tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60055077555522954312024-03-14T05:22:12.982-05:00red dirt revival: photography by Chelsea Ahlgrimred dirt revivalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06672516884784043104noreply@blogger.comBlogger290125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6005507755552295431.post-91641210229797432782014-06-05T22:44:00.000-05:002020-12-22T16:46:12.455-06:0010 Ways to Make Your Family Photographer LOVE You!<strong>10. Be on time.</strong> Be on time. Be on time. Your session time has been very specifically selected to coordinate with the lighting in your location. Being late might mean you lose that perfect lighting. Plan to be at least ten minutes early, and you'll be all good! <br />
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<strong>9. Bring your A Game</strong>. Bring all those tricks that you KNOW will make your kids smile. A favorite toy? A silly game? The tickle monster? Bring 'em. Encourage them to sing or tell a story or talk about their fun weekend or trip to see Gramma- anything to get them talking and smiling!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Tickles always get the smiles!</em></span> </div>
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<strong>8. Let your child run the show.</strong> Now, there are certainly limits here, but stay with me. An hour is an extremely long time for a young child or toddler to sit and follow directions while her parents and some stranger with a camera act ridiculous in order to get her to smile. If she wants to get down out of your arms and pick flowers or dig for clams in the sand, or hunt for bugs, let her. Your photographer will follow her, and it could result in some beautiful images. This is where their imaginations come to life- when they're wild and free. I guarantee, after they've had a few minutes to pretend you're all on a pirate ship, they'll be more relaxed and willing to listen to follow posing direction from your photographer.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Let them be explore!</em></span></div>
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<strong>7. Let your child interact with your photographer.</strong> I know a lot of parents come to sessions feeling like they already know how their child is going to act. You're worried about tantrums and inattentiveness, but humor me here. Give the photographer a shot to get to know your child. Let him decide if he trusts her. Let them talk and play and be silly, even if it means taking a break from shooting, and you'll have a much better chance of getting smiles out of him. <br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Let them make a new friend!</span></em></div>
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<strong>6. Take a break.</strong> Sessions usually last anywhere from an hour, to two hours depending on the lighting present, and how everyone is feeling. If you need to take a break to just sit and chill or let kiddos stretch their legs, or grab a drink of water, or let the baby nurse, you can. Most photographers plan for these types of breaks because it makes a world of difference! Plus, those breaks can sometimes turn into the sweetest moments...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Can you tell I love these candid moments?</em></span></div>
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<strong>5. Bring snacks and bribes!</strong> Shoots are often scheduled around dinner time or after, plus, these shoots can really take a lot of energy! So bring some healthy snacks and some water and everyone will stay satisfied. I also encourage bribes... I know, I know... but just for ONE hour, your kids will do anything for candy or the promise of ice cream or a toy at the end of the session. It works!<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Special treats are always a winner!</span></em></div>
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<strong>4. Do. Not. Match.</strong> Please? Although it's easy to put everyone in white polos and khakis, please... help me help you! If everyone comes dressed in the same outfit, the resulting images will have very little visual interest. The intent is to coordinate rather than match exactly! <br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Coordination- not matching- is key!</span></em></div>
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<strong>3. Remember that it's just an hour</strong>. You can do anything for an hour. Give all the energy you can muster. Make the kids laugh. Be silly. Be completely ridiculous! And your family will follow suit! The smiles will be genuine and the fun will be too!<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">You can do anything for an hour!</span></em></div>
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<strong>2. Trust me.</strong> Your photographer wants you to look good. She wouldn't make you do anything or pose anywhere that is unflattering or looks silly. Let go of your preconceived notion of the "perfect" family photo- everyone posed, looking at the camera, and smiling. You'll probably get some of those, but those candid images will be the ones you look back on and swoon over! So don't worry if your photographer tells you not to look at the camera. Focus on what's right in front of you- your beautiful family- and your images will be perfect!<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">"I promise, it'll be great!"</span></em></div>
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<strong>1. If you love your session, let us know!</strong> We love hearing your feedback and certainly thrive on any sort of love you show! You could even do one better, and share with your friends how much you loved your session!<br />
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xo,<br />
Chelsred dirt revivalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06672516884784043104noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6005507755552295431.post-9524508714579840342014-06-04T14:52:00.000-05:002020-12-22T16:46:08.323-06:00Hostetler Family | Oklahoma City Family and Children's Photographer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is the Hostetler Family. Believe me when I say they're a pretty cool bunch. Brian is a fantastic graphic designer, Amy did a 5k at 30 weeks pregnant the same day as their shoot, and Kyrie is full of sass and super smarts. They also love the Lord and put all their faith in Him. Basically, I couldn't have asked for more awesome people to hang out with this past weekend!</div>
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They had warned me previously that Miss Kyrie (a GORGEOUS name, by the way. It was actually on my list of favorites when I was pregnant with Vesper!) could be a bit shy and was prone to the typical toddler antics- tantrums and the like. <br />
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But we didn't find that to be the case at this particular session (much to Amy and Brian's relief, I'm sure!) We talked and played in the grass, and ran away from mommy and daddy, and went hunting for rocks, and just had a good ol' time! And when she started getting sleepy, she just laid that sweet little head into Daddy... <br />
