tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16039076978997446602024-03-13T05:16:56.555-07:00The Elrod's - Making Memoriesdocumenting our life- one picture at a time! Come join us!Emily and Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872437276785072145noreply@blogger.comBlogger388125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603907697899744660.post-66740472667398171882012-03-07T20:44:00.002-08:002012-03-07T20:46:48.568-08:00My Story<div>So I shared this with my MOPS friends but felt compelled to share with you as well. I am in MOPS group in winston for those of you that don't know Mother's of Pre-Schoolers. I tried to speak in front of everyone just about what Mops meant to me and about being a Mom. Of course I didn't get my story out exactly how I wanted! So below is my story. </div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote type="cite" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><div style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Courier;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; ">So I got so emotional on Tuesday about my story, I am not sure I got it out! I so appreciate you letting me try though! I guess sometimes it's hard to admit mommy hood is hard...because it sometimes feels like failure if you say it's Hard! When I left my full time job to stay home with my kids! I was excited and sad! Sad and Scared...leaving what I knew and felt comfortable to something unknown...Leaving my work friends who at times felt like family..I mean I spent more awake hours with them than I did my family! Not only was I going to stay home with my children...I was just becoming adjusted to being a mom of two which was a Huge Change for me! We had just moved to a new neighborhood and my old neighbors were like family! But still I was Happy to be going to be given the opportunity to spend more time with my children! I was so excited...we joined the neighborhood Pool, we had a playground right next door to our house, I was going to have play dates, go to the beach whenever we wanted....it was going to be great! And don't get me wrong at sometimes it was....however the pool dates were few and far between. We went twice that Summer, and those play dates..let's just say most of my friends were working! The Beach.....by the time we lugged the million things down to keep a toddler and newborn satisfied it was time to come in for a snack and nap and two years later I have still not sat in a Beach chair for more than 5 minutes! By leaving my Full time job, I was and am literally working a full time job on overtime and much harder, with no breaks, no lunch, and usually dinner swallowed whole someday's. I go through Target withdrawals because well taking 2 kids to Target...is just not happening, unless I can drive to the one in Kernersville because that one has a Starbucks so I might risk public tantrums and begging for toys if I can get a Grande Cinnamon Dolche Latte. Luckily...I had remembered that my High School friend Jennifer Joeseph (well Powell, but for some reason Jennifer Joseph reminds me of my childhood and I can't stop calling her that) had sent me a Card in the mail for the last two years...I remember it saying "I know you said you might stay home one day, if so please join us"! That Card was my saving grace! It's what I needed to get me through the week! ADULT CONVERSATION....MOMMY's and FOOD!!!! Mommy's who knew what I was going through...either because they had been there or because they were going through it with me. There is not a meeting that goes by that I don't ask a mom, "did this ever happen to you"? Something about hearing a mom say yes, I understand, I have been there and done that, makes me feel okay...Makes me feel as I doing things okay...and maybe I am normal or maybe my kids are! Or maybe they are not!!!! But I feel like it got deeper than that. Before MOPS, I was working until 6, picking my son up from school just trying to get through the nightly routines...and spending as much time with him and my husband as possible in those 2-3 hours a day we would see him between daycare and bedtime! Then I would fall asleep rocking him and my night would be over! I made no time for my bible, no time for prayer! I had plenty of time for it but I didn't make it. I didn't know it! There are several events that really lead me to it, I learned I had so much quiet time for it, driving, washing dishes...I learned to put the kids down for rest time and make time for it! I learned the house was never really going to be clean anyway with a toddler and infant and I could give 20 minutes of my time to the lord because those dust bunnies would be there even if I prayed or not! :-) The dishes will wait...and even if I pick those toys up right now ....in 10 minutes they will be right back out! I found myself writing down books from the devotions each week. A favorite was one that Jennifer read from, The bath tube is overflowing but I feel drained! I need books that I can relate to. Ones that really pull me in and help me understand! Somehow I found the blog <a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/">www.wearethatfamily.com</a> (click on this link for a video about the book <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/my-book">http://wearethatfamily.com/my-book</a>/.) I can not speak enough about this book! Every chapter I read....I thought...this is me...how did that happen to someone else also...I am normal...We are all normal...its okay that my daughter is strong willed and my son is not! He is not perfect and neither is she. None of us are...and why should I expect my children to be! Why do I put so much pressure on myself to be perfect. Is it because I see other moms and THINK they are perfect. Do I think their children are prefect..I have to know that deep down they are not! That she probably struggles just like I do! That parenting is not always easy and I am not alone! That there are good days and bad days...and I am allowed to have a bad day and still be a good mom! This book coupled with MOPS has taught me that! I would recommend this book to any mom! You can relate to every chapter! Each Chapter has a Verse and Prayer to go along with it. I think us as Mother's get so caught up on other Mother's judging us that it can effect our parenting. As a society we judge too much. Everyone does it, some more than others! But why do we as women judge other women or other Mommies! Why do I really care? I have always cared what other thought of me! I have always wanted to impress others! It should not matter as long as I am doing a good job but to me, I have always just wanted others to be proud, to not disappoint, to never fail! I mean who really wants to fail...and who really wants to admit they are failing! But at some point we all fail! It's life! But we learn from it, pray about it, get up and move on! And if any part of you feels like you have never ever failed...you must not have Children. My daughter test the waters ever day with me! My son sometimes too, just not as often. Society has this idea of what a perfect child is..shoot...those baby books have a mold of what that perfect child is....he talks at this month, crawls at this month....walks at this month and if your child does not hit that milestone at that exact time you think something is wrong! My son is quiet, funny, could be more of a follower than a leader, sweet as can be, loving, caring, sensitive, did I say Funny! My Daughter is beautiful, strong willed, loving, caring, so funny...strong willed, strong willled and more strong willed! I often judge her and other family members do also. Why is she not like him, he never acted like that. Why do I want her to be something she is not. What is so wrong with who she is. She is She! She is not supposed to be like anyone else. God created her to be her! He created me to be her Mom, He did not create me change her! Yes, maybe she needs me to guide her but not change her. Why do I judge her and why do others judge her! One day that strongwilledness (not sure that is a word) is going to help her! Once she learns how it can help her and how it can hurt her. :-) So one day I was flipping through the book "Don't make me come up there and then there was a chapter called Embracing my Child's strong will! Seriously this mom has the same issues as me! Wow!!! Maybe Caroline is not bad...Maybe it's just her personality...now don't get me wrong...Her personality needs a little direction...I am not making excuses for the tantrums she has...however she is only 22 months! So maybe I am little too hard on her though. But I am so excited to know I am not the only one out there with a stongwilled 22 month old little girl! I am glad to know that maybe...just maybe...I am not failing. Even