Feeling the Spirit

WooHoo! Legos!

Animated plush snowmen and all. What's this? a note from Ned.

We Believe. How about you?

Austin has been enjoying his Lego Advent calendar. Taylor likes to eat our family elf, though I don't think Ned minds much. He still leaves the kids goodies every day in our Advent tree. He hasn't been all that mischievous compared to past years though I think he understands just how busy I've been lately.

Things should slow down mid week though. Looking forward to baking, crafting and wrapping at home, settling in until Christmas day arrives. I could use some knitting time, some time to read... but first I must get our Christmas cards done.

Still no photos for those yet. The babes are a bit crazier this year than last. My own kids are making me pull out all the tricks. Well you all shall just have to wait and see what comes of tomorrow's photo shoot with my sweet little muffins. For now, goodnight all.

If I could only always remember

I've been busy with work. So busy that my weekends are filled with shoots, nap times is filled with downloads and previews and after my family has gone to bed, I stay up late into the night making edits on hundreds of images taken of the same, small, beautiful child.

It's rare that a child between the ages of 1 to about the age of 7 actually sit still long enough for someone to realize just how incredibly breathtaking they are. Those eyes... that hair... her skin... his laugh... I feel like I miss seeing my kids in this light because they are always either on my hip or at my side.

The other day I sat Taylor in front of a shape sorting toy she often plays with. I decided to sit with her because I had a moment to breath and why not pass that moment with her. Not even looking up for my approval she places each of the five shapes into their corresponding spots, in about 5 seconds without making a single mistake... I shook my head in disbelief and she walked away.

She thinks she's flying when she's on her trampoline and prefers to only jump on it now while she is wearing her fairy wings. Chris calls her our angel with butterfly wings.

If I could only always remember these things, the way they move when they do them, her smell when she wakes from her nap.

how she moves when she dances...

she sings every note even though she can't say the words...

he doesn't mind stepping aside because he's so proud of his little sister, "She's so beautiful mommy."

"Austin what's Taylor up to in there?" "Oh, she's just being cute..." sigh...

he bites his nails when he's scared...

he's on his 6th night tonight, sleeping alone, even though I know he's so scared, even though I've told him he has the best guardian angel and because I know he just doesn't quite understand and because I know he is so smart and his imagination is so active, so brilliant.

she wants me to hold her when daddy comes home from work, even before he walks through the door so she can see him face to face and then, and only she locks gazes with him will she allow him to hold her.

I am so proud of my little ones. They make me the luckiest person alive. I do my best to capture these moments through images, but sometimes I just need to spend it with them and so close to them that not even a camera can come between us.

Dentists, perfume and my heros

I am posting b/c I have to. because I know that three weeks is far too long to wait until I update my blog. I have so many adorable pictures of the kids, but no time to edit as my business is, well, busy.

We did get through Taylor's first (and hopefully only) ear infection of the season. Two ear drums filled with fluid, plus her gums looked like she just boxed a round with Mike Tyson... poor thing has black and blue and pain all over her little head from teething... we have a follow up tomorrow and I am certainly going to inquire about this because I have never seen anything like it. They'll probably look at me like I am crazy and say (once again) "Oh, she's just teething :)" I enjoy being crazy but really can't stand it when people treat me as such.

So I'm working on Christmas shopping already, because my life really isn't busy enough... I am about 65% finished and am content with the fact that I really am not wanting for anything for myself. I have it all people. No really, lucky me. If you want to give me something, give me a date night with my husband. This doesn't make Chris all that happy though, he needs inspiration. I think he'll figure it out.

Well there is one thing. I'd really like a bottle of Burberry's new perfume. And a certain $800 jacket, but then again maybe we'll take a family vacation....

I went to the dentist today. The kids and I played at our friends' house while Chris and friend Nathan aerated and seeded 4 houses (that I know of) in the pouring, cold rain. This is what my veteran husband decides to do on his day off.... thank you love, for your service, your commitment and your aerating and seeding abilities.

My other favorite vet, my lifelong hero is no longer around to thank. My dad was incredible in many ways, one being a Vietnam vet. Two tours beginning when he was just 18-years-old. He made a really horrific situation better for everyone around him. He carried that through his life. I love you dad, you are the best. Thanks for serving.

Good night everyone. Hope you have a vet to love today, tonight and always. In the words of my lovely husband, "Don't forget to thank a veteran today. Some veterans also like to be hugged."

