Livin' with the Lopez's

Hello again...

2010-11-02T09:53:00.000-07:00

September has come...and gone and so has October. I'm still here, just MIA :)Things are going good. And...since it's Tuesday lets make this a ToT post.

1. Since it's been over a month since I posted I'll fill you in on what's going on in our lives...

2. I'm back to clinicals at the clinic and so far so good. It's definitely different, but I'm still learning a lot!

3. Paxton's at a new day care that we love. It took a couple weeks for the transition, but now he goes without crying and always seems to have a good time. It's another in home daycare, but there are more kids which Paxton loves. He has two sometimes three other boys to play with everyday and even a few girls. His favorite is the little baby that comes. He gets so excited when it's baby day :)

4. I think he needs a sibling, but I need a job first ;)

5. Can you believe it's already November? Yay, I'm already so excited for Thanksgiving!

6. Paxton is in dance class once a week and at first it was going great, but now he's started to cry and whine so we'll see if it lasts. Thursday is his last chance...

7. I've been pretty busy taking pictures of some pretty great people, now we just need to get our picture done so we can send out Christmas cards this year. Last year I sort of forgot, but this year I've already designed ours and I'm REALLY excited about it so hopefully we can get a great picture to go with a pretty awesome card!

8. You can look at all those great looking people HERE!

9. On Saturday Paxton asked if we could go to the forest so I could take his picture...he sure knows how to get his momma to do what he wants. As soon as we got there though, he would NOT look at me so I just had to settle with the side profile. I still love it though.

10. I figured out how to post pictures on my blog from work so maybe now I'll grace you with a few more posts than once a month ;) I'm not making any promises though.

And...what's a post without some pictures. Pax had a great Halloween and sure LOVES his gramma and papa.

Inspiration

2010-10-05T21:26:00.000-07:00

This is the blog that got me started with photography...I started here almost two years ago and have grown into THIS. It's hard for me to believe sometimes...I still strive for more. I hope to be inspiring to others someday, I hope that other (amazing) photographers will follow my pages as I follow theirs. I came across a new photographer that I've fallen in love with. Crave Photography...I hope that I will be lucky enough to win her mentoring session from the Maternal Lens.

For Gramma and Papa

2010-09-27T20:32:00.000-07:00

hello again

2010-08-26T23:56:00.000-07:00

Hi...
My name is Andrea Elizabeth Lopez and a little over two years ago I started this blog. I was going strong, really strong. I posted almost everyday for the first 1/2 a year, then I started posting about once or twice, maybe even three times a week, then it went to hopefully once a week. And well now...I haven't posted in over two months. SORRY! What I'm wondering is why none of you came looking for me...sheesh! :)

Lets make this a 10 post...

1. I'm finally on a break from school/clinicals, and I'd like to say I deserve it! I worked my BUTT off at my first rotation, but LOVED every minute of it. Come September 20th I'll be shooting x-rays at Wenatchee Community Health and I'm definitely looking forward to it. Then hopefully in March the job market will open up and there will be a position for me somewhere. Keep your fingers crossed...otherwise, we'll probably be off to Seattle.

2. I've been home this last week with Paxton and it's been A-MAY-ZING! We've been having such a great time. He is one special boy!

3. I'm also on the search for a new daycare for Paxton. Our wonderful sitter (Miss Cindy) and her family moved last week. We're really sad about it too. I don't quite think Paxton really understands yet. I've been explaining to him that he's not going to see her or the boys anymore and he says, "I know mom, we're going to find a new babysitter...right" but then he'll mention going there or playing with the boys and it breaks my heart. He's grown up with them. He calls them his brothers and truly they kind of are. She and the boys are what he knows...where he was comfortable! Having him in such good hands has made my life so much easier over the last two and a half years. Just knowing he was in such good hands every.single.day is what allowed me to go to school.

4. On Paxton's last day there he came home with a book that Cindy had made. Looking through it made me cry. It didn't help that Paxton was looking saying, "look mom, it's me with my two brothers."

5. I've been busy with the photography business and I LOVE it. Check it out HERE.

6. I love that every time I call Paxton BOB he calls me ANNIE. Where that all came from who knows, but it seriously melts my heart!

7. Today I realized just how grown up Paxton is. My baby is GONE. He's big and monstrous and seriously cute, but no longer a baby. (tears)

8. Papa bought a little saddle so that Paxton could ride the horses and I'm really sad because I can't find the pictures anywhere. I've looked and looked and it's almost like they disappeared. Almost like it didn't happen, which is what Enrique would have liked. He was so mad at me when I took Paxton. He wanted to be there too when Paxton rode for the first time. I guess now we'll have to do it all over again and this time I WONT loose the pictures.

9. We took Paxton the the fair in Moses Lake last week. We all had a lot of fun. It was really hot and there were a lot of people and the food wasn't as good as I remember, but still it was a lot of fun. Paxton keeps asking if we can go back to the carn-a-bull. I don't know what it is with him and the "bull" but it sounds so cute. Pictures below.

10. Didn't he make the cutes little Dragon you ever saw? He loved it. When ever anyone would ask what he was he'd tell them a dragon and then rawwrr at them. I think the one of him looking at himself in the mirror after she was done is one of my new favorite pictures. He is so stinkin' cute!

11. NOTE: In the picture of him looking at himself in the mirror you can see a cut below his bottom lip. He fell and hit his mouth on the couch and completely bit through his lip. It was fairly nasty and even required a trip to the ER. I figured he was going to need stitches. They ended up not doing stitches though since it was an open cut on the inside of his mouth, they just washed him up and sent us home. Paxton loved every bit of the trip to the ER though. What can I say, he loves attention. :)

#21

2010-06-24T10:21:00.000-07:00

Everytime I drive from Wenatchee to Quincy I tell myself to pull over and take a picture of this...

I finally did...and I'm so glad! I can't wait until I have enough #21's to make a 21 book!

Weekend Recap::Father's Day 2010

2010-06-21T23:51:00.000-07:00

We had a great, busy, weekend! It's so nice to be on break from school and work. Not that I mind work, I actually don't. I even kind of like it! I would like it even better if I were getting paid, but otherwise it's not bad. I get along with sick people and I like that they like me. Last week I had a patient tell me I was her new best friend (probably because I was the only one who took the time to actually try and talk with her, in Spanish at that) I also had an older lady with dimentia hug on me and call me mommy. But not all my patients like me, but it's not actually me that they don't like it's my job. A lady told me last week that by the time I was finished taking 2 x-rays of her that she was going to be dead because I was going to kill her with radiation...she was 91 though that's almost typical for patients of that age. I also had a patient puke and pee all during a pelvis x-ray, that was exciting :) At least it was only pee, she initially thought she went #2. That might not have been so exciting ;) Then I found the "quiet room." For all you Grey's Anatomy watchers. Remember two seasons ago when they would all hang out in the "guy's" room, the one who was in a coma? We have a patient like that, he's quite and doesn't really talk so people hang out in there. I went to tak his x-ray last week only to find people on their breaks hanging out in his room. I couldn't help but laugh...all I could think about was the Grey's episode when "guy" actually woke up. AWESOME!

Saturday we went over to Abe and Kelly's for a get together to celebrate Kelly graduating from CWU. Go Kelly! The weather wasn't that great, but Paxton still attempted to get in the pool. The girls were brave enough, but Paxton didn't make it past the ladder. He looked super cute sitting there though! I can only imagine all the fun he's going to have this summer at his cuzzies house! He's already asking to go back so he can go swimming. He's also asking to ride his bike, play in the dirt, ride his scooter, and search for bugs. See, I told you he's going to have way too much fun there.

Then Sunday we headed over to my parents and Enrique's parents to celebrate Fathers day. The first thing Paxton asked when he woke up on Sunday was, "now can we go to Gramma and Papa's house?" He sure loves them. Paxton was able to play outside all day and loved it...I loved it! It makes me so happy when he's able to run around and be happy. He went all day Sunday without a nap and around 5:00 it became apparent. He did fall asleep finally on our way back home, but not for long. He was then awake until nearly 10 pm. I don't know how he does it, shoot...I don't know how we do it most of the time. That child's CRAZY! But, I love every bit of it. Enrique actually told him today that he was a crazy-wild-man, and Paxton replied, "no I'm just a fast runner." Double-Awesome!

Paxton was at Gramma's playing in the flowers, while I was fighting off the bees ;)

To celebrate Fathers we took my dad (and mom) down to Crescent Bar for dinner and some Putt-Putt. I'm going to say the official score is now 1-1. We started a match down in Cancun, where both my parents smoked Enrique and I, but I think this time Enrique and I came out ahead. During golf, Paxton would get mad when it wasn't his turn, and at one point he sat on the fence and cried for a good 10 minutes. I'm not exactly sure why he was crying, but since he was sitting nicely on the fence doing so...I let him. This is when it really showed that he needed a nap. Poor boy.

