The Colby's

2011-12-30T08:28:00.001-08:00

http://followgram.me/kbrina

random.

2011-12-08T13:53:00.000-08:00

. tree decorating

. YUM...peppermint mocha creamer

. the kids at Temple Square

. the childrens museum (so fun)

. beautiful

.the girls reading on the bed at "the Plaza"

. one second that the baby sat still

.Rolls for our Family Christmas Party

Do you wanna win something??

2011-10-18T07:08:00.000-07:00

Over at my new craft blog we are having a Week of Giveaways...

Hop on over and enter!!

You're too Crafty

My announcment...

2011-10-12T09:34:00.000-07:00

Here it is...

I am starting a Craft blog with my friend Mindy.

It will be full of DIY projects, recipes, tips, and holiday inspiration.

Please check it out. Bookmark it. Like it. Follow it.

We are going to be having a week of giveaways to kick it off!!

Here is the link.

Tell your friends!!

You're too Crafty

An announcement...

2011-09-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

I have been putting off writing this post for a couple of weeks now.

I have been bouncing back and forth.

I haven't wanted to actually say it "out loud" until I had made a final decision.

But now I can say that I know exactly what I have to do.

Exactly what I need to be doing.

I have had a lot of different things going on around me.

I have some family situations weighing on my mind.

I have had some new, exciting opportunities.

And some things just aren't feeling right anymore.

I am sad and a little excited to announce that I am

taking a break from the Photography business.

I have had so many great clients.

I have learned so so many things.

But it has consumed my days, nights, and weekends lately.

I feel like I haven't had the time to learn from it, like I was in the beginning.

I feel like I have forgotten what I LOVED so much about it.

So as of now...

I am not working until after the new year.

I have some new responsibilities.
I am the new President of the Elementary PTO.

A job that I am very excitied about.

I feel like the reason that I stay home is to be there for my kids.

They are the most important thing to me.

Lately, they have been put off because I am so busy.

Being the President is going to require a lot of my time.

Time that I am eager to give.

I also have some other exciting news.

That I will share soon...

(and no...I am not announcing a new baby)

So, Thank You to all of my clients.

I have loved every minute that I have shared with your families!

Tips and tricks...

2011-08-09T13:14:00.000-07:00

I want to share things...

(nice of me, right?)

You know when you read something or someone tells you some strange tip and you wonder if it works. And if you are like me you forget and never try it. So I am going to add this feature to my blog.

I am going to call it Tips and Tricks.

(pretty creative, right?)

I will share stuff that I have tried...

If you want to share,

then I will let you guest on my blog and share your weath of knowledge.

If you want me to try something...

I will and share my results.

So for my 1st one.

I swear by Dawn.

My mother-in-law told me to try it to remove grease from a rug.

And it worked, like a charm.

So, after I had my 1st baby and we had our 1st yellow baby blowout.

I tried it on the tiny pink pj's...

and it took that yellow stain out!

And now I use it for everything.

Because my hubby has to wear a white shirt everyday to work,

I have made my own "Dawn and Wash"

Here is what I do to get rid of that

yucky ring around the collar...

And dirty areas...

Dawn (you can use any of them I have tried them all)

a Dollar Store spray bottle

my old toothbrush

(because someone gave it to the baby, who ended up sharing it with the dog)

I mix 2 tablespoons of Dawn to a little more than half of the bottle with water.

Give it a little shake and that is all!

1st Spray with Dawn and water mixture...

and scrub with your toothbrush...

and Ta Da....

It really works!!

And I use it on EVERYTHING.

Punch stains, oil stains, grease stains, a bad accident with chocolate milk and carpets, and it even has taken out set in stains on my favorite t-shirt!

It's a pretty cheap alternative to spray and wash and other stain removers.

I feel that it actually works just as good,

I think it works even better!

Try it and let me know what ya think!

I linked up here...

Where are We Wednesday...

2011-06-22T14:15:00.000-07:00

It finally feels like Summer.

And, yet its going to be over before we know it.

So we are doing some fun things everyday.

So, can you guess where we are?

This moment...

2011-06-22T14:00:00.001-07:00

This moment.

A friday ritual.

A single photo - No words. Capturing a moment from this week. A simple, special, extrordinary, moment. A moment to pause, savor, remember!

If you are inspired to do the same, leave a link in the comments so we can all share your moment!

From Soule Mama

(I just don't want to forget)

Happy...

2011-06-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

Source: joannagoddard.blogspot.com via K'Brina on Pinterest

Source: s1228.photobucket.com via K'Brina on Pinterest

BECAUSE

Source: knittybitties.blogspot.com via K'Brina on Pinterest

He's a boy...

2011-06-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

through and through...

and I am LOVING it!

I spent 2 whole days...

2011-04-27T15:43:00.000-07:00

in my Kitchen!

With these beautiful boxes of strawberries...

I used to do this all the time!

I used to love standing in my kitchen for hours on end

creating beautiful things for my family.

And I haven't had the time lately...

(umm...really, like for the last 2 years)

I forgot how much I LOVE it.

I forgot how it makes me feel!

I feel happy,

I feel fulfilled,

I feel exhausted!!

She kept sneeking strawberries...

I, utterly, ADORE her.

She is silly and she is sweet,

and she talks my leg off,

and days like this make me glad that my kiddies are 4 years apart...

I get to spend so much one on one time with them.

16 pounds of strawberries,

42 containers,

25 pounds of sugar,

and a gigantic sticky mess later...

I am DONE with Jam (at least for a little while)

And I have realized a few things along the way...

I need a better balance...and a few less things to do!!

He is One...

2011-04-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

And he was pretty excited about his party...

Now for a picture overload...
Check out his cute "1" baseball onsie...
(thanks Angie)

Now for the Concessions...

With ballpark brats and nachos...

A baseball cake...

and a top view

(missing a stitch because some little person couldn't keep their hands from touching)

My two cuties having some cake...Cake smashing...

Ohhh...how I lOVE that face!!

And this face even more...

The Cupcakes...

The treat bags...

And another face that I love....

His Favorite present...

Mickey...

He wouldn't put it down...

And the swing...

another favorite...
He giggled and squeeled when his sisters pushed him.

And a few One year old pictures...

I can't imagine our lives without him in it!

He is perfect and full of it and

we can't get enough of him!

sometimes...

2011-03-29T08:07:00.000-07:00

sometimes there are days...

or in my case...

a week that has been just

HORRIBLE!

and then you get a sign...

or in my case...

Several signs...

It's funny to me how this works.

Just when you want to throw your hands up in the air...

hang your head...

throw in the towel...

walk away...

GIVE-UP...

The universe has a way of smacking you in the face.

Sometimes we all need a good smack...

Here is my smack...times 3.

This was on someones facebook status 1st thing this morning... "There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. So love the people who treat you right, forget the ones who don't.Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living.~ Re-post if you agree!"

Of Course I reposted it...

it was my 1st sign.

2nd sign...

I stumbled upon this blog.

Seriously.

Hello sign #2.

Nice to meet you!

My name is K'Brina and I needed you today!

Which leads me to sign #3.(image from here)

Ha! Do I need to spell it out for you?? Sometimes that is exactly what we need...

i want to share a few things...

2011-03-25T08:59:00.000-07:00

that I have learned.

I have NEVER been a believer in "salon" hair products. I always believed that this stuff was just as good and a fraction of the price. Ha!! I was wrong. This stuff "rocks" my hair world.

I tried it and I will never go back!!

and the root pump...

Well,

it's "freaking" AWESOME!!

and as long as this silly little girl lives with me...

This is never going to go away.

She is either naked or wearing a different outfit every other minute...

I have an obsession with spray paint.

(is there a support group for spray paint addiction??)

This week I have spray painted a lamp, 3 picture frames, a curtain rod, 5 MDF boards for the babys room, and this weekend I am going spray about 100 plastic eggs.

in the right light...

2011-03-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

I have been in a rut...

I don't want to do anything...

I have found myself complaining about EVERYTHING...

which I totally hate...

I am longing for a warm day spent outdoors...

and today the sun was shining...

and then I realized that spring is coming...

I just need to take time to notice ...

I grabbed my camera 10 minutes before I had to pick Aniston up from school.

I ran outside.

Straight to my favorite little tree.

The one that Ryan bought me for mothers day

3 years ago.

He bought it because I wanted a tree that would have pink blossoms in the spring.

It's showing signs of spring.

It is starting to bud.

And then I heard a bird chirping.

And at that moment I realized that I just need to be patient.

Spring is coming and its going to be EXTRAORDINARY.

A huge milestone...

