Pretty Hair

McKenzie and I hit the stores on Friday and weaved our way through the SERIOUS crowds of people. Kenz stayed pretty quiet...it was early and crowded and she was tired. She mostly just sat in the cart, people watching.

I heard a big sigh while I was looking at DVD's. I looked at her and said "What's the matter?" She looks up...."I wish I had pretty hair." Anyone who has seen McKenzie knows that she has GORGEOUS curls...long, pretty blonde hair. But, most anyone with naturally curly hair knows, sometimes, they just want it to be straight. (Just like how I with my straight hair wish once in awhile I could hold a curl...hair can be a bummer.)

I assured her that she did indeed already HAVE pretty hair. She said "Yeah...but it's always messy. I want soft hair like you." Little sweet pea...

Later that night she asked me if I could straighten her hair. I don't know how she knew about straightening because she said she's never had it done before but we sat with our spray conditioner and our flat iron and chatted away while we straightened her hair.

We didn't flatten it completely but smoothed it out some and she was SO excited. Of course, we continued to reassure her that she is pretty WITH her curls too, but it was very cute to see her so stoked.

"Can you take a picture of me laughing?" she said. Sure can Kenz...here's our girl with her "pretty hair" cracking up for the camera.

xoxo


Hope everyone had a safe and happy Holiday weekend!

Thanks to Give

I am thankful for lots of things this year.

• My house...even when the bills are hard to pay. At least I have a roof over my head and a place I can call MINE!!
• My Adam...even when we disagree. We laugh together so much more than we fight and I love every minute I spend with him.
• My kids (and Adam's too)...even when they're talking back or fighting. They're smart and happy and healthy and I love them.
• Our puppy...even when he pees on the floor! He has brought more joy to our lives than I would've thought possible.
• My family...even though we don't always see eye to eye. At least I have family who I know would always be there for me, even when they think I'm wrong.
• My new job...even when it's stressing me out. At least we're BUSY and I know the work's not going to dissapear and leave me jobless!
• My car...even though it's giving me SO much trouble right now, at least I OWN it. Not everyone can say that.
• My photography work...I am thankful for every single person who gives me a chance to capture their family with my camera, and allows me to make it my own vision and art.
• My health...even when I don't take care of myself as well as I should (via healthy eating, exercise, etc.) my body keeps on going. That's a good thing.
• My life...even though it's not perfect, and never will be, but every day I make it the best I can make it and I will NEVER stop trying to build the life for my family that I dream of them having. The mere fact taht I have the opportunity to LIVE and dream is something to be thankful for as far as I'm concerned.

We shouldn't need a special day every year to remind us to be thankful. We should be thankful everyday for all that we have and what we don't have...because it's what we don't have that will allow us to be grateful when we do finally reach those goals.

I LOVE Thanksgiving (who doesn't love TURKEY?) and am looking forward to spending the next couple days with friends and family.

I will return to blogging Monday. Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday.

Until then...~Jenn

TaDA

It's Done!!! It's Done!!! I have completed the FRONT of our Christmas Card. I'm going to put a picture of Adam and I with the pup and hopefully one of all the kids together on the inside, but in the meantime, I am in LOVE with our card front. SO glad the kiddos all cooperated for their pictures. (For what it's worth, THEY love the card too! They're old enough now to realize what I mean when I say they're going to be ON our Christmas card and they're all pretty excited about that!)

Anyway...drumroll please........ladies and gentlemen, I give you:

Luc, Will, Mike and McKenzie...Let There Be Peace On Earth.

YAWWWWWWWWWWWN

What a weekend!

Adam and I had fun with friends this weekend! Saw a movie (Role Models...SO funny, oh my God! I highly reccommend it!)

Had McKenzie on Sunday who had bouts of pouting on and off, but overall we had fun too. :) Got some cute pictures of her for the Christmas card...will be posting those tomorrow.

Mikey was a sick pup last night...poor buddy. He seemed to be feeling better this morning though.

Anyway...just wanted to post a little weekend update. Will have new pics tomorrow for sharing!