Mom and Dad....rematch? ;)

After we were finished golfing we took Paxton down to the beach. He had been looking forward to that all day. He was exhausted and so were we, but we knew that if we didn't just take him down there for a little bit that we'd never hear the end of it. Especially since he doesn't seem to forget much! He had a great time though. The water was FREEZING, but that didn't stop Pax. I could hardly stand to let my feet get wet, but had we let him he would have been swimming. Crazy Dude.

Thank you mom and dad for a great day. and Happy Fathers day Dad.

Peace-Love-Hugs!

Fun at the Museum

2010-06-17T20:21:00.000-07:00

How awesome is the children's museum? ~~Paxton~~ We all had a great time there. It was great to see Paxton in his element. Everything was just the right size and he was able to run around and explore without getting in trouble. How often does that happen? Not often ;)

I think next time we head up to Seattle we'll take him to a different, bigger, museum.

Today (Thursday) is my Friday...Woot-Woot! I think the best part though is that I'm off all of next week...Hooray! I think I'll have a few photo sessions, but other than that we don't really have any plans. I'm hoping to spend ALL my time with Paxton. He and I need some good quality time! I feel like his life has changed so much in the last few months and I've been so busy I haven't been there to see it all. He loves being at Miss Cindy's playing outside with the boys, but I know he also wishes he could just stay home too.

Stay tuned, I'm sure I'll have many more posts in the coming days!

B-Boy

2010-06-07T23:43:00.000-07:00

Can you believe my little man is old enough to be in soccer? He is...Fire Tots actually. He goes every Thursday for an hour and works on different drills. His favorite part is crawling through the tunnels. He even goes out of his way just to do so! Usually it's just Daddy and Pax for soccer, but last week I was able to get off work a little early to go watch. His gramma and papa came too. Let's just say that Pax does better when it's just him and daddy! I'm glad that I got to see him though. It was way too stinkin' cute!

My favorite part was dance time. The "coaches" start and stop the music at different times. When the music is on the kids are all supposed to dance and as soon as the music stops they are supposed to freeze. I don't think there is anything cuter than watching a bunch of 3&4 year old]s dance. The only thing...while all the other kids are up dancing, you'll find Paxton on the ground breaking...AWESOME! He is always different and I love that! I can't wait until we can actually get him into classes. The following picture is worth 1000 words and might be one of my favorite story telling pictures. EVER.

Tacos!

2010-05-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

Is it really Wednesday? I'm not complaining. Three more days of work and then it's the WEEKEND! I'm really, REALLY, excited for the weekend. I'm going to a photography workshop in Bellevue where I'll be working with a great photographer :) We'll even have a couple there that we'll be taking pictures of so make sure to check back for those!

I'm not sure though if I'm more excited for that or to take Paxton HERE. He's going to LOOVVE it! Don't worry I'm sure I'll have pictures of that too.

I had Monday off so Paxton and I hung out all day. We never even left the house. I wanted to but the little man just wanted to stay home. I even tried bribing him, but no dice! He's definitely a home-body! But so is his momma :) I don't think I even showered until 10 pm that night, but Paxton was nice and clean all day and lounged around in his awesome robe...check him out, it really is that cute! :)

I've decided that this child already knows he's half Mexican...all he wants is tacos, rice, and beans. I don't blame him, but sheesh! The other day he told me it was his birthday and since it was his birthday he wanted to go have rice and beans...although he told Grama it was his birthday too when she was cutting strawberries and angel food cake. He even asked if her and Papa would sing happy birthday to him. He's a little crazy, but he's my Crazy! :)

Anywho, back to the tacos. Enrique and I were having sandwichs for lunch, but Paxton wanted tacos so I made him cheese tortillas with turkey tacos. He LOOVED them:)

Well HAPPY WEDNESDAY. Hope you all have a TERRIFIC Memorial Weekend!

PEACE-LOVE-HUGS

Paxton sure is lucky...

2010-05-18T22:49:00.000-07:00

...to have such great cousins.

Last night we went over to Abe and Kelly's for dinner. When we asked Paxton if he wanted to go he got so excited. He loves HIS Addesen and Bell-Bells. I love that they are all able to play together often, and that they actually get along. I love that the girls love Pax as much as he loves them, I love how he can tell them apart, and that he knows which one is more likely to play with him. These days it's Addesen, two months ago it was Isabelle. Either way Paxton sure loves his cuzzies and so do I :)

Paxton and Addesen were playing with Paxton's new bug catching kit. They caught WAY more bugs than I would like to see in one container. Yes, that gun-looking-thing Addesen has in her hand is sucking them up. Pretty cool, but also pretty gross!

Weekend Recap!

2010-05-11T23:52:00.000-07:00

Whew...what a weekend. It was a great one though...we were able to see all my family on Saturday to celebrate Kendry's first birthday then we were able to spend it with Enrique's family on Sunday to celebrate Mothers day.

I had a great mother's day. When we woke up in the morning Paxton brought me a mothers day card that him and Enrique picked out...it was the perfect card. I know that Mothers day is supposed to be about celebrating our mothers and all that they've done for us, and I did. I am so thankful for my mom. She is the most amazing women I know. She is strong, caring, and compassionate. Everything that I hope to be. She has taught me so much in the past few years, more than I ever realized. Things that I couldn't understand until I became a mom myself. Thank you Mom.

But...Mothers day is more of a day for me to remember what I have, what I am so thankful for--being a mom. I never knew love until I had Paxton and I'll never know a love as strong.

Here's a recap :)

From the mind of a three-year-old.

2010-05-03T22:02:00.000-07:00

It was great to sit down with Paxton and ask him these questions...he's a very smart boy and knows exactly what to say. He knew when he was being silly and giving me crazy answers, but he loves to make me laugh. I think he would have definitely been a perfect candidate for the show that Bill Cosby used to host where he'd sit down with a bunch of kids and ask them random questions. :)

What is your favorite color? Blue
Who is your best friend? (pointing at me) "mommy!" Then daddy says, "what about me?" So Pax says, my daddy too.
What is your favorite food? Grass....rice and beans.
What is your favorite store? Target
What is Mommy's name? Andrea
What is daddy's name? Ah-rique
What is grandma's name? Mikki
What is Papa's name? Mikki....Ah-rique...Annie...Talkie? He never could remember it.
What is your favorite thing to do with Papa? Feed his horses. Do you ride them? No just pet them.
Who are your cuzzies? Addesen and Bell-Bells. Oops, who are your cousins? Bell-Bells, Addesen, Ava, and Kendry.
What color is the sky? Blue
How old are you? 2...3...too old.
What did you have for dinner? Hamburger, Hot dogs, noodles
Where do you live? At Auntie Kelly's. No...in my house.
What is uncle G-dogs name? G-Dog.
What is your name? Paxton Gray-beal Lopez (yup it sounds just like that)
What is your favorite cartoon? Wow-Wow-Wubbzy.
What is your favorite toy? Tractors

Party Time!

2010-05-02T22:37:00.000-07:00

Paxton had a great 3rd birthday! It seems like we were just celebrating his 2nd birthday not too long ago. Paxton is very much a little boy now, and I feel like I'm having to constantly remind myself that he is only 3, because most times he acts way older.

He is very outgoing and independent. I think he is most definitely just like me...

His favorite things are:

His mommy and daddy :)
Playing cars
Reading books
Going to Pennsylvania park (yup, he requests it by name)
Chocolate milk with whip cream on the straw---with no onions.
Mack-ee-rone-iees, said exactly as you just read it.
Playing with other kids, almost any will do.
His cousins Isabelle and Addesen who he can now tell apart (started to about 6 months ago)
Baseball
Green beans
Rice and Beans
Taco's
Tortillas
Chippies
Wow-Wow-Wubbzie

plus much more...

Tomorrow I'm hoping to sit him down and ask him various questions about his life...I'll let you know what he thinks.

Peace-Love-Hugs!

Chippie

2010-04-27T23:09:00.000-07:00

This is how he fell asleep...

TWICE :) The second time was because he woke up and couldn't find his chips, he found them, then fell back asleep! :) He loves his chippies!

Busy Weekend!

2010-04-27T22:33:00.000-07:00

Is it seriously already Tuesday? That means only two more days until Paxton's birthday. Whoop-whoop. He is so excited about it. He knows that we're having a birthday party for him on Saturday and he can hardly wait. He had to take over an extra invitation tonight to Isabelle and Addesen, just in case! Although I doubt that they'd forget :)

We were very busy this last weekend. Enrique played softball all weekend in the 3-Cities. He had his first game at 8 am on Saturday morning. Do you know what time I had to get up to be there on time??? Too dang early: 4:45. I don't think I'll be doing that again... His team didn't do so great, but had to play 5 games on Saturday. Since we were in the 3-Cities we stayed with our bestest friends Amandalyn and Joey or as Pax refers to them, "Aunt Joey" yup both of them, or on the rare occasion that he does call Amandalyn something, it's just usually Amanda. He always drops the lyn.

Saturday evening after all the games were over we took Paxton to Chuck E Cheeses. He had a blast...although I don't think he was the only one. Amandalyn, Joey, and Enrique had their fare share of fun too! We told Paxton earlier in the day that when daddy's games were all over we would go, he was so excited! He had a great time. I definitely think we'll be going back.

