A September Project

There's something about September that seems to spark a new project for me. Last year, I did a photo-a-day challenge throughout the month of September, which was super fun. This September, I'm going to mix things up a little and attempt to do a video challenge. I think I tend to get into a little bit of a creative rut when my kids go back to school and I have a little more "free" time on my hands. It's amazing to me how much my kids inspire me and help to spark my creativity.

I tried to take more videos during August, but I'm gonna chalk that up to a big-fat-epic fail. Taking video is so not part of my memory keeping process + I'm awful at video, so I kinda just forgot everyday (until I was laying in bed and remembered that I didn't take a video for the day). So... this should be interesting, but I wanted to push myself to try something new and different + my kids LOVE to see themselves on video, so I thought it would be something they might enjoy doing too.

I like the idea of the 1 Second Everyday app, but I "think" I want more than just one second a day. Not necessarily a super long video every day, but maybe a few 5-10 seconds of our life. I'm still undecided on the amount at this point, so I'm just gonna go for it and see what ends up happening!

Here's a look at what I did get for August...womp womp. It's a few videos with way more photos sprinkled in and it's definitely nothing spectaular by far, but Drew's little laugh seriously makes me smile every.single.time.

Any interest in joining me in this fun September project?? It would be WAY more fun if there was a little group for sure + that would kind of keep me accountable (which I totally need, so pleeeeeeeeezzz...that's me begging)! Hope you will play along!! We'll all make horrible videos together, lol!

September in Photos

These are the rest of my images from the September photo a day challenge.  It was a fun challenge and I'm so glad I carried my camera around with me throughout the month.  And while I take at least one photo a day (usually), I found this project kind of stressed me out a little.  I've seen where some people completed this project by ONLY taking one photo each day.  That's a lot of pressure.  I'm more of a snap and delete kind of gal, so I took a whole bunch, kept my favorite and deleted the rest. Of all the photo projects I've completed, I think Day in the Life or Week in the Life is a more accurate representation of our life.  But playing around with my camera, trying out new things and learning as I go is always a good time, so no complaints here!

Goodbye September!!!  

September in Photos

12/30

That toothless smile, though...

All heart eyes for this little lady.  She looks so grown up now with her front two teeth missing.  She has a smile and laugh that can light up the world.  

13/30

This is what our weekends look like these days.  Lots of soccer games and lots of soccer practice.  Both Anna and Drew love playing soccer together in our backyard or garage, but they are both so timid and reserved during an actual game.  There's lots of encouragement, pep talks and "bribes" of doughnuts during the game.  :)

14/30

A quick glimpse of our playroom walls.  Layer upon layer of drawing, painting, cards and crafts.  My two love to create - wonder who they get that from?  I love watching their skills develop and their pictures emerge onto paper.  We have lots and lots of dinosaurs and mermaids hanging around our walls (if you follow along with me, I'm sure you're not surprised)!

15/30

Pure silliness.  That's what this sweet boy is.  He's funny.  Like really funny.  Like sometimes I feel like I laugh a little too loud or too much at something he says or does.  What I wouldn't give to be a fly on his fraternity room wall in about 16 years.  He will be the life of the party, I'm sure.

16/30

Fresh flowers make me so happy.  Unfortunately, I have the brownest-thumb every known to man and can kill just about any live plant, so....I have to resort to picking up fresh cuts from the store and farmer's market.  One day I'm gonna grow something pretty in my yard.  Hoping my mother-in-law will show me the way (Hi Susan!!).

17/30

My labor of love this week.

Love working on my Project Life albums and this one takes the cake as the favorite so far this year! Can't wait to share more of this beauty next week!

September in Photos

4/30

Sometimes I find myself inside too much.  It's easy to get caught up in the everyday craziness at home - laundry, meals, work, projects - and forget about all of the amazing adventures right outside of our door.  Drew and I decided to play hookie one afternoon and snuck off down to the nature park. It was pretty hot, but walking through the trails gave us some shade.  Love spending time with my little adventurer.  Note to self: go outside more.

