Home Sweet Home.

Well, Hello there stranger! It’s been too long since my last post. I thought I’d take a minute to let you in on the madness of my life recently.  I am reluctantly enrolled in 13 units this semester, my photography passion is turning into a money making hobby and my home has been like a three ring circus, seriously. We have had every service man and their brother in our home over the last few weeks… contractors, cable guys, carpet installers you name it, they’ve been here. I can’t complain though, my home has never looked better! With the new carpet and dry wall.. I think our house is finally turning into a home.. 2 years later! Beggars can’t be choosers, right? :)

With everything going on lately, I have decided to give myself a break this weekend. From everything. I will enjoy Whiskey Flat Days with my family and recharge my body and mind. Dannng, I feel better already.

 

What are your plans for the weekend? Comment. I’d love to know!

Change

 

In life, I’ve come to the realization that the only thing that always stays the same is that everything changes. An oxymoron, I know, but a true one. Change is inevitable. I’ve learned to react to everyday changes with a positive attitude, treating them as an opportunity for personal and emotional growth and strength. I try to just roll with the punches.

I’ve also realized that before you can change any aspect of your life (especially your behavior/attitude), you must first change your heart as well as your outlook on life. So many positive changes are happening around me and my family already this year; and my heart is steady waiting for more. Bring on the change! We’re ready to start the next chapter of life!

Are you?

Laguna Hills + Burbank Trip

We took a little trip to Orange County over the weekend. It was such a nice little vacation in such a gorgeous place. We spent the first day in Laguna Hills, visiting family and attending the annual Christmas party, before dinner we took the kiddos to Beckenham Park to let them run around a play after the long car ride. We spent the next day exploring the city and enjoying a day of leisure in Burbank. We even got to see Walt Disney Studios, which happens to house my son’s all time favorite mouse; Mickey! The fence was lined with Mickey Mouse Heads, it was so neat! On the way home we had a bit of traffic and some weird weather but it turned out to be a great weekend!

Merry Christmas- from my family to yours!

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Snapshots | Christmas Spirit

I’ve been so busy the last few weeks I totally forgot to share my November Snapshots as well as send out Christmas cards.. Ooops! Due to the lack of snapshot love on here lately, I decided to double up this month and also share a glimpse into of all of our pre-holiday family festivities.

This holiday season has been a fun one so far. Daniel already caved in and gave me one of my gifts early! I’m an ass, I know… Haha. One of us usually ends up telling the other one their gift, last year it was me. Unexpected family traditions, gotta love em!  

Starbucks Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa from a box? Yes, please. What could be more delicious than sippin’ on one of those while enjoying the holidays…?

Maybe one of these yummy homemade Peppermint White Hot Chocolates? Get the recipe here.

Both kiddos loved seeing Santa; Zoey was soft spoken and shy as always.. She explained to Santa that she wanted a Baby Alive, not just the regular kind though, the Doctor kind.. It was so sweet because he went on to tell her how she could be an amazing Doctor one day, maybe even a pediatrician. Then it was Liam’s turn, it was his first time meeting Santa and he adored the man, he sat and talked to Santa like he had known him for years and ever since, he can spot the dude from a mile away and yells, “Santa!” This year’s Circle Park Santa rocked! :D

I love this picture and though the equality is not the greatest, it is dear to my heart because Zoey is wearing my old cowboy boots from when I was 7. She treasures them and it just melts my heart when I see her running around in them. What an honor to have such a beautiful niece.

My beautiful ornaments from Nicola, they came all the way from Scotland! Aren’t they awesome? They fit in great with my other decorations too. Thanks Nicola!

Tree decorating was in full swing; Christmas music and all. We decided to put our tree in the den this year in hopes of keeping it out of Liam’s war path, but he still manages to sneak off with an ornament or two ;)

We will be heading out of town for the weekend to mingle with family at our annual family Christmas party. Wishing you and yours a very happy and safe weekend!

Cousins + Cartwheels

Before Liam got sick last week, I took him and his cousin Zoey to the park for a day of fun. Not only did they have a blast but they pretty much ran the show. I always tell them, “I must look like a jungle gym to you.” but that day- due to the presence of an actual jungle gym, I got a short and sweet break ;)

Zoey ran around doing cart wheels, jumping off of the monkey bars and pumping like a pro in her swing while Liam waddled behind and pretty much dangled helpless in the swing while I took pictures, poor little guy haha.

It such a beautiful and quiet day and the kids were being so surprisingly cooperative that I decided to take them to the bowling alley before we went home for a bite to eat.

It was a great day with the little ones but let’s be honest, everyday with them is a blessing and good thing we soaked up the sun and the last little bits of Fall because two days later we woke up to snow!

 

 

P.S. What have YOU been up to?

One + A Quarter [Liam’s Fall Photo Shoot]

My little guy turned 15 months old today. 

He has grown into an such an independent and curious little boy; so full of life and eager to learn. This little man is the sunshine of my life. I love my handsome little Liam Bear <3 

Happy year and a quarter, son. 

[All photo’s taken by Tia Schnell in the Kern River Valley]

September in Snapshots

Hello and good morning, lovelies. I’ve been wanting to share more of myself with you guys so I thought I’d start with a few random snapshots that I’ve taken throughout the month of September.

September in snapshots. Sorted by people, places and things.

Enjoy!

{ PEOPLE }

{ PLACES }

{ THINGS }

{ PEOPLE } most recent picture of me // my handsome little man sleeping soundly // me and my goofball fiancé // it must run in the family! me and my goofball son! // Daniel and I at a concert in the city // my Liam bear, just walking up a storm :)

{ PLACES } all scenery photos are taken in the Kern River Valley, within 30 miles of my home

{ THINGS } a landscape painting for my art class // twisted shotz that Daniel bought for me last Friday night ;) // sewing notions (playing with my cameras) // homemade tamales from the local swap meet, NOM NOM!

 

September flew by, didn’t it?

What kind of things do you do to record special memorial and times throughout your life?