Standing...Almost 15 Months

Z is getting so close to walking, but he just doesn't seem to care. He likes to stand, especially if someone is paying attention. Today my dad came over and as he was leaving, he was trying to get Z to walk to him. He took three steps so my dad called me in to the living room to watch. Z wouldn't perform for me, but as Grandpa started to leave and we were all saying our goodbyes, Z stood up and took three more steps toward Grandpa and the front door. Grandpa then walked back over to Z and tried to encourage more walking. He wouldn't have anything to do with it, until I threatened again that Grandpa needed to go "bye bye." He stood up again and took a couple steps, then dropped to a crawl and hustled over to try to sneak out the door with Grandpa!

We are all having so much fun watching this sweet little man's personality explode, and he is full of himself. He reminds me of a little monkey with his goofy sounds and his crazy climbing skills. He is up on the bar or the kitchen table before I know it and can get on all the couches and chairs in the house. One of his favorite places is Grandma's wooden coffee table - he'll watch a little tv up there and climb down to play with toys or his big brothers. We just can't get enough of Baby Z and although it is a little late for him to walk, I'm ok with his mischevious crawling and climbing at this point. Walking might present a whole new world of problems for us!

the other two shots...

Get Lucky Today!

Babies...

I've been working on getting my photography portfolio in order and have had the opportunity to take do shoots with some awesome babies and families. I will update my photo site with more soon, but here's a little sneak peek of three beautiful newborn baby boys and a gorgeous five-month-old girl...

More to Share...

My sister sent me a site that had cute mom cards, and I had to design some of my own. Friends, I apologize for the use of your names, and you will realize none of the contact information is correct. I hope you don't mind me using you for samples...I just couldn't come up with creative names on my own and these styles actually ended up respresenting these friends' personalities!

I'm going to include these if I ever really get my "KatTails Design" website up for custom cards, annoucements, invites, etc...and I am thinking $20 for a set of 48...they are 2 x 3.5 (business card size) and one could give these to friends, babysitters, car-pool-ies, etc...just thought it was a unique way to set the cool moms apart from the lamers. Kidding, but really, a penny for your thoughts? (click on the image for a better view.)

Neglect Not...

In an effort to share my stuff I've been desiging etc... here's a little handout from a YW lesson I taught earlier this year. A good thought for the day, you ALL have gifts, don't forget it!

happy birthday puppy!

February 28th was our little girl's birthday...can't believe she's a year old already. She is a fun dog and we're glad we have her, alhtough she is in a little bit of a phase right now and I am not only learning patience with my kids, but add the dog to the mix. I'm calling it spring fever, with the hope that she'll mellow out soon. Happy Birthday Tiera!

Done

Hi my name is Zachary, my mom is a photographer and I am officially sick of her taking my picture.

DailyDropCap

on't you love this capital D? I found this site today in my Communication Arts magazine. Jessical Hische does one of these each day and I just dig it. Design and photography are being such fun passions for me...I love the feeling of creating. I should share some recent designs and fun stuff I've been doing. Maybe I will.

Love Blooms

Jon gave me these gorgeous lillies for valentines and they have just been getting better everyday!

Pack N Play

I want to thank the inventor of the Pack-n-Play. We painted my sister-in-law's nursery last week and Z took a little nap in his play pen. As you can see, he woke up happy!

LOVE.

Luke's Valentines

My friend, Rachel told me about this cute idea for Luke's class valentines. Thanks Rach, what would I do without creative friends?!

Girly Things

My friend Amy is having a baby girl after two boys and she had her shower on Saturday. I couldn't just give her diapers in a box, and my mom taught me presentation is 90 percent, so here's what I took to the shower.

The cute pink base is actually a Baby Laundry cuddle size blanket - the backgrounds too. (Stay tuned for a post coming soon about that fabulous company.) And I do have to say how impressed I am with Amy's sisters/family and the amazing shower they threw her. It was picture perfect. And the bedding her sister made her....stunning. So glad I could be a part of it.

Someone Likes the Stairs!

Growing Up Too Fast

I snapped a couple pics of Lukie after church yesterday and when I imported them today, I was shocked at how grown up he looks. He's getting a little "too cool" for mom and her camera happy attitude. I love this kid. He's growing up way too fast.

Blast From the Past

We were up at the in-laws and the boys wanted to look through the old albums, so I snapped a couple shots of my favorites. The first one is Jon and his little brother Rob, who looks a lot like a certain little happy baby who lives at our house.

I probably should have dropped these into photoshop and cleaned them up a little, but I love the old grainy feel and let's face it, I'm not that good at finishing my blogging projects. Hope you enjoy!

