Crunchy Monkeys

Finding a new focus - News

2010-01-03T14:03:00.001-08:00

Finding a new focus - News

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2009-12-30T17:18:00.000-08:00

blogging here today...

The last few days...

2009-12-27T15:04:00.000-08:00

So christmas has come and gone yet the aftermath is still here...lol. Knowing my family..the aftermath will still be present until the first or second week in January..lol. Thank you everyone for the wonderful gifts... to GiGi and GreatGrandma these are the boots im purchasing with my christmas cash..thank you!!!!! I've always wanted a pair of cowgirl boots!

I attempted to get a shot of Max today where he was making somewhat of a normal face.. this was an attempt.. I am working on him. We are also working on putting some fat on this boy... any ideas??????

Got this of Loodledoodle in the bathtub caption. "Get that camera out of my face or I will sooo hit you with this dolphin!"..lol.

twas the night before christmas and..the kids were in bed by 8:30..whooo hooo!

2009-12-24T18:22:00.000-08:00

a family photo!!!

2009-12-23T21:04:00.001-08:00

We had a visit the other day from my mother, brother and sister in law the other day for a small christmas dinner and to spend some time for the holidays.. it was a blast and so nice to see them. My sister in law brought stuff to do ginger bread houses and Max did a ginger bread train. So much fun!! Santa is going to get a ginger bread house this year.. Lucky santa!!

My parents and grandmother are coming out Christmas morning to have breakfast and open presents with the kids. Im really excited about this possibly being a new tradition.. we have really played up the santa clause deal this year and the kids are just old enough where its getting to be a lot of fun.

Lucy was very pleased with herself if you can't tell.. thought she was sneaking candy..but we all knew what she was doing..lol.

I know... holy cow! Its the 5 of us together!!

I've updated here..

2009-12-22T06:40:00.000-08:00

http://www.rgonzalezphotography.blogspot.com

my new photography blog!!

Its a wrap...

2009-12-16T17:08:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling like work is starting to level out a bit as the holidays approach. I've meet so many wonderful families over the last 4 months... and I could have never guessed that a photography business could have bloomed the way it did in such a short amount of time. I am slowly learning how to balance life with a growing business...my illness has forced me to control the levels of stress in my life. There are few things that will cause a flair up.. and stress level is a major factor in staying healthy. Its amazing how God works... and the unique ways he forces his hand so that you make necessary changes. Otherwise I just might have run myself right into the ground.

These are just a few photos from Halloween this year.. I haven't the chance to edit until recently.
Max is still doing wonderful and continues to make excellent progress in school. His immediate relationships have improved drastically and the stress level in the house has dropped. Now that he is in control of himself we can work on reward systems. (before recently this would have never worked... he hadn't the impulse control to care about the consequences). I have started a marble jar for him. Each day that he does well and shows intention to do well..he gets marbles for his jar. When he does things to intentionally defy the rules...he gets marbles taken out of his jar. After the goal is met.. he will get to go and play games at a local arcade for 2 hours. This was his choice and is very excited about doing well.

total bday weekend...my journey with Crohns treatment week 5

2009-12-14T19:43:00.001-08:00

Ok.. so is this not totally katy ro? Who created this diva? She had a blast at a classmates princess party at the mall... where each little girl was treated like a princess. She got her hair done..nails and make up done...drank lemonade out of china tea cups and at cupcakes on there little thones. It was sooooo stinkin cute. I just remember being this girly... where'd she get it from??

So this is my 5th week since being diagnosed with Crohns disease. Since i've not been blogging much I'll update you. Lab results, biopsies and colonoscopy confirmed that I have the auto immune disease called crohns. Its a disease where my over active immune system attacks my digestive tract...causing serious inflammation, bleeding, ulcers and degeneration. The disease can also attack other areas.. in my case it is also attacking my joints in the form of swelling, pain and bruising...and my skin...in the form of plaque psoriasis. I know those who have followed me for the last year know that i've been doing my best to change my lifestyle...IE: exercise, eating habits...unknowing what what ailing me. There isn't a cure for this disease... the goal is to achieve remission thru treatments.. and keep a lifestyle that prevents flareups. The first treatment regimen for me has been highdose steriods. I have a love hate relationship with
prednisone... although I haven't had abdominal pain or problems since week 3 (praise the lord).. the side effects are not pretty. Some side effects I have been experiencing are ... mood swings, extreme night sweats, increased appetite, swelling of my face and feet, sleeplessness, palpitations, hot flashes...did I mention mood swings...dry skin...mood swings... and most recently i've noticed the skin on my feet is so paper thin that i have tear and stretch marks on the tops of them... freaky!! Anyway.. this is supposed to be my last week on the roids... I started 10mg of prednisone yesterday.. and Im disappointed that i've started to feel pain and swelling in my joints again. I've also started an oral medication called Lialda..which is supposed to take over the steroids.. but I don't think this is going to work since im feeling the flair up again.

The next step for me if the Liada doesn't control this.. remecade (IV infusions) or Humara (weekly self injections)... people.. I can't even put a contact in my eye without wincing. Anyone have experience with this please speak up.. I'd love to hear your feedback.

birthday party..

2009-12-12T13:17:00.000-08:00

Sat at the table like a big kid...

playing with the parachute....

Playing Duck Duck Goose...

Today was most relaxing... I took the kids to a classmates birthday party. 4 year olds are so stinkin cute. Lucy got in on the action too.. :)

"Hi Katy!"

2009-12-11T07:36:00.000-08:00

Ok so its a little frigid this morning. Normally on M-W-F we walk to Katy's school with is just a few blocks away.. today the air was so chilly it stung the tips of my nose and ears the second I walked out the door. Yep.. no thanks.. I'll drive my warm car the two blocks to school.

Katy is the little social butterfly in her class.. its halarious to see her greet each and everyone of her friends everyday. She loves people and loves to learn ...I have a feeling that this little girl will do very well making a happy life for herself. She has been my big helper in the kitchen recently... I am trying to convince her that doing dishes is fun... so far so good.. we'll see how long it lasts.

christmas

2009-12-09T07:29:00.000-08:00

Spending the last few days recovering a bit... slowly getting the editing done from this weekend. Im really getting excited for christmas.. for the kids sake. Its fun to see them talk about it ... makes me remember what christmas meant to me as a kid. Were going to keep it simple this year... Andy and I are decorating the house... Katy will help me make cookies...and we are having family over for breakfast christmas morning...usually christmas is spent other places...which is fun also but I think its time to set some of our own family traditions. Now off to edit photos :)

Quick summary of this weekends shoot off...pheuf!

2009-12-06T20:41:00.000-08:00

Of course I have to show the babies... they are my fav!! This is just a glimpse into this weekends 6 photoshoots. Red seems to be the theme :) Saturday morning was a bit challenging because of the weather... infact there will have to be a re-shoot.. but as the snow slowed down saturday afternoon it became kind of romantic and fun. So now that this weekend is out of the way.. im going to hybernate for 2 weeks.. :) good night everyone!!

Christmas wishes...

2009-12-05T08:31:00.000-08:00

Last year the kids did a "video to santa" and Max asked if he could do that again this year.. so here they are :)

more on ADHD before and after...

2009-12-05T07:44:00.000-08:00

BEFORE (1 week before adhd treatment)

AFTER (1 day after adhd treatment) Its snowing like crazy outside right now... and this mornings photo session didn't workout despite trying ... it was just coming down too hard. So I'm sitting here sipping on my coffee beaming at how proud my son son has come with his behavior in less than a week. Its been an amazing transformation to see him go from (see his before picture above) frustrated, un-organized, too hyper and impulsive to even focus on drawing a picture..(the above he also tore the corner and crumbled it up he was so annoyed with himself)...to...(see after) discovering a new talent in drawing and writing... he has been drawing non-stop since he discovered he could only a few days ago... Andy helped with the spelling of these words but this is HIS handwriting. People, Max couldn't consistently draw in the lines or hold a pencil correctly less than a week ago!!!

I couldn't be happier for him!!

and so it begins...

2009-12-04T20:44:00.001-08:00

Two down...4 more to go. Kids are so much fun!!!!

Wacky Weekends

2009-12-04T05:12:00.001-08:00

Untitled-1, originally uploaded by RGonzalezPHOTOGRAPHY.

Mornings are pretty early for me right now.. still adjusting to getting up at 6am everymorning to get Max ready and off to school. The plus side to this is the little bit of quiet lull time between when Max leaves for school and when the girls get up. Coffee, email, SHOWER.... did I mention ...SHOWER?? This morning I got Katy up with me and we made homemade gingerbread cookies for her preschool class. The house smells devine....much like its occupated by a mother who normally does these kinds of things.. LOL!! (IE: baking at 6am in the morning) .. no seriously I've really enjoyed spending that one on one time with Katy. She has really started to become my big helper.

This weekend is a full one... two photoshoots each day this weekend.. including a trip to NJ (for photos)...its a long day in the car (10 hours) but I will be nice to change the scenery a bit. AND I get to meet a blogging friend Danielle and her sweet family on the way home!!

Day 3 on Max's new meds... doing better with the side effects. No belly pain and yesterday he ate more than he did the first day. Still positive words back from his teacher.. and he is still very excited to return to school. Slightly agitated around 4-6.. not half as bad as he was the first day.

off to get Katy dressed.. hugs everyone!

Max and ADHD

2009-12-03T02:54:00.000-08:00

Wow its been a long time since I paid my own blog a visit! We've been pretty busy at the gonzadino house of craziness. Since I've blogged last we've moved to a new home in Winchester city, Max changed schools, I've been diagnosed with Crohns Disease and my photog. business is booming!

I've previously mentioned struggles with my 5 year old son Max. God bless him he was cursed with the family's ADHD predisposition. For years I've been struggling to help him with diet changes, positive discipline methods... routine stability... and sometimes just plain ignoring the behavior. I didn't realize how much he struggled with this until family intervened and I could see him in a social setting with his other peers. It was then pretty obvious that no amount of preservative and dye removal from his diet..vitamin B... or encouragement was going to help this child who clearly has a chemical imbalance. I've struggled with the idea of giving my child an adhd medication. Knowing that doing so would pretty much be a school age commitment.. as I too was on ADHD meds for most of my young life. (but as a child with a diagnosed adhd chemical imbalance.. meds were the right answer for me and I believe I survived the rigors of school, home and social aspects of life because of the meds that were prescribed for my childhood adhd)

I agree that many children are thrown onto the medications because it seems like the simplest and easiest answer to handling an overactive or unruly child. When many times the best course of action should have been..diet, routine, environment or parenting changes. I can honestly say that i've done my best over the last 36 months in all aspects and attempts and improving Max's quality of life outside of medicinal changes. With that said....

After many days of Max being singled out at school.. and the obvious and difficult frustrations Max is facing at home we have finally decided to proceed with Medicinal treatments. Max started an ADHD medication called Vyvanse yesterday and before the teacher even had a chance to read my letter to her informing her of the new treatment plan for Max.. I received a phone call from a VERY pleased teacher about how well Max was doing at school yesterday!! She stated that he was calmer, organized, followed directions easily and quickly (in the past its taken us up to 10 times more often than not to get Max to do Simple tasks such as put your shoes on or brush your teeth) Max came home from school a little irritable.. and with a belly ache (poss. side effect of meds) but overall happier about school and excited to return the next day. (never has he wanted to be at school until now).

this morning he woke up quickly and eager to get ready to start his day... in the past it was a battle to get him moving and out of bed. Over all I'm seeing very positive results!!! I am a tad concerned about the immediate side effects:

late afternoon crankiness
stomach upset
NO appetite
tough time going to bed

Hopefully we can work thru these. Anyone else have experiences with a young child being treated with meds for ADHD?

i've not died...:)

2009-10-03T21:01:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to post that im still alive.. im sorry i've not been here in a while... i have been extremely busy. I hope to start posting regularly again soon.. please don't give up on me :) Hugs everyone!!!!! miss you all!

early morning...first day of school.

2009-08-26T14:27:00.000-07:00

Well this morning around 4:30 I lay awake in my bed with a restless baby... 5:30 rolls around and I get the call telling me its time to go do the water birth i promised i would do. So tired i lay in bed thinking of how to juggle three children in a home with 6 already and cover this mamas first water birth... and get Max to school on time for his first day. So i decided that i wasn't going to make it happen by laying in bed thinking about it... so I woke the kids up.. got them dressed and we drove over and had what i consider to be a successful photo shoot Lucy was on my back the entire time in the bundleboo and max and katy were mostly occupied by the other children... Katy was more fascinated with watching the birth. What a privilege it was to be there... she was amazing. There are a few more photos posted on my flickr.. you can find that link on the right hand side of my page.. hopefully i will have more updated soon.

