Fina Drea

RSS Feed Homepage

Articles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Just a blessing...
2008-05-07 02:44:00
Today I took some photographs for a family in our church. This family has been through some hard times recently...I cant get into details.. but let me just say that these beautiful children are siblings... the two oldest are going to be separated from the other two brothers (placed into two totally different homes, hours away)... and have to leave the only home they have ever known...Although we dont understand why things happen a certain way.. our peace comes in knowing that these precious babes are in the Lords hand no matter what home they are in.
More About: Blessing

Less sleep.. but more laughs (for them, right?)
2008-05-06 03:56:00
Its been almost 2 weeks now since we moved Taite into Calebs room "for good."We even went as far as moving the top bunk down and moving Taite into a "big boy bed."He did great and didnt even seem to care he was in a new bed.I think the reason being he saw his big brother across the room in the same type of bed. I remember when we tried to move Caleb into a big boy bed he was very upset. Caleb was 2 years old before even wanting in one. So for Taite at 16 months old happily settled in a full twin sized bed was amazing to me.Heres the con to this new sleep situation...Before moving Taite into Calebs room our mornings normally started around 7:30am ... and even as late as 8:30am some days. They also both were settling down at night around 7:30 or 8pm. Taite almost never talked going to bed.. he went straight to sleep.Since the move Taite AND Caleb (Especially Caleb) have been waking up at 6:30am...Are they getting to bed earlier? NOPE! later actually. We've even tried putting them dow...
More About: Sleep

Yet another pro!
2008-05-05 20:20:00
In these :-)Originally uploaded by finadrea After Taites nap I took the boys and drove to our local grocery store. I had to get a good amount... so I made sure I had all of my envirosax ready to go.I wanted to just show yet another reason why I love using these bags.Normally when I unload my car I have to make multiple trips if I use regular plastic bags. The plastic bags they use at the grocery store are easily ripped.. and I can only hold so many with each hand.With these reusable bags though It is so much easier. I was able to make ONE TRIP to my car and grab all my groceries WITH NO HELP.Some may think it wasnt a lot of groceries.. but let me just list for you what I carried (without straining)1. Organic Milk2. Orange Juice3. A HUGE tub of outdoor chalk for the boys4. Swiffer pads5. Bio Dish Soap6. razor replacement blades7. Toothpaste for the boys8. Mixed Organic greens (for salads)9. 2 baking potatoes10. 1 onion11. 2 tomatoes12. 4 apples13. wad of bananas :-)14. Box of organic...

My moms a photographer 2 :-)
2008-05-05 13:36:00
Carla's Pretty Green EyesOriginally uploaded by DulceKnits I was online looking through my moms flickr account and saw this photo. This is my cat Carla that I got as a teen. Shes so sweet. Shes a romanxx cat (has a stub tail).Travis thinks shes mean.. but thats just because Carla doesnt like him :-)Shes a good little cat!I thought this picture was well done though. My moms a photographer 2 :-)Oh.. and incase you all didnt gather.. my mom has Carla at her home now... we sadly couldnt take her when I got married. My mom was to attached :-) and our 1st apartment had a "no pets" rule. I get to see Carla any time I visit!If you get the chance check out ..We have a few giveaways running and more to come! :-)
More About: Photographer , Moms

"You're going to be a widow for a long time."
2008-05-05 04:05:00
Thats what my husband told me tonight after telling him my "real age" results. HAH!If you havent tried it you can HERE. Its basically a series of questions that determin your "REAL AGE."It factors in all sorts of things.. such as interest, driving methods, children, friends, diet, etc...According to the series of questions it asked me...My REAL AGE isnt 24... its 16.5 years HAHA!I told this to Travis and he said "id believe it."Not that I act like a 16 year old (come on mean commentors!).. but I guess I not only can look 16 at times... but I must be really healthy? :-) ill take it. heheThe reasons it said I was this age was because of good health in our family.No Breast Cancer and stuff...Also Im not on any meds at all.(that doesnt include vitamins)It also factored in that I work out weekly.Never used any drugs, dont drink, and Ive never smoked.It said I have good habits such as..a Healthy marriageUsing seat beltsI have parents who stayed togetherI get enough sleep (although I wonde...
More About: Time , Long

