Ben's new bed!

ok, so for the past 2 weeks, Eric and I have been working on Ben's new big boy bed! I had found one that I liked in the Pottery Barn Kids catalog, but of course it was $800!! Not going to happen...even if I did have $800 to spend on a twin size bed! So, I commissioned my dear husband to make it. It's almost done and he has done a wonderful job...now if I could just find some bedding! I'll post pictures as soon as it's complete!

pictures

Most of my close friends know that I have used the same photographer for the last 10 years. She is WONDERFUL!! But, she has not been doing well the last few years and is now unable to work at all. I don't have the kids pictures made like I used to, which was like every 3-4 months. By the time that 2nd and 3rd kid come, you just never have the time! I do try to get in 2 shoots a year, but always 1. Anyway, I have been searching for over a year to find a photographer who takes pictures like my dear Devona. I have several friends who do work part time as photographers and they all take beautiful pictures, but, each photographer has their own style. Devona definitely had her own! I have found 2 men who's work was close to hers, but they charged $300 for a sitting fee and then you ordered pictures after that. I am not going to pay prices like that for pictures. I have found a lady in Loudon who's work that I have seen is similar to what I got from Devona. I know, I know...I'm not really going to find what I'm looking for unless mine is able to work again someday, but I sure have been trying! So, right now, we are trying to get dates coordinated to give this a shot. We'll see what happens!

planning...

my youngest baby will be turning 2 on August 8 and it is already breaking my heart! Eric and I have 3 beautiful and wonderful kiddos...Kylie 7, Abby 3, and Benton almost 2. So, I figured I needed to start planning his birthday party. We have never done big parties for the kids, we usually just have family over for cake and ice cream. Since Benton is overly infatuated with guitars right now, I thought I would do a guitar themed birthday. I searched all over the internet and found guitar invitations that are super cute. I think they should be delivered today. I can remember last year around this time, I was so excited planning his birthday...not so much this year. It has really hit me that this is my last baby and he is growing up (tear).

July 4th weekend

It was holiday time again and for us that means making the rounds to all of the family. We had a cookout at Eric's grandparents at lunch and then went to my mom and stepdad's for swimming and another cookout.
This year we took the kids to see the fireworks in Kingston. This was more of an experiment than anything! We haven't been since Kylie was 3. We took her several years ago, and she had a miserable time. She hated the noise and all of the comotion...so we haven't been back. Now that she is older and we have 2 more kiddos...we decided to give it a try! ALL of the kids loved it, even Benton! We met up with Jason, Rani and the kids and had a great time! Abby and Riley spent about 20 mins doing their "firework dance", which consisted of holding hands and jumping up and down...it was super cute! The kids actually behaved very well considering my youngest 2 had not had naps. Those are 2 children that you really don't want to be around if they haven't had a nap, especially Abby.
We also ran into Eric's cousin Scotty and his dad Scott. Scott is Scott Lansford and owns Lansford Kawasaki and Scotty helps him run the shop. They of course were on their bikes and Eric and Jason were immediately jealous that they didn't have theirs!
Rani came over with a funnel cake, yyuuuummm! Well, I had to have one! I went and stood in line 10 mins to order and then another line 20 mins to pick the stinkin thing up! I couldn't believe it! It was good though. From that experience, I have decided that I am in the wrong line of business. I should make funnel cakes and sell them at local festivities. But, I would have them almost done and then stick them back in to fry another min or so to heat them back up and sell them QUICKER!! Like I said, it was good though!

July 4th 2009

well, it's been a looong week. Cynthia, my stepdad's sister passed away July 1 and everyone has had a hard time with it. She was diagnosed with cancerous lesions on her liver, lungs and spine 3 weeks ago. So, needless to say it was sudden. Please pray for everyone in the family.

first post

Ok, so, I really have no idea why I have all of a sudden decided to start "blogging"...I hate the term. I have never really understood it, and probably still don't. I guess, now I see this as my way to make note of all the little things that happen in my day, good and not so good. I'm telling myself that this is my online journal. We'll see how long this lasts!