a day in the life of me in photos and words

Years ago I found a book in a doctor's office where she had a photographer follow her around all day and document her day then had it made into a book.  I thought it was such a cool idea and was determined that someday I'd document someone else's day the same way.  Of course it would be cool to have my own day documented but kind of tricky when I'm the photographer.  Well, the other day I was reading a fellow bloggers blog and she had done just that.  Actually the rules were to take a picture every hour to document your day but I took it a little further and just plain documented my entire day.  Towards the evening I was getting pretty tired of having to pull out my camera (it is quite bulky) but I stuck with it and here's what I have to show for it.  I didn't edit any of the photos and I wasn't trying to take the perfect shot, I just plain documented my day.  Enjoy the ride...it's a long one.

 5:19 a.m. - I had scheduled a 5:30 make-up piano lesson for Gib since he was going to Sun Splash all day with the 6th graders and would be missing his lunch hour piano lesson.  He wasn't too thrilled but he managed and I promised him I wouldn't ask for any of his help in the evening and he could just chill.

 5:30 a.m. - I get him there on time (impressive) and quickly sent my sister a birthday text hoping to be the first one to wish her Happy Birthday.  I was informed later that I was #1!  Rock on!  During his lesson I went on a bit of an exercise walk.

 6:25 a.m. - After getting home I thought I'd try to take a quick power nap but my computer called out to me to edit photos from Eli's preschool program the day before.

 7:08 a.m. -  Paul left for work after the piano lesson so it was up to me to gather everyone for family devotional.  Charlie was still sleeping and always puts on quite a dramatic show when woken up.  He stayed covered head to toe in the blanket until it was his time to read.  Ty was still asleep.  I think he's going through a growth spurt.

 8:05 a.m. - After getting the kids fed, lunches made, etc., etc. I ran Ruby to the school to hang up her campaign posters.  We had to make sure to get a good spot.  She was the second one to hang her poster.

 8:18 a.m. - Ty was still asleep so I locked the house up and loaded the boys up on the golf cart and took them to the first gate (stayed in the neighborhood - Ty was safe).

 I let Gib drive.

 So long my boys!

 9:02 a.m.  Ty wakes up and we both enjoy our breakfast.  He had 2 big bowls of oatmeal (I tell ya, a growth spurt) and I had apples and crunchy peanut butter.

 9:44 a.m.  - cleaned the house, made some beds, and folded some laundry.

 10:30 a.m. - I forgot my visiting teachers were coming over but fortunately I was able to act prepared.  They're faithful sisters that come every month.

 I turned on Lion King for Eli and Ty and pulled out the lincoln logs to keep them entertained during v.t. Eli's not allowed to sit on my bed when it's made but for some reason I didn't notice when I snapped this photo.

 10:57a.m. - now it was time to get myself a little bit ready for the day...

 and this is what I had at my feet the entire time.  throwing a minor fit.

 It's truly impressive that I come out looking this good when I have so much going against me.

 Picked up Ruby a few minutes late from school for piano lessons which is why I didn't take a photo, too much in a hurry.  Ran her to her lesson then ran to Bashas to get some extra ingredients for Gib's birthday cake (Better than Sue cake, that's what we call it).

 12:04 p.m. - back in the car to pick up Ruby.

 12:07 p.m. - but first I need to pick up her lunch at McDonalds.  Just held my monster camera in my right hand and acted all casual as I was handed my food.  I think the guy was a little nervous to come out of the window.

 12:14 p.m. - picked up Ruby and was told how fabulous she is and yadee-yadee-ya!

 The girl doesn't eat feminine at all.  She just shoves her face and talks with food between her lip and teeth.  It's quite gross.  We'll have to work on that one.

 12:30 p.m. - dropped her off at school and was on my way to meet one of my cutest sisters for her birthday lunch.  Can't believe the weather for May.  It's a great day for a birthday lunch.

