Sunday Seven

I am a little early.... as in it is saturday night. How's that for on the ball??

1. I love that people read my blog and comment. I love writing stuff. I love the outlet and the feeling of connection to others. So thanks. (And keep on commenting... even if it's just a hi i was here."

2. I am thankful for this picture taken when we were at home for Thanksgiving. I love the expression on Alden's face. And i love that the family indulged my idea of taking their nice leather couch outdoors. :)


3. I am thankful we have enough to eat. So many people do without. And we are truly blessed.

4. I am thankful that Regan is in medical school. It is a long road. But there is absolutely no doubt that this is the right thing at the right time for our family. I know it. Regan delivered a baby last night at the hospital. That is too cool. I am just so proud of him. He's so smart.

5. I am thankful for Alden and the funny things he says. I was running to the store while Regan was doing homework this after noon and Lucy was napping. So I asked him if he wanted to come. He was sitting in his room, on the floor in just his underwear. His rely "No mom, I just wanna stay home and be naked."

6. I am so thankful for Lucy. She is just seriously so cute and sweet. She has this awful cough last night and today. Sounds like she is coughing up a lung. After she'll look at me and say "Oh excuse me mom". All polite like. While driving in the car she was listing the things she is scared of. (Scared is her new word she is constantly using.) "Mommy, I scared of stairs." "Mommy, I scared of Carter." "Mommy, I scared of cookies." (And then she broke out into a fit of laughter.)

7.I am thankful for jokes and laughing. (Well most of the time.) The kids watched a Dora movie from the library that was all about jokes and riddles. So all day long now they kids announce they have jokes for me.

Typical Alden joke:
Alden: "Knock Knock"
me: Who's there?"
Alden: Orange
me: Orange who?
Alden: Orange burp.
And then he laughs.

Typical Lucy joke:
Lucy: Knock Knock"
Me: Who's there?
Lucy: I don't know.

Nap time

Lucy is so funny when she wakes up from her nap.

(photo by uncle Sean at Alden's birthday party.)

A couple days ago as soon as I went in, she sat up and said "I had fun mom."

When Lucy woke up today...
Lucy: "I dreamed about bears."
I asked what the bears were doing.
Lucy: "Eating"
mom: "What were they eating?"
Lucy: "MEATBALLS!"

And on a side note... this is my new favorite wedding picture.

Sunday Seven

1. Thankful that I am able to take pictures. Had two shoots yesterday. Got a babysitter for the first and arranged the second during Lucy's nap so that I wouldn't take away from Regan's studies. Nothing to sneak a peak with yet, cause I haven't downloaded them as of yet. Trying to get my last wedding shoot finished up first.


2. Thankful for the library. We got a lot. And get a lot of books and movies. I registered Lucy for a mommy and tot class during Alden's school time. Then we can do something fun together Thursday mornings.

3. Thankful for Christmas. Yeah, I know it's only October... but I am getting a head start this year. Already thinking and planning the gifts I am making this year. Gonna start (and finish) before Christmas Eve.

4. Soooo grateful to read that my friend's husband Casey is out of the hospital for now. So happy for the whole family. And hope and pray that he is in remission for a long time.

5. Thankful that Sunday went good today.

6. Thankful that Alden loves school. He really likes his teacher. And I am so proud that he is obedient and well behaved at school. (I have a cute picture from his first day but for some reason, blogger won't load it..... hmmmm)

7. Thankful we could have a get together with a bunch of medical school student husbands and wives we know. It is nice to see some of the people that Regan spends sooo much time with.

In the Craft Room: two little artists

i am so proud of my two little artists.

one who painted with real paint and brush for the first time
(she likes to "taste" the brush, so i have always just given her water to paint with and it works just fine.... easier to clean up too....)



and one who learned to write his name all by himself.

Photo Talk: New shots

lots of new shots from my last wedding shoot if you wanna take a peek....

this one being one of my favorite.
very non traditional.
(i do traditional too...i just like a little different too)



We did some fun painting today (we as in Lucy and Alden) and I think I got some fun pictures to share later.

What have you been up to?

P-A-R-T-Y

It was a good day today!
We had lots of fun. And lots of laughs.
First off, my photographic partner in crime, Sean took all the pictures today.
Which was great so I could just focus on being momma.

