Saturday, October 31, 2009

Happy Halloween


Happy Halloween!!!! It is our favorite holiday so we have a fun day of activities planned. My little duck and I are hoping it is a real Quacker of a day! Hope you get lots of treats!

Friday, October 30, 2009

Family Fall Fun

Last weekend I had the opportunity to hang out with my lovely nieces and get some fun fall pictures of them. It seriously was the best photo session I have ever had with them. Usually Mattie runs screaming from my camera and Kerrington won't crack a smile. But last Sunday was my lucky day! Maybe it was the costumes. Maybe is was the nice fall weather. Heck maybe the sun was just positioned correctly. I don't know what happened but it all fell into place for a fabulous day of pictures and playing. Man I love these little cuties!

 

 
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Wednesday, October 28, 2009

19 Months

 


Another month has passed by quickly which means that The Hulk is 19 months old now! He is turning into quite a little boy. While I still sneak a snuggle from time to time he has begun to think of himself as Mr. Independant. He wants to do it all on his own. It doesn't matter if that means climbing in the bathtub on his own or trying to put on his own shoes. No matter what he thinks he is Mr. Big Stuff. So I let him believe it and try things and then I follow along behind helping when he gets to frustrated or kissing the injuries when his attempts lead to accidents. While it can be unsettling it is also really cool to watch him figure things out.
 
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This month The Hulk man has of course learned some new things.

He can open doors now. Which brings about a whole new world of terror for me!

He can now kick a ball rather than just throwing it like last month.

He sleeps in his big boy bed almost every night. It seems like one night a week he ends up in my room about midnight or so.

The Hulk says no to everything. You can ask him if he wants a banana and he says no, but he means yes half the time. So weird.

He thinks it is hilarious to run up to you or other kids and pretty much body slam them or you. Not so cool or funny when the kids are smaller then him. (we are working on that)

He loves to be outside and is becoming quite the collector of outside treasures that he finds. He likes to store rocks, leaves, dirt, pieces of mulch, etc in his pockets.

Now we will have to wait and see what month 20 brings... It's always an adventure!

Clickin Mama

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

My Friend Fall

I love Fall. It is my favorite time of year. In fact during the Fall I'm usually the happiest that I am all year. When I think of Fall it conjures up so many wonderful memories. Playing in the leaves with my sister when she was just about The Hulk' age, going to the pumpkin patch with my mom, and best of all Halloween! Oh how I just love this time of year.

 



The trees are beautiful and the weather is perfect. It's crisp and cool and honestly almost perfection in my opinion. I could never live somewhere that skipped the changing of the colors. I would be devestated if my friend fall didn't stop by even for just a brief visit. I must hear the crunch of the leaves and set my eyes on the magnificent colors of change...
 


It's almost over now but we are going to enjoy every last minute of it that we can!

 
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Monday, October 26, 2009

Not Me Monday!

Another week has flown on by. I feel like time is moving at a rapid pace and I can hardly keep up with it all. Since things have been so busy I've been taking plenty of shortcuts to try to save time... Maybe just maybe these things have happened around my house. But probably not. You know I always try to do things by the book so I wouldn't break any rules or do anything that is frowned upon..

Like I would NOT let my toddler eat dog food. Because you know I just love to tell him no and redirect him 879 times a day. So I did NOT decide to give up this battle and admit defeat. Dog food is gross to eat but won't kill him so I have NOT decided to just let this go and allow him to randomly munch on dog food as he wishes.

I also did NOT give him two baths in one day just to keep him confined for a longer period of time so I could actually clean the bathroom, fold some laundry and sort the mail. I do NOT type up photo inventories or pay bills online from my lap top while he plays in the tub. NOPE!

And I did NOT somehow get piles of clothes mixed up this week. And since I didn't want to waste time sorting I did NOT just rewash everything rather than try to figure out what was clean or dirty. That is really wasteful so I would NOT do that.

What did you NOT do this week?

Clickin Mama

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Cute Times Two!

Today I went to see Darby and Chris and their lovely children. I can't believe how much the twins have changed already. They are more alert and they are starting to fill out. They are just delicious little babies! Ellie is quite the little princess and Arch is just a chill little guy. They are super to snuggle with and even more fun to take pictures of. So here are a few pics of the cute little ones.

Baby Ellison
 


Ellie with her bows and big eyes!
 


Mr. Archer


Holding hands, I just love that!
 


Miss Ellison and Mr. Archer
 
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Seriously I wish I didn't have to work, I wish I could just cuddle them all day. Nothing better then new babies!

Clickin Mama

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Late Night

This week is the first week that I'm leading a children's support group at work. So every Wednesday evening for at least the next 8 weeks will be a late night. I hate being away from The Hulk in the evening but it does give me some time to flex out during the week which is nice. Then I have a few hours available during the week to use if doctor's appts. or photo sessions or any other random things pop up which is a nice buffer. Since I have no sick time available it might be what gets us through flue season!

