Avery

Guess who is taking Tap and Ballet this fall?

Temporary

I have had this in my mind for awhile. This set of stairs is here at our house as a part of a project that involves moving in a mobile home. The painted word reads: "Temporary". I obviously took tons of photos with these monkeys sitting on the steps. The light was perfect when we headed out there and it changed very quickly and got too bright. I know I am not completely happy with the resulting photos so I might try it again later. I just saw those words on the side of the steps and thought it's sooooo true!

Today I was doing dishes and I thought I heard heavy footsteps through the house. Ron wasn't home, Rowdy and Avery were outside and Bodie was napping. I have no idea what the sound was, just my ears playing tricks on me. But I quickly flashed forward in my mind about ten years. I imagine what it will be like when Rowdy's footsteps are heavy through the house and I will turn around from doing dishes and I will no longer look down to meet his eye I will look up to see a young man standing there....Temporary!

My crew and two that moo!

Avery has never had a hair cut. Will her hair ever grow?

When Rowdy plays with his trains it is like he is in his own little world. He always has his face close to the edge of the train table so he can watch the train really close up when he pulls it by. He likes trains so much he even likes to watch documentaries about steam engines. He says he is going to be an engineer when he grows up.
This happy little boy that you see here was having such a good time playing in his crib and then tragedy struck! He did a little bounce on his mattress as he held on to the side of the crib and bumped his nose on the crib. OUCH! Poor little thing got a bloody nose! Yikes! It didn't last long and after he settled down he was fine. Boy, Motherhood keeps ya' hoppin'!
Meet two of our newest additions...Ponch and John!

This camera is fun!

I forgot to rotate...you'd think I have never posted a photo before.

These are two of Avery's favorite things on the planet. Millie is the cat and "Cozy" is her blanket. For some reason in my head that is the way it is spelled (No comments from you Nicole about my inability to spell). Millie and Cozy are included in much of Avery's pretend time. In fact, we do all sorts of silly things with them. Sometimes I roll her up inside her cozy and she instantly becomes cozy-rito (or cozy burrito). She literally is giddy when we do this although she is getting to big for it. Sometimes we make cozy peek around a corner at her and she again thinks this is absolutely hilarious. Cozy sprinkles little sleepy dust on Avery's face when I am saying good night to her. Cozy makes funny sounds and sometimes we are greeted by Cozy before Avery says good morning...the sound is something like Rrrrreeee! Ask me in person sometime it is pretty funny. I think it is sweet that her little blanket and cat have such a tangible personality and really are part of the family.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Today is my Dads birthday! I think he is so handsome. My Dad used to take me bowling when I was so little that they didn't have shoes to fit me (I just wore my socks). He taught me how to play golf. He sawed a putter in two and welded it back together to make a short one for me when I was about 5 or 6. He used to take me to the park to play on Saturday afternoons, just he and I. He loved Tom and Jerry and Road runner cartoons. He could do this silly trick were it looked like he was pulling his thumb off (have you seen that one?). He also could do this funny dive off the diving board and it was always one of the highlights of summer vacation. He drove me to gymnastics practice for 9 months in downtown Portland so I could beef up some of my skills for cheerleading tryouts my Junior year in High School. I never remember any true heart to hearts conversations with my Dad where he said mushy things Father to Daughter...but you know what? I know he loved me with all his heart and I know he was proud of me. He was not stingy on saying I love you and giving me hugs. He was always there to help me when I got into a jam. He just wanted me to be happy! He gave it such a good fight when he got sick about 7 years ago and was diagnosed with ALS. He would sometimes whisper to me "I wish there was a cure, Jules." He has been gone for just over 5 years. I miss him so much. Rowdy talks about him all the time. Their spirits seem to have a connection. When Bodie was born I saw my Dad in him. He has my Dad's hands. Speaking of...Bodie is waking up so I have to run. Happy Birthday Dad!

I took the plunge!

I told Avery make any face you want and among many other interesting ones this is what she came up with.

This photo is so cliche but the light is good.

I took the plunge and bought my new toy this week. So far I have taken about 150 really bad pictures and these truly are the only two worth posting. Learning this camera remind me how I used to feel when I was learning to play golf. For such a short little swing there sure is a lot to remember...head down, left arms straight, follow through, eye on the ball etc. Except now it is proper ISO, aperture, shutter speed.

I talked to Kim today and she gave me some really really great pointers and I already feel better. Thanks Kim!

More to come as I get to know the camera more and have more time. We have had the stomach flu around here this week....joy!

Country Boy!

The one below is my absolute favorite!!!!

This blue truck just showed up at our place one day and apparently it is ours. Ron always has these random automobiles around because of the towing company. Anyways, how could I not take Rowdy James out and take some photos. These are just a few that I liked.

The reason I have been having all these scrapbook nights, garage sales and returning soda cans like crazy (Ron said he is going to find me a shopping cart soon) is because I am saving all my pennies to buy a new Digital SLR camera. Ohhhh how I can't wait to get my hands on it. The kids will be watching a ton of TV that week while I get to know the camera. Wait they are my models never mind. But for now my point and shoot will have to suffice.

So if you see me pushing a shopping cart full of cans down the street don't be alarmed I'm just trying to get myself a new toy to play with.