Giddyup Cowboy!!

One of Zach's classmates turned the big 5 this past weekend and we helped him celebrate.  The party was held at Happy Trails Ranch.  I told Zach that there would be tractor rides and horse rides and he gave me that skeptical look.  Of course he told me 15 million times over the few days leading up to the party that he was "not gonna get on a horse."  I, secretly, was hoping he would change his mind.

And, he did.  He got on a horse.  Twice.  He loved it!  Here are the pictures to prove it:

I think the cats name was Barney - amazing that they could teach a cat tricks!

 

the Poodles were awesome!

Yep. . . he's on a horse!

Drew getting ready to ride!

Oh the love of a woman. . .

Thursday, May 3rd was a day that was exciting, yet sad in a way.  Paul and I took Zachary Thomas to K-5 Orientation at his new school.  In some ways I look forward to him starting Kindergarten but in other ways I dread it.  I guess that is a common feeling among us parents. . . for the rest of our lives.  Most things regarding our children and their milestones are bittersweet.  I guess it never matters how old they are because I know my mom and dad still feel the same way about me.

I was a little uptight that morning at breakfast because I knew that Zachary was nervous.  He has not been thrilled at the prospect of leaving his wonderful school Trinity for a brand new school he knows nothing about.  He is a child that is slow to change.  (hmmmm. . . wherever could he get that from?)  And, knowing that my child is nervous makes me nervous.  I so wanted him to look forward to this and not be scared.

So, after a family breakfast and dropping off Bella at the spa and Chase Parker at Grandma's, we headed to Chaires.  Zachary didn't say much on the ride. . . neither did I.  We pulled in and walked up to the school, opened the door and immediately his eyes got bright and a huge grin broke out on his face.  There before him, in line for registration, was his girlfriend from Pre-K!  Cheyanne!!  I don't know who was happier. . . me or Zach. . . or Daddy that we both were ok now.  They ran up to each other and immediately were stuck together like glue.  Her mom told me that she had been a little apprehensive too.  It worked out great!  They sat right by each other during the introduction of the principal, teachers, etc. and when it was time to go on a tour, happily ran off together leaving their parents in the dust.  We toured the classrooms, saw the playground, met lots of people, etc.  It turned out to be a very fun time.

I thought to myself as I was leaving and Zachary was chattering up a storm about Cheyanne being at his new school, "oh the love of a woman changes everything!"  As much as men complain about us they know we make it all right with the world.  Definitely!!

Now, as a side note, Cheyanne has been his constant throughout the year except for one week.  He came home one day and told us at dinner that Cheyanne was no longer his girlfriend.  He told us that she ran him over on the playground.  I said, "well it was an accident, right?"  He replied yes.  But he was still very adamant that she was not going to be his girlfriend.  The next week they were back together.  (oh the love of a woman!)

He is SO excited about Kindergarten now. . . he can't wait!  And, hopefully they will be able to be in the same classroom together.  We are blessed to have connections there so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it works out.  Nevertheless I know he will learn to love his new school even though he will miss Trinity.  I keep reminding him that since Chase Parker will be attending Trinity, he will still be able to visit Mrs. Duclos sometimes.

It's just hard to imagine that I am a week away from photographing him in a cap and gown for his Pre-K graduation and a few short months away from his first day of Kindergarten.  Whew, I'm tearing up just writing about it!  From a woman who never had one second of maternal longing at all and most likely would have gone through life happy as can be married without kids, I guess I've come a long way!

I guess that would be all because of the love of a man.

Remember Me?

Wow, I just looked at how long it's been since my last blog entry.  So sad.  I don't think I've ever gone this long.  A whole month!  I have had good intentions to sit down and catch my blog up but with all that I have had on my plate lately it just never materialized until now.  I have SO much to do but I am forcing myself to put this first tonight.  I have so much to catch up on!  Let's see. . . where to begin. . . since it's almost Mother's Day let's start with an update on my boys.

Chase Parker. . . has been a source of great joy lately and also great stress.  I considered writing a letter to him and posting it on the blog to let him read it 20 years from now and feel terrible about what he's put me through lately but I've decided not too.  I'm going to try to give him a break.

I love this shirt he has. . . he is definitely an original individual for sure!  I'll tell you a little about what's been going on. . .

The child is not a good eater to put it mildly.  No, that's not really correct.  I guess I should say that differently.  The child is not a healthy eater.  I have struggled and struggled and struggled to get him to eat veggies, fruits, anything under the sun that is healthy.  I have met my match with stubbornness.  He has this insane attraction to any foods that crunch.  He loves every cracker known to man, every chip (even the "healthier" chips), basically anything that makes a sound when he bites down on it.  I have successfully gotten him to eat SOME healthy foods but it was only through extreme measures.  The extreme measures take a very bad toll on my mental state of mind.  And, on top of his eating issues he has the "mommy do not take your eyeballs off me" syndrome something FIERCE!  I cannot even move around my home freely.  In this picture below he actually IS eating apple slices but they must be laced with chocolate and peanut butter.  

