tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-159495092024-03-13T23:15:36.416-06:00Pieces of MeTaliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00567591509055690057noreply@blogger.comBlogger480125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15949509.post-74364789362607681232014-02-06T12:24:00.000-07:002014-02-06T12:59:49.524-07:00project life 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ok, so let's talk Project Life.<br />
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What is Project Life, you ask? Basically, the amazing <a href="http://beckyhiggins.com/beckys-blog/" target="_blank">Becky Higgins</a> has created a simple system for scrapbooking your photos. (You can read all about it <a href="http://beckyhiggins.com/about-project-life/" target="_blank">here</a> on her website.) For the past 4 years I have taken the photo-a-day approach. And I have loved it. As I mentioned in my previous post, I was able to capture and record soooooo many moments and memories through my daily photography that would otherwise have been missed. Our yearly scrapbooks are a treasure, and not something that I'm about to give up anytime soon!<br />
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For 2014, I will be simplifying things a bit. See, for me, after 4 years of trying to take a picture every single day (and pretty much succeeding!) there was an element of guilt and stress attached to it, too. That may sound weird, I mean it's just taking pictures. But obviously there were some days that I missed and sometimes trying to find something different to photograph everyday was hard. In my Type A head, I really tried my best to have all my pictures in the exact right order, etc, etc, etc...so the process became a bit too much WORK than I wanted it to be. (Hence how I gave up on posting my 2013 pictures after only a few months. *sniff*)<br />
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So for this year, here's the deal: I'm going to continue taking pictures of my kids and our life on a *somewhat* daily basis. Sometimes I'll use my real camera, and on most occasions I'll probably be using my camera phone (wink). No stress. No worries. No expectations. Just snapping photos when I feel like something is photo-worthy. My hope is that I'll continue to capture our everyday moments, but I'm not going to worry about attaching a specific day or number to each picture. THEN, at the end of every month I'll post a photo collage right here on the blog of a handful of our pictures. Sometimes I might share only 3 or 4 photos and sometimes maybe I'll share 20! Some months I may only share photos from one specific day or event, and sometimes I'll share tidbits of everything. I'm not going to set a specific standard that I have to meet every month, because then to me, that will eventually equal STRESS. Heehee. I just don't want any rules! I really want this year's approach to be simple and satisfying, while still capturing our daily life. :)<br />
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When it comes to putting all of our photos from the year into my project life album, I'm simply going to print all the pictures I want to include in the album, divide them into months, and pop them in the album. Done and done. I'm not going to worry about having a certain number of pictures/month...just whatever pictures I like from that month will be good enough for me! Whew...did all that make sense?? Heehee.<br />
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With all that being said, here is my January collage. All these perfectly imperfect photos were taken with my iPhone, which is just fine by me. Of course I way prefer pictures taken with my actual camera, but like I always say...any picture is better than no picture!<br />
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So here we go....1 month down, 11 more to go! (Thank you to <a href="http://www.simpleasthatblog.com/" target="_blank">Rebecca Cooper</a> for this handy <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?5vnmgisdrfiov" target="_blank">collage template</a>!)<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t1fhcUV9oRA/UvMu6SkKhAI/AAAAAAAAK24/Vmun-sN8yBE/s1600/january%252714collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t1fhcUV9oRA/UvMu6SkKhAI/AAAAAAAAK24/Vmun-sN8yBE/s1600/january%252714collage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. Miss KK having fun at playschool 2. Payton and Crewie playing on the computer 3. Gabby swimming for FHE 4. My chubby boy fast asleep in his Buzz Lightyear jammies 5. The 4 kids celebrating New Years 6. Cuddles 7. The Terry cousins celebrating Winter's birthday 8. The Littles just chillin' one afternoon 9. Skating with Payton 10. Green smoothie yumminess 11. Mommy and her babies</td></tr>
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<a href="http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/?action=view&current=blogsignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/blogsignature.jpg" /></a><br />
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And just for fun...here are the links to my past photo-a-day blogs:<br />
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<a href="http://audenartfamilyproject365.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">2010 Photo a Day Blog</a><br />
<a href="http://audenartfamily2011.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">2011 Photo a Day Blog</a><br />
<a href="http://audenartfamily2012.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">2012 Photo a Day Blog</a><br />
<a href="http://audenartfamily2013.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">2013 Photo a Day Blog</a><br />
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<br />Taliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00567591509055690057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15949509.post-33756911567135751172014-02-05T11:16:00.001-07:002014-02-05T11:16:44.768-07:00Where to Begin?So, wow.<br />
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Where do I even begin? After not blogging for an entire YEAR, it's a tad overwhelming to attempt this again! But here I am...attempting to get back into this blogging thing.<br />
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To be honest, I've been wanting to blog again for a long time. But with the ease and convenience of Facebook and Instagram (right from my phone!), the ol' blog was quickly and easily replaced. Now don't get me wrong, I love me some social media! (wink) I love how I can post a cute picture instantly here and there, or share something funny that one of the kids has said immediatley after they said it...but in turn I've missed out on sharing and more importantly RECORDING the more in-depth stuff stuff about our little family and our little life.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WTqSp3D0m2A/UvJ_gjBP5II/AAAAAAAAK2A/zfs6wsLqZ1A/s1600/blogbk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WTqSp3D0m2A/UvJ_gjBP5II/AAAAAAAAK2A/zfs6wsLqZ1A/s1600/blogbk.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Last Christmas, my mother-in-law gave me this book for Christmas. My blog. In a book. I LOVE it. My blogging had already slowed down quite a bit when she gave it to me and looking through it, I was AMAZED at all that I had captured and recorded over the years through my blog. What an amazing gift! I absolutely love flipping through the pages and seeing our life in print. The fact that this life of ours is captured like that forever really hit home for me...and so it's been nagging me to get going again. ;)<br />
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Now, in my defense, for 3 years straight I took a photo every single day for my project life albums. I posted those daily photos and shared a caption to go with each one (aside from last year...I kept taking pictures, but kinda fell off the bandwagon when it came to posting them online!)...doing that on a daily basis kind of took the place of my regular blogging as well. And I am SUPER proud of our daily photos...they are such a treasure and a gift for our family to have for the years to come. The kids love looking through our yearly scrapbooks, and it really is amazing to see how quickly and how much they change. (As a sidenote...stay tuned for what my approach to my everyday photos and project life album is going to be this year...I have a plan!)<br />
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Anyways...as always, it sounds like I'm trying to defend myself as to why I've neglected this poor blog of mine. Well, I guess I AM defending myself, heehee! With our 4 kids, my photography business and just LIFE in general, I kind of let it slip to the back-burner. So instead of dwelling on that, it's time to move on and move forward! It's a new year. Life is good. We are good. I love my crazy little family so much and this is why I want to blog again. I promise to be back sooner rather than later. And even if it is only myself that reads my little blog posts, I am totally ok with that. 'Cause it's all about the memories and I want to remember each and every one of them. :)<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JgeeRQ0WsBw/UvJ-AeuPVqI/AAAAAAAAK1o/Fh8YxcaNdL8/s1600/AQ3A4798ches-haze_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JgeeRQ0WsBw/UvJ-AeuPVqI/AAAAAAAAK1o/Fh8YxcaNdL8/s1600/AQ3A4798ches-haze_web.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kherington, Graham, Crew, me, Gabby and Payton | September 2013</td></tr>
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<a href="http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/?action=view&current=blogsignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/blogsignature.jpg" /></a>Taliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00567591509055690057noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15949509.post-76523626144623186692013-02-13T23:02:00.001-07:002013-02-13T23:02:45.888-07:00happy love day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Valentine's Day!<br />
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I made the cutest Valentine's book of my kids this year and thought I would share...I am anxiosuly awaiting this book in the mail, I cannot wait to see how it turned out! I made the effort to take Valentine's pictures of the kids, and like many of the pictures I take of them, they end up sitting on my computer and no one sees them...so I took about an hour one night and put this together. I just love these 4 so much! Oh, they are crazy, busy and....well, crazy...but they are MINE and I love 'em all.<br />
