tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90847972985900363102024-02-19T23:43:53.852-06:00The FranklinsNataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166788604435523551noreply@blogger.comBlogger598125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9084797298590036310.post-42221907163291822272013-10-29T10:07:00.000-05:002013-10-29T10:07:22.966-05:00This Year has Flown!<center>This year has FLOWN by!! Does anyone realize that it's almost NOVEMBER!!? I can't believe that it's almost 2014, and I will have a 5 year old and 1.5 year old in December! It's unreal!
<br>
<br>
This year has been great though, nonetheless! We'll have lived in our new home for 2 years this coming March and managed to do a little landscaping in the front yard this year! We have a LOT of landscaping left to do, but I guess plenty of time to do it right?! I love being able to make something our own.
<br>
<br>
We bought a new four wheeler this year, which brought back a lot of old memories for me when Jon and I dated we used to live on a four wheeler...I love our rhino, the convenience, room, safety....warmth in the colder months, but sometimes you can't beat an old four wheeler and the closeness of having to hang on to your fella :). Our rhino broke down in March this year, and after that it sat in our garage collecting dust for 7 months! I can't stand paying for something that isn't working. Finally we broke down and ultimately ending up replacing the belt, clutch, clutch cover and sheave plate...basically rebuilding the belt system. It wasn't cheap, but it's finally running like a champ again and I pray it has no other problems for a while.
<br>
<br>
Lawson celebrated his first birthday in June and Dillon will be celebrating his 5th birthday in a little over a month. I cannot believe he will be FIVE! Next year he will be in kindergarten full time, and I know it's gonna kill my soul after spending nearly 6 years at home with him everyday...but they gotta go to school sometime and he's pretty excited about it. His birthday theme this year (as long as it doesn't change) is Duck Dynasty. So basically a lot of camo and duck/buck stuff! I thought it suited him perfectly as he loves to play with toy guns and fake hunt with his Pappaw. I have lots of cute little ideas and when he gets his birthday present he's gonna be the happiest little boy in the world! I love doing things for our kids. I love going broke for them and spending all the money we have on THEM. Jon and I can't bring ourselves to do that with things we want, but we can do it for the kids any day. They aren't spoiled by no means....but they're well taken care of and it makes us happy to see them happy!
<br>
<br>
Winter is approaching quickly and I don't look forward to the cold months. It's already been cold a few days since fall has began, since here in Kentucky the weather is bi polar. I'll miss going riding as much, and of course being able to go out without dressing in 10 layers of clothes. It's also sick season and my kiddos have barely had a sniffle this year besides Lawson and his teething issues, but the first couple weeks of chilly air here and they both have had snotty noses for a few days now. Boo! Cold weather go away fast please!
<br>
<br>
Jon and I have had yet another great year! In July next year it'll make 11 years together...and it's been a wonderful 11 years. Can't believe we'll be celebrating our 7th anniversary either! It's so easy with him it just doesn't seem like it's been that long. I have seen so many couples splitting up and divorcing lately it's kinda making me sad! I wonder what ever happened to working it out and making it work or at least trying?! I also wonder what happened in their relationships to cause them to go their separate ways. I couldn't imagine not having Jon in my life anymore. I truly would be lost! I pray nightly for our relationship to be strong and withstand tests and for us to tolerate each other's faults and weaknesses. He is happy, I am happy...even on days we bite each other's heads off, we end on a happy note, or TRY!
<br>
<br>
I've been able to take some pictures lately. By pictures I mean photograph people outside of my little family of 4. It's been nice since it's been entirely too long since I've done that, I did miss it but can't take on tons with the kids being so young and still at home. Maybe when Lawson is older and easier to handle I can do a little more. But for now I'm just taking it slow and enjoying my time as a Mommy and Wife first and foremost.
<br>
<br>
I have made new friends this year and strengthened old relationships. Learned how to grow up and overlook drama and ignore silly things that may have pushed me overboard before. I'm almost 25 and ain't got time for that. Haha! I love all my friends, old and new, no matter the situation. I'm so glad to have a good handful of people I can trust and turn to who understand me and take the time to listen and be there but also understand me and my personality. I'm not your average woman, my closest friends who've known me most of my life know that I grew up around guys (cousins mostly) and somehow the 'guy personality' rubbed off on me. I'm kinda emotionless at times...laid back, don't care..etc. It gets misinterpreted as being shady or not caring but it's just how I am! Take it--Leave it, I was just born this way! LOL. But I don't have to worry about that because like I said, people who have stuck around to know me know how I am, so no worries.
<br>
<br>
This post has been nothing but random snippets of my life this year, and I'm sure I'll do it again closer to New Years, but waking up and realizing just how close to the year's end we are, made me think OMG! It's almost 2014! So I felt I needed to write, not to mention it's all cloudy and foggy and yucky out which switches my motivation OFF. HAHA! I have a "new" photography blog, I've yet to post in it. I am going to try to work on it next! The website is www.nataliefranklinphotography.blogspot.com if you're interested in stopping by and checking it out now and then! Thanks for stopping by and reading by basically public journal! Hope you have a good day!</center>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166788604435523551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9084797298590036310.post-45991844186972327612013-10-01T12:01:00.000-05:002013-10-01T12:01:10.052-05:00My Hero; My Husband<center>It's been a while since I've made a post on here, but I have been thinking that the world...or the three people that read this...needs to know!
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/10039315736/" title="Untitled by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5538/10039315736_8671804611_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Untitled"></a>
<br>
My husband needs no explanation. He is real, he is true, he is honest and straightforward. No need to read between any lines, he is what he is. He is not ashamed of anything he stands for or believes in. That is admirable and has helped mold me into the person I have become. He is very responsible, enough so for the both of us when I'm not. He is kind, loving, thoughtful and respects my opinion as his lover, wife, best friend, mother of his children, co-pilot...etc. The kids and I are his reason for waking up and leaving for work and his drive to hurry home everyday.
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/10039230595/" title="Untitled by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2813/10039230595_599a77551a_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Untitled"></a>
<br>
We've had our arguments, fights, disagreements but 95% of the time it's behind closed doors, in the sanctuary of our own home where we make sure to talk and work through each and every problem to a compromise or an agreement. We drive each other bonkers, bananas, insane some days. We are insecure, selfish at times, hateful, grumpy, sad, tired...and we may take a few snaps at each other's throats but we always in a sense "lick each other's wounds" in return, as gross as that sounds...but it's what husband and wife do, or this husband and wife anyways.
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/10039402533/" title="Untitled by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3775/10039402533_e9871d3284_n.jpg" width="239" height="320" alt="Untitled"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/10039408943/" title="Untitled by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2886/10039408943_b4062be6e4_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="Untitled"></a>
<br>
He's made me into a person who will stand up for herself, has morals, high standards, won't take any less that what she deserves. Speaks out against the bad and encourages the good. He is a Godly man who prays every night and teaches his children about Jesus...who disciplines when needed and instructs and shapes and molds his sons into the MEN he wants them to become. He is firm but understanding, has hard edges but gentle hands, and like all of us he sins but asks for forgiveness and mercy. He's everything in a man that -I- could ever asked for. Maybe not you, your mother, my mother or any other random person reading this, but for -ME- he's perfection...in my eyes, he's MINE.
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/10039339343/" title="Untitled by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7351/10039339343_8d05d2fb10_n.jpg" width="240" height="320" alt="Untitled"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/10039257626/" title="Untitled by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7375/10039257626_9908698beb_n.jpg" width="240" height="320" alt="Untitled"></a>
<br>
I could never be more proud of a man, he has taken my view on a lot of things and changed them...he has shown me who is bad and who is good and how to judge situations I may have been unsure of before. He helps me with all my challenges and problems. I can tell him ANYTHING and know that he 100% listens and respects my faults and my shortcomings. He knows all my fears and insecurities yet still makes me feel like a beautiful woman, even on my ugliest, most hateful days. He melts the anger that sometimes has built up, the hardships I've encountered he helps me realize are minuscule, and the people who drag me down he helps me see don't matter.
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/10039261316/" title="Untitled by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5329/10039261316_2bd8ff37e0_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Untitled"></a>
<br>
He puts up with all my faults and in return I put up with his. None of us are perfect, no couple has a perfect love or marriage, but one thing is for SURE, it is perfect for US. What any other person's definition of 'love' and 'marriage' is means NOTHING to our relationship. Nothing we do that works for us, is wrong in someone else's mind...because our love is our bond and our fairy tale and our love story.
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/10039394043/" title="Untitled by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3694/10039394043_e28ac42b45.jpg" width="480" height="480" alt="Untitled"></a>
<br>
I am so proud of him, he does so much for us and he does it with pure selflessness. He is currently training to become an MET (Mine Emergency Technician). There is supposed to be one for every 50 employees. He decided to take the class because he's seen first hand on more than one occasion something happen to friends and not know what to do, and wanted that knowledge to be able to help someone hurt or possibly save a life in the future. He is CPR certified already, and it just makes me proud as a wife can get of him bettering himself and learning new things for good reason. He is smart, his biggest smarts are in the common sense department...real life knowledge, he's smarter than me in that area at times. I was always book smart; straight A's in school, high GPA...bookworm. He knows so much about life and just general knowledge and I have learned so much I didn't know from him these last several years.
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/10039313045/" title="Untitled by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2868/10039313045_75415dd4a8.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Untitled"></a>
<br>
I could go on and on about this man and his magnificence (to me). I appreciate him so much, his hard work to provide for our family, risking his life everyday to make sure we are fed, clothed and have a home...a job I initially begged him not to do, but now is a way of life and he takes pride in calling himself a coal miner and I support him every step he takes. There's nothing better than having a spouse to be proud of, that you can brag on, who compliment each other and bring out the very best there is. He is amazing and no one could ever tell me a thing less. And that's just a little bit of how I feel about the man I call my better half :)
<br>
<Br></center>
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166788604435523551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9084797298590036310.post-6404965344076764322013-01-29T20:30:00.000-06:002013-01-29T20:30:54.038-06:00The Big Boy<center>It's not often nowdays that I even get ONE photo of my older son during a mini session anymore. He runs from the camera most of the time unless you bribe or beg him. The other day though, I was able to capture several shots of him with one of his favorite things...a guitar. I feel that he will be into music simply because so many people in the family and all around him play and he is exposed to it constantly and he loves it. He strummed on this thing for nearly half an hour, listening to the hum of the strings. I loved watching him as he played with the different sounds and tones.
<br>
<br>
He just turned four in December, I can't believe he's FOUR already. He is so smart to be four...people in town never believe me. He can talk more than any girl I've ever been around and he learns so easily. He knows his full name, age, birthday and address. He loves string cheese and hawiian sweet rolls...he also is addicted to popsicles. He has such a kind heart and loves his Mama..;) He helps so much with his brother but can also be a little rough at times. He thinks he is grown some days and often talks about wanting to 'hurry' and grow up so he can shoot guns and do big grown up stuff. I tell him to slow down and enjoy being a kid because once he is grown he'll wish he wasn't. I know sometimes life gets hard and stressful...so I am gonna try to help him make the most of his childhood and make as many memories as possible.
<br>
<br>
Seems like he's hitting growth spurts left and right. I thought it'd be forever before he got out of 3T's but he went into 4's and already getting in 5's! I am buying some stuff from the 'boy' section at walmart instead of over where the baby/infant clothes were. Makes me so emotional. I take all the cuddles, kisses and hugs he offers because I know one day there won't be many of those for him to give out so I want to cherish it all I can. I love him (and his brother) so much! Like I said in my last post I am proud to be their Mama and I wouldn't trade them for anything in this world! Here are a few of the photos I was able to capture the other day...