5/30

Saturday thunderstorms call for an extra cup of coffee.  I like my coffee super hot and black - no cream or sugar ever since I started Whole30 in January (which has now kind of adapted to "Whole-life" since I love it so much).  And random, but I kind of love blurry photos (this one I made blurry on purpose).

6/30

My sweet girl talking to her dolls.  She's not much on playing with her toys alone, so when I hear her playing in her room solo, I run to grab my camera.  She's never been much into the typical "girl" toys - barbies, princesses, Calico Critters, etc.  Books and legos (and playing with her brother) are her favorites.  You can't really go wrong with any of the three.

7/30

We had one of those weekends that feels so full, but not full enough.  We were here and there, running errands, cleaning and all of that other "stuff", but we needed to get out and laugh and connect.  So while Scott worked, I piled the kids in the car for some ice cream and playing at the park.  It was just the three of us there and we played car races on the slide.  This little lady laughed her head off at my commentary (which was pretty funny, btw) and her laugh just put us all where we needed to be.  Together + laughing = the best Monday ever.

8/30

I'm trying to take more time out to do what I love.  Being a momma and working takes up a large majority of my time, so it's easy to "forget" about myself.  I'm not much on shopping or going out, but I do love good books - especially photography books.  This book, Capture the Moment, by Sarah Wilkerson, is my new favorite.  The photos themselves are pure eye candy and the "assignments" are well structured and are explained very well.  Taking photos has always been a passion of mine, but lately, it's come back in full force.  I love recording our days with my iPhone, but playing with my "big" camera takes the cake.  

9/30

This little guy sneaks in right next to me almost every single night.  Some nights I wake up and he's there, and other night he climbs right over me to snuggle in (so I definitely know he's there).  He's a snuggler and wants to be as close to me as possible.  I love his cuddles, but man, could I use a full night sleep.  

10/30

Taking a mid-day "bake" break with my sweet boy.  He loves to cook and help in the kitchen.  Not sure how we ended up with marshmallows here, but we did...  

He's going to make someone an awesome husband one day (that is if I ever let him grow up).

11/30

To some, this is just a messy box full of random art supplies.  For me, it melts my heart.

The kids were drawing this morning and when I looked up, I saw Anna had written "Anna loves drew" on the side of the box.  There's nothing better than that in the world.

September In Photos

After completing my photos for Week in the Life, I set my camera down for a few days.  I "thought" I was done with my big camera for a while, since it had pretty much been attached to my hip 24-7.  But I missed it.  I missed taking photos. I missed getting that one shot that took my breath away.  I missed seeing our day through the lens.  I have high hopes of doing a 365 photo challenge next year, so I figured I would get warmed up with a September photo challenge.  It's basically one photo a day, for the month of September.  I'm challenging myself to see our "normal, everyday routine" in a new light and from a different angle.  I love the energy and excitement I feel from taking pictures. I love seeing our life in a still moment.  It reminds me of all that we have, and it reminds me to stop and be thankful for this life.  

1/30

In her favorite spot, doing her very favorite thing.  She's a book-a-holic for sure.  Currently, she's reading all of the Emily Windsnap books (which I kind of think "might" be a little too old for her, but she won't listen to me).  Most nights, we catch her sitting up in bed reading waaaay after she should have turned her light off.  I hope she always has this love for books and stories.

2/30

Oh man.  This dog.  We have a love-hate relationship for sure.  He loves to eat my fingers and chew on socks.  And he loves to run from me in the yard.  I hate it.  I hate his messes and his puppy craziness.  Oh - and his sharp, sharp teeth (most of which just fell out this week....about time)!

But then, he has moments where he can be so cute and so sweet that I kind of forget about the chewing and the sock eating....until that next time. 

3/30

"And she loved a little boy, very very much - even more than she loved herself."

Such a sweet quote from one of my favorite books.  And that's exactly how I feel about my boyfriend.  I'm so thankful and grateful for the individual time with him.  He makes me laugh and smile almost all day long.  He's so easy going, so sweet, and just so awesome.