Celebrating the 4th of July, and all that it means to our country is something I have really come to love.  When I was younger, the firecrackers scared me, in the exciting bad-boyfriend kind of way.

Now they scare me in the house is going to burn to the ground kind of way.  Did I ever tell you all that my house burning down is my biggest fear?  Not sure why it ranks higher on the fear chart than being mauled by a grizzly bear, but it does.  By a long shot.

This summer has been filled with family-fun, and the fourth is no exception.  I’ve become kind of a recluse this summer.  I’ve made a point of seeing my besties now and again (mostly at bookclub), but I just can’t help but feel my babies are growing up so fast and I don’t want to miss a. single. thing.  And I love spending time with my husband, which actually means something now-a-days.

I suppose recluse isn’t the right word, since I’ve been plenty busy – just not social with many outside of these four walls.  But, I’m loving it, and I’m quite certain God is leading the journey as I go, but that’s a whole other topic.

Let’s get back to the day.  THE day.  The 4th.  Independence Day.

We bought tickets to the Sox game, which you know we have really enjoyed before.  This time was no exception.

It didn’t hurt that we weren’t more than 5 feet in the door before we were approached and asked if Caterpillar could say ‘Play Ball’ at the start of the game.  Why us?  Because he’s so darned cute.  Okay, she didn’t say that, but I’m rolling with that anyway.

I should add an asterisk to this photo and explain as I was leaving the house, I looked at Daddy and said “I’m not taking my zoom lens … what would I need that for!?”  That’ll learn me!

Aside from that exciting start, the game was mediocre.  Okay, I’m lying.  It was looooooong, and I couldn’t really see the game because we were sitting in the picnic area, and the kids were acting crazy.

Don’t believe my kids were acting crazy?  Here’s proof:

Who knows what she’s doing?  Probably not even her.

Aside from that, the fireworks were good:

{I like the last one because they kinda look like a heart.  How sweet}

By the way, if you don’t know how to capture fireworks like this, it’s easy:

1. Turn your camera into Aperture Priority mode. (AV)
2. Set your camera down, pointing at the fireworks.  You will not be able to hold still long enough.  Even if you hold your breath.
3. Take the picture!

Easy right?  I swear I’m just a walking monkey with a camera.

We had a great time, and are already planning to go back to the game next year.  What did you do for the 4th?  I’d love to hear all of your stories.

As long as your house didn’t burn down.

If it did, I’m sorry that happened to you, but telling me will give me nightmares for weeks.

Maybe even years.

Other than I L.O.V.E. this little girl.

And her determination.

She’s got the tongue action to prove it.

Happy hump day!

It’s not the same as me.

It’s rough.  It’s playful.  It’s silly when I am trying to get things done.

He loves to get out in the sun and he plays hard.

He’s all boy.

I always wondered if applying stereotypes like that to kids was a good thing. Good or not, it just is the truth with him.  He’s so different from Monkey, but every bit as wonderful.

I love you little man.  You make me get out of bed when I don’t feel like it.  You drag me outside for fresh air when I’d rather hide from the world inside.  You make me laugh almost as hard as your Daddy.  Not in a sillyheart way like Monkey, but in a calculated, well-planned out, we’re gonna get mom rolling kind of way.

It took me a while to see how good you are for me, and for that, I’m sorry.  But you are.  You are perfect for me and our family and I love you, little buddy.

I hope you never change.

How can it be Monday already?

Have I mentioned I love this family?

Love them!

Monkey just kicked off her soccer season (ha!) so I’m hoping to get a new zoom lens so I can catch her in action.  Since I tend to capture faces and itty bitty parts more than big pictures, I haven’t had a real need for it on the business side. I’m still in love with my prime and wide angle lenses on that front.

That being said, I’ve got my eye on this beauty, so we’ve had our noses to the grindstone with relation to our debt snowball and all things Damn Ramsey.  The good news is, the light at the end of that tunnel is no longer a train.

I’ve started getting calls to shadow for NILMDS.  Of the three requests I saw, I wasn’t able to shadow for a variety of reasons, but the Denver coordinator has me on her radar to go next time so that’s good.  I’m confident in Gods perfect timing for me to dig into that endeavor.

Once soccer is all finished up, we are going to start swim lessons.  I have a voucher to use at Starfish, that I purchased back in September for both Caterpillar and Monkey.  Yet another reason why that lens would come in oh-so-handy.

Since school will be out by then, we are also looking at starting Monkey’s violin lessons.  She’s pretty excited already, and I’d love to start them sooner, but I am one of those moms that refuses to spend all of my time in the car, only conversing with my kids as we go from one place to the next.

I know.  I’m mean that way.

Besides, we have a garden to prep and a backyard to plan!  I think I forgot to mention this before, but one of Daddy’s clients wants a second website completed.  He’s in the concrete business, so they are working out a trade of some kind.  Which means a concrete patio and backyard landscaping for us!  Whoop-woop!

Don’t you just love a good trade?  Bartering has quickly become one of my favorite things to do.  I’ve found in this economy, people are willing to work, but may not have the cash up front to pay for something they want (like photographs or websites).  So why not trade services like we did for Monkey’s new bed?

{Don’t mind the mess}

I love bartering!

I suppose since spring has sprung, I should squeeze in some spring cleaning.  What fun is that?  Actually, I do need to clean out Monkey’s old room and put the kids outgrown clothes in the basement.  What kind of projects do you do in the spring?

