Photography

One of my favorite hobbies is photography. I just love to capture a moment in a picture. I really enjoy just taking photos of my kids but occasionally I will take them of other loved ones as well. Lately, I've been able to take many, many photos so I wanted to share.

Here's Matt's sister, Michaela. She's a senior this year and asked me to take her senior pictures. These are just a few of what we have so far.

I really cannot believe she's a senior. She also happens to be one of my very best friends.

Next are Nicholas and Ava. I love these kids like they're my own. They are two of few that I love taking photos of. They melt my heart with their smiles and what they have to say.

I'm so glad I have an outlet, like photography, that I enjoy.

Xoxo,

Tanna

Interview with Jaelyn and Finlee

In July, I did this interview with Jaelyn. I told myself I wanted to continue to interview her every-so-often so I can see how she grows and changes as a person. I decided to do it with Jaelyn and Finlee this time around.  I did add a few questions to our interview from last time but for the most part, Jaelyn's answers were the same.

 

What is your name? Jaelyn

How old are you? Four

What is your favorite color? Purple

Who is your best friend? Brogan and Isaias

(Brogan and Isaias go to our church and Jaelyn went to preschool with them.)

What is your favorite animal? A giraffe

(She loves to visit the giraffes at the zoo!)

What do you want to be when you grow-up? A mom, not a doctor.

What is your favorite movie? Nemo (Finding Nemo)

What is your favorite book? Tinkerbell

What makes you happy? Silly giggles

What makes you sad? Mean things and spankings. (Uh-o.. :))

What is your favorite food to eat? Chicken and rice and noodles.

 

What is your favorite snack? Chocolate. Chocolate pudding too.

 

What is your favorite cartoon? Thumbelina

What is your favorite song to sing? ABCs

What games do you like to play? Tag

 

What is your favorite thing about school? Eating with pudding and goldfish.

 

What is your favorite thing about church? Playing.

 

And here's Finlee's interview:

 

What is your name? Umm...ME!

How old are you? Six. (She's two. :))

What is your favorite color? Pink

Who is your best friend? Yeah, Guy. Guy,  yeah.

(Finlee calls her Auntie Michaela, "Guy" because it sounds like "Kay".)

What is your favorite animal? Umm...horsies. No, ducks.

(Finlee loves animals!)

What do you want to be when you grow-up? Ummm..doctor.

 

(Finlee says "umm" a lot and also copies what her sister says.)

What is your favorite movie? My baby show. (Also known as Baby Boost.)

What is your favorite book? Bear. (I have no idea.)

What makes you happy? Happy and you know it.

 (She means the song, "If you're happy and you know it."

What makes you sad? When Mommy's sad. (Aw, bless her heart.)

What is your favorite food to eat? Snacks.

What is your favorite snack? Fishies. (Goldfish crackers.)

What is your favorite cartoon? Elmo

What is your favorite song to sing? Jesus Loves Me

What games do you like to play? Babies (Finlee loves baby dolls.)

What is your favorite thing about church? Playing.

 

Finlee didn't quite know all of the answers to the questions and I had to prompt her a little bit. She lost interest quite a bit too and I had to get her back on track. :)

 

Xoxo,
Tanna

Like Father, Like Son

I came across this quote on a blog today:

For the most part, this quote is so true. Lately, I find myself mentioning to Matt how much he is like his dad or I am like my mom. I believe many people take after their parents. I'm so glad that my children, especially Chaseton, have Matt as a role model and I would be so proud if Chaseton turned out to be just like his dad.

He atleast has Matt's looks going for him because all I ever hear is

how much he looks like his dad and it really is true. :)

Chaseton keeping his eye on daddy.

And for as much football as we watch in this house,

I'm pretty sure Chaseton will share Matt's love of sports too.

I just finished reading the book Courageous and it talks a lot about the vital roles that fathers play in their children's lives. It really reminded me how blessed I am to have Matt, not only as a husband, but as a daddy to my children. He cares about the example he is setting for his children, works hard to provide a good life for them, and loves them more than life itself. I hope he knows how thankful and proud I am of him for striving to be a good example for his children to look up to.

Xoxo,

Tanna

More Funnies!

Jaelyn is at it again. I love looking back and seeing all of the funny things that she has said. I wish I would have started recording more of what she has said a lot sooner.

