I don’t know why my blog keeps breaking. But it’s malicious activity which makes it even more annoying. That doesn’t mean someone is out to get me, it just means that some people have no life and want to target wordpress users.
I hired a nanny last week. She’s here three days a week.
Clara turns four months old today. I have no idea where the time has gone but I’m appreciating her new growth-i-ness. She’s much happier these days.
My first workshop is this weekend. While planning this workshop and all of it’s beautiful details, I realize how amazing this workshop is going to be. (and I’m not just saying that. It’s going to be awesome.)
I am honestly bummed that all of the spots have not been filled.
After this workshop, I’m looking forward to moving to a normal schedule with work while having a nanny here.
Anna is singing in a talent show this Friday.
I bought Noah a new pair of pajamas yesterday and showed them to him and he said “about time.” (he feels he really needs pajamas)
Eli burned himself on the stove on Monday. His little finger has a blister. Makes me so sad.
I actually showered today.
Brian has a cold. I’m trying not to catch it. No kissy-kissy for us.
Clara loves having her diaper changed. It’s actually something everyone should experience. As soon as you lie her down, her faces breaks into complete happiness.
I often wonder why so few people comment on blogs anymore. Thoughts?
I miss you all.
Last week’s featured photo goes to FrogMum. I just love this image. (achieving such great white balance in a bathroom is hard work!) Nicely done, friend!
Yeah ~ thanks Beth! I knew it was worth coming back
!!
Thoughts about the comment thing ~ Facebook and Twitter rule the comment world these days I think
~ I MUCH prefer blogs, but they definitely are more time consuming (with captha’s and moderation, etc…, which are sadly too often essential). Well, at least that’s my theory..!
Awe…. You know if I could convince my hubs to let me drive from MO to you (and all the expenses involved) I would soooo be all over that workshop. I adore your work and you are one of the various reasons I wanted to improve my skills. Don’t get down hearted, once word of mouth gets out about how awesome your workshop is you’ll be turning people away.
And that’s an adorable You Capture shot. <3
I SO WISH I could join your workshop! SERIOUSLY! And some one on one time with you!
Anyone want to sponsor me?!? 
I have noticed that about comments as well! I love blog commenting! so much better!
I dunno…I’m thinking it might be the Twitter/FB theory as well. :/
And if I lived closer, I’d totally come to your workshop!
I think Twitter has changed things. I know it has for me. I’ll get an idea that I would previously have fleshed out into a blog post and condense it down to 140 characters.
And I too, would love to be at your workshop this weekend. Somebody really needs to invent teleportation.
Empty spots just means room to grow! Word will spread and soon you’ll have waiting lists. So glad you are able to have a nanny help you out. Your whole family (and you!) will benefit, surely. Poor little Eli. Your pictures of Clara on IG make me swoon. My kids have started rejecting pajamas, at least the boys. I make them wear something while they are around the house, but then they choose just undies once in bed. Silly boys.
Come to Canada and I will be at a class!!!
I have wondered the same thing about blog comments. People just dont seem to do it as much!
Just wanted to let you know that I’ve been following your blog for months now and love it! I’m a lurker, so rarely comment, but I know how fun it is to get comments on the blog, so wanted to say hi! Thanks for your great blog!
I’m so excited about your workshop. I wish I lived close, I’d SO be there. You take the most beautiful photos and if I could learn even a 10th of your talent, I’d be better.
And I blame smart phones for the lack of comments. It makes it so hard.
I wish my husband wasn’t carving ice in South Haven Michigan this weekend cause I seriously wanted to sign up for your class!! My idea of dropping me off on his way there and taking the 5 kids with him didn’t make him smile like it did me:) Happy 4 months to Clara – she’s darling!!
LOVE that pic of Clara!! She is sweetness! I, too, wish I was closer! Too many family
activities going on for me to swing it this time!!
THat picture is adorable! Well, actually, both of them are
I don’t know why people don’t comment, why I don’t comment more often. Its easy to just take and take, read and think and move on, rather than connecting with the writer, the person behind the blog. Takes a little extra, I guess.
I’m usually a lurker, terrible I know. But I’m working on it because I know how awesome comments are. I would so be coming to your workshop if I wasn’t so far away. There isn’t anything local like what you are offering, and it is needed. I can’t possibly be the only person wanting to learn more, and I’m fairly certain the local adult school isn’t going to offer the type of information I’m after. The possibility of a lifetime membership to Clickin’ Moms is awesome too, just another reason I would love to attend. Keep your head up, you inspire a lot of women all over the country and THAT is a success all in itself.
You know, I loved participating in the YouCapture in 2010 and a bit in early 2011, but then my job took up way too much time and I had to let something go…and the blog and YouCapture were what stopped.
Well, I kept up the blog, but I didn’t have as much time to jump around and leave comments.
