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.

Holiday Rundown

I'm not usually an emotional person. . . . . . . so this Holiday Season, I was quite shocked at the plethora of feelings escaping from my own self. Perhaps its because I am getting older, maybe a little more mature (finally), and have come to the realization of how truly blessed I am. I have never been so poor yet felt so rich. I have never been so stressed yet happy. I have never been so overwhelmed with gratitude yet speechless . . . . . . because I have no idea how to truly thank so many family members and friends who have helped my little family in so many ways.

And to those of you working behind the scenes . . . . . . I don't know who you are, but thank you. Thank you for being so kind and generous. Thank you for being such an example of service and selflessness. Because of you, we have been able to make it through these last four months, a time which should have been the hardest in our lives but instead have been completely amazing. I cannot wait for the day, very soon I hope, when I can do for others what you have done for me and my family. What a blessing it has been for us to have people like you caring about us. We love and appreciate you.

And now . . . . . I present you our 2009 Holiday Season.

It all started off with an amazing Apricot Lane Ugly Christmas Sweater Party.

I'm not sure if you noticed . . . . but I think I have finally found a talent, as I made these sweaters. Yes. Its true. Except mine of course. That was a Mamie creation. . . . . and an amazing one at that. I live for Ugly Sweaters. Next year's party cannot come soon enough.

Christmas

We had a very quiet Christmas. Opened a few presents in the morning with Damon's family, and then I headed to work at the theater for the day. NEVER go watch movies on Christmas day. Its the busiest day of the year. I found it quite amusing that so many people got so upset that they were not the only ones at the theater, and how could everything be sold out? Duh.

We had a feast of Tacos for dinner when I got home, and hit the sack, as I was plain bushed after a long day of serving popcorn.

Our stockings are in storage and we just never had the time to go find them, so Santa was kind enough to leave some gifts in some very festive re-usable bowls for the girls. Nice. They have been used many times since. Thank you Santa!

Christmas PJ's from Momo and Erika. Thank you . . . . So Adorable!

10 years

On December 29, Damon and I celebrated our 10th anniversary. I feel like every anniversary is very special, but for some reason, this one meant more to me than all the others so far. We have come a long way in the 17 years we have known each other. I had big plans of how I wanted this day to be, and it turned out nothing like I expected. I wish I had some beautiful wedding pictures and a romantic story to to post here (obviously a very sore subject) but I don't. Maybe for our 11th anniversary. I can dream right?

New Years Eve.

I don't know how we ever got so lucky. We have some of the most AMAZING friends ever, who invited us over (okay, I kind of invited us over, but they graciously accepted my offer). Not only did Gabe make us an 8 pound Prime Rib, but they allowed us to eat a good 5 pounds of it. Thats right. Damon ate about three and I ate about two. This is not a joke. I figured I have been eating my brains out since Thanksgiving, I might as well finish off 2009 with some good old fashioned gluttony. And why stop at the Prime Rib? Four large servings of Lemon Blueberry Trifle, and a huge side ache later, we were on our way home with our three naughty kids to sleep off this food drunkenness. I was literally hung over the next day. I didn't put a thing in my mouth until about 2pm when I went ahead and ate the other four servings of said Trifle that was left over. I'm an animal.

Dodge Ball

Why not start the year off with a fun filled night of dodge-ball? Mamie and I planned and executed our first party. What a smashing success. For all of you who weren't there, I feel bad for you, because you truly missed out. Never fear though, as we are already planning our next one for April when Nish comes home. Until then, I will be practicing my dodging, and throwing as I am obviously WAY out of shape. I played only 1.5 of the 7 or so games and I can barely move the right side of my body.

Yes . . . . Damon is VERY serious about this outfit.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnd . . . . . thats a wrap. Happy 2010!

32

I know its hard to believe . . . . but its that time of year again. The day that we celebrate my blessed birth. Its also hard to believe that I am 32, when I don't feel a day past 29.

In honor of my birthday, I went ahead and skipped that whole showering thing, and there was really no sense in dirtying up a perfectly clean outfit when the sweats, dirty white t-shirt, and jacket that I had worn to bed the night before were perfectly acceptable.

I spent the majority of the morning looking for my phone that The Toots stole from my room. No luck. If any of you need to get a hold of me . . . . sorry. I don't know what to tell you. Maybe Santa will bring me a new phone for Christmas.

Seeing as how I had many errands to run, Mamie and I opted to drive around on the ice covered roads. It made for a very nervous diarrhea cramping filled morning..... as I simply did not want to die on my birthday. She was kind enough to treat me to lunch at the lovely Costco diner. By the time we were on our way home, it was just warm enough that only the side roads were treacherous. Phew!

