Week 3 - 365 Challenge

This week has definitely went by in a blur! I finally withdrew Caleb from his old school and got him registered for his new one. (He will be having the same 1st grade teacher that both of his cousins had, how cool is that?!?) We finally got some photos and artwork up on the walls at the new house and we experienced one heck of a monsoon week at the new house too...complete with lots of rain, wind, lightning and thunder. Caleb finished up his last week of summer camp with a trip to a water park, a day at the movies AND his number one favorite place, Peter Piper Pizza. Our family joined a local gym on Friday and Caleb and I made our first visit the very next day!

And then we finished up the week with a fantastic family dinner at our house. I can't even put into words how awesome it is to finally live closer to our family...my SIL visited us twice this week after I got home from work, and we went shopping one day after work too. I wish we would have moved to this side of town years ago, but at least we are here now and we can start making up for lost time!

So onto the photos! This week has a few more landscape & architecture images than the last couple of weeks, but I am definitely taking this challenge to heart. I am using it as a way to really challenge my work as an artist and up my game a little, trying out new things and really trying to see the world in a whole new way!

15/365 - This photo pretty much says it all! 

16/365 - Bathtime

17/365 - I love modern architecture and this building at a local community college is just amazing!

18/365 - Beauty in the simplicity of nature

19/365 - A little nap after a long day at summer camp. 

20/365 - Just a little practice at the local park.

21/365 - Using the force on his cousin (ps. this is my favorite of the week!)

Thank you so much for visiting me this week...make sure to check out Tina Sparkes blog next for some absolutely amazing images! (Seriously...she totally rocks and you don't want to miss out!)

All grown up

It's been a big week around the Schell house...drum roll please....

We've got a ourselves a KINDERGARTNER!!!

It seems like just yesterday that my baby boy was just that...a baby. But today he is in elementary school. His first day of school was yesterday and using the word "excited" would be an understatement! It's all he's been talking about for the last couple of weeks...he's gotten new school clothes (courtesy of his amazing grandma) a new backpack and his school supplies. We even made sure to go and get him a fresh new haircut the day before he started.

Yesterday morning, he helped me pack up his backpack and we headed off for his first morning. (After a quick photo shoot in the backyard of course!) When we got to school we headed over to the kinder's section of the school and found his teacher and waited for the bell to ring...when it did he got into line to get ready to head into his classroom. BUT not before quickly running out of line to mommy for one last hug. He made me so proud...he was such a big boy, no tears...just a HUGE smile as he walked into school! (I made it to my car before letting any tears spill!)

When I picked him up and asked him about his day he told me about how awesome school was...he went on to say that his favorite parts of the day was getting to go to recess 2 times, getting to drink chocolate milk with lunch and that there was a "real library AT SCHOOL!" It's the little things folks...the little things that make the world go 'round!!

ps. I think our next BIG thing is going to be his first lost tooth! He came home from school and informed me that he has his first loose tooth! Maybe the tooth fairy will be visiting us before the end of the week!!

I wonder where he get's it from...

With a mama that is a photographer and graphic designer my little one didn't stand a chance when it came to inheriting a creative gene...

ps. I shared this last week on my business website...but I couldn't help but put it here too! Sorry if you've already seen it!

Too many choices!!

Every end brings a new beginning...the school year is over here in AZ and we are now onto new challenges and we have finally picked a new school for Caleb for next year!
We have been in a weird predicament with him...and the choices for us have been so vast and varying...the school system down here in Arizona is so so different than what I am used to from small town, rural Washington state. 
First off, it's very competitive. Secondly the district that I live in has open enrollment...so you don't have to enroll your child in the school that you are within boundary for. Because of these two things there are so, so many options available for parents: we could put him in the classic school that we are within the boundary for; we could take get on the waiting list/lottery list for the many different charter schools around us; we could take him to the school that while it is not within our boundary it is the closest school to us; the list of choices goes on, and on, and on. 
When my husband and I thought that we finally had made our choice, putting him into the school that we are within boundary for, we were thrown for a last minute loop. The school was going to begin offering a charter school type program that teaches a full grade level higher...it was a new option for kids going into kinder and 1st grade at the school. The old "classic" style of school was still available at the school, but the new option is now available too...ugh. Just when we thought we had it settled! 
Well, at least we have settled on a school. Now, it's just a decision about what type of curriculum we want!!

