It's Miller Time!!

So I am back... and its been forever

2011-07-19T13:53:00.000-04:00

I am not sure why it took me so long to get back here to my precious little blog but it did and now I have returned. I am sure that not many of you really missed me but that's just fine with me, I have been busy, LIFE has been busy and I think that's something we can all relate to.

So our annual family vacation to the beach has come and gone already. Oh how I miss relaxing in my

beach chair listening to the ocean and all the many sounds of beach life. Katelyn loved the beach once again and this year didnt eat the sand! Congrats to her for being a big girl this year. :) She of course had to show her little cousin Olivia how things worked when at the beach. From the long walks in the evening (in the stroller for them of course)....

and how to build sand castles and make pools of water.

Olivia was such a sweetie and I love Love LOVE! this picture of her.

at last my little beach beauty sun bathing. If only life could stay like this. more pictures of the beach to come later, and this time it wont take me months I promise.

It's my Birthday and I'll cry if I want to!

2010-09-12T09:30:00.000-04:00

So today I celebrate ME!

With Happy Tears

Its my birthday and I am super excited for this one. The day starts out just lovely with my little girl giving me such a BIG hug and many many kisses! How can a day be bad when it starts like this?

Well I dug out some of my archived photos of me as a little girl. It makes me giggle when I see my old car seat and I just love bringing back all the memories I have of spending time at my Grandmothers farm. Like holding kittens after chasing them down, and picking tomatoes from Grandmas Garden. Something that my daughter loves to do as well. :)

My mom and I

I think I still have those barrettes for my hair (or my daughters hair now)
\

But somewhere along the way I grew up, finished High School, and fell in love with an incredible person. Ryan and I hit it off right away and have been practically inseparable ever since. What am amazing 3 1/2 years.

And of course during those few years together we were Blessed with the arrival of our Daughter Katelyn!! We cant possibly imagine life without her incredible spirit and curiosity.

Our latest family picture at the Beach this June.

I am so Blessed to have such wonderful family to share my life with. My friends are still very dear to my heart and I continue to find new things to celebrate as yet another year passes me by. I look at my Grandmother who has spent many many years living life and I can only wish that when I hit her age and I equally as Blessed as she has been. my birthday wish this year is that time although fun to experience each min, it needs to last longer.

Wishing everyone out there a tremendous birthday or unbirthday whichever one you choose to celebrate Today!

My sweet little girl is growing up!

2010-09-02T22:08:00.000-04:00

So last year around this time I took pictures of Katelyn in her Eagles Cheerleader outfit, of course I am a Green Bay Packers Fan but I got the Eagles to please her Daddy Ryan. She was so adorable and I just loved how sweet she smiled and how she gave her Eagles Cheerleader teddy bear kisses! Melt my heart!

Now she is one year older and the outfit barely fits her but I love the comparison of these 6 pictures. She has changed so much over this past year and I cant begin to imagine what the next year will bring.

Melt my heart over again, I just love these two pictures!

Project Completion!

2010-09-01T10:52:00.000-04:00

So my Parents & Sister are finally Home!! Yippee.

They had a great time and they were very happy to be home again, especially since they wanted to see their new kitchen. Mom is pointing to the quote she spotted almost right away. Daddy didnt say much but I know he like everything, he is just not used to change.

And for those who are interested I actually hand painted the wall quote since 1.) I didnt have time to order one and make sure it arrived on time, and 2.) I think it adds a personal touch since I love to paint.

Katelyn is so thrilled to have everyone home again. She missed them dearly.

I found this awesome frame and thought it just had to be part of Mom's new kitchen, although it does still require a Grandparents picture, but I am sure I can fill it quickly. :)

Katelyn and I were busy taking her 2 yr old photos so that we could fill frames in the new kitchen as well as get ready for her upcoming birthday. I love the way Mom's corner cupboard turned out. Its so simple and functional and just lovely to look at. She had great pieces to choose from and unfortunately I had to leave some things out but I am sure I will find places for them around the house someday.

I love this soap dispenser and I love the storage shelves without water bottles too numerous to count. Moms cookbooks to large to fit on the corner cupboard fit really nice here also.

Below the table is already full of gifts from Euorpe! A swiss girls outfit for Katelyn, it makes me think of the movie Heidi. Aunt Jess brought Katelyn a T-shirt with a lovely windmill on it and my parents gave her chocolate eggs filled with a surprise toy inside.

Phase three

2010-08-27T20:19:00.001-04:00

so I can finally say that..... I am still no where near done! but here is my progress from today I got the patched wall sanded down and painted. The cabinet doors are painted and I started to hang them back up, and finally the corner cabinet is painted.

I feel tired. Katelyn is becoming more restless as we are spending more time at Mimi's house without someone to actually play with her. Casper is just not as fun when he hides from her. :) So Katelyn got to help paint a little bit before her nap and she was tickled pink.
I even got to hang curtains on one of the windows, last night I finished swing them and I hope my mom likes the new look. I can't wait to go back tomorrow to finish hanging the rest of the curtains, finish putting on the lower cabinets and then clean the place up so I can decorate. That's my favorite part.