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I hope everyone has a wonderful day with their sweeties. Graham and I have decided this year not to worry about gifts and stuff for eachother...we love each other all the time, so we're good! I'm glad we're keepin' it simple. Thanks for stopping by!<br />
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xoxox<br />
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<a href="http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/?action=view&current=blogsignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/blogsignature.jpg" /></a>Taliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00567591509055690057noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15949509.post-62759152010899074672013-02-04T20:13:00.000-07:002013-02-04T20:13:23.593-07:00here we go again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, we're back at it again!</div>
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We're already a month into 2013 and my <a href="http://audenartfamily2013.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">new photo-a-day blog</a> is finally up and running.</div>
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I have to admit, I wasn't sure if I was going to do this again this year. While I'm in the habit of taking pictures (almost) everyday, I found that I got behind in posting my photos last year and that got me discouraged. As I decided to get all caught up on my photos from last year, I quickly realized how precious all these memories and photos are. I'm not able to scrapbook the way I used to, and I absolutely LOVE getting all of our everyday photos into a <a href="http://www.beckyhiggins.com/products/" target="_blank">cute album</a> at the end of the year...it is so amazing to see our whole year from start to finish like that! AND...posting the photos on my photo-a-day blog helps me stay committed to this project, as well as it gives my family and friends a little peek into our everyday life as well. So....it's a win-win situation. :)</div>
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I kind of have to admit though, while any photo of my children is precious to me personally, I feel like my photos are so boring! We've a had a very cold and dreary January so most of my photos are inside of my boring house (wink). So I need to commit to getting a bit more creative with my photo ideas. It's good for me as a photographer to challenge myself, and also just to make things a tad more interesting to look at. But...at the end of the day, my motto really is, any kind of photo is better than no photo at all!</div>
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So there ya go...2013, here we come!</div>
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<br />Taliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00567591509055690057noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15949509.post-9897711265568186572013-01-29T14:49:00.000-07:002013-01-29T14:50:36.644-07:00these feet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday I had a moment.<br />
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It isn't too often that I find myself in a quiet house with almost nothing going on around me.<br />
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The big girls were at school, Kherington was invited over to her big cousin's house, so it was just Crew and I at home. My little Crewie is, well....a handful! At 20 months old, he is busy busy busy and always up to something. So any sort of down-time with him when he is awake is rare. Because he is always. on. the. go. (wink)<br />
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We had a little time to kill before his nap, so not really thinking he'd stay there, I pulled him up on my lap, and just sat on the couch with him and hoped he'd watch a little Curious George with me.<br />
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We stayed in this exact position for a half hour.<br />
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For anyone with an almost 2 year old, you would know that this a LONG time for a toddler of this age! To sit still without moving for 30 minutes? That is very rare for my Crew!<br />
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As we sat, I cuddled his warm little body close to me. I snuggled into his clean hair from just getting out of the bath. I watched him cross and uncross his chubby little feet as he watched George on TV.<br />
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And I also realized that it wasn't George that he was content with, but ME.<br />
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My full attention. My time. My love.<br />
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As I held him, I realized how I do not do this often enough. As the youngest of 4, by default, Crew spends much of his being carted around in the car, dropping off and picking up his sisters from school and lessons, running errands with mama. He doesn't get the same down-time at home that his sisters had, especially the older girls.<br />
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It made me so guilty and so sad for him. Being a mama is hard. And all I want is for my babies to know how much I love them. And how everything I do is for them. I cuddled him like crazy and felt so very lucky for this quiet, uninterrupted time with my son.<br />
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It is so hard to believe that there was a time that this little dude wasn't a part of our family. Because now...we simply couldn't live without him. While we often joke about how much of a handful he is, the truth of the matter is...he has every single person in this family wrapped around his little fingers. We all live for his giggles, his hugs, his slobbery kisses. We all laugh when he does something funny, and we all jump to help him when we think he's been hurt. We love our boy.<br />
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How grateful I am for those quiet moments with my son. To hold his warm body and kiss his chubby feet. To not worry about the messes that needed to be cleaned, or the phone calls that needed to be made. To just be in the moment with him and put everything else on hold.<br />
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This was a reminder for me as a mother. Not just for Crew, but for all my precious children. To take the time to spend a few quiet moments with each of them. Whenever I can. To just sit and enjoy the moment and put everything else in the world aside and to focus on THEM. It is hard for me to believe that I have already been doing this mothering thing for more than 8 years. And it is starting to hit me how my time with little ones at home will all too quickly come to an end. And it was these little feet that reminded me of all these things yesterday. These chubby feet reminded me to slow down...just a little. To enjoy these moments at home a little bit more. And most importantly, to LOVE more.<br />
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'Cause we all need love, right?<br />
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<a href="http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/?action=view&current=blogsignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/blogsignature.jpg" /></a>Taliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00567591509055690057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15949509.post-4143955523295873132013-01-27T22:57:00.000-07:002013-01-27T22:57:51.883-07:00the simple things...<br />
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A "simple thing" from this past week.<br />
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This is Kherington. She is 3 years old.<br />
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She loves red lipstick. LOVES it.<br />
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I often find her rummaging through my make-up drawer in search of the pretty stuff that makes her lips "so beautiful".<br />
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I try to hide it but it never works.<br />
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She always finds it.<br />
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xoxoxox<br />
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<a href="http://www.simpleasthatblog.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/rebeccaanncooper/featured_button.jpg" /></a>Taliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00567591509055690057noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15949509.post-35019474689213869492013-01-11T17:03:00.000-07:002013-01-11T17:03:07.656-07:00and that's a wrap!<br />
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Well, I have no idea how, but I somehow managed to get TOTALLY caught up on my <a href="http://audenartfamily2012.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">photo a day pictures for 2012</a>. And I am so glad I did! Keeping up with this is a big commitment and not always easy...but in the end it is always SO worth it so see all of those everyday memories in one place.<br />
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My family loves this.<br />
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This is the third year that I've committed to taking a photo every day. (and yes...sometimes I cheat and skip a day...wink!) It is for sure a habit now and something that I think I just HAVE to continue on with for 2013. Graham and I have decided that the memories are just way too precious and like I said, as a family, we LOVE looking through all of our pictures from the year. I'll admit, near the end of the year, there are probably too many instagrams and camera-phone pictures, but I will happily take those pictures over no pictures at all.<br />
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I am so excited to get these all printed and into my 2012 <a href="http://www.beckyhiggins.com/" target="_blank">Project Life</a> album...that is the FUN part! I will share pictures of that when I am all done.<br />
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For now, go ahead and caught up on what we crazy Audenart's have been up to for the past 6 months (yikes! I really <i>was</i> behind!) and stayed tuned for our twenty-thirteen photo a day pictures!<br />