As far as comments in general, I’ve never gotten that many on my blog, but though I used to feel bad about that, I finally realized that there are about a zillion blogs out there (with more starting all the time) and people just don’t have time to comment most of the time. I know that people are still reading my blog (I see the stats), but I do wish that people would take the time to comment. Sometimes it just feels like I’m writing to the void, and that’s never any fun. I’m trying to make an effort to leave comments as well, because you can’t expect people to do what you don’t do, right?
Best of luck with your workshop – I’m sure it will be great!
I miss blogging!! I’ve been hit and miss since the summer. Our littlest just turned 5 months so I completly understand about wanting time to stand still!!! I just looked at her yesterday and it hit me out of the blue–my baby isn’t a newborn anymore! *sigh*
Good for you for hiring a nanny!!! Sounds like a busy and challenging season in your life right now.
I’d totally be there if I could swing it but the hubs rejected my idea to fly up there and leave him solo with our kiddos!!
And I a terrible lurker I’ve been reading your blog since before sweet James and Jake and I hardly ever comment!!
But hey I think you rock!!
You are well within driving distance for me, but I’m so uncomfortably huge and preggo right now, I just can’t handle it. Plus, with my luck, I’d go into labor during the workshop. There’s an interesting twist!
I get very few comments, but I also comment rarely, which is something I strive to do better with. It’s just hard with everything that needs to be done every.single.day around here. These kids are so demanding with their “feed me” and “I’m bored” and “my brother won’t stop sitting on me” that I hear all day long!
Oh, to shower in peace. Or to sleep. Or both. *swoon*
I don’t know about everyone else but I can tell you that I know I am someone who comments on blogs waaaaaay less than I used to. My reason is I tend to read them on my iPod now and it’s really annoying and hard and takes forever to load up the site out of Google Reader and get to the comment form and comment on my iPod. So I end up not commenting most of the time. I wish there was an easy way to comment from Reader! When I used to read all blogs on a computer it was so much easier to just click over and comment.
I hope silly people with nothing better to do stop attacking WordPress and your blog! How annoying!
That is a beautiful photo of Clara!
I still comment on blogs, and I find that usually the blogs I comment on comment back and so forth. I *try* to comment on every blog that comments on mine each week. I know a lot of people only read in a reader and that’s okay too. I do like when they stop to leave a thought once in a while.
Steph
I comment! And I’m glad to see that you’re back.
And some people? They are just so sad in their own lives that they enjoy wreaking havoc in others. I say pray for ‘em.
And little Miss Clara? Oh, I want to pinch those chubby legs & cheeks. What a precious little gift you have right there. You’re blessed!
Totally with you on the commenting thing. I get the same 3 commenters it seems like!
Clara is simply adorable!
Commenting! You are right. Hi, I’m also Beth. I found your blog one night about 6-7 months ago, and have been following ever since. I’m a music teacher in New Jersey, and I think you’re great. You’re crafty, you’re clever, and juggling 4 beautiful children! I recently got married and bought a house. Thank you for inspiring and entertaining me.
Clara is adorable. : )
Comments? I get the same little handful and I appreciate them TREMENDOUSLY! However, it would be nice to have more. Love me some Facebook, but my blog…it’s so ME.
I should comment more. I come here a lot to see if there’s been a new post….and I visit other blogs often, but never comment. I tend to think “oh they don’t want to hear this” and feel like I’m speaking to the wind. (which I know is ridiculous)
I miss it when you go a long time without posting–is that weird? haha! I’m hoping you don’t give up on blogging.
I would love to go to your workshop, it looks amazing!!–consider doing one in Texas?
You have a beautiful family!! Clara is such a little lady.
I wish I could come to your workshop.
Clara is too adorable.
I find myself commenting on blogs less… cause it takes time. And sometimes, I just wish there was a “like” button.
And I miss You Capture. Hopefully I can join in again soon!
i love your blog have been a follower for about a year i guess love your little sweet thing. she is so pretty
Babies are adorable… and hopefully your blog will continue to be fine.
I have been reading for like ever
Back in the the olden days when you had an Ariel and Racecar, life just seemed different. Your kiddos are growing like weeds. I enjoy your blog and all your pictures and would miss you terribly if you stopped blogging. I agree that FB/Twitter have affected the commenting on blogs.
P.S. I had to type this three times because the website kept saying my comment was missing info….but I kept trying because I really wanted you to know that I’m still out here following along!!
One more thought. Commenting is very one sided. On Facebook, when you comment there is usually a reply. I sometimes feel weird…like a “follower” when I want to comment on a blog and my comment is very similar to what others are saying. The writer rarely responds to the comments.
Just want to say that your kids are absolutely adorable!!
Another beautiful picture of little Clara!
I think people sometimes read too many blogs to comment all the time, I know I’m guilty of that.