Max did get to school on time... so super cute.. he decided that he wanted to be a big boy and ride the bus... his face lit up as he stood in line waiting his turn to get on. Picking him up a few hours later he was beaming and excited about his day. He's really looking forward to going back tomorrow. Yay for max!!!

(o i did get pictures of course of max.. i still need to upload them ...so I will post them when i can)

wrapping up the summer

2009-08-25T05:49:00.000-07:00

I met Max's teacher yesterday... its so odd being in a public school again for the first time since i graduated high school... well... really exploring the school. The walls smell of fresh paint and the teachers have colorful media all over the rooms. Max's classroom has 20 students with a teacher and aide. Mrs. Costello is her name and she is super bubbly and sweet like imagine all kindergarten teachers should be. After some thought I think that this year will be okay for letting him ride on the bus. The bus driver keeps all the smaller students in the front.. .and the afternoon dismissal is all kindergarten students. It will ultimately work out better than trying to juggle drop offs and pick up with both Max and Katy being in school. Next week is Katy's turn to meet her teacher at first Presbyterian weekday school...Katy will be attending class 3 half days a week. Her BFF Hannah will be in her class also...im so excited for her. She also talks constantly about her ballet class coming up.

This upcoming weekend is a REALLY busy one for the r.gonzalez photos... I am full all weekend.. plus really looking forward to baby Saturday at my parents... i get to see my nephew who's been with this mom for the last 6 weeks. Yay!! Hugs everyone!

Meeting the teacher

2009-08-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

Did I mention that my baby boy starts kindergarten this week?? I know!!! Today we get to meet his teacher... Mrs. Costello. I am so excited for him... I can tell they are so ready to be rid of me. A parent at church mentioned how well my kids did after being left. Perhaps its the genetics working..but my kids never have had separation issues... well maybe a little when Max was small.. but for the most part they like to push me out the door. Grateful and Sad all at the same time.

Well off to run some errand's... hugs everyone... I need to catch up soon on all of your blogs.

catching up

2009-08-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

Its been a pretty productive week... getting the house put back together, catching up on laundry (the story of my life) and getting the kids ready for school next week. Monday we meet with Max's teacher and see his new school. Katy starts school the first week in September and ballet the second week in September. My work schedule is booking up fast also.. so its going to be interesting trying to balance my schedule...definitely no complaints tho!!

Next week I start my CA baby boutique project... www.gennysue.com is sending me inventory and has asked me to photograph babies and children wearing her clothing line. Very exciting. So September 2-3 I will be doing some rockabilly type urban baby shots in downtown Winchester... let me know if you are interested in signing up to have your baby model..and earn free Genny Sue clothes. r.gonzalezphotos@yahoo.com .

busy week..

2009-08-16T09:43:00.001-07:00

So, I positively LOVE my job!!! I am finding that my niche is definitely "child photography" we'll see if i can extend that into weddings when October rolls around and i start shooting those events. I get that rush and excitement that i got from being a paramedic... Its a job that allows me to be creative.. enthusiastic...social...and genuine. It keeps me sharp and organized...and its an valuable outlet for stress... I can't say enough about it. Anyway, I have a busy next couple of weeks coming up... I'm really excited... so i may not be able to post here everyday... so if you want updates i recommend checking my fan page or my facebook profile..

love you all!

salad dressing or facial cleanser?

2009-08-13T06:30:00.000-07:00

As a teenager I could have never imaged in a million years putting oil on my face... I wanted it all gone. My face needed to be so squeaky clean and tight feeling that it felt like I was wearing a mud mask. That was the indicator that I've successfully rid myself of all this hateful oil. Little did I know at the time that stripping my skin of this oil was not only not helping my breakout problem...it was making it worse. I learned later on that...depriving your skin of its natural surfactant causes it to go into overload producing more to protect itself. I've also learned that oil it itself does not cause breakouts... dirt, bacteria, hormones and other genetic and enviornmental factors...many of which are completely out of our control do.

Anyway, 10 years later I've come full circle... oil is now becoming my friend... as my skin has matured I'm starting to crave a texture on my skin that can't be confused as a beach. And as I've become more environmental and health conscious naturally I look for a safe and healthy alternative to my usual over the counter chemical beauty regimen. I'm starting to take the philosophy that if I cant pronounce it my body probably doesn't need it. To be honest I cant remember where I first heard about using olive oil on my skin...but looking for an alternative to the dryness and texture problem Ive been having I went online and started researching. Now I'm sure you know that skins best friend is water... so there really isn't any better alternative to moisture than drinking the recommended amounts of water everyday. (something by the way i am terrible at remembering to do)... once you get the water in there... you add a surfactant to protect and smooth the skin...keeping the moisture in. Olive Oil is a fantastic surfactant...plus it has loads of antioxidants that help rid your skin cells of free radicals that cause environmental skin problems. Vinegar is a natural toner and cleanser..helping to rid your skin of harmful bacteria that hide in pores causing those nasty breakouts (skin infections). Sugar is a really excellent exfoliant removing dead skin cells, promoting circulation and regrowth of fresh new surface cells. I have been using this regimen for about a week now and I can see a dramatic difference in the texture of my skin... now if I can only remember to drink the water everyday and I'll be in good shape.

awsome couple of days...play area police

2009-08-11T19:37:00.000-07:00

The last couple of Days have gone by really fast! Andy and I were looking at each other at dinner tonight trying to figure out why the days are suddenly flying by so fast. We had a great couple of days tho... Max woke up yesterday and decided what we were doing. "Mommy, I want to go see the caves!" ... so we packed up the kids and drove to Shenandoah caverns. Totally a touristy thing to do but we had a blast. Everything about the trip was fascinating to Max...and Katy made best friends with the tour guide and had a questions for everything. (she is going to love school!)

Today was mostly errand running..my photoshoot was moved up to later in the month so we spent another day together as a family. We had a few things to do in leesburg ... then headed to Dulles Town center to let the kids go bananas in the play area. It was a great alternative to melting in the heat...bleh... glad the whole summer hasn't been like this. There was a little boy about 2 in the play area that was running around pushing, pulling, slapping and hitting the other children. I had my eye on him and couldn't see a parental intervention at anytime. This went on for about 25 minutes. Finally this little kid tried to forcefully shove an older boy off the playset stairs and I jumped up to stop him. Again no parent around to intervene. I gently grabbed the little boy from running away and asked him where his mommy was. My husband... of course...Cop Andy from the other side of the play area...yelled.. "where is the parent for this child!!!???" And still we had to get her attention... I mean common! Anyway... she scooped up her little boy and marched over to my husband and demanded to know what the problem was. Andy explained that she needed to be watching her son who has been running circles around the play area for the last 30 mins assaulting every child he came in contact with. Of course she defended and denied everything we were telling her. Are we the bad guys now for standing up to this little kid?? I saw at least 10 different children cry because of this and NO ONE was speaking up. What are parents afraid of??????? Okay, I know that this is typical 2s behavior.. but this is why your supposed to be there to parent your child... not give them the freedom of say a 5 year old. Anyway... off my soap box.

Ready for school

2009-08-05T18:20:00.000-07:00

So we ran around town like a family of banana heads getting caught up on overdue obligations and shopping. Max is finally fully in the system at greenwood mill elementary school. I can't believe my monkey will be going to kindergarten!!

So whats left... school shopping... supplies and fall clothes for both the eating me out of house and home children that I have. They've both grown immense amounts in the last 6 months. Amazing they aren't actually made of rubber for the amount of vertical stretching they've been doing.

revision or not?

2009-08-04T14:55:00.000-07:00

So my husband and I have been trying to figure out if we should take katy in for a cleft lip revision or wait until she's old enough to decide if its something that she wants. It looks pretty good in this photo but the scar is a bit hard and some facial expressions show it more than others. We certainly don't care what she looks like... but we aren't thinking of ourselves...we want to do right by katy. Part of me doesn't want to put her thru another surgery... this would be her third. The other part of me doesn't want to wait until she gets teased to make a decision. Katy has such an amazing personality I'm afraid it will kill her spirit if she gets made fun of because of her scar.

Whats your take?

dog days of summer...sex ed in elementary school?!?

2009-08-03T18:14:00.000-07:00

(the photo is of a client gift I made for someone this past weekend...its a flower pot pen holder... the flowers are all pens...she asked on facebook how to keep people in her office from stealing her pens)

So its been pretty hot and muggy these days. I've been trying to keep the kids inside when it that hot out. We emerge from the den around 5ish and go to bed a tad later...to beat the heat. Tho I know come the winter months I'll be longing for some sweat.

Lucy is walking half the time now... I tried to get a video of it this afternoon but it isn't working.. so I'll get another one tomorrow. They are such awkward drunk looking little creatures when they just start walking. I love it!

Max will be going to the brand new elementary school right around the corner from us. Close enough that in a few years he can ride his bike to school. I have been contemplating letting him ride the bus to school...I've heard such horror stories of what the kids talk about on the bus...what kids learn from each other. I'm just not ready for that level of unsupervised growing up. Plus Katy will be going to preschool 3x a week so it may just be easier to drive Max to school on the way to drop katy off... rather than be late dropping katy off to wait for Max's bus.

Okay so don't get me wrong..I don't need a dose of... your kid is going to hear it anyway.. so why shelter him from it. But...5??? We live in such a mixed society of parenting that its not uncommon in some households for the parents to throw the f-bomb around like its nothing. Or to use fowl and derogatory terms for body parts... not to mention the topic of sex... oh no...don't get me started on that. Whatever, talk like that in front of your kids... but then they get on the bus and teach my children how to talk like that too. So now I have to unteach your nasty bad habits to my child. (okay getting off my soap box) Late elementary school kids are having sex these days... WHAT?!?!? Not to mention the fact..well maybe rumor... we'll have to see... about the school sex ed program not requiring permission slips anymore. Hmm... not good in my book. More reasons to make $$ and put my child in a private school..where parents have more of a hand in what our children are and are not being taught. I'd be all about home schooling... but I'm not :) its not my cup of tea... and I think that my children would certainly benefit more from a scholastic institution... i just don't have a structured bone in my body.

Anyway, off to catch up on some ghost hunters... night everyone!

generations of women

2009-08-02T07:19:00.001-07:00

I had a great time in suffolk this weekend...I met a new friend and was welcomed into the home of a fantastically loving family.(I don't have permission to show the family photos here...otherwise I would ) Katy was with me as my assistant...lol. We had a fun girls day and she also made a new friend. After our suffolk photoshoot we headed to Dumfries VA to meet up with an old high school friend. I offered a free photo shoot and print credit to people who refer weddings.. and so I have her to thank for one of my october weddings coming up. She gifted the photoshoot to her parents. Oh my goodness.. so much fun!!! I am still working on those..hopefully will be done by tomorrow. Anyway...off to do some laundry. HUGS everyone...I miss hearing from you all!

(just a sneak peek...more later)

adventures in baby signing... clean dancing :)

2009-07-30T16:43:00.000-07:00

courtesy of Kathleen

2009-07-27T20:41:00.000-07:00

My cousin in law Kathleen felt me growing weak to my laundry and sent me this... lol... hope you appreciate it too :)

"Warshing" Clothes Recipe..........

Never thought of a "washer" in this light before..what a blessing!

"Warshing Clothes Recipe" -- imagine having a recipe for this ! ! ! Years ago an Alabama grandmother gave the new bride the following recipe: this is an exact copy as written and found in an old scrapbook - with spelling errors and all.

WARSHING CLOTHES

Build fire in backyard to heat kettle of rain water..

Set tubs so smoke wont blow in eyes if wind is pert.

Shave one hole cake of lie soap in boilin water.

Sort things, make 3 piles 1 pile white, 1 pile colored, 1 pile work britches and rags.

To make starch, stir flour in cool water to smooth, then thin down with boiling water. Take white things, rub dirty spots on board, scrub hard, and boil, then rub colored don't boil just wrench and starch.

Take things out of kettle with broom stick handle, then wrench, and starch.

Hang old rags on fence.

Spread tea towels on grass.

Pore wrench water in flower bed..

Scrub porch with hot soapy water.

Turn tubs upside down.

Go put on clean dress, smooth hair with hair combs..