Hasta Luego,
-Jenn

3 Down, 1 to Go

They are peace-lovin' boys...makes their momma proud.

Look at them go...

Let It Begin With Me

Obviously I have a couple more kids to photograph before I can finish our Christmas card but this year's theme is "PEACE ON EARTH" and my little men rocked it.

Props to my sweet peas for mastering the art that is "Peace"...

Tis the Season

HOPING (hoping!!) to have new photos to share tomorrow. My sweet man was possibly (probably...**fingers crossed**) hooking my computer back up today (strike one off my to-do list...woot!) and I'm feeling inspired and ready to rock.

I want to photograph my little men...start working on this year's Christmas card. HOPEFULLY I'll have it to show you tomorrow...no promises, but hopefully.

In the meantime, here's our card photo from two years ago (my first Christmas back in Wisconsin!)

MERRY AND BRIGHT!

AND, from Mikey's first Christmas ever...sweet babies.

Anyway...Xmas -09 tomorrow. Until then...

xoxo

~J

Recap.

DONE - Pay the TV bill right after work
Wash a load of towels
Find a permanent home for the computer and re-hook it up.
Work on my website (Yep dude! The website is COMING BACK!)
Process a photography order for uploading.
Upload the two photography orders I have pending.
DONE - Find Luc a suitable pair of pajamas to wear to school tomorrow.
DONE - Do a short and sweet grocery shopping (yeah right!)
DONE - Make Dinner (and of course, take care of the dishes afterwards...ugh.)
Find some way...some how...to organize the boys room.
Vaccuum and Dust (since I didn't find time to do it Sunday...the bad part of To-Do lists is the stuff you miss and it rolls over to the next day...and the next. **Shudder**)
DONE - FOOTBALL PICKS! Woot!
Speaking of football picks...pay for last week and this week. Blech.
ADAM DID THIS ONE! WOOT! Give the dog a bath
Learn to fold origami cranes (Not even joking).
Take pics of the kids for Christmas card. (I've got a theme for this year...I'm excited to CREATE!!!!! Woot!)

So as you can see, I OBVIOUSLY did not accomplish most of my to-do list. Bummer for sure. I DID however get my car fixed (YAY!) and spend some good quality time with the boys, so that's got to count for something, right? Sometimes the vaccuum can wait. :)

If you're bored then you're boring.

I am a self-professed "to-do list-aholic"

I have post-its (LOVE me some post-its!!) and scribbles on the backs of envelopes and mental notes a-plenty! There's just something satisfying about crossing something off my to-do list. (Or in the case of my MS Outlook, clicking "Mark as Complete" on my task list. I LOVE IT!)

Just because sometimes I need to ramble, here's just SOME of my to-do list for today. I won't even include the serious TON of stuff I have to get done at work. That will just depress us all.

• Pay the TV bill right after work
• Wash a load of towels
• Find a permanent home for the computer and re-hook it up.
• Work on my website (Yep dude! The website is COMING BACK!)
• Process a photography order for uploading.
• Upload the two photography orders I have pending.
• Find Luc a suitable pair of pajamas to wear to school tomorrow.
• Do a short and sweet grocery shopping (yeah right!)
• Make Dinner (and of course, take care of the dishes afterwards...ugh.)
• Find some way...some how...to organize the boys room.
• Vaccuum and Dust (since I didn't find time to do it Sunday...the bad part of To-Do lists is the stuff you miss and it rolls over to the next day...and the next. **Shudder**)
• FOOTBALL PICKS! Woot!
• Speaking of football picks...pay for last week and this week. Blech.
• Give the dog a bath
• Learn to fold origami cranes (Not even joking).
• Take pics of the kids for Christmas card. (I've got a theme for this year...I'm excited to CREATE!!!!! Woot!)

Seriously guys...that's just SOME of my list. Tonight I MUST do almost all of that...although of course, some will end up rolling over until tomorrow, where it will be tacked on to the lengthy list of stuff I've got to do that day.

It's never ending...but...I wouldn't have it any other way.

Celebrity Look-Alike

I swear this kid looks JUST LIKE James Franco...anyone else see it??

