Four the Love...

Yeah....

2011-06-02T19:41:00.002-07:00

Last Days of September

2010-10-02T12:32:00.003-07:00

My family spends quite a bit of time together.

Birthdays, holidays, football...you name it, we like to celebrate it.

So, it's no surprise that I would want to attempt to capture some memories.

You'll usually find me, camera in hand, trying to be inconspicuous so I can get some candids.

maybe you'll find me trying to get one of the many kids (adults, too) to pose for a picture of two for me.

Vivienne and her dad.

Mikel and Gabbi

Cardinals fans

Grace

We've also been spending Saturday mornings at the playground in our neighborhood.

It's still way too hot.

Hopefully (Arizona) Fall weather is on it's way.

Leksi will always pose for a picture for me.

I had to bribe Jayci...

Sick

2010-10-02T12:30:00.003-07:00

I'm back.

After a couple of weeks with bronchitis, I'm happy to say that I'm alive.

Lungs (hopefully) unharmed.

That means that after 2 weeks off, I'm back to blogging.

Experimenting

2010-09-17T13:54:00.003-07:00

I felt that I was in need of a watermark.

I had no clue how to go about making one, but I did know how to make a brush in Photoshop.

Here are a few pics with the watermark:

What do you think?

Not that bad, eh?

Chase was Frustrated

2010-09-10T12:42:00.004-07:00

I don't get it.

How do photographers get toddlers and preschoolers to stay still long enough to take a picture? I try to get both Roxy and Chase looking at the camera at the same time,

but this is the best that I got:

Maybe I need a new technique.

Some sort of game that I can play with them to get them to look at the camera for 30 seconds.

I do realize that 30 seconds can be a lot to ask of such young kids, but one can hope, no?

I guess that it doesn't help that my 50mm lens doesn't auto focus with my camera.

Focusing takes up some time.

------------------------------------

Over the holiday weekend I talked Ian into taking me to a Val Vista Lakes to take some pictures in front of the beautiful waterfall at the clubhouse.

I was also informed that there was a tunnel that ran underneath the street.

It was pretty awesome.

I think I got some neat shots, but, of course, they could be better.

The kids didn't want to cooperate, but that's not out of the norm for them.

Chase later told me that he was "frustrated" and that he would "be happy next time" I take pictures.

What a kid. I swear, that child can be the most hyper thing, but he melts my heart.

Roxy was grumpy.

I think she was miffed at me because I wouldn't let her run around.

Chase was mad at me, or frustrated, I guess when I made him sit on a rock all by his lonesome.
I think he got nervous being close to the water, which is understandable.

If looks could kill:

The next minute though, there's that smile.

Roxy wouldn't sit without Ian, but I got a nice shot out of it.

Once again, she wouldn't look at the camera.

Once we got into the tunnel, Chase wanted to do nothing more than run up and down.
He did stop for a hot second, thankfully.

I got a great silhouette shot of Roxy and then one of Ian and the kids.

They're my favorites, I think.

In the end, it was way too hot to get a good amount of shots, but I got a few.

I can't wait until (Arizona) Autumn.

Trains

2010-09-09T08:54:00.003-07:00

Chase loves trains. Actually, he loves anything that goes, but trains are one of his favorites.

Since her big brother likes trains, so does Roxy.

Some mornings and afternoons are spent putting tracks together and sending the trains down.

Lately, though, Chase has gotten more elaborate with his train track creations.

He puts lego-esque blocks underneath the tracks and connects those to a covered bridge and creates a slide out of the tracks.

Then they send the train (in this case, it's Percy) down the tracks, through the bridge and down to the end.

Not only does Chase enjoy playing with the trains, but Roxy has a ball, too.

I love when my kids get along.

Reading is Fundamental

2010-09-01T18:37:00.004-07:00

Roxy loves to read.

Well, she can't read, so she loves to be read to.

When she's ready to read, she'll sit down on her pillow and wait.

Sometimes patiently.

Sometimes not so patiently.

However, once you do as she asks, she's a happy camper.

All smiles and love.

Waiting for Daddy

2010-08-27T14:20:00.006-07:00

Usually when Roxy wakes up from nap, she's happy as a clam.

All smiles.

And then she asks for Daddy

So we play

And read

Then we play more. So engrossed in our fun, time passes quickly.

Before we know it, Daddy comes home.

And off into the sunset we go.

Summer Days Pt. 1

2010-08-27T13:26:00.014-07:00

Personally, I loathe Arizona summers.

They're hot. So hot that they become boring and cabin fever usually ensues.

Luckily, we have a kiddie pool for Chase and Roxy to splash around in.

The upside is that fun is sure to be had and smiles are sure to be abundant.

The downside is the heat gets to you quickly some days.

Sunglasses are needed for style and safety.

When it's time to get out, the crying begins.

Soon, though, comes the realization that there's no harm in being inside.

And there are more smiles

And more smiles.

I'm Such a Slacker

2010-08-26T14:02:00.003-07:00

I'm a horrible blogger.

Really, I'm bad.