So this will be the last posting until Tues night when I have completely finished. Till then enjoy using your imagination. Nn

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Phase two

2010-08-20T20:53:00.001-04:00

So today I woke up extra early to hit the yard sales. It was a beautiful day and I was super excited to get some great finds. Pampered chef baking dish $3 Madagascar movie for Katelyn $1 just to name a few. Then of course I headed to moms house to start phase 2 of my painting project. I needed to start the trim painting since the walls are done except for the one which got its first patch job today as well.
So of course Katelyn is crazy hyper today and at first I didn't think I would get anything done until I mentioned coloring and from that point on she was busy making pictures for casper. Every now and then I would check on her and to my surprise she stayed content for the longest time, then all went quiet and the mom in me got really nervous. And Yes my fear turned to reality when I found her with a marker, black of course, all over her arm and legs. Then I found it on the chair as well. SORRY MOM. After that I took away every single marker I could find and hide them out of katelyns reach. Back to painting I went until another moment of silence And Yes she had found a marker, black permanent this time, and it was being used to paint her fingernails. Needless to say Katelyn got a shower at Mimi's house.

So now onto the real reason you have tuned in today.... The paint. I am glad to say that I almost finished the trim in one day. Trust me I am tired. Only the corner cupboard and one last bit of trim on the patched wall to go. After that comes the clean up and decorating. Yippee!

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Phase One Painting

2010-08-17T18:00:00.001-04:00

so today I was planning on getting started on the painting at my parents house. needless to say I had Katelyn along so I didn't expected to get much done but I thought I could at least get something done. and to my surprise Katelyn was a gem. Of course she didn't take a nap and I tried twice to get her down for one but no luck. But even without a nap she was a great help we got the first coat done except for the very top of the walls because I didn't have a ladder tall enough to reach. so I guess tomorrow I will have to come up with a new game plan since I already finished my to do list for tomorrow. Yea for things going smoothly.

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parents renovation project

2010-08-15T13:34:00.001-04:00

so last night was day one of my project to update my parents kitchen. my cousin Dawn came over to help me caulk the wallpaper seams and now it is ready for the first coat of paint. don't worry I will continue to post updates as the project progresses.

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Meet the Good Family

2010-08-03T10:04:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to share this great family! I have known Andrea and Kurt for a long time, Andrea's parents are great friends of mine and my parents. We grew up together at church and share many great memories together. I am thrilled that she contacted me for their family portraits with Kurts family. Turns out my parents know the Good family very well also, so meeting the rest of the family was like meeting long lost friends.

The Good Homestead was a wonderful place for photos, so much charm and personality. It made their pictures special and uniquely them. I had such a wonderful time and I hope you enjoy this wonderful family!

Meet the Martin Family

2010-08-03T09:45:00.000-04:00

The Martins are long time friends of my family and I was so excited to be asked to take their family photos this year. We meet at Lititz Spring Park which is a wonderful location for photos. Unfortunately it was very humid so there was no time to waste with little ones involved. The kids are adorable and they loved having their pictures taken which makes my job so enjoyable it doesnt even seem like work. Thats why I love what I do, making great friends and sharing Gods given talent with others.

Enjoy!

My favorite of the day and completely natural, this is how much they love each other!

beginning of summer

2010-08-03T09:28:00.000-04:00

This summer we have been very busy... We spend one day at Grandmas house every week and Katelyn loves to be there. The farm is full of exciting and fun things, like the puppies this spring, and playing with Trey and Breanne since school is out and Trey is at home now. We also get lots of visitors at the farm, Gerrianna and Katelyn actually had the same dress on one day (and no we did not try this)

Katelyn also loves to run around in the yard and watch the cows in the field, sometimes we even bring her little swimming pool along so hot days are more bearable.

We also watch this adorable little man every week, meet Aidan. He is super sweet and Katelyn is such a big helper.

This summer we also got the chance to spend time with one of Katelyn's favorite persons, her Pappa Miller.

Pappa works for the greatest chocolate company ever! Wilbur in Lititz. For his company picnic we went to Hershey Park for the day, my mother couldnt go last minute so we got to fill her spot. Katelyn was so excited to go.

The first thing we did was go on the chocolate ride, she loved it and was very impressed with the free chocolate snack at the end. This year Katelyn is a Hershey Miniature, such a big girl.

Her favorite ride was the Carousel and I am sure she would have been on it all day long riding every single horse. We had a great time even though she couldnt go on most of the rides but it was just fun hanging out with our Pappa.

Bring back the 80's

2010-05-05T21:17:00.000-04:00

So my lovely sister Jess and her roommate Amanda decided to throw a Bring Back the 80's Prom Party. It was awesome to see everyone dressed up and ready to dance to loud 80's music. Of course my sister had the brilliant idea to hire her sister (me) to be the pro photographer at this prom. I was delighted to take part in this event and I am excited to share a few pictures with all of you. Enjoy!

Puppies!!!!!

2010-04-29T14:38:00.000-04:00

Heading out with Grandma to visit the puppies. Katelyn had to hold Grandma's hand.

We started out holding one of the puppies but ended up having to hold two at a time. She would have had all 8 on her lap if i would have let her.

They are just too cute!

Kisses for Puppies

Bre joined us to make sure Katelyn didnt hurt any of the pups. :) such a funny thing coming out of this girls mouth since her and her brother Trey are not known for being gentle around animals at the farm. :) gotta love kids and how much they love animals

Grandma Days

2010-04-29T14:13:00.000-04:00

Katelyn and I visit Grandma Beiler at the farm one day every week. Breanne loves when we are there because that means she can play with Katelyn. These two girls are quickly becoming great friends.

It might drive Grandma a bit nuts sometimes since these girls can make a lot of noise in her small house but on nice days we enjoy being out in the sun and soaking up all the goodness.

Quiet times when Bre is not home or when Katelyn is soon off to take her nap are a great time for Grandma to spend with Katelyn playing tea party or just reading books. It brings back so many fond memories of my childhood spending time with Grandma.

