April Summer

It's 84 degrees outside and it's 82 degrees inside our house. I refuse to turn on the air conditioning in April out of principle. I'm beginning to lose this battle because we were experiencing this heat in FEBRUARY. We've only had a couple of cold days this winter and spring. My poor winter coat has only been used a handful of times!

Toady was especially warm and beautiful out, and I couldn't bare to be in the house any longer. We went to Starbucks to grab an iced coffee, and Camden split a mini cherry pie with me. When we got home, I grabbed all the buckets I could think of along with some various kitchen supplies and headed outside with some water. I stripped my poor, sweaty baby down to his knickers and put him by the buckets full of water to play! He had so much fun splashing and dumping the water. He kept begging to put his feet in the water, so I finally took off his diaper (yes, we are still doing cloth diapers!) and let him sit in the water. MY oh my, it was like I had a different baby on my hands... free as a bird, diaper less and carefree! If only he could have a bottle of milk in his hands, he would have thought he was in heaven! Have I told you how much my boy loves to be naked? Anyway, it's amazing how long a couple measuring spoons and cups and funnels can keep a baby occupied.

This weekend was my first time spending the night away from BOTH my boys. I think Camden missed me because all he has wanted to do yesterday and today is cuddle. It warms this Mama's heart. Now that he's walking and VERY busy, I know those cuddles will not come often. I'll enjoy them when I can.

Now that baby is sleeping and I've picked up the house a bit, I'm on the verge of a nap and I think I'd be ok if I took it on my computer desk. It is 82 degrees in this house, after all. Can't remember the last time summer took place in April. The heat and fresh air... it's good for my soul.

Please excuse the quality on these next few, they were taken with my iPhone.

11 Months Old

Just shy of ONE year old, sweet boy, you are truly my little heart. I cannot believe Camden turned 11 months this week. I feel like just I was just pregnant, then all of a sudden had a baby. He was here, and the weeks seemed to go by slowly. 11 Months is almost worse than one year, because I have a month to think about him turning one. Then I no longer have a baby. I will have a toddler, and I don't think I'm ready for all that comes along with toddler boys.

It has been officially one week since Camden took his first steps on his own. Since then, he's gotten a lot more confident about standing on his own and walking several controlled steps in a row! Today especially, he's let go of my hand a few times. He walked across my bedroom earlier, and this afternoon, he walked around the kitchen island unassisted! I have to rub my eyes - is this really happening? He's still a baby and now he's using his legs!? Very strange to see.

Anyway, our boy has also been busy cutting some molars. He now has a total of 11 teeth - three of which are molars. Through those teeth have been coming "words," or mimicking noises. He seems to say a new one every couple of days. Among his vocabulary are: DaDa, Mama, NoiNoiNoi ("no no no"), di-dah (kitty cat), tuck (truck), among others. He's also starting to sign on a regular basis, which is very helpful during meal times. He will consistently sign "more," "all done," "water," and "airplane" which has nothing to do with meals, except we hear airplanes fly over occasionally during lunch and we talk about it! We have an iPad App for sign language that we watch together - it has babies actually doing the signs, which Camden enjoys.

In other news, my business has taken off more than I could have ever imagined in only 3 years. A couple is flying me out to PARIS to take pictures for their wedding!! I am overjoyed and cannot believe the opportunity. I am taking Bobby to carry my bags and we'll be spending some time in Deauville, Normandy and Paris while we're there (the wedding itself is in Paris). Luckily, it will be our five year anniversary while we're out there, so we'll get a chance to celebrate baby-free :) Most of you - friends and family - had a huge role in encouraging me to keep going, or have given me some sort of business advice along the way. For that, I'm genuinely thankful. God has blessed us beyond my dreams.

I hope all of you enjoy your Easter with family and friends. Remember the reason we celebrate - so that we have hope after we die through Jesus Christ. Many blessings to you!

Walking!

Thoughts of Easter

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

- Nicole Nordeman "How Deep the Father's Love for Us."

