Super Spring, Let’s Go Summer!

June 11, 2014June 11, 2014 / my3moons / Leave a comment

I’m in awe of how Mother Nature has cooperated this year with all of our outdoor activities. On the days we could use a break it rains and on the days we really need to play the skies clear. It has been a nice Spring with the rain we need just when we need it. My backyard is an example of this rain as we haven’t been home to trim bushes and clean up. We’ll get to that soon.

We added a Family Reunion to our Spring schedule over Memorial weekend. It was a lot of fun and boy does the Woods/Wright/Stears families make cute kids! There were piles of them. The boys played baseball THE ENTIRE TIME and a few brotherly scuffles had to be broken up. They are competitive! The sweet Brown girl cousins fell in love with Whitney and Caroline cried so hard when they were leaving she talked GG and Mimi into bringing them to recital at the end of June. It will be great to have them at our house as they’ve never been.

Blake and Jack ate 1000 popsicles together, you’d think it was a race!

Black and Jack

Whitney was the pied piper of the little ones and had fun playing with them. The little girls were dressed up like southern belles with big bows and cute outfits. I told her I wished she would have let me dress her like that and she said, “Why didn’t you?” I told her she was as stubborn about her appearance then as she is now and wouldn’t let me do a thing about it! I find myself telling her that often when she asks why I let her run around with ratty hair and no shirt when she was 5.

Photobooth fun!

Russell was the big hitter and broke the pinata! He was so proud and put his baseball skills to work! We found out recently that he made the A Team U9 for his competitive soccer team! I’m so proud of him!

His pinata trophy!

So June is all about Baseball and our team is doing well. They had a slump but seem to be coming out of it. Carter had an awesome hit, I was so relieved. Slumps of any kind stress kids and parents out because we all just want a hit and a win!

My BIG #45 Pitching

We play the State Tournament this weekend and kick it off on my birthday, Friday the 13th which is always a lucky day! Hoping for big things! I’m not going to focus on the fact that this could be our last weekend for this team to play together, I’m hoping to play some next Summer if we can! LOVE LOVE LOVE these boys and families! They are priceless and if I write about it anymore I’m going to be in a puddle of tears. GO SSCowboys!!! BIG STU Baseball!

We Survived!

May 21, 2014May 21, 2014 / my3moons / Leave a comment

So we had three weekends in a row that were seriously monumental in the kid activity world! Hubby and I divided and conquered but also tried to both be at as many games and events as possible. Outsiders would look at us and think we are nuts and why do all of this but the truth is, with three kids you just have to be a little nuts. I know families that have more than three and their normal is this same kind of madness but all the time. I have some pretty awesome kids who give it their all so we support whatever sport or activity they want to do. Next Spring we will be pulling back in the Russell department…three sports is just dumb. But right now I don’t know what we’d take away. My kids are totally made with this idea of being busy all the time. After a long weekend of games Carter will still go to a youth group shaving cream fight at the church or to swim at a friend’s pool. ME…I get in bed and pass out. I’ve learned to take the opportunity to nap when I can because if I don’t I’m worthless the next week until at least Wednesday.

Russell’s highlight reel…he’s so handsome, so determined and ALL IN ALL OF THE TIME! I love him so much!

We are off to a family reunion for the holiday weekend. I can’t believe I’m looking forward to chillin’ in the backseat snuggling with Russell and watching movies on our new van’s dvd player. A little relaxation and slow down is just what I need after a totally insane Spring. People keep telling me to enjoy every second because they will be grown and off to college. I can’t even go there…I’ll be a puddle of tears when that day comes and it seems so imminent with Carter going to high school next year. At least I have my little Russell who will keep us going long after the bigs are off to bigger and better things. Hopefully he’ll stay sweet and responsible.

Whitney Jane had an awesome dance competition weekend last week! It was a great showing for the last regional competition before nationals. Best of all she was sweet and enjoyed it rather than too much spicy sass that tends to come out when her nerves get the best of her. One of her dances won Video of the Week! I think all of her dances got Elite Top First which is the hightest scoring category and all of them placed except her Duo because they only gave one placement in that category (dumb) but I think they would have gotten second. If you watch the video below please “LIKE” it on Youtube, there is some sort of contest going on 🙂 She’s the one squatting under the umbrella in the beginning then comes out and hams it up in front/center. She ends up on the right side when they dance with their beach balls. I could watch this video 1000 times and not be tired of it!

