Christmas Party

School is out for Christmas break! Two long weeks of sleeping in (yeah, right!) and being lazy! Yesterday was Max's Christmas party at school. They had a book exchange, played games, made crafts, ate snacks and got to wear jammies. Fun! Before the party started I got the chance to walk around to all the kindergarten classrooms with Santa (yes, the REAL Santa) and deliver gifts to the teachers from the PTO. It was so fun to see how kids react to Santa... some stared in awe, some hid in fright, some ran up to hug him... a few even dared ask him if they were on the naughty or nice list! It was fun!

Of course a perk of being the PTO president is that I can coordinate these kinds of events and have Santa spend a little extra time in Max's class. He visited Mrs. Dillon's class last so he could take his time answering kids questions and even posing for photos. It was a great kick-off to break!

Max shows Santa his book from the exchange

Santa reminds the kids they have one week left to get on the nice list!

Santa and Mrs. Dillon's Kindergarten Class

As we were cleaning up from the party and leaving the classroom at the end of the day Max, the sentimental kid he is, got teary-eyed and turned back to the room and murmured "see you later, classroom. I'll miss you!" True story. Oh! And on Thursday they had a snow day and Max said "Oooh... I love snow but I also love school; it's a tough decision". The kid loves school, ok?

It's December 5, 2010... Our Anniversary! Today We Celebrate 12!

Dang, 12 years married? That makes us sound so old! Let's not forget we got married young!!! OK? I don't want anyone thinking I'm old here!

The last few years we've been lucky 'cause the 5th falls on a weekend. Of course this year it's on a Sunday so we decided to celebrate on Saturday the 4th instead. We like to head out of Dayton for our anniversary each year; this year Chris drove us to downtown Cincy for shopping (um, my favorite thing ever!) and dinner at the original Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse.

So... I always do the "traditional" thing for our anniversary; whatever the very wise internet tells me the yearly gift was traditionally, I buy. The 12th anniversary is silk or linen. Seriously. I was at a loss. I wasn't going to buy a stupid silk tie or something lame! I wanted something unique and meaningful!! Every year I come up with something... this year I cried at the mall (yes, really) because I couldn't think of ANYTHING! So I made Chris agree, no gifts this year... but then I felt bad because it would the first without gifts, plus knowing Chris, he'd get me something anyway. So I racked my brain for thoughtful/heartfelt gift ideas in silk or linen. Then I had a great idea! Photographs are a big part of our lives! Am I ever without a camera? So I decided to take abstract pictures of things around our world and spell out "LOVE", change the photos to black and white, have them matted in linen (YAY!) and get them framed. I did it all in one afternoon... it was a bit overwhelming, I won't lie. I will spare you the details of me running all over town and just show you the result... can you see "LOVE"? L= a tree on 741 between Springboro and Mason, O= Chris's beloved tractor wheel, V= the frame from the first big piece of artwork we bought for our home and E= a metal fence (random but it works).

Chris of course came up with a crafty idea as well; the last several years he typically buys a charm to add to my Tiffany charm bracelet each anniversary. This year before dinner, we went into Tiffany's, up to customer service, and the lady handed him a bag. I opened the charm, a sweet little snowman with a Tiffany blue scarf; Chris was quick to point out he was wearing a silk scarf! Of course he is!!!!!!! I love it! It's currently being put on my bracelet and will be shipped back to me in 2 weeks...

We had a great time and an awesome dinner! I could have skipped the whole meal portion and just eaten the dessert... hot chocolate lava cake and homemade peanut butter cup ice cream. We devoured it. Fountain Square was all lit up for Christmas too and it was snowing! So pretty. I only got one picture of our night though... this very lovely self-portrait of the two of us! Beautiful? haha.

Happy 12 years to us!!!

He's 6!

November 30, 2004... doesn't feel like it was 6 years ago, but the calendar says it was! The older I get the sappier I get on birthdays. Not because of the aging factor so much; more because of the realization of how fast time flies by me. If I were blowing out the candles today I would wish for a pause... a BIG pause in time. My baby is 6 today. 6!

The good thing about all this realization is that I now make an earnest effort to soak in every moment, especially milestones... riding the bus, losing a tooth, reading alone, turning 6. Soak. It. In. And take a deep breath!

We celebrated Max's birthday with his friends back on November 14. He wanted a "carnival theme" so we tried to take advantage of nicer weather by a few weeks and have the party early. We gave Max an early gift of soccer goals so kids could play a game, rented a huge bounce house, had hot dogs and cupcakes, and went on a treasure hunt. It was so fun!

Over Thanksgiving we were in Texas. Max got to celebrate there as well. We went bowling, had cake... and on Thanksgiving Day he and Isabelle ran in the turkey trot. They really ran too! So impressive! They got medals and all... best part, of course!

