The Future

I'm trying to expand my business and I'm doing so by getting as much exposure as possible.  One option:  sponsoring blogs!  It's pretty inexpensive and people love the crap out of blogs.  This month, I sponsored Harper's Happenings.  Check me out in her feature post along with lots of other fabulous stores/blogs/goods/services/etc.  So... with a kid on the way, LMR Photography might become more of a job than a hobby.  We'll see.  (Interested in a photoshoot?  I'm pretty inexpensive and I'm always willing to work with any budget.  I'll even trade for goods and services!)

The photo I gave Mandy to use in the ad is one of my faves.  I love photos of moms and dads with their kids.  Here are a few of my other favorites...

A.D.D.

I put on Uffie's "ADD SUV" and an A.D.D. dance party photoshoot ensued. (You're welcome).

Cell phone - Coffee mug - Dancing, naturally.

 

Mason Jar Light

We live in a building that's over 100 years old and the electricity is from 1979.  One thing we needed is a light in the nursery.  The nursery doesn't even have wiring for a light fixture - so we had to improvise.  For this nursery, I want to keep the industrial feel of our loft.  Two of the four walls are white brick.  There's a large, floor-to-ceiling window and old, exposed beams on the ceiling.  I got a metal, vintage-looking fan on clearance.  We are using gray and army green with accents of red and yellow.  

Our own bedroom doesn't have a light so we've got four IKEA "Hemma" lights dangling from the rafters.  Working off the same idea, I got a few more of those at $3.99 each and some large Ball mason jars at an antique store for $6 each.  A few simple steps and I have this cute vintage light!  These were so easy to make and they'll totally fit the theme of the nursery!  Here's my first "how-to"....

I love it!   This was super easy and super cheap to make.  I want to make more!  Maybe a chandelier full of them!

8 Years

Man, the last week of blogs has been milestone after milestone!  My mom turned 50, I had a birthday, we announced that we're becoming parents, our friends celebrated a year of marriage and now... [queue trumpets, violins, doves, marching band].... IT'S OUR 8-YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!  8 freakin' years.  I cannot believe it.

Tonight we are going to Asado because it's one of the best restaurants in town.  (And, also, because I treated myself to their gnocchi a couple months ago on a ladies night and I haven't stopped thinking about it since!  SOOOOOO GOOD!)  We've also been talking about going to a drive-in movie ALL SUMMER so I think that's happening.  Oh and my sweetheart took me to Corina Bakery this morning and we picked up a slice of red velvet cake for later.  (We obviously like food.)

To commemorate the past 8 years I have compiled the past 7 years of August 23rd anniversary photos.  Okay, technically some of them are just "summer" photos but here they are. Also, we like to change our hairstyles A LOT.

The Reads :  August 23, 2003 - 2011

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008 - Photo by Jaquilyn Shumate Photography

2009

I love you so much, Daniel!  I cant imagine my life without you.  You are the love of my life! I cherish all these years and I look forward to many, many more.  Happy Anniversary!

2010

2011

One Year

Meet Nate and Danielle!  Two wonderful friends of ours.  They are funny and honest and are there when you need them.  They're both super stylish and I think they should have a husband and wife style blog... but they dont.  They got married one year ago today so this is my "HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!" post to them. These are some quick engagement photos I snapped for them last summer before they tied the knot. Congrats, you two!  We love you so much!

Why

In yesterday's announcement I didn't explain what made us decide to do Foster-to-Adopt.  The "WHY" is more important to us than the "HOW".

We have been talking about adoption for a few years now.  It's something we've always said we'd do.  Once we started talking about it more seriously, we talked about how special it would be to adopt before we ever tried having our own biological children.  One of our fears, which I think is very natural and valid, is being rejected or resented by an adopted child so wouldn't it be cool if the child knew that they were chosen? Not as a back-up plan but a first pick.  

We've been on a waiting list for adoption for over a year.  We found out in July that there is no sign in the near future as to when that organization could accommodate us,  so we were referred to the Foster-to-Adopt program.  Just as we find our foundation for the sanctity of life in The Bible, Dan and I also believe that God created adoption.  In the same way, foster care is a Biblical commandment that Dan and I want to take literally; to care for those who cannot care for themselves.  We are so excited to share our love with a kiddo!

During the summer of 2008, we had some friends over who have adopted.  We asked lots of questions since it was something we were interested in.  Ever since that night I've been keeping a journal specifically about this process that Dan and I are going through -- not, like, everyday or even every month.  It's just a story of what we've been through to get this child as well as our feelings, hopes and fears. When the child is old enough, we plan on giving them the book. 

