Does Practice Really Make Perfect?

I'm kind of banking on this phrase! Okay, I realize I am years away from achieving perfection in photography (well, nobody truly achieves this anyway) but all I am really aiming for is to get really good! I will give myself the next year as my "novice" year but come next October, my goal is to have made drastic improvements. And thank goodness for Avery, because I don't think my dogs could take an entire year of being my "go-to" photography models!

I was so jazzed after my photography class last night to come home and try out some new tricks! This class was by far the most complicated and frustrating of the series, but I left there confident that with baby steps, I really could learn to take great photos.

It wouldn't be fair to all you readers who are thinking of "going back to school" if I didn't clarify that 90% of the reason I love this class so much is because of Nora! We have so much fun together and she makes me laugh like CRAZY! We met early for dinner (Nora treated me!), attempted to fit as much conversation as possible into 1 hour and then put our photography caps on!

When I got home, I followed my pups around the house for a good 30 minutes before I realized I was getting a little obsessive. I think it was the first time I ever sat to watch The Office with my camera around my neck. Point is, I am excited to really give this my best "shot" (pun intended). Wish me luck!

99 Days to Go!!

The Title of this Post really sums it all up! Just another milestone to have reached! Yes, it seems silly that getting to the "double digit" countdown numbers is a big deal but when you started reading a certain pregnancy book starting at "241 days to go", you would understand!

Of course, give or take some days in that number but you don't truly know until the end! Next doctor appointment on Tuesday and after that will be only 1 more "monthly" appointment until January when I start going weekly!

For all you mommies out there, did your babies kick all the time? Maybe Chris and I single-handedly made myself a running partner!? She kicks ALL the time and I love it!

Meeting Brady!

Last night Chris and I met my cousin Shannon and her husband, David at P.F. Chang's for dinner! As great as it was to see them, the most exciting part was getting to meet the newest addition to their family...Brady! Brady is now 4 months old and I could hardly wait to meet this adorable little boy :) I cannot begin to describe what a good baby he is! He did not make a single peep during our entire meal! Instead, he was just "hanging" out and seemed happy to be along for the ride. I found myself saying a prayer last night in hopes that Avery is as good and healthy as cute little Brady!

Shannon and David are such wonderful people and I really wish we were able to spend more time with them :) Brady is so blessed to have them for partents. We are so thankful for their advice thus far and know we will have many more questions to send their way!


An interesting part of the evening came towards the end when we all opened our infamous Fortune Cookies...take a look at Chris' message! Will we be having Avery a little early?? ;)

Weekend in Review...

It was a good weekend.

I found myself either extremely motivated at times or extremely exhausted. Here is how the weekend went:

Saturday Morning Yoga Class (Motivated!)
Came home and started cleaning for 15 mins (Motivated!)
Laid down in my bed for about 30 mins (Exhausted!)
Restless and felt I needed to be productive so got up and cleaned some more (Reluctant Motivation!)

The rest of the weekend was pretty much a mirror of the above mood changes. However, I am happy to report that by Sunday evening, I had accomplished A LOT! I managed to clean the entire house, do all of the laundry, wash our bedskirt and all of the bedroom curtains (and ironed them!), scrubbed down our two guest baths (we had a big plumbing issue due to the storms last week - not fun), go grocery shopping, attend a 25th Wedding Anniversary Party, attend a Bridal Shower, sell our treadmill, rearrange our master bedroom, and even had enough energy by Sunday night to make a Safeway run for none other than Entenmann's donuts!
...my true pregnancy craving. And the best part of all?? I managed to avoid the Sunday blues! Two weekends in a row!

Progress Update!

25 WEEKS!


21 WEEKS!


8 WEEKS!

What-a work-week!

Do you ever find yourself pulling up to work and thinking..."how did I just get here?" Meaning...you literally cannot recall your drive in because your mind was in a million different places? Shoot, did I stop at all stop signs?...did I shut the garage? ...did I use my blinker at the necessary times <---(haha, who actually does that except me anyway??)

That would be a good description of this work week for me. Granted, I haven't been on complete auto-pilot but while sitting here checking in with my piece of the Google pie, I find myself saying "what just happened?"! It was an intense yet PRODUCTIVE work week but truthfully, has left me emotionally exhausted. These days I have much more energy and feel wired by "bed time" but oddly enough, the exhaustion catches up to me and sleep alone cannot "fix" it. Instead, I hit the "wall" head on and choose from the pregnancy buffet options of crying, yelling, or taking it out on the hubby! Okay, kidding about the last part. I love him too much. BUT these wall collisions are always a good time to remind him that he "just doesn't understand me"...haha, I just cracked myself up!

