The Adventures of Shaw

Photography Giveaway

2012-03-07T08:55:00.000-05:00

Anyone want to win a Free Photo Session? I do! Well head on over to see Julia Ryan's beautiful work and enter her giveaway.

And there are even extra chances to win!

paleo diet day 2 dinner

2012-03-06T21:29:00.016-05:00

paleo diet day 2 dinner, a photo by AdventureOfShaw on Flickr.

So my gym is having a challenge... a Paleo challenge.

First up -- take a picture of myself in a bikini ...ummmm not yet. I got the email last week with all the details for the 30 day challenege. 30 days -- I can do this right??
Day 1 * had all the best intentions in the world. I will be honest here. I brought ALL Paleo freindly foods. Even researched NON egg related beakfast because I did not want to get them from the cafeteria. But I FAILED... yep I said it....FAILED. I ate girlscout cookies and not just one but MANY. Then my daughter came down with the stomach bug SO .... we had soup. That was not Paleo.

DAY 2 *** Winner because I didnt eat anything :) I did cook Slow Cooked Cumin Spiced Pork. It was delicious. I am so excited to make it and have it for lunch. Thanks to Sarah for this recipe.

Cumin Spiced Slow Cooked Pork

2 lbs of Pork Loin (I used 2 – 1 pound loins)

Cumin, Sea Salt, Pepper

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1 yellow onion, sliced

2 cups sliced mushrooms

Sauce

1 1/2 cups green or red salsa (I used the salsa verde from Trader Joe’s)

1 1/2 cups strained tomatoes

1 tablespoon Cumin

3 garlic cloves, minced

Sea salt and black pepper to taste

In a large skillet, heat the coconut oil over medium to medium high heat. Sprinkle the pork on all sides generously with salt and pepper and then with the cumin powder. Use your fingers to rub the cumin into the pork loin. Sear the cumin spiced pork in the hot coconut oil for about 3 minutes per side or until the pork is nice and brown all the way around. Move the pork from the skillet to the slow cooker and top with the sliced onions and mushrooms. In the same pan that you seared the pork in, add the salsa, strained tomatoes, the 1 tablespoon of cumin, and garlic, and whisk together until bubbly. Taste and season with salt and pepper if desired. Pour the sauce over the pork, onions, and mushrooms in the slow cooker and cook on high for 5-6 hours or on low for 7-8 hours.

Bon Apetit!

My enntire family loved dinner and I cannot wait for Desert.
Here is too the rest of the week!

Fox Hollow by Monaluna

2012-03-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

I am swooning.... Picturing LilMan in some organic Cotton very soon. Well in May when the fabric is released!

I love the little Foxes. The mustard yellows, oranges, reds and blues. This will be very boy oriented in our home. Monaluna wil release this fabric coming in May.

March Photo A Day

2012-03-01T18:00:00.004-05:00

Thanks to FatMumSlim for putting this together. I HOPE to do better in March. I still plan on going back and doing all the days I haven't done yet so I can have a year of photos. Hoping and Doing are 2 completely different things for me.

Here is my day 1. UP ....
I constantly sit here at my desk looking at a computer screen. I have tried to bring in little pieces to make me smile every once in a while when the day becomes to mundane or overwhelming.
So here are my UP's

My Favorite thing to look up to all day long... Of course it never looks like this but I know they are hiding in the background.

Beautiful drawings from my girls, Love notes from my husband and family photo mixed among my work things.

A little slice of heaven in the corner of my office.

What does your UP look like?

Hey There!

2012-03-01T08:14:00.001-05:00

One of our Lacrosse Stars

We have been really busy around here lately with new sports, family visiting and vacation planning. Oh and Sewing!! Here a sneak peak.....

Remember the Make This Look post? Well I am almost done!! I have found another blogger out there who is making my same look. I have asked her assistance on the neckline. Hoping mine turns out as well as hers. Thanks Mary. I am doing OK on my goal of only buying patterns / fabric for one project at a time. I did however cheat and order a pattern to make this dress next! I am loving Jamie Christina patterns.

I saw this beauty displayed over on Hello Beautiful where she has made this dress at least twice! I am loving the Navy and Lime jersey knit.
Moving On..... Dana has the best boys tutorials. This Friday is Dr. Seuss Day at school. LilMan needs some new shirts and I wanted to play with the 90 minute shirt tutorial. So I took 120 minutes and made a shirt from on old College Bar T-shirt. Appropriate right? I had already used Dana's tutorial to make him Dr Seuss pants.

I think he is going to look adorable tomorrow!! At least this time all the seams met up and there are no holes in the arm pits. I did make one mistake -- one of the sleeves in inside out. Ughh.

Gearing up for the Honeymoon

2012-02-15T06:00:00.011-05:00

Edubarba

I know MrM and I just Celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary on February 14th, so why am I talking about our honeymoon??? Well, we didn't take it yet. We are going to Paris in the Spring!! I have been scouring the web for Parisian Bloggers as well as some Fashion Bloggers so I can find out all the nifty neatsie places to go. And, I want to look good.
Some of my daily jaunts across the Atlantic Ocean Include:
Me in the Rainbow
Lost in Cheeseland
Hip
I heart Paris
My French Country Home
Jennyphoria
and Last but not least my absolute favorite Ex-pat blogger La mom.

Christophe Verdier

My favorite article so far was from HIP Paris What to do with one month in Paris.... Well, we are going for 10 days and I want to see and do lots. One thing I would love to talk MrM into doing is Dinner at an exp-pats home.

Jim Haynes’ Sunday dinners. Jim Haynes, an American ex-pat, has been holding Sunday dinner at his apartment in the 14^th arrondissement for 30 years. You will meet plenty of Americans, but also people from France and other countries. Make your reservation early, as Jim’s apartment is small and can only hold about 50 people. If it’s a warm and clear night, he’ll accept more people as the crowd spills outside. After making a reservation, contact Jim on Sunday morning to get his building code and plan to arrive at 8 pm sharp. A donation is suggested, but you don’t need to bring anything else.

I am off to ~~start~~ finish planning our Honeymoon!

Happy Anniversary To Mr.M

2012-02-14T16:00:00.002-05:00

One year ago today, I married a wonderful man. He is my best friend and biggest supporter. He is also my favorite person to argue with. Heck yeah we argue, no healthy couple doesn't. And very appropriately, he got me a rolling pin for Valentine's Day. The best part about us is we talk to each other and we listen to each other. Without out that form of communication most relationships wouldn't last. So I want to thank you for listening to my voice and making me feel special and important enough to you. Also, another one of your many talents that always makes me smile and not the one you are trying to teach our son.... your perfectly timed hugs are amazing.

Now for all the ways I love you....

Cooper River Bridge Run 2009

I love the way you take part in all the things I like. Especially when we wait in line for 2.5 hours downtown just to get a race packet so we can get up REALLY early the next day and run 6+ miles together.

I wear my sunglasses inside ~ the movies

Clemson vs Carolina Game 2010 ~ Hot Wings

I love how you get all goofy with the girls and don't care who is around to see you acting silly. Then do it all AGAIN just so I can get a picture of it.

Lacrosse 2012

I love how you encourage the girls to try new sports. Teach them how to play and make sure they have the right gear so they don't get hurt. I love how you bought an extra stick for me so I could play too.

IOP

I love how you are not afraid to get down and dirty and can play like a kid.

Bill and Guilliana Ranic - Chicago 2010

I love how you waited in line at a Borders just to meet my All Time Favorite Celebrity Couple and had them autograph my book ~ that I am still reading.

I love that MonkeyMan looks just like you.

You are my Lobster! I love you will Wikipedia this to see what that means.

GQ Pose

And Lastly, I am so grateful that you love me so much to take care of me and the girls. We are so lucky to have have you. You are a wonderful father to MonkeyMan, BigGirlH and LilMissJ.

XoXo - I love you.

Happy Valentine's Day Family and Friends

2012-02-14T06:00:00.002-05:00

Leading up to No. 1

2012-02-13T09:32:00.000-05:00

Our 1st anniversary is coming up (Tomorrow)!! Lets look at where we got engaged.
The Charleston Library Society!!

Before I got married I was obsessed with The Wedding Row. This is actually how I got into Blogging. I recently came across a wedding at the Charleston Library Society and have to share the amazing pictures. Every time Mr.M and I are downtown on King St, we make a point to stop here and Recreate the moment. Cheesy I know but I love it. It makes me all warm inside.

