alpacas

I have been so bad about posting lately. With Brinley's school, being pregnant, being a photographer, running errands for Matt, not feeling all that well, and trying to keep my house clean, I just haven't had time to just sit and post.

I am taking a few minutes out of hectic day of going to the bank for Matt, going to Costco, editing pictures, sending off pictures, picking up Cody from school, taking Cody to the dentist, getting the kidlings a snack, throwing up, running to the scrapbook store for some last minute craft supplies (for a craft to show you later) and all while I have had braxton hicks one after the other ALL DAY...don't worry, I know what real ones feel like...I am taking a well needed break.

But on to my alpaca post... Monday I took senior pictures for one of my absolutely GORGEOUS nieces... Natalie, who looks JUST LIKE her mother, Lori. Talk about a super easy subject to shoot. She's a natural. I have more pictures to post later.

She lives on this farm, well, it's slowly becoming a farm with all the animals they let hang out on their property, and it is the coolest place to take photos. This year, they have 5 alpacas and a couple of horses. While we were out in the fields, the alpacas started following us. They are a hilarious animal...
with a bad haircut. They would not leave us alone.
This one in particular loved having it's picture taken and smiled for the camera. These have got to be the nicest animal ever. They are really cute and sweet. We used to have a really ugly dog, named Zach, that totally looked like an alpaca or a llama.

When meeting an alpaca for the first time, you don't put your hand out to touch it, you stick your face down by their face and touch noses...interesting huh? but don't try to catch a whiff of their breath, it's not pleasant.

september 11th

not only was yesterday the 7th anniversary of 9/11 it would also be the day that my baby, Olivia, would have been 10 months old. I was quite busy, but my thoughts turned to what she would be doing if she were here, such as, pulling herself up on the furniture, getting into everything and jabbering away.
Since I had the photographer here from the Spokesman Review, I got the chance to go through Olivia's stuff. He wanted to take some photos of her things and I got to reminisce about all the wonderful memories I have of her. I guess it actually started when I had the interview on Tuesday,which I cried through, and then Wednesday night, I was called to go take photos at the hospital, right next to the room where I delivered Olivia. The door was open so I took a peek inside and the first thing I saw was the sink where Matt and I gave Olivia her bath. I remember my dad telling me that the back of my hospital gown was open. I was wearing those wonderful underwear things the hospital gives you, so I wasn't all that worried about it.
I can't believe how fast time has gone by. And to think that by Olivia's 1st birthday, we will have another little girl to add to the bunch...and we couldn't be happier about that.
On a happy note, exactly two months from today is Sarah Mae's due date. She better have a head full fo hair, because the indigestion and heartburn is just getting worse and something better come of the pain and suffering and i won't be suprised if I deliver a monkey...have you seen her hairy father?

Interview

On Monday, I got a phone call from a writer, Virginia de Leon, at the Spokesman Review, a local newspaper. Yesterday I was interviewed for an article in the family section about my experience with Olivia and about the Miss Foundation and the Forget Me Not Program. I am excited that I can get the word out about these great progams. I hope that my story will help other parents and families out there that need the encouragement that everything will be okay, that they can get through their tough time and that someone out there knows what they are going through.

Tomorrow, a photographer is coming to take a picture of me for the article. I am feeling large and very pregnant and I hope that they can photoshop out my second chin.

The article will be ran on September 22nd in the family section of the paper.

david and lucy

Matt's nephew, David, married an adorable girl, Lucy, and I got the privilege of taking their photos. So here is a sneak preview...




Congratulations you two!

Spokane County Interstate Fair

Friday night Brinley and I headed to the fair with my mom, Julie and Cody. A few highlights from our adventure:

Sarah is hanging out with the rabbits.

Cody and Brinley LOVED the bees, they thought bees were hilarious and just wouldn't stop laughing at them. Cody even found the queen bee.

Cody pointed out all the rides he didn't want to go on.