I love these two pictures the best, reading a book to Grandma and the one of them both looking out the door together, I believe there was a big hay truck delivery going on that day.

Even on rainy days the kids manage to play outside some. Bre was nice enough to take Katelyn for a ride in the barbie jeep even if it was slowly dying from low battery.

Out in the barn we were able to visit with the newborn twin lambs. Charcoal the farm dog was preggo at this time but was due very soon. my next post will include puppy pictures.

I am soooo Sorry.... it's been too long!

2010-04-29T13:48:00.001-04:00

So Katelyn and I took a trip in March to visit my cousin Joanna & her family. We had a great trip out, made it in about 4 hours which is excellent time. While we were there the little girls had soo much fun playing with each other. Ariana is only one month older than Katelyn. Wade & Kendric also enjoyed having an extra little sister to play with. Dudley is the newest addition to Jo's household, Dudley is the puppy and Katelyn adored him. While visiting we enjoyed playing in the snow, Katelyn got her very first sled ride from Wade, the girls colored together, danced with the boys, took a bath almost with a puppy and enjoyed snacking on bananas. And I cant forget our trip out to Dairy Queen for ice cream cones, a stop at Tim Horton's for Mommy's favorite coffee and a fundraising all-you-can-eat breakfast in the community. We were sad to leave because spending time with family means so much to us, maybe we can head out for the summer.

Pajama Party

2010-02-27T21:02:00.009-05:00

Sometimes we like to stay in our Pj's till almost noon. Katelyn has discovered the joys of playing in her room recently and so I did some rearranging. She now has a bookshelf stacked with her many many books, a chest for all her dress-up clothes and a closet hideout.

I just had to pull out my camera this morning and snap away. She rather enjoyed being "followed" with my camera, I even taught her a few phrases to say so that she smiles at the camera. This one is called "Snickers"

"Paparazzi"

Digging out a good book to read

another "Snickers" moment

Emptying out the dress-up chest again (this happens quite a lot thru the day)

Baby Lina

2010-02-27T20:45:00.006-05:00

I am so excited to share these pictures of baby Lina because her mother is my best friend! Angie has been here for me throughout the years as we finished high school, went to college, started our families, etc. etc. etc.

Poor little Lina had to work very hard during this photo shoot when I had a problem with my camera and had to redo a bunch of the poses. We are planning another photo shoot - a special Mommy & Me session. I am soo Excited! this little girls smile demands to be captured on film!

Lina making faces :)

Bis Sister Amiley sat in for a couple photos, as you can tell little Lina was so pooped she just fell asleep as soon as we bundled her up.

Welcome baby Gerrianna Marie

2010-02-20T13:08:00.012-05:00

Welcome to the world little girl!

Gerrianna Marie born on January 20th

Loved by big sister Lydia

Adored by her parents

She is the newest part to this family

Big brother Cash is very protective

Sweet little hands and angel kisses

Babies Babies Everywhere

2010-01-22T09:12:00.013-05:00

First baby we welcomed was Justin & Angies little girl Malina in December.

Katelyn was in love with her and wanted to hold her and kiss her.

Next we welcomed lJohn & Stephs little boy Aidan Lee King, born in January.

We visited Steph and Aidan at there house on wed morning and again Katelyn enjoyed holding a little baby. That same day we went to visit my cousin Dawn at Women and Babies hospital.

Welcome little baby girl, Gerrianna Marie Coleman & her proud parents Jerry & Dawn.

Katelyn was getting a little tired of holding babies, but she of course had to kiss the baby at least once. :)

Congrats to all of my friends and family on your little Blessings. We are in love!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-22T08:13:00.020-05:00

We had four Christmas' to go to this year, luckily they werent on the same day. 4 days 4 places, lots of great memories. First we went to Grandpa & Nana Millers on Christmas Eve.

My moms house has this awesome playroom, with all my childhood toys, Katelyn loves to play there for hours she is entertained, it was wonderful to enjoy playing games with everyone without worrying about the trouble my little girl gets into.

Christmas morning at home, Katelyn opening her gifts from under the tree and in her stocking, she was so excited to finally be allowed to touch all of them, so when it was over she didnt know what to do with herself, sad day.

Christmas day at Nana Wintsch's, Katelyn got tickle me elmo and she loves it.

a room full of presents! and loved ones

Aunt Shannon chasing Katelyn around.

day after Christmas at Grandpa &Misty Wintsch's

Hanging out with her cousins

Sunday after Christmas at Chad & LaRetas, playing games with my cousins

Snow!!! Love it!!

2010-01-22T07:58:00.005-05:00

Katelyn Loved being out in the snow with her Daddy, he just finished shoveling the driveway.

She could have stayed out there for hours if it wasnt so cold. Eating snow is one of her favorite things to do now. :)

With Mommy & Daddy in the snow. it was really coming down.

I just love this Daddy moment, my two loves

Fairies Fairies everywhere!!!

2009-12-11T07:24:00.014-05:00

Breanne's birthday this year was all about Fairies!! Everyone was to dress up like a fairy or be as fairy as possible. And we had a Fariy great time too!!! here is the birthday girl opening up her gift from Katelyn, its a princess gem fishing game. I hope she loves it.

I took a picture of the cupcakes but forgot to get one of the Tinkerbell cake, it looked just like Tinkerbell!!
Katelyn enjoying dinner & the kids sitting at the table. Everyone looked great and enjoyed the yummy food!!

Lydia showing her best fairy dancing, Lydia & Breanne (the birthday girl) giving me a smile, my Dad with the two little ones Katelyn & Bo.

