workin' with my daddy

Barrett is really into tools and building things lately.

Gigi and Papa got him a tool bench last year, and he's always loved it. 

This year, for his birthday, they got him a tool set.

He is always workin' on something. 

Toy trucks, Mommy's hamper, doors, you name it.

When we re-did his bedroom in January, we added a new shoe shelf to his closet.

He was excited when Daddy let him help build it.

He got to use a real screw driver.

And Justin was impressed they he was actually very helpful and productive.

Barrett loves workin' with his Daddy.
I love that his Daddy is so patient with him.

{TEN}

I obviously missed Tuesday, so here is just {ten}

Happy Wednesday!

{1} 3 year shoot

So, Barrett turned three almost a month ago...and I have yet to do his three-year pictures. What a horrible photographer mommy I am!! Actually, I've been waiting for some nice weather, so we can do something fun outside. I don't really want snowy pics. 

I ordered him this shirt.

I have visions of doing his pictures at the fire station in front of the shiny red trucks! BUT, I haven't called them yet. I'm still thinking. Maybe I'll get that done this week or next, while we're having this amazing weather!

{2} pampers rewards

Does anyone else collect Pampers Gifts to Grow points. I got a little behind...okay, way behind. Barrett hasn't even worn diapers since early August, and I had a cup full of these things. I use my points to get free hard back Shutterfly books, so I made myself enter them all in, and collect my points! I've got enough for an 8x8 book. Just need to decide what I want to make a book of.

{3} business

Although I haven't been to busy shooting during January and February, I have been busy behind the scenes of my business. Updating the website with current images, pricing, etc. I also released a new SENIOR SITE recently, which I am very excited about! 

 

I am also busy working on one of my favorite events for my business. My Mini Session weekends!! This Spring I will have my third mini session event. I love everything from designing the web and print advertisements to planning to location and details. I hope to release the complete details on it all soon to my patiently waiting clients. 

{4} a favorite

Just for fun...a shot from my shoot yesterday with six month old Jacob! February has been really slow for shoots, especially with all the snow days and sick days. So I was anxious to get back behind the camera yesterday. This is one of my favorite shots from the day!

See, even that old hand-me-down gold chair from Grandma can make a great backdrop!

Here's a pull-back shot of the set up (and my two little helpers...Barrett loved baby Jacob).
Baby sitting in middle of greenish-goldish chair.
Natural light coming in from my right, creating amazing big catch-lights in his eyes.

{5} Valentine's

Barrett gave out Valentine bookmarks this year to all his little friends. He loved the day. Lots of friends stopped by to give him treats, and he thought that was pretty neat. This year was the 15th (I think) Valentine's Day that Justin and I have celebrated together. We went out to dinner and to see Just Go With It on Saturday night, to avoid the Monday crowd.  I laughed so hard my cheeks hurt. On Monday, we just had a quiet evening at home. We got each other Bluegrass tickets, and made dinner together. After Barrett went to bed, Justin made Chocolate Molten Lava Cakes! An annual tradition for us!

{6} TV

If you don't know by now, I'm a major reality tv junkie. I admit I watch way too much...but I'm okay with that. My work day is from 9pm-2 or 3am, so it's just what I do while I work!

Some of what I'm watching now:
*Bachelor- I have always watched this. Drama at it's best, and I just can't tear myself away. I don't have a favorite this time though, so I could care less who he picks.

*American Idol-Considered not even watching this season, because I was in mourning that Ellen and Simon left, but I'm glad I have been. I actually love Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez! I am excited for tonight's Hollywood week episode, and ready for the competition to start!

my favorites...we'll see if they even make it through Hollywood week:

 Amazing story...rooting for him.

Another amazing story, and I love her unique sound!

Okay, I'm obviously really suckered in by the stories!

This guy was diagnosed with tourette syndrome when he was younger, but when he sings it all goes away. Rooting for him too.

My cowboy pick!


















She's my pick to win it all :)
And she reminds me of one of my friends!

 Last one!














{7} My walls

I just ordered 3 standout mounts of Barrett for my walls! I hope to have them later this week, and can't wait to get them up! I'll have to share pictures later. I used the images from his 2-1/2 year session in Colorado this summer. Some of my favorites of 2010.

{8} Blog book

Yep, two months into 2011, and I have NOT finished my 2010 blog book. Not even close. Despite thinking I could stay on top of it (unlike 2008 and 2009), I didn't. So, I need to finish slurping about half of 2010, and get the book ready to print. I'm hoping they will announce a SALE to get me in gear!