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8415234693/" title="IMG_0703 copy by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8365/8415234693_48ddfa673c_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0703 copy"></a>
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8416335468/" title="IMG_0677 bw by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8098/8416335468_563dff624a_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0677 bw"></a>
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8416333018/" title="IMG_0678 bw by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8190/8416333018_b7a9984d60_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0678 bw"></a>
<br>
<br>
...and about a week ago I caught this sweet little moment on camera:
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8416374912/" title="IMG_0484 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8190/8416374912_ba53660142_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0484"></a>
<br>
<br>
Squeal! Just too adorable for words! Hope you enjoy!</center>
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166788604435523551noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9084797298590036310.post-53266088726035494382013-01-29T11:10:00.000-06:002013-01-29T11:15:22.901-06:00Watch Me Grow!<center>So last time I posted this I shared months 1-4 of my littlest guy with you! Well obviously he's grown a bit since then and I have months 5-7 ready to share! I can't believe how outrageously fast this year has gone. It's like one minute we're in the first of a month and the next it's the last day! AH! I think every kid you add the faster it goes,, somehow. Maybe because you're so busy you don't notice how quickly time is passing.
<br>
<br>
Since it's almost February it means my little fella is almost 8 months old! Only 4 months till he's ONE! *Sigh*. His birthday falls in the summertime which is something totally new for this family! Everyone's birthday is usually in the middle of winter or late fall/early spring so it's a mystery as to what type of weather you'll have. But his falling in June I would hope we have the warm/hot weather that comes in Kentucky! So yay for an outside party for a change! We plan on having a pool party with his birthday theme being the Lorax! My older son fell in LOVE when the animated version came out last year and I was always a fan of Dr. Seuss growing up and since Dillon chose "Hot Wheels" as his birthday theme last month I decided to do the Lorax for Lawson. It's a fun, colorful birthday with a good message (because the Lorax SPEAKS FOR THE TREES!!)
<br>
<br>
I have so many plans and ideas I just wanna see it all together! We will be using a primary color scheme because there's all colors in the movie, bright and vivid. I plan making truffula trees and putting Lorax faces on a lot of things. Eek! Call me crazy but I am just ready even if it's 4 months away ;)
<br>
<br>
But right now we're focusing on his baby-hood. Seems like from 5-7 months he learned everything. Started crawling right after turning 6 months...got his first tooth on Christmas day. He now has the tooth next to that one! He can pull up and walk down furniture and is standing in his crib waiting for me in the morning or after naps. He wants to walk so bad and almost lets go while standing. SLOW DOWN BABY BOY!!! He see's big brother doing all the cool stuff and he wants so badly to join him. He is such a blessing and an overall happy baby most of the time. People who's babysat him says he only whines for a bottle or when he's tired. He can entertain himself very well and loves to play with brother as long he's gentle. He finally started taking good naps. He usually takes two 1.5 hour ones per day on a good day.
<br>
<br>
He is very vocal and lately has been whimpering like a puppy dog, I have no idea where he got it because we don't even have one. But he'll crawl around and whimper, it's so funny. He loves saying Da-Da and is a major Daddy's boy. He says "buh-buh" (Bubba) and says "Ma" and Hey/Hi. If you're around him for 2 minutes your world is instantly brighter! People tell me more and more he's identical to our first born and that I should start marking photos because in 30 years I won't be able to tell baby photos apart! I believe it too because he is the carbon copy of his brother when he was a baby! Except he has blonde hair and Dillon had more of a dirty blonde/light brown hair color.
<br>
<br>
I am very proud to be both their Moms and share in their lives everyday! Here is his 5-7 month photos! :D
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8274032469/" title="IMG_9306 monthly by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8224/8274032469_60e51a0104_z.jpg" width="640" height="451" alt="IMG_9306 monthly"></a>
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8427601256/" title="IMG_0343 text by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8474/8427601256_480b150777_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0343 text"></a>
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8426510167/" title="IMG_0545 copy 2 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8373/8426510167_65edd5c76f_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0545 copy 2"></a>
<br>
<br>
PS-Before I go from this post, here's is the sample invitation for his party! (I love to draw and design in photoshop, specially when I'm bored). The date/times are just random of course!
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8417553747/" title="Lawsons Invite by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8219/8417553747_152dbe5afb_z.jpg" width="488" height="640" alt="Lawsons Invite"></a>
<br>
<br>
Hope you enjoyed my post!</center>
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166788604435523551noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9084797298590036310.post-538792236460670002013-01-26T11:39:00.000-06:002013-01-26T16:54:43.480-06:00Politically Uncorrect<center>It is not my forte to talk about politics much or debate it on social media. But I figured since I got some good pictures to go with it I'd express my opinion and use my first Amendment ;). I'll come right out and say I'm absolutely 100% anti-Obama, always have been and always will be.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9dro9rrZK3cEfOaQyxaLfHC3sVc93574khpeopSkWledtESJNVeqfjNfAw-Eyfwx2HYhBpbxzXMf7pfEu9DmKk80WA7OpLikby3ZDKQ6vi_mh_0qAFtEOwQcKATkiUwC7HmohRML1Qk/s1600/antiobama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9dro9rrZK3cEfOaQyxaLfHC3sVc93574khpeopSkWledtESJNVeqfjNfAw-Eyfwx2HYhBpbxzXMf7pfEu9DmKk80WA7OpLikby3ZDKQ6vi_mh_0qAFtEOwQcKATkiUwC7HmohRML1Qk/s400/antiobama.jpg" /></a></div>
Sorry if I just stepped on a few toes but again, I am entitled to my opinion.
<br>
<br>
I was raised a tomboy, that's not hard to see within about five minutes of meeting me. I've never been a girly-girl. I dress up now and then but I look like a fool in heels, a dress or with a bunch of jewelry on. I don't know why, but I look my best (to myself) if I am all jeans, T-shirt and some work boots with my hair thrown up. It's comfortable and what I like best.
<br>
<br>
That being said I was raised with three sisters--only one really didnt take much of an interest in the outdoor-sy stuff. So it's a way of life I guess. I hunted, fished, rode ATVs...you name it. Guess that's one of the main things that attracted my husband to me ;D. Don't get me wrong I'm not 'overboard' "redneck"...like they try and portray on TV where people act absolutely retarded...because trust me, it annoys me too. Just your regular backwoods girl livin' her love song.
<br>
<br>
Anywho, onto the point. I was raised with guns, so you'd instantly be right in guessing I am outrageously against gun bans or restrictions. This basically sums up how I feel about it:
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRe1gk1MNS4MeQeX9hT-Nyuc75F79rwYUPq5wf_m00nMSTCUcCJSrYYrT8z3JVJ2XGwHBJ9Lf5NtjpdfM9MGLKc8J2Qa0z3vTvMa2mJJ2Ugx_4p8-fuF06kmIv3net58Xll78nNJRex0/s1600/guns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="327" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRe1gk1MNS4MeQeX9hT-Nyuc75F79rwYUPq5wf_m00nMSTCUcCJSrYYrT8z3JVJ2XGwHBJ9Lf5NtjpdfM9MGLKc8J2Qa0z3vTvMa2mJJ2Ugx_4p8-fuF06kmIv3net58Xll78nNJRex0/s400/guns.jpg" /></a></div>
Why disarm good, innocent people??? And before you jump the gun (no pun intended) and say 'Hey! Obama isn't taking YOUR guns/all guns!'...this is just the start of what I think may lead to that. Not a conspiracy theorist or paranoid person...just have that feeling. Guns don't kill people, PEOPLE kill people. I've always believed in that. Also making it harder for citizens to purchase guns won't help, criminals aren't going to try and buy a gun the LEGAL way anyways. They'd just as soon steal one or get one on the black market. Use your brain people! Evil knows no boundaries!
<br>
<br>
I've shot and handled nearly every gun there is. Shotgun, Rifles, Muzzleloaders...handguns. Just about a week ago my husband took the Concealed Carry class together and I'm happy to say we passed! Awaiting our permit/license so we can legally carry a concealed weapon. We like most Americans have been investing in guns and ammo, we're not out of our minds and buying AR's or crap loads of bullets but stocking up a little bit 'just in case'. Ya never know.
<br>
<br>
I stand by our constitution and everything it stands for. It's what our country was founded on. It does not need to be re-interpreted. It worked and helped make our country the BEST on earth at one time, so now is not the time to blame IT for OUR faults. We have taken God out of everything, from schools to courthouses. Banned prayer from public establishments. It sickens me to even type that. Shame on us. Now we're getting our defense taken away-slowly, but surely. Now's the time to fall to our knees and beg God for mercy. Any atheists or non-believers out there,, I'm NOT sorry for posting this for you to see. Nor will I ever be.
<br>
<br>
IN GOD WE TRUST. GOD, GUTS, GUNS. Call me what you will, but I call it my way. My baby right now is a pistol my husband got me for my birthday, Walther P22 Semi-Automatic. It's a pink 'camo' in color, I love shooting it. We are about to have a .38 special soon on top of several other guns. You can never have too many in my opinion. Here are some up close detailed shots of my beauty. I hope I didn't offend anyone with my post, because I read just the opposite on a daily basis and have always been respectful. Just feel like it was a rant I needed to get out! Enjoy my shots! :D
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8415254983/" title="IMG_0563 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8351/8415254983_5d6a1472f6_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0563"></a>
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8416355964/" title="IMG_0559 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8045/8416355964_2725dcdfe2_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0559"></a>
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8415267141/" title="IMG_0556 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8219/8415267141_4556f8e4ed_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0556"></a>
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8415262713/" title="IMG_0557 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8465/8415262713_ebb84977b0_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0557"></a>
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8416346526/" title="IMG_0570 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8051/8416346526_076754f5b1_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0570"></a>
<br>
<br>
Once we have our next one(s) in possession you'll be introduced. I love them. And we are very responsible with them...Hope you enjoyed!</center>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166788604435523551noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9084797298590036310.post-7002403390487179162012-10-23T22:53:00.001-05:002012-10-24T01:16:33.557-05:00Down in the Mine<center>I finally had the privilege to join my husband on a tour of his workplace, an underground coal mine. I had wanted to go for a year or two but things kept coming up and just didn't push it much. With the impending election at hand I made a point to get in while I could, as with Obama leading America he is putting coal jobs in jeopardy and God forbid if something ever happened I want to know I was able to see it beforehand.
<br>
I love my husband and I've always had respect for him to a degree because I never fully understood or knew what exactly he did and the conditions he faced on a daily basis. I would have never fathomed what I got to see. Your mind conjures up a lot of things when you imagine. Like those of us who are or at some point have been avid readers...you get wrapped up in a book and you make an imaginary world filled with characters and voices. There had been many a day and night I'd ask him how work went. A lot of times he didn't want to try and explain things as he said 'you'd have to see it before you could ever understand'. He has spent time drawing out things and explaining them to me. Finally I know what he's talking about.
<br>
We went on a Sunday as his mines doesn't normally run coal on Sundays. I wasn't nervous or scared, more so excited to see the place I'd always 'imagined'. We took a two-man ride down the slope. As the light of day disappeared behind us the reality quickly set in that darkness was all he saw. In the winter months when the days are short, on dayshift he goes down while it's still a dusky dawn and by the time he returns home it's a dusky sunset. On seconds he sees day until he goes down at 3 and returns home in the midst of the night. So darkness is about all he knows.
