Jen's Corner

Just hanging around

2012-02-08T05:39:00.000-08:00

So I read an article about photographing your kids an it said to engage them in a silly activity and then start snapping. I was pretty happy with these results. I will definitely be trying this tactic again.

Julie's B day lunch

2012-02-05T14:45:00.000-08:00

We had our good friend Julie and her family over for a birthday lunch today. Everyone was all smiles!

G teaching A how to make a surprised face.

Air-born Gretchen

Playing kitchen

Poor Dennis

Not a bad shot for four tiny people.

Disney on Ice

2012-02-05T06:25:00.000-08:00

Eating a Minnie pancake getting ready for the show!

All dressed up and ready to go.

We had a great time.

A little of this a little of that

2012-02-03T19:44:00.000-08:00

We have unfortunately been quite sick the last couple of weeks. But we have had a couple of fun moments. I am really hoping we are on the mend for a while.

Me trying my artistic side out in photography.

Jack making himself a snack.

Gretchen being such a trooper while she fights all sorts of germs.

Playing a little peek a boo

My little readers!

2012-01-18T17:07:00.000-08:00

Playing at the Park

2012-01-14T05:36:00.000-08:00

We took advantage of a couple of really nice days earlier this week at the park. I took these photos all in manual on my camera, which I am pretty proud of.

Gretchen's first soccer class

2012-01-12T04:59:00.000-08:00

G's first soccer class. I took a great video of her reading, but it is too large to upload to my blog.

Don't let the pigeon drive the bus

2012-01-11T14:15:00.000-08:00

Jack loves this book! I think you can see this in the video.

dress up

2012-01-05T15:33:00.000-08:00

Gretchen wanted Jack to play dress up with her and be a fairy prince-poor guy. He just put the wings on and went back to his cars.

I made this dress up dress and it looks cute, but I can not get the peacock feathers to stay on, maybe hot glue.

Dancing kids

2012-01-01T16:21:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T10:39:00.000-08:00

We started this year off right with a nice breakfast, going to church and taking a few pictures. My family tolerates my crazy in fact they even buy me presents to promote it.

Getting bigger

2011-12-31T09:26:00.000-08:00

Jack is so proud of himself for being able to get up on the kitchen chairs.

Golf anyone?

G is a great big sister, she loves pushing Jack in the swing.

Sporting some super cute pigtails

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T19:06:00.000-08:00

Opening presents! Santa brought the wow factor this year with a new bike for G.

Santa did not forget how much Jack loves Elmo.

Before Church

Playing dress up after church, please ignore the unmade bed.

At Grandma and Pop Pop's house with Amayah

Cousins!

Jack was totally taken with Ariana this evening.

more presents, lucky ducks!

My delicious desert

group shot

sibling love

High School get together and Christmas Eve

2011-12-25T18:59:00.000-08:00

G and Angelica enjoying the bounce house.

Neither kid wanted to take this shot, can you tell :P

Group Shot

The first time G has ever fallen asleep on the couch. I guess she partied to hard at Julie's the night before.

Christmas Eve Bowling! I got the high score by the way.

Sprinkling magic reindeer food for Rudolph in the front yard.

Haselhorst & Schaeffer Christmas Parties

2011-12-21T16:50:00.000-08:00

Here are several group shots from the Haselhorst Christmas party.

G and Anna "putting on a show"

the audience

I love this shot of Lauren

Opening presents and Grandma and Grandpa house.

Schaeffer Party

We could not get a good one of all the great grand kids with Grandpa Ray

ballet class video

2011-12-13T12:30:00.000-08:00

Ballet Class

2011-12-13T12:17:00.000-08:00

Today was Gretchen's last ballet class of the year and they had an open rehearsal for parents. I definitely saw improvement from her last open rehearsal in August. We are looking forward to her big recital with costumes and everything in May!

Around the house and a Christmas Party

2011-12-03T21:41:00.000-08:00

Please ignore the cardboard we use to cover the fireplace. We have to or Jack would be in there all the time.

Our new star

Game changer! Ladies and gentlemen he can open doors.

Too cute!

Hitting on an older woman! He is taller but, she is 8 days his senior.

Meeting Santa, G wanted nothing to do with Santa.

A picture to prove I still have a daughter...she was not in the picture taking mood today.

