Day 75 - 1pm

It's odd that today's photo is "1pm", because that's exactly what time I woke up today. The hubs and I each take a day every weekend to sleep in while the other wakes up with the kids. Today was my day. Normally I'll sleep until 10am, at the latest. I must have needed the sleep because I was still in a deep sleep when he came in to wake me up. I'm glad he did because as it was, the tornadoes (aka kids), had wreaked havoc on the house and I woke up with a horrible "too much sleep" headache. Thirteen hours of sleep is bad for the house and my head. After the house was given some TLC and my headache went away, it ended up being a nice day. Although, now it's after 12am and I'm still wide awake, ending my day the way it started..staring up at the bedroom ceiling fan.

Day 74 - Somewhere I Went

This evening (armed with only a cell phone camera), I went to watch my baby girlies play a softball game. They are so darn cute at that age! They both did an awesome job, but Rylee finally livened up on the field and made an awesome play! She loves to play softball and is really good for her age (5), but by the time Friday night comes, my little Bug is worn out. She usually spaces out, spins in circles, watches her shadow, sits down, picks grass..anything but pay attention to the game. After she made that play, she wanted to jump all over the ball as much as she could. These are the days we've been waiting for since they were babies <3

Day 73 - Black & White

In the early morning, dark clouds and bright, white puffy clouds filled the sky together. The sky looked carefully hand-painted. Then, the black clouds took over and heavy rain poured down. The day ended with a beautiful blue sky and storybook white clouds. Arizona has some of the coolest, strangest weather. Beautiful!

Day 72 - Looking Down

Looking down on the town of Gilbert and some of it's new development. The economy is showing signs of a come back..woo! New building going on all over the place. It's a good place to be! Feeling lucky to have found this area to grow our family :)

Day 71 - Something I'm Grateful For

There are so many things that I can be grateful for in my life..my family's health, wonderful husband, good kids, caffeine.. ;)  Today, though, I'm grateful for friendship. True friendship. The kind of friendship where you know that no matter what, you'll be there for eachother. You may not know the strength and true colors of your friendship until it's tested, but it's a great feeling when you find yourself surrounded by love when you need it most. There aren't very many people you can count on in this life to be that kind of friend, but I'm lucky enough to have a few :)

Today, I spent the morning with a great friend and our kids at the splash park. The weather has warmed up quickly, so it was really nice to sit in the shade, chat, and watch our kids splash around. Those little breaks from the normal, busy routine are always nice!

Day 70 - Vegetable

Vitamins

Edamame

Green beans

Endive

Turnip

Artichoke

Bell pepper

Lettuce

Eggplant

Day 69 - The Last Thing I Bought

The lil man and I went to Hobby Lobby to buy the craft supplies to make these goody bags. Avery wanted a kitty party, but I couldn't find any goody bags to go with that theme. There were plenty of cute Hello Kitty party bags, the little girly didn't want Hello Kitty. It doesn't fit in with her love and obsession with little furry animals. So, I tried to get creative and the hubby and I worked for what seemed like an eternity to make these bags!

Day 68 - Bottle

It has been sooooo stinkin' hot in the AZ this week! Today was the first day that we reached triple digits in the Valley. I thought it was fitting to highlight the importance of drinking water! Everyone who comes to visit from California ends up feeling so gross and dehydrated because they're not used to the dry, hot weather. Drink up, my friends!

Day 67 - Something I Drew

"Draw Something", the game, is hilarious. For some people, it's a game where they can show off their drawing skills. For others, ME being one, it's a challenge. I can't draw anything on paper. Now I'm supposed to draw on my touch screen? ...Fugetaboutit. I feel bad for everyone I play with! They probably stare at it and have no clue what I'm trying to draw. Cracks me up, though!

Day 66 - Orange

My Carebear showing off her hip-swingin' skills with an ORANGE hula hoop :) She had so much fun with that thing! Ahhh, to be six..

Day 65 - Hair

Today was haircut day for the kidlings! There was a lot of snipping going on. Rylee and Cara both opted for shoulder-length hair after having it long forever. Avery got a trim and added some layers in. Everyone looks gorgeous, of course ;)  Yay for several inches less to brush!

