So much!

I regret not documenting more often lately. Things have been racing me along this summer!

I've already got 2 weddings under my belt as a photographer. At this point I think it's wise to reflect back on the experience and decide if this is the path I want to pursue. Honestly, I don't know. Weddings are overwhelming, fast-paced, wrought with emotion; all of which I can handle... I've proven that. But I think I'd like to try slowing down just a bit. Tap into my artist soul and really put some meaning into my images. I've been thinking of starting a project just for myself. The theme hasn't been decided but maybe I don't need to think in terms of themes. The images will come to me.

I've stepped back into the supervisor role at work, a very different kind of supervisor in which I'm basically supervising... merchandise. Now THAT'S my kind of leadership! It's been about a year since I stepped down as Operations Supervisor. I was asked during my hour and a half interview why I stepped down. It's so unfair to list only one reason but I had to keep it simple. Family. Had I been in a casual conversation with an old friend I might've gone into more detail but the general idea was family. When I saw the posting for Paperchase supervisor I knew it was time to snag the chance. Am I hoping to prove anything? Naw. I just need to exercise my brain :) Long stretches of time spent at the registers or cafe will leave you drained, intellectually. But I'm only speaking for myself. But I'm happy to have my own domain again!

In other news, I've been trying to teach Jamie how to read and recognize words. Tonight we read one of the Curious George Phonics books called George is Happy. I've only read this twice to him but he remembered all the words!! Darn! Just when I thought that maybe he was actually reading! But that didn't stop me from cracking up as he recited 'George is happy to pat a rabbit' word for word. Ah well, it's not like I've ever taught someone to read before, I'm no expert. But at least he will get used to having to look at the words along with the pictures.

About a month ago, we noticed pollywogs in our dried pond in the back (I say dried because it's a piece of crap that the previous owner built himself. It doesn't hold water except the top tier). Jamie was very excited to learn that they would become frogs someday. I picked up a frog habitat from Target and we set about placing a few pollywogs inside. He enjoyed peeking in occasionally. The sad part of this story come to just a few days ago when I heard him gasp and cry, "Mama! Where are my tadpoles??" I motioned for Mike to come over as well since he's more of the animal-boy-pet-expert than I am. "Jamie... did you put soap in here?"
The moral of this particular story is: don't feed tadpoles dish soap. They'll dissolve...like grease! Sad! Once we're sure the habitat is sanitized, we'll refil with new tadpoles and give Jamie another chance. I think he's learned his lesson. Only time will tell. :)

I should probably write a little about our short vacation in Cannon Beach, Oregon! Mike had a few days off before the fourth of July holiday (also his birthday) and I decided to take a few personal days from work as well. We found out that Mike's aunt's husband has a vacation house RIGHT on the beach in Cannon Beach! How sweet! They were super excited to have us come and spend two days with them. The drive from Buckley to the beach took about 3 hours. Jamie promptly started in with, "Are we there yet?" in which we quickly replied, "No and if you ask again you're not going to the beach until tomorrow". It worked. It was a bummer that it was overcast during our stay but it certainly didn't diminish our wonder of this beautiful spot. Pat and Noreen welcomed us warmly into the cute little two story bunglow. We set down our things and they lead us out the side road right to the beach! You know how you see those movies with beach houses and they have this sandy entrance flanked with cute fences and tall, beachy grass? Well, that's what this looked like. It was perfect. The next day, Pat and Noreen took us to Ecola Nat'l Park to explore the beach at low tide and see all the sealife. I think I can speak for Mike and Jamie by saying, we'll be back soon!! We LOVED it! :)

I hope this long post will tide everyone over until next time...