Playing in the sun with the sprinkler

Okay, so I have taken on being a "nanny" to a neighbors kid; Josh over the summer! He is a well behaved 7 year old that Blaine loves to aggravate more then anything, HA! Today was actually warm enough to break out the sprinkler and let them burn off some energy! Of course I had my camera - I ALWAYS have my camera! Here are a few shots of them playing in the sun, and little Leelyn enjoyed the helicopter ride I gave him - nice workout for the abs!

Just isn't the same

My life and home just aren't the same when Brian isn't around! I am super happy he gets in tonight! Of course he won't be home until 8ish, but I can't wait to see his face. He brings the BEST out in everyone (most of the time) HA!

Leelyn has decided to wake up THREE times to eat since Brian has been away...coincidence? Blaine has also decided to wake up all three nights crying at 1:45am...coincidence? My boys typically sleep until 8:30-9:30 - not this week, rise and shine at a very early 7am! I can't wait to get back to our Gourley routine! Welcome home honey!!!!!!!!!

My Boys

They are simply adorable!

Being a single parent

Has got to be the hardest job in the world to do! I am going on a short 16 hours, with another 48 to go! I couldn't imagine doing this full time, 24/7-365 days a year. I put Blaine down at 8 tonight and it was so hard for me to do this. His bed time is usually about 8:30-8:45 when it gets dark out. I could never put him to bed any earlier, I would feel horrible for making my son go to bed before it gets dark for one, and when he isn't even tired for two. I remember as a child having to go to bed early for punishment when it was still light out, I thought that was the WORST punishment in the world. Anyhoo, he says to me that it isn't dark, darefore it isn't bed time yet with those darn adorable blue eyes and his three year old voice/grammar, ARGH! Good thing he was pretty tired today since we were outside most of it.

I needed a break BAD! Leelyn has cried most of the day, as a matter of fact, he is crying now in his swing which is in my room and yes, I shut the door.

I have to be on the computer until Blaine falls asleep (the computer is right outside of his room) because he is terrified of the dark and his two night lights don't cut it! I have two more days and nights of this. Meanwhile, Brian is off having a blast in NC white water rafting, zip lining and a few other things with his friends! Did I mention he is being wined and dined in the evenings? Business my butt! HA - I keep looking at the letter he left me by my coffee cup that reads: I LOVE YOU and I WILL MISS you guys - hang in there babedidid, call me if you need to vent. Uh huh, and of course he doesn't answer his damn phone, LOL Yeah I probably wouldn't either.

Anyways, I have a new found respect for all those parents out there that do this alone. My hat is off to you!

Is it not enough?

That I went through nine months of agony nurturing this little life inside of me just to end up looking like a lady who sat on the beach eating bon-bons for two years?!?! I have completely lost my umph, my drive my ambition to obtain my once great looking body (says my hubby) even after kiddo numero uno!

I am so exhausted by 5:00pm that I can't even think about the gym. Sometimes, I wish I were a man! That is all I have for today!

Eatin' good in the neighborhood!

What a DORK I am, this I know!

I love our neighbors! We have one of the best neighborhoods I think. Our street has it goin' on with families! We love that the Shaw's have the drinkin' driveway days! Steve breaks out his grill and all we have to do is bring down the food, booze and chairs! Happy Memorial Day from the Gourley boys. They sure are CUTE! Here is Blaine taking Rachel for a ride, already?! The last time I checked, little man did not have his license, ha ha!He did a pretty good job though. After all of that it was food time. It is tough work playing hard with the big kids. Here is little Peyton, I just love her! She is putting on her lip gloss. Happy Birthday Jenn, I hope we didn't bother you to much, I know how it is to be in the first trimester..... Here is to eatin' good, friends and to all those that serve(d) our country!

Some of my artwork

Just a few pictures I have shot over the years, some are okay and some are great, I LOVE my boys ;0) My dream is to one day have my very own studio where I can truly capture timeless photos for families. Part of me feels like I still have a lot to learn about in the photography world, all I know is this is something my heart loves to do, since I was a mere 11 years old I would always have a camera in hand seems like, I am happy that I have a million photos of my family...