Brew cup of tea, sit and rock a spell and count your blessings. ================================================

Paste this over your washer and dryer Next time when you think things are bleak, read it again, kiss that washing machine and dryer, and give thanks.. First thing each morning you should run and hug your washer and dryer, also your toilet---those two-holers used to get mighty cold and also smelly ! For you non-southerners - wrench means, rinse ;) AND WE THOUGHT WE HAVE IT ROUGH

facebook challenges

2009-07-26T16:46:00.000-07:00

I am rewarding rgonzalez photography referrals by giving away referral points. To encourage traffic to my facebook page I am hosting photo question challenges worth 1-5 referral points (worth $1-5 towards session costs). The winner of the challenge gets the points and the person who referred them also gets the points. Todays challenge was "Lucy gave herself a food facial tonight... what is her beauty secret?"

labels added

2009-07-24T19:30:00.000-07:00

Mom..GiGi... I put the labels back up...they are in the right hand column under blog archive :)

getting geared up

2009-07-24T19:16:00.000-07:00

People mention to me that its Friday... I feel the excitement for others as I know its break from the work monotony that consumes them thru out the week. I'm lucky that I even know what day it is. Andy has got my old PDA charged up from when I worked as a paramedic. Since being a photographer requires that you actually know what day it is... I've surrounded myself with reminders, calenders, books... email notifications... Im doing my best to stay on top of it.

My mom called me this afternoon and told me that Lucy must be walking by baby Saturdays...which is tomorrow... I sent Lucy the memo... and shes walking now. WEIRD!! Max is a little speed demon on his bicycle... and I think that Katy at the ripe old age of 3 is PMSing. Good grief...can we talk more about the drama?!?! On a lighter note...here is a picture of our little princess in her favorite outfit EVER. Any doubt what her favorite color is??

Anyway... I've got get back to my milk and brownie! Goodnight!

Public Breastfeeding is Disgusting??

2009-07-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

fellow facebooker posted THIS today... initally hit a nerve... then I finished reading it. So true, so true!

getting excited about school

2009-07-23T19:39:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that the kids only have 4 more weeks until school starts. Oh my goodness what am I going to do with all that free time??? HA! Well, I'd like to say I'd catch up on things around the house and complete some business tasks BUT.. I've thought that in the past and ended up doing everything but :) I truthfully see myself spending more one on one time with Lucy. I think I'll be overwhelmed with the quiet noise.... and will compensate by making more noise...lol.

Im new to this public school parent thing...aren't they suppost to send some sort of supply list? I haven't seen anything yet. Katy Ro will also be starting ballet in september... she has been talking non-stop about this since we mentioned it a few months ago. She is also really excited about being in preschool with her..."favorite girl" Hannah.

Looking forward to baby weekend this week.... HUGS!

"Dont yell at me, Im just a kid"

2009-07-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

(this is a photo I took yesterday of my close friends sweet girls)

So its been a tough couple of days... I think a compilation of cabin fever, no structure and colds. My patience has been questionable. I try not yell... once that approach is put in motion...it seems to all landslide. Its like... they have ear plugs in... I could be standing right in front of them saying there names and they completely ignore me. ArG... Katy called me out when she told me "Mommy, don't yell at me, Im just a kid"... wow that was way bigger than her years. Definatly put me in check for the rest of the day.

We went to story time at the library today with the girls..Andy and Max had a boys day. I think it was due... Max tends to act out if he goes to long without some intense one on one... thinking of it... I tend to act out too when I don't get enough one one one :). At the library today Lucy took her first couple of steps....YAH LUCY!!!

busy busy busy

2009-07-20T18:48:00.000-07:00

So I got a phone call from my mom tonight "BECKY, YOUR GRANDMOTHER AND I ARE GOING THRU BLOG WITH DRAWL... ITS BEEN OVER 4 DAYS!!!" lol, sorry mom.. I've been sucked into the addictive world of facebook networking! Oh my goodness!! Get me out of the zone. For those that think I've died... I also blogging daily "Here" and my fan page is "Here". The networking on facebook is incredible!! I'm suddenly in regular contact with people whom I haven't spoken with in YEARS... and I may never have again if it weren't for "friend me". So, so cool... and I can randomly chat with my family...IE my auntie and I don't have to pick up the phone. Which by the way is damn near impossible these days. My children are gluttons for torturing me while I'm on the phone. From a recent and totally random personal poll... this kind of parent torture is more common than I thought.

So now for your regular update... Lucy is not walking yet.. in fact shes an expert speed crawler. I don't think she'll ever need to walk if she can get anywhere at light speed by crawling. She speaks regularly in baby sign language... did I mention that I recommend this to ANYONE!!! Its saved me a lot of un-nessesary tantrums figuring out what she wants...because she can...(that's tantrums from both of us)

Katy is quickly becoming queen of the house... need to nip that one in the bud. Not sure how I'm feeling the dominant personality is here to say...hmm I wonder where she gets that from???..lol. She insists on wearing her "birthday dress" and dress up clothes everywhere...I let her. I have to throw in my .2 by forcing her to wear the matching converse hightops. Girls are really a lot of drama... its definitely a different challenge...but equal to having boy.

Speaking of Boy, Max is growing up so quickly these days. Showing a lot of interest in playing with the older neighborhood boys. He desperately wants to keep up. Two weeks ago we took the training wheels off of his bicycle and he started practicing to ride like one of the "big boys". Frustrated easily, Max threw his bike down (several times) and gave it a break for a while. Today he asked to put his sneakers and helmet on and give it another try. Got on his bicycle and rode it like a pro. I'm so proud of him. I recall learning to ride my bike the same way... just got on it and went. We have decided to let Max go to kindergarten this year... we'll give it a shot...I'm sure he'll do just fine.

Andy is doing well also, its nice not to have to worry about the house. He's keeping busy tinkering with his car and playing computer games.

My photography business is growing very quickly... it amazing how much improvement 7 months will give to someones skill. Here is a photo taken when I just got started.

to this:

Im loving it!! Im already starting to book up for next month. God does answer prayers doesn't he??

never a dull moment

2009-07-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

Other than whats on my schedule for photos... the only real set in stone plans we have for the week are library day and baby saturdays. It never fails that when we are ready to head out the door...some force of nature changes things for us. Today it would be fevers. Or fever...(katy ro) everyone else just has runny noses. Can't they create bubble suits for kids to prevent the spread of childhood BLech! Probably not, and I think I might get in some trouble if I wrap my kids in syran wrap.

I have found that over the course of 5 years... well... since I started having children my own immune system has become rock solid. I used to get some wicked disgusting colds that would last over a week. Now I get maybe a few hours of symptoms...then fatigue for a day or so. Not terrible at all... ... i guess it part of my superhero mom abilities.

We are getting better with the nudity in my house. I think the kids are starting to "get it" that they can't walk around outside naked anymore. And I'm sure I've got the message through about not answering the door when someone knocks... oooh...that one was scary.

Lucy is on "mama" strike. Oh oh ... i have to post a video of her signing now... super cute... I would recommend it to anyone life has been so much easier since she can tell me what she wants. Anyway, back to "mama" strike... she is refusing to say mama... she keeps calling me daddy...what the heck?? Why does he get all the credit? Anyway... I really need to get cleaning, my house is a disaster as usual. toodles!

I've come to realize

2009-07-09T09:08:00.000-07:00

requested by a friend:

I've Come to Realize...

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note completing the 36 "I’ve come to realize." At the end, choose the friends you want to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you or I knew you way back when and am interested in what life has taught you!!

1. I've come to realize that the only truly full filling recognition comes from myself.

2. I've come to realize that life is what you make of it.

3. I've come to realize that I will never get ahead of the laundry for more that 3 days at a time.

4. I've come to realize I need my friends as much as I need my morning coffee.

5. I've come to realize I should always pick the battle that leads to a resolution.

6. I've come to realize that giving the benefit of the doubt is the kindest freebe I can give.

7. I've come to realize I can't do everything AND keep my sanity.

8. I've come to realize that letting my children be children means not sweating the small stuff.

9. I've come to realize that I love change.

10. I've come to realize Im almost 30 and have spent nearly a decade having babies.

11. I've come to realize that there are only a handful of people that really get my sense of humor... everyone else just thinks im wierd.

12. I've come to realize my kids will more than likely need therapy for the mistakes ive made.

13. I've come to realize... I can handle a lot of stress.

14. I've come to realize... I can't please everyone... I don't want to anymore.

15. I've come to realize... its disrespectful to try and change someone Else's opinion.

16. I've come to realize.. I can't be a perfect parent... admitting when your wrong gains trust in the hearts of your children.

17. I've come to realize... I'm a dreamer.

18. I've come to realize... I'm happy in my skin.

19. I've come to realize... I can be somewhat of a slob.

20. I've come to realize... not to take things personally unless someone tells you to.

21. I've come to realize.. I should never commit myself to chain mail requests.

22. I've come to realize... there are some joys in life that will never grow old.

23. I've come to realize... I will do something great with my life.

24. I've come to realize.. I am addicted to giving.

25. I've come to realize... I have very few material attachments.

26. I've come to realize...I'm really weird about dirty floors.

27. I've come to realize...I have a lot of unfinished projects.

28. I've come to realize... I'm unpredictable...and this drives the people who care about me...crazy.

29. I've come to realize...I get excited about stupid stuff.

30. I've come to realize... just being a genuinely good person can make a big difference in someone Else's life.

31. I've come to realize... I am very passionate.

32. I've come to realize...I can be absentminded at times.

33. I've come to realize... I will change my mind...again.

34. I've come to realize... Im hard to understand sometimes.

35. I've come to realize... I am gifted with a talent.

36. I've come to realize...I know how to truly love...life is good!

a week in review...baby bird...preschool

2009-07-06T08:47:00.000-07:00

This weeks sum up... first off... happy belated 4th of July everyone! We spent our 4th with Andy's friends... the kids had a blast and we really had a lot of fun... the kids were totally wiped out by the end of the day. The host had tons for the kids to do... swimming, trampoline, 4 wheelers, volleyball... etc, etc. After dark they had a pretty decent home fireworks show and the kids got to use sparklers... fun fun!!

This little bird was found in our yard a few weeks ago... he was much smaller and I really worried that he would be eaten by a neighborhood cat, hit by a car or simply die from not having his mommy and being away from the nest. I had not seem him since that day... an yesterday he came hopping into our garage while Andy and I were outside. He looks like hes been taken care of... still not convinced that the mother was still around I went inside and got him some night crawlers from the refriderator. We fed him a few and Andy insisted that the mother was flying around keeping an eye on him... Whatever....no way. But sure enough... I saw a few other robins in the area and sat and watched. This sweet baby bird...peeped and another bird was digging around frantically looking for bugs... the baby was watching her from about 25 feet away... they chirped back and forth and met in my front yard where she fed the baby and then flew off. WOW.. thats amazing that even tho the baby has not been in the next for atleast 2 weeks that I know of.. she has still managed to take care of him... go mommy bird!

Lucy is soooo close to walking... and is starting to prefer being on her feet over crawling. Any day now, sweet girl!!

Letting the kids really enjoy their childhood...

Max is missing school...asks me about his friends daily and wonders when hes going back. I have been having some battles figuring out if he is ready for kindergarden. Some people say to hold him back if I have any doubts.. some suggest that I should let him try it out and if Its not working for him then I should hold him back..Im still not sure... and the fall is coming fast. Another reason for letting him go forward is Katy is looking forward to preschool and its just too expensive to have both of them in preschool. Does anyone have some helpful advice??

party fun...photo love

2009-06-28T19:50:00.000-07:00

Its been a busy weekend! My parents have traded "Sunday dinners" for "baby Saturdays". Which simply means that I visit my family on Saturday and we spend all day playing and catching up. I love it. My sweet nephew is getting so big! I took this and a few others this Saturday.

Today, I spend about 4 hours at a 4 year old's birthday party. What a fun family... its really neat to get to see other families in action.

I know that this is a really lame blog post but I have to get caught up on ghost whisperer... my DVR is calling me!!!!

My first graduation portraits

2009-06-26T18:32:00.001-07:00

My first graduation portraits, originally uploaded by RGonzalezPHOTOGRAPHY.

I am so excited to say that my photography business is taking off. I really can't thank everyone enough for your support especially my mother and grandmother. LOL... I sound like Im doing a speech for an oscar award. I have been posting a lot these days on facebook for a change of scenery. If you are interested in visiting me there I am at

www.facebook.com/rebekahgonzalez

my fan page... yes folks I've started a fan page..lol.. it has worked wonders with local networking and getting the word out.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/RGonzalez-Photography/215467805334

Im really impressed with the amount of feedback about the extended nursing. Leave it to my mom to give the view from the other side :) I kind of agree...don't think that I would personally be comfortable nursing a toddler in public... the gawks and glares would detract from what ever moment I was having with my child. I know that right now I don't really nurse lucy in public anymore anyway because she doesn't want any sort of fabic in her face... Im more on the modest side of public nursing so... I could avoid the flashing session and she would rather not over heat under a blanket. Plus we are really not nursing during the day anyway. Now... don't get me wrong... I wouldn't judge another mother... infact I would applaud her. But I haven't quite reached bare all boob nazi status.. .almost there... not quite yet. 2 more babies... (lol... my mom just fell out of her chair... just kidding mom! ;)

So this sweet girl in the photograph is Casey... I met her at the park.. well actually Max and Katy befriended her and she played with them for over an hour. I asked he if she would model for some graduation photos (more portfolio work) and she agreed. They turned out really fun... they are here. She is awesome with my kids and seems really excited about babysitting. So my plan is to utilize her when Andy is working so that I can schedule more photoshoots and not worry about what to do with the children. Plus im sure the kids can use a few hours every now and then away from me...lol. We'll see what happens when she goes back to school :)

Anyway, off to get somemore chocolate cake from the kitchen...mmmmm.

