12of12 | coming soon

Hello friends. 

It's late and I finally stopped for the first time today. Feels amazing!

I'd love nothing more than to sit down and work on my 12of12 photos, but the truth is I've been up since 1:30 am and after my crazy moving day I just don't have it in me. So I'll be working on my post this weekend to share with you.

For now I'd like to share a couple pictures I took using my iphone. I hope you had a great day and I so look forward to seeing how you captured your day. 

After being up all night Adam made me get back in bed and took the girls to violin. What a blessing!

One thing I loved about today is watching how the light changes in our new home. It's magical. 

First, of what I know will be many sunsets, from this view.

xo

12of12 | reminder

Sorry for my absence. I've been actively getting ready for our move this week. I can't believe its already here. It seems so surreal to have been working on this house for months, seen it from it's ugly stage to where it is now, and finally get to enjoy it.

If you can imagine I have a mountain of boxes to go through once we're in, full of things I haven't needed for the past 5 months so I have a lot of weeding out to do, which is strange because we got rid of so much when we moved originally. Simplify is the key here for me. Despite the fact that it's probably going to take a month to be completely done, I actually look forward to going through the boxes and seeing what treasures I can uncover. It's my favorite part about moving into a new space -- putting it all together.



Anyway, my purpose for blogging today was to remind you tomorrow is the 12th and here I am blabbering on about my move. I suppose it is only fitting seeing how the last time we moved it was the 12th as well. Hoping this time will be different (see 12 October post), and I'll have pictures at the end of the day to show for it.

I can't be sure what my 12of12 post will look liked. As I type my studio has been completely broken down and am unsure I'll have a computer to work with, but regardless I will have something to share, although it may not be in my traditional 12of12 collage.

Enjoy your day and the process!
xo

moving toward 38 | what i learned

During church last week the speaker talked about a birthday tradition his family has. At family dinner the person celebrating their birthday shares what they learned from that year. I thought it was such a great idea I'm going to implement it in my family this year and since my birthdays first I'll get us started.



Always trust Adam. He's almost always right, operative word being almost.

When a trip presents itself, go, especially to an exotic location.

London and Paris are at the top of my list for favorite cities. I am happy to go back anytime.

Do not move, go on vacation, buy and house and begin a renovation project all at the same time. The aftermath is disastrous.

Home is where your loved ones are.

I can get by with a lot less sugar, but not less chocolate.

I love my dishwasher.

I have way too much stuff. I need to simplify.

Light brings peace and warmth.

Serving together as a family not only strengthens the family, but helps you become closer.

An animal adds so much to our family life. Our puppy has brought us together.

Photos and art help bring life to home.

Creativity and making things fills my soul.

It's ok to say no.

I enjoy online classes.

When dark days come don't loose hope -- lean on friends & family, delve into the scriptures, and pray.

Write down the inspiration you receive and reread it often to remember you've already got your answer.


Thank you for sticking with me this year through my blogging drought. It's good to reflect on the year, learn from it and move on. Thirty-eight has all the makings of a wonderful year. I cannot wait to get started.

it's the little things

You know those times when you run across something that makes you smile big and you can't stop smiling no matter how hard you try, and why would you any way?

Yeah this is one of those times.

I spent sometime this morning going through my photos for project life and came across this.



It's part of a large volume of pictures I'm using for a time lapse film so it's not something I even remember taking. It took me completely by surprise because it wasn't even on my radar.

I love this. Absolutely love this in every way.

I feel like I've somehow stolen a piece of time to hide away for my time capsule. As the weeks, months, and years roll past I will always have this spontaneous moment to look back on and remember the time in the rental just as spring was emerging when we still had pre-teens in the house. Honestly, I have a bit of heartache as I write that knowing one day in the future this moment will be long past.

But back to the present where I belong so I can enjoy these moments as they happen. I'm just so happy to have captured it and I walk away remembering why documenting our life is such a priority.

Life doesn't get much better than this, does it?

g list

Monday I woke up to a sound I hadn't heard in months -- birds chirping excitedly outside my window. My heart jumped. I knew it was February, but a part of me felt like I was going to look out the window and see lush green grass, a tree full of blossoms, and the scent of earth in the air.

I laugh this morning as bits of snow are still left over from the storm the day before. Winter is still here. I wasn't fooled by our crazy 60 degree weekend to think winter wouldn't come back with a vengeance or stick around well into spring, but I will say I enjoyed it while it lasted, was grateful for the break, and welcome it whenever it wants to come back.



Other things I'm grateful for right now ...

a loving compliment from a husband

limbo coming to an end -- our house renovation is about 2 weeks from being finished :)

cadbury eggs

how smooth everything has gone in our rental

that no one has been even a little bit sick this winter (yes i just knocked on wood)

laughter

skype -- how it can connect us even though we're far away

clean kitchen

making deadlines

not letting someone else's negativity rub off on me


What are you grateful for?

perspective

The other day I walked into our living room and saw my girls like this.