Source The Wedding Row

Charleston Library Society

Source The Wedding Row

This is where he did it ... right at the top of these stairs!!

Source The Wedding Row

This is how we spent our wedding night -- walking down King St hand in hand. (this is not us in the picture)

1 more day until Valentine's Day. I cannot wait to share my Bloggy Valentine's Day Swap pictures after Wednesday when the package arrives and all the homemade valentine's day gifts I made for the girls teachers and friends.

Valentines Day Bloggy Swap

2012-02-10T06:00:00.003-05:00

Package is on its way to my Valentine Bloggy Pal!! I hope you like it. I will post picks of all my goodies after Valentine's Day!!

HMH - Vday Swap

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

2012-02-09T06:00:00.001-05:00

Sarah Wilson

Back in mid January, I was researching eating healthy. I was caught up in all the New Years Resolutions that I needed to uphold. Guess what it is almost mid February and I am not 100% perfect. I received an email today that may help me get back on track.

Hi there Kelley!
Congratulations on your 'winnings'! I've attached Sarah's ebook for you - all the best with quitting sugar.
Have a great week,
Sarah and Jo x

OMG I completely forgot about this. And I never expected to win! I entered this giveaway over at Venusian Glow. So now I have this book on how to quit sugar. And I have Sarah's blog to help me on my journey.

Let me get through the holiday. You know Valentine's Day and I will journal along here to let you know how I am doing! I want to lose the last of this baby weight before the Cooper River Bridge Run in late March.

Thanks for choosing me to win!!

Valentine's Day Sneak Peak and Pinterest

2012-02-08T06:00:00.002-05:00

My version

Found this on Pinterest and had to copy it! How do you like my version.... Here is the sneak peak -- our little family valentine.

Source: Google Via Kelley

What do you think? Do we match? 6 more days I better get cracking....

Photoaday ~ 6

2012-02-07T15:07:00.003-05:00

6. dinner #febphotoaday, a photo by AdventureOfShaw on Flickr.

6. dinner #febphotoaday --- ok it is really my breakfast. I need a break. Lots of sickos at our house and little to no sleep.

Virtual Valentine

2012-02-07T06:00:00.001-05:00

Via The Paris Blog

Say “I love you” to a friend or lover with French-themed Valentine’s Day cards. This collection was created by The Paris Blog at Hipster Cards. We love that site because it doesn’t require registration in order to send fun and cheeky greetings to friends for FREE. Check out the rest of the collection here.

7 more days ...

Our Love is Like

2012-02-06T06:00:00.001-05:00

Retro Romance

Thanks for always making me feel special and beautiful. 8 more days...

Photo a day ~ 5

2012-02-05T17:05:00.002-05:00

5. 10AM #febphotoaday, a photo by AdventureOfShaw on Flickr.

Everyday all day!!

Photo a day ~ 4

2012-02-05T17:04:00.002-05:00

4. A stranger #febphotoaday, a photo by AdventureOfShaw on Flickr.

Superbowl Sunday

2012-02-05T06:00:00.008-05:00

Hipster

I love this day! I love getting together with Friends, Watching the 2 best teams battle it out for the Championship, I love drinking beer - yes I said it, I love eating all the snacks, I love the Commercials!! I hate that they are getting leaked earlier and earlier each year.

Here is what I am making for our Superbowl Party...

Amaszing White Trash Puff Balls

Mexican Black Bean Dip

BLT Dip

Enjoy! Hope your team wins. Go Giants.

Husbands Survival Guide

2012-02-04T06:00:00.002-05:00

This works for anyone who lives with working moms, new moms, old moms, etc....

Photo a day ~ 3

2012-02-03T12:00:00.001-05:00

3. Hands #febphotoaday, a photo by AdventureOfShaw on Flickr.

Hands

Black is the New Red

2012-02-03T06:00:00.003-05:00

Source: Etsy

Being a Lover of Scarves, I couldn't resist

Source: Etsy

As a photographer I can appreciate this

Source: Etsy

And Lastly, this is how I feel about MrM

Source: Etsy

11 more days Ya'all!!! I need to get cracking on my Valentines Day Blogger Swappy Thingy too! Still looking for ideas.

Photo a Day ~ 2

2012-02-02T21:46:00.003-05:00

2. Words #febphotoaday, a photo by AdventureOfShaw on Flickr.

Words

Valentines Day Cards

2012-02-02T06:00:00.005-05:00

Card ideas for Mr.M

Source: Etsy

and from the girls to Mr.M.

Source: Etsy

only 12 more days to go...

Baby Legs Tutorial

2012-02-01T22:11:00.000-05:00

Source: Chickpea

Hello all!! I am a HUGE fan of Pinterest. My friends are all now friends of Pinterest thanks to Facebook. I now get emails all day long from my friends telling me the next great thing I need to make for "our" babies. I have asked them all to make "Pins for Kelley to make". Here we go -- Pin # 1 complete. Will be showing them off tomorrow night with the girls. My stinkyface (that is his new bloggy nickname) (heck that is what I call him anyhoo) will be rocking these bad boys himself.

For the Tutorial, you can find plenty of them online. OR you can buy them brand new from Babylegs for $12 each. I on the other hand can make my own for MUCH less and I don't mind doing it. I did watch the video here first before attempting mine.

First you need a pair of knee high socks. Not to name drop here but Target has a great selection.

Now you will cut to make 4 pieces. Cut at the toe and right below the heel. Then cut right above the heel on both pairs of socks to get your 4 pieces. You will not need the Toes or the Heel.

Now the smaller (foot) part fold inside out then over again so all the "right" sides are showing and lined up evenly.

Then put the "right" sides together again and match up and pin.

Making sure to catch all "3" layers here -- you will use a zig zag stitch to sew. 3 = the foot folded in half and the main part of the sock.

Here is your zig zag setting.

Viola... babylegs. I can't wait for stinky face to wear them for all the ladies tomorrow night!

Pin It

2012-02-01T21:52:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Kevin and Amanda for this GREAT Tutorial!! I now have my very own Pin it button and I am going to use it on my next post!

February's Project 366

2012-02-01T12:00:00.004-05:00

Source

Wish I had something more glamorous to share OR an Iphone4 so I could use Instagram!! This is all I got.

Without further ~~adieu~~ ado (thanks to an email from MrM.)

You mean

“Without further ado” J

At least I know he reads my blog!

Outside

Inside

Do not adjust your screens.... yes that is a steel mill outside my window and these are very ~~white~~ beige walls inside my office. This must be why I have to find a way to be creative outside of work.

My Hideout

This little slice of heaven as I like to call it is my quiet space that has 4 walls, no windows and is at the end of a long hallway. The 3 times a day I visit this fine creature, there are a couple people I pass who know exactly where I am going and what I am going to do. For all you non nursing mothers, this is my pump room. My officemate sings this song whenever I head that way "Pump, Pump, Pump It Up". Cracks me up!
Looking forward to tomorrow.

And it begins

2012-02-01T08:25:00.002-05:00

The countdown to Valentine's Day!! 13 more days until my 1st Anniversary!! I am so excited to celebrate this day with MrM. He has been the best father and husband to our little family.

This little inspiration worked for me in the past, so lets try this again.

Source: Etsy

Now there is humor in Valentines Day too

Source: Etsy

I know you always have my back!!

There is definitely a theme going on with my Valentines... Can you figure it out. I will leave you with one last idea.

Source: Etsy

If you make it back to Chicago in 13 days there is always Marc Jacobs.

Healthy Eating Saturday Night

2012-01-22T09:01:00.001-05:00

Roman Style Chicken by Giada

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

3 ounces prosciutto, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

1 teaspoon fresh oregano leaves

2 tablespoons capers

1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

Directions

Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

In a heavy, large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, cook the chicken until browned on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.

1/4 cup olive oil

Keeping the same pan over medium heat, add the peppers and prosciutto and cook until the peppers have browned and the prosciutto is crisp, about 5 minutes.

Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Add the tomatoes, wine, and herbs. Using a wooden spoon, scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the pan.

1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes

1/2 cup white wine

Return the chicken to the pan, add the stock, and bring the mixture to a boil.

1/2 cup chicken stock

Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 to 30 minutes.
If serving immediately, add the capers and the parsley. Stir to combine and serve. If making ahead of time, transfer the chicken and sauce to a storage container, cool, and refrigerate. The next day, reheat the chicken to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the capers and the parsley and serve.