Clinicals are still going great! Last week was mostly uneventful, which for the Wenatchee Valley is a good thing, but for a student ~~needing~~ wanting to learn it's not. I'm learning something new everyday and I'm enjoying all of it! Hopefully something exciting will happen this week that I'll be able to share about!

Until then...

Peace-Love-Hugs!

or for Amandalyn: Peace-Love-and a wristlett with a chicken wing :)

Crazy Busy!

2010-04-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

Wow....it's really been a long time since I last blogged. Life is busy-crazy busy, but I'm loving it all.

Work is going great. I'm learning new things each day and so far I'm really LOVING every minute of it. Yes, I know it's still all new and exciting, but I truly think I'll love doing this forever. Everyday is something new. Yes, I'm doing the same type of things, but the pateints are different--all with a different story! I've already met some amazing people who are lucky to be alive, and yet they do it with such great spirits.

I've also learned how grateful I am to have parents that were there for me growing up. Parents that allowed me to be my own person, yet were there to guide me in case I steered in the wrong direction. I'm seeing so many people who don't have any parental guidance or the complete opposite--too much; which in turn has turned them to rebel.

Can you believe that Paxton will be 3 next week? Wowza! I'm not sure what it is, but lately everyone has been asking, "when are you going to have another?" To be completely honest, I don't know. Nor do I know if I need another. My heart is so full of love for Paxton that at the moment I'm content, and so is Enrique.

One major downfall of working at the hospital...no matter what I do I always feel dirty. Maybe it's because I'm around sick people for the majority of the day, who knows. Yesterday I had to go into complete isolation twice, meaning I had to put on gloves, gown, and a mask before entering the room. One time it was to protect myself from the patient but the other time the pateint was neutropenic so they were protecting themself from me, just in case.

If the weather cooperates I should be doing a photo session tomorrow evening. Make sure you check the official Andrea Lopez {photography} blog. Oh, did I mention that I purchased my domain? My photography blog is now officially just andrealopezphotography.com, no more blogspot. Pretty cool, hu? :)

The apple trees are all in full bloom here and look beautiful! I can't believe it's already that time of year....

We had dinner Saturday night at Abe and Kellys. Paxton had such a great time playing with the girls. It was a beautiful night out so the kids had a great time playing outside.

Paxton looked so handsome for dinner. He even arrived in his new hat! Which I think his cousin Kendry also has. Paxton's had the hat for some time now, he just never wanted to wear it. He also has a matching tie that he loves wearing!

That's about it for now. Hopefully I'll be back to blog before too long! Remember to check my other blog!

Catching up again....

2010-04-08T22:35:00.000-07:00

I'm now officially a working woman. I've only been at it for 4 days, but those 4 days have been very eventful. I'm really enjoying working everyday, but it will definitely take some time to adjust to the new schedule. This week and next I'm working 8:00-4:30. Then I'll switch over to 4/10 hr shifts, rotating the times and days. I will usually either work 7:30-6:00 or 11:00-9:30. I think the hardest part of me working all day is being away from Paxton. Yes I realize I've only been working for four days, but already I miss my baby! When we leave in the mornings he's still asleep. Then after I pick him up from the sitters we have so much stuff to do that it seems like when we've finally finished everything it's already time for bed, then we wake up and REPEAT!

Work is definitely exciting. There is always something going on. Yesterday I got to see an open-fractured ankle. The bone was sticking completely out of the skin and blood was oozing out everywhere...it was awesome! Since it was a trauma patient we had to go to the ER and take the x-rays using a portable machine. I also learned yesterday that burning skin smells a lot like burnt popcorn...I actually thought it was popcorn. I made that comment that it smelled like burnt popcorn, and that popcorn sounded really good. Then one of the tech's looked at me and said, "ummm, that's not popcorn you're smelling that's the smell of burnt flesh." Yummy! I think the one part of the job that will be the hardest to adjust to is smells. I don't think I'll have any problems looking at the blood and guts, it will be the smells that will get to me. I don't think that any smell will be too much for me to handle, but I do know that some will make me have to invision the smell of something more delightful. :)

Paxton is doing great. He's growing before my eyes and will be turning 3 in just three weeks. I still can't believe it. My baby is no longer a baby! He'll even tell you that he's a big boy. Yesterday he was in the bath playing with his toys, I heard him talking to all his toys makebelieving. He grabbed one toy, looked at it, and said, "I told you, when I say no, NO means YES." AWESOME. That's why he doesn't listen to me when I say no. He thinks it really means Yes.... Crazy little man. Lately everywhere we go people are telling me how tall he is. I've noticed that he's grown a lot in the last two months, but I don't think he's that tall...maybe. Even the girls pointed it out. According to them he used to only go to their stomach, now he is at their chin.

I'm very excited for May. I'm all signed up for a photography workshop in Seattle. It's actually on Memorial weekend so I think we'll all make a weekend of it. We've really been wanting to take Paxton to the museum so I think that will also be on our list of to-do's. I'm really looking forward to the photography workshop. I think it will be a lot of fun to be able to see how other photographers work and edit. We'll spend the first two hours on-location shooting and then we'll spend the last 4 hours editing and going over the business parts of a photography business. I'm also hoping that I'll have a new camera by then....We'll see :)

Oh, and on another exciting note. I have my photography blog all finished. Check it out, I even have my own domain now. http://andrealopezphotography.com/ you can even send me an email at andrea@andrealopezphotography.com I'm very excited about this. :)

Here are a few pictures from Easter. Paxton had a great time at his Grammma and Papa's. Thanks mom and dad :)

And yes, he totally ROCKS those sunglasses!

Spring Break

2010-04-01T15:58:00.000-07:00

So Far...

I would love to win this:

2010-03-31T20:07:00.000-07:00

Have you seen all the beautiful new products &; contest for pro photographers here?

Edits

2010-03-28T01:25:00.000-07:00

Playing around in photoshop while the boys watch cartoons! Love these!

Lets Play Catch-Up :)

2010-03-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

NOTE: my new editor doesn't have spell check so if you find any, sorry.

1. Hip-Hip-Hooray! I took my very last final yesterday, I am officially done with in-class-school-days! Yippee! It feels a little strange though, I came home yesterday and was actually felt a little "off." When I was in school it seemed like no matter what I was doing, I had a guilty concious. I always felt like I should be studying...or my mind would wonder to what I needed to get done for school! Last night I was able to play with Paxton and give him my all! That is awesome!

2. Paxton almost had it out with the reciept-checker-guy at Costco yesterday! Sheesh, it was a close one! Paxton knows the Costco routine. We go in, get our shopping done, usually look at a book or two, check out, get Pizza (which Pax insists is to be eaten at the table) then Paxton takes the receipt to the person checking them at the door. Paxton is very proud that he can do this all by himself, and he always gets a smiley face...which he loves! Yesterday was a different story... Paxton RAN to the guy at the door, gave him the receipt, got it back and said..."WHAT'S this? Where is my smiley face? I very quickly said, "oh, look Pax it's such a neat line." Paxton then says, "oh, yeah. It's my favorite line, I love it." Lol...his favorite line, and he loves it! I was scared he wasn't going to let that man have the end of it. The look on Paxtons face when he didn't get a smiley face was priceless! The man loved that Paxton liked his line. However, I think when a child comes running to you with the receipt you should draw the child a smiley face! Isn't that a Costco rule-of-thumb? I guess that man didn't get the memo.

3. The other night we went to the Lady Bug Festival. You might wonder where that was...it was in our living room. We had to have apples, bannanas, and a map. We didn't see any lady bugs, but Pax didn't care! Sometimes I am amazed by his imagination. He also asked me how to say festival in Chinease. When I told him I didn't know he said, "you know mom, like Kai Lan says."

4. Today is my first official day of Spring break. I get the rest of the week off and all of next week. Then come Monday the 5th I enter the real world. 40 Hour work weeks, except I don't get paid. Hopefully I'll be able to adjust to this new life.

5. I'm very excited about our future. It seems so much closer now that I'm done with school. Soon...

6. I LOVE my iPhone. I actually don't think I could go back to life with out it. It's my lifesaver! I think the thing I like most about it though, is the camera. It actually has a really great camera. I'm able to go place without having to worry about lugging around my big-ole camera. I also have a really fun app that lets me do some fun edits with the pictures!

7. I've started a project. It seems like lately the #21 pops up a lot, I like it! It makes me happy. So if I get the chance I take a picture. I'm hoping that over the course of the next few months I'll get enough pictures of the #21 that I'll be able to make a book. Here are a few!

