The pink eye.

Levi phoned me at work today to relay the message that school called with the news that Ayv had pink eye. We had a weekend of gunky Ayla eyes that was definitely related to her cold and now we have to deal with Ayv's ONE irritated eye. It took me an eternity to get through to the pediatrician, so it didn't surprise me that they were more than willing to call in a prescription for us. Now I wait....to see if she has an improvement by morning. Otherwise, I'm home again, home again.

The best part of my day was the weather! I'm not sure if we were some of the fortunate few to experience 60 degrees, but the air felt warm. Even when my house at 67 barely feels warm, 60 outside definitely feels warm! I suggested to the kids that we get out for a walk. Ayla and I were the pedestrians of the bunch while Ayv & Ayden whizzed by on their bikes. It felt good to get some fresh air and soak up some sun. Ayla took in more than the rest of us, I think. The second half of our adventure was A LOT slower than the first half, but she still didn't want me to carry her (I offered). She's such a big girl! As soon as we entered the house and took a load off, she hopped up into my lap and in a near instant, sacked out. She's still sleeping.

Now, tomorrow looks to be a bit sketchy weatherwise. Possible rain/ice and snow? Really. As long as it clears out by Saturday, I'm fine. My plans to hang out with my girlfriends will not be disrupted!!! We're planning to visit Crazy Girl in Cedar Falls. I'm guessing we'll get a caffeine fix at a coffee shop along the way and find nourishment at a restaurant we don't frequent too often. Actually, I'm pretty sure that will happen.

I don't have any exciting pics from today, but I really like this one from CA. It's not my normal processing, but the car is what stands out to me (and should to you now). The guy sitting in the driver's seat is actually strumming a guitar. If only this car was on the beach...

Happy Valentines Day...2009!

We're home and enjoying the day of trying to get back into the swing of things. The kids reminded us that it's Valentine's Day. Actually, Ayden's cell phone alarm was going off at 7:00 to let us know! I got online to work on some edits and Ayvarie and I ran across this idea on another blog. I think it's fun!This is what I chose to shoot in honor of today. I hope you get to spend time with your Valentine(s) today!

Day ??? (This is just a general update.)

I know it's been a while since I've posted. We had quite a bit happen in our lives over the past few weeks and blogging is the last thing I had time for. Chynna (my oldest cat) fell ill and we decided to let her pass on, which was very hard for me (and Ayden). Then, we received the news of flooding in our house. We received a lot of not-so-good news over the last few weeks as well. We are so glad it is all in the past. We're healthy and happy now...that's all that matters.


Levi is fortunate enough to have me travel with him this week for work. :) A big THANKS goes to Ros for taking over the parental and household duties while we are enjoying the coast. It's great having family nearby and having Ros willing to relocate to our house and keep the kids in line. Unfortunately, it's been rainy and cool here while Iowa has been warm! What that means is that they are sharing the same 50-60 degree temps there that we're experiencing out here in Long Beach, California. Crazy winter!


Here are some images I captured today.

I liked the name of this place..."House of Hayden". Drop the "H" and it reminds me of some little guy I know. It's located in close proximity to our hotel, but it was closed when we were walking by.I'm not sure what to say about this image, but it's colorful! Between the boats in the bay here, you will see a lighthouse peeking out of the grassy mound. It really was a beautiful sight today after the rain subsided.Here is our French waiter at Creme de la Crepe presenting my crepe with Grand Marnier. This is actually the second time he did this for us, so I could entertain myself with a picture. We loved this location. It was quaint, close to the hotel, and unfortunate for him, not too busy when we showed up. On a good note, it made for a great location to chat and the food was tres bien! Now, don't think I have forgotten about my daily photo....I don't remember commiting to posting every day, or did I? You can consider these coverage for today. Maybe one of these days I will have time to get caught up on my personal images again and post the rest from January.

Day 16/365

I didn't get the chance to post yesterday's pic on time. So, here it is! The way the light reflected back into Ayla's eyes was really neat. We were sitting in my office (as we do most days) with the light coming in the window so warm and bright. I picked up the camera and caught this. If you look closely at her eye, you can see me capturing the shot.
Chynna update: If you haven't followed my communication on Facebook, you may not know that Chynna is home. I was able to bring her home yesterday since her blood chemistry returned to normal and she could function again. Since I didn't go through all of the trouble to have the vet test for other diseases, we still don't know why her calcium and platelets were up. We're hoping it was simply dehydration. With her age, we just decided to see if we could get her blood chemistry corrected and then watch her. If she goes downhill again, there is likely an underlying problem. She's being restrained to the upstairs by herself for the time being so I can monitor her intake. So far, she's doing just fine.

