Living and Loving Every Minute of It!

My Jazzy Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Corey~living and loving) — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 04:33:00 +0000

Sugar Bear has continued her dancing this year, but at a different Dance School. This new school is so much easier for me to juggle with work. Sugar's school bus will take her directly there. She dances while I finish up at work. It is a great plan for us. Sugar has fallen in love with her dance teacher this year, as well. Miss Dani has taught her soooooooooooooooo much, but also provided so much fun. There is nothing but smiles in her classes. Sugar was in two classes this Spring. The first was TAP. She likes it, but tells me it is often too loud. My poor girl just has little tolerance for noise. I'm hoping she continues with TAP next fall, but we'll see. I'm just grateful to have had the opportunity to see her tappin' her little heart out. She was such a sweet little Minnie Mouse at the recital.

The second class she was in was JAZZ. This was her first time trying that style as well. She LOVED IT! I really feel like it brought something out in her. It pulled her out of her shell a bit, and I'm grateful for that. She was over the TOP excited to perform her Jazz routine at the recital. I took a bunch of photos of this dance. She is so pleased....and proud. I'm so happy for her. They danced to a mix of fun 50's music.

This is a fun shot of interaction between Sugar and her friend.

The "wise old owls". :)

Look at my girl move those hips.

This one kills me....tee hee

TA-DA! ending pose.

Thank you Miss Dani!

Sugar really loved the flowers from her "fans", too.

Dance on, Sugar Bear! Dance on!

Where on earth have I been?

noreply@blogger.com (Corey~living and loving) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 03:55:00 +0000

Hey there folks........is anyone still checking in on me? I know....I know....I disappeared without much warning. I certainly did not mean to do it. I just needed a small break....that turned into months and months. Time flew. WOW!

I do keep busy over at Blipfoto.com though. Check me out: http://www.blipfoto.com/Livingandloving

I post over there every day. It keeps me busy.

I did want to share over here that Sugar Bear has just wrapped up her 2nd grade year. WOW! This school year was so fast. She had a great year, and loved her teacher. I'm so happy about that.

Here is a reminder of her on here first day of class:

Here is the photo I took just yesterday: Look at how grown up she is! sigh........I'm not ready to say that my daughter is a 3rd grader....I'm just not ready.

52 Weeks of Me 2012~ Week 52

noreply@blogger.com (Corey~living and loving) — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 00:26:00 +0000

YES! I made it. I finished another year of this project. Whew....It wasn't easy. I lost all interest a little over a month ago. My blog has been neglected.....and I just haven't felt like being here. I'm enjoying Blipfoto very much though. Here is a link to my journal there: http://www.blipfoto.com/Livingandloving

The last theme of the year was: Celebrate

For probably the first time EVER, we were home on Christmas Eve with no company and no place to be. It was a wonderfully relaxing day. My Sugar Bear and I head out to a local State Park to see the holiday lights to celebrate Christmas Eve together. It was such a treat. Sugar Bear took the last photo of me for the year.

After two years of this project, I'd say that it was a success. I have an amazing amount of photos of myself for my Sugar Bear to cherish when she is older. She will be able to look back and remember her mama being there. :) This isn't the end of photos of me, though. It has become a bit of a habit to get shots of me now. I'm grateful for this. I let go of looking perfect in photos...and just allow them to look like me....as I am.

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas, and I look forward to the New Year.

52 weeks of me 2012~ Week 51

noreply@blogger.com (Corey~living and loving) — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 06:43:00 +0000

I am sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo not ashamed to say that I'm sooooooooooooooooooooooo ready for this challenge to be over with. I really cherish the photos that this project of the past two years has brought about, and I know that my child will be ever so grateful for them in the future, but my creativity, motivation, and enthusiasm for this project is over.

This week's theme was: MERRY

I set up my tripod and used my remote shutter to grab a few shots of my girl and I by our tree the other night. I did some posed.....and them just let it snap a few while be goofed off. I adore this one. It is so US. Sugar is being goofy, and I'm over the moon in love with her.

The last theme for the year is: CELEBRATE

52 weeks of me 2012~ Week 50

noreply@blogger.com (Corey~living and loving) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:51:00 +0000

The theme was JOY.

My Christmas tree always brings me great joy. I love looking at the sparkling lights, and all the amazing ornaments I've gathered through out my life. Here is a shot of me looking at my tree. You can see the lights in my eyes.