21 Reflections

8. I can't wait to spend time with AMY! Very, very, excited!

9. Monday is my 26th birthday. I feel old...26 seems old, or old-er at least!

10. Last Saturday we were sitting around bored and decided to take Paxton to Smallwoods. When we were getting ready to leave I got a text from Abe and Kelly asking if we wanted to come over for dinner, so instead they came with us to Smallwoods and then we all went to dinner in Leavenworth. Smallwoods was closed when we got there, but they leave the gates open to the animals if you come after hours. You still have to pay, but no big deal. The only downfall of going after hours is that you don't get to buy the food to feed the animals. That's Paxton's favorite part. You can still buy grain though...Smallwoods is a great place! I was amazed by how busy Leavenworth was. There were so many people.

This one I like to call "The Stand-Off"

This look here is all momma...the crazy face that I get from my mom, that she got from her mom :)

long overdue...

2010-03-20T21:33:00.000-07:00

his post has taken me entirely too long to post! I've been busy, what can I say. Paxton did such a good job when getting his first hair cut. He's had plenty of hair-cuts at home, but we thought it was time for him to have the experiance of a "real" hair-cut. When we pulled up Paxton could see one of the girls through the window wearing her apron and Paxton said, "I think she must be a painter." It was the apron...it was super cute! When we got inside we had to wait a few minutes for daddy to get there so Paxton sat paitently (not something that happens often) waiting for his turn. He thought it was a great experiance, and we think he did a great job.

MIA

2010-03-07T22:04:00.000-08:00

I've been ignoring this blog, I know...but I've been working really hard on my other blog and I finally have it finished! Yay. I love it so much, I'm thinking about combining my personal and the photography blog into one...any thoughts?

I took the girls out for a shoot last week...here are a few! I have more on the other blog. Check them out...don't forget to become a follower on that blog too.

Sunday!

2010-02-28T22:31:00.000-08:00

1. Today was a lazy day, but isn't that what Sundays are for?

2. Our great friends Amandalyn and Joey came to visit last night. We went out for our traditional dinner, The Wok About Grill. We even managed to force down some ice cream...force being more for Joey and Jr :)

3. We took Paxton to play at the park this evening...it was still beautiful out at 5:00. I am still amazed how at Paxton has turned into such a little boy! I'm afraid though that one of these days he's going to get us into trouble. In more ways than one...

4. While we're playing at the park Paxton wants us to chase him, so instead of yelling, "come get me" he yells, (very LOUD) "DADDY COME BEAT ME UP" Lol...really Pax?

5. That's almost as bad as yesterday...after we went shopping at Costco with my mom we came home and I was getting Paxton ready for his nap. I told him I was tired and might take a nap with him...Paxton then asks, "why are you tired momma, did daddy beat you up?" Yikes...

6. All the beating up started yesterday morning when Enrique was chasing Pax around the house telling him, I'm gonna get you.

7. My mom came to Wenatchee to run a few errands so we met up for breakfast...Thanks mom. I always love visiting with you! Then Paxton and I joined her for a trip to Costco. I don't remember the last time it was that busy, it almost seemed like Christmas season, if not worse!

8. Paxton's been asking when it's going to be his birthday...oh man! Soon I guess, sooner than I want.

9. I'm hoping to do a few more senior shoots this summer, so if you know any Junior's-soon-to-be-Seniors send them my way!

10. Oh, I've been making some big changes over at my "other" blog. You'll definitely need to check it out! I like it so much that I'm thinking I might just combine both blogs into one...since they both are a part of my life! I'm really hoping that I'll be able to get more "clients" to post about!

and because this is a photo blog...here are a few images from our time at the park today. All taken with my iPhone.

I think I'm in LOVE...

2010-02-25T12:24:00.000-08:00

With Sun-Flare...and Spring, oh and the really handsome little guy you see here ;)

Such a big boy!

2010-02-24T10:11:00.000-08:00

MyBoys

2010-02-23T21:45:00.001-08:00

I love them.

No Word Friday

2010-02-19T10:37:00.000-08:00

Memories

2010-02-18T22:49:00.000-08:00

Today I took this picture...

At first glancec I almost deleted it. Then I re-looked at it and fell in LOVE, this picture resembles so much, but mainly to me it represents our memories. Our time of visiting the park will soon be over, soon Paxton will be off to school, and I'll be working (hopefully.) We'll always have the memories, but soon that is all we'll have! So for that reason I'm holding onto this picture and will treasure it, dearly.forever.

TOF

2010-02-12T08:49:00.000-08:00

1. I realized that I never made a TOT or TOW so now we'll have a TOF!

2. The girls came over this morning...they don't have school today and both Abe and Kelly are working so they came here. Pax loves when they come, although sometimes they probably don't think so. He doesn't like sharing me :)

3. Pax woke up almost as soon as they got here, when they came into his room he said, "my girls are here." I like how they are his, and they are the girls. He also refers to them as his cuzzies quite often. He's also figured out which one is which, and usually never mixes them up.

4. The older Paxton is getting, the more of the girls I see in him. He even has their pack-rat qualities. I remember when I used to pick up the girls, they usually had to have a bag full of various things...or they would always be packing something in a sack to play with. Pax is the same, we can't leave the house without a bag-full of something.

5. This week I did clinical observations at the clinic and the hospital. I'm really excited to start clinical rotation now. I was able to meet all the people I'll be working with at the hospital, which was nice. The first 6 months of rotations I'll spend at the hospital, and the last 4 months will be at Community Health. Working at the hospital will be way different than the clinic, but I'm glad I'll get to experience both. At the hospital most of the patients are in-patients so they'll need their x-rays taken either in their room, or we'll have to get them in a wheel-chair or bring them down in their beds. At the clinic the patients should all be fairly mobile so they'll be able to walk in and out of the room by themselves.

6. I really wish that miss Cindy lived a little closer. In order for me to be anywhere by 8 I need to leave the house no later than 7:15. It usually takes me 10-15 minutes to drive to their house and then another 10-15 minutes to get where ever it is I'm going. If traffic is bad, it can take me 20 minutes to get from one part of town to the next! Wenatchee is crazy-busy in the mornings!

7. The other night Paxton and I were talking, and I told him that he's Mexican. He said, "no I'm not Mexican, I'm Paxton." Then I tried explaining that being Mexican isn't a name it's what Paxton is, just like his daddy. So then later when I told him again he said, "no I'm not Mexican, Daddy is a Mexican." The way he said it was so funny. Junior and I laughed so hard, for a long time!

8. We just got back from the Wenatchee library. The girls and Pax had fun. It's actually a really nice Library. They have their own floor just for kids with lots of tables, building blocks, chalk tables, and a reading area where the kids sit on steps. We had a good time!

9. Paxton is teaching Isabelle how to vacuum. He's telling her, "like this, over here, oh here, right there, oops here's some." She'll be a pro by the time she leaves. :)

10. I've been showing Paxton pictures of family and friends lately and he loves it. He really loves seeing Addelynn's pictures, he gets so excited and says, "that's my friend Addelynn." He told me the other night she was his best friend. I told him that was good because her mom, Amy, is my best friend. Paxton looked at me very serious and said, "no she's not, I'm your best friend." I love him.

something new

2010-02-09T19:29:00.000-08:00

I figured out how to display my pictures with rounded corners...how fun is that? stay tuned for a TOT, or maybe a TOW...we'll see!

big blues...

2010-02-07T23:12:00.000-08:00

Not much to share...but I love this picture! Remember to click on the image to see it in a larger size...I love how this picture really shows the dark speck in his right eye. LOVE IT!

Peace.Love.Hugs!

update

2010-02-03T23:41:00.000-08:00

I meant to mention that when I took Paxton to the doctor yesterday that he weighed in at 30lbs! At his 2 year checkup he weighed 26lbs, so in the last 10 months he's gained 4lbs....woo-hoo. Actually I don't think that is very much for his age.

His cousin Kendry is going in for his 9 month check up on Monday. I was curious what Paxton's weight and height were so I checked and at 9 months he weighed 17.4lbs and was 28.25" tall. That put him above the 50 percentile for height and below the 50 percentile for weight. My guess is that Kendry will probably beat those numbers by leaps and bounds! :)

I spoke with his doctor today about his ear and he recommended that I stop the antibiotics if Paxton is no longer complaining of pain.

Ten on Wednesday

2010-02-03T10:04:00.000-08:00

1. I feel like I'm working as computer tech. these days. I've had so much computer trouble, it's crazy. I think the most frustrating part is that since my computer sort-of-crashed I wasn't able to uninstall Photoshop correctly, so now it's not wanting to let me run it because the user-key is still activated. Ugh, I've tried everything...I'm actually in the process of my last try now. Please let it work...

2. We got a new toilet this week...why you might ask. Most of you know that Enrique and I have the worst-weirdest-craziest-strange-LUCK ever. I swear we do, Enrique is really bad, but I have weird luck too. How it happened: Paxton went to the bathroom and held down the handle too long so the toilet wasn't re-filling with water so I started to take of the lid to the tank. Paxton started grabbing for it so I tried to move him and dropped the lid. It fell down onto the bottom part of the toilet landing on the part between the toilet-bowl and the tank and chipped off a big chunk of the toilet. Water started spraying EVERYWHERE, I reached down to turn the water off but turned it the wrong way first, finally I got it shut off. Then I had to clean up all the water...not a good start to the day.

