The kid's swimming!

Here's video of Faith taking her first swim without the life jacket in Oma & Opa's pool! She was SOO very proud of herself!! Enjoy!



Chandler jumping in to me!



A few photos as well of the rest of the crew!

These are a few....

...of my favorite things! If you haven't had the privilege of meeting my Oma & Opa, you're really missing out! They are awesome! There are only 4 other people that top them on my list of "favorite people" and 3 of them live here with me. The last one knows he's my #1! :) I am their first grandchild, and my children are their 1st 3 GREAT-grandchildren. My kids adore them, as they should, and likewise. Chandler LOOOVES his Opa...and when he's around...it's "mommy who?!". :) It's awesome to see them all together!

Oma and Opa celebrated 50 Years of marriage this year! Isn't that AMAZINGLY AWESOME?!?! Justin and I have a joke that we're only obligated to each other for 50...then we're free to go! LOL 42 more years baby!

Congratulations Oma & Opa!! I hope that all the things that you have taught me in my life carry over to my marriage and family. I love you!!

Home school here we come!

Got your attention didn't I?!? LOL Yes....I am taking the plunge! I have come to the conclusion that I am going to home school the kids. I'll take it one year at a time, but Faith is going to start her PreK this month. There were numerous reasons that led me to this decision, but the two main ones are....I can't afford to send Faith to school here, it's INSANELY expensive, and the other....I MISS FALYN!! She's gone by 815a in the morning and home around 415p...and in bed by 830p. So, I get maybe 5 hours a day with her....MAYBE! I HATE it! She comes home starving b/c they eat lunch around 11a, and no snacks or drinks until she gets here. SUX!

I've been doing my research for a while now, and have chosen the curriculum we will be using. (www.calvertschool.org) I thought about it a LOT when Falyn was in K and having to deal with her HORRIBLE teacher, but the start of this year made me feel better...and we've been very fortunate to have AWESOME teachers this year!! However, I have had long talks with the both of them, and they are both very excited about "mommy being their teacher". I didn't "tell" Falyn, so much as I asked her what she thought about it, and after about 2 weeks she's told me she wants to do it! I've looked into home school co-ops in the area, and groups. We will be joining the YMCA and taking gymnastics and swim lessons this summer. I guess the best part about it...I don't have to worry about changing Falyn's school smack in the middle of the year again next year. I also like the idea of being "free" to do what we want, when and how we want. If I want to pack up and take a road trip, we can and don't have to worry about being absent! We just take school with us!! I know...KNOW that it will be work and I'm sure that we will have our challenges....but my sister said it best, it's a commitment, just like a marriage...it's not always going to be easy, but you commit yourself to it, and it works.

So....that's my bombshell for the day! Karen, I know you think I am crazy, but I'll figure it out. I always do huh? LOL

XOXO

Random Photos of the kiddos!

Enjoy!

Such a big helper!!



Decorating eggs with Nana!




Happy Easter Egg Hunting at Oma & Opa's!





Applesauce makes a good hat right?? LOL

Happy Birthday....

to ME! 29 and holding! Have a great Friday all!!

Computer Issues!! Ugh!!

Ok, if this hasn't convinced me to look further into an iMac, I don't know what will. I bought this computer in July of last year, and while working on an album for a client, it decided to slow down HORRIBLY....so, I shut it down and went to bed. Now....it's dead. Luckily, it's still under warranty, so hopefully, I can get it back up and running soon...but MAN...I am so over the issues I have had with PCs over the last 4 years. Thankfully my laptop (even it is a piece) let's me surf the internet.

Apple here I come!!! (just as soon as I get all my Photoshop files off the PC!)

Bluebonnets

Here's my beautiful babies in the bluebonnets~

Look out!

He'll take out a toe if you're in his way!! LOL I still can't believe how big he's getting! :(

(PS> Not sure why it's blurry...sorry!)

Some video's of the kids!

Falyn at the water squirter at the Aquarium




Faith and the "dangerous, killer" pit bull! Ha!!




Box Head Chandler-man!

8 Years Ago Today

I married the man of my dreams and my best friend in the world!! Today I celebrate this day, with him halfway around the world. It's not the first time we've been apart for it, and I am sure that for the rest of his time in the Navy, it won't be our last.

Sitting here with our three beautiful children, I think back to that day and I have wonderful memories. The one thing that I remeber the most is how happy and safe I felt. Being a wedding photographer, I see all kinds of emotions from people on their wedding days. I felt calm and relaxed, not scared or jittery, and just KNEW that this is who I was meant to spend the rest of my life with. We're not perfect...we have our moments...but we both know that there is nothing or no one in this world that could ever come between the life and the family that we have built.

Here are some photos of us that day (I miss that body I had!). Yep...nothing fancy, just a Justice of the Peace....and Justin flew back to Pensacola the very next day! LOL We hope that for our 10th anniversary to have "our wedding" and include the kids and our families!