When to call it quits...more on extended nursing.

2009-06-20T13:32:00.000-07:00

I've previously discussed in my blog my feelings on "extended nursing" ... or nursing past 1 year. I haven't really thought much more about it until Lucy amped her sessions from twice a day up to 3 or 4 times a day. I'm not sure what prompted the change.. perhaps she is going through a growth spurt, needing more comforting... learning to ask by signing has certainly opened up our communication. If you're not familiar with my views... I believe that each family, circumstance, parenting, nursing relationship... yadayada is different... I don't judge any mother's desire (or lack there of) to have a nursing relationship. My first two children weaned at just past a year... and I believe personally about a year too soon. But really, when is the right time to draw the line? Like I said... I support every mother's good intentions... but it seems that there are a majority of judgemental mothers out there that shutter at the thought of nursing past a year. The general impression is that somehow the need or want to extended nurse... suddenly goes past feed and nurture... and right onto a path of malintented perversion. What?? What changes suddenly in a nursing mother child relationship that makes for a drastic need to change what was previously wonderful and comforting?? I just don't get it?? I asked a new friend recently... Do you have a cut off date?? As she is still nursing her almost 2 year old. She said that she did not... but couldn't imagine nursing someone as old as say... Max who has just turned 5. I in fact know several people who still have active healthy nursing relationships with their preschooler. I look at my son and cannot wrap my head around nursing him... BUT ...I believe that I don't have this vision... (not because I'm being judgemental) but because I haven't experienced this with him in 4 years. Now... if I had not ever stopped... and its a part of our day to day life... how could I possibly feel that nursing him was abnormal or perverted. Max recently asked to try nursing again... I had to decline him just for that reason... we've not been there in 4 years... and I was just not willing to back track just for curiosity's sake.

What is your take on this???

my blog is acting wonky...

2009-06-19T19:09:00.000-07:00

Every time I go to load up my own blog page it sends me an error... anyone else having this problem?? It been pretty soggy the last few days... we've been busy with this that and the other. Andy took the kids to the park this morning while I met with a sweet mama in bunker hill WV... She and here two beautiful children were super fun.. here is today's work.

Thanks for the imput!

2009-06-17T09:17:00.001-07:00

Thanks for the input everyone... it seems that most mama's here are going or have gone thru something similar.

Its really a rather gross day today... I have a laundry list of things that need to get done, to include finding the motivation to get this stuff done. I'm letting the kids vegetate in front of the TV while I do... well... absolutely nothing. Hey, I'm entitled every now and then :)

I made Jam for the first time this week... Fresh picked strawberries, some frozen blueberries and black berries... organic raw sugar... and lemon juice. No pectin in this recipe so it was a little loose... but soooooo delicious. We put it on our pancakes yesterday instead of syrup... mmm mmm mm.

Max and Katy have been spending a lot of time playing with Lucy these days. Its really cute and they are very good with her. Katy got VERY jealous yesterday when Max told her that he wanted to play with Lucy without her :( ... didn't see this one coming.

I guess I should probably get something productive done now.

come see some of my recent projects at http://www.rgonzalezphotos.com/ I would love your feedback and suggestions.

His Big Heart... nudity issues

2009-06-15T20:09:00.001-07:00

His Big Heart, originally uploaded by RGonzalezPHOTOGRAPHY.

So I've been busy. Our home AC unit crapped out on us today for a whole 8 hours my house was an oven... man Im spoiled...I cannot imagine living in a home without AC in the summer time. BLEH.

So this summer has been interesting with the children and nudity. Max and Katy are both getting old enough were they need to start learning modesty. For the most part I really don't care if they walk around the house naked... but THEY have no quams about going outside naked. That is where Andy and I are trying to draw the line. How do you teach your children about modesty without making it seem like we are trying to shame their bodies?? I think this really started when Katy answered the door when the UPS man knocked... butt naked. First problem of course is the children should never EVER answer the door to strangers. Miss Burger doensn't know strangers... and doesn't have a shy or timid bone in her body. Off topic a little bit... speaking of not being shy... an old man stopped us at walmart to oogle the baby... I had not said word one... and Max and Katy had introduced all of us and proceeded to ask this man if he was a grampa... and why don't you have any hair?? Im glad that he found it fresh and amusing.. I however... was ready to crawl under the shopping basket. Oh goodness, what are they going to say next?? Okay so back to nudity... how and when do you teach your children about modesty?? I am afraid I will comprimise body image... but Im getting frustrated.

They Killed Jim AGAIN!!!!!!

2009-06-12T21:36:00.000-07:00

Okay so I've not been totally honest about my obsession with Jennifer Love Hewitts Friday show "Ghost Whisperer" ... anyone follow the show?? I am really upset that they killed off Jim AGAIN!!!!!!!!! WHAAAAA???? Darn TIVO.... It cut me off at the end when he tells her that It was an embolism and that he wanted her to remember him right as he is now.... so... blast... I've been trying to find an online version of the show so I can see her reaction at the end... Oh, its a problem.. I know.

The kids and I had a great day today... we met some new friends at the pool between thunderstorms and Max is learning how to ride his bike without training wheels. He is really doing a good job! He frustrates really easily tho.. I have never seen this side of him with any regularity until now. Every time he makes a mistake he gets off of his bike... throws it to the ground... throws his helmet off and storms into the house. Wowza... some drama I'd say. Poor kid is so hard on himself sometimes... and it seems that the more praise we give him... the harder he is on himself when he does make a mistake. I don't want to say that we should stop praising him .. but maybe make it more so that this accomplishment of learning to ride the bicycle is self full filling and not for us.

So I have some good news... I may have booked my first wedding for October... Yaaaah!!! ...and I have started getting bookings for baby and family portraits. Word of mouth is such an amazing thing isn't it??? Whodathunk 5 years ago that this career path was even in my future. Now to get bundleboo back on the right track.

(the above photo recently won a contest challenge on Digital Grin... this was taken at my parents house before doing a 4 generation of men photo for my family. In my grandfathers glasses you can see my father and brother... 3 generations. It was a surprise capture.. I did not notice it until later)

Missing my free time...

2009-06-10T20:52:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone... yes I am still alive.. I am just in one of the those OCD phases in my life. Right now its building a photography business and coming up with a business plan for Bundleboo... I have been pretty busy with the kids these days as well. We spend a lot of time outdoors.. as you recall from my previous winter blues posts... I spend as much time outdoors as possible :) Sunshine...oh gllllllooorious sunshine!

Oh by the way... I am looking for some more portfolio victims. If you are local to me at all.... I need preggo mamas, couples ... weddings and engagements. I will do a wedding practically for free just for the experience! Shoot me an email if you're in the area! HUGS!

Identity

2009-06-07T15:55:00.001-07:00

smugmug banner3, originally uploaded by RGonzalezPHOTOGRAPHY.

So I've been back and forth with the R.Gonzalez identity... its been changing at least everyother week.... I think i've decided on a final signature and website feel. Here is my new signature and banner... what to you think? I know the Signature is hard to read... but its definatly distinguishing and looks good on the corner of photos.

wow thats cold!!!!

2009-06-07T15:51:00.001-07:00

wow thats cold!!!!, originally uploaded by RGonzalezPHOTOGRAPHY.

For the last week I have been finalizing the sneak attack of andy's Saturday surprise birthday party. It went over with a bang... he had no idea it was coming. Happy 36th sweetie!!!

Its been a bit warmer here over the last few days... it was averaging 56 for the last week before the weekend came... thank goodness because the party was outdoors. We spent some quality backyard time. Lucy just loves the water... and Katy painted the swing set with water and clover flowers. Andy took max fishing today... so it was just the girls and I... pretty lazy day overall.

baby bella

2009-06-02T18:42:00.001-07:00

baby bella, originally uploaded by RGonzalezPHOTOGRAPHY.

I had a photo shoot of this sweet baby girl this afternoon... I had so much fun!!! see here for the gallery.

new queen of the castle

2009-06-02T10:04:00.000-07:00

I have to say that I love love love this photo of katy ro... probably one of my favorites. The kids and I are really trying to find ways to keep busy with the weather being much warmer. We spend most of the day outside. Max is out of preschool now, so Katy is missing alot of her one on one time. I've really noticed that she is acting out for attention a lot more. Wow, girls are so much different with there emotional needs than little boys are. Its easy to fall into a disciplinary pattern of treating all equal... I cannot do a lot of the same discipline measures with katy that I do with Max... Katy takes even a raised voice... like the threat of death. Yet it seems that although she is almost 2 years younger than max... she is developmentally his rival. Not to say that Max is behind in anyway.. I just wonder if girls are farther ahead than boys are.

I am getting ready to head out for a christening photo shoot and an antique shop... I am nervous and excited. I have so many fun ideas... just hoping that they come out well. Keep your fingers crossed. Thank you to this sweet mama for giving me the opportunity!!!

Vacation summary

2009-05-30T17:10:00.000-07:00

So we're back from vacation... a much needed vacation. It was soooooo wonderful to see family that we have not seen in some time. It was my father in law... Joe's 75th birthday... so we first went to the beach in North Carolina to celebrate with him and other family... we had a fantastic time! As you can see the Carolina beaches are beautiful!!! I got up early one morning with my sister in law and took our cameras out to photograph the scenery at sunrise. The house we stayed in was right across the street from the ocean... gosh I love the sound of crashing waves..so relaxing. This was the kids first time really enjoying the ocean. Lucy was hilarious...she laughed at the first sight of waves and from then on, I couldn't do enough to keep her out of the water... we all had a blast. Max, Uncle Nate and Andy spent time playing in the water and flying kites. Katy thought that walking the beach meant that she was in her own personal parade where everyone was there just for her. "Hi GUYS!!!!"..."HOWYA DOIN EVERYONE??" She was so funny and everyone there ate her to pieces.

The second half of our vacation was further south to South Carolina to see Mama Rose "gamma rose" and her sister Patty "gamma patty". They have a property that backs up to a small lake...lots of frogs...and there are supposed to be a few alligators in there also...yikes! They set up a theme week for the kids. Alligators and swamp theme... sooo cute. First we went on a boat ride through a local black water swamp. Now you wouldn't imagine that a swamp could be beautiful until you actually spent sometime rowing through one of these. The water was so black that the reflections showed like glass. The trees were draped in Spanish moss and the Lilli pads were blooming with these beautiful fragrant flowers. We saw turtles and alligators on our boat ride. Then we had a themed lunch... with alligator tales (green beans) alligator tongues (hot dogs) and alligator poops (cup cakes) ... oh and they decorated the juice boxes with pictures of alligators and called it swamp juice. The next day we took the kids the the local aquarium .. while were gone they set up a whole alligator party... equipped with balloons, cake and fun original swamp games.

Anyway, since we've been back a whole 24 hours now... we've began to tackle the garage project. Well I should say Andy is tackling it... I'm not brave enough. We'll see how far we get this week. Now to check up on everyone else... HUGS... good to be back.

getting ready for travel...Americian Idol

2009-05-21T09:04:00.001-07:00

Is this High key??, originally uploaded by RGonzalezPHOTOGRAPHY.

I am looking forward to some new scenery... the kids are really excited about going to the beach and seeing the grandparents...they have been talking about it all week... I have yet to pack for 5 people... for as long as we are going to be gone... I always tend to under pack.... for fear of over doing it and having to haul extra stuff around. Beach trips are a bit different because you get dirty more often with sand and saltwater.

The last time Andy and I took a trip with the kids we ditched the suit cases and gave way to large plastic stackable bins. This was definatly a winner and helped us stay compact and organized. We will be implimenting this idea again for this trip.

I cannot believe that Adam Lambert didn't win this seasons competition!! I wanted chris to win (actually I wanted Danny to win) but I thought that Adam had a shoe in from the very beginning of the season. Still in shock about the end results... perhaps Chris got all of Danny's votes after he was voted off...

I probably wont blog again until next thurday depending on whether I can get my hands on a computer... but I am really looking forward to taking some beach photos. If I don't post... everyone have a great week! HUGS!!

soaking up the vitamin D...teething

2009-05-19T06:10:00.001-07:00

redneck sprinkler, originally uploaded by RGonzalezPHOTOGRAPHY.