Fuzzy Feet

I just ordered these for Taylor on Piperlime.com

I mean really.... I hesitated purchasing these mainly b/c they are crocs. I got a great deal on them (of course) and couldn't resist. It satisfies my Ugg craving for her for the moment and I know she is going to love them just as much the that adorable little..... well you'll see I got some great shots of her the other day wearing such adorable little article of clothing.

I may live to regret feeding her sweet little desires for really wacky, but very cute clothing. I know she's only a few weeks shy of 18 months... this young lady is all about fashion and I can't help trying my best to make her happy :)

This is how we sleep. This is how we wake.

Good Morning my little girl.

With the crazy hair and the most joyful giggle.

You are my sunshine.

You are my light.

Good morning my pup who keeps me up all night. I'm sorry am I disturbing you as you rest on daddy's side of the bed?

Good morning my son, sleeping so soundly in mama's bed.

No matter how hard I try to sleep, I cannot. I cannot go to bed early. Usually around 2 a.m. I make my way up there to find my wonderful husband nearly falling off the bed, our animal taking up 3/4s of it and our adorable little man hanging off the foot. I shuffle them around, get Hannah on her bed which is located under ours and carry Austin back to his room. Cover him up, kiss his sweet little head and say a blessing.

Taylor is next and quite the light sleeper so I just breath her in one last time for the day and bless the air around her.

By the time I return to my bed, Hannah is lying on my pillow, under the covers. I like to think she is warming my spot. So I remove her once again and settle in to sleep.

I tossed a lot last night, found there was an interesting star that glowed blue, white, red and green. Actually considered waking Chris, but decided against it. I liked thinking it was my star and not what he would have known it was, b/c he has an abnormal amount of space-satellite-flying-aviation-up-in-the-sky sort of knowledge.

When I finally drifted off it was very early in the morning. Austin woke me, requesting to watch his favorite cartoon on DVR. This is the last year we'll get to do this on school days, so he cuddled up and I drifted back to sleep as the Super Hero Squad gave my little guy a great start to his very busy 4-year-old-day.

I should wrap it up for the night. New posts on the business blog, if you don't check it out often, do! http://lizsaucier.blogspot.com

Much warmth to you and your loved ones.

Cookin' up something good

I have this super hero.

He makes me do crazy things.

like pour caramel over apple pie


and peel apples without breaking the skin

makes me add chocolate chips to our pancakes

and take his picture w/ his sister on school picture day.

He enjoys snacking on his finger nails and giggles when his sister says "eeeewwww!"

he loves his sister to the point of tears.

and calls his pup Hannah his best friend, his "Bat-dog"

that super guy sure makes me smile.

Hello friends and family. Hope you are all well. The kids and I have been enjoying a few more hours indoors these days. Austin has been learning about nutrition and how to cook at school and has some pretty specific requests as to what he would like to cook with me at home. The first of which was an apple pie. He's so awesome. Enjoy the images and hope to hear from all of you soon.

With love, L

that girl

she doesn't play with toys

She wiggles when she dances

mostly wears it when he's gone.

she got his eyes

that's daddy's girl

and she drew

It was a rainy day...

...early in September.

So Mama took out the paper.

And a few colorful crayons...


and Taylor made our day a little brighter.

| Another |

| Artist |

| is born |

.: On Pre-K :.

new school, new friends, new routine,

Austin started school today.

So much has changed from last year, but one thing has remained the same. Our little boy loves school. I had a very tough time dropping him off today. I have grown used to running him into his school, saying goodbye with a hug and a kiss, a quick chat with his teachers and a nod from him, telling me "I'll be just fine mama." But that changed today for me. A teacher from his school opened the back passenger door and cheerfully removed my baby. No hug, no kiss. With a smile on his face and with his very trusting little heart he held the teacher's hand and waved goodbye to me.

He'll be in school five days a week this year. I'll get a ton of work done I know and maybe even get to spend a little one on one time with Taylor, but I'm going to miss my little man. We'll always have the summers though. Enjoy the pictures. I hope to reflect a little more on this once it's all sunk in and I've gathered my emotions, accepted this all and when I get his side of the story :)

:: While we were out ::

Visited our favorite farm stand off Crownsville Road this afternoon where we grabbed a bit of local goodness. Their watermelon are by far, hands down, without question the best watermelon you can find on Earth. The kids enjoy shopping open air and I always leave with a healthy portion of summer flavor.