I love you babe! I miss you terribly! Happy Anniversary!!

I love you.
me

Last week was Spring Break

We went to the Children's Museum, Downtown Aquarium, spent two rainy (STORMY) days at home doing arts & craftsy things, and then to the Zoo!! The girls had a blast and it was nice to be able to sleep in for a change!!

Back to the grindstone this week!! Here's some memories!

Aquarium:

The "baby" gator

On the train

Children's Museum - I thought I took more, but I guess I was too busy playing too!! LOL

This is the "under 2 room". Chandler LOVED it!!

I left my camera in the truck when we got to the zoo...but Nicole had hers, so I'll get them from her soon! :)

Ok, so....having a moment

Yes, a cry baby moment. I just finished reading a post on Angie's mom's blog, and how sad she was, and how sucky it is that something she said is true about me (not giving out details sorry!)...... and it just got all my emotions up and.....dangit! I HATE THIS! I hate this total feeling of emptiness. A year? Really? How do I do this? You know all those thoughts you think when you get one of those "life changing" curve balls thrown at you? Well, batter up.....I'm thinking them all! But the hardest part is sitting here not knowing when I will get to even hold Justin's hand again, or look into his eyes and see his heart. There are about 3 people in this world (aside from my children) that give me comfort and make me feel "safe & warm"....and while two of them are in the same city as me right now....I just want my Justin. Everyone of you that's married knows what I am talking about. No matter where you go, what you do, what you say, how you act....he loves you. You are free to be completely you, and know that no matter what he still loves you. That's my Justin. I feel like I am holding my breath, and I'm not sure when I can breathe again.

Woooo....cry baby rant huh? LOL I guess it's just hitting me, that I DON'T know when I am going to see him again. At least before he left I had a "date" in mind. My brother is getting married August 18th....he was going to be here for it. :( Not that I don't want him to make Chief, but dangit! Do you know how much a plane ticket is for him to come home?? $1300!!! Yea....pick your chin up off the floor....I KNOW!! So, the choice between after initiation (6 months) or Christmas (9 months) comes into play.

UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so over this!!!!!!!!

I love you babe! Miss you!
xoxox

Justin made the Chief's board!

For all of my military challenged readers out there....bascially, it means that he passed the test to advance from E6 to E7 (E9 is the highest enlisted rank). He will now submit a package to the "Chief's Board" (think board of directors) and will face them and answer a bunch of questions....politics, yes. He then basically sits and waits to hear back. They base this advancement on a number of things including but not limited to, past evaluations, recommendations, and his service record. This is the "big jump" in the enlisted sector. It's I guess the most prestigious jump where they go from "blues" to "kackis". So, while it's not a "we'll die if he doesn't make it" situation, a few good thoughts sent his way would be nice. Most enlisted don't make chief till between 11-15 years, so the fact that he's up for it and passed board at 8 years is great! He took the test last year but didn't make board. I'm proud of him regardless! He's my sailor man! ;)

Bad side to all of this....if he DOES make Chief, he won't come home in August for BJ's wedding. That will be when he is going through initiation. :(

xoxox

Update

Ok, so I haven't had a chance to update in a while. It's been a whirlwind around here. Justin came home for 9 days after his six week school in Virginia. He left on Wednesday for his year in the Middle East. That was HARD!! http://www.ginasphotos.com/slides/geigley1

The kids seem to be ok so far. I guess it was good that he came home, so now they understand that just because he leaves, he does come back. Sucks! I have my "cry baby" days. Obviously the first few were the most, but I am getting better.

I have joined an organization called Operation: Love ReUnited. Basically, it's an organization of professional photographers that agree to offer free sessions to deploying, deployed and returning military members & their families. I don't think I fully appreciated what we do until now. Here is the website: www.oplove.org and here is our personal OpLove session: http://www.evolutionfotos.com/galleries/geigleysamples/

So, if you know of anyone who is deployed, getting ready to deploy or who will be returning soon, send them to our website so that a photographer can assist them in capturing those memories!

Can you tell it's helping me keep my mind busy!? I have become a "partner" in the organization along with Tonee who started it. I do what I can for her and the org, and it helps me stay busy, along with my photography work as well.

xoxox

Pat-a-cake...SO CUTE!!!

Blurb - Blog Book

Check this out! Want to forever save your blog? I think I know a few hard core bloggers (ahem....Angie...cough, cough) that this could be a really COOL way to show your kids one day how you were "cool like that" way back when! Pretty good price too!! Around $19 to start!

Blurb

I really dig how the blog can be forever preserved in a book. No worries about a server crash! Pretty neat huh???

G

The shirt says it all.

Chandler's First Year

His first year in photos! http://www.ginasphotos.com/Chandler_One.exe

It's officially over!

