Ouch! That really hurts.

It may seem like I hurt myself often. I said that to my husband tonight and he said, "No, you just tell the world every time you do!" So, here's me telling the world: Tonight after dinner (which, by the way, I made Thai Turkey Burgers and whole wheat noodles with lime, Cilantro, Mint, and chives - totally yummy!) I was inspired by the sun being out FINALLY to get everyone out the door for a walk around the neighborhood. I decided it would be a fun treat to make ice cream cones beforehand and walk while we ate them. Matt got the kids into the stroller and I was scooping out the last cone and absentmindedly decided that the ice cream on the scooper shouldn't be wasted...yup, you can see where this is going? Totally the scene from "A Christmas Story" I got my lip stuck to the metal! So, I'm standing over the sink with one hand on my cone and the other on the scooper and I didn't know what to do...so, I yelled for Matt and when he saw me he said, "No way...are you ok?" Which of course I was not. I know it had to have been funny to see but I knew the outcome and I wasn't looking forward to it. By the time he got some warm water my lip had already come free...well, part of it stayed on the scooper. One of the stupidest things I've done in a while and my lip really hurts.

I did manage to eat my entire ice cream cone. I was willing to push through. Can you believe the things that happen to me?

Hope you have a good laugh at my expense. At least I didn't do it on a dare.

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True Colors...

For the last 10 days I've been sleeping on an air- mattress in the basement of my sisters house. Leyton in the closet (with the door open, of course) and Adriah on another mattress right beside us. We drove 17 hours there and back! AND spent every day out touring, visiting, hanging, eating and my kids weren't on any schedule at all. It really catches up with you after a while. I'm one of those who really needs to get my sleep or I get sick. So, I spent most of the time away battling a head cold. It really exposes my ugly side. I'm not very patient and get easily frustrated. It's amazing how I really believe I'm a good person and then I get glimpses of my ugly heart and I realize what I am and what I'm not. You know what I mean? I only get to see my family all together once a year and so we all come with super high expectations to re-connect, get to know each other, and have fun! We did just that. I love being with my family. We don't get as much one on one time with each other but we have a blast being together. I'm blessed to be in this family.

I'm home now. Just want to be still, get rest and spend time journalling. I need quiet time. If I don't get it...I'm not the same person. Weird for an extravert to admit that but, it's true.

Whew! Just in time to gear up for 2 weddings this weekend. I'm totally excited and thankful I love my job!

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Measuring my steps...

How many of you love a challenge? I love it. So, when one of my friends gave me a pedometer and challenged me to walk 10 000 steps a day I was confident it would be easy...I actually thought "I do that already!" But, it's not easy. I don't do it already. You got to get up and move a ton to accomplish 10 000 steps in one day. But I'm learning how to put more steps into everything I do. The mornings are super intense around my house cause I'm up before the kids and then I go up and down the stairs a ton getting them ready and then of course we are over the house cleaning, crafting, playing, chasing, and more. So, that makes the first 5 000 pretty easy! It's the next 5 000 i struggle with. I usually edit in the afternoon and evening so I'm at the computer on my rear and not walking! I'm getting creative but not cheating (I promise!) and moving a ton to get my full amount in. We'll see how this goes. It looks a little dorky but, I'm curious to see how the next couple of weeks go! Anyone else measuring?

Can you believe Kris Allen won?

Either you are totally agreeing with me or you don't watch American Idol  and if you don't watch you might want to ask yourself "WHY don't I watch American Idol?" It was awesome last night! I totally wanted Kris to win...he seems like a really sweet guy and he's totally talented. Adam is awesome too but, it's clear he was going to be a star no matter what. Kris won our hearts and his pretty little wife was glowing with pride! She seems equally as sweet. I hope the IDOL MACHINE doesn't come between them. I can't imagine having the whole world srceaming and grabbing at Matt in our first year of marriage. This is the older married women coming out in me but...I hope they have a good support group of married couples around them to keep them grounded cause they are in for the ride of a lifetime. This show changed their life forever. Kris went from being a college student to well, an American Idol! THAT'S A HUGE SHIFT! I love the show. My husband and I watch every week and we love sitting on the couch and judging/praising the contestants as the sing and then criticzing the judges if we think they got it wrong! It's the only show I know that kids, parents and grandparents watch and love. But, we all know it's the 13 year olds that pick the Idol every year. Who else is going to spend 4 hours texting their vote over and over? I never vote but, love the drama!