Get in Shape...Back Online

Feeling LOTS better, down six total lbs. going to workout everyday for the rest of the week. Planning a temple date with the hubby, and working on everything all at once! What other way is there!?

Funny.

I was just looking back on some posts and comments and I had a funny thought about the comments from my check list post. Some of you acted as though I actually DO those things everyday and insinuated my awesomeness. It just made me giggle a little because what I actually accomplish everyday is oh so short of that check list! Oh I wish that I were that efficient - the fact of the matter is I probably check off a few items on that list everyday and for sure we play hide and seek everyday!

I have so many things I need to update on this blog and because of my lack of organization, I am posting them here for a list I will remember to look at!

Luke's Birthday pictures
Christmas - hello!
Games and holiday fun fun fun
Cute newborn baby pictures I took
My favorite baby blankets of all time
Disneyland day 2 - wasn't that OCTOBER?!
and more...I'm sure I am forgetting a lot.

Yuck.

I just had a cyst under my arm "lanced" and it is supposed to start feeling better any minute. It was gross and I will spare you all the gorey details. However, I am using it as my excuse for being out of the blogging world lately. Life will shortly return to normal and I will eventually post something and then be behind again!


Also, to those few of you who knew I had this stupid thing going on, it's gone now and I am fine. I am especially spoiled to have an excellent physician for a father-in-law and a mom who was willing to drop everything and come babysit me Friday during my semi-septic state. Jon took off work and came with me to the doctor today. Through texts, (since the kids were in the car with him) he comforted my uneasy nerves about the little procedure. It's done and I am very happy to close this teeny tiny little chapter in the book of Kat.

On a MUCH happier note, I am getting some things in place to launch the new KatTails Photography site and my KatTails Design cards and stationery biz. It's definitely a process and as much as I wish I could get it all up and running overnight, it will take a little time. I found a fabulous place for printing photos and cards and I am in love with some of the papers I get to use for baby announcements, wedding invitations, birthday cards, valentine greetings, you name it. I'm so excited!

Happy Monday. It's a new week. Starting now.

Happy Birthday Luke!

Seven years ago, our lives changed. We became parents to one of the sweetest, most thoughtful little boys ever. He's always been a little unconventional - flipping breech in my 39th week of pregnancy, causing me to start down the road of c-sections. He had some of the funniest tricks I've ever seen with a baby, like his rolled tongue smile and his silly kissy face. He still has such a silly sense of humor.

Although he does drive me bonkers sometimes, I wouldn't trade anything for my sweet little man. For tradition sake, here are seven things I love about my little Lukester:

1. His seven-year-old toothless smile is SO contagious and genuine. Nothing makes him flash it more than getting to see his cousins.

2. I love his deep blue denim eyes. All three of my boys got their dad's blue eyes and I love it. Luke's are the bluest right now, and it's possible to get lost in them!

3. I love how thoughtful Luke can be. Lately, it's been all about him more, but when he is thinking of others, I don't think there is anyone sweeter.

4. He is a GREAT big brother. He shares his cool toys with Harry and always makes Z giggle. Each morning Z gets his little Luke fix and it makes us all happy.

5. Luke is super smart. He loves to read and he remembers EVERYTHING, which reminds me a lot of his cousin Dax. He loves learning random facts...ask him what pi is sometime.

6. I know I'm going to jinx myself for this one, but I love that Luke is FINALLY a good sleeper.

7. Finally, I love Luke's thirst for the Gospel. He is always asking questions about what is right and why we believe the way we do. He loves family home evening, reading scriptures, and always remembers to pray for his Uncle Steve on his mission. He'll be a great missionary someday - too soon for me I'm sure!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUKE! We love you SO much!

Daily Checklist

I couldn't sleep last night, and my brain wouldn't shut down, so I mentally compiled my daily checklist. It varies a little day to day, but I think this is a good sample of a day for me. I thought it might be funny to look back on in ten years and see what I tried to accomplish each day (in no particular order)...Maybe by then I will have mastered one of these!

Laundry - wash, fold AND put away- so much for mondays being my laundry day - it takes me all week!
Play hide and seek with Harry - yep everyday.
Dishes
Tidy kitchen (wednesday is the scour the kitchen day)
Tidy bathrooms (tuesdays are my usual cleaning day.)
Read with Luke
Help Luke with homework
Check email and FB - and a few blogs
Update my blog (3x week)
Read scriptures
Look at/think about next YW lesson/make handouts
Touch base with mom, amy, and a few friends
Workout
Play tug-o-war with the dog
Vaccuum one room
Kiss my kids
Celebrate life

Is my day similar to yours?

Get In Shape Update 1

Did pretty well...could have done better. Down two pounds, feeling a little less crazy with the house and life in general, had a fun FHE and helped Harry with his talk for Primary Sunday. He did a great job and was too cute. Luke gave the opening prayer and I realized his voice is GREAT over the mic. He'll be a good little speaker.