2011-03-01T07:13:00.000-08:00

As each day passes,

I feel it happening!

I feel my baby slipping away.

Oh, sure,

he is still a baby!

He still requires alot of my attention.

He still needs me to rock him and make his bottles.

But on Sunday, he did it.

He Walked!

and now that is all he wants to do.

I am happy,

really happy...

And I am also really sad!

He is my last baby...

and its all just happening too fast!

These two...

2011-02-21T13:16:00.001-08:00

are confined to their dirty

flithy room,

until it is clean!

NO, if's, ands, or buts!!

They have fought...

squeeled...

giggled...

tried to help each other...

ended up making each other cry...

and it has been over an hour!

This is going to be a long day!!

I received a...

2011-02-11T07:29:00.000-08:00

stylish blogger award!

I feel so privileged...

I feel like people no longer read blogs,

so I am excited to know that someone out there does!!

So the rules go like this:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award

2. Share 7 facts about yourself

3. Award 7 new bloggers with the award (and comment them so they know they've won!)

My award comes from Dawn Dahlstrud (because that will always be your name to me)

Thank you Dawn for the award.

Dawns mom was my 1st grade teacher.

Dawns sister was one of my best friends all through out school.

I didn't really get to know Dawn until we were cheerleaders together.

(thus the embarrassing picture)

Everytime I think of Dawn, I think of pep assemblies in the commons area, listening to "Breakfast at Tiffany's"

(I can not remember who sang it)

We had a lot of fun "cheerleading" times!!

7 things about me that you may not know??

1. My husband and I are fishing in a Bass Fishing tournament together this weekend! Where we are going to knock'em dead with our mad fishing skills;)

2. There was a summer a few years back that I made my own laundry soap...

3. I LOVE to read historical trashy romance novels.

4. I am OCD about open cabinet doors. I just can't stand them to be open. So, If I come over to your house and shut your doors, you know why!

5. I LOVE peanut butter and jam sandwiches. I could eat them every day!!

6. I LOVE watching the History channel. I am kind of a dork...

7. I am really shy, which I think sometimes comes across as snotty. But I am not that way at all! If we are friends, I will be your friend for life! I will do anything for you!!

(don't you want to be my friend?)

Seven people that I am passing the award to.

1. Kelsie

2. Ashley

3. Mindy

4. Katie

5. Tara

6. Ashlee

7. Ashley

On my mind...

2011-02-03T16:01:00.000-08:00

Some nights I lay in bed, utterly exhausted from the days events, and my mind races...

...I am in charge of Anistons Valentines Party.

What do you do for an hour with 30 3rd graders...

...I just found out I am getting CS5 and I am having a little anxiety about re-learning photoshop...

...I am (secretly) planning and getting little things ready for Eastons 1st birthday...

...I am obsessed with making the "perfect, delicious" cupcake...

...Zumba and Kickboxing are making it very hard for me to move today...

...I have been working on the girls chore charts for 2 weeks...

...I want to make something using Chalkboard paint...

...I have a million little things that I am dying to make...

...My neighbors are going on a cruise...

...and I think that I have seasonal depression....

...how are you fighting off the winter blues?

I {heart}...

2011-01-31T13:20:00.000-08:00

these three little people.

I was organizing my computers digital files. I found this picture that I took on Christmas Eve.

I LOVE it! I love the way they interact

(well, on most days)

Which leads me to my new little book.

Its a "One line a day" 5 year Memory Book.

Its so cute and doesn't feel big and scary like a journal.

So far I love it. It doesn't take much to fill the little space given for the day.

I write little things the girls say. I let them write their names in it. I write about the way I feel on that certain day. I know that I am going to cherish it over the next 5 years.

I got it at Amazon. Check it out...

9 months...

2011-01-26T14:21:00.000-08:00

He is 9 months old!

I have a love/hate relationship with these children of mine growing...

I LOVE each new stage, each new milestone...

but I hate that they have to grow up so fast.

He is so much fun!

He weights 19.6 lbs.

He is 28 in. long.

He has 2 bottom teeth and 4 teeth on the top that are just about popping through.

He stands up to all the furniture and walks/runs around them.

He is going to be walking very, very soon.

He loves his sisters and laughs and laughs when they play.

He says dada the minute his daddy walks through the door.

He smacks his lips when we say give me a kiss.

He loves to play with Coco.

And I absolutely adore him!

The Laundry Room...

2011-01-18T13:09:00.000-08:00

Wow!

Is really all that I can say.

I am obsessed!

This feels amazing...

You should try it!!

Oh...and I am having

a newborn giveaway on my Photo blog!!

Hop on 0ver and check it out!!

Bathroom sink...

2011-01-17T10:14:00.001-08:00

Because I am behind, I am jumping all around the "get organized in 21 Days" list.

Under my bathroom sink was in desperate need of some organization.

I tackled it and then moved on to under my kitchen sink and Laundry Room.

WOW! It feels so good!

My kids and my husband are even helping to keep it organized! I LOVE IT!!

Try it!!

Just organize one space! It becomes an addiction!!

A sad house...

2011-01-13T08:59:00.000-08:00

After taking down my Christmas, my house was sad!!

(and I know this because it told me)

Valentines is in one month...

why not enjoy another holiday!

I have seen this subway art everywhere.

I decided to make my own.

I found a frame...

took the picture out of it...

Made one of my own on PSE...

And added it to my shelf.

(I don't like the cream mat...I'll have to fix that)

I am all about reusing and recycling what you already have...

try it, make it, and LOVE it!

Desk...

2011-01-11T08:18:00.000-08:00

Ohh...so much better!

That project only took 20 minutes!!

It makes me want to set at my desk work!

Project 52...

2011-01-10T12:57:00.000-08:00

I am participating in a 52 Week Project

with Sandi Bradshaw and a whole lot of photographers from all over.
I needed to challenge myself.
I needed to learn more and grow as a photographer.
This sounded like a great way to do that.

So Week 1 was a self protrait...

I must say that it is so much easier for me to be behind the camera instead of in front of it.

I hate pictures of myself,

but I am determined to see it through so I'll deal with it.

FOCUS...

2011-01-10T08:19:00.000-08:00

This month is going to be about focus.

I am going to focus on getting organized.

I am really sad that didn't find this blog until last Friday.

I wish that I wasn't a week behind.

Join the 21 day challenge with me at A bowl full of lemons

My kitchen "Junk" drawer...

Bathroom Drawers...

GROSS...

They look SO much better!!
I feel better about it and it only took me 20 minutes to do all of them!

It's a New Year...

2011-01-02T09:56:00.000-08:00

Insead of a long list of "resolutions,"

of unrealistic goals,

that never see me through the 1st week of January,

I am doing something different this year.

One word...

or rather 3 words,

that I have chosen to use as guidance for this upcoming year.

FOCUS

SIMPLIFY

NOURISH

Good words, right?

Each of these words have a different meaning to me. I may use them all or just one at a time.

This last year has been crazy for us.

New job, new baby, adjusting to both.

We have been so very blessed this last year,

yet I don't think that we had the time or energy to savor it.

So back to the words...

Focus.

I am going to focus on different things each month.

Focus on a small goal and see it through.

Whether it be laundry, decorating my house room by room, building a better business,

learning new things, or on being a better mom.

I may share my focus with you,

then again I may not.

Simplify.

I need to learn to say no. I need to not bite off more than I can chew.

I need to sit back and enjoy little moments.

Nourish.

I need to nourish myself. I need to nourish my body, my mind, and my spirit. I need to take more time for myself and not feel bad about it. I need to be able to be creative on a daily basis. I need to read more. I need to feel enlightened. I need to remember what it was I loved about photography and learn from it again.

I feel like if I am able to nourish myself, I will be a better mother and a better wife!

I am hoping to do some new fun things with this blog. Check back to see what I have in mind...

Do your have any New Years Goals you want to share??

Happy Holidays...

2010-12-23T07:58:00.000-08:00

from our Family to Yours!

We are wishing you all the love, all the laughter, and all the joy that this season brings!

I don't know...

2010-12-12T10:55:00.000-08:00

what it is about this year that feels so strange...

Maybe it is the lack of cold, snowy weather...

Maybe it is my uninterest in buying any gifts...

Maybe because my husband, who is usually the excited shopper, is too busy to help me shop...

Maybe because my christmas cards are actually done and it is the 2nd week in December...

Maybe because it has been a crazy year for us and it just doesn't seem possible that it should already be Christmas...

Whatever it is,

I am desperately trying to ready myself for the upcoming holiday!

I do know one thing...

This baby is adorable!!