I have almost completely come out of my winter blues... and we are spending a ton of time outside playing and getting as much fresh air as possible. I have been keeping up with the laundry and the house for the last week and its been really refreshing. We plan on doing a yard sale and completely purging the garage when we get back from seeing Andys family in North and South Carolina this week. The kids have been too small to remember going to the beach... I can't wait to see there expressions when they look out at the worlds largest swimming pool and sandbox. ...hahaha giddy.

Lucy has been seriously teething this last week... I think she is trying to cut molars. Honestly I don't thing any level of natural medicine is going to bring relief to this poor girl. Daytime is not so bad...perphaps she is so busy keeping up with her older brother and sister. At night, well...thats a whole nother game. She wakes up screaming at 11:30 or midnight and will not go back to sleep until the late late hours of the morning. Last night I finally got her back to sleep around 5:30...the sun had already started to come up. I'd try and put her back in her bed earlier but the second she'd see the bed she'd start crying. Katy shares a room with her and I couldn't let lucy have her cry while katy was trying to sleep. So lucy slept with Andy and I. Some point after that Katy crawled in behind me... I became a mommy sandwich.

Anyway, needless to say more...I need some coffee. Off to the kitchen...I hope you all have a great day!!!

Pug Rocket

2009-05-17T18:02:00.000-07:00

My husband sent this to me today after a two year old girl on one of his calls insisted that he watch it... really cute!

flights of fancy

2009-05-14T11:10:00.001-07:00

flights of fancy, originally uploaded by RGonzalezPHOTOGRAPHY.

I just had to post a note to say thank you GiGi, mom and Dad for my new camera lens... it arrived today... a 50mm 1.8 canon lens... this is what I got with it this afternoon.

what a view

2009-05-14T08:10:00.001-07:00

what a view, originally uploaded by RGonzalezPHOTOGRAPHY.

I feel my self buzzing around like i've been in hibernation for the last 6 months. Anyone else hibernate when its cold and dark outside? This week we are focused on reclaiming our home. Doing yard work outside... purging the insides... by the way.... I appreciate the imput on the garage sale... you ladies are always a fantastic help! I got an official R.gonzalez website up and running over the last month... see it here... www.rgonzalezphotos.com Im sure it still needs tweaking but It better than sending any potential clients to flickr... where they can easily get lost and confused...ha. I haven't figured out where my niche in photography is yet. I see potential angles and images everywhere I look. This ladybug image is just a clean fresh "stock" type image... other days I want to do artsy, funky perspective images. I think as im refining my skills I will eventually come into something consistant. But truely its fair to say that I may never do anything consistantly... those who have faithfully read my blog over the last 10 months know that for sure....haha.

Anyway, nursing is moving along well again. I have completely healed and I am no longer having issues in that department. thank goodness!!!! I appreciate your support pushing me thru that rough spot. Sign language is stlll moving along although I have not posted a new video in weeks. Lucy has also started talking overnight (mind you, still not saying mama....grrrr) She is pointing out facial features and using simple words like "eye" "nose".... the cutest one is "hiiiiiiiii" when we see someone or she is pretending to speak on the phone. So cute.

Katy and Max aren't really doing anything new.... I will say... Katy is becoming quite the girly girl. Every morning she spends atleast 20 minutes battling some decision making about what to wear. Funny the difference between boys and girls. Max at 5 years still can barely manage to dress himself... let alone pick out his own clothes. Katy has a particular taste.. she either wants super frilly dresses... or shirt and pants... but the shirt has to have lots of pink or purple... or some sort of "super de duper... cool picture". haha... there have been a few days where she has worn the same thing twice... just to avoid battles.

postcard??

2009-05-11T21:35:00.001-07:00

postcard??, originally uploaded by RGonzalezPHOTOGRAPHY.

I did this up on photoshop for fun... I was thinking it would make a fun thank-you card for family or friends.

yard sale...

2009-05-11T20:58:00.001-07:00

to do list: grocery shop, originally uploaded by RGonzalezPHOTOGRAPHY.

Okay so for most people a yard sale probably is a simple... drag it out...tag it... put up signs and sell it. But for me this...well, this is an adventure into the unkown. Feeling a fresh connection with my home after this whole scare has left with with a desire to purge and improve. Anyone live in a split foyer home? If you do...you know that there usually isn't much in the way of storage space. My garage has become the catch all of all lost things...office... junk festival. I have done one yard sale in my life. I am ready to get to purging... but I have no idea where to start. I also have a TON of baby things that probably need to go... but Im having some attachment issues. So short of calling up a Discovery channel team of experts. How do you suggest I tackle this task... you know, without bringing in a clean sweep brigade?

Happy Mother's day!!

2009-05-10T10:58:00.001-07:00

studio 915- westminster 33, originally uploaded by RGonzalezPHOTOGRAPHY.

I had a wonderful morning.... I hope everyone else did as well! My kids woke me up with cards and smooches and my darling hubby made us all breakfast. Today was our 6 year anniversary as well... I forgot that it was.. Im such a man sometimes.

We will be celebrating 2 birthdays and mother's Day tonight at my parents house. My mom makes the most INCREDIBLE carrot cake with cream cheese icing EVVVEEER!!! The kid will be getting chololate cupcakes with blue icing. The tradition since I was a baby is to have blue icing on your 1st birthday. Why??? because its fun and messy... gotta love traditions. I am inspired by Drea's "caking" photos from a few months ago.. so I may try to get some of mini me... im sure she wont mind since sugar is involved.

Good day...Great news!!..shout out.

2009-05-08T20:27:00.001-07:00

Its been a while since I've posted... Its been a busy week. Im actually getting some fairly regular photography work now...yah!! More commercial photography than the portraits that I'd like to be doing but hey.... its a fantastic start! On the up and up... we found out yesterday that Obama did not let us down with the mortgage grant... it came thru at the very last moment for us as we were getting ready to sign the rental agreement on our new home less than 24 hours later. YAAAHH!!! We are not losing our house! Yippeee!!!

Today was a wonderful day!! Andy had the day off so we took a drive to Amish Country in Lancaster PA... such a pretty and pure place. Tons of photos from today on my flickr. As most of you know Katy and Max are really into trains. Lancaster has a few train touristy hot spots that we like to go to treat the kids. Today we got to ride on an old steam locomotive... so much fun. The country side in Lancaster is amazing... its amazing to me that these people have not evolved into technology and have retained the simple way of living just as there founding ancestors have hundreds of years ago.

This weekend we are celebrating some birthdays in the family... on of which was my fathers... eeek... I didn't call him today.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!! I LOVE YOU!!! Katy turned 1 on the 5th of May... happy Cinco de Mayo little chica! Andy's Dad Joe is having a birthday on my 6 year anniversary... HAPPY BIRTHDAY Papa JOE!!! And last but not least... Mother's day... if I don't get a chance to post again this weekend... HAPPY MOMMIES DAY!! Hugs to everyone...I miss you guys!

speaking of velcro'd babies...

2009-05-03T11:17:00.001-07:00

In reference to one of my recent posted photos... I was joking with a fellow blogger about how it should be legal to velcro your child to the wall... then I remembered this product that I came acrossed sometime ago. A toddler toilet paper holder!!! How inventive is that??? LOL ... no really, how cool is that??? Okay... in all seriousness, I do see the value in hanging your child by hooks on a stall door. I mean If this is the alternative to them pulling the nasty sanitary napkins out of the wall bin... and who knows what else... then YES... lets mount the child on the stall. And heck while they are still... give them something constructive to do... like hold your toilet paper. Just brilliant!

Please don't take my boob away!!!

2009-05-01T14:03:00.001-07:00

What do you mean the boob fairy isn't real???, originally uploaded by RGonzalezPHOTOGRAPHY.

So I spoke with a lactation consulatant on the phone yesterday... she suggested a few things to help... lansinoh cream... I was using already... a prescription nipple ointment... pumping at a lesser strength suction so that I didn't bleed or cause more damage... (this was to help get my left side milk production back up). Or because she is such an excited nurser... start on the Left side... until she calms down, them move over to the damaged side now that she isn't so agressive. I've been doing the last option + loading up on lansinoh ointment. And so far...so good!! No bleeding at all today!

I haven't even concidered quitting. I know certianly its an option at this age... but we both still love it and I would wan't to because of "readiness" not because of this circumstance or another roadblock.

Anyway, thank you so much for your links and suggestions!!!!!

get a handle on it!

2009-05-01T12:42:00.001-07:00

get a handle on it!, originally uploaded by RGonzalezPHOTOGRAPHY.

whaddya think gigi??

Drummer Max...Nursing Issues please HELP!

2009-04-30T12:37:00.001-07:00

Apple Blossom Parade, originally uploaded by RGonzalezPHOTOGRAPHY.

Max's preschool had there annual Apple Blossom Parade... where they dress up in pink, green and costumes to march down the old town mall where we live. Max got to be the drummer.... He was LOUD AND PROUD about his task... a parent pulled me aside and asked me if I had drums at the house... as it seems that Max really enjoys drumming... Yes, thank you Gamma Rose... we have drums at the house. :)

Don't read if you get queezy hearing about blood.... A few months ago Lucy got thrush (mouth yeast infection) and It spread to me... so I was very cracked and sore until we were both treated for the thrush. It took me some time to heal completely as Lucy had stopped nursing completely on my left side... so the right side was doing all of the work. Over the last 6 weeks I got really dry and cracked... and because Lucy is such an agressive eater I would bleed from time to time. Over the last 2 weeks the bleeding has gotten so bad she looks like a vampire baby after the nursing is over... blood on her shirt... running down her face... its pretty gross. She spits up... bright red/ purple blood and blood clots. YUCK!! She did this at the parade today and got a few double takes as both of us were covered in blood.

Okay, so now that Im done being gross... what do I do??? She only nurses on one side... and still nurses about 4-5 times a day...we are a while from being done.... yet I cant seem to heal and its only getting worse. Do I start pumping on the left to get milk going again?? And try and ease off the right side? Any cream suggestions?? I am not ready to quit over this... but somethings gotta give... Lucy will be preferring her steak rare if I do this much longer.

photoshop fun

2009-04-29T15:52:00.001-07:00

, originally uploaded by RGonzalezPHOTOGRAPHY.

I thought Lucys outfit was fun today... my buddy sarah told me to take a picture.. I think I wasn't for the outfit but to document that she even had clothes on! Hahaha.. I liked the way this edit turned out... kind of looks like shes either floating (stuck to an orange wall with velcro..) or laying on her back. Whaddya think? To fakey?

Silly kids... crochet...How is "EC" going??...baby sign language

2009-04-29T10:10:00.001-07:00

Silly kids, originally uploaded by RGonzalezPHOTOGRAPHY.

So the end of the school year it rounding the corner... May 21st is Max's last day of preschool... Then he starts kindergarden!!! Wowza, wowza, wowza! He has been talking about his "new school" everyday since I registered him 6 weeks ago. Katy is also VERY excited about starting preschool in the fall and staring her "ballet class" ... I am so proud of them... they are such beautiful and avid little thinkers. I love watching them grow and understand the surrounding world. Its really neat to see little revalations thru their eyes. .... little things about the world that you and I (as adults) easily over look daily.

I have decided that I am queen of half finished projects... I have maybe 2 hours left on my sweater... but now I cannot seem to pick it back up again. Granted there are few other pressing things going on... like moving in the next 3-4 weeks. As it stands right now... we are signing our lease agreement with the rental next friday... and moving in May 27th after our trip out to North Carolina. Andy and I are done playing games... we need to do whats best for our family.

EC... well... I don't know what happened with that... I think that Lucy decided that she was too busy to sit still on a potty anymore. I haven't EC'd here with any regularity since our trip to Floyd VA...over a month ago. I am feeling some guilt about it, we were doing so great. It seems that Lucy has better things on her adjenda. And Im not finding its so important to force her onto the potty... when she is clearly upset about being there. Anyway... we may start again soon once she is walking. Until then...

Baby signing... is still moving right along... like many other things right now... we could be more consistant with it.... but she is picking up on things very fast now that she is older. I am WAAAAY over due for a video... you will see a big difference since the last time I posted... fun, fun... anyhooo.... time to go pick up Max. HUGS everyone!!

upcoming events!

2009-04-27T07:05:00.001-07:00

Panhandle Earth Day Festival- 2009, originally uploaded by RGonzalezPHOTOGRAPHY.

