Life as a Texan

So a few times I have posted on facebook about not wanting to be called m'aam. In Arizona and California it truely is like calling someone "old lady." I have many memories of my mom being called m'aam and she would quickly respond, "Who are you calling m'aam?! Don't you call me that!" Of course this was done with a smile on her face.
I am a big believer in that you need to adapt to your culture and "When in Rome, Do as the Romans do." For example, when I lived in Germany, I spoke German. By the time I left I was pretty fluent. Wish I could still say I was, but you forget if you don't use it...anyways, point being, in the South they commonly say "sir" and "m'aam" and I am learning how to adapt. Sadie is taught at school that she is to say "Yes, m'aam" to her teachers. I completely respect this. However, they have taught her to call ME "m'aam" as well, and this I am not a fan of! Haha! She now knows that she is to call me, "Yes, Mommy." :) One day I was picking her up from school and her teacher said something like "you say yes m'aam to your mommy." Sadie got upset and said, "I don't say yes m'aam to mommy, I say yes mommy!!!" I explained to her teacher that we don't do that in our house but that it is fine at school.
I thought I would share a short funny video of Sadie trying to get a rise out of me by calling me m'aam. Enjoy!

Some other funny Texas terms that I posted about is hearing people talk about the "light bill." I call it an electricity bill, as it is all encompasing, but being the perfectionist that I am, have to fight the urge to correct them and say, "don't you mean the electric bill?"
Sometimes people here have such thick accents that I often times cannot understand them. Friends in Arizona and California say that they can hear a little accent in me, which surprises me because most people here instantly know that I am not from the area from my lack of accent. It's interesting how that works.
Anyways, January flew by-how can that be?! I have a busy month ahead with lots of newborn shoots and a bridal show at the end of the month. Time is just flyin'!

AZ Trip May 2012

Yep, I am that far behind on blogging! Sadie and I got to go to Arizona for a week in May to visit family there. She did sooo great on the plane. I was very proud of her. Both ways people commented how good she was. She did not make a peep the whole way, just sat quietly with her headphones on watching her movie. We got to Phoenix mid-afternoon and my parents were there waiting for us. We went straight from the airport up to Anthem to check on our house there. We met our renters, who were very nice. It was weird seeing someone else living in "our house." Then we headed over to my dear friend Genea's house. She was a wonderful hostess, as always, and we enjoyed some hors d'oeuvres while the kids played in the backyard and had ice cream. They had a blast! We then headed up the mountain to my mom and dad's. 
My parents graciously offered up their home to allow some of my friends to come up for a visit. They put together a great BBQ. To all who came, thank you!! My sister happened to be in for a work related visit, and was able to drive up to spend the night also. That was a lot of fun to see her. My friend Genea brought her kids up and they stayed the night as well. The next day we spent time at the park and the pool in the afternoon. Just love where they live-so many awesome amenities! The next night we went to my grandparent's for dinner and had a great time. Sadie especially enjoyed getting to watch a movie in the theater room. :) Lucky kid! 
I also got to do a little photo shoot of my parents and Sadie while there. So much fun!
The last night we stayed in Scottsdale and had a fabulous boat ride. Love Arizona sunsets!
Of course, as is usual for Sadie, she came down with a sinus infection while we were there and I had to take her to urgent care, but at least she got started on meds a couple days before we had to fly back. We can't wait to be back in December for Christmas!
Enjoy these photos!

Clothes

Sadie has a current obsession with onesies, tutu's and shoes. Yep, she is all girl. The other night we were headed out for some errands and she dressed herself in the onesie that I bought at the Dallas Rock n' roll 1/2 marathon, 2 skirts, leggings, and boots. She is a trip!
And yes, the tree is up but not decorated. :)

Cooking with Sadie

So this is my first blog post! I figured that since I have been blogging photography for years it is time that I finally make one for my little family. I typically have posted all my photos on facebook but realize that many of my family are not on there. I think this will be a great way to keep everyone up to date with daily life here in Texas. Today Sadie and I are having a girls' day. This included doing some baking. I love Fall. It is overcast today so it is perfect baking weather. I got some gingerbread cookie mix and little winter cookie cutters. Sadie wore her apron from Great Grandma Elaine and had a blast helping! Enjoy these photos! Love, Marissa



Mixing the batter
Making a snowflake
Checking to see if they are ready yet
This is what she does when I tell her to say "cheese"
"Mmmmmm, good!"