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I came across this video this morning and it touched my heart.

The last few days have been really challenging for me as a mom- and when life just picks me and shakes me, it is REALLY easy to loose sight on the things we cherish and love the most- our family.

As crazy as it can be with 5 kids, they make me have the best belly laughs, give the greatest hugs, and know JUST when to say ” I love you, mom”.

I am a proud mom…. I love my family so much!!

To my husband- thank you so much for this wonderful life and journey we have. Without you- I wouldn’t have all these blessings!

I haven’t had A chance to sleep

And when I wake

I wake with your dreams

I guess my pillow Holds some kind of key To your peace

Your peace

Me

I wouldn’t trade your love for all the candy In this great big world

Me

I feel so crazy blessed and oh so lucky

To be the place you go When you need to feel safe

When you need a kiss

It’s me

I haven’t showered

And I tried to eat

But all your tears

Oh they needed me

I need some time, some time to think

But then I hear you And what you need is… Me

I wouldn’t trade your love for all the candy. In this great big world Me I feel so crazy blessed and oh so lucky To be the place you go

I wash your face To make room for All the kisses Of tomorrow

And every day That I get to Be here with you Is sweet

Me

I wouldn’t trade your love for all the candy In this great big world Me I feel so crazy blessed and oh so lucky To be the place you go When you need to feel safe

When you need a kiss

Oh don’t be afraid Cause what you’ll have is…. Me

This is one of my ABSOLUTE fave songs. From Plumb. I fell in love with her CD and she JUST happened to be in concert at the MOPS convention the one year I went. She was just amazing and beautiful and just… amazing. I was able to purchase (another) cd from her as well as talk to her for a bit and get a photograph- although I have no idea where that pic is…

This post is all about my lil Jack. He grows too quickly. I love you lil man

Thank you Crystal Beck Photography who was able to catch these action shots during the filming of our family video by Norisada Photography!

Well… I am have way past MIA and straight to……..

I was trying to be witty just then but I think I failed!

I BELIEVE we have finally settled down in our new (temp) home out here in ND. I can say that all but 1 box (hubby’s electronics) are all unpacked. It seems that this whole month has been one long day- and I’ve been holding my breath.

I really do like this town- much like Sandpoint- only no mountains to gaze at…. or a beautiful lake… or a Starbucks! People are nice- the schools are GREAT. In fact… Get this… Kindergarten is FULL day. Yes, this momma did a happy dance in the registration office.

Besides following a toddler and a baby around the house- picking up messes, scrubbing toilets, fixing breakfast, lunch and dinner… I have managed to snap a few photos of the little one. I haven’t forgotten about you either.. I have been working on editing as often as I can. Which sadly, isnt too often. But slowly, its all getting done. I think after I am done with all my computer stuff, I should reward myself with a yummy DQ banana split.. or maybe… I should get it now to motivate myself into getting it done Yeah… I like that idea MUCH better!

Some exciting personal news… I have FINALLY signed up myself and my family for a gym membership. The gym is a lot like the Kroc center. Kids pool and rock wall and other fun things to do. I actually dragged my butt up with wall and I really enjoyed it. I was shocked how much my body hurt the next day- which I did not like, but I am excited to keep trying. I just need my rock wall buddy back to “belay” me. Isn’t that a funny word?! I had to ask 3 times if that is what she said.

“belay?”,

“yes, belay”.

“Belay??” 

“Yes, Belay!”,

“What the freak is belay”

I would tell you but it would be much more fun to have you just try it.

I have been trying to get myself on a Zumba schedule but I do have to admit that going to that class isnt as much fun if you go alone. Now, I had a kick butt time at Katherine Funk’s class only because she had Black Light Zumba and that girl has some CRAZY energy… and kick ass loud music! But here… *GULP* you are surrounded by those mirrors and they don’t make you look slimmer by any means. Doens’t matter how hard I try to look sexy or graceful- those mirrors show a reflection of this silly girl.

hmmm. I lost track of where I was going.

Well… hmmmm. AH! nope… that wasn’t it. Oh well

I know a few of you have known families that have also relocated out to this area.. I would love to meet up with some moms- get my lumpy butt out of the house… so if know of any, please have them contact me

My little Jack- has grown up so much. And it really does make my heart sad. Just a few days after we moved here, he started sitting up, scooting all over the floor and yelling momma! Of course he has made it a point to let me know he HATES his bed and the only place he wants to sleep is in our bed. And all you mommies know that that just means I don’t get sleep!