though at times it can feel that way! I am glad to know. It just so happens since I spoke at MOPS I have talked to 5 moms that have little Caroline's and here I thought what I am I doing wrong! Parenting is HARD! It's tough at times! But with all of that the GOOD still ALWAYS out weighs the BAD!! So Basically what I am trying to say is......no I don't sit home all day and eat Bon Bon's and watch Soap Operas or go to the pool everyday in the summer, or even have play dates as much as I want. Staying Home is Hard and I am glad I have found friends, & fellowship to help get me through it! I could not get through it without it. It has truly made me a better person, a better wife, mother and friend. It's made me really think about what's important...it's made me evaluate who I am and what I want. it's helped be to find places to give back to others! it's helped me be more involved in my community. It's helped me find the strength to do what I love and start a business on top of being a Mom! </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Courier;"><br /></span></span></span></div></div></div></blockquote></div><div><div style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Courier;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; "><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/295/5603F0E2221FADB4500D6ACBEC74BCE1.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Emily and Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872437276785072145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603907697899744660.post-581267273124184042011-12-12T19:43:00.001-08:002011-12-12T19:43:07.269-08:00Long Over Due Updates<p>Not sure where the time goes these days, I am fortunate enough to be so busy at three very important things.....my family....my husband & kids and my JOB. Never really thought I would call the photography thing my job but after shooting well over 40 families this Christmas season.....this photography thing is definitely my job! Some days...or nights were harder and longer than I would have liked but in the end it was worth it! I love doing something I am passionate about and I love having the opportunity to spend extra time with my children! I am so thankful for all that Jacob does for our family that allows me to do what I love and take care of our Children! So the one thing that I have not had the time for like I had with Crawford...is updating my blog...I miss it, I miss having the digital baby book i had with him! I plan to do better in 2012 and I plan on taking a few weeks over Christmas to get a hold of their stats...and funny things they say or do and getting them in their books!</p>
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<p>Caroline is 18 months! While she might be strong willed and hard headed, she is the the sweetest thing and most loving of anyone! She does not ever give one kiss, she gives everyone in the room a kiss. Her laugh is contagious! She loves her Brother Ca-She! She speaks more than Crawford did at this Age. Her vocabulary is so good, i have to spell and even sometimes when I spell I swear she knows what I am spelling! I am pretty sure girls just catch on faster than boys and being a second child makes her pick up faster! She has taught me so much! More than anything patience. Crawford loves her unconditionally! He wants to be with her all of the time, and is upset if she is napping! They have so much fun together and it's fun to see them play and chase each other around! I don't think everyone knows how to deal with her, and I joke a lot about how much harder she is than Crawford...but when I think back to Crawford ....he was not always as perfect as everyone says he was. She is compared to him often! Not sure if comparing is such a good thing! I find myself always telling myself not to compare. There are some many different variables...girls and boys are just different, first and second children are also. Having one is so much easier than two! You don't realize it at the time but two makes like a little more hectic but so much better! I love my little princess, and everything about her that makes her Caroline!</p>
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<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_1932.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LYLxhYxakQw/TubJw7dzhWI/AAAAAAAAGtE/tZCKFBTFqao/DSC_1932.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC 1932" width="480" height="600" /></p>
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<p>Crawford is 4 Years old and 3 Months! I can't believe my 4 Year old is growing up so fast! In the last three months he really has grown up! He is so smart, caring, loving and thoughtful...I can't pull over anything on him these days! He is loving school for the most part...some days I think he wants to stay in his PJ's all day but so do i! He is so sweet and loving! His imagination is in full force right now! I love to sneak up on him and see what and who he is pretending he is! He loves all sports, he loves the demon deacons, loves to play a golf video game and said he loves Tiger Woods - he actually told me Tiger woods was the best boy in the entire world....and I am working on changing his mind on that one! Just don't think i can let him be Crawford's role model even if he is good at golf! I about fell over when my sweet innocent boy said that, and I wanted to say "if you only knew"! Crawford says the FUNNIEST things! I love him to pieces! And Crawford You are the BEST boy in the whole World. ( he tells me I am the best Mommy in the whole world) Such a sweetie!</p>
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<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_2096.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2afCZq_9C8Q/TubJxnUMqiI/AAAAAAAAGtM/Qhl2PPW5_YM/DSC_2096.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC 2096" width="600" height="480" /></p>
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<p>These two kiddos have Changed Jacob and my life forever! There is not a day that goes by they do not make me smile or laugh! Even if I am mad, I am usually biting my cheek just not to laugh at something they do! I just want to stand still in time with them! I can't believe how fast the days go by and weeks and years! I am hoping for a year that slows down in 2012! I want to enjoy every minute of my babies in 2012 b/c It will be the last year before Crawford goes to school!</p>
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<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_2058c.jpg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-P2hJfOQgaGg/TubJyThrJ_I/AAAAAAAAGtU/KVN1_WjQE40/DSC_2058c.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC 2058c" width="480" height="600" /></p>
<p> </p>Emily and Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872437276785072145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603907697899744660.post-47053420433773879982011-10-10T21:30:00.001-07:002011-10-10T21:30:03.959-07:00Catching UP!<p>I haven't posted in a really long time! It makes me sad my life has gotten so busy! This is my baby book and poor Caroline....I am slacking on all her first on here! Writing on every scrap paper I can find. I hope I don't loose them!</p>
<p>Life has taken drastic changes with two children and my photography business which was once just a tiny little thought to now a full business!</p>
<p>It's the busiest season with everyone wanting Holiday pictures!!!!</p>
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<p>I hope to settle down soon and come back updating my blog!</p>
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<p>For now here are the Two most important reasons my time is limited!!!</p>
<p>Crawford is 4 going on 16 and Caroline...she thinks she can do anything he can do!</p>
