Motorcycle Dudes!

I went to target a few weeks ago and got harley pictures. They turned out pretty cute, but the people who work there are complete morons. This is my third REALLY bad experience there, but I keep going back because it is only 4 bucks a sheet. I know, I should just save up and go somewhere that has actually dealt with children. I guess I am a slow learner.
So anyway, we get there and the girl refuse to greet us because she is on the phone in the back room. She looked at me but wouldn't say anything, so I popped my head back there and said "Hi, do you know when you will be ready?" She told me that my appointment wasn't until 10:00, and we would start then. I said "Okay." I thought: Oh, I'm sorry. Did I interrupt your little phone call? Obviously you haven't wrestled 2 little kids in the morning and tried to convince them to take pictures. Witch (-w +b).
So I waited the 5 minutes or so, about 4 minutes after my appointment started, she came out and said "Hello! Are you doing the harley Davidson pictures today?" "Yup." "Okay, I will go get that ready."
By this time Owen was already having meltdown #2. Yeah, maybe you should get that ready. Maybe you should have had it ready AT 10:00 WHEN MY APPOINTMENT STARTED!!! Freaking idiot!
10 minutes later: "Okay, it's ready, come on in." The girl has the camera in her hand and I put the boys on the motorcycle. She just sits there and says "say cheese" over and over. THe boys are excited and smiling... yet strangely enough, she doesn't take one picture. Not one. So Owen climbs off the motorcycle. For those of you who have kids, you can probably guess what happened next. That's right... he wanted NOTHING to do with it. He didn't want near it. So that is why there are only pictures of Christian on the motorcycle. BTW: I was the person thinking of the poses, making him smile, and telling the dumb girl to take the damn picture.
The story isn't over yet... So I had a coupon for a free picture, but it couldn't be a Harley one, so I told her to take some of just Owen and Then the boys together. She sets a chair up and holds her camera. I set owen on the chair and he is being all cute because it is something new. I sat there for over a minute before I said "Are you going to take any pictures?" "Yeah, but I have to take the harley background down first." I am really not a patient woman, but I must say, this was way beyond my breaking point, so I said: "Well, could you do it because we have been waiting for you for over 20 minutes and that is why my kids are grouchy." She looked at me like I killed her dog. So we got a bunch of pictures of the boys... no thanks to her. And we went to walk around the store while she uploaded them. When I came back she showed me the pictures and all of the ones with the boys together were gone. I said, "Didn't you take some of both of the boys?" "Yes, but they weren't looking at the camera so I deleted them." "Can you get them back? I want to see ALL of the pictures" "Even if they are not looking at the camera?" "Yes, ALL the pictures." It turns out that it was not within her brain capacity to retrieve the pictures, so we had to go back in the studio and shoot some more. She sat the boys about a mile away from each other and finally got a cute one. I hate her.
Oh there's more... I go to pick the pictures up on the day that she wrote on the paper and guess what??? She wrote the wrong day down! So I had to wait an extra week, and go out there again. I am done with target portrait studio. Why don't they give their employees some basic training or something?
So if anyone has advice of a place that is close and a good price, let me know!
Oh, and sorry about the long story!

Update:

It has been a while since I have blogged because I have been doing a staging class, and it has sucked all of the time out of my life. I really haven't taken very many pictures the last couple of months, but I do have a few updates:
Christian finished his first year of pre-school. He will really miss his teacher Miss Stacey. He calls her Aunt Stacey, which I think tells a lot about her. Though I must say, he is really excited to go to the Palmers next year.
Christian has been driving his Jeep and going on a lot of hikes with Daddy. They talked me into going a few weeks ago, and Christian outwalked me by far.

Little Owen is such a cute boy! He it getting really big. Here is a picture of him and Ike who is 9 months older than him. And FYI. I was outvoted and forced to get the boy's hair cut. I miss Owen's little curls after his bath. He looks much to old now. He is walking everywhere. He can say "car" "Ball" "Mama" (which is how he says Christian, not me). "Nye, nye" (night night). He also knows what a Cow, dog, snake, and pig say. His pig is dang cute.
He is walking everywhere and wants to do everything his big brother does. I am grateful that he goes down the stairs backwards so that I can remove the gate soon. I am not grateful that he can climb up on the couch and coffee table.
All in all, we a busy and doing good. Thanks Jenny for checking in!