SERVES 6; Calories: 266; Total Fat 13 grams; Saturated Fat: 2 grams; Protein: 28 grams; Total carbohydrates: 8 grams; Sugar: 4 grams; Fiber 1.5 grams; Cholesterol: 76 milligrams; Sodium: 1,307 milligrams

Valentine's Day Blogger Swap

2012-01-19T06:00:00.001-05:00

HMH

I'm in!! Sounds like a lot of fun no matter your situation. I am actually Married (duh) with children (double duh). BUT Valentine's Day is my 1st Anniversary to MrM. I was once like Christina and her friends a long time ago it seems like. I was always the girl that was broken up with RIGHT BEFORE the V-Day. I do not need to worry about that anymore because MrM is.....

Source: steeevie.deviantart.comvia Kelley on Pinterest

So lets all celebrate this holiday for Lovers. All of us are loved by someone and we can all use a smile. Christina over at Hungry Meets Healthy is hosting a Valentine's Day Blogger Swap. Basically you contact her via email and give her your details. Then she will match you up with another person and you send them a Valentine. How awesome is that. The best part we get to be creative. Hmmm ... what could I possibly send?

Source: flaxandtwine.com via Kelley on Pinterest

Source: familyfun.go.com via Kelley on Pinterest

Source: icandyhandmade.blogspot.comvia Kelley on Pinterest

Source: texascottage.blogspot.comvia Kelley on Pinterest

What will you be sending your Blogger Valentine?

Southwest Meatloaf

2012-01-18T06:00:00.002-05:00

Hello Lovelies.... Since I have gone back to work and MrM has started traveling again, I have been planning my weekly meals on Sundays. Monday night has turned into Meatloaf night, Tuesdays are crockpot days and Wednesday is something left over from the crockpot meal. Thursdays are my night so that means a sub from Publix!

Lately, I have been stalking Christina's blog so bear with me this week if it seems overly obvious.

So here are my pictures from the Southwest Meatloaf... thanks for the recipe Christina. It was a hit with the fam. They did request a sauce to go on top next time. I am working on it.

The Ingredients

1 lb. angus ground beef, 96/4 extra lean

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup frozen corn kernels

1 4 oz. can fire-roasted diced green chiles

1/4 cup skim milk

2 large egg whites

1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground pepper

1/2 tsp. chili powder

1 oz. goat cheese, crumbled

Southwest Meatloaf

IPreheat oven to 350*. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, mixing lightly. Add meat mixture to a greased loaf pan and press down to smooth top. Crumble goat cheese atop loaf. Bake for 55 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 165*. Let rest for 20 minutes until slicing. Makes 4 servings.

Sorry I did not get the finished product. The family was hungry! Thanks for the recipe Christina.

And here is my LilMissJ with her makeup and earrings. Wow I am getting too old for this.

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

2012-01-17T12:00:00.000-05:00

Spanish Steps

I won!! At the last moment I decided to enter the 2 Little Hooligans chance to win this Shabby Apple Dress. I never win but thought I would try. So today as I am reading my blogroll I see the title Shabby Apple Giveaway Winner and Repainting the Kitchen.

The Shabby Apple giveaway winner is...

Adventures of Shaw who said...
My favorite Shabby Apple Dress is Le Coeur. We are going on our honeymoon to France in April and I want all of them.

Congrats! And how exciting to be going to France for your honeymoon. That dress couldn't be any more perfect for the trip!

That's me !!! I had noted that Le Coeur was my favorite -- because I love the color combination and the romantic feel

Le Coeur

Doesn't this description sound divine? Ultra comfortable and ultra girly, Le Coeur lies somewhere right in between "favorite t-shirt"and "darling cupcake."

Another one of my Faves...

Pont Neuf

I just learned in my book that the Pont Neuf is the oldest standing bridge across the Seine in Paris.
I could go on and on about all the dresses over at Shabby Apple.

I want to sincerely thank Christina over at 2 Little Hooligans for allowing me the opportunity to win the Spanish Steps Dress.

Weekend Recap

2012-01-16T18:09:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday Folks…. Well the Shaw’s had a very good weekend. Hope you all did too. Here is our Monday Recap from Charleston.

Over the weekend we had a sunny and cool weekend.

It is restaurant week here in Charleston.

I love this week because the MrM and I try to taste a new restaurant around town. This weekend was a treat. Friday night we went to Bistro 536. A quaint place in Mount Pleasant. Their menu looked Yummy and did not look like reservations were required so we headed on over. It was very good!!

Saturday I worked out at Crossfit MT Pleasant – it was a nice long workout.

100 Double Unders

100 Slam Balls

100 Squats

100 KB Swings

100 Mtn Climbers

Goal – 20 mins Actual – 17:34

Then MrM, Little man and I were lazy. We continued planning our Honeymoon to Paris.

Hoping my book looks as 'used' as MrM's one day!

We ended our day shopping downtown ~ I went and looked at my Jeans. You remember the motivation post. We met up with some friends for dinner at Coast.

Coast is one of our FAVORITE restaurants in Charleston. We actually had our wedding reception at their Sister Restaurant 39 Rue De Jean.

Of course we are into Football playoffs so we all headed to DI Grill to watch the games with our group. The New England game vs. Denver was not as explosive as I had hoped. Now the San Fransisco vs. New Orleans Saints turned out to be dynamic!

Sunday we chilled again. Little Man is coming down with his first sniffles so we layed low and did a lot of snuggling on the couch. We watched French movies. Are you all catching our theme lately? We watched

I Do – French film with American Sub titles. It was hilarious. I laughed I cried. I thoroughly enjoyed this film.

We then watched Happily Ever After. Guess what – Johnny Depp was in this film. He did not say much but he was there and he looked handsome. Another good movie. Some of the same characters from the above.

Sunday night was the Golden Globes. Wowsers there were some red lips going on! Did you all see Angelina Jolie, Michelle Williams and my Fav Reese Witherspoon? MrM says it is true love when he spends a night with me watching an award show. It is true love!

Hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend…. Now back to the grind.

I had the Chicken special and MrM had the Beef Medallions. This is also nice because we like to share.

Motivation

2012-01-15T12:34:00.001-05:00

Lucky Brand Charlie Skinny

I am giving myself 1 month to work HARD and get back down to the 29's. If I make it I am going right out to buy these beauties!! I have never been a skinny jean kind of girl but I want to be.

Valentines Day here I come.

Happy 1st Bloggerversary to Me!!

2012-01-14T06:00:00.001-05:00

Source: thed0peness.tumblr.com via Kelley on Pinterest

It’s my 1 year Bloggerversary!!

One year ago today was one of the Top 10 happiest Days of my life…. I am literally counting on ~~one~~ two hands to make sure this is an accurate statement. Yes it is!! Today is the day I found out we were having

Due September 20, 2011

You can read all about it here. I also started my blog to help me to document all the steps, feelings, pressures (literally) along the way. I never imagined that I would “get into” this whole bloggy thing. Let alone meet some bloggers or have my own followers. There are some people out there that I am obsessed… yes I said it obsessed with reading their blogs. I cannot wait for the next post whether it is funny, creative or sad. I look forward to it. Now I know I am not “THAT” person to anyone else except maybe our Canadian family but they just want to hear about the kids. (I love you for following!!) I never intended to be” THAT” kind of blogger. I apologize for using the reference of “THAT” but you all know who you are.

I used to attempt to create scrapbooks of all the images that I take. And I take A LOT… Remember my children only know me as this person.

My last scrapbook and materials I received as a gift from my wonderful ~~husband~~ children for mother’s day 2010 is still sitting in its original packaging waiting to be created. Now mind you, all the supplies were of the girly nature which is good because I had only girls back then. BUT they were of the Baby Girly nature and I could not find the creative juices to make it work for my then 7 and 8 year old girls. SO, I went to doing digital scrapbooks. Which I loved. Also, time consuming. And I was slacking on that too….answer – the blog. It is better than Facebook. ~~People~~ Family can see what we are up to and read a story to go along with the pictures. I can put To Do projects out there that inspire me and either Follow through on them like the maternity dress or still not ~~complete~~ Start them.

Tutorial

I see everyone is coming up with Blogger goals for 2012… I just want to find the time to Blog AND double my followers. Today I have 13 followers and a year from now I would like to have 26.