Don't get me wrong, I love busy work weeks and love busy days and love busy moments. Well shoot, I hope the Blog Gods don't read too much into this post (pun intended) and take away my busy-ness...but it wouldn't feel right to not let out some of the thoughts that got trapped during the rush of the business world week!

It occured to me today that I haven't felt such a "crossroads" in my life since I graduated from college. I'd like to think I do "well" with big life decisions but you would think that by now I know to just say my genunine prayers and wait for guidance. If only I did well with waiting. After college, the main question was WHAT career will I dive into? Now, after years in the working world, in a career I LOVE, I am realizing just how much trickier it can get. Incorporating a family at home while you are away. It will be a learning process but it will evolve just as it should. Just as my choice to leave Cali and head to Ireland oddly enough, led me to the man of my dreams. ...so maybe I just take a deep breath and know these significant decisions ahead may even be made for me.

It's Happening!

It's been a busy week at work with one of our biggest clients in town, so after a day filled with meetings, I could hardly wait to get home and head to my mailbox!

Waiting for me was this ADORABLE baby shower invite! Since the details of my baby shower have been a surprise until tonight (well, I still don't know everything), I was so excited to find out the location annnd view the official invite! Talk about an invitation that fits me to a tee!

I am so blessed to have such great girlfriends and sisters to throw this shower for me! I cannot wait to celebrate with even more wonderful friends and family. Not to mention, December 4th will mark only 2 months remaining in this eventful pregnancy journey :)

If registering was as fun as it was...I can only imagine how much fun this party will be!

Carlsbad Adventure!

What a weekend!...a weekend we have been planning for close to a year now with two of our Fabulous Neighbors (Mike & Cindy).

In honor of MS (multiple sclerosis) Research, Chris signed up to participate in the MS Bay to Bay Carlsbad Bike Ride this past weekend. Chris' aunt, our neighbor Mike and my friend's dad all suffer with MS so it was a cause especially close to our hearts. Last year was the first year that the Fassel's and their friends started "Team Mikey" and took on the 30 mile & 100 mile Bike Ride along the Pacific Coast!

We loved being a part of such a meaningful weekend but I would be lying if I said it wasn't filled with nonstop fun! I LOVE all of Mike & Cindy's friends and find myself laughing constantly when around them. They are all such energetic couples with successful, fulfilling marriages, families and careers...over all well-rounded lives :)

Downtown Carlsbad is adorable with boutique shopping (my favorite), beach views and friendly people. I could see myself living there for sure...well, one of the many places.

Friday night was dinner at Gregorios (yummy Italian) to prepare for the big race day on Saturday! I woke up with Chris to wish him luck and then headed to the beach for an hour run/walk along the shore. Can I please have that luxury every day??

By 10:30am, Cindy and I met the bike riders at none other than The Cantina! That's right...nothing like a post-ride Bloody Mary! They surely deserved it since the conditions were rainy and sloppy. We spent the afternoon at the outside Biking Expo and then dried off just in time for a delicious spaghetti dinner at Paula's house (yes, it is okay to carbo load even if you're not actually riding)! Chris and I spent the day together Sunday at the Carlsbad outlet malls, driving along the Coast, picking out our dream houses, and filling up on great Mexican Food in Del Mar! By 5pm, we were surely in need for more Italian food so we headed over to Mike & Cindy's for yummy pizza and Mike & Paula's birthday celebration!

It was clearly a funfilled weekend and I cannot forget to mention how spectacular our hotel was! It sat just along the beach and they were kind enough to upgrade us to a Beach Front room at no charge. Not only was it beach front, it was HUGE! Sadly, I forgot to snap some pictures of the masterpiece.

I really had the best weekend and am thankful for some great memories! Next year will be another weekend getaway to look forward to and maybe even Avery can come :)

And last but not least, Thank you to all of our dear family and friends who donated to this important cause! It means so much to us that you would support Chris during this fundraising event but more importantly, spend your hard earned money to help those in need. Thank you truly!


Morning stroll along the beach...


En Fuego at Del Mar (recommended by the wonderful Jereme Sylvain!)