Congratulations Kris! So sad that we have to wait until January for the whole thing to start again...is it true that Simon won't be back next year???

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To Perm or Not to Perm...

I love changing my hair! I have had almost every kind of style and color at some point in my life...well, no buzzed/spiked hair yet but, everything else! And I've had tons of spiral and body perms! I love them because it's a softer look. Kinda a combination of classy and free flowing. That's why they work for the summer months! Plus, the flat-ironed straight is getting old and curling iron my hair every time I wash is way too much work. So, I'm considering a perm. If I go through with it I'll definitely post a picture. Aughhh, even though I've done it before it makes me a little nervous...there's no going back with a perm. You get it and it is what it is until it grows out! CRAZY!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the matter!

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Let's Give 'em Something to talk about...

Okay, so those of you who read my blog know I am random sometimes. This will be one of those times. Picture this: I got all dolled up for my night away with Matt...new top, heals, curled hair, fancy make-up, funky jewelry...the whole nine yards! We walk into our Downtown Minneapolis hotel to check in (side note: you know when you rarely get out you really try and act the part so no one knows...yah this was one of those times) and as I was giggling with Matt I miss my step and fall like a sack of potatoes on the very hard marble steps in the Hotel Lobby. I know you're all laughing but feeling my pain right now! Seriously, it was so much pain. But, in normal Noemi form, I fell and got up quick and then tried to pretend it didn't hurt to make everyone who saw me fall feel better. Why do we do that? I had to breathe my way through the throbbing pain in my knee and ankle. More then that I had to regain my composure! After a few minutes I felt fine and continued to wear my heals for our four block walk to our restaurant and back. Not smart...but, I looked cute!

My ankle is all puffed out and my knee is green with bruising. how embarrassing! Seriously, I need walking classes or lessons in gracefulness. Any tips?

I'll live but, I had to share! Any other embarrassing moments you can share to make me feel better?

P.S. HAVE A WONDERFUL MOTHER'S DAY! Looks like I'll be wearing flats tomorrow and bringing an ice pack to church!

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Love is in the air!

It's almost 80 degrees out...cool breeze...the perfect day! I'm planning weddings. I love this time of year...chatting with brides, organizing schedules, dreaming of "the perfect moment" and planning how to get it! Thank you to my brides who have chosen me and trust me to capture their day. I count it a priviledge and it makes me smile.

To top it off I'm going away with my sweetie Matt! We're leaving the kiddos for the first time since Leyton was born and we'll be romancing our way through Minneapolis Friday and Saturday. Just him and I and my HUGE cameras! LOL. Yup. One of our favorite things to do is bring the big cameras, take pictures that don't matter, talk to each other, walk some more, find cool angles and laugh a lot. The stuff you don't get to do when you have two gorgeous kids needing your attention. It's going to be love-ly. I'm sure you'll be seeing some of those shots a little later.

i don't know what your plans are for this weekend but, have fun...of course, call mom.

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Etsy?

Have you heard of it? Up until recently I had not. Then a friend of mine opened up a store front on this website of all handmade stuff...totally amazing! I had to share it with my readers. The shop is called Two Little Tots and it's a mom of twins staying home taking care of them and putting her creative juices to work! LOVE THAT!

Here's a bit more info:

I came up with the name with a little bit of help from friends, but basically it came down to, I have two little tots with me 24/7...this is my life, with two little ones, so that is how the name was born.

Currently, I am selling burp cloths, hooded towels and hair clips.  I have a list a mile long of other great ideas for tots and kids.  One thing that is not listed in my shop at this time are crayon rolls.  They are so cute and great for little ones...just throw them in your handbag and you are set with 16 crayons for tons of creative fun!  Please see the attached pictures of several crayon rolls.

They sell for $15.00, plus $3.00 for shipping.  Please stop by the shop and take a look around and if you have any little ones to buy for...do a little shopping!

Please note:  The pictures show girly crayon rolls.  I do have some more boyish ones, I just didn't have any pictures yet!

Since most of you live in the area, if you are interested in an item and do not want to pay for shipping, I completely understand.  We can work out an arrangement for pick-up.

