Estes Family

A Dream!!!

2010-03-14T15:59:00.006-04:00

I would be honored to win this contest!

I have thought long and hard over this and here is what my heart says. I am not the best writer, but here it goes, bad grammar and all...

My men. I love, serve, and God willing inspire them daily. This task is everyday, every hour, every minute.

There are days when this job God has given me seems too much, my patience runs thin or the things on the to do list don't get crossed off...but everyday I love them regardless. Mommies don't get sick days, we just keep going, because we have to, we want to. Everyday I encourage them, I put myself aside willingly for them. This chapter in my life, raising men after God's own heart and loving a man who is "Wild At Heart", is crazy, but I feel this is the most important chapter in my life's' book, for these men are a part of my legacy, HIS legacy I am committed to them, all the days of my life for they are nothing short of a miracle.
I love. With all that is in me, unconditionally, without needing a thank you, without hesitation, restrain,boundaries,or conditions...

Now this unconditional love I give is more easily given to my kids, rather than my husband. Sad, I know. I work on it daily, reminding Paul what a great father he is, how Gods provision is so perfect, how I would not be who I am without him. I know sounds so cliche' but it is down right the truth. It is hard to put someones thoughts and feelings before your own...seems so unnatural to me,I am not perfect at it, but I will continue to get better. I will Continue to read Gods word, and pray it keeps changing me.

I hope with my whole heart that I inspire them. My dream would be to inspire my boys to run hard after the Lord with all that is in them, it is so worth the reward. I hope I inspire them to take risks, to be brave and stand up for what they believe in. I pray they know failure is not the end result, and that we learn many things about grace and forgiveness through it. I hope I inspire them to love, to be blinded by color and simply see humanity and not skin.. I pray everyday that I as their mother will inspire them to find women who Love the Lord, and who will love them for them.

Now for your workshop and what it would mean to me to be able to attend. Where do I start? Although you are worth every penny and more, I would otherwise have to save up for who knows how long to attend one of your workshops. My husband has been out of a job since Sept 09 and we use my photography money to make ends meet. Thankfully the Lord has ALWAYS provided and we are abundantly blessed for that. Plus we have each other so we would be rich regardless. I think it would be a wonderful opportunity to be mentored by someone who has inspired my own creativity. Not to mention the other amazing people I could learn from who will also attend. I would be able to take a couple days and focus on the third love of my life...capturing people and creating moments. A huge BONUS is I would have a couple days away from snot, diapers, lollipops and other wonderful kid things that I am sure going to miss when they are grown and gone.

Life with BOYS!!

2009-04-28T18:56:00.004-04:00

I just love this...my oldest son, playing in the kitchen, britches on backwards and inside out....

Ele Fun net on the head....and punching bag as a sword......

It never ceases to amaze me at what boys find fun, I love that Bowen was entertained for hours with this particular combination of items!!

Seriously this face cracks me up, where does he get his faces from?

He is just cute, what can I say. This is a special glimpse into a day in the life of a boy, an Estes boy at that! We do have fun, never a dull moment. So neat to see my baby getting so big, and what an imagination, I love how descriptive he is and how animated, and I love that he has conversations as if he is playing 2 different people...I just love it.

I always thought I would have little girls, well that was what my mother hexed me with!!! But I am so thankful for my boys, so rough and tumble yet just little lovers too, such sweet kisses and snuggles! I know a girl would add a new dynamic to this testosterone filled crowed, just in case it never happens, and the only pink I can ever buy is my own nail polish...well I will still be the luckiest girl alive, enjoying the blessings I already have!!!!

Happy Easter!!

2009-04-13T18:57:00.003-04:00

So here we are, the day after Easter, I ate absolutely WAY too much candy, the kids had a ball and we spent the whole day as a family. On the down side, I have had a sore throat since Saturday and it is not feeling any better, but, I pushed through and managed to get some pictures of the boys as the went hunting for their eggs.

This was the first Easter where both boys were able to participate, it was fun. Every time Bowen found another egg, he would get so excited!! My kids are candy holics...they do come by it honestly, but I believe they were excited, not about the eggs themselves or the achievement of finding them, but for the shear fact that that meant they were going to eat more candy...

The boys did so well, they shared and dove in together to sugar heaven, and had a blast!

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter, candy, eggs, chocolate are all fun but we are so thankful our God conquered the grave. IT IS FINISHED. What great words! More pictures from the egg dying coming soon....that was fun....

The Laser Show

2009-04-06T15:14:00.003-04:00

So this weekend we had one good day to explore the outdoors, and well we decided to go and visit my family out in Stone Mountain. It was Keith's Birthday, so we celebrated with cake and good food, then we decided to head over to Stone Mountain Park. It was a blast. I will be honest, every other time I have been to the laser show I have not been impressed, but this time it was different!! I thought it was great! There were tons more lights and different music, I just really enjoyed it.

We took Bowen and left Judd with my mom, so it was nice to spend some time with him without the Lil guy there. We missed Judd, but it was nice to see Bowen and Mason play swords with one another, and of course I had to have the traditional funnel cake, one of my many food weaknesses. It was nice outside, not too cold in the evening, but just cool enough for a blanket and some snuggles!

Bowen loved the fireworks, it was so neat to see him laugh and giggle as they all went off. We had a great time , it will be nice when Judd can stay up a bit later and we can all go as a family. I enjoyed my weekend, and my night out with my 2 very special boys!

A big thanks to my momma who kept Judd Budd for me without hesitation so we could party at the park till about 10pm...

No pics, again I have been so super busy that the last thing I want to do is take pics while I am out....bummer I know, but I just feel that way right now! The weather hopefully will turn around again and Spring can finally arrive, and as soon as it does I will snag some updated pictures of the boys!!!

I am LIVE!!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-26T16:40:00.002-04:00

So I am so thrilled to announce the unveiling of my new website!!! I have been working on this for months, and it has tested me a bit , but I am so very pleased with the result!! You can check it out here www.sugarsnapatl.com. Lots of great things are happening for Sugar Snap Photography, we are getting ready to expand, my very dear friend and business partner Tandy will be spearheading a new Sugar Snap in Orlando Florida! I am so excited for this expansion, we are looking forward to what God has in store for us the remainder of this year. Speaking of the remainder of this year, can you believe we are already almost in April??? Scheesh, the time is really flying!!

Just an update on all of us here, Paul is still working 2 jobs, he is really starting to see some results from his second job Mona Vie, I am so proud of him for reaching for his dreams and persevering, what a great example for our boys, to keep pressing on for what you believe in. He continually amazes me with his new look on life and leadership and I am so thankful he was God's provision.

My boys....oh, my boys....where to begin? I am on most days a referee, I try to keep the peace. They are such wonderful and loving kids, who keep me on my toes, and I would not have it any other way! They continue to bring such love and laughter to our home, we are truly blessed.

I am excited to help welcome a new baby to the Estes clan....(no not me) my sis in law April is expecting her 3rd, better her than me. I am so excited for them and am keeping my fingers crossed we will have a little pink added to the mix, that would be nice, we will see soon!!

I again am in a women's bible study on Thursday mornings, it is amazing ad I have meet some great women who I have come to admire, respect and adore. So if you are in the area and do not have plans on Thursday's come on, we would love to have as many great ladies as we can join us!

So I guess that is a little snippet as to what has been going on here, so busy, and there is so much more to report, but I am in a hurry and will have to make it another post.

I hope everyone has a wonderful rest of the week, I will try not to make the disappearances in between posts quite as long!!!

An Ode To Paul!

2009-02-15T01:23:00.003-05:00

Valentines Day...what a silly holiday, I believe love should be celebrated all year long, not just one day. It is funny to watch all the men last minute running into the store to purchase the obligatory card, cheap box o chocolates and flowers. As I look back on this day (with no frills at all) it was pleasant. Just as I would have hoped for. My honey let me sleep in, and took the kids out for several hours so I could sleep. I woke up from my slumber and got tons of things finished around the house. I bagged 3 huge trash bags full of toys the boys will never miss, I started the move from winter clothes to summer clothes, and bagged the small ones to sell in the consignment sale next month, I cleaned the house and edited some pictures. It was great! Paul brought me home my favorite salad from Zaxby's and then we ordered pizza for dinner. You gotta love it when you don't have to cook....nice!

But I say all this to just get around to bragging on my hubby...I am not going to pretend online that we have the most perfect relationship, we argue and fuss and stomp around mad at one another from time to time(more me than him) but we are perfect for each other. I never dreamed the first time I met Paul that we would get married. Never did I dream this good old boy would steal my heart, but he did! I know he was surely not thinking I was his bride to be either... funny how God works things out!

I do know that he made me laugh(and still does) All the time!!! His lighthearted and carefree spirit were just what this city girl needed. He was a breath of fresh air with talent like none I had ever seen before, man can he sing!!! Paul has shown me so many things, how to forgive, how to love and how to fight for what is right, good and true. He has taught me some profound lessons only he could have guided me through. He is a big kid and so full of life, there is never a dull moment! He works so I can be home with our boys, and he works hard, even when he gets home, to play with the boys, give me a break and even occasionally do the dishes:)!

At the end of the day there is no blue Tiffany's box, there are no flowers and no cheap candy (or expensive candy at that) There is just love, love for each other. Everyday not just Feb 14, everyday! I have a genuine adoration for this man, only he can make me laugh when I am sad, only he can know something is wrong even when I do my best to hide it, only he understands this girl who is full of emotion....And in the quiet moments when I just know he thinks I am crazy, he chooses to love me for me. That is all I can ask for....he loves me, and I love him faults and all. And just when I think that silly feeling I used to get in the pit of my stomach is gone, he does something that gets me giddy all over again!

Love is a choice, not a feeling, I am getting better at claiming this. I may not "feel" in love everyday, Paul my hurt my feelings and be a jerk...but it is not about my feelings, it is about the choice I made to love him forever, serve him forever...my feelings may change, but my choice and covenant stands strong. Paul is God's perfect provision in my life...and I am one lucky girl. Happy Valentine's Day my lover...I will love you FOREVER!!!

My 2 Fellas!

2009-02-12T09:10:00.002-05:00

So we have really enjoyed the past few weeks, we have had some wonderful weather! My Lil' Brother turned 13....crazy! We had a blast at Malibu Grand Prix! Photos coming soon! Other than that we have just been doing the same ole same ole! Not much happening, except, kids growing, learning, walking, talking...the usual! This picture is of my 2 big fellas! They are silly and I love it!! This was at the dinner table, after dinner, we played around, this is one of my favorite sets of Bowen and Paul!!

So that is my grand update...I guess no news is good news!! I am ready for the warmer weather...that's about it!

Finally !! We are free!!!!

2009-02-04T22:25:00.002-05:00

No pictures, boy did I wish I brought my camera. But, I did not so here is just a rundown. The kids were feeling better this morning and we decided to head out and just do something fun to burn some energy. So we headed out to eat dinner at Stevie B's and then we went to Jump 4 Joey's. It was a blast. There was no one else in there except us 4 and we had the run of the place. Paul was home today from work and we just enjoyed him and each other.