Every year, these guys from South America come and play music, trying to sell their CDS, and ever since Brinley was just a baby, she has to dance to their music. This year was no exception. In fact, I believe Julie has one of their CD's and puts it on to clean the house.
The kidlings had to go on a few rides. Brinley has been bugging me ALL Summer to go to the fair just to ride the rides.

And you can't leave ther fair without a few carnival prizes. Julie found these fantastic shades. Don't be jealous...you can get your own pair at the fair. You may see these beauties on a model or two on her ebay site. Brinley had to have a red monkey, which she will carry around for a year before she puts it down. This went to bed with her when we got home.

I have to say, the fair isn't quite as enjoyable when you are 7 months preggo and your feet are killing you.

belly

You never know how big you actually are, until... you see a picture of yourself.
And to think I still have 91/2 weeks to go. Sarah better come sooner than that. Yesterday at church, I was asked if i was having twins...sigh.

haircut

I ahve been wanting to cut my hair for what seems like ages. Matt's cute, adorable niece, Lindsay, is in town and she cut my hair. I LOVE it! Thank you Lindsay! I'll get better pics of it later. There is a lot I can do with it. Now I'll look good in the delivery room, as long as I can keep it trimmed.

Brinley-isms

As I wait for pictures to download...

here are a few things Brinley has said recently that made me laugh.

Brinley: "Mom, hurry! Come here!"

Me: (running to her bedroom) "Brinley whats wrong?"

Brinley: "Oh, good. You made it just in time."

Me: What is it Brinley?"

Brinley: "I tooted."

********

Brinley: "Mom, when Sarah Mae is born, can I teach her words?"

Me: "Sure."

Brinley: "I am going to teach her how to say chicken and crackers and toilet paper."

Labor Day Weekend

A few days late, this is my ONE YEAR BLOG ANNIVERSARY!

I had big plans to write something witty and cleaver and exciting...my brain is just not into it right now...I can't imagine why. So, happy anniversary to me.

This weekend has been crazy...

Right after school got out Friday, Brinley and I headed to Duvall, Wa with my parents, Julie and Cody.All these cousins got to be together for Makaela's baptism.And my cousin, Darla (my sister's twin)and her adorable family came up for the weekend also. We had such a good time. Next time, Jordan and Megan, you guys need to come. We would have loved to see you. Your girls would have fit right in with the rest of them.

Darla's adorable little June reminded me so much of Brinley.

These kids had so much fun together, even with all the fighting and whining.

We got home Sunday afternoon and visited with all of the Kunz family that came into town for Matt's newphew, David and Lucy's wedding this coming weekend.

Since Lori's birthday was today, we went to their house for a big Kunz family get together and celebrated her birthday.

Along with some target practice. Those Kunz girls sure love their guns. I think I would have joined them, except that I really didn't feel like it.

Lori also found a little snake that Brinley became obsessed with. She wasn't so sure about it until she finally touched it and then wouldn't quit touching it. But, she wouldn't touch it.

little school girl

Brinley's first day of kindergarten was today. She couldn't wait to get to school.Are you excited?...
"YES!!!!"

We went to a little "meet and greet" yesterday at the school. She got to pick out her own seat and found her cubby. Since Matt was able to go with us this morning, she showed him all around the room.

As soon as she dropped her bag by her name tag, she was out the door with a new friend, racing to the playground and didn't say a word to either of us. Matt was a little sad, I think he expected that she would hang out with her parents for a few minutes. Nope, not miss social butterfly. When the bell rang to get in line, she blew us a kiss, like "see ya later, you can go now". The little stinker.

I waited at the bus stop, a little early...okay, a lot early. She came off the bus with a HUGE smile, but was really disappointed that the bus trip was short. We live like 2 blocks from the school. It's nice to be able to have your kid dropped off practically at your door step.Me: "What was your favorite part of school?"

Brinley: "The playground."