Then Lydia helping Katelyn play one of the games Dana had, this one is pin the star on the fairy wand. Katelyn didnt help with the treasure hunt since she is too little but she did enjoy the treasure.

At home before the party Katelyn was showing her daddy how great it is to be a fairy!

Katelyn playing dress-up again, this time with a different outfit from her chest.

Thanksgiving with Ryans family

2009-12-11T07:13:00.007-05:00

This is Pheobe, Aunt Carols new puppy. Katelyn is in love with her and I believe Pheobe feels the same way. I didnt take alot of pictures this year, we were having a great time just being together.
Of course Ryan was picking on his sister Shannon, but thats what brothers do right?

Katelyn had fun with Nana bouncing her.

And George was there too, Katelyn and him were having fun playing together and trying to build stuff.

Friends Roadtrip

2009-11-20T07:49:00.016-05:00

One day Katelyn & I got into our car and headed out for Maryland to visit our friends Tina and Tyler. The ride went great Katelyn is so good in the car. When we got there we took another drive with Tina to the park in downtown Frederick. Such a beautiful town. I took a bunch of pictures of these two together since they rarely get a chance to play.

Is there anything as fun as swinging when you are a little kid? This is actually the first time Katelyn has been on a swing, she is already turned one yr. Does this make me a bad parent? or do I just need to find a playmate for Katelyn who has a swing in there yard? No matter, she wasnt very fond of it, a few laughs and giggles but mostly just wanting to sit still so she could watch my friend Tina push little Tyler. I guess Tina was more interesting than Mommy and her camera. :) lol

Katelyn also got to climb in the tree at the park, she wasnt sure until she got up there and could see everything. of course she gave the camera no love just pouts.

Tyler and Katelyn on the bench, trying to give kisses but getting rejected. poor Katelyn.

We also took the kids down the slide.... this is where Katelyn wanted to be. she loved the slide! and of course she is a big girl, so she wanted to do it all by herself. Mommy put her at the top and down she went.

We stayed overnight and both kids sleep so good. In the morning Tina made cinnamon buns and the kids loved them, Katelyn even fed some to Minnie, Tinas dog.

Jammie time is so much fun in the mornings, Katelyn and Tyler enjoyed running around the house after breakfast before we got ready for our day. Back and forth from kitchen to living room to front room and then up and down the stairs (with Mommys help of course) I just love this picture, hours would be spent here banging on the table, why it is so facinating I will never know but thats the great part of being a kid. and the expression that Tyler is giving me, its like he is saying "so what if we are banging on the table, its fun!" I was sad to leave but hopefully someday soon we can visit again or Tina can visit us in PA.

Fall Beauty

2009-10-29T09:17:00.009-04:00

Katelyn & I went to New York with my parents and my aunt Katie to visit my cousin Dawn's new place. It was a 5 hour drive there but Katelyn did great. I took a few pictures of her enjoying the fall leaves, it was so beautiful. Of course Katelyn was just as beautiful.

My little One Yr Old!! and Mommy.

She just kept moving around and explored everything! Never letting go of the little gray rock she found, a toy that belongs to her cousin Cash.

Opps! Even when she falls down and tries to get back up She is ADORABLE!

my baby girl turns 1 on Sat!!!

2009-10-05T21:58:00.010-04:00

I cant believe how fast 1 year goes by.... my precious little angel is growing up. Looking back at the pictures of my last days of pregnacy and the first photos of Katelyn at the hospital, it just doesnt seem like it was a year ago. She looks so tiny in those pictures and yet she was never really all that little. 9lbs 1oz is not a small baby.

Yet looking at her now she is sooo big, a little toddler no longer Momma's little baby. :( and that is a little sad. But of course it is also wonderful that Katelyn is growing strong and beautiful. A true blessing from God!

We got our Family Photos taken by my best friend Angie! She did a great job and I am so thankful that she agreed to taking them. Katelyn was being a stinker and didnt want to look at the camera, there was too much fun stuff going on all around us, but she warmed up to the camera and Angie captured some great shots. Here are some of my favorites.

Katelyn and her Daddy..... Katelyn and her Mommy

More of the three of us.

As we continue on in our lives, we look to God for guidance, our family for support, our friends for joy and each other for love.

May God also bless your family.

The smallest things, the biggest smiles

2009-09-27T11:46:00.006-04:00

It started out a normal shopping day, get Katelyn into the car... drive to Giant... do some shopping. However, this one day was not normal... Katelyn fell asleep in the car on the way and since she hadnt taken her morning nap I decided instead of waking her up I would just do my shopping with a sleeping baby girl. I used to be able to hold her and push the cart at the same time but now that she is almost one year old and growing up fast I cant do that much anymore. So call it a moment of genius, I came up with a brilliant plan. I lined the childs seat with my insulated Giant reusable bags (which by the way are genius in themselves) and layed my sleeping Katelyn on top of them. Snuggled her favorite blanket around the sides, under her legs and around her head. (have I ever mentioned she is a snuggle monkey?) SOOO there I am walking through the aisles at Giant with a sleeping Katelyn in my cart. I got alot of looks from people, Moms passed by and smiled, old people had to take a double look, and some of the Giant workers laughed at the sight. But I got all of my grocery shopping done, taking my time of course, and I reached the register after about 25 or 30 minutes. Just in time for Katelyn to wake up and smile at the cashier. Only my child would do this. and I love her for it!! I braided Katelyn's hair one day and she looked so adorable.

Katelyn's first ice cream sandwich. She made a huge mess but thats the fun part right?

