Christmas Shopping.

Took Callie shopping in downtown Ashland a few days ago.  I just might have to go back and get this snow globe for you.  That was the one thing that totally caught your eye.  All you wanted me to do was turn it upside down so you could watch the snow fall.  Oh how I loved watching your eyes light up and that beautiful smile on your face.  I can't wait for Christmas this year.  It will be so much fun with you this year. 

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Winter Fun Jacksonville Style.

Oh my gosh... it has been forever since I blogged.  So much stuff going on around here but everything is absolutely great. 

 

Spent the day in Jacksonville... visited the Beekman House, which was open for tours.  This was a rare chance to visit the most complete Pioneer Family collection in all of Southern Oregon, dating from the 1860's.  Wish I could have taken photos of the inside of the house but no photography was allowed.  The girls also got a chance to visit with Santa Clause (aka: Father Christmas) in the lobby of the Historic Beekman Bank.  We all had hot apple cider and roasted chestnuts for the first time... yummy!  For lunch, we went to Bella Union.  I absolutely loved today.

Field Trip to Medford Airport.

McKenzie's class got to take a field trip a few weeks ago to the Medford Airport.  Each kid got to pretend they were flying the plane.  I feel so blessed to be able to capture these special moments of her school days.

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The Birthday Cake.

I Love You McKenzie.

I had a birthday recently... and what did McKenzie insist she make me? Yes that's right... a birthday cake. I made the cake while she was at school and she did all the frosting and decorating of as many colored sprinkles she could pile high on the cake.

That is totally McKenzie. She's a giver, a thinker, passionate, creative, generous and free-spirited.

When I blew out my candles, I wished that McKenzie will always keep these wonderful qualities and I wished for happiness and health for my wonderful family.

A Message From Our New President, Barack Obama.

In the early evening, after the kids were tucked in bed, my husband and I were sitting in our living room watching the returns coming in on CNN up until the announcement that Barack Obama will be the 44th President of the United States. I just witnessed history... America's first African American President. Who would have ever thought 100+ years ago that this moment would ever happen. We listened to his speech and what an orator he is. It's like listening to a breath of fresh air. Here's to looking ahead to the future.

A New Day.

I want to go on the record and say that I am incredibly proud to be an American and witness this historic day. I may not agree with all of Senator Obama's stated positions, but I am absolutely struck by his vision, his passion and his obvious good heart. Congratulations to President-Elect Barack Obama and his entire campaine.

Halloween Cont..

This first photo is one of those where I feel like I can literally see the passage of time.  It's shots like this that feel like a gift, captured in an unsuspecting moment on a day that is all about costumes and candy and craziness.  Ah, life.  I am so very thankful for that sparkle.

Happy Halloween.

We did so much this day.  Matt was getting all the pumpkins ready to display at the Pierson's along the fence.  I made rice crispy treats with mini chocolate chips and candy corn for McKenzie's third grade class.  Her class had a classroom party and a school ghost walk, where the whole school walks around the school building showing off their costumes.  Callie had fun this day.  She couldn't get enough of the candy corn.  McKenzie also had a mini school carnival and a Halloween party at Gracie's house, where we went trick-or-treating for an hour.  I was so exhausted and in bed by 9:30pm.  I really wanted to stay up and watch scary movies that night but I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer.

I Love Fall.

Oh how I love Fall. I love everything about it. I love our pumpkin patch where we grow our own pumpkins. I love the cool, crisp feeling in the air and the smell of the leaves. I love all the colors and I'm in complete ahh in the beauty that surrounds me.

Today, is the first day of my "week in the life" project and I took over 200+ photos. I know it was probably over-kill but in my photography world, you can never have enough photos. I am embarking on this project while I'm on vacation. My focus will be documenting everyday details over the course of seven consecutive days. I want to make sure I capture some of those little things... the way things look in our house, how I am feeling, what my girls our up to, etc... Oh, did I mention that I started my 9 day vacation today and I'm so excited. I'll be charging my camera battery every night and ready to start documenting in the morning.