Easter

Easter was a busy and fun day. We started the day out with fun Easter baskets. Christian got a race car track, and owen got a Webkinz. Owen was so funny because he wanted to wear his bunny ears all day. Every time I would take them off he would cry. Or he would crawl over to me with them in his hand and give them to me.
Then we dyed eggs. I didn't want to have too many hard-boiled eggs to eat, so it didn't take too long. Christian was pretty sad that he didn't get to do more. Maybe next year I will do more and look for a good Deviled Egg recipe.
THen we had everybody over for an Egg hunt and dinner. It was so much fun to have everybody over at our house. I have always thought Easter was such a fun day... hopefully my kids will grow up with many good memories as well.

Walking

Owen has finally started walking. He pretty much does it when Kelli comes to visit, but is starting to stand up and walk on his own accord. As you can see, he is so proud at what a big boy he is. It really is amazing to watch babies learn and grow. How neat it is that they can know at such a young age that they are doing something right. We love you little Owen!

Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail... And he is pretty scary!

I got the kids to the mall today for Bunny Pictures. (Thanks Mom for footing the bill!) They were both so cute in their pink easter outfits. (Thanks fort those too, Nana- I am glad Christian doesn't have to wear the same outfit for the third year). Christian told me that he likes his pink-colored shirt. I said "Yeah, I like it too... Pink is the new Black." Christian corrected me and said: "No, Pink is the new red." I am afraid he has been hanging around Jace too much! Owen was not too thrilled about the Easter Bunny he was fine when Christian was sitting with him, but the minute we took his big brother away he cried and wanted off. Christian asked the Easter bunny to bring him a "Frog with bubbles." Good thing the "Easter Bunny" knows what he is talking about! I am not sure if Christians fake smile is cute or just annoying. I seriously think that he doesn't know how to smile on demand. He contorts his mouth into this weird grimace. Oh well! Boys will be Boys. I am excited- or should I say egg-cited- for Easter this year. Hopefully we will color eggs this week. Happy easter! Oh P.S. There are coupons for both malls online- check them out to get a better deal!

Owen's Birthday Party

I am finally getting around to posting Owen's Punk Rock Party. We never threw him a First Birthday Party around his birthday, and it got to the point where I wasn't going to do it at all, but I wanted to make sure it was special for him. Even if he doesn't remember, he will be able to see the pictures and know how much we love him.
I made some awesome "Backstage Passes" for invites. For my first Photoshop project, they didn't turn out to bad. (Thanks Marge for the lesson). Then Kelli helped me come up with all of the games, helped make and hang the decorations, and make the cake. SHe is so clever. Although, the cake did taste a little funny with all of those sprinkles! Dennis LOVED it. He thought it was like a giant peep.
We played "Pin the Piercing on the Punk" And had a Punk Potato Bar. I also set out a bunch of glow-sticks and everyone was able to make things to wear .
Owen was so cute! What a difference from Christian who slept through most of his first-birthday party. Owen loved all of his gifts (thanks everybody). He is excited to have some new clothes and to be able to get pictures taken. He was so cute showing everybody his new monkey and roaring. Marge even made him a busy book that is way cute- we are grateful for all of the time she spent making such a special gift.
Then we broke out the drums... good thing Jace brought his guitar so that we could have a little band. While Owen was playing the drums, he would try to sing by sticking his tongue in and out. He was so sweet... and he looked great with a mohawk.
I am glad that we had such a fun party. Happy Birthday (Again) Sweet Baby Owen!

Cutest kid ever.

I know I know... he is the most darling kid you have ever seen. Unfortunately, he is also the loudest screamer. Oh well! He is still a keeper. He took a couple of steps yesterday, so hopefully he will be walking soon... or maybe I don't want him too. I haven't decided yet.

A Groovy Birthday Party!