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<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_7109.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WW7pIu6b2T4/TpPGOdA3PBI/AAAAAAAAGh0/crv0sbmtj-8/DSC_7109.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC 7109" width="600" height="480" /></p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_7365.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tvMHgozHS30/TpPGNsfK38I/AAAAAAAAGhs/yRxMhaoP8Dw/DSC_7365.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC 7365" width="600" height="480" /><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Crawford420110925_0001.jpg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pnXgPrhvk6g/TpPGQuWRw-I/AAAAAAAAGh8/rPV5Eby0r0M/Crawford420110925_0001.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Crawford420110925 0001" width="480" height="600" /><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_4169c.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wJ98NQZGNn4/TpPGRthXlSI/AAAAAAAAGiE/zcl14Pct_Ws/DSC_4169c.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC 4169c" width="479" height="600" /><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_7404.jpg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DmUUbjFDw_c/TpPGScAy2iI/AAAAAAAAGiM/KtOBclqrhg4/DSC_7404.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC 7404" width="480" height="600" /></p>Emily and Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872437276785072145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603907697899744660.post-78718308918946843252011-09-14T20:16:00.001-07:002011-09-14T20:16:38.836-07:00Crawford Turns 4<div><embed src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=f27f0b6a64f1ebcb04d859" quality="high" scale="noscale" width="408" height="382" wmode="transparent" name="FLVPlayer" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=f27f0b6a64f1ebcb04d859&skin_id=701&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><div style="margin:0px;font:12px/13px verdana,arial,sans-serif;line-height:20px;padding-bottom:15px;width:408px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt5" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;">Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!<br/><span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.onetruemedia.com</span></a></div></div>Emily and Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872437276785072145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603907697899744660.post-49986919563339575852011-07-01T22:52:00.001-07:002011-07-01T23:01:24.916-07:00Where Have I been???<p>Goodness Gracious...I am so behind, not sure if I will ever catch up on this blog!</p>
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<p>I am working on these for Crawford. Printing them out Large and framing for his room or playroom and starting them for Caroline as well.</p>
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<p>I thought it would be something neat to do, then one day they could be put in a book for him.</p>
<p>While doing this I went through so many pictures. Gosh I can't believe how much he has grown.</p>
<p>On his way out the door tonight with a Jacob he came up to me and said bye sweetie! Bye Sweetie??? I remember the first time he said MaMa....and how my heart melted and now he is calling me sweetie!</p>
<p>Time goes by so fast!!!</p>
<p>I saw this idea on someone's blog, just writing on the picture their favorite things. Can't wait to do Caroline's tomorrow and then send them off to be printed.</p>
<p>Trying to get their stuff organized, pictures etc....</p>
<p>I want them to have memories of their childhood! I want them to see pictures, with this digital age, we just don't print much! I am trying to get better! Making them books, printing pictures to hang on our bare walls!</p>
<p>But life is so busy with 2 it goes by fast and before I know it I have an almost 4 year old and 1 year old! I can't keep the days straight and it seems like the months are flying by! I just want to freeze time for a short while!</p>
<p>Hope to do better blogging, I am so glad i have this blog! It's better than any baby book, I have so much information of the kids on here, favorite things, milestones! It's nice to go back and look at it all!</p>
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<p><img title="Year1Crawford.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZlGh7EboFj8/Tg60Jt1wu4I/AAAAAAAAGc4/vcExkcD7IxY/Year1Crawford.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Year1Crawford" width="600" height="480" /></p>
<p><img title="year2Crawford.jpg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SlYwgkm1Oho/Tg60LUwvgSI/AAAAAAAAGc8/jsJsNys_Rn4/year2Crawford.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Year2Crawford" width="600" height="479" /></p>
<p><img title="Year3Crawford.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ch6GFFIr74E/Tg60MieIKuI/AAAAAAAAGdA/PyOGs6yyF78/Year3Crawford.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Year3Crawford" width="398" height="600" /></p>
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<p>Caroline's to come tomorrow! I have to get to BED!!!! It's 2AM!!! (the only time I can get anything done)!</p>Emily and Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872437276785072145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603907697899744660.post-36042457861483725582011-06-01T19:37:00.001-07:002011-06-01T19:38:49.188-07:00Busy Busy Busy<p>So the Photography thing has me so BUSY but I am about to get back on track!!!!</p><p> </p><p>Stay tuned for Caroline 1 Year update which was over a month ago!</p><p>I leave you with the sweet song and video I love!<br /><br /><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1CSVqHcdhXQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Emily and Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872437276785072145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603907697899744660.post-3264709386245838032011-05-21T20:38:00.001-07:002011-05-21T20:38:47.455-07:00Strawberry Patch<p>It was our 2nd Annual trip to the Strawberry Patch! We went right after Caroline was born last year! That was nice but it was much better this time!</p>
<p>Caroline wanted to Eat them all and Crawford could not pick them fast enough!</p>
<p>He was such a good helper!</p>
<p>We even had Casey and Coleman with us this time!</p>
<p>We had a great time!</p>
<p>We have all be under the weather with a terrible cold, and I have been busy taking pictures!</p>
<p>I have so many updated included Caroline's 1 year Check-up. So stay tuned!</p>
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<p><img title="Strawberry Patch20110510_0001.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TdiFL7Ggu_I/AAAAAAAAGcU/-IziGbzW-Fw/Strawberry%20Patch20110510_0001.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Strawberry Patch20110510 0001" width="399" height="600" />'</p>
<p><img title="Strawberry Patch20110510_0002.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TdiFPMcFJYI/AAAAAAAAGcY/pkIJLVyzhQg/Strawberry%20Patch20110510_0002.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Strawberry Patch20110510 0002" width="480" height="600" /></p>
<p><img title="DSC_0946-2.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TdiFRVOYvmI/AAAAAAAAGcg/-AQgXzBh0hs/DSC_0946-2.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC 0946 2" width="480" height="600" /></p>
<p><img title="Strawberry Patch20110510_0003.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TdiFQG-NGbI/AAAAAAAAGcc/9zYCGC_I4iA/Strawberry%20Patch20110510_0003.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Strawberry Patch20110510 0003" width="399" height="600" /></p>Emily and Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872437276785072145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603907697899744660.post-46897394495754619792011-05-05T21:07:00.001-07:002011-05-05T21:07:34.933-07:00Hope you have a Happy Mother's Day....I'll be missing a Special one this Year! My Mimi!<p>Wow!!! It's hard to believe that when I was getting together Mother's Day gifts this year I was getting one less!</p>
<p>Before I got married and became a mom myself I had spent 26 years every mother's day with my mom and mimi!</p>
<p>I was so close to my grandmother and while I know she is in a better place and no longer suffering the selfish part of me wishes she was still here (but not in pain of course)!</p>
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<p><img title="_DSC0100.jpeg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TcN0A83P5MI/AAAAAAAAGcM/OePIYVmzyOg/_DSC0100.jpeg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC0100" width="600" height="398" /></p>Emily and Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872437276785072145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603907697899744660.post-32335589440885563042011-05-05T20:22:00.001-07:002011-05-05T20:28:00.592-07:00Where have I been......... you wonder<p>So How did I go from posting 10 times a day to once a week and what happen to my Running??</p>
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<p>Well let me just show you!!!</p>
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<p style="font-size: 17px;"><strong>The ever so Demanding family of mine! :-)</strong></p>
<p>I LOVE this family picture because I think it paints a much truer picture of what our life is right now!</p>
<p>It's like John and Kate said ....It's a Crazy life, but it's our life!!!!</p>
<p>I would much prefer this picture than a posed (well maybe not) but after 20 million attempts I prefer this than trying to get that perfect pose pic!</p>