My grandparents left today, and I was very sad to see them and their trailor leave. It was absolutely the best having them up here and being able to share stories and have their presence around. They have been up here since the Spring and have been coming up here intermittently throughout that time. I took lots of photos during that time and I was so glad I did. I want my girls to always remember that special time and be able to look back on all the pictures I took.

McKenzie's class today painted their pumpkins they picked out on a field trip they took last week to Pheasant Field Farm in Phoenix. This is McKenzie's pumpkin and artwork. It's beautiful!!

Pumpkin Patch and a Project.

When I visit Ali Edward's blog, I know I want to make something amazing with all my photos but then I get overly-inspired and decide I'll leave it for another day.  But then today is gone.  Sigh.  So, when I read her invitation to join her in a simple project to record a week in the life of my life, my family, using my photos, featuring what I see as important today, I will admit, I got a burst of inspired energy and determination.  Maybe I can do this.  Maybe I'll start very soon.

 

Why this project?  Why now?  I guess it's just the thrill of having this moment in time distilled into something tangible.  Something I can hold in my hands as a reminder of this priceless and fleeting moment of my life.  I take photo after photo and am usually content with that being the end result.  But the idea of using photos as a springboard sparks my interest.  It's as if the photo is just part of the process.  It's a whole new perspective and it's as simple as focusing in on just one week of my life.  I think it sounds wonderful and I plan on taking Ali up on her invitation by following along with her on her blog to see what I can come up with.  Why not?  I'm taking a vacation real soon, so I'll have no excuse to take photo after photo for one week.  This is totally do-able and I'm so excited because there will be so much to document. 

 

Let Me Remember This Moment.

I found this quote online this morning and I think it's perfectly fitting for this moment.

 

Mary Jean Iron:  Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are.  Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart.  Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.  Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so.  One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch  myselft taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return.

Catch of the Day.

Took the girls up to Howard Prarie for some fishing.  My grandparents meet us there, where they rented a covered boat.  We were on the lake for 5 hours and McKenzie had the only bite and catch of the day. 

 

McKenzie loved the experience and Callie on the other hand... well, I have to give her credit that she didn't jump ship.  The motion of the boat made her so sleepy.  She wasn't about to fall asleep.  She wasn't going to miss a moment of all the goings on.  It wasn't until I strapped her in her car seat that she slept all the way home.

 

This will be a trip I will always remember and that I hope will be in McKenzie's memory forever.  I have so many  wonderful memories that I shared with them as a child growing up... camping, fishing, my first DisneyLand vacation with them, picking apples in their orchard, my grandpa teaching me how to ride a motorcycle.   Memories I will never forget.  I am so grateful for one last fishing experience... that my girls were able to share in what my grandparents love,  I am so grateful they are my grandparents.  I am so grateful my girls are able to spend so much time with them.  I love them so very much.                              

Altogether Too Happy.

This picture was taken early September inside GiGi and Grandpa's trailor.  I love it.

 

I also love this quote I found!

 

     In the private sanctuary of one's own conscience lies

     that spirit, that determination to cast off the old

     person and to measure up to the stature of true

     potential.  (Thomas S. Monson)

Friends.

Friends are like shadows... they follow you around everywhere.

 

From left to right:  Brooke Hall, McKenzie and Gracie Logan having a popsicle on the lawn at AMS as a cool down snack.

 

This is an important message I read today... and it reads:

     "embrace the passion that drives the artist within to create, believe in your dreams,

     follow your heart and create your own reality."

Happy October 1st.

So, it's October 1st. I think if I had to pin myself down, October is my favorite. Summer, with all of its fun behind us and the craziness of the holidays is still just out of reach. The weather is generally good and the leaves are turning brilliant colors and the return of the "pumpkin spice latte" at Starbucks. What's not to love?

Getting Ready For Bed.