All in all, I am so excited that I made it a year and did not leave this unfinished. This is something I started and have maintained. I feel like it is a craft / passion I am harnessing. I have also in my first year learned so much. Like how to make a Header on Photoshop, how to not be the Do Not Reply blogger, how to create a Button. I won my very first Contest!! And I participated in a few photography contests here and here. Lastly, I started a blog just for my kids.

In 2012… I plan to do all this AND MORE…

Challenge Accepted ReSEWlution

2012-01-13T06:00:00.002-05:00

OK.... Me Sew Crazy has this bloggy thing called ReSEWlution...My Goal for 2012.. yes I said it Goal is to start a project and finish it. So here it is.... Fabric ordered ~ check Pattern ordered ~ check just waiting to complete this.
Original Inspiration

Hillside Prairie Belted Dress from shopruche.com

Resources

Fabric: Jolie Fleur Shirting Floral White/Grey/Yellow from fabric.com ($3.98/yd)
Pattern: New Look 6091

Bonne idée

2012-01-09T06:00:00.003-05:00

I have got Paris on the brain especially since we are going on our honeymoon in April!! I cannot explain my love for Paris. I think it is the mystery, the beautiful language, the Sex and the City aspect… everything about Paris intrigues me. I took French in High school … Mademoiselle Tiennes. She cracked me up with her 1950’s dress, Aqua Net perma spray hair ~ more like a larger, unprovocative Betty Boop. Her favorite sayings Zut alore (shucks) and Vite Vite (quickly) which I still use today. My French name was Brigitte and my sister Gigi. That is so funny too bc Gigi was supposed to be the Betty Boop name in the French class and that was not my sister!

MrM and I went up to Canada for American Thanksgiving (Canadian Thanksgiving is in October – which we celebrated in America). He took me around all his stomping grounds as a young child and we met his sister and grandparents etc. I will have to post on this separately. Well, MrM and his sister were brought up in French Immersion school. What is French Immersion you ask??? It is a form of bilingual education in which a child who does not speak French as his or her first language receives instruction in school in French. In most French-immersion schools, children will learn to speak French and learn subjects such as history, geography and science in French.

Now MrM went to this school all through High School. Wow!! And Thank Goodness too. I love when he speaks to me in French and reads to little man too. This also makes me feel inadequate that I only took 4 years of high school French and only remember petite quantite (very little).

SO…. What does an All American mom do??? Google how to teach baby French with English speaking parents. And Voila…. Lots and Lots of options….

First, there is a blogger Sarah, who started learning French in high school, went to a couple of French Camps and studied abroad to become employed as a French teacher at a university. She blogs about raising her children in a bilingual home as a Non-Native French speaker. Her post on parents who don’t speak French but want to was very exciting to me. She mentions camps for children, books, songs etc. Just a general “How to” start to bring a second language into your home.

I am on over load right now. I want it all!!

To Ipad Aps.... french baby flash cards, Little Pim Word Bag

OMG – cracking up!!

2012-01-08T06:00:00.001-05:00

Found this new blog called LAMom. She is hilarious and I love her stories. Well this one takes the ~~cake~~ macarons. So funny… While I was laughing at this little scenario I scrolled down to find her recommendation on FifiFlowers. With MrM and I going to Paris for our Honeymoon in April I was ecstatic to see all the beautiful and bright pictures. I immediately went and looked at her EtsyStore. Then I was so inclined to order a Calendar!! Cannot wait for it to get here. Now If I can only get the picture of the couple overlooking the Eiffel Tower for MrM and I….

Source Fifi Flowers

Never too Old to Learn Something New

2012-01-04T06:15:00.001-05:00

I was bee bopping around looking at all the new year reflections and found that I am one of these people....

A NO REPLY COMMENTER... Tutorial

Thanks to Shelley over at Young House Love. I am a noreply-comment@blogger.com. I had no idea. I have recently been frustrated when I have tried to reply to some people that have commented on my blog and I get the mail failure. I am Pleased as Punch that I get comments so I want to let you know that I appreciate you stopping by. Please let me help you so that I can get back in touch with you.

Source: Young House Love

Go to your Dashboard and edit your profile.

Make sure you check the Box for Show My Email address.... Then Save Profile.

This will now allow me to reply to your responses and comments AND now you can reply to me when I leave you a comment.... Whoop Whoop -- I'm on my way to more followers. Goal for 2012 - at least double my # of followers = 22. You have to start somewhere right?

Oh Canada

2012-01-03T07:10:00.000-05:00

Hello from Brockville Ontario.... Look across the ~~street~~ river is New York. Morristown to be exact. This was so cool for me to see the USA so close but be in a place that felt like another world. These people have their own language!! Eh

I love all the Canadian Flags everywhere. Lots of love for ones country.

I love the architecture in this town. The houses are old and adorable!!

More from our trip to Canada to come...

RePost for Photo Challenge

2012-01-02T21:24:00.000-05:00

Can't wait for all the cousins to get together and play with these!!!

{This post was entered into the “Silly Holiday Photos” linky at I Heart Faces.)

ABC Post

2012-01-02T11:51:00.000-05:00

Lets get this year started off right. I like getting to know all of you out there so let me tell you more about me and not just my family. I was over at Cait's checking out her new years and reading about her one month blogiversary ....since my one year is coming up!!

With No Further Adew

A. Age: 34

B. Bed size: Queen and I still like having my husband close.

C. Chore you hate: I HATE folding laundry...I love clean clothes, I love the smell of clean clothes but I HATE to fold laundry. It must be in my DNA BC my girls HATE to fold laundry too.

D. Dogs: I have a miniature Dachshund Bailey who sometimes drives me crazy and taps his feet all the time so his nickname is Happy Feet.

E. Essential start to your day: Coffee. Preferably in our French Press made by my sweet husband.

F. Favorite color: Green...and Blue

G. Gold or silver: Silver – Gold…I am trying to bring back the gold in 2012 thanks to my Christmas present!! I even mix n match.

Michael Kors from my sweet husband

H. Height: 5’6”...even if my Dad says 5’ 5 ½” we all measured ourselves on my parents wall over Christmas and added the kids too.

I. Instruments you play: Clarinet through High School only … shout out to the Lassiter High School Marching Band … and yes I get the “one year at band camp” jokes.

J. Job title: Customer Service Representative at Nucor Steel aka… inside sales person for Coil. I am not a titles kind of girl.

K. Kids: 3 for now. LilMissJ 10, BigGirlH 9, and LittleMan 3 months

L. Live: Charleston, SC .. Yes at the beach and yes it was 70 degrees on Christmas

M. Mom’s name: Connie

N. Nicknames: Kel (hate this one), Honey, Baby, Babykins (when MrM is in trouble) and favorite Mommy

O. Overnight hospital stays: Only when having my babies

P. Pet peeve: People who lie or gossip and leaving the Toilet Seat up!!

Q. Quote from a movie: “No one puts baby in the corner” (Dirty Dancing) and from my all time favorite movie “Every party has a pooper, that why we invited you! Party Pooper! Party Pooper! Every party has a pooper, that’s why we invited you, George Baaanks!” (Father of the Bride)

R. Righty or Lefty: I am a Righty

S. Siblings: I have a Twin Sister – who still copies me and a younger Brother.

T. Time you wake up: 5 AM on weekdays – ugh, 8am on weekends :) after I get up at 6AM to feed Little Man and hope I can go back to sleep. Today was not one of those days.

U. Underwear: Victoria Secret … always makes a woman feel sexy even when pregnant

V. Vegetables you dislike: Squash and Sweet Potatoes

W. What makes you run late: My kids, my husband, me…. I can’t seem to get it together.

X. X-rays you’ve had: Dentist and a few for bad colds of my lungs

Y. Yummy food you make: ok I just asked the girls and I got a lot of options but my husband makes those. Here are mine… salmon with the lemon sauce (I make the lemon sauce) and spaghetti. I actually love to cook and do most of it.

Z. Zoo animal favorite: the Lions at the LincolnPark Zoo Link and the Polar Bears at the Shedd Aquarium

Now I want to hear from YOU!

J. Job title:

P. Pet peeve:

Q. Quote from a movie

link your blog to share!

Let the creativity begin

2012-01-01T16:41:00.001-05:00

A long time ago one of my favorite blogger twins Erika posted this pic of her daughter Sloane. (her sisters blog is here)

I have saved this picture as inspiration since I saw it on her blog. So now that is is ~~2011~~ 2012 I finally get to put this to good use. I have a dear friend who had the ONLY sweet baby girl out all of us 5 mommies. Poor Augustina will have 4 boys falling all over her. Thank goodness her daddy is really into jiu jitsu.

