Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Day 71: Coupons

It was about two weeks ago that my husband and I decided maybe we should see a financial consultant to make sure we were doing everything we could do to get out of debt the quickest we could. So, we arrived in fashion with our $5 Starbucks drinks in hand and quickly got slapped in the face with this old fashioned idea of a Budget. I don't know about you but that seems like a bad word! It sounds as good to me as a bath sounds to a cat. Kicking and screaming I went along as my husband set amounts for each necessity food, clothes, etc. but the hard reality sunk in when my money starting coming in cash form out of an envelope. When the envelope is empty you can't keep swiping it, if you know what I mean. Not quite the same as the always giving debit card!

So here I was scrambling through the week trying to figure out a menu for two weeks that would allow us to eat somewhat nutritiously but stay within the dreaded envelope. Sent to the store to fend for myself I ended up going over budget $3 and didn't get coffee. No coffee!!! Surely I would give up a couple of dinners for coffee! I needed to rectify this situation. Luckily my husband is merciful and picked some up before I woke up and I had a fresh, hot cup of coffee waiting for me as I drug my butt out of bed. I still needed to make up for my "overdraw" though. I had a birthday present I needed to buy. I decided to head over to Kohl's because I had a $10 coupon off of a $20 purchase, then I got a $5 coupon for signing up for e-mails from them, then I found online another 15% off coupon. Surely these should help me out. Popped the kids in the car and was on my way.

First I stopped in the baby section because I can never pass up buying my kids clothes and I needed to spend at least $20 so I picked up an adorable little jacket for Zaya, originally it was 20.00 but it was marked down to 8.99. Then off to the girls section for a birthday gift. I found the cutest little dress, originally 34.00 marked down to 13.60. I met my goal of over $20 and I knew I better get out while I was still in the black. I proudly lined up all of my coupons and handed the lady my items. Then she said it and I about jumped up and down..."6.90 please." WooHoo!!! 6 dollars and 90 cents for an original cost of $54! YEAH I should have jumped up and down and threw a party!!! I can be a bargain shopper! Maybe this budget thing won't be too bad after all. I just have to be a little creative.

Today I'm grateful for coupons!


Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Day 70: A Dream Come True


It's been a long time coming but it's finally here!  We are absolutley blessed by this oppurtunity to start this buisness, meet wonderful new people and begin a new adventure.  Visit our website at http://www.candidlygrateful.com/  Thanks for all your support and encouragement!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Sneak Peek!

So, most photographers would agree that doing a boy’s senior shoot can be pretty grueling. They usually don't want to be there but per parents requests they oblige so you’re stuck trying to shoot the natural beautiful personality that isn't so beautiful at the time. Not the case for my first boys, or should I say young man’s, senior session. So fun! It could be because his Mom has a love for photos and has been prepping him for this moment his whole life. Caleb is really an admirable young man. He's kind, helpful, and respectful; he loves the Lord and honors his parents. He's a good boy…I mean young man!! I hope I captured all that in my photos. Here is a sneak peek at a couple.


Thanks for a great time Caleb!







 







 
Let me know what you guys think of my first young man's senior session???



Friday, August 13, 2010

Day 69: Mama

For the last 8 months a constant reminder has been going off in my head, “I’m their Mom.” I don’t know if it’s that I really forget or if it’s I can’t believe it but whatever the reason there are still reminders often. Sometimes it’s with great joy that the thought comes as I see them smile and feel so excited I say to myself, “I’m their Mom!” Sometimes it’s a little less exciting when it’s 4am and I’m getting up for the fourth time that night and I think, Why?” the answer comes rushing to the fore front of my mind, “I’m there Mom.” Sometimes it comes with great surprise. Why am I not grossed out by their poops, their throw ups and their boogers? “Oh yeah! I’m their Mom!”

It’s funny to me how “I forget” in a sense. I guess I’m still getting used to the idea. I’m a Mommy! I’m now all of a sudden this woman who packs luggage to leave the house for an hour, that can accomplish pretty much anything with a baby in her hands, and who’s multi-tasking skills are at an all time high. I’m a Mommy! I don’t know how I can possibly need reminders at times, but I guess it’s still a shock. After 8 months it’s still a shock to me that I could love two little people so much and everyday fall more in love with them. The reality still reminds me, “I’m a mommy!”

Well, the other day I was basking away in my motherly duties, making a headband for Zaya, feeding her a snack, and grabbing up my son to go change his diaper. We talked and played a little on the changing table and we finished up so I picked him up and headed back to meet Zaya. As we were on our way Chase nestled his head on my shoulder and as clear as day said, Mama! I immediately gasped, smiled and teared up a little all at the same time. He said Mama! He knows I’m his Mama! I didn’t know how good that would feel to hear him say it. It was amazing! My little guy called me Mama. I am his Mama and it feels so good to be reminded by him. I’m not sure I will have to keep reminding myself anymore because they will start doing the reminding for me plus it just is starting to feel right. Maybe I’m getting the hang of this Mama business?

Today I’m grateful he knows my name.


Sunday, August 1, 2010

Sweetest Girl

I had a blast taking pictures of the prettiest little girl this week but not only is she so beautiful she is the sweetest, funnest little girl too.  Look at her in her modeling debut...So much fun!





























8 Months Old

I can't believe they are already 8 months old!  We are having a blast these days.  Going out and exploring the world.  I took them for their first on location photo shoot.  It was right around the corner from our house and it lasted a total of about 10 min but it was an adventure none the less. 

And I got this amazing shot...