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<p><img title="Family Easter Pic.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TcNpU7BhRYI/AAAAAAAAGcA/OXoYp-_pD1s/Family%20Easter%20Pic.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Family Easter Pic" width="600" height="480" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong style="font-size: 15px;"> and my New Photography Business! </strong></p>
<p><strong style="font-size: 15px;"> www.emilyelrodphotography.com</strong></p>
<p><strong style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="EE_LogoDesign_rgb.jpg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TcNpWLAPd6I/AAAAAAAAGcE/KDevl-7GSSQ/EE_LogoDesign_rgb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="EE LogoDesign rgb" width="441" height="600" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>So after sweet Caroline arrived, we decided I would stay home! an opportunity for me to spend more time with the kids and explore the photography thing!</p>
<p>So now! If I am not with my kids....I feel like I am infront of my computer or taking pictures! I still have ALOT to learn but I am getting there and feeling blessed so many sweet families have allowed me to take their pictures!</p>
<p>But I must say it's not so easy!</p>
<p>Lets just say 1 and 3 1/2 require a lot of attention and lets not forget the dog and husband do also and so does the house...(where does all of the Laundry come from)?????????</p>
<p>So needless to say I left my job to a MUCH HARDER Job!</p>
<p>In the beginning it wasn't so hard! But through in the photography and the<span style="font-size: 14px;"> sweet toddle</span>r now who doesn't sit still for a minute and well it's a challenge. oh and let me not forget the <span style="font-size: 16px;">terrible 3 1/2's</span>! yeah...just add all three together and I just go lock myself in my room and put myself in timeout! :-)</p>
<p>Don't get me wrong! I LOVE being at home! But man it's hard!</p>
<p>There is a lot of of whining lately! ALOT! I know it's his age and I hate to wish us to 4's but I'm hoping there is a little less whining at 4! Other than whining we are so good! He is such a loving boy who loves his sister so much until she takes his toys that a year ago or even two years ago he could have cared less about! the minute she is interested it becomes HIS FAVORITE toy! Oh and don't let me forget to tell you about my (oh she is the sweetest little girl) TEMPER! (which I am sure she got it honest from her parents) I say her Dad and of course he says me! We both have one and she got 100% of each of ours! Wow how could such a temper come out of that sweet BLUE Eyed girl!!! Speaking of Blue she turns BLUE when she gets mad! LIke Violet on Willy Wonka! I have to blow in her face to make her breath; all because ............you guessed it......Crawford is playing with HER Doll (that she wasn't even playing with at the time)! Which leads me to the fact that she is normally playing with his trucks and lately him ...her dolls! I know it's all perfectly fine, and I am fine with it....but you know .....it doesn't go over so well with their daddy! I already get enough from him that I put Crawford in Pink Polo's and now he is playing with her dolls and she is playing with his trucks! It's a good thing daddy is at work and not at home during the day! Oh and I haven't told him (wonder if he reads this blog??) that this older man at the grocery store came up to our cart the other day and said hey sweet girls! To Crawford and Caroline! Crawford was wearing his Pink Polo! BUT I totally think he looks like a BOY! I am guessing the poor man didn't have his glasses on...poor thing...I hope he was not driving!</p>
<p>So we have 4 more weeks until pre-school is out for the Summer! Not sure what we are going to do! No Camps this year! I want to enjoy the summer with the kids and I don't feel like being a taxi driver to my 3 1/2 year old all summer. So It's going to be low key for us! A few play dates! Many Pool visits I hope ( but I am sure it will be hard with two and just me) and I pray that we will have afternoon naps....because I am going to need them!</p>
<p>And somewhere in there my photography will fit in! I am guessing late nights and early mornings!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So hope your not bored but that's what's been going on!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>oh yeah....and my running!</p>
<p>Well my little pinky toe has kept me from running! But I am ready to start back up! Who knew such a small part on your body could cause so much pain!</p>
<p>Crawford ran over it with his power-wheels and I think broke it! It was almost better after 4 weeks! and Easter Sunday I was running out to the car for the millionth time (I always forget something in the house) and a ran into the stroller!</p>
<p>Worst pain ever!!!!! I guess I jammed it! Who knows! I think it's permantly damaged forever! :-) So now it's getting better and I can't wait to start my running adventure all over!!! So stay tuned!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Now back to edit pictures!</p>
<p>Hope to add pics of Caroline's Birthday party soon!</p>
<p>XOXO,</p>
<p>Emily</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Emily and Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872437276785072145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603907697899744660.post-69342584611562144602011-05-04T22:36:00.001-07:002011-05-04T22:37:40.088-07:00Birthday Celebrations<p>Happy Birthday Sweet Caroline!!</p>
<p>the Chair in the picture below was a chair I used to play with at my grandmother's house as a little girl! It's where my baby dolls (which were my students) sat while I taught them!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="Caroline1stBirthday pics20110419_0001.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TcI3HMFvRhI/AAAAAAAAGbM/ClGUfez4ed0/Caroline1stBirthday%20pics20110419_0001.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Caroline1stBirthday pics20110419 0001" width="399" height="600" /></p>
<p><img title="Caroline1stBirthday pics20110419_0002.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TcI3IEfFQtI/AAAAAAAAGbQ/paqR7aZSg7Y/Caroline1stBirthday%20pics20110419_0002.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Caroline1stBirthday pics20110419 0002" width="480" height="600" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>We had a great celebration and were so thankful our friends and family could join in on the fun! It wouldn't have been the same without them!</p>
<p>Below are a few pictures. I have more to come! These are mainly the decorations.</p>
<p>My friend Pamela made the Cake. She is awesome! It tasted so good and looked beautiful!</p>
<p>I made the cupcake toppers which were super easy!</p>
<p>My friend Meredith at the Pink Poppy Seed made Caroline's sweet Birthday Hat and T-shirt and Monogramed her Bib (that was just like Crawford's.</p>
<p>My sister-in-law Casey helped me make the cookies, which I ran out of time to finish decorating!</p>
<p>The ribbon wreath on my front door I made and it's super easy! Along with the doormat that I mad with my MOPS group.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="Caroline1stBirthday20110423_0002.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TcI3I-1wh-I/AAAAAAAAGbU/dJ-7sHRT4so/Caroline1stBirthday20110423_0002.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Caroline1stBirthday20110423 0002" width="600" height="399" /></p>
<p><img title="Caroline1stBirthday20110423_0010.jpg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TcI3JoLCLMI/AAAAAAAAGbY/ORKSmefBBVM/Caroline1stBirthday20110423_0010.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Caroline1stBirthday20110423 0010" width="600" height="480" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Invitation</p>
<p><img title="Caroline1stBirthday20110423_0005.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TcI3KWHWYzI/AAAAAAAAGbc/3Qs-EhAyB5c/Caroline1stBirthday20110423_0005.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Caroline1stBirthday20110423 0005" width="480" height="600" /></p>
<p><img title="Caroline1stBirthday20110423_0006.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TcI3LFxLWEI/AAAAAAAAGbg/ucJhKtnRcvQ/Caroline1stBirthday20110423_0006.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Caroline1stBirthday20110423 0006" width="600" height="399" /></p>
<p><img title="Caroline1stBirthday20110423_0003.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TcI3MbKZMSI/AAAAAAAAGbk/J59k4Waso1s/Caroline1stBirthday20110423_0003.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Caroline1stBirthday20110423 0003" width="399" height="600" /></p>
