Stirring the Pott

new blog. new life.

2010-03-05T09:29:00.000-08:00

I have started a new blog, and prefer not to post it here....if you would like to follow my new blog please email me and I will give you the link.

jaime.pondera@gmail.com

Thanks

No more posts will be posted on this blog.

change is a comin'....and I can't wait

2010-02-18T14:25:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't written in a while...I hope to explain it all soon.....I am pretty sure I have lost a lot of readers....sorry for that. Maybe you will come back and enjoy my ramblings again.

I have had a lot on my mind and been thinking about my blog name and style and whether go private with it. Which I am pretty sure I will do. I need a name...yes once again I am changing it.
Why you ask....well lots of reasons I will not get into right now. Maybe when it goes private I can talk more about my life and what heck I have been doing.

So go ahead and help me out please......

I am up for anything....just not my name....and nothing to do with my name...

Thanks

Ethan's 3rd birthday

2009-12-28T19:30:00.000-08:00

Ethan's 3rd birthday was November 20th. I thought I would share some of the pictures from that day. It was really fun and I loved how the cake turned out. Ethan and his cousin had a joint birthday party since their birthdays are 4 days apart.

These were the invites. I totally love them.

We had a great time. I know the boys loved everything they got. Thanks to everyone.

how do you know when your child is tired?

2009-12-28T18:36:00.000-08:00

I find it interesting that my I know exactly when my son is tired. Can you take a guess from this picture and tell me how to tell? Also tell me how you know your child is tired?

i am still around....

2009-11-15T17:41:00.001-08:00

I am still alive everyone....not sure if anyone cared. But I am working thru things in my life. I am slowly getting thru all the life changing desicions I have had to make.

I hope to be back to blogging regular very soon. Life just doesn't allow it right now.

{apple hill - still pregnant}

2009-10-23T12:05:00.000-07:00

Jessica is so excited about family being here and we are excited to be here visiting. Dad is making the most amazing meals for us. It was so cute Ethan had to be in the kitchen while Jake and Dad were making breakfast yesterday morning.

Below is a picture of Jessica and her Dad, John. They haven't seen each other in 5 years so it was exciting for her to have him come out to visit and to see Baby tyler is he ever comes.

Everyday we decide what we are going to do. I have several things I would like to do while I am here in California. I would love to go to Lake Tahoe, San Fransicso and Yosemite. We will be doing these adventures mostly next week. Right now we are waiting for Tyler to come and visit us here in our world instead of in mommy's womb.

Ethan being cute on the counter while breakfast was being made.

{travel - sick - baby?}

2009-10-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

We headed to Chicago after I got out of work on Monday night. We stayed the night there because our flight was at 8:30am and it wouldn't have been fun to drive that morning. We got up at 6am on tuesday to catch our flight.
Let me tell you what a pain it is to have to go thru the security. You have to just about take off all your clothes....well not really but it seems like it. You have to take laptops out of your bags and cameras....that's a pain. Plus I had a carseat and several other things to carry. Then my mom gets stopped because she has an artifical hip....oh that was fun. Let me tell you people behind us were NOT happy because we held up the line with all of our stuff.

Just a side story here...while we were standing in line to get to the security check point, there was 2 ladies and a child in front of us. Well Ethan had coughed and those 2 ladies turned around and had this horrifying look on their face and just glared at Ethan and then me and proceeded to move forward as far as they could. Are you kidding me? For real....that was sooo rude. I was so mad at that point. I was going to say something but I didn't. They acted like he just coughed in their face. Oh some people.

We finally make it thru all of the check points and make it to the plane. Ethan was super excited to get on the plane he couldn't wait. He asked me every second if he could get on the plane. So cute. While on the plane I tried to keep Ethan as occupied as much as I could of the 4 hour and 30 minute flight. He did really well. He watch a bit of a movie on the laptop, playing with his iphone and played with his cars. He did have to outbursts while on the plane, but it wasn't too bad. He really wanted to get out of his carseat. He wasn't liking being in there too much. So 5 minutes before we land..I look over and he is OUT. I was like...are you kidding me? I couldn't believe it. So we waited til everyone was off the plane to get him out. We then headed to get our baggage. When we reach the baggage claim area we saw these awesome statue's I guess you would call it of luggage. So fun.

Look at how cool this was. I didn't think it was real at first...I just love all the different bags and colors. So very antique pieces in there. Ethan really loved it too he just stood there staring at it for a while.

We got all of our luggage very easy. Thank goodness. Then we waited for my brother to come and get us. Jessica couldn't come because there wouldn't be enough room in the car for all of us. So she stayed at the house. My dad, Ethan and I squeezed in the back of the Xterra. Ethan had the most room because of his carseat.

We made it to Jake and Jessica's at about 1:15pm. We were super tired by this point. We got lunch/dinner and then I took a nap.

Day 2 - Snapped this before we were off to Jessica's doctor's appt. She is sooo cute...Look at her belly. Hoping to get some pictures of her tonight. So the info on her doctor's appt, no luck with dialating or efacing. Nothing is going on at all. I am praying that she has the baby before we leave. I will be so bummed. So please pray that she does.

While we were at the doctor's appt Papa and Ethan were playing DDO....Papa introduced this to him....they were getting the spiders...so cute!

It was so cute Ethan loves to look at catalogs so he wanted Jessica to look at them with him. It was adorable.. I caught a couple pictures of them.

Also bummed that my cousin Sarah and her family can not come to visit us this weekend because her daughter Zoe has the Swine flu. I have not meet her twins before and was looking forward to it. I hope she gets better real soon.

Something off the subject I wanted to share. This was emailed to me as a forward and I thought it was perfect. I totally believe this right now.

There comes a point in your life when you realize:
Who matters,
Who never did,
Who won't anymore...
And who always will.
So, don't worry about people from your past,there's a reason why they didn't make it to your future.

{life sumed up}

2009-10-11T12:51:00.000-07:00

life. my life. not the best right now. my life has turned a direction that I was very unaware of. I don't like it, I don't want it. I can't help it. I can't change it. I tried. I know most of you don't know what is going on and I am really not going to put it out there for everyone. The past four weeks my life has taken a path that I never wanted to go down. I never thought God would have this planned in my life. But I am supposed to trust God to make this path the right one.
Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I need everything you have right now. It is taking everything in me to even write this post right now.

I have been busy doing other things to keep me busy. It is helping. That's why I haven't posted anything in the last 4 weeks.

I have been doing many photo sessions and weddings to occupy my time. Here is a little preview of what I have been doing:

Plus many more. I also have some great news to share when I find out for sure on the details. I am super excited and I know it will be a great thing for me. Stay tuned for that.

I hope to post more often...once things get back on track. Whenever that will be...

Summer is coming to an end....

2009-09-10T19:49:00.000-07:00

I got this idea from Be Thou a Knight...she said for people to join in and well that's what I am doing....so fun! Favorite Summer Movie: I saw Transformer 2 this summer and thought it was fantastic. Would love to see it again.
Favorite Summer Cocktail: Rootbeer Frosty Float from Wendy's. Oh man those are sooo good. Have you had one? Why not?

Favorite Summer Song: I have mostly listened to the Twilight soundtrack this summer.

Favorite Summer Meal: BLT baby!! So fresh and yummy. Love them.

Favorite Summer Outfit: Comfy yoga pants and a tank top. Love to lounge around the house in this outfit. Obviously not me, but I didn't have a picture of me in my pants...lol

Favorite Summer Reading: Reading Twilight for the 2nd time. So much fun getting into it again.

Favorite Summer Moment: Spending time in Ohio and meeting with Kate and Andrea, my bloggie friends. Had such a great time...I hope to see them sometime soon.

Who else wants to play along??? Please leave me a comment and let me know if you are participating...I'd love to come over to your blog and see all your Summer Favorites!

i heart faces - fix it Friday

2009-09-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

I decided to join i heart faces in their Fix -It Friday. I love editing photos. So here are my tries at it:

Original

{the twilight saga :: new moon}

2009-08-27T10:40:00.001-07:00

So I have been kind of obsessed with the twilight series lately. And now that the trailer has come out for new moon...I can not wait to see it. I know there are many others out that can't wait either. I comes out on my son's 3rd birthday. I am pretty sure I want to see it that night. Been waiting long enough to see it. Who's with me? It is a Friday night I believe and the next day Josh and I leave for Chicago early in the am. YAY!
So excited...gotta read the books over again tho.

Woot Designs is LIVE!!

2009-08-22T15:18:00.000-07:00

Andrea and I have joined together and started Woot Designs. Wood + Pott = Woot! Silly I know, But I think it is cute. Our last names put together.

Woot Designs was inspired by our love of graphic designing and photography. We love to design and wanted to share that with all of you. So contact us today if you would like a blog makeover, button, header, or I can do logos.

So hop on over to Woot!!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-18T20:42:00.000-07:00

This pictures is actually taken with the B&W mode on my camera...thought it turned out pretty well.

