the farmer and the southern belle

One Month!!

2012-01-31T21:46:00.003-06:00

Can you believe it???? I know we can't!! The last 4 weeks have FLOWN by!! He has certainly outgrown his newborn clothes and on his way to growing out of his 0-3 month clothes! He still loves "Sammy" seahorse and now has a soothing sounds cd for his nursery that he loves too! He really enjoys his play mat, mostly just looking at his farm animals and himself in the mirror. He likes his swing better, but still prefers his bouncy seat.

He still wakes up around 1:00 and 4:00 at night, but we have gotten pretty adjusted to that routine. He slurps down his 4 ounces and I think we are going to have to move up to the bigger bottles soon! He does REALLY great in his car seat and loves car rides. Hope this continues because yall know how much I love a road trip! He has officially started smiling "for real" ...it takes lots of talking and being silly but he still does it! The jury is still out on his hair color, but looks more red everyday! We are pretty sure his eyes are going to be blue and he has crazy long eyelashes that I am dying to put mascara on...hehe!!

Check out how much he has changed.....

Play Mat Fun!!

2012-01-27T21:02:00.002-06:00

Annoucing....

2012-01-24T08:30:00.002-06:00

(front)

(back)

Didn't his birth announcements turn out cute?!?!? He loves riding already! :)

2 weeks and 3 days!!

2012-01-16T13:33:00.006-06:00

I can't believe my sweet babe is already 2 weeks old!! Time is flying by! I know I am biased, but he really is the best baby!! He only cries when he's hungry and when you give him his bottle he gulps it down! He was up to 8 pounds 2 ounces on Friday at his 2 week check up (he was 7 pounds 3 ounces when we came home form the hospital)! I'm pretty sure he is going through a growth spurt since I just now got him to go to sleep and he has pretty much been eating all morning!

I can't wait for him to fit in his cute 0-3 month outfits, but am cherishing this sweet newborn stage too :) I had to buy him some newborn size clothes since I didn't pre buy any, assuming he was going to be a big baby and go straight to the 0-3 months size! I had to forgo my crazy clothes nazi ways and get frogs, ducks, and whatever else I could find that looked comfy...he pretty much lives in cozy sleepers for now :)

He loves his bouncy seat and his Soothe and Glow Seahorse, which we named Sammy Seahorse! He is getting to like his farm play mat more and more but still doesn't really care for his swing.

He has been waking up at 1:00am and 4:00am to eat during the night then usually just goes right back to sleep. The Farmer and I have been taking turns getting up with him, so it really hasn't been that bad. He doesn't totally love bath time yet, but I think he will eventually :)

My Momma and Daddy came up when he was born and Momma stayed and helped me out for a week and my Sis and her kids came up this weekend to visit too. Planning a trip home in June, so that will be fun :) The Farmers momma and sis have been making sure we have plenty of frozen meals, along with lots of people bringing us food, we haven't had to cook in ages!! :)

He went to church for the first time yesterday and did SOO good! The Farmer held him and he didn't make a peep, just looked around at all the lights. It was fun to show him off :) Of course I had to take a family pic before we left!!

Speaking of pics, I finished his newborn photoshoot and birth announcement! As soon as I get them mailed I will share them with you!!

Merritt is here!!

2012-01-06T18:38:00.002-06:00

Sorry for the lapse in posts....but I have a good excuse, my baby is here!!! He was born on New Years Eve at 1:55 am, weighing 7 pounds and 13 ounces, 22 inches long!! He is perfect in every way and we love him to pieces!! Since I am way to lazy to post pics, I will just link the hospital pics...
http://www1.avera.org/amck/regionalfacilities/siouxcenter/babyphotos/babyphotosdetail.aspx?BabyId=fc31df26-f3c6-4a95-b8ee-0a05d1edd5a0&facilityID=256

post more soon :)

Elves in Iowa - Day 3!

2011-12-21T18:17:00.004-06:00

Christmas Books!!

This one looks like a little santa bag..soo cute :)

This one is full of Christmas Carols and even comes with a sing-along-cd! Very fun!

Elves in Iowa - Day 2!

2011-12-20T19:20:00.004-06:00

Today little man got a cute little camera!! Now maybe he will not need to play with Mommy's expensive one..ha!

http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Laugh-Learn-Learning-Camera/dp/B002M78DR6

Doctors appointment went great today..well, if you think great consists of waiting another week! Blahhh!!! At least he is healthy and happy....I just keep telling him he would be so much happier out here! I will go back in next Wednesday and we'll see how things are progressing at that point. Guess I wont have a Christmas Baby, but for my sanity I hope he makes it by New Years!! :)

Moss Christmas!

2011-12-19T10:31:00.005-06:00

We had the Farmer's side of the family's Christmas celebration on Saturday morning! I forgot my camera...actually I had it packed in my hospital bag, hehe!! Anyway I decided to take a pic of the fun stuff I got when we got back home!

JoElyn drew my name this year and got me the fabulous Fiesatware Relish/Utility Trays! She didn't even know I had been wanting them! They are being discontinued after December 31st! They are the perfect size for a cob of sweet corn or a hot dog :) Soo cute! She also gave me the Cowboy Night Before Christmas book...it is sooo adorable! Can't wait to read it to Merritt!! The Farmer's parents gave me the Wise men set to my Willow Tree Nativity (below) They have been giving me a set every year since we got engaged..only a few more pieces and it will be complete! Love it!!! All the girls also got purple tool sets! And we got some other fun stuff in our stockings! AND we ate and ate and ate!! :)

Can you believe The Farmer and I haven't opened our gifts to/from each other yet?!?! Last year I insisted we rip everything open on December 1st!! haha!!! I am actually waiting until Christmas morning this year, so it will actually feel like Christmas...or maybe we will be in the hospital?!?! :) This will be my VERY first Christmas ever to not be home in Mississippi, and wouldn't you know it has been soo nice here in Iowa. There is NO snow on the ground and the forecast doesn't seem to be predicting a White Christmas..crazy! The one time I actually want it to snow!! boo! Anyway my fam is going to come up when little Merritt finally decides to arrive, so at least I will get to see them around Christmas, even if I don't get to go home :) It will be very weird, but worth it to have my little babe!!!

Elves in Iowa - Day 1

2011-12-19T10:17:00.004-06:00

No, he is not here yet, but the elves still came!! ;)

They brought him this super fun soft farm block set by Galt!

They are sooo cute!
http://www.galttoys.com/index.cfm/Soft%20Construction%20-%20Farm/1002/productid/1003487
I'm pretty sure the elves found these on Zulily, not sure where else you can get them :)

p.s. I go back to the doc in the morning! My blood pressure has been good at the last two appointments, but I am still on the modified bed rest just to make sure it stays down. Hopefully he will come soon! Only 11 more days until my due date, but he is fully cooked at this point, so anytime is good with me :)

Babys First Christmas?!?!?

2011-12-08T16:52:00.006-06:00

I'm not sure if this will be his first Christmas or not, but he will have presents, just in case!! :)

These are from me and the Farmer...

V-Tech Push and Learn Pony
http://www.amazon.com/V-Tech-Push-Learn-Pony/dp/B002T38HQK

V-Tech Sit-to-Stand Farm Walker
http://www.amazon.com/VTech-80-077000-Vtech-Sit-to-Stand-Learning/dp/B000NZQ010/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

And The Little People Nativity!! I got this one off Ebay, because I liked the look of it better than the new one they have out!

No, I'm not gonna wrap them...I'm sure he won't mind!!! ha!!

This is what Santa is bringing him...he decided to drop it off early! hehe :)
'Twas The Night Before Christmas Little People Set! Soo cute!

http://www.fisher-price.com/fp.aspx?st=900002&e=storeproduct&pid=31013&section=excl_view_all

Of course the Elves are coming to visit too, but you will have to wait until the week before Christmas for that!!

All I want for Christmas is my sweet baby Merritt!!! :)

37 weeks!!!

2011-12-08T16:21:00.003-06:00

I know this phone pic is awful but I don't feel like uploading the other 27 that I made the Farmer take with my good camera! haha! You just better feel lucky I like the way I look in this enough to post it!! :) Good thing the Farmer is tall...such a good angle! ha!

The appointment went GREAT!! My blood pressure was back to normal!! The bad news is I have to continue the bed rest routine in order to keep it normal...blahhh!!!! At this point we are just taking it week by week, so STAY TUNED!!! Maybe I will have a Christmas Baby afterall :)

Don't worry, you know I am prepared with Babys First Christmas AND Babys First New Years outfits just in case!! ;)

Christmas 2011 Decor!!

2011-12-05T15:29:00.009-06:00

Yes! I know this has taken forever for me to post, but better now than never :)

You see that big box in the corner wrapped in blue/white snowmen?!?! That's to me from the Farmer!!! He just brought it in one day and put it under the tree....umm who are you and where is my husband?!?! Can't wait to open it!!! Speaking of the Farmer, he has been such a trooper since I got put on bedrest. He cooks, he cleans, he picks up all the things I drop (never thought I could get more clumsy!), he comforts me when I cry over the dumbest things, he even puts on my shoes & socks when it's time for my daily walk (no! I can't put them on by myself...we past that point weeks ago!!) He basically waits on me hand and foot. Not sure I am gonna be able to go back to doing things for myself when this is all over! What a sweet boy I married :) Last night he put together the swing and the stroller that have been sitting in my office in boxes since this summer...things got really REAL when I decided to push the stroller around, i felt like a Momma!!! :)

How cute are our pink and green stockings!??!?!

These are my new finds from Hobby Lobby! Soo cute!!

I decided to just put the little tree up this year...less to take down :)

pink and green lights :)

found these Noel and Peace signs from Hobby Lobby too!

I made this a few years back...just love it :)

Well I'm off to do my walking dvd!! We had a lot of snow on Saturday, so I'm not going to venture out and risk slipping/falling..did I mention how much more clumsy I have become?!?! Another appointment on Wednesday, so I'll keep yall posted on Peep's progress :)

Blaahhhh!!!