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She just turned the big 0-2- a major life event, as you know- and is getting ready to have another major life event: she's going to be a big sister!<br />
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Congratulations, Kyrie and the rest of the Hostetler clan! What a blessing! I can't wait to meet Baby H and watch your family grow!<br />
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xo,<br />
Chelseared dirt revivalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06672516884784043104noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6005507755552295431.post-86493409332729683312014-05-14T21:55:00.000-05:002020-12-22T16:46:03.277-06:00Rylan | Oklahoma City Children's and Family PhotographerOnce upon a time, when I was still learning my camera (and truthfully, still shooting portions of my sessions in Auto!), I did a maternity shoot for a coworker and her wife.<br />
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Fast forward to one night a couple of weeks ago, and THIS handsome little fella jumps out of the car.</div>
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And I just wanted to keep him! But he didn't want much to do with me. He was super shy, and so I decided we didn't need to take any pictures right away. Why not just go exploring! So that's what we did. I put my camera away and we just walked around town and talked, but to no avail. </div>
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Finally, I hit on something. I asked him about his dogs. BINGO. Little man opened up and told me all about them. He was so sweet and charming! I asked him if he wanted to come live with me, but he said no on account of me only having one dog, and he in fact has three. I can understand that.</div>
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We had so much fun running around Deep Deuce, looking for dogs, airplanes, and places to run and play. </div>
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And near the end of the shoot, as we played in the dirt, he pointed to a large rock amongst the pebbles. Then he dug it out and get this: <em>he gave it to me.</em> Me! It meant a lot to me, considering the fact that he wouldn't even look at me an hour before! <br />
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Thanks, Snow Family for letting me be a small part of your story! <br />
xo,<br />
Chelseared dirt revivalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06672516884784043104noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6005507755552295431.post-65446339698564104532014-04-29T12:19:00.001-05:002014-04-29T12:19:14.483-05:00for the love of music.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm a musician. A vocalist. I have been ever since I can remember. So imagine my glee when my daughter started asking questions about the instruments she heard in the bluegrass music that we listen to in the mornings. She wanted to know the names of the instruments and then she wanted to know what they looked like. And then <em>of course</em> we had to pull out Daddy's guitar and play on it a little bit. <br />
She can now properly identify a violin (or fiddle as we usually call it since we're listening to bluegrass right now), a banjo, and a guitar. Quite impressive considering all are string instruments. She also likes when the "girly" sings. <br />
I love to see her eyes light up when a banjo opens up a song and she says, "Momma, s'at a banjo? S'at a banjo, Momma?" It makes me so happy to watch her pretend that her toy ladle and frying pan are a bow and fiddle. And my heart swells when I catch her singing "Iiiii'll fly awaaaaayyy!" as she plays with her Play-Doh. I am so grateful that I have passed on a love for music of all kinds. <br />
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xo,<br />
Chelseared dirt revivalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06672516884784043104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6005507755552295431.post-20271159492454606672014-04-26T21:05:00.002-05:002014-04-27T02:52:35.959-05:00Undeserved.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It hit me at the strangest moment. As I my hands were submerged in soapy dishwater and dinner over-cooked on the stove, I watched him sweep the walkway in our front yard. I turned to look out over crumb and clutter-covered kitchen counters and a dining room table with dried-on spaghetti sauce and the pink paint that remained after the Valentine's crafting months ago, into a messy sunroom where pillows were tossed haphazardly onto the floor amongst books and blocks and my two fair-haired babies watched a television show that certainly exceeded the recommended daily limit. <br>
And somehow, I saw beauty. And I thought of how this was never the life I wanted for myself yet how blessed my life has become.<br>
This life that is daily filled with tantrums thrown and meals refused and counters wiped and re-wiped and dogs shooed and laundry folded and refolded after the babies tossed it onto the floor. <br>
Where windows are smudged and dishes are dirty and the sink smells and the shoes never make it to the basket. <br>
Where the carpet is beyond salvage and the furniture is second-hand and the light bulb in the fridge has been burned out for a week and the bananas always brown before you can eat them. <br>
Where time and patience and naps are often in short supply. <br>
Where the back yard needs mowing and the toys litter the floor of my shower even though the children have their own bathroom and mending piles up in my closet. <br>
Where everything needs painting and updating and plans are big but the time and budget is small.<br>
Where my bed only stays made for about five seconds before that darling little blue-eyed creature crawls into it and begs, "Momma, snuggle!" <br>
Where in the dark of the wee hours of the morning, I stare into the bright lights of that damned and blessed baby monitor checking and re-checking that those babies are still fast asleep, covered up, and peacefully dreaming of the adventures that were had.<br>
Where a little boy plops himself into my lap and insists that I read book after book yanked from the shelf, and then discarded in the middle of the floor.<br>
Where night after night, he lays his tired bones next to mine and grasps my hand as sleep comes fast and heavy, and then kisses my cheek when the morning comes too soon.<br>
Where tears are numerous, and dedicated to moments of extremes- anger, hurt, fear, frustration, yet still and often, joy.<br>
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And all this... mess of a life- the marriage, the children, the house, the mortgage, the two cars, the dog... it was never what I wanted. It was the makings of a dull and repetitious and empty life for which I refused to settle. Because when my body was younger and my mind was more naïve and my eyes were too wide and wild, I was sure that all I ever wanted was a life lived fast and free...<br>
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And God found me and rescued me from my own selfish destruction and placed in my path those amazing blessings that I never asked for and I certainly didn't earn. And even then, when days were long and hard and the babies refused to sleep and I- short-sighted and merely mortal- began to mourn the loss of my freedom and my body and my time and my rest and my youth, He continued to bless me. To give me more than I thought I could handle, and more than I deserved. <br>