I never knew watching TV could be so much better upside down but apparently Katelyn prefers it this way. She got really mad when I picked her up and turned her the right way. The next day she did it again and I can only imagine she will continue to be upside down every day until she gets tired of it.

boo boos

2009-09-09T09:34:00.008-04:00

Katelyn loves to play in her crib after she wakes up in the morning or after one of her naps. Unfortunately one day she was apparently walking around and fell over, hitting her head on the crib bars and giving her two nice little marks on her forehead. its Boo Boo time and boy did she cry from this one, i guess it was double the pain. :) of course after mommy consoled her, it was back to smiles and giggles. I also took the oppertunity to take some new photos of my little angel.

Here you can see her newest form of walking.... its called the drunken stumble because she stumbles over her feet until she falls down, then gets back up wobbles a bit from side to side then starts the stumble all over again. its great fun to watch in action.... i am just amazed to see how a person learns to walk and the different stages they go through.

after a few falls she wanted to relax for a minute before preforming for the camera with smiles and new tricks.Ta Da!! I am a big girl!

SO Adorable!!

Barnstormers Game with Nana & Grandpa

2009-09-03T12:30:00.012-04:00

Amiley and Katelyn have such a great time playing together. It was really exciting to play in Katelyn's baby pool in her bedroom. They thought it was soo silly.
Later we went to the Lancaster Barnstormers Game with Nana & Grandpa Miller. Miley was soo tired she feel asleep during the 1st inning.

Katelyn loved the game, she barely wanted to sit on Mommy's lap but I snuck a quick photo in before it was back to Grandpa's lap.

After the game we stayed to watch the fireworks. I couldn't believe Katelyn was still awake. She loved the Fireworks too!! Grandpa took this picture, poor Nana looks like she is sleeping. :)

Thanks for a great night Nana!

The Big Finale

Meet Christopher!!!

2009-08-22T21:45:00.007-04:00

This little boy is so handsome and his smile is very contagious. He was a total ham for the camera. I am totally in love with him!!

As long as he had his little bear and snuggle

blanket there was a smile from ear to ear across his face.

This boy is going to be a heartbreaker someday!

10 months old

2009-08-06T07:55:00.014-04:00

My little ballerina is 10 months old! I cant believe it. She is growing way too fast. Just after turning 9 months Katelyn took her first steps, and now she loves to show off her walking skills. Still wobbly she looks like a penquin learning to walk.... Wobble Wobble shake Wobble. :)

I have to say it's the cutest thing I have ever seen.

Another thing I love to watch is Katelyn interacting with her Daddy. Ryan & her have the best time together, chasing each other around the house, playing hide and seek and just being silly together. If there is one thing I could watch all day long, it would be the way her face lights up when she sees her Daddy. Her eyes sparkle, she smiles from ear to ear and her whole little body shakes from excitement. I hope someday to capture it on video so I can always remember those moments.

On Sunday Ryan was outside doing somthing on the porch and as usual Katelyn is right at the door watching and cheering him on. She waits very impaitently for him to come inside and play with her, she bangs and bangs and bangs until he looks at her then she gets really bashful and sometimes falls on her butt from happiness. I love the look she is giving me here, its like she is saying, "come on Daddy just come in already, Mom can you help out please?"

Katelyn also loves to sit in my rocking chair. She will make the chair rock on her own and she giggles then makes it rock again. I love her in this little ballerina dress that Aunt Shannon got for her, she also gave Katelyn the cute little pink shoes that match just perfectly.

Love taking the "Mommy & Katelyn" picture holding her with one arm and trying to hold my massive camera with my other hand .

She is so sweet, I just love her soo much!

if you cant tell she is singing here.... she loves to sing with Mommy and she loves to dance too!

Friends

2009-07-29T08:28:00.006-04:00

I am soo lucky to have wonderful friends in my life. I am also glad that my friends have children close in age to Katelyn so that she can have friends of her own. We had a great time visiting with Tina, Steve and little Tyler. He is such a handsome little man!

Children are so precious, I especially love watching them interact with their parents. Tyler is completely happy to spend his time in the arms of his Mommy.

Katelyn had a great time helping me take Photos and spending time with her little "boyfriend" We miss them already and wish we could set up play dates more often.

Summer Expressions

2009-07-05T10:34:00.005-04:00

LAZY SUMMER DAYS

Relaxing on Adirondack chairs

Beach Days

2009-06-26T22:52:00.011-04:00

We had a wonderful time at Ocean City MD the first week of June this year. I love being at the beach sitting out on the sand listening to the ocean and soaking up the sun. This year was extra special because it was our first family trip with Katelyn. and she is just like her Mommy, Loving the beach. :) She got to ride in style too.

I LOVE THE BEACH!!!!

Having fun with Mommy

Pole dancing, hanging out in her little sun tent, and playing in the water.... it was very cold.

Looking good!!!

Katelyn at 8 months

2009-06-08T07:37:00.006-04:00

She is growing up so fast... why does life speed up when you are enjoying it? Katelyn is standing by herself now, she has 6 teeth (and more coming I think), she has mastered crawling and getting into everything, and overall she is my constant JOY.

Every morning she greets me with a big smile and every day she is more and more a happy, bubbly, giggling sweet little girl. Her personality is shining through these days, she is caring and compassionate at times and very spunky and passionate other times. Life with her there is never a dull moment.

We can't wait to head down to the beach soon.

Summer Days spent at the pool

2009-06-02T10:38:00.002-04:00

Katelyn Loves to be at the pool. Cindy is with us a lot so its great to have the extra hands. next time i need to get real pictures, I only took my video camera. Soon there will be beach pictures because we leave on the 13th. Cant wait!!! and keep checking back for House Photos.... I haven't had much time to get them on the computer since we have been soo busy tearing down wall paper, painting everything, and now its time to clean house and move stuff in. Almost done!