Things are good. Better this week...

The Middle Child

Whenever I do a little shoot with Baby Z, Harry always wants a picture taken. I should post a series of the shots of Harry from the many various times I've set up my "natural light studio" in the kitchen! I do love this sweet little face.

wow.

So I just have to vent for one second and I rarely do that here on my blog. But I posted a funny useless fact on FB today and a "friend" of mine spent THREE comments' worth to show that my "fact" was wrong. Is it just me or does that bug anyone else?

I just LOVE the people who always have to be right. Obviously I don't care if the fact was myth or not, I just thought it was funny. Shame on me.

Thank you, I feel much better now.

Mr. One Year Old

Hoops

Luke is playing city league basketball in the Kindergarten/1st grade division and is having a blast. Thanks to my dad for coming to both games so far, my sanity is still intact. The other two boys are a little restless, and that's a gross understatement. As for the skill level of these little critters, I just have to remind myself it's not an idicator of any future atheltic abilities. Fun is definitely the main objective.

There was a little camp for the kids over Christmas break and coaches and players from the Utah Flash coached the kiddos. As we were walking out, Luke told me, "My coach this year is Mark Madsen and my team is the Utah Flash." I cracked up that he thought Mark MadDog Madsen, former Stanford and LA Lakers star and coach of the Flash was his little city league coach!

Here are a few shots I took the first day. My ISO was bumped up to 2000 at least, since the florescent lighting there was so incredibly awesome.

Quote of the Day - Harrison Age 4

"Mom, Ivy and I are the King and Queen of Ancient Egypt. Um and oh yeah, we have mummy dogs."

GET IN SHAPE 2010

Every new year, and countless times throughout the year, I start a new fitness routine, diet, detox - you name it. I also have recurring goals regarding the temple, journal/blog, scripture study, and family home evening. Then there's the part of me that feels extreme guilt for not growing my mind intellectually as I feel like each baby I have zaps a fraction of my once-bright mind. . I start lots of books each year and try to learn something new once in awhile. And don't even get me started on my housekeeping routines. It's simply time to change all this.

For the last couple months, I have been feeling the need to REALLY get in shape. And as athletically minded as I am, I don't just mean physically. Yes, it is important to be healthy and I believe our spirits need strong bodies to accomplish all the things required of us. Of course I want to be back in a size 6-8 and not be so self conscious at my uncle's pool or on my sister's boat in the summertime. But being physcially in shape is just a part of it. I'm feeling just as flabby and soft spiritually and intellectually. Those areas really need a workout in my life - and I include the house, although I'm not really sure what it fits under, it needs to be part of my "new routine."

So for 2010, my motto is "GET IN SHAPE." As with everything in my life, it's a work in progress. Last night Jon and I sat down and wrote goals for each part. The plan is to review those goals together every week and check up on each other. We committed to each other to do something each day to improve in each area - even if that just means for the intellectual side, that we look up a new word that day, or spiritually that we read a couple verses of the Book of Mormon together, or physically, twenty minutes on the eliptical, a little weights, or even a few extra trips up and down the stairs.

The hardest part for me is it's never a quick fix. It's a process and I need to accept that it will take some time to change old habits and to see results. Each area takes a little more focus, a little more effort and at the end of the year, I think it will all be a lot better. It's going to be a great year, and it really is the year for me and my little family to GET IN SHAPE.

I don't really have a ton to say - I am rediculously behind in this blog and haven't updated the photography blog forever, but I just felt the need to touch base with the old bloggity blog. We had a fantastic holiday break with both sides of the family, lots of games, fun, family and yummy food. I definitely did my part in the national weight gain that occurs every December and I have many plans and great intentions all starting next week.

I have been sick basically since the marathon birthday week that happens in our family right before Christmas. I wore myself down before Harry's party and paid the price for the last few weeks and completely missed all the wonderful holiday smells with the coldish-sinus junk that seems to go around all winter. I did finally get on an antibiotic this week and am starting to realize my sense of smell has almost returned. In a lot of ways, as a mom, I kinda miss not being able to smell. O well.

I have all kinds of resolutions and plans for 2010, so stay tuned for '09 updates, blog changes, a new photog/cards website, and a regular fitness report.(My theme for 2010 is "GET IN SHAPE - physically, intellectually, spiritually, etc...") I need to be accountable to someone...maybe the blog will work! I have a TON going on this week, so my new year really begins on the 10th. See you then!

HAPPY 2010!

