Perfect Lighting

One thing that I would love to learn to do is photography. There is nothing like capturing the perfect moment!

I loved going out "on assignment" with my husband when he was in college. He took several photography classes and I throughly enjoyed looking for the perfect shot. I remember one assignment very well. (It's actually one of my favorite dates!) We wondered all over downtown searching for different architecture angles. It was exciting looking at the old buildings in an entirely different perspective then I usually would. I actually think I was fairly good at finding some pretty good shots.

Today while playing with my sweet baby, I noticed that the lighting in her bedroom was perfect. I love how these turned out (no editing needed).


Someday I would love to explore the artist side of me and take a photography class.

Tired Slacker Blogging about Nothing

I'm a slacker! I admit it. I honestly haven't had much of a desire to blog this past week. What could I share with you? Not much, life has been rather normal (which is good!).

What have I been doing?

• Put together store-bought Valentines with Livy to take to her friends.
• Worked out nearly every day. Total weight loss this year--6 lbs. 1 lb to go to my first mini-goal.
• Running on VERY little sleep. Lucy is going through a growth spurt and is up at least 5 times a night. I'm lucky to get 2 hours of sleep right now.
• Dreaming about gardens and spending time outside.
• Failing at my goals I've set for the week. Too tired to do much of anything.
• Finally started Livy scrapbook. She turns 3 next month. But that's nothing; overall I'm about 5 years behind. Something I said I would never do.
• Helped my husband put on a cooking class last night. The Crème brûlée was wonderful!
• Finally attended a DUP meeting, first one since last May.
• And cleared out my future craft room. Room is waiting to be sanded and painted.

Do you have those weeks where you are completely unmotivated to do anything?

Groundhogs

Just a little project today to celebrate Groundhog's Day.

We made groundhogs for our snack and must say were rather delicious!

(Those are whiskers not crazy alien arms.)

A Child's Life Story

While I am pregnant and making lists of what baby items I MUST purchase, a beautiful journal is always on that list.

Long ago I thought it would be wonderful to record my children's earliest events in life. I wanted to remember how they grew, what they accomplished and more importantly that I loved them. I have a fear that if something were to happen to me, that since my children are so young that they would not remember me. If they were to remember or read one thing about me I want it to be that their mother loved them more than they could imagine.

I love being able to sit down a few times a month and record various things. The cute things that Livy is saying for example. She has told me on a few occasions that I look scary like Captain Hook! Or recording special events like Lucy's Blessing this past Sunday.

I love writing. I do not say that I am proficient in it as you can tell from my blog entries, but there is something soothing about writing about life. On especially hard days I find it therapeutic to write. On days when I am struggling, I love looking back on all the wonderful things I have been blessed with. During happy periods it's a joy to record a day's beauty.

My hope is that my children will love to write as well. As with many things in life, I am their example and I hope they see me and appreciate what I do. If not, they will at least have a history of their early life and if they feel so inclined they can read about me and my life story. (I have at least 15 journals from over the years and several typed journals on the computer.)

Blessing Day

Today was Lucy's Blessing Day!

For those who don't know, an LDS or Mormon Blessing is similar to a Christening except we do not baptize the baby. Here is a good description of this special event:

"BLESSING OF CHILDREN. When babies are just a few weeks old, they are usually given a priesthood blessing for the special purpose of conferring a name by which the baby will be known and bestowing promises based on spiritual impressions regarding the baby's future life. A quality of prophecy attends this process. If a baby's father is a worthy holder of the Melchizedek Priesthood, he will usually pronounce the blessing, but it may be given by a grandfather, a family friend, or any other qualified priesthood holder chosen by the baby's parents. Babies are usually blessed in the presence of the congregation at a fast and testimony meeting. However, the blessing may be given at other times and places, such as in a hospital or home, if there is a special need."

A lot can go into planning a Baby Blessing. The first thing is finding the perfect dress. My mom is very talented and I asked her to crochet a blessing dress for Lucy. Come to find out, she had something else in store. She was able to purchase for me an antique Christening gown from England. It is roughly 150 years old. For those who don't know me, this was the perfect dress for my baby. Long ago I had imagined my life with children and I always wanted a vintage dress!

The next thing in planning a Baby Blessing is deciding on the food to serve at the party afterwards. We decided soup was the perfect answer and for months we have been making and sampling soups trying to pick the perfect ones. We decided on a Zuppa Toscana (a recipe similar to what the Olive Garden serves) and Lion House Chili. We also served rolls, funeral potatoes (a typical side dish served at many Mormon events not just funerals), a meat/cheese/cracker tray and for dessert an Italian Creme Cake and a Boston Cream Pie. It was all delicious!

One of the best things about a Baby Blessing is being able to visit. I am very grateful to the friends and family members who were able to make it. I appreciate their love and support on this special day for my new baby!