My Valentine

We woke up at 8:27am. Late. But it was Saturday, so it didn't matter. It was the first weekend in almost 6 months that I had a break from photography jobs and I was determined to spend the entire day with Bobby doing not much of anything.

I rolled out of bed - my moves are not so graceful these days as my belly grows - and opened the blinds in our bedroom. Delicious sunlight. Once Bobby was up, we both moseyed downstairs and headed towards the cereal. I hadn't gone grocery shopping lately, so we were limited on breakfast selections. Cereal has been my go-to food since I've been pregnant. We quietly turned on the TV and sat on the couch. Four hours passed and we hadn't moved. It was glorious. I couldn't remember the last time we did that.

I can just hear all the Mom's now... "just wait until that baby comes!"

And let me tell you, Mom's... I'm enjoying every second of alone time before baby comes. Over the past few months since I've been pregnant, I've reveled in every opportunity of silence, peace and alone time with Bobby. I won't take it for granted.

But let me just tell you. I cannot wait for our little dude to get here. He's our little Valentine this year, and I couldn't be happier.

Happy Valentine's Day!

My Grown Up Christmas List

Ok, so this is my least favorite Christmas song EVER, and I'm warning you now, that I'm not going to wish for world peace (although that would be nice, those politicians are angry people), or no more lives torn apart (although this is a good thing to wish for any time of year). No, my grown up Christmas list is made up of mostly Etsy, and just some all-around fabulous things that would be great to gift to anyone!

After cleaning out my parents basement of my childhood things, I came across one of my old diaries. I guess I was always meant to be a blogger... regardless, it had a Christmas list dated September 14, 1992. There are two things humorous about this date. First, I was already drafing my Christmas list 3 months before my parents would even start to think about Christmas (my Mom disappeared for a week straight every year right before Christmas to finish her shopping). Secondly, I was almost 6 and a half years old (2nd grade?) and already wanted baking supplies. Here goes:

- NKOTB tape (NKOTB translation: New Kids on the Block)
- Flannel shirt

- Stirrup Pants

- Boom Box
- Pink Bathrobe with "Minny" Mouse on the pocket
- Radio alarm clock
- A bag of candy
- Molly's glasses (from American Girl dolls)

- Ears Pierced
- Easy Bake Oven with brownie kits
- Oven mits for Easy Bake Oven
- Glow in the dark star stickers to put on my bedroom "seeling" (ceiling)
- Strawberry Astronaut Ice Cream
- Edible Bubbles
- Movies
- A TV for my room
- Computer game for "Where in the World is Carmen Sam Deego" (I was an excellent speller)
- April's Yellow and Purple bikini (that poor bathing suit was so ugly. Gotta love the 80's!)
- SPY swim meet bathing suit
- SPY bag

And that concludes the list. I'm actually surprised that this list was still housed in the diary, since I remember promptly taking my long and detailed Christmas list and hanging it on the refrigerator after drafting it. Maybe I created a new one.

On a side note: I was a strange kid. My family still teases me about wearing Stirrup pants (unfortunately, there is proof that I wore them...along with a "Minny" Mouse sweatshirt), and what 6 year old girl asks for Astronaut ice cream?!

Moving on... my list has changed a bit, and while my kitchen gadget requirements have changed a bit, they still make the list. My poor husband. Trying to finish decorating a new house AND preparing for a new baby does not a happy bank card make! I just like to call it "nesting."

And now for the list (and of these would make great gifts!):

This wreath is to-die-for. If only I could hang it outside on my front door... Embellished with a bright red bow, I think this would look ah-mazing hung in any house for Christmas! (SOURCE).

For the chef or baker in the family: a microplane grater. I've been eyeing these for years now. Every time I grumble when I have to pull out my huge cheese grater just to shave some chocolate or zest and orange. Would be great for topping off Holiday coffee with some fresh nutmeg! (SOURCE).

