14.

I love this man. This year we will have been together for 14 years and will celebrate our 8 year wedding anniversary.
Wouldn't have it any other way. Look forward to growing old with him.

the girls.

Jocelyn and Gabriella.

Braden and Gabi.

peaceful.

Peacefully sleeping.

do you ever?

Do you ever just feel the need for change? Anxious for something more? Ready for change but not sure where to start? Let me back up by saying that I am happy with my life. I am grateful, thankful for a beautiful, healthy family. An awesome, hardworking husband, a home, a job, a great church. It has nothing to do with that. Actually, I'm not looking for change of location (Lord knows this!) or a change of circumstance. I'm looking for inward change, personal change, Ileana change. Maybe change is not even the correct word...

Most moms would understand. I am young wife and mother that has been devoting my life to my family. I pour everything that I am and have into them. Often I find that I neglect myself, the things that I need or want for them. I am not angry or bitter about this, just realizing that I would be so much better if I spent time on myself. Figuring out what I love, cultivating interests, getting fed and re-fueled. What does this mean? What does this look like for me? These are the questions that I am facing right now.

sleepy face.

Lately I find myself [often] feeling sad and kind of emotional about how quickly Braden is growing. This afternoon when he woke up from his nap, with his sleepy face, I wanted to kiss him and cry. Is that weird? Ok, probably but so what! I hope he never gets tired of his mama's kisses and hugs and lovin [without being the weirdo mom & all]. I love this boy. He changed my life and everything I thought I knew about loving someone.

And no worries I didn't forget my baby who is also very big boy these days and almost 2!

the other day.

Carter was insisting on watching tv with his neck all weird like this..

but I did get a cute shot of his face like this :)

experimental.

When it comes to the kitchen and cooking I stick to what I know. That doesn't say much because I don't know very much about cooking and I don't really like following recipes.

These last few weeks I have been doing the Daniel Fast with the staff and other folks from our church and it has really been a stretching and experimental time. I've had to eat things I would normally pass up and try things I wouldn't normally do and I have learned a lot! And most of our meals have included alot of this...

It's been quite a few weeks and i'm thankful but I surely am ready for my cup of java ;)

Incredibles.

For the last three days Braden has asked to watch the movie The Incredibles. When we allow them, they hop up on the couch and sit next to each other just like this. Love it, love them.

Snow day.

We woke up to this.

[expecting around 12 inches by the time its all done]

So it was a good day to organize, do laundry, play games with the boys..

And of course, build snow forts.

[courtesy of rob and braden- mommy and cartie were happily napping]

So..

We're under contract on a house! eeeeekkkk....

Year in Review [2010]

2010 was quite the year and I can barely believe that it's over. There were a lot of highs and lows and defining moments for us as a family. I'm very excited for this coming year and all that it will bring! Just wanted to look back for a minute and remember some of the moments..

In January I really started exploring and going deeper with my camera. I wanted to get to know it better. It started with some instructional dvds I got for Christmas by Merakoh. I learned more about shooting in Manual and how to control my camera to get [or at least try] the shots I wanted. I also started on my 365 photo deal.

In March Carter turned 1! I can hardly believe how quickly that first year went by.

In April Rob, the boys and I moved back into our own place. After spending a year living with my parents, although we are still grateful for their generosity, we were ready to be back in our home. We also had the chance to go to Puerto Rico and visit with my grandparents.

June- I took the very first shots of someone outside of my family. Cari, a new friend at the time, had asked me to take some belly shots for her. Awesome and absolutely nerve racking opportunity :)

July, we got to go back to Cape Cod with Rob's parents. We had an awesome time relaxing, playing, and on the beach. It was the hottest week every, perfect for the beach!

I also took my first online photography workshop with Maggie Holmes.

It was about time we had our family photos taken! In August my friend Leah took our very first professional family photos as a family of four.

September- My first belly shoot which also happened to be my sister and her family. We had so much fun.

Braden got rid of his paci! I wasn't sure this day would come or that it would be as smooth a transition as it was!

Halloween was so fun this year. Braden was super hyped about trick or treating and being iron man.

Gabriella was born in November! Felt like we were waiting for her for so long- but she was worth the wait, perfect!

December was a busy month. Our first (successful) Gingerbread house..

Braden turned 4!

And we celebrated New Years with our wonderful family.

Looking forward to all that 2011 will bring!