2011-11-27T16:56:00.008-06:00

Long time, no post! Sorry, but I have been busy and totally bored at the same time! At my last doctor visit, I was diagnosed...wow that's a scary word...hmmm instead lets just say my doctor "told me" that I had gestational hypertension (another scary word!), it's actually just high blood pressure, so it's not THAT scary, but I do have to be on bed rest (on my left side) from noon to 5:00pm every day. At 5, I am supposed to take a walk (at which point, I am dying to do after laying around for 5 hours!!) then it's back to resting after that. She told me I wasn't in any serious danger, but I needed to be diligent about my rest so little Peep stays in and cooks a bit longer! I will be 36 weeks this week, so I am getting VERY close!! Hopefully I wont go insane with all this "rest," who would have thought being ordered to do nothing would be annoying...hehe :)

I have some super cute Christmas decor pics to share as soon as feel like uploading and editing them! So stay tuned :)

Ohh on another note, at my shower, my friend Cora had on this AMAZING sparkle OPI red nail polish that just screamed Christmas/Holiday Season. I had been meaning to pick some up at the salon, but didn't have a chance before I got put on house arrest..I mean bed rest, ha! Anyway, the Farmer and his little sis JoElyn made a Wal-Mart run for me on Saturday, so I wouldn't have to get out. Thank goodness JoJo went along, she picked me up some rubbish celebrity magazines along with a couple of fun Christmas romance novels to try and ward off the boredom! They also, so sweetly, swung by the salon and picked up the FABULOUS nail polish I had been wanting!! It's called Gettin' Miss Piggy With It, from the Muppets OPI line!
It's sooo holiday, right?!?! No, those aren't my nails..although I have to say, thanks to pre-natal vitamins, my nails have never looked better!! She also picked me up some plain OPI Red nail polish to put on as a base coat. I think this makes the sparkle more intense! I did my nails last night and they look sooo cute!! I hope my doctor likes them, since that's the only person I'll be seeing anytime soon..hahaha!

I'll keep yall posted on the baby cooking and try to post those decor pics soon!! Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving...December, here we come!!!

Gifts Re-cap!

2011-11-17T16:48:00.012-06:00

After I skyped with my Momma and Sis this weekend and showed off all my fun stuff, I put it all away in his nursery...then realized I wanted to take pics of some things to show yall...so I tried to take most of it back out...so here is a recap of most of what I got!!

My Momma (Honey Gram) got me this oh-soo-cute cowboy diaper bag stuffed FULL of baby things...but I took all of it out and started packing his stuff for the hospital in it, so all you get a pic of is the fab bag!! hehe!

Fabulous monogram on both sides!!

My sister got me this adorable bib and burp cloth set from The Hay Patch http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheHayPatch Love this Etsy store!! She also got him some bath towels and a onsie that says my Auntie rocks...or some saying about how fabulous she is...ha!

Nancy, who works with my Momma, sent me the cutest little cowboy things...this monogrammed tote, along with matching bib, burp cloth and diaper holder! I love the little red headed boy!! Soo sweet!

Of course my Momma had to send some Mississippi State Gear!! Don't worry he has plenty of South Dakota State stuff too!!

My Grandma (Poo) sent these cute little barn shoes! The barn door opens and there is a cow inside!! :)

My Aunt Jan and cousins Hollye and Renae sent this cute tote with our farm logo on it, his name is on the front side and there is a matching blanket! Soo fun!

I had not seen this before....did you know the Eric Carle who does the Hungry Caterpillar stuff, has a farm animal book too!?!? Well Merritt has it now thanks to Grandma Moss (The Farmer's Momma) Aunt JoJo and Aunt Brandi. It is sooo cute!! The other night I read it to him and pushed all the animal sounds and he just kicked and kicked, my little farm boy already!! They also got Merritt another farm book, bath toys and alligator towels/washcloths!! The Eric Carle horse is from my Aunt Jan and cousins Hollye and Renae...I had no idea he made a horse either! And here I was thinking he only wrote about caterpillars!!

Grandma Vermeer made him this amazing blanket..it's so soft and perfect for his baptism! She also made him some baby sized hangers (next pic!) We love the big ones she makes for us!!

UD (Uncle Den) and Aunt Betty got him his first camo and some John Deere toys! Now UD just has to take him hunting!

My bestie Britt got him the cutest diaper bag..monogrammed of course!! and some other fun goodies too!!

My co-workers sent all these fun bath time essentials!! Love it!! Can't wait to give him his first bath!

My best friend from high school, Misty, and her Momma and sisters sent all this SUPER cute monogrammed cowboy stuff!!! Notice how the blanket matches his nursery fabric!! Love it!!

My lovely hostesses got me a Pack and Play!! I just need to get it out of the box now!! Great Grandma Moss (The Farmer's Grandma) got him some bath time stuff and the book Goodnight Moon, his cousin Auggie (August Ann) got him Ducky Towels, washcloths and a robe, his cousin Cade-O got him the Leap Frog farm animal magnet set, the Farmer's cousins Dan and Tessa got him the cutest vest/shirt/and overall set, and last but not least, our friends Kati and Jared got him an adorable wrangler outfit!!

All the towels and clothes are in the wash or I would have taken pics of those too!! He has also been getting packages all along the way from friends, family, and co-workers! What a spoiled little man already!! :)

Thank yall all so much for the fabulous loot!! Merritt kicks thank you too :)

Merritt's Baby Shower!!!

2011-11-17T14:44:00.009-06:00

Last Saturday my fab besties threw me a baby shower!! It was SOO much fun...we decided to do a brunch affair since I am in LOVE with eggbakes, monkey breads, and muffins! The food was soo gooooood!! Wish I could have it every day!! First we ate, then everyone introduced themselves and gave me some baby advice, next we played a few games, and lastly I got open a ton of great gifts!!! I will try to share most of them with you on the blog at some point!! But for now, just check out the shower pics!!

Me at 33 weeks...I put this pic on facebook and everybody is commenting on how good/small I look...for the record I am a photographer and know my angles, in real life I actually look like a mix between a wildebeest and shamu...no chance I am posting an unposed/candid pic of me ANYWHERE!!! haha! p.s. I HATE it when I ruin a good pic by doing the "stretch neck excited face," soo unflattering!

Me and the fabulous hostesses!! Love these gals :)

Cake table!

The food!!! MMMmmmmm! Missing from pic...the bacon wrapped sausages!!

Food again!

Close up of the beautiful flowers!

The cake!! It matched the invite!! Soo cute and sooo good!

cute napkins!

water bottles!

Isn't this a fabulous punch bowl?!? Love it!

Me with all my amazing gifts!! I would like to make note that I REALLY wanted to crop my gross thighs out of this pic, but just for yall I left it alone, so you could see all the loot...your welcome :)

Lucky Streak!?!?

2011-11-07T13:53:00.002-06:00

Yes, I am one of those people who never win anything!! I think the last time I did, it was at a Young Ag Leadership Conference in Montana and I won a $100 gas card...this was the highlight of my life, until now! Ok, I'm exaggerating a bit, but I have won two fabulous prizes lately!

First, I got an email from Destination Maternity (which is the same company as Motherhood and Pea In A Pod) informing me about an Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail Giveaway, I usually never enter these kinds of things but this time it seemed so easy. I just had to go to Munchkin's facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=lf#!/Munchkin) and leave a comment saying that Destination Maternity sent me...easy enough, I figured since they were giving away 20 diaper pails my chances would be really good. Turns out I was right!! Around 50 people commented and I was one of the lucky 20 winners!! SCORE!!

Well on the same day I found out that I had one the daiper pail, fellow blogger Crystal at http://crystalcattle.blogspot.com/ announced she was doing a giveaway as well! Like I said, I usually never enter these, but since I was on a winning high, I decided to give it a whirl! It helped that the prize was a $35 gift certificate to Purple Banner Designs http://purplebannerdesigns.blogspot.com/ which I happen to adore and have been meaning to order Merritt some from things from anyway! Soo guess what happened today?!?!?!
http://crystalcattle.blogspot.com/2011/11/and-winner-is.html I won!!!

I am soo excited to pick out a little steer onsie or blanket for our little babe! Be sure to check out Purple Banner Designs and follow Crystal http://crystalcattle.blogspot.com/! And if your in the vicinity, feel free to come and rub my tummy for luck!! ha!!

Christmas 2011!!!

2011-11-02T17:14:00.006-05:00

Halloween is over, it is November and thus (for me) begins the Christmas Season!!! I don't have my tree up yet, but should have the Farmer talked into it by this weekend!! I do, however, have most of my holiday decor up in the living room and it is sooo cute!! Hobby Lobby put out a bunch of new pink and green things this year, so of course I grabbed them up when they went 50% off!! Can't wait to show yall the finished product! I also picked up our fabulous embroidered stockings today!! They are beyond cute!! But for now I'm just going to show you Merritt's Magic Elf Bucket! (See this post to learn more about the elves http://thefarmerandthesouthernbelle.blogspot.com/2010/12/elves-in-iowa-day-1.html )

I used my amazing Cricut to cut out the vinyl letters for his bucket....not sure if I am love or not?? maybe I should have used black so the name would stand out more?? Good news is, they will peel off so I can always change the color later!

I am also making a pink/green custom advent calendar!! Stay tuned :)

Make this!!

2011-11-02T17:06:00.004-05:00

Pionner Woman's Corn Cheese Chowder!!!
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/10/corn-cheese-chowder/

It is SOOO good! and super easy, especially if you have a hubs that will chop all the veggies for you!! ;)

I pretty much followed the recipe with the exception of doubling the bacon. I am married to an Iowa farm boy, who thinks it's not a proper meal without meat!! This chowder is soo fabulous for a chilly fall day!! Love!

MMM mmm good!!!

2011-10-25T13:27:00.008-05:00

I was dying to use my Candy Corn M&M's, so I made these yesterday......

http://www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/new-recipes/ultimate-halloween-peanut-butter-oreo-brownie-bar.html

Ultimate Halloween Peanut Butter Oreo Brownie Bar...WOW!!! They are AMAZING!!! and so festive :) I would say, if you don't have the Candy Corn M&M's, use white chocolate chips instead....that's what they basically taste like anyway! We didn't have any ice cream, but I can see where it would make it even more delicious!! MMMMMmmmm!!!

In other news, Merritt got his first Halloween "happy" yesterday.....the box was even addressed to Merritt Wylie and the return address was from Honey Gram and Grandaddy...ohh boy, let the spoiling begin! ha! He got a Moose pillow pet...maybe we will share this! ;)

He also got some Little People coloring books and some Halloween toys in a fun little Halloween bag...yeah, yeah, yeah, I know I should take pics, but I have been shooting so many sessions lately, I have no desire to take pics when I don't have to!! Little Peep says thanks so much Grandaddy and Honey Gram for his fun surprise!! :) Actually he just kicks alot, but I'm sure that's what he means!!!

