My New TOY!

I am a proud new owner of a Canon XSI! You have no idea how excited I am. I love my old camera (a Canon S3-IS) and would recommend it to everyone. But I don't like to use my flash and like taking pictures in low light. My pictures weren't coming out as clear as I liked with the old camera. I'm not sure how I talked my husband into getting me one. Since he has no idea why on God's green earth would you spend more than $200 on a camera and still thinks 3 mega pixels is enough. (Some 12 year old Target salesman told him that back in 2003 and he still believes it.) My new one has 12 mega pixels. Anyways. (I know, silly me for taking my picture with it, but I thought kissing it might be inappropriate.)

I love it and will be taking pictures all day, week, month, year and forever. I could use some models who sit still if you are willing. Any takers? Wink, Wink.

p.s. Chelsea I will definitely take some pictures of Duma the next time we are there!

Yesterday's News

Yesterday, I took the girls to an indoor miniature golf place with my MOPS group. (If you don't know what MOPS is, I have an earlier post about it.) We had the best time! This their first time golfing and I was surprised they were so into it. Laney is an awesome golfer. She can get the ball into the hole every time and she even knocked it through the windmill! Olivia had a good time, but was more concerned about the other people there. Savanna, well I was just keeping an eye on her to make sure she wasn't gonna hit some boy with her club. Addy carried her ball and club and was content on that.


By the way, Olivia is left handed.

Josh's Super Bowl Buddies

These are Josh's Super Bowl buddies. Aren't they cute? (They loved the Super Bowl because they got to snack all day.)



He really enjoyed the game. He wasn't really rooting for anyone. He just watches for the love of the game. He did get bugged every once and awhile by questions like, "Daddy is this football?, Is your game over yet, Daddy?"



It's amazing how his eyes never leave the game, even while eating.



Even with his wife taking pictures, his eyes are still on the game.



We made these yummy chicken wings from Costco.


These were my favorite. Also from Costco.


And these were heaven. Steak bites. Basically steak sauteed in butter. Courtesy of The Pioneer Woman.


I also made homemade cheese dip. Usually I use Velveeta, but this time I used several different cheeses.


I like me some dump cake.

Freckles

After the red heads were born, I wondered if they would get freckles and when they would get them. I've never seen a baby with freckles, have you? I have freckles and have always wanted them to disappear, but I think they are adorable on little kids. Anyways.

A few months ago, Olivia got her first freckle. And then three. So on and so on. Now she has lots.


See Laney doesn't have any.


Savanna doesn't have any yet. (Remember what I said about Savanna is either crying or dirty in pictures. That speck on her nose is dirt.)


Addy Mae doesn't have any freckles. But she sure is cute! (sorry about the nose crusties, but it impossible to be crusty free.)

Chisel off the ole' hips, baby!

I can't believe I'm doing this! Posting a picture of my hips for the whole world to see. But, I need some accountability to get back on the bandwagon again. I was doing really awesome before Christmas, but am starting all over again. I have been jogging, but I have not been eating well. Anyways.
I thought maybe there were others out there who would want to be my
accountability partners in the weight loss, area. (Kristan, I need you)
My idea is to first post a picture of myself (I'm seriously considering erasing this whole thing right now.) And then share how I am trying to get the weight off. And MAYBE post pictures of the progress I'm making. So if anyone out there wants to do this with me, lets share our food and exercise ideas on our blogs. Are you as excited as I am about this?! (cheesy grin on my face masking the horror of posting my chubby picture)

Things that get me motivated
1. This post and declaration to the world that I'm trying to loose weight.
2. A shopping trip after I'm down a couple of sizes, with no kids or husband for a whole day, maybe two of shopping. (I love my husband, but he is not a patient shopper, and the kids well...I'm sure you can picture what it looks like taking four little girls to the mall)
3. I took a picture of myself naked (don't worry, I won't be posting that one, it's already been erased)
4. I want my girls to have a healthy body image, but I also want to be a good example of health
5. I'm seriously considering buying a dress for this summer that is too small, so I have to fit into it
6. While I'm jogging, I picture my self in a short, knit blue dress on the beach (It helps me push myself while I exercise)