I have tried everything I know to do to get him to "unlove" me just a little bit.  I am much more popular with him than I need to be!  If I'm in the house he wants me to be looking at him, talking to him, holding him, etc.  I can't do laundry, I can't cook, I can't even pee.  It's become unbearable at times.  The other day Paul came home from work to find all three of us (me, Zach and Chase) crying.  I remember Zach going through this stage but I am WAY older now and can't handle it as well.

Last week, my best friend would call in and check up on me. . . I definitely was on the brink.  In fact, she thought it appropriate to purchase this for me. . .

I LOVED IT!!  It was just the humor break I needed.  I guess the only reason I have survived lately with Chase Parker is the love of my wonderful husband, my compassionate bestie, and grandma's that have come to my rescue.  Without these people I would have definitely been in search of an extremely tall cliff to hurl my body off of.  And, as stressful as the little guy has been lately, he is so freakin' cute when he gives kisses.  He LOVES giving kisses now and when he wraps his little arms around my neck, puts his hands on my face and plants a big smackeroo on my lips and looks at me with SUCH love and adoration I know that I can face at least one more day of this.  So. . . onward I go!  I keep telling myself eventually he will get over this and be a teenager locked away in his room refusing to talk to me.  Sad!!

And now the other boy. . . Zachary has been LOVING t-ball.  He has had a blast with his best friend Drew playing with the Mets.  His last game will be the end of this month and I know he will be sad.  It's been a wonderful experience for him.  He is also looking forward to summertime.  We have some awesome camps planned and hope to get in a couple family trips.  I can't believe school is almost out for the year and next Sunday I will be photographing my little boy in a cap and gown for his Pre-K graduation.  Wow.

He's been having tons of fun running his trains at the Antique Car Museum.  His best buds Drew and Brady go with him and all the boys love it.

I went in the laundry room the other day and found Zachary's two ducks in here like this.  I thought it was hilarious so I grabbed my iPhone.

And recently I went to Destin to visit my niece Kelsey who was vacationing with her college friends.  I had a great time with them taking photos too!  Zachary and my brother David went with me and they, of course, were in heaven.  Zachary was SO shy around the girls. . . they thought he was so adorable.  He started warming up to them at the beach. . . they all helped him build sand castles.  It was a FUN day.

And, this past Friday was the annual Mother's Day luncheon at Zach's preschool.  Every child filled out this "survey" on their mother.  Hilarious!  I especially love that he said I was "probably 18 years old."  Yeowwww!!  I'll take 18 any day!!

And speaking of age. . . someone reminded me lately that I haven't even updated the blog with stories of my 40 birthday!  I'm so sorry. . . I guess in my old age and super busy schedule I forgot.  It was an awesome birthday despite having to tell the world that I am 40 now.  My husband surprised me by scheduling a hot air balloon ride.  Unfortunately the morning of my birthday rolled around and it was terrible weather.  After being spoiled all day though we were driving home that night and noticed a hot air balloon at the Antique Car Museum!  They were giving tethered rides.  So, technically I did take a hot air balloon ride on my birthday. . . just not the one planned.  We actually scheduled the ride with my best friend and her husband for the next day (that Sunday) and the weather STILL would not cooperate.  Apparently, the weather has to be PERFECT, in order for a hot air balloon to be able to go up.  We are STILL waiting on the ride.  I can't blame the weather though. . . it's just been nuts finding the time to do it.  We will soon though and I can't wait!

Another to die for gift that I received for my 40th is my Clarisonic Mia.  Oh wow.  What a WONDERFUL little treat to have every day.  Ladies. . . I highly recommend it.  My face has never felt so good.  Thank you to my sweet bestie!  This thing is sooooo nice.  It cleans and exfoliates your skin and makes you feel like a million bucks.  Get one!

Well, my blogging time is almost coming to an end. . . I've tried to update a little at least.  I have SO many pictures from recent photoshoots to edit that it's not even funny.  I have had so much photography fun though lately.   I have hired an awesome graphic designer and hope to launch my new website in a few short coming months.  When Chase Parker starts school in August I hope to have much more time to devote to my passion.  So. . . big news on this to come soon!

Well, I better get out of here.  Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful moms out there!  I plan to be celebrating tomorrow with my sweet hubby and boys but also with the most wonderful mom in the whole wide world!  

I LOVE YOU MOM!!!!!

An Easter Weekend Extravaganza. . .

Easter weekend was filled with gorgeous weather, Zach's first T-Ball game, Chase Parker's first Easter Egg hunt, a Bella Kate photoshoot, and a wonderful Easter Sunday. . .