Just a few shots to show you how truly adorable the downtown Village at Carlsbad really is!




Bike ride fun!






Chris anxiously awaiting his FREE 15 minute massage!


Where are the Bloody Mary's already??! Juice for me of course ;)


View from our room :)


Yummy Breakfast by the Beach!

"I Can't Wait to Shoot in the RAW!"

Kelley - "I can't wait to shoot in the RAW!"

Nora - "Ummm...that's great Kelley but maybe you should keep that to yourself!"

Just a sneak peak into the fun dialogue between Nora and I during our first photography class at the prestigious "Ritz University". Don't be jealous...only the elite are accepted. And by elite I mean those willing to show up.

I've had some Ritz Camera coupons sitting in my wallet for over a year now and can't tell you how pleased I am to not only be taking this class but to be taking it with a friend! How else do I expect to keep my loyal bloggers entertained unless I really learn how to take better photos?!

For a two hour, 7:30pm class, we were both a little worried about falling asleep in class. Creatively enough, we chose good ol' fashion "note passiing" to serve as our sleep distraction. Imagine my excitement when I show up to see Nora sitting in the 3rd row (not the 1st!) with a seat saved for me holding a brand new "K" Notebook ANND.....a SHIRLEY TEMPLE from AJ's for yours truly! Are you kidding me?? I could not get over the fact that she brought those two wonderful items for me! I'm not sure why, but I am sucker for a clean, fresh college-ruled notebook. Clearly Nora knows the way to my heart ;)

Looking forward to more Thursday night photography classes! You can't beat the interesting mix of people from a sleepy pregnant woman (guess who), the french foreigners in the back, and the old man up front who has a new question/observation for each camera button discussed.

Happy Picture Taking!

The Letters are finished!

Thoughts? :)
p.s. they are sparkly but you can't tell in this picture...

Avery gets a new pair of shoes!

Not only did I have a great Monday highlight of getting to see Mer in my office today, but she brought Avery a gift! For those of you who know Mer, this is no big surprise! She is always so thougtful and CREATIVE! I had the shoes sitting out all day...it made me smile each time I glanced at them. Why is it that baby stuff is so darn cute?!!? Thank you so much Mer! I know Avery's little footsies appreciate them already :) You are such a great friend!

Good weekend but still the Sunday funk?

I can't complain...I've had a great weekend and love when there isn't too much on the calendar so I can catch up on my to-do list!

The highlight of my weekend was definitely lunch on Saturday with my running friend, Sharon! Sadly, I hadn't seen Sharon in months and our lunch reminded me just how much I miss her! I cannot say enough nice things about her and the way she lives her life is so inspiring :) She is the ultimate multi-tasker and one of the most thoughtful people I've ever met. I think I will make my way out to the Bandido's track nights in the next couple of months, at least for an easy run and to see some friends I haven't in awhile. She also reminded me how easy it will be to load up my baby jogger and Avery and head to the Bandido Runs! I think that will be a great thing to do with Avers :)...and burning some extra calories won't be too bad either!

I saw Social Network last night and if you haven't yet, I HIGHLY recommend it!

Today was cleaning and errand day! Feeling nice and motivated, I was able to get quite a few things accomplished. It was really looking like I was going to avoid the Sunday Blues this week but that was too good to be true. They crept up at around 4pm and don't seem to be going anywhere. What is it about Sunday Funks!?!!? These days, you would think I would be excited to start a fresh new week but......nope. Mondays are just tough and remind you that you have an entire work week ahead of you before you get the wonderful weekend break. At least this work week will only be 4 days because Chris and I are off to Carlsbad on Friday! Looking forward to that :) Well, maybe these blues will go away...off to go pick up James from the airport soon.

Baby Bump Update :)

23 weeks and 1 day!...

My kinda date night...

So far this weekend is off to a great start! Friday night date night (which is usually Wednesday) turned out to be such a fun evening. For some reason, probably related to the little being growing inside of me, I was feeling a bit nauseous and lathargic. Fortunately, I have an incredible hubby who sat on the bed listing ideas for our date night until he came up with something that sounded great to both of us. His part? Ah-So's Restaurant and my part? TARGET! We headed to Ah-So's up at Norterra and had a delicious meal while sitting outside. Yes; this weather has already put me in an excellent mood :) It was one of those times when you have the best conversation and you think to yourself (although I think this EVERYday)...I have a keeper here! ;) We walked over to Dick's Sporting Goods so Chris could get another pair of running shoes (he only has about 10 now), I would hate for him to feel deprived. But as hard as he works, he should have bought 5 pairs.