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How great is His love for me. How many are His blessings. How vast His faith in me... that He would entrust such a rich life to one that did not at first appreciate the utter and absolute wonder of the simplicity set before her. I am forever grateful that my God is greater than my self, and that His plans for me are far bigger and more exquisite than my inferior, inglorious dreams. <br>
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I haven't the holiness to see what He sees all the time. I haven't the strength to bear it in my withering mortal soul. So I just continue to trust that dirty dishes and mismatched socks and messy hair and piles of mail are all signs of a life lived fully and humbly and simply. I take my cues from small cherub faces, flush with laughter and arms held around my waist and words whispered quietly in the dark. I remind myself that this is holy work, and this life that I never wanted, is the life I could never ever replace or trade for all the world...<br>
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xo,<br>
Chelseared dirt revivalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06672516884784043104noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6005507755552295431.post-79640566387160737572014-04-17T07:00:00.000-05:002014-04-17T07:00:01.848-05:00The Farams | Oklahoma City Family and Children's PhotographerPhotographing the Farams was an absolute joy! Mason was one of those dream babies that just grinned and made moony-eyes at his momma for the entire session. <br />
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And boy were those eyes big and blue! Can you even believe the peepers on this kid? Gorgeous.<br />
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But I guess you can't help but be gorgeous when your momma and Daddy look like this<br />
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I've known Lauren since college when we were both living the show business life and running around in wigs and stage make up in the Music Theatre Department. Really just babies! Since then we've both gotten married and had babies of our own. And yeah okay, maybe she was crowned Miss America somewhere in between there... ;)<br />
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Thank you for being lovely, Faram family. It was great fun! Let's do it again soon!<br />
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xo,<br />
Chelsea<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyn0AkEh8YHb3fTDIqrg8KIgfxXhUmctQTpucsqUv90njW9wvnmnk4reFJaKGB8Ow7edYmvAcbRsmXLqEmIenREgEBabkJ1tpf5SUoLKqi84WWs2pjk-ifFBE8yhJS3qMH4y7RSk9qLaA/s1600/faram_0071watermarked.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>red dirt revivalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06672516884784043104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6005507755552295431.post-829680273701268262014-04-16T07:00:00.000-05:002014-04-16T07:00:03.500-05:00The Marlin's Little Gentleman-Themed Baby Shower<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some of our closest friends are expecting their third baby- a BOY! They have two little girls and now it's finally time to welcome a little fella into the mix! Kayleigh wanted a "Little Gentleman" theme for the shower, so I got to work planning a shower that was tasteful and cute!<br />
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Truth: I am not a huge fan of baby showers. They tend to be overly cutesy and I just can't stomach all the baby blue diapered rubber duckies or pink pearls and bows, so I was glad that my friend chose a cute theme that could be done with a neutral color palette. I chose black and tan. Like a boss. <br />
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Again, we created a simple image and then uploaded it to a Facebook invite. It was fast and easy and worked like a charm!<br />
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I collaborated with my mom to come up with a unique idea for the centerpieces. I created the top hat center pieces by rolling up diapers, wrapping with felt, and setting on top of a circle of black poster board. I rolled the edges of the "brim" to make it look more like a hat, and then stuck in a shishkabob skewer with a cut-out of a bow tie (other variations included a mustache and a baby rattle!). It was super easy, and I've never seen one like it! We gave all the diapers to our friends at the end of the shower, and other guests took home the "skewers." Win-win!</div>
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A couple of things about the centerpieces: I initially rolled four individual diapers and wrapped with felt, but soon realized that it looked much more round if I rolled the diapers all together like so:</div>
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Either way, once they were on the table, they looked very cute!<br />
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We didn't play any party games, but I did have a few activities for the guests to do as they arrived and mingled.<br />
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There was a "Wish Tree" in lieu of a guestbook. The guests could write out their wishes for baby boy and then sign their names. I attached them to a key ring and gave to my friend to place in her baby book at the end of the shower.<br />
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And there was also a "Diaper Talk" station. The guests were encouraged to write a sentiment- sweet or funny- on a diaper and place in the basket. That way when my friend is up at 2 a.m. changing ANOTHER poopy diaper, she'll have a good laugh! I think people really had a good time with this one!</div>
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And of course, we had the usual diaper cake- made by the momma-to-be's mother!<br />
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And as favors, we gave the traditional cigars<br />
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There was also an adorable bow-tie garland with baby boy's name on it, but somehow I managed to forget to photograph it!</div>
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My friend had a really great time being showered by all of her friends and family, and I've already been recruited to help design the next baby shower for another friend! Don't drink the water, folks. I'm telling you it's contagious!<br />
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Congratulations, Marlin Family! I can't wait to meet little Malachi!<br />
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xo,<br />
Chelseared dirt revivalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06672516884784043104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6005507755552295431.post-38957327980751888902014-04-15T14:11:00.001-05:002014-04-15T14:11:16.661-05:00Nacho Li-Grey's Luchador-themed First Birthday!I can't believe it's nearly Easter! We're practically a third of the way through this year already? I've been looking so forward to so many things this March and April. We've had visits from family members, parties, birthdays, picnics, road trips, and baby showers so far!<br />