I'm going to update this badboy, though.

Pictures pt. deux

2009-06-12T13:41:00.009-07:00

Joselyn's graduation/birthday cake
Joselyn's graduation. Manda also got her GED (finally :P)

My siblings: Daniel, Manda, and Marissa
Daniel and my Dad

Jayci
Graci

Nathan
Mikel
Gabbi Leksi and Jayci. Aren't sister sweet?

My dad, niece Bria, and stepmommy Kareen with the kids in UtahIan and his grandmother, Jude.
Chase and Daddy
Here are a couple pics of my seester Camille and her hubs Mike. I love these two.

I had the opportunity to take pictures of my cousin Joselyn for graduation. She's so gorgeous, so I really enjoyed shooting her.

If you made it this far and looked at all of the pics, I applaud you! :P

Pictures.

2009-06-12T12:55:00.003-07:00

I love love love taking pictures of kids. They are the best (and worst) subjects. I'm very very lucky that I'm part of a family that has really beautiful children.

Roxy and Daddy

Chase and his cousin Graci

Chase and Tia Manda

Chase and his cousin Leksi

Look at those pretty pretty eyes.
Pick me up!

Chase loooooves to brush his teeth!

When Roxy was born she was 'tongue-tied', yeah I don't think she is anymore. Sticking her tongue out like Gene Simmons is her new favorite hobby.

She passed out.

Ugh

2009-06-11T00:59:00.002-07:00

I so so so cannot believe that I haven't updated this bad boy in more than 3 months! I am the epitome of a slacker. This post, I guess, is mostly to catch up. Then next post(s) will be chock full o' pictures.

In mid-April our family got news that my great-grandfather (my kids' great-great grandfather) had terminal cancer and the doctors said that he'd pass in about a month. My mom and her siblings immediately took a trip up to Utah to visit their grandfather. They had a really nice visit, but the night before they made the trip back here to Arizona my grandfather slipped into a coma shortly after speaking to the one grandchild he had yet to. So, we made the trip up to Utah for the funeral. It was so odd to be at my grandmothers house and not hear my gramps hollering at one of the kids to stop running and to see his chair empty was sad. There was a viewing, the first I'd ever been to, and it was horrible. You go in thinking that you'll be able to control your emotions, that you'll be okay. But when you turn that corner and see that casket all bets are off. You crumple into a big heap of tears, snot and heartbreak. The next morning was the funeral. It was held at the same Catholic church that my great-grandparents had been going to for 50+ years. It's a bit surreal to walk into that church and have all eyes, seemingly, on you. When I think of the phrase "walking down the aisle" this isn't what comes to mind. The funeral mass was lovely and my grandfather would have liked it. After mass we went to the mortuary for the burial service. I've been to one of these. I've heard the weeping of a family as they say their last goodbyes to their loved one. My grandfather was a WWII vet. He served proudly in the Navy and he was in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1o941, where the ship he was on was sunk and he was lost at sea for 3 days. So, he had military honors given to him. The "21 gun salute" felt like a gaping hole was where my heart was supposed to be. The part that I will never ever forget is my cousin, who graduated from the Naval Academy, in his dress whites, handing my grandmother the American flag.

Since then, I really haven't been motivated to do much. Hence, no blog updates. But, life doesn't cease to exist just because you don't blog it, and kids make that much more apparent.

Chase is almost 2 1/2 and he is getting so big! He knows most colors, he can count to 14 backwards and forwards, he knows shapes and he is talking more and more each day.

Roxy is such a happy girl, except when you ignore her. She is due for her 6 month checkup, so I'm anxious to see where she is stats-wise and developmentally. She's getting on her hands and knees and rocking back and forth, but when she tries to move forward she end up faceplanting!

Ian is working as hard as ever. I don't think that I tell him how much I appreciate how hard he works to support our family.

Next post will have pics!

Tuesdays....

2009-03-03T15:46:00.003-07:00

50mm

2009-02-28T16:52:00.003-07:00

I got a 50mm f/1.8 lens or the "nifty fifty" on Friday! It was a steal, and I must say that it's an awesome little lens for the price! So, here are a few pictures that I took to play:

I'm a Horrible Blogger...

2009-02-13T00:52:00.002-07:00

I know, I know. I'm horrible. This is just a quick update before I go to bed. Chase and Roxy are doing great. Chase has recently had a language explosion. He can count 1-10, he remembers a lot of the songs from Dora the Explorer. He's growing so quickly. It's hard to believe that he was once Roxy's size, and conversely, I can't imagine Roxy being Chase's size. Roxy is growing quickly. At her last appointment, she weighed 12 lbs. She's super long and has been holding her head up for several weeks now. She's also tongue-tied, so we are in the process of getting a consult to get her frenelum clipped. Now, for pictures:

More pictures....

2008-12-17T23:08:00.003-07:00

Pictures

2008-12-09T13:42:00.003-07:00

Roxy Simone

2008-11-29T23:06:00.004-07:00

Roxy Simone Dunmire arrived on Monday, Nov. 24th at 9:23am. She weighed 8lbs 11oz and was 19.5 in. She is doing great. She's nursing pretty well. Big brother Chase loves her and is adjusting well. I'll quit typing now and give you all what you really want: PICTURES!