Well, first off...Lucy will be turning 1 on May 5th... cinco de mayo. I seem to have holiday babies. Katy is New Years Eve... Max is May 31... Labor day?? Memorial Day??? One of the two.. .for sure I was in labor... and it was memorable... ha! Anyway, I am short on time and I know that most of the family reads this... FAMILY?? ARE YOU OUT THERE??? What does everyone want to do for Lucy's 1st birthday?? Apple Blossom Festival is Next weekend and Mom and Ali will already be out here. ... We can do a small get together, party or something for Mini Me when I get back from the fair.... or we can just plan on doing it the following weekend. Rosie, Joe and Jackie... Of course we want everyone here... but I know you are far away... perhaps we can do something small and sweet when we come to see you at the end of May. Catherine... come on out with Nathan when we figure something out... (thats the key) ... or we can wait to see you during the trip... I know that you are a busy busy woman these days...I am so proud of you for working at this so hard!!

As I mentioned, my next Bundleboo event is this Sat-Sun at Jim Barnette Park... this is an "Apple Blossom" event called "Weekend at the park"... if you are in the area stop by and see us!!

Today is the day we find out whether we move or stay... I have been feeling my anxiety level go up over the last few days... altough I've still been able to keep a good perspective about things.

Any whoo... I just got a playdate call... so I think Im going to bug off the computer and get my kids outside before it gets too hot... hugs to everyone I hope you all had a fantastic weekend.

Panhandle Earth Day Festival- 2009... Beat this mommy brain!!

2009-04-26T09:17:00.001-07:00

Panhandle Earth Day Festival- 2009, originally uploaded by RGonzalezPHOTOGRAPHY.

The earth day festival was really a lot of fun... very comfortable scene for me as most of the vendors and visitors there were like minded. Some very talented activists and artists for sure. I have never seen so many dread locks at one single event in my life. I had a few minutes to snap a few of the festival... see my flickr for those. Lucy was with me and was an angel earth baby all day...

So... I took the kids to McDonalds for some Ice Cream a few days ago as a treat for not making me suffer thru a photo job that I had. Lucy had her first Ice Cream cone and really enjoyed it. Lucy has had Ice Cream and diary before... cheese, yogurt, goat milk... but not Mc Donalds soft serve. When I am out with the kids sometimes its best for my stress level to simply "block out" the rest of the world and focus on them... I try not to let judging eyes steer my parenting. The kids were enjoying there cold treat and I started thinking about this weekends plans... todo list... house chores... the normal mind filling thoughts. I noticed that Lucy was COVERED in Ice Cream and her face was getting a little red from the cold (ended up being a slight allergic reaction also) ... At home If they are messy... I will use there clothes to clean them up... then wash the clothes (saves on papertowels...) If Im already a disaster I might use my shirt also. Soooo.. amongst my other thoughts... "take off shirt..." came into thought... .... .... without thinking again... I took off my shirt in the middle of McDonalds. ACK!!! So, here I am wondering why im sitting there in my nursing bra and shorts... holding my tank top in my hand. I couldn't get my shirt back on fast enough. I don't usually get embarassed about stuff like that... but I couldn't help but blush at the shocked McDonalds audience. (head in hands)... well, that tops this weeks "mommy brain" moments.

Earth Day Festival....New babies!!

2009-04-24T07:58:00.000-07:00

Today I'm getting ready for the first annual Earth Day Festival in Shepherds town, WV!!! What a fun Idea! Bundleboo will be one of the 30+ vendors to take part in this fantastic event. If you are available and within driving distance you should definitely take part. It is a kid friendly event with lot of fun activities to take part in. Hope to see you there!

As most of you know, I have a goat share... with which I receive raw goat dairy once a week. (more on raw goat milk HERE) I have not been receiving milk for the last 4 months so that Aimee could dry up and use the extra fat and energy needed to have healthy kids... in the last 36 hours Aimee gave birth to twins!! They are soooo adorable!! The one with the brownish face is the boy... "Sam"... and the white faced one "Sally".(Max and Katy got to name them) Aimee is a fantastic mama... very attentive to her new babies.

You can't see me!!!

2009-04-22T12:19:00.001-07:00

, originally uploaded by RGonzalezPHOTOGRAPHY.

We had a busy morning... Katy insisted on wearing her christmas dress today... I got my 2 cents in with the converse sneakers (more fun photos in my flickr)...haha...one for me!! We dropped off our way overdue sign language books at the library, picked up max from school and got our goat milk and eggs from the farm. Now im spending a few quiet moments catching up on emails and laundry.

Oh yeah and Happy Earth day everyone!!

my computer geek... changing of the sizes

2009-04-21T17:05:00.001-07:00

Who says I need to call the geek squad for my PSE problems when I've got my very own built in computer geek. Andy has literally spent two whole days working the kinks out of my computer... while chewing off every little bit of finger nail he has left. I agreed to let him back up and "dump" my hard drive... as long as my pictures, work files and DVD compositions were not harmed or hard to find. So after doing the dump... he spent all day today... looking for lost files and relocating important business information so that is was easy to access... he really didn't have to do all that... but I'm certainly grateful... and I can see a dramatic improvement on how smooth my computer runs already. Yipeee!

Lucy is doing her every 3-4month change of clothing sizes. Its easy to forget how much they grow that first year... mini me is growing into 12-18 month clothes already...and can even fit into some of sisters old 2T clothes. Lucy is starting to show some signs of walking readiness.... I'm glad that she is... because I'm not. I left her on her bedroom floor with the door open...walked across the house to fill a sippy cup... turned around 5 seconds later and she was indulging in the wet cat food on the kitchen floor. ICK! Its like that all day... she is not one to be confined... and would rather explore than be carried. So I've baby proofed as best I can... and hope for the best. Right now its 8:30 an time to get the kids off to bed. Good night!

facebook etiquette

2009-04-20T19:37:00.000-07:00

A fellow blogger posted this on facebook the other day... I thought I would share it here... It made me giggle.

Thinking outloud...photography

2009-04-20T18:28:00.000-07:00

I am recently hearing amazing feedback from my family and friends... upon receiving a book from GiGi called 'Starting your Photography business' I realized how serious everyone around me is about any blooming talent I may have. I'm feeling it... but I'm so nervous about it...Its such a competitive market now as quality cameras are becoming more and more inexpensive. Although I do believe that professional photography its really an art... a special eye... and a unique flair...not just about the equipment. (tho having a nice tool is really important too) I really enjoy doing this... but could I actually make money... should I actually start a business doing this?? My style of photography is more journalistic than traditional (I think) ... is there an interest out there from family's to have someone document there children... rather than posed contrived images?? (more internal talking) Can I raise my kids... run a home... and work two businesses??? Am I over thinking?? Where to start? How do I market myself... when do I know to get serious? Hmmm...

ow... isn't this the funniest picture of Lucy ever... she is such a ham!

Monday already?? Midnight marathon and the $10,000 baby

2009-04-19T21:21:00.000-07:00

We got home around 9pm from Sunday dinner at Nana and Papa's house tonight. Dad made split pea and ham soup from last weeks Easter Ham. Yum Yum! We had a great time... the kids are starting to feel like themselves again. GiGi, took a look at I thought was a crochet disaster... ended up being not too far off. I only have to rip out about 20 rows. My sister Ali informed me that parenting magazine is doing a cover baby contest and the winner gets $10,000.00 big ones. Hmmmm... takes pictures of my sweet babies...maybe make some cashola?? DUUUUUH! So I think I will be snapping a few off in the next month or so... perhaps you can help me pick the best ones to send.

Its 12:30 and as I'm typing Lucy is crawling up a bald patch on the playroom carpet. Apparently the cat nap on the ride home was enough fuel for Lucy's midnight marathon. She's been crawling for a few months now but only today has she realized the full potential of mischief she can get into. Look out world! Shes in 4 wheel drive... full time... all the time. Its fun, but wow... I forgot how exhausting this phase can be. ....wait... whats that??? Lucy you're ready for bed... GREAT! Off I go too... tata for now! HUGS!

Mom genius... yum yum breakfast...Twitter

2009-04-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

So I have to say... I met the smartest mom ever at the park yesterday. It was a swing pick up... haha... Andy always jokes about the moms I pick up at the park. It is almost like dating, finding new "mom friends" that you are compatible with...and the children are compatible too. Anyway... I quickly realized that that mom had 4 children under 6. With out pride or hesitation I asked her what her house looks like. Darn it if she wasn't one of those super put together, well organized ... probably PTO moms. I said... "Well, ... hmm... I'm jealous... so If I don't ever see you again... lets see how much I can pick your brain while we are standing here... ha ha (but so so serious)". She explained that she has a day of the week for every task... scheduled, planned and set in stone. Well, it would be overly ambitious to think that I could be that organized... so I quickly cut to the chase. "How do you stay on top of Laundry??" She said... Laundry is Thursdays... they all have there own baskets.... Each basket is a load... Wash... Dry... Done. Oh my gosh... you would have thought heaven was shining down on me and the dark looming clouds opened up and angels sang... really... why haven't I done it that way all along??? ... And that was it... we went our separate ways.... I wouldn't blame her if she felt used.

I have been trying to keep up with my homemade kefir.... but unfortunately there are a lot of other pressing things going on right now. I had to throw away my kitchen science experiment and trade it in for the store bought "lifeway" brand kefir. The kids actually like this much better than what I was making... I don't blame them... I like my kefir really tart. I cant get my kids to eat much these days, they have become really picky eaters. This week I've tried something yum and different for breakfast that even Lucy can eat. Its a mixture of baby cereal, strawberry kefir and defrosted mixed berries. They eat it cold like yogurt and love it... and its really good for them.

I recently joined the twitter movement. I don't know how much I will keep up with it... but there are times that I would like to say something that doesn't warrant an entire blog post... I am bundleboomama on twitter. I would like to put the twitter stream in my side bar.. but I don't know how... any advise? Can you reply to peoples twitter comments? Obviously I'm new at this but any input will help.

kid art...4 generations

2009-04-16T15:47:00.000-07:00

Max was back in school this week.... hopefully he doesn't come down with more Ebola... I swear if they get sick once more in the next 6 months I'm going to create a plastic bubble for them to live in. Haha....So I know ho much the family loves "kid Art" so im posting some of this weeks creations... up for grabs if you are first to post your requests... "Rocky" is the pet rock that katy created on her own Last Saturday... I helped her with the eyes. The bottle pig and bird are Max's creations from school... So So Cute.

My mother requested that I do the 4 generation photo of men for our family archive. I probably over thought it in the long run.... and ended up only having 15 minutes or less to execute the photo shoot... wishing I had a tad more time and didn't feel so rushed... I think they turned out decent. Here is one one of my grandfather that I really like.... you can see my father in his right lens and my brother in his left lens... that's 3 generations right there. Anyway, I hope everyone is having fabulous weather like we are having... HUGS to everyone. BTW I would like to request some prayers for McMama over at "mycharmingkids.blogspot" as her baby Stellan is flying to Boston tomorrow for cardiac care. I've been following her blog since her pregnancy, her story is inspiring and amazing. I am requesting prayers for her family, as stellan may be receiving lifesaving surgery this week. Hopefully the Doctors in Boston can find a solution for his extremely stubborn SVT. HUGS and Prayers for McMama, Stellan and her whole family.

Enwrapture....crochet project

2009-04-14T20:33:00.000-07:00

I have been eyeballing this sweet sweater in one of the crochet books my GiGi bought me. It looks pretty easy from the stand point of time so I've decided to tackle that this week for Katy or Lucy. I also have decided to use up the rest of my "Christmas project" yarn and make a surprise for someone special... so that will not be disclosed until later.

My birthday gift to myself arrived yesterday... has anyone heard of "Enwrapture vintage"??? I joined a Co-op group online where they all go in to buy bulk products and unbeatable prices. I don't usually shop for myself but I couldn't pass this one up at $8.50 per skirt... check out how cute these are!! HERE ... I bought 3 because they were so "me" I couldn't pass it up...but the catch was I wasn't able to choose what they send me. I will say... my first impression was... WOW these are really UGLY... truly the prints are horrendous, but in a really fun and trendy sort of way. (which really means I need to buy about 20 more because they are all I'm ever going to wear :) I found this YouTube video online to show you how they work.... perhaps I was drawn to them because I would still be able to wrap myself long after my kids have grown out of our Bundleboo's...haha!

dirty laundry...Happy Belated Easter!

2009-04-13T19:53:00.000-07:00

Its been a very busy week... I appreciate all of your kind words about our mortgage situation. I know there are some readers that are concerned about me airing our "dirty laundry" for all to read... please remember that we aren't a secretive family... and my husband supports whatever outlet I need to get past stress in my life (and I do with every respect to him). I post what I do, to reach out... to let other women or mothers know that although they may choose not to talk about such things in public... they are not alone. Its nothing to be ashamed of... heck, we have not committed a sin... and it hasn't changed who we are as people...infact, I believe that these are the situations that strengthen us. We are not proud of the jam we are in... we certainly took great pride in our lovely home... but we made a decision 3 years ago for me to quit my job and stay home to raise my children... and I take more pride in my children than I would ever feel for a stack of bricks and mortar. I say these things like its up to me to bring in the income... I assure you I know who brings in the "bread and butter"... and I am proud of all his hard work. I rehash this because I'm sure there are other mothers who .....(hahaha I accidently just shut my computer off with my toe :)... have made the big leap to leave there jobs to stay home and raise a family and are in a similar situation. Its a tough battle between working to pay the bills and doing what you feel is right for your family. I have to find a way to get past the guilt of laying the burden of income onto my husband and facing my role as "primary parent". Its not quite as clear cut as it was 30 years ago. In all fairness to family, I post about our private lives to put all who love us in "the loop" ... we aren't very good about calling or sending emails, we want you to know that this is our way of communicating our live to you. pheuf...