Day 15/365 - Sound Melancholy

My sis recently introduced me to Chocolaterie Stam. It's a beautiful chocolate shop on Main Street in Ames. Oh, how I love Main Street shopping! I ended up bringing home a pint of gelato today. The kids LOVE it. Of course they would, being I consider it a posh indulgence. It surely made my day (and theirs) seem a bit better.This morning, I received news from the vet that Chynna is mobile again, although definitely not back to her 100% self. We're hoping another day of IV fluids will help reduce her calcium and platelets even more since they were down a bit today. She was eating (when they replaced the canned food with dry - yes, she is finicky), drinking, and using the litter box. I really want her back home again...hopefully tomorrow.

It's been a mix of feelings today with my indulgence of a small serving of gelato, my communication with the vet, and my thoughts to an event nine years ago that changed my life forever.

Miss you, Jenn.

Day 14/365

This is a last-minute pic of the day. I've been toying with trying to capture this fabric in the right light. Tonight, I used my lamp for my lighting. I like how it turned out. My hopes were to take some snow pics so we can remember this winter (although, I don't see how we will forget).


Instead of exposing myself to the cold and snow for pics, I got to trek through it to take Chynna to the vet. Ayden called me while I was on my way home today to tell me that the girl couldn't stand up. She was so weak. I had plans to call the vet this afternoon anyway because the last couple of days, she started to lose balance when walking. She still wanted attention, but that might have been an early sign of something being wrong. Especially since the kids don't normally get the chance to pick her up and she let them! Either way, her calcium and platelets are high. So, our first step is to try to get her strength back and her balance in check. The vet has her tonight to give her an IV. We're hoping that by hydrating her, it will balance out the calcium and she'll be on her way to better. On the other hand, with her platelets being high, there is a chance for possible blood clots moving through her system, which could cause strokes. I sure hope that doesn't happen, but I can't sit by and choose to do nothing for her. I want her better! I am not ready to think that her problems could be something worse, so I'm not...

Day 13/365 - Gymnastics & Dance

Tonight, Ayvarie had her gymnastics and dance classes. Ayla said she wanted to go to gymnastics, too (I can't even remember how she pronounced it, but it was too cute!). Ayla followed Ayv into her room to find her own leotard, which is one that Ayv outgrew. Both girls appeared in the doorway dressed for class. She was such a proud little girl wearing that simple garment. The image below is Ayla putting on a pair of pants to match big sis. It's so much fun watching her mimic Ayv.
It won't be long and she'll be in gymnastics and/or dance, too!

Day 12/365

On a day like today, I feel Starbucks is a necessity. Ask my sister, my husband, or even my kids and they will agree (that Starbucks is a necessity for me...cold and snowy outside or not). When my kids tag along, Ayv requests hot chocolate while Ayla asks for "appuh jew". Ayden will usually have what Ayla is having. Thankfully they have kid sizes and pricing! My "Four Bucks", as Levi says, becomes six or seven bucks when they are with me.



I'm definitely ready for spring, but that won't change the desire for my venti nonfat beverage of choice.

Day 11/365

Today I had my first session of the year (a couple of previews are on the Imaging Rox blog). On my way there, I found the roads to be covered with snow, and it was COLD. With the storm predicted for tomorrow, I wasn't expecting the roads to be in the condition they were in. I can't wait until spring!

While charging batteries, backing up files, and packing my camera bag, I snapped this.

My desk is often covered with random papers and TOYS. This is one example.

Day 10/365

It snowed. This measurement was taken on the hand rails of our steps at the side of the house. It seemed the snow was set there perfectly. Although my measurement may not be exact, I can't imagine it's any less! Either way, it prevented us from our little excursion to see our friends. With the possibility of blowing snow later today, I think I'll hunker down and work on some photo projects that are nearing completion.

Our thoughts are with the Meader's today...

Day 9/365

On my way to the parking lot after work, I snapped this photo. It's great having my point-and-shoot in my purse. The building that houses this sign looks a bit rugged compared to most buildings on campus, but I like it. Next Saturday is the First Lego League competition, so the timing of this image is appropriate.



I wish I had this sign for Ayden's room!

Day 8/365

Chynna took her place on the kitchen rug again this afternoon. I thought about going outside to shoot, but the fear of being cold took over and I pushed that idea aside. So, my oldest girl became my subject of the day. It doesn't seem like I've had her for over 13 years now, but I have.

If the weather treats us okay this weekend, we have plans to visit some great friends. I'd like to see if there's time to go out and shoot while we're there. They have great scenery!