The theme for next week is: MERRY

52 weeks of me 2012~ weeks 48 and 49

noreply@blogger.com (Corey~living and loving) — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 04:54:00 +0000

I'm limping to the finish this time folks. It's not like to me to give up on a challenge. I'm struggling to find the motivation, but come heck or high water, I'm gonna finish. :)

Week 48 was: LOOK

So look at me......so happy after my first concert in like 20 some years. I went to see the Lumineers.....and it was AMA........to the ZING! woo hoo. You can read what I wrote about the event on my blipfoto journal entry HERE.

Week 49 was: Together

I grabbed this quick shot of my hand holding a little heart my Sugar Bear got in her advent. It is a fun tradition we enjoy together. She is my heart in every sense of the word. LUV HER!

This week is: JOY and I still need to get my shot.

Hoping to find my way through the sadness of today's events in Connecticut to get a JOY shot. My heart is so broken for all the families of those lost. There just isn't enough words.....

52 Weeks of me 2012~ Week 47

noreply@blogger.com (Corey~living and loving) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 01:38:00 +0000

The theme/prompt for the week was: Thankful

It isn't hard to know exactly what I am thankful for.....My Girl! I am one VERY blessed mama.

Here we are on Thanksgiving, wearing our matching scarves I made this week.

The theme for this week is: LOOK

52 weeks of me 2012~ weeks 45 and 46

noreply@blogger.com (Corey~living and loving) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 05:08:00 +0000

Hello there Internets.....this blog needs to be dusted off. I've been a busy little person, and finding myself spread a bit thin. I even went to work this Saturday...that NEVER happens.

I'm finding myself being so very forgetful. This self portrait project hasn't been high priority, and the week often flies by without my remembering to get the shot. I had to get two shots this week to make up for missing out last week. oops.

The theme was: FALL

Here is a shot of me driving in the rain.

The theme for this past week was: Black and White

Here is a shot of me outside my home today. I think I was feeling a bit blue when I took it. I really did have a good day, but I don't look all that happy in this shot.

The theme for this coming week is: Thankful

My little Butterfly

noreply@blogger.com (Corey~living and loving) — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 15:00:00 +0000

This Halloween had some pretty un-fantastic weather, BUT....I couldn't complain because we are safely nestled here on the west coast, and my mind is on those who weathered Hurricane Sandy this week. A lot of rain here.....really isn't anything compared to that, so I set my thoughts on enjoying our Hallween evening no matter what.

Funny story....LAST year my Sugar Bear wanted to be a butterfly, but noooooooooooooooooooooo.....I mentioned the possibility of being Rapunzel from the movie Tangeled, and BLAM.....I had two months of crazy planning and sewing to do. I don't regret it one bit......but I wasn't ready to be THAT committed this Halloween, so I was more than thrilled when Sugar mentioned being a Butterfly again. Whew......

She even requested that we keep it simple. So we totally did, and she loved her costume just the same.

I purchased the wings. We loved that they weren't the stiff....hanging off your back sort of wings. She didn't want to be bumping into everyone all the time. I did embellish them a bit with some gems and sequins. So pretty.

I made her antennae with wire and beads. We both thought it was really pretty and cute.

She was happy with how quick and easy it was to put on her costume. :)

Trick or Treating was great. She flew all around, and enjoyed her butterfly freedom.

52 weeks of me 2012~ week 44

noreply@blogger.com (Corey~living and loving) — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 04:57:00 +0000

Theme/prompt for the week was: SCARY

okay...okay...okay....so I really really really wanted to take the time to play with this theme, but ACK....so busy. I didn't have a chance. That's okay though. I took some quick up close snaps of my face and got quite a scare. Gee.....I'm getting old.

The theme/prompt for this coming week is: FALL

Costumes of Halloweens Past

noreply@blogger.com (Corey~living and loving) — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 18:23:00 +0000

Okay....so I couldn't help doing this as well. Look at my little munchkin grow. It took me a bit to find the pics from the first two years though.

2005

My little lady bug. I got this costume off of Ebay for like $10 as a set with the costume she wore the next year. I loved her chubby little cheeks. Gosh I miss that plump little baby.

2006

This pumpkin costume came with the ladybug one. Loved it. She adored it too. She was so excited about Halloween that year. I love this picture.

2007

I purchased this adorable pink kitty costume the previous year on clearance. My girl really dug this costume. She was the Cat's Meow, and won her first costume contest at a local harvest party.