With all that said... Happy Easter!!! We had a wonderful time this year, although we missed seeing some close family that normally we would have... we got to see some family that we usually don't. My fathers side of the family... My Grandpa...Auntie Melissa, Susan and Uncle Billy were in from out of town. I also got to meet new family...Josie...Ali's sister.

Easter morning the kids and I did some Easter projects. Katy LOVES to be artsy (gee I wonder where she gets that from)...so we set up shop at the kitchen table. Usually Max isn't interested in crafts... but he decided to get involved with the project. At this point in time, I realized how totally different my two oldest children are. Katy... very meticulous and careful with her painting and color matching... Max... a little reckless and thoughtless with his painting... not very interested in the overall project idea... HOWEVER, before I dismissed him from the table for "wasting paint" in the water bowl... I realized that Max's little scientist mind was more interested in mixing paint colors in the water to create new colors. And I suddenly felt a relief that although we wasn't interested in the craft... he had found his niche and got involved using the tools he hand in hand. How smart is that 4 year old little bugger. So I spent about 30 mins refreshing his water while... blue and red made purple... and yellow and green made blue. Max is much like his daddy, where Katy is very much like me. Normally I might have been frustrated that he was taking clumps of unused paint and washing it away... but I found myself happy to let him do it.... realizing that his mind is made very different than mine... although he came from me.

I am so bloggy behind this last month. If anyone was following a few weeks ago.. Max was crazy ill with some mystery virus that left him with migraines and a spinal tap. We thought that this was the end of it... but it seems that with his weakened immune system from the last virus he has picked up a new one... According to a nasal swab at the Peds today he and Katy both have influenza B... ICK... I am sorry if we passed it on to anyone at Easter dinner... I thought it was just a cold bug. Eeekk! I think I stopped blogging for a while because all I had on my blog agenda were whiny whiny poor me... hahaha... Its all up and up from here guys. HUGS!!!

OH... BTW, I have been having problems with my PSE again... editing raw files eats the RAM on my computer and it keeps kicking me off. So I will be slowly posting all Easter pictures on my flickr as I get them done.

Keeping it Real

2009-04-07T20:22:00.000-07:00

So it just dawned on me that my baby Girl Lucy will be turning 1 next month. Woah, seriously what happened with the last year?? As I am officially emerging from the nak, sleep, nak, poop...rinse...repeat...phase of my life. I hold a basket of mixed emotions. Mostly I feel overwhelmingly blessed that all of my children are happy and healthy. I feel contented as a mother that I am doing well by my children... and peace that I will make mistakes, but no so severe that they will ruin my precious 3. I have found balance in my marriage that allows me to respect and deeply love my spouse...while maintaining a strong self identity. I always thought that the "honeymoon phase" would be the best part of the marriage... not so much gals! Nope, it was a foreign, rocky roller coaster. Especially as a woman coming in to her own... that is a journey all by itself. Anyway, I will go on about the 10 year honeymoon later.

I mention these things because they make me feel full...happy....sucessful. And really I want for nothing more...than a god filled, full, peaceful and happy life for my family. Simple isn't it??? Not really if you have to factor money into this equation. Whats life without challenges and loopholes...right?! Well, on this solid road to success we have officially reached our first speed bump. No one could have foreseen what the economy was going to do to so many families like ours...and we never envisioned that we would be in this position to even talk about it... foreclosure... yep, its a nasty dirty word... and the pit in a homeowners stomach. With inflated interest rates and deflated economy... we have been left upside down on a home that we can no longer afford to live in and cannot afford to get out of. Thank goodness that Andy has good job security...as unfortunately, there is never a shortage of crime or people in trouble. Losing our home is definitely not the end all for us... we have SOOOO much to feel blessed and thankful for. I know this adventure coming for us...is just another way for God to help us grow in our love for him and to strengthen our bond with each other. I believe we are not meant to know all of his intentions.

We are awaiting a few more calls from the mortgage company to see if there is a last ditch chance to save this bad situation... if not, we have been given another great oppurtunity right around the corner...literally... just a neighborhood away. I have been developing a wonderful relationship with one of my very first Bundleboo customers...she has become a close friend of mine over the last year...despite the fact that she lives in Germany with her family now. Her beautiful home came up on the rental listings at the right price...at the right time... and its just what we need to feel at home again. Hmmmm... amazing how he works huh. So with that said, I feel at peace with WHATEVER happens. Goodness its late...gotta shove off to bed now. HUGS everyone!

relaxing weekend

2009-04-06T21:39:00.001-07:00

, originally uploaded by RGonzalezPHOTOGRAPHY.

We have alot going on here at the monkey ranch. But this weekend was a refreshing break from the crazy poo throwing. My sister in law...the one in the picture was so kind to invite me to her mother's farm in Floyd Va. We were so warmly welcomed and the kids made themselves right at home. The property is simply a kid paradise and the fresh air and views were amazing. The kids got to play with the baby animals... goats, chicks, ducks, dogs... what fun! I was honored to do a informal portrait session of Ali, baby Joey and the beaming new Grandma Suzanne. Check out my photo stream for this weekend's pictures.

I have a lot to update you all on since I've been in blog hibernation for the last few weeks... right now its past midnight and my head has turned into a pumpkin...and the hampster wheel in my head has stopped spinning... good night.

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

2009-04-03T06:28:00.001-07:00

Happy birthday to meeeeeee... happy birthday to meeeeeeee..... HAAAAAPPPY BiiiiIIIIIRtday to MEEEEeeeee HaaaAAAAAPPPPy birrrrthday to me! BIG 29 :)

Food Battles and Choices

2009-03-30T18:44:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest fight savers in my house is giving the children limited choices. If they don't like something I recommend...IE: outfit, activity, snack...I usually offer them two alternative choices. I specify that these are there only choices but they get to decide themselves. That way, I get my mommy 2cents in and they feel like they have some control over the situation.

Now with that said, over the last year I've lightened up at dinner time (or cracked down, whatever way you want to look at it) If the kids aren't showing an interest in dinner...IE: fidgeting, playing with food, throwing food... complaining that the don't like it. I give them the choice to leave the table or eat. Not a great choice for them..but frankly I'm not going to the extra lengths of making separate meals for everyone in the house. Dinner is at 6:00...clean up is at 6:45. If they haven't eaten dinner by then... they don't get it. AND, they don't get any snacks or a second chance later. I do give them healthy snacks in between meals... but I stop the snacking around 3:30 or 4 in hopes that they will decide to stay and eat.

My delima is...I don't want food to be a love hate battle for my kids because I choose to force them to eat when they aren't interested in it. I know that they will get what they need...and will eat when they are hungry. HOWEVER, with this dinner choice that I'm giving them... they will decide at 8 or 9PM that they now want dinner...and whine about how hungry they are. I say, well... dinner was at 6:00 guys... you choose not to eat it... now you must wait until breakfast. Think it would be a better choice to eat dinner when its served tomorrow night. Then send them to bed... feeling guilty that my kids are going to bed hungry. Maybe I wouldn't feel so bad if I had heavier children... but my kids are really skinny to begin with. Am I wrong... am I being a dinner Nazi??? What would you do?

smart little buggers :)

2009-03-28T18:49:00.001-07:00

Yet another awesome Melissa and Doug puzzle... this one was the kids first 100 piece puzzle. They are really good at these...with a little prompting and some organizing they did this puzzle mostly by themselves. Look at how proud they are of the accomplishment. I think the biggest accomplishment was not completing the puzzle but how well they worked together doing it.

Today I took the girls to Hannah's (katy's BFF) third birthday party. The two of them are like a couple of old ladies...I'm really glad that they have each other. Girl birthday parties are soo stinkin cute. Funny, I wasn't really a girly girl growing up... actually I remember being more boy than girl... but something about all of the girlyness is so super fun to me now. I don't really have much extra to say tonight... except that Im bummed that battlestar galactica is over!!! Anyone else here a battlestar galactica fan???

national zoo

2009-03-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

So today we decided that we were well enough to exit our quarantined home. Thank goodness I was starting to come down with cabin fever. So we packed up a lunch and headed out to drive as far from our house as possible today...we decided to go to the National Zoo in Washington DC. If you've never been there before I highly recommend it. Here are a few shots from today...

Isn't she a bit young to be grumping about how early it is???? We were anxious to get out the door :)

We all agreed that our favorite animal at the zoo are the monkeys...and yes I know if they don't have a tail there an ape. This old lady was cracking me up...she looks like shes had enough.

Its so wierd, he was looking right at Max as if to say "pssst...hey kid...ya got any foooood?"

And this one I'm sure was looking for a way to break out.

I took the kids in the reptile house and Andy stayed outside with Lucy... I came out and he had put her in the Bundleboo. Pretty good job... I think babywearing daddies are HOT HOT HOT...especially mine :)

All of the magnolia trees were blooming... soooo pretty. I have one in my front yard that I look forward to blooming every spring.

The kids had a great time... they still seem a little off. Max was wound up like he was trying to release all the pent up energy from the last week...lol. Its always fun to watch there reactions and hear there curious questions. We will probably take another trip soon.

body image...Before and Before pictures

2009-03-26T10:28:00.001-07:00

First of all I want to say that I don't consider myself as having a distorted body image. I know that I've been blessed with some good genetics and in my life time I really haven't had to deal with alot of overweight issues. I will say that it really doesn't matter if you are overweight or skinny...people will always have an opinion of your body type. And it is a rare person that doesn't have some sort of body image issues. In high school I was very thin... and people would ask me often if I had an eating disorder. I would prefer being heavier over being accused of gagging myself. As I've matured, I've learned to accept my body type, the things that I don't like...and focus on the things that I do. Since I am the topic of fitness and "bouncing back" I wanted to post a few before pictures to compare my post pregnancy and pre-fitness body.

The photo was taken on one of my trips with Andy...pre family. I was about 130lbs...I was pretty happy with the way that I looked here. I was about 115lbs in highschool ... it took me quitting sports to gain weight enough to have curves ...thus, looking more like a woman and less like a little boy :)

This photo was taken about 4months after having Max. I was about 155 lbs here. I was a little insecure about my body...but loving the mommy boobs.

The above and below photos were taken about 5 months pregnant with Katy. I didn't gain a lot of weight but I was starting to feel the gravity effects of having children so close together. One thing I have NEVER liked about my body is how I displace all my extra weight into my back. It doesn't seem to matter what I weight I always have folds and creases in my back. I do enjoy being pregnant tho and I think my body image gets better when I'm pregnant because it doesn't seem to matter if you're extra bumpy while baby is on board. I was proud of my baby body with Katy Ro.

The below photo was taken about 32 weeks with Lucy... note my butterfly tattoo peeking out...Andy jokes that it looks like a raptor when I'm pregnant...lol. I must admit that at this point I knew my body would never be the same again.

These photos were taken today... here's a very flattering shot of my back rolls...lol. I know I will never get rid of them completely...but I would love to tone up a bit.

And of course mother nature has taken a toll on the muscles in my stomach. I can usually suck it in and disguise it pretty well in clothes. But to be honest for this post... I really look like I'm 5 months pregnant. See above for reference...lol.

Well, sigh...now that I've laid it all out there... Its time to set some goals. I don't have a weight goal in mind... frankly I have no idea what I weigh. First and foremost, I would like to work on building back the energy that I once had...even just to improve mood and motivation. Image wise, I would like to strengthen my abdominals, tone up my back and arms and put some bulk on my chicken legs. If I can accomplish this...I would be very pleased.

your turn :)

Playing catch up...Adventures in Baby Sign Language week 9

2009-03-25T18:14:00.000-07:00

This is a long video, the first half of it is Lucy's first taste of Icecream... typical dinner scene. She was demanding and hilarious. Katy stole this weeks signing show... this was done about a week ago just before everyone in the house came down with Ebola. Katy is doing really well with the signing... so well that that we've made several trips to the library just to feed her interest in it. Lucy...ahem...the one I started this for is also catching on nicely. I keep meaning to get her in a video but she is at this "sorry! to busy to chat!" stage. Sooner or later I'm sure.