So on Wednesday nights The Hulk is spending the evening with his Pops. I think they enjoyed week one. I know they spent some time playing, drinking juice, and watching Ice Age. Rather than being put to bed like I do with the boy Pops doesn't like him to cry or fuss at all so he got to watch the movie till he fell asleep. Funny how grandparents can break all the rules and get away with it right. :-) It is probably good for The Hulk to have the time away from me for some spoiling, unhealthy food and mindless movie time. Making memories right....

Clickin Mama

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Pictures and Pumpkins

This weekend I had a fun Fall photo session for kids. Pictures and Pumpkins was a pretty good success for the first attempt at a promotion and for it being incredibly cold. I was pleased with the turnout. In fact it was good enough and I've had enough people call so far this week wanting sessions that I'm doing it again on Sunday. Here are some pics of a few of the kiddos that turned out. Some wore costumes and some just came as their adorable selves. It was lots of fun to meet so many new people!

 


After I took pictures of all the other kids I thought I'd get a few of The Hulk. Well he wasn't to game on the idea of just sitting and smiling. He is more of an action kid. He also really enjoys throwing gourds of benches, knocking over scare crows, and eating props. I may not have gotten the picture I was planning on but I got quite a few that just make me laugh.

 
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Monday, October 19, 2009

Not Me Monday!

This week I did NOT in an effort to save time and fighting in the morning dress The Hulk in his clothes for the next day after his bath instead of PJ's.

I also did NOT put our dinner in the crockpot one morning and come home to find that I had forgotten to turn the crockpot on.

I did NOT babysit Darby's week old twins and find myself burning up with baby fever while snuggling them.

That feeling did NOT pass quickly when my 19 month old came screaming into the room knocking over everything in his path with his tornado like presence.

I did NOT have a HUGE fall photo event scheduled with lots of children on Saturday only to find that my camera would not work! So I did NOT use my old school itty bitty Kodak camera for a professional photo shoot.

I did NOT dance for joy when the pictures still turned out okay.

And The Hulk and I did NOT spend more than half of the day in our PJ's on Sunday just bumming around the house.

What did you NOT do this week?

Clickin Mama

Sunday, October 18, 2009

13 Minutes

I took a shower today and I even brushed my hair afterwards before I threw it in a ponytail. I put on clean clothes and even applied a little bit of makeup. I did this in 13 minutes. Pretty quick I thought. The Hulk was watching a Sesame Street video. But when I left my room after just a 13 minute break I found that the video was playing but obviously The Hulk was doing other things. Because this is what I found.



"Hi Mama" is what he said while I took this picture. So charming son. It appears that he brought every blanket he could find into the living room and also dumped out all his blocks and puzzles. And of course all of that wildness makes you hungry so he went and got the ENTIRE box of crackers! And since he had to dump the crackers on the floor I'm guessing he actually was trying to use his vacumn to clean up the mess. 13 minutes folks!



This is the cabinet he got the crackers out of. Notice the child lock?!? Note to self those things SUCK!

 


Apparently The Hulk looked a couple of other place before he found the snack he wanted...
 


So that was the best 13 minutes of the day for both of us...

Clickin Mama

Saturday, October 17, 2009

The Truth Of The Matter

I'm incredibly overwhelmed... and incredibly tired...

I'm so frustrated with the lack of money and pile of bills....

I'm humiliated that I have to ask my family for help just to get by...

I dream of being able to be proud of myself again...

I want so much more and I don't mean stuff... I mean security....

When I don't feel good about me it's hard to blog...

It's also hard to blog when you don't have money to pay your internet bill...

I cry quite a bit and pray frequently...

I believe that through this pain good things will happen...

I know I'm growing...

I adore my little boy...

He makes me laugh every day and is the reason I am trying so hard...

I'm so grateful that he is oblivious to the situation we are in...

It brings me great joy to know that his life consists of music, kisses, hugs, laughter, dancing, snuggles and of course his adored Melmo... I pray that is always enough!

It humbles me to take clothes from fellow bloggers to clothe my child... But it bouys my spirit to know that strangers care so much for us that they would help in that way...

I thank God for every moment I have with The Hulk...

I can't imagine life without him...

I am scared that winter is fast approaching and that means the heating bills will climb...

I'm grateful I live in a house with heat...

I know we can't keep living this way...

I've been applying for jobs all over the country that pay more than what I make now...

The idea of leaving my Darby makes me cry and terrifies me...

But the idea of staying here and living like this forever terrifies me too...

I hate being honest about how I really feel...

I hate asking for help...

I hate that I'm in this situation!!!

But things could be worse....

I have much to be thankful for...

My sweet sweet boy...

My helpful and prayerful family...

A home...

Food...

God...

So that's the truth of the matter...

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Not As Planned

 
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When I head out on a photo shoot like I did Friday evening with Miss D I usually have a plan in mind. I have a few locations that I think may be a good fit for the person. I have a few shots I know I want to get. And I usually have a vision in mind. Even though I have that plan in mind my main goal is to really capture the person. Of course I want all the pictures to be beautiful and fun and amazing. But sometimes the picture that captures that person the best aren't the ones you may hang on the wall. And sometimes even the best laid plans don't work. Sometimes you really find the most beautiful pictures in the ones that happen not as planned.

