Baby Emma...

A new edition to our ever growing family. A new cousin for Penelope. Such a sweet, sweet baby.

Why I love him so...

I knew from the first date he was "the one". I just knew it. I'd seen him around work a few times and even had brief conversations with him, but it wasn't until our first date that I knew. I was instantly at ease with him. My guard was softer than usual. He was so kind and perfect. People sometimes ask why we get along so well, and I simply say he's the calm to my storm. He'll tell you it's because we respect each other, we want the best for each other and our family, we have common goals, we stand united not divided on issues concerning our family and our own desires and dreams, and even though I agree with all those things...I know it's more Divine than that...it's because we're soul mates. He has helped me become a better person. He has not judged me. He listens. He hurts when I hurt. He is there for me when I want to give up and tells me to fight just a little harder. He tells me when to let it go. He believes in me. He pushes me to be better. He's patient. He is the best father to our daughter. He protects me. He is the first one I want when times are tough. He is simple. He is romantic. He makes me laugh so hard it hurts to breathe. He is everything I always wanted. He is the love of my life. I love you Greggy.

*photo taken by the fab Kim Kwan

Fun In The Sun...

Below are some pictures of Penelope playing at our waterpark in our subdivision. The little band-aid on her arm was from her 2 year old shots she got earlier in the day. She was such a little trooper and didn't even cry...for that the nurse gave her two suckers.

Long Time...

I've been really busy lately, and blogging has been on the very back burner. Not that anyone reads my stuff anyway ;). Really focusing on photography lately...been practicing alot. Here are some recent shots of Penelope...my baby...who will be 2 on Saturday! She's such a little independent fireball (which I love) and still such a baby at the same time. I really love this stage. I love that she says, "I love you Mama." all the time...she is my heart. Enjoy.

In San Diego...her first time

at the beach...
Playing in the backyard...

Cool Girl.

So, I'm pretty new to this whole blogging world and reaching out to people in cyberspace. Having said that, I've come across an awesome gal named Adrienne, who without even knowing me is so nice. She has agreed to help me with my photography, answers all my silly emails and blog comments, and even offered to send me a Maya Road chipboard album because they are hard to find in my neck of the woods. I believe you find people in the world for a reason, and I want to thank Adrienne for being such a kind and generous person to me...a person she's never met. Everyone check out her blog...she has great posts and is a massive source for creativity and inspiration. Thanks Adrienne!

WTF?

Went to CK Scrapbook convention in Mesa on Friday. What a massive turn off. Made rethink this scrapbook hobby for the sheer reason that the majority of women I encountered were completley rude. People were pushy...I mean literally shoving you out of the way just for some paper. By the end of the day, I seriously wanted to punch someone. I won't ever go to another one again. Not to mention the classes (with the exception of one sponsored by Devine Memories...this was great) were just crap. I mean we're packed in like sardines with no room to work...ugghh...I think I would've rather been working.

Needless to say, I got over my whole "gotta take classes or I'll never be any good at scrapbooking" thing real quick. I mean when you get to the bare bones it's just paper, right?

Weird...

Yesterday my company that I work for laid of tons of people. I was one of lucky ones that survived. It just feels weird now...they just came in so militant like and had the unlucky ones shut down their computers, told them briefly what was going on, had them grab very few personal items, ushered them into a room to get their severance packages, and escorted out by security.

It makes me feel very unstable...a feeling I don't like, and don't know how to cope with. I feel like I'm walking on eggshells constantly, and if I don't watch my step, I'll be next...although they've assured us they only were doing one round of axing people.

My husband says I have too big of a heart and that although it is normal to feel sympathy for the ones that lost their jobs, that I have to press on continue to do what I do to insure that I'm not "The List". I've been the unlucky one once before and it can really knock you for a loop, especially when you weren't even expecting it.

I'm just feeling weirded out by it all, and I'm not even sure why...

Yeah, I did it...

Last weekend I did do the 15.4 mile hike for Breast Cancer Research. It was so awesomely hard, but made me realize that whatever I wrap my head around and commit to...it's done. I've always been like this, and then my Army training totally developed that trait, and 8 years after discharge, this hike brought it all back. There was no stopping me until about mile 11...there was no way I was giving it, but my legs started cramping and I was really tired, but I just kept movin' on. I thought about all the women who are so weak from chemo, or who are trying to come to grips without any breasts, or for all those women who know they've lost the battle and it's just a matter of time. Who knows, I may be in their shoes someday, but while I'm willing and able to make a difference, I will. My goal is to do the Susan G Komen 3 day hike...20 miles a day. Determination is so empowering.

Mile 1...feeling kinda cocky...goin good...

Mile 13...tired, but almost done...towards the end, my friend and I were so excited to see each mile marker!

Signs...

I believe in them...I believe God or the universe or some other force of nature allows me to see the "hidden message" in some ordinary, everday object. I have a lot on my plate now with regards to planning my future. I'm in the process of doing something for myself and for my family and it's really consuming me (in a good way), and along the way I get discouraged or afraid, but I'm really feeling the excitement and getting confident in this decision. I don't really want to post what it is quite yet...for fear I'll jinx myself, but mostly because it's very dear to me and not ready for public scrutiny quite yet. With that being said, as I was eating my Dove Promise today ( I love reading the messages), this was my message. It resonated loud and clear with me. God sometimes speaks to us in the most non-conventional ways...some may say it's just coincidence, but I'd like to believe it was Divine Inspiration.

I SIGNED UP FOR WHAT?

I signed up for a 15 mile hike for breast cancer research. I've raised close to $700 so far, and I'm pretty excited about that since my goal was only $250.

However...

I'm not in shape, and I haven't been training like I should've been. Sheer determination and pride will get me through this hike. It's on March 24th and as it approaches, I get gaggy at the thought of hiking 15 miles. People assure me it's "pretty flat", but I'm a tad skeptical.

Maybe this will be my "life changing" moment, where I realize food and being fat is no longer an option.

Wish me luck...I'm pretty certain I'm going to need it!

So Freakin' Cute!

So, my family had the pleasure to have our pictures taken on Sunday with the Fabulous Kim Kwan! I have been reading her blog for months, and emailing a few times back and forth on photography and such. Well, I made an appointment with her in January to get our pics done, and she sent me this teaser photo!
She was amazing with Penelope...very patient, as Penelope is a rambunctious 20-month toddler. Needless to say, Kim will be our new family photographer! Seriously, check her out...very reasonable prices, awesome abilities, and a super fabulous personality. Thanks Kim!

Bittersweet...

So today we sold our first home. Now, we moved out in November, and into our new home, but since that time we have had two escrows fall through, and have been anxiously awaiting the sell of this home. Making two house payments has been tough, but we've managed. God really does take care of you, if you have faith.

I digress...

The point is...I'm sad. I couldn't wait to get out of our small little starter home and move into something bigger and better. Today, I realized that life was a lot simpler in that house. I'm happy where we're at, and where we're going, but part of me loves that house an doesn't want to give it away. It's funny how an object such as a house has such emotional value to you. I still feel like part of that house is my "home"...even walking into it tonight for the last time, all cold, and vacant, it still felt like home. I only hope the new owners can create as many fond memories in their new home as I did.

Adios Elwood Street...

Just did a new banner...pretty excited that I can edit HTML code on my own. Go to this blog to get the best instructions to create and add a banner to your blog.

Will be posting more pics later from my best friend's visit, and crafty projects I've been up to.

Back To Blogger

So, I'm back to Blogger...

I've decided to become a dedicated blogger, because I LOVE reading all my favorite blogs everyday, and I figure someone out there may find my blog somewhat interesting.

I'll be posting later...