Here is a cute clip of the flubber we made around the same time. Its really fun you should try it!

I have been following Lisa at Adventures in Parenting, she has started a workout renegade over at her blog. I am inspired to get back into some shape that doesn't resemble the flubber in the video above. Now, to be fair...I don't really have a weight issue. Yes I am quite a bit heavier than my teenage years...grant it, I was waaaay to skinny as a teenager and frankly I think I look better with a little bit of curves. BUT... everything is going south...I mean...literally. Oh common, I mean who mommy body doesn't sag a little after having 3 babies?!? So, I've recruited one of my friends to do a work out program with me to help bounce back a little. (ha, we'll see how long this lasts :) no seriously, I think that if I have a whine buddy to do this with we might get something accomplished. My victim is Sarah over at three blonds and a cabinet salesman. She lives a few houses from me and has become one of my closest friends over the last year. She has two adorable little girls and really witty sense of humor...love her!!! She is also fairly new to the blogging community so you should go over there and give her a warm welcome. Im not doing a gym membership anymore, I don't think I can commit to one with my kids and schedule...but Im willing to do a home workout program. I LOVED step aerobics when I did go to the gym...any suggestions on a home workout program that you've liked in the past???

prayers answered!...stupid genetics

2009-03-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

First of all, I wanted to say thank you to everyone for your prayers...the lady in question for my cancer prayer was my mother...at the time the doctors were 95% sure that she had some sort of breast cancer judging from the etiology of the mass in her breast. It turns out after her biopsy that it isn't cancer. We were all very scared because breast cancer runs in my family...infact even some men in my family have had breast cancer. Laura "Auntie" you're right, obviously god heard everyone and has other plans for my mother. Thank you!

We took Max back to the pediatricians today for a follow up for his relentless symptoms. Still spiking fevers upwards of 103...constant headache...now belly pain... (sigh) what the heck??? His headache gets so severe that hes vomiting and rolling around on the floor. The sad thing is...I remember doing the same thing at his age. I was diagnosed with migraines in Kindergarten...and I've struggled with them ever since. When Max's doctor today mentioned migraines I cringed. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy, migraines are the pits. For those who've never had a migraine...I would compare it to the feeling of a serious head injury... blinding pain and debilitating disorientation. Not even in the same league as a headache.

Anyway, on a lighter note...I've been sewing a little to help me relax. I made Katy and I wrap skirts... super easy to do... just a long rectangle with tie attached to the top edge. Here is an example of DIY. I'll try and post pictures later... Hope everyone else is healthy and well... thank you for all of your kind words of encouragement. HUGS!!

rough week baby

2009-03-23T18:49:00.001-07:00

rough week baby, originally uploaded by RGonzalezPHOTOGRAPHY.

We are slowly coming out of the sick woods...I know my past few entries have been a bit whiny...sorry... Max seemed to get hit the hardest of everyone. We spent the last night in the ER for suspicion of meningitis. Hes had high fevers, vomiting, severe headache and Sunday was the first of "sore neck" complaints. I took him in around 10pm ... it was the earliest I could get him in...Andy was held over at work until that time. They gave him an IV, drew blood, xrayed his chest... sedated him and gave him a spinal tap... this poor kid has been rung thru the ringer. He's acting a bit traumatized today...very skittish of being touched...and really jumpy if he doesn't know your going to touch him. His back is very sore from the spinal... no kidding... have you ever seen the size of the needle they use for that procedure...oh my goodness.

Anyway, I just wanted to up date you on why its been so quiet in crunchy monkey land. I have a few videos I need to upload to YouTube for Adventures in Baby sign language...hopefully I will get to those tomorrow.

Cheers to a quick recovery for us 5 crazy's. Thanks! HUGS!

Oh yeah, BTW not meningitis...turns out to just be an evil EVIL virus...and nasty ear infection.

What goes down must come up!

2009-03-21T13:26:00.000-07:00

Okay, so...not a fun week. Never quite expierenced this much ill chaos in my house before. It started Last week with Lucy's stomach bug...then Tuesday night with Andy spiking a fever and feeling some bronchitis coming on. Then Wed night it hit me...vomiting...the whole 9 yards. So Andy and I were completely laid out Thursday ... who took care of the kids??? They are alive and well, so it seems we managed some how. Then Lucy started back up again, Katy then yesterday and Today Max. Wowza...not fun. I'm feeling better, but I feel like I have hang over.

On an up note...I may have scored my first official photography gig. A girlfriend of mine does print design and needs someone to do some product photography for a client. I am excited about the opportunity. She also discussed with me doing some firework photography and then later on down the road possibly photographing an assisted living facility. I never even thought about web photos or commercial photography as an option...but I totally think I can do it. Now only if I can figure out how to build an inexpensive DIY light box... Drea...Jenn... anyone..Ideas??

Isn't this cool...or am I just crazy?...Storytime

2009-03-18T19:12:00.000-07:00

Okay so I know I haven't posted in a few days...and then I come up with this weirdness. I had to take a picture of this today...it looks like an island eruption with a bird flying next to it. I don't know.

It was such a beautiful day today... we couldn't have asked for prettier weather. I had a massive amount of errands to run today. Got the girls out of the house while Andy got some rest...its his turn to be sick this week. Bronchitis....sorry sweetie :(

Katy, Lucy and I went to story time at the library this morning and got out of Andy's hair. The woman that does the story's here is AMAZING!!...she really has a gift for affecting small children with her story telling abilities...shes high energy, animated, fun, whimsical... I love her. The kids sing, dance and jump around. And some home schooled sisters volunteer to do a puppet show and demonstrated some classical dance and ballet moves. Soooooo adorable. Katy was in AWE, when she saw the little girl twirling on her toe shoes. Katy has been walking on her toes all day today. My mother and grandmother are gifting Katy ballet and tap classes starting in the fall...she talks about being a ballerina all the time. Who made this girly girl???

A Brand New Day~ Prayer Chain Request

2009-03-16T19:25:00.000-07:00

When you awaken in the morning

and see the brightness of the morning sun,

Lock the door on yesterday

and throw away the key.

For God has given you a brand new day,

Another day of love and laughter.

Seize each moment before it flies away,

For sweeter than the fragrant flower is each precious golden hour.

Make today your best day,

The power is yours alone.

Make today the happiest and the best you've ever known.

Yesterday is gone, as in a dream,

Tomorrow is a vision still unseen.

Today is yours to live,

It's treasures you can use.

It can be your best day,

It's up to you to choose!

~Author Unknown~

Please say this prayer with me, today.

Dear Lord, please lay your healing hands on her body and mind. Allow her peace to accept and embrace today as if it were her best day. Walk with her dear lord, and guide her faith on this journey that only you know. Please God, help put her restless mind at ease so that she may focus on today only. She is in your hands lord, enhance her spirit so that she may endure what will pass.

God, I pray for her family. Help them to lift her up...to stay positive...to seize the day.

I also pray that you guide the doctors hands this week as they journey into this unknown. That they successfully remove this intruder from her body. Thank you lord, in Jesus name I pray...amen.

This is a prayer that I've written for someone very very close to me. Out of respect I have promised not to name names. But, I was hoping you could help me with a prayer chain...I want to lift her up higher than ever.

My Birthday wish List :)

2009-03-15T09:51:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I am just going to put it out there to be helpful... totally under no obligation. hehe :)
canon 50mm 1.8 lens (nifty fifty)
canon rebel wireless remote

Mommy I want to make Flubber!

2009-03-15T09:10:00.000-07:00

Max and Katy got to choose a PPV movie last night. After watching a few previews they chose Flubber with Robin Williams. They watched it TWICE last night and then begged me to watch it once more this morning. After the third time watching it...Max came running up to me..."mommy MOMMY Puuuuuuuleeeeeease make flubber for me!"..."I will keep it in my bug cage and only let it out to play" "aaaaaaand if it starts bouncing around and breaking stuff I will put it away." "PUUUUUULLLLEEEEASSSE MOMMMY!!!!"

Oh my goodness, this is too funny. (snicker)"Max, buddy...its not real, its just a movie". After he continued to insist that it was in fact real, and we had to make some...I told him that if he could tell me the ingredients I would be happy to try. So I came online simply to post this cute request and decided to google "flubber" for a picture to post. And came across this YouTube video on DIY flubber. Looks like Max will get his flubber after all :)

Give them the benefit of the doubt!

2009-03-14T20:29:00.000-07:00

I was putting the dishes away tonight thinking of a conversation my husband and I had earlier in the car. He was on the phone with the lady from the bank trying to get me a new check card... the lady went about her usual gambit of security questions... and perhaps more than she needed to. I could see his frustrations rising with her...and then he proceeds to ask this woman if she is playing games with him. Hmmmm... there is something about this that doesn't jive well with my personality.

First and foremost, to Andy's credit I try and understand his perspective of people... being in the line of work that he is. Officers and public services workers are generally exposed to the worst of the worst people on a daily basis...and how do you not become jaded in a sense. When 90% of the people you come across at work...lie to you and try to play mind games with you.

Truly these people are such a minute percentage of our entire population. Its my belief that the average citizen has every best intention to do the right thing. That questionable behavior or poor mood is purely circumstantial. We don't know what kind of day they are having or what had brought them to this point in there lives. You know, I believe in laws and the justice system...I believe in my husband and what he does for the community. It makes me feel safe to know that we are protected by our fellow service men...and they uphold the law to maintain order and peace. But I also feel that a large percentage of people that end up in jail are still good people...good people, who got caught up in bad circumstances...bad choices doesn't mean...bad people. Its up to God to decide that persons eternal classification.

What I'm trying to say... lol... geeze... you will encounter people in your lives that aren't pleasant, make bad choices, lack communication in the means that you can understand. It doesn't mean that this person is trying to deliberately hurt or defy you...(that is a very self centered perspective of others.). I know that there is evil out there... I'm not oblivious to it. I just feel that we can better serve our purpose in life... by not fighting negative with negative..."two wrongs doesn't make a right.." and giving the gift of "benefit of the doubt" helps keep the feeling of trust and closeness in the community. Plus being kind feels so much better than being angry :)

Sick today

2009-03-13T19:17:00.000-07:00

Its been a down time these last few days... I've been hit with a double wammy...a lovely breast infection and a stomach virus. I am feeling a bit better tonight. The breast infection came from a boobie boo-boo.. cracks and dryness from a recent infection of thrush that Lucy has. Ever had that?? Its like nursing razor blades. I bite down on her paci and after the first 5-10 seconds the worst is over. Any suggestions other than using her thrush meds on me...what I can do to help this heal faster??

Oh happy DAAY!!!

2009-03-12T13:24:00.000-07:00

I am really REALLY looking forward to spring. Its exciting to see the tulips starting to come out and my monkeys show more interest in the outdoors. I am slowing coming out of my winter funk. I have so much catching up to do because I know that as soon as it really starts to warm up, we will be spending from dawn until dusk outside. Spring also means festival season. I am starting to sign bundleboo up for shows. Apple blossom festival is one of our favorite shows...May 2-3 at Jim Barnette Park in Winchester VA. Earth Day festival is April 25th in Shepherdstown WV... If you have a festival in the VA tristate area that you think we'd fit in at please let me know...I really enjoy doing them.

Draaaaaaaama!

2009-03-11T10:54:00.000-07:00

(SIGH) So I have officially been introduced to living with a feisty 3 year old girl. Its almost (...almost being the key word)...almost comical. I have never in my life experienced little girl tantrums until recently...well, at least the way Katy does it. Its so extreme that I don't even have the capacity at the time to feel embarrassed about the dramatic public display. Today was the worst one yet. Perhaps she was tired, hungry, needy or all of the above... but there wasn't any warning signs to be heard before the hurricane came roaring into our peaceful world this morning. Actually it was a fantastic morning. We met some close friends for story time at the library...ran around outside a bit (today was gorgeous) picked up some lunch on the way to pick up Max from preschool. Then it started. Oh goodness... what was they key off...I don't know. But I had to park 2 blocks from the school and she started her tantrum in the middle of a busy intersection. I had to pick her up by her armpit and drag her out of the road. Then she threw herself on the ground screaming..."hold me! hold me" ...I was carrying Lucy and simply could not hold her. So I offered my hand and she started screaming louder. So I started to walk away. "We have to get max out of school, and then I will sit and hold you." ... so she took her shoes off and threw them. ... so I picked up her shoes grabbed her hand and started walking... scream, scream, scream, scream, scream....all the way into Max's classroom. The tantrum didn't stop until we got home and I put her into bed. She fell asleep fast so it obvious now it was fatigue. But holy smokes!!!! Whats a mom to do?? I don't like to compare children but Max never threw tantrums like that... frankly this is a whole new territory for me. What do you do when your kids throw tantrums...I know someone else out there has a drama queen.