Better late than never, we had her little photo shoot. Here are some outtakes:

I love her sweet baby face. AND the final picture which I chose for my version...

This little girl was born less than 24 hours before my Sterling. She was born 6 weeks early but the team at East Cooper took very good care of her. Augustina is now thriving just like the rest of our babies. Tina did not get to hold Augustina at first so she came to love on Sterling.

Do you have anything that inspires you that you may hold onto for future use?

Happy New Years Friends

2011-12-31T10:38:00.000-05:00

How will you spend your New Years???

Will you hang with your Girlfriends...

Will you have some Bubbly.... preferably not from the bottle. OR will you have one too many...

Will you play willy games...

Will you snuggle your loved ones...

However you decide to celebrate this New Year ... Please do so safely. My plans are low key with the family and friends at home again doing all of the above!!

And I will be watching this ....

Giuliana Rancic to spend NYE at Times Square with her husband Bill Rancic

Now, I want to thank everyone for stopping by and reading my not so ~~daily~~ ~~weekly~~ ramblings about my family, friends and things that interest me!! I hope in 2012 I get more readers and I can figure out a way to be a better blogger and still be present in my families life. I am so blessed to have a wonderful support system of family and friends. I look forward to another exciting year with you all.

I hope this new year brings everyone peace, love,happiness and good health. Have a safe time tonight.

8...9...10...11... and you have seen 12

2011-12-31T00:28:00.000-05:00

I know I know I am out of order..... I have personally stayed up to date with my Sterling but I have not posted such details. WHY might you ask?? Well I have gone back to work so taking the weekly photos is much harder. Finding time to bathe the baby is a stretch some days. Don't you worry -- he gets his bath or he wont sleep through the night!!

Well week 12 is done for you here.

Have you heard the news?? Sterling is 3 months

2011-12-30T23:56:00.000-05:00

12 weeks chatting with bear

Come check out my milestones!! I know I have not posted my weekly's lately but I promise to catch up here for weeks 8 thru 12!!

12 weeks old and happy to see you

Sterling in the Shaw Tartan

What is a Tartan? I had no idea I had to google it. Tartan is a pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours. SO Sterling got his first Shaw Family Tartan Tie from Grampy after his 7 mos shot with the Remembrance Day Tie.

Photo Credit

Look who is SO BIG

1: Still Swaddled
2: Stretch
3: Smiley Superman
4: Shaw Tartan
5: Put my Feets Together
6: Cool
7: Mom wanted a hat
9:Hello My Friend
10: We are going to be best friends

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T08:17:00.000-05:00

Here is to starting new traditions. We wish you a very merry christmas!!

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-24T12:40:00.000-05:00

The Twelve Days of Christmas WOD was AWESOME!!
1 100M Run
2 K2E
3 Ab Mats
4 Burpees
5 Ring Pull Ups
6 Squats
7 Hollows
8 Rope Climbs
9 Karaoke 100M Run
10 Broad Jumps
11 Push Ups
12 High Knees
Just how the song is sung..... Ouch!

Now off to eat what I want!

Here is a sneak peak of my Christmas Sewing thanks to Me Sew Crazy ... Now mind you this is my 1st baby outfit EVER made from scratch with no pattern.

And Lastly a bear hug.

Hoping everyone has a very Merry Christmas!

WAG Champagne and Cookies

2011-12-22T06:00:00.001-05:00

Remember when I posted this about my upcoming Cookie exchange!! Yummy. I will tell you I have been eating cookies for weeks now. I am cookied out - Sorry Santa. My 1st Annual Cookie Exchange was a HUGE success in my opinion. I only wish I had taken more pictures close up. A Big Thank You goes out to Kim over at Keller Creative who gave me just the inspiration to start my own Tradition here at the Shaw House. Oh yeah I forgot... WAG = wives and girlfriends... everyone was guessing on that one.

Canada radio that makes me laugh

2011-12-21T06:00:00.001-05:00

We drove many miles across Canada last week to visit as many Shaw's as we could.... I have to share with you their radio program CBC.ca This Is That. Hilarious.

Now mind you my Canadian husband is constantly joking about stuff that 'Could' be real but far fetched. He is from Canada so I am not always sure. We are driving all over Canada with a screaming Sterling in our back seat because he HATES the car. I am getting amused listening to these 2 guys Pat Kelly and Peter Oldring on the radio. At times I cannot tell if this is real or a joke. You have to listen to the AWE segment. My husband was promising me it was real. All in all this made our trek much more amusing.

I am working to get the rest of our Canadian trip down on paper!

Bokeh Christmas Photos... take 1

2011-12-20T13:00:00.001-05:00

credit

Hello all!! I have been eying these beauties since the Christmas Season has been upon us. My mouth has been watering trying to figure out just how I can make these beauties!! Then I stumble across this little article while on vacation.

What is Bokeh and how do you take these pictures. Well, it should be relatively simple with all the right tools. Christmas lights, and a camera lens with 'fast' aperture (large aperture). As you shoot the larger end of your aperture you throw the background out of focus (or what we like to say 'fuzzy background'). Thus making your Christmas lights out of focus. The hard part is to try to have something in your photo in focus ie a pet, baby, Christmas ornament etc.

credit

So I started to ask questions and this is what I got...

Joy Rossi Photography

Joy sent me her pull back with instructions on how to create this lovely image.

Joy Rossi Photography

To create the Bokeh Effect Joy has a paper seamless background then the lights a foot in front then my subject 5 feet in front of the lights, window light on the left reflector on the right. She used a photovision taget to custom white balance and shot at around F1.8- 2 using a 85 1.2 lens.

Now I do not have a fancy studio to take my pictures so we just started playing with the aperture and the distance between the subject and lights.

And here is my favorite one we got of Sterling and the Christmas lights. Just when we got back from Canada IHeart Faces threw out this lovely challenge. So we entered here.

May all your Christmas's be bright!!

IHeartFaces Bokeh Photo Challenge

2011-12-20T08:00:00.001-05:00

This photo was entered into the I Heart Faces photo challenge – www.iheartfaces.com

The Battle of the Bulge

2011-12-17T06:46:00.002-05:00

I realize I just had a baby 12 weeks ago. I do not expect a miracle to look like Jessica Alba. Sorry Jess you are included in this elite group of women we talk about.
I loved being pregnant. I loved staying fit while pregnant. I hated the day I couldn't work out anymore. I sit here today holding my beautiful little boy in my arms and my diet is the furthest thing from my mind. I do not want to feel guilty as I am sitting in my husbands Nanny's kitchen as she offers me Nanaimo Bar she made from scratch and tell no thank you. I would be that rude American. She has been waiting 12 months to meet her great grandson, I am not going to leave anything on the table for my first experiences in Canada.

This is why I am sharing this story. I apologize there are no pictures and the pinky tool is not set up right BUT I am in Canda on my IPAD enjoying some needed family time.

http://www.parenting.com/blogs/parenting-post/denene-millner-mybrownbaby/weight-celebrity-mom-baby-weight

My First Interview...ever!!!

2011-12-01T06:00:00.004-05:00

So my girlfriend Bailey wanted to do an interview on me before I had the baby. She works for an online media company StepAhead.

Name (duh): Kelley Shaw
Age: 33

How long have you Cross Fitting?:
Full time since January 2011 initially started Spring 2010 while Tina was still at Mt Pleasant Rec

What made you start?:
My husband travels A LOT for work and my girls are with their Dad on Thurs nights so I got a girlfriend and took up Cross Fit on my night off. I had seen a fitness class advertised for a Boot Camp and it looked fun to try out.

Why did you pick Cross Fit Mt. Pleasant?:
I was impressed with Tina’s enthusiasm and drive for her students. I liked her ‘you can do it’ attitude and does not take excuses. She holds me accountable.

How far along are you with your pregnancy?:
7.5 months – 10 more weeks!!

When is the due date?:
Sept 20, 2011

How far in did you start scaling your WODs?:
I don’t like scaling my WODS. My personal Goal on the board this week – Minimally Scale my WODs this week. I do try to do a least one full round not on a Scale level. I cut back on the weights and AB work probably at 5 months. I just started scaling my runs due to the Heat outside and the extra weight I am carrying.

What has your OB said about your Cross Fitting?:
She continues to stress that I need to stay hydrated and not over heat. Otherwise, she is supportive.