Jaelyn told Matt when Chaseton was born, she would have to close her eyes because he would be naked. Matt told her her promised to put a diaper on him right away. Its funny that she just realized that he would be born naked. :) (This was written earlier this summer.)

Jaelyn asked Matt if God has a castle in heaven. Precious.

The other day when we were driving home from school, Jaelyn started singing, "I love my mom. Uh huh. My mom is cool. Uh huh." I was so excited because she thought I was cool. This morning we were watching Sid the Science Kid and Sid happened to sing this to his mom. My moment on cloud 9 was ruined. :)

We were cleaning Jaelyn and Finlee's room the other day. I was sitting on Jae's top bunk with Chaseton and Matt was helping them on the floor. They were finished and I needed help getting down with Chaseton because he was sleeping. I called Matt in and waited for him to come. Since Jaelyn was there, she offered to take Chaseton down her bunkbed stairs so that I could get down. I didn't think that was a good idea so I thanked her and told her that I would just wait for Daddy. Right after I told her that she said, "Suit yourself but you're going to get pretty lonely up there". It was so funny that she thought to say, "Suit yourself."

One of the (sometimes) funny things about children is when they repeat what you say. When Jaelyn is in trouble, she always asks, "Mom, you are disappointed in me?". :)

Finlee is starting to talk a lot more now. She is forming sentences and sometimes you can clearly understand what she's saying. Other times, you cannot.  After we pick her up from Sunday school, we always ask her what she learned about. Every time she answers, "Dog". We know she means "God" but she always answers "Dog".

More to come!

Xoxo,
Tanna

Bag Container

I got this idea from Infarrantly Creative. 

I thought it was a brilliant idea! We are always needing bags for our van, ones that are easily accessible in our home, reusable bags for grocery shopping, or a container of bags for our diaper bag for random trips!

Before.

I used three different sized containers. Some places you need more bags than others! :)

I actually found the two bigger of my containers at the recycle center by the park.

After.

The smaller one holds around 12 bags.

Whenever you need a bag, just pull one out and another one pops out ready for use the next time you need it.

For the whole tutorial, head over to this page to see how they are made! Its such an easy and fun craft that is sure to be useful!

(I used paper instead of fabric to decorate mine and I also used Dillons bags instead of Target bags. Either way, I'm sure it works great!)

Xoxo,

Tanna

Chaseton and Finlee

While Jaelyn was at her first day of preschool, Chaseton, Finlee, and I waited at home until it was time to pick her up! Finlee loves her little brother!

And Chaseton is starting to like her too! ;-)

Here's my big boy!

We like to call him brother, brother bear, Chase'on (without the t), milk dud, buddy, and Chaseton boy. We're so thankful he is a part of our family!

She has a hard time without her sister being around (while Jaelyn is in school.) I'm excited to see how much she blossoms this year!

He's such a cool dude! :)

Xoxo,

Tanna

Preschool

Jaelyn started back at preschool this past week. This will be her last year of preschool as she will be going to full-day kindergarten next year. This part of the year is always bittersweet. I know how much she benefits and loves going to preschool but its hard to to let go sometimes. I wish there was more time in a day to spend with her.

Here she is, all ready to go on her first day!

She loves school. She loves making new friends, too! When I dropped her off it was like she picked up right where she left off last year. She didn't even seem to care that I was leaving. I'm glad school has been such an easy transition for her.

I hope my girl has a great school year!

Xoxo,
Tanna

Good Friends

When we first moved to Topeka, there would be days when I would get so homesick and Matt would pack up the car and take me home. I had never lived anywhere besides my hometown and when I married young, I never knew how difficult it would be to move to a new town where I knew nobody. Don't get me wrong, I was excited for a new beginning with my brand-new husband but I wasn't sure how long I would be able to live so far away from my family and friends.

When we first got married, my bestfriend's mom shared a piece of advice with us that I will never forget. She told us to find a church and get involved. So we did. I never knew how much I would benefit from this piece of advice. It took me awhile to realize what she really meant but I eventually figured it out and it truly helped.

At first, especially after Jaelyn was born, I really struggled to find friends in the same season of life as me. It really took me awhile to step out of my box and make friends. I was so happy with the two bestfriends that I had. When they moved away from Topeka, I was really torn. There would be days that I would pray and pray and pray for God to place people into my life that would show me what a true friendship is, just like the ones I still have today with those same two friends.