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One of the biggest events I was planning was Grey's first birthday party. I decided way back in October of last year that I wanted to do a Lucha Libre theme for his party. See, we love Nacho Libre... Okay, that's not entirely true. *I* love Nacho Libre, and I think Grey's little round tummy just reminds me of Jack Black in "stretchy pants" summoning his "eagle powers." I mean, who doesn't love a baby belly? And yes, just like <a href="http://reddirtrevival.blogspot.com/2013/12/vespers-menagerie-birthday-party.html" target="_blank">Vesper's Menagerie-themed Birthday party</a>, I made him a costume. Nevertheless, we went with a fiesta theme and threw in some luchador touches! Here are just a few snapshots of his day:<br />
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We did a simple Facebook invite. It seems to be he easiest way to do things these days, but I did make an actual image for his invitation which turned out SO cute!<br />
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I made the tissue paper fiesta garland and luchador mask and then added balloons in various locations. I loved how the garland turned out because it was super cheap ($2 for two packages of colored tissue paper) and it was a very substantial garland. Some garlands end up feeling kind of wispy, and I was going for bold! We wanted lots of bright colors!</div>
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and later in the day, we put that piñata centerpiece to good use! The kids had SO much fun trying to bust that thing open! That's our little Birdy with Daddy helping her take a couple of swings. <br />
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It was all very simple and handmade, but that's the best way to do it- especially when they're only a year old! We had so much fun celebrating with our family that came over. Thank you to everyone who helped make his day so special!<br />
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And just for good measure, here's a picture of Grey on his birthday morning in his birthday present:<br />
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Happy Birthday, little Bear! </div>
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xo,</div>
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Chelsea</div>
red dirt revivalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06672516884784043104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6005507755552295431.post-48912352185197615682014-04-08T22:41:00.003-05:002014-04-08T22:41:57.643-05:00Jones Family | Oklahoma City Lifestyle and Family PhotographerHad some fun in the sun {FINALLY}! The Jones family and I headed out into the late afternoon sun to grab some family shots. <br />
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I am so relieved that things are starting to warm up around here. It makes it much easier to get kiddos to smile!<br />
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Daddies help with that too</div>
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Yep. I could definitely go for more sessions- and weather- like this!</div>
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God bless,</div>
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Chelsea</div>
red dirt revivalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06672516884784043104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6005507755552295431.post-30766499530613651452014-03-18T14:23:00.002-05:002014-03-18T14:25:15.712-05:00One. Year. Old.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh darling boy... I'm not sure I can even find the words to describe how it has felt to be your momma for the past twelve months. You made your way into this world kicking and screaming and you haven't slowed down since. You are 100% boy and the complete opposite of your sister in nearly every way. Louder. Faster. Harder. Rougher. Stronger. But to your very core, you are a momma's boy- sweet and cuddly as can be. The way you reach out for me or crawl to me or wrap your pudgy little arms around my neck makes my momma heart melt into a big mushy puddle. Your open-mouth kisses are the sweetest thing in my world. I watch you from across the room sometimes and I see you learning- knocking over towers, opening and closing doors, chasing the dog, crashing cars together. You pay close attention to the world around you and soak it all in. I only hope that I can keep up with the world from which you're learning. I hope that you would learn from me too. I pray each and every day that God will give me the means to raise you to love Him. I ask for strength and patience as I raise this sweet baby into a *man*. I don't know where this first year has gone, but you've surpassed many milestones. My prayer is that I was able to teach you the most important thing: Love. How to give it and how to receive it. It's the foundation for all things, and now we can start building on it.<br />
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You, my sweet Bear, are an absolute blessing that I never knew I was missing. How could my life have ever felt complete before you? I am so humbled that God would entrust such an amazing gift to me. I have very little to offer you, but there are a few promises I can make:<br />
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I promise to always nurture your heart and passions<br />
I promise to say "no" as often as I say "yes"<br />
I promise to teach you about grace.<br />
I promise to LIVE out grace in my parenting.<br />
I promise to let you climb high.<br />
I promise to let you fall sometimes.<br />
I promise to help you pick up the pieces until you learn to do it alone.<br />
I promise to show you how a godly woman should act- including being honest about my own failures, and asking for forgiveness when necessary.<br />
I promise to love and honor your father with all of my heart.<br />
I promise to show you how to have fun.<br />
I promise there will be kisses and hugs and cuddles as often as you want.<br />
I promise there will be trials.<br />
I promise there will be disagreements.<br />
But I promise to always do my best to move past these things through prayer and patience.<br />
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I love you. I love you. I love you always,<br />
Mom<br />
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{p.s. see Vesper's One Year letter <a href="http://reddirtrevival.blogspot.com/2012/11/one-year-old.html" target="_blank">here</a>!}red dirt revivalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06672516884784043104noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6005507755552295431.post-73833006701998870032014-03-02T10:03:00.002-06:002014-03-02T10:03:15.535-06:00Extra session spots for March!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokjo7kSR08tYmvwbDVWYcM9ApjufuMGc179sAjmJapeaet3xekSlbU26pxAXrGcdTG9aD6Tel2BZgIRB9gcmnaQTGhYb12n7_oVVaeIe1B2CqRp0VZnRLADmLsWPUh-4jhyphenhyphen7bP-qMzz8/s1600/DSC_0390.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokjo7kSR08tYmvwbDVWYcM9ApjufuMGc179sAjmJapeaet3xekSlbU26pxAXrGcdTG9aD6Tel2BZgIRB9gcmnaQTGhYb12n7_oVVaeIe1B2CqRp0VZnRLADmLsWPUh-4jhyphenhyphen7bP-qMzz8/s1600/DSC_0390.png" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've opened up some extra spots for sessions in March! You can email me at <a href="mailto:Chelsea.ahlgrim@gmail.com">Chelsea.ahlgrim@gmail.com</a> or message me on the Chelsea Ahlgrim Photography fanpage on Facebook if you'd like to book a session!<br />