Any complications with the pregnancy?:
No complications, a little discomfort as I get further along.

What's the hardest movement to do while being pregnant?:
Hang Snatches or Overhead Squats due to holding so much weight above my head and lifting weights in one movement from the ground to overhead. Also – Box jumps on the medium and large box due to the added weight and unbalance. My Least Favorite is Jumping Rope just because I pee my pants.
How much weight have you put on being pregnant (just to show you're within the normal weight range so people don't think your anorexic haha)
22 lbs so far

Has Tina being pregnant too helped you stay motivated?:
Absolutely. Actually the main reason I came back to the gym was because Amy Bevis was planning to get pregnant and so was Tina. I was in the same boat. I was so impressed at how physically fit Amy had gotten as she continued Cross Fit and I had taken a break to focus on Running. I knew Tina would help me stay on track with my current fitness routines that I was managing on my own. Plus I would hopefully have a built in network of pregnant woman who can support me with my fitness goals. Tina and all the other members have been great to ensure I am not pushing myself too hard. The hardest part has been having to slow down.

Do you plan on taking a break at all before giving birth?:
Not really. I do get the question when I show up as the weeks progress into my pregnancy “You are still doing this?” Yes I am. I have just hit a wall in the last week where my body is telling me I am tired. So I am opening up to scaling my WODS more. I plan to focus on my form and not so much speed or weights.

And these little treasures are what we worked so hard for.....

Santa Baby ... I've been good this year!!

2011-11-30T06:00:00.002-05:00

Dear Santa

I have been dreaming ...

Camera Strap by Sewtamz

Get FREE Shipping with the code: IHEARTFREESHIP

Adobe Lightroom

A great tool for editing your photos!

52MM CIRCULAR POLARIZER

52MM UV PROTECTION FILTER

AF-S DX VR ZOOM NIKKOR 55-200MM F4-5.6G IF-ED

Michael Kors Rose Golden Oversized Chronograph Watch

Michael Kors Hamilton Large Tote Slate Embossed Crocodile

It's beginning to taste a lot like Christmas

2011-11-29T08:56:00.001-05:00

I am feverishly getting ready for my cookie exchange. I have never hosted one before and I am nervous. I have visions in my head of this elaborate spread and beautiful decorations. Now this is in my bottomless wallet imagination.... doesn't everyone have one of those? The one thing I know I can do is bake so I have scouring the web for recipes.....

My White Christmas

Source: theidearoom.net via Kelley on Pinterest

Source: charlotteobserver.com via Kelley on Pinterest

Source: squidoo.com via Kelley on Pinterest

For the Traditional Christmas

Source: sweetopia.net via Kelley on Pinterest

Source: favim.com via Kelley on Pinterest

Source: realsimple.com via Kelley on Pinterest

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via Kelley on Pinterest

For the Kiddos at Christmas

Source: culinaryconcoctionsbypeabody.com via Kelley on Pinterest

Source: bakedperfection.com via Kelley on Pinterest

Source: thewickednoodle.com via Kelley on Pinterest

And Finally for the Comedians out there....

Source: crazydomestic.com via Kelley on Pinterest

Source: ohsugareventplanning.blogspot.com via Kelley on Pinterest

I am off to decorate and bake.... What are you all up to this holiday season???

Here Comes Santa Clause...

2011-11-29T07:00:00.001-05:00

Lets count down the days to Christmas. This is a really cute idea and does not promote candy to the children. I found this on Pinterest. To print this Advent Calendar visit Inviting Printables. I love the childlike novelty to add puffs to the beard to get to Santa!! Looking forward to getting ready for Christmas...here we go!!

five ... six.. and seven... finally

2011-11-29T06:00:00.002-05:00

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7.. This week was super busy. We had remembrance day from Canada. check out my tie!!

I realize we are 9 weeks this week so we are doing some catch up in the Shaw household... I will be catching everyone up on my Flickr Photostream. We have been slowing down in our house and enjoying the moments away from the computer vs in front of the computer.

Oh So Thankful And A House Divided

2011-11-28T22:17:00.001-05:00

I am so thankful.... for so many things. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful husband and kids. I cannot imagine a single day without you. I cherish every moment with you all. I am so blessed to have wonderful friends. We are all healthy and happy here in the Shaw house.

Lunch with Hope at her school for Thanksgiving.

I am thankful for this time off work to spend time with the girls at their activities that are special.

Mr.M and I post race

I am so thankful for my health. I love that my hubs and I work out together. A nice old lady told us before the race ... A family that plays together stays together.

Good Friends post Thanksgiving feast

I am thankful for our friends. They would give us the shirts off their backs and we would do the same for them. I wouldn't trade them for the world.

All the kiddos getting along

House Divided... Me Oh My

See what he has to put up with

We all stayed up late to watch the game. There were lots of hurt feelings especially since there are bragging rights for an entire year. In the long run we are all learning to be good sports.

Happy Holidays to all of you. Now onto Christmas. I am having a Cookie Exchange so stay tuned for all the yummy details.

My new passion that makes me go Hmmmm

2011-11-28T08:45:00.001-05:00

Nikon D3100 F/4.0 ISO 1600 SS 1/50 18MM

I took a class at Charleston Photography Center on a Saturday Seminar. It was an intro to Digital Photography. I was nervous and excited at the same time. It was the 1st time leaving my little man all day too. He did great but I missed him so much. Our instructor was Kenny McKeithan. When I walked into class I was surprised to see my friend Ginny there! and she brought a girlfriend of hers.

Butcher and Bee

We ate lunch at the cutest little place downtown. I had never heard of it but it was yummy.

Here is a little bit of Photography that I learned...
ISO Play -- the more the ISO the more the light that is let into the lens. My husband will not be happy that I am using him as a subject.

Nikon D3100 F/7.10 ISO 100 SS 1/4 sec 42mm

Nikon D3100 F/7.10 ISO 3200 SS 1/100 sec 42mm

Light Source Play - this is the White Balance. You can make your pictures look cooler to warmer by adjusting the white balance. Also helps to photograph in each light setting.

Nikon D3100 F/7.10 ISO 400 SS 1/13 sec 42mm WB Tungsten

Nikon D3100 F/7.10 ISO 400 SS 1/13 sec 42mm WB Shade

The Shade white balance and cloudy give the best tone colors to persons in photos.

Photoshop Play

Canon EOS 50D F/3.5 ISO 100 SS 1/640 sec 18mm WB Auto

Canon EOS 50D F/4.5 ISO 200 SS 1/60 sec 35mm WB Auto

Notice the swirl in our background. This is what I would love to learn how to do. Slowly but surely I will get there. Thank you again to Katie Moore who took our wedding photos! Here are more from Katie...

Canon EOS 50D F/5.6 ISO 320 SS 1/125 sec 90mm WB Auto

Notice how I am blurry in the background?? That is the lower Aperture F/5.6 that creates this effect.

Canon EOS 50D F/6.3 ISO 100 SS 1/200 sec 120mm WB Auto

Again she created the swirled background using Photoshop Lightroom. I am currently using the Photoshop Elements 10 free download to get my feet wet before I dump a bunch of $ on a new software program.

Now that I have new found love of photography with knowledge to back it up, I feel worse than before I started. Why can't I just take all my pictures in AUTO??? Here is to more practice.

Sterling Weekly Photos

2011-11-17T11:18:00.001-05:00

Sterling Weekly Photos, a set on Flickr.

Every week we chronicle how much he has grown and changed.

First Big Trip Post Baby

2011-11-15T08:29:00.000-05:00

This was a big trip for me as I traveled to ATL alone with 3 kids in the car. Wowsers ... what was I thinking? The girls were going to stay with my parents up at the lake in the motor home and Mr.M and I were going to stay with LittleMan in a Hotel. Since MrM was flying into ATL and I had to drive South to get him we decided to stay in Buckhead. I had visions of reliving my younger years where we would party it up at a bar then a nice dinner and stay out to all hours of the night. Did I mention I hate getting older? Even though I was going to be in the car for 5+ hours I still wanted to look hip and cool NOT comfy. And I did look hip and cool and definitely NOT comfy. Do you see where I am going with this? By the time I finally got to Mr.M after leaving Charleston at 10:30 am, I picked him up at 9pm in Buckhead from the Marta Station. By this time, I had already driven from Charleston, drove all over North GA to meet my parents, Nursed the baby twice in the car and Pumped once bc he slept through a feeding. Looking Cute was not on the top of my priority list.