10 on Tuesday

2009-08-18T08:26:00.001-07:00

1. I like 10 on tuesday because it lets me say alot of little things that have been going on in our lives. so here goes...

2. ETHAN IS POTTY TRAINED!! Isn't that fabulous. He has been for about 2 months now. Super excited about it. And we are almost potty trained thru the night too. He actually woke up twice to ask to go potty. Progress.

3. Ethan goes to the neighbors while I am at work and they made cookies yesterday. Oatmeal raisin. Sent some home with Ethan last night. Quite a few too. Josh had some after dinner and then I go down stairs this morning and there is ONE left. He ate the rest for breakfast.

4. Christie and I did a wedding a couple weeks ago over in Detroit. I just realized I never shared pictures from this...so here are a couple.

5. In October, my parents along with Ethan and I are hoping on a plane to California to see Jake and Jessica. She is due October 24th. We leave the 20th and come back the 30th. I am super excited. Plus my moms side of the family lives in california too so we will get to have a small family reunion. I can't wait.

6. I am in a wedding coming up on Sept 26th, Josh's sister. I am really excited. It should be a ton of fun. All the details are coming together. I need to start tanning too...I have horrible tan lines and we are wearing a strapless dress so that will not look good.

7. Since Ayden's, our nephew, birthday is 4 days after Ethan's we are going to have a joint birthday party. The theme is going to be monkeys. I can't wait...It will be so cute.

8. Check out the recent reviews on SIMPLE:
Starbucks Ice Cream - 8/19
Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair - 8/27
Laptop Lunch

9. Ethan plays racing games better then I do. Here is a video of him playing a racing game on my phone.

10. This is Brayden and Ethan. Brayden's mom was watching Ethan up until a couple weeks ago. She had her baby yesterday and her name is Annalyse. I can't wait to meet her.

I ♥ Faces || Crazy, Silly, Funny Faces

2009-08-10T15:59:00.000-07:00

I ♥ Faces this week is crazy, silly, funny face. I thought this was a great photo to join in with. I just think it is hilarious. I always called this Ethan's old man face.

Join in at i ♥ Faces

bad blogger

2009-08-09T16:31:00.000-07:00

Why do I feel like I have no clue what to blog about? That is odd. I do have alot going on here in the Pott household. After my day of editing photos with a horrible headache, I am now sitting in bed with Josh watching Watchman. Well let's just say I am not watching it....Josh is, I am listening and not intrigued. I did watch Twilight again today. Totally love that movie. I could watch it everyday. Something about a teenage vampire movie....sucks you in. hehe

I have been busy with photography. I seem to be getting busier. YAY! Totally what I wanted.
I work part time right now in a doctor's office and I totally keep praying to get busier so I can quit that job. Prayer has to work. So if anyone feels the need to pray...please pray for me.

Ethan is now going to be going to a friends while I am at work. My friend Marie is going to have her baby next month and needs time to prepare. Ethan is sure going to miss his buddy Brayden. We will definately have to do playdates. I also can't wait to see their new baby girl when she arrives. Plus I am lucky enough to be their photographer.

I am bummed that I haven't been taking any photos of Ethan lately....I am not sure why. I will have to change that this week.

I am also super excited that my hubby bought me the vertical battery grip for my D300. It is fantastic. I love it. He also bought me a huey color correction gadget for my moniter. Let me tell you that is fantabulous as well. I love my hubby.

If you know of any Seniors that are graduating in 2010, send them my way...would love to get more seniors under my belt. hehehe

I know all of this is just random...but hey that's how I am right now...totally random.

what I have been up too.....in the form of pictures

2009-07-28T19:32:00.000-07:00

Thursday...

Friday...
nothing much...worked

Saturday...

Sunday...

Monday...

Tuesday...

{i heart faces - feet week}

2009-07-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

{6 years :: Josh & I}

2009-07-18T15:35:00.000-07:00

together 10 years. married 6 years.

Josh, words can't express the love I have for you. I love that you make me laugh. I love how patient you are with me. I love that you are there for me. I love our life together, I couldn't have ask for anything better, and I wouldn't change it for the world. You are everything to me. I know our road ahead will be ever better then road we have already traveled. I LOVE YOU!

Few cute pictures of us at the resort in Mexico.

This is where we took our first vacation. All-inclusive trip to Iberostar Paraiso Del Mar Resort in Mexico. We totally loved this place and hope to go back some day.
This is my absolute favorite wedding picture from our day. I love it! Wish I would have gotten it quite large. Only got an 8x10. Bummer. And just a few more from our wedding.
Just a few recent ones of us. We has this thing going where we were going to take a picture of us every year in July...that didn't last long. We did it for a couple years and then it kind of died off. We should really start it up again. It is fun to look back on photos of the ones you love. Happy Anniversary babe. I love you!

{Ethan :: 2 and 1/2 yrs old}

2009-07-12T17:37:00.000-07:00

The other day I took some pictures of Ethan...he is 2 and 1/2 now. I can't even believe it. It's crazy how time flies by. I brought my black backdrop outside and Ethan was willing to let me take some pictures of him so I jumped on that. He was being super cute and sweet. He would cock his head to the side and put on a huge smile. So funny. Here are some shots that I got...
He was also eating lunch so there are a few of those in there too.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-08T01:36:00.000-07:00

{10 on Tuesday}

2009-07-06T21:08:00.000-07:00

1. Summer I think is finally here in Michigan. Just the right tempuratures for me. I love the 70s. I can handle that kind of temp. YAY! Although one day like 2 weeks ago it was 99. I can not handle that...Oh it was aweful. Ethan is enjoying playing in the lil pool we got.

2. This subject might gross you out, but hey it's my 10 on tuesday and I am doing it...LOL Ethan has had diarrhea since Saturday. He hasn't had anything since Monday at like 9am....here's to hoping it is gone....Please stay away....you are ruining his undies. (PS: I can't handle that crap, those undies go in the garbage.)

3. I did an engagement session while in Chicago, of my SIL and fiance. They are one gorgeous couple. Totally loving these pictures. HOT stuff I tell ya.

They are just gorgeous, aren't they? I totally love that first photo of them. I told her I was going to get that printed large and put in my house I loved it so much. HA! Okay so I wouldn't do it super large. But I just love how fierce she looks in that photo.

4. My brother and his girlfriend live in California, and they are having a baby in October. I am super excited. His name is going to be Tyler Jacob. Love it. I am looking online for flights to POSSIBLY visit when the baby is born. But we will see.

5. Why O Why am I staying up so late these days. Geesh. I need to get my beauty sleep. This is crazy insane. It is almost 1am.

6. Potty Trained....YES! That is what Ethan IS! Super excited about it. WHOO HOO

7. Not to mention lil boys undies are super cute. HA! I know I am weird. But I think they are fun. Bugs, cars, dinosaurs, soccor balls...and no I don't like the character undies....I won't buy those. LOL Oh wait I lied...I did buy one set of CARS undies.

8. The Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier...yikes...it is huge

9. Ethan's toy room. I had a thought of doing something with the wall to the left.

This is what I really want to do below: I saw this one a bloggy friend's blog a while back and can't stop thinking how cool it is.....Hissyfits Photography - this girl has made skills in decorating and and eye for detail, not to mention a great photographer.

I wouldn't do the same colors, but I totally love this idea and I think it would look great in the toy room.

10. If anyone has any suggestions on things to review for SIMPLE please contact me at jaimepott.simple@gmail.com Would love to hear what you all wanna see reviewed.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Tuesday!

{Chicago - Day 2}

2009-07-03T18:08:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, we all went out for breakfast to The Original Pancake House. Josh and I had went there in Novemeber 2008 and loved it. Deinfately wanted to go again. After breakfast we went and did a little shopping. I was looking for a new top to wear that night to dinner and The Second City for a show. We went to several places. I have never really shopped in Forever 21 before but Erin always got cute clothes there and she said the one in Chicago was HUGE. And boy was it. It was like 4 floors. It was insane. I did eventually find several tops that I liked. Plus some cheap jewelry.

We finally ended up back at the hotel to get ready for the evening. We were going to dinner at The Grill on the Alley. It was the same place we had went when we were there in November with Josh's work. It was yummy.

Before we went to dinner, Rob and Erin came to our hotel to have a drink before dinner. Josh got me a Pomegranite Martini. It was good but really to strong for me. I couldn't believe it.

Dinner was fantastic. I had salmon again. I just love salmon when going out to eat because I can't make it right at home.
After dinner we headed to The Second City for an Impromptu show. This is the 2nd time I have been to Second City. It is hilarious. I just love it. It is a comedy place where they do many skits that are sooo funny. My cheeks always hurt after leaving because I have laughed so much.
By the time we got back to the hotel it was like 2am. It was so late and I was exhausted. ~Until next time for the last day...LOL

Strawberry Angel Food Cake

2009-07-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

Strawberry Angel Food Cake

1 angel food cake - I used the Arnie's one that's already made

1 8oz block of cream cheese

1 tub of cool whip

1 cup of sugar

Fresh strawberries

First mix the cream cheese, cool whip and sugar together in a bowl.