The pictures above are for sure pictures that were not planned. I never planned on stopping at this location. I never planned on capturing those looks in Miss D's eyes. But as I was editing away this evening they are the ones that took my breath away. Of course we have plenty of other "beautiful" pictures. We have the classic yearbook picture, the silly pictures, the sexy pictures, the fun pictures. But these three are the ones that I think capture her and her story so well.

I won't tell Miss D's story here because it is her story to tell, not mine. But these pictures capture a bit of it. The half smile, the lonely eyes, the determined set to her jaw. They are a bit darker than I usually shoot but that all ties in. And I know that Miss D's life thus far has not gone as planned. I know that bothers her. But I hope she can remember that the most beautiful things in life are most often the things we don't plan for....

Clickin Mama

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Welcome Babies!

I am so excited to announce that my Darby gave birth to two yes two beautiful babies today! Archer Christopher arrived first weighing in at 7 lbs 1 oz followed quickly by Ellison Kaye with a weight of 5 lbs 15 oz. They are both very healthy lovely little babies. Darby is doing well. She is in a good deal of pain but us hanging tough. Hopefully she will get some rest tonight. Here are some pics of the newest loves of our lives!

 
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Sunday, October 4, 2009

Busy Times

It has been a very busy weekend. Lots of photo sessions, a wedding to shoot, and some senior pictures. A little boy to wrangle, yard work to do and beautiful fall weather to enjoy. So in the midst of all that I decided to overhaul my photography website too. I was just sick of the old pictures and thought it was time to showcase some newer images. So I'm hoping you all can take the time to visit it and give me some feedback. It still just doesn't feel quite right to me. I don't know what is off. So please if you have a chance go take a look at Wagoner Photography and let me know what you think. What do you like or dislike? What should I add or take away? Feedback would be fabulous!

Thanks so much!

Clickin Mama

Friday, October 2, 2009

What's In Your Purse?

Last night I was in a hurry to get out the door. The Hulk was a little crabby and we were already running late. And I could not find my keys. I was digging and digging in my huge yellow purse and couldn't find them. So in a desperate attempt to find them before midnight I just dumped my purse out on the kitchen table. And look at the crap that was in it! No wonder I couldn't find my keys!!!! And no wonder it weighed about 18 hundred pounds!


 


Do you see this huge pile of crap. Can you make out any of it? You can see not one but two wallets. And a lot of trash. How about that straw?!? And who doesn't carry around a bottle of Febreeze in their purse? Notice the pill bottle. Yeah that is Klonipin. Any questions on why I take that after seeing the contents of the bag. Maybe because things are CHAOS!!!
 
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The real question is what do you not see in the pile. Oh that's right my KEYS! They were actually not in the bag. So all of this stuff was dumped out for nothing. The keys were in the dog treat bin. Because that is where I always keep them! Gotta love toddlers.

 


So after we got home I sorted through all the stuff. After throwing away the trash the actual objects that were found in my purse included.

2 wallets
3 cell phones (1 working, 1 broken but I'm hoping fixable enough to get my numbers off of some day, and 1 that is totally trashed)
A book and a toy elephant
A bib that says lock your daughters up
My prescription for happy pills and some alergy medicine
3 lighters
lip stick
2 compacts
chapstick
A magazine voucher
4 pens
My diabetes med injection
$14
That orange cup is filled with all the change from the purse
Hair tie
Work badge
Work keys (2 sets)
2 magnets with the child abuse reporting number on them
And a coupon for brown rice
The Hulk' immunization book
A bookmark

So what is in your purse????

Clickin Mama

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Baby Baby Bump

My best friend Darby is due to have her twin babies any day now. Twin babies! Two babies! One little boy and one little girl! I still can't believe that they will be here soon. I can't wait to see them and hold them and love on them. I can't wait to see how Caden and The Hulk react to them. I can't wait to have two new people to love and have fun with!!!

 


Since the babies are due to arrive any day we finally got Darby's pregnancy pictures done. It was so fun to photograph a baby baby bump! And a beautiful baby baby bump it is. If Darby wasn't pregnant and wasn't my best friend I would want to beat her up. She is the only gal I know that can haul around two extra humans and still have perfect hair and makeup! Seriously I'm thrilled if I get my hair washed and brushed everyday and she is growing people and still manages to have kick ass lip gloss! Go figure!

 
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When Darby isn't perfecting her lip gloss she is being a super mommy! Watching her be pregnant with these babies has been such a gift. She has wanted to expand their family so badly and is such a wonderful mom to Caden that it really is a miracle to watch before my very eyes. Darby and Chris have had a long road with in vitro and getting this two little babies here was not an easy feat. But they hung in there and Darby has done a great job giving them a safe happy home for the past 36 1/2 weeks. I really am in awe of her really. Having never been pregnant before I don't know what it is like but I think it is probably a little bit hard. Yet Darby never complains or whines she just pushes through and does what she needs to for the babies. It's an honor to watch. I'm just so proud of her!!!!

So babies now that pictures are done I am serving an eviction notice. Get your little buns out here and let me hold you for a bit. Your mama has been hauling you around long enough. The rest of your family and friends want to take a turn!

Clickin Mama