five on friday

1. i missed last friday's Five on Friday. We were in Texas... yeehaw.... and were having a blast! It's not the easiest thing to type up a five on friday on just my phone :(

2. after much discussion (on Facebook) and internal angst (as well as the pocket book) i decided to bite the bullet and invite an elf into our house this christmas season. she arrived Wednesday night and her name is Olivia. Why the turmoil for me? Several reasons actually: 1) This is the first Christmas that Early Bird is starting to somewhat comprehend holidays, including Christmas. I want to start her off with the basic understanding on WHY we have Christmas, at least in our house. I want her to learn that the REASON we even have Christmas is to celebrate Jesus, not Santa, not getting toys, etc. Hence my hesitation on bringing another something in our house that didn't have anything to do with the birth of Jesus. 2) the cost of JUST getting the book and the elf (that's not even made well, in my opinion) and the fancy box 3) i like to pile alot on my plate during the holidays (so says the sweetie) so this was just one more thing i would need to keep up with. In the end though i decided it was worth it. I like to see Early Bird get excited about things and i like to be creative (all the Pinterest ideas didn't hurt either!). However, I want to make sure along the way to instill in Early Bird that our main focus during this time is still about the birth of Jesus. I'll keep you updated, and with photos of course. Which leads me to my #3. (oh, those that may have NO idea what i'm even talking about, go here for a little explanation.)

3. i'm thinking about putting a post together after Christmas of all the different mischievous deeds that Oliva gets into, with pictures of course! I might even make a book out of them. We'll see how much i can pile on my plate.

4. Here's another installment of My Favorite Things (Oprah style):

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

I looove this book and looove to read it to Early Bird at bed time. I'm sure she's getting sick of it but I think the repetition is definitely helping her reading skills. The last time we read it she "read" it to me, even pointing her finger at each word. I also love the sing-song rhythm. 

 I puffy heart my crockpot. I use it at least once a week. Since I found the crockpot liners at the store it makes cleaning soooo much easier, which in turn makes me want to use it even more.

Every stinkin time I see this I think of the spoof video they did on Saturday Night Live... oh, 3+ years ago. It still makes me laugh. (If you're not familiar with it it's Justin Timberlake, Andy Samberg and Justin Monaghan doing a spoof video of Beyonce's All the Single Ladies video. Here's the YouTube video for those of you that might want to check it out.) Goood times! I might or might not have laughed all over again typing this out. Of course I had to watch the video, and yes, laughed again.

Love this card. I'll let you guess if it's talking about Early Bird or if it might pertain to me. 

thinking about doing this starting tomorrow. Again, something to pile on my list, a list!

5) random photo of the day:

Got to hang out with one of my favorite college friends and her son while in Texas. We did a little mini-session for him and I got this shot. It might be one of my all time favorite! 

the c family once again {palo alto, california, family photographer}

can't believe this is my third time getting to document this growing family. remember them here from last october.  this year they've added a member! 

here's a sneak peek for their momma & daddy! 

five on friday

1. first and foremost (and most exciting for me), I was featured on a terrific photography blog today. Check it out here.

2. Exactly six days until Thanksgiving! We're headed out to Texas on Sunday and I CAN'T WAIT! Bring on the grandparents, dinner with my bestie, a massage with my momma, a family reunion, and a hotel indoor waterpark. I'm also sneaking in a little work while I'm there. Just pray that the ONLY day it's forecasted to rain next week it doesn't actually rain. Texas weather for ya!

3. Today at Early Bird's preschool they started early on giving thanks by having Donuts with Dads. Each child filled out a small list of questions about their dads. (Do you know where I'm going with this?) Here's some of Early Bird's answers:

- Your dad is 5 years old.

- Your dad is as big as an octopus.

- Your dad likes to eat ice cream and vegetables.

- Your dad has black hair.

You know that list is going in her memory box!

4. Here are some more of my favorite things, Oprah style:

~ my Coach wristlet that my bestie gave me last year.

I carry ALOT of stuff in there and switch it from bag to bag!

~ coconut oil. I mainly use it to take off my eye makeup but I also cooked with it today.

~ my comfy ballet slippers. What's better on a cold night?!

~ love this top for doing yoga! 

5. random photo of the day:

this girl has mad skills! 

(and apparently it helps to stick your tongue out when you're learning how to dribble.)

the m family {san jose, ca family photographer]

had a short but fun fall mini-session for the super sweet (and gorgeous!) family the other night.

here's your sneak peek.

five on friday

1. Can I just say that whoever decided that Daylight Savings time was a good idea CLEARLY did not have young children, either that, or it was a man. Just sayin!

2. Thinking about starting a weekly post on photography tips. It would be for the phone users all the way up. Maybe something like Tips on Tuesdays. Let me know what you think? Yes, No, Meh. I'm open!

3. So the sweetie wanted to make brownies tonight (he has a mild addiction to brownies) and we don't have any brownie mix. Fortunately Pinterest to the rescue! I found this mix and it includes simple ingredients we already had! While I was working on the Five on Friday post I heard them come out of the oven. Luckily Early Bird didn't forget about me and brought a plate of WARM brownies to me. I thanked her profusely!! As she was leaving the room I whispered to her and told her it would be icing on the cake if I could get some milk with it, pretty please! As soon as I said, "... milk with it." The sweetie turned the corner with milk. Can I just say I'm very well cared for ;) I don't think I'll trade them. (Oh, and the brownies were awesome!!)

4. 9 days until we leave for Texas (yehaw!), 13 until Thanksgiving, 39 until Christmas! Ahhh!!

4.01 From now until Christmas I'll be listing My Favorite Things for you, Oprah Winfrey style!

~ CAN'T live without this!

~ LOVE my black rain boots. I wear them to every outside photoshoot and even when it rains!

~ just found some boot socks similar to these. Not sure what took me so long to jump on the bandwagon!

5. Random photo of the day: 

five on friday

1.   last wednesday we went to Disney on Ice with Early Bird and her bestie, A. They both had a great time and even got to stay up waaaay past their bed time. i remember going when i was around 8 so it was fun getting to take her. her favorite part? seeing belle and cinderella!

2. we had a FABULOUS time on Halloween. this year Early Bird "got it!" If you're a parent i know you know what i mean! ;) she couldn't get to the next house quick enough. (a side note for those that know Early Bird all too well. Guess what she wore to bed that night? and the entire next day? and wanted to wear AGAIN the following night?! yep, her costume!)

3. am i the only one that is dreading moving the clock back this weekend? 

4. i can't believe Thanksgiving is 3 weeks away, which means Christmas is 7 1/2 weeks out! Eeee! This is year we are cutting back on presents! I PROMISE!! I'm just glad we are all healthy,  happy.... and reasonably sane!

5. random photo of the day:

some of my besties enjoying halloween!