Sunshiney Day

Today was JUST what I needed. 82 degrees. Good friends. Shopping. Fun. 

Laci, Chelsea and I (not to mention our slew of munchkins) went on down to the Gateway for little fun in the city. We spent like 50 hours at Forever 21, where our children all went psycho (seriously I think the sales associates were ready to murder us), there was no air conditioning, and we took many trips in and out and up and down the elevator. For the record, Forever 21 has no elevator or escalator, meaning that if you are a stroller clad mama like myself, you pick out clothes on the first level, start a room, go outside to the elevator, enter the upper level F21, pick out more clothes, send an associate down with your clothes or run downstairs while a friend watches your rugrat, and then go back out and down the elevator. Nightmare. Heaven forbid you grab the WRONG size. Oh and did I mention they have no bathroom? Poor Navi had to pee. Twice. Poor Laci had to take her to old navy. Twice. But in the end, it was so worth it. We loaded UP!

After melting off a good 20 pounds in the store (at least we will look fab in our new clothes) we hit the fountains! Sweet relief. Kids out, cooled off, we sat. 

At first, 

she watched. 

he watched. 

And then, 

she got brave

and soaked. 

And he

got brave, and a little wet. 

p.s. I look wretched and giant in the above photo. Don't judge me. 

Not EVERYONE was too sure about the water. 

But Lauren (I think? Why can I never tell them apart in pictures!? I swear I can in person.) had a blast running around the outside and clapping for really good bursts of water. It was hilarious!

After that we shopped some more and ate cookies. Because no outing is complete with out a little chocolate chip love. 

Thanks girls for the crazy fun day. Love ya. 

a little cute and a whole lotta funny

cute....

{click to enlarge}

I love you, silly.

nice to meet you.

Tonight Danny, Max and I went to Ogden to visit our dear friends Darren and Jody and their brand new baby Carson (or Karson). This little man is just the sweetest thing. He's so tiny (6.14, 20 inches) and I think he looks just like his big sister Hadley!  Carson was three weeks early and had a little NICU sleep over last night so he could hang out under the heat lamps and stay nice and toasty. Mom and baby are doing great though and will both be released tomorrow! Yay! It was cool going to the NICU, it brought back lots of memories! We even scrubbed in with the exact same little sponges that they had at Saddleback.  It made me want to shrink up my own big baby and rewind to that new baby time of my life with new baby smells and new baby clothes and new baby fingernails. I even missed our three long weeks of trips to the NICU. Sigh.

The lights were off in the NICU and no flash is allowed, so I couldn't get the best pics. DON'T WORRY. More to come next week! For the meantime, here is our little buddy, who was fast asleep with a little scowl on his face. We think he was having a bad dream. =) Congratulations on the newest addition Darren, Jody and Hadee!

{Picture of the Day}

this guy

wakes up cranky. 

hence the tear, dripping over his nose.

Too bad I didn't the camera in time to catch him laying like this, screaming at me. it was funny. You would have liked it.

Children's Museum with the Rands Boys/ Tylerisms

On Monday, Max and I went to the children's museum with Tyler (who was more excited than Max) and my Dad ( who was a very good sport). As soon as we got there Tyler went NUTS, running wild all over the place! I loved it. He was way too excited to check out one room at a time. So after about a half hour of sprinting here there and everywhere, he seemed to have an idea of the best rooms, and spent most of his time playing in the ball room and at the water center.

 Max was pretty chill, unfortunately he's a little too small for much of what the museum has to offer, but give him six months, it's going to be a whole new ball game. I'm thinkin' season passes. So fellow moms, let's unite in pass purchasing this fall. What a perfect winter outing!
Dad and Ty, thank you so much for coming out to stay with us last week. We had a blast! I love you guys. Thanks for the fun. 

....Scroll down for a GREAT Tyler stories....