Monday, Monday, Monday!

2008-11-20T13:34:00.002-07:00

I cannot believe Monday is 4 days away! Then, I'll finally have my body back to myself! Oh yeah, and a new little baby in my arms. Right now, I'm washing baby clothes so I can decide what to dress Roxy in for the trip home. Then, I have to pack a bag for Chase. He's going to be away from me for 5 nights! I'm going to miss him so so so so much! I'll probably cry. At least he'll be getting spoiled with my parents. Then I need to decide what I need to pack. I despise packing.
I'm so so so excited that Twilight comes out at midnight! I've got my ticket and I'll be in line at 1030pm! Hope to see some of you there!

37 weeks.

2008-11-12T10:06:00.002-07:00

Time has flown, as has November. I had my 37 week OB appt this morning, and it was fast and boring. I gave my urine sample as usual (no protein like last time, whew!) then I was promptly weighed. I've lost weight (which is the norm for me) and the doc said that she was proud (yeah, me too, Doc!). Then we proceeded to the exam room where the medical assistant took my blood pressure (and didn't tell me what it was, which irks me) and listen to Roxy's heart. This took a few minutes. You see, Roxy doesn't like to be poked and prodded, so she moves away. She finally laid still for a moment and her heart rate was 139. Then the medical assistant told me that the doc would be in momentarily. While waiting, I browsed a Pottery Barn catalogue, which I only dream to be able to purchase from (PB is tres expensive!). The doc came in, asked me how I was feeling, and I told her that I had been having a lot of contractions. She said that if I feel as if I'm going into labor to just go to the hospital and they'll check me. If I'm dilated at all, they'll just do the c-section. So, I guess Roxy could be here any day now, but at the most 12 days.

**as you can ascertain from this blog entry, my OB appointments are now very boring. The upside is that I only have one left!**

Good Times in America!

2008-11-05T05:42:00.002-07:00

I'm so happy that our nation has finally reached a point where we can look past the color of a persons skin and look inward to their heart. I'm so proud that my children will live in a nation where they can be anything that they want, including President.
Congrats to President Elect Barrack Obama!
Also, thank you Sen. John McCain for your service and undying loyalty to America.
His concession speech was amazing (minus the boos- what was that about?) and hopefully he'll get a cabinet position!

In other news, only 3 weeks left! I'm so done with this pregnancy and I can't wait to see baby Roxy and enjoy my time with my children!

Herro

2008-10-29T22:45:00.002-07:00

We had family birthday party on Sunday where we celebrated 4 birthdays! It was fun. I just wanted to share some pics. :)

And here are my grandparents with all of their grandchildren (excluding 1) and their great-grandson (Chase).

Also, only 4 weeks left until Roxy is here! I can't wait to get her outta me! :)

Day Trippin'

2008-10-13T02:43:00.004-07:00

On Saturday, we took a trip to Suprise to visit some family visiting from Utah. It was a nice, chilly day. I loved it. Chase played outside most of the day....

Chase and Daddy had a talk about football...

And Chase actually LOOKED at the camera! He never does that!

I've Been Tagged...

2008-10-08T15:40:00.003-07:00

So, I've been tagged. The object is to find the 6th picture in the 6th folder of your pictures.

Wow. Chase was little. Awwww.

Ok, I tag whoever hasn't done this yet.

We have a date!

2008-10-07T00:22:00.002-07:00

It's official: we have the c-section scheduled. Barring any emergencies, the surgery will be on November 24th at 9am. That's only 7 weeks away! I have so much to do, but it's nice to have a date to look forward to.

Park Time

2008-09-25T16:16:00.002-07:00

We decided to take Chase to the park on Monday evening. He had tons of fun. All he wanted to do was run in the grass and chase after the big kids who were practicing for cross country.

Baby Roxy

2008-09-12T22:50:00.002-07:00

Looks like I'll be having this little girl around Thanksgiving (the Monday before or the Friday after). I can't wait to meet her and to see if she looks like her big brother.

Photo Sesh.

2008-08-21T14:57:00.003-07:00

I'm so excited that I got to take some engagement photos of my awesome friends Nicole and Robert. I had a lot of fun (even though it was super hot) and I hope to be able to have the opportunity to take photos more often. So, if anyone needs family/pregnancy/baby/whatever pictures taken, I'm here! :)

Just Because

2008-08-09T13:25:00.004-07:00

I really need to get back to photography. I'm a super-slacker. I wish I was good enough to get a business going, but I don't know. Okay, enough whining. Hope you enjoy the pics.

Herro

2008-08-04T15:25:00.006-07:00

I can't believe that it's August already! Time sure does fly by fast!
I'm currently 22 wks, 5 days along with Roxy. <------yep, that's baby girl Dunmire's name!
Since I have such a short torso, baby is already invading my ribs. So, I can't breathe when I sit too far upright. lol.
Chase had his 18 month check-up. He's been a monster lately so I thought that maybe he was cutting his last molar or that he had an ear infection.
Turns out it's neither. The PA said "it's the terrible 2's."
"They haven't come out with a medication for that yet?" I asked. :)
Chase weighs 28lbs and is 33 in tall. He's a big boy.