Southern Boy - Weekly Winners
2008-05-04 16:01:00
Yesterday we drove about 1 hour to go visit Travis' family.It was a surprise visit... Travis knew his sister and dad would be at the strawberry field.. so he didnt feel the need to call and let anyone know we were coming.Incase you didnt know Travis' dad is a farmer. He grows all sorts of goodies... and one of those goodies are strawberries. He has the best by far Ive ever tasted.It worked out well to go yesterday any how because I had a photoshoot planned. The girl (one of our simple mamas!) I was going to photograph for was planning to drive up to our place.. (1 hour away from her home)... but since we came to Travis' dads I got to go to her place. She lives about 5 miles from Travis' dads strawberry farm. So this worked out perfectly.The photoshoot went well.. and you can see a few more of the photos HERE. They came out darling!After the shoot I come back just in time for lunch ... I then see my precious blue/blonde and fair skinned 1 year old prancing around dirt roads.. and...
More About: Winners , Southern , Weekly

A Full Day!
2008-05-04 01:14:00
I'll write more later .. lets just say we are whooped after today :-)Heres a few photos from todays photoshoot though. They came out soo sweet!
More About: Full

Taite really likes Dogs :-)
2008-05-03 03:56:00
Tonight we had dinner w/ a new Pastor/Pastors wife in town.Its really weird.. we moved here like 9 months ago... and within 12 miles of our home we have 4 young pastors all from the same seminary!! all of the wives are SAHM (w/ the acception of one - but shes fixing to be soon haha). Its really neat though.. because as a Pastors wife its hard to make friends.. you can become close with others... and have friends in the church.. but its really difficult to open up about struggles you have and so on w/others... some of the only people you really feel can relate with are other pastors wives.. so its been a real blessing to have so many young ones that share so much in common close by.This particular one loves photography! and we really cliqued. I look forward to getting to know her more.While at her house my cute Burger... decides to kiss their dog... and got a little bit more than a kiss HAHACheck this out... Notice Taite s outfit..Those arent pants... those are Calebs size 3T shorts ...
More About: Dogs

What im eating right now
2008-05-02 20:18:00
Kids are napping... and im enjoying these :-)Ingredients1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce1 teaspoon vanilla extract4 egg whites1 cup sugar1/4 cup unbleached, all-purpose flour1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder1/2 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (semi-sweet)Butter-flavored cooking sprayPreheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8x8 inch non-stick cake pan with spray.In a medium mixing bowl, using a sturdy whisk or spatula, mix the applesauce, vanilla, egg whites and sugar until they are well combined.Add the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir the mixture until it is just combined and no lumps remain. Pour it into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the chips evenly over the top. Bake the brownies for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out dry (a few crumbs are okay).Transfer the pan to a cooling rack and allow them to cool 5 minutes. Cut into 12 equal brownies. Makes...
More About: Eating

How do you knowwww
2008-05-02 16:54:00
The other night my mom and I rented the movie "Enchanted!"It was SO CUTE!!! My dad sat down to watch it with us.. and at 1st was like "I thought this was a real movie?" :-) meaning "not a cartoon."It starts off like a really cheesy Disney movie... but about 10 min. into it they transition into real life. I wont giveaway anything.. ;-) but just know majority of the movie is "real" HAHA (aka "not cartoonish")I loaned the rental though to my friend Rose.. and we got to talking about relationships through email (she lives in my town.. but we talk through email a lot as well). How the song this girl sings in the movie seems so "not normal and far fetched." Like no marriage or relationship is really like that. :-)And you know.. of course its going to seem more romantic in the movies... thats why its a movie :-) but I do think we can have just as happy and good relationships in real life as we can in the movies...When I married Travis I knew what our vows meant.. and that I was not only ma...

Our Boat! - Aviano
2008-05-02 02:42:00
I posted some CANOE photos the other day.. but most of them did not include our entire boat.. since I had the camera in hand.. My mom though on another boat snapped a few of us.. and uploaded them to her flickr account tonight. She did a nice job :-)I had to post them..*click images for larger views*In the photo above Taite has the CUTEST expression on his face. CLICK HERE for a zoomed version of him :-)Also some of you may of known.. but my brother Kevin is currently serving with the US air force over in Italy! He posted a few new flickr photos as well.. and this one was my favorite! Its my current desktop photo :-) We miss you Kevin!
More About: Boat