Again, I hope this email finds all of you well and enjoying life.  Please let me know if you have any questions, either by emailing me at this email address or twolittletots@comcast.net.

I will be listing some new items in a few weeks, I will keep you updated on new items in the shop via email.  Please let me know if you would like to be taken off this email list.

Thanks so much for your support!

Melissa

So, if you're looking for amazing shower gifts or a fun birthday present for your own kids...look no further and be a blessing to a mom as the same time!

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Looking at others help you see yourself...

i was at the library today with my daughter. I played with her, read her a couple of books, she performed a puppet show for me and then was walking around a circle of short stools for a bit. After all of that, which was about 10 minutes, I was ready to grab a gardening magazine and let her play...but she got going on something else so I sat back down. Then a dad and daughter came over and of course I started to people watch. Adriah is fearless and walks over pushing a puppet into their faces and making funny noises. Then the girls start playing and the dad sits down, pulls out his blackberry and is on his phone the whole time. I kept watching thinking, "Nice, you come to the library for a Saturday "family outing" and you're on your computer/phone the whole time???" It got me thinking about how we parent and how much our girls just want us to watch all the silly things they do...even when it's boring for us and we could totally be more entertained doing something else. It was then - in the midst of judging this poor dad- that I realized I was about to do the same thing 5 minutes earlier. BUMMER. It's easy to say you want to invest in your kids. It's easy to judge other people for not spending time with their kids. It's hard to put aside "my entertainment" and focus on her and her alone. I'm learning to slow down and this was one of those life lessons I had to see it to make it sink in. I want my kids to remember me playing with them and not resenting it or making them feel like they are always bothering me. Isn't that what i wanted from my parents? YUP.

Anyways, all that to say, how fun with your family! When you are with them be with them and when you need to get stuff done...don't feel bad because you invested when you could!

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Gardening and More...

I got this email from my sister-in-law right after my last post and I thought it was beautiful and she said it would be okay if I shared it with you. Maybe we'll all get inspire to plant stuff and take pictures this year! Hope so because there's something about gardening that makes me feel like I will have come into my own. Kinda like the feeling people get when they don't like coffee but feel like they need to keep trying it because it's the adult thing to do! Anyways, back to her email...

If people don't have time or space for a veggie garden, a CSA share (or share a share with someone else) is a great idea. It supports a local, organic farmer, it exposes you (and your children) to varieties of food which may not even be at farmer's markets, and it provides tips and recipes for how to use that produce. Often, you can also participate in events at the farm with your children, showing them where their food comes from.

You can find out about CSAs in Minnesota (many deliver all over the Twin Cities, at co-ops, and at farmer's markets) at this web site:

http://www.landstewardshipproject.org/csa.html

Other web sites which focus on practical gardening projects, particularly for moms to involve their kids in:

http://simplemom.net/garden-with-your-kids/

http://www.yougrowgirl.com/thedirt/2007/04/13/toilet-roll-seed-starter/#more-634

http://fimby.tougas.net/urban-raised-bed-gardening

I have been studying why gardening is transforming me: it reminds me of how God works, of the acceptance required in parenting and of the repeated letting go we have to do throughout our lives. We can have faith and we can plant and water the seeds and we can nurture them, but we cannot make them grow or live beyond their natural life cycle. Their beauty is here for a time and is in more than just their flowers and we just have to accept that.

"There is a constant process of renewal that is always visible among plants, which means that when you're a gardener, there's always hope. The magnificent thing about a garden is that it is never, ever the same from one hour to the next. The light, the wind, the angle of the plants' leaves, the energy levels--they're always changing."

"Everything grows and changes in a garden. Try to hold onto a beautiful blossom and it changes, almost as you're watching it. Create the perfect design and it achieves its own perfection that wasn't what you had in mind, or the seeds you planted never come up, or they come up in different places than where you sowed them."

"It's always a comfort to see the plants come back every year. It's an affirmation that I, too, can get through anything. There's a reassurance that if the plants can hang on, I can hang on too."

"Anything that lives where it would seem that nothing could live, enduring extremes of hot and cold, sunlight and storm, parching aridity and sudden cloudbursts, any such creature; beast, bird, or flower, testifies to the grandeur and heroism inherent in all forms of life. Including the human. Even in us."