{climbing}

{sliding}

{Max and "pops" as I like to call him}

{my brother Tyler. He's the best.}

There are of course, numerous moments of every day you spend with Tyler when you would like to just laugh forever at some of the things that come out of Tyler's mouth. Every time he speaks to Max, he calls him "Maxwell" or "little buddy" it melts me. Especially when he scoops him up and talks to him face to face and tells him that he is a handsome little prince. We miss this guy already!

I have narrowed it down to the TOP TWO Tyler moments of the trip. 

{THE LONG GOODBYE ... or so he thought.}

On sunday, we went down to Provo to be a part of Jordan's big day- he was ordained an elder!

We spent some time afterward just shooting the breeze in the lounge area of Stover Hall, which is so chic by the way (but it was the only place I was allowed).

We talked about Jordan's upcoming mission, where he will go, how he will open his call, what we're going to do with his stuff when he leaves. You know. The usual.  Then we talked about who would be the most upset when we said our final goodbyes to Jord. All votes go to mom, but Mackenzie and I came in second, and Dad said he would cry, but not fall apart (like the girls). We then Turned to Tyler.

"Ty, are you going to cry when you say goodbye to Jordan before his mission?"

"mmmm, No." (nonchalantly)

"why not?"

"Because I'll see him real soon" (in his typical singsongy voice)

We then explain that when Jord goes on his mission, that we won't see or talk to him for TWO YEARS. He accepts our explanation, seemingly unfazed. 

Later Jordan walks us out to the car. Everyone says their goodbyes, leaving Tyler and Jordan. 

Let me paint a picture for you. 

My two brothers. About the same height, Tyler in one of his usual Adidas get ups. Jordan in his usual button up and skinny jeans. They stand about a foot away from eachother, hands straight down at their sides. They each have this funny little smirky smiles on their faces. It's a Tyler face. 

"Goodbye Tyler"

"Goodbye Jordan"

 

...pause...

"See you in two years!" (upbeat)

I LITERALLY CANNOT REMEMBER THE LAST TIME I LAUGHED THIS HARD. I think I almost fell over. For real. We all about died trying to suck in some air as we laughed and explained that he didn't have to say goodbye to Jordan for his mission yet. HILLARIOUS, SWEET, SILLY BROTHER, I LOVE YOU. How boring life would be without you to entertain us!

Ok, sorry. I'm so tired. I will have to save story #2 for tomorrow. 

Conference Weekend

Round I:

Saturday

We had a lovely time taking care of Max, who apparently ate something that did not agree with him. He barfed his guts out at the beginning of the session. We cleaned him up, gave him a shower, and he seemed tired, but fine. We were all worried about him, but he ended up not being sick again after that afternoon! What the heck. We all (me, Max, Danny, my Dad, Tyler and Jordan) watched general conference in my living room. During the last talk, we looked over and saw THIS.

Jordan and Max 

upon further inspection... 

quick interjection- thanks nana for sending my blabla monkey with pops. 

love, Max

ROUND II

Sunday

On our way down to Provo to have Jordan ordained (congrats Elder! Jord is turning his mission papers on MONDAY!!!), we stopped by Lindsey's house to see a TON of Seattle friends who were in town! I am so glad we were able to catch up for a bit. Love all these guys!

the whole gang

friends from "our generation" I love this pic because Tyler, Lyns and Megan look perfect, while the rest of us are trying to get a handle on our crazy kids. ha! I really enjoyed meeting Summer and Dani (Ben and Matt's wives) for the first time. They were so fun- us gals couldn't have hoped for cooler girls for our buddies! We think they married up. 

SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE

here's proof.

and here

and here

and here. What can I say?! I love these girls, we bring out the CRAZY in each other. 

Did we sit and enjoy the words of the last session? No. We were busy chasing these two wild ones around. James is Max's new partner in crime! They were all over the place, but hilarious! Too bad Matt, Dani and James are moving to Texas. =( we had a blast with them!

Notice this Tyler refused to be in the group pictures. Notice the grin on his face when we asked him to pose for one with Katie and one with Landon (not pictured). That's love!