I went ahead and made myself some delicious birthday grub. I had a few of my fans there, Damon and my girls, Mamie and her brood, my brother Brian, Dustin and Charee, and of course Chase. It was what some would call a "fiesta." Of course it included Enchiladas, chips, ice water, some not so good rice, plastic plates (only the best up in here) and to top it all off . . . . . da da DA DA.........

.....my birthday, just wouldn't be my birthday without my favorite lemon blueberry trifle, and me posing in front of it.

Next on the agenda . . . . . the wonderful gifts I was showered with! I'm pretty domestic these days, so naturally I asked for an apron about three months ago for my birthday. Mamie and Damon whipped this up. You will notice it is double sided....... I think I will wear the small dots on the days I am feeling hefty, as the large dots will probably add about 10 pounds . . . .but other than that, you really can't go wrong with either side.

This heater is more awesome than you will ever know. Mamie got it for me, for Team Fairchild to use at our studio. It gets a bit nippy in there right now, but this will clear that problem right up, and Damon will be able to continue taking beautiful portraits and be warm at the same time. I'm sure our clients will appreciate it too!

Of course Erika spoiled me rotten! I cannot explain how much I LOVE this girl. I don't know how I ever got so lucky! I can't wait to wear this sweater and bracelet. D-LISH! Speaking of d-lish . . . . . .

.....did you know these truffles are the most amazing things in the world? They are my favorites. And she knows that. I think this double pack might last me until tomorrow!

If you haven't heard of the Epilogues......you're missing out. I will wear this shirt with pride. Probably every day, because I love them, and it just so happens that I am also a sucker for t-shirts.

All in all .. . . this was a very delightful birthday. I am just tickled pink to be 32.

And now . . . . . .if you are still reading (it seems as though no one is reading my blog anymore . . . . . I really don't blame you, as I have been slacking quite a bit) here are 32 things about me.

1. I think people who don't wash their hands after they go to the bathroom are gross, especially if its number two . . . . .. DISGUSTING . . . . . . I would go as far as labeling them a "dirt bag."

2. I have LOTS of gray hair......which is why I am now a fan of dying my hair dark.

3. I amuse myself on a regular basis.

4. I barely played my guitar that I got for my birthday last year. Too busy. But that is going to change . . . . I hope.

5. I don't swear as much as I used to . . . . . out loud anyway.

6. I would rather go on a road trip and drive for two days, then fly. I hate flying.

7. I do not miss my old job. Not even one bit. If I would have known how much I would NOT miss it . . . . . I would have quit YEARS ago.

8. I LOVE my new job. I LOVE to dress up, I LOVE to meet new people, and I LOVE my bosses . . . . .however . . . . as I mentioned before, I will NEVER abandon my love for sweats. NEVER.

9. I LIVE for White Elephant gifts.

10. Many people say their first impression of me is not so good. I don't let it bother me . . . . because the people who have told me that, are all very close friends . . . . . and know how I really am. BUT . . . . I have been working on being more friendly. I kind of get in my own little world and zone out. . . . .and forget to smile, and sometimes . . . I just plain don't have anything to say (I know that might be hard to believe, but its so very true), or forget to say hi. Like I said . . . . I'm working on that!

11. I love Facebook.

12. I LOVE Russell on Survivor. He is a crazy little guy . . . . and I hated him at first . . . but I hope he wins.

13. I haven't worked out since August. Except when I went ahead and ran that half marathon......but I'd rather not talk about that.

14. I like Winter.

15. I think Damon looks WAY sexier driving a truck than a man van.

16. I love working with teenagers. And it just so happens that I do. A lot. They are most entertaining.

17. I do not love working with children. I have NOT the patience. Its hard enough dealing with my own, let alone everyone else's, BUT I am so grateful, for those that DO. I am truly amazed by you!

18. I am going to write a book someday.

19. I tend to follow the rules. For some reason, I've always been aware of consequences in life. It seems that when I follow the rules . . . . good things happen, and when I don't . . . . Not so good . . .therefore . . . I play it safe.

20. If people are tailgating me . . . . I go slower. . . . . because thats what they taught me to do in traffic safety.

21. I've lost 14 pounds since August. I'm guessing its because I've been so busy.

22. I still can't stand Liars . . . . . or Hypocrites.

23. I hate waking up in the morning.

24. I'm having a hard time coming up with 32 things. I think this is the last year I will do this.

25. I have a very special place in my heart for blueberries.

26. I wear mismatching socks most days.

27. I don't like doing crafts . . . . . but I like to watch other people do them.

28. I like to wash dishes, but I hate putting them away.

29. I have learned to ask for help these last few months. Its really hard.

30. When I get nervous, I laugh . . . . . and usually end up with this crazy lisp which doesn't make the stupid things I say sound any better.