<p><img title="Caroline1stBirthday20110423_0001.jpg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TcI3OIOsXPI/AAAAAAAAGbo/RPRNnPeDqjM/Caroline1stBirthday20110423_0001.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Caroline1stBirthday20110423 0001" width="399" height="600" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>It's My Party, I'll cry if I want to!!!</p>
<p><img title="Caroline1stBirthday20110423_0007.jpg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TcI3PO4ci5I/AAAAAAAAGbs/i96aeX1GlA8/Caroline1stBirthday20110423_0007.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Caroline1stBirthday20110423 0007" width="399" height="600" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>why is everyone looking at me?</p>
<p><img title="Caroline1stBirthday20110423_0008.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TcI3QBhHLOI/AAAAAAAAGbw/Mi0ohqS7GUY/Caroline1stBirthday20110423_0008.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Caroline1stBirthday20110423 0008" width="600" height="480" /></p>
<p><img title="Caroline1stBirthday20110423_0009.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TcI3Q1Su7xI/AAAAAAAAGb0/eJTqajN-ShM/Caroline1stBirthday20110423_0009.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Caroline1stBirthday20110423 0009" width="600" height="399" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Well if you ask me there a match made in heaven! There too cute!! But I don't think their daddy's are ready for that! So for now they can be friends!</p>
<p><img title="Ella:Crawford.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TcI3R8J2pMI/AAAAAAAAGb4/CG4QmdgoB74/Ella%3ACrawford.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Ella Crawford" width="480" height="600" /></p>Emily and Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872437276785072145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603907697899744660.post-48269522764912997852011-04-29T19:06:00.001-07:002011-04-29T19:06:05.653-07:00She is our little Princess .....<p>In honor of the Royal Wedding we though it was appropriate to put Nana's hat she wore as a little girl on Caroline!</p>
<p>I think she would fit in with Royalty perfectly and her hat also!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="CarolineinNans'sHat.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TbtubB-2Y_I/AAAAAAAAGa8/lEHVTBmFnzQ/CarolineinNans%27sHat.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="CarolineinNans sHat" width="480" height="600" /></p>
<p><img title="CarolineinNanay's Hat 2.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/Tbtucm8CAeI/AAAAAAAAGbA/KeTBlM4oC5c/CarolineinNanay%27s%20Hat%202.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="CarolineinNanay s Hat 2" width="480" height="600" /></p>
<p><img title="Carolineinnana'shat3.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TbtuhbRBneI/AAAAAAAAGbE/JfIygBdnjq0/Carolineinnana%27shat3.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Carolineinnana shat3" width="480" height="600" /></p>Emily and Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872437276785072145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603907697899744660.post-1346979830441328882011-04-26T11:09:00.001-07:002011-04-26T11:09:15.707-07:00Happy First Birthday Caroline!<p>Today is Caroline's Birthday!!! and as Crawford is asking...How long is her Birthday and when will it be over! :-) and when is my Birthday!</p>
<p>I was just thinking how far we have come! She is such a sweet and perfect little girl! and he loves her just as much as we do!</p>
<p>I love the interaction they have now! I can leave them sitting playing and just watch from the other room! I can't wait to see what the years bring for them and how close they will become!</p>
<p>The last few hours of me and Crawford before Caroline was born!</p>
<p><img title="IMG_0493.jpg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TbcKF2zYbKI/AAAAAAAAGaQ/VncOpTZa-EA/IMG_0493.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="IMG 0493" width="450" height="600" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>It's hard to even remember her this small!</p>
<p><img title="MVI_0499.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TbcKLd9PsMI/AAAAAAAAGac/QzC2FvuUQfc/MVI_0499.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="MVI 0499" width="600" height="450" /></p>
<p>When we first met!</p>
<p><img title="IMG_0508.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TbcKIOKwNSI/AAAAAAAAGaU/ntGLpwth4-g/IMG_0508.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="IMG 0508" width="450" height="600" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="Caroline Elizabeth 4.27.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TbcKMAKVIwI/AAAAAAAAGag/SVSS6_Ty-2U/Caroline%20Elizabeth%204.27.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Caroline Elizabeth 4 27" width="600" height="398" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="Caroline 1 Day old.jpg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TbcKDLLXupI/AAAAAAAAGaI/MSrt8kAs7i8/Caroline%201%20Day%20old.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Caroline 1 Day old" width="373" height="600" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Crawford meeting Caroline for the first time! It's all I could do to not burst in to tears at this very moment when he wasn't too sure what was going on!</p>
<p><img title="IMG_0522.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TbcKJrU4d1I/AAAAAAAAGaY/gdAuKiPbApQ/IMG_0522.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="IMG 0522" width="450" height="600" /></p>
<p>and this is another I will never forget!</p>
<p><img title="Crawford Peaking at Caroline.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TbcKEGrO7BI/AAAAAAAAGaM/HUBOBS9cZfc/Crawford%20Peaking%20at%20Caroline.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Crawford Peaking at Caroline" width="600" height="428" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>and now I can hardly keep his hand off of her! He crawls in her crib everyday and I watch them laugh and play and sometimes get mad at each other because he wants her toys and she wants his!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="Caroline and Crawford.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TbcKNhiPAoI/AAAAAAAAGak/z8RUmqT2rKg/Caroline%20and%20Crawford.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Caroline and Crawford" width="600" height="526" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="Caroline:Crawford March 1820110318_0003.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TbcKQ32n0_I/AAAAAAAAGaw/ZOJCws09TBY/Caroline%3ACrawford%20March%201820110318_0003.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Caroline Crawford March 1820110318 0003" width="480" height="600" /></p>
<p><img title="Caroline:CraWford.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TbcKSHI1YaI/AAAAAAAAGa0/56b1LxLjdO4/Caroline%3ACraWford.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Caroline CraWford" width="600" height="480" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>They both Melt my heart in more ways than one and I am feeling so blessed and fortunate to watch them grow up! although it seems to be happening WAY to fast!!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Happy First Birthday to my Sweet Sweet Girl!!!</p>
<p> </p>Emily and Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872437276785072145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603907697899744660.post-1624834977517730012011-04-12T20:12:00.001-07:002011-04-12T20:12:40.385-07:00Birthday Count Down<p>The Birthday Count Down is on and I thought I would post a few things!</p>
<p>Here is the Ribbon Wreath I made for our front door. I plan on hanging it on Caroline's Bedroom Door when her party is over!</p>
<p>I made one of these for Christmas! Meredith, My brother -in - laws sweet girlfriend had told me about it!</p>
<p>I used about 9 spoils of ribbon and a wire wreath. Michaels had ribbon 1/2 off over the weekend and another coupon so I saved! Yay!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="DSC_8543.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TaUUnsLuXFI/AAAAAAAAGaA/Xo8_H_lA_NA/DSC_8543.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC 8543" width="399" height="600" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I ordered some party decorations from Polka Dot Market - <a style="cursor: pointer; color: #3b5998; text-decoration: none;" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.polka-dot-market.com/" target="_blank">http://www.polka-dot-market.com</a></p>
<p>Love that website because you can filter by Party Colors!</p>
<p>More to come!</p>
<p>Love party planning! If only she knew or would ever remember her 1st birthday!</p>
<p>I guess these parties are more for the parents than the kids but hey, she can look back at pictures one day and see we celebrated! :-)</p>