Sometimes I swear these girls have a love/hate relationship sometimes.  Other days they can be best buds.  McKenzie and Callie were both standing on the same step stoole in their bathroom and Callie can't stand to share.  The word "share" is just not in her vocabulary yet but we're really working on that one.  This photo looks like McKenzie is trying to strangle her little sister but she was only trying to hold her head up so I could take a picture.

 

This is truly a beautiful picture of Callie sleeping.  It sometimes take a few minutes for her to drift off into dream land but when it happens, our house transforms into an unusually peaceful place.

Peek-A-Boo.

When I finished my evening shower and came out into the living room, this is what I saw.  This orange tub holds little pumpkins that Matt sells at his pumpkin patch but Callie found another use for it today.

Sand Angels.

Sand angels by Callie and Harmony at the Ashland YMCA playground.

Soccer Practice.

----- Original Message -----

From: Libbi

To: Libbi's Blog
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2008 8:53 AM
Subject: Soccer Practice.

McKenzie is playing soccer at the Ashland YMCA with her best friend, Gracie. While the girls were having their practice, I took Callie to the little park next to the soccer fields to play with Gracie's sister, Harmony. These two girls are the same age and quite entertaining to watch. Especially when they are making sand angels.

It's so hard to get a picture of Gracie without her making goofy faces for the camera. I just love these two girls and I am so enjoying capturing all the special moments these two will share throughout their school years.

Sometimes I feel like my husband feels my life is boring and I do the same thing on a daily basis but I feel like I am learning something about myself on a daily basis over the course of taking photos and documenting all the little things. I am learning something new every time. I am committed to keeping my camera with me on a daily basis. You never know when you might be able to capture that most amazing shot. I am going to capture the normal, the little things, my environment. I want to capture my daily routine, where did I go, who did I see, what did I do, what does the inside of my home look like, where do I spend the most time, etc.. I want to capture the stuff that I use everyday, my computer, my morning cup of Jo, my favorite pair of shoes, a book and maybe take a photo of myself in a mirror and the endless piles of laundry that keep building up in my laundry room. I promise not to document the dirty cat box. The list can be endless I am so looking forward to this project.

To be continued.

Jog-A-Thon.

McKenzie came in first place during her schools annual jog-a-thon. Out of all the 3rd grade girls, she ran a whopping 12 laps in 1/2 hour. That's 3 miles. I don't think I could do that. Way to go girl!! This was my second year chairing this event for our PTO and I feel so blessed to be able to be a part of my daughters school activities.

PS. She actually tied with another girl who also ran 12 laps. These two girls, my daughter and Kinsey have won every year since they were in Kindergarten. They are so competitive and it's a beautiful thing to see.

Ducks Fan.

Shot this photo of Callie yesterday.  When I came home from work, the kids were playing dress-up and this is what she was wearing.  My dad got this for McKenzie when she was three years old and now she gets to hand it down to her little sis.

Waiting For The School Bus.

This shot was taken yesterday, while Callie and I waited for McKenzie to come home from school.  Callie was so happy to see her big sister and McKenzie was so happy to see her mother waiting for her. 

What A Day!...Part 2.

 

What A Day!...Part 1.

----- Original Message -----

From: Libbi Moore

To: Libbi's Blogger Address
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 3:23 PM
Subject: What A Day!

Ok...I finished cleaning up McKenzie's room after the little tornado (Callie) attacked it. Callie and I walked down to the bus stop to pick up McKenzie. I was extremely tired today. I took McKenzie to school today, had breakfast with her in the school cafeteria. When she finished her breakfast, she wanted to play in the gym for a bit. Wish I had brought my camera to get a photo of her swinging the hula-hoop around her tiny little waist. Next time I will. Then it was off to the PTO Welcome Coffee that was outside the school on the lawn. Beautiful day for a gathering. Then it was off for home to start the piles of laundry that build up so quickly and the vacuuming and mopping of the floors. I am so thankful for the laminate flooring we put in the house. I can't imagine keeping carpets clean with kids and a cat in the house.

