Caution: Lots and Lots of Photos Ahead

Because seriously, every time we take family photos we have at least a few like this:

But look at how precious these girls can look when they're threatened/bribed/begged.

Never mind

Apparently, the thought of any sign of emotion between Mom and Dad was comedy gold.

And only our die-hard romantic found this shot appealing. 

But seriously, do you see how sweet my tiny ballerina is?

Particularly when contrasted with her ornery big sister.

I honestly have no idea what our sis-in-love/ photog extraordinaire had to do to get this shot.

And this one is looking WAY too old for this mama's heart.

Ohmygoodness, I'm buying more shotguns and ammo and door locks.

And she was so sweet to help her little sister with her accessories.

Now, the outfit is perfect.

And this is what was happening directly behind the photographer.

We made sure to get shots of just us sweethearts.

But it's really hard to not crack up when you're trying to act romantic in front of a camera, your kids, and your sis-in-love.

And then we were attacked by the minions.

But we did get this precious shot, which made the whole morning worth it.

Oh, and this.  Hubba hubba!

Our little divas struck a pose.

Jerome practiced his pensive look.

And then got a few head shots for work.

My hearts flips for this precious shot of a daddy and his princesses.

And the sweetness of their love.

And the goofiness of their relationship.

Well, two out of three isn't so bad 

Oh my goodness, this one was full of piss and vinegar that morning!

But, finally, we were done!

Seriously, my sister-in-law is amazing.  You can check out her stuff online at Sunflower Eyes Phototgraphy.  

This photo shoot is our family.  It is our life - giggles, goofiness, sweetness, and love.  

Adding insult to injury

I've pulled a muscle. In my thigh. My right thigh. The same leg that is currently covered in a cast. Yup, I'm just that good.

So, I've spent the better part of today with an ice pack on my thigh and a bag of frozen corn on my foot. As a dear friend texted me, "Of course. That means you need to stay down! God will get you down one way or another. "

You'd think my friends thought I was stubborn or something...

I've read 5 books in the past week. And downloaded another 20 or so to my kindle to read. All free, I might add. Thanks to Beth for turning me onto www.inspiredreads.com. Love getting that daily email!

Below is a pic of my incision. If you're squeamish, might I suggest the little red x in the corner. The nurse claims that, although it may look nasty now, my surgeon's incisions always heal the best. I'm just gonna have to trust her on that one...

And my cast color is....

My birthday present

Jerome got me cookies, a new book, and gorgeous flowers.

I got myself an ice pack and an iced coffee. Not too bad of a day.

The Trial and Tribulations of a One-Legged Scooter Driver

Jerome is in town with the boys, playing their first softball game of the year. And, because the game was at 8:25 at night, and because Nina and I must rise with the chickens tomorrow for our grand adventure (more on that in a bit), and because tiny princess Violet got shots today, and because it is all windy and such outside, we stayed home. Which allows me to take a bath in peace with a glass of wine and my phone and a book. I like late games.

My scooter, which had saved my sanity, by the way, was far too boring. So we spiced it up. I think it looks much more fabulous now.

But do you see that back tire? Well, there is a little knob on that tire. A metal knob. A metal knob that I succeed in whacking with my ankle at least once a day. Thus, the loverly photo of my sad, abused ankle.

What's tomorrow, you ask? Well, it is our grand adventure! Nina gets to visit super Dr. S at Shriner's in Salt Lake for her 6 month(ish) post-op checkup. She is doing fabulous, in my opinion, but it's nice to have medical opinions to back you up. And, because I cannot drive 7 hours with my left foot, nor can Jerome take 2 days off in the middle of the work week to take us, we get a special treat. Shriner Grandpa and Shriner Grandpa's Buddy are going to fly us to SLC in SGB's plane! We will be helping them deliver 80 disposable cameras to the patients at the hospital, and Grandpa gets to see the hospital from the grandpa perspective. After our appointment we will be flown back home the same day. Such service! I guess it pays to know people sometimes.

So now I'm going to go soak my poor feet and prepare myself to wake with the chickens.

Tales of the One-Legged Nut Job

I have learned a lot during my incarceration.

This fabulous contraption really comes in handy.  For very important things... like chasing the dog. 

I have learned that this is EVER so true.  My cats are plotting against me.

I have learned that my children make interesting wardrobe choices when Daddy tries to let me sleep.

I have learned that injuries do not give you a pass with the sun.  Especially in Colorado in the spring.  Saturday I got this.  Today it is snowing.  I give up trying to understand.

My children have learned that dinner from other people usually involves dessert. 

The boys from church have learned that when I hire them to build my raised garden beds and a fence around said garden, I will sit out on the porch and giggle at them the entire time.  Best. Therapy. Ever.

I have learned that the kitten sits on my bathroom counter for hours on end, desperately trying to get the birdies outside the window.  This is highly entertaining when trying to get on and off the toilet one-legged.

I have learned that, in order to do laundry, I should attach the dog's leash to the basket and drag it behind my cart.  The poor dog, however, was highly confused (not unusual) and a little ticked that we weren't going for a walk.

And I have learned that having the children help with the laundry will result in some interesting photo ops. 

I have 3 weeks till my appointment.  I may or may not be sane by that point.

The Contents Of My Purse

This is my purse.

I had to clean it out this morning.

I found:

1 wallet, stuffed with coins

3 Christmas presents, ready for delivery

1 headband that changes color in the sun

God only knows how many pieces of paper

Violet's new wallet, containing only a plastic toy

my current cross-stitch project, my sunglasses, and Nina's extra glasses case.

And a close up to prove that it is a cross-stitch project and not a random plastic bag.

4 nail files, 3 packs of gum, 2 hand sanitizers, 1 pack of kleenex, random medicine and my inhaler

The remnants of the tampon box that exploded in my car (wish I could make that one up)

Two pocket knives (doesn't everyone?)

5 pens, 1 permanent marker, 1 Rudolph nose, 1 jingle bell from the dog's collar, 1 calculator, and a hair clip

2 playing cards and a broken honey stick

and a tampon angel from a friend.

I have two thoughts:

No wonder my back hurts.

I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.

What's in your purse?