Now speaking of photo shoots, I only have 2 left before my "photography maternity leave" begins!!! I have about 6 shoots to edit, but I will be done shooting, so there is an end in sight! Now, don't get me wrong...I adore being a photographer and love all the new, fun people I get to meet and take pictures of, but this fall has just really done me in! Whew, it was a whirlwind! I'm sure being preggo had nothing to do with the exhaustion...hehe!! I look forward to February/March when I have more energy and time for taking pictures, well that is if this little boy doesn't wear me out even more when he's out of the womb!! :)

In even more exciting news, Zulily is having a sale on Mud Pie clothing today!! http://www.zulily.com/e/mud-pie-102511.html?pos=0
Mud Pie is soo fabulous and I simply LOVE their EiEio line and what do you know, it was included in the sale! SCORE! and what's even better is, my sweet family in Louisiana sent me a gift card for Zulily since they can't make it to my shower in November. Sooo I used my gift card to get all the horse outfits (below!)!!! What a perfect present!! Thanks so much Petterson's! Yall are too sweet :)

Now in harvest news (this is for you UD!), they are DONE!!! There are still a few more things to finish up before they are officially through, but all the crop has been harvested! Woohoo!!! Actually this year wasn't so bad, since I was soo busy too, so it seemed to just fly by! Sorry I didn't get any pics this year, but just wait until this spring....I'll HAVE to get some "action" pictures of Rhett Rhett during his first planting!! :)

Now I am just looking forward to November and December with NOTHING to do but my Graphic Design job and cooking this baby :) Oh and a few craft projects, which I will of course be sharing when they are complete!!!

Have a great Tuesday!!!

More Zulily!

2011-10-17T12:00:00.006-05:00

Just got some more fab Zulily buys in today!!! How cute is this little overall set?!?!?!

You can get it here....but I didn't even pay half that on Zulily!!
http://www.atterdagkids.com/p-1134-kissy-kissy-buckaroo-denim-overall-set.aspx

I also got these adorable pants in the same Buckaroo style as the overalls AND a matching shirt that I can't find a pic of online (and yes, I'm too lazy to drag out my camera and take a shot of the real thing!!)
I wish I had all the fun items in the Buckaroo collection but I'm not paying full price after I got such a great deal on the other stuff....hahaha!

I also got this amazing little gown and hat from Mad Sky on Zulily...

I already have this in the blue version, my Momma and I found it while shopping in Branson this spring...no, I wasn't preggers but it was on crazy sale and we don't pass up western clothes on sale...ever! ha!!! Anyway I love it so much I had to have it in the white too!! I also got a snap up footie in this same white cowboy pattern from Zulily, but again couldn't find a pic online, just try to imagine it's cuteness!!

Well, that's it for now! We have our last baby class tonight...it's the big tour! I'm so excited and scared at the same time! hehe :) I'll be 30 weeks this Friday, so it's getting closer and closer every day!!!

Sooo..I'm having a boy!

2011-10-14T12:07:00.004-05:00

For those of you out there that have boys or have shopped for boys, you will understand my frustration with the selection or lack thereof. It's slim pickin folks!! And if you are not into monkeys, lizards, dinos, dogs, or skulls it's even more slim!! I realize it's not that big of a deal and he will most likely just spit up on everything I put him in anyway, but this is my very first long awaited babe and I want his wardrobe to be fabulous...well at least until he's old enough to tell me NO when I try to put him in something ridiculous! ha!

Soo I have been on a mission to find cute boy items that meet my requirements....cowboy, farm, horse, tractor, or cow...you think this wouldn't be that difficult and I have even found quite a bit of things that stay true to my prerequisites, but it certainly hasn't been easy!!! I did, however, manage to score some amazing smocked items from Zulily and Southern Tots. Have I told yall about my LOVE of all things smocked?!?! This may not be as popular in Iowa, but in the south all the cool kids wear smocked clothing!! hehe :) I never thought I would find outfits that paired smocking with my strict clothing mandates...but I did!! First up this AMAZING cowboy longall I got from Southern Tots!! It's still a little wrinkled from shipping...oops!

Isn't it adorbs?!?!?! and the best part is, whenever he gets to be the right size to wear it, it won't matter what time of year it is because you can wear these without anything under them when it's hot or a cute little long sleeve shirt under when it gets chilly! LOVE IT!!! Oh and when it's really cold here, we just won't be leaving the house so that won't matter either!! HAHA!

The detail is fabulous...I have always been obsessed with smocking for little girls clothes/dresses (you should see some of my bestie Brittany's beautiful clothes for her Halle Faye!! To die for!), but I have to say these boy outfits are pretty spectacular too!! Southern Tots runs a sale every Tuesday and Thursday night on their facebook page, so you just need to "like" their page to keep up with all the awesome deals!!

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Southern-Tots/108171815872272

I also picked up this smocked tractor shirt/pants outfit from a Southern Tots sale, it hasn't come in yet, but here's a pic of the cuteness!!

I actually got this tractor version in the longall style (like the cowboy one) from Zulily too, but it hasn't come in yet either. AND I got a cowboy version of the shirt/pants outfit like above from Zulily too!! Merritt is gonna be smocked out!!! ha!! Obviously these are not everyday outfits and I will probably suffer a melt down the first time he spills or gets dirty while wearing them but I will recover and as long as he looks cute, that's all that matters anyway!! HAHA! :)

Also, just so you don't think I'm not a clothes nazi, I will be putting him in cute plaids, stripes, solids, and jeans too!! I just had to have a few cute pieces to pacify the Southern Girl within!! :) Happy Friday!!

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice!! :)

2011-10-13T12:38:00.006-05:00

Of course by now yall know my love of all things pumpkin spice! Well, I have been gathering different pumpkin spice flavored items and thought I would share!!
On a recent trip to The Walmart, I found Planters Pumpkin Spice Almonds!! They are divine and a handful makes a perfect little snack! I also scored Pumpkin Spice Cookie Mix! Did they have this last year?? I have never seen it! I'm thinking it would be perfect with some white chocolate chips thrown in before baking!! Yummo! Now I am pretty sure the Pumpkin Spice Mallows are new! Soo fun and shaped like little pumpkins!! I haven't tried them yet, but I'm sure they are scrumptious!!

And of course my all time fave...Pumpkin Spice Hershey Kisses...ohhh these are just melt in your mouth deliciousness!! I can only find them at Target, so be sure to grab some next time you're there..they are a MUST try!! The first year I heard about these, we were headed to Montana for my bestie Mariah's wedding. We finally found some after stopping at every, Walmart, K-Mart and Target between home and Billings, MT!!! And we promptly ate a whole bag....haha! We had also found the Candy Corn flavored Hershey Kisses at the same time, they are quite good but not as good as the Pumpkin Spice!! The Farmer likes the Candy Corn Kisses better, but I haven't been able to find them yet this year. I did, however, find Candy Corn flavored M&M's at The Walmart!!! And let me tell you, they are GOOOOOODDDD!!!!

I put them in the cute little candy corn dish my Momma got me last year, along with the real candy corn and the Farmer has already eaten most of them!!

Hopefully I have enough left to make this recipe by The Picky Palate!!
http://picky-palate.com/2011/10/13/chocolate-shortbread-bars-with-white-chocolate-candy-corn-mms/

Don't you just LOVE fall?!?!?! :)

In other news.....I went to my monthly Peep appointment today!! All is well and everything is coming along just as it should be! The most exciting part was making all my appointments up to the due date!! I can't wait to start going every week!! Soo glad to see the end in sight!!!

This and That!

2011-10-05T10:58:00.007-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posts, but I just haven't been feeling it lately! I have been so busy with work and photography, when I get free moment I just want to watch TV or shop! haha!!

Speaking of shopping....Baby Merritt is set for Christmas!!! He probably wont be here by Christmas Day but he will be HUGE in my belly, so I think that counts for something!! I shopped for the elves since they weren't sure what to bring him and I found some really fun gifts for his patiently waiting Mommy and Daddy to give him...and who knows what Santa will bring?!?!?!

You will have to wait until Christmas to see all the cuteness, but I'll give you a hint "Fisher Price Little People!!" I am sooo addicted!!! Of course that's not all I got, but it is the majority!! ha!!! Did you know they have Thanksgiving, Halloween, Harvest and Christmas sets?!?!?! I only knew about the Nativity!!! Check out this site for all the fabulous sets!!
http://www.fisher-price.com/fp.aspx?st=900000&e=storethumb&pcat=fps_toddler_lp_toys

And just incase you were thinking of getting Merritt any...you probably shouldn't!! hahahaha!!! I may or may not have gotten them all already!! I mean seriously how could I resist!?!?!? He already has the whole Farm/Barn Little People set that I got awhile ago for all my friends little kids to play with when they come over...so he doesn't need that one either! Did I mention I am obsessed!! They are just SOOOOO cute!!!

The Farmer thinks I am just getting them so I can play with them, and he is exactly right!! HA!!! My brother, sister, and I had all the Little People sets growing up and we LOVED them!!! Of course they looked a little different than they do today, but my Momma has kept all of them so the grands can play with the old school ones too!! I'm not positive if the Farmer had them growing up or not (i think he did!), but once we were in an antique store and he spotted the old Little People Western Town and got super excited (well, as excited as the Farmer gets over toys that is!) he remembered playing with it at his cousin Dan's when they were kids, we were going to buy it, but there were to many broken pieces..boo! Wish they had a Western Town in the new stuff...I would be all over that!! Maybe I should write Fisher Price a letter letting them know little cowboys all over the world need a new updated Western Town..... ;)

Next on the list is to work on finding all the parts to the Little People City! I know there is a cute School Bus with little kids, because Rose lets me play with it when I visit Cora!! There is also a fun airport (he will for sure get to know the real airport very well with my family living in Mississippi!! Ohh the adventures!) and there is an adorable house and backyard set which will go perfectly with his farm! I might die a little inside if he prefers dinosaurs {gasp} over Little People!!! hehehe :)

Can you tell I am beyond excited for him to get here!!! :) Only 87 more days!!!!

Fall Mantel!!

2011-09-29T10:44:00.006-05:00

I just love blog inspiration, so when I saw the "It's Fall Yall Linky Party" I had to check it out!! It started Tuesday with Fall Mantel Decor (yes, I'm just now posting mine, because I needed to look through all the ideas that were posted for inspiration first! ha!)

http://theletteredcottage.net/ideas-for-fall

I noticed a lot of mantels (yes, I know mine is really just a shelf!) used window panes! And my Momma just happened to have brought me some from our old barn in Mississippi! I couldn't figure out how I wanted to use them, but this seemed like a perfect idea!! I think it turned out super cute!! :) And the "M" pumpkins are from Hobby Lobby...where elese?!?!

Today, the "It's Fall Yall Linky Party" is featuring Fall Door Decor!!

http://southernhospitalityblog.com/door-decor-fall-linky-party/

Maybe I will get some pics of my door and outdoor decor too!! I have to say, I have amazing mums this year :)

Booked!!

2011-09-29T10:28:00.002-05:00

All booked! That's right, all my fall sessions are booked! They went so fast this year! I actually have a full time job as a graphic designer, so I only have so much time to take pictures too! Hopefully if you got a spot if you wanted Christmas pictures :) I will also be taking off the entire months of November, December, and January for "photography maternity leave" hehe!! I should be back up and going by February!