I love the picture of Callie with her hands on her hips looking at the huge rock pile. If only I could see the expression on her face and if I could it would read something like this..."ok...now where do I start digging?"

Callie is in love with any kind of rock, so when we were down at the bus stop waiting for McKenzie, she had so much fun looking for the biggest rock she could get her little hands on. This was it!

PS. This post was supposed to go yesterday but didn't. My dial-up is so stink'in slow. I can't stand it and can't wait to go satelite very soon.

Uh Oh!

I'm guilty.  I can't leave Callie alone for a minute.  I was doing some house cleaning and laundry when I caught you in McKenzie's room making a huge mess.  McKenzie hates it when she comes home to a disaster of a room and I don't blame her a bit.  Ok...time to quit blogging for now...gotta clean up this mess because it's time to pick McKenzie up from the bus stop.

Remember This.

My wish is for my girls to always remember this and to apply them to daily life when they are adults.

 

1.  Remember to keep smiling and dream big.

2.  Celebrate life as if you're seeing everything new.

3.  Celebrate all the moments of everyday life.

     (note:  this is why I always take photos.  I don't care if it's a photo of them eating breakfast, it's a moment I will never get back.  It's something I always want to remember and something I want them to see when they are adults.)

4.  The best time to live our lives is now.

5.  Always laugh outloud.

6.  Every day is a picture perfect day.

7.  Life is worth living.

8.  Life is always about you.

9.  Just be you.

10.  Don't forget to give thanks for everything.

 

Love, Mom

 

10 Reasons to Remember.

This one's for you McKenzie because I love you so much. I wan't you to always remember this and always know how very much I love you.

10 Reasons to Remember:

1. Because you deserve the best of me.
2. Because faith isn't supposed to be easy.
3. Because you will never be 8 again.
4. Because I have so much to offer you.
5. Because I don't want any regrets.
6. Because God gave you to me for a reason.
7. Because life is for living, loving and laughing.
8. Because I've only got 10 more years before you're 18.
9. Because you were my first baby.
10. Because I want you to remember the little things in life.

note: This photo is of you doing your 3rd grade homework in Gi Gi and Great-Grandpa's trailor.

Callie Stuff.

Some of my favorite photos.

 

and... ten things I love about Callie...

 

1.  Callie loves to make silly faces for the camera now.

2.  She loves Winnie the Pooh stories.

3.  She knows how to open door knobs now and thinks she can go outside on her own.

4.  Her favorite sandwich is PB and J.

5.  She wants nothing to do with potty training.

6.  She hates having her hair washed.

7.  She would ride her tricycle all day if she could.

8.  She loves her GiGi and Great Grandpa.

9.  She still loves the cartoon, "The Wonder Pets."

10.  She hates having her teeth brushed but the dentist gave her a perfect bill of  oral hygiene health thanks to her mom's persistency.

Bad Callie.

McKenzie was so mad at her sister today because she got into her room and messed it up.  Even though McKenzie keeps her door closed, Callie can still turn the door knob.  Matt told me today while I was at work that Callie said "I go outside and ride my trike."  She had her little hands on the front door knob and was turning it and all ready to walk out all on her own until Matt stopped her.  That little stinker.  To smart for her own good.  We have to keep a very watchful eye on her 24/7 or who knows what she'll try next.  I'm afraid to think. 

 

I don't really know what to do about Callie invading McKenzie's bedroom.  I think Callie just misses her sister while she's at school and feels comforted while playing in big sisters room. 

 

McKenzie, even though you say you don't like your sister sometimes, I completely understand and I know I would feel just like you if it were me.  I'll try harder to explain to Callie how it upsets you when she messes up your room and that we need to respect your space.

 

After I tucked McKenzie in bed, I had Callie go into her room and say "I'm sorry McKenzie."  Callie did just that and gave her sister a kiss followed by a big smile from McKenzie.  Priceless.

 

note:  These photos were taken the other day at Grandma and Grandpa's trailor.

