I love a good deal...and getting to go to the zoo for free IS A GREAT DEAL! This guy was sooo cute! He just came over and sat by the glass and smiled at us! Unfortunately the glass wasn't very clean...
I don't photograph animals very much so this was nice! We froze to get the shots but...it was worth it!
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Seeing your hometown through the eyes of a tourist is amazing. We took them on a mini tour of St. Paul and hit the cathedral and the capital and then rested our feet while having lunch at Cafe Latte....mmmm yummy!
If you haven't been to this Cathedral...you really must go! It's gorgeous and filled w history and most of all it was incredibly peaceful!
AND of course, the beautiful Capitol building! I was amazed how beautiful it is on the inside! Another one of those places you wait until you have visitors before you explore it yourself!
More to come...
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Wow! We have been busy this week. When my sister and brother-in-law arrived on Friday we hit the ground running and took them right to the mall of America!
Saturday we went to Minnesota Harvest for apple picking/sampling and fun! 
It was a cold day but that didn't stop us from having a blast! It doesn't get more "Minnesotan" and "Fall" then this!
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I'm the only one in my family who lives in this amazing country. I have a sister, brother, mom, step-dad, and dad in Canada and my older (and wiser) sister, Elizabeth, lives in England with her husband Mark. Last year Matt and I traveled to England with Adriah...that's a long way with a one year old that doesn't sleep outside of a crib. I think Elizabeth's coming as payback. No, she's coming because she loves me and I've promised to be the perfect tour guide! I can't wait...
They arrive tomorrow and we're going to have a blast! I've put together a schedule of different things we can do for the next 10 days! I'm pretending that I'm on vacation and going to see the beauty of this city. We're going to hit all the usual places: Mall of America, Sculpure Garden, Museums, take in a movie and maybe even go to America largest corn maze! We'll see if my daughter will hold out!
I'm open to: great suggestions, hidden spots in the twin cities or surrounding area, anything we should see or do? After you're finished picking your favorite images in the photo contest, of course.
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I'm currently putting on a contest that asks anyone and everyone to send in one picture that describes "What fall means to you" and since I'm in charge, I decided to do a whole slide show. These pictures capture what fall means to me! There's nothing like the love of a mother to her daughter...well, Matt thinks she's pretty cool too! Here's our baby doing what she does best...posing for the camera!
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Sometimes I feel like my life is going in circles. If you're a mom you probably get what I mean. I make a meal, clean up. Play with Adriah then, tidy up. Pick up clothes then, do the laundry, fold the clothes and put them away. Every morning has its own routine, every afternoon stalls a little then picks up just before dinner. Every evening is filled with Daddy coming home and laughter, dinner, bath time, teeth, jammies, story time, prayers and na-night. Mornings are the best part of the circle. No matter how old she gets, I can't wait to open the door and greet her. She's so sweet with her bed head and frog voice.
I wouldn't trade my life for anything. But, it's fun to stop and think about why I get dizzy sometimes.
I don't know if this makes any sense but, it's what I was thinking about before I sat down at the computer...it's real.
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Did you know that there are 31 rows in the top deck of the Metrodome? It's true. I know because we climbed them several times today to get to our seats...in the back row! Yes, people actually sit there when the stadium is sold out! It was an incredible game but sadly, Minnesota lost! North Dakota is undefeated and just a little school! We had green shirts and painted faces all around us! I knew when ever they got loud it wasn't good for my team! I still had a great time! Being Canadian I never grew up on football. I've come a long way these last few years and I love cheering for our teams...AND I've got the vocal cords to back that up!
Go Gophers!
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I had to fill out a medical form this week that asked me how many times a week I work out...I hate answering those questions. If I say 2-3 does that count the times I run up the stairs and get out of breath? Then they ask for how long...I said 20-30 minutes. I go for walks, play with Adriah (hey, building forts out of couch pillows can be exhausting!) and now I also have a membership at Lifetime Fitness. That in itself doesn't mean a whole lot. You actually have to go and "work out." Not only that, if I go twice a week Medica pays for $20 my membership. You'd think that be a piece of cake but boy, am I good at thinking of reasons why I shouldn't go. Thankfully I meet a friend there and we do classes together or it would be a major waste of money. Not that I don't want to be fit! I do! But I'm one of those people that no matter how often I lift, jog, press, sweat...my body doesn't change a whole lot. My husband on the other hand can do sit-ups three days in a row and wake up with a six-pack. Life isn't fair. I go because I want to be healthy...and live a long life. I want no regrets because I was lazy. I'm not lazy, just not motivated to have the perfect body.