I have lots of shoots to share, I have just been too busy to put them on facebook and the blog...stay tuned and Happy Fall!!! :)

Is it Christmas yet????

2011-09-22T16:54:00.005-05:00

I have been looking at all my posts from last Fall/Thanksgiving/Christmas and now I am more ready than ever for the holiday season to begin!!!

I love fall and halloween....all the yummy candy, fun costumes, parties, and pumpkin desserts!! And whats not to love about Thanksgiving?!?!? Mmmmmm turkey...and more pumpkin desserts!! Then comes my all-time fave, CHRISTMAS!!!! I have been debating whether or not to put up ALL my decorations (since Merritt will be arriving shortly after, and I wasn't sure if I would have the energy to take them down!) but I have finally decided to put everything up, just like normal! I love the tree and all the other fun decor way too much to just forgo it this year!! And I figure he will love to look at the lights on tree! Now my next decision is whether or not the elves are going to come this year...they are for sure coming for Merritt (even if he's not here yet!) but I'm not sure if they will come for the Farmer and I too.....hmmmm..stay tuned :)

I just get soo excited thinking about all things holiday!! I can't wait until next year when "peep" will be able to understand whats going on...well sort of anyway :)

Ok now that I've gotten all that off my chest...I just have to show you the latest baby finds!! I'm sure you've all heard of Zulily.com...they offer great deals on unique baby and kid clothes and toys. Anyway I have heard good and bad things about the site, but decided since most of the bad things were about long shipping times, to go ahead and give them a try! I have 3 months to wait after all :) I got my first purchases in the mail this week and so far I love Zulily!! I got the cutest Petit Ami tractor overalls and some Momo baby "shoes," they are supposed to be more like socks, supposedly that helps babies walk better..blah blah blah, I just bought them because they were adorable!! ha!!

I just love both purchases and have made several more since (stay tuned..I will be sharing as they arrive!!) I think the tractor overalls were like $11, regularly like 40 or 50 bucks and I think the little shoes were around $7, regularly $17....i can't remember all the prices exactly but I know they were a great deal! AND you only have to pay $6 shipping once a day, so I always browse and see if there are several things I just have to have, then buy one of them paying the shipping and get the rest shipped for free! Yea!! Now I'm not trying to get you to use Zulily, I may have a bad experience one day, but I just thought I would share the good experiences before that happened!! :)

Off to a 4-H Leadership Training! Look for more photoshoots coming this weekend!

"W" Brothers!! - Hull, IA Photography

2011-09-17T13:02:00.009-05:00

How cute are these brothers!?!?! Breven just turned one, and he is trying his best to keep up with the older boys!! Soo cute!! Enjoy some of my faves :)

Sweet Little Lily and fam - Hull, IA Photography

2011-09-17T12:47:00.006-05:00

Lily is going to be a big sister!! So we headed out to the farm to capture the fam, the big sis, and the baby bump!! Enjoy some of my faves of this fun family!!! :)

Nursery Storage!!

2011-09-12T09:59:00.011-05:00

My Cricut Old West Cartridge came in and I went to town cutting!! I cut all kinds of cute cowboy stuff out of brown vinyl, then just stuck it to all my storage buckets!! I think they turned out soo cute..check it out below!!

And his first Monogram!!! Love it :)

I also got my cowboy buckets in this weekend!! These match the blankets and curtains (stay tuned for pics of curtains!) they turned out soo cute!!

I just love how everything is coming together!!! Now I guess I just have to wait until he gets here...seems like soo long to wait!! 15 more weeks!! :)

Claire is here!! - Hull, IA Photography

2011-09-10T19:38:00.005-05:00

Do you remember this shoot....
http://thefarmerandthesouthernbelle.blogspot.com/2011/06/rose-is-2-and-baby-bumps-hull-ia.html

Well Claire Joy is here and she is too adorable for words!! We just can't get over how much she looks like her Momma! Of course Rose is a very proud Big Sister!! Enjoy my faves :)

Emma is One!! - Hull, IA Photography

2011-09-10T19:33:00.003-05:00

I just love this sweet little girl!! She had soo many smiles and cute faces for me :) Enjoy some of my faves!!

Emily and Lonnie Engaged - Hull, IA Photography

2011-09-10T19:09:00.012-05:00

This couple was so fun and were up anything! You could really tell how in love they were...awww!! I just adore how they Incorporated the horses!! Enjoy some of my faves!

Dane Senior Portraits - Hull, IA Photography

2011-09-10T18:56:00.007-05:00

Dane had such a fabulous time posing for all these pictures...hehe!! Ok, I maybe not a "fabulous!!" We went out to the farm and tried to make it as painless as possible! He did great..enjoy some of my faves!!

The "V" Family - Hull, IA Photography

2011-09-10T18:43:00.005-05:00

What a fun family this is! And I just adore their coordinating outfits!! We went out to the Golf Course just steps away from their amazing house. Perfect spot! Enjoy my faves :)

It's Here!!!

2011-09-07T11:48:00.006-05:00

The chair is here, the chair is here!!!! It's sooo cute!! I don't really love it in pictures, but in person it is super cute :) The stripes match the yellow stripe in the bedding/curtains! and it's soooo comfy!!! I could just sit in it all day!! So glad it's finally here!! :)

The "D" Family - Hull, IA Photography

2011-09-06T20:18:00.007-05:00

I headed out to the "D" family's farm for this fun photo shoot! They had lots of fun buildings and trees that made for perfect backdrops!! The girls were so excited to show me around and help find the best spots! Enjoy some of my faves :)

Room Reveal - The First Edition!!

2011-09-06T14:13:00.007-05:00

Let me preface this post by stating, the room is not finished!!!! But, I just couldn't wait to show you what we have done so far!! :)

I absolutely love the way the bedding turned out!!! Soo cute!! I am still waiting on another cowboy print blanket to come in and the Farmers Momma is working on the cowboy print curtains to go on the window above the crib and a cowboy print valance to go over the polka dot curtains. So once all that gets done, it will look more western :) Ohh and the cowboy print tubs to go under the changing table were shipped today, so hopefully they will be here soon too!! If you can't tell, the ones on the bottom shelf of the changing table are painted to look like a bandanna (I have some of these in the closet too!)...love it!!

I am still waiting on my yellow chair, which will go in the spot where those curtain rods are resting! It should be here tomorrow!!! I keep checking the tracking info to see if it has gotten any closer :) We found the letters for his name at Hobby Lobby!! I thought it would be easier than mod-podging cowboy scrapbook paper on wooden letters and I loved the rustic feel!! My Momma almost killed me after she had to hang them all up...they were kind of impossible to get straight and were all a little off in size..ooops!! Ohh well they turned out fabulous!!

I have some cowboy print tubs for the closet too, so those will go with the bandanna ones seen above. Just a few more other small things and the nursery will be complete!!! And I will give you a more detailed post with better (not so dark) pics!!

I had such a great time with my Momma, sister, and niece!! We shopped till we dropped...literally, 12 hours of shopping on Saturday almost killed me! :) Then we painted stuff and decorated all day Sunday, then Monday we got pedicures and went to Pumpkin Land and then had supper with the Farmer's fam that night. Very eventful weekend!!! Wish they could have stayed longer, but they'll be back in 4 SHORT months when Merritt arrives!!! :)

23 weeks!!

2011-08-31T13:50:00.006-05:00

I will be 23 weeks on Friday, so I decided to do a little update on Peep and I!

From babycenter.com
How your baby's growing:
Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With his sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that he is more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see him squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in his lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze him when she hears them outside the womb.

I have been able to feel him move for a couple of weeks now and it is so fun! The other day in church we had guitar music that was louder than normal and every time it played Peep would move all around!

For the most part I am feeling great!! I get uncomfortable when I sit too long, but my office chair (where I am most of the day) is quite comfy, so that's a plus!! I haven't been sleeping well, but mostly due to the fact that I can't get my mind to settle down long enough to fall asleep!! I can't stop thinking about all things baby!! It's just so exciting!!

I am definitely "showing!" I feel HUGE and will not be sharing any pics with this post..sorry, you'll just have to imagine my giganticness!!

I haven't gotten anything monogrammed yet, which really surprises me! hehe!! I did however get the Wild West fonts Cricut cartridge so I can cut out cute vinyl monograms to stick on everything :)

Peep does have a name (Merritt Wylie Moss) but for the most part we still call him Peep or sometimes Mare Mare..I don't know why, because all along I wanted his nickname to be Rhett (as in Butler...I mean how much more Southern can you get!?!?) I will have to make an effort to call him this more and ditch the Mare Mare!!

We love the name and think it "flows" nicely! Wylie is my Daddy's middle name and was my Great Granddaddy's first name, so it meant alot to me to have Wylie be part of his name and it just sounds like a little cowboy!! For the first name, we both just liked Merritt and since it had my prerequisite "M" as the first letter, it was an easy yes!! The Sunday before we had the ultrasound we were flipping through the channels and caught the College National Finals Rodeo reruns, the saddle bronc rider that was up was named Merritt...it was a sign and sealed the deal...hehehe!! Not that I want my baby to be a saddle bronc rider, team roping will be just fine..hahaha!!!

Well I can't think of anything else that yall don't already know about this little Peep...I have to say, since we found out it's a boy, the one looming question remains, will it have red hair?!?! Me and my brother and sister have red hair and my sisters kids both have red hair...stay tuned to see if the Dutch blonde wins out over the fiery Spanish red heads :)

Nursery News!!

2011-08-30T17:15:00.007-05:00

Well, there really isn't any news, but I have pics to show you of the room all cleaned up and ready for furniture and decorating!! I am BEYOND excited for my Momma, Sister, and Niece to get here this weekend!! I'm really excited about the closet...it's gonna be sooo cute!!

I spent an hour on the phone this morning trying to figure out where my yellow chair is, but didn't have much luck! ughhhh!! Not impressed!

Ok, on to the pics....

This is the closet! All of those clothes will go in the dresser, but I have to wait until the dresser gets here :)

This is his cute little western bookshelf!!

We are going to paint the non-matching tubs at the top in a red or yellow, so they become matching tubs for more storage!!

His wardrobe so far!! Most all of these are Vitamins Baby cowboy outfits!! Sooo cute :)

Here are some of my faves!

The Farmer's Momma got him this one...it has a little horse with it!

My Momma got him this one :)

and my Daddy got him this one!! It's safe to say Peep gets something anywhere they go!

I love this receiving blanket!! We found it in Sheridan, WY while on vaycay this summer!

and this is the little seat/coat hanger I was telling yall about!! Soo fun!!