Update

2008-07-10T11:24:00.005-07:00

Well, I had a doctor's appt. yesterday. I am 19 weeks along and still feeling crummy. I'm still very tired and sick. Hopefully it'll pass soon. While at the doctors, I got to have an ultrasound. Here are some pics:

Here's the "money shot":

We're so excited that we're gonna have one of each. I know it'll be fun.
She's kicking and moving a lot now, which is awesome. I love feeling the movement.
We went to Utah last month, and I have pictures, but I still need to upload them and edit.

Chase is doing really well. He's about 29 lbs and 33 inches tall. He has almost all of his teeth, too.
Hope everyone else is doing great!

New Pictures

2008-06-10T12:36:00.003-07:00

Here are a few from my brother's graduation party. And a couple of Chase.

I'm it?

2008-05-21T13:48:00.002-07:00

lol Kelsie tagged me, so here goes.

Randomness about me:

1. I read really quickly. I always finish books in under 4 days. It's weird, and Ian doesn't get it, but I love to read.

2. I secretly want 4 kids. Ian only wants 2, so I have to compromise on that one. It would be great to have a house full of kids, but I would want it if Ian agreed to it.

3. I'm eventually going to be a surrogate for someone. I think that being a surrogate and carrying a child for someone who would otherwise not be able to have a biological child is a gift, and I want to give the gift to someone. After all, I'm really good at carrying babies. lol

4. I want to be an OBGYN. It would be awesome to be able to help women have babies, and if I can't be an OB, then I would be a midwife.

6. I worry about everything. When family or friends go on trips, I worry if they'll be okay on their journey there and if once there, they'll be safe. Also, just in general. That's why I despise driving. I get so uptight the whole time.

7. I used to be a major tomboy. I would go out and play baseball with all the boys in my neighborhood. And football. It was fun and I miss those carefree days.

8. I'm super claustrophobic. I went to have a root canal and the dentist put a partition over my mouth and after 5 minutes I started having a panic attack. It was embarrassing because I started crying.

You'd think since I'm always home....

2008-05-16T13:16:00.002-07:00

that I would update more often, but Chase takes up most of my days. He's getting so big! He talks a lot, but I can only understand half of what he says. The other half is baby gibberish.
I had an OB appt. on Tuesday (05/13). I got to hear the peanuts heartbeat (168)! It was pretty awesome. Next week I get an ultrasound, I'll only be 12 weeks so I don't think that we'll be able to see any gender-related parts yet. Looks like I'll be having a c-section between November 21-28. Hopefully sooner than later. Chase was a week early and he still weighed 9lbs 3oz! Anyways, that's my update for now!

Boy, I didn't know I was missing so much.....

2008-05-05T22:56:00.002-07:00

So, I just started reading Twilight and I love it already. It's absolutely beautiful. I can't

believe that I didn't start reading it sooner. OMG, it's wonderful. Okay, done raving now. :)

Here's the Peanut....

2008-04-14T16:10:00.002-07:00

I cannot believe that this little blob is making me sooo miserable. lol.

I'm a slacker

2008-04-11T13:32:00.001-07:00

I really am. It's been awhile since I've been on, but just wanted to say hi to everyone! ::::waves::::

Wowzers!

2008-02-25T00:03:00.004-07:00

I know it's been an incredibly long time since I've posted.

Not much is going on. Just work and playing with Chase.

He's getting really big. He has four teeth coming in. That will be a total of 12!
At his last pediatricians appointment he weighed 25lbs and was 33 in. long.
He's talking so much and it's really cute.
He's also becoming more and more stubborn.
He's begun throwing tantrums when he doesn't get his way.
The terrible 2's begin? Most likely.
Here are some new pictures.
Enjoy.

-K

2008-01-06T22:10:00.001-07:00

I LOVE MY CHASE!!!!!!!

2007-12-19T15:35:00.000-07:00

Chase Robert,
You are the one piece of the puzzle
That I've always been missing.
You are my baby
and you always will be!Sorry I got all mushy there for a minute.
I love this picture of Chase. It's the perfect image of him.
It's how I will remember him when I'm looking back and thinking of my baby.
He's my heart. And if you've got a problem with him, then you've got one with me! :)

It's Been Too Long!

2007-12-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

It's been way too long since I've posted pictures of Chase. So here are the most recent few:

Chase is becoming more brave everyday. He likes to let go of furniture when he's walking now, but he's not fully walking yet. Probably before his first birthday.

Speaking of birthdays, Chase's party will be on Jan. 26th (Sat), so if you'd like to come help us celebrate, you're invited. More details to come later on.

About Me.....

2007-12-11T21:25:00.000-07:00

Thnks Brynn and Laura!