{9} Spring
I'm dreaming of Spring weather and clothes. I want to shop for cute spring shoes. My friend Amanda just did a really fun post on SPRING COLORS & FASHION. Check it out, it will get you inspired too! Who wants to go shopping?!?!

{10} They joy of having boys...
Remember my cute ottoman tray? The one that was part of my favorite things! (#1 shown below)

Well, it is no more! My boys were playing basketball or football in the living room one evening, and Justin fell right back on it...CRACK! I tried not to cry. That's been several weeks ago, and I still haven't found a replacement tray. If you see any, please let me know!

will you????

Who can say NO to that sweet face?!?!

Happy Valentine's Day!
Love, Barrett

We hope your day is filled with LOVE.

Yum, it's snowing!

We're having snow day after snow day around here!

On one hand, I'm sick of it.

Our normal routine is way off....

Activities are being canceled, and mommy does not want to drive around in it unless I have to.

On the other hand, I love it.

I'm blessed to run my business out of my home, and stay home all day with Barrett.

We don't have to get out in it if we don't want to. God Bless all those that have to.
We feel so bad every freezing cold morning when Daddy has to leave for work.
It's kinda nice to have an excuse to just stay in by the fire in your jammies all day.
I DO get dressed if I have clients stopping by to pick up orders. It kinda makes me feel human again =)

When daddy got home from work yesterday, we joined him outside to "help" with the shoveling.

Barrett lasted about 5 minutes, and then we were headed back inside.
We scooped up a bowl of fresh (non-yellow) snow, and made some snow ice cream.
It seems to be all the rage in blogland lately, so we had to try it too!

Thanks to my friend, Amber, for the recipe!
It was SOOO YUMMY!
Our last snow was beautiful and powdery, and made for awesome ice cream. I loved it!

I'm pretty sure he was crying because he wanted to add m&m's to the whole mixture.
I told him he had to wait to add it to just his bowl. Traumatic, huh?!?

So, for now, we're enjoying the snow days.
Before long it will all be melted away, and Spring will be here!
We'll be out playing on the back patio, walking to the park, and driving to Sonic Happy Hour with the windows down....ahhhh!!!

One more picture to leave you with....
After my mini Valentine shoot with Barrett the other day, he likes having me take his picture.
(We'll see how long that lasts)

He wanted to take a few with my camera. I didn't want to, but I let him, so he would stop screaming.
Then he wanted me to take a picture of him and tiny monkey.
Sweet boy!

GO PACK, GO!!

I remember looking forward to the Super Bowl when I was in middle school and high school.

 Each year, my church youth group had a Super Bowl party.
The parents of the youth would take turns hosting it at their home.

I went with my youth group girlfriends to eat yummy snacks, and talk to boys!

In college, I looked forward to the Super Bowl for the yummy snacks and the commercials.
I was usually watching it with my roommates, and we would talk and eat until the commercials came on, then everyone would get quiet to watch. The half-time show was also a bonus.

After I married Justin, Saturday, Sunday and Monday became FOOTBALL DAYS!
My favorite will always be college football.
Either watching it live at the stadium, or at home on my couch...I LOVE college football!
I mourn when the season ends.

Sunday and Monday we watch every.single.second of NFL Football.
Some days I do complain. Because it just seems like it's on so much.
But for the most part, I really do enjoy it. Maybe it's because it's something that my hubby and I do together.
I can look forward to chilly Sunday and Monday nights, curled up on the couch with him.
I'm pretty sure that's not why he likes it...but maybe?!?


In May 2007 when I found out I was pregnant,
I wrapped up a special Green Bay onesie I'd had hidden for a few months, and gave it to Justin to tell him we were pregnant!
{You can read more about that story in this post}

In January 2008 when Barrett was born, the Pack must have been in the playoffs.
We dressed him in his Packers' onesie and watched the game the day we came home from the hospital.

In April 2008, Barrett was still wearing the onesie.
One of my favorite pictures!

I was so excited that our friends Brent & Leah could borrow the onesie (and one of Barrett's hats)
for their little boy Brayden to wear during the game. I told them he was our little good luck charm. AND he looked adorable in it!

So, after cheering the Packers on through the playoffs, we were SOO EXCITED they were going to the Super Bowl!!
And now, I watch the Super Bowl for the FOOTBALL.  The commercials are just a bonus.

Barrett kept saying "we having a party?"
Of course we are!!

It was just the three of us, but I went all out of lots of yummy green & gold food!
A taco bar, homemade salsa and guacamole, chips, CHEESE & Rice Krispie balls

Barrett does have a Packers jersey, but he opted to wear his new football undies instead.

After the game, we celebrated...and then went to bed.

It was a little too stressful and exhausting for me!

One last picture, courtesy of Barrett...