I have been in his room a lot since we got it all cleaned, it's just so much fun to look at all the fun stuff he has!! Now I just need a chair to sit in!! :)

Maddie and Dawson - Hull, IA Photography

2011-08-30T15:49:00.009-05:00

This brother and sister were soo cute! And talk about giving me some great poses!!! More models in the making :) Enjoy some of my faves!!

Nursery!!

2011-08-26T13:43:00.003-05:00

Some of the things I have ordered are finally starting to arrive!! I got the polka dot bedding in (adorbs!) and one of the cowboy blankets! I LOVE the way they look together and I even think they look great with the tan color that is already on the walls in the room that is to be Peep's nursery!! So maybe no painting will be required..stay tuned!!

My chair still hasn't made it, so I'm a little nervous about that, but everything else is coming along just as I had planned! My Decorating Crew is bringing all the furniture with them, it's a Jenny Lind white set and is fabulous!! My Ma (Momma's Momma) bought it for us (my siblings) when we were babies, then my sister used it for her kids and now I get to use it!! It's soo pretty and goes with anything! There is a crib, changing table, dresser, high chair, and the most precious little coat rack thing with a little seat on it...I have no idea what it's really called and can't find it online but this piece is extra special because Ma gave it to me for one of my birthdays and I just sat on it the whole day and wouldn't get off (thought I had a pic, but I can't find it, I was soo cute!) I hung all my little purses on it, even when I was in high school!...don't think Merritt will do that, but it's perfect for his rope and spurs his Grandaddy already got him!!

The Farmer and I will be moving my indoor studio to the basement this weekend, since the room the studio is in will be the nursery! Not sure when I will have the new studio all ready to go, but I have to have the nursery empty, now! All this baby stuff taking over my house!! It needs a home!!

Of course there will be tons of nursery pics once we get it all set up!! I told the Farmer the other day, that I hoped our next baby was a girl, because I was gonna be soo bored during that pregnancy without a new room to design and decorate!! If it is a boy, I will just have to design and decorate Merritt's "big boy room" instead....ok never mind, problem solved!! haha!! Maybe I should have this babe first, before I start to worry about that! :)

Well that's it for now! I have 5 shoots to edit, so be prepared for lots of cuteness to grace the blog soon!!!

Elise and Colton - Hull, IA Photography

2011-08-25T15:30:00.005-05:00

Check out this sweet brother and sister!! I just love when a little girl lets me put a big flower on her head...soo adorable!! And Colton's big blue eyes get me every time!! Here are some of my faves! :)

More fun finds!!!

2011-08-23T15:59:00.006-05:00

First of all, I found this adorable little rug at Khols online! Isn't it fun?!?! Hopefully it will go with all the other decor I have picked out!!!

http://www.kohls.com/upgrade/webstore/product_page_multiple.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524892620676&pfx=pfx_shopcompare&cid=shopping3&mr:trackingCode=842719EB-F022-DF11-9B13-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA

Now when I found this, I literally squealed with delight!!!! It's a tub in my cowboy fabric!!! I had to have it! I immediately emailed the head of my decorating crew (Momma) to show her, and although I wasn't there, I'm pretty sure she squealed too!! haha!! She ordered me two of them! We are taking the UGLY brown sliding doors off the closet and keeping it open (see example below), so I am going to need lots of storage items to put on the shelves that also look nice since the closet wont have any doors!! My furniture set has a dresser and a separate changing table, so the dresser will go in the closet, to save space! I have some red bandanna print tin tubs already and I think these will look perfect together!!! Can you tell how excited I am?!?!?! http://www.etsy.com/listing/77515359/wild-west-large-round-galvanized-party?ga_search_query=wild%2Bwest&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5258205

This is kinda the look we are going for with the closet..although my closet has alot more shelving!

Now, the moment you've all been waiting for!!

2011-08-19T18:54:00.002-05:00

It's a BOY!!!!!!!!!!

Everything looked great on the ultrasound, and she said there was no doubt it was a boy!! As my Momma said, "Let the shopping begin!!!" And that's just what I did..ha! I ordered all the bedding, curtains, and a few other things this evening!!

I ended up changing my mind about the western handkerchief quilt I had posted about earlier. I saw an even cuter cowboy blanket (below with brown ruffle) and couldn't resist! It's by Razzle Baby and is adorable! I'm not posting the link, however, because if the Farmer knew how much it cost he would shut off my Internet FOREVER!! HA!!

I searched around and found some matching polka dot (you knew that was coming!!) bedding to go with it!!! Sooo cute!! I even found some of the cowboy fabric, so I (or someone that actually sews) can make valances to go over the polka dot curtain panels! I am soo excited about his room, I made a little collage of what everything looks like!! Can't wait to get it all done and share the pics with yall :) I think it all ties in nicely with my chair too!!!

Ohh and just in case you wanted to go ahead and get his name monogrammed on something (hehehe) It's Merritt Wylie Moss!!! or Peep if you prefer :)

The 'M' Girls!! - Hull, IA Photography

2011-08-18T21:12:00.009-05:00

Wow! These little gals can pose! I told them I was sure they were going to be America's Next Top Model when they grew up! :) Enjoy some of my faves of these sweet sisters!

Friday is "the" day!!!

2011-08-17T13:43:00.004-05:00

Well...as you can guess I still don't know what our little Peep is!!! My appointment went great, everything looks good and she even sent me home with some yummy neon orange drink (glucose screening) to enjoy before my appointment next month..ha! She just couldn't make out if it's a boy or a girl, but the good news is, I get to go back on Friday for my "big" ultrasound to find out!!! No more weekend waiting!! Now if Peep tries to hide, this momma is not gonna be impressed!!

So to tide me over until Friday, I decided to do a little nursery shopping!!! I have had my eye on this chair for awhile but couldn't decide if the color would be right! I would like to use it for all my babes, so I wanted it to be gender neutral anyway and yellow just happens to be in both the girl and boy bedding I have picked out! On the reviews it says it's more of a sunflower color, which will be perfect!! Now I just hope it makes it here before my nursery decorating crew arrives!!

http://www.target.com/Lullaby-Glider-Rocker-Stripe-Yellow/dp/B000A83CQG/ref=in_de_display_children_0?ie=UTF8&altString=Lullaby%20Glider%20Rocker%20-%20Stripe%20Yellow

http://www.target.com/Little-Castle-Lullaby-Ottoman-Yellow/dp/B000A807J6/ref=in_de_display_children_1?ie=UTF8&altString=Lullaby%20Ottoman%20-%20Yellow%20Stripe

Now! If it's a boy I already have some of these adorable western hankies http://www.rods.com/Set-of-16-Vintage-Western-Hankies,11441.html that I am going to frame and then get this matching quilt for his crib, that I found on Etsy!!

I will use red gingham and red bandanna as bedding and accents!!

And if it's a girl, I will be using this fabric below, mixed with yellow and pink gingham!! LOVE it!!!

Today is the DAY!

2011-08-16T09:46:00.006-05:00

Well not really "the" day, but I am almost 21 weeks and I am going to the doctor at 1:00 this afternoon! We will schedule our "big" ultrasound today, but I'm hoping that the Doc will be able to tell us what our little Peep is on the smaller ultrasound machine in her office! I know this is probably wishful thinking, but I am DYING to know!!!!

At first I really wanted a girl, but I keep having dreams and seeing random pics that make me think it's a boy and it makes me kinda excited to have a little farmer. At this point I just want to know so I can start nesting already!! (and to the besties that have seen my stash, lets just keep that between us!! ha!) I want to finalize the room...get the perfect bedding and paint colors, and all the other necessities to make the room PERFECT!! My Momma, Sister, and Niece are coming up Labor Day weekend to work on the nursery and I need to have my plan together by then! Which means I needed to know what this babe is 2 weeks ago! HAHA!

If she can't tell today, we are hoping to get our "big" ultrasound scheduled for this week (cross your fingers!), if I have to wait another weekend...I just don't know what I am going to do with myself!!!

We already have names pretty much picked out for a boy or a girl...I will give you a little hint for now, they all start with M's!! I have this thing for alliteration, so the repetition of the letters of the first and last name is a MUST! p.s. If you read my blog you already know the names because I have had my 3 children (2 boys, 1 girl) named since the Farmer and I got engaged! Maybe even a little before! hahaha!!! Don't judge! :)

Anyway, I just had to give you an update...maybe I will have more news this week...maybe you should just pray that I have more news this week, because nobody wants to know what will happen if I don't!!! ;)

Will it be a little princess????

Or a little farmer???

AND will it have red hair?!?!?! :)

Charlotte's Newborns - Hull, IA Photography

2011-08-14T21:31:00.008-05:00

Princess. That pretty much sums it up...what a little princess! "Charlie" is such a doll and just kept sleeping through all the poses we put her in! She even let big sis Jorgia join in on the fun! Enjoy some of my faves :)

Cute Cousins!! - Hul, IA Photography

2011-08-13T18:07:00.008-05:00

Another hot day for this shoot (lets hope the hot days are over!), but the kids stuck it out and we got some great pics! They were so cute together and had lots of smiles for me! Check out my faves :)

Molly's "on the farm" Senior Pics - Hull Iowa Photography

2011-08-05T16:23:00.010-05:00

On a HOT evening in July, I went out to Molly's farm to capture her in her element! Even though this preggo almost died of a heat stroke, we had a ton of fun and got some great shots! Molly is one of my 4-Hers and I am soo sad this will be her last year! Hopefully she will come back to visit us after she graduates!! :) Enjoy some of my faves!

Fall Family Shoots - What To Wear!!

2011-07-29T15:22:00.005-05:00

If you have your fall family sessions booked, but don't quite know what to put the family in, below are a couple ideas on how to coordinate without being too matchy/matchy. Don’t fret, I'm sure there are plenty of outfits right in your closet that will make for fabulous photos. The key is the right combination. I generally discourage bright white shirts and the "everyone needs to be identical concept." It’s a good idea to choose 2-3 colors and then have everyone coordinate with those colors. Here are some photos from last fall and a inspiration boards to get you going!

Don’t forget, if you have not booked your fall photoshoot with me yet, let me know, the beautiful autumn sessions are filling up fast! And with a baby on the way, I'm not sure how far into November I will be able to shoot!! :)

Peep stuff!!

2011-07-29T15:04:00.006-05:00

I have started getting a few things here and there for our little Peep and just couldn't resist this swaddling blanket! My friend Amanda had this for her little Cohen and I just loved it!!

Link where I bough it: http://www.figure8maternity.com/viewItem.cfm?pid=1197000

How cute is this activity mat!! Pottery Barn has one similar for about the same price but I liked the brighter colors on this one :)

Link where I bough it: http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html?asin=B00284AHQ8&colid=3NXSG8V2TFFBY&coliid=I30KD3O9NSKPP5&bckreg=baby

And of course you know I HAD to have this bouncer that matches the swing from Target that I have already! Love it!!!