Even though he makes me so tired

because he is so so busy

and as Emerson would say "so sneeky!"

No way can it be...

2010-12-03T06:09:00.000-08:00

DECEMBER!!

I am not ready!

I wanted to be prepared!

I really, really wanted to be oragnized

and be ready for the fun and craiziness that December brings!

However, sadly, I am not!

(surprise, surprise)

We have started some of the festivities though...

A visit to Santa.

Emerson still doesn't know if she likes it or not!

Easton wasn't sure either!

Hopefully by the end of this weekend I will be prepared to handle the up coming weeks!

thankful {day 13}

2010-11-24T10:15:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for these beautiful little people!

They make me who I am. They make me want to be a better person.

They fill my days with so much joy and love.

Aniston is amazing!

She is smart and beautiful. She is growing up to be a sweet young lady. She is my big helper. She is so much a 1st child!! I love her so much.

Emerson is still my little girl. She loves to cuddle with me. She wants to be big like Aniston. She is silly and shy, and I just think that she is adorable!!

Easton is my sweet baby. I am just amazed by him everyday. He has these little looks that just melt my heart. He raises one eyebrow at me and flashes me a gigantic smile. He is perfect and I am so much in love with him!

I feel so thankful and blessed everyday

that they are mine!

thankful {day 12}

2010-11-23T10:07:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for my mom.

Not only is she the best grandma to my kids, she is a fantastic mom and an even better friend to me.

She is ALWAYS there for me.

She never misses anything the kids do.

She is so supportive of us and I love and appreciate her for that.

thankful {day 11}

2010-11-22T08:52:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving being only days away, I realize that I haven't done well with posting everyday. I have been thinking about it everyday and have been taking the time to realize all that I am thankful for, because lately it seems like I have a lot to be thankful for.

Today I am thankful for my grandparents. They are amazing and such a big part of my life. If I need them, they are always here for me. If they don't see the kids for a couple of days, they are calling and insisting to see them. They say that can't stand it when they don't get to love and kiss them.

I love that we can spend a Sunday afternoon together, just like we did this last Sunday. The day was gloomy and the wind was blowing in a storm. But at my grandparents house it was so warm and cozy!

We spent the afternoon, talking, having cheese sticks and yogurt, and listening to the kids giggle and throw balls across the living room with grandpa. I just love them and love all of the time that we get to spend together!

...note to self: you need to take some photos of the kids with their grandparents!!

thankful {day 10}

2010-11-19T09:35:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful that someone has learned how to write her name.
She writes it on EVERYTHING...and I mean everything.
I love it!
It makes me smile when I find it, even when I find it in my checkbook!

thankful {day 9}

2010-11-17T11:18:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for things that make me laugh...

because being a mom,

you need a good laugh every once in a while!

thankful {day 8}

2010-11-15T08:25:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful that I catch little moments like this...

thankful {day 7}

2010-11-13T09:03:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for my dad...
Who happens to be having a birthday today...
So Happy Birthday Dad!!

Today I am thankful for the relationship that my dad and I have now!

We have had some rough times...We haven't always agreed...We haven't always been on the same page...but time heals old wounds and thank heavens that it does.
We are good now...so good! We talk almost every day. I feel like I can tell him anything. We share our lives now, the good and the bad.
I have come to the realization that when it comes to family, I kinda got delt a bad hand. One divorce is bad enough, but to have to go through 2, it, well, it really SUCKS! And to all of you who know me, know that it was a lot messier than just 2 divorces. And it was easy to be mad and to place blame, but in the whole scheme of things it all just really doesn't matter! What matters is the relationships that we build after. What matters is how much you are willing to forgive and forget. What matters is that you learn from it.
I have been hurt, I have cried, I have felt alone, I have been angry. I have learned how to cope. I have learned what is really important. And what is really important is LOVE, Love is all that really matters. Not one time in the last 15 years did I ever question the love that my dad had for me. I always knew it was there. He has always loved me and I know that now! And through it all I have always loved him! Through the good times and the bad times!
So thanks Dad! Thanks for being you and loving me the way that you do!!

thankful {day6}...

2010-11-11T07:57:00.000-08:00

I skipped a day...
I was busy cooking all afternoon...
The snow makes me feel like cooking and filling my home with warm yummy scents...
I love it...
but I did nothing else all day...

but today I am thankful for music...
let me tell you why...
last night the CMA awards were on...
and my family gathered around our t.v....
we watched... and sang loud
and the girls danced around the family room...
We all had a favorite...
The girls LOVED Taylor Swift (of course)
Ryan and Easton loved The Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson,
and I loved Lady A...
and mostly when they sang this song.
I love it...
It gives me chills and makes me cry when I hear it...EVERYTIME!

so being thankful for music may be silly...
but for us we love it and we love it all together!!

thankful {day 5}...

2010-11-09T14:45:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful that my sister, my mom, and her husband made it home safe and sound!!

My sister, my mom, and her husband were on a 7 day cruise. They left on Halloween and docked this Sunday.

Then we hear this morning that the very ship they were on has started on fire and is stranded out in the ocean!! Here is the STORY!

thankful {day 4}...

2010-11-08T08:27:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for the job that I have with Burns.

It allows me to work from home, in my jammies, with my kiddies playing in the same room.

I can work as much as I want, when I want!

(just in case your not sure what I do, I edit images for their website. Like these fancy boots)

They are great to work for!

And check this out...Here

Brad Paisley visiting the Cowboy Shop in Cali!

How awesome is that??

thankful {day 3}

2010-11-05T15:20:00.000-07:00

I am so ~~sad and on the verge of tears~~ thankful that this baby is healthy

and growing just like he should be.

He crawled, not army, scooting himself across the floor crawl, but actually crawled yesterday and I got to watch it for the 1st time!!

I am amazed by him everyday!!

thankful {day2}...

2010-11-04T17:10:00.000-07:00

today I am SO thankful for my friend...

I called her...

I said, "lets take the kids pictures!"

because we have been wanting to do it for 2 months now...

so we did...

and we didn't have fun!!
this picture makes me laugh...

I insisted that we take a pic together, because one day we will want to remember that we decided to do crazy things like taking our 6 kids pictures!!

So we left Mia with Slade, Easton with Aniston, and gave the camera to Braxton.

We posed for the 1st picture, glanced around and Mia had started to wander off towards the creek that was behind us.

AHHH we both screamed...

And Braxton took a pic...

I love it!!

And I am thankful that I can call her my best friend!!

A month of thanks...

2010-11-03T11:24:00.000-07:00

I love November, and not just because my birthday is this month!

I love the season change.

I love wearing sweaters. I love making soup and bread on cloudy days.

I love Thanksgiving.

I love that Christmas is just around the corner.

It seems that everyday I feel a moment of gratitude for something. I have a lot to be thankful for! Sometimes its easy to get caught up in everyday things and the little things that I am thankful for become lost in the madness.
For the next month I am going to share one thing a day for which I am grateful for.

But 1st a little halloween overview...

AWWW... He melts my heart!!

My little frog...

Not really sure Easton liked trick or treating as much as the girls did...

Taylor Swift, A cute little frog, and a fairy!

Even though she has only eaten candy since last Thursday.

She still is THE cutest thing ever!!

Today I am thankful that Halloween is over;)

one of these days...

2010-10-21T08:46:00.000-07:00

one of these days i will get caught up...

one of these days i will take a vacation...

one of these days i will do nothing but snuggle on the couch with my girls...

one of these days i will finish decorating the kids rooms...

one of these days i will learn to say NO...

one of these days i will deep clean my whole house...

one of these days i will sleep in...

one of these days i will stop feeling guilty for not being able to do everything for everyone...

one of these days i will watch all the movies i have been wanting to...

one of these days i will get to go on a date with my husband...

one of these days i will not feel overwhelmed or stressed...

one of these days i will get back to blogging, because i have missed it so...

one of these days i am going to get this made into a canvas print...

but today is not one of those days...

It's been a little crazy at our house...

2010-09-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

Emerson had her first day of preschool...

We have had an overnight field trip to Gooseberry!!

Easton turned 4 months old...

has rolled over...

and almost mastered sitting up...

He has outgrown his bassinet...

which has required a huge switch to take place at our house...

(this I am not proud of)

But this is my office/craft room. I am giving it to the girls, in order to get the baby in his own room...
I am in the middle of a huge and massive switch...

which is consuming my days...

I am unplugging my computer right now...

I may not be back for days...

I am boxing up so much stuff...

I am going to paint...

I might be crazy by next week...

On the 25th

2010-09-03T08:22:00.000-07:00

my baby girl turned 4...

