First day of Preschool!!

About two hours ago, I dropped my little man off for his first day of Preschool!

I have held it together pretty well, until I went to publish this post.

Looking through the photos I took of him this morning cracked me!

When did my baby boy turn into a 3-1/2 year old ready to head off for school?

I am so excited for all that is ahead of him this year...new friends and new experiences.

I know he will love it! He didn't want me to leave at 8 o'clock when the school bell rang, but there were no tears, so that is a good thing! He's growing up! 

I'm looking forward to being a room mom for Halloween and Christmas parties! 

So many fun things to come this year! 

Right NOW...I'm looking forward to going to pick him up!

I can't wait to hear about his day :)

 

Happy FIRST DAY OF PRESCHOOL, Little Bear!

Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you! We love you to the moon and back!

___________________

We made a little gift to take to Barrett's teacher on our "meet the teacher" night!

I got the idea from this blog. If you need a teacher gift, you can print the straw flags HERE!

The cup I had made locally by Krenzer's Kreations! 

She is great to work with. I designed it, and she made it. 

(Barrett and I both have our own cups like this...we've used them all summer and love them!!)

A couple pictures from "meet the teacher" night at his school....

{Favorite Things of 2011} Part I:Winter

Prop Blanket::
I've been beefing up my prop closet lately. Especially for my newborn shoots. I'm an on-location photographer, so for the most part, I'm outside shooting around town. BUT...during the Winter months, I do a lot of sessions (small children & newborns)  in the client's home. I never wanted to get too much stuff for those, because I'd rather use the client's own blankets and accessories and make their images personal. So, I've just added a few more blankets, fabric backdrops and faux flooring to my mix. This blanket, I just happened across online one day. It was a $90 blanket on sale that day only for $39 + free shipping. Yes, please!! I got mine in the "willow" color, but they have several others. It's so soft, and I love the fringe style and texture. I think it is going to look amazing with a sweet little newborn curled up on it!! I might be trying it out this week. One of my clients just had her baby a few weeks early. 

Tostitos Artisan::
Umm...I always have at least one food item on my list! I discovered these a few months ago. They were a must during all those football games we watched. Gosh, I miss football!! There's not much else to say. If you haven't tried them, you must! The Fire-Roasted Chipotle is my favorite, but there's at least one or two more flavors.

Apricot Brandy tea from CHC::
I have just become re-addicted to this! If you've been reading my blog for long, you know that I gave up soda for Lent in 1999 (freshman year @ K-State), and never looked back! I do occasionally have Sierra Mist, but really not often. All that sugar just gives me a headache. So, in '99 my drink of choice became iced tea. That was until my horrid first trimester of pregnancy with Barrett. After that I lost all love for tea. I just recently started drinking it again. Well, I can't even say that. I don't make it at home, don't order it at restaurants. ONLY from College Hill Coffee! The Apricot Brandy tea is lovely. Not sweet, just a hint of flavor. Barrett and I stop by about once a week for a morning treat! When I worked at the Art Center before Barrett was born, I'd have this almost every day from CHC!

Key Carabiner::
This is a little random, but I do love having my carabiner :) I stole if from my hubby to use when I was on photo shoots. I was so afraid I was going to lose my keys or lock them in my car. I would show up to a shoot, and get so busy talking, shooting, and changing out gear...by the time I was done, I never knew where I'd put my keys. Now, I just clip them onto a tab on the side of my camera bag! It's also nice to clip them onto the handles of my purse. I never have to dig in my purse for them! So handy!

Black Rasberry Vanilla Scentsy::
My new favorite scent from Scentsy! Not much to say...I just love it! Have it in my burner in the bedroom and a car tin in my jeep. Makes me happy!

Buddy Fruits::
I guess this is really one of Barrett's favorite things. I buy them at Walmart in the refrigerated produce section. They are 88 cents each. It's like a little packet of applesauce kids can suck out of the top spout. I love it because it's pure blended fruit; 100% natural, no sugar added. No preservatives, no colorings, no additives, no fat, no genetic modification, no water added, no dairy or gluten, nothing artificial ! 1 pouch=1 serving of fruit. They are easy to take on the go, and are re-sealable. They come in several different flavors. Barrett's favorite is the Apple & Banana. This company also has new fruit snacks. Also found in the produce section.

e-mealz::
I've talked about it before. I still love it! Makes life as a business owner & stay-at-home mom so much simpler! No work for me...just hit print, go to the store, and the meals are EASY to make and yummy! We've had so many new things, we would have never tried otherwise. I had red beans and rice with kielbasa sausage for the first time this week! You can check out sample menus and more on their website: E-MEALZ Easy Meals for Busy and Frugal Families


 

Professional Photographer Monthly::
It's been awhile since I subscribed to anything I really looked forward to getting in the mail. I've been getting this since July, and I love it! So many inspiring ideas, gear reviews, and educational articles. If you're a photog, you should get yourself a subscription!!