Saturday morning my car was already packed.  Chairs ready to go and the camera bag filled with a charged camera, all the lenses, and three memory cards.  We were headed out to Zachary's first T-Ball game.  His team, the Mets were to start playing at 9AM.  We arrived at 8:30AM and the coach handed out all the tshirts (with their names on the back!) and hats.  Zachary looked SO ridiculously cute in his little uniform. I have no idea what the "score" was but the game lasted a little over an hour and Zach got to see quite a bit of action.  We were definitely proud parents on the sidelines.  His best friend, Drew, was playing on his team too so that made it even more special.  Both boys did exceptionally well.  Later that evening, after the game, when I was showing him some pictures he leaned over and asked me, "Mom, will I play baseball my whole life?"  I replied, "Not if you don't want to."  He said, "But yes!  I want to I want to!  I just love it!"  We shall see how the years and talent unfolds. . .

After the game we headed home to change clothes and get ready for the easter egg hunt at Grammy's church.  We usually try to go every year.  They have bounce houses and slides for the kids and always serve a yummy delish lunch complete with desserts.  This year was the first egg hunt for Chase since he wasn't even walking at his age last year.  The boys had a blast and I got a few good pictures.  Zachary was SO excited because he was the winner in his age group with 50 eggs.  He loved his prize.  The church is so generous to put this on for the community each year and we thank them!!  Fantastic day. . .

That evening I took Bella Kate outside just to see if I could get her to pose for a cute Easter picture.  I didn't have bunny ears available so I just grabbed the colorful, fun Dr. Seuss hat.  The dog is 98% human and a female so she is born to pose.  She was incredible!  I've already shared the "real" Easter picture on this post here but I have included, below, "out takes" from my shoot for your viewing pleasure.

Sunday we attended Easter services at our church.  It was packed as expected and we are thankful to be able to celebrate the real meaning of Easter.  Easter egg hunts along with all the trimmings are definitely a fun part but I want my kids to know the real meaning behind this special day.  I'm glad they do.

And, now, the pictures. . .

Can everyone say. . . ."AWWWWW!!!!"  How freakin' adorable is he!

two best buds for life. . . . 

getting instruction from his coach. . . 

Chase Parker eyeing the action.  (check out those eyebrows!)

SO PROUD OF MY LITTLE MET!!!!

His first egg hunt. . . he loved it!  Got 16 eggs!

Can you find the stud muffin in the picture?

Gettin' some lovin' from Grammy and Daddy. . . 

Out takes from our shoot. . . check out her mouth!!!  She looks like she's going to devour the eggs.  

Super Cool Bella!

The girl just has style. . . 

Happy Easter!

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Easter Sunday.  I will be back on the blog soon to update you on our fun weekend of Zach's first t-ball game, Bella Kate's Easter Photo Shoot,  and, of course hunting Easter eggs.  But, for today, I leave you with something our Pastor shared with us this morning.  The following was published in Sports Illustrated back in November of 2001:

The 2001 World Series will go down as that of the comeback. So how does it rank among the biggest comebacks in world history? Here are the 10 greatest, according to us:

10 Elvis Presley, 1968
Following years of making schlocky movies, the King wows fans and critics with an electrifying live 1968 TV special,Elvis on NBC

9 Ludwig Wittgenstein, 1929
After quitting academia to teach primary school and to labor as a gardner, he returns to Cambridge University to begin Philosophical Investigations, the seminal work of 20th-century Anglo-American philosophy.

8 Go-go boots, 2000
Three decades after their kicky heyday, the knee-high footwear stages a surprising fashion revival.

7 Harry Truman, 1948
Trailing in the polls by a wide margin for most of the presidential campaign, he turns the Chicago Tribune's DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN edition into a future treasure on eBay.

6 Humanity, 14th century
After 25 million Europeans perish, mankind surges back from the Black Death.

5 Muhammad Ali, 1974
Seven years after being stripped of his title and his boxing license, the Greatest KO's George Foreman in Zaire to win back the belt.

4 John Travolta, 1994
Defibrillates his comatose movie career by taking a star turn in Pulp Fiction.

3 Michael Jordan, 1995
Quits baseball to make first triumphant comeback.

2 Japan and Germany, 1950s
Former Axis powers rise from the ashes of World War II to become industrial superpowers.

1 Jesus Christ, 33 A.D.
Defies critics and stuns the Romans with his resurrection.

To see the Sports Illustrated Magazine cover and this article go here: 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1024225/index.htm
I'm thankful that we can ALL benefit from the greatest comeback of all time.

HAPPY EASTER!!!

IT'S A FACT: Short Hair Makes You Look MUCH Younger

Yep, I always knew it.  Every time I try growing my hair out it never fails. . . a point comes when you just start looking older.  Don't know what it is. . . but it's a fact that shorter hair makes one look younger.  I'll prove my point. . . just take a look:

Before. . . 

And after. . . doesn't she look like a young pup????

The amount of hair MISSING from my floors has been amazing since she went to the spa yesterday.  I am LOVING it so far. Such a different look but hopefully it will keep her much cooler in our treacherous summer that is fast approaching.

I, personally, thinks she looks stunning.  But, then again, a mother always would, right?

I'll leave you with a few more cute pics of the beautiful, young looking, short-haired, Bella Kate. . . 

I'm a little too close for comfort!  That is a NASTY looking stinger he's got there!