I quickly left to grab my camera so I could capture the moment. I was thrilled to see them doing something that didn't involve a device, and better yet, something they were doing together without arguing.

As I got closer and changed my perspective this is what I saw.



After taking a moment to laugh, this is just so funny to me, it got me thinking. Perspective changes everything, doesn't it? We feel/think one way and with just a little more information our perspective changes and we can feel/think something completely different.

Too often I feel like I'm coming at life from one perspective, sadly that perspective is usually negative. I'm a pessimist. I've never been ok with this facet of my personality. I've never liked how quick I am to see what's wrong. I don't enjoy coming at life half empty, but it's what I've always done.

In years past I've tried to combat this with my gratitude journal, taking photos of things I love, prayer, reading my scriptures, intentionally seeing the good, and serving other. All of those things really help and make a huge difference to how I see the world, but without consistent attention, if I get lazy and stop doing, the negativity starts to creep in. I get frustrated at times, I just want to be done with it already instead of having a daily battle with myself, but I know it takes time and a lot of patience to change habits that have formed over a lifetime.

This year I've chosen to shift my paradigm and come at life from a different perspective. It's what I need and it's what I'm craving physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

To make this possible I am not only doing those things I mentioned earlier, but I'm making a conscious decision each day as to how I'm going to look at the world. If I put my attitude in check at the beginning of the day, right when I wake up, it's much easier to keep the negative thoughts at bay. I also have a spiral notebook and pen that I go to when negative thoughts arise so I can quickly get them out of my head and not give them time to fester. I then rip the words from my notebook, crumble it up, and throw it away. It's very cathartic really. It's as if I'm literally purging those thoughts from my mind. If I had a fireplace right now I think I might burn them just to sent a deeper message to myself that these thoughts are not worth holding onto.

It's helping. I feel light. I'm happier. No longer do I feel the darkness of depression and I have my spark again to be creative and to try new things -- and all it took was a shift in my perspective, oh and a lot of deliberate thought and work. :)

Do you struggle with negativity? If so what do you do to beat it?

xo

the gap

I have heard Ira Glass' words before and fell in love with them then. He has a very powerful message that could be apply to anyone, but particularly for the creative soul. His words spoke to me on a deep level -- they penetrated my inner core and made a huge impact on the way I work.

The other day when I saw this recent creative work using Ira's words I was again reminded to be ok with the ugly and to continue to work through it. As Adam would say, on the other side is greatness.

I hope his words have the chance to do the same for you.

year one

I have to keep reminding myself that it's not only Valentine's Day, but a celebration of the puppy's first year with us. It's hard to believe it was only a year ago that we drove back from Vegas picked up the girls and headed straight to the breeders to pick her up. She was so adorable and with a face like this




there was no way she wasn't coming home with us -- which was definitely a bonus because this furry friend almost did me in as a puppy. Seriously can you even believe how adorable she was? I miss her nose dots.



And she's not only adorable, she is the best companion. Sure she doesn't like to go on long walks, but she loves to get out, to sleep in the sun, she never barks, she loves on anyone in sight (ok maybe a little too much), she sleeps all day -- literally, and ask politely for food. We all feel like we lucked out with this little one and her sweet personality. We are all still smitten with her, even now, a year later.

Happy 1st year puppy!

Quick reminder to you all the tomorrow is the 12th. Happy capturing!

12of12 | May | on the road

iPhone version -- one at a time


01. On our way


02. My motto while flying -- be safe


03. Watched price and prejudice during my second leg. Luckily I was able to sleep too!


04. The hardest part about the way this trip worked out is I wasn't able to spend Mother's Day with all of my girls. Today simply wasn't the same without their hugs and kisses, and of course breakfast in bed.


06. Almost there. It's been a long, but easy travel day.


06. Captiva, FL from the air.


07. View from our room.


08. Freshened up & on my way to dinner.


09. sunset on the island.


10. Here I am


11. Evening stroll


12. Evening pier

I must say even though at times it can be complicated, I enjoy when the twelfth criss crosses with a vacation. Of course it's also fun when it lands on a holiday too! I hope it's been a wonderful day celebrating the moms in your life! To all you lovely mothers I wish you a most wonderful Mother's Day!

right now

I'm listening to The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton.

I'm trying to learn how to get the results I want with my Polaroid.



I'm roaming around my yard with my 100mm macro appreciating spring.

I'm eating an otter*pop, feel like a kid again.

I'm thinking about my friends and how I can help.

I'm watching the puppy run circles in the yard.

I'm caught up with project life -- love this weekly project.

I'm preparing watermelon for our canyon cookout tonight.

I'm mending a few of Megan dresses.

I'm expecting the girls home any minute.

I'm wishing this cold sore on my lip would hurry up and heal already.

I'm loving the overwhelming fragrance of the blossoms.

I'm getting back to running in the early a.m.

I'm eating a carrot.