2008

Yeeeeeeeeeee Haw! My little Cowgirl. This was the first year I stepped into making Sugar's costume. I embellished a simple denim jumper dress for her cowgirl look. The boots were borrowed, the hat was purchased, and the horse was from a costume clearance the year before. The freckles.....topped it all off. Adorable.

2009

Sugar wanted to be a cheetah, and I figured....why not? So I whipped up this costume from my imagination. She loved it. It made her feel fierce and sassy.

2010

This was the year my girl was alllllllllll about "The Wizard of Oz." It was super fun to whip up this dress, snap up the ruby red slippers, and borrow a basket for Toto. This costume was so easy and fun.

2011

This was the year I LOST.MY.MIND and spend an amazing amount of time making the perfect Rapunzel costume from the movie, Tangled. I made the dress and the wig. It took me two months, but it turned out better than either of us could have imagined. My girl felt really special.

2012

To be continued....

Oh How Time flies

noreply@blogger.com (Corey~living and loving) — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 21:55:00 +0000

I'm feeling pretty nostalgic these days. I decided that I wanted to take a moment to look back at Octobers past.

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

oh and you can't miss this Video of her doing the 5 Little pumpkins: Tooo cute

2010

2011

2012

Love that she is wearing the same shirt for the last 3 years. :) She is growing fast...but not tooooooooooooo fast.

Pumpkin Patch Time

noreply@blogger.com (Corey~living and loving) — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 01:43:00 +0000

"Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile." ~William Cullen Bryant

I really do love Fall. The cold crisp mornings, and the beautiful sunny afternoons. What a delight.

We had the honor of getting up to the pumpkin patch TWICE this year. Once for a fun fall birthday party, and once with her class from school. Both days were fabulously perfect.

Both times were filled with friends and fun.

Gotta love the silly faces.

Picking the perfect pumpkin can be such a challenge for a seven year old.

But both times she was successful. The first day she found "Pum", and the second day she found "Kin". They are a perfect match.

One of the sweetest parts to see this year was the day that the second grade class was there, the morning was rather chilly. While standing in line, I noticed several of the girls had paired up for some snuggles. It was lovely to see that they are so very fond of each other.

I'm not sure this guy provided any warmth, though.

We are so very blessed. Life is good!

52 Weeks of me 2012~ week 43

noreply@blogger.com (Corey~living and loving) — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 00:54:00 +0000

The theme/prompt for the week was: MOVEMENT

I had intended to play around with the camera and come up with some really fun for this week, but alas.....it was a crazy week, and I didn't find the time.

I did grab this shot of myself when I got home from work last night. It is a movement of sorts. You see I haven't worn a skirt or dress in at least 8 years. In fact, Sugar Bear has never seen me in a dress or skirt. (she still hasn't, because she was off to grandma and grandpa's farm on Friday.)

Anyhow.....I have been wanting to get some fashionable, good quality, comfy boots for a long, long, long time, and I finally bit the bullet and did ordered some. Remember....I don't spend money all that easily. They came in the mail Thursday, and I was so excited to show them off. I want to be a bit less lazy about my appearance. I'm hoping these boots motivate me. I purchased 6 skirts for only $23 Friday afternoon at The Goodwill. It is a skirt MOVEMENT in my life.

My hand looks wierd because I was trying to hide the remote shutter release. I need to work on looking more natural when shooting remotely.

The theme/prompt for next week is: Scary

52 Weeks of me 2012~ Week 42

noreply@blogger.com (Corey~living and loving) — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 02:01:00 +0000

The theme/prompt for the week was: Jewerly

I was sooooooooooooo uninspired this week. I grabbed this quick shot while I sat in my truck waiting for Sugar Bear to get out of her dance class.

The Hubby has always given me Blue Sapphire jewerly since it's my birthstone. His birthstone is the diamond, so it works well.

This next week is: Movement

52 weeks of me 2012~ weeks 40 and 41

noreply@blogger.com (Corey~living and loving) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 04:11:00 +0000

OH man.....could I be more lazy blogger these days? I just haven't been feeling it lately. I don't want to see my blog end, as it has been such a blessing to me over the past 5 years. I'm just needing to slow it down, I guess.

I'm behind on my 52 weeks of me challenge as well. This will get me all caught up though.

The theme/prompt for week 40 was: Can't Live Without

My life wouldn't be the same without humor. :) If I can't laugh or be silly.......I'm not, well.....ME!