That's all the new stuff for now...stay tuned!! :)

While I was away...

2011-07-29T14:45:00.005-05:00

I had such a good time in New Orleans for the Agriculture Media Summit! I learned lots of new stuff, made some fun new Friends, ate a ton of amazing cajun/seafood dishes, AND got to see the fam!! YEA!

Kristy (my co-worker) and I at Mardi Gras World

Me and A-dub at the Acme Oyster House!

My brother and his wife with Cade!

Daddy with his girls

Momma with her girls

Our last night in New Orleans at Howl at the Moon! Kristy, Autumn, Katelyn, LeAnne, and Me! The three gals on the bottom row are Communication Directors for their state cattlemen's association..which is what I used to do! So fun to catch up :)

Even though I had a great time, I am SOOO glad to be home with no other big trips on the books until Peep gets here..thanks goodness!! :)

I have gotten some new things for Peep, so I will share those with you next!! :) Get excited!!

The H Family - Hull, IA Photographer

2011-07-22T18:05:00.008-05:00

I had such a great time photographing this fun fam and little Braedon is such a cutie!! He loved playing in the back of the old pickup!! Enjoy some of my faves :)

Birthdays!!

2011-07-22T08:42:00.005-05:00

I forgot to show a pic from The Farmer's birthday cake!!

Wasn't it cute?!?!? He always had a tractor cake on his birthday growing up, so I thought it was perfect!! :)

Now, my birthday is today....I'm not real excited about it...it's not a number I have been looking forward to, so to keep my sanity from now on I am 25...forever!! :)

On Sunday the Farmer's family had a party for us, and I got Marigold Fiesta!! 2 place settings!! The color is amazing!! It reminds me of fall, which we all know I adore!!
My Momma and Daddy got me the swing for Peep!! Isn't it adorable!! It's called How Know Brown Cow and you can get it at Target! I also got the matching bouncy seat!! LOVE!

I am headed to New Orleans on Sunday for a work trip, and on the free night my fam is going to come down (my brother already lives there) and have dinner with me! YEA!!

I have to fly out of Omaha, which is around 2 hours from here, so the Farmer and I are going to go tomorrow and spend the day shopping and eating for my birthday!! FUN!!

We went to the doctor on Tuesday and got to see Peep again! She forgot to print out pics, so I don't have any to share, but "he" is getting so big!! We will be able to find out the gender sometime the week of August 16th!! I literally can not wait!!!

Well that's all for now! Hopefully will have a photoshoot to share later today :)

Sweet Baby Colter!!

2011-07-19T20:08:00.006-05:00

We were soo excited to be able to stop by Mariah and Lyle's on our way home from Glacier Park!! Mainly because we wanted to see adorable baby Colter!!! We had a quick photoshoot and these are some of my faves....

James! - Hull, IA Photography

2011-07-18T16:09:00.005-05:00

How cute is this sweet little boy!!!??? As soon as he warmed up to me, we had the best time out at the farm! Enjoy some of my faves....

Soo excited!!

2011-07-15T10:56:00.003-05:00

The Farmer's parents got us an early baby gift! Our carseat and stroller combo for Peep! And can I just say, it is the cutest thing EVER!!!! I have been wanting this Brittax Chaperone Travel system (in Cowmooflage!!) since I saw it on Bethenny Ever After (Real Housewives show on Bravo!!) anyway, then my friends Britt and Cora got the bigger "big-girl car seat" for their girls and I was totally hooked!! The cow print is just too much to pass up!!! I have been stalking it online and the other day I noticed that the cowmooflage print was being discontinued {gasp!}...I panicked, then called the Farmer to calm me down (hehe) He told me his parents were planning to buy this for us anyway, so they went ahead and got it early! Crisis averted!! WHEW!! Anyway it came in the other day but we still haven't put the stroller together, so I'm gonna be lazy and just use pics off the Internet!!

These pics show how the carseat fits on the stroller! Soo fun :) I found more pics on this site...

http://www.britaxusa.com/car-seats/chaperone/product-demo

http://www.britaxusa.com/strollers/chaperone/product-demo

Can't wait to put Peep in it!! :) Thanks soo much!!!

Stay tuned for Colter's pics and two photo shoots I am trying to get done editing!! The Farmer's B-day was Tuesday...I didn't do much, but we are having a party for him tomorrow!! We got a fancy new grill in honor of both of our birthdays, so we are gonna try it out! Ohh I almost forgot our County Fair was this week too! I didn't get many pics..sorry :(

Post more later!! :)

Montana Trip!!!

2011-07-10T18:55:00.013-05:00

The Farmer and I had the best time on our Montana vaycay!! We started out driving across South Dakota. Our first stop was the West Texas Trail Museum in Moorcroft, Wyoming. It was super neat and had tons of memorabilia!

Next we drove to Sheridan, WY and did some shopping! our next stop was the Little Big Horn Battle Field in Montana. I have been there a few times but The Farmer hadn't, so I just had to stop!!

The following day we drove to Miles City, MT to visit our friend Nicole and see her new house that her and her husband pretty much built! Soo cool!! Loved getting to catch up!! We then drove to Great Falls, MT to stay the night. The next day we woke up and headed to Cascade, MT to visit our friend Rose and her Momma at their ranch. We had such a good time visiting up at their cabin in the Big Belt Mountains ...gorgeous!!

That afternoon we finally made it to Glacier National Park where we stayed a few days in Hungry Horse, MT and St. Mary, MT....amazing!!! Here are some pics of the fabulous views and wildlife we saw!! Please excuse my hideous appearance..it was a no makeup kind of vacation!! :)

Lake McDonald!

Our fabulous picnic spot!

Loved this jumping mountain goat!!

We took a boat cruise on St. Mary Lake...amazing!!!

We got to dock and take a little hike to this amazing waterfall!

Bear!!!

We took a hike to Red Rock Falls...I almost died...literally!

Red Rock Lake

another bear!

We ended our fun trip by stopping in Hilger, MT to see our friends Lyle and Mariah and their sweet new baby Colter! Stay tuned for pics!!

Rose is 2!! ..and baby bumps!! - Hull, IA Photography

2011-06-29T10:47:00.013-05:00

Pearls and a tutu...how can you go wrong??? Soo cute!! Love this little girl and her fashion sense! :) We also had a chance to snap some photos of Cora's baby bump...isn't it precious? I secretly hate skinny girls that get pregnant and stay cute and skinny, but she happens to be one of my besties...so I'll let it slide! hahahaha!! :) Enjoy some of my faves!

More Fun Stuff!!

2011-06-28T14:02:00.004-05:00

As if the Peep news wasn't exciting enough...we got a new car today!! Well I guess technically it's an SUV, but isn't it cute!??!?!?! And just in time for vaycay!!! If you can't tell from this phone pic below, it's a silver Tahoe....

Ok, I promise that's all the news for awhile :)

Peep 12 Weeks!

2011-06-28T10:15:00.003-05:00

Below is from our 12 week scan! It was bouncing like crazy and waving at us! Soo fun! I would show you the 9 week scan but honestly it just looked like a blob!! :)

And for those of you who are wondering....we will be finding out what it is, and telling! :)

I forgot to show yall....

2011-06-28T10:00:00.002-05:00

what else the Easter Bunny brought us!!!

Yep, I'm preggo! And yes, I did stage a photo shoot with the EPT!! haha!! Would you expect any less?!?!?! We decided to call it Peep, in honor of us finding out Easter morning!

I am due New Years Eve!! We are beyond excited and can't wait for it to get here!

Peep has already been to Yellowstone, Mississippi, and later this week it can add Glacier National Park to the list! What a lucky babe! :)

Hopefully I will feel good with all the travel to and from Montana! Stay tuned! :)

The D Family! - Hull, IA Photography

2011-06-27T18:00:00.006-05:00

These cute kids were natural models!! I had such a hard time choosing my favorites! They just loved their new baby brother and couldn't wait to hold him...soo sweet!! :)

August Ann's First Horse Show!!

2011-06-20T21:50:00.004-05:00

Finally! Pics from the horse show!! She got Reserve in Pony Mares and Champion in Pony Geldings! We are SOO proud of her. She made it to the State Horse Show, which is this Friday!! Can't wait to get the full report on how she does! Soo exciting!! Wish I could go back home to see the state show, but The Farmer and I are leaving on Wednesday for our summer vaycay to Montana!! Can't wait! Enjoy the pics of A-Dub and her ponies!! :)

Trip Home to Mississippi!

2011-06-20T21:03:00.011-05:00

I had such a fabulous time while I was home for a week! I was working while I was there, so I didn't get to "play" as much as usual but still managed to see a few besties and do some fun things with my family!

I decided August Ann needed her first mani/pedi, so for her early b-day gift I took her to the salon and to see Judy Moody! She loved the pedicure and promises to grow her nails out long enough to get a fun design on them when they come to visit me over Labor Day! I got the shellac done on my nails and am in love! It's a little more pricey, but really lasts! I just got a neutral light pink and A-dub kept asking when the color was going to show up..hehe! Here are some pics....

We all went down to New Orleans on Sunday to see my brother and sister-in-law. We went to fun seafood place right off Bourbon Street for lunch...soo yummy! Then we went to the Aquarium of The Americas!

diver!

A-dub loved the Penguins!

They had the neat/scary parakeet exhibit!

petting the sting rays!

White Alligators!

Cute little Clown Fish!!

Soo much fun catching up with the whole fam! Next post is August Ann's first horse show recap! She did sooo good! Soo glad I had the chance to go home and see her. I was supposed to be able to see Cade play baseball too, but the game got rained out! We were both bummed, but I'm so proud he made the All-Star team! Don't I have such a talented niece and nephew!?!? :)

Daddy/Daughter Vaycay!!

2011-06-11T12:07:00.023-05:00

We had such a great time on our trip and saw tons on stuff!!! We started off with a fun night in Deadwood, SD! The next day we headed to Cody, WY our first stop was Old Trail Town...we have been dying to go here since we found out the original Wild Bunch cabin was moved from the Hole in The Wall to this site! (This is the post from the Hole in The Wall http://thefarmerandthesouthernbelle.blogspot.com/2010/09/hole-in-wall-part-2.html)

Old Trail Town!

Lots of old buildings and relics!!

Daddy at the Cabin!

Me at the cabin!

After touring Old Trail Town, we headed to Downtown Cody and did a little shopping, then had a super yummy supper!

The next morning we woke up and made our way to Yellowstone! We were planning to go through the east entrance but due to an avalanche, that route was closed! So we headed north to Cooke City and the north east entrance that was luckily still open!!

