holiday recap

Man, I used to be really good a this. A few hundred pictures of Reese marveling in all the attention she gets as the one and only grandchild. This Thanksgiving, I stunk. We had so much fun together. We ate some great food, decorated my house for Christmas, danced, it was all that a holiday shoudld be. With the exception that every other holiday I have captured in pictures. Oh well, I'm gonna issue a slap on the wrist and move on. I have no photo shoot booked through Christmas, so I know those will be good. I'll make it my mission. Here's a few I shot early on:
Mom doing all her yummy cooking. She did such a great job!

Reese pushed her babydoll around to kill a little time before Thanksgiving dinner...either that or she was trying to squeeze in a little pre-holiday cardio.


Uncle D and Reese made up some kind of sock game. Everyone was unsure how it worked but they seemed to have a good understanding of the rules. I think Uncle D let Reese make all the calls...

After we ate and Reese took a good long turkey belly nap, she awoke to us all decorating the tree. She found this Santa hat and made it a permanent fixture on her head the rest of the evening...

It was so much fun. Mom, Dad, Dallas, Boo & D, I love you all so much.
That night we went with Boo and D to see Four Christmases. Hilarious. I was dying to see it since I am, after all, president of the Reese Witherspoon fan club. We all were rolling! This weekend was filled with lots of shopping since two of my photo shoots got rained out. I think the rain was a sign that I am a little too busy! Ready for the upcoming week, Reese goes back to school this week!

Happy Friday

What a wonderful Thanksgiving.  

We had the best time together.  My poor family had to actually work on their holiday (hanging things on the wall, decorating for Christmas) but at least we all did it together.  Football, food and decorating, thanks what its all about. Unlike the rest of my family, I do not believe in the day after Thanksgiving shopping. Nope, never have.  My mom and sister will be there at 5 am waiting outside.  I have a shoot today and then tonight Dallas and I are going on date night with Boo & D.  So fun!  I love having them here.  And Reese?  Reese loves them.  She loves her Gigi and Papa too.  Yesterday she kept saying Pa Pa. She has also learned "love you" and she secures her place in her grandparents hearts every.time.she.says.it.  I'll post some Thanksgiving ones later.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I love Thanksgiving.  I have a lot to be thankful for too.  A shout out to all of you for caring enough to visit this blog so loyally.  Hope you have a wonderful day with your family.  We are so excited to have Aunt Boo & D here for 3 days.  Reese spent the night at her o so fabulous Gigi's last night and Papa will be here all day too.  I want to freeze time with all my family in my home.  The world is just right. 

Enjoy your turkey and travel safe!

Fit for a queen.

We're trying really hard to keep her room fit for a queen, I mean, THE QUEEN, but whew, is it work. It's almost there. I am thinking of changing the pink color (again) and I am still indecisive on the brown stripe like she had in AZ, also, do I paint the beadboard too? Don't know, people. I guess it is a work in progress. I got her roman shades in and they are too cute. When it's all complete, I'll do a sharing post on where everything came from. I always like to know where people got stuff (just in case I want to take their idea as my own) so I'll be sure to share the scoop myself. Isn't it much easier to be nosy by reading a blog than having to google search something you see you like? Onto the chick's room...
This is just a simple little shelf. We got it at Home Depot (very chic) and Daddy spray painted it. The piggy bank is mudpie (they sell it everywhere!) and the sweet pea cross is good ole Hobby Lobby (gotta love it cheap and chic)

Her chandelier...pottery barn (compliments of papa)

"R" letter from Restoration Hardware (where I also got her shades, I'll post them later)...

Bow holder (little shop here in georgia by my dad's house)

Sign over crib shop in Arizona but they are also online, bedding online store out of Mobile, Alabama they are awesome! You'll love all their stuff: polkatotdesigns.com

I'll post the rest of the room once I am done. I just ordered prints for the walls.
Anyone else feeling overwhelmed lately? It's a good overwhelmed but taking on a new house, decorating, organizing, starting a business, editing, booking sessions, ordering prints for my own house, wearing braces (this is where most of the problem lies) cooking dinner, need I proceed? Seriously, whew. Oh, not to mention Christmas shopping! I am running on empty and I have several shoots this weekend..too bad I love it so much!
Shout out to the Braddy girls and April for stopping by tonight. Reese loved it! Ya'll are wonderful!

my fun girl

She is a funny little chick, this one of mine. She makes us laugh sooo much everyday. She loves to color, knows all her animals:cow,pig,duck (her personal fav) horse, cat, dog and lion. She can match them all on her boardgame. Loves her babies and takes care of all of them. I've had chapped lips lately, so she's been taking my vaseline and rubbing it on their lips...how thoughtful. Reading and dancing are still all time favorites. We watch Alvin and the Chipmunks in the car and she dances every.time.they.sing! She keeps us entertained for sure. Coloring has been another love of hers these days. She will color on anything....this could be a problem later.
Here her infamous "dallas" face. She does this deep stare and then busts out laughing hysterically. It's so funny...Also, don't cha just love the diaper hanging over the pants look? It's all the rave...