The boys were so cute, Judd is usually a bit more timid around a bunch of kids, but he was climbing and sliding down with his big brother and his daddy. It was so cute!

So it was a nice day! I love having Paul home, even though he gets on my nerves for the first few hours of the day. ( Come on ladies...you all know what I mean.) Paul is usually not home all day everyday so when he is home he messes up the routine, cause he thinks he knows a better way!! It is fine, just bugs me for a sec then I am over it and am able to enjoy him and not wanna kill him. Just being honest!

I am looking forward to tomorrow, shoot, bible study...who knows what else I may venture off to do now that I have broken free....

The cabin fever blues!!!

2009-02-02T23:57:00.002-05:00

Alright, the past week or so has been a bit strange. Bowen was fine, then feverish, then fine, then coughing up a lung, then feverish, then fine.....needless to say we have been cooped up in the house!!!! I am defiantly an on the go kind of gal, and I start to go a bit stir crazy after looking at the same walls for days and days... not to mention we have no TV and the DVD player broke last week. I'll tell you what, it is harder then you may think to entertain 2 kids with no cartoons or anything like that ALL day long, with no outside play!!! But, I have had fun, there are always more snuggles for me when the boys don't feel well. This would be the one and ONLY perk of a under the weather baby!! (not that I want the perk...you get what I am sayin')

So, if there was a face that could express how we all have felt being held captive in our own home...this would be it!!

Judd on the other hand would be happy no matter where you took him, he is so easy going and happy, especially when I give him a sucker!!!

Aghh, my kids and their faces , I just could squeeze them till they pop!!

My Bowen, so full of life, he has really shown some wonderful leadership qualities since his little brother came along. He is quite the helper and even when he does not feel well he is always up for a task that helps out mommie!! I am so proud of him, he is a wonderful big brother. Again, my kids are the greatest! I know I am partial...what mom isn't! :)

I was able to get out a bit and do a shoot, which is always a great source of relief for me. You should check out the new maternity pics I took. My friend Kristina is due any day and she looks amazing!! www.photosbysugarsnap.com

This is supposed to be a busy one, we will see if I am able to keep appointments and dinner dates. I am hoping so. I am looking forward to seeing some friends I have not been able to catch up with in a while!!

I am waiting on my babies to get better so I can at least get out and snap one or two VDay shots!! Also my little brother's birthday is this weekend....13....I seriously feel old...

No pictures, again...sorry!

2009-01-23T15:05:00.003-05:00

Alright it has been a crazy couple of days, my CD burner has broken, my external hard drive is having issues, so therefore I can only use it on Paul's laptop, which stinks, so in all this rambling there are still no pictures. But today I was able to make it to the store and get a new external hard drive and a new CD burner, back in business. Once I get all this up and running again I will put some pics up of the boys and Christmas and such!!

So today my Mom-in-love has both my kids...I am a bit lost! I am just used to them being with me, but this has been nice. I am able to clean and get things finished around the house in what feels like warp speed. Everything gets finished faster when the kids are gone!!!

So just a few ramblings, here to post! Nothing too major. I had my first Client meeting without my partner Tandy...boooo, she is leaving me to start a new church with the man of her dreams, I am so proud, but she will be sorely missed. This means that the responsibilities of Sugar Snap Photography/ Atlanta are all mine!!! Scary but exciting too! It was a great meeting, we will see what happens. I have my 2nd meeting tonight! So I think I should be a bit more relaxed , but we shall see!!

Last night I was laying in bed with Bowen and we were saying his prayers. Now, he typically goes off on a tangent, thanking God for, well, whatever he sees as he is laying in bed....the toys, the fan, the deer...He will continue on to thank God for mommie, daddy, brother, kiki, maggots...you know our family! I will pull him back on track and say okay now thank God for dying on the cross, he repeats "thank you God for dinosaurs and the cross>" Sweet, just makes me smile!

I will leave you with that little blurb into my life, now back to cleaning!! Promise I will post pics tomorrow!

Reflecting!

2009-01-19T01:46:00.003-05:00

I keep being reminded of how awesome God is! I spent some time talking with a friend I had not "talked to" in a while! So amazing to see where God takes us and sees us through! I was encouraged by her sweet spirit, and just reminded me of how blessed I am to be where I am! To look back on my life and know that the God of the Universe has seen me through the good and the bad! Hearing where she has been and what God has healed her from was beautiful! Inspirational at that!

Then yesterday I get an amazing phone call from some friends of mine...16 years....16 years they tried to have a baby and now are calling to spread the news that God is faithful!!! I, with many tears was rejoicing with them. Do you know that never....not once have I herd this precious couple complain about the circumstance that they were given....People all around them are having babies, and nothing but joy and excitement came from them! What A testament! To have prayed for them, and even when I lost hope they remained confident.

I have friends, family that have lost children....a loss I find UN imaginable, and the pain and agony, I pray hard that I never have to experience this first hand. But these people are renewed their spirit is renewed and they have hope, and their heart's mended.

These, and many other moments of God pouring his grace on not just myself, but the ones I love around me, are why I am thankful. My heart is full and HE is enough! There have been broken relationships in my life but I believe God is faithful and He will renew...in His perfect time he will renew.

My daily challenge is that I will be satisfied, that I will be content, and that those around me will know that there is a God out there who can relate, who repairs, who heals, who mends. This is for His glory! I am for His glory. I pray my boys will be strong men of God that they run and chase hard after Him. When they experience deep hurt, I pray they turn to Him, when they experience deep joy, I pray they see Him there!!

Makes me think of this.....

We are here for HIS glory!

I am back!!

2009-01-18T00:30:00.004-05:00

Finally, I am home from what was a wonderful little getaway! Although I missed my hubby terribly, it was nice to just hang out and relax, spend time with my dad and my aunts and my grand mom, my cousin...you get the drift!

Today was my first official photo shoot of the new year and I was super excited! This whole thing has gotten in my blood, now I really crave to be creative and take pictures! So it was nice to get back to it! The family I shot today was so nice and sweet! I am forever grateful that I gain new friends from this line of work!

Christmas and New Years were awesome! I am so looking forward to this year personally and professionally! Paul and I have both purchased gym memberships...scary I know but we have decided to take hold of our health and make 2009 our year! So 4 days a week my hubs and I will have a date on the treadmill!! I think it will be real fun!

Now professionally, there are some awesome thing happening with my business Sugar Snap Photography! I cannot divulge all that is happening now, but I am THRILLED with what we have coming down the pipes! So I will keep everyone updated as I release new things in that area!

A few tings I am going to work hard to do, keep up with my personal blog, I will strive to do one post a day! I just don't feel lead to write everyday, but I will try...another will be to take a picture a day, not a self portrait but an image that represents what we did each day.....who knows. I am a sanguine so this may not last past this week, but my intentions were good!! HaHa!

Waiting on the SNOW!!!

2009-01-09T22:58:00.003-05:00

Well, here we are up in Delaware, and it is pretty freezing! I miss Paul terribly, but I am enjoying my sweet family up here. My grand mom is still alive at 87 years old and in better shape than some 50 year oldI know. It has been so nice to spend some time with her and my other aunts and uncles!

I love visiting up here, my Dad and Mary's place is just beautiful on a great lot of land with horses, a pool and a jacuzzi...It is a nice little retreat! Well, it would be if I was not the only one chasing the 2 babies around all day! Thank God they hit the hay by 8 or 8:30...mommie is worn slap out! I think I will need a vacation from my vacation!

Tomorrow we are heading off to Expos, where the kids can run off some steam, it has just been too cold to take them outside, so we have just a bit of cabin fever. I am hoping it will snow, they are calling for some on Sunday! I miss the snow, it is so beautiful and I can't wait to make a snowman.

I have taken a break from the whole business, but it was pretty cool, I had my fist client meeting in New Jersey for a wedding in March 2010... who knows what will happen but it was still cool that she wanted to meet me and get some information! I love what I do and think it would be fun to travel and see new places....not New Jersey....but somewhere else. I am ready to get back in the swing of things, it is hard for me to wind down or relax, I like to keep busy. It is hard to keep busy when all your friends are not here to help entertain you! Hah!

The boys are being so good, I am so proud of them. Sometimes they can be a bit crazy when we are home, but they have been angels here and I am loving it! Still a workout to keep them out of trouble in a non baby proofed home, but angels none the less.

I wish it was not so cold, everywhere I turn is another amazing place to take pictures, I love it it is different and would be something people in Georgia would not be able to find...I strive to be different, sometimes that is hard, so shots up here would be neat!

Well, I am just rambling, no editing....kids in bed, no hubby to make me listen to cd's(just kidding baby), just me, myself and I.

I miss Paul and wish he was here with me, we are all a little lost without each other!!I am heading to bed, have a great night!

Resolutions...

2009-01-06T00:51:00.003-05:00

First of all, I am not a huge fan of resolutions...I think maybe because I am not really good at keeping them, and if I get off track then I tend to give up....Not my best character trait here...

This year has been a bit different, I have really had an amazing year and looking back I am more and more aware of God's hand in my life!

So after much hesitation, I am fully confident in my resolution being to take some time to sit back and recognize all that God is doing around me. May sound silly to some, but in the past year I have been more and more in tune with His Holy Spirit and I am so thankful for it! Not that I have arrived....there are moments of a "flesh lapse" but they tend not to last as long! Praise the Lord.

My prayer has always and will continue to be for God to change the offensive ways in me, but I will now add that my spirit will be open....simply open to hear what my heavenly Father has to tell me or better yet, teach me.

I am really looking forward to this year, I can't really say why, except that I really do feel new, rejuvenated and ready for anything. I am ready, ready to take on this wonderful gift I have been given. I am ready to get my priorities straight and I am super pumped about it!

I have been blessed with an amazing family, my hubby and my babies hung the moon and I am just smitten with the three of them. I am blessed and more aware than ever how fast and easy time or people can be taken from us, so I will enjoy this time as it passes ever so quickly, by continuing to etch these moments on the tablet of my heart! For these are the most important people in my life!

So...I Lied!!

2008-12-28T23:31:00.008-05:00

Alright, alright...I was fully intending on taking a break from the blogging world, but I had to post some recent pics of the boys.

This holiday has been super busy with Sugar Snap, and I have been consumed with tons of wonderful families pictures. The only problem was I had NO time whatsoever to take or edit pictures of my own family! So today, while I still had Paul to help me toat them around, I took them out and snagged some shots!!

They are growing so fast, and Judd is really starting to get around now, he is so funny toddling around. Bowen has really been the best big brother ever. I am so impressed with how he handles his little brother, he is so special!

Now, I have been on the hunt for some vintage suitcases the past several weeks...and finally I came across some that I really loved! I am always on the hunt for new props for my business and I really loved the way these turned out.

Now processing these was different, I always feel like I should try new things to see if I can learn something new, so some are processed a bit different, but I love them all.

We head out the beginning of the new year to visit my family up north, I can't tell you how thrilled I am to have a change of scenery! I will hopefully be taking some pictures of my cousins kids ...hint hint!!