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<a href="http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/?action=view&current=blogsignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/blogsignature.jpg" /></a>Taliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00567591509055690057noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15949509.post-5586161408451374662013-01-04T23:16:00.000-07:002013-01-04T23:16:42.737-07:00Payton's Baptism...Well, Happy New Year! It is so hard to believe that it is 2013 and yet another year has passed by...where does the time go? We had a wonderful Christmas this year, I just love the time with all my kids at home just hanging out and being together. This year was even more special because Payton was baptized just a few days after Christmas. It was such a wonderful day! Back in August before school started, we went out and took some special pictures of her in her baptism dress...I am so glad we did! This little girl just shines inside and out and we are so blessed to have her in our family. She is full of so much sweetness and spunk and we just couldn't live without her. I am so proud of the decision she made to get baptized...she is such a good example to her little sisters and brother! xoxoxo<br />
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For those of you who aren't of my faith, you may wonder why children aren't baptized until the age of 8...you can read a short and simple explanation <a href="http://mormon.org/faq/topic/baptism" target="_blank">here</a>, but basically we are taught that by the age of 8 children can understand the difference between right and wrong. Payton was very lucky to have her daddy baptize and confirm her as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. :)</div>
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It was a very emotional and wonderful day, and in the days leading up to her baptism and after, we've been able to have many special talks and moments with her. As the cliche goes, I just can't believe that she is already 8 years old and has reached this very special milestone in her little life! I hope she always remembers how happy she felt on this day. :)</div>
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After her baptism we had our families over for dinner and dessert, and we showed this little slideshow that we put together for Payton...it still makes me tear up watching it, heehee! We love our girl, Happy 8th Birthday, Payton and Congratulations!!! xoxox</div>
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<a href="http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/?action=view&current=blogsignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/blogsignature.jpg" /></a>Taliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00567591509055690057noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15949509.post-67813685766995821232012-10-30T22:02:00.003-06:002012-10-30T22:05:00.145-06:00happy halloween!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, it's that time of year again! As crazy as Halloween gets, I sure do love getting the kiddos all dressed up and lookin' cute. I dread the day when they don't let me have a MAJOR part in their choice of costume. Heehee.</div>
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So here we go!!</div>
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Our little monster....</div>
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A Mermaid Princess...<br />
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A Pirate Princess...<br />
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The Paper Bag Princess...<br />
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...and the attempt at all 4 together. I tried, right???<br />
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Holy cow, getting these pictures was so much work! I usually do the front doorstep pictures for Halloween, but this year it's cold and we've gotten snow, so studio pictures was the easier choice! Every year we go to Galaxyland (a bunch of rides at the mall!) on the Friday before Halloween so this was the perfect time to do pictures...and then when the craziness of all the Halloween school parties, dance parties and trick-or-treating hits, I don't even need to worry about pictures...maybe just an instagram here or there. (wink)<br />
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And last but not least in the Halloween preparations was carving our pumpkins last night for Family Home Evening! The girls had fun drawing their faces, and then of course, mommy and daddy had to help with the carving...but they were all pros and scooping the pumpkin guts out! Crew was right in there with everyone, we finally had to stick him in his high chair and just keep giving him food so he'd leave everyone alone, heehee. Poor boy!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crew was much more interested in eating his pumpkin than smiling for a picture. :)</td></tr>
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I hope this counts as a real blog post! My sister just moved to Australia and refuses to join Facebook (which drives me crazy...wink!!) so she doesn't see my daily updates and posts that I do there. I soooo miss blogging...I just need to get back in the habit! Oh, and I need more hours in the day! Have a safe, fun and Happy Halloween, everyone!!<br />
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<a href="http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/?action=view&current=blogsignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/blogsignature.jpg" /></a>Taliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00567591509055690057noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15949509.post-69822240958764069562012-10-12T22:10:00.001-06:002012-10-30T22:03:17.230-06:00new photography blog!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know, I know....where the heck have I been? Life has sure proven to be crazy busy and full! For anyone who still checks this blog out now and then...I'm still alive! Just very busy with my kiddos and all that life brings. I need to do a proper update soon...but for the time being, I wanted to pop in and share my all new photography blog! I am so so excited about it...so much work went into this and it's always a little bit scary to put yourself out there, but what the heck! Here we go.<br />
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So please go and check it out at <a href="http://www.taliaaudenart.com/">www.taliaaudenart.com</a>!!!<br />
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<a href="http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/?action=view&current=blogsignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/blogsignature.jpg" /></a>Taliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00567591509055690057noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15949509.post-52118108490887196752012-06-17T21:51:00.000-06:002012-06-17T21:51:23.620-06:00crew's 1st birthday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So it was Crew's first birthday....over a month ago. And I am just getting to blogging about it now!! Aaahhh! But what is new, we all know that I'm not as great at the whole blogging thing as I used to be! I love my blog, though, and I love all the memories and stories I've recorded over the years...so I will still plug away, even if my posts are few and far between!<br />
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So back to Crewie...our baby is ONE! This first year with him in our family has absolutely flown by, and of course we had to celebrate him in a big way!! I went with a pirate theme, and he was sooooo stinkin' cute!! He did a perfect job at being the centre of attention....oh, how we love our boy!!<br />
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I kept the decorations as simple as possible, it really is amazing what you can find at dollar stores and party stores...it looks like it was a lot more work than it was! (Although, getting my house clean before a party is always a ton of work...I'm a freak and I think my house needs to be spotless when people are coming over...and then it's messy in 2 seconds and nobody cares anyways!! Heehee!)<br />
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Anyways...on to the party!! I made this "one" collage that I seen on <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/26740191507834987/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>...I love it, and a month later, we still have it displayed in our living room...I loved going through all of Crew's pictures from his first year...I wanted to use them all!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pirate cupcakes...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lookin' too darn cute...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay, seriously...WHY is everybody laughing at me???</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YkQ3rLA5qAQ/T96iFLvwz0I/AAAAAAAAJgo/Cvxh_tuedk4/s1600/IMG_3442web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YkQ3rLA5qAQ/T96iFLvwz0I/AAAAAAAAJgo/Cvxh_tuedk4/s640/IMG_3442web.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opening presents...the girls were right in there!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And, finally...cupcake time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45jGKRR6hB8/T96iHE7nRUI/AAAAAAAAJg4/R0sSLiNXpb8/s1600/crewbdaycollage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45jGKRR6hB8/T96iHE7nRUI/AAAAAAAAJg4/R0sSLiNXpb8/s640/crewbdaycollage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He went to town on his cupcake, totally wasted NO time and dug right in!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and the aftermath.<br /></td></tr>
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As always, we just love this little guy so much!! I ask myself on a daily basis how I ever lived without him...Happy 1st Birthday, Crew!!! xoxoxox<br />
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<a href="http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/?action=view&current=blogsignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/blogsignature.jpg" /></a>Taliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00567591509055690057noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15949509.post-19061818628179650002012-05-24T12:50:00.001-06:002012-05-24T12:53:37.283-06:00think...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since I haven't blogged in so long I figured I needed to post something...and since I took all these cute pictures of Payton in her musical theatre costume yesterday, I thought "perfect!" So here ya go!