My Roses
2008-05-02 01:59:00
Our rose bush.. tree... vine.. plant... hehe is in full bloom! its soo beautiful. Someone planted it before we moved in and never put a lattice? So the roses have no way of climbing up.. In the fall we plan to cut it back some and help it climb up something.. that way it doesnt look like a really awkward rose bush :-)Thats without any filter...and below is with a fun filter they offered...(oh and it will round edges for you 2!)The photo was edited with PicNik. My mom actually told me about this.. but I didnt really look at it until a blogger sent me a message today.. I fiddled with it.. its pretty cool. The only thing I dont like is that its done online.. so if you have a slow connection it takes a while...Off to fold laundry and stuff diapers.. thats all I do really.. :-)
More About: Roses

Chase, Rocket Boots, Singing and Bumpers!
2008-05-01 15:39:00
Just a few videos from my day yesterday...Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.comAlso check out the latest giveaway at..
More About: Boots , Rocket , Chase , Bumpers , Singing

17 weeks an HAPPY - No nap yet wont work
2008-05-01 02:05:00
Today I photographed a cutie named Landon. He was 17 weeks! Such a happy lil man. He had the prettiest eyes!I will upload most of his photos to my flickr account later.. so check back if you want :-)For now heres a sneak peak!One of my favs... a baby in over-alls is just so cute!!The mama didnt want to be photographed... not sure why she was stunning! the prettiest hair ever. But I did snap one ;-) teeheeand lets end with...SUPER BABY!!!*the mom got a nice workout on her biceps and triceps ;-)*On a totally different sujbect..Today I tried to let Caleb skip his nap. The past two morns he has gotten up at 5:30am! way to early. So I thought that maybe he was getting to much sleep during the day... (oh and he didnt get to bed until past 9pm on those days)So today I didnt let him nap...and let me tell you. HE WAS ONE CRANKY BOY!!!I even let him relax during his nap time and watch a movie... he was still a wreck by 5:00pm.By 7pm he was telling me he was sleepy and wanted to go to bed (rar...
More About: Work , Happy , Weeks

Our new art room/Photography
2008-04-30 19:12:00
Since Taite now shares a room with his brother.. that leaves us with a spare room! (for now...)This room has always served as a guestroom/closet space/sewing room for us... but I would love to have a studio to do photography in. Im not sure its do-able... because the room isnt very large... and the bed in the room is a queen size frame... but I may try and rearrange it some how to make room. If not its no big deal.. I actually like the idea of using it as a learning/art room for the boys.With photography I can always do portraits for people in our living room. Its spacious as well as well lite. So either way works.. and since I got my new frame (thats awesome!! - Im using it today for a shoot at 4pm actually) I can easily transport the frame from room to room.Since creating a separate space though for the boys "art" it seems to have peaked an interest in Caleb. Caleb has wanted to draw and practice letters more the past two days than he ever has!This morning I woke up to Travis and...
More About: Photography , Room

Semi-Wordless Wednesday - Sign
2008-04-30 13:27:00
I have been trying to teach Taite some sign language.He does well.. but seems to enjoy talking more some days :-)The signs he'll do are..PleaseMoreAll DoneMilkDrinkEatCandyApple (some times...)Helpand his newest signICE CREAM!Its so cute to watch.I want to teach him more in the next few months. I think its fun to watch them communicate this way.Heres a video of him showing a few...The last video is so cute. I dont think he understood why I was asking him to sign things... but he did a good job. I'll try and get a better video soon.. cause seriously lately he has gotten so good at it. He will sign 3 things in a row. Like yesterday we went to get ice cream. He signed "more, ice cream, please"ENJOY!Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com
More About: Sign , Semi , Wednesday

Im going to be tired...
2008-04-30 06:47:00
Its almost 1am.. and I finally got to a good stopping point..This is what Ive been working on...I'll post photos of Calebs 1st letters later ;-) tomorrow...
More About: Tired

I couldnt wait!
2008-04-29 17:55:00
Caleb and I just got done practicing letters.My friend Kelly gave me the BEST DVD to help teach children letters in a fun way.. not only the letters but the SOUND letters make.Calebs interest in letters since seeing this DVD has increased so much. Such a blessing.Caleb today wrote his 1st letters.The letter H, Q and A!I'll post pics later as well as where you can get this fantastic DVD.Kellys on her way w/ her crew.. so off I go to start lunch.
More About: Wait

Why I put forth the effort
2008-04-29 03:55:00
Some of you may of read this post earlier today. Its been revised.. but basically the same.THESE ARE MY THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS on the subject.. you are entitled to your own.. I have close friends who still use plastic and I love them just as much. I do not think less of them or think I am any better. This is a choice we each have to make as an individual .. and I feel very strongly it is the best choice for myself and our family.Now to the video.. I always feel like I have to put a disclaimer or "explain" to people who read my blog why I post certain things.. because lately I have gotten so many negative lash outs by readers... and just hurtful comments. I do not take the comments to heart.. but even if you have the esteem to ignore them.. after time it gets very frustrating and a tad OLD. So to hopefully cut back on the comments I do try to explain my motives right off the bat...Heres the video (it speaks volumns!)*taken after shopping w/ my boys - got a cart full in 4 bags!This sam...