I think this is the cutest little ornament. I love the rustic qualities and that you can personalize it. Her store, MaternalNEST is awesome and has so many baby things I'd love! If you ever want to buy my something for baby, you won't be able to go wrong here. (SOURCE).

This calendar is so pretty!!! Would love to hang it in my kitchen, or even in my office for some cheering up. (SOURCE).

It's no secret that I LOVE EmersonMade. I own one of her flower pins and I wear it every chance I get. I love her flower hair clips and her new clothing line, but this would make for an awesome accessory (and conversation piece) to any outfit! (SOURCE).

I cheated and bought this for myself already, but this would be fabulous for the baker on your list! I've never seen a cookie-cutter like this before and for the $1.25 price tag, this would make for a perfect stocking stuffer (perhaps before Christmas to encourage some candy-shaped cookies!). (SOURCE).

For Him:

I bought these shoes for Bobby for our winter photo shoot (you'll see on our Christmas cards!) and he's worn them several times before and after. Every time he wears them, people swoon. I take full credit for these since I found them. The price tag isn't too shabby, either, making this a great gift for your hubby or boyfriend! (SOURCE).

Got a man who loves to grill? Don't let the early evenings deter him from cooking out. This grill light attaches to the grill's handle, so it flips down when the grill is open, thus giving him light to cook by! (SOURCE).

Give him a classic look with this traditional Navy Pea Coat. He will wear this for YEARS, and the quality from J. Crew will withstand. It's on sale right now for an absolute STEAL. I just bought this for Bobby as his early Christmas gift (he needed one) and he loves it. Warm, but not too bulky, and stylish yet classic. (SOURCE).

Sleep pants. What guy doesn't like to lounge? The appeal to these is that they are material that are like hospital scrubs and don't cling or get too hot. The drawstring waist makes them comfortable. The blue is classic, in case you can't get your man into Puppy Dog Critter Flannel plants. (SOURCE).

Does your man love Mad Men as much as you do? Bobby and I have become attached to that show (not the most moral show, but MAN, I love the clothes and style!). Have your man sip Don Draper style with these silver-rimmed double Old Fashioned tumbler glasses, just like the ones from the show. How great would these look on a bar at Christmas?! If you want real vintage glasses from the 1960's, try Etsy.com. They have a lot of sets! (SOURCE).

There you have it! Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet? I'm about 75% of the way there. Living in the country forces me to shop online. Over the 3 years I've had to do this, online retailers are offering online shoppers some really awesome deals...sometimes even better in the store. I always Google "Coupon Codes for __________" (insert any store name) to find free shipping or a percentage off my order. Most of the time, I can always find something for an even better deal! What are you Christmas shopping tricks?! Are you the shopper who is finished by Halloween?!

Pretty Please?!

Can someone please buy THIS for me for Christmas AND convince my husband that it's AWESOME?! How clever!

If only we didn't have a brown front door...

What's on your Christmas list this year? My family has discovered the beauty that is Amazon.com Wish Lists. It's great for my non-tech-savvy Mother, so she can just print them off and run around to the stores (haven't gotten her to shop online yet, which I think my Dad is happy about).

A Pink Replacement

Do you think Killian would be mad if I traded him in for one of these?

It was too cute, I just had to share.

To Set a Table

I love formal entertaining. Like, love love it. I think there are few things that are more fabulous than a fancy dinner party. Unfortunately, I think it's a lost art these days, and "dinner with friends" has turned into crashing around the coffee table with paper towels as napkins. Don't get me wrong, I love doing this on weeknights when I just don't feel like cooking, but when guests are involved? I love the opportunity to break out the full force of my silver, Kate Spade China, and cloth napkins!