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Payton has looooved dancing this year. I think she really caught the bug after her first competition and she started to see what this was all about....being on stage is so much more than just being in the classroom setting, and she loves it! Part of me still can't believe that I have a daughter old enough to be in the dance world, and so many memories have come flooding back to me in the past few months as she's been performing. It's been fun and I'm proud of her and for the time being she's loving it, so that's all that matters, right? (Oh, and just a sidenote...for this number, they are kids in detention. She loved acting out her part and was so cute onstage!)
Things have been so so busy this past month...I've found myself getting back to taking pictures again, and then we've been busy with dance competitions, rehearsals and everything else that comes at this time of year. Out little Crewie turned 1 almost 2 weeks ago, and yes, I still need to blog about that!! I wish I could keep up with it all! I am at that point that I am just so ready for the fun and relaxtion of summer...it'll be nice to have no schedule and just hang out and play. Only 1 more month, right??? (hee hee)<br />
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<a href="http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/?action=view&current=blogsignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/blogsignature.jpg" /></a>Taliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00567591509055690057noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15949509.post-77325892717969990402012-04-20T09:23:00.000-06:002012-04-20T09:25:30.935-06:00motherhood on my mind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With Mother's Day just around the corner, I've had "motherhood" on my mind as I've been browsing online lately...I always tell myself I'm going to do a fabulous photoshoot with myself and my kiddos, and surprise surprise...life gets busy and it never happens! Yesterday I came across this wonderful <a href="http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.ca/2012/04/embrace-camera-free-photo-checklist.html" target="_blank">photo checklist</a> by Rebecca Cooper, and decided to give it a try. She suggested using the self-timer on your camera to get some snapshots with you and your kids ('cause let's face it...WHO exactly is going to take a picture with ME in it?) so Gabby and I sat down and this is what we got!
These photos that took about 5 minutes in total to take have already become so precious to me. This is the last few months that I'll have Gabby home with me during the days before she starts grade 1 in the fall. While she is so ready to be at school all day like her big sister, I can't help but be emotional at the thought of her being gone all day and taking that next step towards becoming a big girl. Gabby is always full of kisses, snuggles and "I love you's"...I will sure miss our afternoons together. (When she's being a sweetie...let's not even talk about the meltdown she had on our driveway the other day for the whole neighborhood to see! Heehee.)
So now I need to get that camera out and do this with all my kiddos! Thank you <a href="http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Rebecca</a> for the inspiration!!!
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(Also, come and see my <a href="http://pinterest.com/taliaaudenart/motherhood/" target="_blank">"Motherhood" Board</a> on Pinterest for all things mommy...quotes, tips, ideas, good online reads, and more!!!)<br />
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<br />Taliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00567591509055690057noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15949509.post-58692775322828670282012-04-16T15:41:00.003-06:002012-04-16T15:49:35.477-06:0011 months<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zRyp9yw1LFg/T4ySSwBPWLI/AAAAAAAAJds/xbkwpb_m-18/s1600/IMG_1119_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zRyp9yw1LFg/T4ySSwBPWLI/AAAAAAAAJds/xbkwpb_m-18/s640/IMG_1119_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732117276561201330" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, somehow our baby boy has managed to get to be 11 months old. 11 months??? Really??? Even though it feels like we've had him forever, I still sometimes feel like was just pregnant. I haven't forgotten the horrors of pregnancy quite yet! (haha)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So instead of me apologizing for being such a crappy blogger, let's just get to some more cute photos of our Crewie. I was looking at the calendar today and realized that Crew is one in just a month, so Gabby and Kherington helped me snap a few quick photos of our boy. He is so funny....and sooooo hard to crack a smile out of as soon as the camera comes out!! He was more interested in the hairbrush that was sitting on the floor than the cool plane and bike that I put in front of him, but we still managed to get some cute ones I think!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Love this boy!!!!!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kLm_FD3MLcY/T4ySSaFVCCI/AAAAAAAAJdk/3pZVava2fr0/s1600/crew11months_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kLm_FD3MLcY/T4ySSaFVCCI/AAAAAAAAJdk/3pZVava2fr0/s640/crew11months_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732117270672771106" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AIOf2Z81TEA/T4ySR_c9JRI/AAAAAAAAJdY/Yn6hEnKAmP0/s1600/IMG_1115web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AIOf2Z81TEA/T4ySR_c9JRI/AAAAAAAAJdY/Yn6hEnKAmP0/s640/IMG_1115web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732117263524111634" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And yup, he spent most of the time crawling away and towards that hairbrush I was talkin' about.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Stinker!!! (heehee)<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/?action=view&current=blogsignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/blogsignature.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>Taliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00567591509055690057noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15949509.post-82529887231909362012-02-14T10:31:00.004-07:002012-02-14T10:42:16.750-07:00gabby's valentine parfaits<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GEa7YsIk3XI/TzqazmUo6tI/AAAAAAAAJUI/4za5Wci3iN8/s1600/valentineparfaits%252712.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GEa7YsIk3XI/TzqazmUo6tI/AAAAAAAAJUI/4za5Wci3iN8/s640/valentineparfaits%252712.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709045688896645842" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I just wanted to quickly share Gabby's little treats that she and I made for her Valentine's party in her Kindergarten class this morning. She was such a great little helper, and they turned out so yummy and cute!! I found <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/26740191507291232/">this pin</a> on Pinterest (surprise!) and knew that this would be right up my alley...I like finding alternatives to cookies and cupcakes...nothin' wrong with either, but we all know how I feel about baking and decorating!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>To make your own Valentine's Parfaits you will need:</div><div><br /></div><div>-a cake mix</div><div>-cool whip</div><div>-vanilla pudding mix</div><div>-vanilla yogurt</div><div>-sprinkles</div><div>-plastic cups</div><div><br /></div><div>Decorate plastic cups. Bake cake according to instructions on the box. Let cool completely. Scoop into bottom of cups. Mix together cool whip, pudding, and yogurt. (add food coloring if desired) Scoop into cup. Top off with with cool whip and sprinkles. Done!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbTz6z5ZaZY/TzqazZhvudI/AAAAAAAAJT8/A7hrCX9NnOc/s1600/photo-11.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbTz6z5ZaZY/TzqazZhvudI/AAAAAAAAJT8/A7hrCX9NnOc/s640/photo-11.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709045685461957074" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Hope you like' em! I'll be making these again for sure!!