<p> </p>Emily and Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872437276785072145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603907697899744660.post-14052013534033379142011-04-11T20:29:00.001-07:002011-04-11T20:29:21.042-07:00Happy Easter<p>Well Pop Pop has baby Chicks and I don't think they are going over so well with the grandbabies!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="DSC_7221.jpg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TaPHBSlmzuI/AAAAAAAAGZ0/mOrDRz9Dsjc/DSC_7221.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC 7221" width="480" height="600" /></p>
<p>Better for Crawford than Caroline but he is still stand offish! He said he didn't want them to Point him instead of Peck! :-)</p>
<p><img title="DSC_7222.jpg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TaPHC-4A_sI/AAAAAAAAGZ4/MEBYrqxEz6E/DSC_7222.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC 7222" width="480" height="600" /></p>Emily and Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872437276785072145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603907697899744660.post-58091787406358032622011-04-11T20:25:00.001-07:002011-04-11T20:25:37.522-07:00Crawford - Caroline<p>Crawford and Caroline in their Great Grandfather's Chair that he actually learned to walk with! He used to walk behind it pushing it!</p>
<p>I took the pictures in two different places at Jacob's parents house. The grass is unbelievable there! Which has made for great pictures!</p>
<p>Caroline is 11 month in these pictures and Crawford is 10 months!</p>
<p><img title="Untitled-2.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TaPGJCiZ8aI/AAAAAAAAGZs/HGHSmHxnPqg/Untitled-2.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Untitled 2" width="600" height="415" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="Caroline:Crawford Rock.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TaPGKbA5qOI/AAAAAAAAGZw/vxbIF2ReA4Q/Caroline%3ACrawford%20Rock.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Caroline Crawford Rock" width="600" height="415" /></p>Emily and Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872437276785072145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603907697899744660.post-51927630708350633312011-04-04T20:47:00.001-07:002011-04-04T20:47:03.895-07:00Cousins<p>Crawford and Caroline and their first picture with their cousin!</p>
<p>I have trusted Caroline enough to have her near Coleman! She attacks babies every time she is around one! I think I have figured out she is after their paci!</p>
<p>My first baby Crawford looks so old here! How did he grow up so fast and is no longer the baby!</p>
<p>I can't believe Caroline is sitting still!</p>
<p>and sweet Coleman is just a long for the ride at this point!</p>
<p>Oh what fun they will all have in the years to come!!</p>
<p><img title="DSC_6839.jpg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TZqQosAS2zI/AAAAAAAAGZg/o09lp-3EyXE/DSC_6839.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC 6839" width="600" height="399" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Lots of updates coming soon!</p>
<p>and a BIG Birthday in just 3 weeks!</p>
<p>We can't wait!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Leaving you with this tonight! I saw it on someone's facebook page...I have also seen it in our doctors office!</p>
<p>Love it!</p>
<p><img title="200496_10150481473105247_378237330246_17831613_4036051_n.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TZqQsKnBCRI/AAAAAAAAGZk/MSWmaBWHHw4/200496_10150481473105247_378237330246_17831613_4036051_n.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="200496 10150481473105247 378237330246 17831613 4036051 n" width="400" height="398" /></p>Emily and Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872437276785072145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603907697899744660.post-22209917313609643092011-03-28T18:55:00.001-07:002011-03-28T19:35:29.887-07:00I am raising a family not running a Museum!<p>I am always worrying someone is going to just stop by my house without calling and it's going to be the biggest mess ever! I am not sure why I worry....anyone that has kids especially more than one knows they are messy!</p>
<p>I can clean one room turn around and all of the toys are out again! Fold Laundry and turn to get something and two kids are laughing hysterical as they throw them in the air! Especially Caroline!!!</p>
<p>It's hard for me to just accept the fact that my house will just be a mess until one day it's empty and I will be wishing I had the mess instead of the emptiness!</p>
<p>Jacob and I are disorganized (A.K.A Messy) people on top of having kids! Were just not that organized so add two kids to the Mix and well.....you've got a huge mess!</p>
<p>I was reading one of the blogs I read and saw a picture of her living room and above it she said...just in case you are under the false impression I had it all together, my living room on any given day has the coffee table moved to the side, a zebra tent in it's place and toys EVERY where. <strong>I am raising a family, not running a museum!</strong> (I love that)</p>
<p>THANK GOODNESS! I feel like every picture I ever see, everyone's house looks nice and neat and playrooms put together! I guess no one really wants to post pictures of a mess! But I like to see that I am not the only one that has a living room that looks like the toy store blew up in! In 20 some years I plan on having a clean house until then...I will just continue to raise my family and TRY not to worry too much that my house looks like a bomb went off in it! :-)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Snack time today! Ummmm doughnuts from Krispy Kreme last night!!!</p>
<p><img title="DSC_6127.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TZE7-se96SI/AAAAAAAAGZU/7Hv0qL8buhU/DSC_6127.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC 6127" width="479" height="600" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>She still loves her Mum Mum's</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="DSC_6150.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TZE7_khsebI/AAAAAAAAGZY/ssjhTOY7Bzk/DSC_6150.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC 6150" width="600" height="399" /></p>Emily and Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872437276785072145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603907697899744660.post-60710463335362826602011-03-24T13:14:00.001-07:002011-03-24T13:14:04.587-07:00Birthday Planning Sneak Peak<p>I am so excited to be planning Caroline's first Birthday party! <br />I mean...she only turns 1 once! We can't wait to celebrate with family and friends.</p>
<p>It's hard to believe it's almost here!</p>
<p>So here is a little sneak peak!</p>
<p>I wanted it to be lilly-ish just because I love the colors and Lilly but it's easter weekend so thought we should incorporate some bunnies!</p>
<p>Below is the picture on her invitation.</p>
<p>And then the next two pictures are her cupcake toppers.</p>
<p>I decided to go with cupcakes because they are just so much easier than cutting cakes!</p>
<p>My friend Pamela is making her smash cake and cup cakes! She is very talented and I cannot wait to see them!</p>
<p>I am going to cut the pictures below out with a circle cutter and attach a stick to put in the cupcakes!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="CarolineBirthdaypic_9.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TYul_PomzcI/AAAAAAAAGZE/Ts8aSNakbzw/CarolineBirthdaypic_9.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="CarolineBirthdaypic 9" width="600" height="400" /></p>
<p><img title="cupcaketopper.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TYumBGZJNkI/AAAAAAAAGZI/w-6rKMYrOIU/cupcaketopper.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Cupcaketopper" width="570" height="558" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="ones.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TYumB5U13oI/AAAAAAAAGZM/f4jIkT8n9Us/ones.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Ones" width="463" height="600" /></p>
<p>I will post more as I get it done!</p>
<p>Next will be the very Cute Wreath I hope to finish this weekend for the front door!</p>
<p> </p>Emily and Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872437276785072145noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603907697899744660.post-13654257774439307292011-03-24T11:59:00.001-07:002011-03-24T11:59:12.898-07:00Pop Pop and Nana<p>We went to play with Pop Pop and Nana yesterday and snapped a few pictures!</p>
<p>Of course Crawford was on the go but we did get him in one!</p>