For any of you who do not know, this is my adorable little brother (ok he's only 3 years younger than me)  Tyler, who has Autism. Isn't he CUTE? He picks favorites obviously! We love him anyway. More to come on this funny guy! =)

Well, it looks like I will be re-watching the talks online. Between puke and busy babies, I can't say I got to soak in all the spirituality of the weekend. I loved the bits and pieces I heard ... =)

a serious conversation

~something sweet, to make up for the ickyness of previous posts~

Every morning Max wakes up EARLY. Between 6:00 and 7:00 usually, which is absolutely torture to me! So our morning routine is all about distraction- first we lay in bed and I nurse him (while I sleep) and if I'm lucky, he goes back to sleep too. When he doesn't, often I unplug the phone on our night stand, cuddle him up to me, and let him play while I rest, hoping he doesn't decide to slam the reciever to my head. Here is Max in my bed, playing with the phone. He loooves phones these days, I even caught him talking into a thermometer today.

Did I mention my dad is in town?

Sooo proud of himself, pulling the "funny face!"

work it baby, work it. 

Makeyawannavomit Grand Prize Germ Winners!

Second Runner up.

spenceandcass said...

Ava has been doing something really strange lately. If you didn't already know.... most 3 year olds pick their boogers and eat them...it's just a fact of life and I have finally learned to accept it. So lately when I have noticed her sniffing her fingers and then licking them, I really didn't think too much of it. Well one day last week I noticed her digging in her pants...scratching inside her bum....and then ....yep...you guessed it....she sniffed her fingers and licked them off! I said, "Ava! What are you doing?" She said, "Mooooom!, I'm just cleaning off my fingers!" So Jessica, get ready because this is definitely not the last nasty thing Max will ever do. I am sure of it!

Cassie, you win these!

High quality stuffed microbe toys for you and Ava to play with - the ailment collection! ***

You know if this is Second Runner Up, the rest are going to be BAD. Props to Yoga Cassie, because she shared one about her own offspring. That's why I gave her so many "sickness" dolls. They're like extra rewards.

If the next two stories ARE about their kids, they were too ashamed to admit it. I do not blame them.

First Runner Up:

sheena said...
"I really didn't want to tell this story....but now you're forcing me to. Luckily, it was not my son....I would've ran away. Or died.

My sis's friends 4yr old went in to the (public) bathroom stall by himself and came out with a tampon aplicator.....IN HIS MOUTH.

I'm sorry."

So am I Sheena. That's why I am giving you these:

a stuffed Hepatitus C *** (spread through body fluids you know)

and

The MRSA staph infection doll. Complete with cute vampire like cape.***

GRAND FIRST PRIZE WINNER:

I'm not going to lie, it was reeeeal tough choosing between Christy and Sheena, but this one got lots of votes, and she shared this story without even being asked. I hope you have a puke bowl handy.

christy said...
"Just so you won't feel so bad about the bird:

My friend Tami was with her son at the park when she noticed that he had something "stringy-ish" hanging out of his mouth. Upon further inspection, it was . . .

A DEAD MOUSE!

Yep, you read that right. That 'something "stringy-ish"' was of course the mouse's tail, which means the entire rotting corpse was in the toddler's mouth. Gotta love the age of putting things in your mouth.So the bird could have been worse! :o)"

Christy, I don't feel bad about the bird anymore. Not even a little. I also did not even bat an eyelash when Max ate a goldfish cracker off the floor at the Wilkinson center - BYU. 

You Win!!!!!!!!

The "menageries" set; namely Rabies, Mange and Heartworm ***

And the oh so coveted

EBOLA VIRUS***

Thus concluding the GERM series.

I promise.

Thank you.

***all prized were won and given in the virtual sense. no actual, physical  microbe dolls will be sent to winners. if you must have these babies for yourself, they are available at  www.giantmicrobes.com***

disgusting-er

{my nephew Cody. he's a gross one too.}

Well, my spirits are lifted. I thought my kid was gross until I read all the sick things all my friends children did. I feel much better about both my child's potential to make it to his second year and myself as a mother. I love all of you who stepped up to share your sickening stories with me. I loved it!  Thanks guys for all the support during this trying and emotional time. I am taking  time to heal and regroup. Max somehow seems utterly unaffected by it all. 