So, I was only going to have a little family get-together for Christian's birthday, but, being an obsessive-compulsive person, we actually had a pretty big Scooby Doo bash. All of the family was there. Christian was Fred, Owen was Shaggy, Mommy was Daphne, and everybody else who is cool dressed as their favorite villain or monster. It was so much fun! Thanks everyone for making it such a special day for Christian. He is so lucky to have such a loving and thoughtful family!
(P.S.) Yes, the cake is homemade... you can read all about it on my other blog!

Happy Birthday Christian!

What a fun Birthday! I think Birthdays keep getting more and more fun because you realize what is going on. I still have a hard time believing that you are already FOUR!!
Some of your favorite things at four:
-Cars, trucks, motorcycles, and anything with wheels (although you will no longer play with your "Talking Cars"- those are the cars with faces like the pixar or bob the builder ones).
-You have discovered video games.. Eeekk! You are getting pretty good at Mario Cart on the wii. I am so proud of you because you always ask to do something else after about 7 races... good self control.
-You are obsessed with bugs, you sleep with a stuffed spider, and stretchy centipedes. You always ask if we can put bugs in jars so that you can keep them.
-You cannot be asked, bribed, or even tricked into cleaning up... darn it.
-You are becoming a tease. You will come in my room and say "Mom, will you help me get dressed?" I will say "Sure, " but when I turn around you are already dressed and start laughing because you tricked me.
-You love preschool and will call your teacher, Miss Stacey, "Aunt Stacey."
There are so many things that make Christian Christian. We love you so much and hope you continue learning and growing throughout the year.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Goodbye Old Friend

How cute are these pictures??? Well, they better be dang cute because after I took them, Owen grabbed my camera and dropped it in the tub. I was putting on make-up and Christian yells "Mom, Baby Owen put you thing in the water." I replied (without actually looking at what was going on) "Oh really? What thing?" Christian "That thing." So I moseyed over to the tub and freaked out.There were air bubbles coming out of my camera! It had filled with water. So, I grabbed it out and cried while I took the memory stick out and shook as much water fro it that I possibly could. So, I ask again... How cute are these pictures?
Thank goodness my Mom has an extra camera to borrow. (Don't worry Mom, I won't take any more pictures around water!)

Lasik Surgery

It has been strang since Jason got Lasik. Even though he can see better than me, he still wants to wear glasses. The kids love them too. We now call Jason... "Super Lasik Guy."