<p>and I am sure Caroline is sick of me taking pictures of her this week! It has been a little excessive! But I love practicing with her and think I better while I can because soon she will be like Crawford and I will rarely get them!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="DSC_5979.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TYuUXu1suxI/AAAAAAAAGYw/64qZpK4uUTY/DSC_5979.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC 5979" width="480" height="600" /></p>
<p><img title="DSC_5982.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TYuUapJTRNI/AAAAAAAAGY0/NGQf8671dgw/DSC_5982.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC 5982" width="480" height="600" /></p>
<p><img title="DSC_6055.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TYuUb04OQXI/AAAAAAAAGY4/nOZPRTKX_Dc/DSC_6055.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC 6055" width="600" height="479" /></p>
<p><img title="DSC_6078.jpg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TYuUfoPtmZI/AAAAAAAAGY8/cG3-CXS_LEA/DSC_6078.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC 6078" width="600" height="479" /></p>Emily and Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872437276785072145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603907697899744660.post-23282146578319281322011-03-23T20:55:00.001-07:002011-03-23T20:55:43.040-07:00Mamarazzi<p>By the looks of the pics below you can tell we have been taking picture after picture at our house!</p>
<p>Crawford loves to make Caroline laugh for pictures and then.....he decides if she's getting her picture taken he wants his!</p>
<p>Not sure how long that will last!</p>
<p>I LOVE watching them together. Tonight Crawford made Caroline laugh for what felt like hours! It was our entertainment to just sit back and watch!</p>
<p>She thinks he is so funny! I wonder how long that will last! :-)</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="Caroline:Crawford March 1820110318_0001.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TYrApMdJ9KI/AAAAAAAAGYM/cq-IxiCPlfc/Caroline%3ACrawford%20March%201820110318_0001.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Caroline Crawford March 1820110318 0001" width="480" height="600" /></p>
<p><img title="Caroline:Crawford March 1820110318_0005.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TYrAqGCKDsI/AAAAAAAAGYQ/GvTK18gc2eM/Caroline%3ACrawford%20March%201820110318_0005.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Caroline Crawford March 1820110318 0005" width="480" height="600" /></p>
<p><img title="Caroline:Crawford March 1820110318_0003.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TYrArG2xsvI/AAAAAAAAGYU/IUM1bKXqVkE/Caroline%3ACrawford%20March%201820110318_0003.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Caroline Crawford March 1820110318 0003" width="480" height="600" /></p>
<p><img title="DSC_5697.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TYrAsjQJgsI/AAAAAAAAGYc/rMRkWgJCRoA/DSC_5697.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC 5697" width="480" height="600" /></p>
<p><img title="DSC_5969.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TYrAtl2gvoI/AAAAAAAAGYg/ozKXLrDndlM/DSC_5969.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC 5969" width="600" height="480" /></p>
<p><img title="DSC_5881.jpg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TYrAudozCBI/AAAAAAAAGYk/AD_k6xvqiLY/DSC_5881.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC 5881" width="600" height="480" /></p>
<p><img title="DSC_6009.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TYrAvfKEjaI/AAAAAAAAGYo/YpnHUmOv3jo/DSC_6009.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC 6009" width="600" height="480" /></p>Emily and Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872437276785072145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603907697899744660.post-72173871511391641952011-03-23T20:44:00.001-07:002011-03-23T20:44:50.433-07:00nothing better than Baby Kisses!<div><embed src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=d9b756546f11f4a2cfc68f" quality="high" scale="noscale" width="408" height="382" wmode="transparent" name="FLVPlayer" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=d9b756546f11f4a2cfc68f&skin_id=1901&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><div style="margin:0px;font:12px/13px verdana,arial,sans-serif;line-height:20px;padding-bottom:15px;width:408px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt2" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;">Photo and video editing at <span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.OneTrueMedia.com</span></a></div></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/295/5603F0E2221FADB4500D6ACBEC74BCE1.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Emily and Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872437276785072145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603907697899744660.post-50669190531535599332011-03-22T21:20:00.001-07:002011-03-22T21:20:55.609-07:00Many Faces<p>Crawford has so many Sweet Faces!! Thought I would share! At 3 1/2 it's rare I get many pictures of him...but today he was feeling the camera and kept asking me to take pictures of him....:-) so this Mommy is not complaining!!!</p>
<p>Now if we could keep miss Caroline still! She makes me sweat trying to keep her from crawling! :-)</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="Crawfordmanyfaces.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TYl1BCBPn1I/AAAAAAAAGYE/EiFb-aArqQs/Crawfordmanyfaces.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Crawfordmanyfaces" width="600" height="600" /></p>Emily and Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872437276785072145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603907697899744660.post-70525562895566345372011-03-15T19:56:00.001-07:002011-03-15T19:56:09.203-07:00Three and 1/2 this month going on 16<p>Well these are just a few pictures.....more to come this week! Once I bribe him to sit still and not give me a funny face or blank stare! :-)</p>
<p>My first baby is 3 1/2 going on 16! Seriously he talks sometimes like he is 16. When I woke him up this morning he said .....leave me alone I want to stay in my bed!!!!! I about fell over! What happened to my sweet baby who's eyes would light up when I walked in to the room to rescue him from his crib! Now he wants me out of his room so he can sleep pass 8:15!</p>
<p>There is never a dull moment with Crawford! We do have so much fun! Even with a few tantrums along the way! I guess it's an age thing! Hope there not here to stay though! As I am typing this at 10:15.....I hear something drop upstairs and it is sweet Crawford! AWAKE! and guess who else he woke...his sweet sister!</p>
<p>Each morning when he wakes up he goes to wake up Caroline by Crawling in her crib! He has done it since she she first starting sleeping in the crib! We have finally broke him of it! I hope! I love watching him on the monitor because it's just the two of them and he is talking to her like no one is watching! He is so sweet...except he throws everything out of the crib including her paci's which ends up make her Mad!</p>
<p>at 3 1/2 he is such a picky eater and we are trying hard to break it!</p>
<p>He has been potty trained since 3 and is doing great!</p>
<p>He loves to play baseball and golf and soccer and football but he is really good at baseball and golf! He has great hand/eye coordination!</p>
<p>We of course think he is so smart...but what parent doesn't think their child is smart!</p>
<p>He is so funny and I really have to bite my lip from laughing at some of the inappropriate things he says!</p>
<p>He is very Sensitive, he gets his feelings hurt easily and gets embarrassed!</p>
<p>His favorite toys are anything that has to do with Cars. He watches the movie 3 or 4 times a week and more if we would let me!</p>
<p>He goes to pre-school 3 mornings a week! He is 1 of 3 boys in the class room!</p>
<p>In the last year his eyes have changed from Bright Blue like Caroline's to Gray Blue!</p>
<p>He love the Demon Deacon and Bolt form the Winston-Salem Dash!</p>
<p>He is lucky enough to go to all of the WFU football and basketball games. He love them even though the loose! His favorite part is watching the Demon Deacon ride in on the motorcyle.</p>
<p>He prays for everyone so if he has ever met you....you better believe he is praying for you! Then sometimes he gets carried away and prays for the door, ceiling fan, tree's, pillows and anything he can think of! His prayers go on and on and on!</p>
<p>He is not quiet for a moment unless he meets a stranger!</p>
