.

hear their stories.))

Santa Cruz: Day Two Part 1

2011-07-21T10:54:00.000-07:00

Day two is coming at you in two posts, because I took a lot, and I mean a lot of photos.
So I'm working on putting them in collages so that it's not so overwhelming.
Day two was jam packed with the majority of our activities.

Macy was the early riser with me that morning.
There was a Keurig in our hotel room, so I made myself some yummy hazelnut coffee, and Macy had hot cocoa.
It was fun to have her all to myself.
Zach is usually the early riser, so I get my alone time with him, but this was a nice change of pace.

We hit up a ton of thrift stores.
One of them was promoting 1/2 off everything.
Macy got a ton of school clothes and a pair or barely worn shoes.
I found a cool jacket and a lampshade.
Pretty sure we scored.

Our next stop was the Boardwalk.
Macy was DYING to visit.
Here's the funny part: this kid does NOT like rides.
At all.
And we're at the Boardwalk.
Go figure.
It's like going to a chocolate factory and not liking chocolate.
Can you imagine?
We did a lot of walking, and looking, and joking, and eating.

((we ate deep fried PBJ for lunch....it was pretty much out of control awesome))

((of course we had dippin dots. of course))

((i LOVE looking at ferris wheels. i do NOT enjoy riding them. i am not a fan of heights))

((when i was little i rode stuff like this all the time. i have not been on a ride since having kids, and quite frankly, i'm a little nervous...IF you know what i mean.))

((macy decided that this ride was slow enough and not scary, so she wanted to ride it))

((this was my all time favorite when i was younger. i wonder if i would still like it?))

((so we finally got tickets to the sky glider...i'm thinking...no worries, this is easy...this is not fast...but hold the phone...i literally shook the ENTIRE time i was on this "ride". it was really high. that bar does not seem very secure. my baby was sitting next to me. that's REALLY high. i made her hold my hand the whole time while i white knuckled the safety bar. i'm not even kidding. do you know how hard it is to take pictures when you are shaking and chattering like a footsie wootsie? i couldn't wait to get off. i think i cried a little in nervousness...what the h- e- double hockey sticks is wrong with me???))

((so glad to be on the ground, safe and sound. ugh.))

((i am so thankful to be part of some of the pictures, it proves i was really there, and i'm even more delighted that steve was able to capture zach's expression. he does this a lot. for real.))

Stay tuned for the second part of day two....

Santa Cruz: Day One

2011-07-20T10:22:00.001-07:00

My baby girl Macy is going to turn six on Thursday.
Six.
Seriously.

For her birthday this year, we took her on a trip.
Zach got the big party bash this year, and next year it will be a trip for him.
Macy got to pick the location this year...and next year she gets a big party bash.
Get it?

This works well for us because June is Zach's bday and July is Macy's.
That is too much party planning for this mama....and it's a great excuse to use that
money on a family experience.

Macy picked Santa Cruz.
Here's why.

She got a bag from a friend at a yard sale that said "Santa Cruz" on it.
She asked what that meant.
I explained that it was at the beach, had a boardwalk, yada yada.
She declared at that moment in time that was where we would visit.

Unfortunately, everything was booked the weekend of her birthday,
so we decided to go the week before, and it was FANTASTIC.

We actually stayed in a little town called Capitola.
It's quirky, and family friendly, and artsy, and people are nice.
Those things matter.
We stayed right next to the beach in a little hotel, aptly named, "Capitola Hotel."
It was worth every penny.

((Pizza My Heart))

((Pesto & Walnut Pizza))

((sibling love))

((lots and lots of squealing))

((i wanted to stay here))

((posers))

((she was soooo happy to be at the beach))

((love the boats all parked on the dock))

((macy begged to fish. um. no.))

((can you see her delight?? she was exuberant.))

((ice cream. 2 nights in a row))

up with the chickens

2011-07-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

when you wake up with the chickens,
you get some special mommy time.

zach has figured that out.

he knows that i am usually out at the computer early in the morning reading blogs and catching up on facebook and emails drinking my first cup of coffee.

he zombie-walks to me and becomes the snuggliest little 3 year old i have ever met in my life.
he loves lovies.

this morning he got pampered with a little foot massage.
he made me promise not to pop his toes.

i love it because he gets super chatty with me.
no big sis to do all the talking.

i just adore his little voice
the way he says his words,
how serious he gets when he tells a story
...his perspectives on life.

he's growing up too fast for me.
i'd like to bottle this age and stage up and keep it for a while.
it makes me weepy.

see.
he is the cutest boy i know.

a wish for instant replay

2011-07-14T19:12:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wish I had a camera going 24/7 just to catch the really awesome and cool things that go on around here.
And then I think about the times when I am a crazy mom and think, oh my gosh...it would be like on Oprah.
no way.

Because really, sometimes words just aren't enough, you seriously need to be there.
But since there will be no live video streaming around here...
My words will have to be enough...

and trust me.
this was off the cuteness chart.
like extra frosting on a little cupcake.
like cute baby thighs that you want to squeeze cuteness.
did i mention this was cute.
for reals.
because it was.

Here goes:

The lights are dimly lit in the living room.
I'm relaxing...
My eyes are starting to go half mast
and i'm about to enter taco-leftover-hangover zone.
I can hear the whir of the fan blades overhead....
and off in the distance tiny little voices playing happily.
I smile.
*sigh*
The kids are getting along.

Then, like the anticipatory music that begins to play on the really scary parts of a movie...
Zachary comes bolting down the stairs...
fake panting in sheer exhaustion from just having sprinted for 20 feet.
"MOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM!" he screams.

I'm awake.
Show me the spider.
Where's the robber?
Do you have something in your eyes?
Where's the blood?
Do you have all your toes?

I am suddenly at full attention, my adrenaline is pumping.
I could probably do a backflip off the couch and get serious air.

"Zach! Mommy's right here, are you okay?" I try to calmly report.

Wide eyed are strikingly serious Zach hands me my almost empty roll of Scotch Tape.
"Mom, hey mom, Macy neber weturned your TAPE!! She have it in her woom dis whole time!"
(he was there when I made her pinky promise to bring it back YESTERDAY.)
(and.....he's still panting)

"Oh my goodness Zach, thank you so much for returning it to me. You are my superhero," I congratulate.

Here is the best part.

The kid giggles at being a superhero for the next two minutes straight.
Announcing that he is 'TAPE SUPERHERO' (the kind of hero who brings the tape back)
He's jumping around, doing twists in the air, and showing me the tape like it's his light saber.
Then, he asks me to take his picture.

I love him.
He cracks me up.

May I please introduce you to
"THE TAPE SUPERHERO::ZACHARY!!!"

i am joni lane, and if he is the scotch tape super hero, then i wanna be the duct tape queen.

happy.

2011-07-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

some happy things today.

Realizing my dear friend left me a caramelized onion quiche in the fridge and I didn't even know it.

this awesome little teal necklace from an antique store in clovis.

(i got a yellow one tooo!)

the basil growing in my kitchen window.

yummy plums.

very very yummy plums.

checking things off the summer list:

my new pillows!!!

i spent my entire monday sewing.

it was seeeeeewwwww much fun.

this new outdoor gift from my dad.

i can't wait to fill it with flowers.

purdy.