<br>
A lot was to be expected..but most not. He toured me around and stopped and explained all he could to me. Took me to places where the roof had caved in, which was a scary thought and feeling. You could tell many places where there were rock falls and roof caves. Although I wasn't scared in the moment I was terrified for him. My imagination had become reality now. I knew what he dealt with. We finally made our way to the face where his unit was. He showed me all the equipment, explained what they did and I got to see the piece he is currently running (shuttle car). He has ran nearly all the equipment and been taught their functions.
<br>
There were barley any spots you could stand straight up. Walking was physically demanding and I saw why a lot of the workers you see on documentaries or shows walked with their hands cupped behind their back-relief of the back breaking bend. The first thought in my mind was that everything was black and dusty. It was actually all mostly white, because of the rock dust to prevent sparking and combustion/fire. It was like walking through snow. It was dark, we turned our hard hat lights out and as expected you couldn't see your hand in front of your face and since there was no power to the unit it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
<br>
Some areas we drove through was in water. It was so hard to walk on dry ground I could not IMAGINE what it would be like to wade in a sloppy mess all night. After a few hours we made our way back to the slope to exit. As we passed through the corridors as I like to say he showed me the very spot he started pinning when he started there several years ago. It's crazy the distance they've gone since then. My emotions were restless, I could only think to myself how much he physically does and sacrifices for us, his family. He was so comfortable down there it was hard to understand, because it's a scary place in all actuality. But coal has become apart of us, he is apart of a family there and I've had the pleasure to meet several of his co-workers and I'm glad he's surrounded with such devoted friends.
<br>
When we came out we hadn't even done any work and we were both pretty dirty. We cleaned up in the office bathroom and I had emerged with all new respect for him. It's hard to understand when you're not involved with this occupation on a daily basis or never had a husband or family member(s) who are in the mining industry. But I absolutely believe that he loves what he does and is proud to call himself a coal miner. I remember when he was 18 taking the class I cried and bawled and begged him not to do it. I didn't want him working in a hole in the ground because of all the dangers and risks. I lost countless hours of sleep when he started and waited for him and still do, most nights, to get home. But we've come to know and embrace the occupation and he wears it well.
<br>
I took my little Canon Powershot Point and Shoot down with us. There's no way a DSLR would survive those dusty conditions unless it had a special case. I came out with plenty of photos we will keep to show the kids when we get older...keepsakes of Coal Country. My husband collects mining memorabilia and has a curio cabinet full of stickers, rocks, handbooks and other items he's acquired through the years. There's no way I'll be able to repay him or say thank you enough for what he does. It's not enough to voice my pride in him, and that is why I've always made a point to get up with him on days and pack his bucket and bag..write him little "I Love You" bucket notes for his lunchbox and show him each and every day that we love him.
<br>
So to my sweet husband, if you ever read this, know that you have a fan club at home. We pray for your safety and return and give our utmost respect for the work you do. You have always been my <s>other</s> better half and a good role model for our boys. I hope you see the worth in yourself that we do. You're our hero!
<br>
I am going to overload you with photos from our trip, and I hope that if you know a coal miner or have one in your life-you always let them know that you love them.
<br>
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8100277961/" title="IMG_0376 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8468/8100277961_82171fc889_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="IMG_0376"></a>
<br>
^The belt that delivers the coal out of the mine.
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8100268087/" title="IMG_0379 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8185/8100268087_2114107834_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="IMG_0379"></a>
<br>
^The belt a little closer
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8100265175/" title="IMG_0380 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8049/8100265175_b5805b1f8f_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="IMG_0380"></a>
<br>
^The opening of the slope.
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8100259277/" title="IMG_0382 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8185/8100259277_32b99a09f0_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="IMG_0382"></a>
<br>
^My handsome, wonderful husband standing at the mouth of the slope.
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8100256677/" title="IMG_0383 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8045/8100256677_eaea135460_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="IMG_0383"></a>
<br>
^Before we went down.
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8100246213/" title="IMG_0387 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8183/8100246213_b35f35fdcd_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="IMG_0387"></a>
<br>
^Failed to ask what this was for, but it was neat hanging there, so a picture was in order.
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8100247528/" title="IMG_0399 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8328/8100247528_ea5ac6818d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="IMG_0399"></a>
<br>
^Jon in his shuttle car!
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8100250520/" title="IMG_0397 edit by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8056/8100250520_abd05a19ca_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="IMG_0397 edit"></a>
<br>
^Me sitting in Jon's shuttle car.
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8100243924/" title="IMG_0402 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8054/8100243924_97d01b255a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="IMG_0402"></a>
<br>
^The piece of equipment that mines the coal (aka the miner).
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8100231717/" title="IMG_0406 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8048/8100231717_1223cd53b6_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="IMG_0406"></a>
<br>
^Jon with the miner control box
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8100236718/" title="IMG_0407 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8326/8100236718_154dcc943c_c.jpg" width="800" height="568" alt="IMG_0407"></a>
<br>
^What all miners start out doing, pinning. This is a roof bolter. Used to put bolts(/pins) into the roof to stabilize it.
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8100214025/" title="IMG_0418 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8187/8100214025_c0716cd2c2_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="IMG_0418"></a>
<br>
^Oh ya know, just opening doors, all handsome and stuff. :)
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8100215884/" title="IMG_0423 edit by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8187/8100215884_69e74d72c5_c.jpg" width="800" height="572" alt="IMG_0423 edit"></a>
<br>
^Standing on a pile of hillbilly gold.
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8100194827/" title="IMG_0430 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8323/8100194827_6e74419b1b_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="IMG_0430"></a>
<br>
^This was our ride in and out.
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8100204580/" title="IMG_0429 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8474/8100204580_66ea4203e4_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="IMG_0429"></a>
<br>
^This was outside (obviously)..some of the old equipment and such.
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8100201233/" title="IMG_0427 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8471/8100201233_929344a45b_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="IMG_0427"></a>
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8100196958/" title="IMG_0435 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8195/8100196958_885ec0978f.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_0435"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8100187863/" title="IMG_0995 (Bw) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8189/8100187863_ac044e39a5.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_0995 (Bw)"></a>
<br>
^And finally our aftermath. Taken on separate occasions (Jon came home unshowered a few days later).</center>
<br>
So there you have it! A day underground at Warrior Richland #9 Mines!</center>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166788604435523551noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9084797298590036310.post-29647130476225908962012-10-23T00:44:00.000-05:002012-10-23T00:44:17.426-05:00Husband's Birthday 2012<center>My husband's Birthday, just like my sons', is a big deal to me. I love getting him a little something from the kids and I. I always get him cards from us, something special, blow up a few balloons and get a cake. This year was no different! I got him a Remington 12 gauge shotgun, camouflaged, for him to squirrel hunt with. Then the kids and I 'made' him a man bouquet. If you'd never heard of them, I give credit to Pinterest. It's a bouquet for a man...(obviously). Instead of flowers you get some skinny dowels, a flower pot and Styrofoam sphere (half of one, actually). Then you purchase some of their favorite things. In his case, Reese's, gum, cigars and mini alcohol :). I also had a cake made by a local girl. The cake was chocolate and icing was 'cookies 'n cream' with oreos on the side (to look like coal).
<br>
Dillon and I put together the bouquet and set up the table. He came home and was completely surprised! I was so glad to be able to make his day a little brighter. We all love Daddy! He's the best'est'! Here are some photos from his special day!
<br>
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8115216939/" title="IMG_8512 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8184/8115216939_2cd4713ccd_n.jpg" width="213" height="320" alt="IMG_8512"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8115216013/" title="IMG_8521 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8324/8115216013_ef8c7fce34_n.jpg" width="213" height="320" alt="IMG_8521"></a>
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8115225336/" title="IMG_8517 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8192/8115225336_9c9cba32d7_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="IMG_8517"></a>
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8115224226/" title="IMG_8528 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8052/8115224226_d8d1d90811_n.jpg" width="213" height="320" alt="IMG_8528"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8115214421/" title="IMG_8533 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8473/8115214421_d84541cd30_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="IMG_8533"></a>
<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8115213537/" title="IMG_8542 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8326/8115213537_9eb36c70fc_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_8542"></a></center>
(The last is my favorite. He is so handsome;)</center>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166788604435523551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9084797298590036310.post-68402262971994366422012-10-22T23:57:00.000-05:002012-10-24T09:19:22.310-05:00Watch Me Grow!<center>Since Lawson has been born I've made a point to take a photo of him each month and documenting his milestones on them. I only wish I were this advanced in photography with my first and did it with him as well. But I will start doing a yearly photo with him and when school starts. So far I've taken 4 photos of Lawson since he's four months old. I have his weight and measurements recorded but tonight I'll share his most recent stats! We had his 4 month checkup today and he was 15 pounds and 26 inches long! Big, healthy boy! He is in the 75-90th percentile height-wise! Potentially tall one we have here. He got three shots, which were hard on me, even harder since the big boy got one too (his flu shot). I loved the hurt right out of them though and they came out fine. <br />
I'm gonna share the milestone photos I have taken of Lawson so far, you can see the HUGE difference a few months make in an infant (as if you wouldn't already know if you have children)...and here they are!<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8115116883/" title="IMG_7333blk by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8471/8115116883_f8a24da580_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_7333blk"></a><br />
<br />
<br />
One Month^^<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8102695564/" title="IMG_8029 (2) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8323/8102695564_20aa7dc8c8_z.jpg" width="640" height="460" alt="IMG_8029 (2)"></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Two Months^^<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8102702482/" title="IMG_8223 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8102702482_f07ea826d9_z.jpg" width="640" height="419" alt="IMG_8223"></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Three Months^^<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8102846946/" title="IMG_8861 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8047/8102846946_9b7c164178_z.jpg" width="640" height="460" alt="IMG_8861"></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Four Months^^ (current)</center><br />
<br />
<br />
As far as his habits he is an amazing night sleeper...goes to bed between 8 and 8:30 and sleeps until between 4 and 6 and I usually just pick him up and he's right back to sleep. Sometimes he wants a bottle but either way he goes back to sleep until 8 or 9. Dillon goes to bed at 9 and sleeps until 8 or 9 as well. Dillon doesn't take daytime naps anymore and Lawson doesn't take long ones. Usually three per day and they're about 45 minutes max in length. I'm very thankful for healthy boys and cherish them so much! They make me happy and proud to be their Mother everyday!</center>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166788604435523551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9084797298590036310.post-13255323221223371552012-10-20T09:45:00.002-05:002012-10-20T09:52:19.526-05:00The Newest Addition!<center>So I'm back, slowly making my way to catching anyone who cares up on the going ons in our life ;). Besides it being a blog, it's a good diary/journal type thing for me or my boys to look back on years down the road so I am trying to keep it updated.
<br>
On June 13, 2012 our second (and last) son Lawson Cash Franklin made his arrival at 7:40 AM via schedule c-section. June 13 was his due date and I opted out for a c-section by the time I hit 39 weeks and wasn't making much progress. I DID want the natural birth experience but I am satisfied with my choice and have no regrets. Most especially because when my OB pulled him out he was tangled all up in his cord, including his neck and she said he most likely would've became distressed if he were descending the birth canal and that cord being positioned like it was. So I was happy I chose that route.