Barrett's Library Books::
This might be my favorite thing of all on the list!! I love everything about these books. Going to the library with my little guy to check them out. We've been going to Wednesday morning storytime since he was around 1 year. He just graduated to the next age up 3-5 year olds. My big boy can now help me look through the shelves, and love to find the books he wants to check-out. Of course, they are usually about trucks, trains, and dinosaurs! While we have the books, we read them hundreds of times over! So many times, that Barrett memorizes every word of them. It's so cute to listen to him read them to us! It amazes me how intently he listens each time we read them. I have some videos of him reading, I'll have to share. I'm a proud mama!





Ottoman Tray::
AND FINALLY...I got a new tray for my ottoman! Thanks to my hubby for breaking my last one in a game of living room basketball with my son. Barrett and I took a little shopping trip last week, and found this one at Bed, Bath & Beyond. Also where my last one was found. They had some just like my last one (a plastic tray) in new colors, but I liked this wicker one with sides. It was in the seasonal section at the front of the store for $14.99. Then we found this placemat in in some earthy/me colors to fit right inside. Great for drinks...it's laminated vinyl with foam backing. It working great, and I love that I'll be able to change it up every once in a while, just by switching out the placemat! Look at this fun mother of pearl one! Very cool!!

{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!

Favorite Things::Fall

I "Googled it," and found out the first day of Winter in 2010 isn't until December 21st....

Seems late, but I guess that means I'm not as late as I thought with my {favorite things} of Fall!

I hope to get in one more {favorite things} post for 2010! We'll see!
If you're interested in my first two {favorite things}....

Part I-Winter 2010
Part II-Late Summer 2010

{1} happy pillow

I bought this pillow (brown, pink, orange & yellow) at Target about a month ago. I wasn't looking for a pillow...just happened to see it, and noticed it was on clearance for $4! Didn't really go with anything in my house, but I had to have it, of course! It doesn't match our bedding or room very well, but it makes me happy...so that's where it lives. I told Justin it would make a good inspiration piece for any future little girl baby nurseries we may have.  *note: I am NOT pregnant =)

{2} coffee mug

Well, I don't drink coffee, so this is my Chai tea mug! I was bored out of my mind shopping with Justin in Dick's one day, and found it. Loved the reddish-orange color, and it was the perfect size.

{3} purse

I do love purses! Not totally in love with this one, but the little pockets on the outside are great for my cell phone. No more digging around, and missing calls! Plenty of room for Barrett's crayons, candy, etc. Goes with brown and black. I'm happy!

{4} Zac Brown Band CD

It's been playing in our car for two months straight. Need I say more?!? My favorite song is #8

Barrett loves "Walkin' Away." We were in the mall last night, and it came on at one of the stores. Barrett yelled "Mom, Dad, this my favorite song!" Then started singing "walkin' away..." Those are about the only words he knows. But we rock out to in it the Jeep a lot!

{5} Lavender Car Sachet

I'm on my third one of these. I buy them at our local Farmers Market. The lavender is from Bonfy Farms in Winfield. I'm hoping to take Barrett out there next Spring or Summer. One of my blogging and real-life friends, Katelin, took her kids, and it looked like fun! These sachets last a long time. Just give them a little fluff every once in awhile. 

{6} Bean Pot

My first Bean Pot! My sister-in-law and mother-in-law had a Celebrating Home party not long ago, and I got my first Bean Pot! I was very sad when it came and the lid was chipped. So, I've had the pot and basket, but no lid for several weeks now. I'm impatiently waiting for the replacement, so I can finally start cooking in it! There are TONS of great things you can make! Here are a few. Oven, microwave, dishwasher, yeah!

{7} Baskets
Also got these from Celebrating Home! Barrett likes to hide cars and things in the little top basket. I have visions of using them for a newborn session. Ya know, hang a baby out the top basket. I actually used the little one on a session a few weeks ago. Here's Ansley modeling with my new basket!

{8} Scarves

I love 'em! These are just a few of my faves. I need more. You can never have too many, right?!?

{9} Mmm....rosemary juniper!

Got this on referral from my friend, Tonya! L'Oreal Rosemary Juniper shampoo. Great way to start your day :)

{10} MY very own keepsake book

I print these for my clients ALL.THE.TIME. I was so excited to get my very own. I print my clients' books as 4x6's. For ours, I decided to try a 5x7 book. Bigger IS better! I love it! I love having ALL of the images (I had to get rid of a few-80 images in the max for my lab's books) printed and all together. It's been a great help in picking our our Christmas card photos, and what I want on our walls! Still  working on the Christmas cards. The wall prints will come soon!

That's it for Fall!! PLEASE share your own favorite things!

I'm off to get ready for a night out with my girls! Dinner to celebrate someone's birthday :)

I see a Mountainberry Margarita in my future!
(If you haven't had one of these at Montana Mike's yet, you must try!!!)

{TEN} on Tuesday

{1} Happy Birthday to ME!
My birthday's not til the end of the month...but I like to celebrate ALL month long! I have a lot of things on my wish list.
I probably won't get any of them :) but it's fun to dream!


::Apple iPad::

For one, it would just be fun to have! Barrett could play games on it and read books. It would also be an awesome thing to take along on my client meetings. Especially when I'm helping them with orders, and they could see their images right there!

::Need to Breathe CD::

I obviously love this group, and I'd really love to get their newest CD 'The Outsiders' ...Nuf said!