3. Now we have an energy efficient toilet, the kind that barley uses any water. Most of the time I go back to the toilet to re flush it because it always sounds like it didn't flush completely the first time.

4. I picked Paxton up early yesterday from Miss Cindy's because he was crying complaining that his ear hurt. After I picked him up we took him to the Dr. just in case. Before we went in I asked him if he put anything in his ear and he told me, "yes mommy, I'm sorry I put a wrench in my ear." Sometimes he just says things like that though so I figured I should have the doctor take a look anyways. She tried, but he resisted (a little) so she just figured that since he's had a cold that he probably has an ear infection so she wrote him a prescription. I'm a little hesitant to continue giving him the medicine since he hasn't complained again about his ear hurting. We weren't able to see his regular pediatrician so I think I'll give him a call today.

5. So did the groundhog see his shadow or what? I never did hear, but I am most definitely ready for Spring.

6. It is so gloomy and dark today. Paxton actually asked where the sun was.

7. I have a new craft/project I really want to try. I'm thinking that maybe Friday I'll give it a go, if it turns out I'll post here.

8. Amy might be coming to stay in the Spring a while with her dad and I'm so excited! Paxton and Adde are so much a like. I love watching them play. This time though we'll pack a sippy-cup for Adde that is exactly the same as Paxton because for some reason every time they've played together they always fight over his cup because Adde wants it too. :) I think it's so cute!

9. You know that for about 6 months of this last year I thought I was 26. TeeHee. I couldn't remember if I was 25 or 26 so I asked Enrique and he told me I was 26 (along with a comment about how could I not know) so when ever people asked I told them I was 26...until someone corrected me. Sheesh. This year I will turn 26 though. Yesterday someone guessed that I was 22....that's pretty exciting!

10. Another note...I HATE Vista. I know that's a strong word, but I do. Enrique's computer has it and I really just can not get the hang of it. It has the strangest way of saving files. Maybe it's because I'm used to XP, but hopefully by the next time we buy a computer they'll have XP back.

and since no post is as exciting without any pictures here you go....

Paxton got a new toy, it's bigger than we thought it would be. It's in his room for now, but I think it will soon be moving somewhere else. Either to Grandmas :) or to storage. It's just too big.

Miss Ava

2010-02-02T00:49:00.000-08:00

Love her!

as promised...

2010-02-02T00:43:00.000-08:00

...bath pictures. Enjoy.

Peace.Love.Hugs

11 on Friday/Saturday

2010-01-30T00:53:00.000-08:00

1. Life is busy. I feel like everyday we're still adjusting to our new schedule, which includes getting home most nights at 5. By the time I make dinner, give Paxton his bath, play, work on what ever else I need to it seems to be bed time...then we wake up and do it all over again.

2. I am so ecstatic-relieved-excited-HAPPY that I get to do my rotations here in Wenatchee. I was terrified at the thought of having to move.

3. Another year and I'll be done with school. It seems like it's taken me forever to get here, but in the end it will be worth it, right?

4. I get excited when I think about our future...

5. I want [need] another baby, not anytime soon but soon-ish. Probably in another year and a half. Maybe...ask me tomorrow and I might change my mind though.

6. Dear Camera Fairy, would you pretty please leave me THIS. I would love you forever! Hey, a girl can wish! Hopefully soon. It would take me so much further, help me become a better photographer. No the camera doesn't make the picture, the photographer does...however, it's easier to be artistic and creative when you aren't restricted by your camera. My camera is great but that camera is SO much better.

7. I'm at a LOVE/HATE relationship with Paxton's toys right now. I LOVE that they are all over the place, I love that he loves playing with them, and I LOVE watching him play with them. But...I HATE cleaning them up all the time.

8. Paxton is definitely my son. I find myself kissing him so much that I literally have to make myself stop...it's almost an uncontrolled habit :) When I do it I usually make a crazy face and squeeze him too. Well, Paxton now does the uncontrolled squeeze...oh how I love it! I'll have to thank my mom for that...I remember the crazy face growing up.

9. Paxton also stole my heart the other night. He looked at me and said, "come on momma, I want to take a bath, come on, bring your camera." Awww, so...

10. Okay, I was all ready to upload the pictures but I haven't watermarked them and since they are bath pictures...I think I'll wait. And now it's late so I'm off to bed, maybe tomorrow :)

11. Update on the Paxton and his colors...I spoke with his Pediatrician and he said that they don't do that kind of a test until school age. So for now we're still working on them...
Peace.Love.Hugs!

this would be Awesome...

2010-01-30T00:44:00.000-08:00

with a capital A! :) How awesome would it be to win THIS! I would love it! I would also love to be in the position to give away a trip like this...hopefully someday!

texture...

2010-01-27T10:27:00.000-08:00

Just a texture edit I wanted to share....

Have a great Hump-Day.

not sure...

2010-01-25T23:47:00.000-08:00

Paxton is a pretty smart little-dude. Anyone who knows him can verify this, actually most people that encounter Paxton can tell you this. He learns quickly, sometimes too quickly. He talks a lot, and knows too much :) I'm positive he's an old soul.

So when I started working with him on his colors I figured he'd learn them fairly quickly...but he didn't. I didn't push, I figured he would eventually get them, but he wasn't, or at least not really. I always felt like he was struggling, or just not wanting to pay attention. When he didn't catch on I kind of gave up and figured he would learn them when he was ready...still figure?

I did happen to mention to Miss Cindy (our AMAZING sitter) that he was having a hard time learning his colors. I told her that I'd been trying to work with him, but that I didn't think he was catching on. Maybe she'd have a different approach?

I also mentioned to her that I almost wondered if there was a possibility that he could be colorblind...I felt crazy saying it out loud, since mostly I had been thinking it to myself. She assured me that he was probably fine, and I believed her. After all, doesn't being colorblind run in your family? I put all of it on the "back burner" and figured he'd come around...he's too smart not to learn his colors, right?

Then today when I was picking Pax up Cindy brought it up. She mentioned that she'd been trying to work with him on his colors and that she hadn't had any luck either. Then she mentioned that she thought there was a possibility that he could be colorblind...my heart sunk. I had thought it, but didn't actually believe it--until now.

I've been reading about it and I believe that Paxton sees color, but has a hard time differentiating between them. I think that to him Yellows, Reds, and Oranges all look the same color and black, purples, and blues all look the same. Tonight we were going over them and it's almost as if he really has no idea what I'm talking about when I say the word color...like they are all the same. So how can that one be red, when it looks like the orange? I called his Pediatrician bud didn't hear back from him. My guess is his nurse will call tomorrow.

I did find a "test" online that I plan to use tomorrow for my own sanity. I want to know (need) to know.

All of this has made me feel so sad...what if my little boy never gets to see things for their true beauty, the way you and I see them. What if he struggles in school because the directions are written in black on a blue paper? Or worst of all...

6. The kindergarten teacher notices the kids during art class teasing Jimmy. The other kids think it is funny that Jimmy's stick people have green faces.

Color Normal Color Deficient

source: critiquewall.com by Paul Martin

these images made me cry...I couldn't imagine seeing the world this way.

Hopefully I'm just being a paranoid mom and Paxton is indeed being stubborn. I'll let you all know more, when I know more.

What can I say...

2010-01-25T00:43:00.000-08:00

...i'm on a ROLL! :)

Paxton-Poo

2010-01-24T17:47:00.000-08:00

Love these...All of them :)

Three Photo Frame

2010-01-23T20:57:00.000-08:00

Look what I learned to make...I also have it saved as a template so from now on I'll be able to just swap out the pictures. Fun stuff!

It's that time again...

2010-01-22T23:57:00.001-08:00

for a bath picture :) I have lots more from today that hopefully I'll get posted tomorrow!

Peace, Love, Hugs!

Oh, and I'm also working on new Logo/Watermark so I'll have a few different ones that I'd like some opinions on. Check back for those tomorrow!

Oh, and check out this :)TeeHee, how awesome is that?

little conversation...

2010-01-20T10:46:00.000-08:00

Here's a little bit of a conversation that Paxton and I had yesterday on the way home from Miss Cindy's (the sitter.)

Me: How was your day today?

Pax: Good. How was yours.

Me: It was good, but I missed you.

Pax: I missed you too mommy, I cried for you.

Me: Oh, Pax you don't need to cry I will always be back for you.

Pax: Okay...I had so much fun playing.

Me: Good, I'm so glad.

.....Silence.....

Pax: Mommy...

Me: Yes Pax

Pax: I had a hard day today...

Me: You had a hard day, oh, why?

Pax: I had a hard day, Mason smashed my finger and Andrew pushed me off the stool and I have owie's....

WOW...what a hard day Paxton.

I thought it was too cute!

Lazy Weekend

2010-01-18T11:05:00.000-08:00

We had a great, lazy weekend.

Paxton needed a hair-cut...can you tell?

So he got one...much better! Look at my little boy. He is no longer a baby he is all boy!

Pax LOVES to play cars. First we line them ALL up...

and then they're OFF!