The funniest thing is that my germ post received more comments (27) than any other post ever! haha! I had to share some of the sickest ones for your reading pleasure. 

kristin bishop said...
oh-another quick one. SORRY! at christmas....we were all snackin on choc. covered raisins...my favorite. Jarom changed jaxsons diaper...announced that his poop were little pebbles and we may need to give him juice. Hours later...while we are playing cards and my dad is laying on teh family room floor stretched out in front of the fire...her finds a "CHOC. covered raisin" and raises it to his lips...when he stops and realized this is in fact...a piece of jaxson's POOP. can you believe it????

see your not alone!

hahahahaha


cassie said...
oh don't you worry. Asher picked up a bird last fall at a park, with his bare hands. i FREAKED.

he's never touched poo though... that's just sick... i can't even imagine. i would have died!


anonymous (my Aunt Laura) said...
jess, just imagine annika and her cute thumb sucking habit, and all the disgusting stuff she sucks off. eewww.. but - when bj and becca were little, playing at the mcdonalds playland, I pulled becca out to see if she needed to go potty... noticed really squishy legs on her pants. (no diaper because she was trained, right?). Yep - that foamy kind of diahrea ALL over the inside of playland's slides. There was nothing I could do. She'd been in the ball pit, scooted down each and every knook and cranny of the play toy. And there were no paper towels in the bathroom!! (only airjet dryer for your convenience. hellooo!) There was no where I could hide. I rinsed her off in the sink in the bathroom, jet dryed her hiney and asked for the janitor to go check out the toy. We slinked off to our car and sped away. I feel so dirty just thinking about it. I vowed to never show our faces there as long as we lived.

Oh yeah, and once our cat caught and rat, bit it's head off, drug it in to lay it at our feet just as I was laying the baby down on the floor next to it. The world couldn't have invented enough lysol that day to appease my dry heaves and contant shivers of revoltion. SICK!

Aunt Laura's sage advice and wisdom - never visit McDonald's playland no matter how tempting the airconditioned toys beckon you. NEVER!!!


sarah said...
The life of a mother, isn't it horrible at times. I think dog poo is worse that kid poo. (Ashley, of course) Those stories made me laugh. Kids always find stuff to gross you out. Ashley came inside from playing outside chewing on something- a snail!! I was so grossed out.

THIS ONE'S THE KICKER

christy said...
Just so you won't feel so bad about the bird:

My friend Tami was with her son at the park when she noticed that he had something "stringy-ish" hanging out of his mouth. Upon further inspection, it was . . .





A DEAD MOUSE!

Yep, you read that right. That 'something "stringy-ish"' was of course the mouse's tail, which means the entire rotting corpse was in the toddler's mouth. Gotta love the age of putting things in your mouth.So the bird could have been worse! :o)

And I can totally feel for you on the nursery and toilet stuff. YUCK!

If any of you would like to contribute to this list, or possibly try to BEAT one of these submissions, you win. WHat? I don't know. I will surely thing of something. Have at it people!

p.s. honorable mention to Chelsea, who suggested I leave Max in a warm bath for a week (better make it hot, warm just makes all the bacteria multiply), Lindsey, who says this is why she no longer has children (although she never had children??), and Sabrina, who vomited in her mouth (that was the whole idea, so you're welcome). Love you.

Germs.

don't touch that.

You know, germs are a funny thing. We all have them, fear them, sanitize to prevent spreading them, yet we cannot see them or really know where they are coming from. Toys have them, I suppose. So do shoes, lollypops dropped on the floor, or anything that comes out of (or even near) the garbage can. If it falls out of or was ever inside one's nose, it has germs. If you cough on it, germs. But really, no matter how many times you wash your hands, they're everywhere, and you can never really be sure how your kids get them. 