I hate to hear that your blog issues are idiots targeting WordPress blogs. Makes me worry about mine. I agree there haven’t been as many comments lately. Maybe it’s just winter doldrums. It will be nice for you to have a nanny for some consistent working times. I really wish I were close enough to attend one of your workshops.
I so badly want to fill another spot at your workshop this weekend! But I was just gone last weekend with my girlfriends, and I couldn’t justify another getaway just yet. PLEASE do another workshop and I’ll do my darndest to get there!
I would SO BE at your workshop in a friggin’ heartbeat if we lived near each other. Sad that is not the case.
And Clara, OMGosh, so precious.
And I think people don’t comment as much because there are too many other distractions ant time-suckers such as twitter, FB and now Pinterest! That’s my best guess anyway…
I must be the only one commenting on blogs these days. I spend about 2 hours a night keeping up with my favorite blogs and building my lovely little community. I don’t Tweet much.
Clara is beautiful! Love that picture from Frogmom!
I will de-lurk for a moment too I guess! I love that Clara loves getting her diaper changed, so cute. My little William (baby #3) used to light up the minute he was on his changing table, he totally became mr animated. So funny. Good for you on getting a nanny! I am looking forward to you telling us how your workshop goes this weekend, I think its so awesome that you are passing along all the great wisdom you have gained onto other moms. Its sooo cool. If I lived in IN I would have signed up in a heartbeat!
Clara is so cute baby!
Ah commenting. Usually I’m reading on my phone while nursing the baby and it’s hard to comment from my phone!
I’d totally be at your workshop if I lived less than 10 hrs away.
Yay for a nanny! What a huge help that will be for you!
Also…where did you find Clara’s awesome headband? It’s the perfect size!
I read your blog all the time and never have commented. So sorry!!
So read your blog religiously….I don’t comment b/c usually I read from my phone and it is tricky to comment. I usually just stare at the gorgeous pictures.
I so wish I could join your workshop but with two small kids “mama time” on the weekends is hard to find! Maybe in the summer on a weekday?
it makes me sad that no one comments anymore.
love that baby butt!
I know. I miss comments so much. It makes me feel better (?) that you’re noticing the lack thereof as well. I thought it was just me! I agree with the FB and Twitter theory, and also I think Steph makes a good point. Generally when I do have a spare handful of moments, I choose to write on my own blog vs. reading/commenting, and I think that choice is probably not doing much to encourage others to comment on what I say. I also tend to post in fits and spurts, which I think makes people reticent to commit to me fully. (If that makes any sense at all.)
Or else my recent content is sorely lacking, which is totally not out of the realm of possibility!
When you bring your workshop on the road and are closer to my neck of the woods, I am totally in.
There definitely seems to have been a drop off in people commenting on blogs around the web since the start of the new year. I kinda figured people were just busy keeping up with their resolutions, but maybe it does have something to do with FB & Twitter…
If I wasn’t half-way around the world I’d also be looking into your workshop. You have a wonderful eye and have made so much progress in the last few years that I know you have volumes to teach!
Oh and I forgot to mention — the nanny = AWESOME! Congrats on that big time!
I’m just getting a virtual assistant this week which I desperately need. Hopefully she’ll learn my ways quickly
I wish your first course sold out. I’d be there my self if I could but I live in Ontario and it’s a little far. I would just love to hear you speak about all your knowledge of photography. I wish your course was online. I would so take that in a heart beat. Good Luck! You will awesome!
SHE IS DARLING! I love it too once they get to 3-4 months old. It starts getting really fun. Oh, and they sleep much better ;D That helps.
I can’t wait for SUNDAY!
I read all of your posts (and love ‘em!), but with a new baby, most of my blog reading happens on my phone. Not exactly conducive to typing out comments.
I do try to make a point to leave blog comments somewhat regularly, but even then, my chances are limited, so I aim for those who interact with me via answering my comments on their own blogs or comment on my post.
Wow, 4 months already? That went by so fast! She is absolutely beautiful!!! Her eyes and smile are just so gorgeous!
Sorry, I have been reading when the blog is working but forget to comment.
You make your nanny sound SO OLD!!
First, she is adorable. Second, I wish I lived close enough to attend your work shop. Third, I think twitter and facebook have ruined blog comments.
Janelle
3 reasons I couldn’t attend your workshop (this time):
1. All our ‘spare’ money has been spent on the kids these last few weeks
2. I have been super-crazy-stupid busy and I hate that I can’t even find the time to schedule stuff for ME.
3. I have a crappy camera. And I mean CRAPPY.
My thoughts on why people don’t comment (or write much anymore) on blogs:
everyone is super-crazy-stupid busy and twitter and facebook take up what words we do have to share.
Just so you know… you might already, but I keep getting warnings that your site contains malware.
From a site that something like pokso? Just saw it once, so don’t really know.
I had to unlink your blog from mine, cause people couldn’t get onto my blog because there was warnings that isbfl had malware.
Hope you can get it resolved! I want to relink you.