In a trifle bowl, layer angel food cake, cream cheese mixture, and strawberries.

I break up the angel food cake in to pieces. Slice the strawberries.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-01T01:58:00.000-07:00

{i heart faces - Just for Fun}

2009-06-28T22:12:00.000-07:00

I Heart Faces is having a "Just for Fun" Theme that is non-judged this week. Check out more Just for Fun photos at i heart faces

{weekend in Chicago}

2009-06-28T21:09:00.000-07:00

On Friday, I got out of work around 3:15pm, so Josh and I could head to Chicago for the weekend with Rob and Erin (they were already there). I could not have been more excited. Josh did not have to work so he dropped Ethan off at my parents house. Ethan stayed one night at my parents then on Saturday my friend Mindy picke dup Ethan to take him for the night. I love my family and friends, they are so good to me.
Anyways...heading to Chicago with our GPS...couldn't get there without it. We got in around 6:30pm and we had reservations at a very nice restaurant called Topolobampo. I was super excited to me going there since Rob and Erin had loved it the last time they went. We checked into your hotel (the Hyatt Regancy Chicago). It was really nice...and HUGE! It was funny because on the way to Chicago Erin had told me that they got upgraded on there room for Free. I was like no fair..I want an upgrade. When we checked in...that's what we got...YAY! Here is our room it was like a studio appartment. We thought it was hilarious that the room had a door bell. LOL It was funny when we saw Rob and Erin's room...we kept joking that it was the size of a closet. HA! It was a nice room tho. I had to start getting ready right when we got there because I knew it would take me a while to get my hair all done up.

The lighting was terrible in the hotel so these are NOT the best pictures...but hey it captures the moment. It was fun. We were off to Topolobampo for dinner. A very nice Mexican cuisine. Let me tell you it was fabulous. I had Salmon, and it was delicious. It was a very expensive meal for Josh and I, but we had a great experience along with it.
I am going to leave off here because it is super late and I have to work tomorrow. But the rest of the trip will be blogged later.
Stay tuned....

{Toledo Zoo - Day 2}

2009-06-18T07:13:00.000-07:00

We planned on going to the Toledo Zoo to meet KATE and her boys, Mylo and Phinny.

Drea came and picked Ethan and I up at the hotel around 9:30am. I really wanted some photos of Ethan taken and I really wanted Andrea to do it. So before heading to the zoo we went down the road from the hotel to downtown Bellevue to get a few shots. It was super quick and easy. Ethan actually cooperated for us. At first he didn't but he finally was willing to listen for some Orange Tic Tacs...LOL

I really love this one of Ethan and I. So sweet. Glad she was able to capture it.

I am sure there are many more and I can't wait to see them. Thanks Drea for capturing Ethan, as he doens't let me anymore.

After that we got back in the van and headed to Toledo Zoo, it was about an hour away. Not to bad. The boys did well.

We got to the zoo about 11am and pulled in and noticed a girl standing by her car changing her son's diaper. Drea and I both knew it was her because of her sunglasses...she was too cute. Drea honked and we all waved, we were all super excited to meet each other and our kids.
We parked got out and did all our hugs and met each other's kids. Kate's boys are adorable. Mylo and Phinny looks so much alike.
We headed to the entrance of the zoo, got our tickets and then wanted to get a picture of all of us. Drea got one of the workers to capture this:

The zoo was quite large I will just share a few of the animals that we did see.
But first here is Mylo look at the manitees. He was so adorable.

Here is Kate with her son Phinny in a BabyHawk. Love this wrap. They are so sweet. The polar bears were so cute and HUGE. These were taken thru glass, I think they came out pretty darn well for being thru glass.
I was glad to hold Phinny while Kate had to do something real quick. He is just adorable and a heafty 19lbs. Ethan was 19lbs at a year. Mr. Phinny is 6 months. I am glad he is eating well. He is adorable. She also had Mylo and Phinny dressed in the same outfit. It was totally adorable.

Mylo and Ethan were so cute running around chasing each other with the alligators in the gift shop.

Pictures were taken of Drea and I and Kate and I, but Drea just has to send them to me and I will post those later. She is busy I am sure. I am so glad I got to meet Drea and Kate. It was so much fun. I know people might think it is weird to meet IRL, but it was nice and I already felt like I know them. I know if we all lived closer we would definately have play dates with the kids and chat it up. I wish we could have had more time to chat. But I am sure there will be other times without kiddos. And actually there is TALK of a 2010 summer bloggy vacation without kids and hubbies!!! More info to come on that later. We left the Zoo around 2:30pm and drove back home. The boys ALL fell asleep. It was nice. Drea then dropped off Ethan and I at the hotel to rest a bit, then they were coming back to go swim in the indoor pool. Drea didn't go in because she had a shoot at 7:30 and didn't want to get messed up. LOL But the rest of us had a good time. Taite is a super good swimmer at 2 yrs old. I was amazed. He did so great.We then got all cleaned up and Ethan and I went to visit one last time at the RV and have dinner. One thing that Ethan didn't do was eat. He hardly ate anything while we were away. Except I went to the grocery store and got some fruit for him. He ate mostly fruit. LOL Yeah imagine those diapers...HA!Travis watched Ethan so I could 2nd shoot with Drea on the engagement pictures. It was really fun. I will post some of those pictures later.Day 3 - Ethan and I traveled back home. He misses Taite and Caleb. He keeps saying he wants to see them. Let's go mommy let's go see the kids. Too cuteThanks for a great visit Drea.

{meeting bloggy friends - IRL - Day 1}

2009-06-17T17:21:00.000-07:00

On Monday, I got me and Ethan all packed up and ready to head to Ohio to meet a Bloggy friend that I have known for over a year now. Andrea lives in North Carolina and was up in Ohio visiting where she used to live. I figured that would be a good chance for us to meet since it is only 3.5 hours from me. Ethan and I headed out on Monday around noon, got my GPS all programed to head to Bellevue, Ohio. GPS's are the best invention ever.
We arrived at out hotel in Bellevue at 3:30pm. It was a great drive. I was so excited to meet Andrea and her family I texted her right when we got to the room. BTW - the room was smelly and the hotel was alittle shady. But we made it thru.

Ethan and I went to the RV site that they were staying at to visit for a little while. Ethan slept for 2 hours on the way to Ohio, he was well rested and ready to go. There was this HUGE bouncing pillow thing that you could bounce for hours on. The boys just loved it. Here is Andrea, Travis, Taite and Ethan bouncing. Ethan warmed up to Drea and her family very well, he is usually shy, but I think he is getting out of that. It was so fun to watch the boys play. Before I even got out of my Jeep the head of the RV park was on my tail about paying some crazy $4.00 fee to stay and hang out. Plus it was another $4 for Ethan. Not to mention getting crazy about me going to fast in the park. I SO WAS NOT going fast....he was driving his 4 wheeler faster then I was. I finally went to the front and paid for myself and if they asked...Ethan was going to be Drea's. LOL Altho we were as white and can be and they were all tan...not sure they would notice.

While the boys played I got the chance to photograph Drea and Travis. They are super sweet. I love the photos we captured.

We had so much fun. It's was fun to photograph a photographer. Helps when they already know what to do. We also ate dinner (turkey dogs) with them and then headed back to the hotel. We were tired and Drea's boys were a little cranky. LOLThe next day were were going to the Toldeo Zoo to meet another Bloggy friend...YAY!I will do that in another post.

{Wordless Wednesday}

2009-06-17T11:10:00.000-07:00

{i heart faces - Sepia Tone}

2009-06-15T01:09:00.000-07:00

i heart faces this week is doing sepia tone. i don't use sepia tone that much in my photos because i feel like it doesn't look right....or maybe i just don't know how to do it. but i thought this one looked pretty cool. so here is my entry:
more entries at i heart faces

{Weekly Winners June 7th - 13th}

2009-06-14T01:11:00.000-07:00

The fierce look Dehydrated
see more weekly winners at sarcastic mom

{I WUV YOU MAMA}

2009-06-13T20:56:00.000-07:00

I love this one. Don't mind the mess in the living room at the end. LOL

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

{Twinkle Twinkle}

2009-06-13T20:50:00.000-07:00

Ethan love the song Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. He sings it so cute like. In this vido be sure to see the part where he starts tapping his hand on the counter...OH just so cute. I love it

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

{Ethan singing his ABC's}

2009-06-13T20:31:00.000-07:00

Could he be any cuter? He is working on his ABC's right now. I think he is doing well. He skips a couple here and there but that's okay...he is trying.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

{Saving Olive}

2009-06-13T18:18:00.000-07:00

If you have not already heard me talk about Olive, Please go to her blog and read thru....Saving Olive. Such a heartfelt story about a 3 year old girl in Europe that is trying to come here to her adoptive family. They are on a mission to do anything they can to get her here. I wanted to help so she is having an auction for my photography services. You can read below about what you could win just by donating $10.00. Please find it in your heart to donate to this loving family of Olive. We need to get her to the US ASAP!

