March 09

During the month of March, I started working hard on getting my photo studio & website set up. I can't wait to start taking pictures and, hopefully start making some money at it. The problem is when??? Between working full time in an office and coming home to be a full time mom there isn't much time left. We'll see how things work. Still practicing a lot though. I took a Nikon class with a friend. I learned SO much. Almost overwhelming. If you want to volunteer yourself, your kids or your family for a photosession let me know and we'll figure something out. I'm hoping to do a lot of outdoor shoots as it gets nicer.

March was a beautiful month weather wise. We spent a lot of time outside soaking up the sun and just enjoying the outdoors. We did have 1 larger storm, but that didn't stop us from going outside.

My Nephew, Matthew, enjoying the warm
spring day at Grandma and Pop's house.

This attitude has to come home with me :-)

Kyra also enjoying playing outside
and Grandma & Pop's. Isn't she beautiful?

Kyra and her Pop

My little snow bunny

Enjoying the snow outside on a beautiful day

My Sister in-law's Mom hosted a wonderful "cancer sucks" party to kick off Kyra's long teatment plan with Chemoteraphy. April 2nd is the beging of her l-o-n-g 14 month road to cancer recovery. Thanks Sally for the great party and wonderful food.

Toasting to Kyra and a speedy recovery!

Eric and Matthew snuggling at the party

Kyra Elizabeth -- 5 1/2 years old.

I was 4 months post-op on March 25. 60 pounds down. Still feeling good with the exception of returning headaches. I think that's because I can't figure out how to get 60 grams of protein each day and only 500 calories. Not an easy task.

February 09

Wow! I can't believe it's been since January since I posted an update. Shame on me. Here is a quick run down to get me caught up of the adventures of the last few months. Look for more frequent updates going forward.

February was a pretty typical month fo us. Nothing out of the ordinary or exciting. Makenna's best friend turned 3 and we went to her birthday party. It was fun! I like the smaller events.

Best Friends: Anna & Makenna

I can't believe it's been 3 months since surgery. I'm down about 45 pounds. I feel great.

Stock Show 2009

Makenna and I went to the Stock Show today with our friend Laurie. It was total madness. I don't recall ever going to the stock show as a kid, but maybe I did. If I didn't, I know why -- The place is not condusive to strollers, or handicap people for that matter. There is one (maybe 2 but we didn't see it) elevators on each floor and the elevators are about the size of a small closet. There is no fitting 2 stollers in there at one time. What a mess. Laurie and I are sure this has got to be a fire hazard. Other than that, it was fun! Makenna got to play on the playground ($.50); She got to ride the kiddie train ($3.00), she got a new cowGIRL hat ($16.00); She got her Picture taken on a horse ($5.00), all that plus the cost of parking and admissions = EXPENSIVE. It was fun, but not something we will do every year.

Showing off the Pink CowGirl Hat


Riding Bareback

showing off

Showing off a little more...

looking grumpy for some reason

A day at the zoo

Makenna and I went to the zoo today. it was cold, with a few snow flakes, but bundled up it wasn't too bad. it wasn't crowded at all and all of the animals were out playing or sleeping, excpet for the monkeys. We saw the entire zoo in less than 3 hours. We had a great time and I'm always looking for opportunities to use the camera. Here are a few of the favs.

Doing a little nose scratching on the fence

Doing what lions do best - pace back and forth.
He did this for a full 10 minutes while we stood there.

Lucy the Sealion waving at Makenna and I

Makenna freezing but enjoying herself

Check out how this bear is sleeping.
He's about 7 feet off the ground all wraped up in this tree.

Cute huh?


Just chillin' out.


The penguins were lovin' the cooler weather.
This guy was "standing guard" while the
other swam. BRRRRR!

Makenna and Mama

Makenna's favorite past time -- Taking a bath

concentrating on playing

being goofy!

Loving Mama taking pictures

Feeding the ducks!

Makenna and I love to feed the ducks -- Even in the snow. This morning we went out in the 20 degree weather and had a great time. It also gave me an opportunity to try out the new lens I got for my camera. I still need a lot of practice, but it doesn't take bad pictures.

Feeding the ducks


Running from a goose. Boy are they mean!


A mallard patiently waiting for some grub


The old ice house

t
Swimming in for some morning breakfast

Back to a Normal Routine

Ok, so I've been home from work since November 24th recovering from major surgery. Even though I've been "working from home", I'm so ready to go back to work. Not only will I get to socialize with people over the age of 3 but having a routine is good. Kudos to all you stay at home moms -- I don't know how you do it.

I'm also looking forward to getting the OK from the doctor on Monday to start working out again. I know my trainer is looking forward to getting me back in the gym so I can start toning again. Nothing is worse than having saging body parts. UGH!

Makenna starts back to school on Monday as well. YAY! She really does like preschool and I like having something to talk about at dinner. Normally everynight at dinner, we do a review of the things she learned that day, what made her happy and what made her unhappy. It's a good opportunity for us to discuss feelings and that we should be nice to people, not hit, use our words etc. The perfect parenting opportunities. Everyday there is a new situation that we need to discuss and learn from.

We are looking forward to a great 2009. 2008 was a bit of a challenge for our family and are looking forward to a fresh start. We also hope to do some traveling this year. We'd love to go back east to see Grandparents and greatparents. Maybe we'll also make it to Georgia in the fall to see my dad family.

Happy new year to all! Hope it's a happy and healthy one!