<br /><div>xoxo</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/?action=view&current=blogsignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/blogsignature.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>Taliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00567591509055690057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15949509.post-59614529709990116062012-02-13T21:25:00.004-07:002012-02-13T21:34:14.088-07:00happy heart day!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nJ_taBglnrE/Tzni1O9wnSI/AAAAAAAAJTs/90zkW3p9CPU/s1600/kidsvalentine%2527s%252712.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 600px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nJ_taBglnrE/Tzni1O9wnSI/AAAAAAAAJTs/90zkW3p9CPU/s640/kidsvalentine%2527s%252712.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708843406846893346" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Just wanted to share some photos I took of the kids last week. I love all these crazies so very much!! We'll be spending our Valentine's here at home together tonight...nothin' too special, just lots of kisses and lots of hugs...oh, and maybe some chocolate, too!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hjm2gqYe198/Tzni0xZ4WOI/AAAAAAAAJTg/0p4gaOa5_Tw/s1600/Pvalentine.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hjm2gqYe198/Tzni0xZ4WOI/AAAAAAAAJTg/0p4gaOa5_Tw/s640/Pvalentine.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708843398911776994" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XoaFGBXJOmg/Tzni0YfesXI/AAAAAAAAJTU/prciPNd4rTk/s1600/IMG_9172_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XoaFGBXJOmg/Tzni0YfesXI/AAAAAAAAJTU/prciPNd4rTk/s640/IMG_9172_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708843392224375154" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ltbSryAO6Q/Tzni0FednfI/AAAAAAAAJTI/DXc1esrZkQY/s1600/Gvalentine.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ltbSryAO6Q/Tzni0FednfI/AAAAAAAAJTI/DXc1esrZkQY/s640/Gvalentine.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708843387119836658" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KTd4K1IuZf0/TzniheCXyQI/AAAAAAAAJS4/TwT_1zl5ZSg/s1600/IMG_9357_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KTd4K1IuZf0/TzniheCXyQI/AAAAAAAAJS4/TwT_1zl5ZSg/s640/IMG_9357_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708843067295385858" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I8RUaRycrmI/Tznifxq1pSI/AAAAAAAAJSs/pg8SZ4KVQdI/s1600/Kvalentine.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I8RUaRycrmI/Tznifxq1pSI/AAAAAAAAJSs/pg8SZ4KVQdI/s640/Kvalentine.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708843038205650210" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qw_zXtUsBOM/TzniehPPqBI/AAAAAAAAJSg/vkm5GBVzEpM/s1600/IMG_9433_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qw_zXtUsBOM/TzniehPPqBI/AAAAAAAAJSg/vkm5GBVzEpM/s640/IMG_9433_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708843016615077906" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OdIvikAiQXA/TznieEQyzfI/AAAAAAAAJSU/xbwiKABN7wA/s1600/Cvalentine.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OdIvikAiQXA/TznieEQyzfI/AAAAAAAAJSU/xbwiKABN7wA/s640/Cvalentine.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708843008836947442" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eb6AFt4rqZM/TznicqyXiBI/AAAAAAAAJSI/MDsJzQOewCs/s1600/IMG_9372_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eb6AFt4rqZM/TznicqyXiBI/AAAAAAAAJSI/MDsJzQOewCs/s640/IMG_9372_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708842984818575378" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's Day spent with the ones you love....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>xoxo,</div><a href="http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/?action=view&current=blogsignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/blogsignature.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>Taliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00567591509055690057noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15949509.post-47589729389658458602012-02-06T13:09:00.005-07:002012-02-06T15:29:36.328-07:00valentine's decor & a birthday party<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2pkKPEii4S0/TzA0EFeRJoI/AAAAAAAAJRg/-bxLHOz2xaw/s1600/IMG_9069_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2pkKPEii4S0/TzA0EFeRJoI/AAAAAAAAJRg/-bxLHOz2xaw/s640/IMG_9069_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706117972671669890" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I gotta say, I love decorating for Valentine's Day...pink and red and hearts...oh, my! When I saw <a href="http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/2012/01/friday-craft-day-simple-valentines.html">this banner</a> by Rebecca from <a href="http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/">Simple as That</a>, I got to work. It has been soooo long since I've properly scrapbooked or made much in the way of cute projects, so it was nice to get out some paper and scissors and cut and play. Thank you, Rebecca for the inspiration <i>and </i>the motivation!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WmBIxqA4zG4/TzAz-Nw8BII/AAAAAAAAJRU/V53YUdrvC-c/s1600/IMG_9071_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WmBIxqA4zG4/TzAz-Nw8BII/AAAAAAAAJRU/V53YUdrvC-c/s640/IMG_9071_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706117871818245250" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bu2OZEb3OKk/TzAz99w6ovI/AAAAAAAAJRE/WR5ynMJaM_U/s1600/IMG_9073_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bu2OZEb3OKk/TzAz99w6ovI/AAAAAAAAJRE/WR5ynMJaM_U/s640/IMG_9073_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706117867523187442" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After I finished this banner and hung it up I decided it was so cute that I made another one for our mantle and then I made yet another one for my sister...I just love the mix of the vintage book papers with the pink and red hearts...so so cute!! And believe it or not, I added some hearts to twigs to put on my mantle as well, and then I saw <a href="http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/2012/01/our-valentines-tree.html">this post</a> of Rebecca's...mine are purely decorative, but I love that she's using hers to write love notes to their family members...I'll have to keep that in mind for next year!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o9pd5mMkqjA/TzAz9ziECII/AAAAAAAAJQ8/G_OhAi5lTH8/s1600/vdaydecor%252712_2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o9pd5mMkqjA/TzAz9ziECII/AAAAAAAAJQ8/G_OhAi5lTH8/s640/vdaydecor%252712_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706117864776534146" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pz2KrB-4pVI/TzAz9AN42BI/AAAAAAAAJQw/9Bvr5h5zRFU/s1600/IMG_9110_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pz2KrB-4pVI/TzAz9AN42BI/AAAAAAAAJQw/9Bvr5h5zRFU/s640/IMG_9110_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706117851001706514" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JM49HMobrbM/TzAz9GGgKxI/AAAAAAAAJQk/oTmQmA3H-sU/s1600/vdaydecor%252712_1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JM49HMobrbM/TzAz9GGgKxI/AAAAAAAAJQk/oTmQmA3H-sU/s640/vdaydecor%252712_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706117852581341970" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We also had a little birthday party for Payton on the weekend, and since our house was already half-decorated, we went with a Valentine's theme for her party and I loved how it turned out!! It was sooooo easy to throw together since there's so much in the way of Valnetine's stuff in the stores right now. The girls did some v-day crafts and coloring, played human tic-tac-toe, decorated a valentine's frame and of course, had some heart-shaped cake.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xmppOCDAHic/TzBTrVRE6-I/AAAAAAAAJR4/BRHQdZEANEw/s1600/pay7thbdaycollage.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xmppOCDAHic/TzBTrVRE6-I/AAAAAAAAJR4/BRHQdZEANEw/s640/pay7thbdaycollage.