This is the "what?" face?

And this is my favorite face of all...pure happiness.

Yesterday, I had a shoot and Daddy had her all morning. He bundled her up and headed for their new Saturday morning tradition (a.k.a. you might be a redneck if...) of the Waffle House. Dallas said she told him "no" to everything except toast. So, she ate toast. She was also mesmerized by the ladies yelling out the orders. I'm sure she was thinking...why do they have to yell in such a small place??? Dallas and I had fun last night at dinner and making some returns for the house. Today, we met with our financial guys (who we love like family) while Reese and Gigi went to church. I'm headed out for another shoot this afternoon while Gigi and Reese hang out. I am loving all this camera time! I'll have pics up on my photo site later this week.
Tomorrow, I'll post some of Reese's room. It's not complete, but I've got a few things ready to post. Have a great night!

Parents Day

Yesterday, was our very first "mommy and daddy day" at Reese's school/church. It was soooo cute. We felt so grown up going to meet our little girl in the cafeteria. It was a Thanksgiving feast for everyone! We walked in and she had this on her head....Doesn't she color good?

She was sitting so proud and cracking up. Then she saw us and slung it right off. Did we look like we were judging? I thought it was so stinkin cute! We tried to get it back on her head...

Yeah, not so much. I guess it was only funny without us around. This is photography by Daddy. She was showing him where the "Thanksgiving" food was located.

We got to have lunch with her class and all the other parents. It was so cute. What a wonderful day together. Aunt Donna watched her last night and Dallas and I went to dinner. So fun! Just a random shot from our afternoon...

Have a great day!

How was your day?

She's feeling better and her entertaining skills are back with a vengeance. Proof of this 1. today I gave her a hat box to play in while I got dressed and she proceeded to stand ON the box and dance. I could just see a trip to the ER. Exhibit B. Her Daddy and I sat in the floor of her bedroom tonight watching her dance, laugh, spin, fall, wear sunglasses and kiss us endlessly. It was pure joy. So glad that my day ended like this.

Don't hate. I broke out the flash so these are not so high quality.
About to plant a big one on Daddy. I would lean over and kiss Dallas and then she had to . This went on for 10 or 12 rounds. She thought it was hilarious and Dallas loved it to say the least. A zillion kisses from his girls? Jackpot.

She eventually tired of kissing Daddy and turned to her closet door. It, and the UGA cheerleading outfit got several kisses.

turns out Daddy's make for a really comfy chair...

Forty five minutes later, Daddy realized it was 8:00 and began to read to his girls (from Reese's chair which she will throw you out of if you sit in it) . She finally came around and enjoyed some Karen Katz with her fav guy. It was a great night indeed.