Anyways, I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year. I will come back rejuvenated and ready to be a part of the blog world once again!!!

A much needed BREAK!!

2008-12-10T00:05:00.002-05:00

So I have been slacking on the blogging...But for good reason. I have been SUPER SWAMPED with taking and editing pictures, this has me spending lots of time on the computer, SO for the sake of my marriage (ha, ha) I have decided I will be taking a break from the blogging until the new year!!

I have tons of great pics from the boys, and will be working on them through the rest of this year, and should have lots to update on in the coming weeks!!

I hope everyone has enjoyed the holiday season thus far! And I am wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year! I hope you all take the time to rest and enjoy the ones you love the most!! I know I will!!

One of Many!

2008-11-18T10:43:00.002-05:00

So last night a friend of mine took me out to dinner for my birthday....yes my birthday was last month but we are just now finding time to get together and do this! I am so thankful for Cynthia, she has been a friend of mine for many years now, and even though we have had times where we were closer than others we always kept in touch and each time we spoke it was like we never had a lapse in conversations.

Cynthia was there through the dating times of Paul and I, she has always encouraged me and spurred me on to be a better woman. She loves people is a great baker and has a beautiful family!

Cynthia, thank you for making me feel so special, and thank you for taking the time out to let me know it! I am so thankful for the many different seasons of our friendship. It seems like yesterday we were planning our weddings together and then rejoicing in the news of upcoming motherhood together as well, you have been with me through some major changes in my life, and I love you very much.

I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends, Cynthia is one of many that God has blessed me with, and I am thankful for all the lovely ladies in my life, you all are special to me in your own unique ways!

Bert's Farm!

2008-11-11T18:11:00.004-05:00

I should start this post off by saying, only have pictures of Judd, because Bowen would not stand still long enough to allow me to snap anything worth keeping, so Yes I have 2 kids, but this is the one who still has not gotten the walking thing down yet!!!

Every year my family makes a trip up to Bert's Pumpkin Patch! These pumpkins are huge and I love them. I love the whole atmosphere of it all, the fall leaves, crisp breeze, boiled peanuts, cotton candy, Carmel apples....I could go on forever! It is a blast! And I love the tradition of it all for us, it is free to get in, and we typically will resort to purchasing a pumpkin from Wal-Mart, to save some pennies! But either way it is fun!!This year we went up there with some of our very dear friends the Ford's. We love this family and were so glad they joined us on this beautiful day! Here are a few shots. Judd was great, he sat still for me to take pictures....Bowen on the other hand ran around crazy playing hide and seek with Paul the whole time so I snagged what I could!

I love this time of year, I love the anticipation of "going to Bert's" I think it is one for sure day out of the whole year where I know I will get to enjoy spending the day with my favorite people! After the farm, we always head to this little hole in the wall called Under the Hemlock, it is a great place right next to Bert's and we eat hot dogs, chips and a Coke! It is cheap but we love it and you sit outside on the picnic tables and just enjoy the day! Plus the kids can run around and play to!

I am Super PUMPED, for this trip next year, we will have our camper!!! I think we are looking at making a weekend out of it!! I can't wait!! Me and my family had tons of summer memories in a camper and I am elated to pass this tradition on to my boys, and start making our own family memories!!

P.S I miss you Grandpop!!!

I left my camera home....BUMMER!!!!

2008-11-07T09:49:00.003-05:00

I must start by saying, I ALWAYS have my camera....this drives Paul crazy so this day(our anniversary) I decided to leave it nice and securely in the case....I should have just followed my gut and brought it!!!!!!!

So yesterday was my anniversary, 4 years, it is crazy how time flies!! 8 years together, 4 years of marriage and 2 kids later.....life has been busy!! I love it!!! How I look back and see the amazingly sweet memories, and what stories we have written together. What history!!

Last night my hubby surprised me with a great night out, we had diner at Red Lobster (one of my favorites)! Dinner was great and Paul is so funny he forever keeps me doubled over in laughter. One reason why I love him! Even when I don't want to laugh, I can't resist his silly faces!

After dinner we headed over to Starbucks (another favorite) for dessert and some nice conversation. Well, we walk in and there is a table set up with roses on it and coffee cups that spell out I love you!!! My favorite drink was waiting for me and we enjoyed each other and we enjoyed Starbucks! This was so awesome!! I could not help but smile from ear to ear, I felt so special!

I was very impressed with Paul's creativity!! And loved how he had to plan it all in advance!!

There would not be enough room on this post to write down all the things I love about Paul, yes we have had our moments, and times have been really great, and times have been really tough. My heart is happy when I reflect back on the past several years and see the story of our life unfold, our marriage, the birth of our children are some of the most sentimental moments and sweetest moments of my life. I am so thankful I have a partner who loves me for me, and loves our family with an unconditional heart! I am so proud to be married to Paul I could not begin to imagine what life would have been like with anyone else!

I love this road we are on, and though there will undoubtedly be bumps in the road ahead I will enjoy the scenery with my very best friend. Paul you are one of three reasons this life, no matter what will always be sweet!Thank you for your commitment to me, the boys and to GOD! You rock my world and I will love you FOREVER!!!!

Where to begin......what a birthday!

2008-10-30T00:26:00.004-04:00

It is the end of what has been the best birthday of my life......

I don't know where to start, I fell like the story could go on forever,so I am just going to type, and pray that everyone can follow all that is going on in my world, in my mind and in my heart.....so here it goes.....

I should start by saying that I am and have always been thankful for Gods provision in my life! I thank Him daily for my family, husband , children, house...a lot of different things and He has ALWAYS provided, in some form or fashion. We may not have a cent extra at the end of the pay period, but we want for nothing... But, today was different. I have been wailing since this afternoon, when I got a call from my friend relaying a message from my angel.....

It was my birthday and I received a ton of calls, emails and such wishing me a happy one thank you all so much for thinking of me, it warms my heart to feel as loved as I have felt today. So thank you all again. One call was different, it did not start off that way, this messenger is a very dear friend of mine so of coarse we laughed and joked around and had our usual conversation and questions. Some how it came up that our heat was out, I was really bragging on my girlfriends cause last night they brought me 4 heaters to heat my freezing house.This friend was unaware of the fact that we had no heat (not on the top of my list of happy things to talk about I guess) someone got wind that we had no heat, and called her up to tell her they wanted to help us out and fix whatever was wrong with it........WHAT!

I say WHAT so emphatically because I was a bit confused at first, I did not think I was hearing her correctly, someone who wants to remain nameless wants to send a heater fixer to my house and fix it for us, just does not make sense to me! My sweet messenger friend is sworn to secrecy and I am not allowed to ask any questions.

I am asking again, are you sure it is us, are you sure they don't want to help someone else? We do have 4 heaters (thanks ladies, I love you)? I would understand if they found this out that they would not want to follow through....I get it, there are people who are far worse off then us. She reassured me that this is what they feel led to do for us!!

Can I just tell you what a humbling experience it was for me, to allow this blessing to come my way. We need heat, I certainly can not have my babies in a freezing cold house, we just went through 2 ear infections and an Er visit a couple days ago...we need heat.

My heart, my mind can not wrap around this whole thing yet, I am so very grateful. My heart is full, the fact that someone is doing this for my family, when they don't have to.... we are in a economic crisis now, and someone wants to help my family, I am in awe, in awe of a God that promises to never leave me or forsake me. A God who promises that I will never be given more than I can bear. A God who promises me that if I walk with Him my burden will be light. A God who says rejoice, I will supply your every need.... I stand in awe...

To our Angel,

Where to begin to express my heartfelt gratitude? What words could possibly let you know how you have blessed us. I am So thankful. I think it is even more beautiful that you want no name but HIS attached to the blessing. I don't know how you found out our circumstances ....I believe it was a God thing, that was the only way our heat was getting fixed. With all that is in me I am encouraged by your kindness! We have witnessed first hand God intervening for us in a huge way. I was able to share my story of your generosity to some family members who I don't believe have a relationship or know our Lord, and they were blown away, they could not believe it. I want you to know that your gift was so much more than heat... I pray that you will read this, that you will know how much it has meant to my family. What an amazing birthday gift, what an amazing story to tell my kids of Gods love and provision, what an example of obedience.

If I knew who you were, I would hug your neck... From all the Estes we thank you, we thank God for using you to bless us. I have prayed all day that you would be blessed in return triple what you have done for us. I am so humbled by your gift.

I pray that one day we will be able to bless and encourage others the way you have blessed and encouraged us. May God Bless you.

So I am suppose to hear from the heater fixer by tomorrow, wow, I cry as I type...I love music, that is my favorite way to worship, I have been singing HIS praises all day.

My in laws made me dinner and the whole family was there to celebrate me, thank you all as well, I love you! My girlfriends made the night special too with campfire, hot coco and great conversation, you are the best friends any girl could ever ask for(believe me I asked/prayed for you), you all encourage me daily and I am so thankful for each one of you...

To my very dear and precious husband....I know this has been a hard time for you, and I know accepting these blessings from others is even more difficult, but be encouraged that I would stand beside you and be happiest in the freezing cold for the rest of my life if I had to as long as I had you beside me. I promised you almost 4 years ago that I would love you forever and I mean that more today then yesterday. You provide for your family in more ways then you know. I am honored to be your wife, through the calm and through the storm!!! I love you!

I don't know how to end this except to say thank you God, I stand in awe of you once again...your love for my family is astounding.

How great is our GOD!!

What a Weekend!

2008-10-28T13:28:00.003-04:00

Before I get into the detail of this post I want to say thank you so much to all my amazing friends and family who prayed, called and emailed to check in on my family! It means more to me then you all will ever know! So again, thank you!!

Saturday night is when it all started Bowen woke up in the middle of the night and said his ear needed a band aid. Obviously his ear wash hurting, so I gave him some Motrin and we attempted to go back to sleep and get some rest. Needless to say, rest was not in the forecast for our family this weekend. After a long night full of whimpers and coughs, I woke up and headed to my friends house, she has drops to numb the ear and also antibacterial drops as well. In my mind I am hoping and praying that the drops will work and we can hold off from the Emergency Room and as soon as I wake up Monday morning I would make an appointment!

All day Sunday Bowen did fine, again a bit fussy with minor complaints about his ears I thought we would be in the clear till Monday! So Sunday night we get all the kids in bed and Paul heads to sleep, I am up editing pictures and Judd wails out this horrible scream (I have not ever herd this type of scream before) I run into the bedroom and pick him up....he is on fire, I mean SO hot. I take all of his clothes off to try to cool him down and his entire body is beet red, it looks like he had a sunburn all over his body. I go and get the thermometer and take his temp...104.7!! I am freaking out a bit at this point cause 105 is the limit for taking them to the ER, so I am nervous, praying that God would take down the temp a bit. So I give Judd the Motrin and we wait till the fever drops a bit, I put a T-shirt on him and lay him back down for bed.

As soon as I lay Judd down and I proceed to lay my own head on the pillow, Bowen wakes up and his ear hurts, so we are up again for another 3 hours trying to calm him down. So Paul and I are now on day 2 of slim to none sleep!!

