And That's A Wrap!

:sigh: That's what I say at the end of every session I photograph. I usually say it with a big smile on my face. This time, it's a little bittersweet. I loved doing this project. But I'm throwing in the towel. It's turned into something that leaves me feeling uneasy and a little conflicted.



It was always on mind. A little nagging voice..."Erica, you need to take care of that 365. Erica, you need to update your blog. Erica...." ENOUGH SELF-NAGGING ALREADY! AGH! Don't get me wrong. I took the photographs. Believe me. Whether my cell phone or Imagene- I was toting an extra eye with me *at all times*. I have 127 ...that's ONE HUNDRED TWENTY SEVEN images on my cell phone alone FROM THIS MONTH. That doesn't include the amount of photos that made it into my MARCH folder on my hard drive from Imagene. I won't even mention February's photos. But I digress.




In all honesty, it was getting a little embarrassing. For real.  Who can't upload a photo to a blog?  And I won't even mention how my other blog has suffered because of it.  If was going to update one blog why couldn't I find the time (scratch that) MAKE the time to update both?  Therefore both blogs got neglected.  It's true.  And it's hard to admit. But there it is.  I like blogging but I was beginning to dread it.

Instead of documenting how I spent my time- my time was actually standing still out here on the world wide web.  My clock was stuck!

And while I was at a complete stand-still with my blogging.  Life was zooming by!  And I was sitting worrying about how far behind I was sharing out here with you my 365 project.  I wanted my blog to be flying along like this car.  Instead it was going about as fast and as far as a car with a flat tire. 

I felt like a firefighter instead of a farmer.  I felt like I was watching this huge thing-that-was-supposed-to-be-fun-but-instead-is-a-flop-because-I-have-got-too-far-behind- grow out of control.

I had all this pressure that everybody was just standing around waiting.  Wondering if it was ever going to be completed.  ....and then worse yet.  Maybe everybody had left?


**crickets**

And then there was this teeny tiny light that started to grow.  Which really was just a reflection of how I felt inside. It was amazing how this thought turned into a light that showed me the way I needed to go. And this time I listened.  And I made a decision.

That's right.  I'm going to STOP. At least stop this blog.  I'm NOT going to stop documenting my year. My family. My interests. I can't imagine not taking a photo (or several) every day, every month.  But I am going to put an end to my 365 BLOG.

Come on, now.  Don't look at me like that...this *is* a good thing!  I want to have ONE rocking blog.  Not two.  Just one. :)  That's why I would like to invite you over to my other blog.  Please come follow me there.  This was my personal blog.  This blog is the blog that I use to promote my business but it is going to be overhauled.  I've decided it is going to be used for BOTH.  Get to know me over there and see both my professional and personal work.  It might be crazy.  It will be fun.  And I *will* do it well.

Thank you.  All of you. For following along on this fun ride, your support of this project and all of your kind words.  I hope to see you over here.  Come on, come follow me! :)

All my love,

Erica xx

She Makes Me Giggle

Waiting in the Car

We picked up Becca from school today together because Lela stayed home from school sick.  I took the camera along with me to pass the time.  Lela was not amused.

I Love Her Eyelashes

Round Two! :D

Today is another snow day.  I think it is a tad bit much- it doesn't seem like the roads are too terrible but what the heck?  Might as well make the best of it!  Lela was up at the crack of dawn - go figure, right?  She made herself comfy downstairs and was all snuggled in warm blankets enjoying some morning cartoons.  I wonder if today we will all end up going stir crazy?

Crazy Hair Day?

Here's a snapshot of Lela being goofy.  

Lela Got a Trim

Lela wanted a the "V" trim.  It was long overdue.  She says that she thinks her hair looks longer than Becca's now that her hair has been trimmed.  Um. Okay? She cracks me up!  Also?  I think 'trim' is a weird word- especially in print.

Bitten by the Creative Bug

The girls asked to paint today.  So out came the paints, brushes and canvas paper.  ...and of course, my camera.  It's these moments I just want to remember forever.