The Reveal!
2008-04-29 02:29:00
So heres the reveal.. that as of now is working ok...I think...as I type Im listening to Burger jabber in bed... he is SUPPOSE to be asleep.. and poor Caleb is laying as good as can be trying to ignore him ;-)Taite just feels the need to jabber when sharing a room w/ his brother. Its interesting 2 because before in his own room he never talked like this.. but I suppose the idea of knowing someone is there with him makes him feel the need to talk to them.Babies :-)The thing is we decided to go ahead and transition Taite into a big bed.We purchased a bunk bed months ago and knew that eventually Taite would share a room with his brother. The bunk comes apart and creates two twin beds if needed. Because Caleb isnt even 4 we didnt feel comfortable letting him sleep up top. SO! we just made the two beds for now.I actually like it better than the bunks. Even though bunks took less space.. this to me makes the room look more open... not sure why.They each have their own matching quilts on t...

A blessing to be close
2008-04-28 19:56:00
My mom and dad just packed up and are on their way back home.They live 4 hours from us... and even though 4 hrs is a good distance... it is nothing compared to the 12 hour trip they use to have to make when we lived in OHIO.Its been such a blessing to our family to live close again..We had a wonderful visit!Caleb as they were fixing to leave said..."After my nap can we go to their house?"He loves his nana and papa!Burger misses them 2 im sure.. but he cant exactly say that yet :-)*If you noticed... the bunk bed is now a twin bed.. I got news to share later and photos!**Also simple is going to be remodeled soon!!*
More About: Close , Blessing

Weekly Winners - April 20-27
2008-04-28 14:04:00
My Parents in the CanoeTravis and Caleb in the CanoePoking the cotton candy(we normally dont let him have this much sugar..but who could resist him when his eyes lit up at the sight!)Tuckered out after a long dayGetting BalloonsNana and her BurgerDainy whitesSee more weekly winners by others HERE
More About: April , Winners , Weekly

People are so rude
2008-04-27 19:51:00
As many of you know I entered two photos into a contest on THIS WEBSITE.I emailed friends/family to get some votes and posted on my blog. No big deal right?Well apparently I got SO MANY VOTES that the website thinks I cheated some how.. like made multiple names and voted for my own photo?I didnt do this. Travis of course voted for themas well as my Dad.Both of which this weekend were in the same house, using the same computer! So maybe they think I just made up these names and did it myself? They some how can view where people sign in through an IP address.. and because my dad, and husband used the same IP address they think its fraud.Any how. They sent me an email saying that they had to check things out before declaring me as a winner.. so for now they suspended my account! I cant even log in or view the photos I entered. Nor can anyone else for that matter. Which to me isnt fair since one of those contest is still running. The other one (Taites) ended. I was in 1st place last tim...
More About: People , Rude

Farmers Market - Canoe Ride - Naps!
2008-04-26 20:58:00
*Pic Heavy Post*Its 3pm.. kids are napping.Travis studying for sunday mornings sermon...Mom is knittingAnd Daddio is napping ;-)We had a great morning. Started off with playing at home and tidying up.At 11am I had to run to church to sing a few songs for the "young at heart" group...Then it was off to the Farmers Market to meet my family for some fun.They had a kids fest there... the kids enjoyed it.. and we even got to see some friends.After the festival around noon we headed off to a nearby town with a river... and went for a Canoe ride!!Even our widdle Burger went ;-)Got the kids home by 2pm.. gave them a quick bath.. and off to bed before dinner.Tonight we'll go out to eat for my dads birthday.Heres a few photos.. more to come later...BTW A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL MY BLOG READERS!! The contest has less than a day left to go.. both the entries are in 2nd place!! If you havent voted yet please do :-)CLICK HERE to find out how to vote...
More About: Ride

Thank U!!
2008-04-26 15:04:00
I just wanted to Thank everyone who has taken the time to vote for my two photos!We are currently in 9th and 6th place!Calebs photo is in 6th right now in the BEST SMILE catagory..Taites is in 9th for the "EYES SAY IT ALL" catagory!The "eyes say it all" contest ends in less than 24 hours! Please if you have 5 minutes vote for these two photos. All you have to do is register.. then you can vote.Feel free to check out all the other great photos.. they have lots of fun contest on this site weekly.. it is very inexpensive to register.THANK YOU EVERYONE!Again here are the links to voteVOTE FOR TAITEVOTE FOR CALEBand you can vote for both. They are under two separate contest.Im off to practice for a solo.. I have to sing special music at the young at heart luncheon.. and then its off to a kid fest at the farmers market with my parents.Have a beautiful and happy weekend!