My favorite picture of the day....


Here is his cake I made...


First we played a little "What time is mr. shark" (Alden insisted it had to be shark instead of fox."






Played a little classic pin the tail on the donkey.



Jackson found Alden's costume and wore it around a bit.
(The glasses aren't part of it!)

Cousin Sonya was totally into it. :)

Kenzie was stylin' as well....


Nate wasn't a fan of the glasses, but he sure enjoyed the cake.


Little Lucy really enjoyed all the kids over...
and the chocolate milk and cake.


And as a bonus I got to hold a beautiful new baby boy.


Each year when Alden's birthday comes around I remember that day.
When I first experienced all of this motherhood stuff.
It's something I knew I always wanted to do.
One day I'll be a mom.
But then one day it's here.
It is amazing. And overwhelming.
And wonderful.
I remember, very vividly, falling in love with him the moment he was out.
I remember how hard labour and delivery is.
How special that moment is.
When they place that baby on your chest for the first time.
It is unexplainable.
I am so grateful that I get to do this.
Everyday.
And that Alden was the little man who started it all off.

Sunday Seven

1. I am thankful we were able to drive down south this weekend and attend the Temple. Always wonderful to go. Regan and I attended weekly when we were dating, he proposed to me here, and we were married here so it is always special to go back.

2. I am thankful that wonderful grandma and grandpa steed watched the kids while we went. And that Lucy didn't cry when we left. I told her we were going and that she was going to stay and have fun with grandma. She said "Okay mom. love you." and started following grandma around (who was on the phone) saying "Grandma, where is my fun?"

3. I am thankful for a good reliable vehicle. So glad we have a van. Love that I can load it up and still have lots of room.

4. I am thankful for libraries and books. I just finished reading this book.

5. And because of that book I am SUPER DUPER thankful that I was born in Canada.

6. I am thankful for comedic genius.


7. And thankful that tomorrow is a special day around our house.

morning photos

We came home from music class to a whole pile of leaves.....
so we made good use of them.




This morning Alden wouldn't get both shoes on and both Lucy and I were saying hurry Alden (she was just copying me) and finally I thought, really does it matter if he wears one shoe and one rubber boot... no it really doesn't. So this is what has been on his feet all morning.


Lucy Ann at lunch.


My finger is healing... but I wonder if it will never look "normal" again....



This is a typical morning for us around home.... except the finger part. ;)
What's in a typical morning around your house??


And yes, there will be more photos of little Sadie soon.
Right after I finish some more wedding photos.

Thanksgiving Weekend

How was it for all of you???
It was great for us.
My thankful list for this week a little late, but still thankful.

1. Little Lucy. It was her second birthday on the 5th. Regan and I comment regularly how sweet and happy she is. It is amazing to me how tender she is. Just such a happy little girl. Such a joy to have around and to love. Absolutely astounding to me that she is 2 already. But that seems to happen.




2. Last night there was a little car accident with my SIL and BIL and their two little kiddos. Thankfully no one was hurt. But I still feel a bit on edge about it. Car accidents are scary. I am so grateful everyone is safe.

3. I love fall. I am grateful for the colors. The leaves. The new school year. New school supplies. Sweaters. Eating soups and biscuits. Thankful for this great season.

4. So grateful that we had lots of fun with family on Thanksgiving weekend. Got to spend time with my side of the family and Regan's side. It was wonderful. Lots of good food and jokes. And games. Truly we are blessed with loved ones.
Grandma and Grandpa Steed with all their grandkids.


5. It was General Conference weekend for us. There were many wonderful, spiritually fulfilling talks given. Some specific answers to my prayers lately. Just Wonderful. I have been re-listening to some of them already, and I plan to re listen to more throughout the next few weeks.

6. So glad that I was able to take pictures of the newest Steed cousin. Baby Sadie. Lots to go thru. I love that I can do this for my nieces and nephews. Love this. Love her.


7. Loved that on Monday I got to spend time with my momma. Just us and my parents. Need more time like that.

oh you know, this and that

1. Happy birthday to my lovely SIL Lindsay on Oct 1.


2. Happy Birthday to my little brother Justin today on oct 2nd


3. Since it's October 1st, there is a new kit at Scraptivity.... here are some of my creations from this month. The last one is a mini album I made using envelopes I made. It was super duper easy. All the instructions will be on Scraptivity if your interested. :)




4. I've started editing photos from my last super duper fun wedding.


5. My finger feels like it is going to explode. And I've realized how much I used my pointer finger on my left hand. Especially in typing.