Monday morning, I call the Dr. and tell them what the past few hours have consisted of with my boys and can they please let me know what time I can bring them both in to be checked out? She says that the earliest time is 5pm, so we wait and continue to take medicine to keep the fevers at bay. Now mind you even with the meds the boys were still having fevers that were reading into the 103's, so I am home by myself(Paul had to work) all day with 2 kids who are very clingy and do not feel well. We had a lot of snuggle time on the couch and that was the only nice part of the sick time, my kids are all over the place and to snuggle on the couch for 4 hours, well you know they must not feel real well.

5pm, we are in the Dr's office, both boys have horrible ear infections in one ear with the signs of the infection creeping into the second. Judd' s was so bad they had to give him a shot. Now, I am pro fever, I think it is good and well to have a fever if it is under control. In most instances I will hold off on the antibiotic to see if the body will just fight it off itself, that is the ideal situation. But when we get to the Dr. and the fevers are still in the high 103's even with Motrin, I decide I am ready for them to feel better, so lets do it!

We left the Dr, and I feel pretty good, sometimes we go and there is nothing the Dr can do, it is viral, so to leave there with an answer as to what is ailing my children was nice. We go to the pharmacy, Paul meets us there and we swap kids. The prescription was going to take a while and I had a few things I was going to pick up at the grocery store, so off went Paul and the boys!

A few minutes later Paul calls me and says that Bowen is complaining of his belly hurting and is a bit lethargic, I ask him to check Bowen's temp again and call me back. When Paul calls me back and tells me Bowen's temp is 105.7 I tell him to take all his clothes off and wait by the phone while I call the DR back, so a few minutes go by and the Dr calls back and basically says that we need to take him into the ER and that 105 is the most they would say a fever should get to, and that anything above 105 can cause convulsions and or brain damage if the fever were to say that high for a while...GREAT!! So I call Paul back and tell him to pack up the kids, I am on my way home from the grocery store and I will be there in A couple minutes.

Here is where the Panic sets in for me as a mother. First of all I am not there to lay eyes on my child and see for myself if he is alright....I know you mothers know what I am saying. WELL, Paul calls me back and informs me that he took Bowen's temp again and it is now 106.3!!!!!! I without any hesitation tell him to throw the kids in the car, don't wait for me to get home, I will meet you at the ER.

I am knees to the earth at this point! I turn my car around and race to the hospital where I proceed to fill out what I need to fill out in order to expedite the process of them seeing my baby! While I am waiting on my family to arrive, the only thing that brings me comfort is to get on my face and pray to the Lord that cares more about my children than I do, So that is exactly what I did. I walked right out of the ER and fell to my knees and prayed out loud that God would protect my child an heal him in His name.

Meanwhile there are people walking in and out of the hospital right beside where I was praying, one of them must have been alarmed because before I knew it the security guard is out there asking me if I was alright, well no, I am not alright I am worried about my baby. I am a firm believer in prayer and I was adamantly calling out to the Ultimate Healer.

To make a really long story short, God answers my prayers and Bowen's fever began to immediately fall and by the time we left the ER it was 99.5. I am so thankful to God for looking after my family, and I am so thankful that my world, my life...my babies are fine!

I am looking forward to some good sleep tonight! Thank you once again for all the prayers, our God is good and your prayers were felt!

Blurb!!!!!!

2008-10-24T17:40:00.002-04:00

Alright!! Here is something really cool!! My cousin Suzanne just sent out an email about blurb. What is it you say?? Well this cool website allows you to download software to make your blog into a book!!! I am totally pumped about this. Check it out for yourself at www.blurb.com and see what kind of neat things you can create.

I have been printing out each post on my blog, so that I can keep it since it is like a little journal for me, and now that there is this sweet software, I will certainly purchase a book at the end of the year to document the happenings in the Estes house. So for all you bloggers out there, enjoy this cool new site!!! Thanks Suz for sharing, and I love your book!!!!

My Little Chick-A-Dee

2008-10-24T13:54:00.004-04:00

So here he is...Judd, my little chick! A couple weekends ago we attended a costume birthday party, and before we got there I pulled off to snag some pictures of the boys.Bowen decided that he did not like his costume, so I had to settle for Judd pictures only!! Who Knows what Halloween will look like, it may rain or be so cold we don't go out so I thought it would be nice on this beautiful day to get some before Halloween shots!! Paul hates this costume, he says it is "gay" I however think it is adorable!! Come on! He is only 1, pretty soon he will be picking out his own horrible costumes that I will surly despise, so as for now, while he has no opinion this chicken was a winner!! He looks thrilled doesn't he?

I love this, there was a little antique shop that was decorated so wonderfully for the fall, so we stopped there to admire the decor.

Nothing else really going on, today is a gloomy one so we have been confined indoors, which I hate, but it has been nice to make me sit and relax in my own home. I am still sifting through my Bert's farm Pics so I should have those up in the next few days!! I am looking forward to this weekend, Paul is singing at church which is always my favorite, I have several shoots this weekend including a bridal session which I am thrilled about as well. I got my new camera in and I am loving it!!! IT is amazing so check back, I will have several updates!!

Pumpkin Pancakes!

2008-10-17T11:38:00.002-04:00

In honor of fall and October, I decided that this morning I was going to make pumpkin pancakes!! They were delicious! I made the batter the night before, threw it in the refrigerator and this morning pulled out the griddle and it was easy! Topped with confectioners sugar and some fresh raspberries and blueberries, it was a meal to savor!!

Bowen, who is not the biggest breakfast eater had 4 pancakes!! Judd who eats more than Bowen also devoured a ton himself!

I am inspired in the fall to bake and cook different things, next week I am making pumpkin roll, one of my seasonal favorites! Tradition in our house is pumpkin rice crispy treats (not made with pumpkin) They are shaped like pumpkins and I color them orange, tootsie roll serves as a stem, candy corn for the eyes, and an M&M as the nose, these are fun to do with children!

In the background of this picture is the recipe book Deceptively Delicious. It is an awesome book for parents who's children have an aversion to veggies and other nutritional foods. The thought is, if you puree veggies and add them to your recipes then your family will still get the nutrients from those veggies. I will be honest, I was a bit skeptical at first...I thought that we would have to add tons of sugar to hide the taste of the veggies, and what would the point of that be? I certainly did not what to fill my kids with sugar just so they could eat broccoli. Much to my surprise, this book is very health conscious, using things like flax seed and stone ground wheat, it is a much healthier approach to cooking than I have ever done.

So this week was grocery week, and I decided to give it a whirl! I have come to realize I love this book. It did take me a while to find all the ingredients in the grocery store and getting used to the idea of pureeing and freezing will take some time, but I think it will be so much better for my family, and so far all 3 of my biggest food critics have not noticed a thing!! Pretty awesome when you think of brownies made with pureed spinach, Hugh???

This morning was the best morning to break out the pumpkin pancakes, it was raining with a chill outside, we have the windows open and are enjoying the rain and each other! Savoring the few hours we have until life gets busy again, rehearsal dinners and such tonight! I think my sis-in-law and her kids may come over and we can keep in good company, all enjoying the rain together. Not to mention the perks of wearing the kids out with some good family playtime, and then nice long naps for tired mommies!!! :)

My Boys

2008-10-17T02:06:00.005-04:00

Here are my babies once again I have made them be my models.... not really, I just wanted some fall pictures of my kids so we headed out and caught a few of my favorites!! I love the sun in these images!

Just an update, things are good at the Estes household. I am still in my bible study and loving it! Paul and I are reading together a book called Love & Respect, I am excited about this book too. This weekend is very busy, but I am so looking forward to everything on our to do list! From a killer Halloween party with some new friends, a wedding, Bert's Farm, pumpkins, and apple picking!!! OHHHH my I can hardly wait!

This is Bowens silly pose!! He looks so GQ here it is hilarious to me! But I love it!!

This one slipped in there cause I think it is cute, we took a few Christmas pictures for our Christmas card and I loved this one of Judd, I know he is not smiling, but I still love his expression!

On another note, Paul and I have started mentoring with this awesome couple, I am so pumped about this. I think it will be good for us to have others who have been where we are in life and help Keep us on the path of serving one another. I have been learning a lot lately about God's provision in my life, and about being obedient in honoring my husband I am so excited to see what he has in store for our marriage.

Here is a part of the bible study I am reading. I really like what Kelly says here. I found it very pleasant!

" I believe obedience is the precursor to experiencing God's satisfying presence and the richness of His blessings. This is not a formula but a path that manifests itself in a relationship that is honest and open between God and us. It functions supremely when we are looking solely to Him as Savior."

I love it, I love the picture it paints of our relationship with God! Oh there is so much in this study that just ROCKS my socks off...

I feel this pertains to my obedience to God in respecting Paul, even when he does not deserve it, and I must be more obedient in loving Paul, even when he is not lovable. I love how the things I do with my study group of amazing ladies, always seems to go back and pertain to my amazing husbands, God is so good to intertwine the two....He is much smarter than I give Him credit for at times!

Van Gogh.....maybe so?

2008-10-15T10:25:00.002-04:00

I will start off by saying October is a hard month for my personal blogging time. We have been really busy around here, partly because we have a bit of relief from the hot weather, and also because it is almost fall, my favorite time of year. There are parties to attend, festivals, fairs, pumpkin patch's...you see! I am guessing that because of all this fun, Bowen was inspired...

Here is what I walked into the other day....Bowen, who is almost 3, plays well by himself, I usually can do some laundry or some other chore around the house and he will entertain himself very well. So walking into this was a shocker. Now all of the art supplies are in a container in his closet and it would be really hard for an almost 3 year old to reach, right??? That's what I thought, and I think I was wrong.

I was bothered, of course, just one more mess to clean up, but I was thankful it was washable temper paint!! WRONG AGAIN!!!!!! A while ago I bought letters from Michael's to spell out Bowen's name and I was going to come home paint them and hang his sweet little name on the wall. Well I did that but I put the acrylic paint in Bowen's art box....you see where I am going? It is NOT the temper paint that would wash right off of the walls, it is the acrylic paint that is not budging no matter how much elbow grease I put into it! So it looks like I will be painting the room all over again...The tan color was leftover from our hallway and we used every drop for Bowen's room. No touch up paint left.

He was reprimanded, but he was so proud of his work, I couldn't help but think it was sweet! OH, since then we have moved the art box..

The dolphin is not part of the artwork (in case you were wondering)!

I will update soon with lots of fall pictures, we are heading to the piumpkin patch this weekend. It has neen a tradition for our family! So I will have lots of pic to post real soon! I hope this finds everyone well!

Interesting to say the Least...