Now, for my morning.
I feel the need for a disclaimer: If you get sick listening to stories that involve poop you may want to out click now. Head on over to a more etiquette based blog that chooses not to share the real stuff. In our house, real stuff=poop.
Rookie is here with us while my mom is visiting my sister. Rook is at Gigi's because our backyard is not fenced in yet (and because they are best friends). He never ever went to the bathroom in any of our homes. He is 4 years old and the most housetrained dog you can meet. However, he is getting a little upset about Reese getting more attention lately. Plus, he is aware that he isn't living at our "new" home yet. In addition, Dallas' parents brought their shih-tzu last weekend and he smelled where Mylo had visited. All of this, added up to my morning.
While I showered this morning, Dallas took Reese to the playroom to play. His words to Rookie, were "No, this is Reese's time. You stay down here." Rookie listened, thought about that, felt that he was getting shafted, and walked into my bathroom and hiked a leg on my shower door! Excuse me? What? He never does anything like this, ever! Okay, he gets in trouble. Dallas leaves for the gym. I go into our pantry and find ants (we are finishing the basement and the ants apparently had a permanent address there). The pest control guy will be at our house shortly, but I wanted to get a headstart at knocking them out. I turn around and Reese has half her diaper off and is pooping! She pooped as she walked around and it fell out of her diaper onto the floor!! Whaaaa! I went into soap opera mode (I tend to overreact to alot of things in life, it's one of my best qualities) and I rush her to to her changing table. I yell at Rookie "stay put!" He usually minds me so good. Keyword:usually. I get Reese cleaned up and turn the corner....no poop. My floor is as clean as if I waxed it myself.
One would think it was over at this point. One would be wrong.
I walk into my bedroom and see that Rookie has peed in the middle of the floor on my brand new, vacuumed everyday, carpet! Ugh! Reese and I get the Resolve and begin cleaning. Reese would like to dance on.the.spot.that.I.am.cleaning! Que the nervous breakdown. I go to find Rookie to give him his official release from the McPherson family papers. Hmmm...what do I smell in the guest bedroom? OMG...he has pooped in my house! He has never pooped in anyone's house even as a puppy! I dry heave while cleaning that up. I look over and he hikes a leg on my guest bedroom floor.
Are you still with me?
Are you all wondering if a man named Rookie McPherson still exists?
It's a good question.
He does. He is in confinement until he goes to the Pet Resort. He better hope he can get off on temporary insanity. I know I could right now.
Several minutes of scrubbing, crying, laughing, Reese wanting to clean carpet HERSELF, I finally sat down to fix my lunch. I was holding Reese and she peed down the side of me.
That was my day. How was yours?
It earned a huge hug from my husband who arrived home fresh and slender from the gym wondering who stole his normal family.
Hope you enjoyed my story. On a side note, if you read my blog last night, our politicians dog brought Dallas' shoe back. That was a happy surprise. It was sitting on our front porch this evening ready for tomorrow's workout. Guess he just needed it for the night.

Ah, tomorrow's a new day.
Happy Thirtieth Birthday Deb!

Home sweet home

I can't tell you how much we love our new home. I mean, seriously, we went 13 months without one! 13 months! We were so blessed to have my mom who graciously let us live with her. She even gave us her master suite. She is amazing. And my dad who let our belongings take over his basement...he is a saint! I know they are both glad to have their homes back too. It was so wonderful. Don't get me wrong, a Meme, Daddy, Mommy, Reesie and a bull mastiff under one roof is work, but we all loved it. Not to mention 13 months without a house payment (if you don't count the other mortgage you pay renting during baseball season) that was really nice. But we knew this time would come and we are loving our own space. It made since last year. By the time we got to Georgia, we would have bought a home just to leave for the season and Mrs. tight wad here was not letting that happen. Plus, I loved being with mom when Dallas was away. So, here we are, all back in our own beds. Reese is loving it. She especially loves every night when her Gigi stops by. Tonight she literally ran across the den to my mom. It melts my heart (I think it melts a gigi's heart too). The Braddy's also stopped by tonight for some playtime. Reese loves to walk everyone up to her playroom. She knows exactly how to take you. Other than that, just still organizing here. We do have some drama. Our city councilman's chocolate lab roams the neighborhood (hello, leash laws) and Dallas has been so sweet to him. We've fed him, tried to give him shelter in the cold and what does he do in return? Steal one of Dallas' shoes. Seriously. What is he going to do with just one? Will we spot the city councilmen around town in Dallas' ONE black Nike shoe? Dallas left them on the steps and I went to bring them in. "Why did you only leave one?" To which he replied "Do you seriously think I wore one shoe?" "Well that's all that's out here." Que us remembering that the suspect had been on our front porch earlier this evening.

You move into a nice neighborhood, be friend a lost soul and what happens? You are left with one shoe. Figures.

Anyhoo, Rookie is upset about the situation and plans on getting his Daddy's shoe back. Even if we have to take down the politician.

Onto some bathtub shots of Reese (by the way, tonight, Rookie, Gigi, Dallas and I all sat in her room and watched her spin around in circles and fall down 1,000 times while she laughed herself silly. She could hardly stand up and walk across the room. We were her captive audience and we loved every second)...

And, finally, project playlist got my favorite song up by Darius Rucker. Aunt Boo heard it first and thinks of Reese everytime. Dallas and I just about cry now everytime we hear it! Thanks for the tears Mr. Hootie! Hope you're enjoying it!

Ta Da!

Hire my mom...

Please!!

Sorry for throwing in the Georgia leggings but you can really sell stuff here if you show you're a Dawg fan!

Okay, this was a cheap attempt to lure you over to my new site but if it works, it works. It's finally here!  I feel like I've been working a year on this, wait, I have!  Building my portfolio, perfecting my technique, I've wanted it to all be perfect before legitimizing my business.  Well, people, I am legit!  Jenn Mac Photography is off and running!