 ::Northface Jacket::

I've been wanting one of these for a long time, but I can't ever decide which style and color I want. So I've just never bought one. Maybe this year??? I am really liking this graphite color.

::Canon EOS 5D Mark II::

I just upgraded my camera last December, and it's totally great for what I do. BUT my business is definitely taking off, so I might be upgrading again before long! This camera would be a couple steps up from what I currently have (The 50D). The Mark II is a full-frame camera, and I would really love that!

Okay...enough birthday dreaming!
That almost could have been a {ten} on Tuesday post all on it's own!

{2} Modern Family

Anyone else watch Modern Family?!?! We LOVE this show!!

It's the highlight of my Wednesday :)

{3} KSU Game
We went to Manhattan over Halloween weekend for the KSU/OSU game. The Cats didn't get a win, but it was still fun. The game was early, so we had plenty of time to rest up at Christie's house after. Then we headed to dinner at Little Apple Brewery and out to Aggieville. It was Halloween in Aggieville, so there was entertainment everywhere! I sooo wish I had a point-and-shoot camera! There were some hilarious costumes, but nobody had a camera on them! Maybe I should add that to my birthday list too!

We celebrated Audra's 31st birthday in Aggieville....
Just as we'd done 10 years before.

Well, actually, I didn't turn 21 for another month.
So, I guess Audra and Christie might have been the only ones celebrating in Aggieville.

{4} New bedding for Barrett

The time is coming...we will be turning Barrett's room into a "big boy" room before long. That means bye-bye crib and hello big boy bed. We could have done it a long time ago, but the truth is, Barrett is my rock-start sleeper. So I've been hesitant to do anything that will mess that up.  He doesn't  climb out of his crib, he sleeps 12+ hours at night, and takes 3-4 hour naps during the day. AND, I kinda like hearing him call out "Mom, me ready get up now" every morning. I'm sure he'll do just fine though.

I'm having a hard time finding bedding. I'm a little picky. Who would have thought :) His walls are greens and browns, so it would be nice to find something that require no re-painting. I don't really want any characters, and I'd like something that will grow with him for awhile.

I just saw this in my newest Pottery Barn Kids catalog, and I really like it. 

The quilted bedding is browns and greens, and would easily grown with him for several years.

The dino print on the wall is $179!!!

I think I can create one of those myself!

This gets me excited to work on his room! Maybe after the holidays, it can be our 3rd birthday project!

{5} GAP Casting Call

A couple weeks ago I entered Barrett in the GAP Casting call for kids. They had a million + entries!
I cropped this image down and sent it in. Gap clothing wasn't a requirement, but he was wearing Gap jeans here...and I thought it showed personality!

GO HERE to vote for Barrett as a "fan favorite"

{6} Christmas Cards
I am soooo excited for my business rush to slow down after this month! I take off the month of December to catch up on my edits, update my website and blog, get tax stuff ready, and spend more time with my family. I will also get a chance to work on OUR family Christmas cards! I've got the design started, and I love it! I'll have {peeks} to share once they're done and mailed out! Hoping to get them out in early December!


{7} Trew Luv

Just ordered these two adorable headbands from the Trew Luv Etsy shop. I can't wait to try them on some clients! They are on elastic bands, and fit newborn up to adult!

{8} Consigment Sale
Our October Girl's Night was a trip to Wichita. We (Audra, Roiann, Kelsey & I) went to dinner and then to a big consignment sale. Megan didn't make the trip, since she was due any day with Callum! I was excited, as always, to find lots of great goodies for Barrett, and have a night with my girls!

Here is some of the stuff I came home with! Lots of long-sleeve shirts, pj's, shoes, jackets, and undies. I wanted jeans for him, but struck out. Hoping to find some of those next month, when we hit up another sale!

I was pretty excited about the shoes. They were both in great shape! The Gymboree ones are a little small, but I couldn't pass them up for $3.00. I'll put them up, and use them if we have another boy. The Merrill shoes were exciting too! I knew Justin would love them, since he has a pair too! It will be a few years before Barrett fits into them, but they were a steal!

{9} Before & Afters
These were popular last time, so I thought I'd share a few more. It was FUN to get emails from complete strangers that read my blog and enjoyed me sharing these. I was happy to send them my tips and recipes :) I wish more would come out of the woodwork and comment, so I know they're out there reading. BUT I understand. There are a TON of blogs I read, and never comment on.

{Obviously removed the drool, and then ran my usual recipe}

{Chesney is beautiful, so her edits were easy-peasy! Just tamed a few flyaway hairs in this one, brightened her eyes, and warmed it up}

{love the colors in this image...got rid of some hair laying funny on her arm, and a bit of her dress strap sticking out under her arm. MY bad for not catching that in the moment.}

{Didn't want Mister Hayes to fall, so Mama was right there, then I made her disappear!}

{Another one of Chloe, in another hat. Cropped and tried to even out the shadows on her face}

{10} Matt Maher
I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it! Looking for a couple new songs to use with my Mini Session galleries, I came across it again. It was perfect!

Matt Maher::Hold us Together

Happy Tuesday!!!