We did have some fun once we checked into our hotel. Little Man was wide awake and ready to go. This was our first hotel experience with the baby. I even brought the Pack N Play. Still in the spirit of things we headed out on our dinner / drinks adventure. You should have seen us trying to figure out how to get the baby to dinner. We were going to walk since we were looking for the feel of Chicago. So MrM put on the Baby Bjorn to carry LittleMan. How are we going to eat dinner if the baby is in the carrier? MrM's bright idea is to get the car carrier from the car and carry it to the restaurant. So here we are in Swanky Buckhead walking around with the baby and an empty car seat. It was quite humorous to watch us. We ended up eating at Bistro Niko. It was very good and the staff was very nice even watching our empty car seat while we waited for our table. Little Man did very well on his late night dinner. I realized that dressed up for Charleston does not equal dressed up for Buckhead. At this point I did not care. I was uncomfortable and happy since I was spending my evening with my 2 favorite men.

The girls went to their grandparents to stay. While they were there they got to do some of their favorite playing:

Got Facials

Did some Shaving

Pretended to be Christmas Wreaths

Had an Amazing View of Lake Lanier

On Saturday, We had some time to go downtown while the girls stayed and played at the lake. The adults went to the High Museum of Art. They were having the Picasso to Warhol exhibit.

Photography I want to learn how to do

Southeastern part of Jasper John's Painting

This picture says it all to me. I am so loved. We had a great time in Atlanta.

11-11-11 Wedding Wonferfulness

2011-11-15T07:52:00.000-05:00

Kim (twin sister), me, Andrea, Michael (brother) and my parents

What a beautiful day for a wedding. This was the first time my entire family has gotten together this year. We have been so busy with us having a baby, my sister is about to have her baby any day now and my brother and his wife work full time and go to school.

The wedding was at a beautiful park in Auburn Ga. They had a really nice group of people come to celebrate them. On our families side was our long time neighbors Randy and Rhonda. Rhonda is an aspiring photographer and she took some amazing photos that I will share once I get them. Also, Jim and Nancy who are my parents best friends.

Logan aka The Man

Me (aka Aunt Kelley) and Logan

Logan and Sterling

My Nephew Logan was the ring bearer and he was absolutely adorable! This was also the 1st time my brother or sister got to meet Sterling. My sister is about to have her 4th child and it is Finally a girl. We cannot wait for her arrival. She is due any day now. My sister looked beautiful. I could not get over it. Of course everyone thought I was being so mean when I went on and on about it. I did this out of pure love. She is generally not a pleasant pregnant person. She was glowing.

Kim, Aiden, Grandma, Hope and Logan

Kim and John

Julia and Logan

The Shaw's

On 11-11-11, there were a whole slew of people getting married. One famous couple from Atlanta was Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann married in their Atlanta home. Then there was Jerry O'Connell and Rebecca Romijn who renewed their vows in New York City in 11-11-11 at 11:11AM. With all this hoopla about this date I do not think anyone will be as happy as these two young lovebirds. Congratulations Andrea and Michael!!

Photobooth Trial Run

2011-11-09T15:38:00.001-05:00

Can't wait for all the cousins to get together and play with these!!!

Christmas in November

2011-11-09T08:45:00.000-05:00

I am going to my brother's wedding on 11/11/11. Do you all know just how popular this date is to get married?? VERY. We are trying to get a hotel at Chateau Elan and no luck. Which stinks because I know my husband would love it. Now the wedding does not have anything to do with Christmas but this does!!!

I will get to see my entire family this weekend including all the cousins. What a better way to keep them occupied than to give them these to play with and take photos. We may not be wearing red and green but these will be cute no matter what.

Here are some of the props I will be getting from Paper and Cake

Stay tuned for my photos when we get back from long awaited family time. Right now I have some props to put together!

PhotoShop Elements 8 ... mastering it one step at a time

2011-11-08T22:44:00.000-05:00

Well I did it. I created something in photoshop!! It only took months and a new camera to get me there. Thanks to Dana for this post that got me thinking on making a new header. At that time all I knew was how to use PICASA and I still could not create a header. Before today, I had no idea what was being talked about on this tutorial. I am so proud of myself to put this together and take care of a baby. It may not be the best looking header but it is my 1st and I like it! Now if I can only figure out how to center it on my blog??? Any Tips.

Sneak Peak

2011-11-07T21:40:00.000-05:00

Did I mention how much I love working with Katie Moore? She is so much fun to work with and such a sweet girl too. I lucked out when we found her for our wedding and now she has come into our home to photograph our little man Sterling. I have patiently been waiting for our proofs and I received a text tonight that she posted a Sneak Peak on her website!! So please go enjoy and check out our little photo shoot.

I Heart Faces {Black}

2011-11-07T16:50:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago, we hosted our 1st Annual Pumpkin Carving Party. My good friend Tina came over with her 5 week old daughter Augustina. I could eat this child up!! She was born 24 hours before my son. She was the Body and mommy was the head of the skeleton! I love it. I decided to enter this photo in the I Heart Faces contest since I am working on my photography skills. To see more pictures, go to I Heart Faces!

This photo was entered into the I Heart Faces photo challenge

Letters to Daddy

2011-11-07T11:20:00.000-05:00

Dear Daddy ... I am peaking at you. I am just chilling in my crib waiting to get up. What are you doing today?

Dear Daddy ... I got one free. Maybe if I lay real still she wont notice. Don't tell Mommy as she would figure a way to keep it tucked away.

Dear Daddy... I did some wiggling and look what happened. I look just a little bit guilty but who can blame me for being so darn cute. I have no idea what I am gonna do now?

Dear Daddy... We need to have a talk. Ever since you got mommy her birthday present she wont keep it out of my face. Why doesn't she take pictures of you instead of me? Remember that drum set you keep wanting to get all your friends kids? I think I am going to have a chat with Santa.

Dear Daddy... Looks like I have been found out. Look at my big cheesy grin. I wish you were here to read me my favorite book. Mommy always cries when she reads me "I'll Love you Forever".

Dear Daddy ... Hopie dressed me today. Can you tell? What the heck is a Game Chicken? And why does it upset her so much when we call it that?

Dear Daddy.. Mommy must love you very much. She keeps putting me in these Dad outfits. Everyone says we look alike but do we need to make it so obvious? Just want you to know Mommy and I are Chillaxing today. Miss you.

Dear Daddy.... Did I tell you how funny Mommy is? Well maybe she is just funny looking because this is all I see of her.

Dear Daddy.. Mommy turned me into a Glow Worm again. No worries - I can get out of this thing.

Dear Daddy .. Here is a little sneak peak of what Mommy and I have been up to while you are gone. We miss you terribly. Look how much I have grown. Hint hint .. This is 6 weeks.

Dear Daddy .. This is my favorite place to nap. I love you so much.

Sneak Peak of Some Goody Goodness

2011-11-02T20:38:00.001-04:00

We had our family photo shoot with Katie Moore, who was kind enough to come to our house to photograph the whole family and A LOT of Sterling. Katie did our wedding pictures and she was fantastic. I could not wait for her to do our newest addition to the Shaw family. We are so looking forward to these pictures. Today was 2 hours of naked baby time in his nursery and some outdoor photos too. Thank you Katie!

And now for my not so professional photos.....

Happy Halloween

2011-11-02T12:57:00.000-04:00

No Tricks here just a little treat!! My little Tick or Treaters.

BigGirlH as a USC football Player

BigGirlH and LilMan as a package deal

Trick or Treat here is Daddy and Son

LilMissJ as the NERD -- costume all homemade

Our Regular Tricksters

Play Action Shot

Look the one nerd found more nerd friends along the way

My girlfriends son Bman as Lifesavers

Ahhh the happy couple

My favorite trick or treaters minus one little football

Of course he is a Canadian Football

Happy Halloween Everyone!!

I am in Awe Right Now

2011-10-27T17:04:00.000-04:00

‎
Anyone else besides me Google the Killer Salami Recipe??? Well I did!! I was SHOCKED to see Rachel get her hands dirty.
1 Kosher Midget salami or bologna
1 tsp. dry mustard
2 tbsp. orange marmalade
2 tbsp. apricot preserves

Score top of salami and cover with mixed ingredients. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Slice into bite sized pieces and serve with toothpicks.

