CALLING ALL MY PEEPS WHO PRAY!!

I've got a beautiful sister (actually I have three but I'm going to focus on one of them right now) who is thoughtful, kind, funny, great cook, loving mom, creative, caring, giving, outgoing, dynamite teacher, adventurous, loves music, and on and on and on. She is truly THE BOMB and she is in a tough spot right now. She just had her fourth baby about two weeks ago and a few days later lost all feeling and control on the left side of her face. We hoped it was Bell's Palsy but unfortunately it's not. After undergoing a few more tests she has learned what it isn't but not yet what it is. The questions going through her head are from one extreme to the other, "Is it just a freak accident and will go away?" to "Will I survive this?"

If I'm understanding correctly they have found some white clusters on her brain and the doctors aren't sure what it is yet. It's a scary time and we're all hoping and praying for some answers. Anna has asked for her friends' prayers and now I'm extending the same. To all my friends and family please include Anna (pronounced "Onna" - we wouldn't want the wrong person getting blessings) in your prayers this holiday season.

Check out her blog, get familiar with her and I can guarantee you you'll like her immediately. She's just that kind of person. And feel free to leave her a comment/ she loves comments and loves to know who's reading her blog.

Fabulous Giveaway

I've got a sister who is skilled in many things and I've got another sister who is skilled in many other things, and then I've got yet another sister who is skilled in everything else. I'm just trying to keep up with them.

One of these sisters is having a giveaway. Check it out: angela henrie is the bomb diggitty!!

I'm totally grateful for each one of these ladies and can't imagine who I'd be without them. They challenge me to be just a little bit nicer, just a little bit cooler, just a little bit more creative, just a little bit happier, just a little bit crazier, all around they make me want to be a little bit better. I'm pretty lucky!!!!! (or shall we say, "blessed").

I tell my kiddos that when they're sleeping I'm able to push a special button on them that prevents them from growing up. I wish it were true . . .

I can't complain

This photograph represents Ruby to a "T". The sign said "no trespassing" so she would not trespass to get on the rock with her brothers. Personally, I think it makes a better photograph anyway because it shows who my Ruby is. She follows the rules and expects everyone else to do so also. This leads a bit of tattling in my home but I've been explaining to Ruby that she needs to "worry about herself". I love who she is and what she adds to our fam.

I know winning isn't everything but

WE WON!!!

and it feels good!!

Good job Charlie!! Good job Gold Thunders!!

Thanks to Paul for photographing. As much as I like to say I can do it all I really can't photograph and coach at the same time. It's pretty near impossible.

Is it because I know this family that I think they are stinkin' cute or are they really that cute? These kids are to die for cute with the best freckles. And the mama is an amazing VT who is willing to pray whenever and wherever. I was a bit nervous to take on their family because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to please. I don't know about them but I'm pretty pleased!!

I LOVE PHOTOSHOP

Our little whipper snapper is ONE

I can't believe this chunk of love is going to be one on Thursday. It doesn't seem like a year ago that we were driving up to UT facing so much unknown and now he fits right in as if it has always been like this.

Yesterday was a HUGE day as he took his first steps. He took about two steps towards Paul and then started stepping sideways - already a show-off.

We dig him in a big way!!!!

Happiest Birthday Ty Ty!

I LOVE CUTE, HAPPY FAMILIES. . .

not to mention easy going, funny, little bit crazy and photogenic.

PHOTO SHOOT WITH THE LAURELS

I'm fortunate enough to be the Laurel advisor in my ward and I do believe these girls are all so beautiful, inside and out. It was fun working on their photos and knowing a bit of their spirit - I think it made them that much more beautiful to me as I edited each photo. Pretty girls!! There's a photo of me with my mutual group from back in the days floating around facebook and I was NOT a sight to see. We'll blame it on the photographer.

Holy Sweetness!!

I love photography with almost a passion but I struggle with quite a few insecurities as I see what other photographers can create. That said, baby shoots are my most difficult. Newborns don't give me much personality no matter how funny I am so therefore, not much to document. So to challenge myself I found me a newborn and decided to try something new. Thanks to sweet baby's mama as she trusted me and let me experiment on this precious ball of love. Truly this little gal is perfection!

Hittin' the Streets!!!

Here's a sneak peak for my pretty friend to calm her pretty nerves. I think your family looks pretty dang good all dirtied up!!! Enjoy and know that there are a lot more where these came from.

Charlie joins the swimteam midseason

Just Because

HE HAS NO CHOICE NOW...

Whether he likes it or not we're Ty's family forever!!  It was such an awesome day - one I never want to forget nor my kids.   I was happy all day long and just felt like everything was right in the world.  One of the highlights of the day (and even my life) was walking into the temple with Paul and all five of my children.  Words can't describe.   

Thanks to all of our family and friends who made the effort to by there.  It made the day that much more special.   And a big thanks to my sister, Anna who stayed after and took so many pictures of our family (and I mean, so many).   I think she did a great job and I do believe I found the picture that will forever document the day.  You're the best B!!

Now that Ty is legally and eternally ours the question of the day is . . . Are we going to do it all over again?  Stay tuned.  

GIB THE WINNER

Got to make a shout out to my boy Gibby!!  He entered a piano competition a few weeks ago and was one of the few winners in his level.  In order to receive his trophy and $50 he had to play in the Winners Recital.  
Yes, he is one of them - you know, brilliant and extremely accomplished.
He practiced every day without being asked and was truly prepared for the competition and for the recital.  His teacher sings his praises and thinks it has something to do with me.  I tell her to wait until she starts teaching Charlie - it will be a whole different ball game.

I was so proud of him as he got up there and did his very controlled bow and then sat at the piano to perform flawlessly.   He actually has a very nice touch on the piano and nails his dynamics.  It was awesome to see him really apply himself and see success in the end.  Of course knowing $50 was in play gave him some incentive as he has been on line for weeks trying to decide what he is going to spend it on.