Taking Initiative

What a wonderful word!  I have been praising Audrey for this word these last couple of days.  She still has a hard time saying the word but she fully understands its meaning.  I took some advice a while back that as a parent, you want to highlight the positives and down play the negatives to get the results you NEED out of your children.  I have for a while been praising Audrey for being sensitive to Lauren's needs and wants, and celebrating when Audrey does a sweet deed for anyone.  I try not to go on and on when she does something wrong but really ham it up when she gets it right.  Yes, I am that silly Mama over there clapping her hands and yelling WoooHooo when Audrey cleans up her mess at the grocery store.  I am a pleaser by nature and understand the importance of giving accolades when ever possible!  What can I say...I love making people feel good!

Well yesterday, I asked Audrey to make up her bed and I told Lauren to go and make up her bed.  You know...trying to keep things somewhat fair when chores are involved.  So, I hear Audrey explaining the steps required to making a bed to Lauren.  Then after making her bed she tells Lauren, "Look let me make your bed for you so we can love on Mama.  This will make her heart so Happy!"  Can you believe this kid?  Amazing...

This shot is right after I over hear her talking with Lauren.  I tell her that I want to capture Audrey taking initiative.  

Here she is showing me how she did it! 

The word of the day...initiative |iˈni sh (ē)ətiv|

1 the ability to assess and initiate things independently : use your initiative,imagination, and common sense.
I love Audrey so very much!  Thank you for being my big girl who is doing some amazing things!
Have an amazing day everyone!

My first practice Maternity Photo Shoot

True...it is a maternity photo shoot but it was not as stressful since the Mama is my sister-in-law.  And to make it even easier...she is BEAUTIFUL and has the most amazing skin ever!  I cannot believe this woman does not have a stretch mark on her.  I on the other hand look like a road map has been indented on my belly.  But lets not go on with my many imperfections.  I have to admit for this photo shoot, I really did not know what I was doing.  I just tried to go in with the attitude that I am still learning and you do not know how it will look until you try.  So...take a look and let me know what you think.

This is her son Jax giving her a flower.

Kara and Jax.

I love that he is showing me where his baby brother is.

Love the sweetness of this shot.

This one I really liked as well.  

I saw something similar to this on clickin' moms and I thought I would try it out.  I have to admit...love it!

This one is the reality of boys...always off running when possible!

This is a sweet shot. 

I tried to make an artistic belly shot.  I have to admit it turned out pretty good.  What do you think?

Here I was trying to be artistic again.  I think it turned out pretty good!

Seriously...she is just so beautiful!  

Thank you Kara, for letting me practice and giving me the opportunity to play and learn.  I cannot get better unless I practice, practice, practice!     

Now, it is count down to I get to meet my new nephew!  Kara is giving me the amazing opportunity to shoot in the delivery room.  Oh...I am so nervous....but I am SO EXCITED!  I am so grateful for the opportunity to practice but to practice on something so special it just  makes me squeal with excitement!

Have an amazing day!

Granbury Beach Day

Living in Texas, we do not have loads of beaches to choose from.  It really is such a shame because the combination of sand and water go together like milk and cookies!  Thankfully I have found Granbury Beach!  This place is free to go to and it has PLENTY of sand and refreshing water to cool off your hot feet from the loads of sand!  It also has a very slow decline to deeper water which is wonderful for little ones.  It also has a splash pad to wash off the sand and a snack stand!  Seriously...this place is a bit of heaven!  The girls and I love it!  Well today I braved the elements and brought my camera and I am so glad I did.  My sister-in-law, Kara, came along with us and she brought her son, Jax.  The best part is Kara is pregnant and she was showing off her BEAUTIFUL Belly for all to see...I wish I was more like her!  Take a look...

Here is Lauren all ready for the beach!  I really love it that is talking more!  It is so fun to hear her say...beach Mama, beach Mama!

Here is Kara taking Jax out to the water.  It is such a beautiful place!

Seriously!!!  How beautiful is she!  I just love the bikini with a belly!  

Here are the girls with Auntie and Jax!  We all had a great time!

I hope you all have some fun in the sun this weekend!

4th of July Weekend

I do love my family.  I love both my in-laws and my family.  I sometimes have to pinch myself because I feel so fortunate to have such a loving family.  For the most part, we spend A LOT of time with my in-laws which is great but for the 4th of July, we loaded up the girls and went to hang out with my family.  It was so much fun!  The girls loved it and Kris and I enjoyed ourselves as well.  Here are a few pictures from our trip!

The girls first ATV ride.  The girls loved riding with Daddy!

I know it may look like Lauren is a bit scared but she loved riding with Daddy.  She asked to ride on it several times.

Of course...I love riding with Daddy!  My mom took this shot...Good job Mama!

Then it was 4th of July and we were about to leave to go to the beach to fish and play in the ocean a bit.  After playing for a while we were going to take the girls to see their first fireworks exhibition!  

But first...I wanted to get a family shot!  Can you tell we were getting a kick out of using the self timer on my camera!

My Mama and Dad then myself and my sister Jennifer followed by Lauren and Audrey.

My Mama and Dad.

Then my family.  I wish these pictures would have turned out better but consider this a hard lesson in bracketing!

I did not take camera on the beach because I was afraid of sand getting in it.  But rest assured it was a blast.  Audrey caught 3 fish and Lauren played in the water and sand.  Then we had dinner and went to see fireworks.  The girls squealed with excitement at each firework that exploded in the sky.  Audrey is still talking about it!  

I hope you all had a great 4th as well.  Have an amazing day!