The theme/prompt for week 41 was: DARING

Can you believe that I'm showing you the ugly tile in my bathtub? YUCK!

Week 104

noreply@blogger.com (Corey~living and loving) — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 02:08:00 +0000

One Hundred and FOUR weeks of the "My Week" collages. How on earth did that happen? seriously, time does fly. I've been doing some sort of 365 photo challenge now for 3 years. It has changed my life. I know that sounds totally corny, but it it true.

I was sitting in a seminar about dealing with Stress in our personal and work lives today, and the presenter was talking about how important it is to focus on the GOOD, the AMAZING, the BEAUTIFUL of our days, and spend less time on the BAD stuff. Naturally, humans spend 97% of their time thinking about, and dwelling on the things wrong in their lives. I have fallen in this trap many times.

The 365 photo challenge has helped me find the beauty in each and every single day. I find myself looking at my life.....my world differently than I did before. I search for the perfect moment each day. This helps me focus on the AWESOME, and it helps me love my life.

While I will not be continuing with the "my week" collages, I will be continuing to take photos each and every day. I have been sharing my photos over at Blipfoto for a 84 days now. You can see my photos HERE.

I will likely be sharing my daily photos here as well, in some fashion, but I'm not sure yet what that will be. My blog has taken a backseat for many many months. I don't want to let this place go, but I am certainly not as active as I used to be. Someday, I hope to get back to writing more about my life, my thoughts, and my feelings.

So....here is the final week of collage:

September 24th. I have no idea what is causing these amazing morning sun colors, but I am loving it. This photo doesn't even do this justice. The sun was amazing this morning. So orange, and perfect. I was on the way to drop my girl at the bus, and only had a quick moment to pull over and grab this shot.

It started my day off FABULOUS. Great day at work....and Sugar had fun at school and Tap class. Life is good.

September 25th was a pretty normal day for us. The highlight was a yummy brunch with a friend. I need to do that more often.

After I picked up my Sugar from the bus, we trucked on over to the pet store to grab some "food" for our snake. (sigh) As we were leaving, Sugar snagged a sighting of the bridge, and asked, "Is that the bridge we go over to get to my school?" It is so rare that we see the bridge from this view. I took a few snaps, and was about to put the camera away when Sugar said, "Take another one! There is a bird in the picture now!" I love that she sees life as a "picture" just like her mama.

September 26th was a turning point for me at work. I'm feeling like there are so many wonderful things waiting to happen. I love that feeling. I found myself watching this flag blow in the breeze this evening at my daughter's after school program, and I couldn't help but smile and think, "I feel so free!"

September 27th I had a super great day at work, and Sugar Bear had fun at school. She even had a play date in the afternoon, so she was feeling really pleased. We got home early enough to enjoy some time outside with the bunnies, the dog, and the swing set. (Not all together, mind you.)

Then I set my girl to doing her homework outside at our picnic table. What a fun treat. However, I think the paparazzi was not welcome. What do you think?

September 28th was a lovely fall day. Cold and crisp in the morning, but fabulously warm and sunny in the afternoon. I love it. It was a great day at work, and we had time to enjoy the sun when we got home.

September 29th was a great day for the Sugar Bear. She first had a morning play date with a friend she doesn't get to see very often. Then we headed on out to the local pottery place for a birthday party of a friend she rarely gets a chance to see. It was delightful to see them together.

Then we jetted off to yet another birthday party for a school/dance friend. This was an outdoor jungle themed party. All the kiddos got these great hats, and there were plenty of jungle stuffed animals to snuggle. I think my girl simply fell in love with this hippo one. What do you think?

September 30th. Okay....so please don't be afraid. This little guy is teeny tiny, and he doesn't want to hurt you. I mean look at his innocent little face. ?

I got a lot of things done today. I'm slowly working my way through my house deep cleaning and de-cluttering. It's way past time. I worked in the bathroom today. I then rewarded myself with some outside time.

I found this little spider in a white bucket, and he provided me a wonderful opportunity to work on my bug macro skills. It appears that I still needed to bump up my aperture to get him entirely in focus. Next time.

A year of books

noreply@blogger.com (Corey~living and loving) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 16:55:00 +0000

As some of you know, I a bit of a reader. I read mostly as night after everyone else is asleep. If I'm in a really really REALLY good book, I'll read on the weekend a bit. I'm really surprised at how many books I can get through in a year. My year of reading starts on my birthday. This year I managed to read 71 books. WOW! For the first time, I included some of the chapter books I read to my Sugar Bear as well. I only included the LONGer ones, though.