Whatha been up to??

Sunday Seven

A new thing I'm starting, totally taking my good friend Heather's idea.

Seven things I am grateful for this week.

1. My sister in law Susie had her first little baby. Who I can not WAIT to meet on Thanksgiving. And take pictures of! It's wonderful to have her experience those special moments that come with your first child. Something you can't explain to anyone. They have to live it to really get it. I am thankful Susie and Ryan had a sweet healthy little girl!! (When I showed Lucy the blog post of the new baby, Lucy says "Cute, I hold it?" )

2. Sunday's. With my family. Residency and clerkship are getting a lot closer.... and becoming very real for Regan and me. I am glad right now Regan is still home on Sundays with us. I know in the not too distant future that will not always be the case!

3. Taking pictures for people. love it. Had a great engagement shoot this week. Shot a great couple in Canmore. Amazing scenery. And good company. Fun times!

4. That my momma is only a daily phone call away. Love that. Love her. She was in fact the first person I called after I sliced off my finger tip on friday. She quickly directed me to someone who actually lives in my city. :)

5. I get scrapbook supplies in the mail every month. We couldn't afford supplies right now... so I love that I get the benefits of designing for scraptivity. And the friends I have made thru doing it. A new kit will be posted tomorrow. and I had fun with it this month!!!!

6. Having good friends. I had 3 ladies over for lunch on Wednesday. It is my new thing. Ladies lunch. We had fun. All of them had little babies. Lucy was in heaven. :) She woke up all there were three babies to hold. Although she was smitten with one in particiular. She held her for a long time. And would hug her. It was adorable!!!! The next morning when she woke up from her nap she asked "Babies her today?"

7. That I still have all my fingers.... despite one being badly damaged. (see my last post for details.) Seriously, though I am sooo lucky. For being how clutzy I am nothing really bad has ever happened to me. I've always healed from everything. That is something to be grateful for!

What's on your list this week???

ATTENTION

Quilting can be hazardous to your health.......




Those rotary cutters are REALLY sharp.
I know. Trust me!!!
5 hours in the ER and I ended up with 6 stitches.
ouchie!!!


Looks like I am out of doing dishes for a few days eh?

Guess who....

is finally getting how to ride his bike????

Happy Birthday!!

I wanted to send out a big Happy Birthday to my brother and photo partner Sean!!
Here are a few tidbits about him.
1. He is my oldest brother.
2. He is a paramedic
3. He has two kiddos.
4. He is a GREAT writer - he really has a way with words.
5. One my memories of him when we were younger involve me trying to do his laundry with his new red coat and me using bleach on the coat. Making it pink. whoops.
6. He is so perfectly suited to his wonderful wife Val.
7. He knows a LOT about our cameras. And I reap all the benefits.
8. We have lots of fun shooting weddings together and really work well together.
9. He is S-M-R-T. ;)
10. He loves loud music.
I wish I had a photo of the two of us from lately, but I don't.
Looks like I better take on at the next wedding.
He is super talented ... so check him out!
Sean's blog

I loved getting all the comments on last week's photos.... so looks like I need to ask ya'll questions to get you to comment eh??
Here is that cutie pie baby from the cutie pie pregnant belly in the last post.

This picture cracks me up since mom and dad are kissing the background and he is like eeeeewwwwwww, my mom and dad are kissing. heeheehee
What do you think?

opinions please

Which profile do you like better?
one.



or two.


i like the first cause her arm is down and the full whiteout background.
but number two i kinda like those horizontal lines (they were blinds) and her arms up with her rings showing.

which one is your favorite and why?

Confession time

I don't understand what people mean when they say they are going to "work on" a stain. What does THAT mean? The only thing I know how to do with stained clothes is to keep spraying it with oxy clean. If that doesn't work. I'm hooped.

I bake waaaaaay to much. In the last 4 days I have made banana chocolate muffins, rice krispie squares, about 7 loaves of bread, these amazing chocolate chip squares with caramilk bars on the top (thanks Susie), a cheesecake and a loaf of pumpkin bread. It just gets worse in the winter when it's too cold to go outside. Anyone want to come over for treats?