So we celebrated with a girls day out (plus Easton)

We started the day out with some lunch...

Where she got a sundae, just because it was her birthday!!

Then she recieved an important phone call from Grandpa Chad,

wishing her a happy birthday!

She wanted Grandma Tracy to take her to get her ears pierced for her birthday.

I didn't think that she would really do it...

But we went anyway...

She picked out her earrings...

she sat in the chair and
she let them mark her little ears...

she was calm, cool,

and collected...

and then it was done...

There was not even a tear...

from her anyways...

The cutest part was unphotographed...

It was when we walked up to get Aniston from school...

Emerson showed Aniston her new earrings

and Aniston squealed with delight and hugged her so tight.

All by the fence at school.

It made me smile...

and tear up for the second time that day...

Man, I love these kids of mine...

3rd grade...

2010-09-01T10:12:00.000-07:00

HMMMMM...

3rd grade...

I have a 3rd grader...

the cutest 3rd grader...

in her "skinny jeans and ballet flats..."

A 3rd grader who couldn't sleep the night before

and who couldn't eat her breakfast because she was so excited!!

I think that I was just as excited as she was!

This is an exciting new year, so many new experiences, so many new things to learn!

We went camping...

2010-08-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

for the 1st time this summer.

Camping for the 1st time with the baby.
It was so nice to get away, so nice to sit back and relax.

But camping with a baby is hard work. Our little man was so good though!

I really think that he is an angel baby!!

My camo guys!! (adorable, aren't they)

My my mom, Chad, and the boys came up for dinner. This little guy kills me. He had watched John Wayne with Chad and insisted on bringing his cowboy get-up. He kept calling me "young lady" and shooting the "bad guys" around our camp with his pistol.

My kids love my mom...and I love that she loves them so much!!

Life....

2010-08-05T13:40:00.000-07:00

I could go on and on about how life is just way too short.

I could tell you how sad I have been feeling these last 24 hours.

I could tell you that my heart is breaking at the thought of children growing up without a mother,

and all of this would be true.

But I am telling you to never let one minute go by without telling the people that you love just how much you love them...

You never know when you may be spending your last moments with them!

"The one thing we can never get enough of is love.

And the one thing we can never give enough of is love."
- Henry Miller

So above all else...LOVE!

Love with all your heart and soul!

8 years old...

2010-07-27T16:11:00.001-07:00

How is it possible that I am the mother to an 8 year old little girl?

I don't think that it should be possible... The past 8 years have flown by.

Having Aniston changed our whole lives.

I wouldn't have imagined that I could love anything as much as I loved her the moment that I found out that we were having her.

She is amazing, smart, beautiful, thoughtful, sweet, caring, loving, lovable, the list could go on and on...

She really didn't want one certain thing for her birthday, so we didn't know what to get her. Ryan called me one day and said that he had the perfect gift in mind. When I stopped by the store he showed me a pink bow and arrow. He wanted to know if I thought that she would want something like that... We talked about it with her and she was so excited.

So that is what she got from us...

She loves it... Her dad loves that she loves it...

and she is a natural.

Oh, man!! I love this 8 year old little girl!!

July...

2010-07-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

July has been a blast.

And exhausting at the same time.

Here is some of the reasons why...

The girls got to go to the mini cheerleading camp this summer. They were thrilled. Emerson walked through my house for days saying "Wolves, put your hands up, hands up."

Daddy and Easton watching the girls cheer in Aurora.

After watching the girls we had a family BBQ with a ton of yummy food and great company!

Ryan slept out with the kids (what a good sport) so that they could hear the bombs at 6 a.m. I think that Easton and I are the only ones who heard them... everyone else was zonked!

The 4th, or I should say the 3rd, was fun-filled!!

I love the 4th. It's one of my favorite holidays. The kids had a great time and Easton was such a good boy all day, despite being dragged from one hot place to another.

The only game that we like to play is the game where we get the goldfish.

Our poor fish didn't make it through the day...sad:(

The girls rode in the parade with the Cheerleaders...

They were so excited and their mommy thought that they were pretty cute up there!!

These past 2 months...

2010-06-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

have flown by. I am still having a hard time thinking that my baby boy is 2 months old.

I could just eat him up...

SERIOUSLY!!

Last week we took him to the Dr. and he is "healthy and happy".

(those are the Dr.'s exact words).

He weighs in at a whopping 12 lbs.

(3 lbs bigger than both the girls at 2 months)

He is 24 in. long.

He sleeps the entire night.

He just found his tongue.

He smiles non-stop.

He coos at us.

(Where we all stand above him and giggle with delight when he does)

We are totally smitten with this little guy.

{this.moment}

2010-06-18T05:58:00.000-07:00

{this.moment}

A Friday ritual.

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Wishing you a lovely holiday weekend!

Shopping and kids...

2010-06-17T07:25:00.001-07:00

a day of shopping + 6 kids under the age of 7 + 2 grannies + 2 crazy moms

= a LOT of time spent in every bathroom from here to Orem...

It was my seesters birthday.

Instead of a cake, we spent $28.00 on a dozen cupcakes.

They were insanely good...

I'm sure that one day we will wish that we had our 6 little kids to take shopping with us...

but for now,

the thought of shopping with

just the 4 of us (meaning, me, my sister, my mom, and my grandma)

sounds like a little slice of heaven...

I have 2 photoshoots to edit...

a messy house that needs to be cleaned...

an entire yard that needs to be weeded...

boots to be edited...

paking for my husbands business trip...

and I am just setting here wishing for a "better than whatever" jumbo cupcake from

this cute little shop...

Smiles...

2010-06-03T10:42:00.001-07:00

My little handsome man has started smiling at us this week.

I LOVE IT!

He is only 6 weeks old and still seems so small,

but he has a huge smile that makes me laugh everytime he flashes it.

I don't want to forget these little things...

ever!!

{this.moment}

2010-05-28T07:43:00.000-07:00

I love this idea.

It came from Soulemama...

{this.moment}

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Wishing you a lovely holiday weekend!

its time...

2010-05-26T15:36:00.000-07:00

...time for a change.

Pregnancy/new motherhood makes you feel,

um...what's the word...

yucky!

So, change #1...

Zumba...

have you heard of it?

of course you have!

It's all the rage.

I am going tonight...

and I am betting that I won't be able to walk tomorrow.

And tomorrow I am getting a new hair do...

It has been dark for way too long.

It has been long for way too long.

Tomorrow I will be blonde

and have short hair.

I can't wait!!

My thoughts on...

2010-05-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

SUMMER VACAY

I am so glad that we only have 4 more days of school. I know that I won't be saying this come the middle of July, but I am excited that we will not have crazy mornings for a while. No where to go and nothing to do if we choose.

Nice.

I have big plans for the summer. I always do. Last year I had the same plans, but I was too busy and the days just flew by. This year I have a schedule. Wait, didn't I just say that I was glad that we had nothing important to do...

I am crazy like that!

We are going to go walking or riding our bikes every morning. I have enlisted my friend to go with us so that I make sure that I have someone to answer to if I feel the need to be lazy;)

Then we are going to come home and get our chores done.

Gotta have a clean house!

Everyday I have an afternoon activity planned. Nothing too serious. We will be going to the library, the swimming pool, story time at the park,

and picnics with Grandma Verna

(per Emersons request).

I have a goal that we are going to check out and read together all the American Girl books.I loved these books when I was in Elementary school.

I am planning on spending 30 mintues to an hour everyday working on the alphabet with Emerson and math with Aniston.

Wow, writing all of that down makes summer sound like it is going to be a job. I hope that it doesn't turn out that way.

HOME REMODELING

We have been remodeling for years now. The inside is so close to done that it isn't funny. I have started decorating and really want to get this house in order. I am going to take a room at a time and fully decorate it.

I really want to get the kids rooms done as well.

I have some ideas...for the girls rooms I am thinking hot pink, pink, and black.

It will be a little older for them and is just so cute together.

I like the idea of these two rooms.

I am not going to attempt the stripes!

And I am thinking a little less zebra print;)

And the baby is getting this mural on his wall. It will cover one entire wall. The rest of his room will be decorated in baseball stuff. I can't decide if I want to do a vintage baseball theme or not.

But in order to do either of these two projects I first need to clean out my sewing/computer/craft/storage for photography props/ room!

And I don't even know where to start. It is a MESS!! I am super embarrassed about it. I would show you a picture, but my husband might die from horror.

Let's just say that you can only see a small portion of the floor, my desk is covered with papers, reciepts, and garbage, and there is crap stacked in every possible place.
Next weeks goal.

CLEAN THIS DISGUSTING ROOM!!