Here are 3 occurrences this week in which Max has definitely, definitely, DEFINITELY been exposed to germs.

The first, and arguably worst offense:

On Monday while taking pictures of all our wild kids with Laci and Chelsea, I set max down in front of a cute brown door on an old brick building. there was grass dirt, little puddles and other miscellaneous clutter laying around. Which must explain why I didn't see it.

There I was, snapping away at my smiling round cheeked boy, watching as he leaned over and reached his little hand down so he could crawl away. My eyes followed his fingers, down past his new blue shirt, past his jeans, over some rocks and onto A DECOMPOSING BLACK BIRD. 

{cue gagging noises and dry heaves. in fact, feel free to throw up fully now.} 

How I didn't see it, I don't know, but I didn't.  None of us did. I guess it just blended in with the dark dirt. Anyhow. I saw it and gasped just as he set his chubby hand on that filthy germ infested piece of rot. Immediately I scooped him up and yelled to my friends 

"MAX JUST TOUCHED A DEAD BIRD!" 

I am sure this was followed by all other sorts of expletives and other such unrepeatables. I don't really remember, as I am still trying to blot the whole experience from my memory. Thankfully, my friends came to the rescue, offering a plethora of baby wipes and reassurance. I think the most comforting thing was Chelsea, who said, "Really Jessica, its okay if you want to cry right now. Because I probably would." The best part was that she was serious. I didn't cry (though I considered it), but after a few minutes, I did scream. I had to. 

Second offense. Of course, it happened at church, and of course it happened in the NURSERY. 

Danny and I BOTH work in the nursery at chuch. Why? I don't really know, but we do. We had it worked out so that during the winter flu, cough, cold, snot, GERM season, one of us would go to nursery and the other would watch Max. ELSEWHERE. But, spring is here, and we decided it was time for a fresh start. We both stayed in nursery with Max this week. Big mistake. He survived the madness, was tough when he got clobbered by a big kid (twice. on purpose) while he sat innocently catching the bubbles, he didn't cry when all the other kids did, he didn't even get upset when the other kids took his snacks. Success, we thought. Wrong. 

We were getting all of the toys put away, waiting for the last few stragglers to come pick up their kids. Max was holding a mini etch-a-sketch, the last toy to go into the basket. When I took it away, he freaked. Ooooooh he was mad at me. He wanted that etch-a-sketch. I bent over to pick him  up and noticed he was still clutching something tightly in his hand. I peeled open his clenched fist and saw a little brown clump of something. 

No. It can't be. 

I smelled. 

It is. 

He was holding a little piece of poo. I checked his diaper. Nothing. The poo did not belong to Max. Max's diaper was clean. I had just changed it myself. MY KID WAS CRUISING AROUND THE NURSERY WITH A HANDFUL OF SOME OTHER DISGUSTING GERM INFESTED NURSERY KID'S POO. 

Again, I announced it. Again, pandemonium. Check the other kids diapers. Nope. Dig through the toys? Desperately search for the hand sanitizer. 

The only thing I could think of was the smell. We had noticed it earlier in the day, but couldn't find our culprit. The smelly kid must have reached down for a scratch, then touched the etch-a-sketch. Can't think of any alternate scenarios. Don't really want to.

Last, but not least in terms of germ exposure.

Found Max splashing in the toilet bowl again this morning. 

Was planning on cleaning it later today. 

Awesome.

in which max throws his food. a photographic series.

what a stinker.

by the way, anyone have any tips on keeping the food either in his mouth or on the tray of the high chair?

iChat introduction

(photo courtesy of Tim Johnson! Who actually got to visit him. No fair.)