And finally, Carter’s baseball team got to play on some really cool fields in Topeka last weekend. The dugouts were all professional looking and the fields were really nice. I stayed home to run Whitney and Russell around and really missed my baseball family. They had a rough weekend on the field but hopefully got them in a good mindset to finish off the season on a high note. Baseball is such a mental game, it’s amazing how players can get completely derailed and take awhile to recover. I’m glad I’ve learned to love the game because I thought it was boring before I learned the rules and strategy. Russell really likes baseball so it is a good thing I enjoy it now, I have many more years in the stands. Carter has been pitching some which he really enjoys and it gives our clutch pitchers a break. I’m mostly proud of his grades, not to jinx him but he has really stepped it up! It has been a learning year…he learned that studying for tests is a good thing, you have to use a blank map when studying for map tests and it is easier to just do the work than have to catch up. I hope he carries these lessons into high school!

THESE THREE are THE BEST

Just Keep Swimming

May 15, 2014 / my3moons / Leave a comment

Most moms I know are chanting this mantra from sweet little Dory. Gosh what a nutso time of year!

borrowed from a Google Image search

I mean really…on top of the madness it has been hot and cold and hot and cold. Allergies are the WORST in forever so everyone feels sick and doesn’t know if they are supposed to take a decongestant or an antihistamine. I take one and if my throat stops itching I know it was the right one. Two Sundays in a row either me or the hubs have been in bed after a weekend of baseball. We are old, we can’t keep up this pace…or so we say then the next Friday comes around. I am giving a GIANT shout-out to all of my friends, sister wives (dance moms) and others who help us out on a regular basis! I think they know we have their back too whenever they need it so everyone stays in balance. I have lucky kids to be parented by a community of great people. We all love these kids like they are our own and fiercely care for one another.

MY kids are SO ready to be out of school! I wish I could stop time right now because their interest in school and the safety of their good grades are not at equal levels…staring down falling or soaring rockets. I challenge them to finish strong. I feel like there is an overabundance of teaching moments and I just want it to be easy too. TWO WEEKS FROM TOMORROW and they can breathe a sigh of relief. Then I gasp with the thought of an unsupervised Summer. It should be interesting.

So I had the great honor of taking my neighbor Emily’s senior pictures. I have known her since she was SIX! Her and a teenage boy across the street (sadly he moved away) gave us a glimpse of what life with teenagers would be like and now we are living it with a 14 and 12 year old plus the equalizer, 7 year old. Day to day it is either a teenage mamba or is it a booty shaking twerk dance? Depends on the day I suppose. It feels great and I’m so proud of my kids then the teaching moments remind me that I’m a mom and I have a job to guide them. It can be daunting and I’m always wondering if I’m doing it right. I have God on my side guiding me every single day and striving for a balance of love and direction.

Enough gushing…here are some favorites of Emily!

What is ahead for this beautiful girl? She wants to be a nurse.

Love this spot! Perfect light!

How fab is this graffiti?!

Senior Session Pricing: $275 3-5 outfit changes and location changes. Includes a disc with an average of 30+ edited images a set of proofs, 24 wallets, and choice of 8×10 or 2 5×7’s and a full copyright release. I can assist with ordering more and will provide a price sheet.

Quick and Dirty: $75 One location, one hour and we’ll fit in as many outfits as we can. Disc with 20-30 edited images, proofsheet and copyright release.

I have a baby being born soon and can’t wait to capture her first moments of life then a dance team to shoot. Both should be super fun! I am planning some family beachy shoots when we go to Myrtle Beach with our dance team in July. Should be loads of fun! I need to keep this up so someday I can buy my dream iMac! Until then I’ll enjoy the tools I have.