ANYWAY...this is Nathan, and Nathan is one damn cool kid! I know both of his parents and he is the good things from both all rolled into one fun and funny young man. He immediately took charge of our creative direction, and I decided to just let him...and it worked.

This coat, while too large, was very cool and TOTALLY "him"!

He wanted to include his gf Kim in a few...she was shy, but just as fun! :)


Thanks guys for making this such a fun one!

Life.

Things happen...and people say things...and sometimes, if I'm lucky, I hear them and see it a little better than I otherwise would. Sometimes someone tosses out an innocent statement, and I realize something I hadn't thought of before. Sometimes something happens...not even to me, but something happens to someone I know and I realize the need for something I hadn't come to terms with before.

I'm not living up to my potential...and I can blame life and circumstance all day long, but when it comes down to it, it's me. I have to make life what I want it to be. And I will...starting now. And I know it won't happen overnight or maybe even over the span of a year, but it will happen. I mean that.

Pinky swear.

At last...

It finally happened. A few weeks ago we CLOSED ON OUR HOUSE!!! We're still unpacking and doing projects one at a time, but at least we're there, and yes...it finally feels like HOME! Love it!

New pictures soon when we get the internet hooked up again.

Miss my readers!

OUCH!

Two days since my ankle surgery and I am a hurting unit...OUCH! My pain meds aren't doing anything for me but making me want to puke. I'm pretty miserable. BUT, on a happy note, we should close on our house FINALLY by Monday. (I feel like I'm jinxing myself even writing that but whatever...I'm done with the superstition and over-worrying. I've got enough on my plate...no room for the added stress.

Anyway...back to my vicodin induced nap...

h.o.m.e.l.e.s.s

This is more a rant than anything, but also an update.

I thought my landlords were your basic "good people" but I've since learned otherwise. For no reason other than they want their friend to move into our apartment, they have given us a three day eviction notice. We still haven't closed on our house so we are essentially being left "homeless".

We've been packing all day and will be moving our belongings to a storage unit tomorrow, and as of Tuesday we will be living at a campground in Adam's dad's camper. We won't have our internet, I won't be able to work on my photos (no computer), no cable TV and no luxuries of any sort, but we'll have each other and that will have to be enough.

We've packed some clothes and some food and books, games and toys for the kids. We're bringing the bikes and the dog and our family. And that's all there is to it. We've got a campsite for a week and are hoping and praying we can get into a house after that, but if not, who knows where we'll go from there.

I have never, ever felt so lost and helpless, but am trying to put on a brave face. The boys are excited to "go camping" and I am trying to mirror their excitement so they don't pick up on my stress level.

I want to be in our home with my family and be moving forward with our lives but instead we will spend some time standing still...and maybe that's ok. Maybe a week of quiet and close quarters is good for us.

At least I can sleep at night knowing I am a good person...which is more than I can say for the family that has put us in this position. I am not one to think ill of people but this is the second time the same family has basically "screwed us over" and I don't wish anything bad on them, but I hope they realize that someday karma is going to bite them in the ass.

So, I will be absent from the internet for some time but will hopefully return sooner rather than later. I've got an upcoming ankle surgery, hopefully a new job at our company and some promising photography stuff coming up once I've healed from my surgery. Until then...

xoxo-J.

Oy Vey

Don't mind me...I feel the need to ramble on...

Some much stress, so little time!

Life can be rough sometimes, ya know? BUT, it could always be worse, and because it is not "worse", I am grateful. :)

I apologize for the lack of photography gracing my blog lately...my camera was packed away with the rest of my life in anticipation for our big move last week. We found out (later than we should have) that "life" was put on hold while our closing was pushed back yet again. It's very hard to have your "home" just sitting there vacant while you sit around waiting because of other people's mistakes. BUT, I am choosing to have faith that my loan people are competant and they WILL get us into our home before our rescheduled close. (CROSSED FINGERS AND GOOD THOUGHTS ARE MORE THAN WELCOME!!!!!!!!! :) THANKS!)