Christmas Video

2011-11-28T15:48:00.000-08:00

Enjoy!

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/C1cI35Gco4Hz8cUfjE3k

Decorating the tree!

2011-11-25T20:06:00.000-08:00

Jack really likes to touch the tree...it is going to be a long month.

G with her Baby's First Christmas Ornament.

If I had not already ordered our Christmas cards would this would have been it!

Meeting the big guy!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T05:21:00.000-08:00

Watching the parade. Gretchen did actually really love the parade, she also loves to read!

My little man!

Posing with the bird, it looks great and tasted great too.

Gretchen decided Michael was her partner in crime, he was accommodating.

Relaxing with Grandpa

Cute kids, enough said

2011-11-20T10:19:00.000-08:00

Here is Jack sporting his cold weather look.

Zorro!

Here is G Wearing her super cute tutu dress. She was putting on an early morning ballet for us!

St. Louis Trip

2011-11-14T14:06:00.000-08:00

We went back to Trent this weekend for Billy and Sheila's Wedding and to spend time with Matthew while he is home on leave. We had a great trip.

We took a group shot. It is hard to play photographer and be in the photo. Since I was using a remote it was difficult to get the little ones to look at the camera. Overall I was happy with the result.

We had many adults jumping up and down behind me to try and get happy faces looking at the camera.

Congrats to Billy and Sheila. It was a great wedding and reception!

Dancing kids

Tired baby man!

I love my little brother!

2011-11-06T12:11:00.000-08:00

Gretchen and Jack have had a a huge increase in the ability to play with one another and both of them are loving it.

She loves to do a crazy dance and he loves to laugh while she does it.

Cuddles!

2011-11-04T15:29:00.000-07:00

My kids cuddle all the time, but my pictures rarely turn out. I lucked out this time!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T18:16:00.000-07:00

G so excited before trick or treating.

Our first stop the Blacks!

Family photo-I promise their is a baby under that mane.

Trick or treating with the neighborhood gang.

Catching a ride from Daddy when your legs get tired.

Such a good sport, and he probably will not get any candy.

G with her buddy Elizabeth

Halloween Party

2011-10-29T18:57:00.000-07:00

I love this shot of G. I actually took this one last weekend when we went trick or treating in downtown Downers.

Were off to see the Wizard!

Cutest lion ever!!!

Group Shot

Jack getting some snuggles in on his God-mama

Welcome Fiona!

2011-10-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

Fiona Anne , my God-daughter, was born on Friday October 21st at 11:48am. She weights 7lbs 4oz and is 18 1/2 inches. She is so tiny!!! and cute!!!

Julie and her girls.

What a great family shot!

Ariana's 10th Birthday

2011-10-16T18:44:00.000-07:00

Bengtson's Pumpkim Farm

2011-10-11T18:03:00.000-07:00

Jack walking

2011-10-09T15:41:00.000-07:00

Jack has been walking for about two weeks. We finally got a good video of him.

Christ Family Visit

2011-10-02T09:17:00.000-07:00

Not the best picture of Jack but his shirt is super cute, right Timmermans'?

The girls

We had a great time at Brookfield Zoo, until it rained cats and dogs on us.

I love this shot of Anna.

Crocodile Doc

At Navy Piers Children's Museum

He is the cutest little man ever!!!

Go Lauren Go!

This shot is for Pop Pop.

Family Photos

2011-10-02T09:03:00.000-07:00

What we do when daddy's on the road

2011-09-27T17:26:00.000-07:00

This and that

2011-09-23T17:29:00.000-07:00

ILLINI!!!

G is not in a picture taking mood lately. Hope that changes by next Saturday we have a family photo booked. Her giraffe pants are cute though.

Jack is not digging on his lion Halloween costume. So we have been putting the mane on him and then throwing him in the air in the hopes he will grow fond enough of the thing to wear it on Halloween.

G also then wants to be thrown into the air, poor daddy.

peeking out the window

Birthday photos!

2011-09-11T16:59:00.000-07:00

When Nathan asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday I said get a nice family photo. I think we got a couple. I really wish I had remembered to take off my sunglasses in this shot, but oh well!

I love how the kids are smiling at one another in this shot.

The many faces of G!

2011-09-11T15:52:00.000-07:00

Just a quick shot of my new bird house.

look out world G wants to drive!

cute

angry

surprised

disbelief

happy

another angry...we had fun making all these silly faces.