A list of all the books I read this past year is as follows. The bolded ones are my favorites of the year.

From 9/14/11- 9/14/12

“The Help” by Kathryn Stockett

“I Shall Wear Midnight” by Terry Pratchett

“The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove” by Christopher Moore

“A Killer Stitch” by Maggie Sefton

“Who by Fire” by Diana Spechler

“Island of Lost Girls” by Jennifer McMahon

“Plum Pudding Murder” by Joanne Fluke

“Thanks for the Memories” by Cecelia Ahern

“Fluke, or I know why the winged whale sings” by Christopher Moore

“Dyer Consequences” by Maggie Sefton

“Garden Spells” by Sara Addison Allen

“The Chocolate Cat Caper” by JoAnna Carl

“The Stupidest Angel: a heartwarming tale of Christmas terror” by Christopher Moore

“The Chosen One” by Carol Lynch Williamson

“A Visit from the Goon Squad” by Jennifer Egan

“Fleece Navidad” by Maggie Sefton

Start of 2012

“My Lobotomy” by Howard Dully

“The Apple Turnover Murder” by Joanne Fluke

“The Glass Castle” by Jeanette Wells

“The Sugar Queen” by Sara Addison Allen

“Bone by Bone” by Carol O’Connell

“History Lesson for Girls” by Aurelie Sheehan

“V is for Vengeance” by Sue Grafton

“The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins

“The Chocolate Bear Burglary” by JoAnna Carl

“The Chocolate Frog Frame up” by JoAnna Carl

“A cure for Dreams” by Kaye Gibbons

“Catching Fire” by Suzanne Collins

“The Cat Sitter’s Pajamas” by Blaize Clement

“Mockingjay” by Suzanne Collins

“The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd

“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” by Ransom Riggs

“Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?” by Steven Tyler

“Gingerbread Cookie Murder” by Joanne Fluke

“The Big Over Easy” by Jasper Fforde

“The Girl Who Chased the Moon” by Addison Allen

“Dropped Dead Stitch” by Maggie Sefton

“The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” by Kate DiCamillo

“Dismantled” by Jennifer McMahon

“$10,000 in Small Unmarked Puzzles” by Parnell Hall

“A Dog’s Purpose” by W. Bruce Cameron

“Chocolate to die For” by JoAnna Carl

“The Wise Enchanter” by Shelley Davidow

“Gods in Alabama” by Joshilyn Jackson

“A Dog’s Journey” by W. Bruce Cameron

“Devils’ Food Cake Murder” by Joanne Fluke

“Little House in the Big Woods” by Laura Engalls Wilder

“A Dirty Job” by Christopher Moore

“The Selected Works of T.S. Spivet” by Reif Larsen

“Skein of the Crime” by Maggie Sefton

“Stuart Little” by E. B. White

“The Peach Keeper” by Sarah Addison Allen

“Unraveled” by Maggie Sefton

“The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett

“Good Omens” by Neil Gaiman and Terry Prachett

“You Suck: A love story” by Christopher Moore

“Henry Huggins” by Beverly Cleary

“Bite Me” by Christopher Moore

“The Dressmaker or Khair Khana” By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

“The Chocolate Bridal Bash” by JoAnna Carl

“The Weight of Silence” by Heather Gudenkauf

“Before I go to Sleep” by S.J. Watson

“Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” by Johnathan Safran Foer

“The Chocolate Jewel Case” by JoAnna Carl

“The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger

“Cast On, Kill Off” by Maggie Sefton

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky

“The Knife of Never Letting Go” by Patrick Ness

“Gregor the Overlander” by Suzanne Collins

“The Ask and the Answer” by Patrick Ness

“Fool” by Christopher Moore

52 Weeks of Me 2012~week 39

noreply@blogger.com (Corey~living and loving) — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 04:04:00 +0000

The theme/prompt of the week was: NATURE

After really feeling DONE last week, I rallied and tried to pull some creativity into my shot this week. I came up with an idea of using fall leaves. I like how it turned out. I really love fall. It is my favorite season. We have been having perfect fall weather around here. Cold,crisp mornings with awesomely sunny afternoons. Love it.