My sister put a link to it a couple of days ago from her facebook and I've already planned 3 shoots!  So exciting.  I'm wishing I would have been ready a month ago to give me more time to take holiday sessions, however, I'll have to squeeze in as many as I can this season and be roaring to go the next!  This year I am not offering coffee table books, cards, etc. but in 09 I will kick off lots of cool products. Also, I'll make changes throughout the site as I go.  My bio is not complete.  I was not putting a headshot up with my braces! Uhm, no!  So, when they come off, I'll get a pic of me up.  I figure peole want to know who they're hiring right? Head over to the new site.  Bookmark it.  Link it from your blog, facebook, I appreciate everyones support here and anything you can do to spread the word. It's a blog-site to be exact.  I didn't want a blog and a website (hello, I'm managing too much as it is) and this is the perfect solution.  I love it! During the season I will book sessions here and travel back to fulfill those while visiting family. I will also book in Florida (or wherever the ball with seams leads us) through the summer.  My office is not finished in our new house, so all clients will get a private on-line gallery to pick their prints.  The site will be updated often with my own pride and joy and clients.  You can check out my last maternity shoot too.  She is stunning.

I know the next question...Are you still keeping up reesiepieciepoo?  The answer? Of course! This is my family blog.  It will continue on!  I love this.  I have decided to stop my mac site on georgiareese.com.  Eh, I'm over it.  If you've been there at all you can tell I've BEEN over it!  It's too much to keep up.  Everyone reads the blog more.  It's slow.  It's slow.  Did I mention it's slow on a pc?  Creatively, I did what I wanted with it last December when I originally designed it.  I feel like it's lost it's "in" factor.  So, it's going in the can.  Buh Bye.  I will be here though! Now that we are in our house my blogging is getting better too!  Thanks for all the support on here.  I love hearing from everyone!  

See you on the other site too!

jenn mac photography

Keeping a secret...

A secrets hard on any female but an outgoing 16 month old?  Can't believe she's kept it under lock and key this long. We're almost ready for the big reveal!  Tomorrow's the big day!  It's finally here.  Big Announcement tomorrow.  Hope you all have some fun weekend plans.  

Til then...

me.

I'm a simple kinda gal.

And this simply made me smile.

Even with a mouth full of braces.

nothing like home.

We are getting all settled in our new house now. We know where our kitchen utensils are located, which light switch works the fan, most of the rooms are decorated. Is that what life is really all about though? As much as I miss Arizona (aka the Nielsens, Treeces, Phelps, Flakes, Simons, Pooles, Homers, etc) there is nothing like having my mom, dad and sister here throughout the week. Mom comes over every night. We usually swing by her work once a day because Dr. Foster's staff is also known as the Reese McPherson fan club but it is so great to see Reese's face when her Gigi walks in every night. Tonight was the best. Mom, Dad and Aunt Boo all came over for dinner and to play with Reese. Reese loves her Papa. It cracks us all up how mesmerized she is with him. They are best buddies the entire time he visits. Everyone plays, reads books and her favorite part? She can lead them directly to her playroom. It's kinds her way of locking them into her world.

I cooked turkey meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans and we all sat around chatting and eating. I stopped for a moment taking it all in. Boo is only two hours away and Daddy an hour but I wish they were next door. Reese adores them all. Gigi luckily is five minutes away. I did grab my camera and snap some shots during our playing. I'm still working on her room but I'll post pictures as soon as it's complete.

Where's your belly? She kept showing us her belly and it was kinda chilly outside.

And then it became a game. Papa had to keep pulling her shirt down which she thought was hilarious...

Reese and her amazing Papa...

Where's Reesie?

There she is!

Then she decided to follow everyone into the basement. Daddy is so proud. He is working so hard to get it finished! Reese was testing paint...

And running around yapping to Papa...

After playing for hours with Papa, Gigi, Boo and Jenn Carter , Reese was exhausted. Guess when you're tired you gotta catch zzz's wherever you can...

Thanks for a wonderful night! I love you guys so much.

I blog to remember.

I want to remember all those little things.  Mostly, they are the exciting and humorous moments I have with Reese but I must blog about today's little laugh.

Recently our verizon bill has been creeping up.  Each month a tad bit larger than the last.  Am I talking more? No.  I talk less because I have no time.  Have I noticed Dallas turning into a chatterbox lately?  No.  Who's stealing our phones and yapping so much.