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706152731786669026" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qnvCWupGr9I/TzBTrbIt3rI/AAAAAAAAJRw/JpnyBCSF5kU/s1600/IMG_9143_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qnvCWupGr9I/TzBTrbIt3rI/AAAAAAAAJRw/JpnyBCSF5kU/s640/IMG_9143_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706152733362216626" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So we're very much in the "Valentine's Spirit" around here...next up on the to-do list is the girls Valentine's to bring to school!<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/?action=view&current=blogsignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/blogsignature.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>Taliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00567591509055690057noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15949509.post-26023941322554257862012-02-05T21:04:00.003-07:002012-02-05T21:10:28.801-07:00the simple things<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3JZOwtmqYnY/Ty9RUooC03I/AAAAAAAAJQY/cR9gC2hG7UY/s1600/Pbdaycandles_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3JZOwtmqYnY/Ty9RUooC03I/AAAAAAAAJQY/cR9gC2hG7UY/s640/Pbdaycandles_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705868667846316914" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Popping in for another "simple things" photo from this past week.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We had a (late) birthday party for Payton with her friends, and she was so happy and excited for her party! It really is the simple things like friends, some decorations and a cake that can make a day super special for a 7 year old.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Payton makes me so proud to be her mama. She is growing up before my eyes, and just this week she displayed an act of kindness and understanding that showed me what wonderful potential she has. Love you, gorgeous...inside and out.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/?action=view&current=blogsignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/blogsignature.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/rebeccaanncooper/simple_button3_150px-1.jpg" /></a>Taliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00567591509055690057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15949509.post-66435480665553926682012-01-23T22:07:00.003-07:002012-01-23T22:14:41.704-07:00the simple things<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--z86PMBiqgg/Tx48t1W-rXI/AAAAAAAAJNk/DViBj5JpDtk/s1600/IMG_8993_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--z86PMBiqgg/Tx48t1W-rXI/AAAAAAAAJNk/DViBj5JpDtk/s640/IMG_8993_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701060936412867954" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>A blessing and a curse.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Kherington is passed the glorious days of regular napping, so when she crashes in the late afternoon, I am always torn....do I wake her up and deal with the nasties that will follow, but know that she gets to go to bed early? Or do I let her sleep and enjoy an hour of quiet (she <i>is</i> two, after all!), but then deal with her refusing to go to bed at bedtime???</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Either way, seeing her sleeping so peacefully was a simple moment in our home this week. (And for the record, on this day, I <i>did</i> let her sleep...who am I kidding, I probably went to sleep, too. Heehee!)<br /><br /><a href="http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/?action=view&current=blogsignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/blogsignature.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><br /></div></div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/rebeccaanncooper/simple_button4_150px.jpg" /></a>Taliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00567591509055690057noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15949509.post-50778982501493731932012-01-23T17:19:00.004-07:002012-01-23T21:45:55.207-07:00DIY: Lavender Heating Pads<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sXQG8CQcK9g/Tx35iK0tkPI/AAAAAAAAJNU/aXovRy1hO9w/s1600/IMG_7956_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sXQG8CQcK9g/Tx35iK0tkPI/AAAAAAAAJNU/aXovRy1hO9w/s640/IMG_7956_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700987068737229042" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Hey, Everyone!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Popping in today to share a super easy DIY project! For Christmas this year, my sister-in-law's and I decided to do a handmade gift exchange. It had to be super cheap and totally handmade, so of course, I turned to <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>! (heehee)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I came across <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/26740191507087987/">this pin</a>, and since it was like, December 22nd or 23rd, I knew I needed something really simple! These adorable heating pads were very easy to make. Trust me. If I can make them, anyone can! I am not a seamstress by any sense of the word, but if you can sew a straight line, then you're good to go!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I made my heating pads following <a href="http://www.elmstreetlife.com/2011/02/diy-heating-pad.html">this tutorial</a> from Elm Street Life, but I only sewed 1 seam down the middle instead of 3...like I said, simple people, simple! I filled my heating pads with rice and then scented them with Lavender essential oil. I love them!! They turned out so so cute and I use mine all the time. I am always cold at bedtime so I love heating one of these babies up before bed and they smell so good! All the fabric I used were scraps I had on hand...since I started these at about 10pm, I had no other option, heehee!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vNcy5iDrslc/Tx35h4831SI/AAAAAAAAJNM/NIgkRe34WD0/s1600/IMG_7958_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vNcy5iDrslc/Tx35h4831SI/AAAAAAAAJNM/NIgkRe34WD0/s640/IMG_7958_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700987063939618082" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IdWpwQouQXE/Tx35bPEp6wI/AAAAAAAAJNE/Q9o-kr_knFQ/s1600/IMG_7960_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IdWpwQouQXE/Tx35bPEp6wI/AAAAAAAAJNE/Q9o-kr_knFQ/s640/IMG_7960_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700986949618756354" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gPu67_1giUg/Tx35ayParJI/AAAAAAAAJM0/tkjLQuk5kYQ/s1600/IMG_7959_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gPu67_1giUg/Tx35ayParJI/AAAAAAAAJM0/tkjLQuk5kYQ/s640/IMG_7959_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700986941879266450" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uSwrsASWqac/Tx35acuO_mI/AAAAAAAAJMs/piSLcXCHzSA/s1600/IMG_7962_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uSwrsASWqac/Tx35acuO_mI/AAAAAAAAJMs/piSLcXCHzSA/s640/IMG_7962_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700986936102944354" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9xPgbuifF8s/Tx35aBKwBRI/AAAAAAAAJMY/oMaa0iru3XY/s1600/IMG_7965_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9xPgbuifF8s/Tx35aBKwBRI/AAAAAAAAJMY/oMaa0iru3XY/s640/IMG_7965_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700986928706356498" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aiFpEFS535Q/Tx35Z2G0IHI/AAAAAAAAJMQ/MOvjoG6pDDE/s1600/IMG_7967_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aiFpEFS535Q/Tx35Z2G0IHI/AAAAAAAAJMQ/MOvjoG6pDDE/s640/IMG_7967_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700986925737058418" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So there ya go...a simple little gift idea for any occasion. Have fun!!!<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/?action=view&current=blogsignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/blogsignature.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>Taliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00567591509055690057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15949509.post-2157859095624836692012-01-17T19:08:00.006-07:002012-01-23T17:56:08.120-07:00a photo a day | 2012<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jAyFKPSu0d0/TxYp3Ij2U1I/AAAAAAAAJME/qyFi-h8dVpY/s1600/%252712%253A365_intro.