 

 

If you have been following my facebook page you saw that I posted “good news good news” and then I statement that I wanted to have a girls night out!!

 

Well I received news today that we are moving to be with hubby…… moving NEXT WEEKEND!!!! I know I know.. CRAZY, but in our family- FAMILY is important and we need to be together. I applaud and cry with those moms who have spouses that serve in the military and moms that have their hubby’s gone for work. I know its hard- very hard- especially when you have kiddos. I have many MANY emotions going on right now including fear, excitement, joy, nerves- you name it.  When it comes down to it all, we need to be together as a family- so that is what we are going to do.

 

 

For clients… No worries..  I will be traveling back and forth a few times to do sessions so you CAN STILL BOOK SESSIONS but those of you who wish to not wait for my return I have a list of WONDERFUL close photographers that I HIGHLY recommend. These girls are like family to me.. each one so super talented and special and I KNOW without a doubt you will be taken care of.

Without further ado here are my besties!!

Michelle Glasser – Meshelle Photography ( Newborn goodness)

Amanda Norisada- Norisada Photography (children/ family and those adorable videos!)

Amy Henderson – AMy Henderson Photography (Family/ senior/ Weddings)

Bethany Chamberlin – Bethany Chamberlin Photography (Family/ senior/ weddings)

Crystal Beck- Crystal Beck Photography ( the most adorable themed sessions ever)

Marie – Dominquie – Sandpoint Photo ( AMAZING stuff!!!)

 

 

I wish there was something I could do to let you all know how much I SO love you all and how much I appreciate each and every single one of you. You have supported me for so many years. I have enjoyed so much meeting all these beautiful babies, watching them and families grow. You all have a place in my heart and I pray that when I do get to come back to Sandpoint that I will get to see you all again!!

 

I am very excited for our new adventure and to see what God has in store for Jax Creations Phototgraphy. I pray that Dickinson North Dakota welcomes me as much as you all have.

 

I love you all

 

 

 

 

 

This was one of those RARE days where all the kids actually got along, were quiet and were enjoying something I suggested (quiet time) – if only they did this more often!

But I love how my guy wore his sun glasses all afternoon and wanted to read his baby brother a story. I love him!! I love them all!!

Well I clearly have a problem with doing this…. I have no idea why… I mean I feel like I have a permanent butt mold in my computer chair but I just can’t seem to keep up with daily photos. I almost feel like someone should stone me.. but that’s a little harsh

So I am going thru my recent collection of images that I recently took.. but *sigh* neglected to actually put them somewhere besides on my camera card. I am going to make an auto post on here that will post a POTD daily for me

So once it runs out, please feel free to nag me and remind me.

A friend has been inspiring me with her own Photos Of The Day.. I have to say that I am very guilty of not using my camera more for my own personal use. Ugh- G U I L T Y. For some reason it is so hard for me to pull it out and capture my own crazy life- maybe its because I feel like I am in that Groundhogs Day Movie- where things repeat over and over again lol.. you know… MOTHERHOOD!

Ya’ll feel free to nag me to post my POTD every day- it will make me get off my bum and have some personal family fun!

 

Today marks one month old for our lil Jack. I really can not believe he is a month old already. This morning as I was holding him and snuggling… he actually felt bigger in my arms. It made me cry. Time goes so fast with sweet lil babies. It’s just not fair. This morning I felt like I spent the whole time just being weepy.

With this last pregnancy, I made the decision to get my tubes tied. As much as I love kids, my body felt like I just couldn’t do it anymore. I knew this was a right choice for my family. But I have to be honest, the thought makes me sad that I will no longer to EVER have any more babies. I know in a few months I am going to be a lot more happier about this decision- because after all – they DO turn into those terrible tazmania twos!

I am so in love with my lil baby that it just breaks my heart to see him grow. I just wish he could be that sweet small 2 week old for just a little longer.

As this day moved on, my water works stopped and we headed out to the store to get my missing groceries from the other day. I am in the mood to be creative and bake. I found a cute recipe for some mini caramel apples so I made a few up to see if I could do them. And it was a (messy) success Even my lil food critic loved them! Although I am no master ate using my little melon ball scooper. Some of the “apples” looked a little…. well… sad. I LOVE baking things but I never eat them- ok well except PW pumpkin cake- Oh MY Lordy- that is just so yummy! As cute as these lil mini caramel apples are- I just won’t eat them. I need to find a victim to feed them too- I know I don’t want my kiddos to eat them all up- I do like to sleep!