One more thought from my friend Dory:

This is totally me

Spring Sweetness

May 8, 2014 / my3moons / Leave a comment

I definitely think Spring is my favorite season. After a long…the LONGEST…Winter it has been so nice to have bearable weather. I’ll even take intermittent rain at baseball over the cold and snow. When we actually have a beautiful, sunny day it is magic! Good Friday was a gorgeous day, I had my camera so I took full advantage of being at The Plaza with the kids. They had the day off, Aunt Jessica hung out with them while I worked then we snapped some shots at the end of the day. The sun was a bit bright and harsh but I wasn’t trying to take the most artistic photos ever. I just needed a family shot that was cute and will continue to play with them in Lightroom when I find the time.

A quick snapshot by Aunt Jessica by my favorite fountain.

Since everyone was all spruced up I sent a text to my dance friends to let them know I’d have my camera for a spur of the moment family photoshoot in the beautiful courtyard at our church. The Lord has given me a love of photography and the ability to gift photos to my friends. I initiate these little moments and thankfully have friends and family willing to take some group shots for us too.

The Woods/Dameron cousins April 2014

I love being an Aunt!

Woods Fam at Easter

Little Lee Sweet Peas

The beautiful Lee girls

Nice weather sure makes taking photos so much easier! Wind and cold don’t do much for smiley happy people! ***I started this post two weeks ago and forgot to publish it…geez, I’m the biggest slacker when it comes to blogging!

Thankful Mom during Holy Week

April 14, 2014 / my3moons / Leave a comment

Another successful weekend of baseball results in our 2nd championship! I can’t help but beam with pride and am just so happy for this team who has grown so much in spirit and strength! I’m also counting my blessings after learning about a shooting that took three lives and a motorcycle wreck that took the life if a friend’s young brother. I feel selfish in my celebrating it know I’ve spent too much time grieving in my life and the opposite is the kind of joy I have in my heart.

During this Holy Week I’m thankful mostly for my faith. Knowing I have a loving God looking over me, my family and friends gives me strength. I’m thankful for everyday I have on this earth and must remember this each day.

Here is a picture I took if our team yesterday as they said their pre-game prayer. The rain had stopped (it rained on and off through two games until it poured), the boys were quietly praying next to a beautiful pear tree in full bloom. My heart hurts for those families grieving today. I pray they will come out of the darkness and into the light sooner than later.

Upcycling Bella Patina

April 4, 2014April 8, 2014 / my3moons / Leave a comment

My little space on the 3rd Floor of Bella Patina in the West Bottoms 12th and Hickory

I am a vendor at Bella Patina in the West Bottoms on 12th and Hickory. We are open First Friday Weekends Friday-Sunday. Look up their Facebook page and follow on Instagram to see sneak peeks of the amazing treasures and art our vendors bring in each month. I’m on the 3rd floor by the register. You’ll know it’s me by the my3moons banner!

We just finished up our first sale of Spring and WOW was it a busy one! I had a record month and now an empty booth so I’ll be busy finding treasures and making them cool. My husband will be glad to have my projects in garage out and onto the sales floor. Every aspect of my little life is firing on all cylinders so I’m going to hang on and enjoy the ride!

Blog re-invented

April 4, 2014 / my3moons / Leave a comment

No more feeling guilty about my poor lonesome blog. I’m now a legit photographer and will be using it as a place for my photography clients to go for information and to see their photos. Isn’t it amazing how a person’s passion leads them to getting paid for what they absolutely love doing? I mean I love my day job…getting people jobs but to now have my hobby (one of them) to be a second job is so AWESOME!

This month I’ve taken pictures at a wedding reception and created two gorgeous canvases for the bride. They totally embody the sweetness of their story. …insert tears here…it is an incredible one that is for sure! More reveals from photoshoots to come!

I have the App now, no excuses!

October 11, 2013 / my3moons / Leave a comment

Every time I think about my blog I shrink because I am a bad blogger. I started it because I has more to say than what I post on Facebook. So now I have the app and hope to jot down more re-caps, thoughts and ideas.