A♥ AGE: 21

B♥ BIRTHDAY : 11.07.1986

C♥ CANDY OR CAKE: hmmm depends on the candy.

D♥ DAREDEVIL: not really. my gramps used to say that I always have my feathers on.

E♥ EASIEST PERSON TO TALK TO: Molly

F♥ FAVORITE SONG: I honestly don't have a favorite song. I like too many.

G♥ GOLDTEETH: sorry, that's for gangstas.

H♥ HABIT: I'm with Laura, I always bite the inside of my mouth. Plus, I pick at my cuticles.

I♥ ICE CREAM FLAVOR: Ben & Jerry's Creme Brulee. Divine.

J♥ JUICE: I love grapefruit juice.

K♥ KIDS:Chase who will be 1 on Jan. 25th.

L♥ LOVE OR LUST: Love

M♥ MARRIED ,SINGLE OR TAKEN: Married for one year today!

N♥ NEXT TO YOU: Ian, playing WoW.

O♥ ONE WISH: to spend all the time that I can with my little guy.

P♥ PERSON YOU CALLED LAST: My grams. I love her.

R♥ REASONS TO SMILE: Chase

T♥ TURNS YOU ON: ummm......that's for me to know, LOL.

U♥ UNDERWEAR COLOR: um, teal.

V♥ VEGETABLE: I love corn and broccoli

W♥ WOKE UP AT WHAT TIME: 8 am.

X ♥ X-RAYS YOU'VE HAD: none. Although, I have had a CAT scan and ultrasounds.

Y♥ YOUR FAVORITE COLOR: Teal.

Z♥ ZODIAC SIGN: Scorpio.

Time For An Update

2007-11-27T22:28:00.001-07:00

It's been for-eva since I've blogged. I've been pretty busy. I had three seperate Thanksgivings! It was crazy, but fun. Chase is starting to take steps here and there, but he doesn't seem too interested in walking yet. I've been working, which is going good. Not much else to report. I'm a pretty boring person. Oh yes, I forgot, Camille told me that I should start a blog for my photography, so look for that in the near-future. Also, if anyone out there wants to have photos taken for the holidays, let me know.

HALLOWEEN!

2007-10-24T10:57:00.001-07:00

So, we finally got a costume for Chase. He's gonna be sooooo cute! Here are a few pics that I took:

Finally

2007-10-24T10:52:00.000-07:00

Ok, here are some Chasey pics. Enjoy!

Whoa

2007-10-20T10:14:00.000-07:00

I've been way bad at updating. OOOPS! :P So, the new Whole Foods Market on Ray and the 101 is opening on October 26, 2007! I finally have a "home"! Everyone who is able should stop by. It's going to be fabulous.
Chase Update:
He's getting ginormous! He has 6 teeth now, and he loves to bite. I need to get some more pics on here, but it'll have to be another time. Just thought that I would update.

Oh yeah.............

CONGRATS LAURA & PHIL! BABY CAMBRIA IS SOOOO PRECIOUS!

OYE

2007-10-09T23:44:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since my last update. Here goes. Chase is getting bigger everyday, and I have to chase him around, which in turn, had slowed down my photo taking. He has 5 teeth! Plus his pedi said that his molars are coming in! YIKES!!!!!!! I don't know what I'm going to dress him up as for halloween, but I'll think of something. I am also training again. It's pretty boring, but whatever. At least I'm getting paid. :P That's it for now. Hopefully I'll be able to post again with more pics. NIGHT!

Our Little Friend

2007-10-01T21:44:00.000-07:00

This evening, while Ian was cleaning out his car, he found a praying mantis! I had never seen one before, and I wanted to see how close my camera could take a picture while still maintaining good quality. This is the finished product:

Chase Robert

2007-09-23T21:45:00.000-07:00

I was looking at him while he was sleeping and I couldn't believe how big he is! His feet are huge, he has big hands, and he's really tall. I'm so lucky that I've been blessed with this child. I'm excited to see what he's like as a little boy. I know that he's going to be one of the smartest kids in his class, but he has this light in his eyes that people lose as they grow older. I don't want him to ever lose that light, and I'm going to try my hardest to make sure that it never happens. When you have a child, you realize how precious every moment is. I want to be here for him and I want give him everything that I possibly can and more. My goal is to give him a life that is better than what I had. Don't get me wrong, I've had a good life filled with family that loves me. He's just going to have it better. I already know that he's going to be one of the smartest kids out there, and I know that he's meant to do something great. I'm going to make sure that he gets there. Ok, enough mushy stuff! Here are some pics of my little guy:

DEGRASSI!

2007-09-21T17:34:00.000-07:00

I just found out about this show!
It's radtacularly awesome. It's Canadian, and Lord know I ♥ Canada! I'm moving there one day. I just thought that I would let all of you in Blogland know about Degrassi. It's lovely. ENJOY!

AHHHHH!!

2007-09-13T13:27:00.000-07:00

Chase is **officially** pulling himself up to his feet now. I can't believe it. He's growing up too fast, and it makes me sad. :( Ok, here are some pics for proof.

If I didn't have bad luck......