Well I must say I have been very jealous of all our friends in CA who have gotten to meet Joe and Brittany's new baby Owen. Joe and Britt are some of our very closest friends, so I feel pretty ripped off! Although I don't know when I will make it out to Orange County next, I am very thankful for my imac today, because I got to meet baby Owen via iChat! He is so cute and teeny (6 lbs. 14 oz. to be exact). And I can't wait to meet him in person! Congratulations Joe and Brittany, you will be great parents, and I can already tell Owen is going to be an adorable little boy!

just the two of us

Yesterday Max and I went to Ogden to play with two of our favorite friends, Laci and Chelsea and their kids! We had fun walking around and snapping a few pictures. These girls were nice enough to offer to take a few of ME AND MAX!! Wow! It was so nice of them and I love having a few of Max and I together (for once!!). These were my favorite. Thanks Laci, you did such a great job! I love them. Although I must say, it was weird photoshopping pictures of myself!

I feel so lucky that Max is still a MAJOR snuggler!

nope, I'm not pregnant, but my coat makes me look like I am in this picture!

by the way, this is my new do

practicing walking! this adorable little belt was Danny's when he was little, and my brother Jordan got him the shirt (which I'm in love with) for his birthday!

Somebody must really love me,

because it was in the 60's today during my fun photo shoot today in Ogden! Can't you just feel the sun in this picture? I didn't even wear a jacket. Also, I found the most fabulous children's boutique on 25th st. afterward. A kindred spirit from Orange County in the owner. Amazing clothing with a splash of decor. Plus, she is interested in displaying some of my photos in her store! Lucky me! Check out Little Cherry Blossoms next time you're in the neighborhood. It won't disappoint! Hopefully more to come in the future on this fabulous little shop!

Easter

This Easter, I really didn't take many pictures. Sorry to disappoint, but I really felt like I needed a break! Sometimes I just need to put the camera DOWN. Especially when I have been as busy as I have lately! In fact, I have been thinking of taking a one week photo strike (except for professional use).  Sometimes I feel as though since I have taken up photography, my blog is bombarded with images. I think the "strike" would force me to go back to my roots (as if it was so long ago.. ha!) and write. I know they say a picture speaks 1000 words, but sometimes, you just need a string of letters to get your point across. I haven't decided about the strike for sure, but this weekend it was nice to enjoy the moment, and just observe.

 

Max was given a small, chartreuse easter bucket. The easter bunny filled  it with bouncy balls, a very loud, very obnoxious chirping yellow chick, and a turquoise plastic egg, which was empty, since he is too young for candy and likely would enjoy throwing the egg more than eating a treat inside it anyway. 

We spent the morning at church, where we listened for maybe five minutes during Grandpa Dan's talk in ward conference. The rest of the time, we were busy. Very busy. Because Max and his cousins were having a great time at church, which means moms were busy corraling  children in the back row.  

a few sacrament meeting highlights:

 - Cody climbing under the pews, from our row (the very back) all the way to the front. After the first two rows, he popped up to see our reaction. Thinking (stupidly) that if we didn't react that he would come back, we gave him a little waive and looked away. He then proceeded to crawl all the way the front (popping up again every few rows or so as we watched helplessly), where he stood on the pew, and began climbing OVER the pews all the way back to us. Thankfully someone from each row helped him over each time! I thought I was going to die it was so funny. 

- Tyson and Max cramming their faces with cheerios and goldfish the whoooole tiiiiiime. 

- Lilly singing the last hymn with me and learning the word "alleluia." Which came out sounding pretty much like "_ _ _ _ luu YAAAAA!!!" I loved it! Especially since we were the only two members of the family singing. 

-Ivie just chillin. Moving from lap to lap.

-Cody standing up during the closing hymn to say to grandpa (who was sitting on the stand) "Grandpa. GRANDPA! GOODBYE! I LOVE YOU! Grandpa? GRANDPA!" Keep in mind we were in the last row. 

- Lil and I tracing letters on each others back and guessing what the letter was. My little niece is so grown up, and so smart! She's in kindergarten now, which makes her quite an important person. 

-Ivie and Lillie playing "WHERE'S JESUS?!" by folding the program (which had a picture of Christ on the cover) inside out and hiding, then revealing Jesus. Classic. 

I love my nieces and nephews! They are the cutest, funniest most adorable kids on the planet. Of course, I may be just the littlest bit partial. 