Since going to church, we have made so many great friends. Friends that I love being around. Friends that really care about me and my family. Friends that love my kids. Friends that are fun and that I can laugh with. Friends that I can depend on. Friends that are there for me when I need them the most. Friends that I would do anything for. Friends that mean the world to me. True friends.

God has blessed me with so many amazing friends here in Topeka. I'm sad that it took me so long to see what was right in front of me but I am so glad that I know that I have friends that would do anything for me, that share my faith, and that know exactly what I'm going through each day. Friends that can share advice, struggles, and accomplisments with me.

I never really knew how much I would lean on my friends until Chaseton was born. I've really struggled with adjusting and my friends have been there for me. They've made us countless dinners, came over to spend the evening with me, prayed for me, given me advice, and just encouraged me. Just this week, a friend surprised me by bringing us dinner and dessert, so I wouldn't have to make dinner. Matt just started back at school so it was such a helpful gesture. God placed me on her heart and for that, I am so thankful.

When Matt first went back to work after Chaseton was born, I was brave and decided to take the girls to Toys 'R Us. They love to look at the toys and play so it seemed like an easy outing. I was feeling a little down because my bestfriend just left for work and here I was, with three small kids under the age of four, by myself after two amazing weeks with my husband. While they were playing with the train table, there was another mom there with a girl that seemed to be Jaelyn's age and another baby girl. She really seemed to take an interest in me and was asking me a few questions about myself. I really enjoyed the conversation since I mostly talk to a four-year-old all day. She found me in the check-out line and invited me to a MOPS group because she could tell I needed a break. Since then, I have seen her at the library. She recognized me and came up to me to remind me about the group and to invite me again. She even sent me a text and an e-mail. I am really looking forward to the group but what I'm really looking forward to is starting a friendship with her because I am certain that God placed her in my life (twice) for a reason.

It's amazing to me how God places people in your life just when you need them. I love that He has created others to touch my life and me for them.

I hope my friends know how thankful I am for them. For the help, love, encouragement, prayers, and friendship. I'm so blessed to have you all in my life.

Xoxo,
Tanna

Baptism Sunday

Every year, in the month of September, our church has a big all-church picnic and baptism. This is easily my all time favorite event that we participate in with our church. We all get together for fun and fellowship, to eat, and to watch others declare their intent to follow the Lord.

After a big picnic, we head toward the lake for worship and the baptism.

My friend's little girl, Lily.

Jaelyn.

Being baptized in the lake.

Our worship band.

Its such a fun and inspiring event! I love it.

The first Sunday that Matt and I attended our church was actually the same day as the baptism that year. One of the members of the church, that is actually one of my good friends now, called us and made sure to invite us to the picnic that evening. This was the first event that Matt and I (and Jaelyn) went to with this church. This past Sunday was the fourth year for us to be attending our church and the baptism picnic! I'm so grateful for the people and opportunites that I have found at our church!

Xoxo,

Tanna

Huff 'n Puff

On Saturday we headed to Lake Shawnee to Huff 'n Puff. Huff 'n Puff is a hot air balloon rally that they have here every year. It was actually one of the first local events that I remember Matt and I going to when we moved here.

A few hot air ballons taking off into the setting sun!

I love how colorful and fun the balloons look.

Some of the balloons took off into the air but some of the balloons stayed tethered to the ground. Later on, when the sun went down, they lit all of the balloons up. It was really neat to see!

The girls loved the balloons, especially Finlee. She has always loved regular balloons so when she seen these huge hot air balloons, she was amazed.

Chaseton slept through his first Huff 'n Puff experience.

So colorful!

All lit up.

I'm thankful for fun, free events that we can go to as a family!

Xoxo,
Tanna

Fishing

Matt has wanted to take the girls fishing for awhile now. The day after we got home from our vacation, he had the day off. We had planned to relax and we found it to be the perfect opportunity to take them fishing. He even bought them their own Barbie and Disney Princess fishing poles. I thought these pictures were sweet so I wanted to share.

Jaelyn loves to fish now and she hasn't even caught a fish with her pole yet.

Hopefully someday she will.

Xoxo,

Tanna