Sweet Dreams

2009-05-24T12:45:00.003-04:00

We have been so busy this month trying to get our house ready to move in. Tearing down wallpaper and now we are in the process of painting..... but I am really excited to be done and start bringing in all of our furniture.

Katelyn is a trooper, she has spent lots of time at Nana's house and lots of time in her play pen at the new house, not her regular routine at all but she hasnt seemed to mind. After a long day she is so tired and goes to bed as soon as I lay her in the crib. I just had to snap this picture. KAtelyn curled up with all her favorite stuffed animals.
"Finally at home"

And this is how she wakes up now. I find her happy as can be playing and sometimes standing up yelling at me. She loves to shake her crib. silly girl

Mother's Day

2009-05-11T13:10:00.009-04:00

Happy Mother's Day!!!

What an exciting day for me. My first Mother's Day not only celebrating my Mother but celebrating being a MOM!! I still just can't believe some days that I am a Mom. It has been the greatest experience of my life so far and will continue to be the greatest blessing. The whole day I got to spend time with my two loves, Ryan & Katelyn. We had lunch at Nana Miller's and dinner at Nana Wintsch's. I love being with family.

Ryan is the best Dad and I cant wait to celebrate Father's Day for him.

I hope all those who are Mother's had a spectacular day. You ROCK!!

HOT HOT HOT

2009-04-28T18:16:00.012-04:00

Well it definatly feels like summer! These last couple days have been crazy hot and I dont deal well with sticky hot weather. However, it was a lot of fun to dress baby girl in cool summer dresses and I managed to make a neat little swimming pool for her so she could cool off in her leopard bikini. :) she got it as a shower gift. So adorable.

She loves to sit in her new little pool and splash around. I cant wait to start her swimming lessons when the LS YMCA opens in May. She is in the Shrimp class. :)
look at that belly!

here is a picture of her very first braid. I am so proud.

Here is Katelyn showing off her Sunglasses.

Fishing at the Pond

2009-04-22T07:51:00.011-04:00

It was just another chilly, off and on again rainy day. And we enjoyed every minute..... Fishing.
Titus & Joanna were home again with the boys, so Dawn and her kids meet us all at Grandma's and we went fishing in the pond. Of course I had my camera so I snapped a few shots.

Cash was still too little to fish so he just sat with me and watched everyone.

Aunt Katie & Uncle Mike took a try at fishing too, Katie caught a few but Mike took them off the hook for her.

Lydia just couldnt get enough, she was so excited and so proud after every catch. Her dad should be very proud of his little fisher-girl.

Titus & the boys did great too, I dont remember the total number from the day but I know our large bucket was full of fish. It is extra special when you can spend time with your dad fishing. The boys get to do alot of things with Titus, hearing about all their adventures is heart warming. The excitement in their voices and sparkle in their eyes is just too darn cute!!

I cant wait for more Rainy Day Fishing at the Pond Days this year. it's perfect weather right now.

So how about it??? Anyone want to grab their poles and meet me at the pond???

THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE!!

2009-04-13T09:04:00.000-04:00

1 Corinthians 13:13

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. "

AMEN!

Easter Sunday was uplifting and wonderful. I hope that everyone was blessed also. My family is the greatest gift and I really enjoyed spending the day with the people I love most.

I have been trying to teach Katelyn how to give kisses and I think she finally got the idea. Isn't this adorable. Kisses for cousin Ariana.

Happy Easter Sunday!!

2009-04-12T09:04:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter today! It is a beautiful morning and I am so blessed to spend the day with my family! Blessings to everyone!!!!

Katelyn's first Easter Basket was filled with lots of wonderful goodies from Nana Wintsch, she also got a basket from Nana & Grandpa Miller this morning with even more goodies. Thank you so much (from Katelyn) Sweet memories like this are great but lets not forget the true meaning of today.

Its Easter time

2009-04-07T09:46:00.000-04:00

Katelyn is all set for Easter this year. She did a great job when I decided to sit her in this basket for her photo shoot, I actually think she might have stayed there all day playing with the green grass. The bunny in these pictures is from Katelyn's Aunt Shannon and she is in love with this bunny. dont be fooled when you see her taking a bite of poor bunnys ear, usually she plays peek-a-boo, i guess today she was hungry. :)

If you look closely on the last picture you can see Katelyn's two bottom teeth.

On Saturday I decided to take Katelyn to the park for her very first Easter Egg Hunt. Now I know she wont remember it and didnt understand anything that was happening but I am glad she got to experience it. My mother came along to take pictures so I could be a part of Katelyn's experience.

Katelyn had a great time and she did help pick up the eggs that I put in front of her.

Isnt she just the sweetest little girl?? For days now she does nothing but sit on the floor and "hunt" her Easter Eggs. I usually put them out of reach and watch as she squirms her way around to pick them up one by one and then puts them in her mouth. She manages to taste each and every one and then settles her favorite to attack for hours. :)

Next year should be very interesting when she figures out there is candy inside these tasty little eggs!!

Katelyn's two teeth

2009-04-02T22:41:00.000-04:00

Katelyn has two lower teeth. I have tried and tried to get pictures of them but of course she is a stinker and tries to hide them once the camera comes out. Her favorite thing to do is stick out her tongue. I love this first picture because her eyes are so expressive. I love her smiles too.