OR

‎1 1/2-2 c. brown sugar
1 lg. Kosher salami
1 jar honey mustard sauce

Peel plastic off salami. Make diagonal cuts but don't go all the way through. Stuff openings with brown sugar and pile extra on top. Bake at 325 degrees for about 1 hour. Serve with honey mustard dip.
1 Kosher Midget salami or bologna
1 tsp. dry mustard
2 tbsp. orange marmalade
2 tbsp. apricot preserves

Score top of salami and cover with mixed ingredients. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Slice into bite sized pieces and serve with toothpicks.

OR

‎1 1/2-2 c. brown sugar
1 lg. Kosher salami
1 jar honey mustard sauce

Peel plastic off salami. Make diagonal cuts but don't go all the way through. Stuff openings with brown sugar and pile extra on top. Bake at 325 degrees for about 1 hour. Serve with honey mustard dip.
I cannot wait to get my hands dirty and try this out on my friends. I just had a baby 5 weeks ago and I should have a cookout with all my beautiful friends. Maybe my husband will be as generous as Roger and get me THIS push present....

After watching the Season Finale, I was amazed at how real Rachel seemed after having Skyler. I knew she would but was shocked at her change. I LOVE all his little clothes and think when will he have time to wear all those clothes?

My absolute FAVORITE part of the episode was all the singing and the fighting over the baby between her and Roger. It SO reminded me of my husband and I with our little man Sterling.
Some of her Lullabies for Quiet Monkey Time
“Sky, Sky/ French fry/ You're daddy’s apple pie/ You're mommies french fry / You're my little guy“
Or his very own story for bedtime.
There once was a little boy. He was a little prince. And he loves to wear beautiful clothes all the time. He loves Ralph Lauren, he loves Missoni, he loves Stella McCartney. He was the most loved little boy in the whole wide world.

Our Lullabies go more like this but with the same Tone Deaf
Bouncy Bouncy Bouncy Nanny does the Bouncy
Rocky Rocky Rocky Mommy does the Rocky
Shaky Shaky Shaky Daddy does the Shaky
Hopie does the Bum dum bump bump
Turny Turny Turny here we go
Swingy Swingy Swingy nice and slow
That is just the way we roll

Rachel and her Nanny both very stylish. How does she do it? I cannot find time to dry my hair or put a semi decent outfit together how does she get all decked out? One day I will get my groove back.

One thing is for sure, I have never seen her smile so much. That is the blessing that children bring to us as mothers and fathers. I love spending my days with my little man. Not as Glamorous as Rachel but I will take it any day.

Celebrity of the Week

2011-10-25T10:47:00.001-04:00

Hello ... This week we have a Celebrity on our hands!!! A little writing assignment for the family about our little girl BigGirlH....

Once there was a girl named Hope. I know what you are thinking – Wow her name is Hope? That is beautiful. Well yes it is beautiful and so is she. Your next question is where did her name come from? Well her momma is a wise young woman. All along her momma thought she was going to be a boy and her name was going to be Chase. When she found out it was a baby girl she was lost. She had no idea what to name this little girl UNTIL one day it came to her. Her momma was watching her favorite daytime show – Days of Our Lives and Hope Brady came onto the screen.

Voila!! This is how she was named. The cool thing about being named Hope is that you can see her name lots of places. In October, it is breast cancer awareness month and HOPE is one of their ways to represent this. Also, we went to Washington DC and got to see the Hope Diamond which has been around for a very long time. This diamond is very rich in history. The best part about being named Hope is that she is the happiest little girl a momma could ask for. She is beautiful inside and out.

Hi, my name is Sterling Shaw and I am writing about my big sister Hope! I am only 4 weeks old, but I already love my big sister very very much. Most of the time I can’t tell her that, (except with my big blue eyes) because I don’t talk very well yet, but I am a good typer!

My sister is very nice. I like when she holds me because I can hear her heartbeat. Of all the people that hold me I like her hair the best! I always grab her hair because it is pretty and brown and curly. Also I like to look into her glasses because that is the only way I can see my reflection since I can’t hold a mirror.

I can hardly wait to grow a little bit older so I can play soccer with Hope, and other sports she plays like baseball. Also when I get older Hope can help teach me to read because she is a good reader!

I love my sister!!

Birthdays and School Projects

2011-10-24T21:55:00.003-04:00

photo credit: Barnes and Noble

Our First Virtual Book Report for 3rd Grade and boy was Momma nervous. These projects get harder every year and require me to be more and more creative. So What do you get when you mix the below???

Photo Credits: Google Images

BigGirlH hard at work on the hair

Justin Case the Pumpkin....

This guy looks so smooth

BigGirlH is so proud of her work

And LilMissJ is modeling the outfit BigGirlH will wear to school to present the project.... We texted this picture to Mr.M and he thought this was her outfit for school "on purpose". Guess he forgot she was going to be a Nerd for Halloween.

We celebrated Hope's Birthday AGAIN but only 1 day late. We baked cookies and opened presents. She got quite a bit of baking accessories this year. Which is great bc she loves to cook and bake.

For all of OUR birthdays we went to the Waterfront Park for some playtime and to enjoy the weather before it gets too cold.

I love that my girls get along so well and like to play with each other.

Then we just go to some extreme silliness

This was not fun whatsoever. I had to sit down for a while to get the world to stop spinning. They did not torture me enough so they thought I should try this:

Call me a glutton for punishment. Then we are off to Whiffle Ball and Football

I love this man so much!

Until Next time

Another Birthday and Another Week

2011-10-24T18:37:00.001-04:00

Hope 2002

Hope 2011

Happy 9th Birthday Hope!!! I love you so much! And I know you are so excited that your brother was born one month before your birthday. I hope that you have 9, 18, 36, 72 more years of happiness and smiles as big as this picture above. I cannot wait to do your celebrity of the week project and Justin Case project.

All I can say is that I could eat you up. I love your expressions. We have had another busy week and Daddy was home all week to hang with us. I cannot express my gratitude to Mr.M as he helps me so much when he is home. At some times I feel guilty at how much work he does to help me then I stop myself. I take care of the entire family on my own during the week and do everything by myself so on the weeks he is home I let him help. The best part is that he wants to help and hang with his son. That melts my heart.

Our biggest milestone -- we had a bottle and Daddy got to feed him. This has allowed me to go out on my own without having to be tied to a clock. Thought this bottle feeding session was going to be more of a glamorous event but it was just a bottle feeding -- that's it? Still the picture makes it all worth it. Love how my boys looking at each other.

Carmen, Christy, me, Christine, and Kris -- not pictured Amy who left to take care of Brandon

It was my birthday this week and my wonderful girlfriends took me out for drinks at Wine AWhile. It felt so good to be back in the real world. Each time I go out I feel more human.

In our house we do a lot of stretching!! It takes us a long time. At night I listen to this for 10 mins before the crying starts. I love it.

This is how we usually sleep.... just picture it on my chest and head facing up. I love this position and know he wont be able to stay this way forever.

I know I typoed this one with the 3 but it is really 4 weeks old. I also feel like I am now biasing the blog towards the baby. So, for that I am adding the girls back. It is just a lot easier now that I spend all day with the baby at home.

My girls and MrM. hamming it up in the kitchen. And FINALLY a picture of me and the baby. Not glamorous but I'll take it.

Until Next Time...

3 Weeks... late again

2011-10-19T08:50:00.000-04:00

I cannot tell you how much I love my PEANUT!! This week has been so busy. We are halfway through the birthdays. This was the milestone week that Sterling and I got our groove back. It felt great. This week has also got my mind twisting and turning bc I want to stay home with this baby and not go back to work.

10 years ago I did not have the Gene to be a stay at home mom. Now that I have managed a career and a household without too many catastrophes my heart is pulling me in a new direction.

I am pretty sure it is not guilt that is pulling at my heart. I worked long and hard while my girls have grown up. I did everything I could to make my time special with them. I tried to make it to every school activity they wanted me to attend because it was special. I would walk the girls into school every day since I was not always available to come to school for lunches or parent teacher conferences.
Now that I am home on maternity leave, my 9 and 10 year old are riding the bus home from school. I have been able to go to school and have lunch with them AND participate in my first parent teacher conferences. I get to spend quality time with my girls doing homework! Never thought I would be excited about that. The best thing I am thankful for right now is not having to Race around town to get the girls to activities and still be late.
Life sure has slown down and who could blame it. Look at this little man. I love spending every moment with him every day. No decisions have been made but there is a little spark in the back of my mind. I do know that the day I go back to work will be a very hard one.