I just don't "get it" sometimes...BUT, I think maybe that having to get things "the hard way" will, in the end, make me more grateful to have them. Here's hoping anyway! :)

ANYWAY, back to the photography...I will be posting new photos soon. I recently photographed the LAST wedding I will EVER photograph, and have to give some blog shout-outs to the bride & groom. Those should be up by the end of the weekend. I also am going to take the two little boys out tonight (provided the weather cooperates) and am going to take some new shots of them...bad haircuts and all. I'm hoping this will break me out of my feeling sorry for myself funk, and get me focused on my career and on the future.

I am VERY MUCH HOPING to be purchasing a website soon and will have things up and running, BUT as most of you know, i have a lot on my plate right now, so it may have to wait just a bit longer.

Thanks as always for reading, and check back soon for new pics!

J-Dubbz

Even if I'm not posting new pictures, I need to be BLOGGIN' on a more daily basis...(I say as I convince myself I need to add ANOTHER thing to my daily to-do list! LOL!)

I'm busy now...work/packing/moving/etc. BUT it's important to me, so I'll get it done! :)

So yesterday, Adam and I took Luc to visit our friend Matt (and his new gf Kiersten) in Green Bay! Lucas LOVED Matt...I wish I had pictures because Luc was ATTACHED to Matt all day...holding hands, playing his puzzles with him, and even tasting his SUSHI. (Luc was not such a fan of the sushi by the way! LOL!)

Adam and I tried the sushi too...Adam was alright with it...and I LOVED it. (Surprised myself even!) Props to FUJI SUSHI at Bay Park Square in Green Bay!! YUMMY!

More later!
Hasta Luego!

There's No Place Like Home...

It's official...I am buying a house!! I had my offer accepted this past week and am meeting with my loan officer to finalize details early next week.

Here are a few pictures...cosmetic updates to be made, but structurally, a good solid house!!! I can't wait to move!!!!











CAN NOT WAIT!!!

Happy Birthday Michael

We celebrated Mike's birthday with a monkey cake and a trip to Dylan's track...fun ensued. :)

Mikey and his MONKEY CAKE!


Me and the Birthday Boy himself...he's parched!


Checking out the situation...


The four year olds (Luc and Kenzie)


Luc rollin' with Dylan...


Kenz riding with Heather...


Mike cruisin' with his favorite buddy, Adam...


4 year olds again...


Lanta & Berry Ballz catchin' some air...


Adam "tearing up the real estate"...


Rockin' the STUNNA shades...


The group watching the guys ride...


Me and the GAGGLE of kiddos...

Oh What A Night.

I know I promised pictures last night...but it rained in my car (yes...IN my car) and Adam was ill and I hardly had a free moment the whole night. And I already know tonight won't be much better. But this week FOR SURE I'll get some shots up.

I miss blogging!!

NEW

New fun pictures will be posted TONIGHT!! Dirtbike fun for EVERYONE!! :)

See you then!

For my "honey-bunny" and my "monster"

My two littlest guys are on VACATION! They are with their daddy's family out at their annual family gathering in Oregon, and I am missing them like CRAZY!

During a normal week while I am driving the boys home from Grandma Cindy's (which is where they spend their days) Luc has to remind me at least three times that... "Momma, I am your honey-bunny, right?" "Yes Luc...you are my honey-bunny." This conversation almost always prompts Mikey to say "Momma, I am your MONSTERRRRRR" (which for the record I don't call him so I don't know where he got it but it's cute!!)

Sooo, for my honey-bunny...some pictures of his first ever SOCCER game last week! He was so cute and did such a good job! I was very proud!

And for my monster...a little friend he doesn't know yet, but will soon. His third birthday is Monday and this is the present he's going to return home to find! :)

2008...BRYAN

2008 Senior, Bryan waited until THE last possible second...but that is A-OK, because he got BRIGHT, WARM, FRESH spring light...one of my favorite kinds.

Here is Bryan, who, although he KNEW me already seemed slightly nervous. No worries Bryan...you worked the camera like a pro. And thanks to Bryan's fantastic girlfriend, Al for coming along too...you knew how to bring out the true Bryan...MUSKRAT my friends...hahaha...WOW!