Here are her teeth, they are hard to see but they are there. Also she had just woken up so her hair is a mess, she had pigtails the day before and there is nothing you can do to fix messy hair except give her a bath. :)

She is so happy in the morning!!

Whoppie Pies

2009-03-27T07:40:00.000-04:00

Ryan was so thoughtful just the other day, he brought home a Whoppie Pie for me from a sale he was at that morning. We have both been trying to watch our diets and eat healthier this year and so far we have been doing great. But of course we do like our little indulgences. :)

So just for fun I decided to let Katelyn take the first bite and see what happens. She gave me a really funny face at first but when I tried to take away the whoppie pie, she grabbed it quickly and took out a chunk.

Once I got her cleaned up I started eating my portion of the whoppie pie and she watched me with such envy. Those sweet little eyes of hers looked at me like she was saying, " but Mommy thats MY whoppie pie, why are YOU eating it?" I love these sweet moments during my day.

Aunt Shannon comes to visit

2009-03-26T18:40:00.001-04:00

Katelyn loves her Aunt Shannon. On Sat. Shannon & Ed came up to visit and then went with Ryan & I and Cindy to Hollywood Casinos for Cindys Birthday. We all had a great time watching the races and having dinner. but before we all left everyone wanted to spend time with Katelyn, she was spending the night at Grandpa & Nana Miller's. Shannon brought Katelyn the cutest little bunny for Easter. She loved it but she was soo tired and she kept making the silliest little faces I just had to capture them.

This little pout is PRICELESS!!!!!!

Katelyn loves to stand and Nana Wintsch is helping her walk.

Great Grandma Good was having so much fun with Katelyn but she wasnt getting any smiles so Nana Wintsch stood behind the camera and started making the funniest noises & faces but instead of Katelyn smiling, Grandma Good started laughing. You really just had to be here. :)

Getting ready for Summer

2009-03-25T15:27:00.000-04:00

I just cannot wait until summer comes again. Spring is nice but Summer means lots of sun instead of rain and it means going to the pond. Last year I was huge pregnant all summer and didnt feel like putting on a swim suit, and now this year I am looking forward to putting Katelyn in her swim suit and watching her play at the pond. Our Family has a really nice pond on the farm which is a great swimming hole for all the great grandkids. Last summer I was able to take some great photos of Amos & Lil's grandkids and of course the location was the pond. It may have been hot but the kids did great. I even got a bit wet wadding in the water with my camera. how brave.... :)

Fishing at the pond.

Boating in the pond.

The Smuckers

The Colemans

The Beilers

The Millers

Little girl will always be mommy's angel

2009-03-17T10:14:00.000-04:00

Katelyn is getting bigger every day. She is now 5 months 1 week old, she can sit by herself, she is always on the move, she loves to play peek-a-boo, she loves to cuddle with mommy and she has two teeth. There is so much more.... I could go on for days. She doesn't mind when I try to do her hair and she sits still for the most part as best she can, and she is used to mommy taking the time to redo her hair all day long.

I love to see her smile everyday. She loves to read books to mommy or listen when I read to her. She is fascinated with puppies and loves when they get right up in her face and sniff her, she will sit & watch & laugh for hours.

Katelyn is also a big fan of anyone who can make her laugh. George is a friend of Nana Wintsch's and Katelyn was thrilled when he started hiding from her and then suprising her when he looked her way.

She also loves to explore things with her little hands. Grabbing someones face and bringing them in close for inspection.

Katelyn is Mommy's sweet little Angel. She is growing up way too fast.

A Day with Great Grandma

2009-03-10T21:02:00.000-04:00

Katelyn & I love to spend time with Great Grandma!!! She knows how to make Katelyn giggle and giggle. its fun to listen to both of them talking to each other.

Grandma has a special toy box that she brings out for the great grandkids when they visit, they are the same toys that I used to play with at Grandmas when I was Katelyn's age. But Katelyn is perfectly content just sitting on the floor watching Great Grandma as she talks to her. We are truely blessed to have the oppertunity to spend time at her house.

Delona's Wedding

2009-03-07T08:40:00.000-05:00

Delona is a beautiful person, inside and out. She and her husband Jeroen are loving parents now to a little boy who is growing fast. Their wedding was joyful in every aspect. Delona herself is bubbly, always smiling and encouraging others to smile.

She & Jeroen did most of the work for the wedding, she made her own cakes, did her own flowers (that very morning), set up the ceremony and reception site and she did everything flawlessly!! It was a beautiful day.

Meet the Coleman Family

2009-03-04T10:25:00.001-05:00

The Coleman family has been friends of mine for many years now. Jack and Donna Coleman have 5 wonderful children and have 8 very lively grandchildren, the two youngest are not in these photos. I was so excited to be asked to take their portraits. It was a lot of fun, as it always is when you get this group together! :)

Here Jack and Donna are with their youngest kids, Jared and Dylan. When I was in high school I was there Nanny during the summer and after school during the year. It was such a great experience and they are extra special to me. Jared is so bright and will be a great leader someday. Dylan always gave the greatest hugs and he still does every time I see him, his caring, gentle and inventive spirit is inspiring.

I must admit that I have somehow lost the family portrait of Jack & Donna's oldest child, Sherri and her family. Somehow it is no longer on my computer and since all my photo archives are packed away from the move I will not be including it :( I am so sad.

Above are Shelly and her husband Steve and their children. They have since added another boy to their family.... he is only 3 months older than my daughter Katelyn.

Below are Jerry and his wife Dawn and their oldest child. They also have since added a little boy to their family and Katelyn shares her birthday with him. Dawn is also my cousin, so in a way I too have married my way into the Coleman family through Dawn. :) its a long shot I know but I think its valid.