PHOTOGRAPHY

I am looking for new props and new locations.

If you know of anyone who knows how to crochet...

I want one of these

and one of these blankets

I found where I can buy them on the internet,

but if anyone out there makes them. I would love to buy them from you instead!

Starting June 1st I will be back from maternity leave.

Call me and lets schedule an appointment.

I am excited to start shooting again.

After an hour of shooting...

2010-05-18T09:26:00.000-07:00

this is the only good pic I got...

Maybe I am in the wrong profession...

or maybe I need to hire my own kids pictures done...

My boys...

2010-05-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

are the most handsome...

I'm one lucky girl...

I'm just sayin'

Mother's Day...

2010-05-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

I don't have one picture from Mothers Day this year.

I should have...

I brought my camera, but it never made it out of the car.

I spent the morning with my sweet little family.

Ryan made us pancakes and eggs.

We sat around the bar and ate together.

We made pies for dinner.

And we got ready to go to dinner at my moms.

I spent the afternoon with my favorite moms.

My grandma, my mom, and my sister.

I sat in the sun and watched all the kids giggle, run, and squeal with delight

because we were able to be outside.

I held my sweet little baby dolly,

and kissed his soft little skin,

and thought to myself that

"this is the life!"

I have it all...

everything that I have ever wanted

and for this I am truly thankful!

Easton...

2010-04-29T10:33:00.000-07:00

I am trying really hard to get some good pictures of Easton.

I really thought that I would want to just take pictures of him all day...

But I don't...

I just want to hold him..

and love him...

and kiss him...

But here is my feeble attempt...He is such a good baby... and we love him so much...

Never in my wildest imagination did I think something was missing in our family...

I was SO wrong...

He was missing...
He completes our little family!

My sweet baby is here...

2010-04-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

We welcomed our sweet

Easton Ryan Colby

to our family on April 18th at 10:05 am.

He weighed 7 lbs. and was 20 1/2 inches long.

He came super fast, a lot faster than we expected.

He is beautiful and perfect and

I am IN LOVE!!

I have spent the last 5 days just soaking in everything precious about him.

I will write down his birth story...

I will post better pictures...

but right now I am just loving him...

38 Weeks...

2010-04-15T08:05:00.000-07:00

After a month of worrying about this little baby I am more than ready to meet him. On Sunday I tried to induce the "nesting" period myself. I cleaned, I painted my living room, I cooked, and I got nothing out of it except aching legs and an aching back.

I went to see the Dr. on Monday, hoping that I was dialating.

AND I got nothing!!

Well I can't say nothing. He did give me a day. Oh...a day!

It did make me VERY happy. I hate not knowing. I hate not having a plan. I have been a nervous wreck that it would happen and I would not be prepared. Every night for the past week and a half, I haven't been able to go to bed without the house cleaned, dishes done, and laundry folded and put away. I have been worried about getting Aniston to school and her homework and where they were going to be.

I have been making myself a little crazy...

(okay a lot crazy, just ask my husband)

But with a date to go on I am good!

The list of things to do just keeps getting longer.

The girls "big sister bags" are almost done.

The bags are packed.

The plans are made.

And if everything goes as planned... We will be meeting our little guy sometime on Monday!

Just typing that makes me so happy

and a little scared!!

Easter was only...

2010-04-15T07:33:00.000-07:00

2 weeks ago. I am a little behind.

We dreamed of going somewhere warm and fun for Easter. We actually dream of going somewhere warm and fun every Easter, but Utah's spring puts a dampner on all of our dreams. This year, due to the baby, we stayed home and relaxed. Mostly because the Dr. ordered it that way. We were homebound, but we did have a good time together. The girls colored their eggs on Saturday. Which didn't result in a horrible mess. Ryan made use yummy baby back ribs, which I had been craving for weeks. We popped popcorn and snuggled on the couch to watch a movie.

Of course the Easter bunny found us. He left WAY too much candy. The girls were in heaven when they got to have jelly beans and chocolate for breakfast.

Easter isn't complete without a new coloring book and new crayons!

We got to spend Easter Sunday with family. My mom and Chad put on an Easter egg hunt for the kids. They loved it. We had yummy food and ended the days events with rolling our eggs down the hill at the springs.

I just wanna Dance...

2010-04-05T08:50:00.000-07:00

The girls had their dance recital on the 27th of March.

I just love it!

All the trips back and forth from Salina to Aurora are totally worth it

when I see them up on the stage!

Aniston has gotten so graceful. She was beautiful and full of personallity on stage. I was so impressed with her facial expressions. She didn't look scared at all. She was smiling and hamming it up the entire time.

This was Emersons 1st year in dance. There was only one other 3 year old in her class and she was so small in compairison to the other girls. She is so shy, I was really worried that she wasn't going to go out on stage. But she did and she even knew the dances, for the most part.

By the time they were both done I had tears running down my cheeks.

(silly hormones!)

I seriously can not get enough of these two!!

BED...REST...

2010-03-22T08:17:00.000-07:00

Those are two words that I never thought that I would hear.

Now first of all let me just say that I am more than willing to do what ever it takes to get this little baby here safe and sound!!

With that being said...

Bed Rest sucks!!

After a normal visit to the Doc last week, he wasn't happy about a 1 cm growth after 3 weeks.

So off to the hospital we go to have another ultrasound.

The baby is growing just fine. He looks healthy and happy! Yea!!

But the fluid around his little body is too low...

and he has wiggled and moved until he has a cord wrapped around his little neck, twice...

So back to the Doc we go...

His words...

"I am not going to say Bed rest,

but I want you to do only what you have to do!"

He asked me if I have been doing too much,

"Umm, yes, I guess."

I have been running 4 to 6 kids around everyday.

I have been still doing photoshoots.

I have been doing a million other things.

"Well now its time to STOP," says my husband!

I hate HATE relying on others... I hate having to ask for help...

I hate having to watch my mom clean my house!

But I am and it sucks...

On a good note, Coco and I finally got to watch New Moon on Saturday.

While my husband took the girls golfing all day!

I haven't had to cook dinner or go to the grocery store. Which is sooo nice!

We go back to the Doc tomorrow, have another ultrasound, and a non-stress test.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that everything looks okay, so that I can get ready for this little baby!

I have the best grandparents...

2010-03-02T07:41:00.000-08:00

It's true!! I really, really do.

Now some may think that I am bias. See, I only have this one set of living grandparents. But who would need any more. Anyone else would pale in compairison to them. Let me tell you why...

Yesterday was a awful, horrible, very bad day. I had a horrible weekend. I felt sad.

I cried a lot. I am blaming it on a lot of different circumstances, pregnancy hormones, the gloomy weather, me falling down like a clumsy idiot...

I really could go on and on... but I won't!

Yesterday it just got worse. I felt like I couldn't breath. I felt like just crawling in bed and giving up!

And then I got a phone call from my grandma.

Now I think that we are in tune, in perfect sync.

How did she know that I needed to talk to her?

How did she know that just hearing her voice was going to make me feel better?

I don't know how she knew, but I am sure glad that she did.

The minute I heard her voice, the tears started rolling down my cheeks. And she knew... and I told her about my horrible weekend. And I cried and she cried. And then we laughed, we laughed when I told her about me falling down, because it really was funny! And we laughed, a lot, when she asked about the puppy and I told her that I stepped in her poop with my bare feet the night before!

And then she told me that she loved me and that she missed me. And then she told me that she made my baby boy 2 baseball blankets. And then she gave the phone to my grandpa and he told me that he loved me and that they can't wait to see us! He told me that everything will be okay and that it was 78 degrees where he was...(but I am not sure if that made me feel better;)

And then I made him promise to have my grandma home when I went into labor.

And He said that he would.

You see, with both of the girls, my grandma was with me the entire day while I was in labor. With Aniston she helped me clean my house, she wanted me to lay on the couch, but I insisted that we clean instead. And with Emerson we were shopping in Walmart. She thought that I was going to have her in the grocery isle, but again I insisted that I get everything on my list, because I wasn't going to get to shop for a week or two.

And then we hung up and I felt like I could breath.

I felt so much better. Things really didn't seem so bad.

You see, they really are the best!!

I love you both and I can't wait to see you in a couple of weeks!!

Thanks for making my day not so bad!!

And just for them, I am announcing that I am OFFICIALLY on maternity leave. I am only doing a few photography sessions over the next few weeks and then I am done.

Friday Favorites...

2010-02-26T08:55:00.000-08:00

I used to do 10 things on Tuesday... Some days 10 things is too much...Especially for my pregnant brain... So how about some of my favorite things on Friday?