That's right folks, I have come to the time in my life where I no longer have a baby. Chandler has officially weaned from nursing. :( He nursed the longest and seemed the most attached to it (just like a man!). But at the grand age of 13 months, he's done. It was easy too...we just stopped gradually during the day, and night times were harder for me, b/c I like my sleep. It was easier to just roll over and "pop it in". But, this past weekend he didn't nurse at all. I am actually pretty sad about it. That was a special bonding time that we shared, and he is my last baby, and now it's over. It it weird to think that I will never be at that point in my life again. That I am no longer HAVING children, but that I am now raising little people. My job from here on out is to make sure that they grow into caring, sensitive, smart, well-rounded adults. ACK! Wish me luck. Justin and I have said, we learn from the past, so let's hope that we don't make the same mistakes our parents made. That we learn from our pasts and that these 3 beautiful children have happy and healthy lives.

Pretty deep huh? :) Goodbye to the baby years...bring on the rest of our lives!

"Far Away"

This time, This place
Misused, Mistakes
Too long, Too late
Who was I to make you wait
Just one chance
Just one breath
Just in case there's just one left
'Cause you know,
you know, you know

[CHORUS]
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you'll be with me
and you'll never go
Stop breathing if
I don't see you anymore

On my knees, I'll ask
Last chance for one last dance
'Cause with you, I'd withstand
All of hell to hold your hand
I'd give it all
I'd give for us
Give anything but I won't give up
'Cause you know,
you know, you know

[CHORUS]

So far away
Been far away for far too long
So far away
Been far away for far too long
But you know, you know, you know

I wanted
I wanted you to stay
'Cause I needed
I need to hear you say
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I forgive you
For being away for far too long
So keep breathing
'Cause I'm not leaving you anymore
Believe it
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
'Cause I'm not leaving you anymore
Believe it
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
Hold on to me and, never let me go

I love you babe! Miss you!!

Alive and well...sort of...

We made it to Houston 3 days before Christmas and it has been hectic (to say the least) ever since. Justin left Friday morning for 6 weeks in Virginia, and then will leave at the end of February for Bahrain. The next time we'll see him is the end of July for the girls' b-days. I forgot just how bad this sucks! To say it was easier with one child is an understatement. Faith and Chandler know no life without him and they both seem to be taking it harder that I thought. Faith keeps asking when he's gonna be home and Chandler doesn't sleep well at all. The girls also seem to be bickering and fighting more than usual, so that is frustrating as well. Although, it could just be that I am going at it alone, so it SEEMS worse. Who knows. So...that leads to an edgy, cranky mommy! I'm trying really hard not to be snappy, but I miss him too, and the lack of sleep isn't helping.

Anyway, keep us in your prayers. This is going to be a LONG LONG hard year!!

Chandler's Baptism

Unfortunately, this is the only photo we got. My camera wouldn't take for some reason, so here he is with Chaplain Holiman this past Saturday. I'm also kicking myself for not taking any group photos, but maybe I can snag Ryan and Angie on their way back from Orlando to grab a few of them together! :)

Faith's Christmas Program

Her 3 yr old class sang "Litte Drummer Boy" and "Jingle Bell Rock". SOOOO CUTE!!!

It's all over NOW!!

Right before this he did it all by himself, with us on the other side of the room. :( Where does the time go??



Then he got bored and did this!! LOL

SOLD!!

It only took since April, but the Lord works in mysterious ways. He knew that selling it any sooner would make it stressful on us as a family. The couple that is buying it doesn't want to close until December 29th, which gives us plenty of time after Falyn gets out of school. Now I can start looking for a place for us to rent in Houston. Everything happens for a reason! Thank you Lord!

Happy Halloween!!

Our Little Bride!

The Beast...

and Beauty (Belle)

Crusie Photos

Here ya go! Cruise

Day 1: Day at Sea (formal night)
Day 2: Cozumel, Mexico
Day 3: Belize, Central America
Day 4: Costa Maya, Mexico (sunrise pics)
Day 5: Day at Sea (sunset pics)
Day 6: Freeport, Bahamas

Photos of the "ship wreck"...that's the actual ship used in "Pirates 2 & 3"...they filmed in the Bahamas!!

This is my favorite from Belize!


Enjoy!

Viva la Mexico! (& Belize & the Bahamas!)

We're HOME from our cruise!! MUCH needed and MUCH appreciated!! We had a blast, but honestly, 7 days was too long! By day 5 we were really missing the kids and ready to come home! Had they been with us, it probably would have been ok, but we missed them. Don't get me wrong, the break from reality was NIIIICE, but 5 days was plenty! Here are some pics! I did NOT take my work camera with me (also NICE!), so all the photos you see are with my awesome little point and shoot Kodak!!

