I said I would be back...

I promised to come back on Friday to update, but I got sick. I was hit with the stomach flu this weekend. Yuck. My mom was suppose to keep Jake and Izzy overnight on Saturday while we went to a school event.  Our plans changed, obviously, but mom rescued me. She picked Jake up Saturday afternoon and kept him overnight so I could recover.  Dan had to recover, too. He had a mild version of it...some body aches and no appetite. We were both fortunate. It was only a 24 hour thing. I've heard that other family members were hit much harder than we were.

Last week Jake tried his first Tae Kwan Do lesson. This was an evaluation to see if he was ready. He seemed fine when we walked in, but the intensity and volume of the class in session sent him over the edge. He got scared and ended up crying with his head buried in my coat. Once we settled him down, the instructor and I took him to a private room for the evaluation. I could tell that he wasn't ready. He listened and watched and participated, but he got really wound up and silly.  The instructor was fabulous. We will definitely go back, but she felt he needs another 6 months of maturity. I had to laugh when she pointed out the sticker on the floor that was suppose to be his mark. Instead of standing on it, he tried to peel it off! That's Jake!  This summer will give it another try. I really do think he is just the kind of kid to benefit from something like this.

The next day we went to his first swimming lesson. I knew this wasn't going to be pleasant. When I mentioned swim lessons the week before, he cried. He told me he wanted just to play in his baby pool in the yard with the hose. That will be really cute when he's 12, am I right?  The boy must learn to swim, and I told him so. He was all smiles before the lesson started.

I got these shots on the iPhone. I knew I could not handle the camera and a hysterical boy. 

I was pleasantly surprised when he entered the water willingly with the instructor.  The first 10 minutes were ok. For some reason, he lost it after that. He was ready for the lesson to be over. He cried and screamed but kept on swimming.  I walked to the pool's edge and threatened to leave for a cup of coffee if he didn't stop. That did it. He did not want me to leave the pool area, so he got himself under control. The last 10 minutes were fine. He's already telling me that he doesn't want to go back because he's too little for swimming lessons. Sorry, buddy.  You're going.

We are preparing for what will possibly be a historic storm for St. Louis...ice and snow. I don't mind the snow, but I hate the ice. My fingers are crossed that it won't be as bad as predicted.

This is how much he loves me...

I promised pictures from tool time, and here they are. Dad had an old car stereo system that he let Jake dismantle.

I must keep reminding Jake they he may not try this at home.

I also got a couple of sweet shots of Jake and Izzy sitting together playing their  iTouches. We always enjoy the peace while it lasts.  Are you laughing that her case is blue and his is pink? In all fairness, he inherited my iTouch and never got a new case!

Jake tried Tae Kwon Do and swimming lessons this week.  Check back tomorrow for an update.  The pictures will be limited due to all the screaming and crying. ;)

Snow Fun!!

It seems like we've been cheated here in the last few years. We just haven't been getting the snowfalls we use to get.  This winter makes up for it. We are above average so far for the season, and I'm not complaining. I love that I've been able to get so many great snow shots. Jake has become a pro on Sissy's old sled. That sled is labeled with Katie W., so we know it's old. If it says "Katie", it's pre-2nd grade. It's one fast sled. We have two others, but this is the one we use because it flies!

We had a record snowfall with this snow...almost 9-12 inches.  We got about 9.

 Jake had trouble staying on his feet with this snow!

A few days after this big snow, we got a little bit more. I took Jake out to play without the camera this time. However, I wasn't completely unprepared. I  had my iPhone and got these sweet shots.

Yesterday we picked up Izzy from school and headed back to Mama and Papa's house. It was Papa's birthday, and he was working from home. We thought it would be nice to spend some time with him on his birthday. It was nice to have a helper when I took the kids sledding in the neighbor's backyard. I spent years sledding on this hill when I was growing up. It's funny...it seemed much steeper when I was a kid! It really was perfect for Izzy and Jake.

 Dad stood at the top with the video camera, and I stood at the bottom.

We can't seem to do anything together without a few tears.

In all fairness, Jake cried, too. They both wanted to be in the front of the sled.

Jake made his snow angel.

Before we went in, I had to have my turn!

I have lots more shots of the inside activities, but I"ll save that for tomorrow. :)

Emily - Senior Shoot No. 3!

I love the variety that I was able to give Emily. She asked for her first senior shoot last summer. We did that one in the park. We planned on an urban shoot in December, but the weather didn't cooperate. Instead we did a studio shoot that day. She was hoping for snow with her urban shoot, and we picked the perfect day. We just had a record snow fall a few days before. The day of the shoot was a bit warmer and sunny, so we didn't freeze. At least...I didn't freeze. I run warm. I don't know about poor Emily!  I am sure she'll think it was worth it when she sees these shots.

Miss me?

It feels like I haven't been here in forever! Last weekend was my Vegas trip, and I just have felt behind ever since. It didn't help that today was a snow day. Jake was suppose to go to my mom's so I could catch up, but I couldn't get him there. I don't drive in the snow. Now I'm wondering what tomorrow will bring. The major districts have already canceled school, but I haven't heard about preschool yet. I really kind of need him to go, but he does have a slight cold. Another day home might be just what he needs. At this rate, I might catch up next week. ;)

Vegas was a whirlwind. A weekend is just too short.  I was excited to spend time with online friends I hadn't met yet, but there were so many more that I didn't get a chance to chat with. This is such an amazing group of people. They inspire me, make me laugh, and make me feel so included...every single day. Katie and Randy have put together an amazingly talented team, and I am humbled to be a part of it. I don't have a group shot to show you yet, but here are some favorites from the weekend.

Friday night we did a photo walk along the strip. That was eye opening! You never know what you'll see.

I think I have a whole new appreciation for night photography. Getting the shot I wanted wasn't always easy, but I am so happy with the results. I also loved getting shots of my friends getting their shots.

We are still in the process of sharing pictures, but I was able to grab this one. Katrina is my hero. She is the reason I am a photographer. She lit the fire. She was my first teacher.  I've met her before, but this time was different. I cried when I saw her.  She's given the second half of my life direction.  She's changed my course. I feel so much gratitude and love for this woman.

Of course, spending time with Shanah again was icing on the cake.

So was meeting Doris...and Janet...and Laura...and Crissy...and Kathleen...and so many others.

Crissy got this shot of Shanah and me taking pictures of each other. So fun!!

I made it to In n Out. My daughter would never forgive me if I didn't get a burger there. I have to be honest. I expected it to be the best burger I've ever eaten. I was a little disappointed. I would rather have Steak n Shake!

There are so many more shots. There are so many more friends. I am a lucky girl!!