2008-10-02T15:58:00.004-04:00

So this week and last weekend has been pretty crazy! My family and I drove out to Gwinnett on Friday night, so we could go see my family. And also one of my friends just had a baby and she lives about 10 min from my mom so we decided to pack up the family and make the hour and a half trip out to Stone Mountain.Well... before we packed up the kids, I called and asked my mom if there was gas out her way, cause there was NO gas anywhere around Dallas/Hiram area. My mom assures us that there is plenty of gas and we should head on out there and we will find gas on our way. Now mind you, we only had enough gas to get out there and not to get back...So Paul and I are looking at every gas station and we keep passing one, two, three...no gas! We pull up to my moms house, tell her the news of No gas anywhere out there either and she apologizes, and we wait!!

The next morning I call my friend and tell her I do not have enough gas to make it out to see her and meet her new baby girl, and she assures me that there is gas out by her and I should head on over. Now, she had her husband go up to the corner store before I left just to make certain there was gas, and there was. So I head to her house to see her and Lela, I take a few pictures, visit with the family, and head out to stop by the gas station they said had gas...and they did have gas....until I pulled up to the pump, then, of course, they ran out. So I barely make it back to my moms, and we had every intention to hang at my moms till about 2pm, eat lunch and head over to a friend of mines daughters 2nd birthday. But that was not going to work, cause we had no gas, and unless we waited on the closest gas station to get gas we would run out searching for a place that had gas. It was a vicious cycle.

Now after the birthday party(which we never made it to) I was suppose to go up to the hospital and visit some friends of mine who just had their little boy, and of course take pictures as well, BUT without gas I was stuck and could not go anywhere. So I unfortunately had to cancel that as well.

Now I am panicking, I need to get home, I am singing at church on Sunday morning and I needed to get back to Paulding county and I needed to get to church. Well, we sat in line for over 2 hours to get gas, we waited and waited and we were ready to wait as long as we needed to. Finally got gas and did not make it back to our house till after 2am on Saturday night! Awesome, I was home and getting ready to sleep only to have to wake up and go to church and try to sing with a man voice cause I had no sleep. I will be honest I thought about canceling at the church, but I am so glad I didn't, I always enjoy it so much and it was nice to be back in my element(it has been a while)

Now, in between all that Paul and I were stressed out and we took it out on each other, had an argument in front of Bowen and had to go back and apologize to him, I don't think he gets it, but at least he saw us resolve our conflict! Aghh!!! I hate that!

And in the meantime since we were literally stuck in Gwinnett, we went and watched my brother play football. He only has 2 more games left and I have yet had a Saturday where I was free to go watch him, so even though things did not work out like I had planned them to, it was still a nice weekend, and I did enjoy the extra unplanned time I was able to spend with my family!

On another note, Paul took me out on a date to see the movie Fireproof, and well it helps to put things into perspective, and our little scuffle is over, Thank God! I do think every married couple should go see it and maybe even keep a copy on hand at home! I cried the whole movie and I loved it(once I got passed the poor acting) The point of the movie is awesome!!

The Many Faces of Judd!!

2008-09-25T22:42:00.007-04:00

Well, I know you all saw the birthday celebration for Judd's one year birthday! September 4, 2007 a day that brought new light into my life! Here is my super sweet baby boy!! I had a few minutes with him without Bowen and decided it was a good time to get some one year pictures. It was short and sweet! They are always the best! We went and had lunch together at Chic--fil-A, and with a full belly and a happy baby we were off ! I wish there was a way to preserve the sounds as well as the images of certain moments(without chugging both the camera and camcorder everywhere). If you could have only been there to hear the deep cackle that came from my child at this point! I do believe that my children's voices are like angels and when they laugh and are happy it is so good to my heart and soul! I had always prayed even before I met Paul that one day when I was married with children, that laughter would be the resounding sound that echoed around my house. My children have helped that prayer be answered, not only with the giggles that come from them, but the continuous comedy that we are entertained with daily!!

Oh, my his teeth...my little child is a year old and still sporting only the 2 bottom teeth, but he is proud, and this picture just shows how proud he really is! It is so endearing to me to see Judd smile, my whole life every picture I see of myself smiling my eyes have disappeared behind these teeny beeny cracks called eyelids....I think Judd has inherited the disappearing eye trick his momma is so good at!!

This would be his squish face! You ask him to do it and he is right on point! Ready to preform!! Again, just another one of the many reasons I am laughing throughout the day...right here, you're lookin' at it!

My serious thinker, Judd really is extremely laid back, he studies things around him and is pretty sharp already if you ask me. Now I know I am his momma, but I am not saying this from a partial standpoint, I just really think he is! Now he is not walking yet, but he has way more complex things he is trying to figure out right now. Give him a few weeks and he will be off!!

This is the dancing machine! Ever since he was 3 months old he has been dancing, moving his head back and forth with serious conviction! I was a bit alarmed at first(I'll be honest) it threw me for a loop, this little baby just moving in this manner, but now we have come to realize that he loves music, and loves rhythm!! I think the apple does not fall far from the tree.
Talking and crawling' this is the life! Here is his usual stance. He is really fast too! Now when he sees me coming he turns around and crawls as fast as he can laughing along the way! I follow suit of course, and crawl after him, laughing right along with him! As soon as I get to him he grabs my face and opens his mouth, as if he really knows how to kiss me! I love it, wet and all...you never know where his mouth will land, he is passionate(another trait he comes by honestly) and will go for it, so you better be ready!!

I love the"many faces of Judd" they are are so dear to me, and I hope this gives you a better glimpse of why he brings so much happiness to our world, he is special in every way, in every laugh and in every cry he becomes that much more special to me, for it is one more chord that binds us together, one more moment I get to store up and look back on.

I am so thankful for all the memories and sweet moments I have because of my husband and my children. I try to savor and preserve the sweet gifts from God, etching all that I can onto the tablet of my heart, for I know one day I will need to pull from this reserve, from this precious treasure in my mind to re live the euphoria I feel for my boys (all 3 of them) in this very day and in this very moment!!

Another day of Outside Play!!

2008-09-25T14:32:00.005-04:00

So the plan is to take the kids out and play everyday, and in some way , shape or fashion we always do(weather permitting) Here are just a few of us playing outside! One thing about being a photographer is that I am able to preserve the moments of a lot of people! I am trying to remember to preserve my own moments with my own family! So this blog has almost in a silly way held me accountable. I want to post pictures of my family for the rest of my family to see and enjoy, there fore I remember to slow down, and enjoy preserving my own memories.

So while these may not be the most amazing images I have ever taken, they are certainly taken of some of the most amazing kids! I love to hear them play together, they laugh and chuckle, with belly laughs that make a mother's heart melt! So these pictures are a sweet reminder of this time, for I know it is fleeting....

Tuckered out from jumping for hours..Bowens tuckered out is just a few short seconds, funny the energy children have!

Judd wants so desperately to make it up the slide and jump with his brother.! Just look at that "please help me" face!

Just another venture I have embarked on is a bible study, with some of the best gals ever. I am so enjoying this time of getting to know them, and each week I look forward to the next time we will get together. What a fun group God has formed. I always find it interesting to see such different women with such different backgrounds and different upbringings come together and have so much in common! Well, that post is for another day! I am looking forward to the next few days, I have dinner with great friends, I will go and visit my family out in Gwinnett, get to meet a friend of mine's new baby girl, then sing at church and in between celebrate my nephew's birthday and some of my very sweet friends little girls birthdays too! So lots of posting to come!

By the way if you are reading this, please pray for Paul, as he has been traveling and will be on the road a while and hopefully home this evening! So safe travels, my love, we can't wait for you to come home, right where you belong, see you soon!

A Whole Lot Of Nothing!

2008-09-23T20:05:00.003-04:00

Well, this week is off to a good start, a fast one at that. No news to report, just the same old same old! Which I am fine with, Usually we are running around like crazy and this week(until this weekend) I am able to relax and enjoy this amazing weather we have been experiencing!! Paul has been getting home early the past 2 days so we have enjoyed spending some extra time with him as well. This weekend we have lots of birthdays to celebrate so I am sure it will be tons of fun full of junk food and laughs!! I will post pictures!!

I leave you with this sweet face! Hope you all have a great week!!

dream...sweet baby...dream!

2008-09-17T23:16:00.019-04:00

So, every now and then while my babies are asleep, I will go and sit in their room on the floor and just stare at them....sometimes I pray sometimes I just press my cheek against theirs, and other times I get in the bed and snuggle with them! This evening was no different. I always walk in and check on the boys before I go to bed. Making sure they are covered up and just lay my eyes on them on last time before I drift off to sleep land!

I love this time with them, it is so quiet and peaceful, which is something that is rare around here during the day! They look so little as they sleep, so innocent and fragile! It is so sweet to me! I love looking at them , I can't believe they were in my body....wierd.....I can't believe that they are mine.....what did I do to deserve such precious babies.....

Wagon Time!!

2008-09-17T23:16:00.018-04:00

Well, today was a good day, I ran a few errands with the boys this morning and then we came home and watched Peter Pan and played some games. I had a little bit of editing to finish up so I did that, made dinner and enjoyed the rest of the evening with my family!

It has been so pleasant outside the past day or so, and we took full advantage of that tonight! Paul came home from work and we ate dinner and headed outside for some wagon time! It was nice just being with my boys, this has to be my favorite past time. We went all around the neighborhood and then to the back yard to jump on the trampoline!! It was fun, here are just a few pics from our wandering the hood in the wagon.

Judd turns ONE!!!!!

2008-09-14T22:40:00.014-04:00

So here are my baby's one year birthday party pictures....well some of them, my friend Tandy took so many it would use all the memory on my blog to put them all up, so I chose a few of my favorites!!

It is hard to imagine that one year ago, I woke up to some real regular contractions...no mind you I never went into labor with Bowen so I was really surprised when this happened with Judd. We headed onto the hospital after I spoke with my Dr. and he urged us to come on!

We dropped Bowen off and headed that way. Well this whole time I am still thinking that I am having a c-section on Friday the 7th...not the case. The Dr. checks me and puts a few machines on my belly and sure enough my contractions were regular enough for the to take the baby then, September 4th!! I was so scared but excited at the same time!

Well, the moment I new he was here and alright, my life has never been the same, I take that back out family has never been the same.

This baby has such a sweet countenance, he is so snugly and he laughs at everything! He has brought a light to our house that can never be dimmed. I am so lucky to have 2 beautiful children who are happy and healthy!

As I look back and reflect on this year, I am reminded again of God's amazing blessings! How fast yet sweet this year was, filled with tons of love. I hope Judd knows without a shadow of a doubt that he is loved, not just by his family but His heavenly Father.

This day will forever be etched on the pages of my heart...along with many others. I love my family! I love my family!

Now here is a boy who loved his cake, he went right on after it! He was not too interested in the blowing out of the candle, so I handled that, but the cake, well it was great!!

This was just a collage of my favorite images!! I want to thank everyone who was a part of this special day, and for those who we would have loved to have been there but for whatever reasons could not make it!! You were sorely missed.... I am so honored that so many people gathered around my family and celebrated this occasion. Birthdays are special at our house, as for this birthday well the birth of my child....is one of the best days of my life, and I will celebrate this day, God willing for many, many years to come.

This year flew by so fast...just a reminder to savor every moment! Soak it all in and exhale with gratitude that I was able to witness this little boy's first year, his first cry, his first smile, his first laugh, his first word and love on his first cake! I love every second of it! I would change nothing, I am thankful for HIS provision in my life!

