Midweek Randoms

Last week was a... whew... crazy one. Wednesday evening I helped host our staff recognition reception - where Dac received an award for being so awesome. I had nothing to do with that though, I swears. He earned it all on his own - which if you know Dac, you probably have no trouble believing that. He is such a kind, hard worker.

Thursday night was Wii night. Cori's sister Beni and her girls were there too so that was fun. It was my turn to cook. I'm doing a trial gluten-free diet to see if I notice improvement on some health issues. I made bbq beef sliders (I just didn't eat the bun), baked potatoes, corn on the cob, and this: a fruit pizza using a gluten free sugar cookie mix. Not too bad really... even better the next day.

It was total chaos with the kids that night. Holy moly. But then, there were some sweet moments. I caught Reid and Eden watching the chickens and sharing smiles, giggles, and cute toddler conversation. It was so stinkin' cute. By the time I grabbed my phone to take a picture, the smiley glances had slowed but Britton had joined them, so I captured all three. =)

I'm learning Reid is kind of a "stand back and observe before jumping in kind of a kid". I thought he would just love the chicken but he was not super excited to pet her, etc... It's fun to see his little personality develop.

 Friday evening, we went out for Mexican food. Saturday, Dac's Dad came over to help him work on bathroom stuff so Reid and I ran some errands and had a lunch date. Of course, he was too busy flirting with the older couple in the booth behind us to really be much of an engaged date. ;)

He had a super rough time the rest of the day. He was cranky, oh my goodness he was cranky. He only napped for an hour and it just got even worse from there on out. Whew. Even going for a walk didn't seem to help.

Sunday, he was still super cranky, so we skipped church. It was that bad.

 Bad enough that almost anything went if it kept him quiet and happy.

Later that day, I potted some flowers. I even potted some more last night. =) So far, I'm keeping everything alive.

Reid has continued to struggle somewhat this week. Although last night he was a lot happier. We ate supper then went to buy more flowers and get ice cream. =)

A friend and former wedding client of ours is selling Jamberry Nails now. I thought they seemed kind of fun so I ordered some to try. =) I'll definitely report back and let you know what I think.

In other news, we're gearing up to shoot our first wedding of the season this weekend.

Most of my shows are over now - with the exception of a couple finishing up this week. I'm kind of relieved honestly. We've started catching up on Dexter now though. =)

Midweek Randoms

I tell ya, it's a crazy time of year right now. Full of tons of work, personal, and photography obligations. It's wild man. =)

Speaking of wild men... 

Reid "kisses" (smacks) with his tongue out. He's pretty cute when he does it. If I do say myself. And I do - say so myself.

Sky came over for a couple hours last week. She worked on homework and we got to catch up a bit.

Then Friday. Friday - this happened.

Mr. Cranky Slithers made his way into our foyer at work. We were short handed that day, so I was up front answering phones. This is not ok people. I am not a critter person. I am not a creepy-crawly person. I am certainly not a snake person. Thankfully, he was taken to a new home, far away from the office, after a very intense 45 minutes. As if I hadn't experienced nature enough already, I went to Ag Day on the Farm that afternoon. That was actually kind of fun because while I'm not a snake person, I am a sweet fuzzy cow person. =)

That evening, we went on a family outing to the park. Reid's getting to where he can navigate the park a bit better. He enjoyed the heck out of going down the slide (with Dac's help). I actually had our big camera on hand and was fortunate enough to catch this sweet moment.

After the park, we continued our walk and ended up over by our friends' house. We visited with Heather, Daniel, and Tabitha for a bit then topped the night off at Braums.

Speaking of Braums. For weeks now, I've been dying to try the new smore's sundae. Then, when I get ready to order, it's like I chicken out and revert to the usual chocolate mix w/ oreos or rocky road in a waffle cone.

Saturday, I talked Dac into letting me sleep in a wee bit. Then, while he mowed, Reid and I did some housework. Can't you tell? ;)

 Later, we went to Tabitha's 30th birthday party.

Sunday was Mother's Day and my head was filled with tons of thanks for my mom and for Dac's, tons of appreciation for all the women that have such important roles in our lives, gratitude for my little man, and tons of good wishes and prayers for those who were mourning the loss of a mom, the loss of a child, were longing for a child, etc... We went to church, then to my Grandma's for lunch, then home while Reid napped, then to Terese's for a visit later in the day.

We are still pacifier-free. I'm proud of Reid and I'm glad we were strong and stuck it out. He's doing great.

These two: =)

This week has been full of work that's overflowing well into the evenings. I'm ready for that to slow down at least a little.

In other news, we have an old and grey mama robin that has been having babies on our porch for the past several years. The just keeps building onto the same nest each year and it's pretty tall now! Anyway, 4 fuzzy baby birds hatched earlier this week. There would have been 5 but she lost an egg a while back. When I got home yesterday, there was a dead baby bird on the steps. =( Poor mama robin. I just love having her family stay with us though. =)

I've also been doing a decent job of watering the plants this year. Gold star.

I'm kind of relieved that all my shows are coming to an end. I'm beginning to feel some freedom there. ha! How sad is that?

Midweek Randoms

Last Thursday, Dac and I had dentist appt's in Wichita. I, of course, took that opportunity to shop at Target. =) Used some coupons and got all this for $81... saving about that same amount. 

We also took the opportunity to use a gift card at Applebees and had a nice little lunch - just the two of us.

Friday, Dac had to work a track meet, so Reid and I ran a couple errands then went out to eat Mexican food with family. That night was Reid's first night without a pacifier. We'd been working through the week to only give it to him during naps and at bedtime. That night however, total torture for both of us. He screamed and cried for over 45 minutes. Any kind of comforting I offered just made him even more upset. =( It was heartbreaking but I'm happy to report that he has been pacifier free since his nap earlier that Friday. It's still a bit of a struggle but it has improved a ton. I'm happy to be coming out on the other side of this.

Saturday, we hung out and did house work until that afternoon when Val came over to watch Reid so we could go to Wichita for a photo session.

 Sunday, Reid and I went to church while Dac got some work done. A teacher at our church has started hosting a "mom and me"-type Sunday school class for the littlest kids once a month. We missed last month's due to being out of town, so this was Reid's first time in Sunday school. =) We worked on a craft, listened to Bible stories, sang Bible songs and used instruments, more stories... puzzles... snack. It was a good time!

 Reid, of course, enjoyed the music time.

 He even made me this. ;)

Once Reid was napping, I ran to Wal-Mart, then we went to watch Dac's soccer game. It was so hot but we still had a good time being outside and cheering him on. He even scored!

Monday night, Dac worked late again but we were able to have a little family fun when he got home.

Dac was blowing air on Reid's face...

Then, Dac and I watched 24: Live Another Day - the new 24 mini series. We are big 24 fans and are super pumped for Jack to be back. =) We ate M&M's I'd gotten on sale earlier in the day. Also, all this deodorant... 24 cents a piece. I was quite impressed with myself.

 Tuesday, Dac had to work late... again... so Reid and I played photo shoot while I was getting supper ready. I believe we were playing peak-a-boo at this point.

 Reid's signature "more!"

 Later, Dac gave in and shared his yogurt. ;) This little boy is going to eat us out of house and home.

 I took these yesterday when, once again, Dac was working late. Ha, are you sensing a theme? =) Busy time of year. I just decided he looked extra big, so I took a picture.

 Reid continues to jabber more and now enjoys 'cleaning' his tray, hands, and face after eating.

 Oh this boy. Excuse me while I scoop up my puddle of a heart.