The theme/prompt for next week is: CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT

Week 103

noreply@blogger.com (Corey~living and loving) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:33:00 +0000

September 17th felt like such a hectic day for me, but really.......it wasn't that bad. The fact that it FELT horrible tells me I need to regroup. Me thinks I need an attitude adjustment. Later in the day, I walked out to my truck to see this beautiful young buck hanging out near our new building. He is so hungry, and all the new bushes we planted are feeding him well. It makes me sad to see that we invaded his home, and he is suffering. He had very little fear of me, and I'm sure that does not bode well for him. I did enjoy snapping some shots of him though. What a brilliant creature. It brought a little peace to my day.

September 18th was a busy day at work, where I finally got an opportunity to start unpacking my office more. It has been a pile of boxes for two weeks now. I'm so ready to get it all cleaned up and organized. I spent part of my morning taking some head shots of the staff at a local insurance agency. I like that type of work. Quick in and out, and easy editing. I don't do it very often, but I do like it.

I wanted to get a good shot of my sweet girl Ivy, so I told her to SIT, STAY.......and.....QUACK! I think she was confused. I like to keep her on her toes.

September 19th was a great day at work. I had tons of things to do......but I didn't let it overwhelm me like I've been doing lately. I continued to unpack, and straighten out my space. I'm getting it all set, so I can get it decorated a bit to personalize it.

In the late afternoon, I heard something that made me start to feel bad....hurt my feelings........but I soon realized I needed to let it go.

On my drive home, I stopped the truck so that my husband could show our daughter how to use a range finder. While they worked on that.....I nabbed this simple shot of grass. Looking at it now reminds me to just "keep it simple". Often things.....or people......are more than what they seem. We just need to open our hearts.

September 20th was........well......I can't really think of much to say about it. I worked. Sugar went to school. I had lunch with a friend (so great to see her), and we got home early enough to be outside together for awhile. Dinner was yummy, and there were giggles during story time, and happy cuddles.

September 21st......it isn't often that I have time to take photos in the morning, but today I was scheduled to be in a town further south all day. I sent Sugar off to school with a friend, and had a bit of extra time on the way to my destination. I was really soaking up all the beautiful low lying fog, and the sun rising. It was such a stunning morning.

My work day was pleasant, and Sugar enjoyed her day at school and some time with her cousins in the late afternoon.

September 22nd I busied myself with chores today, which often sends Sugar Bear running for cover as to not get roped into my shenanigans. Being an "only" can be hard. There is no one to play with if Mom and Dad are busy.

While I baked two different types of Zucchini Muffins, Sugar Bear took her trusty BOX out into the yard for some playtime. I love to watch a child work their imagination.

September 23rd We had a nice quiet day. It was exactly what I needed. In the early afternoon, we head outside to get some fresh air. Sugar Bear has been working on mastering the "toe spread". Her dad does it, and she wanted to be able to do it, too. She is so proud of herself. I can't do this. Can you?

52 Weeks of me 2012~ Week 38

noreply@blogger.com (Corey~living and loving) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 04:14:00 +0000

Theme for the week: MUSIC

I don't know folks.....I'm losing my mo-jo. I am just not feeling this project. ACK. BUT.....I'm not a the type to stop what I start, so I'm soldiering on. It's all good. Only a few more weeks to go, right?

I did not get a photo that met the theme this week, but heck...I got a really real shot. This is me...on a Saturday morning making breakfast for my girly girl.

Theme for the next week is: Nature

My Week 102

noreply@blogger.com (Corey~living and loving) — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 04:19:00 +0000

September 10th was the Monday after our whirlwind weekend, we started our week less rested, but with happy hearts. Work is still a madhouse, but it is coming together. IT.HAS.TO. We've got kids and families to serve. We are pulling together and making it happen. Took this shot of a flower in my yard when I got home from my long day.

September 11th. Not a day to go by unappreciated. We'd just left our drive when I decided I NEEDED to stop and capture the amazing morning we were gifted. I adore low lying fog. ADORE.IT! We were a tad early leaving the house so it was perfect.

Then, on our travels we notice a fire truck parked with it's ladder up and a HUGE flag hanging from it. Sugar Bear wanted to know WHY.....so I told her. I choked up and cried, and told the story of September 11th 2001. My daughter listened carefully, and worried about my tears, but she learned something that morning. Something I wish she didn't have to learn. Her heart broke for those who lost their lives, as well as those that lost their loved ones. She felt a bit of their pain.

And a bit of her own innocence was stolen.