Ten on Tuesday

2010-01-12T08:32:00.000-08:00

1. Good morning...

2. I'm up before Paxton, which has been the norm lately. He's been wanting to stay up so late and sleep all morning, or at least until 8:30 or 9. I've tried breaking this, but it doesn't seem to work. I'm going to have to though in order for me to get my study time in. Although, he's actually way better about leaving me to be when he know I have stuff to do.

3. I have this photo project in a group I belong to. Now I just need it to snow...the picture I have been imagining in my mind just won't be the same without the snow, but I also imagine it snowing while I'm taking the picture. Maybe I should start carrying the camera with me...maybe.

4. I really need to figure out how to post links. The ones where I can say check THIS out and all you have to do is click on the THIS. It looks so much better than having a huge web address sprung across the page. Anyone know how? Care to share ;)

5. After Christmas we came home and I was stressed-out with all of Paxton's toys EVERYWHERE....literally everywhere. I decided something had.to.be.done! So we went to Target and got a nifty little storage shelf, the kind where I can put his toys in tubs and then put the tubs on the shelf. LOVE IT!

6. The other day Paxton came and crawled in my lap gave me a hug and in his really sweet voice said, "you're my best friend." So sweet....then later in the day I was putting him in his room (punishment) and as I'm shutting the door he says, "but you're my best friend." I guess best friends aren't supposed to put each other in the room.

7. It's so nice to wake up in the morning with the coffee already brewed. Who ever invented the automatic coffee pot was a GENIUS!

8. I have a really long class today. One class that goes from 12-5. YIKES, I think I'm going to go crazy!

9. Okay, I'm out of things to say. Ten seems like a lot. I'm okay with 9 though, and heck you've even seen a few pictures. So technically I'll say those count as posts and then I've made it to 11. Have a great Tuesday.

10. BTW, both of these pictures were taken with my iPhone :) There I made it to 10.

Creative Fun!

2010-01-11T10:04:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure who had more fun playing...Paxton or me? Its crazy the things they have for play dough. Paxton's been asking for the ice-cream set, I'm thinking that might be a good idea.

Just to add...table covers, the cheap ones you buy for birthday party's, work GREAT to play on.

Meet the farmer and his animals.

Spaghetti and Meatballs...Paxton said, "meatballs? what's that?

Mrs. Piggy. She even grows a tail...I thought it looked weird so I cut it off :)

yet another favorite

2010-01-11T00:48:00.000-08:00

I love that in this picture you can see his little mole/freckle on his neck...one day it just appeared.

Here's to 2010!

2010-01-10T11:13:00.001-08:00

I love pictures like this. It's close to my heart. It's so Paxton. His eyes, his hair, his look of concentration, everything.

I LOVE that I can see the dark speck directly below his right eye (the one on the left) :) I have always noticed it, since he was a baby. It's not that big, but it's there and for some reason it's special to me. It's one of those things that make him different, makes him Paxton.

I love you Pax....forever and always.

Hooo-Rayyyy!

2010-01-07T23:38:00.000-08:00

...for me!!! A year ago TODAY I started this blog...hip-hip-hooray, I am so proud of myself. I'm almost doing a little dance-party in the living room by myself :) Speaking of dance parties, that's Paxton's new favorite thing. We get my iPhone and a little speaker we bought for Enrique for Christmas and we blast the jams. Usually Pax insists that Dance Parties take place in his room jumping on the bed, but whatever I'm down with that. We've even had a dance party at the store in the middle of the isle...to the stores music that is ;)

J&J- Pax has really been enjoying the "sunbrella" we got (stole) in the gift exchange.

We finally took out the scooter for a cruise

The plan for 2010:
Learn more...lots more.
Take more photos of myself (maybe a selfie-project)
Be in more photos
Get more photos with Enrique in them
Find new subjects
Buy a new lens
Maybe purchase a new website (a real-professional-one)
....the list continues!

Color/Black & White

2010-01-05T22:59:00.001-08:00

Color/Black & White, originally uploaded by Andrea Lopez Photography.

Today on another blog that I follow she asked, "what is your style, color or black and white?" I think that usually I prefer color, especially when the colors are bold and beautiful. BUT...a good black and white always steals my heart, with my portraits and others. I get more emotion out of some black and whites than I do out of color.

I think with this picture of Paxton in the sand, I prefer the black and white. Mostly because the color doesn't have any bold colors and his eyes seem to pop more in the black and white.

Winter 2009

2010-01-03T23:59:00.001-08:00

Winter 2009, originally uploaded by Andrea Lopez Photography.

Can you believe?

2010-01-03T23:07:00.000-08:00

That in five days it will be exactly a year since I started this blog.... I can't believe it! I was just looking through some of my first posts and realizing that I had no idea what I was doing with my camera. This blog has been such a GREAT experience. Not only did it push me to try and make sure that I was getting my camera out nearly everyday it also pushed me to learn how to use my camera. Manual modes and all. I now have a documented year of Paxton. I can look back and see what he was like on the exact day a year before. How awesome is that! :) I can also honestly say that I didn't think I'd stick it out...usually I get tired of things fast, but not this time. I think the best part of this blog...I realized how much I LOVE photography. I no longer view the world through my own eyes, but through my "photographer" eyes.

I'm hoping that in the coming year I'll be able to grow even more as a photographer! Next on my agenda is a new blog--a real one; one where I can post larger pictures and have my own domain. I've found the one I want...I'll just have to wait to get it. I just don't see the point of buying one yet, maybe when I'm actually "working" as a photographer, but until then I'll remain at Blogspot!

Here's to another year! I hope you'll continue to follow along with our lives and my photography!

MUAH!
xoxo,
Andrea

Nobody likes a post without a picture so here's one from our weekend.

Catch Up

2010-01-01T20:37:00.000-08:00

Isabelle and Addesen came over to play sometime last week, Pax loves when they come! Isabelle came with a really pretty scarf...I was playing around with her and tied it around her head. See like this :) (see below)

She then told me that she looked like a fortune teller-smart! She did. She even had a really creative "fortune-tellerish" voice to go with it! She and Paxton then went into his room to play fortune tellers! The used Paxton's chairs and some play cards. They even used Paxton's tools on the hands! I thought it was so creative. I even heard Paxton tell Isabelle, "you will have a good day and be happy." I had mine read a few times too. They played for nearly two hours! It's amazing how well those two get along. Too bad Addesen wasn't feeling well, I'm sure she would have loved to play too.

Here they are hard at work.

Paxton got some new tools...he thinks he's pretty cool. So do I :)

Here is a little reminder of Christmas...It came and went TOO fast! I actually caught myself yesterday telling Enrique that we should go to the lighting festival in Leavenworth. Whoops! We are going to try and make it for a sleigh ride sometime! We're really wanting to start some new traditions, ones that Paxton will remember. I think the sleigh ride will be a great one!

Until my next post....

HAPPY 2010. May your year be filled with all your hearts desires.

Cancun

2009-12-28T21:15:00.001-08:00

as promised...

2009-12-28T10:32:00.001-08:00

More to come later. Have a great week!

Loves :)

We're back...Ten on Wednesday

2009-12-23T09:05:00.000-08:00

1. Vacation was great...Cancun was okay! We realize that our hearts belong in Puerto Vallarta. We liked going somewhere new and we LOVED the Caribbean waters in Cancun, but other than that Cancun was too touristy.

2. Now that we're back from Vacation, I need a vacation to re-coop from the vacation. Lets just say that Paxton is too busy to enjoy a relaxing vacation.

3. During our trip Paxton ate a lot of bananas. Every morning they would have them out for breakfast so I'd give him one for breakfast and then I'd pack one in our bag in case Pax got hungry later. One morning we were all headed to our Jungle adventure. Mom knew that we probably wouldn't make it down in time to get breakfast so she grabbed some bananas and bread for Pax...she then gave his banana and he was good. Well the next day we were on our way into town when Paxton thought he needed a banana. I didn't have any so he asked my mom--she didn't have any, but he thought that she needed to have one and that he REALLY needed a banana. So he kept saying, semi-screaming, I want a banana. Over.and.over! Mom then said, "It wont surprise me if someone gets out a banana for him." Nobody did, but a few minutes later a lady hands us a cookie. It was a ginger cookie in the shape of a Christmas tree, but really it was a Shut-Up cookie. I was okay with that though, it worked :)

4. I love how Paxton always tells me, "I miss my grammm-ah, I wan't my grammm-ah and Papa." It's just so stinkin' cute!

5. Where is all the snow?

6. I love being tan. Why can't I be tan all year round, naturally?

7. I'm expecting a package from FedEx. It was scheduled to be here before 3, it's now after 8 and still no package. I get that they are busy, but if I don't get it I'll be very upset!

8. That package came at 9:00. I'm just glad it came!

9. It's now Saturday. Four days after I started this post! Let's just say we've been busy...

10. Christmas was great! We love being able to see all the family. Later we're heading to watch the Alumni Game at the high school...

I'll post pictures from our vacation soon, I promise!