Please vote for Caleb and Taite!!
2008-04-26 03:14:00
I decided to enter Caleb and Taite into a photo contest. My friend Shanni entered her little guy and a few other photos into some contest... she encouraged me to do the same.So I did.I entered Taite into the contest labeled "The Eyes say it all"and Caleb into the contest labeled "Winning Smile"Here are the photos I entered below...To vote for TAITE CLICK HEREand..To vote for CALEB CLICK HERE.BTW.. you can vote for both!! they are under two seperate contest.. so it isnt cheating or anything :-) You do have to create an account with the site in order to vote.. it takes all of 5 seconds really.. and they arent a spam site.Thank you so much! I really want to save up the money to put towards my business or help pay for some traveling expenses later in the year.
More About: Vote

Splinter w/ Bread Method & our floors
2008-04-25 14:56:00
So.. I was told by a blog reader to try putting bread on my childs splinter w/ a band aid for a night.. and that the splinter would work its way out through the night..I tried this with Taite...didnt work.I then tried it with Caleb last night. He had a big one!didnt work...So I had to do the old "tweezer" method.. resulted in lots of tears.. lots of screaming and LOTS OF BOOGERS!Oh well.. we got "most" of it out...I wish it had worked.. but the Splinter w/ Bread method did not...I was talking w/ my friend Elizabeth through email last night about my obsession with cleaning our hardwoods.Many of you have commented on how pretty they are..as pretty as they are they do require lots of upkeep.I would rather have wood floor though than carpet.For many reasons...1. It results in a lot less allergies2. The kids can ride those little car toys MUCH easier on hardwood than carpet, hehe3. If a child barfs or poops on the floor its much easier to clean4. I like the look much better...5. Its easy...
More About: Method , Floors

Its not fun to do but it needs to be done
2008-04-25 04:55:00
The past few weeks we have noticed Caleb "hitting and pushing" lately. About a month ago he spent some time with a little boy who was in the "hitting" phase... and since then Caleb has been doing it...It is really trying for me... because he has always done fairly well at keeping his hands to himself...What upsets me more is that he is teaching it to my friend Kellys little boy.. and this past week I saw 1st hand how one behavior from one kid.. is quickly learned by another. I dont want my child to be the one teaching the bad behaviors. I know he isnt perfect... but what he is doing really shouldnt be that hard to correct.*caleb in time out at the park..*So... the past few days we have really tighten up on Caleb... and really work hard to not let these misbehaviors slide. A big part of us wants to show mercy... and let those behaviors go... but we cant do that! By doing this we are teaching him to do wrong and teaching him to be disobedient.Today was one of those tester days for us....

The Scab fell!
2008-04-24 16:55:00
The cuteness we call Burger 3 Originally uploaded by finadrea Many of you know that Taite fell a few weeks ago and ended up in the ER. He had to have the wound bonded shut with DERMA Bond. This worked well..It took over 3 weeks though (atleast) for the scab to fall off.. I think the glue was holding the scab on. I was to scared to pick at it.. in fear of hurting him or making the scar worse.. so I left it alone.Finally it fell off (most of it)It isnt an awful scar. Some of the glue is still stuck to his eye brow.. making the hairs look all funny.. but that will wash away in time.I plan to use maderma for kids on it to help lessen the scar.You must admit though.. he is pretty darn cute.. scar and all!See more photos of the scar on my flickr album.

Throwback Thursday - Lydia and Burger
2008-04-24 15:12:00
Taite and Lydia have known each other for almost a year now! wait.. no.. 10 months.. so yea almost a year. :-)They have become great little friends.. and its always so cute to watch the two of them play.Incase you didnt know Taite and Lydia are 1 month apart.Here are a few photos of the two of them together...August or Sept. 2007 The chubbiness in this photo makes me meltMarch 2008And...Last night (photos are separate though)All images can be enlarged by clicking them!
More About: Burger , Throwback , Thursday