Day 21

The many faces of Madi, there were so many more but I thought I would share just a few of my favorites that came out today when we were playing around in the studio. However, I am not going to share the 'nice' photos she snapped of me in my ponytail with no make up...yikes!

Day 20

Look what he has figured out how to do!

It is only a matter of time before I find a HUGE puddle of water on my floor, I know it! My little stinker...the other two never tried half of the things this guy does! I can already feel the grey hairs popping out on my head!

Day 19

Ok, so technically this photo was taken last night, but I can't help myself! Travis had the boys last night because Madi and I went to the girls basketball game. When we got home, he told me to go check on the boys (who were fast asleep) and to bring my camera. Ty wasn't in his bed and when I looked up at Tanner this is what I saw...

It was so sweet to see my two little guys sleeping together in the same bed. I guess Ty was scared and didn't want to sleep alone so he climbed into the top bunk to be with his big brother. Tanner looks a little upset but I think it was my fault b/c I turned the lights on to see them! What a great sight, seeing my two guys being brothers!

Day 18

When I started taking photos professionally two years ago, I fell in love with Ree Drummond or as most people know her, 'the Pioneer Woman'. As a (kind of) 'city' turned 'country girl I could completely relate to her. She has fabulous tips on everything from photography to gardening to cooking. Today, while my two big kids were at school and my youngest was off in dreamland, I decided to create one of her amazing recipes. I made her 'Sherried Tomato Soup' in my own way by adding some red peppers and keeping the basil out (I am not such a fan). It turned out so well, I can't wait to try another recipe out and soon! Also, the bread that you see that looks a little black on the edges can be found here, and let me tell you, it was oh so good! Thanks Ree for helping me fall in love with cooking all over again!

Day 17

This is my grandmother, Maxine, an amazing woman. Today, the kids and I went and visited her at her home and it was such a great time! She surprised us by having lunch all ready (homemade waffles and rice pudding, so yummy!). I cherish moments like these, thanks grandma for making our visit so special!

Day 16

Look who is working out with me now! She really wants to go for a 'jog' with me outside but until all this ice and snow go away, she'll just have to make do with stretching and walking (very slowly) on the treadmill.

And can you tell which of my kids loves the camera and which two don't at all? I am going to work hard on capturing them in the next couple of weeks!

Day 15

One of my best friends called me this morning to watch her kids and I am so glad that she did! We couldn't have had a better day! Madi had a blast playing with her friend Isabelle and Ty had a buddy to drive trucks with. The girls even posed for a few photos (surprise, surprise, right?).

Day 14

I got off the treadmill this evening and felt so energized (and exhausted all at the same time). When I came into our basement den to check on the kids, this is the picture I saw...

I had to run grab my camera it was so sweet! Travis and all three kids were enjoying the movie 'Finding Nemo' together all snuggled and cozy on the couch. The four most important people in the world (to me) doing something so natural, I couldn't help but smile. I am so blessed!

Day 13

Madi and Ty shared a breakfast snack. They aren't a fan of wearing clothes around the house. Can you tell?

Day 12

This isn't a normal blog post for this project, because technically you are only supposed to do a photo a day..and there are a lot more photos in this post! I couldn't help myself and I am sure once you check the following images out, you will agree with me!
Today when my oldest was at school and the little guy was napping Madi wanted to do something special with just us girls. We have been wanting to make cupcakes for about a week and today was the first day that it worked out. She successfully cracked an egg without getting the shell in the bowl...such an accomplishment for her! I let her have a lot of free reign and she even measured the water and oil and helped with the mixer even though she hates the noise! I love when I am able to have quality one on one time with my kids. It was a great afternoon!

Day 11

I love to read and have tried to pass this love onto my kids over the years. We spend a lot of time curled up on the couch or bed reading stories. Since I wasn't able to get a shot of all four of us reading (I will sometime this year) this will have to do. For me, it is always so fun to let the kids choose their own stories. It allows me to get to know them even better and gives us a chance to strengthen our bond.

Day 10

Seeing Madi like this at the counter is such a common occurrence in our house and I wanted to showcase her on the blog today. She is already quite the artist, she reminds me so much of me in that way! I can't wait to see where she is going to take her creative abilities in the future! She is so talented!

Day 9

Tyson is a turning into quite the little Mr. Fix It. He was bound and determined to get new 'batteries' in his choo choo train and it didn't matter if no one could help him. He found the screwdriver and attempted to 'fix' it. It was so cute, I had to snap a photo! He isn't going to be this innocent forever!

Day 8

I am running a little behind with my blog, but I have been keeping up with a photo a day! On Saturday, I took Tanner and Madi to basketball practice. It is run by the varsity coaches and players at the high school in our town. This is the second year they have participated and they love it! Tanner especially so! He looks forward to it all week, and this week his highlight was his team making 44 baskets in 3.5 minutes. I am so glad he has such passion in his life!

Day 7

My childhood dollhouse that now fills little Miss Madi's room. She loves it!

Day 6

The view looking out from our front porch this morning at 8:17 am. I love it!

Day 5

These shoes have taken me far in the past couple of months and I am proud to showcase them today. Before I had my first child six and a half years ago, I was an avid runner. I ran and I loved it, for the way I felt, the way I looked, and the competitive drive it gave me. Before my dad passed away 3 years ago, I had picked my love for running back up and was planning on running my first 5k. He passed away and all of that went out the window (he was one of my biggest supporters, it was the hardest thing that I have ever gone through.) But I am back. I have been working on walking/jogging everyday for the past 6 weeks and today I am proud to say these shoes and I clocked 3.7 miles! YES! So excited to be getting my health and my drive back!

Day 4

This morning I woke up and my four year old, Madi, handed me a card she had made for me. I said thank you and continued to get my coffee ready and not look at it. I get cards, notes, colored pages, ect. every day sometimes multiple times a day and was planning on opening it as soon as I was done with my morning routine. She looked at me and said, 'mom, please look at it. I worked hard on it.' I looked at her and saw her smile and I couldn't resist, I smiled back and said, 'ok.' This is what I found when I opened her card...

I love this little girl and am so happy to call her my daughter! It's these little moments that make all the hard moments so totally worth it! Thanks Madi for making my morning (and my day!)

Day 3

Toys, toys, toys. I can walk into any room in our home and find little play areas where my kids have scattered their toys. When we first moved into our house, I tried hard to keep the toys contained to the basement. It didn't take long though, before I caved and let them bring some upstairs. Tyson, our little guy likes to play with his tractors and trucks in tucked away places. I had to smile today when I saw these (some of his most treasured tractors) lined up perfectly in the windowsill of our room. I know that I will miss this someday!

Day 2

Since we were stuck inside the past few days because of a nasty blizzard, my first few photos were taken in the house. I love this shot of my oldest son and daughter. The way she is looking at him with such adoration makes me smile. These moments don't happen very often but when they do I cherish every second!

Day 1

I am a few days late posting this but this photo is my first entry for project 365. I will cherish this photo because it shows the bond that my husband and youngest son share. Tyson is a little practical joker and loves to 'bug' all of us. He was trying to make Travis play with him and not continue to do his work. I think that his nose pinch worked like a charm, it made us all laugh and made his dad forget about work for a little bit.