My prayer for the next year...well there is not enough memory on here to type it. But I trust that my Lord and savior has it all under control, he loves my baby and cares about his future , I am leaning on one of my favorite verses," For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

Judson David Estes, I will love you forever!

xxoo

your momma

Stuff....

2008-09-13T01:20:00.002-04:00

No pictures in this post, just some stuff that has been happening in my own life and thoughts.

First off I have just started attending this bible study with a group of ladies I am so excited to get to know better. And I have read the first part of the study and I am already hooked. I think it is so awesome to see how God puts things together. The book is No Other God, by Kelly Mnter, and I don't want to put it down, I will not say much yet, but I am excited to see what God has in store for me to learn these next few weeks! I am ready and willing to soak HIM all in! This past year has come with it's ups and downs, and I am still through it all reminded that God is faithful! Friendships come and go and things don't always work out the way I had planned, but I believe and trust in God's provision and am trying to be content and rest there! Just to wrap that up I am thrilled to be a part of whatever He has for me to learn!!

I have had a low point lately, I don't know why or what, just low....Paul is great, the kids are great and I am blessed, just dealing with the blues. No pity party here, just a season...hopefully not a long one!!

On the other hand Tandy and I were asked to photograph a vow renewal and I just want to let you all know that I am so inspired by this couple!! I know they have been through the dessert the past few years and I think it is so awesome to see the miracle that GOD did to restore them and their marriage! There were so many amazing details, everything was so thought through and had such great meaning! I love that God still is in the miracle business, and that I truly believe this couple would not have made it without trusting and leaning on our Father! I am completely impressed with the marriage I witnessed this evening!! I am so glad that they stuck through it all, I believe God honors commitment and I can tangibly see Him working and shining through what could have been another divorce! I also think it was so awesome for them to have this celebration! It was on their actual anniversary and they had some very close friends who were there to rejoice and celebrate with them after standing beside them with tears and feeling the pain this couple was going through!! I could go on and on, but God is so GOOD!!!! I amazed at the things he does for myself and others...the things he has already done!!

And I was suppose to go and visit my family this weekend out in Stone Mountain and I can't because there is no gas at any of the gas stations in a 50 mile radius....and I will certainly run out before I find one!! So it is looking like tomorrow will end up a family day after all, sitting home and watching movies, let me rephrase that watching one movie, the same movie over and over and over again....who knows what movie Bowen will decide is his favorite tomorrow, but I am looking forward to finding out!! I hope you all (anyone who stops by and had the time to read this blog) has a wonderful weekend! I will post birthday pics soon!

Attack Of The School!!

2008-09-07T23:44:00.004-04:00

Bowen started school, nothing hardcore, just 2 days a week from 8:30 - 11:30. No big deal...right??? Wrong! I was up at 5 am the morning of, I did not go to sleep until 3 ish...All over a few hours a week... Well I really was struggling with the fact that I am a stay-at-home momma, and now I am sending my kid off and not doing my job!! I was also nervous about him being okay with the idea of me leaving, I really did not think I could have handled a dramatic scene, I would have scooped him up and just brought him back home! But Bowen woke up, sang happy birthday to Judd, and asked me when he was going to get to go to his school! So far so good!!

All week long I was talking up, and acting so excited about his "big boy" school! He was excited cause I was and it was sweet to see. Then cam the real test! I packed him up and off we headed. I talked to him the whole way there about how much fun he was going to have and how he would get to meet and play with new friends!

This whole time I have the lump in my throat! I am depressed at the fact that my little man will not be with me all day like he has been for the past three years!! But I could really tell that he needed to see some other faces besides mine day in and day out!! He almost seemed bored to some degree at home...we have house activities but I think he was a bit over looking at the same 4 walls everyday! Bowen is like his momma, he needs change and a change of scenery is always good.

Here he is posing for me as we head out of the car and off to the school!

What a little man...he made real sure that he walked ahead of me, and did not want me getting too close to him. (Is this normal at 3 years of age?) I'll be honest, it kind of freaked me out that he was so eager to be in dependant and on his own away from mommie!! I think my mind is still trying to feel better about that one! But it was cute to see him with that huge bag that he insisted on carrying as by "hyself."

My social butterfly, again, I can only imagine where he gets this trait from, but here he is waving to not just this bus...but ALL 13 buses that drove by before we made it into the school!
And here is BoBo and his best friend Maddox or as Bo calls him "Maggots" Two silly boys posing for us crazy moms with cameras!!

Bowen absolutely loved his first day, he keeps asking when he can go back! He loves Maddox and I think he had a blast with him all day! They played outside colored a picture and had cupcakes too! I pray that Bowen continues to have a high affinity for school and education! I think we are off to a good start!

I still can't believe that he just kissed me and told me he loved me, and just as I was walking out of the classroom he said as he pats his chest with a matter-of-fact look "mommie gonna come back and get BoBo, it's okay" I assured him I would be back to greet him with arms wide open and a bounty of kisses.

What a big brave boy! I am so proud!! You are the best my BUBBIE!!!!!

Judd Budd!!

2008-09-07T23:03:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday my sweet angel! My heart swells with joy at just the thought of you! You are a blessing to our family and we could not imagine life without you! You bring laughter and joy everywhere you go! Always let your light shine! You are one of a kind! I will love you forever!

Well, it is happening....time is stealing away my babies...My little one just turned one!! I really can't believe it! It is strange! I feel like we just had him. Paul had to work on Thursday (his official birthday) But BoJack and I serenaded him with the happy birthday song this morning! We had to sing the song several times, Bowen found that once...twice....six times was enough! Judd danced and laughed the whole time! It was sweet!

Along with this being Judd's birthday, Bowen also had a big day! His first day of "mini" school! More about that on my next post!!

So we woke up, all three of us ate breakfast together, and Bowen and Judd laid on the couch as I packed up the bags and these are the sweet sounds I heard next!

Bowen: " Judd Budd, I's lub you so much."

Judd: (with a deep grunt) "Ohhh"

Bowen: "No, I lub you more"

It was so cute, usually Bowen and Judd are tackling each other or someone is screaming, but for one, very brief moment, there was nothing rough, just sweet brotherly love!!

I will post first day of school soon, and Judd's Birthday party! It was tons of fun and I can't wait to show off my boy loving his cake!!

The fight in me!!

2008-08-27T00:20:00.003-04:00

Why? Why is it so hard to do the right thing sometimes? I try and strive to be the right mother, wife and friend, I try to put myself aside to do nice things for people, even when it is inconvenient, and yet when I am attacked, my flesh right off the bat wants to retaliate!!

Tonight I was tested, I am trying so hard to be obedient to the Holy Spirit, and every night I ask God to please search my heart and please change the offensive ways in me! Well this evening was a test and I did good...there were things I sure could have done better or said a bit sweeter but all in all I feel really good, I bit my tongue, I refrained from all of the things I "really" wanted to say to make that person hurt too, but I didn't. I shed a few tears because my pride was hurt, but I feel good in my heart for knowing I can walk away from the conversation without hitting below the belt!

I struggle with wanting to be good enough...not with everyone or even with every area of my life, but I really want those close to me to be proud. I desire for my parents to be proud of the woman and mother I am becoming, I want my kids to be proud of the mom they have, and I want my husband to be proud of me too. I am so thankful that I have a Father who is proud of me right where I am, he loves me at this point in my life, with all of my faults and flaws. I say this only to be more like Him, to love the people in my life in this very way, to really think of others before my own wants and needs. Especially in my marriage. I want to love Paul the way God intended, and I think for me that will take some work, not because Paul isn't a wonderful man, cause he is, but because I am so selfish that I still try to "win" arguments and silly things like that! Where I am blinded by my own flesh and not being led my the things I know to be true!

This may not make sense to all, but it feels better to be honest and just get it out there. I am a work in progress, and hopefully, God willing I will be progressing until the day I die!

Special Friends

2008-08-26T01:37:00.006-04:00

Guy and Fibi, I want to first say thank you for always being so kind and generous and available! Anytime I have ever needed anything you have always been there, from watching my kids last minute, to wonderful converstaions over dinner, you guys are one of a kind. Never making us feel like we put you out, always opening your doors with a smile and a great heart! Most of all for loving my kids the way you do! Thank you, Thank you! I know you already know how special your family is to us, but I want you to really know we mean it when we say we love you guys!! This shoot was so fun and I think YaYa is so precious! I love all the images, I could not pick my favorite one of the day! Every other expression she make is so cute how could I choose!

I will be praying for you and your family as you travel far and wide! Please know you will be missed. I know how happy your family is to see you guys, enjoy it and we will have a delicious dinner together when you are all 3 home safe!! Love you!!

A little emotional!

2008-08-19T23:02:00.003-04:00

I guess with my friends sending their kids off to full time school, I am really seeing how fleeting this time is with my babies. I am finding myself really just sitting and soaking them up, watching them play...really paying attention to how Bowen phrases things so I can hurry and write it in his baby book so I won't for get it! Not to mention I have been reading the book Cold Tangerines that my girlfriend Tandy let me read. I really have been trying to enjoy the present, the gift of today and my kids in this very moment!

I really am always waiting to be somewhere else in life, bigger house, 20lbs lighter. Sometimes I think I will have this big moment where I am an amazing photographer and I get some recognition..there fore my life will be better, different, more exciting! Why... why do I get hung up in the thoughts of events that may never happen? Why don't I look at my little house with toys flowing out of every room and think it is perfect? I am always thinking of the next house and how much room we will need... I am ready for fall....why (besides the relief of the blazing heat) When the fall hits, that means my babies are a year older.

So I am really trying to find the beauty in what I sometimes feel is mundane. I am soaking up my boys, and genuinely loving my husband for the man he is now, not the man he will be in a few years. I am crying over how simple it is to be content and savor this precious time, fill it with love and laughs. I somehow have complicated life waiting on my arrival.... when my arrival is in his crib asleep, and my arrival is in his big boy bed with his big boy undies on cause he does not need a diaper anymore (he thinks), my arrival just walked in the door. I am here...and THIS is my BIG MOMENT!!

Family Fun Day

2008-08-19T09:36:00.004-04:00

So, It has been a while since I blogged, but we have been busy, busy busy at the Estes House...doing what...well I am not sure??? But I have felt busy none the less. This past weekend we dedicated it all to our family. Paul turned off his cell phone (an act of GOD) and we enjoyed our kids and each other ALL day!! Our day started out with a big breakfast, everyone at the table and lots of laughs!! After breakfast we watched part of the movie Monsters Inc. one of Bo's favorites. Then we packed up and hit the comet trail.

I got this little radio flyer tricycle just a few days ago, my mother in law has one at her house and Bowen loves it and whizzes around like a pro, so we told him we would go ride his "kykle" as he calls it! Well as soon as we hit the trail he was off!!!!

Judd is not quite ready yet for his own bike, but he enjoyed the ride as well!

I love this one, and I love his little hulk t-shirt too. My sweet angel face!