Gretchen's 1st Day of preschool!

2011-09-06T11:41:00.000-07:00

Jack super excited for G's first day of preschool. Looking super cute in a puppy coat.

Going out the door.

Family shot in front of the school

This is my favorite shot. Can you believe she is starting preschool?

Gretchen and her teacher Miss. Mimi

Already hard at work!

kids playing

2011-09-05T19:36:00.000-07:00

Here are the kiddos playing in the kitchen this morning.

Jack's 1st hair cut

2011-09-04T10:37:00.000-07:00

Here is our little man "walking" with the aide of a kitchen chair.

snuggle time!

Standing!

Jack's 1st hair cut. I actually held him while he got the hair cut. He was not to sure about the woman cutting his hair. This was just a photo op after he was done.

Some pretty flowers from the farmers market.

Well I got one of them to look at the camera.

nieces at the zoo

2011-09-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

Family time at the zoo and park

2011-08-30T13:56:00.000-07:00

Party part two

2011-08-20T19:54:00.000-07:00

Jack's Party

2011-08-20T19:52:00.000-07:00

Here is Jack playing with the balloons while we got the place ready. You will notice he trashed his birthday out fit and has on something else in the party pictures.

I am pretty proud of my cake.

Playing train

All the kidos

Saying thank you for all the presents.

Checking things out with his Godmother Julie

mmmmm cake, his first taste of cake actually

Jack's one year photos

2011-08-19T10:38:00.001-07:00

I did not buy all 20 poses, but I wanted to!

I got this one.

I got this one and I am pretty sure it is my favorite!

I got this one as well.

Happy Birthday Jackson!

2011-08-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

How fast this year has gone my sweet boy. I was in love with you the moment I met you, but I have enjoyed every second of getting to know the little person you have become this past year. Although I wish I could keep you my snugly baby forever, I am excited to see you continue to grow and explore the world around you. I love you! Mommy

Gretchen's 1st ballet recital

2011-08-18T11:08:00.000-07:00

This was really an open rehearsal, but it was still super cute. Gretchen did a great job listening and executing her moves.

Wisconsin Dells

2011-08-12T15:58:00.000-07:00

Jack enjoying the baby swings

A family dinner

The view from our room

G's favorite place on our trip the arcade.

Snuggling with Daddy

Another shot of our resort

Just before we took a duck tour, we all enjoyed it.

The cutest thing I saw on the tour!

Enjoying the kiddie pools

ice cream

2011-08-07T16:55:00.000-07:00

Jack had his first taste of ice cream this past Friday. You could say he was a fan. The pictures loaded backwards, so just start from the bottom of this post.

A little get together of high school friends. I look crazed in this picture, oh well.

Aperture mode

2011-08-07T16:29:00.000-07:00

Since my photography class I have been making an effort to shoot in modes other than auto. In all honesty it is very hard to get the shot when kids are your subject. So I am still using auto quite a bit. These shots we taken in aperture mode.

The colors seem richer and more saturated to me. Gretchen's dress is a great example.

This shot I took in shudder mode trying to give Jack a 3D quality

This one I took in auto. He has been standing for two weeks now, but I am never fast enough with the camera. Perfect example of how handy auto mode is when dealing with a wee one.

Sandy's B-day

2011-07-31T18:46:00.000-07:00

Photography class

2011-07-31T12:15:00.000-07:00

I took a class this weekend at Navy Pier on photography. I am trying to get the most out of my new camera and start shooting in modes other then auto. After this class I am on my way.

Just a nice landscape shot.

Here is me with Julie at the class.

The objective with these shots was to make the foreground clear and blur the back ground by using a large aperture, zooming in and getting close. I think I missed the mark on this first one but did a nice job on my second try.

Here my goal was to blur the man running but focus the background. I did this through using a slow shudder speed and making myself into a sturdy tripod.

Here my goal was to make the man running clear but blur the background. This is much harder to do, you use a technique called panning and I will need to practice. Now if only I could get my kids to keep doing the same cute things over and over again so I could mess with my camera settings and still get the shot.

Gretchen's Day and a first tooth

2011-07-31T12:08:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Gretchen earned a movie ticket through the library's summer reading program. So we went and saw Cars 2 (I do not recommend it.) Afterwards we stopped for ice cream and G wanted the blue kind.