Isn't it HOT?

I get asked all the time the same question about living in Arizona:  How can you handle living there...isn't it HOT?  Well...I always remind them that it's not ALWAYS hot here...just a couple of months out of the year it's hot, but we stay inside out of the heat and enjoy our air conditioned homes! (Or in my case...I spend a lot of time outside in the pool!!)
BUT one thing that I absolutely LOVE about living here is the weather the other 9 months of the year. While all of my other friends are complaining about the cold & rain & snow we are outside playing in the backyard or at the park. In flip-flops...and shirtless. (at least the boys are shirtless)
Because c'mon....who wouldn't love to be outside in February riding their bikes in 75 degrees?

daydreaming on his bike

cute little feet

Happy weekend!

Loving. Living. Enjoying.

This year is all about reconnecting for me. And the first people that I have been doing this with have been the two that I am closest to. We have been making many, many trips to the park. Going to movies and museums. Date nights. Movie nights. Going for walks around the block and riding bikes out in front of the house. Snuggling on the couch and playing board games. And just enjoying time with each other.

I feel so content with my life and where I am going. I’m making choices that are having amazingly positive impacts in my life. The closeness and love that is in our home is almost palpable. And it feels amazing.

So this Valentine’s Day I’m actually lucky enough to have two Valentine’s…and my heart is full. Full of love. Full of positivity and possibility. Full of life.

I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend. And I hope that you fill it with the people that you love. We will be having a family movie night tonight, date night tomorrow…a visit or two to the park and some bike riding. And most definitely there will be some snuggling and laughing and tickle fights. And love. Lots and lots of love.

FIVE

 Today my baby turns 5.

 

My baby boy is 5.

 

He. Is. Five.

It doesn’t matter how many times I say this out loud or to myself, it just doesn’t seem to be real. I seriously cannot believe how quickly time has passed. It seems like just yesterday that I was pregnant and waiting to finally meet him.

But the last 5 years have been filled with so many fun, amazing memories. And I couldn’t have asked for a better child! He is smart, funny, witty, caring and sweet. 

 

Man, I just love this kiddo. And I can't wait to get home to celebrate his birthday with him!!

 

 Happy Birthday Caleb!!!

My parenting list

My son's birthday is coming up. And it's his 5th. Over the next year he will start at a new school. He will continue to grow both emotionally & physically and become more mature. He will need me less and try more things on his own.

He is on his way to developing into the man that he eventually will become. Over the past few months I have been carefully watching my baby grow into a little boy. He has strong opinions and loves reading and learning. He is sweet and kind and loving...he is oh so very loving. Hearing his sweet voice from the backseat of the car say out of the blue "mommy, I wuv you." well...that just melts me and makes me want to freeze that moment to replay over and over again. Especially when I'm having a bad day. And I am proud of him...so very, very, proud.

Over the last few months, I have found myself writing little notes in my cell phone about things that I want to make sure that my son knows. Things that I want to make sure that he learns about...a list of things that I really believe that if he learns as a child will make him into an absolutely wonderful man when he's an adult. It's not a complete list by any means. And it's not the list that will fit every child. But it consists of things that I believe are important.

1) Getting dirty is ok. It's why god made showers and the washing machine. Plus it's one way that I know that you have had as much fun as possible doing something!

2) Don't be afraid to love or afraid to tell people that you love them. And your father and I hope to hear those words come from you in our direction often.

3) It's alright to show emotion. And it's alright to talk about how you feel. I will do my best to help you learn how to do this. Being a good communicator will help you go a long way when you are an adult. And your future spouse will thank me.