<br>
He was 7lbs and 6ozs of sweet baby goodness. 21 and a quarter inches long, kicking and screaming from the minute he got pulled out! (They even said he was HOLDING his umbilical cord when they pulled him out!) Sooo different than his older brother, he was born with, and still rocks blonde locks while Dillon has a light/medium brown colored hair. We're told Dillon favors his Daddy (and boy, does he ever) and that Lawson favors me...so we got a mini of the both of us! Which is fine with me ;)
<br>
My c-section went well, besides me getting extremely nauseous after he was born. I had a tubal ligation as I knew I was going to be finished having kids after two. It suited us financially and we always said from the time we were married two boys is what we wanted. I was one of four girls so Dillon was a HUGE change going from femininity to a little boy like him. Although the pain directly after my surgery seemed much more prevalent, the recovery time was cut in half. I had him Wednesday, went home Friday and was out on Sunday eating Father's Day dinner and then was shopping the following Tuesday. I think your body just "knows" that it's gotta get well faster once you have more than one child haha!
<br>
I took my own newborn shots of him, and sadly I still haven't finished every single image (four months later) but my favorites are done! I am going to share a few of our newest little bundle of joy! We love both our sons so much and would go to the ends of the Earth for them both! Introducing Lawson Cash Franklin!
<br>
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8102673633/" title="Lawson3 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8328/8102673633_855313b528_z.jpg" width="640" height="428" alt="Lawson3"></a></center>
<br>
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8102675267/" title="Lawson2 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8467/8102675267_dfe1f7c6bd_n.jpg" width="213" height="320" alt="Lawson2"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8102685066/" title="Lawson4 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8331/8102685066_8b2b903b90_n.jpg" width="213" height="320" alt="Lawson4"></a></center>
<br>
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8102676223/" title="Lawson1 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8102676223_1877393464_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Lawson1"></a></center>
<br>
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8102670037/" title="Lawson5 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8330/8102670037_94b94aa26d_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Lawson5"></a></center>
<br>
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8102666013/" title="Lawson8 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8328/8102666013_8a37e5da99_z.jpg" width="640" height="416" alt="Lawson8"></a></center>
<br>
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8102676144/" title="Lawson11 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8192/8102676144_8fc21ab6c3_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Lawson11"></a></center>
<br>
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8102675266/" title="Lawson12 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8334/8102675266_f55286538c_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Lawson12"></a></center>
<br>
There's a select few of the photos that I took of him that day :) I hope you enjoyed the post! I'll update with his milestone photos I've taken thus far!</center>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166788604435523551noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9084797298590036310.post-11335061619273591332012-10-19T14:04:00.000-05:002012-10-19T14:04:02.108-05:00New Home, New Baby, Blessed Life!<center>My oh my! It's been 9 months since I've written a post. We've had a busy year this year to say the very least! With two kids I barley find time to <i>take</i> photos of them let alone edit them. I'll take a batch and get a few edited and then bury myself in month's worth of photos needing to be worked on and backed up. Sheesh.
<br>
Anyways...back to reality. Since January (which is when I made my last post) we have bought a new home, new vehicle and added a new member to our family! That's a lot of excitement right?! SO MUCH in fact I need to divide the posts up to fully explain each one and not bore you to tears in one post.
<br>
First things first. We purchased our VERY FIRST home in March of this year! We had been yearning to own our own home for three years (of those, we lived in a small single wide trailer). It was the best experience we could have asked for, and the opportunity fell into our laps when we least expected!
<br>
Early in 2011 we had found the 'perfect' home for us listed by a real estate company in the city we currently resided in (which is where we wanted to stay). We went to see it..fell in love but knew we weren't financially ready for it--so we watched as it sold not long after. Broken hearted we decided we'd try again in several months while we worked on our credit and debts.
<br>
Sure enough..we got back in contact with our real estate agent who had been working with us and showing us homes in our area for the past year in Spring of 2012, we viewed a few homes in the area..none of which suited us exactly in some way..then she mentioned that the same contractor who had built the home we fell in love with the year before built another right next door. He had acquired a foreclosed mobile home on 3 acres and removed the mobile home. The house we looked at before was set on 2 of the 3 acres and he built another on the one that was left. It wasn't up for sale but she made some calls to the contractors agent and she said he'd allow a showing.
<br>
So we went down to see and it was built in the exact same layout/style as the one we loved but had different exterior colors and interior finishes (which we preferred over the other) and we were sold! We KNEW it was the home for us! Quiet neighborhood, perfect location...perfect size and not to mention it was only three months old! So we were hooked up with a company in the state to our north who had a mortgage lady who was AWESOME for us and our needs. She helped us get our USDA loan on 3.7% with our property taxes, down payment and closing costs rolled in. It took two weeks from start to close and we were moving in the day of closing.
<br>
Its been seven months since we made our move. We've slowly been remodeling and painting as we go. The entire house was painted a flat neutral tan and so far we've completed both boy's rooms, their bathroom and are currently in progress on our master bath and garage! I have taken photos of the work we've done and will try to start sharing the transformation of our home regularly! The befores/afters..etc. I love DIY projects, I love making my visions a reality. I can't wait until we have everything we'd like done-done. Though that may take months or even years, it's something I enjoy and can't wait to tackle as a team with my husband and watch our kids grow up in it! Here are the photos taken when we moved in!
<br>
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8103311554/" title="IMG_5320 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8047/8103311554_3ee62a2f69_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_5320"></a></center>
This was our mortgage papers folder and the keys to our new home the day we closed<3
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8103297129/" title="IMG_5322 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8467/8103297129_052090cbcf_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="IMG_5322"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8103309330/" title="IMG_5324 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8055/8103309330_5720c259bb_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="IMG_5324"></a></center>
Our real estate agent had gotten us a card and Lowe's gift card. She is local to our city too and grew up with my Mom and her siblings. Very sweet lady.
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8103308260/" title="IMG_5326 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8046/8103308260_ce81265c2e_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_5326"></a></center>
Finally!
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8103278075/" title="IMG_5344 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8047/8103278075_07389995fa_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_5344"></a></center>
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8103293136/" title="IMG_5342 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8469/8103293136_8521221321_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_5342"></a></center>
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8103273115/" title="IMG_5350 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8328/8103273115_167240bd54_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_5350"></a></center>
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8103292943/" title="IMG_5331 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8464/8103292943_741eb6ab03_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_5331"></a></center>
In living room looking into the kitchen. (This was taken before the old owner's stuff was moved...so excuse the random stuff)
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8103291407/" title="IMG_5332 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8475/8103291407_5f8c98cc05_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_5332"></a></center>
Other side/corner of kitchen.
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8103290259/" title="IMG_5333 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8047/8103290259_a813309d4f_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_5333"></a></center>
The fridge we purchased from the owners..
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8103303320/" title="IMG_5334 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8185/8103303320_a4ef4319b4_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_5334"></a></center>
Laundry room
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8103300614/" title="IMG_5335 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8195/8103300614_6790a90e9f_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_5335"></a></center>
Boy's/Guest Bath
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8103285629/" title="IMG_5336 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8334/8103285629_d008b35130_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_5336"></a></center>
What is now Lawson's room. Dillons room is the exact same across the hall..I don't think I took a photo looking in it but it's the same setup minus that hideous bead curtain lol.
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8103298190/" title="IMG_5337 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8192/8103298190_a35906323d_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_5337"></a></center>
Looking into our living room from the dining area.
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/8103293824/" title="IMG_5341 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8331/8103293824_c478f0a478_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_5341"></a></center>
The somewhat dirty door looking into our backyard.
There you have it...minus a few things like our bathroom, bedroom and the garage lol! I only have a 50mm prime on my camera so I was limited on space but you get the jist! It feels so awesome to be homeowners, HUGE responsibilty but awesome nonetheless. Hope you have a great day and check out the other posts I'll add catching up the busy year! :)</center>
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166788604435523551noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9084797298590036310.post-23656288248979550202012-01-06T19:39:00.002-06:002012-01-06T19:42:59.148-06:00CRAVE Giveaway!<center><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/CRAVE-PHOTOGRAPHY/132825876747487?sk=wall">CRAVE PHOTOGRAPHY</a> is having a huge giveaway with LOTS of amazing prizes...The top prize being either a Nikon 85mm 1.4 or Canon 85mm 1.2 (YOU CHOOSE!) So if you want a chance to win this or any of the other AWESOME prizes go<br /><b><big><big><big><a href="http://cravemyphotography.com/blog/25000-fans-giveaway/#comment-46818">HERE</a></big></big></big></b><br />and just follow the EASY entry instructions! :)!<br /><br />Also here is her link on <big><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/CRAVE-PHOTOGRAPHY/132825876747487?sk=wall">Facebook</a></big><br /></center>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166788604435523551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9084797298590036310.post-31653148423446857512012-01-04T00:23:00.003-06:002012-01-04T00:44:39.142-06:00Top 11 of '11!<center>Oh gosh! How hard is it to choose 11 images from the ENTIRE YEAR?!?! Unbelievably! Anyways, I've tried my best, and here we go! (I'm starting from the earliest part of the year to the end ;)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5327501417/" title="Hardy Har Har by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5281/5327501417_79e565afd0_z.jpg" width="640" height="429" alt="Hardy Har Har" /></a></center><center>I love this photo, He loves bath time, always has. I was using my external flash here when I still had my Sony a230 (now have Canon 40D)..and I loved this capture!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5488135102/" title="Eyelashes by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5059/5488135102_54bdf5ab85_z.jpg" width="640" height="428" alt="Eyelashes" /></a></center><center>Love this angle, and the fact he has spider monkey eyelashes. I envy them, my husband and son have the most thick, dark, beautiful eyelashes. You can barley see mine!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5504571697/" title="Untitled by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5096/5504571697_0833411765_z.jpg" width="640" height="428" alt="" /></a></center><center>Playing on Momm'as bed. He is such a joy-filled playful little fella! Always willing to crack a smile for Mom!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5655959423/" title="april25-2after by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5062/5655959423_06b463f94b_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="april25-2after" /></a></center><center>I cut his hair for the first time! Seems like my first time was great, I kind've got worse as I redid it, I don't know HOW you do that. But I LOVE this smirk he gave me on a rainy day.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5787659831/" title="may31-3 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2449/5787659831_b71693aeaf_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="may31-3" /></a></center><center>Dandelion wishes. He loves these things, so naturally to capture him blowing them away was like the greatest thing!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5812183447/" title="june 7(2 of 11) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5197/5812183447_28a0f0e5ba_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="june 7(2 of 11)" /></a></center><center>He's a swimmer, and a messy boy! So this is his natural habitat during summer! By the pool!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5879336045/" title="june26-13 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6099/5879336045_364fba6962_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="june26-13" /></a></center><center>And again! Except this time he's in a pond with Daddy! I love that he's upside down and still cracking a little grin!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5985187654/" title="July27 (8 of 36) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6133/5985187654_a490cac387_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="July27 (8 of 36)" /></a></center><center>This makes me smile ear to ear. Looking over Daddy's shoulder! Look at the grin! How can you not scream ADORBS! ;)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6196569881/" title="IMG_9518 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6157/6196569881_f87565ef4e_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_9518" /></a></center><center>Humoring Mommy when I say up an inside scene when the weather got nippy. He wanted to be a musician this day, so we had a photoshoot with guitars and harmonicas!