{a night out}

2009-06-13T12:57:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I work part time in a doctor's office, Family Medicine office. We have attending physicians and resident physicians. There are 6 attending physicians and 28-30 resident physicians. There are 1st, 2nd and 3rd year residents in our office. They only stay for 3 years and then they graduate and get a job in their own office. This year we had 9 graduate and every year we celebrate. I have worked there for about 8 years now and my husband has never come to one of the Resident Graduation Parties. Mostly because he doesn't to many people and there is a Roast that he wouldn't really understand. But this year many of the gals at work were bringing there spouse/significant others. I decided I would too, with much dissagreement from Josh. But he agreed to come anyways. Thanks Babe.

I was really excited to go, because it is alot of fun and there is dancing afterwards. I love to dance. Even tho I am sure I am not that good. But I don't care.

Before we were about to leave I went to the neighbors so we could at least get a shot of me and Josh dressed up. I did my hair....and I thought it turned out fantastic, which I was rather excited and proud of. HA! I love doing up-dos with my hair. I love being creative with it.
Plus I got to wear this super cute dress that believe it or not ladies my husband picked out. HEHE I am not that good with clothing so I am glad that I have him to help. (Yes he actually bought it without me being there.)
This is the shot we got of Josh and I: (thanks Lisa)

We had a great night out. The party was at the Amway Grand Plaza, and was fabulous. Ethan was staying the night at Rob and Erin's so it was nice to just come home and relax.

{10 on Tuesday}

2009-06-09T01:12:00.000-07:00

1. Our first wedding for the season is coming up on June 20th. I am excited to be getting back into doing weddings, believe it or not. I would not have said that a couple years ago tho. A couple weeks ago we did some engagements of one of our couples later this year. I really like doing engagement sessions. It is fun to get to know the couple before the wedding.

2. Next week I will be out of town from the 15th to the 17th, I am going to Ohio to meet Andrea from Uniquely Placed, Kate from My Life as a Mom, and possibly Brittany from 4 little men and girly twins. We are all going to go to the Zoo. I am super excited to be able to meet this wonderful ladies. Should be a great time. I hope to get some great pictures, and maybe some of me and Ethan. HINT HINT!!

3. Ethan is still in diapers.....I know I know it takes longer for boys and maybe he isn't ready. I understand all that, BUT I am done with diapers, I am done with cloth, I am done with disposible. I want to be done with them...I know the day will come soon. I just wish it was yesterday.

4. I totally love doing newborn sessions. So I am going to be offering something exciting over on my photography blog. I want to try something new with newborns but need some to practice on....Just go check it out!

5. So I thought this was really cute....I told Ethan to tell daddy that he wanted a Baby Sister...and he said it sooo super cute....daddy just looked at me not very amused...LOL It isn't that we don't want another child, just not right now. We just are not ready for that right now. We need more time. hehe

6. Spray Tans - I am totally loving these. They are so perfect for special events so you don't look so pasty white. Plus they are so much better for your skin then tanning and the sun....I am sure my skin is already damaged from the sun and tanning....let's hope I can get it back in the right direction.

7. Oh and I also got a super awesome clutch purse from Sweet Irie last week. It is simply divine. I love it. I will feature it on SIMPLE soon. I also got a wallet and a coin purse. Her products are so fantabulous I can't stand it. And she is such a dear to work with...you have to check out her store on Etsy.

8. At the end of the month, Josh and I are going to Chicago for the weekend with Erin and Rob. We are staying at the Hyatt Regency. I was so excited that we ended up with this hotel because we went thru priceline.com and if any of you have ever used that site before you don't get to pick your hotel, you put in a bid and then A hotel excepts your bid. This hotel looks rich and luxurious to me....I can't wait to go. Ethan is staying with my parents while we are gone....and I have Mindy on backup..hehe Oh and we are eating at this restuarant called Topolobampo. Little bit about it: One of the best Mexican restaurants in Chicago according to many fervent admirers, Topolobampo manages to accommodate growing ranks of patrons. The menu changes every other week and always includes great dishes whipped up by famed chef Rick Bayless, who has been named "Chef of the Year" by the James Beard Society. The complimentary guacamole – no chips, only fresh vegetables for dipping – is stellar. After you've sampled it, try the chef's tasting dinner, which offers five courses of exotic creations like trout served in a corn husk and perfect carne asado. Erin and Rob have eaten there before and they said it was fabulous. I can't wait.

9. I love the fact that Ethan sings his ABCs and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. It is so adorable. I will have to get it on video to show you all. Right now he is watching Baby Einsteins learning all the sign language for objects in the house. He is doing really good.

10. I have foot pain. Colored my hair again. Increased my dose of Synthroid. My perm is dying out and don't think I will get another one.

Until Next Time...

ABC's of ME!!

2009-06-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

I got this from my friend Sarah's blog...It looked like fun...Have a go at it if you want...
A - Age: 31
B - Bed size: King
C - Chore you hate: Laundry
D - Dog's name: don't have a dog - when we did her name was Joey
E - Essential start your day item: Coffee, preferably a Carmel Marvel
F - Favorite color: Brown
G - Gold or Silver or Platinum: Silver or Platinum
H - Height: 5'5" 1/2
I - Instruments you play: None!
J - Job title: Photographer and Medical Assistant
K - Kid(s): Ethan
L - Living arrangements: Live with Hubby and son
M - Mom's name: Suzanne
N - Nicknames: Jaim
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: Yes surgery!
P - Pet Peeve: People that do not pay attention when they drive.
Q - Quote from a movie: Don't know...
R - Right handed or left handed: Right
S - Siblings: 2 brothers
T - Time you wake up: 6:00 - 6:30am
U- Underwear: Yes
V - Vegetable you dislike: Peas
W - Ways you run late: Doing my hair - has to be perfect
X - X-rays you've had: feet, ankles, knee, fingers, abdomen
Y - Yummy food you make: enchiladas
Z - Zoo favorite: Giraffe

Tagged!!!

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

I was tagged awhile ago and just now getting to it....YIKES....
I'm supposed to copy this list and put asterisks by the things I've done. Looks like I have 32 things on the list. So here it is:

I am also tagging Sarah, Drea, Shelley, and Rosjuane!! Have fun!!

1. Started your own blog***
2. Slept under the stars***
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii*
5. Watched a meteor shower**
6. Given more than you can afford to charity***
7. Been to Disneyland/world***
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis**
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris**
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
15. Adopted a child**
16. Had food poisoning**
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables**
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France**
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight***
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill***
24. Built a snow fort***
25. Held a lamb*
and a baby deer incidentally
26. Gone skinny dipping***
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola**
29. Seen a total eclipse***
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset***
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person*
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community***
36. Taught yourself a new language**
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied***
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing**
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke***
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant***
44. Visited Africa**
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight***
46. Been transported in an ambulance**
47. Had your portrait painted*
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris**
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling***
52. Kissed in the rain**
53. Played in the mud***
54. Gone to a drive-in theater***
55. Been in a movie*
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business*
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies*
62. Gone whale watching**
63. Gotten flowers for no reason***
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma***
65. Gone sky diving
66. Been to 3 or more continents**
67. Bounced a check***
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy**
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial***
71. Eaten Caviar**
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square**
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in Arlington***
77. Broken a bone*
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle***
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car**
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper**
85. Read the entire Bible**
86. Visited the White House***
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox***
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous***
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one**
94. Had a baby***
95. Seen the Alamo in person**
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit**
98. Owned a cell phone***
99. Been stung by a bee**

{my new bag from XcessRize Designs}

2009-06-02T16:33:00.000-07:00

For the longest time I have been wanting a really nice camera bag to carry around, besides my traditional Nikon bag. I wanted something that is cute and fun, so that when I am doing weddings it is stylish and modern. Not to mention I needed something bigger to fit more of my stuff in it.

Drea introduced me to XcessRize Designs on Etsy. One that she has been wanting to get. Oh how I love Etsy. If you have not heard of Etsy, you are missing out on some fantastic handmade products.

I just wanted to share how fabulous this bag is. It is very large. A lot larger then I thought it would be. Please don't mind the picture....it is a horrible one of me. UGH!

I am in love with the outside fabric on it. It is gorgeous. My camera strap is a black and white damask print so I thought this would compliment it well.

Below is a picture of the inside of it. You would not believe how much this bag will hold.

It will be nice to be able to have my backup camera with me at weddings and not have to have 2 bags.