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jAyFKPSu0d0/TxYp3Ij2U1I/AAAAAAAAJME/qyFi-h8dVpY/s640/%252712%253A365_intro.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698788405651329874" /></a><br /><div>Well, my brand new <a href="http://audenartfamily2012.blogspot.com/">Photo-a-Day Blog</a> is up and running and ready for your viewing pleasure! I've been busy busy on my computer since last night getting it all set up and ready to go...I've already had so much fun going through all the pictures I've taken this month so far. I can't believe that this is my third year taking my daily photos...it truly has become such a normal part of our daily lives, I can't imagine that I'll be stopping this anytime soon.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Some of you may be wondering what the heck I'm talking about, and where this "photo a day" or "project 365" idea came from. The master-mind behind this whole concept is Becky Higgins and you can learn all about it <a href="http://www.beckyhiggins.com/">here</a>. Whether you want to take a photo every single day, or just get all those old photos into albums, she's come up with a concept that can work for everyone. She's created and designed gorgeous <a href="http://www.beckyhiggins.com/products/">"Project Life" products</a> that can work for you and whatever approach you want to take.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Personally, I have taken the "daily photo" approach. I know that this really scares some people and they don't know how it is possible, but here's the thing: <i>if you want to do it, just do it</i>. Taking pictures every single day has made me so much more aware of my little family and all of the simple and mundane things we do everyday. These are the moments that define us and make us who we are. Not only the big moments, like birthdays and dance recitals, but the everyday moments, like naps and potty-training and dr's appointments and owie's, etc, etc, etc. Taking these photos is totally possible, you just have to get into the habit of doing it. One thing that has made my whole approach easier and more do-able is my iphone. My phone is always with me, so I always have a way of taking a quick snapshot here and there...it is often those little snapshots that are my favorites!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So if you're on the fence about this whole "Project Life" business, I say...do it. You will never regret having taken pictures of your family and your life. :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And while we're at it, here are a few links to help get you inspired:</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Rebecca Cooper's <a href="http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/2011/09/52-weeks-of-simple-thingsanother-photo.html">Everyday Photo Checklist</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Gorgeous Project Life Inspiration by <a href="http://paisleepress.com/category/project-life/">Liz Tamanaha</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>More amazing inspiration by <a href="http://cathyzielske.typepad.com/my_weblog/project-life/">Cathy Zielske</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Join the <a href="http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/projectlife.php">Project Life Community</a> for free at Big Picture Classes.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And of course, visit <a href="http://www.beckyhiggins.com/blog/">Becky's blog</a> daily for inspiration, ideas, updates and more!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, so there's my Project Life, or Project 365, or Photo-a-Day "plug" for you all! (heehee) It's not too late to get started for 2012...like I said, for me it is fun, theraputic, and important for my little family. I'm almost done my 2011 album, and it is so amazing to see a year's worth of memories all put together in our gorgeous album. The kids love it, and we have so much fun looking back on our pictures, and just seeing how things have changed over the year. So many memories captured. :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So I hope you'll take a peek at my <a href="http://audenartfamily2012.blogspot.com/">photo-a-day blog</a> now and then to see what we are up to. And if you have a 365 blog that you'd like to share with everyone, please leave me a link in the comments below so I can add it to my sidebar!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Good night!!</div><div><br /><a href="http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/?action=view&current=blogsignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/blogsignature.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /></div>Taliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00567591509055690057noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15949509.post-10247060357306030422012-01-15T19:59:00.004-07:002012-01-23T17:56:21.861-07:00the simple things<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fEpaqa9Q15I/TxOSnMtVC7I/AAAAAAAAJII/Rb4954s20rg/s1600/IMG_8603_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fEpaqa9Q15I/TxOSnMtVC7I/AAAAAAAAJII/Rb4954s20rg/s640/IMG_8603_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698059155677711282" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Cuddles with Daddy and Crew. Gabby is our little cuddler. She's always looking for hugs, kisses, cuddles and tickles...and she's always willing to give them, too. xoxox</div><br /><a href="http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/?action=view&current=blogsignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/blogsignature.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/rebeccaanncooper/simple_button3_150px-1.jpg" /></a>Taliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00567591509055690057noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15949509.post-13396743438802978032012-01-11T22:48:00.005-07:002012-01-23T17:56:37.713-07:00happy new year and playing catch-up<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eOjANqru0uY/Tw50eMFwMYI/AAAAAAAAJH8/WLUJeuNJXvM/s1600/IMG_8031_frame.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eOjANqru0uY/Tw50eMFwMYI/AAAAAAAAJH8/WLUJeuNJXvM/s640/IMG_8031_frame.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696618640660509058" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, man...I really hate getting so behind on my blog!! The past few weeks have just been so full that I haven't had much time to do any catching up. So I'm here now, ready to do a little catchin' up.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Christmas was busy and wonderful. Crew was adorable on his very first Christmas, and his big sisters couldn't get enough of his cuteness...neither could mommy and daddy! We spent time with both of our family's, and did lots of eating, visiting and playing...it was perfect! The holidays were spent skating, skiing, playing with cousins, going to movies, sleeping in, being lazy, shopping, going out to eat, visiting with freinds and playing some more. Graham spent a day snowboarding in the mountains, and I spent a day shopping all by myself, so we all had our own fun! Most importantly we were so happy to celebrate our Savior's birth as a little family. I love Christmastime so much...it's always a little sad once all the fun and celebrating is over. But we had such a nice break from the daily routine as a family, and we absolutely felt renewed and ready to go for the new year.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of the new year...Happy 2012!! I always love this time of year to start fresh and reflect on the past year and plan for the upcoming one...I managed to finish my photo-a-day for 2011 and I've been having soooo much fun filling my Project Life album with photos and memories from the past year. I will absolutely share photos of my finished album when I'm all done, I'm still working on all my journaling. But I love it.