Here is the link where I got the recipe… try them for yourself!!

Don’t let these cute adorable faves fool you….

If you have been following my desperate attempt to do photos of my little guy, you probably have heard not only the cries of my kids but also from me lol.

You would think that with a newborn totally at my mercy 24-7 I would be able to get so many cute photos of him. Well, I learned when my now 2yr old was a newbie that it is nearly impossible- especially after trying to heal from a c-section- that it just doesnt happen the way you would think it would.

Since walking up stairs is basically a way to torture myself I have had to enlist my kids to bring down the only thing that would keep things simple. My bean bag and blankets. Now, since we are in our new house, I have this beautiful natural light coming in the living room so I was going to take advantage of that for sure. But let me tickle your imagintion for a moment while i try to explain what happens when THIS momma tries to take photos of her own baby.

So I sit here at the computer with a naked baby all wrapped up cozy… waiting for him to fall asleep. Meanwhile, I have the bean bag all set up and draped like I want it to be and the heater all set up so when baby falls asleep all I have to do is lay him down. Well, just before little Jack drifts off to sleep, here he comes… running in as loud as he can… the trouble maker… the rowdy 2 year old- cute but descrutive. What he sees is a perfect place to jump and roll on… yup, the bean bag set up. So now, everything that I had set up- with my one arm that is free from NOT holding baby.. is all over the floor- crumbled up in a ball. By this time, 3 other kids have made their way into the mock “studio”.. all wanting a turn to jump on the bean bag. So now, baby is no longer sleepy and my blood pressure has climbed a little up more than I want it too. I call daddy for some desperate reinforcement for just a few minutes. Finally, things are quiet again and I try laying the little man down for a few photo ops. I get him positioned.. get his hands just right… grab the camera.. and here comes trouble again.. baby awake- UGH. I get him back to sleep, but its a light sleep. I try to get his hands and arms just right but he is a Charlebois so a little stubborn he is. I can’t get too picky at this point. All I want is to capture his newborn sweetness. Capture those tiny details that seriously grow way too fast! He has that soft fine hair on his face and on his shoulders that will be gone the next time I get to really stare at all his beauty.

The best part of using my living room instead of studio is I am keeping it so simple. No huge expectations for myself to create some breath- taking “newborn photographer image”. Instead, I get to just capture my little man. Simply.

Now, yes, of course, if I had the time, the patience, the help and the energy to be able to pull off a traditional “newborn session” I would but I am keeping it simple

So through the blood, sweat, tears, poo, pee, spit up, screaming and melt downs.. here is my lil’ Jack

This adorable hat is from Ali Bali Green. Go check out her page!!

Bet you thought I dropped off the planet?? Nope…. my site has been down due to some glitch but even MORE exciting is we FINALLY welcomed our little potato!!

Monday, September 5th- Labor Day, After I had a good visit from a friend and her adorable kiddos, I started having contractions. Thinking nothing of it I went on with my day. Later that evening, I was still getting those pesky contractions and decided I should keep track of them- just to see what kind of pattern- if any- I was having.

Another friend of mine gave me some advice about taking a shower- either the contractions would stop or keep going. So I hopped my chunky butt in the shower and relaxed in that warm water. For an hour, the contractions actually stopped but then they came harder. I decided that I should let hubby know of the situation. This is the point where I was just lost on what to do. You would think that after having 4 kids already, you would know just about everything, but I was at the point of worrying about crying wolf. Hubby came in early that night to watch and monitor me (such a sweet guy) and those contractions kept coming and kept getting worse. Finally he raised his voice at me to call the doc and let him know what was going on. The last thing I wanted to happen was to brush it off and then have this delivery be an EMERGENCY delivery. So I called and we went in. We left the house with nothing but my camera. I didn’t want to get my hopes up by packing that delivery bag- just to have to bring it back home. We get settled in the room, hooked up to the monitors and waited for doc.