I love This blog...

it has soooo many good ideas to make things from all over the web. I just wish that I felt like making stuff right now!

Holidays revolving around candy...

Valentines Day...

Easter...

I am in love with chocolate...

and I think that the baby really likes it too! (wink, wink)

Lost...

The season that was suppose to be about answers,

is just producing more questions...

But I love it!

Weekends...

Me and my Hubby cuddling on the couch,

watching the Time Travelers Wife!

A clean house...

(maybe I should stop blogging and start cleaning)

And

Speaking of cleaning...

My favorite weapon of choice is

Mr. Clean's Magic Erasers.

These babies clean everything!!

if you haven't used them you should!

31 weeks and counting...

2010-02-23T14:52:00.001-08:00

31 weeks...31 weeks...31 weeks...

Really?

I am not sure where the time went. I sure the heck am not prepared for 31 weeks. If everything goes similar to the girls in 7 weeks the baby could be here...

What the Heck!!!!

I am not ready for a baby...yet!

We did have another ultrasound and he is still a boy. The Dr. said that I was measuring small, but the ultrasound said that he was measuring right on. I have to admit that I was a little nervous about him not being a boy. I am still in shock that we are, in fact, having a boy. But I have began to buy boy fabric and I am going to start making our little guy some things.

I am starting to feel uncomfortable and at times I complain about it to my husband. But the truth is that I am loving every minute of it. I love to feel him get the hiccups everynight. I love that he wiggles and moves like crazy all day long. I love to watch the girls faces light up when he "kicks" their little hands. I am just really enjoying everyday of it, well maybe not the crazy heartburn that I have been having everytime I eat, but for the most part I love it all.

We are on the countdown now. I am going to miss being pregnant, but I can't wait to meet this little guy!!

I am one of "those" people.

2010-02-22T15:58:00.001-08:00

I am one of those dog people.

You know, the ones who take their little dogs everywhere.

The ones that buy silly little outfits for them. (just kidding, I haven't done this)

The ones that let them sleep with them. (just kidding, she doesn't sleep with us either)

But I did have to take her to the vet and I spent $45.00 on an office visit and antibiotics.

I don't spend that much when I take my girls to the doctor!

It's silly what a cute little doggie will do to you!

My little Valentines...

2010-02-15T09:11:00.000-08:00

I have been so busy taking other peoples pictures that I haven't gotten any of my own children...

What a horrible mother I am!

So we went out on Friday. Emerson participated for approximately 10 mintues and then we were done...

But that's okay...they're still the cutest!

We spent Valentines Day together, helping Dad get his store ready to open.

It was great!

We ate way too many sugar cookies and Reces peanut butter hearts!

I love my little Valentines!!

My baby...

2010-02-10T13:00:00.000-08:00

Last night we were getting ready for bed and this is how it went down...

Me: What jammies do you want?

How about this princess nightgown?

Emerson: Babies don't wear nightgowns!

Me: But your not a baby, your a big girl.

Emerson: NO! Me a baby, me your baby!

Me: I thought you were my big girl?

(during which she crawls off her bed and is now laying in my lap on the floor)

Emerson: NO! Me want to be your baby until baby brother comes.

Then me will be your big girl!

Me: Ohhhh!!!

Me to myself: This is going to be interesting...

as excited as she is about the baby,

I am afraid that jealously is lurking on our horizon...

As crazy as life seems at times...

at the end of the day,

these two make everything worth while!!

More Randomness...

2010-02-09T10:36:00.000-08:00

I've been having a hard time setting at my computer these days. I have been having a hard time doing much of anything these days.

I think that I have Adult ADD. Is there such a thing?

I have a million and one things on my mind, but I am having a hard time actually setting down and processing one complete thought...

I am blaming it on pregnancy...

Hasn't it been said somewhere that pregnancy makes you a little looney?

Someone, please say that it is true...

or I just may be a person tettering on the brink of insanity...

(just kidding...)

(sort of kidding...)

In my last posts I have mentioned a change...

You may think that the change is the baby, but it is not.

My husband got offered a new job, which turns out to be an awesome oppertunity for him and our family. After contemplating the offer for several weeks in January (which was the cause of a lot of my stress), he decided to take it.

It is going to be good, good for him, good for our family, a good learning experience. I am so proud of him. He did it all on his own, because he is a genuine, good person.

Good things do come to those who wait...

So far February has been crazy and full of changes and getting used to new routines. I have been looking forward to two things this month.

The new season of Lost...

which includes this...

Ohhh....(heavy sigh...inserted here)

and the Olympics...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qQ5AEcHp-Q

I love it all! I love the stories that they tell during each event. I love the competition. I love the events. I just love it!!

What I don't love...

These!

If you see me. I will be wearing these. My other pants fit, they are just not nearly as comfortable as these bad boys!

2 more months of ugly pants!!

I am counting down!

Friday Nights with the Colby's...

2010-01-26T08:39:00.001-08:00

Aniston has declared Friday nights as Pizza and movie night...

We make mini pizzas and add our own toppings...

The girls think it's the coolest thing since sliced bread...

I think spending time doing fun little things, like making mini pizzas,

is the coolest thing...

ever...

Our lives are about to change...

for the better...

but a change no less...

No matter what, I want these two to know how much we love them...

26 weeks and randomness at it's best...

2010-01-21T10:01:00.000-08:00

Here I am at 26 weeks.

(now don't laugh...taking your own picture using a bathroom mirror is harder than it sounds.)

I look super retartded, I know!! I feel like I am a punching bag for this baby.

He is wild!

We laugh about it every night because we just know that he is going to be a baseball superstar!!

Or at least we are hoping!!

Everything seems to be going just fine. Last week I did get a negative result on a test, which caused me stress. But we did it again this week and everything is as it should be. It is hard to believe that in a couple of months he is going to be here. I really should get organized and get him some things made...

Second...With my last post I sounded so crazy. I was, last week. There was a lot going on and a lot to handle. And in hindsight, it really wasn't THAT bad, it just was a lot for one week.

We have a new nephew. Ryan's brother, Chase and his wife, had their baby last week. And after a scary delivery, Jaxson and his mommy are home and doing fine.

My puppy is making me very tired. She wants to get up and play at 5:30 am. So we do... and I am tired... and she is cute... and whatta do??

I was disgusted this week with my bathroom. So I went on a psychotic cleaning rampage and it got cleaned and disinfected, and during the process I came to 2 conclusions...

1. I should deep clean my bathroom WAY more often...

and

2. Girls and boys should have separate bathrooms just like in schools and gas stations...

boys pee ends up everywhere...and it is just not the little boys...it is the big boy in this house, as well. I shared my revelation with Ryan and he said, "my bathroom would be cleaner than the girls!"

He may be right about the sink area,

but the toilet area...

I DON'T THINK SO!!

They can't hit it if they tried...

I am looking for a reason to make it until spring...

and Valentines is my new obsession.

I am working on a table runner...

My mom bought us the cutest crafts that we are going to do next weekend when my sister comes to stay...

and I am going to make some cake pops...

like these... Don't they look YUMMY?

Have you heard of Bakerella? Check this website out... Heaven... I think that I am going to make a sample of these this weekend...

It's been one of "those" weeks...

2010-01-15T08:42:00.000-08:00

Sometimes life just seems too complicated, too hard, too full of questions and not enough answers. Sometimes being a grown-up isn't as fun as I thought it was going to be.

This week has been just too much to handle. I was so looking forward to a long, boring, uneventful January. A month of catch-up, a month of un-winding after the holidays. But as if the 15th of January, this month has proven to be anything but!

My mind is cluttered from so many different things, that I am having a hard time even typing this...

I have so many things to blog about...and I will get to it all, but its going to be next week. Because next week sounds so wonderful. Next week sounds like a dream. Next week I am going to be super productive.

I am taking this weekend to un wind, to relax, to catch-up on lost sleep, and to not do anything productive. I plan on making yummy food, watching movies with my family, sit cuddling by the fire with my girlies, to wear my jammies the entire weekend, and to NOT WORRY about one single thing.

Laughter...

2010-01-05T13:08:00.000-08:00

"the human race has one really effective weapon,
and that is laughter"

{mark.twain}

This morning I woke up, I mean I rolled out of bed. I tossed and turned all night. My mind raced with things that needed to be accomplished and things that I was dreading and, well, just things. I couldn't turn it off. As I layed there in disgust, I just kept getting more and more upset. I was really, really tired. I really wanted to sleep. So when it was time to get up I was GROUCHY!! I growled at my kids when they disagreed on how they wanted their eggs cooked. I was short tempered with Aniston when she wanted to talk and not eat her breakfast. I was super irritated when she didn't get dressed fast enough. The morning drug on forever, with my stupid computer not working right and me setting on the phone for 40 minutes trying to fix the problem.