What would a post be without one of my kids? Here are a couple more from my mini-session with Ayla on the 6th. I'm pretty sure this B&W will be blown up for my office.

Day 7/365

I spent time today with the cats. The poor things have been a bit neglected when it comes to attention. While on the kitchen floor with Chynna, I took a shot of my favorite household cleaning product sitting on my counter. Exciting, I know, but I do like the lighting.

Day 6/365 - Ayla Overload!

Ayla was with me all day today! This morning, the girls had dentist appointments and Ayla did really well for her first time as a patient. Afterward, the dentist told them to pick something out of the treasure box. This was Ayla's selection and my photo of the day.

Funny expression:
Lovely look:My favorite, I think:
Gap kid...also a fave: Now I need to make time to have photo sessions with the other two kiddos.

Day 5/365

Here's my boy, also known as Ayla's "Ayden Brother". It just happens to be my image of the day. He was being a bit punky since he didn't want to be stopped from heading out to sled after school.I snapped a few of Ayla this afternoon, too. Don't mind her oatmeal-covered face, and de-ponytailed hair. She didn't care and neither do I! This pic looks familiar to me...maybe similar to one taken about 31 years ago?

Ayla wanted a picture next to Ayvarie's tree, so I snapped one.

Day 4/365

After yesterday's weather, I should've been out shooting ice pictures this afternoon. There was a lot of reflection going on! Instead, we spent time with my parents. Ayvarie & I sewed some vintage-looking birds and my Mom chipped in to help. One sewing project for Ayv is enough. I'm pretty sure one project of anything is enough for her age. We got home after dark and the only thing I wanted to accomplish this evening was packing the Christmas decos. I put it off the last few days, and now I can say it's done.

I hope this pic of my lamp shade inspires you...

Day 3/365

Lucky day #3. We're lucky we're home safely! The roads were getting slick this afternoon on our way home from picking up Ayden. Rain and winter don't mix!

Before we hit the rain/icy roads, we detoured through Marshalltown. The main reason we stopped was to get our fix of Sonic slushes (and feed Levi). I haven't taken the time to venture around there before, and the family was up for a little tour via Freestyle. We found some neat old buildings and signs that you would only find in Iowa.

When the weather's a bit warmer and the day a little less gloomy, I'd like to head that way again to shoot some more.

Day 2/365

I have a good hold on 2009 so far. I spent the morning paying bills (ugh!) and this afternoon I took the Freestyle in for a repair. Meanwhile, I got to hang out with my good friend, Rachel, who picked the girls and me up so we weren't stranded at the dealership. Crab rangoon, Starbucks, and Target filled our time together. It's unfortunate our afternoon had to come to an end.

Upon our return home, it became necessary to fill the void below and it's been swishing and sloshing ever since. I have been neglecting "mount washmore" since Christmas, so it's about time I conquer it!

Have a great night...and I hope the laundry fairy is visiting you...she sure isn't visiting me!

Day 1/365

It’s Day #1 of "Project 365"! My goal this year is to take a picture a day (and post it). Today, I will post two to dedicate to this project. The first is a shot of Ayvarie wearing my oversized, funky, knitted hat (that was originally planned for a toddler). This is why a gauge swatch should always be knitted…or know that you may be knitting 5 hats in a day trying to get one to fit.

Avy was excited that I pulled out my camera today. In turn, she took one of me! I think she did a really good job. I might have a second shooter here before I know it!

Fabulous Christmas!

Our Christmas was great. Along with the grandparents and Aunt Ros, we spoiled the kids. My tree was comfortably full of gifts when my Dad brought a load over. Then, it looked as though the tree threw up paper and bows all over my living room. The kids had a great time tearing into them Christmas morning.

Ayden was the first to grab the clue that Santa left behind.

It's been fun watching the kids play together with their toys the past few days. Ayden & Ayv were setting up security in their bedrooms to prevent each other from robbing their piggy banks. Protected by Nerf gear, they succeeded keeping each other away. Santa brought Ayvarie an mp3 player, which makes our car rides pleasant. Ayden will probably object since Ayv tends to sing along with the songs. Fortunate for him, he has an mp3 player to shove in his ears, too. Ayla has been pacified with her dolls and kitty. Mr. Potato Head gets random attention, the poor guy. It's sad to think the excitement is all over now.


We'll bring in the new year with the girls as Ayden is in Morning Sun spending time with his friends. I'm looking forward to another long weekend.

As I rewind the year's stash of pics and work through them again, it's fun to see all that we accomplished and how big the kids have grown.

Ayla sleeping in the warm November sun.

If I don't get the chance to post again in 2008, I wish you the best for 2009!

-Rox