My Boys...aah, if I could package them and eat them I would, and as one of my girlfriends say sop them up with a biscuit!!

Bowen loved the other bikes on the trail, he would scream, " here come a kykle, move ower" He was in awe, it was cute!!

After our bike ride, we went and had lunch at Subway..it was delicious! Then we headed home and the boys took a nap while Paul and I did some yard work! All in all is was a special day for me, it is not very often that I get to enjoy my entire family together for a whole day! It was a treat!

Fessler Family Friends

2008-08-13T01:54:00.004-04:00

Here are my friends the Fesslers! I am so glad I was able to preserve this moment in their lives! I am so thankful for their hearts, just to spend some one on one time with the two (well 3 ) of them was nice!

Michael and Whitney, I am praying for you both and wish you all the sweetest memories and moments any parent could ask for! I cannot wait to take Will on the green......:) Many Blessings!

Here is a sneak peek of our maternity adventures through Dallas!

Community Makeover

2008-07-28T00:26:00.003-04:00

So, this weekend at our church was the community makeover! Wow, what an awesome time it has been. It was so amazing to see so many people come out to help the community! Our church decided not to have church at our building, but to BE the church in the community. There were several hundred projects all around the county with thousands of people involved! We re painted, landscaped, picked up trash, fixed roofs...and that is just the beginning! It was all wrapped up with a HUGE worship service in the Sam's parking lot!!! 4,ooo people all singing in one voice lifting up praise to The Most High!!! AMAZING....I am speechless!

How great is our GOD!!

I was asked to document some of the action and here are only a few of them!

Our church partnered with several other churches to make all of this happen and we are so thankful that there were so many others who were willing to get out there and help! These women and men were from Oasis Church, they were so funny and came to serve with such great hearts! I enjoyed getting to talk with them and get to know them a little! Here they are in action helping fix up Hiram High School!!

Here they are getting ready to paint the parking stripes again!

The race was on...and you see who won!! I loved this image, even the children were in on it, watching the "church" at work, there was lots of fun times too!!

I am honored to be part of such a great church, I proudly represent West Ridge, and I am honored to be a part of such a great community! I was blown away at how friendly everyone was, how willing to help and work so hard in excruciating heat, and yet still be smiling and have a great attitude! Most of all I am blessed to be a part of God's family! To work alongside some of these wonderful people, worship the same living God, and break down denominations, and be ONE family! It was a beautiful thing, I hope we continue to do this year after year, day after day, it was truly amazing! I am glad I was able to be a part of the whole thing!

Storytime at the Library!

2008-07-25T23:41:00.003-04:00

So the other day my girlfriend Jill asked me if I wanted to take the boys with her and Ella to story time at the library! I was excited. I told Bowen we were going to hang out with Ella, he was so excited and did everything I asked him to do so we could make it there on time...turns out Ella is much more into baby Judd!! I think it is funny, Ella sees Judd and says enthusiastically in a very high voice "Baby DA"( at least that is what it sounds like to me! It is sweet!

To my surprise, Judson was just as entertained during the story telling, it was nice!

Here is Bowen, he told me he wanted to go sit up on the rug like a big boy and listen, so he did! We sang songs, did the hokey poky, it was cute!

Here is sweet Ella, I love this face, she saw my camera and just like a good girl said "cheese", I think she is getting used to having people take her photo.

And here is Ella kissing her man... her and Bowen had a little scuff on the slide, so she needed some lovin!! She took it!!

It was really nice spending some time with Jill, it has been a while, and I always enjoy her company! The kids were worn out and slept the whole way home.

My very own Guitar Hero

2008-07-24T09:56:00.003-04:00

So here are my babies, I took them out for their own photo shoot! It was lots of fun and I like what I got!!

Dancing in the streets, he is such a ham!

I had to get one of my Future Rock Star!!!

Adventures in Storybook Land

2008-07-24T08:38:00.006-04:00

Here is another adventure from our travels this summer. More to come!

Storybook Land, sort of like a mini Disney with storybook characters, so you had Mother Goose, Cinderella, Three Little Pigs, it was cute, kid friendly and fun! Bowen wanted to go on ALL the rides, he was not afraid of any of them, in fact, the faster the better. Here he is on something that spins ( I can't do spins....bad things happen when I spin) so here is my cuz Jeanette on this one with him!!!
Taking a break in the grass, he just got finished riding the Ferris wheel!

The carousel, he loves horses and was loving being on one here!

Again Bo and Jeanette, I am actually riding in the car in front of them so I can get pictures, I love this one!

Aunt Lizzy and Bo, I don't think this one went fast enough for him, by this point he was a thrill seeker!

THIS was his favorite, I am not sure if you can really see this but the coaster is zooming! It was really fast! Faster then I had expected it to be. You can tell by how all the adults look caught off guard. And in this turn it looks like Jeanette's hair is going to blow away. I rode this one with him first, and he pitched a fit when we had to get off, he wanted to do it again, so Jeanette took him on his second time, it was neat to watch him enjoy this one!

Judd, he did so well and he passed out right before we left! He is such a good baby!

My model on the carousel!

All in all it was fun, I think we rode every single ride, the adults were ready to leave a couple hours after we got there, but the weather was nice there was lots of shade for some relief from the sun, it was perfect!

4th of July Parade

2008-07-24T00:55:00.006-04:00

I know it has been a few weeks past, but lately I have been swamped with clients photos, so I am just now getting to my personal stuff! Here is the 4th of July Parade in Gloucester City N.J.
The boys and I went up to visit my family and they took us to the local parade, it was tons of fun. Bowen had a blast, this first image is one of my favorites from the day...as the floats went by, they threw out candy, he ran all over the place to pick up candy...he was so proud of his find!
Here my Aunt Lois was taking Judd up to see some of the sights! I love the colors!

My Sweet Face, looking on at all the stuff, this was his first parade!!

I love this one too, my Daddy and my Bowen! So sweet!

Judd, strolling proud!!

Here is my smallest patriot here!!

My dad, Bo, Judd and Aunt Lois waiting for the parade to start!

Judd loved the flag... and I love this face!!

I was great, with loads of memories, thanks to my dad and my aunts for sticking out the heat and enjoying the parade with us! We ended up back at my Aunt Lois's house where we were able to continue on in the festivities and watch a really loud fireworks display, the longest one I have ever seen. The boys had fun and tuckered out fast!

The Muffin Man!!

2008-07-23T23:24:00.005-04:00

Yesterday morning, Bowen wakes me up, tells me he wants "dinner" which seems to be what he calls every meal nowadays, so we headed to the kitchen to make muffins. He loves muffins, but he loves to "help mommie" it could be anything, he just wants to be involved. So here is how our morning began! It was a lot of fun, just watching him enjoy the job of mixing the batter....

Did I mention eating the batter too???

Judd had to get in on the fun, it took him so long to finally eat baby food, he ate on it for about a month and wants nothing to do with it, he wants the good stuff, he could not shovel it in fast enough!!

Later in the day I took the boys out to have a photo shoot, it is in my blood, sometimes I have to get out and do one, and what better subjects than my kids!! I will post those later. As we took pictures the thunderstorm rolled in with a quickness, Bowen is very afraid of thunder so he was attached to me like a cat with claws as I loaded everyone in the car.

Our evening ended on a good note, we danced in the living room and watched Monsters Inc. snuggled on the couch with the feather down comforter...ahh the life of a mommie!! I think I fell asleep on the couch before Bo did, he would wake me up every time I stopped tickling his back...obviously bothered by my inability to tickle for hours upon hours! Finally he scummed to the sleep, I picked him up as if he was still a newborn, kissed him all over his face as he softly says no mommie...lay him in the bed, and I stare at him and pray for him and I decide I want to bask in him a little more, I gently move him over and decide to sleep in his very teeny tiny bed with him! It was nice! His arms on my face and his feet kicking me all over, I just loved it..my baby is getting so big and this time is so precious!~~

At Last!!!

2008-07-13T02:17:00.005-04:00

Alright I must say, this family is awesome. My friend Kristin got married last month and asked Tandy and I to shoot the wedding!! I am so thankful she thought of us!! What an honor! It was a gorgeous day, a little rain the first half of the day but clear skies and smooth sailing the whole way through!! Kristin looked amazing, and I swear she had the best looking bridal party I have ever seen ( except for my own bridal party ). The Ciervios treated us like family and we worked hard, but had a blast doing it!

This first image is one of my favorites! Jared was such a good sport with this idea, and he hammed it up the whole evening!!

This image just pulls at my heart, Shannon was so emotional when he saw Kristin, he was struggling to hold back the tears...but the best part, if you look real close you will see a tear falling down her dads cheek!!! How precious is that!!! I love all that this image shows!!

Radiant!! That would be a good word to describe Kristin! I love this image as she waits to meet her groom!

I just look at this picture and it is so romantic!! They are such a handsome couple!

Vacation pics!

2008-07-09T23:30:00.003-04:00

I don't think you could get anymore relaxed than this...Judd fell asleep in the pool!!! So sweet, that kid can sleep through anything, thank God, cause his brother is loud like his momma!!

My dad and mu baby, ahhhh I think this is so sweet! My dad is the best, so good to me and my kids!! I love you Daddy!
Now, here is Bowen...he has a small obsession with fish, so my Aunt Liz decided this was the perfect gift for Bowen, and she was right!! It is his own virtual aquarium!! As you can see he was captivated by it. We have moved it into his bedroom and it is now his new favorite night light! Thanks again Aunt Lizzy!
Here is the little farmer with his Grandpop's John Deere hat on, picking his nose, CLASSIC!!
And this is my Aunt Liz, I don't think many people have the pleasure of having such an amazing Aunt! My Aunt Liz has always gone above and beyond the call of duty, my kids love her, and so do I!!

So here are just a few snapshots of the boys from our vacation. It was fun and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. My dad's house is awesome, it is like a mini resort, he has horses you can watch as you take a dip into a refreshing pool. If you would rather sit outside on a breezy summer evening in the hot tub and look up at some amazing stars you can here, my dad and Mary have really made it a nice haven, I loved it!! I will post more of the special outings soon!!!

The Boys!!!

2008-07-08T22:01:00.003-04:00

So, I took these pictures before I went on vacation, but I did not have the chance to post them until now. My sister in law decided to take our boys out and do a few pictures with all the cousins!! All boys so far and too much fun!! We bought them lollipops for bribing and had a blast! Here are just a few of my favorites. I will add more to Sugar Sanp, so if you want to see more you can check back there!!

Here is Landon (2), Easton (brand new), Judson (9months), and Bowen (2)!!!

This just may have to be Bowens 3rd birthday party invitation....the three was already there!! Pretty convenient!!

My little "Judd Budd" I like this one, he looks so little!!!

BoJack and his big sucker!!

And here are my angels, my heart, my joy and the greatest source of laughter in my life!!

Family!!