Lunch, finally. Ryan comes home at lunch and I get to complain to him as I make his lunch. (which I am postive that he hates, but he listens anyway)

Emerson wanted to wait for her daddy to eat her lunch and as they sat at the bar together and ate their spagetti, they giggled and laughed and I found myself smiling, probably for the 1st time today. So as I sat there and laughed at the two of them, with spagetti sauce on their faces, the day didn't really seem so bad. Laughing helped. (and so did the coke that I had while I was watching them)
See, just seeing her laugh, makes me smile. Ryan and Aniston went ice fishing this last weekend. Ryan told me later that night, that he just loves the girls so much. He told me that he hadn't had that much fun fishing in a long time.

And catching this big fish out of the ice sure helped!!

Free Personal signatures - cool!

2010-01-02T08:56:00.001-08:00

TEXTAREA_ID

A New Year

2010-01-01T09:32:00.000-08:00

I HATE the days that follow Christmas.

The excitement, the fun, the cheer, the feeling, its all OVER! All you are left with is a huge mess, kids pent-up and bored, and cold weather!

I hate taking down all the Christmas decorations, too. It leaves me feeling sad and blue.

But today I have to do it, I have to take down my trees, I have to un-Christmas my house. Which leaves my house feeling as gloomy as outside feels all of January.

Under great protest, I am doing it, TODAY!

2009 was a great year for us. I think that we grow as a family through trials and tribulations. I think that having things happen to you, the good and the bad, makes you become a stronger family. And I think that my family only grows stronger everyday!

This is an overview of last year...

January...

We went Ice fishing. My Blog celebrated its 1st birthday.

February...

I really started taking more picutres and learning about my new camera and FALLING in love with photography. I started my "Ten things I love on Tuesday" which I loved doing and that only lasted a couple of months...which I also think that I am going to start doing again!

March...

My sister had her 3rd baby boy. I was there to witness the miracle. I loved it!

I took my first newborn shoot (of my sis and her baby), in which I credit as the start of my Photography business.

April...

April we finished some HUGE projects in our house. We cut down a huge tree in our backyard that ended up taking us forever to get rid of.

I had my 1st "official" photography job.

May...

My mom, Aniston, and I went to see Taylor Swift in concert. It was unforgettable.

I had 2 more photography jobs and was LOVING my new venture.

On to June...

We fished a lot this month. We enjoyed being outside and together.

July...

Aniston celebrated her 7th birthday (sniffle...sniffle). We rode in the parade. We fished.

Ryan and I went to the George Strait Concert for our anniversary. I did several photography shoots this month and learned a lot about it.

August...

Ryans youngest brother got married (in which I shot the whole wedding)We camped every single weekend.
Aniston started 2nd grade.

Emerson turned 3.
And we found out that we were going to welcome a new member to our family.

September...

We went to Lake Powell and had a fantastic time.

October...
October was a month of survival. I didn't feel well, but we survived!

November...

I turned 30 (yuck).

And we found out that our new baby was in fact a brother, just like the girls had said all along.

December...

We celebrated Christmas with Santa leaving us a cute, furry little present.

Last year was fantastic and now on to the New Year.

I am really not one make huge New Years Resoultions. Last year my resoultion was to never leave dishes in my sink. (Lame, right?) But it really has been the only resoultion that I have been able to keep. This year I have 3 things that I want to do.

1. Manage my time better.

2. Keep up my Laundry!

3. Run the 5k that I trained for last year.

Easy enough, right?

Our newest addition...

2009-12-27T08:58:00.000-08:00

Meet the newest addition to our family. Her name is Coco.

She was the hit of Christmas, and nothing else really mattered!

Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas

2009-12-23T08:13:00.000-08:00

I scrambled this year to get my Christmas Cards finished.

My husband fished every weekend in November,

(in which he caught his biggest fish so far...a 36 pounder...so it was soooo worth it)

Therefore getting a picture during the daylight hours was impossible, just about as impossible as being your own photographer.

Working last minute meant that Walmart lab was my only option, which wouldn't allow my design...

But...

WHATEVER,

They got done...

They relayed the message that I wanted,

and I learned my lesson!

I know that there are family and friends that didn't get one, because I didn't have addresses.

I am so sorry...but...

I am wishing you all a beautiful holiday,

with the day spent loving your children,

and enjoying your families,

and devouring yummy food!

Merry Christmas!

with love,

The Colby's

Our "REAL" Christmas Tree

2009-12-21T08:38:00.000-08:00

Our upstairs family room is "almost" completed, and as I was decorating our house for Christmas the upstairs family room felt sad. Sad, because it didn't have a Christmas Tree in it. So, I decided that we were going to get a tree for the sad family room. I really wanted a real one, but didn't want it to be bare and ugly.

I got an ad in the mail and Home Depot was selling real Christmas trees. We went to Richfield and picked us out a beautiful tree. We got it home, decorated it, and it smelt heavenly. Now I know why all you people like real trees.

The girls were so excited.

"We have never had a real tree before," said Aniston.

Exactly one week later it was dead! I mean, dead, like needles falling off, I was afraid of turning on the lights, dead.

We called Home Depot and they said bring it back. I un-decorated the tree and we took the dead, sad tree back to Richfield, and got a new one. We put it up again, and decorated it again.

Which was good because I didn't get any pictures of us decorating it before. So after all the fun with the "real tree". I think I am going to buy an artificial one after Christmas for the upstairs family room.

And half way though the decorating, this one was done. She was on the floor rolling around and being her silly self.

Boy, do I love these girls, and the Christmas season, and spending time decorating, un-decorating, and re-decorating Christmas trees with my family!

21 Weeks...

2009-12-08T08:42:00.000-08:00

Here we are at 21 weeks. I feel so good. I have so much energy during the day, but come 9:30 I am ready for bed. I can eat again and I want to! Christmas is the perfect time to "have to" gain weight. We are constantly eating YUMMY treats and snacks. I love it!

I have been feeling the baby move around a lot and I love it. I sort of feel selfish because I get to feel him all day and his daddy doesn't. The other night he was kicking pretty hard and Ryan did get to feel him and I think that he loves it too. I think that it is funny that you forget something so small as feeling the babies move and kick. It is an amazing feeling. I could just set there for hours and feel him move!

The girls are so cute and are so excited for their new little brother!

We haven't thought of any names yet. I have to see them before I can decide for sure.

Countdown to Christmas...

2009-12-07T07:48:00.000-08:00

I made this countdown board at a CK holiday retreat. I didn't finish it last year because I was insanely busy with my "homeade Christmas". My poor sweet kids got neglected and I felt like a horrible mother!!
So with a new and improved vision for Christmas this year, I finished this board and we are doing little activities everynight. And it is so much fun. The girls LOVE to pull the next slip to see what we are doing. They aren't hard, unrealistic things. They are fun little things like write a letter to Santa, and make ornaments for their tree, make treats, and stuff like that.

I just have to say that it has been so much fun not stressing about making every gift. I am not even close to finished shopping and I am not one bit stressed out about it. Everything will fall into place and I am determined to just set back and enjoy my time with my family.

Tonight our activity is to make hot cocoa and read a Christmas Story. I just found this recipe and how YUMMY does peppermint whipping cream sound. We are so topping our cocoa with this stuff tonight.

Find the recipe here...Peppermint whipped cream

I hope that you are all taking the time to enjoy the little things!!

It's Beginning to...

2009-12-04T09:22:00.000-08:00

Look a lot like Christmas

I am not done with my shopping...

I am not all the way done decorating...

But I do have a pretty good start...

But I am enjoying the season this year...

We have one tree decorated...

We have started our "Christmas Countdown"

with activities for everynight...

starting with our paper chain making

Ohh...this year we are going to have so much fun!

And my girls are going to be so happy come Christmas morning!

I really, REALLY love this season...

I'm So Thankful today...

2009-11-25T14:11:00.000-08:00

that these 3 call me mommy...

And just in case you couldn't tell...

We found out just hours ago that
we are having a boy!

Today I am feeling so many different emotions. I saw my sweet new baby for the 1st time today. I saw the reaction of my amazing husband and my beautiful little girls.

We are all healthy and so very Happy! We have so many things to be grateful for right now!

I just wish everyone a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Today...

2009-11-23T09:07:00.000-08:00

I have been really, really bad at posting something everyday for 30 days.

I have been really busy and really tired!! And I don't see an end in site for either one of those problems.