2007-09-13T10:24:00.000-07:00

I wouldn't have any luck at all! Man, it seems that I've pissed off God, Karma, Allah, or whatever/whoever it is that runs this universe of ours. As some of you know, I am currently employed with Whole Foods. The store was slated to open on Sept. 26th, then they said "at the worst Sept. 29th." BS. Yesterday they (when I say "they", I mean the Store Leadership) told us that contruction will not be done until Oct. 17th! Which in turn means that I won't have training again until Oct. 1st, which means that I am once again BROKE. Honestly, I must have been really evil in a past life. I can't catch a break. I'm sick of it. I'm mad. I don't understand. Am I not a good person? I take care of my husband and my son. Whoever said "money can't buy happiness" was sorely mistaken. Don't be mistaken, I'm aware that construction takes time, but it still sucks. I don't think that we (my little family) can make it on one income. There is a silver lining, however. I get to stay home with my little guy for 18 days. YAY!

She PLANNED This?

2007-09-10T16:14:00.000-07:00

Two words concerning Britney Spears' performance at the MTV VMA's on Sunday night: OYE VEY!!!!! If you watched a second of it, you know what I mean.....

It's Been Awhile.....

2007-09-09T12:14:00.000-07:00

♥It's been awhile since the last time that I posted. This is mostly due to the fact that I've been in training for my RAD-TACULAR job ♥Whole Foods♥! I'm so unbelievably excited for this store to open!
♥On another note, Mr. Chase is now **officially** climbing the stairs! He just about gives me a heart attack, so I try not to let him crawl around too much just because I don't want him to hurt himself.
♥Of course, I cannot post without adding some photos of my little guy, so here they are. I hope all of you in blogland enjoy them.....

Baby Mohawks!

2007-08-31T21:35:00.000-07:00

For awhile Chase had no hair, but it's finally growing in, so I wanted to see what a baby mohawk would look like on him:

BTW: I think that his hair is going to be dark blonde, but Ian thinks it'll be brown.

Here is Jayci, who we think Chase looks a bit like:

Park

2007-08-25T16:57:00.001-07:00

We went to Freestone Park this afternoon, but they didn't have baby swings (!) and it was too humid for poor little Chase. I did get a couple of pics:

Chase didn't really like the grass. The moment his dad put him down he screamed. It was kind of funny, but I felt bad at the same time. He was eyeing the ducks though. He's such a good little model! :)

2007-08-25T11:46:00.001-07:00

SO I went to orientation for Whole Foods on Friday. It's going to be awesome! The store is going to be 60,000 sq. ft. which is ginormous! I'm actually really excited for this.
Also....if anyone wants some pictures of their babies, themselves, or their families FOR FREE please please please call me or email me (purplellama61@yahoo.com). I really would love to take pics for anyone AND I really need the experience to build up my portfolio. THANKS!

Outdoor Excursion

2007-08-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

I decided that I wanted some pictures of Chase in natural light, so we went to the front yard. It was way way hot. Like, 110 degrees! So, we only got to stay outside for 5 or 10 minutes. I didn't want my little white baby to melt. Nonetheless, I got some good ones:

It don't lie

2007-08-21T12:30:00.000-07:00

You Will Be a Cool Parent

You seem to naturally know a lot about parenting, and you know what kids need.
You can tell when it's time to let kids off the hook, and when it's time to lay down the law.
While your parenting is modern and hip, it's not over the top.
You know that there's nothing cool about a parent who acts like a teenager... or a drill sergeant!

Would You Be a Cool Parent?

YAY

2007-08-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy to say that I'm finally done at Scottsdale Healthcare. Now on to Wholefoods Market! I'm so excited to be working for a laid back company. I get to wear whatever I want. Which is über rad. I will miss my friends at SHC, mostly Ben, but at least Molly is going with me to Wholefoods.

SO we had my grandma's 60th B-day party. It was originally planned as a surprise party, but things change. It was fun, she got some nice gifts, and I got some sweet pictures.

It's Been So Long

2007-08-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've updated. Not much has been happening. Chase is getting bigger everyday and he's almost crawling! We really need to baby-proof our condo. There's really not much else to tell. Just working and chilling with the peeps.

Very Interesting

2007-08-04T20:22:00.000-07:00

1. what were you doing 10 years ago?

10 years ago?! Lets see, I was, like, almost 11. So I was in the 5th grade. I’m sure that there was other stuff going on at that time, but I can’t remember!

2. what were you doing 1 year ago?

1 year ago I was about 3months preggo. So I was pretty occupied with that. I had also just started my new job at SHC. It was still shiny and new-like then, so I enjoyed it a bit.

3. five snacks you enjoy?

1. flamin’ hot cheetos

2. pb&j

3. white fudge flipz!

