59/365: Learning New Things Sunshine

Today the kids enjoyed fresh squeezed orange juice with their lunch.  Each of them took turns with Grandpa squeezing the juice from the delicious oranges their orange tree produces.  They drank it right up and were I think were a little disappointed to find how little juice actually from each orange. 

Learning New Things Sunshine:

58/365: Sunday Self-Portrait Sunshine

I'm usually complaining about these self-portraits and this week I have 3 for you!  The first is my kiddos and I cuddling on McGee's bed early in the morning - why oh why did he have to wake up at 6:30 am on a Sunday?  You can see how happy and awake he was though!

These next two are only moments after the cuddles.  I grabbed McGee's little black cowboy hat and snapped a few.  Friday night I went out country line dancing with some girlfriends and had a blast.  I hadn't attempted line dancing since high school and was saddened to realize I don't pick it up as easy as I used to, but these images will always be a great reminder to me of how fun being a cowgirl can be!

57/365: Sous Chef Sunshine

I love my talented little sous chef helpers...

56/365:Creativity Sunshine

While my youngest naps in the afternoons, my 4yo has "quiet time" in his room - an oxymoron if there ever was one!  Today he called me in to see how he "decorated the box"!  Now wasn't that creative of him to think of decorating the box with the stuffing from this old orange chair?  Nimble little fingers can be so creative...and a bit destructive. :)

55/365: Thankful for Family Sunshine

Like many stay-at-home-moms, we are not often actually at home.  After many days on the go these two wanted nothing more than a day at home in their jammies.  I was more than happy to oblige, but unfortunately had a couple of errands that HAD to be run that day.  Thankfully my SIL called and asked if McGee could come over and play Lego with Brady and I was able to drop them both off (in their jammies) and run my errands quickly without having to take them both out of car seats at each stop.  

This is them HAPPY as can be to be riding to Brady's house in the front seat - don't worry, the ride was all of 100' as they just live 3 houses down the street. :)

54/365: Quick Healing Sunshine

We don't know what bit out little girl, but a week later after looking like the bites were healing so well, they quickly turned bright red and tripled in size.  A strong dose of antibiotics has helped in taking care of the infection this week...

53/365: Working Together Sunshine

10 months apart in age, these two cousins may very likely end up in the same kindergarten class next Fall.  It's so fun to see them working together so well already....

52/365: Sledding Sunshine

This boy LOVES playing in the snow and sledding!  His sister...not so much.

51/365:Sunday Self-Portrait Sunshine

This capture was taken by my 2 year old daughter with my camera on the floor.  I had taken a few pictures of she and her brother playing in his room a few minutes earlier then set the camera down in the hallway to convince her brother he needed to get dressed so we could head to church.  It's probably a good thing this image is of my feet as I'm sure my exasperated expression aimed at my disagreeable 4 year old son would not have been the most flattering.

50/365: First Birthday and Snow Sunshine

We were up at my parents' house today for my niece's first birthday and we were surprised to wake up and find a dusting of snow everywhere!

This first image is McGee gazing out the window at all of the snow on the hills and backyard.  The second image is of Skye opening her presents - and it looks to me like she's standing up all by herself!  The third is out my parents' window overlooking the hills and town with snow.  The fourth and final image was Skye's first exploration of her birthday cake.  Right after digging her hands in, she pulled them back and got really upset that they were all messy!  She was adorable and we wish you an amazing new year Skye!

49/365: Pirate Ship Sunshine

I kind of like his sleepy and content expression after putting together his new foam pirate shop bath toy.

Pirate Ship Sunshine:

48/365: Clean Teeth Sunshine

You may not see it, but this girl just brushed her teeth oh so clean!  Loving my little girl in her fleece monkey pjs and red polka-dot scarf.

Clean Teeth Sunshine:

47/365: Dark Skies at Night Sunshine

The sky this week has been amazing!  The changes have been so sudden and drastic from clear bright blue with sunshine to dark black clouds and no sun at all.  As I've been driving and walking around town I can't help but be overwhelmed by the beauty I'm seeing above.

Dark Skies at Night Sunshine:

This morning on our way to preschool we were stopped at the light and I captured this image with my little Bloggie Tech camera:

46/365: Blue Skies in the Morning Sunshine

As I let the dogs out this morning to do their business, I was drawn to the sky with it's vibrant blue sky and numerous cloud formations.  We had rain yesterday and are supposed to have it the rest of the week.  I myself am a lover of stormy weather (except when it interferes with photo sessions) so I look forward to a wet and rainy week.

Blue Skies in the Morning Sunshine:

45/365: Valentine's Day Sunshine

Valentine's Day Sunshine:

Some Valentine's goodies for the kiddos...

...and hubby surprised me with a freshly scented gift bag of my own!  This may not seem romantic to many, but it was lovely for me as he took notice that I hadn't had any of these yummy scents around for quite some time and even though he doesn't care for them, he knows I do and went out of his way to get them for me.