 12:49 p.m. - we had both arrived at the same time and I waved as I went to park my car.  By the time I got to her she was getting off the phone and informed me that she had to cancel lunch because of a family emergency.  I made her open her presents and hugged her and told her I love her.  She felt bad she had to leave but my whole intent was to let her know I cared and wanted to be with her if I could.  I hope she felt that.

 The only person I know that would venture out in shoes like these.  I would be too worried that I couldn't run to catch my child, or hop on a bike, or roll down a hill.  She rocks 'em though.

 1:09 p.m. - no worries Amanda, there's a water pad right around the corner and I have some time to kill. The boys had already had their lunch of hamburgers and french fries so they were ready to play.  They had a blast and so did I.

 2:47 p.m. -  We arrive home and I pull out a new bag of army guys (actually firemen - they didn't have army guys at the dollar store) to keep the boys entertained.

 2:52 p.m. - I hadn't eaten yet and felt like some baked tortilla chips and cheese but knew we didn't have any salsa (well, not the good kind anyway).  It was time to make some salsa.

 It's a lot easier with the ALLIGATOR!  This thing rocks.

 4:06 p.m.  - by this time the kids had arrived home from school and I was hitting a serious wall.  All I wanted to do was take a nap but at this point it was too late to do that.  I was dragging my feet.  I got some Golden Spoon out of the freezer and went and lied down on the trampoline.

 4:20 p.m. - It didn't take Ty too long to find me and take over my yogurt.

 Eventually Charlie made his way out and had found his own snack.  At this point I didn't really care.  I was so tired.

4:31 p.m. - It didn't take long for the boys to find me and to start jumping on the trampoline.  So much for relaxing.

 4:32 p.m. - Eli came up with a game that they had to avoid getting their picture taken.  They started out with 4 lives but then kept giving themselves more lives.  Don't mess with me and my camera.  I'm fast.  I accumulated so many points.

 They got one point!!

 4:40 p.m. - Eli gets hurt so the game is over.

 4:49 p.m. - Load up the kiddos on the golf cart to see if Gib is walking home from the school yet after a long day at Sun Splash.  He is and we pick him up.  He's fried.  He didn't take my advice on keeping the sun block on but he did find $2 at the bottom of the pool.

 Gib and I spend awhile lying on my floor upstairs and he's telling me all about his adventures at Sun Splash while I close my eyes.  Still haven't come out of my funk yet.  He asks what's for dinner.  I tell him I don't know.  He says, "Can we have mac and cheese?  That sounds so good!"  I say, "Are you serious?"  He says, "Totally."  Ruby walks in.  I say, "Ruby, does mac and cheese sound good to you?" She says, "Totally."  I say, "Serious?"  She says, "Yup, and I'll make it!"  I say, "It's mac and cheese for dinner."  I volunteered to cut the apples.
6:06 p.m. - the kids sit down to a lame dinner but seem totally content.  I photograph Gib next to Eli so he can see how truly red he is.

 6:07 p.m. - We have to peel Ty away from "Three Amigos".  It's his favorite movie.

 6:51 p.m. - While the kiddos eat I decide to go upstairs and do some exercise to try to get some energy back.  During this time Paul comes home and I ask him to snap a photo.  We talk then he goes downstairs 'cause he promised the kids he'd jump on the tramp with them.

 7:33 p.m. - beautiful evening.  Watch Paul teach the kids tricks.  I never was able to do a back flip on the trampoline.  I can't even do a front flip.  But I can play a mean game of "rear war".

 7:34 p.m. - Go inside and realize I've still got a kitchen to clean.  It doesn't look that bad but it  takes longer than one would think.

 8:29 p.m. - Eli wants me to read him his new book.

 I oblige.  Took some great video footage of him telling me that he loves me more.  It's a game we play and the only way to end the game is to tell him that he wins, that he really loves me more.  Which I know isn't true.

 9:26 p.m. - Had a babysitter cancel on me last minute for Friday night (Gib's b-day) so I started to search for a new one.  Found her and wonder why I didn't think of her in the first place.  Top notch!!

 9:30 p.m. - finished wrapping Gib's presents for his birthday the next day and putting them out on the table for the next morning.  At this point I'm done!  Good night!