Day 64 - Something I Don't Like

I absolutely despise waking up by alarm. When you have kids that haven't discovered the beauty of sleeping in, it seems completely unnatural to wake up any earlier than is already necessary. Thank goodness cell phones have alarms that give the option of choosing a ringtone that's pleasant. The classic alarm clock sound drives me completely nutsos! *Shudders*

Day 63 - Flowers

Palo Verde trees are all over the place in the Phoenix metro. I tend to not notice them anymore. When we first moved here, though, they were pretty crazy-looking to me. I had never seen a tree with a green trunk and green branches before. Cool, but odd if you're not from Arizona. There are a couple of them in the back yard, which are now covered in these beautiful yellow flowers. Spring has definitely sprung!!

Day 62 - Sunset

This was taken with my phone. I left the house without my camera and the sunset does not wait!

Day 61 - How I Feel Today

Loved and in love. We had a great family day today. We went to the zoo with some good friends, then to dinner after. I love watching our kids having fun and discovering everything at the zoo. We've been there so many times, but they still find more to explore with every trip. Everyone crashed after we got home, so the hubs and I caught up with our show that we watch. A successful and love-filled day, indeed <3

Day 60 - Something I Found

A shaded parking spot at the grocery store! Thanks Basha's for being so thoughtful of your shoppers. Close, shaded parking spots without having to search for a tree large enough to shade the car. Genius. Why doesn't every large retailer do this in AZ??

Day 59 - Stairs

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase. 

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Day 58 - Where I Ate Breakfast

This is where I usually eat breakfast during the week. Sad, but true. By the time I realize I didn't eat breakfast, I've already left the house for the day. So, I reach for a protein bar and my energy drink and get on with my day..school, gym, softball, girl scouts, cheer, tutoring, homework, cooking, cleaning..whatever it might bring ;)

Day 57 - Cold

A nice, cold fruit salad is so refreshing on a warm spring day! Little known fact: For years now, I haven't been able to say the words "fruit salad" without singing, "fruit salad..yummy yummy," oh and let's not forget the spanish version, "ensalada de fruta fresca"..Big thanks to The Wiggles..

Day 56 - A Younger Me

I've never posted a photo that was taken beforehand, but with this prompt, it seemed appropriate. Plus, I love this one! It's of a much younger me (15), the Hubs (though, not at the time ;) - 18), my brother, Michael (3), and brother, Nick (5). It was such a fun time in life. I love how Nick is holding Bill's hand. That was Nick's best friend :)  Michael's first word was "Bill". Now they're old teenagers and we're..old :P

Day 55 - Inside My Wallet

Not much in here at the moment, unfortunately :P  I switch between wallets and purses/totes so much that I can't remember what's in what wallet or bag. Some general life organization is needed!

Day 54 - Shadow

On "Easter Eve" we were lucky enough to have caught a shadow of the actual Easter Bunny. When we went to bed, we set the motion sensor on the camera to take a picture when anything moved ;) So convenient, too, with the photo subject for the day being "shadow"! Wow, unbelievable luck.

Recommitment

I have been so bad about posting my photos! Life just seems to be getting busier and busier. So, here I am, recommitting to posting my photos every single day. I take the photos every day, it's just a matter of uploading and posting them on time. I figure if I put it in writing, I'll feel more obligated. I love doing this photo project, so it's important to take that time out during the day or night to make sure I fulfill my original promise to myself.

Day 53 - Lunch

Yep. Coffee. Or, let's be honest, creamer with a splash of coffee. Sometimes it's all a mama has time for! Luckily, the hubs was home today and made sure that I eventually did eat something of substance. On a side note, it's the last Friday of lent! Til next year, meatless Fridays :)

Day 52 - Tiny

Little ladybug on my arm

you wear a heart as part of your charm

You joined me on this sunny day

just for a moment then you flew away.

~Author Unknown

Day 51 - Someone Who Makes Me Happy

“You don't marry someone you can live with, you marry the person who you cannot live without.”

This guy makes me incredibly happy :)  He's an amazing father, friend, and my partner for life. I cherish my time with him whether it's alone or with our kids. Life would not be complete with out him! Love you, Bill.

Day 50 - Mail

Day 49 - Color

This ended up being a very patriotic-looking photo ;)  Red, white, and blue! Full of bright colors and a little boy with a very colorful personality!

Day 48 - My Reflection

In my daughter's eyes

I am a hero

I am strong and wise and I know no fear

But the truth is plain to see

She was sent to rescue me

I see who I want to be

In my daughter's eyes

-Martina McBride

Day 47 - Where I Relax