{our weekend}

2009-06-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

Every now and then Josh's sister, Erin and her husband Rob, want to do a kids swap. One night we watch their kids and the next night they will watch Ethan. It is really nice for both families. THe kids love it and the parenst get a night off. This was our Friday night watching Ayden and Kaiya. We played with the cars and the bike and the plasmacar. It was alot of fun. They didn't plan on staying the night but it got so late that they just ended up staying the night. This is the 2nd time we have done it and it is really nice to do. I also got 2 great pictures of my hubby. Isn't he a handsome guy. hehe Thanks for baring with me babe.

It was so cute...Kaiya traced Josh's body on the drive way with chalk and colored him in as to what he was wearing. She was super excited about it. Then Ayden posing for me. Love his eyes!!

{playing catch with daddy}

2009-05-28T21:15:00.000-07:00

Ethan really love to play outside now that it is getting warmer. He hates to come back in when it is time. Aren't all kids like that tho? Except for the other day when he didn't get a nap....we were outside at the neighbors and he decided he wanted to go home and go to bed. hahaha Can you believe the weather? This is clothing from the same day as in the above pictures. He had to change into something warmer at night...it is crazy. But I love it cooler at night. Ethan loves playing ball outside with Josh. He thought it was hilarious that he threw the ball way high and then tried to catch it. Super cute. I hope this weekend will be nice. I have had a really busy week. I had 3 newborn sessions and met with a bride. Busy Busy. I hope to relax some this weekend. And now that it is 12:45, I seriously need to go to bed. I do have to work tomorrow. LOL

{i heart faces - Silhouttes}

2009-05-25T01:02:00.000-07:00

First try on a Silhoutte:

I am quite happy with it.

Check out other entries at i heart faces.

Weekly Winners - May 17th - 23rd

2009-05-24T07:18:00.000-07:00

He was eating, that's why the funny face. So in love!!I love my cute new shoes. Can I get a ride?Gizmoroo - Giveaway over at SIMPLE.Adorable! More Weekly Winners hosted by Sarcastic Mom

Random Picture Challenge

2009-05-23T20:18:00.000-07:00

16th picture folder

28th picture

August 2008 {my 16th picture folder}

28th picture

Go to 4 men and 2 girly twins to play along.

{neighbors}

2009-05-23T18:17:00.000-07:00

Our neighbors are so cute. Ethan loves playing with Ella, Lauren and Jackson. Ethan is always asking for Ella. When he isn't asking for Ella, he is asking for Lauren and Jackson. He just loves playing with all of them. I am sooo glad that we have great neighbors.

We were outside the other day with Casey, Ella and Alice. I got to take a few pictures of them. Alice is so easy because she doesn't move...hehe Just look how adorable she is. Alice is 9 months and just too cute!

I took pictures of Alice, so I asked Ella if I could take pictures of her too for her mom. She played it up. She was so funny. Rolling on the grass being all cute.
Casey planted these flowers the other day. Ella and Ethan HAD to water them. They were so cute. Could barely carry the watering can tho.

Then they were playing with this car. I think this one is so funny....Looks like he is saying"Hey baby, can I get a ride?" Too funny.
We love our neighbors and hope they don't have move. We are praying for you!!

{header in progress - today}

2009-05-23T18:07:00.000-07:00

I have started to make a new header for Stirring the Pott. Not sure if I want to add the words Stirring the Pott to the header? What do you all think? I will have pictures of our family on there it will be a changing header.

I know I haven't blogged lately...Alot going on.

I have 3 Newborn sessions next week. I am so excited for that. I love doing newborn sessions. Be sure to check out jaime pott photography for the sneak peeks...of course I will remind you here with alittle post...lol

We cut Ethan's hair this morning...OH MY he looks so adorable with his new hair cut. I love it. Josh always does a great job.

We didn't do much today. Slept late...well like 9am, cuz I went to bed late, was at the neighbors watching The Bacholerette. Some of those guys are TOOLS...Yes I said TOOLS. I hope it will be a good season. Looks like it will be.

Ethan I went to Walmart and got a few things. I had to get some of his wipes. I use the Parents Choice Organic wipes...LOVE THEM! I also found some fake Crocs for Ethan that were a $1. I also got me a pair of cute plaid canvas shoes. OH and a great deal on a pair of winter boots for next year for Ethan. They are Cars and they were only $5. They look quite nice. I love getting good deals.

We then came home and took a nap....That felt really good. Actually before that we played out side and I took some pictures of Ethan being cute.

That's about it for our day....I hope it will be nice out tomorrow too.
Hope everyone is having a good weekend so far.

Until next time...

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-20T04:36:00.000-07:00

Rob and Erin :: Married

2009-05-19T18:00:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Erin (hubby's sister) was having a small ceremony to get married to the man of her dreams, Rob!! They are so perfect for each other, it is fantastic. I am so happy for both of them and their 4 kids. They deserve one another!! Here is a photo from that day, you can see the rest on my photography blog.
Are they gorgeous or what?

The new name for my blog...

2009-05-18T05:40:00.001-07:00

So the new name for my blog is
Stirring the Pott!!!!
YAY!!
Thanks everyone for voting and all the suggestions...I really appreciate it.

Please change your bookmarks!!!

{Sidalee :: 6 month session}

2009-05-13T17:02:00.000-07:00

Sidalee - Check these out over at jaime pott photography!

{i heart faces - Laughter}

2009-05-11T01:02:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out the rest of the entries at i heart faces.

please vote

2009-05-10T09:55:00.001-07:00

Please come and vote on a name...you can chose more then one...
Many suggestions...Thanks to all that commemented. very helpful.
There is a poll in the sidebar....so please vote.
Thanks

{saving olive - raffle}

2009-05-07T16:20:00.001-07:00

Recently, I was contacted by a mom trying to adopt a little girl named Olive from Eastern Europe before she is put in to an institution. She has Downs syndrome and a heart defect. She started a blog to help raise money. The reason she contacted me was to see if I was willing to raffle off my services in order to raise some money for Olive. I was definately interested in doing this. So here is what is going on....please look at the flyer below and head over to Saving Olive's blog to enter. I realize this raffle is only for local, but if you can find it in your heart just to donate if you are out of state, I know she would be very grateful. If you do decide to donate and you are out of state please state that in a comment so she is aware. Thank you so much!

{Chicken Enchiladas}

2009-05-07T15:40:00.000-07:00

So this recipe is totally stuck in my brain, it is not written anywhere til now...hahaha

It truely is an easy and yummy dinner.

Chicken Enchiladas

5-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 jars of chicken gravy

1 large can of enchilada sauce (I use mild, and it isn't the regular can it is the ex-large can)

2 cans of chili with no beans

12-14 tortillas (depending on how much you put in them)

4 cups shredded cheese (any kind will do)

tub of light sour cream

*I do most of these ingredients with low fat or fat free* Still tastes the same-just makes it little on the healthier side

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

1. Boil the chicken til it is done. Shred the chicken and place into a bowl. Add both cans of Chili. Mix well and set aside.

2. Mix together the chicken gravy and the enchilada sauce in a separate bowl. Set aside.

3. Take a tortilla and put some of the chicken/chili mix on it, some cheese and roll it up and put it in a 9x13 pan.
*I would spray the pan too*

Keep doing that til the pan is full.

4. Pour the gravy/sauce mix on top of the enchiladas.

Now ready for the oven!!!

Put in the oven for 40 minutes and VIOLA!!!! DINNER IS READY!!

My husband doens't like sour cream so I add that to the top of mine after I have served it.

It was so very yummy tonight...if anyone tries it let me know how you like it.

{name this blog}

2009-05-07T12:58:00.001-07:00

I have decided to go for it...and make 2 separate blogs again. Now I need a name for this blog...Please help me....

Winner will get a prize from me....Not sure what it will be yet but it will be something...=)

So please help me name this blog....

My friend Drea suggested Balanced.com but that is already taken....

But I do like the word balanced since I have a ton going on in my life and I balance many things currently.

so please help me out.

{blogs - one or 2}

2009-05-05T14:58:00.001-07:00

I have been really debating on going back to 2 blogs. A few reasons why I would want to do this...Just to make my photography and my life/family separate, I think people stopped following me when I went to my other blog, I miss the simplicity of blogger, and well I want to have a name for my blog....not just jaime pott photography.

Soooo, after long thought about it...I decided to ask what everyone thought about it? What do you think? Do you like just one blog? If so which one do you like better? Should I do separate blogs? If i do separate blogs I need a name for this one? So I can keep the other one for buisness.

Thoughts?

{i heart faces - Hats}

2009-05-04T01:34:00.000-07:00

This is just to show the character of the hat.....It is sooo adorable.

Check out i heart faces for more and enter your self...

Define*Me Clothing

2009-04-30T12:43:00.000-07:00

Giveaway ends tomorrow...go sign up!!

jaime pott has moved her blog

2009-03-24T08:08:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to let everyone know again that my blog has moved to a new place.
jaime pott photography I just want to be sure you all changed your readers and bloglines and whatever else...=) Thanks. Please come find me again....

Change your bookmarks!!!