When I was in high school, I used to cater for the most wonderful catering company in Annapolis - Ken's Creative Kitchen. They pride themselves on preparing amazing food and also having the most professional and knowledgable staff of any other catering company. I always enjoyed the experience of catering fine events because I got to learn the essentials of setting tables correctly and thus, throwing a formal dinner party (or wedding, etc). From then on, I have always inspected formal table settings. It's a minor irritation when the bottom of the plate and the bottoms of the silver do not match up. It's also makes me want to go around the table and change things around when the sharp edge of the knife does not face the place. "Calm Down," I have to say to myself sometimes. When Bobby notices me inspecting the table on which we'll eat, he rolls his eyes and quickly pulls me away.

Is it really that big a deal? No, but if the Queen of England ever came to eat with me on Primevere Street, then I'd be ready and proper. And now, I've probably eliminated myself from any dinner invitations in the future.

So, for those of you who may be wondering where the wine glass goes in relation to the water glass, or what fork you should start with when there are multiples, here's a wonderful guide I found that will ease all your troubles.

And, in case you were wondering... you lay plates on the left side of whomever you are serving and remove them from the right side.

Meat should always be served on the plate at 6:00. That's all for now.

Until next time,

Mrs. Hoity-Toity Pants

S'more, Please!

Cutest idea ever, no??

I have no idea what I'd do this for, but it looks so pretty! Here's the DIY tutorial on how to do it. May be cute for a children's birthday party favor or even a favor for Halloween!

Check back soon for pictures of my trip to Nashville! Whoops! I forgot to tell you that I went to Nashville. *Slap on wrist* Sorry!

Wick-Whaaa??

Can someone please take me here? I'd like to go...and although I'm rather fearful of any storm, their "Storm Watchers" package sounds intriguing.

Maybe I should start saving now, but this place looks pretty incredible.

The Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, Canada.

Well, Shoot

Tap, tap... this thing on??

Ahem. It's me. Melissa. 'member me? Well, it's been a while, so I was just checking to see if you forgot. I've been scolded by many-a-follower that I need to update the Barrick Times. I've just been plain busy over here in our little abode, that I haven't had time to even get 8 hours of consecutive sleep in one day. Wedding season is upon MB Photography (which is now a LLC!), so my time and energy has been dedicated to that type of thing. I blogged for 2 weeks straight earlier this month. It's true.

Anyway, there isn't too much to report over here as we haven't had much time to do anything except edit and work on the basement.

What's that you say, basement? Yes, we're starting to finish our basement. Do I have pictures of that? Of course not. But I will. This weekend. Know why? I have no weddings this weekend.

Ok, so this will be rather picture-heavy as I promised my sister-in-law pictures of my sweet new niece who is now about 3 months old. Bad Aunt Buhlissa.

So here you go...and July will be much less stressful for me, so hopefully I can get some Mexico pictures up to show y'all.

Enjoy!

One of the trees in our back yard. It looked mysterious to me.

These little guys have been laid on our front door wreath! There are 4 little Sparrow eggs. This was about 3 weeks ago. They hatched last week! I took a bunch of pictures, but can't seem to locate them... hum... will post them once I find them!



I bit the bullet and bought a "Big Rose" from the highly coveted EmersonMade. I mainly wanted to buy one and see if I could make it. I haven't tried yet, but I'm gonna. They're super cute and I've worn it in my hair AND on my clothes. I swoon over all of their products and the fact that the couple is completely green and work/own their own farm.

I bit the bullet AGAIN and bought a brand spankin' new MacBook Pro! It's a business expense, of course :) It'll be the new work horse for MB Photography. I'm totally hooked on Apple products now, but I can't seem to find anything. It has a bit of a learning curve associated, but so far, I love!



And now for my precious little nieces! Bobby and I were in North Carolina in late May 1) for MB Photography's first destination wedding, and 2) to meet my new niece, Charlotte. She's a doll and so peaceful. I can't wait to see her again! Below are my other 2 neices: Mary Claire (left) and Ellie (right). While playing in their "secret garden," they "rescued" a box turtle and named him Franklin.



Hello, Franklin.



And for the new, sweet little morsel, Charlotte. Grandma Wise knit the hat and blanket! Charlotte was being our model.



