Our big boy is 4 months old now - weighing in at a healthy 19lb 12oz and 27 3/4in long. Apparently, there is no chart for him any longer (this of course makes daddy very proud). Luke is doing great though and is becoming so much fun. Danny loves interacting with him, especially now that his brother talks and squeals back at him. Gosh, they are pretty cute, my boys.

This morning I solemnly put away the swing and beloved Papasan chair, for which the newborn Luke loved so dearly. I turned around to look at him as I walked back in from the garage and wouldn’t you know… he was attempting to tackle the bird that hangs over him on his play mat. The boy has found his hands. I guess it is time to give that one back to Auntie Jen. Sniff, sniff.

Where the heck does time go?? This time last year I was awaiting morning sickness and having continuous blood draws. Danny boy was getting ready to have his big 3 Mickey Mouse birthday, and Justin was, well - not really sure : ) Probably waiting on a new game to come out. Now? Justin is excited to be working closer to home (soon), I am busier than ever living my dream as a photographer. We are counting down the days to the big 4 Star Wars party, Lukie’s first Christmas and many more things to come.

Sigh, I give you a few photos of our monkey this morning in his attempts at eating the bird.

Goodness life picks up speed and before we know it, today has become a memory and yesterday seems too far away. I’m feeling that for sure lately. I have been super busy proofing sessions, finally today I am caught up, mostly : ) Don’t get me wrong, I feel incredibly blessed to be doing the three things I cherish most - loving my husband, being mama to two amazing little boys, and living my dream as a photographer. I wouldn’t trade any of it. It’s just that time waits for no one and I’m realizing for some reason lately, just how quickly life goes by. After a recent visit back east, and hugging and kissing my mum mum (great grandma) for most likely the last time, sharing moments that I’ll never get back and will simply live on through my photographs… it’s quite bittersweet. My children are growing and evolving before my very eyes. I am feeling a bit sentimental tonight as I think in just a few short weeks my first baby, my first sunshine, will be FOUR years old. Oh boy. Lukie hit 4 months today and is such a jolly, happy little man. My family, near and far, are my structure, my stronghold. I love each of them dearly. I want to make the most of each moment I get with them, I want those important to me to know, just how important they are. You never know if it is the last time you will see them. Now I don’t mean to be a downer, I am simply facing reality and realizing that God has put us here to love one another - I want to love like there is no tomorrow. To each of my friends, to my sisters, brother, mom and daddy… to the love of my life and to my children… I love you like never before. Tell those you love that you cherish them! Make them know how important each of them is to you! Most importantly, slow down. This is something I am committing to working on this week. I want to savor the sweet little voice that is Danny, and the clean, fresh smell of Luke. I want to be a happy person for my husband to come home to. I want my clients to know how important they are to me - but also to know my family comes first.

I don’t know, maybe I’m rambling now, it IS late for me you know… : ) Gosh I miss this blog! Promise to be back into the swing of things soon. Also, going to get some fun 4 month photos of Lukie soon, as well as the big 4 year session with my bubba, so I’ll post them soon. For now, here is a new fave - Mister Luke about to climb right out of his once fave chair. Sniff sniff…

So, remember the amazing blog I mentioned earlier this week? WELL this beautiful

Epson Artisan 800 printer

is up for grabs! Simply go to SimpleMomGiveaway

for your chance to win it! All entries must be received by November 12.

I am definitely a girl who likes organization. In fact, sitting to my left are the following books: Absolutely Organized (by Debbie Lillard), 100 Ways to Simplify Your Life (by Joyce Meyer), and Simplify Your Life (by Marcia Ramsland). Two of these I have read, the other waits patiently for me… : ) However the following site has already changed my life, for the better. To my fellow moms out there, SimpleMom.net is an amazing, and I mean AMAZING blog. I am always on the lookout to better the way I “do things” and Tsh definitely offers that and more.

Here is an excerpt from her blog, that will give you a bit of a lowdown on what she offers. Check it out!

I love writing about the practical side of simplicity, such as:

• managing day-to-day life at home
• budgeting and managing the family’s finances
• cooking and eating well
• taking time only for quality books, music, and movies
• learning and cultivating the dying homemaking arts - sewing, gardening, and the like
• keeping paperwork to a minimum, and organizing the paperwork that is necessary
• going greener without needing a PhD in eco-consciousness
• organizing our lives so we don’t waste time with the unnecessary

That’s right. Tomorrow, bright and early we embark on a journey back east. Ugh, if you know me, you know my biggest fear ever is flying. Goodness gracious I hate it. Thankfully my darling husband will be with us, but this will be our first time flying with TWO CHILDREN. I guess if Jon & Kate could do it, so can we, eh?

Anyhow we are definitely looking forward to our trip. Danny has been ready to “explore” for ages and I am excited to enjoy my grandma’s down-home cooked meals and baked goodies! I’m sure I’ll have about a cagillion photos to share - but since we will be quite literally in the middle of nowhere, it may be a while until I am able to share.

So long internet! I shall miss you to pieces.