2009-02-28T16:27:00.000-08:00

jaime pott photography - blog has a new home, along with a new logo. Please change your bookmarks and where ever you keep me so you can always come back.....I am so excited to have this new blog...I have been working on it for a while now...and Ijust have to reveal it NOW!! So hurry go look... jaime pott photography

The address is: http://jaimepottphotography.com/blog/

Meet Neeko...

2009-02-24T19:46:00.000-08:00

I met with Neeko and his parents tonight for his newborn session. He is 6 days old, and what an adorable little guy. He was the best, he let us do all kind of things without a fuss. Although he did let us clearly know when he was done with pictures. Congrats! I will let you know when the rest are ready. Thanks for coming to meet with me.

I lost them all....

2009-02-22T08:42:00.000-08:00

Could you help me out? I have lost all the contacts and phone numbers in my phone today....not very happy. If you could please email me with your number that would be great....I am sure I could figure it out but it would take alot of searching all over to get everyone number....
thanks I appreciate it.
Email me at: jaimepott[at]gmail[dot]com

Prayer Request

2009-02-19T18:33:00.001-08:00

Before I go to bed tonight, I just wanted a few people to think about my FIL and friend tomorrow as they go in for some surgery. Just pray for them! Thanks.

doctors - valentine's - spaghetti

2009-02-18T17:50:00.000-08:00

I had a doctor's appt on Monday...wasn't sure how it was going to work because he like's to get into things in unknown places. So I loaded up the diaper bag with books and cars. Well of course when I get there he wants nothing to do with the books or cars....too many other things to explore and play with. What do I do to keep him still...whip out the trusty iPhone...hahahaha Works like a charm.

After the doctors office....he came home and took a nap....when I went to get him up from his nap...I walked in the room and freaked because his bed was empty....I then look over and find him in his little tent that Aunt Shamay sent for him....he loves it too!! Thanks Shamay.

As you all know E does not eat very many different varieties of foods. I got home today and Josh was making dinner (yes he does this often....and I love it) He was making Chicken Primavera...I thought why not give E a little try at it....I even told him he could make a huge mess if he wanted to....but he just had to try it. He was playing with it for a while and then stuck his tongue out and licked it. We praised him so much...cheer and clapped for him. We always like to make a big deal out of it when he eats something new. (Thanks Shamay, it works great.) When he finally took a bite, we had a party. I was so excited and so was E. He likes when we make a huge deal out of it... It was great, I am sooo proud of him for trying it and taking several more bites. This is real progress for him. I hope we can try and work in more foods. We shall see.

Look how adorable these are. E cousins' Grayer and Maiya sent these Valentine's to him. They are so cute. Thanks Grayer and Maiya you did a great job!

Ever since I saw the movie Twilight with my friend Sarah, I have been reading the book, and the rest of the series. On Tuesday I read the whole book, New Moon, the 2nd one in the series. Now I have to go get the other 2 books...but they aren't in paperback, which really stinks because they are $10 more...but that's okay...they are fantastic books.

iHeartfaces

2009-02-16T07:42:00.000-08:00

My SIL introduced me to this blog, it is so fun. They have contests every week. This week I entered. Week 4 Theme - “Wonder”
Go check out iHeartfaces.

Love Day

2009-02-14T08:13:00.000-08:00

{HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY}

today. lazy. sick

2009-02-12T15:17:00.000-08:00

today.
i had the day off.

lazy.
i was very lazy today and did not do a thing.

sick.
i woke up with a horrible sore throat.

so i really didn't do NOTHING all day.

i never told everyone...i was waiting til i got everything together. but i recently became incharge of running SIMPLE. cool huh? i am very excited about it. i have a few changes in store. the previous owner, drea, wanted to take a much need break from reviewing and the SIMPLE site for a few months. she then asked me if i would take over....and of course i jumped on that oppurtunity. like i said i am very excited about it. be sure to keep checking out SIMPLE. we have alot of giveaways and coupons right now.

anyways, not sure why i wrote in all lowercase...but i did. HA!

i am sitting in bed relaxing waiting for josh to get home. he went to have a drink with a friend after work tonight. he should be bringing us dinner. yay.

also i would love it if anyone could pray for my mom to get better. she has been sick now for about 3-4 weeks. she has been on 4 antibiotics and steriods. she has bronchitis, tracheitis among other things. all the medicine keeps making her sick too. she gets back side effects to medications. the tracheitis is making it hard for her to breath. (it is inflamation of her trachea) and the bronchitis is making her cough alot. i actually asked her...shouldn't you be in the hospital? she can barely get out of bed right now....so just please pray for this infection to go away. thanks

and this picture of ethan i just have to laugh at....his expression cracks me up.

Please Pray for...

2009-02-12T07:43:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday!

2009-02-10T20:48:00.000-08:00

Cora Paige....

2009-02-10T05:24:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, I came across this families blog and had to read more. The first post I read was "Cora is with Jesus today." I couldn't believe it at first so I went back and had to read her whole story. I cried as I did this. I can't imagine the hurting this family is going thru. My heart goes out to them. She was only 11 months old and had Neuroblastoma since the End of January. But on Febuary 8th she went with Jesus. I totally recommend you visiting her blog.

They are building a Playground in Cora's honor. And you can donate to this. For more information about contributing to the Cora Playground, visit http://www.corapaige.com/

My new desk...thanks to my husband!

2009-02-08T14:19:00.000-08:00

He finished my desk this morning. Look how awesome it is. I totally love it. This is where all the photo magic happens. LOL He did such a great job. I just love it. He is such a handy man, he can do just about anything around the house. And if he doesn't know how to do it, he will figure out how. Love that about him.

P&S - Me

2009-02-08T13:42:00.000-08:00

In Novemeber Josh had got me a Point & Shoot camera, just for everyday life. Sometimes you just can't carry around a big camera, ya know? So I had been buggin him for a small one. Thanks hun, because I totally love it. All the rest little videos I did were from the P&S. It is fantastic. I would recommend this to anyone that is looking for a new camera. Here are a few pictures taken with it:

I am sure you already know, because you hardly ever see pictures of me, I hate getting my picture taken and hate self-portraits....but I wanted to try and get a good one of myself...and this is what I came up with....not the greatest but hey it's me!

I never noticed this before but Ethan and I have just about the same eye color in these 2 pictures. So cool!

I just love the clarity it has too. I would have never thought I could get this great of a photo out of a point and shoot....but it can happen.

The picture above is from when we went to get my parents christmas tree. I love how it captured the snow falling.

Here is a picture of the camera. It has a nice large LCD screen on it. And it is sooo easy to use. The 10x optical zoom is great too.

last weekend...

2009-02-06T20:29:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we went to Shanty Creek Ski Resort with Josh's company. This was the 4 year that we have been up there with his company. it is always a blast. This first picture is a view from our room. I didn't really take any pictures this year when we went. Although I wanted to when we went tubing with Ethan, but when we took out the camera to get a picture...hmmmm there was NO batteries in the camera. ARGH....Nice Job Jaime. So therefore we got none of our awesome time tubing. Ethan totally loved it tho. Maybe next time.

Just a few more photos of Ethan at Shanty in our room....Love all his funny faces.

frecklebox

2009-02-04T19:00:00.000-08:00

Kids love books, don't they? Kids love games too.

I know my son loves both. He loves books. When my friend Shelley introduced me to frecklebox, she thought my son would love this and boy was she right.

Why not make a book, but yet make it fun for the kids, and make it a game too.

The idea of these books is to get kids to read and have fun. And they do just that.

When I recieved the "...Goes to the Zoo" book, it was very fun and exciting, even for my 2 yr old. He loves when I read thru the book and he gets to find his name on each page. These books are personalized with your childs name right in the book. My son thinks it is great that his name is in the book. He gets really excited when he finds his name.

The animals in this book look very real. The pictures are wonderful. There is a different animal on each page. The book reads as if they are talking to your child.

Frecklebox has many other personalized items too. Coloring books, growth charts, placemats,

etc...

Want to win any item from their store...go over to SIMPLE and sign up.

Winner MUST be in the contiental US.
NON-Bloggers, please leave your email address in your comment as we have no way to contact anonymous users.
Blog-Owners, please be sure your contact information is in your profile or blog somewhere, or leave it in your comment.
All anonymous or posts that have no contact information in it, will be deleted. Be sure to leave a way for us to contact you!
Winner will be chosen on Friday, Feb. 6, 2009.
Winner will be submitted to Prizey Fetch.
Winner will be contacted via Email. If no response in 2 weeks, another winner will be chosen.

Nature's Paradise Organics

2009-02-04T18:57:00.000-08:00

USDA Certified Organic Skincare for the WHOLE Family!

I was given the chance to review 3 lines of this product. I am only reviewing the Baby Organic Line on this review. (The other reviews will be in a couple weeks.)

If you are like me and love Organic baby products, then you will love Natures Paradise. From the beginning I have always used all natural or organic bath products on my son. He has the most sensitive skin. So I of course wanted to stay away from any bath products that had chemicals in them or anything that I couldn't pronouce.