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6542098207/" title="IMG_2853 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6542098207_33566d9787_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_2853" /></a></center><center>Looks like he's deep in exploration! I love the processing I chose here, and the whole composition!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6542091735/" title="IMG_2837 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6542091735_2a117f4756_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_2837" /></a></center><center>I believe he was watching a helicopter, and I love the look on his face. Kids are just so explorative!<br /><br />There, think I'm done! Next year there will be a new addition to include! :)<br /><a href="http://www.clickitupanotch.com/2011/12/top-11-of-2011-link-up/" target="_self"><img border="0" alt="Click It Up A Notch" src="http://www.clickitupanotch.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Top11of11.gif" /></a></center>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166788604435523551noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9084797298590036310.post-1518912888860391142012-01-03T23:08:00.003-06:002012-01-04T00:20:14.224-06:00Memories, Dreams and Reflections 2011<center>Wow. It has been centuries since I have even adventured to blogger to even take a look around! I believe at some point mid-year last year I said I was going to take a break from the blog world in order to spend more time with my family and that I did! I down right 'stopped', there was no break to it. But I don't regret it and I have enjoyed my year for the most part, there were rough patches as with any year but we have made it through!<br /><br />Enough of that, save the personal details for another post, another time. But here we go, can't promise a photo for every prompt or that fits but I'll do my best!<br /><br /><b>1.Me!</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5945057561/" title="july16-5 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6147/5945057561_865729754f_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="july16-5" /></a><br />This was one of my favorite images from the year of me. In mid-summer at the lake, fishing. It was taken in the mirror of my husband's ATV. Missing that weather right about now!<br /><br /><b>2.I Love You.</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5879334465/" title="june26-12 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5157/5879334465_f41c7d4418_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="june26-12" /></a><br />I caught this candid moment between my husband and son this summer, swimming in my husband's Mom's pond. I love this photo-it says so much about the relationship between my husband and our son. And of course, I love them!<br /><br /><b>3.Still Laughing</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5879850942/" title="june19-10 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5199/5879850942_2c7750e1c6_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="june19-10" /></a><br />Instead of choosing a "moment" that made me laugh, I chose a person who ALWAYS laughs, and is still laughing. I love him-he is a happy little boy.<br /><br /><b>4.Winter Wonderland</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5429673627/" title="vintage-y! by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5212/5429673627_0bbb2f0f8c_z.jpg" width="640" height="429" alt="vintage-y!" /></a><br />Since we had no snow in the latter part of this year I had to dig back to February of 2011. Here in KY our snow seems to come more so in January/February instead of December, like we'd like (for Christmas;).<br /><br /><b>5.Birthday</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6205886361/" title="IMG_9098 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6166/6205886361_900a1cc51c_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_9098" /></a><br />No cake or candles, but I was AWESOME for my husband's birthday this year...I usually can't figure out what he wants let alone make it a surprise. This year I secretly went out and got him the Crickett .22 rifle (supposed to be a "1st Rifle") but are great for small game and other use for adults. I wouldn't buy my kid a "real" gun anyways lol! But he LOVED it.<br /><br /><b>6.Friends</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5958196834/" title="July17 (29 of 80) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6136/5958196834_915c29f3cf_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="July17 (29 of 80)" /></a><br />Not me and my friends but my husband on the left with Dillon (our son), my cousin, Curtis or "Bubba" as we like to call him, and my Dad. They are all good friends. :)<br /><br /><b>7.I Was Inspired</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5539536419/" title="More "I Am Beautiful" by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5138/5539536419_8325ce8419_z.jpg" width="640" height="426" alt="More "I Am Beautiful"" /></a><br />By this project hosted by Jill Samter, to love myself...and that I did!<br /><br /><b>8.Spring Fever</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5571270235/" title="mar28 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5267/5571270235_d90cbcf676_z.jpg" width="640" height="426" alt="mar28" /></a><br />You know spring is near when this type of cherry tree (in my parent's yard) blooms. It is beautiful!<br /><br /><b>9.Travel or Vacation</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5751538247/" title="may21-8 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2332/5751538247_bf9c673763_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="may21-8" /></a><br />We went to Guntown Mountain and Mammoth Cave this year-not really "vacations" but fun trips made in a day! This was taken at Nolon Dam on our way to Mammoth Cave. We plan on planning our first "REAL" vacation to the Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, TN this year for my husband's Christmas vacation. I can't wait!<br /><br /><b>10.Summer Days</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5857859086/" title="june19 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5078/5857859086_e6e7941c45_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="june19" /></a><br />This was Father's Day this year. Nothing says 'summer' more than a Popsicle on Daddy's lap! :)<br /><br /><b>11.A Day in my Life</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6206431280/" title="IMG_9120 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6014/6206431280_360491264f_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_9120" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6205913183/" title="IMG_9119 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6122/6205913183_61f6a5a120_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_9119" /></a><br />My life revolves around this little man and making him happy. He is full of energy but I try and make sure to incorporate fun projects and time with him. This was our pumpkin painting for Halloween this year!<br /><br /><b>12.All Smiles</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5779019919/" title="B24 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2499/5779019919_1954f27867_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="B24" /></a><br />This if from a shoot I did this year. One of my favorite shots, I love his tack sharp eyes and little grin. I had to include something of that sort in here.<br /><br /><b>13.Autumn Harvest</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6278149866/" title="IMG_0811 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6115/6278149866_3f7bd33944_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0811" /></a><br />We built our first scarecrow this year. (This is my youngest sister, Emily)..and all those crisp autumn leaves sure do fit well!<br /><br /><b>14.Family or Home</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5414881635/" title="we are family! by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5135/5414881635_ac0a81821b_z.jpg" width="640" height="429" alt="we are family!" /></a><br />Everything about this photo's settings, sharpness, focus is incorrect. But I couldn't delete. I love our smiles, I love Dillon's look at his Daddy. This says family to me.<br /><br /><b>15.Celebrate!</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5833636613/" title="june14-5 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2530/5833636613_1ca644d7fa_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="june14-5" /></a><br />Birth=Celebration! This is my best friend, waiting to deliver her daughter June this year.<br /><br /><b>16.Let's Do it Again!</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5864600172/" title="june12 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5116/5864600172_c63bd1b983_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="june12" /></a><br />This fishy family loves water, and anything to do with swimming. So I know we will do this again and again!<br /><br /><b>17.I Miss You</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5364366280/" title="My sisters! by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5127/5364366280_1f7bd973a0_z.jpg" width="640" height="428" alt="My sisters!" /></a><br />The girl in the middle is my oldest sister, she moved away (3 hours away) over a year ago, we don't see her as much but it was for a great reason and she is doing the best she's ever done, in fact getting married this April! But I still miss her!<br /><br /><b>18.Beautiful</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5365913249/" title="Sweetness! by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5203/5365913249_4731eaf471_z.jpg" width="640" height="490" alt="Sweetness!" /></a><br />I posted the story behind my Grandpa and Grandma this year sometime. To shorten it and refresh, she has a debilitating disease that has left her in a vegetable state and he has devoted his days to taking care of her, after raising 8 kids he had fed her, changed her, bathed her, lifted her in and out of bed-chairs-vehicles for a good 10 years now. That-to me-is beautiful love.<br /><br /><b>19.Dress Up</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6206163983/" title="IMG_9644 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6173/6206163983_ca17543152_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_9644" /></a><br />This isn't anyone dressed up, but I threw in something Halloween related, so these are our carved pumpkins from Halloween. My husband carved the first (Grim Reaper), my son's is the second, (also carved by my husband), and the last is mine...Jack Skellington from Nightmare Before Christmas! :)<br /><br /><b>20.Macro</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5439795689/" title="My newest project by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5211/5439795689_e7febda162_z.jpg" width="640" height="392" alt="My newest project" /></a><br />Has to be my favorite, water drops on a CD :)<br /><br /><b>21.Holidays</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5895101296/" title="july1-5 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5238/5895101296_19b95d6ca7_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="july1-5" /></a><br />Roman Candles being shot on 4th of July, I loves the light trail!<br /><br /><b>22.My Favorite</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6053844017/" title="August13-17 (19 of 36) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6191/6053844017_246f275286_z.jpg" width="640" height="408" alt="August13-17 (19 of 36)"></a><br />Ah, the moon shot. This is my absolute favorite. I love shooting the moon.<br /><br /><b>23.Don't Ever Change</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6053842049/" title="August13-17 (16 of 36) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6198/6053842049_59f5f25bb9_z.jpg" width="640" height="426" alt="August13-17 (16 of 36)" /></a><br />My son is the apple of our eye. He makes everything funnier, better and brighter. This is him, working on his Uncle's Jeep, I know he'll be able to do anything he sets his mind to, and I want to be there to support him all the way!<br /><br /><b>24.Just Because...So There!</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6206312682/" title="IMG_8560 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6001/6206312682_0400a5c777_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_8560" /></a><br />Wowza, this is the Pinnacle building in Nashville, TN. I took this photo walking out of a parking garage, and edited it in Topaz I believe during my trail. I love the reflections!<br /><br /><b>25.Hopes and Dreams</b><br />We have so many hopes and dreams for the year, that's why the "New Year" is so great! You get a fresh start, new outlook, WHOLE ENTIRE New Year to try and achieve those goals and dreams. My resolution wasn't to loose weight (can't because I'm 17 week pregnant anyways;) or stop this or do that, it was to be as optimistic as possible. See the good in all situations and make the best of them. We have a lot of goals for the year, some including purchasing our first home (we've been talking about doing this for two years), getting a second vehicle, delivering a healthy baby and going on our first 'real' family vacation. I realize that things will go as God plans and I'm fully ready for all the plans He has in store for us, as I always pray for his guidance. I hope you all have dreams, goals and aspirations for the year too! I ask for prayers for me and my family for a healthy pregnancy (for Momma AND baby;) and for this New Year! HAPPY 2012~!!!!!<br /><a href="http://www.ashleysisk.com/2012/01/memories-dreams-and-reflections-2011.html"><img border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6102/6287143470_11f24a49b4_m.jpg" /></a></center>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166788604435523551noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9084797298590036310.post-7980355542639278572011-11-03T23:00:00.002-05:002011-11-03T23:23:10.667-05:00Wandering This World--With Zander.<center>Hey All!<br />I have some exciting news everyone! Zander just made his week long visit with us here in Kentucky! He enjoyed his stay so much! He ate SOO much Halloween Candy since he was here during Halloween.<br /><br />The day he arrived it was cold and raining, the seasons are making their transitions right now and it's no fun. The first trip we made out was to our local hardware store, Zander came along for the ride along. The next trip we had made was to my husband's mother's home in a little place called Kirkwood Springs, about a 45 minute drive from our home. While there he was a great playmate for my son and his cousins. He saw lots of fall leaves, many fantastic people and enjoyed time outside!<br /><br />On Halloween night he stayed in for fear of being lost since it's getting dark so early! But he sure loved the bucket of candy that Dillon brought home! Here are a few of the photos we got while he was here!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6278501294/" title="IMG_1159 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6045/6278501294_741849c060_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1159" /></a><br />These few photos were of Zander hanging out at Kirkwood Springs :)<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6277981679/" title="IMG_1162 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6117/6277981679_c7c7b68a2d_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1162" /></a><br />See his smile of enjoyment!?<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6278503668/" title="IMG_1165 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/6278503668_89b6ccfcbf_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="IMG_1165" /></a><br />Yeah, hanging on a lamp!<br /><br />Now here's some of Zander being stingy with the candy!