Ten on Tuesday...Yup Tuesday!

2009-12-08T18:59:00.001-08:00

1. I'm finished with Fall quarter...YAY! It was actually a good quarter, it went SO fast, which was good...now on to Winter quarter.

2. I've been a BAD-Bad-blogger lately. SORRY! I'll be better, I promise!

3. My computer got a really N.A.S.T.Y virus last week. It was so bad that I couldn't even work on my computer with the Internet off; it completely took over all my files. I took it in to the computer place Friday and still haven't heard from them-maybe I should call tomorrow.

4. This past weekend we celebrated my mom's 50th birthday. I cannot believe that my mom is 50, the number seems so old, but she doesn't...nor does she look it :) Be proud mom, you are one good-lookin "old-woman."

5. I'm lost without my own computer. I don't have any of my stuff. I have a huge list of pages under my favorites tab that I look at almost everyday, now I'm missing out! I WANT MY COMPUTER!

6. It is freezing outside. COLD! It's funny, when Paxton and I go outside now he covers his face with both his hands and says, "it's SO cold mom." Yet, he still kicks and screams when I make him wear his jacket. What is it with kids and jackets? I remember being the same way, I hated wearing one!

7. I'm finally free of tooth pain....THANK YOU! It puts a huge damper on things, tooth pain is like no other!

8. I really want to try Rosetta Stone, but wonder if it really works like they say. Have any of you tried it, or know of anyone? If so let me know. If it does work as well as people say it would definitely be worth every penny.

9. We're getting ready to head to Cancun, and I am so ready! I'm a little terrified for the flight since we're going non-stop from Seattle. I will be packing one bad full of stuff to keep Paxton entertained....hopefully it works.

10. If you hear on the news of another plane making an emergency landing because of loud-out-of-control-2-year-old that will be us :)

I'll be back soon with some AMAZING pictures!

11. an extra :) I think in the coming year I will be getting my small business license and really be taking my photography further...I'm excited for it! stay-tuned!

Thankful...

2009-11-30T21:13:00.000-08:00

For these two :)

OCTOBER 2009

2009-11-22T18:20:00.000-08:00

OCTOBER HAS COME AND GONE...LUCKILY WE'LL HAVE THE MEMORIES :)

Editing FUN

2009-11-21T01:44:00.000-08:00

Something about this picture just gets me. It's so Paxton. I love how his eyelashes are inter-twined, how his mouth is puckered and how his hair falls around his face. I just did a classic Black and White conversion...I think I'm finally getting the hang of it. I wouldn't call this a grey-scale. :)

In this edit I added a texture (the bokeh (dots) in the background) it's just something to make the picture fun...I like it! It's different, but fun!

Vote for Paxton

2009-11-19T16:46:00.000-08:00

Vote for me in this contest!

Contest details

Ten on Wednesday

2009-11-18T19:48:00.000-08:00

1. In the blogging world Ten on (Tuesday) is the norm, but for me Wednesdays just work better, so for now I'll do Ten on Wednesday :)

2. Today at Miss Cindy's, Paxton, made a Thanksgiving wreath-ish :) On it Cindy had written different things that Paxton was thankful for (she'd ask and he'd tell her different things) a few of my favorite were his toothbrush, the color red (rojo), and of course his mommy and daddy.

3. Paxton and I have been baking a lot. His favorite part is cracking the eggs and mixing with the beater. I love cooking with him, but then we have cookies or muffins sitting on the counter and when they're there they get eaten, usually by me--that's not good!

4. Today it was a sunny 83 degrees in Cancun...only 22 more days!

5. I'm finally feeling like normal again after my root canal last week, except now I have to get my wisdom teeth pulled. That takes place tomorrow! :(

6.This Friday is my dad's birthday (Happy Birthday Dad) but the parents are leaving out of town to go have an early Thanksgiving with the grandparents so we won't be able to celebrate. Hope you have a great birthday dad.....Happy Birthday Papa :)

7. This year for Christmas we've decided to do gift exchange at my parents. We've set a spending limit and each couple is supposed to come up with two gifts. We'll then exchange them in a white-elephant-ish way. This is proving to be more difficult than I anticipated because I want to make sure I have the best gift, the most creative-off-the-wall-usable-gift. We'll see how it turns out.

8. Finally last night there were a few good dances on SYTYCD. When ever I watch that show I really wish I could dance...if only :) I have decided that I'm going to look into getting Paxton into some kind of dance. He loves watching the show, and I think it will be a great way for him to get out a LITTLE of his extra energy. I say little, because I don't think we'll ever find anything that could even possibly come close to using half of his energy.

9. I really wish Amy lived closer. Best-friends aren't supposed to live so far apart. Hopefully sometime in the near future I'll be able to fly down to Arizona for a visit! I'm thinking Spring!

10. On Saturday we went to the girls' birthday party. Paxton had a great time, and I still can't believe that they are 7...how time flies!

ToT (Ten on Tuesday, or Wednesday)

2009-11-11T10:04:00.000-08:00

1. The was really supposed to have been posted yesterday, but I sorta' forgot :)

2. I have had the worst imaginable toothache this last weekend, I went in to see the dentist on Monday and now I have to get a root canal, oh and then Thursday I'll be getting the rest of my wisdom teeth pulled. I guess it as just my week to have dental work done.

3. Our babysitting duties are over, Josline was a great little girl. She did better than I thought for it being her first time away from her parents. Paxton didn't like sharing his mommy, but I think he did enjoy having another person in the house to play with....but it's not pushing us to have another baby anytime soon.

4. Exactly 30 days until we leave for Cancun...YAY baby! That means I better get tanning :)

5. Can you believe that it's almost Thanksgiving? I can already smell the Turkey roasting and my amazing fruit salad :)

6. So this year I'm a little disappointed with SYTYCD (So You Think You Can Dance) I haven't seen any great dances or dancers for that matter. I remember that most seasons I already have my favorite by the first show or two...this year not so much, maybe soon. Especially since I recruited some new watchers, this isn't the season to become a fan.

7. I really love living in Wenatchee this time of year. The colors are amazing!

8. I can't believe that this weekend the girls will be celebrating their 7th birthday...I remember when they were born. It was the year after I graduated and Jr. and I were living in Yakima, I was able to get off work and we went home to see them. They were so little and precious! I'm so glad I've been able to be around for almost all of those 7 years.

9. I really should finish this and start studying for my test...that isn't as interesting though.

10. It's Wednesday-Hump day! Have a great rest of the week!

Mr. K

2009-11-08T01:04:00.000-08:00

My handsome little nephew, Kendry.

Ten on Tuesday...(something new)

2009-11-03T23:12:00.001-08:00

1. I've been so bad at blogging the past two weeks, no reason really...just a little busy!

2. Ten on Tuesday is where I find 10 random things to talk about, nothing particular really just whatever I want to talk about :)

3. Paxton is blowing my mind everyday. He is starting to remind me of a 4 year-old more than a two year old...I'm telling you, he knows things that most 2 year olds don't know. I've been told before that I have an old soul, and I'm starting to understand what that meant because sometimes I feel like Paxton, too, has an old soul. ;)

4. Paxton rode a horse for the very first time this past weekend. He's gone to see the horses before with Papa, but has never actually gotten on. I think that the first time we went to see the horses he wouldn't even touch one, and now he's comfortable enough to ride one. It was short-lived however...he wanted off almost as quick as he wanted on. I'm still proud though, he's making steps!

5. Starting tomorrow I'll be watching a 1 year old for almost a week. Her parents are going on a much deserved vacation :) We'll see how it goes, I'm looking forward to having her and I'm sure Paxton will enjoy her company...she might not enjoy him though :)

6. You know what comes along with having a 1 year old around? ....another person to take pictures of. She probably won't even mind!

7. Fall is here. I. Love. It!

8. Everyday I keep telling myself I need to get started on Christmas...maybe tomorrow!

9. I love the new show Trauma. It's on Monday nights, if you haven't watched it yet--DO! I'm sure you'll love it just as much!

10. Today I dropped Paxton off at the park to play with Miss Cindy and the boys. He really loves them. When we're heading to the car after I've picked Paxton up he'll say his goodbyes and tell me, "momma they are my best friends." How cute is that?

See there you have it...Ten on Tuesday. Maybe next week I'll get more creative, but for now this will work. And since most of you tune in to see pictures here's some more :)

Mason (one of miss Cindy's son) and Paxton

Pumpkin fun!

2009-10-23T10:16:00.000-07:00

The other night we attempted to carve pumpkins, which was fun for the first couple minutes then it just became super stressful. All I could think about was the mess I was going to have to clean up when we were finished, and Paxton was more interested in destroying my pumpkin than he was in carving his own...

So last night we did a different pumpkin craft. Mod-Podge pumpkins...which was way more fun and they turned out pretty cute.

Mine is on the right and Pax's on the left.

Arrr, Ahoy Mate!