Enjoy!

Rachel

Oh, the quotes are from one of the books I have been reading:

Tending the Earth, Mending the Spirit: The Healing Gifts of Gardening (Paperback)

by Connie Goldman (Author), Richard Mahler (Author)

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Rain, rain, go away?

Normally I'd be bummed about the amount of rain we've had over the last couple of days but, it's been fun to watch my plants come alive. It's a funny thing buying a house in October...I never got to see the plants bloom last year so, I'm pleasantly surprised every time I look out my window. Seriously, every day I'm like, "Ohh there's a plant there? I thought that was a bunch of weeds." I don't have any plant/garden knowledge but, I plan to learn. I think it's a part of loving your home and getting older...I don't know why but, mostly older people love gardening...maybe they know something I don't! AND I am getting older...so maybe it's just time! I had all these lofty ideals of planting a veggie garden but, it's all a bit overwhelming at the moment! There's so much that still needs to be done inside our home. So, my neighbor came up with the greatest idea! Since we're both stay at home mom's we're going chose a different farm's market to explore every other week this summer and we're going to find out what we love, what grows well in Minnesota, what grows easily and any other questions that come up. I know I'll have tons! I'm totally excited to do research and be ready for the green thumb I'm going to grow for next year!

We just ordered blinds (tired of feeling like I being watched!) and I had no idea how much it would cost to cover windows...seriously! Curtains are next. I'm a creative person you'd think it would be easy for me to pick out creative parts of my home but, I get so overwhelmed by all the options and I can talk myself in or out of every idea! AUGGH! I understand why people pay someone to come in and pick it for them...but, that's not an option for me! I just have to decide and return it if it's the wrong choice. I just like to make the right choice the first time...and not waste time. Oh well. I'll let you know how it goes. Any suggestions before I buy?

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Something to make you smile...

there's nothing like this innocence of a four year old...

P.S. I few weeks ago I was talking about all the Birthdays we have going on in our family and I mistakenly wrote that Matt was turning 37 when he's actually turning 36! BIG BUMMER...one, that I forgot his age and two, that a friend had to point it out! Well, here's my reason, I threw him a huge party for his 35 and it felt like ages ago. Leyton was only a couple weeks old and I was kinda foggy...that feels like years ago.

So, sorry Matt...i love you dearly! Happy 36th Birthday to the most amazing man I've ever met! I would chose you again in a second...you are everything I ever wanted and more!

www.noemiphotography.com

My baby is four...

Yesterday i felt like my mom. I totally told Adriah the story of how she came into the world, how much I loved St. Francis hospital and the midwife I had, how much i loved kissing her on the mouth because she was mine and how blessed I am to have her in my life. She stills makes me smile every day. I love being home with her. Seriously, she's my favorite little girl in the whole world...a gift to me! Just wanted you to know that. It amazing to step back and be thankful. I know it's so much easier to analyze everything that is wrong with your life...be intentional, be thankful...you won't regret it!

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SUSAN BOYLE...

I've watched this youtube video of this sweet woman singing Les Miserables several times...and it brings me to tears every time! Everyone deserves a chance to be heard. AND sometimes we miss out on an incredible gift because we judge the package...I love shows that let us see those gifts!!!! They wouldn’t let me embed the code but here’s the link…definitely worth watching!

I'd love to hear your thoughts after you see it!

www.noemiphotography.com

The Perfect Easter...

...isn't about perfectly cooked dinner and a clean house! (although I still like those things) Yesterday I had a full house - 10 kids and 8 adults! It was perfect and loud and crazy and fun and wild and filled with tons of memories! We were together and that's so much more important then place settings. It was good crazy. Sometimes that stresses me out but, it didn't yesterday! This is our life...we are in a crazy season but, I wouldn't change it for anything. I laughed a ton and shared my life, my kids with the people I care about. I am thankful for the wonderful people around me. AND that they helped clean up afterwards. I am blessed.

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Easter is precious to me.

I love that Easter is in the Spring and that both are a symbol of new beginnings. My life has been turn upside down and all around this year as I have deepened my commitment to the Lord. It's impossible to think about Easter and not talk about Him. I am who I am today because of it. If this is your first time reading my blog or you come and read my ramblings every day I want you to know I'm in love! He makes me smile.