And for the best part? We then headed to Target and I got to pick out a bunch of much-needed-maternity-type clothing items! A little treat from the hubs. So much more fun when you're not spending your own money but when you realize you're married and you share money, it's at least fun to have him swipe the card! ;) This might make getting dressed a little bit easier...

Can't wait for our date nights to continue after Avery's here....we will probably even appreciate them more than we do now!

Highs & Lows :)

What a wonderful night out yesterday evening! Although most of the gals that read my blog, attended this little happy hour last night, I still must acknowledge it :)

I loooove my "Britney Spears" girls and after every visit with them, I find myself saying...what if I didn't end up going to that concert or better yet, how fortunate I am for Jen to think of me!

Each of you ladies (since you know who you are) have the BEST qualities and lead such inspiring, balanced lives! It's great to call you friends!

Looking forward to our next get-together and most of all...THINKING OF YOU JESS AND KNOW YOUR WEDDING WILL BE BEAUTIFUL! GOOD LUCK WITH EVERYTHING!

P.S. Moment of silence for those sticky buns!

Baby Clothes Galore!

I can already tell that my Dad and Ann are going to be wonderful grandparents to precious Avery! It melts my heart that they seem to think of her now all the time when shopping, planning for backyard safety, or for future family vacations :)

It was a great surprise to hear that my Dad purchased a ton* (*76) of clothing items for Avery from a fellow firefighter! It looks like these clothes have NEVER been worn and for such a good price, how can you beat it? I am a sucker for baby's clothes and cannot wait to shop for cute little items but let's be realistic folks...she will grow out of things so quickly that I hate to think of throwing away too much money on little outfits (same feeling with maternity clothes!). I also have a bunch of 12 month to 18 month clothes coming from the same family...I cannot wait! The collection was complete with a Baby's 1st Phoenix Suns' Tee and a San Francisco shirt even!! (I left my heart...)

What a thoughtful and exciting surprise from my Dad and Ann! Thank you both so much!

Does this mean Fall is coming??

I could handle a day like this once, maybe even twice a week! Is this my reward for hanging up the Halloween/Fall decorations yesterday?

It's tradition to get your Halloween decorations up as soon as October hits on Wagon Wheel. I love driving through my street this time of year because it's so festive and we really love us some Halloween! I decided to start my candy purchases now...that gives me a good three weeks to collect for 500 kids (last year's total)...Oh how I love Fall!

(had to black out my address)

Sons of Sylvia!...and Carrie Underwood ;)

Wow. What a fun Sunday night! I have been waiting 5 months for the Carrie Underwood concert to arrive and finally, it came. Unfortunately, I was only able to get one additional ticket from my work so James and I marked it on our calendar and waited patiently.

Carrie is my absolute favorite! She is incredibly talented and of course, gorgeous! I love that she is a good, Christian woman and genuinely seems to appreciate her good fortune.

My favorite song on Carrie's new cd is "What Can I Say"...it's a duet with the lead singer from Sons of Sylvia (who is gorgeous). I figured we wouldn't hear it though because obviously he would have to be there. Buuuut, imagine our surprise when we realized it was Sons of Sylvia opening for her! Jamie and I were in an absolute daze through all 7 of their songs. Before their final song, Ashley (lead singer) mentioned they would be up in Section 101 for a meet and greet if we wanted to come say hi! Well don't mind if we do Ash!!! James and I turned into instant teenagers with a crush on our favorite artist. I am happy to report that we waited in line for 45 minutes to meet the Sons of Sylvia and take a memorable picture! I wish my words could give justice to the humor associated with this experience...we had the best time and soo enjoyed our rush with fame annnnnnd immaturity ;) We even ran into some girlfriends that yes indeed, were doing the exact same thing we were! Most people would be intimidated that the average girl in line was 11 years old, but nope, not us 20-somethings!

I must say, that was the highlight of our night but Carrie surpassed our expectations! She sang my ALL time favorite song of hers: Wasted...but all of her songs are incredible. Those pipes...

Getting to bed at midnight really took a toll on me today but I guess it's a good learning experience for the baby days to come!

See a difference?? ;)
Me (October 2010)

Me (November 2008)