We saw this cute little black bear!

baby bison!

yellow bellied marmot

another big black bear!

big horn sheep!

Yellowstone!!!

The next morning we woke up to SNOW! and lots of it! We headed back into the park, but didn't make it very far until we realized there was another avalanche that now blocked the way down to Jackson Hole which was to be our next stop. We decided to change plans and head out of the park and see some other sights in Wyoming!

First up was Sacajawea's grave...very neat to see! Then we went to the Wind River Indian Reservation trading post and found lots of goodies!!

Then we went to Hell's Half Acre...

gorgeous!!

Then we went to Fort Fetterman, they had a neat Museum..very fun!

Then we went to Wounded Knee and Pine Ridge Indian Reservation where Chief Red Cloud is buried.

Daddy at Red Clouds grave....

After this stop we headed home to Iowa, where the Farmer had steaks and shrimp waiting for us! Yummo!

We had such a fantastic time and as usual I am already planning the next Daddy/Daughter vaycay!!

Latley!

2011-06-07T18:59:00.002-05:00

It has been brought to my attention that I have not been keeping up with my bloggly duties! I know, I am aware, but it has just been soo hard lately to sit down, type, upload pics, and remember the fun things that I've been up to!! :)

Let me try to catch you up!

My girlfriends and I went to Women of Faith and had an amazing time!! Seriously I would tell anybody to go, so if you get the chance take it!! AMAZING!!! :)

My Daddy and I took our annual Daddy/ Daughter Trip and we had a BLAST! Pics to come! :)

I am in Mississippi now (got here on Saturday!) and will head back home on Sunday! So far I have gone to New Orleans to visit my Brother and Sister-in-Law (pics to come), done some shopping, gone to visit my sweet Grandma, and got to have supper with my bestie Brittany and her sweet babe Halle Faye!! I have much more planned and of course the highlight is my niece's horse show is this weekend. We have been practicing lots with her ponies! Too bad it's like a million degrees here!! UGHHHH!!!

Ok! That's the Reader's Digest version of what I have been up to!! More to come :)

TWINS!!! - Hull, IA Photography

2011-06-07T18:05:00.007-05:00

How cute are these twins??? This was my first set of twins to photograph, so I was super excited!! These cuties are actually my sweet neighbors grandkids. It was so fun to meet them! I just loved their personalities...enjoy some of my faves :)

Brotherly Love! - Hull, IA Photography

2011-06-02T13:30:00.006-05:00

Kolter and Madden came to visit the other day and took some super cute pics! Aren't they handsome!! Enjoy my faves :)

Olivia is One!!

2011-05-31T20:17:00.009-05:00

How cute is this little sweetie?!?! Enjoy some of my faves :)

Hello, is anyone there?!?!

2011-05-12T13:55:00.000-05:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know I have been neglecting yall...but seriously I am SUPER boring these days! hehe!

The coming weeks will be filled with fun stuff, so hopefully I will have more things to share, more regularly!!

This weekend I am going with a group of my girlfriends to the Women of Faith Conference...
http://www.womenoffaith.com/events/2011-events/des-moines/

We are super excited and hope to do a little shopping to while we're in the "big city!" haha!!

The Farmer and I have lots of graduation parties to attend the next few weeks and Tulip Festival is next weekend! I told you lots of fun stuff to come!! :)

I also have quite a few photo shoots booked for May and June, so be expecting more cuteness to grace the blog!

Not to mention I am leaving on the 25th of May to go to Deadwood,SD, Cody, WY and Yellowstone with my Daddy! YEA!!

Then I am heading on to Mississippi for a week on June 4th for my nieces horse shows!

AND the Farmer and I are taking our week long summer vaycay to Glacier National Park over the 4th of July!! SOOOO excited! Thanks goodness boring me will be taking a backseat to all the fun :)

Stay tuned for an update of our fun girls weekend!! :)

p.s.
Lowes called and our new countertop/sink will be here next week!!! WOOHOO!!

Stella and Dot!!

2011-05-04T10:57:00.006-05:00

My friend Amanda's Mom had a Stella and Dot Jewelry Party the other day! Of course this was the day I was cleaning the highway with my 4-H club, so I couldn't attend! Thankfully Amanda's sister was the one selling the jewelry, so she was there all day and I got to stop by afterward and pick out some fun stuff!! It was sooo hard to choose, they have some AMAZING jewelry!

Check out the website: http://home.stelladot.com/

I finally settled on the Sunset Bangle

http://www.stelladot.com/corporate/productcatalog?page=productdetail&selectedLocale=en_US&sku=B152

And the Garden Party Chandelier Earrings in Green/Gold

http://www.stelladot.com/corporate/productcatalog?page=productdetail&selectedLocale=en_US&sku=E1007TU

The quality is fab and the stuff is shipped right away...not to mention the adorbs packaging it comes in! SOO cute :)

What did I Ever Do Without DVR?!?!

2011-04-29T15:59:00.002-05:00

I was sooo excited to watch the Royal Wedding EARLY this morning!! I am such a night owl that I figured I would just stay up til 3:00 am to watch...yeah right! Of course I fell asleep and didn't wake back up until 4:00ish and was so tired, I just went back to sleep! Thanks goodness I had the forethought to DVR all the coverage {whew!} I watched the whole thing when I woke up! Soo amazing! I mean, it wasn't my pink and green polka dot extravaganza, but not everybody can be as fab as me...not even a princes! hahaha!

My life has been so uneventful, I am having trouble finding things to blog about...boo!! I am in the early stages of taking on my "planting widow" role, as the Farmer is getting ready to plant the corn and soybeans for the year. If it will ever stop raining long enough, maybe they can get it all done :)

I did just book my ticket to go home for a week in June, so that is exciting!! My niece (August Ann) has her very first horse shows June 11th and I just couldn't bear to miss it!! I will be working during the day, but will hopefully get to see some of my friends during the evening while I'm home!! Can't wait!!

Well I am off to make some healthy guacamole...which reminds me, some of yall wanted to know what crazy diet I am on this time!! ha! Well, it's Nutrisystem! Which means no recipe post for awhile! I really love the food and the stability of it! So far, so good :)

No pictures for this post, because I am lazy!! I promise to start being a better blogger very soon!!!

Easter!!

2011-04-25T12:35:00.004-05:00

The Easter Bunny came to visit is Sunday morning!! He brought the Farmer a TON of candy and he brought me some water bottles (I'm on a new diet and have to drink like 30 gallons of water a day..ha!), some tanning lotion, and some new books!!

The Down South book is SOOO cute!! It has this dog, Charlie, that goes from state to state learning all sorts of fun facts..it's kind of like Where's Waldo!!

Anyway, our big Easter surprise is a new bathroom counter top to replace the hideous one we currently have!! I am beyond excited! It will be here in 3 weeks, so sometime before then I will take a pic of the "before" so you will know just how tragic it was!!

I snapped this pic in Lowes....this is the counter top (in bamboo) and sink, it's called wave bowl! So fun!

And this is the faucet!! Love it!!

Can't wait to share the finished product!! :)

Busy, Busy, Bee!!!

2011-04-22T09:10:00.005-05:00

As always, sorry for the lack of posts, but lately it seems like I have been consumed with 4-H!! Last Saturday I taught a 4-H graphic design workshop, then Tuesday I had Discover 4-H with the little kids, then that night I had a mini 4-H photography workshop, last night we had our regular 4-H Club meeting where we had a fashion show staring all our members to get them ready for county fair, then tomorrow our club is cleaning our section of the highway for a community service project! Whew, that's alot of 4-H!! :)

Here are a few of the snapshots our club photographer captured!!

On top of all this, I have been making tons of final plans for our week long summer vaycay over July 4th!!! I am beyond excited about it!!! We are going to MT!! Yes, again....we love Montana, especially in the summer! First we are heading to Higer, MT to see one of my besties babies that will be born in June! Then from there we are heading west hopefully stopping to see a few friends along the way, then ending up at Glacier National Park! I have been there before with my family in '07, but the Farmer has never been. '07 Family trip to Glacier!

He is trusting me with all the plans, so lets hope he likes the romantic boat ride, fun cabin type lodging, picnics, and a trail ride through the park!!! I mean how could I pass up seeing the Farmer on a horse!?!? We are starting out on the west side of the park and ending up on the east side at St. Mary, where we will be staying most of the trip! This is the fab place.. http://www.stmarylodgeandresort.com/index.php Can't Wait!!

I never really cared about wildlife or national parks until I went to Glacier! I had been to Yellowstone the year before ('06) with my fam, but I just didn't really like it...I went in with a bad attitude (yes, I doo get that way sometimes!) and that kinda ruined it for me! But the next year for Glacier, I decided to have a good attitude and had the BEST time!! Since then, I have been hooked and I have to say when the Farmer and I went back to Yellowstone last summer, I LOVED it!! You really just have to enjoy it...I mean it they weren't made into National Parks for nothing! They are all truly amazing!! But my favorite of all is the Tetons..mostly because of the multitude of moose! We all know how I love my moose!! :)

Daddy and I are actually taking our annual Daddy/Daughter trip a little early this year and going back to Yellowstone over Memorial Day weekend. We have never been that early in the season, so we are hoping to see lots of baby animals...I would go a year without popcorn to see a baby moose (that is a huge commitment on my part..ha!) So I am going to try my best to persuade him to make a quick jaunt down to the Tetons on the way home!! Knowing my Daddy it will take about half a second of persuading!! hehe!! He LOVES his wildlife! Whenever we go anywhere that could possibly have some form of a wild animal he always says "watch for wildlife, watch for wildlife," about every 5 minutes! So now the Farmer and I say it even if we are just going to The Walmart!! You never know when you might see something!! hehe :)

Ok that's enough typing for now! Hopefully I will have a post up soon full of gorgeous Easter eggs!!! :)

Happy Good Friday!!

Macy's New Born Pics! - Hull, IA Photography

2011-04-18T15:36:00.009-05:00

This is my newest niece Macy! She slept through the whole shoot!! I couldn't believe it, she was my first "sleeper!" Check out some of my faves of the preciousness!!

Ask and you shall receive!!

2011-04-18T12:29:00.005-05:00

hehe! I guess my Momma read my last post, because today we got our Easter Happy box and guess what was in it ?!?!?! Sanuks!!! The Farmer got a fun brown pair and a TON of Jelly Beans! He is skipping around the house as I type...he is a Jelly Bean FOOL!!!!

I got a Bahama Breeze Yankee Candle, an adorable little green Easter chick, and more Sanuks!! Orange and Gunmetal!! LOVE IT!! Thanks so much Momma and Daddy for our surprise :)

Sanuks!!