He really liked this light-fixture...so I laid in the gravel and broken glass (and God knows what else, considering where we were) for this one...hope it works for you Bryan!


Loved this area we found...


I found this paint-job amusing. :)


MY favorite from the session...


And the "real" all-smiles Bryan!


Thanks for a fun morning guys!

'CHINES!!

Grandpa Troy has been out working on our road on "his 'chines" (pronounced "sheens"). Luc & Mikey love to watch, but on a chilly day, Luc would rather sit inside and watch cartoons.

Not Mikey though...Mikey sat out on the porch on a pretty chilly afternoon and watched and watched and asked questions and watched some more.

Mikey checking out the 'chines.

Good Days...Sunshine

WOW...we broke FORTY degrees! It's delightful to take the boys outside without hats and boots and gloves. The little taste of spring makes me YEARN for summer though. I can't wait for the warm evenings and the golden summer light!

Used the outside playtime as an opportunity to snap a couple of pictures...of the kids and of Adam who has been SO sick lately. (Feel better hon!! xoxo)

Here he is...feelin' ill (can you tell??), but outside to give the kids some attention, just the same. I love him!



My Lucas...he would barely sit still for one second for me to snap a picture. He was having a GREAT time riding McKenzie's new bike she got for her birthday. I guess he'll be needing a bigger bike too, because he was loving riding a bike that fit him better than his little one from last year. (And loving that Adam taught him how to use the brakes...little cutie!)



Mikey had fun too...wearing his dirt bike gloves as always, but not really wanting his picture taken. Nothing but serious faces out of him tonight.

This photo is PRE-haircut...I cut his bangs after dinner tonight. (Tried something new in post-processing too...added a "vintage wash" to the photo. Thoughts??)



And tonight in the house after a MUCH NEEDED haircut. I LOVE Mikey's hair long, but everyone's been on me to do something about it being in his eyes. I think he looks like my dad's senior picture with his hair like this, but someone else told me he looks like a girl.

Thoughts on the haircut??



Until next time...
-Jenn

From the mouths of babes...

"INTERVIEWED" the boys today...pretty amusing stuff. :)

LUCAS:
What is your name? Lucas (which sounds like YOU-cuss)
How old are you? 4

What is your favorite toy? My dirtbike and my gloves.

What is your favorite color? Ummmmmm...pink...blue...how 'bout red? My favorite is red, red, red.
What is your favorite movie? Charlie and Lola

What makes you happy? I want to play soccer...that's happy for me.
What makes you sad? When somebody hits me and when somebody be's mean to me. and when I bump myself on something.
What makes momma happy? How 'bout some drinks? (LMAO! )
What makes momma sad? When you bump into something and when someone be mean to you.
What is something that momma always says to you? "NO, NO...and to go to time out and be nice."

How old is momma? I don't know
What does mommy do to make you laugh? Tickle me...I like tickling.
What makes Daddy happy? I don't know.
What Makes Adam happy? He's happy when we be his buddy.
What makes Daddy sad? When he bumps into to something.
What is something Dada always says to you? NoNO...go to bed.
What makes Adam sad? When he bumps into something.
What's something Adam says to you? I don't know.

What is your favorite thing to do? Go on dirtbikes!
What is your favorite thing to eat? Everything! McDonalds.

MICHAEL:
What is your name? Mikey
How old are you? THREE!

What is your favorite toy? A dirtbike

What is your favorite color? Purple
What is your favorite movie? Shrek

What makes you happy? Dirtbike Gloves
What makes you sad? I don't know..
What makes momma happy? The 'puter.
What makes momma sad? Your cup. (WHAT? )
What is something that momma always says to you? "Time for waking up."

How old is momma? I don't know.
What does mommy do to make you laugh? TICKLE!
What makes Daddy happy? The desk.
What Makes Adam happy? His cup. (Huh? )
What makes Daddy sad? I don't know.
What is something Dada always says to you? No waking up!
What makes Adam sad? His cup.
What's something Adam says to you? No Crying.

What is your favorite thing to do? Go to daddys.
What is your favorite thing to eat? Some pancakes.