31. I am physically and emotionally exhausted most days, but wouldn't trade my life right now for anything. I've got a pretty good one. I've got a talented husband who works hard and continues to adore me, three beautiful little drama queens, the best friends and sisters a girl could ask for, a roof over my head and food to eat (thanks to Mamie) and many . . . . MANY more good things to come.

32. With all my flaws, which are quite abundant, I still like myself. . . . . and I find nothing wrong with that.

Thanksgiving Festivities 2009

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love food. I love family. I love relaxing (so rare for me). This year was very relaxing. So much so . . . . . that not one swear word left my mouth. I know, I know. . . . . . a Thanksgiving miracle.

We spent the morning watching Damon at the Turkey Bowl. He was the QB for his team, and only informed me about 20 times that day that he threw 9 touchdown passes. I am 100% positive I will be hearing of this until next years Turkey Bowl. He doesn't dwell on football or anything.

I am becoming quite domestic in my old age. I can whip up a mean Thanksgiving dinner. We had a quiet little one at home with Mamie, Marty, and kids. We are shacked up with them, so obviously it was meant to be (after turning down the numerous offers from other family members, we decided to go it alone). It was a blast. We hung out, and watched The Toots pick her nose, made fun of Damon for wearing his football jersey all day long (did you know he threw 9 touchdown passes?) gorged ourselves, and took a long afternoon nap. Later on, I took myself, my big girl Edyn, and Lauren to meet my SIL Charee (she rocks) and BIL Dustin (he's not too shabby either) to see "The Blind Side." It was such a good movie. A must see. And THAT I am grateful for, as I had to make up for wasting two and a half hours of my life watching "New Moon" the previous week.

And . . . . . to kick off the Holiday Season . . . . . a special gift from me to you.

You're welcome.

Team Fairchild

I knows its been a while, but I just can't help it. I've been a VERY busy girl. I'll do you all a favor and get straight to the point, and try to make it short.

After 7 years of working for a company . . . . . knowing for about 6.5 of those years that it wasn't the right place for us, hoping things would change, trying to endure, and ultimately lacking the faith or courage to do what we knew was right, we finally got some balls and quit at the end of August. We had no idea that this was the time our resignation would transpire, and our lives had literally been turned upside down within a matter of about three days. . . . . . . but let me tell you something . . . . . . . . It is the best thing we have ever done. Our only regret is that we didn't do it A LONG time ago.

Although we will be forever grateful to our former employer for all he did for us, we feel freedom that we have never felt. We are in control of our own lives. We are DIRT POOR . . . . . but we LOVE life. And the great thing is . . . . . is that it just keeps getting better and better. Funny how that works . . . . . when you finally do what is right, how things just fall into place.

We have started our own business. . . . . . . Hence the title of this post (no that is not the name of our business, but we are a team, and we are gonna kill it out there)! It is doing PHENOMENAL! Damon has a long term sub job that is paying the bills. I got a job at my friends store in the mall . . . . Apricot Lane. LOVE IT! I kind of feel a little guilty that I get paid to look hot (suddenly I am into being fashionable. . . . . However, I will never abandon my love for sweats and dirty white T-shirts) and be nice to people (contrary to popular belief . . . . i can be nice).

People have come out of the wood work to help us. Friends and Family are helping us in ways I would have never imagined. . . . . . . . . . some behind the scenes. I will never know who you are, and its killing me, but if you are reading this, please know how grateful I am to you!

Now . . . . . any of you who know me well, know of my anxiety issues. . . . . . know how much the world scares me . . . . . . and know how much I think and dwell on all the bad there is out there . . . . . . . BUT I have been brought to tears (sobbing . . . . . which is VERY rare for me) of happiness and gratitude for all that has been done for me and my little family in this very challenging, yet amazing time in our lives. It has helped me to realize, how much GOOD there is is the world. . . . . . . How there are so many people who love us, and are rooting for us, who want us to succeed, and just plain care for us more than I could have ever imagined. I can't stop thinking about how this is supposed to be one of the worst times in our lives, broke as a joke, no house, so busy we can barely breathe . . . . . . . YET . . . . . . I have NEVER been happier. We have truly been blessed.

Team Fairchild . . . . . . We're in this together!

That's all for now. I've got a movie night with my kids to get to. More to come later. I promise it will be sooner than three months. Its going to take me about two or three years days just to catch up on all my DVR'd shows and the blogs I read!