30 Things I Want My Kids to Know About Their Papa:

1. I used to hold just his pinky instead of his whole hand when I was little.
2. I would sit and comb his hair for hours. I would use a warm cup of water, a comb, and those little rubber bands for braces most of the time. When he got sick, I would comb his hair then too... it was his favorite thing.
3. He and Nana rarely went on vacations without us when we were kids. They said they just missed us when we weren't there. I feel the same way about my boys, I want then to experience everything with us.
4. Papa loved frosties from Wendy's. He would always order them "Extra thick with just a little bit of chocolate." I was in college when I found out that they are from a machine. I guess Daddy thought everyone made shakes like they did at A&W. I never did have the heart to tell him.
5. He loved to read, but I am pretty sure he rarely finished an entire book because he was always reading so many at a time. Although, he would skim most of it and highlight various sections. Ahhh, yellow highlighters.
6. He always had a pocket full of pens and pencils. I rarely had to bring crayons to church because I knew Daddy would have plenty of utensils for me to draw with. Whenever Christian is imitating Papa, he will clip a bunch of pens to his shirt.
7. He once had a perm, he also once didn't have a mustache. I don't remember either of those looks. (Thank goodness).
8. Things in Papa's pocket: Cinnamon Trident, Chapstick (usually strawberry), fingernail clippers, coin purse (A little black leather thing he got from his Dad), pocket knife, keys, wallet, and pens.
9. He hated to throw anything away. For example, when I was a kid, I decided to start a rubber-band collection. It was the biggest collection in the entire school because my Dad never threw away a single rubber band from the newspaper. (I also has the longest paper-clip snake).
10. Songs my Dad would sing that annoyed us when we were kids: "It's a Beautiful Morning," his little diddy would wake us up in the morning. "Don't Worry, Be Happy," I remember him singing this to me in the old brown pick-up truck on the way to school.
11. He did not particularly like dance recitals or plays, but he never missed one of mine. Even if it ran for a week.
12. He never shied away form having his picture taken- even when wearing a big fish on his head, dressed a Snow White, or in a bathing suit.
13. Speaking of bathing suits, he never put sunscreen on very thoroughly. He would get handprints on his stomach and streaks down his arms and legs. I also remember him always having sunburned tops of his feet.
14. He love to wear baseball caps. I remember when he had some made to advertise his Orthodontic practice in the 80's and he would wear them everywhere, They were the big ones that are now only associated with truck drivers. (There were also matching windbreakers).
15. Okay, I admit it. He did all of my Science Fair projects. But, I was so good at presenting them, that we never lost. (What a team!)
16. When he would get mad, he would start to organize. The sound of paper being stacked up still makes me nervous.
17. We loved to watch infomercials together. We would make fun of things that looked silly, imitate the horrible acting, and order the things we just couldn't live without. He got me something off of an infomercial every Christmas, even when he was really sick.
18. He cried when his parents died, when my Mom was sick, when Spencer died, when he was diagnosed with cancer, and when I left for college. He was not ever overly emotional, but wasn't ashamed to cry over what was important to him. I am proud to be on that list.
19. He was a hard worker. A REALLY REALLY hard worker. No matter what he decided to do, he worked hard at it and didn't give up. Yet, he didn't judge those who didn't work as hard as he did... what a wonderful trait.
20. When I was a little girl, I asked him what his favorite color was. He said "I don't know." I begged him to tell me. He said, "Well, I don't know. Brown I guess." Brown? Brown?? I was totally traumatized. I thought it would be blue for sure! Only dirt is brown!
21. He loved gadgets. Cameras, computers, anything with batteries. We never had an outdated electronic. (and yes, all of the manuals were highlighted).
22. He taught me how to drive. I am pretty sure it was the single most terrifying moment of his life. He did get a little frustrated with me parallel parking. I still can't do it to this day.
23. I used to love when he would let me climb up the ladder onto the roof with him. I always felt safe with him nearby.
24. He was scared of spiders. If Mom was around, she was the spider-killer.
25. He had a great sense of humor. He loved Mr Bean and Jay Lenno-especially the headlines. He also liked to tell jokes. My favorite was: "Mom and I were driving to Albuquerque last weekend and we were behind an ambulance. There was a big bump in the road and the back flew open and a box fell out. I tried to get their attention, but they didn't see me. I pulled over and saw that the box was styrofoam. I was curious, so I opened it up. There was ice and a bag of human toes!" Then the listener asks: "What did you do?" Dad said: "I called a Tow Truck." This is the part where we all realized he was joking and cracked up. Not all of his jokes were this funny, some weren't funny at all, but we loved to hear him tell them.
26. He loved the gospel and the church. He blessed me when I was a baby, baptized me, and was a witness at my wedding. He was also there for both Christian and Owen's blessings as well as numerous father's blessings and prayers.
27. He was very thoughtful. He would always send flowers to my Mom and me on special occasions. One of my favorite gifts from him was a hook to hang my garbage bags on because I always had one hanging on the drawer knob. Who else would notice something like that?
28. One word: Perfectionist.
29. He liked little dogs. He doesn't seem like a dog guy, but I will always remember how much he loved Muffin (our little Yorkie when I was growing up) and even Clark. Although, he hated when Clark would try to take off his socks. He would sit and say "No...no...no...no..." over and over in a monotone voice. So I would have to yell "NO!" so that Clark would leave the poor man alone.
30. He was my greatest example of charity. He love unconditionally, never speaking ill of others. He gave of his time, talents, and resources to anybody who needed it. He Loved Christian, Owen and Brea so much. I will miss him. I am sad that my kids will not get to know him in person.

Happy Birthday Owen!

I can't believe my little guy is ONE! Sorry Owen, we will have to throw a party for you later... but at least you were King for a Day! We love you more than you will ever know.