When he first came in, I was only dilated to a 1-2 – ugh. In otherwords- a long way from delivery. He then said he wanted to wait it out and see what the contractions would do. Then he said he wanted to me stay over night to watch the progress. I have to admit at this point I was so confused at this decision. If I am having contractions- set up for a c-section- wouldn’t it be best to deliver BEFORE things got so hectic???

Well not 10 min later doc came back in and said that it was delivery day! Even though I was excited- I was concrened. Tomorrow was the kids first day of school and I wasn’t going to be there. The next thing I know they have Charley dressed in scrubs and rushing us down the hall. I barely had time to sign my name to the living will. I honestly didn’t think we would be in such a hurry, but I sure was glad- those contractions had me in tears!

As we waited down the hall for the OR, the anesthesiologist came by to read me the things that could happen. After he was done reading- I had to ask him if he was in the military. He had no bed side manners. Just to the point- like I was almost an inconvenience to his night- which I probably was, but hey- God had plans!

I kissed hubby bye and I rolled in that cold ER. Sat up for my spinal- which by the way was RIGHT during a contraction. And do you think that the military anesthesiologist WAITED for it to pass?? OH no… he just jammed that needle in my back. By this time I could no longer be “strong” and I just broke down. I waited for this moment for 9 months, I was scared, cold, in pain and not going to be there for my kids in the morning. By the time they layed me down on the table, my water had broke. I just kept thinking to myself, Thank GOODNESS I came in when I did. I mean we were already rushed but can you imagine if my water had broke how much MORE rushed we would have been?!

For some reason I was completely scared out of my mind. I was so afraid that something bad was going to happen. My iron level was SO low that they had things on standby for me in case there was a lot of blood loss. My body was still having contractions and not that I could feel the incision, but I could feel SOMETHING and it was NOT pleasant. I was so uncomfortable. Something just didn’t seem right. The last c-section was no where NEAR this uncomfortable and painful.

When baby came out- he was still a he ( I had secret hopes that we would be surprised with a girl)- took a moment for him to start crying but then he let out a big cry. I couldn’t believe how chunky he was. Even my doc was surprised on how large he was. I was so happy to see this little boy- this miracle I have carried and worried and complained about for 9 months- in person… it was breathtaking to finally kiss his forehead and say “i love you”.

Things were so painful for me that hubby, the baby and Dr Deland, left the room and requested that I get a little bit more meds to help with the discomfort. I guess I had them all worried with how much pain I was actually in. When I made it to recovery, they tried a few times to get my pain level down. I never seen someone pump so much meds in my IV before. They even let hubby come back to check on me- which I was really grateful for. I really needed him next to me- although I HATED him to see me so weak. I couldn’t believe how emotional and NOT strong I was.

The rest of that night was a little blurry but I do remember coming back to my room and seeing my parents and Charley and my sweet little baby.

The next morning was amazing… well besides the fact that my pain was still at a 9-10 and my catheter fell out. They even thought they had a chance of putting that thing back in me… well I had news for them! No way in THIS world was that going to happen. I picked up my little man and snuggled him into my chest and let that special mommy love. There is something so wonderful- that you can not explain- of holding a baby and feeling him (or her) fall asleep on your chest. I love the way he curls up on me and snuggles his head just under my chin. That sweet baby smell is something I will never forget.

As soon as I had a moment to myself I undressed my little man to kiss his tiny toes and just run my hand across his full little body of his. I couldn’t believe that I was growing this little person inside of me. For some reason it still didn’t hit me that he was finally here.

I have the most adorable baby… I think perfect skin, cute nose, sweet toes…. just perfect- in my eyes

I thank everyone for all the love, well wishes, prayers and gifts- it all means so much to me.

Its so funny now that the pregnancy is over. There is a part of me that misses being pregnant. Don’t call me crazy yet lol. But I miss the feeling of those kicks and jabs in my tummy and how people think and act towards pregnant mommas. I am so grateful that the pregnancy is over- for sure- much rather hold him in my arms than in my tummy… and maybe I only miss the “pregnancy” because this is my last and final baby. There is something almost bitter sweet about that. Freedom, yet sadness.

All I know, is I am going to try to fully enjoy this baby every minute that I can.

Here is my miracle… my gift from God…

Jackson Theodore Charlebois ~ Our new baby

A good friend of mine- who also did my beautiful maternity photos, came at the last minute to capture my little man and me while we were still at the hospital. This image says so much to me and fills my heart with some much love and joy. I am so in love.

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