Here she is after all the sugar from the blue ice cream kicked in.

Jack got his first tooth earlier this week. He had a couple of rough days as you might imagine.

We went to the park to celebrate the first tooth/distract Jack from how uncomfortable he was.

Gretchen's swim class

2011-07-23T12:02:00.000-07:00

11 months old!!

2011-07-19T17:28:00.000-07:00

I can not believe this little man is already 11 months old. He is so happy and interactive. He is truly a little piece of sunshine in our home. I assume all babies process information this way because both of mine have; but they will learn how to do or say something new do it over and over again and then it goes away and they are on to the new thing. I remember right around a year old Gretchen had an explosion in communication where all the old things came back. This explosion just happened for Jack. So we are pointing, waving, clapping, touching toes, saying "MaMa," "Da Da" and the list goes on. He has also just started to pull himself up. He is so please with himself which is also cute to see. He is going through a bit of a Mommy phase. So if I am in the room no one else will do. I think this is also coinciding with finally starting to teeth. As of right now he does not have a single tooth to his name.

Ali & Natalie's visit

2011-07-17T14:10:00.000-07:00

Playing Babies

2011-07-17T08:08:00.000-07:00

Here are Jack and Natalie playing with one another. I just caught the end of their interaction. These two are buddies. They seem so much more interested in playing with one another then babies usually do. At one point Natalie bumps he head and Jack goes over and gives her a kiss, it was so cute!

College Ladies Zoo Outing

2011-07-15T05:25:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of a bunch of future Illini grads!

The three amigoes

Gretchen had fun!

Jack laughing

2011-07-04T17:21:00.000-07:00

I took this video a few weeks back but blogger would not let me load it. I am hoping for better results this time around. I just love this little mans laugh.

Fourth of July Weekend

2011-07-04T17:10:00.000-07:00

Visiting Grandma Dorothy.

In Columbia at Sara and Shawn's house.

snuggling cousins!

I love this close up of Lauren.

Gretchen was afraid of Buddy at first but they became friends in the end.

Grove Fest

2011-06-26T17:02:00.000-07:00

Waiting in line for her first solo ride.

Jack is enjoying people watching.

His first carnival ride.

We ended with a big one and ice cream.

Father's Day

2011-06-19T18:27:00.000-07:00

We had a great day. We went to a Kane County Cougars Minor League game. It was a lot of fun.

Here is G with the painting she made for Daddy. You can visit this master piece at Nathan's office.

The park and 10 month photos

2011-06-18T08:11:00.000-07:00

We have been hitting the parks big time since G got the all clear after her surgery.

Feeding Jack a little snack.

Jack is already 10 months old! Still no teeth, but he is teething. He does say "ma" when he wants my attention.

Dress-up!

2011-06-12T18:25:00.000-07:00

Gretchen and her cousin Amayah playing dress up after going to the Arboretum.

Morton Arboretum

2011-06-12T13:05:00.000-07:00

Backyard Fun!

2011-06-07T09:11:00.000-07:00

Golf anyone?

Driving the golf cart.

Playing catch with Daddy!

I love my baby swing!!!

Army Crawl

2011-06-05T07:06:00.000-07:00

Look out world, Jack is on the move!

The Ring of Fire

2011-06-05T06:34:00.000-07:00

G singing the Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash!

2011 Pet Parade

2011-06-04T11:53:00.000-07:00

This is such a cute Parade. We had a great time with the Smith Family. I highly recommend checking it out!

Michael's 8th grade Graduation

2011-06-04T11:32:00.000-07:00

My brave girl!

2011-05-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

Here is G just after surgery. She fell asleep while eating a popsicle. She had an incredably rough day, but she was a tough cookie through the whole thing. Two days later she is feeling loads better.

Here we are taking a little nap later that day after we brought her home.

This and that

2011-05-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for bed at the end of the day.

Seal impersonations.

Playing in the basement.

Doing a little laundry, well keeping mommy company while she does the laundry.

9 month professional photos

2011-05-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

I only meant to get one picture taken. I have an illness when it comes to pictures of my kids.

This one is my favorite!

Flower photo shoot

2011-05-21T07:20:00.000-07:00

Park play date

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

Hugs among friends!

Babyman is not so sure about the slide.