Answer?

Anyone ever heard of text messaging?

Anyone think a grown man could out text your average 6th grader in a month?

You have now.  

Meet Dallas.  He's a cutie.  A great father.  Has a love for fishing and long walks on the beach. Enjoys a good meal and text message with the best of them.  Too bad we're not getting cash back on each text.  Instead we are $200 in the hole.  Unbelievable.  Really.

According to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists excessive texting can contribute to hand, wrist and health problems.  Just what we need, people.

If you aren't catching on yet, there's a direct correlation to this rise in texting and the time of year...fantasy football.  Turns out as the commish and someone involved in an absurd number of leagues, you receive and send ALOT of texts.

I brought Dallas into our study to show him the bill.  We both fell out laughing.  

Month 1:200 over

Month 2: 540 over

Month 3: 987 over

Yes, a grown man.  

But I love him.  I really thought it was hilarious (as did the verizon chick on the phone when I called to fix our bill giving "Mr. Social" himself unlimited text messages monthly) until I realized that I am only about 12 percent of his monthly messaging.  That is some crap.  I expect I'll be getting some daily from here on out.  The good news?  It won't cost me.

Bring on the weekend

This past week? How's it going? Glad you asked. We spent last night in the emergency room at Children's in Atlanta. It's been a week. Eventful. All is well now. Reese is feeling better.

It all started with her runny nose on Monday. Since she started school the sick days have begun. Everyone prepared us for this. Our pediatrician even said, "It happens now or in kindergarten, pick your time." They were right. She loves school and I love her going. I love her socializing, sharing, learning about Jesus, listening to teachers, the list goes on. But, whew, the sickness is some junk. When Reese was sick a few weeks ago (the weather here right now has everyone sick) she broke out into a small rash. She was on amoxicillin. Dallas is allergic to penicillin. I had to see a different doc in the group this week since Michelle was out (frown) and she suggested augmentin since it has amox. in it and "just see." Well, we saw. Last night after a dose we put her in the tub and she was covered in hives. She was running a fever and then began vomiting. All over her Aunt Donna I might add (sorry girl, we owe you a trip to the mall). So off we ran to Children's. I think every little person in Atlanta was sick last night. It was packed. Reese is fine now. She had some benadryl, which thanks to "Mrs. Fill In Physician" she now refuses to take unless she is held down b/c augmentin is so nasty. Reese was actually running around the ER playing and cracking up. This did not sell our story very well. It also did not help us get back there any faster. The good news is today she is better. Poor baby. McPherson family lesson? Reese is allergic to penicillin just like Daddy. Surprise...one more thing just like Dallas. Geez.

Dallas let me rest this morning and we had a great date night tonight. He is busy hanging curtains in the guest room and he thinks I am diligently cleaning. Oops. Seriously, if I'm caught, I'm going down. Hey, I was missing my blogging world. I love this. It's my time dog gone it.

Reese is staying at Gigi's tonight and Dallas' parents get here tomorrow, so it should be a good weekend.

Warning:Some seriously sketchy photography ahead. I rationalized these by thinking that you were all getting sick of my non-photo enhanced posts where I continue to rant about my busy days. So, here they are. Please don't hate.

First off, I tried to get some decent shots today. Seriously, though what was I thinking? Hello, Mom, I was in the emergency room last night. Can we reschedule this shoot perhaps on a day I am feeling good?

Then she got all fired up because I wouldn't follow her into the kitchen...

Then she decided to pout (since crying and her natural charm didn't work)

While pouting she discovered a broom, so she decided to sweep...

And then, finally, I bribed her with some Cheerios. It didn't work for any good shots but homegirl got her way. Oh well, tomorrow's a new day.

Ah, if only a box full of Cheerios solved all of life's problems.

more halloween

Doesn't she look like she was loving her costume?  Believe it or not, she actually did.  What's not to love.  If they made it in my size I'd sleep in it.  It was so soft.  She really enjoyed flapping her arms, I mean wings, which add to the chuckle factor.  I am vowing to get some good pics in her costume this week.  Poor thing, she really got the shaft since halloween fell in the midst of our move.  We are getting really close to being as done as we can right now.  Still, little things here and there. It's really exciting.  I'm going to get you some shots from our house soon.  I love house sharing!  

Reese is not feeling so good. Her last couple teeth are coming in (then we are all complete in the teeth dept.) so she is teething and fighting a cold with this crazy Georgia weather.  She loves school so we are hoping she feels better tomorrow.  Have a great night everyone!