Blogger isn't being nice and letting me upload photos, so I am going to make a slideshow and link it here shortly!! :)

Peace!

Perspective

Come in. But don’t expect to find all the dishes done; all floors ashine;
Observe the crumpled rug, the toys galore,
The smudgy fingerprinted door,
The little ones we shelter here
Don’t thrive on spotless atmosphere
They’re more inclined to disarray
And the carefree, even messy, play.
Their needs are great, their patience small.
All day I’m at their beck and call
It’s “Mommie come! Mommie see!”
Wiggly worms and red-scraped knee,
Painted pictures, blocks piled high,
My floors unshined, the days go by.
Some future day they flee this nest
And I, at last, will have a rest.
And which really matters more?
A happy child or a polished floor?

Cutie Pies!!

I spent last week in Houston for some photo sessions. Faith and Chandler came with, while Falyn and Justin stayed here since she had school. One session was to be held at this park, so I took them with me to test it out. MAN, I wish Falyn would have been there too! WHAT a BEAUITFUL park!! Here's some shots of 2 of my cuties! Mostly Faith, since she cooperates more! You know they are adorable!! But I NEVER get shots this good of them!!

The day our world changed forever.

My thoughts and prayers are with those families affected by the tradgedies of this day.

(Happy 11th Birthday Niki! I love you baby girl!)

CAUTION: Vent

I don't even know where to start. I just need to vent, so bear with me.

Anyone who knows me, and knows me as a mother, KNOWS that there is NOTHING I wouldn't do for my children (yes, they are probably spoiled!), and also knows that I would NEVER in a million years do anything or put them in any situation where they would be harmed or hurt, etc. So, that being said...we have a Pitt Bull. Now, your first thought would probably be...WOW...why would she have that kind of vicious dog around her kids? Right? Let me inform you of something. OF COURSE, I had my doubts when we even first SAW these puppies...ok wait, back track a little. One of the softball moms is at our beginning of the season meeting and had photos of her puppies (yes, I am a SUCKER for puppies!), so I took them home to show Justin. He, naturally wanted to go and see them. I told him that nothing was for sure, we would just go and look at them. I needed a puppy like a hole in my head. LOL So, we go and meet the parents of the puppies, and watch them romp around with Falyn and Faith and they are laughing and having a great time...parents too. OF COURSE, I was a little intimidated at first, but WHY...the SAME reason you are....Pitt Bulls have a BAD rap. And that totally SUX!!

Ok, so now you know a little about the history...it leads me to this past weekend. Anyone that has been in my home, or around me with the dog KNOWS how much of a BABY he is. I will be the first one to put him down the INSTANT he shows any kind of aggression, but this dog...he's such a WIMP! LOL Literally!! We take him to the dog park, and other dogs bow up to him and he cowers...he's a WIMP!! We laugh about that, b/c he LOOKS so intimidating. I mean, come on...he's scared of the CATS!! LOL All THAT said, he is oh so VERY vocal when he is excited. It's really rather embarrassing! We have tried numerous things (aside from a bark collar), but it just makes him that much more intimidating. So yesterday, he has outgrown his collar and needed a new one. Now we have frequently taken him to Pets Mart, and he LOVES to go places with us, but yesterday was different for some reason. Once again, Bruiser made it known that he was there, and like I said, it's embarrassing, b/c it's LOUD, but dang it...everyone looks at ME like I am some sort of freak for having this dog around my children. One lady even said...he's pretty vicious huh? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? You do see me pushing this stroller right? Ok, yes, I admit, that bark is pretty deep, and the first time I heard it, I almost peed my pants, but COME ON LADY!! He's sitting here almost begging you to PET him!! One lady wouldn't even give him a chance, she totally walked the opposite direction when she saw him and heard him. We ended up buying him a new lead control to see if that helps with his pulling and may help calm him down in public, but damn. The cashier even said, "he really doesn't like other dogs huh?" YES!! That's the thing! He's VOCAL! We take him to the dog park and he barks crazily until we're inside the gate and he's off the leash! Then he runs around like a wild idiot playing & chasing with the other dogs.

UGH!!!!!!

Now, on Saturday we went walking around downtown and everyone would come up to him and pet him and talk to him. And honestly, that is ALL he wants. He screams for attention from people. That's pretty embarrassing too. LOL But he means no harm, and I have never seen him even remotely act like he would do harm to anyone. He just loves to play! He's a PUPPY for crying out loud! Ok, so I am off the vent for now.

If you're at my house, make a point to say hi to Bruiser, and make sure that your kids do too. They are sure to get a nice slobbery kiss on the face and hand, maybe a nibble on their toes too! :)

Watch this video, it's eye opening: http://gprime.net/flash.php/thepitbullproblem

And if you have a few minutes, educate yourself on the breed. They have SUCH a bad rep, and it's not fair. http://www.realpitbull.com/temperament.html