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6310824277/" title="IMG_1486 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6107/6310824277_5a61e1a4ae_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1486" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6311347626/" title="IMG_1488 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6229/6311347626_b191c63327_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1488" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6310827535/" title="IMG_1494 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6118/6310827535_1eedc57e7f_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1494" /></a><br />Dillon (my son) thought he'd like a sucker ;)<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6310822931/" title="IMG_1483 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6231/6310822931_f662ffca6b_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1483" /></a><br />But he tucked it behind his ear for later :)<br /><br />This was the last day Zander was with us;<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6310830051/" title="IMG_1509 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6218/6310830051_d9b92b1f47_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1509" /></a><br />He was a great model for the camera!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6311353090/" title="IMG_1510 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6214/6311353090_4459c6a45a_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1510" /></a><br />He decided I'd look better without makeup ;)<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6310833067/" title="IMG_1513 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6240/6310833067_d17244c7b6_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1513" /></a><br />Pullin a silly face!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6311355562/" title="IMG_1517 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6098/6311355562_7152ba3f91_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1517" /></a><br />He was so much fun!<br /><br />Now he's on his way to Jennifer in WI. I hope she enjoys him as much as we did! I was so glad to be able to be apart of this project! :-)</center>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166788604435523551noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9084797298590036310.post-40647776289138032762011-10-28T16:56:00.000-05:002011-10-28T21:31:56.561-05:00ThanksThank you so much!<br /><form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post"><br /><input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_donations"><br /><input type="hidden" name="business" value="franklinnatalie28@yahoo.com"><br /><input type="hidden" name="lc" value="US"><br /><input type="hidden" name="item_name" value="For the Lindsey Family"><br /><input type="hidden" name="no_note" value="0"><br /><input type="hidden" name="currency_code" value="USD"><br /><input type="hidden" name="bn" value="PP-DonationsBF:btn_donateCC_LG.gif:NonHostedGuest"><br /><input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!"><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1" /><br /></form>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166788604435523551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9084797298590036310.post-78317620447719534622011-10-27T13:52:00.003-05:002011-10-27T14:22:16.942-05:00Exciting News!<center>Hello friends and fellow bloggers! I am back yet again to share a little excerpt from my life and the recent happenings. It's been really busy and crazy around here lately and I've been a little scatter brained as well!<br /><br />Anyways I have some news to share with all of you! Are you ready for it?! Some of you may already know if you follow me on Pinterest or are a friend on facebook! (Which by the way if you're not-my Pinterest and Flickr badges are on the right side of the page! Just click and it will send you right to it! :)<br /><br />Okay I'll quit leaving you hanging. Although if you're like me you've already been drawn to this big bold oversized print that says <b><big><big>We're Expecting!!</big></big></b> Yes! It's true. Baby number two is due to arrive sometime around June 13th of 2012! Yes, we are very excited and although we weren't "Trying" to conceive we weren't preventing it either, so whatever happened would be in our interest either way!<br /><br />My husband recently took a new job, one we've been waiting for a couple of years now, and so we feel very blessed that so many good things are happening for us after the spell of 'off-luck' we've had in the last year or so! And we owe all our thanks and Praise to the man upstairs!<br /><br />I'm gonna enter a few photos into some link-ups while I'm posting! I hope you all like them!<br /><b>Little Somethings; Fall Activities</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6278149866/" title="IMG_0811 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6115/6278149866_3f7bd33944_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0811" /></a><br />Making a scarecrow is definitely a fall activity! Which is precisely what me and my little sister were doing a couple weeks ago! She was stuffing the pants when I snapped this shot!<br />(And below is a shot of the scarecrow's head! ;)<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6278147946/" title="IMG_0808 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6114/6278147946_722c0e22ea_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0808" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.littlesomethingsblog.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/wjpQb.png" /></a><br /><br /><b>Black & White Wednesday</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6232054292/" title="IMG_0769 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6179/6232054292_ec667ebff2_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0769" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6231531795/" title="IMG_0759 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6227/6231531795_4306ffd158_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0759" /></a><br />This was my little man out playing on one of the last few warm days we had :)<br /><a title="B&W Wednesdays" href="http://likechristmaseveryday.com/search/label/black%20and%20white%20wednesday" target="_blank"><img border="0" width="125px" src="http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l92/skb2333/BWW.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><b>Paper Mama; Faces</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6278524992/" title="IMG_1255 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6220/6278524992_5901789a20_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1255" /></a><br />I love this little series of photos I got. I was testing out a new white balance lens cap I had gotten and used a white blanket as the backdrop! My lil man was such a ham for me- a cute one at that! :)<br /><a href="http://thepapermama.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5085242350_8096c64354.jpg" alt="The Paper Mama" width="150" height="150" /></a><br /><br />Hope you all have a wonderful upcoming weekend! :)</big></big></center>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166788604435523551noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9084797298590036310.post-38159494578259267782011-09-30T14:09:00.002-05:002011-09-30T14:27:56.267-05:00Fuh-Fuh-Fuh-Friday!<center>La dee dah! First link-up challenges I've joined in forever. Hope I still remember how to do it all! (Just kiddin'). I had a mini photo shoot with my son yesterday. I had received my first 'real' backdrop in the mail last week and had yet to use it. So I rigged it up in the kitchen since I still don't have a backdrop stand and away we went! Usually Dillon refuses to even look at a camera but yesterday he was hammin' it up big time and I wasn't complaining! He is the cutest kid EVER! (Please excuse my Momma goggles). So I'll share one favorite for the link-ups then overload you with more :-P<br /><br />Show off Your Shot..Fabulous Friday..Favorite of the Week!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6196569881/" title="IMG_9518 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6157/6196569881_f87565ef4e_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_9518" /></a><br />This is my FAVORITE shot. I'm not 100% why, maybe because of the crispness or that his eyes are like two big sparkly blue swimming pools you just wanna dive into but the black backdrop (aka fleece blanket!) I used really popped that green polo and those blue eyes!<br /><a href="http://andthen-shesnapped.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="and then, she {snapped}" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j52/drexgal/and%20then%20she%20snapped/showoffbutton.jpg" /></a><a href="http://mcdougallphotography.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z126/scarlett1977_photos/button.gif" border="0" /></a><a border="0" href="http://throughaphotographerseyes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac55/markdayton58/FPotWeek/FPOTWcopy-1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Okay so there's that! And here's some of the rest that really caught my <s>eye</s>heart!♥<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6196542471/" title="IMG_9391 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6152/6196542471_ec32200c7c_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_9391" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6197060604/" title="IMG_9407 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6155/6197060604_ae2d1a5b2c_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_9407" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6197068416/" title="IMG_9453 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6180/6197068416_8a2d05670e_z.jpg" width="640" height="426" alt="IMG_9453" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6196575161/" title="IMG_9532 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6175/6196575161_a4b2dceaa6_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_9532" /></a><br />Okay that's enough! If you'd like to see more just go to my Flickr feed! Have a wonderful weekend!<br /></center>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166788604435523551noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9084797298590036310.post-54768356742674581952011-09-28T22:18:00.002-05:002011-09-28T22:51:58.354-05:00Long Hot Summer...<center>Man, oh man. It's been absolutely decades (exaggeration) since I've blogged. Wow. I've not even ventured around to any of my favorite blogs to take a look in quite some time. This summer has been hot, long and delightful though. I've enjoyed being in the outdoors, swimming, hiking, taking random trips and all the other fun in between. Sadly though, it's slowly coming to an end. Fall began five days ago and although I love fall, I dread winter--which subsequently comes right after. So that means more time for me to devote to my blog and the computer in general. My phone has been my source of existence on the Internet (facebook, pinterest..etc.) And besides the occasional 'personal' photos I've taken and sessions I've done for my little business I've not even had much activity on my Flickr account! But seasonal changes bring changes within the home as well!<br /><br />Not many 'big things' happened during the summer...we just enjoyed it to it's fullest and lived, laughed & loved! Dillon is going to be 3 in a couple months and he's at that 'fun age'. He's able to do so much more and we can bring him on new adventures and experiences now that he is able to fully enjoy them. We went to the zoo TWICE this summer...once as a family trip and another for my nephew's 5th birthday. Dillon LOVES the zoo, which means we'll make more trips to different ones in the future! <br /><br />I've changed a lot mentally, emotionally and spiritually. But no one ever 'stops' changing and being molded into the person they are becoming. I still have a ways to go but I'm enjoying letting loose and being less worrisome and a little more care-free. Not so much as to jeopardize well being but enough to relax and enjoy life day to day. I (feel) I have improved greatly in the wonderful world of photography and hope to continue to learn and achieve new things. I hope all my other bloggy friends have been well, too. Anyways...maybe I'll make an appearance now and then more often and I hope that everyone enjoys the weather before it gets COLD! Now for a few random photos...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6078309749/" title="aug24-2 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6181/6078309749_fbfbcb5733_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="aug24-2"></a><br />Photo of my little(/big) man after a mowing...surprisingly no allergy flare-ups came of this! :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6053846367/" title="August13-17 (21 of 36) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6053846367_9986834441_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="August13-17 (21 of 36)"></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6053845115/" title="August13-17 (20 of 36) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6206/6053845115_02e2607845_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="August13-17 (20 of 36)"></a><br />Brother & Sister. Had a day of fun at a local park with my friend and her babies^^<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6053844017/" title="August13-17 (19 of 36) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6191/6053844017_246f275286_z.jpg" width="640" height="408" alt="August13-17 (19 of 36)"></a><br />I love nature, I love the moon!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6023817915/" title="August8 (9 of 17) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6081/6023817915_88570c3b35_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="August8 (9 of 17)"></a><br />Crazy lil man havin loads of fun with his cousin this day (below)<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6024363978/" title="August8 (4 of 17) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6024363978_0c32b205d5_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="August8 (4 of 17)"></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6023826799/" title="August8 (15 of 17) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6023826799_1914428013_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="August8 (15 of 17)"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6023799727/" title="August8-1 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6209/6023799727_caa2012ee6_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="August8-1"></a><br />Just a swingin' at a park on an overnight trip to a family's home!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5994890492/" title="July30 (70 of 75) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6008/5994890492_c12712744a_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="July30 (70 of 75)"></a><br />Our trip to the zoo!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5994849020/" title="July30 (51 of 75) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6124/5994849020_b85ba5620a_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="July30 (51 of 75)"></a><br />Daddy and Dillon<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5994834430/" title="July30 (45 of 75) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6140/5994834430_49b6bbb666_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="July30 (45 of 75)"></a><br />"Pretty Bird" :-)<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5994227177/" title="July30 (25 of 29) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6133/5994227177_4f94ee75be_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="July30 (25 of 29)"></a><br />Flowers ♥<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5994207307/" title="July30 (20 of 29) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6014/5994207307_2facd3eaf1_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="July30 (20 of 29)"></a><br />Cheesin'<br /><br />I have so many more...if you'd like to see more I have a Flickr badge and Pinterest badge on the right side of my blog! Follow me there! I hope you're summer has been just as fun!</center>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166788604435523551noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9084797298590036310.post-26083288658591754782011-08-25T11:56:00.002-05:002011-08-25T12:15:48.988-05:00No, I didn't Fall off the Earth :)<center>But I have been MIA for quite a while! I had some spare time today (RARE!) so I thought I'd pop in and share a few photos with you. Mind you I haven't stopped taking photos--as a matter of fact I've done a couple of sessions since we last 'spoke'. You can check them out on my website by clicking <b><a href="http://nataliefranklinphotography.com/">Here</a></b>. Also if you see my flickr badge over on the right you can hop over there and check out some others and add me if you like!
