A Full Week

This week as been full. Except one day when the blues tried to take over, it was pretty awesome. Monday the littles and I hit a United Way community program. They made cards for kids at Loma Linda Childrens Hospital. That was pretty special to us. That is where Hezzie had his surgery. The kids really wanted to play at the museum, we caught a little time between the pancake breakfast and the actual card making to do so.

Waylon made it back to Cub Scouts this week. He slid right back in, no problem. I resumed my role as Pack Photographer/Social Media Person. He will be getting some type of awards next week. He is very excited and I will be there with my Nikon to take pictures of all the boys. It's going to be special since he has missed previous awards ceremonies thanks to an eventful pregnancy. His pack had a pancake breakfast today. I took pictures and Jimmy manned the kitchen for awhile. It's weirs seeing him become involved. He is a trained cook so, maybe I should not be that surprised.

Once we came home, we had a bit of a break and then off to pick up Girl Scout Cookies for Maggie. She is a Brownie and has a new troop. The girl love Girl Scouts so much, she will go where there are open arms. I am very proud of her for that. Actually, honored that she is my daughter. Life has thrown her a few loops and she carries on. Like all humans, she has her moments.

Today is the second day of rain. I love the smell and feeling of rain. Meanwhile, my joints say, "Listen lady! Don't go crazy and walk all over. You WILL pay." Rain is bittersweet for me. I love to walk in it, reminds me of my younger days in North Carolina. Back when I was 18 and had the whole world in my hand. Exploring parts of unknown area while on liberty. Meeting new and interesting people. This is when I met my now husband and broke out of my shell. This is why I love the rain, it's a reminder of who I was, who I am and who I will become.

I hope you found some joy this week and remember who you are, underneath it all.

Love,
Momma

Weekend In Review

Saturday, Waylon had a Cub Scout swim party. It was pretty fun for him. He made a friend. It's nice to see him around kids and being unashamed to be himself. It was also nice that even though he is water weary, he was not made fun of. Not many from the pack showed up, so it was low key and not very loud. I visited with some of the parents for awhile, and it's always interesting to see how adults interact. I have grown used to limited adult interaction that is in person. For my kids, I will learn to move beyond my own comfort.

Saturday evening, we went to a birthday party and had a good time. I photographed the Hello Kitty themed party. This was a nice size crowd and there was lots of food. My friend really can put a themed together. Here are a few pictures from that.

We started to clean up and move things around yesterday for our big once a year unBirthday Party. That takes place this Sunday. Waterslide, snow cones, pool, trampoline and lots of food. Here is a picture of last years waterslide, she will be making a return visit! What did you do this weekend?

SO BUSY!

I have been so busy with the kids. Last Thursday, Maggie started Girl Scouts. She is a Brownie. Her troop is a Super Troop and she loves her leader. Look below and see her being all crafty! I signed up, as well. I did so, that way I could go on trips with her. We got membership scholarships, this works out because I still owe money on the van repair bill.

Friday night, I had a surprise, my lovely friend Tanni and her family were in town. We went to high school together. She is who the baby is being named after. She totally rocks and I hope to see her again, really soon.

Saturday I did a photo shoot on Saturday. Before the ceremony could officially begin, I got sick and ended up in the ER. How embarrassing. I am just glad I grabbed a bench before they shouted "Pregnant lady down!" Here are some of the photos from that shoot.

Sunday, we went to Del March Beach on Camp Pendelton. We went and visited my brothers family. It was such a nice relaxing time. Oh, how I have missed the beach and my brother. I can not wait to do it again, soon!

Monday, that started early. Jimmy took the day off to take Joaquin to his EEG. It went fast, since he was not so wiggly this time. But, look at those things on his head and his hair all over. He looks like he was head banging and took a slip.

He was still tired and had Subway on the way home...where is mine?! It's a Loma Linda visit tradition for him.

Lastly, here are my two hippie boys at Boy Scouts. They had a blast last night. We only had to pay $5 a boy, so late in the year. We opted out of Boys Life magazine for now. When we pay for next year, we will get it.

I am 23 weeks and some days pregnant....going fast!

Love,

Momma

Ramble Scramble

The last thing I want to be is discouraged and angry. Well, it happens. I know most of my frustration comes from not having energy and only dabs of encouragement. It seems lately whenever I feel I am just blossoming into something, I have already wilted. The decaying sets in at the first sign of color.

I hate these moods. Right now I am off my foot thanks to a very unwanted bee sting. When I walk it hurts and the infection has a greater chance of spreading. Of course this adds to my laziness and needless to say the state of the house is displeasing right now. Heaven forbid anyone help without comment or loud noises. I'll just have to suck it up and pray the infection and swelling do not spread for the sake of a hopefully peaceful home.

I have been looking online for photography conventions. There seem to be quite a few, some of them longer than a weekend. There are some that offer one day specialized "sessions" or "classes", I may go that way so childcare is not an issue. Being behind the lens is rather freeing. It's a place that I don't feel like I don't belong, or that I am doing something that isn't allowed. There is really no regulations, just knowledge to grow from. It's kind of why I love it, I don't feel like a self conscience 16 year old.

Comedic Life or Something Like That

I have been a bad blogger I know, probably a bad wife and mother as well. This week my energy level dipped to an all time low. There were a few days marked with contractions and some discomfort...go being pregnant at 36! One day this week I had to venture to Walmart and I ran into two people from Jimmy's rehab. I knew what was coming, he has been working a lot and not attending meetings. Therefore people assume he is out there getting drunk, NOPE!

I am standing there, all hot and sweaty holding some Poise Pads. They come up and just stand there. Part of me wanted to throw the bag of pads and pretend I didn't see them, part of me wanted to ask for a recommendation. "Poise or Depends?" They small talk me and asked how Jimmy was doing. I said he was over by the pool supply and he was doing good. They smiled and I threw the bag of pads into my basket along side some shampoo and Toms toothpaste. They looked confused. Come on people! I have five kids, a undependable bladder was bound to happen. Oh, wait! These were two childless adults. Send me your poise pad coupons! I'd love them.

I have been practicing my photo skills a lot. Like every day, a lot! There have been several great photos that have been bombed by nose picking. Oh, wait! My tag line is "Capturing real life." So in real life my three year old is a nose picker and he is not ashamed. Yes folks he is all boy. Speaking of photo taking, I am looking into getting more educated on it. I am not charging since I am in no way a professional. Some people have offered and I will just say 'Hey if you want to give me gas money or buy me an AmPm Lemonade with crunchy ice, I will not say no." Other than that, I will not pretend to be well learned on taking photos. Although, some of them I am very in love with.

This is life and I can not say I'd want to change it, okay maybe not dealing with buying poise pads. Love your life people.

Love,

Momma!