{Organic} baby booties courtesy of Aunt Buhlissa (and courtesy of Etsy.com!).



Umm... I want to pinch these cheeks.







Baby yawn!

Well, that's all for now. I have a little, 3 week break from weddings here in July, but the weekends somehow already packed themselves. Hopefully I'll be updating more frequently here in the next few weeks!

Have a great week!

Peace Like a River

That hymn has been rolling in and out of my head over the past week.

I'd like to sit in the middle of this foggy field at dusk and meet with Jesus. In the midst of my first, full wedding season, I'm in need of a little peace right now. I drove past it this evening, turned around, and snapped a picture of my peace for this week.

What brings you peace?


"When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blessed assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul."

*I highly recommend downloading Chris Rice's version of this song.*

Bad to the Bone

That's right...I can't repeat it enough. I've been seriously neglecting The Barrick Times for the sake of my business blog, Melissa Barrick Photography.

Here are a few live updates from our humble abode:

1) Killian is sitting on my desk, knocking off thumb drives, pens, CD cases...and is now proceeding to chew on some of my torn out magazine pages I had planned on using as photography inspiration. He's now made himself a nice bed on the keyboard of Bobby's laptop. He's such a slug.

2) I turned 24 last Monday, April 12th. I was reminded that I only have 6 years until I turn 30.

3) Things have been flying off our plate like hotcakes...and more things keep coming onto our plate at the same speed. We've been able to finish several things around the house, but it seems to never make a dent in our to-do list. Why IS that? Of course, I have no pictures of all our wonderful projects.

4) Invitations are out for our Housewarming Party on Saturday, May 1st! All are welcome and if you'd like more information, please visit my Event Page on Facebook (or just e-mail me).

5) I have 23 weddings on the books for THIS YEAR alone...and counting. I'm buried in photographs, which I love, but am learning quickly how to be a good steward of my time. Pottery Barn's Daily System has helped me stay organized.

6) My love for Etsy is growing. I've decided to buy most of my home decorations from there: it's cheaper (most of the time) AND everything is 100% unique.

7) I've done absolutely nothing about the 194035 paint swatches on the wall in my office.

8) The woman who has taught me almost everything I know about photography, ranch life and Basset Hounds is coming to DC on May 4th!!! That's right... My favorite Pioneer Woman is coming to DC for her cook book tour and I will be first in line to get my cook book signed!

9) Killian just swatted my hand. I think he thought it was a twist-tie.

10) I have a new niece and a new nephew!!! Andrew Joseph Barrick arrived on March 29th and Charlotte Grace Wise arrived on March 31st!

And because my blog wouldn't be a blog without some pictures, here are some from the Orioles Game we went to last Sunday for my birthday!! We had some awesome seats which gave me a great view of Nick Markakis' behind... I mean, Luke Scott swinging one for a homer.

Happy New Week!

Oh, Nick.

It is amazing how these guys pitch. I'm pretty sure I tried the Speed Pitch once and my arm almost fell off throwing at 12 miles per hour. These guys throw at 90mph.

Oh, Miguel Tejada. Why did you have to come back to Baltimore?



"Breathe through your eyelids, Meat." Please name that baseball movie.



I miss this.

Something Blue

It's official. We're grown ups. We have a house and now we have a bedroom set! As our first major furniture purchase for our house, we're very pleased. This post is mainly for my Mom because she asked to see everything :) Mom - the furniture is cherry colored, not black. I was having issues with the lighting! Now, what to paint the bedroom??

In other news, I have become completely smitten with Etsy! I bought a bunch of these beautiful 1947 Ball Mason Jars from a local farm. I think they are just divine! Some of them are chipped or the glass has bubbles in it. The imperfection in the glass makes me feel good for some reason. Sadly, no zinc lids came with them (as they were originally made to). If you have never been to Etsy, check them out if you are looking for anything obscure, vintage, or handmade. Chances are, Etsy will have something!