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xo,<br />
Chelseared dirt revivalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06672516884784043104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6005507755552295431.post-61466265479044723322014-02-22T21:52:00.001-06:002014-04-17T09:52:35.428-05:00Bloglovin<a blog="" claim="fpcw2qg3apw"" href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" www.bloglovin.com="">Follow">http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/1875738/?claim=fpcw2qg3apw">Follow</a> my blog with Bloglovinred dirt revivalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06672516884784043104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6005507755552295431.post-92096044086892464552014-02-21T14:15:00.001-06:002014-02-21T14:15:26.340-06:00of hearts and hands...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes in the afternoon when I lay you down, and brush the hair from your forehead, I am flooded with emotions. I take your tiny hands into mine and you usually say to me, "I nee somefing?" so I ask you, "What do you need?" and your soft, sweet little voice answers back, "Momma pray?" and my heart swells big and soft inside my chest. And I do. I pray earnestly each and every time for God to reveal his love for you. That you would know that He loves you more than... well, there aren't even enough words for that kind of love. I pray that you would know that nothing you could ever do could make Him love you less. And I pray that you would learn this truth from a young age. <br />
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Your heart is so very big in your little body, Birdy. When I yawn, you ask, "Momma, you sweepy?" and the answer is always yes, darling. So you pat me gently and say "Iss okay, Momma. Close your eyes..." You tell me "I wike you hair," as you stroke it softly. You run across the room just to give your little brother a kiss on his blonde baby head. You grab my hands and swing around with complete trust that I will not let you fall. And I won't. And I never will, if I can help it. But the truth is, despite your lovely heart and my good intentions, I can only protect you from so much in this world. <br />
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And that is what overwhelms me when I have you there in my arms just before you drift off to sleep. That as beautiful and innocent as you are, my momma hands can only hold you for so long. They can keep you from so few things in this ugly world that we have ruined. My heart aches when I think of the day when someone will hurt you or make you feel less than the joyful spirit that you are. And my momma heart knows that I have to let go and allow it to happen. And I picture myself always chasing after you- your blonde locks bouncing several feet ahead of me- and reaching out for those same small hands that I hold each time I lay you down to sleep. I get the feeling that you will want to let go far before I am ready. It would be a disservice to you to keep you from such lessons, but it still pains me to think of it... <br />
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So I cling to the promises of our Father: that you are His. That His are the hands that truly hold you. And I cling to your small, sticky, perfect little toddler hands just a little too long... and I pray for sweet dreams for us both...red dirt revivalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06672516884784043104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6005507755552295431.post-51617805289552729252014-02-13T10:16:00.000-06:002014-02-13T10:16:06.430-06:00Valentine VignettesAlthough it's not my favorite holiday, Valentine's Day is one of my favorite to decorate for! Maybe it's the idea of bright pops of red against our usual pale and neutral décor. I just love to have little hearts sprinkled throughout our home to contrast the dreary weather outside. Here are a few vignettes from our little built-in bookshelves to brighten up the sunroom.<br />
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I also had to snap a shot of what our sunroom looks like on a day when there are no children around to turn it upside down! <br />
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I'll be adding some special little touches to our entry way and dining room for the kids to wake up to on Valentine's day as well! I can't wait to bake cookies and eat heart-shaped waffles and just celebrate the love I have for those around me.<br />
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xo,<br />
Chelseared dirt revivalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06672516884784043104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6005507755552295431.post-88880897564265292812014-02-12T21:29:00.001-06:002014-02-12T21:29:43.709-06:00The WakeI'm going to call this series "The Wake" as in "this is the kind of destruction Grey leaves in his wake."<br />
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He starts bright and early at breakfast by climbing out of his high chair- straps be damned- and onto the dining room table to finish his oatmeal.<br />
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Then he moves the party to the play room where he proceeds to wreak havoc on any and all toys.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIg3LuaWRIW2UQ7vOs3oG3bzrrRUCm2JOkEJ-OcIy7iEGoHspMhoNBKMc0TWpEZs1tqI-l0Z9YjiTIYav9wUhIMSwq26gUu_0NoKBV1crX3HHOqeWAZCDMp1klVxU0W783nB1pMxSMEXE/s1600/DSC_0345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIg3LuaWRIW2UQ7vOs3oG3bzrrRUCm2JOkEJ-OcIy7iEGoHspMhoNBKMc0TWpEZs1tqI-l0Z9YjiTIYav9wUhIMSwq26gUu_0NoKBV1crX3HHOqeWAZCDMp1klVxU0W783nB1pMxSMEXE/s1600/DSC_0345.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0ZPJzVFXqcY3TSpsgi5YSBMNWMw8mlMXJodj4xv7Ik0LxNvY3iWIbzsYNevklW_5qBZq_lCMChKiHIpi0yZUfvmBzo4jXHv0vosz7T2UhhEQra16h9hhvvE8KAynzo7ZBl-kiesrhk0/s1600/DSC_0317.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></div>
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and maybe pauses to snack on some delicious wipes.</div>
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or maybe a microphone....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XZ7ITL-P2ayyW0O54BDklsDzIUrxWveEXRq2IUKha6z5p592jaPesUQzqQejoVfwgbGmIznJyC8lOwHKolBenFXijngGRHutw4hTKxZateS0c-x6HXXDon8QGwzoMAwFG7i-M4YXtx8/s1600/DSC_0459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XZ7ITL-P2ayyW0O54BDklsDzIUrxWveEXRq2IUKha6z5p592jaPesUQzqQejoVfwgbGmIznJyC8lOwHKolBenFXijngGRHutw4hTKxZateS0c-x6HXXDon8QGwzoMAwFG7i-M4YXtx8/s1600/DSC_0459.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>{I should mention that he somehow opened the closet doors in order to get inside to eat said microphone}</em></span></div>