Okay, I have a confession. I also go because I love candy and chocolate! Instead of cutting that out of my diet...I "work out" to burn it off. I'm always amazed at how little calories you burn and how many calories are in the good stuff! Can I hear an amen?
Anyways, I'm getting into a good routine and maybe this time I'll be surprised at the tone muscles that develop...I doubt it! The good news is I'm happy in my skin.
until next time...
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She loves to cook...play outside...and serve fruit salad.
She's precious!
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In my opinion, October is the worst month for T.V.! Anyone else notice how everything has become about physics (oops...I meant psychics), horrors, death after that over they show advertisements for the latest thriller? I don't even want it on because the commercials are horrible and scary AND I have a two year old!!!! I know everyone has different tastes in movies and shows and that's fine but, there's something about daytime T.V. that should be toned down but...that's just my opinion. Having said that, I must admit my new addiction...I'm totally addicted to TOP CHEF, and IRON CHEF shows! What is it about watching these master minds create masterpieces that I love so much and can't get enough of! The funniest bit is that these chefs totally cook with tons of fat (cause that makes food taste good) and with ingredients I will never have access to in my kitchen! But alas, it's soooo dramatic and fun to watch. I wish I could be one of the taste testers on the shows...I think I would be very good! I love food and I know when things look pretty on a plate! :) Anyone know how I can get on? I have my last wedding of the year tomorrow so...I'll have plenty of extra time on my hands!
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This weekend I had a wedding on Friday and Saturday...the first weekend in October and I had 80+ sunny days! IT IS HOT and muggy! The leaves are changing and the sun is shining! Last year at this time I was shooting weddings in my wool coat, mittens and hat! I'm exhausted but, I can't wait to show you the beautiful fall wedding pictures...I get them up as soon as I can! The brides and grooms don't care cause they're all on their honeymoons!
I've received a couple of entries for my fall photo contest and they're great! Keep 'em coming! The pictures can be anything that reminds you of autumn! Send more then one if you want! Remember, in normal American Idol fashion, it's the one who gets the most votes/comments wins!
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It's good to be home. I had a great time in Windsor with my family, but there's nothing like coming home. One of my good friends picked me up at the airport tonight and I talked non-stop the whole way home. There's so much to say...my Grandma is not worse, but not really better either. She's stable and will probably be moved into assisted living in the next couple of days but she still has a long way to go before she's back to normal. We're all coming to grips that she may never be the "normal" we remember before her fall but, she's a fighter and she's surprised us before! My mom has been with her every step and she's going to be there as my Grandma continues to recover. It was good to go and encourage her, see Grandma for myself, and of course, tell everyone how much I love them. I never want to take my family for-granted.
Thank you to everyone who has been praying...and for all your kind words. I don't know what the future holds for my Grandma but, I know she's in good hands. I'll do what I can from here to be a support to my mom and sister in the days, weeks, months to come.
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Every time I shoot a wedding I marvel at how tired I get. It feels like I got married all over again! I give my heart and soul...but I still love it! This is pretty pathetic...it's only 8:30pm and I'm getting ready for bed. I'm leaving the packing for tomorrow afternoon. I fly out at 3pm and will spend Sunday evening with my mom and all my siblings. I'll probably get to see my Grandma on Monday morning. Her condition is the same. Thanks for all your prayers and kind words. I don't think I'll be blogging while I'm gone. See you on Thursday!
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I got a call from Windsor today. My Grandma's been diagnosed with pneumonia and she's struggling to breathe. So, I'm booking my ticket to Canada. I'm going to fly out Sunday, after the wedding on Saturday. I feel a little sick to my stomach. It'll be easier once I get there. Knowing all 4 of my siblings will be there with me makes it a little easier. And my mom's been caring for my Grandma every day so, it'll be good to give her a break. You know what's amazing? My friends that are volunteering to take Adriah for the days I'll be gone. These women are my family too. I'm so thankful for good girl-friends!
Thanks for everyone who's praying...it means a lot. My heart is heavy, but I'll try and rest in Him.
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I've been thinking a lot about family the last couple of days. My Grandma broke her hip last week, then had surgery and has been recovering in a hospital in Windsor, Canada. She's 87 years old and a fighter but, my mom's scared that she's giving up...she's tired. I feel really far away and again, I'm helpless. I've been in this place too many times in the last several months. Other then my grandpa (who I wasn't really close to), I've never lost anyone in my immediate family and honestly, I'm not ready to let her go. Not that I have to yet. She's struggling, but not in critical condition. My Grandma, Bernice Isabel McCabe, was jumping rope with me at the age of 65. After my grandpa died in 97, I moved in with Grandma for a few months...we were roomies. She's always been there. She took me and my siblings on a walking tour of Israel in 2000...she turned 80 that year! A few years ago she decided that she wanted to see us spend our inheritance instead of waiting until she's gone...my inheritance paid for my wedding! She's never forgets me and I won't forget her.