Gi Gi and Great Grandpa.

I love it when my grandma and grandpa come up. Grandma (87 years old) was making applesauce in their trailer that is parked behind our house. The girls just absolutely love spending time there. McKenzie has chipmunk cheeks because she has a mouth full of an apple she was chewing.

I just love my grandpa (86 years old) too. My goal that I am going to achieve, is to take lots and lots and lots of photos while they are here. They will be staying with us for most of October while Matt is selling his pumpkins.

I love my grandparents so much. They have done so much for me over the years and I will always be greatful for that.

Please Take A Number.

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Libbi Moore

To: Libbi's Blogger Address

Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:11 PM

Subject: Please Take A Number.

I love this!  I want one for my house!!  This "Please Take A Number" fixture is in McKenzie's classroom.

 

The puppy Callie is holding is one of her new favorites and the purse used to be McKenzie's.  Lately, she has to have them wherever she goes.

 

Did I mention that I love her new haircut.  It makes her look like a big girl but she'll always be my little tiny baby. 

Third Grade.

She's starting third grade. I'm so nervous, excited and overjoyed all at once. She gets to have Mrs. Gates as her teacher again. She was McKenzie's kindergarten teacher and Matt and I just loved her. She is such an awesome teacher. She is the one who got me into photography. She inspired me into making my own videos and documenting all those wonderful school memories and sharing them with all the parents in a slide show. So much work but totally worth it all. This is going to be such an exciting year. McKenzie, along with Bellview's 2nd-5th grade classes are all over at the middle school this year, while the new Bellview School is being constructed and hopefully if all goes as plan will be ready by the Fall of 2009. Kindergarten and First grade classes are all at Rivergate. I'm so excited and can't wait to post more school day photos.

As for little miss Callie... It's a whole new school for her to explore and so much larger. My biggest challenge, is that I don't lose her in one of the many rooms. She does however feel quite at home in Mrs. Gates class. She new right where to go for all the goodies to play with.

Bittersweet Summer Ending.

The end of the summer is almost here and I have mixed feelings.  On the other hand, of course, I'm celebrating the fact that I will once more have some peace and quiet during the day.  (I really, really, really require peace and quiet.  Funny that I had 2 children.)  But really, that doesn't measure up against the fact that I will have to wake up at 6:15am, make lunches, fight against the clock every morning to get McKenzie to her bus stop by 6:55am, deal with paperwork, homework, etc etc etc..  So many mixed feelings.

 

School starts next Tuesday and I don't know who is LESS prepared, them or me.  So I'm sending my family away for a minny vacation.  McKenzie and her dad to the redwoods for a camping trip for 3 days.  Callie to her great grandparents house and me, well, I'm staying home and treating myself to a pedicure and massage.  I've got these all booked and I'm counting the hours to pure bliss.  I just might go into shock.  I just might take a long bath with a book in hand.  I 'm going to watch a scary movie and I'm just going to enjoy the silence of the house.  I don't mean to sound like I enjoy sending my family away but I need them to go away so I will miss them and then they can come back.

 

This is a photo of the girls enjoying blackberries down at daddy's pumpkin patch.

I Almost Forgot This.

I was browsing through some photos on my computer tonight and I found these.  They were taken at Lithia Park  on 6-10-08.  That scratch on your nose Callie has finally healed.  You fell and landed on your face.  Your dad and I would put medicine on your nose to help it heal and just as it was almost on the mend, you would pick the scab off and we would have to start all over.  It made us furious because we were afraid you would have such an aweful scar.  We were both about to tie both of your hands behind your back but we discovered that a simple bandaid and some hydocortizone cream to help with the itch fixed it right up.

 

The picture of the both of you girls tackling your dad makes me laugh as you are always jumping on him and he doesn't seem to mind.  I think he kind of likes it as he gets his turn to tackle the both of you and hear your sweet laughs and giggles.

More Bowling.

You did a great job McKenzie!!