4. pineapple

5. chips & salsa

4. five songs you know all of the lyrics to:

1. Face Down – The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

2. Helena – My Chemical Romance

3. I’m Not Okay – My Chemical Romance

4. LA Woman – The Doors

5. Mexico - Incubus

5. five things you would do if you were a millionaire:

1. Put a lot of money away for Chase

2. Buy a house with a huge garage and a huge backyard so Ian can work on and store his project cars

3. Pay off all of my bills

4. Give my family money

5. Obtain the best D-SLR camera that money can buy

6. five bad habits

1. eating junk food (see : “favorite snacks”)

2. cussing

3. forgetting to take VIM (very important medications)

4. letting the dishes pile up in the sink

5. picking my cuticles

7. five things you like to do:

1. take pictures of Chase

2. take pictures in general

3. tweaking pics on photoshop

4. go to the Hookah Bar

5. hang out with my friends

8. five things that you will never wear again:

1. vest

2. thigh-high boots

3. bodysuits

4. spandex

5. scrunchies

9. five favorite toys:

1. My Nikon D40x

2. My laptop

3. Photoshop

4. My Baby (yes, I know he’s not a toy, but he’s fun to play with)

5. my hemp (to make jewelry, silly)

10. where will you be in 10 years?

Hopefully I will have one more child, have all of my bills paid off, own a house, and just be happily living my life

(Almost)Girls Night Out!

2007-08-04T19:05:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday was Heather's birthday, and we decided that we were going to go to the hookah bar, then back to my house for drinks. It was only Heather, Ian and I at the hookah bar, but Carly came over to my house afterwards. We had so much fun. I almost forgot how much fun it is to hang out with these girls! I hope that we do it again soon! Not too soon though, cause my head hurts today.

WOW

2007-08-02T12:16:00.001-07:00

I love taking pictures, so I was tremendously flattered when someone offered to pay me to take pictures of her child! WOW! I also decided that I would like to start scrappin' again. For now, here are more pictures of my bee bee:

Not Even Funny

2007-07-31T12:19:00.000-07:00

I am so excited, it's not even funny! I finally got my Nikon D40x! Here are some pics that I took as soon as I got the lens on and the battery charged!

6 MONTHS

2007-07-25T18:37:00.000-07:00

Chase had his 6 month appointment with his pediatrician today. Here are the stats:
Length: 28.5 in. (95%)
Weight: 20.02 lbs. (90%)
Head: 18 in. (95%)
As you can see, he is a BIG BOY! I honestly cannot believe that he's 6 months already! My baby is growing up so fast. Oh, that makes me kinda sad. I think that I'm going to enter him into this contest. The winner gets to be on some sort of baby food box, and I have been saying that I would like to get Chase into something of that nature, because, after all, he is a beautiful baby.

Why?

2007-07-23T16:56:00.000-07:00

This blog, of course, is about work. I just do not understand why they (the supervisors) don't schedule enough people. Seriously. Ugh. I really do not want to work there until the end of September. I don't think that I can make it. I was about ready to leave today. At least Molly, Bengina, and Jeanie-poo are there to keep me company. I hope that Ben gets a job at Whole Foods with Molly, Jean and I. That would be rad-tacular. Ok, nuff for now, must take a nap.

He was scared

2007-07-22T22:05:00.000-07:00

I told Ian that I want another baby, and do you know what he did? He walked away as if I hadn't uttered a word. I guess that's my answer there. Makes me sad. I really don't want Chase to be an only child. But I also don't want my kids to be too close together, AND I don't know if we can afford another one. Still, I WANT another one. Maybe he just needs time to warm up to the thought of having another. I really want to start trying again in March. If I got pregnant then, it would make the two kids 2 years apart, which is good. Ok, I must sleep. Good Night.

He's growing too fast!

2007-07-22T10:08:00.000-07:00

Just 15 minutes ago, this is how I found Chase in his swing:

I think that he's too heavy for his swing, so now we have to either sell it to a consignment shop, or store it away.

There's 2!/Don't Know Why

2007-07-19T22:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, you read right. Chase officially has two front teeth, on the bottom. I can't believe it. At the rate that he's going, he'll have a whole grip of teeth by the time he's a year. On another note, I don't know why I torture myself. I miss being pregnant in a big way, but dumb me keeps looking at the pics of all of my preggo friends and watching stupid shows like "A Baby Story", etc. I would love to be preggo again, but I know that Ian would flip. I'm also worried how I would do with 2 in diapers. I would be outta my mind, thats for sure. Well, off to bed. I have to be at work at 530!

The Woes of Teething

2007-07-16T14:22:00.000-07:00

So Chase cut a tooth around the 4th of July, I thought he wouldn't be so cranky. Silly, silly mommy. He is getting another on right next to the first one. He is usually a very happy, loving, content boy. However, this week has been pure hell. He won't nap, won't eat, won't play. I feel bad for him, so we got some baby Orajel. Seems to work. Poor guy. He is gnawing on everything, even tables. He's finally taking a nap.

OH MY!!!!

2007-07-13T23:13:00.000-07:00

I just remembered that it's FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH!! Well, it's been good to me so far. *Knock on Wood*

NEW JOB!!!