When I was up at Scrapfest I learned something. I used to really want to be a "famous" scrapbooker. But the weekend made me realize that I enjoy it, I think it's fun, but it's not about that. It's about my kids. And my wonderful husband. Not that I don't enjoy meeting great other scrapbookers, have fun momma alone time. Not that it isn't totally cool when my pages have been in magazines. But it's not about that. A good realization from Heavenly Father. To make sure my priorities are in order.

I think anything, besides books, with cartoon characters on it is lame. Ties. Lame. Shirts. Lame. Scrapbook paper. Lame. Dresses. Lame. Wait, I just thought of another situation. In the cartoons and in coloring books. So no. I don't want to see the new scrapbook paper with princesses on it. And no I don't want to see the dresses with princess on them. Lame.

I'm just so happily married. And so completely oblivious to how people have unhappy marriages. I know they are out there. But I just don't understand it. We were talking with some good friends about this last night. About how many people are unhappy in the most important relationship you have. We believe that when you are married in the temple then you are sealed for eternity. That's a long time.
My mom always told me that her and my dad had three things (among a lot of others) that really help their marriage succeed.
one - they never blaim each other or rub it in their face. We all know when we've done something stupid or wrong. No one likes to be reminded of it.
two- never talk about your spouse negatively to someone else. including your mom (or maybe I should say especially your family.)
three- every time a disagreement comes up my mom says to herself "is this more important than my marriage" the answer has always been no. so get over it.
My mom and dad have always been so happily married. My inlaws are happily married. I am happily married. Aren't i so lucky!

Food and Pictures

Doesn't that just sound like a GREAT combo??
food
mmmmm
pictures
aaaaawwwwwww
food and pictures..
mmmmmm aawwwwww mmmm awwww
:)

I've been adding a LOT of recipes to our recipe blog.
So there are lots of things to make. yummy things.
www.everydaymeals.blogspot.com
You can check for tags and find desserts
or breads
or things with chocolate
or quick things.
So give a look see and tell me what you make from it.
So all my work is not in vain. :)

And i've been adding photo shoots on my photo blog.
www.rsteedphotography.blogspot.com
this one is one of my favorites.

although you know I am behind on my editing when this lovely pregnant belly is now skinny and looks as if she never WAS pregnant. And the little boy is 4 weeks old.
And pictures of him yesterday turned out GREAT. I am excited to finish editing all the others between so I can post some of the new little Nash.

Tomorrow I am teaching a photography class.
So wish me luck.

i love this

Lucy says
"mommy, I hold you."
and
"mommy, I carry you."
and
"mommy, I snuggle you".

Regan took this picture yesterday on our sunday walk.

i love it.
love being back with the kids.

5 things

I am at it again with my lists.

1. I have had another busy week. I am looking forward to school starting so that things settle down around here. :) I am off to Edmonton (with no kiddos) to help out at Scrapfest. Grandma to the rescue so that Regan's school schedule is not thrown off and so I can do this. I have never been to anything like this so we will see how it goes. QUITE strange to go driving somewhere that far without kiddos or Reg.

2. Alden is starting preschool tomorrow and we had his first music class today. Strange. But good. His music class teacher is AMAZING. I love her so much. Her name is Wendy. It is an ORFF music program and I would recommend it to anyone!!!

3. Since it is the first of September, a new kit at Scraptivity. So here are some pages to check out.




4. I painted my living room and have even hung up a few pictures. It's starting to look like we've lived here for a while. :)

5. This past weekend, on Saturday morning Alden woke up and announced that it was Sasquatch's birthday. (Sasquatch is this stuffed animal/ creature thing that was my little sister Kelly's and has become Alden's.) So we had a birthday party for him. And conveniently we had cousins in town for the day, so they all came to his party. We had a bear shaped cake. And one of the cousins, Lundyn even made him a card. :) Every day since that Alden has announced that it is another animals birthday, so he thinks we need to have another party. I told him that party was for all his animals.
On Saturday night when we were putting Alden to bed he says, "But guys, Sasquatch didn't get any presents." I told him that just wasn't going to happen.