Homework at the Kitchen Table

In our house, we do homework at the kitchen table...no slouching at the couch, lying on the bed, lounging on the floor and/or flinging ourselves across a chair.  Nope.  We sit at the kitchen table.  It's been a rule since Becca was little and it will continue to be one until they're grown adults.

Today, was no different except Lela had missed most of her morning classes so she had quite a bit of makeup work to do...and she was LESS than happy about it.  It was taking a tad longer than most nights but she plugged away and completed her work.

One day, she'll be happy she got an education.  Right now, I'm pretty sure she doesn't like school, myself or her teachers. ha!  Bet that all changes tomorrow. :)

New Backgrounds!

I have some new backdrops and I love them!  Here's one of them...Lela modeled for me.  She wasn't exactly thrilled about the prospect but she's a cutie anyway in my book.

Back to School!

Today is Lela's first day of school!  She was up at the crack of dawn.  It was quite amusing.  We'll see how long this lasts...I bet in a week she is begging for "5 more minutes".  Becca curled her hair this morning and of course, I took a bajillion pictures.  She was a good sport.  I love this photo because it makes me smile.

My Little Miss

Babysitting Jameson

Jameson was visiting us again today.  He is such a sweet baby boy.  Lela loves it when he comes to visit because she enjoys 'babysitting' him.  She is the best babysitter and she will make sure she tells you this- more than once. ;)  Anyway, here is a snapshot of the two of them.  Jameson is napping and Lela is cuddling him while watching her 'kidshows'.

"My New Bling"

That's how Lela keeps referring to her new Harley hat.  Today, Steve, Lela and I went to Harley after Becca's swim meet.  Upon entering the store, Lela immediately started talking about how she wanted to spend her "one dollar".  I laughed.  I had to explain to her that there is NOTHING in the Harley store for "one dollar" so she should just put her money away and we could look for fun.  That's when she got that look in her eye and explained to me that she really wanted a Harley hat because she is the only one in the family without a Harley hat and most importantly Becca had a hat and she didn't and of course that's not fair and blah blah blah.  So we went and looked at the hats.  Now, just to set the record straight (Lela has her facts wrong)  Lela and I BOTH were the only ones without Harley hats.  As it sits now, I'M the only one without a Harley hat.  Although, I don't think Lela really cares.

All Geared Up!

Today was Lela's first official practice!  She LOVED it.  I got such a kick out of watching her.  She was all smiles.  Of course, before practice today we had to go and get her swim gear.  We made a trip to Sports Authority and purchased a couple competition suits, goggles, swim bag, swim cap and kickboard.  Here is a photo of her right before we left for practice all geared up.  The highlight of her evening aside from all her new stuff?  She got to show her team how to backflip off the wall.  That's right, she thinks she is hot stuff.  Just wait until she learns how to actually flip turn for real. ;)

Lela the Lemon Shark!

Today, Lela tried out for the same competative swim team that Becca swims for and she made it!!!  She starts swimming tomorrow for the team and is super excited about it.  She is really proud of herself and so are we.  Here is an image of Lela right before we left the house for her tryout.

Lela's Surgery

Lela was scheduled for surgery early this morning. Or a proceedure. Either way it was to help her knee joint that has been affected by her juvenile rhuematoid arthritis the past several months.  She was a real trooper. Things went very smoothly and she did great!  Here's a photograph of her and her daddy before she went into surgery.

Knees

They've been on my mind lately.  Yesterday, we got answers.  Lela does have juvenile rhuematoid arthritis. She's having surgery on her knee next week.

Happy Birthday, Lela!!! :D :D :D

Today we celebrated Lela's birthday!!  We love her more than words can say and thank God every day for the blessing He bestowed upon us when He sent her to our family.  Becca had bought a new purse for Lela and in keeping with family tradition, you cannot give a purse as a gift without putting something inside of it.  Becca chose to give Lela a little cash and of course, Lela was very much okay with it. Happy Birthday and God bless you, Lela!!! xoxoxo

Lela's Out of School!!!

She's already using her creative mind.  This afternoon she decided to 'recycle' a milk jug into a loud speaker to play with around the house.  She is always trying to recycle something and is very concerned with being green.  She's my little eco-friendly artist!