2007-07-13T22:53:00.000-07:00

So I was supposed to go to a job fair for Whole Foods with Molly and Jean. But, since we only have one car right now, I decided not to go. BIG MISTAKE. They both got jobs in the Prepared Foods department. So I decided to play hooky from work and then I went to the job fair. I got a job. Cashier once again. It's what I do best. I've had 3 years of experience. Oh if you don't know, Whole Foods is an organic store. Everything is organic or natural. No uniform, so you can wear whatever you want. You can have tats (good for me!) and piercings, too! Oh yeah, $11.00 an hour! I'll be working at the new store in Chandler (Ray and the 101) so closer to home too. I am so excited, you have no idea! Oh and I get 20% off! WooHoo!! Organic baby food for Chase! Now I get to go to bed and go to my other job. The one that I hate.

So long ago....

2007-07-11T11:51:00.000-07:00

It seems like almost yesterday that Chase Robert was born. It took 26 hours of labor, and a c-section to get bring him into this world. I loved him before I saw him. I loved him more after I met him. He is such a beautiful child.

So

2007-07-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

I started back to work on Sunday. Two words: HATE IT. They want me to cram 12 hours worth of work into 8. Plus, it's at least 100 degrees in there. I asked my supervisor how she expects me to do all that I am supposed to in the time alloted and she said "you just have to move fast" and that "it's not that hard. Don't cry about it!" Wha? Wow, very nice. The only reason that I am still there is because of the insurance. Oh and I do get a discount at Dell, and if you order something, they just deduct it from your payroll. So we are are getting a 37" LCD HDTV and for myself (drumroll please)...... A NIKON D40X! YES! That's one of the best cameras out there. You think I take good pics now? Just wait til I get my hands on this camera! I'll be able to do so much more. The camera I have now is just a point and shoot Canon Powershot A520. Only 4 mega pixels. The Nikon is a Digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) and 10.2 mega pixels. WOOHOO! Okay enough about that.

Long time no write

2007-07-05T15:21:00.000-07:00

I haven't written in awhile. Well, a couple of days at least. Lately I have just been trying to figure out when I can go back to work. I've been gone since June 8th. Almost a month!!!! All for an appendix. Ugh. So, I go back on Sunday. Joy. Not really. I wish that we could afford for me to stay home with Chase. I've really enjoyed being with him everyday. I feel like I miss a lot when I'm not there. At least I won't be gone for 12 hours anymore, just 8.

Untitled

2007-06-29T01:52:00.000-07:00

Here I am at 1:57 am on my laptop. I should be sleeping, but I can't. No sirreeee Bob. I'm chatting on Yahoo! and I am blogging and I am on myspace and I am uploading pics to Photobucket. I cannot turn my mind off at night, so I can't sleep, and in turn I am sooo tired the next day! Poor Chase. His mommy is a walking zombie. I really do feel bad for the kid. I have no energy whatsoever to play with my little guy. I'm really lucky to have such an awesome son. He is adorable, I don't need people to tell me that, I know it. I knew it before he was born. He has the more gorgeous eyes. I swear people must think that I'm his babysitter or something because he really looks nothing like me as far as coloring goes. That's ok, he's a little mama's boy anyway. Which I love. I have no idea what I will do when he starts dating. I think that I will buy a taser. You know, instead of the father waiting on the porch with a shotgun for his daughter, it'll be me on the porch with my taser waiting for Chase. Poor kid. At least he'll know he's loved. Oh that brings me to a subject that I may have to rant about: Adoption. You know, its a real shame that our government charges so much money for an adoption. It's ridiculous. Why can't they just be happy that a child in need is going to a loving home? Is that not enough? Ok, off for more chatting.

Couldn't Sleep

2007-06-27T16:14:00.000-07:00

Since I couldn't sleep....here are some new pics. I am very obsessed with Photoshop, BTW. ENJOY!

Rock-a-bye Baby?!

2007-06-27T15:41:00.000-07:00

Well, Chase man is finally asleep. He has been so cranky lately! UGHHH. I think that he's teething. I sure hope that he is because then there's an end (a short-lived one) in sight. Camille and I took him out to California Pizza Kitchen today. YUM. He was pretty good I might add. Since he's sleeping, I think I'll go take a little nap, too. Can anyone sing me "Rock-a-bye Baby"? It helps, really.

Finally

2007-06-26T20:34:00.001-07:00

Yeah, I'm FINALLY getting how to arrange the pics on this thing. GO ME!

I was obviously mistaken

2007-06-26T18:40:00.000-07:00

So, I applied for a different JOB in the hospital....yeah thats a no go. I thought that the interview went really well, but I was OBVIOUSLY mistaken. UGHHH. I just needed to vent I guess.

Chase

2007-06-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

ok, here are some pics of Chase. FYI: I WILL go overboard with the posting of the pics!

It was a matter of time

2007-06-25T14:28:00.000-07:00

Chase Robert....I love this little boy so much. I want to spoil him, not with material things, but with LOVE! He is the most precious thing in my life. This is sooo cliche, but he seriously completes my life. I couldn't imagine where I would be now if I didn't have him or Ian. Ok, I think that's enough for now.

Peace