Nothing to do with pictures, everything to do with my reason for living.

Richest blessings on you and your family during this season of remembering.

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I'm thinking...

...you know when winter gets just a little long and you're really wanting it to be Spring? That's how a feel today. I want to pack up (all the chunky winter stuff) and move on (hello, summer clothes!) I love the sun, being outside, going for walks, sitting on the deck, playing on the grass, dreaming about my garden (check out this cool site my sister-in-law sent me...it's for people like me who don't know anything about gardening but want to try and succeed at it!), figuring out my landscaping, wearing sunglasses, going to the pool, and of course, taking pictures of all of it! It's suppose to be nice by the end of the week! Things are looking up!

What's your favorite summer "anything"?

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Pictures are amazing ways to keep memories!

I'm starting to decorate my house with pictures of our family. One of my dear friends made the startling realization that I take tons of pictures and don't have many up of my family! NOT GOOD! So, in my normal over-achiever way, I got right on that project! I have had tons of fun looking at pictures, going through old albums, pulling out old frames and more then anything...dreaming about how I want to display our life in our home! It's so much fun! Of course it's going to take me forever to get it perfect but, I'm loving the process so, I don't mind. My highlight, so far, has been listening to Adriah's comments and memories as she spends time gazing at each image. She remembers so much! People's names, where we were, what we were doing and more! I'm talking details...more then I remember! She's an amazing little girl...I loved looking through photo albums with her today. Maybe someday she'll read over past blog entries and know how much it meant to me. :) Love having a little girl for that reason. I could just see Leyton saying, "What mom, you have a blog?"

AND FOR THAT REASON everyone needs to print their pictures. They do nothing for you in your computer. PRINT! PRINT! PRINT! And love decorating your home with your family memories. It will make you smile and it will cause others to feel like they know you and your family more...just by looking at your memories. Doesn't this make you want to come over and help me? Nope. You can't. I'll take a video when I'm done and show you my finished product.

I love my new home...I'll love it more when it's filled with our memories. Until then, it's just a house.

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Adriah flying the plane???

I was going back over my vacation pictures and decided I had to blog what happening on our flight back from South Carolina...We boarded with the first class passengers (because with two kids we need "extra time" to get settled) and on our way in the pilot falls in love with Adriah and asks her if she would like to fly the plane? Since 911 I barely look at the pilot let alone ask if it's possible to see the cockpit...do you remember the good'ol days? I was shocked and so excited for Adriah. Matt took Leyton to our seats and I stayed to watch. This pilot was so kind...he taught her how to turn the wheel, look at flight maps, holler out the window at the guys below, and push buttons to make the plane go. After a few minutes he turns to me and says, "Don't you want to take any pictures?" Funny question huh? I had my two huge cameras and lenses in my backpack and didn't want to take them out to turn this wonderful moment into a full fledged photo shoot! But, now I had too! It was kinda embarrassing cause now the rest of the passengers were boarding and I must of looked like the biggest over achiever mom ever!

At the end the pilot asks Adriah if she wants to talk to her Daddy? He hands her the phone and tells her to talk. So, on the loud speaker Matt hears Adriah say, " Hi  Daddy, I'm on the airplane. I got a map incase we get lost!" It was so cute!

Thank you Northwest for such a sweet memory!

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I'm friends with the new Mrs. Minnesota!

Now that's a blog title I never thought I'd write but, one of my good friends Tami Krause was just crowned Mrs. Minnesota International! YEAH TAMI! Check out her gorgeous profile on the website.  She told me last night she's planning on starting a blog...you can follow her all year! She is the sweetest person...I love her so much! Her platform is awesome...the American Heart Association! As a side note, she also won the Mrs. Minnesota National competition a few years ago! I dug up the old profile for your viewing pleasure!

I was on vacation when they had the competition but I would've loved to have been there to cheer her on! As it turns out she didn't need me!

She'll be competing in Chicago for Mrs. International...I can't wait! I'm weird about pageants, cheerleadering and dance...I was never involved in any of it but I love it all! I'm her biggest fan. I'll let you know if she wins!

So, this isn't necessary normal blog material but, because this is going on my life I blog about it!I'm random sometimes :)

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