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Before unleashing his fury on the floor vents...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzLxzSuYAbRFysevbUd0J4FTCPedPPRgWkrKFVQr3_Qx-Ulc94Rq1af4E50r3wCAk7ltZy4NjT0E6FS3_bbGqFDjWW1rSdvDIfO0QAc0qzz_mPwiDtKA7bC48IYJ1MdqUDox4IGTmVr4/s1600/DSC_0447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzLxzSuYAbRFysevbUd0J4FTCPedPPRgWkrKFVQr3_Qx-Ulc94Rq1af4E50r3wCAk7ltZy4NjT0E6FS3_bbGqFDjWW1rSdvDIfO0QAc0qzz_mPwiDtKA7bC48IYJ1MdqUDox4IGTmVr4/s1600/DSC_0447.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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...and his socks... always the socks...</div>
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And then he searches out his final victim... "MAAAMAAAMAAA!!"</div>
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BOOM. I just died from cuteness. You did too, didn't you?</div>
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xo,</div>
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Chelsea</div>
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red dirt revivalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06672516884784043104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6005507755552295431.post-61378289167292449242014-02-06T08:39:00.000-06:002014-02-06T08:55:46.920-06:00Valentine's Day Giveaway with Chelsea Ahlgrim Photography<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Love is in the air, and I'm giving away a FREE session to one lucky couple! The giveaway starts today and ends at midnight on Thursday, February 13th. The winner will be announced on Valentine's Day! To enter, please do each of the following:<br />
1. Like the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chelsea-Ahlgrim-Photography/160183370713812?ref=hl" target="_blank">Chelsea Ahlgrim Photography</a> page on Facebook<br />
2. Share the giveaway post on Facebook<br />
3. Comment and tag your Valentine on the giveaway post on Facebook<br />
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Also, please read the stipulations below before entering to ensure that you are eligible. Thanks so much for your participation! I can't wait to see pick a winner and announce on Valentine's Day!<br />
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**This giveaway is for a full Couple's Session (including digital images) to be scheduled in March-August of 2014. It is open to Oklahoma City and Tulsa area residents only. This session cannot be transferred to another individual and it cannot be exchanged for a different type of session**red dirt revivalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06672516884784043104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6005507755552295431.post-38833004513703842252014-01-28T21:06:00.004-06:002014-01-28T21:06:43.952-06:00Mother's Day Out.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vY9SVqTRjnUv2jhcv2pGAg1To2vSCNzgY2fNjvMZjdgAflX4ZxLb57zC-BPTEEmBnx30Gd4_CVaU6XDLhBRPWScQOCIqjEs6kCqjuLbNifCJEoyJEq6iLZMNrMs8CjNR574ZJ6BVNx8/s1600/DSC_0014+%25282%2529-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vY9SVqTRjnUv2jhcv2pGAg1To2vSCNzgY2fNjvMZjdgAflX4ZxLb57zC-BPTEEmBnx30Gd4_CVaU6XDLhBRPWScQOCIqjEs6kCqjuLbNifCJEoyJEq6iLZMNrMs8CjNR574ZJ6BVNx8/s1600/DSC_0014+%25282%2529-2.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2eR7-fNX-zVnmPejzYObKhe66xhRTqMbLEniZs34YAiSpcv9syvcn0j1qBDoCIb-SxOrJUlHDGo3UhsPNCn7Ym_zObdMn7yQ29vFSZjJz9vcGXNTO7GO1G_wZoVvh88Q1qxKyQ9cbgk/s1600/DSC_0023+%25282%2529-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2eR7-fNX-zVnmPejzYObKhe66xhRTqMbLEniZs34YAiSpcv9syvcn0j1qBDoCIb-SxOrJUlHDGo3UhsPNCn7Ym_zObdMn7yQ29vFSZjJz9vcGXNTO7GO1G_wZoVvh88Q1qxKyQ9cbgk/s1600/DSC_0023+%25282%2529-2.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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It didn't go so well that morning. For all my worry and over-preparedness, and stomach knots it still didn't go the way I had hoped. It snowed and I had too many babies and things to carry and not enough arms and we were too early and the girl child had to potty and they both screamed when they left my arms. There was also the matter of peanut products, which apparently aren't allowed but because we were unaware, my child had a lovely PB&J in her backpack- crust neatly removed. (Although they assured me that it would be okay this time). And I must admit, I rushed. I had somewhere to be and I knew that the best way to make it easy for my kiddos would be for me to make a hasty retreat. So after their tears began to fall, but before mine could flood my face, I told them to have fun, and quickly made my way to the car.<br />
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Then there I sit, in a train-themed dentist's waiting room with a train buzzing around my head. I clutch my phone because I just know that any minute the teachers will be calling to inform me that my child has been screaming for twenty minutes or I forgot to leave enough diapers or the peanut butter has in fact caused another child to go into aniphalactic shock and they would like for us to leave and never return. </div>
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Nearly an hour since I left them screaming in their classrooms I think, <em>surely by now their little hearts have quieted and they have found a way to have fun</em>. I keep reminding myself that I want to raise intelligent, well-socialized, kind, patient, loving children. And the best way for them to learn these qualities is to have opportunities to apply them. </div>
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I return home to a silent house and realize that this... this moment where I am disheveled and worried... this is the first time that I have ever been alone in this house. But I glance at the clock and realize that any minute, my babies will be going down for their first nap in a strange place and who will sing to them? Who will hand him his bear? Who will brush the hair from her forehead and pray over her before she sweetly sings herself to sleep? Standing there in my sundrenched living room, I finally release what I held together in the hallways of the school and the waiting room and the dental chair and I... cry. It's ridiculous, the tears that spill from my face. I pray. For myself and their teachers, but also for their little hearts. That they would be quieted and calmed and soothed and find rest. It lasts only a minute or two, but the release is cathartic and as I find my feet again, I feel entirely embarrassed. Only three hours have passed since I left my children in the care of well-qualified teachers.<br />
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Simultaneously, I realize I have a mere two hours left before I am to return to retrieve them and my heart begins to pound. How can something feel like a race and an eternity all at the same time? I force myself to rest. I leave the mess. I tell myself that just this once, I need to just listen to what my body is telling me to do. Rest... but I am awakened by the pounding of my own heart every few minutes and all too soon, my alarm is telling me <em>hurry</em> <em>hurry hurry... they need you.</em> So I pull my weary, aching head from the couch and reach for my keys. <em>Rush... they're waiting!</em> <br />
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I make the quick drive to their small school and as I pull into the parking lot, I brace myself to wipe hot tears off of red cheeks and soothe tiny heaving bodies as they cling to my chest. I breathe deeply and walk into the hallway, bustling with other moms and dads picking up their children. <br />
