Christmas

I know I need to blog about the cruise, my daughter turning 1 and a few other things that have happened in the last few months but I can't, I'm on the wrong computer for all of those pictures and there is a sleeping baby in the room with the right computer (I dare you to go in there). It's my last day of work for the year and I have my to do list mostly done....besides the baking that I don't want to really do right now.....I have decided that baking is not a creative outlet for me. sewing, photography, bow making, crafting even coloring come before baking in my book.

Ok so here are my 12 things.......pictures.......happenings.....and whatever else might fit....Christmas:

12 minute photo op with kids

not sure how to turn it sorry....

Jaxon trying to be helpful

11 Quaney People

this is the end product of a photoshoot with my family on the bike trail. after this I have put a remote on my want list for photog equipment:-)

10 Petersen People (Derek's family)

I took Derek's family pictures in November, these are the grandchildren and grandparents



9 days of vacation!!!!

Starting tomorrow!


8 daycare children!

I like how Caroline is showing us what she is eating:-)

I have the pleasure of watching these wonderful babies. I have 2 9months olds (born the same day), a 14 month old (Lexi), 3 three year olds, a 5 year old, 8 year old and after the new year a 10 week old will start coming 2 days a week!
God is so good!

7 days of vacation

Derek took me on a 4 day cruise early November for our "5th Ann. a year late, we may not be lone again until the kids are gone, thank you photography..... cruise" 

6 times a day.....at least! I'm saving lexi from something or other. Today it was Jaxon's bed, standing on the changing table (I didn't put her up there), and running with a fork....got to love toddler stage.

Lexi getting her own drink......

5 Great Grandbabies on the Putman side!

4-ty dozen Cinnamon roles for friends and family.

3 days until Christmas yeah!!!!

2 of the cutest kids I know!

1 Merry Christmas to you all!

and a happy new year!

a little bling for your holiday!

just a quick idea for you ladies.....I wanted a little sparkle added to my shoes for the cruise that I'm leaving on tomorrow....yes no kids, hot sun, beach and something fruity in my hand for 7, yes I said SEVEN days! I'm not excited at all......but anyway, back to why I'm on here when I have 100 other things that need to be done......
SHOES!
 I found this on pinterest.....the best thing since Facebook was invented! I didn't actually READ the DIY steps they had, I just saw the picture.....
Girls, put glitter on the bottom of your high heals!!! I put good old Elmer's glue on the bottom of the shoes using my finger (so high tech) and then sprinkled fine glitter from hobby lobby ($2.47) and walla! All done, so easy! I think I might use them for the holidays too. Enjoy!

Family

When I was 6 weeks old tragedy hit my family in a way that changed our lives forever. My dad (Daniel Steffes) was killed in an accident. Although at the time it didn't affect me personally in a way I remember, I have definitely struggled with understanding my place in family dynamics since. When I was 9 or 10 I was adopted by a man (James Quaney) who is the best father anyone could possibly be. Because I have no desire to hurt his feels or belittle him in anyway this is where my struggle begins. I was given 2 fathers. One father I will never know besides what people tell me, like I walk like him. My other father has raised me from the start of almost every memory I have. He CHOOSE to be my dad. He has been a rock, he has been a supporter and he has loved me for everything I am and who I have become. I LOVE MY DAD. Not that I don't love Daniel, that is not what I'm saying. I'm saying I love James too. I'm so THANKFUL that at the age of 25 he chose to take on 2 kids under the age of 5 and a wife. I'm so GRATEFUL that blood does not mean anything to him. I'm so BLESSED to feel nothing but love from this man.

God works in ways that are so interesting sometimes, you see, the date Daniel died in 1985 is the same date James adopted me on in 1994. Every year around this date we celebrate our family by taking a picture. Please enjoy.

This particular photo shoot I felt needed a couch.........

they were so thrilled:-)

so were the walkers.

baby Girl 11month pictures

Ok So I told you all that I would share 11 month pictures....well since next week she is 1 year I should show you:-) I used the pics for her invits to her party so I didn't want to ruin the fun until after everyone got there invites........which means if you are reading this and did not get an invite this could be akward.......You are all invited! I promise! I love parties and you are all welcome to come......And since there is like a whole 8 people that follow this blog I'm not really worried:-)

My Preschool teacher (not joking) made the invitation for me. She is fabulous! She is really the whole reason I wanted to be a teacher! I still have vivid memories of being in her classroom and feeling so smart and safe there. But Anyway, she does creative memories and made the invites.
Hope you enjoy them! I've got big.....messy plans for 1 year pictures:-)

Birthday boy!!!

My baby boy is turning 3!!!!
My little helper

he LOVES shoes

He loves his daddy!!!

he is my 3 year old!!!!!

Happy birthday big boy!!!!!
8-8-08 4:18pm 7lbs 12oz

Day 28,29 & 30....FINALLY!!!

It has been a crazy crazy week.....but who's life isn't crazy? My birthday was a few days ago so last weekend we went to Lincoln and Omaha to celebrate.

Day 28: flowers
On Thursday of last week (the day that day 28 should of happened) we went to a carnival for cancer that my loves work puts on every year. Lexi just so happened to be in a flower dress:-) AND got a flower balloon.....how lucky am I!!!!!!

Day 29: Black and white

We went to the zoo on Sunday and I got some good shots but they turned out a little orange, BW is the perfect fix for this problem.

 They are looking at the penguins.

 I couldn't bring myself to turn this bw but I had to share it anyway. I LOVE his eyelashes!!!

Jaxon is really screaming in this one because he was scared of the fish but it looks like a sweet moment.

and Day 30: Self Portrait
the last thing we did at the zoo on the 100 degree day was ride the train.....we don't look tired at all!!!

Day 26 and 27

Day 26: up close

Meet Norah! Sweet norah is one of my youngest daycare kids. She is a baby doll! I love her smile in the mornings when she comes!!!

Day 27: From a distance

My Love keeps his distance from most Veggies, unless it is coated in cheese or something he stays far far away. So tonight I'm trying a new recipe that has summer squash, onion and potatoes with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, bacon and garlic salt......supper is ready now so I better get off here and go try it out!