I am always on the search for new bath products, so when I found Natures Paradise and noticed that they ONLY use organic ingredients, I was very excited. I had not realized that other brands that claim to be organic, really only have a few select ingredients that are organic, the rest are chemicals.

So Natures Paradise Baby Organic Shampoo is made with ONLY organic ingredients that have been certified by the USDA. None of our ingredients are chemicals or synthetic. Many of the baby shampoo's on the market are made with a variety of chemicals and those claiming to be organic, they simply add a couple organic oils or extracts to their chemical cocktail of product. They add just a little bit of organic ingredient so they can say its made with organic ingredients when in reality the amount of the organic content is so small there are no organic benefits.

What's even better is that for the baby organic line they have a coconut scent or unscented. Oh the coconut scent is just fabulous, make me feel like I am on vacation. Who wouldn't want that?

I love these products because my son has always had this rash/?ezcema and after using these products, the rash has gone down a considerable amount.

A SIMPLE COUPON: Natures Paradise is offering 15% off purchases. Just enter the code: simple09 into the Promotion code box at checkout.

Want to win this fabulous Baby Organic Gift Basket. Go to SIMPLE and sign up.

Winner MUST be in the contiental US.
NON-Bloggers, please leave your email address in your comment as we have no way to contact anonymous users.
Blog-Owners, please be sure your contact information is in your profile or blog somewhere, or leave it in your comment.
All anonymous or posts that have no contact information in it, will be deleted. Be sure to leave a way for us to contact you!
Winner will be chosen on Friday, Feb. 6, 2009.
Winner will be submitted to Prizey Fetch.
Winner will be contacted via Email. If no response in 2 weeks, another winner will be chosen.

February Special

2009-02-01T18:19:00.000-08:00

February's Special.

When you spend $75 or more at the time of making your print order with me you will recieve a 5x10 - 4 image Storyboard of your session for FREE!

In order to recieve this special you will need to call me before Feb. 28th to schedule your session.

What is great about these specials is you can use them for any month you would like, but the catch is you have to call me during that month to recieve it. For example: If you wanted to take advantage of February's special, but you do not want to have your session til August, all you need to do it call me and set up a day and time before February 31st in order to recieve this special in August.

Session fees are due within 7 days of booking your session to reserve your date.

Please call me or email me at 308.6503. Email: jaime@jaimepottphotography.com

Can't wait to hear from you

Senior - 2009

2009-01-29T12:31:00.000-08:00

I met with this family over the weekend for some Senior pictures and family pictures. So fun! I enjoyed spending time with them. We got some really great pictures.

PS: My friend Andrea helped with a few of these edits. Thanks!

Last day for zooni!

2009-01-29T06:27:00.000-08:00

Last chance to sign up for the Zooni! giveaway. Tomorrow we announce the winner.

Don't miss out on these other giveaways going on at SIMPLE!

English Toffee Anytime
Custom Cards
Eleven (Winter) Kids Shoes

Random Picture Challenge

2009-01-24T21:01:00.000-08:00

I am loving these random Pictures...I love looking back at Ethan's old pictures. He is just too cute...hehehe

He is 8 months old here....at this stage I really thought he looked like an old man. He didn't have hair hardly at all...it was really whispy. But so darn cute.

Wanna Play too?

zooniwear! - adorable hats for kids

2009-01-23T11:54:00.000-08:00

zooni wear! are fun and adorable hats for kids. I recently got the Chunkee Monkee for E. And it is just adorable. Look how cute he is.

What makes these hats so farn cute is that when you look at your child from behing you see an animal...just look how cute this lil monkey is.
zooni is letting me give away one of these cute hats over at SIMPLE. The winner will be able to chose from any one of these: Purple Reign, Chunkee Monkee, Leo the Lion, Panda Monium, Under The Sea, Firecracker, Bluegrass, Kate’s Moss, or Hipster.
Be sure to check out their site because they have matching mittens to some of the hats too.

Please help me...

2009-01-21T18:22:00.000-08:00

Some one please tell me how do you keep your child in bed? I can't take it anymore. I have been putting him back in bed for an hour now. Is anyone out there? I have tried to put him back to bed without saying anything to him....just bringing him to his bed. That doesn't work.
I have tried to threaten with a spank....he laughs at me.

As of right now...I am going to......just scream.

He is opening and closing the door....right behind me....thinking it is funny. ARGH.

Oh my word talk about frustrating. I even laid in bed with him for like 30 minutes....

Please if anyone has any suggestions...I would love to hear them.

10 on Tuesday - Honestly

2009-01-19T20:26:00.001-08:00

I've been tagged again, this time with the Honest Scrap award from Andrea.

The rules are as follows:

1) Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content or design.

2)Show the 7 winners names and links on your blog, and leave a comment informing them that they were prized with "Honest Scrap." Well, there's no prize, but they can keep the nifty icon.

3) List at least 10 honest things about yourself.

Since it is 10 things...I am going to join that with 10 on Tuesday....

1. Being a mother is alot harder then I thought it would be. Plus having a job outside of the home on top of that. I pray everyday that I am doing a good job raising Ethan. Sometimes I have my days tho....the whining and not listening to me...really gets me. Being honest here...

2. As you all know I have a huge love for photography, I hope it grows and becomes something more one of these days. I pray that God leads my buisness on the right path.

3. I don't say Thank you enough to my husband. I always think to myself that he knows I am thankful...but I think it needs to be said and not just known. I have to work on that. To start....Thank you for giving me a wonderful home, a precious son and your love when I am not so nice. I love you babe.

4. I can honestly say that I am a terribly picky eater these days. My list of foods is really dewindling down. It is odd how one week I can eat a certain food and then the next week, I can't even bare the thought of it. Why is this? And I wonder why my son doesn't eat much....hmmmm!??!?!

5. I haven't touched my scrapbooking supplies in over 6 months....that is sad. I used to love scarpbooking...what has happened? hmmm well I had a child...and started photography...that would do it. I truely love scrapbooking, I wish I made more time for it.

6. After my friend Mindy having her 2nd child, Abbey, I would really love to have a girl. I know Josh would like another boy, but what man doesn't want a boy? No really....I would love to have a girl this next time. Not sure when that will be, but maybe someday.

7. Grey hair....I have grey hair and it is really getting me down...it looks aweful. I hope to be getting it done this week. *Thanks Kristin you are a life saver* I have had grey hair since I was 19. Can you believe that? I mean I didn't have alot....but I knew it was there. Alot of people say that can't even notice it. They say it just looks blonde. Oh no my friends...it is truely grey and actually some of them are clear, odd I know. Not sure what color I will be going with..i do know I want brown...we shall see.

8. I will admit I watch The Bachelor. Those girls on there are just crazy. But I can't wait to see what this season brings. I totally can't believe DeAnna is back...what that heck is that all about?

9. I need to get into good health! That's all I am going to say about that...Working out, eating healthy.....get on that road.

10. I actually didn't think I would make it to 10.....so my number 10 is my 7 or so people.....Drea, Shelley, Rosjuane, Thaitrait, Brittany, Emily and Kate....Please do not feel obligated to do this....I thought it was fun.

New blog address....

2009-01-18T14:18:00.001-08:00

Take note of the new blog address. The old one will be redirected to the new one...

http://blog.jaimepottphotography.com

Thanks

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!

2009-01-17T12:55:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Dad!!!

New Year's Eve Baby!

2009-01-17T12:41:00.000-08:00

I got to meet with the W family this morning for a newborn session with their precious baby girl. She was so sweet! I just love her lips and she made the cutest lil faces. Mom and dad are so in love with this little girl they were just glowing. It was great to meet you, here is a little peek at a few. Enjoy!

It's a weekly thing.

2009-01-17T11:00:00.000-08:00

Brittany (from 4 little men and girly twins) has decided to do a Random Picture Challenge every week. YAY! I like doing these. It is really fun. This week you pick the 8th picture in your January folder.The picture I chose is from January of 2007. Josh and Ethan. Ethan was only 2 months old here. I love this picture.

Prayer!

2009-01-16T20:10:00.000-08:00

I recently have stumbled upon a few blogs that I keep going back to read. My heart hurts for these families that have to go thru these rough times with their newborns.

The first one is Kelly. She just had her precious baby Harper tonight. And now Harper is in critical condition and being flown to Little Rock's Children's Hospital. I can't even imagine the pain Kelly feels right now. To not have her precious Harper there with her. I pray that Harper gets better very soon. It shouldn't be like this. Harper and Kelly need to be together at these precious moments. God please heal them so they can be together fast.

Go check out her blog. Just an adorable little family.

Another one is Jenna. She had her baby on the 14th and Brayden is in NICU also. He has pulmonary hypertension. Also at Little Rock Children's Hospital. I pray and hope that Brayden's numbers get better so he can go home and be with his family.

Please pray for these two families. They desparately need the prayers.