September 12th didn't feel all that special. Work for me......and school for the girl. Then we rushed home to do our chores, and get to bed. Life is such a fast pace sometimes, and I try really hard not to let the "special" things go unnoticed or unappreciated. We are so lucky to have this amazing life. Just being together watering the tomatoes is special, and something we should be thankful for.

September 13th was a simple day that ended with so much contentment. My Sugar Bear jumped out of the truck the minute we got home and picked this flowers for me. I loved taking some snaps of them with the sparkling light behind her. I'm gonna miss this yummy light when it is harder to come by. The weather is a-changin'! The cold mornings are here.

September 14th was my birthday, so the majority of the photos taken today were picture of me snapped by my 7 year old. I did manage to grab this shot of her at the Frozen Yogurt shop we went to after school for my birthday treat. I believe this is exactly what a Brain Freeze looks like. :)

It was a great birthday. I'm one lucky, lucky lady.

September 15th was spent at our local "Fun Festival" with my girl. We had the wonderful opportunity to see some of her friends perform in a kids Bach Rock group. What a treat. Then we wandered around with some friends visiting the booths, and watching the parade. It was lovely. I got this shot of one of the old cars featured in the parade this year. I love how flags look blowing in the breeze on the front of cool old cars.

We ended our day with a trip through the local downtown Museum. It was fun letting the girls point out their favorite paintings. Love learning a bit more about what my girl finds beautiful.

September 16th was a lazy dazy day. We were in our jammies all day, and just did as we pleased. There was a tiny piece of me that worried about letting such a sunny day go by, while we stayed in, so I jumped outside to feed the bunnies, and noticed our garlic blossoms were in the perfect spot of pretty bokeh. You know I'm a sucker for the pretty bokeh.

My Week~ 101

noreply@blogger.com (Corey~living and loving) — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 04:49:00 +0000

September 3rd was another perfectly peaceful day at home. I found myself sucked into a book I'm reading while my girl busied herself outdoors. I read a lot. I'm on book 56 of 2012, but it is really truly rare that I read while my girl is awake. I do nearly all of my reading when both Sugar and my husband are asleep. Today....I just had to read. HAD.TO. READ!

My girl surprised me with some jewelry and a barrette she made out of leaves, sticks, and a huge old staple from a box she found outside. She was more than happy to model the myrtle leaf barrette she made. It was not only beautiful....it smelled so good, too.

For this collage, I chose a photo I took of Sugar Bear and Toby cat in the morning hanging out on the deck together. I adore watching these two together. Toby used to prefer to spend his time out of Sugar's reach, but now they are two peas in a pod.

September 4th was interesting because the weirdest thing happened the night before. My little Sugar had a freak accident in the bathroom. She was standing too close to the door jam and had a HUGE sneeze, which rammed her face into the latch plate busting her lip and chipping her PERMANENT front tooth! ACK! all because of a sneeze. The chip is minor...hoping to just have it sanded down to even it up a little, but she is very worried about it. Poor girl. She cried herself to sleep, which is so unlike her.

She woke up feeling better about it, but still so unsure. She was worried the kids would notice her chipped tooth.

It was great to see her get off the bus after school so very HAPPY. She said that no one even noticed. :) That made her happy.

September 5th made me realize that things are NUTS at work right now. We moved into a brand spankin' new building. Seriously.....it is HUGE and such a move. We consolidated FOUR buildings into ONE. We will be serving around 160 0-5 years old in this building. It is amazing, and something so very different from what we are used to. There is so much work to do to get ready. The MOVE has been fast and furious, and now the settling in. People are fried....on edge, and quite a bit grumpy at times. I am trying to be a light in that mess. I keep reminding folks to "go with the flow". Things are tough right now, but it will get better with time.

I came home without having grabbed any photos for the day. I wanted to wash some dust off my truck, and I noticed the pretty light coming through the trees and just knew it would make lovely bokeh.

September 6th was a busy day at my new office, and Sugar Bear had a spectacular day in 2nd grade. We hurried home to pack up for a weekend trip we are taking. I can't wait. I even get to take a baby bunny to work with me tomorrow, so we can leave directly from town. The baby bunny is the reason we are using to finally go see some friends in their new house. They will be the proud owners of this sweet little baby bunny, Jack. They are going to love him.

I intended to get a shot of Jack, but I just walked out the front door, and around the corner and this insect was hanging out on the flower. It seemed to want me to take it's picture, so I did. It was just there.