I have weddings every weekend until the middle of October so I might have to fly there and back but, I'd do it in a second. I won't miss my weddings but, I want to be there for my family too. I'm torn. I know the timing will work out. My sister has it worse...she lives in the South of England. She's trying to decide when to come and it's a whole lot further of a distance.
I'd appreciate your prayers: for Grandma, for healing, for wisdom...and anything else I'm not thinking of right now.
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I love it! The windows are open and the sun is shining in...it's gorgeous outside! I'm sorry if you were not able to go outside because you're at work but, don't waste any time: take a break, walk outside, close your eyes and breathe deep! I'm so inspired! I'm even considering taking Adriah to the Lifetime (our club!) for a swim and it's the middle of September!
I'm done typing and ready to hang in the sun!
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The Morrison's story came out in March of this year and captivated people hearts. I can't believe that people all over the country still check the internet every day looking for updates, pictures or any kind of detail about this baby. The amount of comments on the latest blog prove that you do! If I'm being honest, I know that if I wasn't personally involved I wouldn't still be following the story but, that it not the case for some of you! WOW...I'm amazed. This is clearly an incredible display of kindness and genuine concern. What makes people love total strangers? To allow your heart to captured by a story, by a family, or by a miracle?...is that it? Are you struck by the obvious miracle that has unfolded? I know I am. My faith has been challenge and grown through this year. My friendships are stronger and I'm glad for that. I've asked hard questions and have made peace with the fact I won't understand the Lord and His ways...but He is good! Anyways, all that to say thank you. And I hope that the next time I see someone in need I show as much kindness as strangers have shown the Morrisons. It's a beautiful thing.
Please keep praying for Sylas.
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Ever feel yourself getting sick and say to yourself, "I can't get sick now...I have too much to do!"? Well, that is me all the time! I don't get sick very often but, when I do I get annoyed. I should rest, sleep, drink water and enjoy the down time but instead I push through not wanting to give in thinking I'm lazy! Type A personality? I think so. This week Adriah and I both got sick with head colds. It takes on a whole new meaning when you're a mom who's sick caring for a baby who's sick. Wiping noses, giving lots of cuddles, slowing down to comfort her because she's so sensitive!
So, I've decided I'm going to be taking it easy the next couple of days. Even taking naps...I'm a woman on a mission...get better before Saturday's wedding!
I'm not very good at asking for help either. So, today when a friend offered to take Adriah for the morning so I could rest, I tried to talk her out of it several times. Finally, I gave in. I don't have a lot of family that live close so my friends are my family and they love my little girl like my own sisters would! I am so blessed and thankful.
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- You wake up and it's still dark. - You start to see the leaves turning color!
- You get sick of your t-shirts and can't wait to wear cozy sweaters again.
- Nights and mornings are cool and breezy.
- You see kids waiting at the bus stop...with cute HUGE backpacks.
- You start thinking about football season. (My goal this year is to make it to an Eden Prairie high school game! It's a long story but but short story is I didn't have football in my high school in Canada and ever since I moved here I've wanted to go!)
- Fall clothes are in all stores.
- Softball, Baseball and Soccer leagues are finished playing in local parks.
- Women start dyeing their hair darker instead of lighter.
- People start thinking about Christmas photos...weird!
- the smell in the air changes from grass to smoken' leaves and fresh cold!
I'm sure there's more but these are the first things that came to me! Feel free to add to my list!
Every receive flowers for no reason at all?? I'm used to think I wasn't really a "flower-y" girl but as I get older I'm realizing how touching flowers can be! I got flowers delivered to my door this week (a family member telling me they love me)...and my reaction...I burst into tears at the sentiment! Am I a girl or what? I just felt so loved!!! In the midst of my tears I called them and left a thank you message! Totally cheesy and wonderful!
A few weeks ago, I had a long talk with one of my friends who has experience with personal loss of a family member and she told me how touching it is to get flowers at a funeral. It's super expensive to do large arrangements and so I thought it was kinda a waste but after listening to her I knew that no amount could match how touched and loved she felt. It is worth it!
I remember getting flowers all the time when Matt and I were dating. Do you remember the feeling when everyone looks at you and says "OHHHH how sweet?" Other peoples reaction makes it even better! To be fair, he still gets me flowers...he's wonderful and thoughtful! But I realized this week that I am "flower-y" and even a "girly-girl!"
Do you have an incredible getting flowers unexpected story that you wouldn't mind sharing? I'd love to hear!
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