Keen Footwear Review and GIVEAWAY at SIMPLE

2009-01-15T19:37:00.000-08:00

Let me just say how freezing it is here in Michigan....It was -11 today, and well that is just too cold. It isn't normally this cold, but usually in the teens. With the weather being so cold and alot of snow, winter boots are must. I, therefore, was on the lookout for some new winter boots this year.

So searching around, I was looking for some cute, modern, feminine snow boots and I came across Keen Footwear. There were so many styles to chose from, but the Betty Boot stood out. They were fun, modern and had a great style and colors. Just look at them. Plus they are totally me. I love these colors together.

The Betty Boot has breathable fleece insulated on the inside of the boots. They are insulated so well that they will keep your feet warm at -25 degrees.

Ever since I got these boots, I have not worn any other shoes when going out. Wearing these I don't have to worry about my feet getting cold or wet. I truely love them. They are the best boots I have ever owned and well worth every penny. Specifically designed for women, the Betty Boot features KEEN.WARM insulation and KEEN.DRY waterproofing for maximum cold-weather protection with a feminine twist.
Keen has a huge line of footwear, bags and socks. They have footwear for women, men, children and infants.

I get to give away a pair of Keen shoes. Go over to SIMPLE to sign up. Don't miss out on this. Winner will be chosen on Jan 23rd.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-01-14T01:14:00.000-08:00

January Special

2009-01-13T12:17:00.000-08:00

This year I wanted to start it off by saying Thank You to all my clients last year. It was a great year. I hope to see some of you again this year.

Each month I will be posting a special. I am a little late on getting it started...but you know how that goes. Each special will end on the last day of each month.

In order to recieve this special you will need to call me before Jan 31st to schedule your session.

What is great about these specials is you can use them for any month you would like, but the catch is you have to call me during that month to recieve it. For example: If you wanted to take advantage of January's special, but you do not want to have your session til August, all you need to do it call me and set up a day and time before January 31st in order to recieve this special in August.

Each month will have a different special....I may run one twice...who knows.

This month special is 50% off session fee and 50% off prints. This excludes collections and custom art.

Session fees are due within 7 days of booking your session to reserve your date.

Please call me or email me at 308.6503. Email: jaime@jaimepottphotography.com

Can't wait to hear from you!

the look...

2009-01-13T09:32:00.001-08:00

I am working on getting my blog to look the way I want it....going very slowly. Things will be and look a little funky for a bit, til I can figure it out. Thanks.

10 on Tuesday...

2009-01-13T08:36:00.000-08:00

1. I can't believe it is Jan 13th already. How fast is this year going to go by? Before I know it Ethan will be 3 years old. OH MY.

2. I am stressed. I really can't get into it on here because I am not sure of the people that read it. Let's just say I am back to part time...and really can't be.

3. On a positive note, Ethan has been showing more interest in using the potty. He has been doing really good. I do not want to use pull-ups due to the fact that they are diapers...and well isn't that what I am trying to get him out of...LOL No offense to anyone that uses them. I just don't think they are for us. I have been looking on line for undies that hold something when he goes...similar to a diaper, but like undies. My friend got Little Beetle Learners and said they were great so I may look into those. I did buy some undies for him...which are so darn cute...but now his pants do not fit...lol He is doing pretty good...just need to me more consistent with it.

4. On Jan 1st, Josh and I decided to go look for a cat, for Ethan. Ethan really loves kitties. He obsesses when he sees them at others houses. So we set out that day, stopping at all the pet stores and places we could find. Believe it or not most of the places we would not be able to get a cat that day. It was a process...Adoption. Which was fine...but we wanted instant gratification...who doesn't. We hit one last place....Pet's Mart. They had many cats/kittens there. I wanted a kitten but Josh didn't think that would be a good thing for Ethan since he is kind of rough. And I thought about it more....it would be nice to have a cat that had all shots, declawed, and nuetered without us having to do it all. We ended up finding one there her name is Sarah...(we changed it to Sasha because I don't think Sarah is a cat name)....She is 2 yrs old and his so sweet. Best cat. She is very loving and perfect. She came from a rescue called Lake Haven. She does have some issues with her tail. It is short...only a couple inches long and kind of curved at a 90 degree angle, but you can't tell that unless you touch it....it actully looks flat. We don't care tho...she is great. And Ethan loves her. Everyday when he gets home he asks where kitty is.

5. We kind of just call her Kitty....'Kitty' much easier. LOL And she listens when you do. The reason we waited so long to tell anyone is because we wanted to see if it would work out or not. Josh is allergic to some types of cats...and we wanted to make sure that we were keeping her. Things seem to be okay right now.

Just a couple snapshots of Sasha, taken with my canon Powershot SX110...love it. The videos are all from this camera as well.

6. I have a terrible headache right now. Glad I am home tho. We are watching Wall-E. Such a cute movie. Ethan really likes it.

7. We are going to Shanty Creek Resort the end of the month. I can't wait. Will be nice to get away. We are taking Ethan too. It is fun to play in the snow with Ethan.

8. Ethan is doing pretty good with his big boy bed. He seems to sometimes want to sleep in his crib tho. I think it makes him feel safe with all the sides. So he slept in his crib last night. I will put him in his big boy bed for his nap today tho. He usually does pretty good with his naps.

9. You know how I mentioned my brother and his family from maryland stayed with us for a few days (speaking of which I haven't posted on, except the video of them chasing each other.) We we were thinking that the next time we all get together for Christmas we would all go somewhere nice....Like meet at Disney, or even Mexico or something. I think it is a fantastic idea. Should get started on those plans tho....I will put that on my to do list...

10. My mom found this little kid shopping cart for Ethan. He loves to push things. It is hilarious to watch him go in circles pushing this shopping cart around. So funny. At the end he runs to the potty because he has to go...LOL

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

chase me

2009-01-10T11:10:00.000-08:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Random Picture Challenge

2009-01-10T09:28:00.000-08:00

This is a little challenge that 4 little men and girly twins started. Head on over to join in. It is fun...so Go to your MAY picture folder
pick the 21st picture and post it on your blog! and then go an sign up on her Mr. Linky so others can see. *This is my son eating his lunch - Organic Flaxsed bread, SoyNut Butter and Organic Blueberry jelly. He is 17 months here*

Wordless Wednesday!

2009-01-06T19:14:00.000-08:00

*Just a few from when my brother and his family came to visit for Christmas*
More to come

nap time

2009-01-05T18:35:00.000-08:00

This is naptime in his big boy bed. He looks so sweet when he is sleeping.

a visit...

2009-01-05T18:22:00.000-08:00

My brother and his family came to visit starting on the 27th of December and they stayed until New Years Eve. We had a great time. They live in Maryland so we do not get to see them that often. Once a year mostly. They stayed in our home this time. 5 extra people in our house was crazy busy. hehehe It was fun tho. More stories are coming....I know it has taken me a while to get this posted. Still going thru all the pictures I took while they were here. These pictures are of the cousins - Ethan, Maiya and Grayer. Ethan and Maiya are 2 yrs old and Grayer just turned 4 on Jan 5th. Can't believe he is 4 already. Happy Birthday Mr. Grayer!! I hope you have a wonderful birthday party!

Ethan's big boy bed!

2009-01-04T09:37:00.000-08:00

Ethan got his first big boy bed last night. Josh picked it up from his parents house yesterday. This bed is solid oak and was Josh's when he was little. It is awesome. It is actually Bunkbeds. But we are only using half of it for now.

Ethan was totally excited to have this bed. He couldn't stay off of it. It was really cute. We weren't sure if he was really ready for a big bed or not. But when Josh's parents so nicely offered the bunkbeds to us...how could we say no. Altho his crib turns into a regular bed...these were awesome. Plus when we have another baby we will have a crib for him/her. So we told Ethan that in order to be in the big boy bed you can't have your binkie and you need to potty on big potty. Well he still got the binkie. Not sure I could do a new bed and take away binkie. One thing at a time. But while we had family visiting Ethan would want to go on the potty. So we let him. He did it many times...while is great. But we now need to keep it up. Wasn't totally ready for that...LOL His cousin Maiya is 2 yrs old and she is in big girl undies and Ethan watched her going potty and thought it was cool...That's how he got it. So he understands it, now he just need to do it.
Back to the big boy bed.....we went and got some sheets and a quilt for his bed last night so he could sleep in it. There was no way of him sleeping in his crib after seeing the big bed. We ventured out to Big Lots. We came back and washed the sheets really quick so we could put him to bed. It was pretty late by this time.

It wasn't easy getting him to stay in bed after putting him down. I put him back to bed like 4-5 times before I just decided to stay in there til he fell asleep. It was only about 10-15 minutes that I stayed in there. Not to bad.

So now I am trying to get him to take a nap in his bed. We aren't having any luck so far. hahaha He is playing around, locked me out (he did unlock it after I told him to), reading and what not. I told him again to stay in bed and go to sleep. We shall see what happens.