Tonight we are having a party at home with family. Max turns 6 at 5:07pm and at that time we will jump up and down and celebrate, following will be dinner, cookie cake, presents and hugs. I can't wait! Turning 6 is so fun!

Max is truly a blessing in our lives. We struggled to have him. He is God-given and we are so thankful! I will never take him for granted. He makes my heart sing and my eyes smile and today, especially, I want to celebrate all he is... smart, funny, charming, silly, cute, flirtatious, precocious, sweet, stubborn, bossy, happy, healthy... and ours. :) Happy Happy HAPPY Birthday Max! We loooooooooooove you so!!!

What a week so far...

I'm going to spare you all the details of the back yard drama that started last week and continues now... I'll create a whole new exciting post for that! Betcha can't wait! ;)

This week has been fun, amid the stress from the aforementioned project! Max got over the weird "fever virus" going around his school, he is participating in Spirit for Life week to raise money for the animal shelter, I launched my new website and I got some new things for my photography business... and I have pics of everything to share with you!

Let's start with school and Spirit for Life. The kindergartners voted; the animal shelter beat out two other charities as top vote getter and now they are raising money for the cause. Each day is a new opportunity to wear something different and fun and bring in a dollar to give to the charity. Max missed "crazy hat day" due to being ill but luckily the next day was "mismatch day" so he could wear it and still fit in with the theme! I admit, I was glad for that because I spent $17 at Hobby Lobby on "stuff" he could use to glue and stick to make a super crazy homemade hat! The next school day was "silly sock day" and he went for it! Tomorrow is PJ day... wouldn't that be your favorite?

So most of you know my website is alive and kickin! Visit colleencaptures.com to check it out! Chris spent hours and hours and late hours putting it together for me. I love it! I have several photo sessions lined up over the next few weeks so check back often to see updates! FUN! I'm so proud of it!!! I've been taking pictures every chance I get, and have been trying to master the silhouette... yes, it's more difficult than it seems. Here are my attempts from a few nights ago...

And to kick off my new venture I did a little shopping, of course... I ordered a custom made camera strap cover from Polka Dot Bungalow that I can't wait to get!!! I also made a camera bag purchase, a big one, but worth it! I got my new Kelly Moore classic gray camera bag in the mail today... ooh la la I love it!!! I was so excited to open it! It's gray with purple interior and has plenty of room for my camera, lenses, phone, etc. And since I am very excited about a newborn shoot I have coming up in a few weeks, I ordered this sweet teal blue hat from Neisha's Blue Baby Boutique. It came with two flower clips so I can make it work for a boy or girl and she threw in a cute little puppy dog pin as well. I cannot wait to use this thing! My friend Jenn's mom is crafting some knits as well like blankets and booties so I'll be doing more newborn shopping through her, too!

Whaddya think??

Check back soon... most of our back yard work will be done this weekend... it won't be completely done for a few weeks but I'll have progress pictures to share!

Happy Halloween! From, Luigi... and Tiger and Elin

Ever since moving out to the boonies we have had to hope and pray for some of our old neighbors to host a "trick or treat" party so we could have somewhere to go out with friends and have a place to sit to hand out candy. The Zallers were always gracious hosts having everyone over to their house but they have since moved to Columbus so somebody different had to step up... and step up they did! Shea and Tori hosted a super fun Halloween party last night. One in which everyone... EVERYONE had to wear a costume. They went all out... scavenger hunt for kids, tons of food, plenty of great company and after trick or treat, an adult, girls vs. boys scavenger hunt (girls won, btw... duh).

Max has known he would be Luigi since February. His good buddy, Austin, was Mario. It's always great for me that he decides way ahead of time cause I can get costumes on clearance. Next year he wants to be a vampire so if you see a good deal on one...

Since Chris and I had to dress up too (which I haven't done since college probably) we needed to get crafty. My friend Sara came up with the greatest idea ever... Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren. Genius!!! We went for it! While walking around the neighborhood with my blonde wig and golf club I got several laughs and shout outs from men but many women had no clue who I was. Seriously? It was fun dressing Chris... doing black eye makeup and scars! Cool! Chris and I won "Best Couples Costume".

Anyway, it was a ball! We are all extremely tired today from staying out late and running around all night (in fact Max and Chris are sleeping now... don't worry though, I got the dishes and laundry done while they snoozed... Grrr)

This morning SCCC hosted a Halloween Brunch. Kids dressed up. They had food, a haunted house, a magician, dancing contests and more. We had a great time. We sat with our friends, the Hoskins, so Max got to dote on Fiona and Chelsea a while.

We love Halloween! Hope everyone has a good one!

I Heart Faces Pink Photo Challenge

Still trying to learn all about the fun things my camera will allow me to do; I have so much to learn! In the meantime, I thought it would be fun to enter this I Heart Faces photo challenge in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness this month. PS- the pink highlighter pen stuck into his buttoned up collar was alllllllll Max's idea!

to see more great "pink" photo entries, click the button below

EDIT: 10/31-- My photo made the I Heart Faces Favorites Page!!!! Not the winner, but pretty cool for it being my very first entry. See the winners (and Max again) here...

http://www.iheartfaces.com/2010/10/pink-photo-contest-winning-photos/

My New Camera Lens Kicks A$$!

