Transitions

So . . .  our house has been in full on "transition mode" as we ALL adjust to mommy's new job.  I'm feeling much better at this point and the constant worry and tears (mostly after hours) have subsided.  I don't think I was prepared for the "culture shock" I would experience.  Uprooting after 14 years really was a bigger change than I anticipated.  But I love the new folks I work with and I am starting to enjoy some of the work I do.  Progress :)

People ask me all the time "how do you do it?"  Either in regards to trying to balance school/work/family or more recently in my current work/part time work/family.  I don't have a good explanation.  Because a lot of times it is difficult and I have to accept not being able to do everything to the best of my ability.  Which is actually pretty hard for me because I like to do my best.  When it boils down to it I don't do this alone - I have a GREAT support system.  Disco has really been a BIG support and taken on extra household duties and roles with the kiddos to make this work.  And of course our family has stepped up time and time again to listen, support, and truly be the extended family our kiddos need right now. 

One positive out of all of this transition is that I have stepped back and watched Disco be the sweetest dad.  He has taken on the responsibility of picking up little man for soccer - we all go to the practice/games but Disco has the tedious job of getting those darn soccer socks on little man!  Disco also took some very special pictures for big sis' room.  She is going to LOVE these when we print them for her walls.  So I'm feeling pretty lucky these days to have a partner and best friend like Disco to be there during the ups and downs of job transitions and family life!  :)

Disco's pictures for big sis' room:

Christmas Photo Sessions

Photos with Santa, photos at home, camera, lights . . . run away and pout!!!  I'm just posting the few good shots we captured this time around.  And a couple of the goofs.  There were so many bad/funny shots to sort through that I didn't even have the energy to pick out many.  Maybe if I get bored one month I'll take another look and do a whole post of "ugh, just smile!" pictures ;)

Fall Photo Session

We always took a fall photo in front of the maple tree in our front yard.  Since we lost it after the spring storms this year we had to improvise a bit.  But we still got a few cute pics of the kiddos surrounded by fall colors. And there is even one pic of Disco with his new fall/winter cap. :)

Merry Christmas 2011

I've been slowly catching up while on Christmas break . . . not enough to catch up on blog posts yet.  But I've finished school, spent plenty of time with the kiddos, and started shoveling myself out of all the things left unattended this year.  Life is good! 

Wishing everyone a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

JOY!

Silly Santa Babies

Here are some of the silly shots of the recent Christmas photo session.  There are more cute pictures from the photo session still to post.  And we are working on decorating the tree this week so hopefully I can post a few pictures from that soon as well.  For now, here are our Silly Santa Babies:



Nothing says Christmas like
hanging onto your sister's ears



Drop baby . . . rub eyes


 


















Squeeze brother as tight as possible . . .



 













. . . and then fall over!!!



 

Funny Faces



Super Big Smiles!



'tis the season

We had our first "Santa Baby" photo shoot over the weekend.  By far the easiest one with the least amount of crying/frustration.  Most likely the happiness was due to the fact that big sis has been obsessed with getting to wear her holiday dress this year.  I found a "dolly and me" dress last year for $5 at an after Christmas sale.  I snatched that thing up and hid it away in big sis' closet.  She finally found it about September when I was switching out clothes that didn't fit anymore.  And she has asked about it ever since . . .

Note to self - continue to find something to save as a special treat for holiday pictures every year.  Because I wouldn't let her wear the dress until we got photos and it worked like a charm.  :). 

Little man was willing to take pictures this time around as well.  I credit his willingness to the fact that he wanted to play with big sis' doll the entire time. 

We forgot to have the kiddos to put on their Santa hats.  And I like using a white background as an option for photos as well.  But this was such an easy photo shoot that we may just end the year on a high note and not attempt the other shots . . . oh who am I kidding!  We are gluttons for photographic punishment around here :)

Too many sweet pictures for one post so I'll just add a few today.  Enjoy!

Strike a Pose

Just some recent pics of our big sis.  Of course this photo session was actually supposed to be about little man being 2.  But he declined the invitation to participate - we will try again soon with little man.  My favorite picture below is the first one in the series.  Although the ones of her "voguing" near the end crack me up.  Enjoy!

Sassy

On Thanksgiving big sis picked out this entire outfit to wear - hat included. We thought it was quite sassy and took her outside to take some pictures while "the bird" was cooking. She is looking so grown up these days!

"Thankful for our Daily Fred"

Today we celebrated Thanksgiving with my family. Big sis said grace and she always states that she is "thankful for our daily Fred". We all love that part!

It was a great day and everyone enjoyed the meal and family time. We slipped away at sundown to take advantage of the country with some rural roadside pictures. Enjoy the pics below. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!