Luanne Rocks!

Recently, I had the pleasure of working with a good friend to take some updated pictures of the kids.  I can never get enough pictures of them, because as many women have told me (usually they stop me in the grocery store, CVS, the park - anywhere - to tell me this), they grow up - FAST. And to try to soak every minute of it in.

I try and try to soak up every moment, but sometimes, i'm SO TIRED from just getting through the day......the pictures I take will help me remember each moment.

Anyway - here are a few from my recent session with Luanne Kelly Photography.  She's local, she's also a Mom so she KNOWS how to work with kids (hence, get it done quickly, and make is FUN), and she's uber talented.  Here's her link:  http://www.luannekellyphotography.com/

School's Out for Summer!

Last day......tears for this Mama as my kids get another year older.

Griffin finished up 2nd grade, and Gemma finished up Kindergarten.  The clock doesn't slow down......trying to soak up every moment yet keep my sanity as well.  If I haven't said it before, I'll say it again:  being a parent is the hardest and yet most rewarding job I've ever done, and will ever do.

I'm lucky and blessed to do it!

Here are a few pictures of both kids' class presentations:

Men Bow, Ladies Curtsy

My goodness.  My writing on this blog has almost come to a screeching halt.  Until today.

New Year's Resolution 2015.  To write on this blog about my kids.  Solely about them. Cute things they say, pictures, moments.  At this moment, my kids are at the perfect ages.  Griffin is 6, in first grade, and learning at the speed of light.  It's amazing to witness.  Gemma is 4, ready for Kindergarten next year, but still the sweetest little preschooler I know.  She isn't quite as worldly as her big brother, but boy does she want to be!

Today, it's all about being a princess.  Gemma watched Tangled this afternoon (she's got a cold, don't judge me sticking her in front of a movie!), and came upstairs from the basement telling me all about rules for princesses.

Here they are, in no particular order:

1. You must be a dainty lady and do all dainty things.
2.  Be nice to people.
3.  Eat dainty.
4.  Pinkies out.
5.  Curtsy.
6.  Marry.
7.  Kiss.
8.  You must do love and hugs.
9.  Always look fancy.

Some additions, according to Griffin:

1.  Wear your tiara, dress, and glass slippers.
2.  Always wear your cape.

The second issue we had after watching Tangled (and Rapunzel) was 'Mama, I want long hair.'  My response was, Gemma, you actually do have pretty long hair.  'No, i want LONG HAIR LIKE RAPUNZEL Mama!'  To which Griffin replied in a very exasperated tone:  'Gemma, if you want long hair like Rapunzel, you have to let your hair grow longer and longer and longer and longer and never get it cut.  Ever.  Even if you feel like it, you can't.  That's how you get long hair.'

My 6 year old truly knows the ways of the world.  At least the world according to Disney.

Can't get a decent photo of your kids? Hire Leathem Photography. You're welcome.

Chicagoland friends - if you are looking for a children's photographer, look no further.  I have found her for you.  Her name is Tammy Leathem, and she has taken pictures of my children since each of them were born.  After each and every photo session I count the days until I get my pictures back because I can't wait to see what special faces and moments Tammy has caught on camera.

Photography is a passion for Tammy, not just a job.  You can clearly see that in her pictures. I only wish she had pursued her passion just one year earlier than she did and she could have photographed my wedding!  Eeek - that was 9 years ago.

Anyway - wanted to share a few pictures from our session with Tammy in May.  The photos are stunning - and it's not just because I have cute kids (don't we all have THE CUTEST kids?).  

Leathem Photography

email:  tmlphotography@live.com

phone: 312-952-6974

Kohl's Fame

Normally I would not post about this, but I had to share this darling picture today.  My son, who is 4, does some occasional modeling through Ford Modeling Agency.  I hesitate to share this fact because I know there are people who may roll their eyes and think that I'm a crazy stage mom or something.  

But I'm not.  This is just something we do for fun, and the minute it isn't fun for him we won't do it anymore.  For now, the money he makes goes straight into his college fund.  

And the pictures are priceless for his wedding montage someday.  Ha!

Here he is in today's Kohl's ad.......(in the yellow shirt):

In Mom's (very biased) opinion, those girls are going to swoon someday!  

I'm a Super(model) Mom today!

I am honored to be featured today as a 'Super(model) Mom' on one of my daily reads and favorite blogs, Scout - A Mom's Guide to Stylish living.  

Melanie, who writes the blog, was my sole inspiration for joining this blogging world a few years back.  She is always impeccably dressed (as are her children), crafty, thrifty, glamorous, an incredible writer.....what else?  The list could go on.  

Make sure you click on over and take a look at both my feature and Melanie's blog - I guarantee you'll be hooked on Scout!

Happy Wednesday!

Easter in Kansas City

We just returned to Chicago from a lovely time in Kansas City with my family.  Kansas City is where I grew up, and I love going home to see everyone and catch up!

First off, I have to mention that I went on a playdate with two blogger friends of mine (Melanie from Scout, and Sarah from Apparently Obsessed), as well as one of my best girlfriends from long ago - we had such a great time.  Here's a picture of most of the kids (one is too tiny to sit on the playground equipment)........

Mine are the two on the left!  I swear, Gemma had fun.....

Now, for the Easter celebration.  I took tons of pictures with my little camera, and some of them surprisingly turned out great.  We were up in St Joseph, MO, which is where my Dad grew up and where we continue to have family get-togethers.  This is at the St Joseph Country Club - this nice weather makes for beautiful green grass in pictures!

Scrumptious Gemma, 21 months

L-R, Grant & Hudson (Griff's cousins in KC), & Griffin

I don't know how I got them to do this, but it worked.  Precious.

Family pic!

Cheese!

Playing in the sand trap

Gemma and her Auntie Amy

Not the same day, but had to make sure to get Mimi into the pics......

My dad and Gemma - or Papa as he's known to the kids