Things I am trying to do, to loose weight
1. Jog at least four times a week, but hopefully five times
2. I have been eating Special K cereal in the morning(the cinnamon pecan one is really good), chicken noodle soup(I got a case of this soup at Costco, my kids like it, too) or salad for lunch, and then I eat whatever the family is eating for dinner, even if it's pizza, just smaller portions
3. I'm trying not to snack,
but if I do snack my foods of choice are a handful of almonds,
carrots, or these yummy fruit sticks if I'm in the mood for sweets.(the kids like those also)
4. Drink more water (I don't like plain old water, so I add crystal light)












My hurdles
1. My mind (mindlessly eating while I am at home)
2. My kids (taking bites of their food or eating what's left on their plate)
3. My husband (he can eat whatever he wants and not gain weight, and he eats dessert every night. These bad boys are gonna be the death of me.
Josh bought them at Costco and I've already eaten two of them)
4. Just plain unwillingness (Just not wanting to eat good or exercise)
5. Dr. Pepper (I can taste it right now)




P.S. I don't weigh myself, I'd rather go by the size I can wear and how I feel. I've always weighed more than I look, so I don't like to judge myself that way. Plus it brings back too many pregnancy memories, at the doctors, when I would have an eight pound weight gain in two weeks.

How to take better pictures of your kids.

I just took these pictures today. I was trying to take Addy's 18 month photos, but she has a slight fever and really didn't want to have her picture taken. But I thought I would share some of my tips on how to take good pictures of your kids and have good time while doing it.

1. Don't worry too much about there apparel. In these pics, my kids where still in there jammies. Some of my favorite pictures of the girls are when they are all messy or naked. Obviously, Savanna had been eating chocolate and hadn't had her hair brushed.

2. To get my kids to want to have their picture taken, I set up some props and their curiosity usually brings them to me. Like in these pictures, I set up this floor mat as a backdrop on their bed and started taking pictures of Addy and they all came and sat down. Try placing baskets in your backyard, where you want them to sit and I'm sure your kids will climb into them or sit on them.

3. Take their pictures while they are playing outside or in their room, have your camera ready and wait till they look at you. I usually take my camera into their bedroom, while they are playing, and sit on the floor.

4. Get to their level. I'm usually sitting or laying down.

5. Take the pictures in black and white or edit them into black and white. Then you don't have to worry about the colors not blending. Here's what these pictures would look like in color.

6. Let them take some pictures with your camera. The picture below of me, Olivia took. (Don't judge my appearance, I hadn't showered yet.)

7. Let them be silly and take the pictures they ask you to. Like the picture below of Laney's foot, she asked if I would take it and then thought it was so funny that I got the really cute picture of her and Olivia right after.
8. Use the light from a window. All of these pictures were taken right in front of window. The light is really flattering and makes black and whites look awesome. I didn't use the flash.

9. Use your zoom, and get in close. Too much background can take away from the kids. You can also trim the photo with the editing software on your computer.

10. I'm trying to make up a tenth tip, just so it's even! I'm blank, but once I figure out how to take a picture of Savanna where she's smiling and not messy, I'll share those with you. Oh, that kid.

The Staples sisters, future rock stars!

Ok, I'll set up the scene for you. I've said this before, but Olivia lives in Barbie princess world. She really believes she is a princess. The newest barbie movie is Barbie and the Diamond castle. It's about two best friends on a journey together and they sing a lot. They also play a guitar. Olivia made a pretend guitar with her book and a headband. She will bring a chair and make me sit and watch her. Then she starts her show, and she expects us to clap for her. She is singing the song from the movie. This has happened several times this week. Yesterday, it finally hit me that I should get it on camera. So she sat and performed her solo perfectly. Laney wanted to get in on the action. She's really awesome at making up her own songs. The next video is of her. I chose this video of Laney and Olivia singing together. I see future stars in the making. I'm gonna be like the Jonas brothers mom! I've always swore that I would not live out my dreams through my kids, but if they love to sing and perform, then go with it! We will be accepting any offers for music contracts! Hehe. By the way the words are supposed to be, "Wherever your here for me, I'm here for you." Laney thinks it says, "Hippo me, instead of here for me!"