The Big Announcement

Dan and I are so happy to announce that we are going to be parents!!!  

Please note that this photo is from 3 years ago.  Dan has more tattoos now and we are no longer this skinny.

We are so overwhelmed and happy.... and a little scared.  There are so many questions I can't answer right now.  Some of the unknowns scare me but I am confident that we are ready and that this is what we should do.  We've heard a lot of the same questions from friends and family so we'll answer them before you ask...

Boy or Girl?
We dont know.

Where is the child from?
The child will be American, from the state of Washington.

What age will the child be?
We are registering for 0 - 5 years old but from what I understand, the child will likely be under three to allow for an adoption to finalize before the child turns five.  That way we wouldn't have to re-register for another age group.

What's the process like?
Kinda long or kinda fast, depending on how you look at it.  We starting filling out the paperwork at the end of July.  (We're still not done...)  They are currently running an extensive background check and need four references (Thanks to Dan's dad, my best friend: Sara, Jeremy, and Andy).  Our home-study will probably happen in September.  This is when a case worker comes over and asks a million questions and looks around to make sure our home is safe and happy.  Then, we have 30 hours of classes in October.  After that, I'm told it's 3 - 6 months before a child is placed in our home.  We will be foster parents until the opportunity for an adoption happens.  What that means is that we have to give the child's birth-parent(s) a chance to "get their act together" - the main goal is for a child to be with their family, unless the family is deemed unfit.

How long will it take?
We're not really sure.  Including the application process, it will be about 9 months until a child is in our home.  There's no way of knowing how long an adoption will take either.

Where will you live?  
We are staying in our loft in downtown.  Yes, it's on the fourth floor.  Yes, it's inconvenient in just about every way imaginable.  BUT!  We love it.  We are not only registering ourselves as foster parents but also our home so we wouldn't legally be allowed to move after we register.

Can you re-name the child?
I would imagine that the child would legally take our last name if an adoption takes place and at that time we could change his/her first or middle name.  I'm sure they will address this during the classes.  I don't know if it's allowed or if it's taboo.  I will keep you updated!

Can you afford it?
None of your beeswax.  (Just kidding!)  Private adoption and adopting from over-seas is very expensive.  With foster care and public adoption most of the costs are covered by the state.

What about your jobs?  Is Dan quitting the band?
Dan will still be touring.  Dan's career is going well;  the band is getting paid more for their shows which means they don't have to tour as often.  We realize that this will be difficult but it's our reality.  We feel ready to start a family.  When Dan's home, he's literally at home all day which means lots of time with the kiddo!  I will probably be hiring some help for when Dan is out of town.

What do you need?
Right now we just need the basics and what is required by the state:  a crib/toddler bed, a changing table, a potty-seat, fire-extinguisher, first aid kit.  Good news:  We have all that!  As for all the other stuff (clothes, car seat, bottles/formula, diapers, food, bedding, stroller, toys, etc etc etc...mild anxiety attack....) we would love your hand-me-downs once we find out what gender and age of the child being placed in our home.

Do you like Thai food?  
Yes, we love Thai food.  We make it at home sometimes but mostly we just go out and get it at a restaurant.

So.... that just about sums up the "FAQs".  Any more?  Shoot 'em at me!  We are so excited an appreciative of your love and support.  XOXO!  - Lindsy + Dan

My Turn!

Three days after my mom turned 50, I turned... 20-something. I had to pause and think about if I wanted to share my age on the internet, aaaand, I do not.  However, in two years, I'll throw a kick-ass 30th birthday party [similar to the lovely Mandy of HarpersHappenings.com] and you'll all hear about it.  (See what I did there?  I told you my age.  You just have to do a little math.)

So, what did I do?  Um... let's see.  I slept in until 9:30, which was awesome after a DAY 'o' wine-tasting on Sunday. My body needed it.  Then, Dan went to suspiciously "run errands" (i.e. buy my gifts) and I went to the gym.  I really, really wanted to get in a good workout.  And, I did!  Yay, me.  Then, I showered.  Then, we went up to this Mongolian Grill in SeaTac that I looooove.  Then, Monday night soccer - which I decided not to cancel since A) I love Monday night soccer -and- 2) I love everyone who goes to Monday night soccer.

Then, the after party was awesome!  After soccer, I ran over and changed at our friends Nate and Danielle's house while Dan got some spots reserved at D.O.A. on 6th Ave.  It was so nice to see everyone!  I love getting friends together.  My only regret was that the camera wasn't behaving.  Dan took these photos.  One was extremely over-exposed and the other was the opposite and not properly white-balanced.  They're the only evidence from 8/15/11 so ... deal with it.  We cant have photos of EVERYTHING ALL THE TIME.  (But, I wish we could!!!)