After church, we hurried home and had the most delicious turkey dinner. Yum. Everything was perfection to a T.  I only ate two rolls, for the record. I have been known to eat, well, significantly more rolls than two, lets just say. We were lucky enough to have my cousin Rachel, Chad, and their new baby (also Lily) over as well. I love seeing them! Too bad for me, they are moving to San Diego for grad school. At least I will have another excuse to visit! We had a blast during our quick trip to Rexburg, but we are glad to be home again. In case anyone was wondering, YES. There was three feet of snow in my inlaw's front yard. Insane.

I know I said no pictures, but here's just one exception. My carrot cake. It was a slam dunk, I must say. 

If anyone is interested, the recipe is by Ina Garten (aka the Barefoot Contessa). I did everything she said, with the following changes:  I skipped the raisins (sick!). Didn't bother lining the cake tins with parchment paper, I used butter and it was just fine.  I improvised a little on the cream cheese frosting and used canned crushed pineapple instead of fresh cubed. I didn't think I would like the chunks.  DIY and get the recipe here.

on my mind

one. I saw Dan in Real Life for the first time last night, and I'm pretty sure it has become my new obsession. I love everything about it, the house, the beautiful Rhode Island scenery, the filmography is amazing. Some of the shots are seriously genius. I love when a movie inspiring emotionally as well as visually. Steve Carell is of course rediculously good (as always), but I must say the best part of the movie was the tomatoe red mercedes station wagon. I kid you not, I have been looking online for one non stop. I am in love with that car, the way I have never loved car before (except for you, Rav4. My first car in High School, whose trunk housed many a student sneaking off campus for luch ...Sabrina!!). I must must must find one. So friends, be on the lookout. I would be willing to repaint the exterior, but gotta have the tan interior. For those of you laughing, this is no joke. I will find it.

two. celebs are clearly stalking my blog. First, Trista and Ryan name their little boy Maxwell. Then, Miss Aguilera's baby Max. And now, JLo and (shudder) Marc??@! Not not not not not cool. So, I am praying that this new slew of child star Maxes does not turn my sweet Max's name into the name du jour. Say it isn't so. So JLo, if you're reading this, quit copying me. And your twins are funny looking. Take that.

three. Tonight I made carrot cake from scratch for Easter dessert tomorrow. I have never done it before, so I hope it turnes out well!

four. Can not stop thinking about painting my house. Can. Not. I just can't seem to commit! There are of course a jillion different ideas I entertain involving my house at any given time. Why, why, why must I be cursed with the most eclectic taste, aka decorator's schitzophrenia.

five. I would give it all up to move to the pink brick turn of the century house from this week's mini sessions. Which went fabulous! Such darling kids. Pictures coming! Promise.

six. I have got to get my act together. No more skipping spinning and just going to yoga (which I must say, I am so crazy about). And after tomorrow, no more eating crap. It's gross, and bathing suit season is right around the corner.

Which brings me to seven. Spring. Would you please come to stay? I am anxiously awaiting your warm rays on my back. Sunglasses. Open toe shoes. Taking Max to the playground without shoes on. Flowers. No more snow. Evenings outside. So many things, so don't take your time. I'll be ready.

stayed up late

(as usual) to finish these up and post three giant posts on the photoblog, so that this weekend, I can focus on the weddings!! I am still editing Emily's, and after that, maybe I'll takle a few of the pictures from Sheena's wedding (I was her second shooter and she was mine. so fun). 

Check out the CHINOS, MARKS, SMITHS and NYCAMPS *who's pictures are ALL DONE AND BEING SENT TODAY.* 

I  hereby vow to never again book as many sessions as I did this month. Never. I am at the point where I can hardly spell my own name this week! haha! Six family/newborn sessions, one wedding as the main shooter, two weddings as the second shooter, a return to the SLC temple with Emily and Jon (we got rained, or rather STORMED out on her wedding day) and tomorrow's set of mini sessions for Easter. Insanity! At least my camera will be paid off...