Elise's toes

Jack could not make the car ride home.

I got a smile!

9 months and a zoo trip!

2011-05-19T13:03:00.000-07:00

Here is Gretchen wearing her thank you gift for being a flower girl. She wears it everyday, but only while eating her cereal. I have no idea why.

I just had this plate made and I love it. I ordered it at that "Affair with Flair" fundraiser I helped organize.

Jack was really not digging on having his picture taken (which is unusual.)

He quickly got over it!

Since his nose was a little red from being mad, I decided to try again later.

The official shot!

Here we are at the zoo

Gretchen loves the carousel. I loved having the adult company, thanks Jim and Sandy!

Here are a few shots with my 55-250 zoom lens. I was not nearly as close as the photos would lead you to believe.

This weekend

2011-05-14T18:11:00.000-07:00

Jack loves his Grandma!

Jack and Derek

Gretchen had a blast!

Emily & Jesse's Wedding

2011-05-14T16:09:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Emily and Jesse! The pictures are completely out of order, but they turned out well. Enjoy

Gretchen with the flower boy Jameson, they became fast friends.

My favorite shot of the evening.

Well this might be my favorite, I can not decide. The Garfield Park Conservatory is a great place for a wedding.

Which hair style???

2011-05-11T14:38:00.000-07:00

Which one would look better for flower girl at a wedding? Please bare in mind her hair is a little crazy because she has been playing outside all day, when I did this verses the next post is Easter morning before she got messy.

Which hair style?

2011-05-11T14:35:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-08T18:22:00.000-07:00

My Sick Kids

2011-05-04T09:17:00.000-07:00

When you first start feeling not so good, it is important to snuggle.

Even if you have a 103 fever it is still important to accessorize.

A baby has to play even when the are not sleeping and a little crabby.

Staying in your pj's does make you feel better. So does taking time to smell the flowers.

Totally unrelated to my sick babies. I am just happy that these tulips are finally starting to bloom.

You are never to sick to make a new friend!

Messing with picasa

2011-04-26T16:24:00.000-07:00

Picasa

2011-04-26T16:04:00.000-07:00

I just down loaded some picture software and this is my first atempt at
messing with an image. I am sure more will follow.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T19:34:00.001-07:00

Making eggs

The Egg hunt.

We went out to Weber Grill with my family for Easter. Afterward we all came back to our place and had fun playing with the toys in the basement.

Cutest Bunny Ever!!! (Well tied with another little girl I know)

8 months old

2011-04-24T19:27:00.001-07:00

Here are the puppets G made in school. One for each of us, so "we can play as a family." What a sweetie.

Taking his month pictures is getting a lot harder now that he a little explorer. He does not want to sit still or leave the letters alone. This past month he did learn how to clap and wave hi. Of course he refuses to do these thing to show off.

New Camera part 2

2011-04-17T16:39:00.001-07:00

Gretchen has a love hate relationship with the camera these days. However she loves using the tripod and lets me take tons of pictures, so that is exactly what I did.

Hehehe

I love this shot more than I can put into words.

Gretchen took this shot with our old camera, it turned out really well. I like having a shot of the three of us. We have so many like this with G, but only a couple with Jack.

Jack loves when Daddy throws him in the air.

My new camera!!!

2011-04-16T16:59:00.000-07:00

I just got a Nikon D5000 last night and I love it!!! A part of me feels a little sick spending so much money on a camera. With that being said I have wanted one for years and I am a picture nut. Besides this blog I make extensive online scrap books and I am always taking pictures of my kids. So with that being said, I love my camera. Happy early Mother's Day, Anniversary and Birthday to me! Look at this photo you can see the drops of water on my Hyacinthe.

We do not Mohawk his hair, it just goes that way.

G and I at an Easter Egg hunt this morning.

I love this camera so much I am even taking pictures of Nathan without the kids!

A fun filled weekend

2011-04-13T07:56:00.000-07:00

G really wanted Jack to sit in her lap and take him on the slide for the first time. This was our compromise.

G at Will's party.

Jack enjoying the swing in our backyard.

Jump Zone and the park

2011-04-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

Gretchen and I went with her cousins to Jump Zone and had a nice time.

This picture makes me laugh. Who is making the sillier face?

Daddy giving a kite flying lesson.

Gretchen pushing Jack in the swing.