Birthday Weekend Bash!

So many great things happened this weekend!  My mom turned 50.  We (the kids) took her to Cheesecake Factory, her fave.  Then on Saturday, my cousin got married.  We danced the night away with our cousins (some of them... We have over 20 cousins in my mom's family).  It was beautiful and fun!  On Sunday we took mom and her friend, Anna, wine tasting in Oregon!  It was so fun!  I love wine tasting!Our favorite place was Fox Farm Vineyard and Wine Bar.  It's in Newberg, OR.  They did a really nice tasting for us and we all found a wine that we really liked.  I brought home a 2008 Pinot Noir.  Saving it for a nice occasion!

My only regret is that I forgot my camera.  Left it sitting by the front door - dont you hate that!!?  Hopefully my sister got some good shots on hers.  

My mom is 50

Fifty years ago today, Alana Zavodsky was born in Vancouver, WA.  Her dad, Grandpa John, was a high school math teacher.  She has 5 step-siblings and 3 biological-siblings.  She is the youngest of her biological family and 2nd youngest out of the whole clan.  I believe she was one of the first to get married.  When she was 21 she was pregnant with me!  I was due on her 22nd birthday but came three days later.  (So, if you do the calculations, you will realize that I am going to be 28 on Monday.)  She's a wild, sassy lady and I learned so much from her.  She taught me so many things:  reading and writing, that Sesame Street is the best show on TV, eating veggies is important, cooking and baking, putting on make-up, driving, paying bills, buying a house, fixing up a house.

We used to celebrate our birthdays at Portland Zoo. [1986].

The weirdest part about my mom turning 50 is that I remember her when she was my age.  She was pregnant with my sister, Sister#3.  I guess I'm a little behind - because she had 3 kids at 28 and I have 0.  But, it's a sign of the times.  Just one generation later, 22 is very young to be having babies.  But, hey, she had all her  kids by the time she was 30 and she was the hottest mom at every graduation ceremony.  ;-)

My mom on Mother's Day, 2011.  Photo by:  Sister#2.

At 50 she's got four grown kids who are all pretty much independent; the world is her oyster!  She is good at so many things - drawing, painting, sewing.  She has many, many years of life ahead of her and I hope and pray that she has a blast and finds happiness.  I love you so much, mom.  We're going to have an awesome weekend!  Full of surprises!  You deserve a party so that's what we're giving you!

(More posts to come....)   XOXO!  -Lindsy

Birthday Countdown

For 360 days of the year I claim to "not care" about my birthday.  It's just another day.  We'll go get some food that I like with some friends that I like and it will be nice.  Howeverrrrr, about 5 days before my birthday (i.e. TODAY) I start to get crazy!  I start to regret saying that I don't want to celebrate or do anything wild.  Remember when I said I didn't want any gifts?  I lied.  Just because I don't want to make a big deal out of my birthday doesn't mean I don't want my husband, family, and friends to make a big deal out of it.  I've always had to plan my own birthday - except for last year, last year was awesome -  I really, truly did not care about my birthday.  We got to go boating on the Columbia River and then had a surprise party in Tacoma.  It was really great.  So, maybe I'll be like the Danish and have NO expectations so that I can be pleasantly surprised.  And, just for those of you who are thinking about getting me a present, here are some things I want:

I want [faux] sheep skin seat covers for my new car.

New 1987 BMW 535i.

I want this dreamlight from Urban Outfitters.

Dreamlight - Urban Outfitters

I want some new TOMS Shoes because mine are TRASHED.

Photo of the Day. 08/10/11. These are Dan's but mine are almost this bad.

I want jewelry.

I also want a TAN because this has been the cloudiest and coldest summer I ever remember.
That is all.  XOXO! -Lindsy

Baileys

Meet the Baileys!  They are my parents' oldest friends and we've spent every Christmas Eve at their house for as long as I can remember.  Their son, Ryan, who drove me to school every day my sophomore year (bless his heart!) was home from his broadcasting job in Texas so it was the perfect time to get a family photo session in.  Sara was maid-of-honor at my wedding and she is my best friend and the only friend I've known my whole life.  UC and AJ have been married for over 30 years.  Aren't they cute?

Since the Baileys LOVE (love love love love love LOVE!) The Beatles, we saw this crosswalk and did an impromptu re-make of the Abbey Road cover.  Abbey Road is my favorite Beatles album.  Due to all the stuff they've been through the past couple years, I wanted to tribute a song to them:  Here Comes the Sun by George Harrison. [Abbey Road album]

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right

Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right

Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...

Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been clear
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right
It's all right

It's all right......