Here are Jack & Donna with 6 of the grandkids. It was a wonderful day out except for the wind :( and the chill in the air :( but it gave everyone nice rosey cheeks :)

Many blessings to the Colemans!!!

That's what I love about Sundays

2009-03-01T14:07:00.000-05:00

Today is a wonderful winter day.... perfect for a long walk. I woke up this morning and there was snow on the ground covering everything, there wasn't a lot, just enough to look pretty. Then by the afternoon it was gone and the sun came out in all its glory!!! Soo... Katelyn got bundled up (it was a little windy) and off we went. She loves being outdoors and she loves when I carry her in the baby bjorn. she can kick her legs wildly and flap her hands in the air like she is trying to fly and she is so content.

Being outside on a day like today reminded me of a song by Craig Morgan "That's what I love about Sundays"

......"Raymond's in his sunday best. He's usually up to his chest in oil and grease. There's the Martin's walking in. With that mean little freckle-faced kid. Who broke a window last week. Sweet Miss Betty likes to sing off key. In the pew behind me.

That's what I love about Sundays. Sing along as the choir sways. Every verse of Amazing Grace. And then we shake the preachers hand.

Go home and put our blue jeans on. Have some chicken and some baked beans. Pick a back yard football team. Nothing much of anything. Thats what I love about Sundays.

I stroll to the end of the drive. Pick up the sunday times. Grab a coffee cup. Looks like Sally and Ron. Finally tied the knot. Well its about time. Its 35 cents off a ground round. Baby cut that coupon out.

That's what I love about Sundays. Cat-napping on the porch swing. You curled up next to me. The smell of jasmine wakes us up.

Take a walk down a back road. Tackle box and a cane pole. Write our names in the white oak. I steal a kiss as the sun fades. That's what I love about Sundays."

Its a beautiful song.... God makes the best days on Sundays.

Giggles & Grins

2009-02-24T21:07:00.000-05:00

I love this little girl...... here are some of my favorites from December.

I wonder what she is thinking

We loved the snow but I was bummed that baby girl is too little to really play in it. I cant wait till next year, but until then I decided to have some fun in the snow. After one of her naps I bundled her all up and put her in her bumbo seat and out in the snow we went. Katelyn loved it!! even snowflakes that landed on her little nose.

Chris & Missy

2009-02-18T08:48:00.000-05:00

I would like you to meet my friends Chris & Missy. I went to high school with Chris and I remember talking with him many nights about wanting to meet "the one" and I was sooo thrilled the day he called me to say he had finally found her. Missy, she is such a great person, sweet, caring and full of life.... perfect for Chris. A few years ago they came to me and asked if I would take their enagement pictures and of course I said YES!!! I wish them nothing but the very best in their life together.

It is such a Blessing to be a part of someone elses life, especially when it is the very beginning of their live together. We had a blast just hanging out together and I enjoyed capturing the stolen kisses, whispers and glances between the two of them when they thought I was not paying attention. Ah Ha.... Gotcha :)

Katelyn at 4 months

2009-02-17T08:10:00.000-05:00

My baby girl is 4 months old.... to be honest she is 4 1/2 months old this week, but these are her pictures from 4 months. You can easily tell that her hair is almost red depending how the light hits it. Deffinatly a trait of Ryans.

Speaking of Ryan, he somehow found out about my blog before I could tell him and now he thinks its funny to tease me about being a "blogger" but I dont care. This is lots of fun and I am glad I started.

I was told by a girlfriend of mine that Katelyn looks like me in this picture. I have a hard time finding me in her, all I see is Ryan.

Too many pictures

2009-02-16T08:29:00.000-05:00

hello again.... today I am trying to finish all the editing from Katelyn's "PHOTO SHOOT" on Valentine's Day. I had to document all the new things she did that day like how she was jumping in her jumperoo for the first time, usually she just sat there and looked at me like "SO WHAT, NOTHING IS HAPPENING". And of courese its amazing how once the camera comes out of its bag I cannot help but take at least 50 photos.... sometimes more like 100. of course then i spend oodles of time trying to weed out the bad vs the good and save them to shutterfly to send out to her Nanas and Aunts so they can COO over them. :)

and of course all this is done during Katelyn's nap time which for some reason are very short and very often. if this little girl could just sleep a solid 3 hours instead of 45 min. during the day I know she would enjoy playtime alot more. what a little stinker. although if we venture outside for Mommys errands she will practically sleep the entire time. Go figure. I love her more and more and i love her unpredictable little days.

Here Katelyn is playing with her new tummy time toy from Nana Wintsch. her little expressions were so sweet.... I was laughing so hard I couldn't hold the camera still.

Valentine's Day

2009-02-15T12:48:00.000-05:00

Kisses & Hugs & Giggles & Kisses & Hugs & Giggles & Kisses & Hugs

I love Valentine's Day for three reasons
1. Ryan makes an extra special meal for us both.
2. I love the colors red, pink and white especially when in fun combinations.
3. It's just one of those Everyones Happy kind of days.

This year was especially fun because of Katelyn. Nana Miller gave her a Valentines outfit to wear and of course I took lots of pictures to rememer her very first Valentine's Day. Aunt Shannon sent Katelyn her first Valentine's card, and Nana Wintsch gave her a playtime mirror so she can admire herself. She was especially happy all day long, at least till around 7 when she had a little tummy problems. Breaks my heart each time she cries and those little tears fill her bright sparkly eyes till they come spilling down her chubby cheeks. OH My baby girl.