I started a post in June, not sure why since that is one of the busiest months of our year…So since March we have been doing our thing…dance, baseball and are now wrapping up football. I got moved into a new position at work that I am loving because I can do some of my old job…recruiting and grow the relationships with my clients so we have better success as a team. I’ve gotten to know so many new people in the last few months through my kid’s sports and surprisingly many of them work at clients! That helps with an IN with clients since we spend a lot of time together on the sidelines.

The boys had a terrific baseball season that lasted well into July and Whitney finalized her dance year at Nationals in Branson over July 4th. Many of her dances got first place trophies and some first overalls. That all seems like IONs ago…because it was…we’ve started a new dance season and the composition of our team has changed a lot. Most of the high school girls have moved on so we are a young team. My big girl is becoming one of the senior dancers! CRAZY! She’s grown so much in her passion and moved up to Pointe. She will debut on pointe in The Nutcracker the week of Christmas. Big Russell will be one of two Fritz, her Aunt Jessica will be Mrs. Stahlbaum and I will be a parent…if I can find a husband.

Well my goal is to be better about this blogging thing because I’m constantly doing something crafty or creative and would like to share my work and ideas.

It is LUCKY red boot season! These are the “new” red boots I spied on Bella Patina’s facebook page. The vendor was very close to my space so I grabbed those suckers up as soon as I got there! I love them! And so far they are indeed LUCKY!

Lucky Red Boots 2.0

Aunt Suzi, Uncle Nick and Cameron came to visit while they cheered on their beloved Pikeville Bears and other neighboring schools in the NAIA. We loved having them again and hope their tournament will come through KC many more years to come!

The boys played basketball at the Big 12 tournament as many days as they could fit it in.

March Madness is definitely one of the big events I look forward to each year! I love green so decorating for St. Pats is super fun as well. I’m just so sad I have to put most of it away…bummer. Here is my cute little springy festive table complete with a very old framed photo of a newspaper clipping. I found this at a thrift store for like $2 and it reminded me of simple times when framing a newpaper photo was the best option.

It wouldn’t be March without the Leprechaun trap. We didn’t catch a little dude again this year but we will keep trying! Of course the KU scentsy is a blazin’!

Leprachaun trap

I whipped up this cute wreath with scraps, a discarded wreath ring at a thrift store and found items in my scrap collection to jazz up the flowers.

I’m hoping the rest of March is lucky for our little family and yours!

Cheers to green milk!

I love March!

March 20, 2013March 20, 2013 / my3moons / Leave a comment

Valentine’s Day Tsunami

February 17, 2013 / my3moons / Leave a comment

Well no to be totally boring but O-M-G it was an insane week. I wasn’t home until after 9pm every night which isn’t totally unusual but I think I must have been sidelined a bit with Brad’s injury and not on the go as much. So this week was full of extras…on top of Valentine’s Day prep for Whitney and Russell we had watch week, Ash Wednesday service, final touches for dress rehearsal and the finale was a very fun date night with Brad at the Zach Brown Band concert.

Yes, the Woods went to a country concert! I texted a friend and said “I feel like I’m on the wrong planet but it is fun and friendly.” Then the music started and I loved every second of it! Plus they played our first wedding dance song, Into the Mystic. Zach Brown even rapped! So fun!

Whitney wanted to go out with a bang for her last Valentine Card exchange so she designed a mama-made card. I used some photos from this Summer and some graphics I had from a Heidi Swapp album I made last year…couldn’t find the link online or I’d pass along some props.

Front of Card

Back of card

These were printed 3 x 3 and she taped candy to the front. Pretty cute!

The Dance Team dress rehearsal sent me promptly over the edge on Saturday. We had an 8am call time and Carter had his last basketball game at the same time. I dropped her and her gear and rushed off to make his game then back to the studio after a very heartbreaking loss…By the time rehearsal wrapped up at 2pm Whitney and I were balls of moosh. As soon as we were home we were passed out and napping the second our heads hit the pillow. Thankfully I had nothing on the books Saturday night, I enjoyed a snuggly night with my3moons watching the KU game while Brad watched it live in Lawrence. I needed that down time and so did my babies.

I’ve been contemplating what I’m giving up for Lent. I think I decided on chips and dip, fries and sweets. It will be hard but I need that one extra step toward healthy choices.