<p>he is such a joy! I tell him I want to put a rock on his head to keep him from growing so fast! and it's true! I never believed how fast these days would go by! I feel like I blink and he is bigger! To the sweetest boy in the whole wide world!!!!! We love you right up to MOON and back!!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="DSC_4708.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TYAmw1PhIkI/AAAAAAAAGX4/bapTRZu8-9s/DSC_4708.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC 4708" width="600" height="399" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="soserious.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TYAmx6LwttI/AAAAAAAAGX8/9yR62ErxPpA/soserious.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Soserious" width="399" height="600" /></p>Emily and Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872437276785072145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603907697899744660.post-21214739432841953112011-03-15T19:00:00.001-07:002011-03-17T12:23:24.849-07:0010 Month's....Say it's not So<p>Well the Baby of our family is about to be a toddler and I can hardly believe it! she is almost 11 Months so I thought I should squeeze this 10 Month post because in 1 week she is 11 Months!!!</p>
<p>Wow!!!!</p>
<p>Where do I start!</p>
<p>She is growing by leaps and bounds....not sure her exact weight but I am guessing around 17 or 18 lbs. now!</p>
<p>In Size 3 Diapers</p>
<p>Eats as if she is a three year old! She actually eats much better than Crawford does now!</p>
<p>If she could eat a Cheesburger whole she would! If she is close to my plate she will take my food right off my plate! She does not want to be feed anything! She is very independent!</p>
<p>I feel like I am a professional food chopper these days! Chopping three times a day!</p>
<p>Her favorite thing to do is take a Bath! I can't wait to take her swimming this year! If I even walk into the bathroom with her she starts squealing with excitement and tries to wiggle out of my arms into the tub!</p>
<p>She is a Dancer! As soon as we turn on music or even say the word dancing...she starts dancing!</p>
<p>She gives the sweetest kisses</p>
<p>She signs more! and gets faster and faster the longer I take to get her More!</p>
<p>She has two bottom teeth and is working on her top ones!</p>
<p>She can hold up 1 finger when you ask her how old she is. That's her newest trick! (she makes me proud)!</p>
<p>She is walking around furniture and from one piece to the next!</p>
<p>She LOVES to Swing at the Park! On Sunday she fell asleep in the swing! I wish I would have had my camera!</p>
<p>She has mastered the stairs. Not excited about this at all!</p>
<p>She loves Clapping to If your Happy and You no it and Patty Cake!</p>
<p>She loves to play Peek a boo! If she is waring a dress she pulls up her dress and it is so cute!! Maybe not when she is 16 but it's cute now!</p>
<p>She still loves Dolls! but she also loves Crawford's Cars! Which has become a problem! He still doesn't know that she left one of his trucks at my friend Kristen's house! :-) of all the toys she grabbed in the car to play with, it was his Cars Mac Truck and we left it! It has WAY to many toys so he doesn't know it's missing!</p>
<p>I don't think she has added any new words since last month, I'll update if I think of any.</p>
<p>She gets so excited when Jacob gets home each afternoon. I think she a Daddy's girl for sure!!!</p>
<p><img title="DSC_5052.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TYAZuqpzsSI/AAAAAAAAGXk/-c1kRaGxogw/DSC_5052.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC 5052" width="600" height="480" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="10 1:2 Months.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TYAZvZo0ttI/AAAAAAAAGXo/5XTccIreSjg/10%201%3A2%20Months.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="10 1 2 Months" width="600" height="480" /></p>
<p><img title="DSC_5041.jpg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TYAZwf4h3VI/AAAAAAAAGXs/IxZcpEjeyFk/DSC_5041.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC 5041" width="399" height="600" /></p>
<p><img title="DSC_4737.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TYAZxpvW11I/AAAAAAAAGXw/WRq1GiPD_6U/DSC_4737.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="DSC 4737" width="600" height="480" /></p>Emily and Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872437276785072145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603907697899744660.post-11018918803277143642011-03-15T18:23:00.001-07:002011-03-15T18:25:42.066-07:00MOPS<p>I am involved in a local MOPS (Mother's of Preschoolers) group here in Winston and LOVE it!</p><p>I am not sure how I could do without it and I would recommend it to anyone that is able to be part of one!</p><p>I have learned so much about myself and being a mom and met some wonderful girls!</p><p>I learned early on with Crawford that there was nothing better than getting to compare notes with my friends on raising a child! I have certain friends I talk to daily and there is not a day go by that I am not asking...does your child do this...what do you do when they do that? What type of food should I be feeding....etc! I am not sure what I would do without all of my friends to give encouragement and advice!</p><p>So being part of this group has given me even more resources to learn all kinds of things and has allowed me to meet some really great friends!</p><p>I look forward to each meeting we have and even though getting both kids ready and out the door in time to get there is sometimes a challenge; when I finally drop them off in the nursery and sit down with these lovely ladies and get to eat...talk and learn it is completely worth the morning challenges!!</p><p> </p><p>I have learned about Contentment! which I must say is So hard for me! It's hard for me to just be content and not constantly worrying if my house is clean....or something needs to be done! Just to be content in the moment with my Children! I can clean when my children are older and want nothing to do with me! :-) Easier said than done but I am trying! Don't get me wrong...my house is always a mess but I am always worrying about it and trying to clean rather than sometimes just being Content with the mess and let it go and just enjoy these priceless moments I have with my children!!</p><p>I have learned so much about faith and parenting!</p><p>I have learned that I am not the only one in the world going through a 3 year old who thinks he is 16 and a dramatic 10 month old teething and wanting to be held!</p><p>Today we were talking about scripture and I jotted down a few books for children that people were recommending and thought I would share!</p><p>I ordered them on Amazon and am excited they will be at my door tomorrow!!! Love Amazon Prime which is free overnight shipping; some program...that has been completely free to me! That's another post but I do have wipes arriving with the books tomorrow that were absolutely FREE! Yay for me or should I say Caroline!</p><p> </p><p><img title="NewImage.png" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TYARDvgBfOI/AAAAAAAAGXU/ZyopjGB9Kr0/NewImage.png?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="NewImage" width="300" height="300" /></p><p> </p><p><img title="NewImage.png" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TYARFd1emyI/AAAAAAAAGXc/cWBSvd1Rocc/NewImage.png?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="NewImage" width="300" height="300" /></p><p> </p><p>I am a blog stalker! I love reading blogs...I actually read ALOT more when I worked! Ha..Ha.. Go Figure!</p><p>Anyway...I don't read nearly as much these days but one that I have always kept on my list to check is Kelly's Korner!</p><p>She is just such an inspiration and I love reading it!</p><p>Her blog today kind of related to My MOPS session which was ironic to me that I just happened upon her page today.</p><p>She recommended a book and I thought it was great enough to share even though I haven't read it yet! I did order it on amazon to be delivered to my door tomorrow! So I'll let you know how it is! I plan to start it tomorrow! Especially since I finished Heaven is for Real which I totally recommend!!!</p><p> </p><p><img title="NewImage.png" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Q2idd10nMeU/TYARCTDYvlI/AAAAAAAAGXQ/VT1uEKDLkPw/NewImage.png?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="NewImage" width="300" height="300" /></p><p> </p><p>You can view a little bit about the author below.</p><p><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/20119387" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/20119387">"Don't Make Me Come Up There" Blog Tour Promo</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1542645">Derek Harvey</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p></p>Emily and Jacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13872437276785072145noreply@blogger.com0