<br />
<br />Anywho, this summer has been super busy/fun and HOT! A billion things have happened, things that would take entirely TOO long to tell you about now. But some great, some not...you know, life and all. I know that once winter gets here and things slow down I will be back in full force in the blog world. One positive I'd like to share is that at the end of winter till now (so about 5 months) I have gone down 11 pounds simply by cutting out soda. I recently started a diet regimen that seems to be working and I hope I can stick to it and hit my mini-goal soon!
<br />
<br />Here is my "Show Off" shot..
<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6078327935/" title="aug24-7 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6070/6078327935_b8db5f4986_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="aug24-7" /></a>
<br />I'm constantly looking for ways to improve my photography and editing skills. Trying to switch things up now and then. This is my new "favorite" style...colorful and full of constrast ..I love the late evening light of this shot and the softness and the fact that no one was paying attention :)
<br /><a href="http://www.andthen-shesnapped.com/">Show Off Your Shot</a>
<br />
<br />Theme Thursday; Technology
<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6038206503/" title="Untitled by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6038206503_b66d6b9125_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="" /></a>
<br />Recent Senior Session. Trains are technology right? Sure, why not!
<br /><a href="http://anotherdayanotherdiaper-mom.blogspot.com/">Theme Thursday</a>
<br />
<br />Texture Thursday
<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/6078853936/" title="aug24-3 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6193/6078853936_c38e5cd2d7_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="aug24-3" /></a>
<br />This is a new addition to The Franklin Family. Her name is "Sadie". We rescued her, someone had left here to fend for herself out here close on these country road instead of being responsible and bringing her to a humane society or trying to re-locate her. But, our gain I guess! As far as we can figure she's definitely lab, but others have said she's got weimaraner in her, because of her eyes. Either way, shes a good little dog.
<br /><a href="http://thedailywyatt.blogspot.com/search/label/Texture%20Thursday">Texture Thursday</a>
<br />
<br />How has your summer been? Busy? Hectic...quiet? Hopefully fun! Thanks for stopping by!</center>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166788604435523551noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9084797298590036310.post-37267950830695385302011-07-29T09:31:00.004-05:002011-07-29T14:26:45.454-05:00Friday Fun!<center>Hi all! Hope your week was nothing short of wonderful and that everyone stayed cool in this crazy heat! I'm blogging a little early this week since we are going out of town for the weekend!<br /><br />I've got a huge favor to ask of my fellow bloggers if you're reading along. My husband and I are looking for somewhere fun and worth the money to take our baby boy! We plan on going to the Louisville (KY) Zoo in a month or two when the heat isn't so intense and also because my oldest sister lives there but we want to go on a 'weekend getaway' somewhere here or in surrounding states! So if you know of any place that would be fun and enjoyable for us AND our two year old don't hold back! :)<br /><br />I've taken SO. MANY. PHOTOS. lately. It's summer, can ya blame me?! LOL! It's not only me taking them often but taking MANY in one afternoon session haha. Like the other evening we went for about a 25 minute walk and I came home with around 65 photos...HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?! Oh well, it gives me something to do at night I guess ;)<br /><br />Here are some Friday Challenges and some photos to go along with them (of course!)<br /><br /><b>Favorite Photo Friday/Fabulous Friday</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5985187654/" title="July27 (8 of 36) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6133/5985187654_a490cac387_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="July27 (8 of 36)" /></a><br />This has got to be a favorite from our walk, I love that toothy-curled lip grin and the processing I did in Lightroom suited it well in all the right places! Love my boys!<br /><a href="http://mcdougallphotography.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z126/scarlett1977_photos/button.gif" border="0" /></a><a border="0" href="http://throughaphotographerseyes.blogspot.com/search/label/FPOTWContest" target="_blank"><img src="http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac55/markdayton58/FPotWeek/FPofWeek-1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Photo Story Friday</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5984610519/" title="July27 (1 of 36) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6140/5984610519_0f9a33d6cc_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="July27 (1 of 36)" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.myreflectionofsomething.net/search/label/Still%20Life%20Standouts" target="_blank" title="Still Life Standouts"><img alt="Still Life Standouts" src="http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb84/ccnoffi/150-stillifebutton.jpg" width="150" height="150"/></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5985191392/" title="July27 (9 of 36) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6028/5985191392_dd60d2385a_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="July27 (9 of 36)" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5984640305/" title="July27 (15 of 36) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6121/5984640305_017e6e65f9_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="July27 (15 of 36)" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5985849521/" title="July27 (20 of 36) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6142/5985849521_bcfd62da2a_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="July27 (20 of 36)" /></a><br /><a href="http://betterinbulk.net/tag/give-me-your-best-shot" target="_blank"><img width="125" border="0" alt="Give me your best shot at Better in Bulk" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y121/1momof5/08Nov21_gmbs_1-1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://mychaosmybliss.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/4235120634_71d9399b5f_o.jpg" border="0" alt="PhotoStory Friday" /></a><br />Hosted by <a href="http://mychaosmybliss.com/" target="_blank">Cecily</a> and <a href="http://www.betterinbulk.net/" target="_blank">Lolli</a><br /><br /><b>Favorite Friday (Skinned Knees)/White; LEM</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5985855621/" title="July27 (24 of 36) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6018/5985855621_48a20bb3e5_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="July27 (24 of 36)" /></a><br />I love the bokeh of the trees and the 'frozen' water! Looks so glassy and crystal clear! Also my "white" entry for Live Every Moment's weekly link up!<br /><a href="http://hisbooboos.blogspot.com/p/photo-challenges.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Favorite Fridays at Skinned Knees" src="http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz101/bigideaphotography/button-8.png" /></a><a href="http://liveeverymom.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1417/5123616571_932c538ef6_o.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Thanks for visiting as always! :)</center>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166788604435523551noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9084797298590036310.post-23580255547290021612011-07-26T12:15:00.002-05:002011-07-26T12:18:12.677-05:00How Could you Not...<center>Love this face?<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5976420903/" title="July25 (7 of 13) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6028/5976420903_6f03fdb745_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="July25 (7 of 13)" /></a><br />I LOVE YOU DILLON!♥♥♥<br />Love,<br />Momma!</center>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166788604435523551noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9084797298590036310.post-16678369509220354822011-07-24T14:19:00.002-05:002011-07-24T15:01:37.123-05:00Scavenger Hunting!<center>Hello again friends. It's been a week since my last post and I've come to a decision that for now I will probably be doing a mere one post per week! Sad, I know, but I have good reasoning for it, family & life!♥ Sundays are less busy for us, so it'll probably the best day to take time out to post! I am so glad you all keep stopping by though, regardless of my absence and lack of comments, I managed to return a few last week and just want to say a huge THANK YOU to you all!<br /><br /><b>1.Music to my Ears</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5966179706/" title="July21 (39 of 43) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6022/5966179706_dca32c9789_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="July21 (39 of 43)" /></a><br />This photo was taken last Thursday...My Dad was chosen to be apart of a top 11 out of 250 entries into a singer/songwriter contest a local radio station held. He was so honored and it was well deserved! We traveled down to Paris, TN to the KPAC center where he performed one song on stage in front of a panel of judges and after the 11 performed the judges tallied up scores and chose a winner and runner up. Although he didn't place it was so cool just to see him on the big stage with his guitar and a song he wrote from his heart! So yay! and that was definitely music to my ears!<br /><br /><b>2.Hat</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5966164448/" title="July21 (21 of 43) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6006/5966164448_c3ef6cee98_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="July21 (21 of 43)" /></a><br />My husband loves this hat, seriously. He's had it for about 4 years and I've done had to sew the brim back to the rest of the hat a couple times. He got it from the first coal mines he was employed with and it says "In Memory of Sgt. Patrick Rudd" on the back. The supervisor of the mines was close friends with Sgt. Rudd's Father and had the hats made in memory of him. So it's a great hat all around!<br /><br /><b>3.Clear</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5966156006/" title="July21 (12 of 43) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6006/5966156006_2e9f6635fa_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="July21 (12 of 43)" /></a><br />Doors are pretty clear, as long as they're clean. This one needed a little shining but was the entrance to the KPAC center (Krider Performing Arts Center).<br /><br /><b>4.Out of This World</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5971392216/" title="July17 (16 of 80)-circleized by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6127/5971392216_9198959e46_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="July17 (16 of 80)-circleized" /></a><br />I FINALLY looked at the tutorial for this on Ashley's website. She was gonna use it at first but went a different route, so I decided I'd better try it and use it myself! I really like the way it came out!<br /><br /><b>5.Sprinkles</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5966181880/" title="July21 (43 of 43) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6132/5966181880_9cc3825fc1_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="July21 (43 of 43)" /></a><br />This photo was taken on our drive home from TN. It was the local Ideal gas station, I just purposely made it out of focus for some neat bokeh, and in the process I got a photo that kind've reminds me of sprinkles. May be a stretch but hey, it kind of works right?! LOL<br /><a href="http://ashleysisk.com/search/label/Scavenger%20Hunt"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4795223164_aa1eb66c07_o.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><b>The Paper Mama; Summertime</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5958267040/" title="July17 (75 of 80) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6014/5958267040_6df6631878_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="July17 (75 of 80)" /></a><br />Can you not tell it's summertime?! The sweatyness, oh and plus he's playin the tambourine with his leg! How talented! HAHA!<br /><a href="http://thepapermama.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5085242350_8096c64354.jpg" alt="The Paper Mama" width="150" height="150" /></a><br /><br />Hope you all have been enjoying your summer!</center>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166788604435523551noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9084797298590036310.post-18590434639110663142011-07-17T01:32:00.003-05:002011-07-17T01:55:20.471-05:00Scavenger Hunting!<center>Hey all! I'm back again for a quick post! I haven't taken many photos lately but I've managed to get a few in...and a LOT I haven't even shared from where I've been in and out of the blog scene. But nonetheless, I keep returning! ;)<br /><br />Life has been 100 miles per hour lately! So many things happening and just fun summer times! My husband has been on 'vacation' for about three weeks now. It originally was supposed to be one but he's a miner and the mines he works at has had a problem with water on and off for a couple years. They decided to take the time while the men were on their summer vacation to pump out the lake they mine close to and while it isn't a fun thing financial-wise that it's happening, I'm just happy they're being safe.<br /><br />A lot of you may not know this and right now I don't know if I've ever mentioned that I have a degree in Medical Transcription. Right out of high school in 2007 I started an at-home college course for Med Transcription. I had it done in about five months and my sweet husband paid it off month by month until it was gone♥ Anyways, I worked from home for one company from December of '07 until about July of '08 and picked up a second at home job around May of that year. I stopped in July because I was getting pretty far along in my pregnancy and wanted to enjoy my time as a first-time Mother and enjoy the last half of my pregnancy. I now feel like it's time to get back in 'the grind' and find another job from home.<br /><br />Funny thing is, the companies I worked for were primarily financial transcription so it was like I wasn't even doing what I "trained" for. But the degree did help in obtaining the positions. Its really hard getting an 'at home' job with a MEDICAL transcription when you don't have ANY experience in an acute care environment (on-site). And obtaining a job locally isn't easy either since they ALSO require some years of experience. So it's either search for a company willing to take on 'newbies' or just use my transcribing experience in another form besides medical until I can. So prayers for me and my job search!<br /><br />Anyways before I bore you to death I'll get on with my Scavenger Hunt items this week!<br /><br /><b>Black and White</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5928676245/" title="July11 (3 of 3) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6135/5928676245_99821c0f1e_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="July11 (3 of 3)" /></a><br />I LOVE high key black and white. So these decently exposed images made a great canvas for high key B&W I thought. Plus that little smile just blows it to a whole new level of cute!