2009-10-23T10:12:00.001-07:00

We have a crazy pirate on our hands...A couple weeks ago I was trying to figure out what Paxton should be for Halloween; when I asked him he told me he wanted to be a Pirate, I figured he'd change his mind when I showed him the zebra or lion costume, but nope...he said he wanted to be a Pirate and that's what he meant. :) I found him a super cute costume and the accessories to go with it (all included in the picture.) I made the mistake of showing them to him before his nap, he insisted that he had to take it all to bed with him.

Once he fell asleep I removed it all, but it was so cute!

look close, he even has on the pirate earring :)

Enjoying Fall

2009-10-18T20:56:00.000-07:00

We've been enjoying the park while we still can...soon Winter will be here! :)

Baby Blues

2009-10-17T14:06:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Ava came to visit...Paxton kept saying, "hi, pretty girl."

Changing!

2009-10-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

It seems that the leaves aren't the only thing that's changing these days. I'm seeing so many changes in Paxton lately, good ones! I think that almost everyday I'm blown away by how smart he is, and by the things he says. He remembers things that I don't even remember, hearing or saying. He can recall characters names from a movie that he's only seen once and months ago. We also have to watch what we're saying, because even when we don't think he's listening to our conversations, he is! :)

My little wild man will now gladly settle down and enjoy a book or two...sometimes even three :)

His newest thing is telling us how big he's getting..."cause I'm a big boy now, I'm getting so big."

Reminders...

2009-10-16T09:25:00.001-07:00

It seems like in life we're always given reminders when we really need them....

I've been thinking about Dru a lot lately, I think mostly because Paxton has been asking a lot of questions about him. Paxton sees Dru's pictures and recognizes him, but doesn't really know who he is! ...I only hope that Paxton will someday be even a little like his uncle Dru. :)

Yesterday, Pax and I were at the park and when we were walking back to the car I happened to look over and saw this paper staring at me :)

Before and After

2009-10-13T00:03:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share a before and after...

This picture was taken Sunday when we were at Smallwoods. Paxton was sitting in Juniors lap eating a caramel apple and popcorn :) His eyes looked amazing, but his face was pretty dirty! I cleaned him up and the result is AWESOME-Ness!

Before

After

Baby Ava

2009-10-10T22:18:00.001-07:00

I just love the expression on Ava's face...I think I love the picture even more after the edit, and maybe even more in Black and White :)

Bath Time: Crazy Face

2009-10-09T00:34:00.000-07:00

It's getting harder and harder to get any pictures of Paxton. He's figured out all my tricks, and pretty much rubs it in my face. I think this look is kinda like, "hey mom...if you don't get that camera out of my face I'm gonna splash you, look" :)

Halloween Crafts

2009-10-09T00:28:00.001-07:00

Last night Paxton and I did some Halloween crafts. He's still at the age where he doesn't really want to listen and follow the directions (which completely frustrates me), but in the end it all worked out! When he was making his pumpkins he told me, "these are for Graaama." He then kept telling me he wanted to show Graaama, so we had to get on the computer and do a video call. Now though, he says that the pumpkins are for, momma, dadda, and Paxton. :)

We started making some monsters tonight...hopefully we'll have them finished soon.

Paxton Pic's

2009-10-02T00:35:00.000-07:00

I've been neglecting the blog...I know! Who likes a boring blog? Nobody, so here is a picture to hold you over:) I have some ideas for new bloggin topics, but we'll start that next week...Until then, muah!

This is Paxton's "no" face! As in No I DON'T WANT TO LOOK AT THE CAMERA :)

Senior Pictures

2009-09-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

I had a lot of fun taking senior pictures this last weekend...it almost ranks up with taking pictures of kids. I was a little spoiled with such a great model though...

Miss Ava

2009-09-20T10:25:00.000-07:00

To start the day...

2009-09-16T10:12:00.000-07:00

Somebody that Junior knows had an old-original-Polaroid camera stored away in his garage, and since I'm the only one he know that loves photography he thought it would be something I'd like. It's really neat, it even has a dial to control exposure (i think) I'm going to have to do some research on it...but, since he brought it over Paxton thinks it's his. :)

I edited this picture with a vintage feel, since after all the camera is Vintage!

Note-these were both taken this morning before very much light was coming through the windows so they are both taken with a high ISO, I think either 800 or 1600 that's why they appear grainy.

*I'm not sure what's going on with blogger, but the picture looks fuzzy-click on it and it doesn't?

And this one...well I just managed to snap mid- RAAWRR!

Have a great day!

I'm in LOVE!

2009-09-15T11:44:00.001-07:00

I'm completely in love with this picture...it's so Paxton. No matter how I edit it (or don't, for that matter) it's AMAZING, at least to this proud momma! :)

Throughout our day!

2009-09-14T23:13:00.001-07:00

This storyboard reminds me of the sweet little boy that I love, not the crazy-wild-child he's turned into most of the time. This is just a glimpse into our day :)

Click on image to see better...

Another Paxton Pic :)

2009-09-14T09:47:00.000-07:00

This picture is wrong in so many ways, it's over exposed, blown-out, and has all sorts of odd shadows...but I still love it!

Fun in the rain!

2009-09-10T13:05:00.000-07:00

It had been raining all day on Saturday, which made for some great puddles. Paxton loved running through this one...he sat in it, crawled through it...and had a great time. Addesen also loved playing around...I love this picture of her, it's almost as if she's floating!

Slacking...

2009-09-02T23:12:00.000-07:00

I'm slacking...I know! Make sure you also check out my other blog, that's where I post pictures that I take for other people.

http://www.andrealopezphotography.blogspot.com

Miss Ava-3 weeks.

2009-08-25T22:50:00.000-07:00

I love my niece!

Bigger Size

2009-08-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

Bigger pictures...YAY. I found a way to over-ride blogger and make the pictures bigger, what do you think?

Before and After

2009-08-10T22:53:00.001-07:00

Since getting my new photoshop program I'm learning that post-processing is almost as important and taking the actual photo. Don't get me wrong--without a great photo it wont matter how much editing you do, but with photoshop you can add so much life and character to a photo.
I want my final photo to be as magical and exciting as it seemed "in-the-moment." Take this picture of Paxton for example, when I took the picture I was laughing and so was Paxton. We were both having a great time, and I remember thinking how handsome he looked-but when I look at the picture SOOC (straight out of camera) it doesn't seem as magical as Paxton was in the moment I took it. But with post-processing, I was able to make it look just as I remember when I snapped it.

Before SOOC

Somewhat dull and life-less.

After- Magical :)

Paxton

2009-08-10T10:17:00.000-07:00

Fun at Smallwoods!

Ava- Edits

2009-08-09T00:10:00.001-07:00

I've really been having some fun with photoshop (again.) I've done some new edits of my favorite picture of Ava using some MCP actions!

Miss Ava Maria

2009-08-07T15:54:00.001-07:00

This is little Ava. I originally planned on taking some pictures of her outside, but the weather didn't cooperate, so we made a "make-shift" studio in her bedroom on top of the dresser :) It worked out pretty good!

This is my favorite!

Trying to decide...

2009-07-22T23:42:00.000-07:00

I love this picture, but I'm not completely happy with the composition. I've tried a few different edits, and so far these are my favorites! Still not sure which I like better though, the first or the second?

Isabelle and Addesen

2009-07-21T23:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks Kelly...I had a lot of fun with the girls! We also found some great places! I cannot believe how mature and beautiful the girls are getting! Where has all the time gone?

YAY!

2009-07-21T00:31:00.000-07:00

After a ton of research, I figured out how to save images so that they don't loose their color and clarity...This was a quick edit, so the second one wasn't exactly a finished edit...it was more or less just used to see if it works...

Before

After...Saving for the Web.

G-Paw and Nana's 50th wedding anniversary!

2009-07-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

The whole, MacDonald...Gimlin...Lopez...Vasquez family! :)

Click on image for bigger picture!

my Luvies!

2009-07-17T00:26:00.000-07:00

I've been having a lot of fun with my Photoshop and am realizing that there is way more possibilities with the program than I thought possible. I found this picture of the girls, and while I love the original, I like the edit too (although I think it's a little too over-done) but I love the clarity in the second one, especially in Addesen's face (on the left.) The edited version is done with a color-pop!

Handsome Pax

2009-07-14T22:24:00.001-07:00

When I was taking pictures of Amanda Paxton got a little jealous and wanted his picture taken...I snapped this one really fast, not expecting it to turn out, but I LOVE it.

Photo Edit

2009-07-14T22:15:00.001-07:00

Of all the picture's I took of Amanda I think this one is my favorite, and now this is my favorite edit of it... :)

Amanda's Maternity (Session 1)

2009-07-12T22:12:00.000-07:00

This weekend I had some fun taking Maternity pictures of my sister Amanda. I cannot wait for baby Ava to arrive--due August 8th. I love most of these pictures...Amanda had a hard time keeping her eyes open so in the ones where she's looking at the camera she looks a little "squinty."

We're planning on trying for a few more this coming weekend so check back :)

I love you Amanda and cannot wait for the little one! You will be an AMAZING momma!