A Whole Lot of Backtracking

Remember when I went on what some would call a blogging hiatus? It wasn't intentional. It was simply because I was super busy. But during that time, I did all sorts of fun things, that I just can't help but share, and for posterity's sake, must be recorded.

Immediately after we quit our jobs, we went ahead and moved again, because we love moving. Especially when its to my sister's house. She provides us with shelter. She feed us. She watches my kids. She helps us with our business. She's AMAZING. And all I have to do in return, is cook and clean. (I think she is getting the short end of the stick, but shhhhhhhh....... don't tell her).

One of the things I just didn't get around to posting, is very important. Very.

Now just look at my work! I obviously have a green thumb. We feasted on cucumbers, beans,and tomatoes all summer long. The peppers didn't really work out so well, so I went ahead and bought those from Costco. Better luck next time I guess. And those carrots? WHAT? I couldn't bring myself to eat them, but I had to have a picture of the weirdos!

Although I was sad to leave my little garden behind . . . . . I am hopeful that the next tenants will have their way with it next spring . . . . . and I will go ahead and build myself a new one wherever it is I am living. Maybe. I am an awfully busy girl.

We went ahead and opened our own studio. Its small, but its going to be dang awesome once we are finished. We have been so very blessed, and business has been booming, however, we refuse to go into one cent of debt, so every penny we have made, has been put back into the business thus far. Very soon we will be installing our new flooring, and then I will share some pictures of the inside. We are having the time of our lives, and are so grateful for our clients. I am positive that this is going to get even more amazing for us.

I may be a little partial, but it helps that my husband is the best photographer around these parts. And I'm not just saying that because I love him. Its true. He knows what he is doing. He is very professional (he is a professional), and works so well with people. People LOVE him. He is kind to children, and he doesn't offend or say perverted things to anyone . . . . . fancy that! Only 7 more print credits and this Daddy has his Masters in Photography. That's my boy!!!

One of the things that we have never been able to do, until this year was visit the Pumpkin Patch on the other side of the state . We were always too busy working. This year it finally happened. We went for the weekend and stayed with our cousins. They are AWESOME. They spoil us rotten and always make us feel so welcome, even with our naughty kids who destroy their homes! Thank you Cousins. We LOVE you!

I went ahead and spent Halloween working. Naturally I dressed up as a Witch (the least slutty one I could find . . . . . Walmart doesn't have very many options you know). Damon took the kids to the Trunk or Treat. If you haven't noticed yet . . . . . we like to dress up. He is such a good sport.

My Brother in law is a Captain in the Marines. He hired us to come down and take pictures at their Marine Corps Ball.

You will notice a couple of things about these pictures. First, my nostrils are completely lopsided . . . . . .and I have photographic evidence for all of you unbelievers. Second, and ever so exciting . . . . there are ABSOLUTELY NO KIDS IN THIS CAR!!! That's right. We ditched the kids, drove down to Southern California to take Marty his new truck, photographed the MC Ball, made some good money, bought Marty's old truck from him for Damon to drive, take a bunch of family pictures, we were fortunate enough to visit our sister Emily, and some great college friends, and then drove that new rig of Damon's home (like I said . . . . Damon driving a big truck = sexy. Peace out Man Van).

I must have really needed this break. Usually I am a complete wreck when I have to leave my kids for more than a day, but to be honest. I could have stayed gone for another week. It was WAY too much fun.

My delicious sister Mamie and her ever so handsome husband Marty.

Of course I have never been to a Marine Corp Ball, so I had no clue what to wear. After only minutes of deliberation, I went ahead and picked my best Target dress. I am so fancy like that.

It was an honor to be in the same room with so many men and women who serve this great country. I loved it. There also happened to be some great grub. However, I have to say that the drunk dancing after the ceremony was by far my favorite part. . . . . and I just so happened to post this very appropriate facebook status update while there:

Dear Drunk Girl in the Red Dress at Marine Corps Ball:

If you are going to pull your dress above your head while dancing, you should consider wearing underwear.

Love Always and Forever, the Picture Lady

Dr. Erin Hudson . . . . . my sexy little roommate from Hawaii, all grown up running her hugely successful Chiropractic/Massage clinic. . . . . where she sent us to be rubbed down. Nice. Very nice!

Skinners . . . . our great friends from our Hawaii days. We conveniently showed up around brunch and went ahead and partook of her Betty Crockerness. Now I am going to have to learn how to make waffles NOT from a toaster. Thanks a lot Laura, for showing my husband what real food is!

My Kristen . . . . . .There are no words that can describe my love for her. . . . . . But I can describe this . . . . her blog is my absolute FAVORITE. Hilarious in every way. Feel free to check it out. You WILL NOT be sorry.

click here

Another delicious sister and her gorgeous family. I miss her. And (for reals) all six of her kids.

When my sister Bekie and her husband came to pick up our kids before we left on this trip, I just happened to tell them about Gary. Gary = Lila. Lila . . . .aka . . . . Toots, is our third girl child. She gets lots of hand me downs. And lots of those hand me downs are from our friends who have boys. Because I simply don't care, I let her wear some of those boy clothes to sleep in. And . . . well . . . . she looks exatly like a boy. So Damon just started calling her Gary one night. Why Gary? Well, because it was the first name that popped into his mind, and according to Damon, is a very manly name. I beg to differ. I would have chosen LeRoy or Dwayne. Brett found this very entertaining.

On our drive home, Mamie was sleeping in the back. We had a great book on tape going, I was minding my own business driving down the highway, when Damon starts laughing like a drunken school girl. You know, the high pitched, uncontrollable, belly laugh that goes on and on for what seems like an eternity. Of course I wanted to know what all the fuss was about. He kindly showed me this email that he had just recieved. . . . . . .

Hey guys,

We just wanted to let you know what a pleasure it was to have Gary accompany us to church today. The nursery lady said “He sure liked to scream at everyone, other than that, he was a very well behaved little boy.”

Drive careful.

Tio & Tia

. . . . and next thing I know, all three of us are laughing uncontrollably like drunken school girls, (and we all know what happens when I laugh to hard). They took her to church and fooled everyone there, just for the photo opp! I find this absolutely hilarious.

Special thanks to my Tara, who loaned Tio and Tia the boy clothes. However, when Gary/Lila/Toots grows up with gender identity issues, I will point all fingers at Tio Brett (and perhaps Damon). You two can pay for her/his counseling.

And now I am all caught up. Stayed tuned. . . . . For I have a very inspired blog coming up . . . . all about Dirt Bags.