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Many steps before I reach his classroom, I hear him. Loud shouts and squeals. Babbles and coos. He's always had quite a volume. But he isn't unhappy. In fact, as I approach the door to his classroom, I see him excitedly chatting up a bouncy seat and swatting at the toys. No tears. Not even a frown. He sees my face and his eyes light up. He smiles his entirely too large, drooly, toothy grin, and quickly crawls toward me. As his teacher places him in my arms, he bounces and laughs and babbles as if telling me all about his first day. She tells me he had a wonderful time, and that he loves his teddy bear. I also learn that he has used a fork for the first time!<br />
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We make our way to the girl child's classroom and despite my worry that I'd find her in a corner being comforted by her teacher, she is engrossed in play with another little girl. So engrossed, in fact, that she doesn't see me even after I call her name a few times. So instead, I watch her. She is so naturally social. She loves people so much. And in this place she seems truly... happy. I call her name again <em>Birdy... </em>and she looks toward me. <em>I found Momma!</em> she squeals, running to me with her arms stretched upward. She colored a picture. She had a snack. She took a nap. She tells me all in one breath and as I crouch to hug her, still balancing her baby brother on my hip, she says, <em>I cry at school but now I so essited! I not scared anymore! </em>And again I choke back the tears. Happy ones this time. It seems so silly now to have ever been worried. <br />
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We celebrate with cookies. She eats two. And as she tells me over and over how she's not scared anymore, I decide I need to follow her lead. I start by having a second cookie. And then I resolve that next week I will not be scared. <br />
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xo,<br />
Chelsea<br />
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red dirt revivalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06672516884784043104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6005507755552295431.post-72425737366515563422014-01-25T21:38:00.004-06:002014-01-25T21:38:54.561-06:00Tunnel VisionJust stopping in to share some gratuitous photos of my Baby Bear playing in our tunnel. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrn_n9XuWuR_JwDnwUbHD-vtnpURBK9PTir0cSggP6n7jxpkl0b6tpaR2KADQ67SntbCjjPBq99Ye1mt1M1YjmK_7ij7zz45sKqakm2iaJFtrP3BEf7JEaW71UBA57ZqQHUHPg58CtdVk/s1600/DSC_0001+(2)-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrn_n9XuWuR_JwDnwUbHD-vtnpURBK9PTir0cSggP6n7jxpkl0b6tpaR2KADQ67SntbCjjPBq99Ye1mt1M1YjmK_7ij7zz45sKqakm2iaJFtrP3BEf7JEaW71UBA57ZqQHUHPg58CtdVk/s1600/DSC_0001+(2)-2.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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You're welcome.<br />
Xo,<br />
Chelseared dirt revivalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06672516884784043104noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6005507755552295431.post-53519267408401901432014-01-17T09:00:00.000-06:002014-01-17T09:00:00.427-06:00Potty Like A Rockstar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We started potty training Vesper last week. We started off slow. I put her in pull-ups over the weekend (the kind with the design that fades when wet) and talked a lot about how she can't potty in her pull-up- always making sure to NEVER refer to them as diapers- and asking frequently if she still had her bow/ flower/ seashell as were the various designs. Then that following Monday, I had her run around bottomless. I cleaned up a few messes here and there, and she had a few fits as I rushed her to the potty the first couple of times, but over all, her response was positive. I attribute this to one thing: treats. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vesper sharing her "potty treats" with Lucy</td></tr>
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Apparently, my child will do anything for a couple of sweet tarts and some dollar store toys. By day two, she was going regularly as I reminded her and staying dry during nap time. By day three, she was dry over night and asking to go potty. In the past week, we've only had two accidents, one occurring because of a stomach virus. We also took a road trip and didn't have any issues. I'm just shocked. It's not supposed to the be this easy, right?<br />
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I would love to tell you that we used some sort of tried and true method, but the truth is that I think God was really gracious in increasing my patience and enthusiasm with her over the past week. I made sure that she never felt ashamed or frustrated during the times in the first couple of days that she didn't make it to the potty, and I made a huge deal out of it when she was successful. We even went so far as to sing what became known as "potty anthems," where I would take various songs with the word "party" in it and change it to "potty." For example, "Potty Like A Rockstar," and "Potty Rock," and "Potty In The USA." They were a pretty big hit, although her favorite was a chant set to the conga rhythm. Yeesh. The ridiculous things we do for our kids... <br />
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I can't believe how much she's grown. It seems like just yesterday I was stressing out over sleep-training her, and now I'm shopping for a twin-sized bed for her to sleep in. By herself. With no pacifier. And no diaper. It's like she's not even a baby anymore or something! It's not right!<br />
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But I digress. All of this to say that I'm truly impressed by her maturity throughout the process and I'm extremely grateful to God for answering my prayers for patience in my heart and peace in hers. I think the Lord really uses the strangest situations to speak to me sometimes. Training up my children has resulted in more training of myself than I ever imagined, and I wouldn't trade it for the world!<br />
xo,<br />
Chelsred dirt revivalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06672516884784043104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6005507755552295431.post-74531152318094287972014-01-16T07:00:00.000-06:002014-01-16T07:00:11.916-06:00ten. months. old.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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How dare he. What is the appropriate punishment for a baby who refuses to remain a baby?! This I need to ponder because I'm desperate to stop time. Nevertheless, our little man insisted on turning ten months old this week. We love him more every single day! Here are a few things we want to remember about Grey at ten months:<br />
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1. Climbs over, under, around, and through everything. In fact, I found him halfway up the stairs the other day. He's going to give me a heart attack for sure!<br />
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2. Starting to be quite picky with the foods he eats. Current favorites include Totinos pizza, sliced peaches, and fruit wafers.<br />