Well, as much as I’d love to sit here and chat with you guys all day, we are heading to the planetarium. I was able to snag a voucher a few months ago giving us $20 in credit for $8 out of pocket.  I looked today and the voucher will cover our whole family’s admission to a show.  So excited! After that, we’re heading to some of our favorite friends house for dinner and I’m bringing along my cameras.  We are going to take all of our kiddos out at sunset and play around and capture some of that gorgeous twilight, while our men stay back and grill us up some dinner.  Can’t wait!

Have an awesome day ~ and those of you in Colorado who can get out there and enjoy the sun, do it!  It’s going to be beautiful today!

Tomorrow we are getting new carpet installed in our living room and Monkey’s new room. A good friend told us about Sloanes Carpet Secret.  They deal only in irregular carpet, which worked well for us, because the living room and bedroom are both square/rectangular with nothing too fancy or special about them.  Some of the things that may be irregular in the carpet is it may be cut 11 foot 11 inches wide, instead of 12 foot, the color may be tinted too light or too dark for factory specs, or as in our case, the flecks are irregular.  Daddy got to take a peek at it when we signed off on the irregularity, and he said he couldn’t even tell.  They are specks – aren’t they supposed to be irregular?!  Anywho, we got the carpet at a steal of a deal and we’re super stoaked.

We are doing Monkey’s room as part of her move to the main floor, but we also did the carpet because there are hundreds of unrecognizable stains all over it.  Sometimes I spend way too much time wondering if it’s ketchup, blood or paint that I’ve scrubbed and scrubbed with no avail.  On top of that, I’m pretty sure the stains multiply like Gremlins after midnight.

We’ve been working with a local woodshop to create Monkey’s full-sized loft bed and the best part is, we are trading photography and web work for his creation.  (I’m sure if you clicked the link, you’ll see the old site.  Stay tuned on that, and I’ll shamelessly plug Daddy’s work when it’s done.)

The bed will have a desk and cubbies below, and I’m pretty stoaked.   I’m hoping the cubbies will be big enough for these adorable stand up cubes, which I found through a good friend who works with Thirty-One.

If you don’t know what Thirty-One is, you have to check them out.  Their stuff is SO cute and very affordable.  If you are a mommy looking for extra cash, hit Julie up.  She likely won’t hand you over any extra cash, but she’ll show you how to make your own.  She started with Thirty-One not too long ago, and it’s been fun to watch her succeed … in part because the stuff is so cute and it sells itself, but also because the company isn’t everywhere (like Pampered Chef, Southern Living, etc.).  AND it’s a Christian company.

**Note: I don’t work for Thirty-One, and I get nothing for mentioning them or my friend’s page.  I could fall off the face of the earth tomorrow, and they wouldn’t bat an eyelash**

Anywho, I also ended up getting Monkey an American Girl doll for her birthday.  As you know, I think the only thing creepier than doll eyes, is clowns.

This is truly a gift of love.

And, I must admit, she’s a really cute doll, and it was lots of fun to go pick her and some outfits out … and those shoes ~ It’s like getting to shop for a baby, without having the commitment of sleepless nights and an open checkbook for the next 18 years.

Once I got past the thousands of beady little eyes, I actually enjoyed myself.  It also helped that I got to come home and throw her in the basement until February.  She’ll know who’s boss by then.

Anywho, I’ll be back in a bit.  I’m uploading some newborn pictures now, which is always exciting … especially because the boy is actually napping and I can hear myself think!

Not to mention the awesome timing, with it being the holidays and all.  Santa can certainly use a bonus this year.  Isn’t it awesome how God always provides in His perfect timing?

Speaking of holidays … how come I had never heard of Elf on The Shelf before?

This little guy (Ralph) has Monkey acting like a saint, and all he does is stare at her!  It’s awesome.  Tonight he made his first actual appearance (they had been exchanging notes and gifts), and I am hoping he doesn’t get into too much trouble tonight.  I think he should quietly go hang out in the bathroom.  Perhaps he can figure out why it takes over an hour to do four things that need to be done each morning.  What four things you ask?  Oh, time consuming things like: pee, brush teeth, get dressed, comb hair.

I know.

I ask a lot of my five year old in the morning.

Anyway, I hate to run, but I have an auction expiring that I want to watch.  Be good, boys and girls – Ralph is watching!

xoxo

A

Speaking of questions : I have received several emails and phone calls about today’s Sweet Deal, and here are some of the common questions and answers:

Can I book a session for holiday cards?

I am currently booking for December and cannot guarantee they will be ready in time for mailing. However, your voucher is good for a year if you wanted to plan on using it for next years holiday photos!

Can I purchase additional edited images?

YES! If you know up front you are going to need more images, I recommend applying your $199 credit towards another package.

If we do The Nibble package and you fall in love with more than 10 images, you can purchase the rights to additional images for $30 per 5 images.

Where will the sessions be completed?

That is totally up to you! I recommend an outdoor location that your family enjoys. So if you have little ones, pick a spot where there are things to do! Keep in mind the location isn’t nearly as important as those giggles!

Can I purchase more than one package?

YES! You can purchase multiple packages to give as gifts, or use for your family events throughout the year.

What will my print credit get me?

Take a look at our print pricing guide.

Can I use the images to make my own prints?

YES! That’s what they are for! The images I release to you will be the full sized images so you can easily use them for social networking, printing or blogging!

Keep the questions coming in to Angie@moresugarthanspice.com