Going Private...

I have been postponing this for quite awhile now, because I hate when I go to look at one of my friends blogs and I can't because they've gone private, but when people start commenting on my family blog that I have no idea who they are and their profile isn't available... lets just say it makes me really nervous! You just never know about some people out there. I'll leave this public for a couple weeks, so if you want an invite leave your e-mail address and I'll send you one. Thanks!

Santa Claus

This year we have been talking up Santa Claus hoping that Jorgan would be excited for the Christmas party and sit on his lap with out screaming... It worked! She just walked right up to him and sat on his lap and was so CUTE! Ok so she still looks a little freaked out, but she wasn't crying! :) I'm so excited for Christmas this year because she's going to get it, and we won't have to unwrap her present FOR her. Woohoo!

4 down...Eternity to Go...

Collin and I celebrated out 4th anniversary this week and more than ever I know he is the man I am SUPPOSED to be with. Collin works so hard for our family and usually has about half an hour to get home and shower than he is off to his next shift, but he took the time to get me some flowers and let me know how much he loves me. As I sit here this morning, I can't help but think back on the past four years and think of how blessed we have been. I love the life we have created for ourselves! We may not have everything we want but we have always been blessed with what we need. We have a beautiful daughter who we love with all our hearts. I have a wonderful husband who I love more and more each day and always supports me in everything I want to do. Everything isn't always perfect, and we have certainly had our disagreements, but if I had to do it all over again I would still choose Collin to go through life's adventure's with. Thanks for being wonderful and working so hard to make your family happy! Here's to loving you babe! Four down, and eternity to go...

Blog slacker (Warning LONG Post!)

Where has the time gone?! I can't believe we are already half-way through October! It seems like I just started volleyball again and now we are 2 weeks away from the Regional Tournament. (I measure my life right now by games played vs. still left... I guess it comes with coaching?) Things here are going well and I'm going to attemp to summarize it all for journal purposes. If you're still reading by the end... props to you. You're a dedicated blog reader! :)

Collin is still as wonderful as ever and works so hard for our family. As much as I miss him, I'm glad he loves what he does and so that makes it a little easier to wave goodbye for two days at a time. I love watching Jorgan's face when her Daddy walks through the door! She squeels and runs right up to give him a big love and she doesn't even like sharing him with me!

Jorgan is getting so big! It seems like the last month she has really gone from a baby to a little girl. It makes me sad (but not sad enough to want another one just yet! :D)... She jabbers constantly and there are some real words thrown in here or there. She says "Hi" "Mom" "Dad" "Babba" "Bampa" (Grandpa) "Pappa" "Dance" (She usually ways this one as she's waiving her arms around and running in a circle, I guess that what dancing passes for these days... :D It is so cute!) Lately, she's been saying "Oh no!" and "Oh my gosh!" I guess I say that alot... guess I'll have to watch what I say from now on! :) She also has an obsession with shoes lately. She will try anyones shoes on that will let her. She usually walks over to someone and points and grunts until they give in and she gets to try one their shoes. If they are in a pile on the ground, forget it. They are fair game and she will wear them until you chase her down and retrieve them. She does really good at matching the shoes. She always seems to know which shoes go together... she really is pretty smart. Takes after her mother. :) hee hee. I've started watching one of my friends little boys that is a few months younger than she is. It is really good for her to learn to share (work in progress) and be "soft" (another work in progress) and play with another kiddo. She's doing pretty good. She is so much fun and such a sweetheart! Her Daddy and I love her so stinkin' much!

Things always seem to get a little hectic for me this time of year. I love it though. It keeps things interesting. I am still coaching volleyball for the next month or so. This is the time of the season when things start to get exciting. The work up to State. I'll let you know how that goes. The team looks pretty good so far. There is a new Varsity coach this year that is a JOY to work with. I am learning so much. I'm also still in YW and loving it! I really think we have the best young women in the church. :) Collin and I both just got put on the Activities Committee. I'm kind of excited to have a calling with him. That should be fun. I'm still doing photography as well and its picked up a little bit. I don't know if it will drop off when the rush to get Senior pictures in time for the yearbook deadline is over, but its been fun to have some sessions and learn new things. Its really turning into a passion of mine and I'm greatful that Collin is indulging me a little bit on this. He's wonderful... did I mention that? :)

Hopefully I'll get better at blogging when things calm down a little bit. Just thought I would let everyone know that we're still alive and haven't fallen off the face of the earth. :)

My beautiful baby girl has grown into a toddler and with that has come all of the joys that go along with it. The tantrums have started, she's having trouble sleeping through the night again (I thought we were past that), etc. etc. etc. I was having a particularly hard day a couple days ago, Collin had been gone to work for two days straight, I'd had discipline problems at volleyball practice, Jorgan was in a winning mood, and I was at my rope's end. I found this quote that I think I needed to see and read it. It hit me in a way that I know was inspired and it made me realize how fortunate I am, and that I need to focus on the positive things instead of getting frustrated with the things that I can't control. I have a wonderful husband who loves me and works SO hard for our family. He is the best dad to our beautiful little girl who is growing up so fast. She is learning new things everyday and so happy and loving. I just need to soak it all in and not take it for granted because her being this little and so innocent and precious isn't going to last forever. If I keep focusing on the laundry not being done, and the endless diapers that need to be changed, etc. I know I will end up regretting that I didn't take more time to enjoy her being little and learning how to say and do new things. I guess I just need a wake up call once in awhile to make me realize what a blessed life I have and how much I have to be grateful for.

Here it goes!

So I've been dabbling in photography for the last two years and I have fallen in love with it! It is great learning new techniques and seeing the changes in the end product. After a couple years I feel like my photos are consistent enough to take it public. I've launched a new blog with pictures that I have taken in the past, so it would be great if anyone and everyone would go take a look and let me know what you think. I love feedback! Hannah Claridge Photography

Graduates

Just wanted to give a quick shout out to my little brother and sister. Evan graduated from Pima High School this year and Olivia graduated from 8th grade and is moving on up to high school! I feel old. Congratulations you two, we love you and are so proud of you!Evan just thought he was getting his diploma... maybe they'll mail it. :)