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3. Shy around men, but a total flirt with women. I attribute this to the fact that he's at home with his mother and sister all day, but he's pretty shy around men. On the flip side, he flashes those big eyes and gummy smile at every lady in line at the grocery store and leaves a trail of swooning mommas behind him!<br />
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4. Eyes are still a muddy hazel-blue. <br />
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5. Taking small steps with the walker, but quickly gets distracted by the dog and would rather use his well-honed crawling skills to pick up speed and chase her.<br />
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6. Loves to be chased! He speeds away, then stops after a few feet to make sure you're going to chase him.<br />
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Time to start planning his first birthday party! I've got a really fun theme in mind and I can't wait to get started! <br />
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Happy ten months, Baby Bear! We love you so much!<br />
xo,<br />
Chelsred dirt revivalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06672516884784043104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6005507755552295431.post-88456010152623828882014-01-15T17:21:00.000-06:002014-01-15T17:21:12.731-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The kids got a teepee for Christmas and we've had so much fun playing in it. I added some Christmas lights so we can read in there at night too! Our friends love to come over and enjoy it as well. Both kids had a stomach virus recently and now they're both suffering from a gnarly cold, so we're sticking close to home most of the time. No need to get the rest of the world sick, right? Now if we could just find a warm day or two to play outside...<br />
I hope you're staying warm and well!<br />
xo,<br />
Chelseared dirt revivalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06672516884784043104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6005507755552295431.post-7306900924322666162014-01-02T20:26:00.002-06:002014-01-02T20:26:18.103-06:00Resolution: Make More Messes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had wanted to get Vesper a little tree of her own to decorate, but I realize she's probably just a bit to little for that still. So we did the next best thing: we decorated a paper tree with paint and "ornaments". She loved it and it actually turned out very pretty and colorful! This girl loves to paint. It's in her blood. She's constantly asking me to paint! It's just so much work to get out the drop cloth, cover the high chair, get out the paints, set up a palette, and get her started. And of course there's always this mess to clean up:<br />
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But then we end up with something like this:<br />
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And this little smile:<br />
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And I realize it's worth it. I don't want to be a mom who's afraid of messes. <strong><em>Sometimes the mess is where we learn the most.</em></strong> <br />
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xo,<br />
Chelseared dirt revivalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06672516884784043104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6005507755552295431.post-35474792562781377152013-12-25T09:00:00.000-06:002013-12-25T09:00:05.577-06:00Merry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wishing you the most wonderful of Christmases today! God bless!<br />
xo,<br />
Chelseared dirt revivalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06672516884784043104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6005507755552295431.post-1576729891986254402013-12-23T13:00:00.000-06:002013-12-23T13:00:00.657-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This weekend I felt worn. Tattered. Thread-bare. It seems that these days, weekends are every bit as difficult if not more so, than week days. I felt stretched thin from being needed to DO every second of the day. Between a teething infant and a toddler who refused to nap two days in a row, my time, my attention, my hands, were in high demand. There wasn't enough of me. There wasn't enough time. My hands could only hold so much- so many babies, so many books, so many activities to entertain, so many dishes, so many "I have told you a hundred times not to touch that!" and "Please listen," and "I'm going to ask you one more time and if you don't X I'm going to Y." No sooner had I found a moment to clean the wrecked house, than the children and husband (and myself, if I'm honest) had come in behind me and wrecked it again. It all felt a bit hopeless, honestly. It began to feel like I was spinning my wheels and getting nowhere. All the work, all of the words, all of the energy was nothing. It was unnecessary and useless and striving after the wind.<br />
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But a still, quiet voice in my heart this morning reminded me that I have holy work to do. That everything I do or say with my children and my husband is holy work. Our children will learn from every single thing that is done in this house, but mostly my attitude and reactions. Was I kind and loving in response to requests for snacks and food (again)? Was I gentle in reprimand? Was I honest when asked repeated questions? Was my heart turned toward Christ when trials seemed to be overtaking me? Did I point my children and my husband toward Christ when they needed an answer that seemingly couldn't be found? Did I point them toward Christ just to give thanks for every small blessing? That is my work.<br />
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Laundry. Dishes. Dusting. Vacuuming. It all has to be done, but in joy. Out of duty and gratefulness to my God. A God who really doesn't care if it's done today or tomorrow or next week, but only that I do it with the understanding that I have these chores because I am blessed. I am blessed with a family that truly lives in our house making messes and enjoying good food and fun and laughter. red dirt revivalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06672516884784043104noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6005507755552295431.post-10551984185574835122013-12-23T09:00:00.000-06:002013-12-23T09:00:12.102-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This afternoon, as her daddy was lifting her tiny, exhausted body out of her car seat, she laid her head sleepily on his broad shoulder, her long eyelashes sweeping the tops of her rosy cheeks. And in that moment I watched our hectic day come to a screeching halt as he gently cradled her head, and wrapped his arm around her waist. He sighed a contented sigh and drank up every drop of her wisps of golden hair and rounded baby face.<br />
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And then he said to me, "On her wedding day, I will pick her up and hold her just like this... because she will always be my baby..."<br />
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Be blessed.<br />
xo,<br />
Chelseared dirt revivalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06672516884784043104noreply@blogger.com0