4) Hugging is good—actually it's expected in our home. I know that out in the real world that physical touch is not always acceptable, but when you care about someone one of the best ways to show them is by touch…and hugs are one of the best way to do that.

5) Asking why is always acceptable. And I will always do my best to answer with a "real" answer, not just a "because I say so." When I don't know the answer I will find it, with you right by my side.

6) Don't be afraid to be goofy or silly - There are times that we just need to dance to get the silly's out of our system!! (And I LOVE our dance party Sundays!!)

7) Helping mommy or daddy is always appreciated. It's how you will learn how to do things…like fixing things, building stuff, cooking, laundry and dishes. It's one of the things that will help you to be an amazing man and husband in the future.

8) I will always be your cheerleader. For your wins and your losses. I will keep scrapbooks of your life and show them to your prom date. I will brag about you to my friends and on my blog. I will post photos of you on Facebook and I will be there for you every step of the way…cheering you on in your life.

9) You will lose sometimes and it's not the end of the world. Regardless of what other people say, not everyone is a winner at everything. There will be times when you will lose, but your daddy and I will always be there for you. You won't be alone and we will always figure out how to learn from that loss and what to do better next time. And we will teach you to never give up. Never. Ever. Give. Up.

10) We will travel together and see this beautiful world. Your daddy and I will do our best to give you the chance to explore places, both near and far. We might not get to everywhere we want to, but the places that we will go too will help us to make special memories together. And travelling will open your eyes to what this amazing beautiful world has to offer.

11) Your father and I will always be your home base. We will be a solid rock on which you can always land. We will be there at your sporting events, will come to your class parties, we will be there when you call out for us.

   

I'm a Momarazzi and I don't care who knows it!!

One of the things that I love most about photography is that I believe that it allows us to freeze moments in time. It allows us to capture memories and savor them long after an event or milestone. But it also allows us to preserve the small moments too...afternoons at the park, going out for a bike ride in the neighborhood, a soccer practice at dusk, or just lounging on the couch watching a movie. These are the moments that I want to remember the most. The days that my 4 (almost 5) year old just snuggles up in his footy jammies with his daddy on the couch. The soccer games and practices when he is so excited to make a goal and the first person that he looks for afterwards is me. I don't want to forget any of these moments...so I have been taking photos like crazy.  And I think that it is starting to show because this is what I get when I pull out the camera lately.

Maybe someone is getting tired of mommy trying to capture memories?  What do you think?

Reddy the Elf

Last week we added a little extra fun and an extra watchful eye to our household for this holiday season. Our little elf on the shelf that Caleb named Reddy is joining in on our holiday merriment and so far he has been so much fun...along with being a little mischievous!! The first night he climbed up into our tree and sat right next to our first family ornament and watched with his careful eyes!!

 Another night he got into our art closet and pulled out some crayons and a Thomas the Train coloring book and had some fun!  

 He has also gotten into the cars and had some fun spelling out Caleb's name in the playroom!  

 And then over the weekend, while Caleb crashed out on a couch in the living room he had a sleepover with Mickey & Tigger in Caleb's bed!  

  This is our first year with an Elf in the house and I now I know why my other mom friends had so much fun with their kids and elves in past Christmas'. It really does add fun, excitement and some great holiday magic to the season!!!
I'll try to post some more photos of Reddy and his shenanagins over the next week!

#9 - Thankfulness Challenge

#9 - I am thankful for my son's amazing teacher

2 years ago when we abruptly had to change my son's daycare/preschool we were so very, very lucky to find the center that he is currently in. He had been in an in-home daycare his first 3 years of life and that is what I always thought that I wanted...but then things changed and we had to find somewhere on very short notice. The center that we ended up choosing was one of the best things to happen to him. They helped him with socializing, learning and making friends.

And his teacher this year is just amazing. He is now in a private kindergarten program in his center and the amount of things that he is learning each day is just astounding. The classroom has only 12 students and while he is only 4 years old (he will be five in January AHHHH!!! My baby boy is growing waaaayyy too quickly!!) he is already reading, doing math, spelling tests, etc. I am so thankful for Ms. Debbie that I just want to hug her on a daily basis. Thank you Ms. Debbie for being Caleb's mentor, his friend and his teacher. I know that he loves you and we do too!!