2008-07-07T01:03:00.002-04:00

Well, we are finished packing and heading back to Georgia!! We had such a wonderful time up here, my family is truly one of a kind....I cannot thank them enough for their love and hospitality! My kids had a blast too, from the aquarium to Story Book Land, we were on the go and having fun! I know the boys and I miss Paul, but we are so thankful to have visited and seen all of my cousins, aunts, uncles and my Grandmom, who is still up and getting around better than some of the younger kids!! We ate tons of amazing food, and what was even better was the company! I love each and every one of you, thanks so much for loving on and spoiling my kids for the past 2 weeks!
Please pray for safe travels , as my family and I take the 15 hour drive home! I am on the edge of my seat to share some of the pictures of our great vacation, see you all again in December!!! We love you! xxoo

Vacation!!!!

2008-06-28T22:59:00.002-04:00

So, FINALLY my family and I get a much needed break! Lots of new things are happening in the Estes house, first off, Paul got a new job!!!!YIPPEE!!!! This is a huge blessing for our family, for those of you who did not know, Paul had a job that required him to be out of town for 3 or 4 days at a time, then he would be home a day or so and head back out of town again....this causes much tension in a household. Not for nothing, but I really enjoy Paul ( most of the time ) :) and I need him, to help out with the kids, take out the trash...you know things around the house. To make a really long story a bit shorter, we have been praying for months now that God would open up another door for our family and that Paul would be able to be home with us and enjoy the mundane again with the rest of the family! Last Sunday we actually had everyone at Sunday lunch....it was nice to have everyone there again, it has been a long time since each one of us was there. Getting back to it, he will be home nights and weekends!!! I am beyond thrilled, I have my husband back, thank you LORD!

So, in lu of this wonderful news we decide to pack up early and head up north to see my family in Delaware and New Jersey! It has already been a wonderful trip so far, we have relaxed by the pool, went and fed the horses, and Monday we are heading to the aquarium! Unfortunately Paul has to head back in the morning so he can start his new job on Monday! I will stay here for another week!

My grandmom is still alive and we adore spending time with her and it is so special that she gets to see my boys, I love it! She is heading up to see the fish with all of us! It should be nice, then Wed. we head to the shore, the Jersey Shore, where Bo will get to ride some rides and we can enjoy the beach for a while! I am looking forward to it!

It should be a blast, I will post pics up as I get them! I am trying to stay far away from the computer...but it is an addiction!!

Summer Fun!!

2008-06-13T23:45:00.005-04:00

So, I must start off by just saying how much I love my family!! We decided to head on to the park and just spend some time together!! Nothing posed here, just my boys being boys! With Father's Day fast approaching, I am reminded of what a wonderful father my husband is, and my heart swells with so much joy when I think of the wonderful memories my boys will have because of this special man! These sweet innocent moments where we just love on each other and love on our children will be forever etched on my heart!

How did I get so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful family? Do we have our moments....sure we do, but bottom line we love each other, we love our children and we love the Lord enough to know he will pull us through anything, good or bad!! I am humbled as I watch my babies....my heart has multiplied, grown legs, walks & crawls all around me!!! I pray for wisdom and guidance as we embark on what is sure to be one of the best chapter in our lives, and I am thankful and blessed to have my partner, my lover and my best friend beside me the whole way....

Baby Judd....you are a gem!!!
Daddy and the boys! This is so sweet to my soul!!

A "Real" Hair-cut!!

2008-06-04T22:03:00.003-04:00

Here is my little man getting his hair cut by someone who knows how to cut hair...not just buzz it off....like his daddy!! Anyways, Paul and I took Bowen to the hair salon to get him a real big boy hair do!! And I was so proud of him, he did so great! He was in love with looking at himself in the mirror, it was cute! Here are some images from our family day out at the salon! Just look at my handsome boys sweet hair, I love it!!

I love his feet in this picture, I know he is my oldest, but he is still such a baby!!
Bowen's Daddy was so proud of how great he was, no fussing at all, it was a breeze!!
Still breaking his neck to look at himself in the mirror!

All done, my handsome baby!!

Family Traditions!!

2008-06-04T21:47:00.002-04:00

Well, it has been a couple weeks since we all went out for Paul's Birthday but I am just now unloading the pictures from my camera, so here we are at Stevie B's enjoying each other and eating some Delicious food. Every year my in laws take each one of us out to dinner to celebrate us on this special day!! I really have come to look forward to this, it is something different and we get some nice time to sit down and eat together. I just want to thank Tim and Peg for always investing in each one of us, and for loving all of us girls as if we were your own. These little family moments are very near and dear to my heart, nothing extravagant but priceless memories none the less!! Love you both!

Been a while

2008-06-03T23:59:00.002-04:00

Okay! it has been a while since my last post, but things have been crazy around here! I feel like I am running non stop and I love/hate it!! Just an update, Paul had an interview with a new company this Monday!! A gentleman who goes to our church and has a successful business and needs some help!! Please all who my stop by to read this, take a second out of your day to please pray for God to open this door...I know he can do it...if he just will!! This is my new life motto!! I really desire my husband to be home every night and be able to have some sort of normal schedule!! Thanks, if you prayed!!....Anyways I am enjoying the heat, I know it is crazy but I am loving being in water and having a tan, just feels nice.

I have really had baby fever the past few weeks...even though my youngest is still very young I just feel like there is another little Estes out there. I am still trying to shed pregnancy pounds, and then Paul and I will try for another baby, but if I was skinner, I would try now!!

All in all life is good, business is busy, this month is crazy, but I am looking forward to heading up north the end of the month and visiting my family!!

Welcome baby Estes!!!

2008-05-20T01:36:00.003-04:00

Introducing.......well, I don't know his name yet, but for now we will call him Baby Estes #4!!! What a doll he is, so sweet, and adorable!! I now have 2 nephews! I love it, my sister in law gave birth today to a healthy 7lb. little boy. Isn't God good!!

Me and my sweet little nephew!!

I love this image, I think April is beautiful and she looks so proud, content and happy!! This is my favorite one! Her eyes speak volumes!!

The safest place in the world.....this baby is beautiful!!! I am so lucky to be a part of such a wonderful family!!
I have also posted some maternity images I took on my website Sugar Snap Photography!

Food Mishaps..

2008-05-13T00:45:00.002-04:00

Well, I will start by saying that I usually let my kids play with their food...I know what you are probably thinking, not smart! Well you just may be right! There are times Bowen and I cook spaghetti noodles and play with them, make shapes and such, I use food to demonstrate textures and temperatures, so when I say play with food this is what I mean.
I got a little surprise this morning. Bowen had an explosion in his pants and I had to throw him in the tub, while he was in the tub his nose kept running and running...some of you may know where I am going with this, anyways, I kept wiping his nose trying to save him from the taste of snot! Achoo! He sneezes! Out of this sweet little boys nose comes none other than a craisin( cross between a cranberry and raisin ), and a piece of rice! Disgusting! As his mother I am speechless because I cannot believe he is sticking things up his nose, but he is, and now he has snack time completely supervised...
Just a little picture into the first few hours of my day!

Judson David 8 months old!

2008-05-09T17:36:00.006-04:00

My baby turns 8 months!! Ever since I had my first born, I religiously take pictures every moth, thier first year. ( One reason why I bought my own camera ) So this is Judd at 8 months! We found this amazing vintage carraige at an antique store and just had to have it for the business, and of course you know I had to try it out on my own kids!! As far as his little red cowboy boots...ebay! I am in love with them, they are leather and vintage too. I am still trying to research how old they are, but they are sweet! Now for my boy, well he is new and priceless! I love how inquisitaive he is in the flowers. So neat to look back through the months and see what huge changes happen in such a short time, this is why I am a photographer...so when I am old and gray I hope these images will bring back the same joy I feel as I look at them now!! To view more click here.

Happy Birthday to Paul!!

2008-05-05T14:23:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday Paul!! Yesterday was Pauls birthday and the kids and I spent the day decorating the house and personalizing a special card for him. When he got home from work he was very suprised!! One of his gifts was none the less a fishing pole!!! I got one for him and a itty bitty one for Bowen, now they can go fishing whenever they want to! After the gifts Paul decided he wanted to go and eat at TAKI, the local Japanese Steak House....I can't tell you how long it has been since I have had Japansese, it was delisious!

My boys chowing down on some soup!

Because it was Paul's Bday, the cook threw tons of food at him...he caught it all!!

All in all we had a wonderful evening, Paul and I rented a movie and put the kids to sleep and enjoyed eachother, and Will Smith!!! :)It was a well deserved celebration!!

Fishin' With Daddy

2008-05-03T11:17:00.005-04:00

Bowen's first fishing trip!! He loved it. Now everyday he asks if we are going to catch some "sishes"! The other day Paul and I decided to have a picnic at the new park in Paulding County, they have a catch and release pond, and it is awesome! It was a blast to see him really enjoy fishing. We borrowed a fishing pole from a friend, but it looks like we may have to go get us one of our own...

I love this picture....Bowen loves his Daddy!

I know it is hard to see Paul's eyes in this picture but his whole face is beaming with pride! He and his boy caught a fish. Just another moment etched into my heart forever!

Welcome to our World!

2008-05-03T09:10:00.004-04:00

Bowen, my first baby! So full of life, loves people and loves his little brother! Bo will be 3 in November...3!! Tears fill my eyes when I think about that! Tears of joy and sadness, joy because they have been a wonderful 3 years, and sadness because my baby is getting so big! He is talking up a storm, we can carry on a conversation, he defiantly has his own opinions and expresses them freely! He loves his daddy and can't get enough of him when he is home! Loves music and dancing, painting and playing outside from sun up to sundown (if I would let him)!

Baby Judd. Almost 8 months old!!! Wow, time is flying. Judd is so sweet and laid back, only fusses when he is hungry or tired! He has the greatest smile and laugh. Sits up great and wants to crawl so bad...he is almost there! No teeth yet but the drool has hit with force so I anticipate seeing them peek through any day now. He is snugly and sweet and I could not imagine my life without him.

Paul- Where do I begin?? My sweet Paul. One of the most committed and dedicated men I have ever known. Reluctantly he has had to change careers to support our family, which I am very grateful for! We both really value me staying home and raising our children so we do what we have to do to make that happen. I know it has been a sacrifice on both ends for this to happen...and for his sacrifices I am So thankful. He now works incredibly hard driving and unloading a huge truck. Not as glorious as the fire department but pays 3x's as much, so you see why the move was necessary! In his free time he is taking Bowen fishing, or just playing in and around the house with the boys. This I believe is his greatest joy! He is an amazing father and a great husband....I couldn't ask for more.

As for me...well I am the photographer of the family so there are no pictures of me ( at least recent). I love staying home with my kids. I am really enjoying cooking, and thanks to my friend Aimee from Everything Homemade, my family and I are eating like champs! I love being around people and if I could have a party everyday I would!! I love watching both my boys learn and experience new things, I love the wonder in their eyes and the sense of accomplishment when they figure something out! I am into books on marriage and parenting, I usually never finish them but I do enjoy them. I am grateful that the Lord brought photography into my life, I can work around the family schedule and I get to have a creative outlet that works well for my sanity! In a nut shell, life is great and I am living my dream!