  Poor guy didn't get a thing (not even a card!) from me.  :(

44/365: Self-Portrait Sunday Sunshine

These self-portraits are going to be the death of my 365 project I tell ya!  Today though I'm sharing a couple of wonderful images taken by some friends I asked to snap a pick of me and my babes. (all images were edited by me)

The first was snapped by my friend Frizzy from Heaven's Gift:

These next two were taken by my friend Alicia of Ribbons & Roughnecks: 

43/365: BFF Sunshine

Most kids have best friends that are their own age or similar age, but my little Miss Em completely adores the mommy to a couple of her little friends and even asked if we could invite "Miss Alicia" to her birthday party.  BTW, I'm cheating a little as this picture if from Friday, but I did not have a single image (besides the couple hundred I took of clients at a session) that I took Saturday to post.

Little BFF Sunshine:

42/365: Grammy & Papa Valentine's Sunshine

There was this post about the blessing of fantastic grandparents and today I want to share the joy my children had while opening their Valentine's cards from their other Grammy & Papa!

Grammy & Papa Valentine's - Love, Money & Stickers Sunshine:

41/365: Trying New Things Sunshine - Part 2

We received our first box to try of fresh produce from Farm Fresh to You and it was packed with lots of fruits and veggies.  A few of the veggies I have never had (that I can remember) so I decided to try out some kale.  I looked up a recipe with bread crumbs and garlic and thought I'd give it a whirl - the dark green leaves should be healthy right?  Well I tried it and either I just failed at the proper cooking or I am not a fan of kale. :)

Trying New Things Sunshine - Part 2:

40/365: Trying New Things Sunshine

A friend has recently started taking her son to a 3yo gymnastics class and I decided to take Miss Em for a trial run this week.  She was very shy and unsure during "warm-up" time, but eventually the teachers got her following along and doing great!

Trying New Things Sunshine:

39/365: Involved Grandparents Sunshine

We are so completely blessed to have not one, but two sets of grandparents that are completely involved, interested and hands-on (without being overbearing) with their grandchildren.  What a legacy they are leaving behind and how much richer my children's lives are because of their grandparents' involvement.

Involved Grandparents Sunshine:

38/365: Man I LOVE This Guy Sunshine

He works hard for us everyday.  Each morning he wakes he changes lives through teaching.  He comes home to us with a hug and a smile.  He loves God.  He adores me.  He is over the moon about our children.  He takes the dogs running.  And after all of that...he does the dishes.

Man I LOVE This Guy Sunshine:

37/365: Superbowl Self-Portrait Sunshine

Hooray - Superbowl Sunday meant I didn't have to take my Sunday self-portrait alone!  We had some great friends over this year and I think this is Elizabeth and my 4th Superbowl together. :)

Superbowl Self-Portrait Sunshine:

36/365: Last-Minute Sunset Sunshine

It has been a very busy weekend so Saturday evening as we were heading home from a party I realized I hadn't taken a picture yet and I didn't even have my camera with me!  I pulled out my cool little Sony Bloggie Tech camera and snapped this beautiful sunset.  Of course my 4yo had to tell me, "Mommy, it isn't safe to be taking pictures while you're driving, please put your camera away."

Last-Minute Sunset Sunshine:

35/365: Sliding Sunshine

What more needs to be said?

Sliding Sunshine:

I Heart Faces │ Best Face Photo from January

If you like this image of Miss Em, please go vote for me (#26) at I Heart Faces for their Best Face Photo of January contest.  All you have to do is click on the "Vote" with the star under my entry and that's it - easy peasy!  Pass this along to all your photo loving friends - thanks!

34/365: Lovely Tootsies Sunshine

I keep finding these little heart confetti all over our house!  I vacuum up 2 and 5 more appear!  On this day, McGee was helping vacuum up the living room, looking for any of these little hearts he could find and wouldn't you know I found two stuck on the bottom of his foot?  

Lovely Tootsies Sunshine:

 

After putting together this post I realized I had already edited an image for today, oops!  Guess you get the "Patriotic Truck Sunshine" today as well!  I thought McGee was pretty clever for putting this American flag in the truck exhaust.  Heehee!

33/365: Looking at the Camera Sunshine

I often wonder if I've traumatized my oldest for life with having the camera in his face too often.  Most times when he sees my camera he ducks his heads, throws his arms up in front of his face and says, "No pictures!"  Well lately it seems he's been a bit more cooperative and has even asked me to take his pictures a couple of times...

Looking at the Camera Sunshine:

32/365: Sink Full of Bubbles Sunshine

The sink first thing this morning thanks to my darling daughter's helpful nature and love for playing with water:

The sink a couple of hours later as the water has evaporated and left the deflated bubbles, plus some new dirty dishes and some lovely colorful sprinkles Miss Em found and decided to throw in the sink:

Gotta love the Sink Full of Bubbles Sunshine!