Hope everyone had a marvelous holiday season. Welcome 2010 - what do you have in store for us this year?!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Happy Birthday ZACHARY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO Z! One sweet little wonderful boy joined our family a year ago today. He was even thoughtful enough to break my water a day earlier than my c-section was planned so we could come home on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas morning. His sweet demeanor fills our house with a great spirit and we are so blessed to have him around. He's always good for a smile, a "gimme five," and a snuggle, but his favorite thing in the world is taking a bath. I have few pictures of these awesome moments because he splashes so high and makes such a mess, I fear for my camera!

Thanks for making 2009 extra fun, Baby Z. We love you!

'Twas the Nightmare Before Christmas

Harrison's party was a big hit and I think all the kids had fun. They played "Jack, Jack, Zero," got all dressed up like mummies, had Jack Skellington cupcakes, and watched a little of the movie so mom could transition from one activity to the next. The birthday boy was perfect and gracious, making sure he said thanks to everyone as he opened up their presents.

More family party pictures to come...

Happy Birthday Harrison!

I can't believe it's been four years since this little cutie joined our family. His birthday was actually Saturday and we partied all day. I have oh so many birthday party pictures I will post hopefully later today but I wanted to do a quick little tribute to the birthday boy. Saturday morning, he and Luke bounded down the stairs with excitement that Harry was now four. Luke said, "Mom, Harry comes all the way up to here (putting his hand at about his armpit) now, he is FOUR."

Since he's four now, I thought I would say four of my favorite things about the little guy.
1. He's passionate - this can be good or bad, but when he cares about something, he REALLY cares. This is especially fun when he's in a tickly, silly, or snuggly mood.
2. He looks up to his big brother. I love that these two get along so well. Harry waits for Luke to get home from school and practically has the rest of the day planned out for him.
3. I've posted this before, but the kid will try any food once, and I love that. His favorite food is still "snushi."
4. He's got the FUNNIEST sense of humor. Yesterday I made breakfast for lunch and with his little turkey sausage link on his fork, he exclaimed, "It's.....a......flying sausage!" Another favorite was on the way to the festival of trees, he told his Aunt Emily he was "walking like a dwarf." Where does he get this stuff?

We had a great day Saturday and can't thank his friends and family enough for making it a very special birthday. Happy Birthday Harry, we love you!

December

Last year I was pregnant at this time with Z, about ready to pop and it seemed like there were a million things in December. I remember there were something like 14 family functions in the month on one side alone and I keep wondering how I got everything done last year. Christmas Eve is one week from tomorrow and I feel so unprepared.

I did get my Christmas decorations up around Thanksgiving and I really like how they turned out this year. The funny thing is we don't have any Christmas functions scheduled here; we have a Nightmare Before Christmas party coming up this weekend for Harrison and I saved some Halloween decor to mix with Christmas stuff.

We just haven't had a million things to go to this month but thanks to Jon's sister, Emily who won tickets to the Jazz game on Monday night, we had a fun date night with them. The Jazz played like garbage and lost to the Timberwolves, but sitting lower bowl was nice and one of my highlights was that they now have Red Mango at the Energy Solutions Arena. Yum.

I said "relatively" busy and that's just it. I don't get why I feel so less capable of getting more done when there is less to do. I guess that's it. My mom always said if you wanted to get something done, ask a busy person. I guess I'm just not busy enough. Better go do the mountain of laundry or sink full of dishes. Gotta start somewhere I suppose.

Funny. Thanks from Tom and Amy.

Twilight Years from Tom on Vimeo.

Festival of Trees

Earlier this week Aunt Emily asked me if the boys would like her to take them to the Festival of Trees Saturday. I thought it sounded like fun too, so off we went. The crowds were huge, and a little less than polite at times - something I will never understand is literally pushing people out of your way to make your way through something like this - but oh well. We had fun, thanks for the idea Em!

Here are some highlights...

Santa Clause is Coming...

On Saturday after a barrage of fit-throwing, ungrateful, attitudes from two un-named little boys, I called Santa and told him to fly on by our house this year. It's true. I did it in front of the kids too. They sat there speechless, as I discussed their naughtiness with the big Christmas cheese.

Several days later, I am pleased to report my heart was softened, and we're back on Santa's Christmas Eve schedule.

I should do this every year. The boys have been fabulous the last four days.

Happy Holidays

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today

This silly video mysteriously stopped working and I'm having trouble re posting it - so you can check it out here if you want! Happy Holidays!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thankful for Little Miracles

Saturday night, Luke knocked my terabyte external hard drive off the desk and it broke. I can't even recount all the details because it still shakes me up, but it suffice to say that today I am thankful for Uncle Mike (Jon's sister Jenny's hubby) and his hardware expertise and tools. He saved the day and recovered almost everything on the drive.

Thanks Mike and Jenny for being available in our hour of need!