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And yes, I will definitely be doing my photo-a-day project for 2012!! I've already been taking my daily photos, and I'll let you all know as soon as I have my new blog up and running. Stay tuned for that!! (and just a note...I thought it would be fun to have a list of other photo-a-day blogs in my sidebar for quick access and inspiration...so if you have a 365 blog that you'd like to share with everyone, send me your name and link to your blog!)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Crew is now 8 months old and I have lots of new pictures to share of him...but I'll save that for another post. I also have a fun, pinterest-inspired DIY project to share, so that will be coming soon, too!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for popping in to my little blog. I know that I've really fallen off the bloggin-train...I used to be dedicated and good and my life has just been turned upside-down by all my kids! Hee hee...in a good way, of course. I try to tell myself that my time will come again when I am more free and able to create and share...until then, I just do what I can do! That's what I love about taking my daily photos...I feel like by sharing our daily life I'm in a way, letting you all know what we're up to. With the new year, I was thinking of goals and resolutions...and to be honest, the one thought that kept coming to me (and is actually quite fitting for me at this point in my life) is <i>letting go</i>. Letting go of ridiculous expectations that I set for myself. Letting go of expectations that I think others have of me. Letting go of the idea that my house needs to be perfect and clean all the time. Letting go of the idea that <i>I can do it all</i>. And instead...just focusing on <i>being here</i>. Being here for my kids. My family. My friends. Myself. I just want to be better at enjoying the moment, and not worrying about all the other things that will inevitably always be there!! So how's that for a resolution?? (heehee)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, so for reals, I will be back soon. Thanks for playing catch-up with me.</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/?action=view&current=blogsignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/blogsignature.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/rebeccaanncooper/simple_button3_150px-1.jpg" /></a>Taliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00567591509055690057noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15949509.post-84643740769365144372011-12-18T23:23:00.004-07:002012-01-23T17:57:03.037-07:00payton is 7!!!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R-GX4f_R4rA/Tu7YwvgsZRI/AAAAAAAAJB4/fqa-ojNDBHA/s1600/P7thbday_1web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R-GX4f_R4rA/Tu7YwvgsZRI/AAAAAAAAJB4/fqa-ojNDBHA/s640/P7thbday_1web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687721711314429202" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Today was Payton's 7th birthday...seven!!! I can't even believe I've been a mom for that long and that this gorgeous little girl is growing up before my eyes. She is our "first" for everything that comes along with children...and she makes learning the ropes of parenthood pretty darn easy and fun! (for the most part...heehee.) We couldn't have been blessed with a more amazing daughter...Payton brightens up our lives in every possible way. From her sensitive heart to her spunky spirit, she just pretty much rocks. We love her oh, so much!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We had a little family party for her at home today and she made "Beliebers" out of all of us! Heehee!!!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8BAArzqI0FE/Tu7Yv3h9mcI/AAAAAAAAJBs/F1TXVj9wPBE/s1600/IMG_7824_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8BAArzqI0FE/Tu7Yv3h9mcI/AAAAAAAAJBs/F1TXVj9wPBE/s640/IMG_7824_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687721696287365570" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>If you read my blog at all you know I hate making cakes...it isn't the baking part it's the decorating part...I have no idea how to do it! But my husband informed me that Payton had to have a cake for her party and NOT cupcakes, so this was the best I could do! For a simple little cake I thought it turned out pretty cute and Payton thought it was hilairious...she did a lot of giggling today!</div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t_0FypR5S2k/Tu7YvGnTyZI/AAAAAAAAJBg/XjLrYI7UZUo/s1600/P7thbday_2web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t_0FypR5S2k/Tu7YvGnTyZI/AAAAAAAAJBg/XjLrYI7UZUo/s640/P7thbday_2web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687721683156453778" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-saWIzZStFII/Tu7YvPLj1iI/AAAAAAAAJBQ/ItshxzoHtjc/s1600/IMG_7851_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-saWIzZStFII/Tu7YvPLj1iI/AAAAAAAAJBQ/ItshxzoHtjc/s640/IMG_7851_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687721685455984162" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VRNanjcvU_0/Tu7Yu-xllJI/AAAAAAAAJBI/T_tTygStm3E/s1600/IMG_7831_web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VRNanjcvU_0/Tu7Yu-xllJI/AAAAAAAAJBI/T_tTygStm3E/s640/IMG_7831_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687721681052079250" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I perfectly remember when Payton came into our lives seven years ago...she was due on Christmas day and I was determined NOT to have a Christmas baby so we were very happy when she came a week early! I just remember being in total heaven that first Christmas with my new baby girl...we have come a long way since then, but in the same breath, she will always be my baby.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Love you love you love you, Paytie-Poo!! Happy 7th Birthday!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>xoxoxxo</div><br /><a href="http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/?action=view&current=blogsignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/blogsignature.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a>Taliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00567591509055690057noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15949509.post-67148726818381567942011-12-11T23:57:00.003-07:002012-01-23T17:58:44.273-07:00the simple things<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xC2AMExXL_8/TuWl8XI5uTI/AAAAAAAAJA8/ln-0am-fxe0/s1600/crewdec%252711web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 257px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xC2AMExXL_8/TuWl8XI5uTI/AAAAAAAAJA8/ln-0am-fxe0/s640/crewdec%252711web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685132561047206194" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Another Simple Things Sunday.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I stayed home from church with Crew and Kherington today because they've both been running temperatures and have those yucky coughs that just won't go away. It was early evening when I plopped Crew on the floor next to me while I was folding laundry, and after folding exactly 2 shirts, I had to run and get my camera.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Because I couldn't resist my chubby little dude playing with his toys. His sudden fascination with this yellow spoon. His chubby belly, and perfect squishable cheeks. His hair, which was looking oh, so cool at that moment. The Star Wars onesie and striped socks. The sound of him blabbering that melted my heart.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>*sigh*</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>A simple moment today that I'm so glad I didn't miss.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>:)</div><a href="http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/?action=view&current=blogsignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/thescrapchick/blogsignature.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/rebeccaanncooper/simple_button3_150px-1.jpg" /></a>Taliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00567591509055690057noreply@blogger.com4