<br /><a href="http://thepapermama.blogspot.com"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5085242350_8096c64354.jpg" alt="The Paper Mama" width="150" height="150" /></a><br /><b>Reflections in Glass</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5945057561/" title="july16-5 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6147/5945057561_865729754f_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="july16-5" /></a><br />Another B&W shot, but it was taken TODAY and my reflection is in a glass mirror on my husband's ATV. I liked the way it turned out so there ya go!<br /><br /><b>Headlights</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5906424183/" title="july4-4 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6018/5906424183_06f91762f1_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="july4-4" /></a><br />{Insert fart noise here!} I have NO photos of headlights. BOO! But these shots were taken at a big firework show we attended this year. You could pretend it was headlights blurred into beautiful bokeh circles but really it's the city lights and fireworks ;)<br /><br /><b>Seeing Double</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5895088330/" title="june28-2 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5276/5895088330_9dc2d3e319_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="june28-2" /></a><br />These shots were taken a couple weeks ago. I couldn't sleep and a lightening storm was going on so I got up and went out on our front porch to capture some strikes. Here is a double strike, so I figured this may count?<br /><br /><b>Bare</b><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5945050611/" title="july16 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6010/5945050611_058d8efa62_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="july16" /></a><br />Nature is bare in a way as in there are no houses and clutter of the city around, especially out in the country where we live. This is right down the road from us, a favorite fishing hole. I took this shot today, loved the reflection of the cloud in the water and the ripple from a fish out in the middle!<br /><a href="http://ashleysisk.com/search/label/Scavenger%20Hunt"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4795223164_aa1eb66c07_o.jpg" /></a><br /><br />So there you have it! I hope I covered the items well. I hope you all have a great weekend!<br /></center>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166788604435523551noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9084797298590036310.post-13012089743363310772011-07-13T11:13:00.004-05:002011-07-13T12:20:25.656-05:00Word{Less} Wednesday<center>So, as you know my life has become completely BUSY. I have struggled to even post in blogger let alone get my photos on flickr but I've managed to the last few weeks. I think my last post was close to two weeks ago! AH! But nonetheless I'm still here. To those who left comments on my last post <i>Thank You!</i> ever so much! I read the comments in my inbox and I smile at EVERY ONE! I will try and return them but sadly I can't make promises because I'm running 100 miles per minute these days! With all this being said, I'm gonna overload you with photos to tell our stories from the last couple weeks! ENJOY!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5917173526/" title="july6 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6141/5917173526_324f8107b6_z.jpg" alt="july6" width="427" height="640" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5916616535/" title="july7-1 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6025/5916616535_1aca4dc5c8_z.jpg" alt="july7-1" width="640" height="427" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5917186004/" title="july7-6 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6127/5917186004_e108ec23aa_z.jpg" alt="july7-6" width="640" height="427" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5924757321/" title="july9 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6137/5924757321_9c6a1761d5_z.jpg" alt="july9" width="427" height="640" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5924764495/" title="july9-3 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6135/5924764495_363f0e6f08_z.jpg" alt="july9-3" width="640" height="427" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5924774579/" title="july9-8 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6143/5924774579_5900ae9b8e_z.jpg" alt="july9-8" width="640" height="427" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5925344978/" title="july9-13 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6008/5925344978_12d3ca055d_z.jpg" alt="july9-13" width="640" height="427" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5928673567/" title="July11 (1 of 3) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6026/5928673567_d2da7eea50_z.jpg" alt="July11 (1 of 3)" width="640" height="427" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5928682303/" title="July11 (4 of 12) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6010/5928682303_42b9ebe196_z.jpg" alt="July11 (4 of 12)" width="640" height="427" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5928691823/" title="July11 (8 of 12) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6124/5928691823_066c33bf88_z.jpg" alt="July11 (8 of 12)" width="640" height="427" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5928693457/" title="July11 (9 of 12) by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6022/5928693457_0e64da0938_z.jpg" alt="July11 (9 of 12)" width="640" height="427" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5933611933/" title="sisters by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6145/5933611933_b44eb6edab_z.jpg" alt="sisters" width="640" height="640" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.projectalicia.com/" target="”_blank”"><img style="width: 119px; height: 119px;" src="http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/oo34/iowalish/wordlesswednesdaybutton.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.supermomalysha.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img style="width: 121px; height: 121px;" alt="Wordish Wednesday" src="http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o8/alyshadavila/wordishwednesday.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.parentingbydummies.com/" mce_href="http://www.parentingbydummies.com/"> <img style="width: 121px; height: 121px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/5012338953_a9112fd924_m.jpg" mce_src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/5012338953_a9112fd924_m.jpg" source="blank" /></a><a href="http://liveandloveoutloud.com/" target="_blank"><img style="width: 121px; height: 121px;" src="http://liveandloveoutloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/button1new150.jpg" alt="Live and Love...Out Loud" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.sevenclowncircus.com/" target="_blank"><br /><img style="width: 113px; height: 113px;" src="http://sevenclowncircus.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/sevenclownbutton.jpg" border="0″" /></a><a href="http://betterinbulk.net/" target="_blank"><img style="width: 116px; height: 116px;" alt="Better in Bulk" src="http://lolli.smugmug.com/photos/844149830_ttqnL-X3.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://thepapermama.blogspot.com/"><img style="width: 114px; height: 114px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4908787362_bac78161d3_z.jpg" alt="The Paper Mama" /></a><a href="http://andthen-shesnapped.com/" target="_blank"><img style="width: 116px; height: 116px;" alt="and then, she {snapped}" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j52/drexgal/and%20then%20she%20snapped/word2s.jpg" /></a><a href="http://thelongroadtochina.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img style="width: 90px; height: 120px;" alt="the long road" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4370157827_1ee82e3900_o.jpg" /></a><a href="http://daniellespaperheart.blogspot.com/"><img style="width: 122px; height: 122px;" alt="Paper Heart Photo" src="http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt255/ElvishAuthoress/PHPbutton.png" align="center" vspace="none" hspace="none" /></a></center>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166788604435523551noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9084797298590036310.post-60910480001943424892011-07-02T20:56:00.002-05:002011-07-02T21:34:17.935-05:00I've Been Gone too Long!<center>Hey my dearest blogging friends! I haven't had even the slightest amount of time to sit down and finally blog. In fact, I got behind nearly 100 photos last week and it took a WHOLE day for me to edit and upload them..-WHEW- and I don't what to let it happen again!<br /><br />So yesterday my husband and I hosted a little cookout(/fish fry) at our home. It's the second one I've hosted this year. I <b>LOVE</b> to cook and entertain (just don't like the clean up part) but it's worth it. We had fried fish, hush puppies, homemade slaw, fries, cheeseburgers, hotdogs and a really cute red, white and blue layered cake I made. Sadly I never got to take a "good" photo of it since it was devoured almost instantly-but I found the idea on Pinterest and it came out so cute and was just as good! I love family and getting together letting the kids play in a kiddie pool and slip and slide was so great. After the food and fun we listened to some music played by my Dad, brother-in-law and step father-in-law. Then we watched fireworks we had bought last week.<br /><br />Anyways, on to some photo challenges and link ups! Oh, and I wanna mention that my <b>Parenthood</b> entry I made into the themed challenge at Paper Heart Camera AND The Paper Mama was a favorite at both! Thanks Chelsey!<br /><br />Sweet Shot Tuesday<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5895096646/" title="july1-1 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6051/5895096646_5ed409a254_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="july1-1" /></a><br />Of all the photos I took of fireworks, the roman candles were my favorites. I did a long exposure on them, (maybe like 5 seconds) and got the trails of the balls of light that shot out. I love this shot!<br /><a href="http://my3boybarians.com/category/photography/sweet-shot-day/"><img alt="Sweet Shot Day" title="Add your photo to Sweet Shot Day @ m3b" height="125" width="125" border="0" outline="0" src="http://my3boybarians.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/sweetshotbutton.png" /></a><br /><br />Shutter Love Tuesdays; Just for kids<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5895413420/" title="july1-9 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5235/5895413420_a567d68838_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="july1-9" /></a><br />Kids love water, so the slip n slide shots would do well for this!<br /><a href="http://thetrendytreehouse.blogspot.com/p/shutter-love-theme.html"><img border="0" src="http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/xx169/trendytreehouse/ShutterButton.gif" /></a><br /><br />LEM & Foto Friday; Red, White & Blue<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5894859527/" title="july1-18 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5302/5894859527_96b3f43210_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="july1-18" /></a><br />Using a different sense of the word, this little handsome fellow has red, white AND blue on his shirt! (Not to mention the red Dodge in the background!) So I thought this would fit nicely.<br /><a href="http://liveeverymom.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1417/5123616571_932c538ef6_o.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.momtriedit.net/search/label/Foto%20Friday"><img src="http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy303/momtriedit/foto_friday.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The Paper Mama-Sparkle; Crazy Days of Summer-Light<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5895400786/" title="IMG_3688 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5069/5895400786_a004a073fd_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_3688" /></a><br />Looks very sparkly AND its a burst of light for sure!<br /><a href="http://thepapermama.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5085242350_8096c64354.jpg" alt="The Paper Mama" width="150" height="150" /></a><a href="http://www.projectalicia.com/2011/05/unveiling-summer-photo-challenge.html"><img border="0" src="http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/oo34/iowalish/summerbuttonfinal200x200.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Favorite Photo of the Week; Better than Best<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5879850942/" title="june19-10 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5199/5879850942_2c7750e1c6_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="june19-10" /></a><br />Always love that Pretty smile!<br /><a border="0" href="http://throughaphotographerseyes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac55/markdayton58/FPotWeek/FPofWeek-1.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://crownoflifephotography.blogspot.com/"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EPudcS4gyw8/TeVGfx13mLI/AAAAAAAAAbc/y1naUOOcXmg/s144/btbbutton1.jpg" /><br /> </a><br /><br />Now onto the <b>Quarterly Top 5!!!</b> This is where you link up your TOP 5 favorite photos from April-June of THIS year! Click the button below my top five favorites and link up YOUR faves of the quarter! Here they are in no particular order:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5655959423/" title="april25-2after by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5062/5655959423_06b463f94b_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="april25-2after" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5735758986/" title="may18-7 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5303/5735758986_148a118690_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="may18-7" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5757248286/" title="may24-1 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/5757248286_672e5f5829_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="may24-1" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5787659831/" title="may31-3 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2449/5787659831_b71693aeaf_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="may31-3" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomomma88/5879336045/" title="june26-13 by Natalie Franklin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6099/5879336045_364fba6962_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="june26-13" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://naptimemomtog.com/tag/quarterly-top-5/" title="Naptime Momtog" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42YcAOGfBvsHqoyAgwEHyXZ5sXfuK1-jKB1nBaQ1lZb9c-P1XtAUx99JsOoigbdzAJDtjpVy_w3_ms_nMwPqbsAu6KuytpkwyVTWmFwo4UZIbMjOFwl_UimmtWpwx2y85NWHD4pA30gU/s1600/QuarterlyTop5%25282nd%2529.gif" alt="Naptime Momtog" style="border:none;" /></a></div><br /><br />Thanks for stickin' with me through all that! Have a Happy FOURTH!<br /><br /></center>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09166788604435523551noreply@blogger.com14