#3 - Thankfulness Challenge

If anyone is wanting to join in please do...There isn't any linkup.

Just pull the badge art (at bottom of this post) and put it in your post.

#3 ~ I am thankful for my wonderful amazing son! 

I am so lucky to have given birth to my beautiful baby boy. We had some hard times in the beginning with his club feet, but that is really the only thing that has been hard about being his mom. His personality is sweet and welcoming. He is genuinely nice and polite. He loves to give hugs and kisses. And I just love to be around him. I consider myself to be the luckiest woman in the world to have been given such a precious gift.

It's Grasshopper Time!

Fall is here in AZ which means that it's time for things to get super crazy busy around here!!

Since it is always so hot here during the summer months most people just hideout indoors and we pray for the cooler weather to come. And now, since it is finally cooling down it's time for some fall sports. This season Chris is coaching Caleb's soccer team again (they named themselves the Grasshoppers!) and they are having so much fun! Their first game was 2 Saturday's ago and Caleb scored 2 goals in his first game and another one this past Saturday. And let me tell you that I am one proud mommy!

Chris and his team...the Grasshoppers!

Chris working with the kiddos

Going in for the steal!

And boy oh boy, can my little one take a fall!

Waiting for the game to start

Goofing around at halftime

That smile on his face says it all...he absolutely LOVES playing soccer!

Caleb getting his first goal of the season!

 

The Magic Wand (Or the story of how babies are made)

Actual conversation in the car a couple of weeks ago: 

Caleb: Mommy I want a baby. Can we have another baby?

Me: Ask your dad.

Chris: (Ever the super practical, money man) Well Caleb...do you like to go on trips, get new toys, and do lots of things? If we had another baby it would be hard to do those things.

Caleb: Oh...ok. But how do baby's get inside a mommy's belly?

Me: It's magic.

Caleb: ohhhhh.....ok.

About 3 minutes pass.

Caleb: (in a VERY excited voice!!) I GET IT! I GET IT! A BABY GETS IN MOMMY'S BELLY WHEN A DADDY USES HIS MAGIC WAND. RIGHT?!? 'Cause it's magic, right?!?

Chris and I in unison: Ummmmm....yeah. That's exactly how it works! Daddy's magic wand puts a baby in mommy's belly.

And then we laughed uncontrollably for at least 10 minutes...while Caleb sat in the backseat asking why we were laughing. And every time I think about this I am still laughing. And laughing.

And laughing!

Showing his independence

This morning my handsome little man decided that he didn't want mommy to pick out his clothes for him anymore. He wanted to be a "big boy" like his daddy and choose his own clothes for the day.
I've gotta hand it too him...he certainly showed his independence today!    

  One thing that I can say for the boy...he certainly likes a lot of colors! (And if this photo doesn't bring a smile to your face...I don't know what would!) Happy Tuesday!

Just keep swimming

This summer has been full of lots of sunshine and LOTS of swimming! Caleb has been in swimming lessons for the last few months and he is getting really good. He can swim the backstroke, the breaststroke and freestyle. (He’s still got some work on the butterfly!)

Caleb & swim lesson friend Joey doing the backstroke

Having a pool means that we HAVE to make sure that Caleb can swim, so he’s been in swim lessons since he was 18 months old! Now for me I learned how to swim the old fashioned way…with my dad throwing me in the river and expecting me to find my way to the surface and back to the bank. My husband on the other hand, also grew up with a pool and took swim lessons as a kid, and after watching me swim (I look like I’m having a seizure when I freestyle) he knew that REAL swim lessons would be needed for Caleb. Since school starts next week for the kids in our neighborhood, swim lessons are over for the summer but here are some photos from the last session!

Preparing to dive

Joey showing Caleb how it's done!

My little diver boy!

Taking off for the backstroke!

And as Dory in Finding Nemo says…”Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming!”