September 7th was super AWESOME. Work and school went fast, and my girl and I were so happy to be heading out of town to deliver a special little bunny to some special friends. Jack Jack, the baby bunny was such a good little buddy in the truck the whole trip. It was 96 degrees at his new home, and he isn't used to the heat, but he settled into his new bunny hutch quickly.

I think this is one happy little boy....and a sweet new bunny friend. We will miss you Jack, but we know you are going to have a GREAT life. Not a great photo of Jack, Jack, but the kids are happy.

September 8th was spent with our friends. There was MUCH talking. LOTS of laughing. So much fun.

The kiddos get along great. The mamas......well, we've always loved each other's company, so it was delightful.

We went up the river, had a small hike, and the kiddos took a dip in the river. It was quite easily a perfect sort of day.

September 9th sent us on our way home from our weekend adventure, we stopped by my parents house for a quick visit, and a harvesting of their garden. They are always ready to give us produce. We got raspberries, squash, zucchini, tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, carrots, and green beans.

This shot shows the pole beans, and in the back ground you can see my mom and my sugar bear.

52 weeks of me 2012~ Weeks 36 and 37

noreply@blogger.com (Corey~living and loving) — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 05:16:00 +0000

The theme/prompt for the week was: REAL LIFE

and real life done got in the way and I forgot to get a shot. Ack. It's okay though because I'm forgiving of myself, and I just made sure to grab two shots the following week. whew.... So here I am driving. It's as real as it gets. I feel like I'm in my truck a lot. It is about 45 minutes a day, and it feels like more. Sugar Bear took this shot of me on my birthday. 38......older AND wiser.

The theme/prompt for the week was: HAIR

I managed to get a shot of myself this week that showed off my curls. I seriously need a haircut, and my bangs have been out of control. Some days they are fly away and frizzy and other days....I have three perfect ringlets on my forehead. NICE.

The theme/prompt for this coming week is: MUSIC

My Week 100

noreply@blogger.com (Corey~living and loving) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 05:06:00 +0000

August 27th was "meet the teacher" night at my Sugar's school. It was fun to go hang out in her new classroom, and see some friends we haven't seen all summer. The event is designed to build excitement for the new school year. I am looking forward to the new beginnings that 2nd grade has to offer my girl, and she is already looking forward to NEXT summer. She loves being home with her mama. I nabbed this shot of the pencils on her desk. I don't know about you....but I'd love to try some of those out.

August 28th was my girls last day of summer vacation, and she had the opportunity to spend the entire day with her friend. They had lunch out, good times at the pool, and ice cream before dinner. :) What a wonderful way to say goodbye to summer. These little girls don't go to the same school, so it isn't always easy to get them together, but I'm definitely going to make a better effort. I adore this shot of my girl and her sweet friend. We haven't done a good enough job of getting these two girls together often enough, and I think by the looks of this photo...we need to remedy that. They are so darn cute together.

August 29th was the first day of school. Sugar Bear started 2nd grade today, and I'm just not sure how we got to this day so very fast. I blinked and summer was over. She started her day unsure....anxious, and a bit disappointed that she was going back to school.

She ended her day happily exclaiming, "It was the BEST first day of school EVER!"

AND....she is looking forward to tomorrow. :) I'm a happy mama.

August 30th was the second day of school and according to Sugar it was "better than ever". As for me....my day was strange. I spent the entire day moving out of the building I have worked in for the past 12 (or more) years, and into a brand spankin' new building. AND.....AND....my very own office......AND.....AND.....it has a window. :) :) :) There is joy in my heart about that, right there.

So much change though.....I'll be a bit off for awhile, I'm so very sure. Change isn't always easy for me.

August 31st was an excellent friday. I worked at unpacking my office. Sugar had another AWESOME day at school, and an even better time at some friend's house after school.

September 1st was....Oh me oh my....what a fabulous afternoon and evening. My little Sugar and I attended a "end of summer/beginning of the school year" beach party with several families from her 2nd grade class. The weather was perfect. I mean really truly perfect. Not too hot...not too cold (it is usually that later here in Oregon on the coast), and both the kids and adults had a wonderful time.

I took....ummmm......321 photos. yes....yes I did. I couldn't help myself. I love to take pictures at the beach, and so rarely get to do so. I was also joined by two other photog friends so we had just toooooo much fun snapping and talking about snapping. :)

September 2nd was a really relaxing day at home for my girl and I. We enjoyed a little bubble blowing in the early afternoon. Ivy, our dog, loves to run around and bite the bubbles blowing in the wind. It's fun for the whole family.