And the hoscar goes to...

so we're doing something a little bit different this christmas and i am so excited. Instead of the traditional christmas dinner in years past we are having a formal awards banquet- and glammed out to the nines in 80's style. It's been a riot planning- hope you all had a wonderful thanksgiving. 

Peoria Walk for Diabetes 2008

Last year was my first year in participating in Peoria's Walk for Diabetes and it left such an impression on Jaden that I was excited about this years walk. So when my friend Lori asked if I would be interested in photographing candid shots for their advertising, I was thrilled. I have known Lori now going on 2 years. She is one of those individuals that you want to be around just to soak up even a little bit of wisdom. Her story is simply amazing..... a mom of 3 kids all with type I diabetes. I'm not sure how she does it- but she does it beautifully....with grace and humor. 

Their last name is Coffey. So to capitalize on the irony they've developed a website www.3coffeysnosugar.com to tell their story. Please check it out - it is amazing and they sell GREAT coffee for the cause. Tonight I will be saying an extra prayer of thanks for my kids health. :)

Visiting the Farm...

So since Jaden's started school he's been asking "when do i get to ride the bus, mom", "when do i get to ride the bus", "when do i get to line up in the bus-line mom", "huh?" "huh?"..... oh the excitement of a five year year old. Well he got his wish when they took their first field trip out to Ackerman's Farm. And he must have got his fill cause he hasn't asked since.... but we had such a great time- a friend and i were able to meet them out there with our kids and a little girl i babysit for as well. They saw different animals, a horse get loose which was exciting, a hayrack ride from Farmer John and learned about different pumpkins and gourds. My favorite was a sign posted that stated "unattended children will be given espresso and a free puppy". sooo cute.

Kawasaki Honda Wine and Mitsubishi Lite Beer

now i will have that Ray Steven's song

rolling around in my head, oh my..... so Ryan drove his new bike down here for a few days over the great "Pumpkin-Fest" which was a hit. Jaden got a ride, Josie didn't and Taya Ryan got to see her name-sake- such a fun time though we could've done without the massive amounts of rain....i'm sure Ryan would agree as he had to ride 3-1/2 hours in it. 

Flexin it

so jeff bit the bullet and purchased a new vehicle- we went 'round and 'round about what would be appropriate- he thinks i'm jealous.....which- well, yeah i am..... with a dvd player, multiple moon roofs, satellite radio, on star, ipod hook-up, cell phone hook-up and great gas mileage but then again...... i still like my remote door opener.

in the booth....

so, jaden starts school on wednesday and soccer on saturday so we decided to make one last quick trip out to kansas before the craziness begins. we had so much fun going jeeping and jumping on the trampoline and of course playing in photobooth..... here's just a few shots. Josie was a riot.....

Wicked!

....so my dear friend annie flew out from the northwest to visit and help photograph for a few days...and as i've stated before the weather did not disappoint- she got a great dose of tornado warnings and storms.... not being ones to pass up an adventure- we decided to have a little fun with it- .....a great time was had by all! ...some have asked if she's related to paul bunyan- but i assure you she's even taller in real life! :) haha ..... love you annie!