::reflecting truth::'s photostream  

we are a hands-on kinda family. life is a hands-on kinda experience.

katieleephoto.com/2012/02/hands-on-day-fifty-two/

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katieleephoto.com/2012/02/toy-story-day-forty-seven/

reason #291 why living with a toddler is fun. TOYS.

it makes it tough to take life too seriously when you’re constantly covered in plush dogs and singing dragons. just sayin’.

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katieleephoto.com/2012/02/valentines-day-forty-five/

photo credit: amora!

it’s valentine’s day. a day loved by the coupled up and dreaded by the paired down.

although i am among the lovebirds, valentine’s day doesn’t really resonate with me. we don’t go out and fight crowds of stressed out sweethearts. we don’t exchange expensive gifts. i don’t expect a box of decadent chocolates (i’m trying to lose the last bit of baby weight over here!) or two dozen long-stemmed roses to be delivered to my door.

*we just celebrate love everyday*

i went to the store today and couldn’t help but smile at all the flustered men pacing around the greeting card aisle. they were bouncing around each other frantically reading cards, frowning and putting them back on the shelf. i wanted to shout, “no pressure, guys!” i hear people tell me how their lover disappointed them by “not doing enough” for them on valentine’s day and it hurts my heart. so much worry and bitterness is the outcome of a day when Love and romance is the intention.

taking this photo is the extent of our valentine’s day festivities. and when we were all cuddled up together, i was reminded of just how much love surrounds me in my life. i felt completely enveloped in it. so, i’d say that my valentine’s day was pretty damn sweet after all.

most people just want to feel loved and honored today. and luckily there’s a really simple way to achieve that. forget the frivolous gifts and the games and just Tell Them.

i love you. =)

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how many offers does it take to land a home in central austin? more than 5 apparently. the market is unexpectedly Fierce here and we keep coming up 2nd (or 3rd or 4th) in a series of homes with multiple offers. i now cringe when i hear the words, “you are in competition with other contracts, submit your best and final offer by noon.” not again… yes, again.

house hunting has become a(nother) full time job. thank dog we can take a step back and laugh at the whole process. it seems like as soon as we decide we are interested in a home (whether it’s been on the market for 4 hours or 4 months), everyone else wants it too. so we need to be one step ahead of ourselves and everyone else. full tilt. trigger-happy even. i am Not someone who is typically quick to choose. i am indecisive and wishy-washy until i’ve *really made up my mind (ahem… pisces). this process has forced me out of those not-so-attractive or productive character traits. i’ve been forced to become more assertive, more aggressive, and sometimes more persuasive with my choices. we may still be homeless, but at least we are growing and learning. and i’m confident the right home is still headed our way.

it stings every time we get a “no”, but this right here (see above) is the perfect remedy.

katieleephoto.com/2012/02/remedy-day-forty-four/

katieleephoto.com/2012/02/its-in-the-air-day-fortyone/

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