But due to Thanksgiving being in a few days I just wanted to take the time to jot down some things that I am thankful for.

Today... I am thankful for the oppurtunity I have stay at home and raise my family. I am thankful for the chance to work from home. I am thankful for my husband who supports our decision for me to stay home and give our children the security, love, and support that only a mother can give them.

Today I am VERY thankful to be a stay at home mommy!!

{10/30}

2009-11-13T07:43:00.000-08:00

I have been very bad at this 30 days of everyday. I just have been so busy with work and housework.

Anyone have those days when nothing goes as planned? I have them more than not!!

Ohhh, well...

Nothing has been going on around here. And since Ryan has banned christmas gift crafting, I am making a list of things that I want to do...

I want to make this... I found the tutorial here.

How cute is that to dress up a plain shirt with some jeans and my cute boots??

And, of course, Martha is going to show you how to make Peppermint bark right here.

I LOVE peppermint bark.

And I want to make one of these...

Because I am in love with scarves. I found the tutorial here.

And I am on a mission to "PERFECT" my Grandma Dallas Cinnamon Rolls. I know a few of you out there know what I am taking about. They were HEAVEN on earth. I found her recipie (after much searching) and I am going to figure them out, even if it takes me a million tries!!

So what are you making these days??

I am going to craft club tonight and I CAN'T wait.

I haven't made anything crafty for so long and I am having crafting-withdrawls.

And that is a real disease...TRUE STORY!!

And Last but not least...Happy Birthday Dad!! We love ya!

I still remember...

2009-11-09T08:31:00.000-08:00

"I still remember when 30 was old..." (deanna.carter)

And guess what...

I do remember when I thought that 30 was old. It really wasn't that long ago.

But the day has come...and gone...and I guess that now I am OLD!

It really wasn't that bad. My husband took me out for the day, just the two of us. It included shopping, a movie, a really good prime rib dinner, and a whole lot of adult conversation. I really didn't feel like it was my birthday, I really didn't feel like I was old. And then we got home that night and I was really tired, and my feet hurt from walking all day, and I was in bed before 10:00.

So I guess that I really am old!!

{9/30} I'm not going to lie...

2009-11-06T13:04:00.001-08:00

and I am not embarrassed about it either!
(and I am sort of sorry for this --->)

Yesterday I was working away, just setting here editing photos and I had a HUGE desire to hear some christmas music.
So, I went to Playlist and found my Christmas playlist and sang my Christmas-Lovin' heart out all afternoon.
Then I was so in the mood that I dug out my "Holiday Planner" (Yes! I have a holiday planner, Yes! I am a nerd, and Yes! I know of at least 2 other people who have one too) , cleaned out holiday plans from last year and made new copies of all the sheets for this year.
Then I got out my Gooseberry Patch Books and flipped through them and dreamed of what MY...oh I mean "OUR" perfect Holiday is going to be this year.
After last years Fiasco of my "only a Homeade Christmas". We ( and I mean, Ryan saying something similar to, "You are NOT making ANY gifts this year") have our game plan maped out and are starting this weekend. I am determined to enjoy the whole month of Decemeber, with as little stress as possible. I want to decorate until my heart is content, I want to bake until we can't possibly eat one more yummy thing, and I want to watch Christmas movies with my 3 little sweethearts, christmas tree lights twinkling beside us, and a fire popping and crackling in the background.

Oh... This year is going to be heavenly...I can already tell!!

{8/30}

2009-11-04T16:06:00.000-08:00

This isn't as much as an everyday in 30 days, but it is something that we all have to do every day.

Keeping a Clean House...

I don't know about you all, but when I have a clean house I have a better, happier, healthier attitude about everything. But I hate spending all morning cleaning so that when the kids come home from school, they leave a trail of mess, and then it is time for me to start dinner, which produces another mess.

So what is the secret? What is the key to keeping it all under control? I don't know, but I am going to figure it out.

The holidays always provide me with stress and little time for all the things that I want to do, so now is a perfect time to get it together.
I am totally open to tips, ideas, sharing stories of organizing and managing time better. Share, help, inspire.
I am here to document my journey to find balance between being a mom, a maid, a cook, a babysitter, a photo editor, and a photographer!

And I am starting here. The Fly Lady (thanks Mindy. I had seen this a while ago, but had forgotten about it). Her Detailed list of deep cleaning is where I am starting.

Wish me luck!!

{7/30}

2009-11-03T08:26:00.000-08:00

Week 15...

This week the baby is as big as an apple, or so says Baby Center .

I am still feeling tired and a little nauseous at times. I have had the worst heartburn, which makes me feel a little sick after eating. It is just a darn good thing that the moment that you hold these sweet little babies you forget all the yucky stuff!!

I finished Halloween mini session pictures yesterday and they turned out so cute. I had such a great time doing them. Thank you everyone who brought their cute kiddos to the shoot.

These 3 are the most important things to me.

They are the reason for everything that I do.

I just love them so much!

Now I am off to conquer and destroy my laundry!

How do you all do your housework? Do you do certain things each day of the week? Do you just take one or two days a week and clean everything? I am in need of a system. Anyone have a good system that works?

{6/30}

2009-11-02T12:15:00.001-08:00

Sundays are the best!

Sundays I get to make a big dinner for my family.

Chicken noodle soup and Homeade bread...YUMMY!!

Sundays I get help from my best assistants.

Sundays we get to not be hurried, rushed, or frantic.

Sundays we get to relax.

Sundays we get to watch the Yankees pull off another win.

Sundays are awesome!

{5/30}

2009-11-02T11:56:00.000-08:00

Halloween was a ball. My girls were adorable!

During my halloween shoots they played with my grandparents. They made pumpkin cookies. Played pumpkin ball with grandma and grandpa, and ate a lot of candy.

When we were done with pictures we went home to pick up dad and to go trick or treating. My little Snow White told me while we were walking to the next house that"Trick or Treating is so fun Mom".

We skipped out kind of early because I had a horrible headache and the Yankee game was on.

(any of you old cheerleaders remember this uniform??)

Halloween was a fun filled holiday that has came and gone. Thanksgiving we are ready for you next...

{4/30}

2009-11-02T11:48:00.000-08:00

This little girlie is wearing me out.

She is full of it! She talks non-stop. She changes her clothes every hour.

She never quits going and going. She is silly. She is full of laughter. She is full of tears. She is slightly spoiled. She is adorable. She says the funniest things. She hates being called a baby. She tells her daddy everyday at lunch that she missed him so much.

And then she is out...

And I love her and all her little ways!!

{3/30}

2009-10-29T16:38:00.000-07:00

Today we made some ghost suckers for our afternoon snack.

I found the idea Here.

So cute and so easy!

Mine didn't look as good as the recipe...but kids loved them anyway.

Who wouldn't love a white chocolate ghost sucker??

These 4 sure did!

{2/30}

2009-10-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

Ohh... Winter, what have you done to the beautiful Fall??

Fall is my favorite season. I could list a million things that I love about it. But Fall never seems long enough. Winter always comes way too soon and ALWAYS lasts too long!

My sweet, awesome, beautiful mom is having her "29th" birthday today.

Happy Birthday Mom. We love you so much!!

So we are going to dinner and then settling in for the night to watch the 1st game of the World Series. (go Yankees)

I have a few spots left open for Halloween Pictures. Stop by Here to get your time set up!

14 Weeks...

2009-10-27T14:32:00.000-07:00

I made it through my 1st trimester. 4 weeks ago I seriously didn't think that I would survive 4 more weeks of morning sickness, fatigue, and not being able to keep anything down. But I did! Yeah!!!

I just realized that during my 2 previous pregnancies I have two pictures of me with a belly. One with Aniston and one with Emerson, both at about 6 weeks away from my due date. Kind of sad... so I am going to try super hard to document this pregnancy better. It will probably be the last.

We went to the Dr. last week. We heard the heartbeat for the 1st time and it just makes me smile. I already love this little person so much.

I feel a lot better for the most part. I can eat now and I am trying to gain back the weight that I have lost.

The H1N1 Flu has got us a little freaked out. We have become germaphobics (if that is even a word). We should invest in Lysol and hand sanitizer stock.

We keep referring to life as "after the baby comes" or when the baby comes". We are really just super excited. I am trying to talk Ryan into not finding out what it is. But he doesn't think that he can wait. At our next appointment we will schedule an ultrasound. I am really not having a feeling either way about whether it is a boy or a girl. The girls are sure that it is a boy and talk at the dinner table every night about their "baby brother". How cute is that? I just really love them and think that they are going to absolutely love this sweet little baby to death!