2011-04-12T13:29:00.010-05:00

I have been so busy, I almost forgot to realize it is Spring!!! The Farmer is gone to Indiana to check out one of the places we get cattle from, so I have been taking care of Dashie the Dog! This requires me to put on real clothes and go outside! Outside into the fabulous spring weather we are having!!

He gave me instructions to give her food, water, and a little love! Done, done, and done!! I had gotten her a fun hot pink ball/rope toy for her Easter basket, but just couldn't resist giving it to her yesterday! She just looked soo sad! She misses her Farmer and the Farm!! She would much rather be running around chasing Luke the Farm dog, than cooped up in her pen here, but she will live..hehe! She has me, and that is nothing to turn her nose up at!! :)

Anyway, back to putting real clothes on....it is finally flip flop weather and my Sanuks have been glued to my feet for at least a week! I ADORE these flip flops! They are seriously like walking on air...sooo comfy!! They are not dressy sandal flops, but more casual...like for running errands, going to the pool, umm I cant think of anything else casual, but you get the idea!! I wear them all day because they just feel soo fab...seriously FAB!! My Momma sent me the black ones last summer and I loved them so much she got me even more colors! (Can't wait to see which colors she sends this year... hint, hint! hahaha!) I also have some of the Sidewalk Surfers which are just as comfy and sorta look like TOMS shoes!

I love them so much I decided to do a photo shoot...surely you are not surprised ;) Here is the link if you want to check out all the styles!! Soo fun! http://www.sanuk.com/products.phtml

The ones I have are called Yoga Mats (http://www.sanuk.com/yoga-mat)

Happy Spring!! :)

Fiesta News!!

2011-04-06T10:16:00.003-05:00

First of all, Fiesta has announced it's new color for 2011...Marigold!!! They have done a few Anniversary pieces (like the platter Lacie gave me http://thefarmerandthesouthernbelle.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-moh-gift.html) and I just adore the color!! So I will be adding Marigold to my collection!! Now the bigger news is, they have come out with this AMAZING soup tureen!! http://www.fiestafactorydirect.com/p-699-marigold-soup-tureen.aspx The production run of this soup set will be limited 10,000 individually-numbered pieces, so I'm guessing it's part of the anniversary Marigold too! Isn't it divine?!?!?! Anyone want to get me an early birthday gift?!?!? ;)

Precious Elise - Hull, IA Pgotography

2011-04-02T16:49:00.007-05:00

I was soo excited to finally meet precious little Elise, she was full of smiles and even let us put lots of fun flowers in her hair, my kinda girl!! :) Here are some of my faves!!

Sweet Jaylee - Hull, IA photography

2011-04-02T11:52:00.006-05:00

How cute is this little girl?? And don't you just LOVE her name..soo cute!! Her Momma is BFFs with the Farmer's sister, so I was honored to take her newborn pics!! Here are some of my faves of this fun little family :)

April Fools!!!

2011-04-01T12:17:00.013-05:00

I got the Farmer ggggooooooooooooooodddd!!! hehehe!! I called him while he was doing morning chores and frantically told him the basement was flooded!! He started freaking out immediately and of course I started laughing hysterically and said APRIL FOOLS!!! I suppose I should tell yall that we just spent...lets just say ALOT of money fixing our basement so it won't flood anymore...that's what makes it SOO funny!! hehehe!! Maybe it was a bit cruel but it's the only day I'm really allowed to be ;)

In other news, I have developed a new obsession...I mean collection!! :) The Berenstain Bears! I still have a lot to go on my Dr. Seuss books, but when I was at the Wal-Mart this week, I saw this.. It brought back all the fun memories of reading these books as a kid!! We had a fabulous collection and now my niece reads them! I always loved the pictures and they used such nice bright colors (can you tell I'm a graphic designer!?!?). The stories were soo good as well. I'm pretty sure each one taught some sort of a lesson, although I just assumed that they were Bear Country lessons and not for Hayley Mae! ha!

Anyway, I decided not to get the book then, but I kept thinking about it and how I really wanted to start the Berenstain Bears collection. One quick browse on Amazon later and the collection has begun!! :) I got the Baby Easter Bunny book (who is the baby on the cover? I certainly don't remember any other kids besides brother bear and sister bear!!) and also found another Easter one, The Berenstain Bears and the Real Easter Eggs, then since I wanted to get a few that I didn't have when I was younger, I picked up The Berenstain Bears and the Bad Influence, and The Berenstain Bears and the Week at Grandma's.

Then, I just went through and picked a couple ones that I remembered liking...The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Vacation, and The Berenstain Bears No Girls Allowed.

Then, I just HAD to have The Berenstain Bears Go to Camp.... We never had this one at home, but my Grandma (Ma) who had quite the collection too, had it! So whenever we went to visit in Louisiana, this was the first one I read! Such good memories!! :)

There are a hundreds of these books, so it will probably take me two or three weeks to get them all...APRIL FOOLS, Farmer, calm down!! hehehe :)

This and That!!

2011-03-28T12:50:00.007-05:00

Soo I have waited long enough for the Branson update! My sis still hasn't sent me the pics I want (2nd warning!! haha) but oh well!! Here is the one we took while at Silver Dollar City! No, we aren't one of those families who dress all in the same color to keep track of each other, it was St. Patricks day and we didn't want to get pinched!!! I loved Silver Dollar City, so much to see and do!! On Friday, the kids and my sis and bro in law went back to SDC and my Momma and I went shopping!! There are a TON of outlets and antique/crafty shops in Branson..loved it!!! We had a ball! On Saturday we went to the Dixie Stampede...i think this may have been my favorite part! It was soo fun and the food was yummy! We rooted for the South (duh!) and the South won!! YEA!! Afterwards we played Adventure Island mini golf!! This was fun too and I didn't even loose my ball in the water :) On Sunday, we got up had a scrumptious breakfast and then all headed back home. Can't wait to go again!!

On Wednesday, the Farmer and I got a new niece! The Farmer's brother and his wife had a baby girl, Macy. She is soo tiny and cute! Here are some pics from when we went to meet her!

And I just have to tell yall about my latest fun find!! 2 new Dr. Seuss books! I scored "If I Ran The Zoo" and "The Lorax" for $4.95 a piece!! YEA!!

This is a great buy for the bigger Dr. Seuss books! You never know what you are gonna find at the pharmacy in our town!! :) Now my collection is up to 17 books...woohoo!

Pig pics...as promised :)

2011-03-23T18:12:00.009-05:00

I know I still owe yall a Branson update but I'm waiting on my sis to send me some pics :) We did have a FABULOUS time though!!!

Sooo this afternoon I texted the Farmer and asked him to come pick me up so I could see the new pigs! He just happened to be headed to the hardware store, so he swung by and got me!

There was a little runt, so he grabbed him and brought him out to play! I named him Wilbur..soo cliché but it's all I could think of on such short notice!! The Farmer put him the back of the pick up (p.s. I call the pick up Shadow!! I don't really know why, but it makes me smile!) to run around, then he held him so I could get a close up, after that is was my turn to hold him for a bit! He pooped and tinkled on me and I only had a mini freak out...this must prove I adore piggies!! I figured this meant he loved me since he was comfortable enough to "let loose!" haha!! Why are there no pics of me holding it?? Well there are but I looked WRETCHED and am not willing to put them on the Internet! HA!

Next we had to go to the shop so the Farmer could fix some piece to a gate! He pulled me up a seat, so I knew it was gonna take awhile! Thank goodness I had my camera to entertain me! I thought these sparks were fun :)

The chop saw.....

And welding! I'm not sure this was safe, but he said as long as I was looking through my camera I would be fine...so far, so good!! :)

And I just couldn't resist snapping this shot of the pups! Luke the Farm Dog is on the left and our Dasher Dog is on the right...aren't they cute?!?!

Next "we" fixed the gate with the piece he was working on, then "we" pushed feed up for the cattle, then "we" plugged the tractors in because it's getting cold (yes, it is March but in Iowa it's still cold and better known as MUD than March!!!) After everything was finished up, we headed to town and got popcorn (my love!) and Diet Dr. Pepper (my other love!). I am just getting to be a regular little farmer! :)

Cute Little Carter - Hull, IA Photography

2011-03-22T15:06:00.008-05:00

This little cutie stayed awake his whole session! He was just too curious about what was going on...soo sweet! Enjoy some of my faves...

Branson Day 1 - Silver Dollar City!!

2011-03-17T19:35:00.013-05:00

We had such a great time today, but I am EXHAUSTED!!!!!!!! Soo you are just getting pics! Enjoy :)

Tomorrow is shopping ALL day with Momma!! YEA!!! :)

Brayden is 3 - Hull, IA Photography

2011-03-14T15:59:00.004-05:00

How cute is little Brayden?!?! We had such a good time together talking about all the Toy Story Characters!! Enjoy some of my faves form his session :)

Chores with the Farmer!!!

2011-03-14T10:45:00.013-05:00

Sooo yesterday I decided to go out and do chores with the Farmer! I haven't been out to the farm in a while, so I thought I should check on things :) Plus I was super bored! hehe!! Soo I got all suited up (sweatshirt, hot pink pants, and polka dot rubber boots!) AND got the Farmer to promise an ice cream treat when we were done! Yea!

I decided to bring my camera along so I wouldn't have to get dirty or do anything too strenuous...that worked pretty well until he needed help getting a sick steer in. He handed me a sorting stick pointed out which one he needed and told me to just walk around behind them. Thank goodness for Luke the cowdog because I almost fell 3 times trying to accomplish this feat!! Luke brought them all around and of course I took all the credit!! hehe!!

After he doctored the steer, we stopped for a quick snap shot then headed over to check the other pens!!

But first I had to get some pics of my princess dog, Dashie!! She has a huge tongue, bless her heart!!

Then the Farmer decided to show me their skills! Except Dashie would rather love all up on him than follow directions!

Good job Dashie and Luke!! Even thought this lasted just long enough for me to get the shot! :)

These gals are ready to be sold! Soo fat and pretty...well, fat and muddy!! :)

Another pen...don't you just love how they are all staring at me?!?! :)

Then we got in the tractor and picked up some bales with the bale shredder and bedded cattle, this was fun!! Dashie got super jealous that I was in the tractor and she couldn't get in...hehe!! After that we checked the hog barn (I didn't go in because they are big and gross, but they will be getting littler ones in again soon, then I will take pics!) Then we went to see the baby lambs!! They are just too cute!!

I had to use flash because it was soo dark, which explains the alien eyes!! I hate flash!!

After a hard days (hour) work we went to get ice cream at Culvers (mint oreo in honor of St. Pats!!) Such a fun afternoon with the Farmer!! I leave on Wednesday to go to Branson to meet my fam for 4 days!! YEA!!! Sooo excited!! Lots to do before then!! Better get to it :)