Mom, remember when I graduated from college? The gift I wanted more than anything was a super nice photo album (which you had engraved for me) and a fancy camera (which you consulted people about and purchased-- thank you!). Ever since then I have been reading and learning and practicing taking great pictures. I have, however, never had a professional grade camera... but I do now!!!!!

I'm so excited!! I'm gonna start taking pictures... like for money... as a hobby on weekends. I need LOTS of practice though! So I got my fancy camera and then consulted friends of mine who are great photographers (thanks Nikki, Heather and Brad!) for more tips. Nikki forced me into buying a new lens. A better lens. Forced me. ;) It arrived today. HOLY CRAP IT'S AWESOME!!!! I can't wait till Max gets home so I can start taking pics of him with it. (for the record, he is SUPER annoyed with my picture taking)

I also purchased some great editing software for the Mac to help me make photos just right. I love it. I have SO much to learn but I have been playing with it in the process. Here are some before edits and after edits I took recently (NOT with the new great Nikki-forced lens but with the lens the fancy camera came with)...

before...

after...

before...

after...

Awesome right? I've already had a few people tell me "nice camera" when looking at my pictures and according to my super-talented friend Nikki, that is the highest compliment a photographer can get! :) Should I brag and tell them "it's not the camera; I've got skillz"? ;)

Anyway, after I have a few practice sessions with my friends I'll be starting my own little business, somehow. It'll be inexpensive and fun for clients... and great for me! I can't wait!

More From Our Ladies Man...

Last Sunday we got an invitation to go to the Dragon's stadium for a family fun night. It was sponsored by Entertainment Book (you know, the coupon books?) and kids who sold a certain dollar amount in books got a ticket to go. Max only sold one book, the one we purchased out of obligation to the school, but because I'm on the PTO the coordinators for this fundraiser were kind enough to give our family a pass to this event as well.

The event ran from 4-8pm. They had free hotdogs and popcorn, bounce houses, obstacle courses, batting cages, blow up slides, base running on the field and pictures with Heater and Gem, the Dragons mascots. They also had people doing face painting and balloon animals (that takes serious talent, btw!) and at 6:00 showed the movie "UP!" on the jumbotron. It was SOOOOO crowded and quite honestly smelled like b.o. and farts everywhere we stood. (sorry, if I had to endure it you can stand to read about it) Max loved every minute though and I really think he ran the 90 ft between every base like 234832 times.

Guess what though? While we were there we ran into the elusive Samantha. You know, Samaaaaaaaaaaantha? The one who gives Max drawings and notes on the bus daily? Well well well... here she is... with Max. They had fun playing together. I think Samantha must have had some chocolate somewhere too, judging by her mouth...

The next day Max got on the bus and the bus driver, Janet, told me that Samantha had a note for him that I might want to take to keep safe. Here it is:

Cracks me up. (sorry it's sideways)

Oh here are a few more random things... Max got his kindergarten pics back from school. Seriously adorable!!! Take a look!

And here are some from a cookout we had at the Breehne's last night... Max had fun with Carley, Christina, Ella and a few other of our friends' kids...

Christina Breehne, Carley Breehne, Max

Max, Carley Breehne and Ella Giuffre

And finally, from today's soccer game. Max scored two goals; he also got plowed by his own teammate and friend, Ryan. Sometimes it's hard for 5 year olds to remember to share the ball or that they are on the same team! :) Max banged his knee pretty hard... I got the shots in sequence! Check it out...

above- Max in front, running for the ball...

Ryan comes in from behind to try to get it too...

and he's down... there he goes!

The "after" shot (why is this underlined?)

Kleather's. It's Tradition.

Kleather's recently stocked up on their pumpkins for the fall and as has been tradition since I was little, we went pumpkin hunting on October 1st. Max was pumped! He waited all week for September to be over so we could go. Plus, Friday Oct 1 was his day to bring home Ducky Duddle from school AND the day the boys got off the bus first. He was full of joy!

We searched and searched and pulled the wagon around and around looking for three perfect pumpkin representations of Max, Chris and me. (yes, we try to find pumpkins shaped like each of us) Max desperately wanted this huge one, just like he does every year.

Max grew very frustrated with me and my camera! DUDE! I'm trying to learn how to use it! Let me take your picture! Oh and poor Daddy had to sit the hunt out this year. He would yell and point to pumpkins for us to go see. It was annoying, really. But poor Chris. That cast is enough to take his sanity... and mine.

Finally. Max found one! But can he lift it into the wagon?? You'll have to wait till the end of the month when we carve and paint them to see how well we did...