I'm debating weather to start of vegetable garden -- our pesky ground squirrels are making me think twice.

I'm using the last of my amazon gift cards.

I'm loving this day.

12of12 | April

[click here to enlarge]

01. It's her ritual to wake up every morning and head straight for the fridge. Problem is she stands there, for who knows how long, trying to decide what to have for breakfast.

02. Sweet Lola was not feeling well today and slept from 9pm-12:30pm, but once she was awake she did not stop.

03. I had this weird moment while at Target when I found this cute shirt (i mostly just loved the colors) and realized it was really something I should be buying for Bella and not me. Now that I have a teenager who fits in the junior section where I am suppose to shop??

04. Tess and her friends blowing bubbles. Something Lola couldn't get enough of.

05. I was in my car a lot today. My usual target/costco run, plus many others.

06. I've just started reading this book, The Fire Starter Sessions by Danielle LaPorte. My friend Gerri told me about it and I looking forward to it kicking me in the butt.

07. While we sat and ate pizza I couldn't help, but notice his cute springy striped socks.

08. When there is a party with face painting Megan is the first one in line. She is determined to keep it on for her first soccer game tomorrow too.

09. Adam and I ventured out for a walk with the puppy. Truth be told we weren't able to get as far as we wanted, but we went farther than we ever had. Maybe a mile round trip?? The puppy is not a walker.

10. Finding signs spring along the way.

11. Bella and a few of her girlfriends enjoying the sunset.

12. Family movie night in bed. We didn't fit very well, but I sure enjoyed listening to them laugh.

I can't believe we are already four months into 2013. I must admit, it is nice having the winter, sort of, behind us. I'm ready for the change.

Hope it was another fantastic day. Happy Weekend!!

Don't forget tomorrow's the twelfth

See you back here to share!!

12of12 | March

01. Morning run.
02. View from run -- love watching the sun come up over the mountains
03. Tried to take Lola on a walk -- she wasn't having it.
04. She says coming home with paint on her face means a good day at art.
05. Red chucks just seemed to fit the mood of the day.
06. Spending time with Lola outside in the fabulous spring like weather.
07. Loving the blue sky.
08. Silliness with girls.
09. Saying goodnight to Lola.
10. The green is beginning to spring. :)
11. Love notes from Megan (clay on the wall).
12. A wall of instagrams.

For whatever reason I kept forgetting throughout the day to take photos. Has that ever happened to you? There were many moments today I normally would have documented that I simply failed to do so, for instance, when we went to get frozen custard. I literally only had 14 photos to choose for my 12of12 collage -- a slow photo day for me I guess. It was beautiful though, and very spring like, I can't complain. In fact I even like the way it turned out.

Hope you all had better luck at documenting your day. We win some and loose some I suppose.

Wanted to remind you before the day was through that tomorrow is the twelfth!

light | 08/52

"In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary."

~Aaron Rose

puppy love

Valentine’s day Adam and I begin our trek back home. Somewhere between Las Vegas and Mesquite we started talking about dogs. He mentioned looking on KSL classifieds to see if there were any 1+ year old bulldogs for sale we could stop and see in St. George. There was none, but it got me looking and while Adam took a few business calls I searched online.

I found a great breeder for Olde English Bulldogges that was 60 miles north of home. The information on their website was fantastic and the one puppy left was so adorable by the time we got to Cedar City (approx 2 1/2 hours later) I called and asked about Repunzel (the name the breeders gave her). I’m not even sure how it happened -- I told Lisa, the breeder, I’d have to call her back to schedule a day to come see her, but the more we got talking about it, the more we wanted her and decided to go that day. Honestly we wanted an adult dog, one that was potty trained and wouldn't whine through the night, but the puppy was just too cute we couldn't resist having her from the beginning and watching her grow.



We called the girls from the road and let them know we’d be home around 4:30pm and to be ready for a big Valentine’s Day surprise. Admittedly I felt a little panicked, but excited at the same time. I had missed Mia’s company a lot and knew it was time -- my family needed a dog of their own. Six + hours later we got home and hopped right back in the car with the girls. We then asked them to guess what the surprise was. Tess said it was the flat downtown with the movie theater in the basement, Bella thought it was a dog, and Megan thought it was one direction tickets, which Adam replied "if it was one direction tickets I wouldn't be this excited." After the guesses we gave them the Valentines card we made with hearts turning into paw prints. It took them a few minutes to understand what it was saying,  but once they got it they sat silent in shock and then the screaming started, and the "no way", "pinch me". They simply couldn't believe the news.

With tons of anticipation we made it to the breeders home to met our new family member around 6pm. The girls knew there was no guarantee that we’d be bringing the puppy home, but we were pretty confident it would take something big to not fall in love with her. She was so sweet and soft, and just nuzzled her head into whoever was holding her -- we were hooked.


How could we not -- look at that face!


On the way home we discussed names. Adam, in his silly man way, wanted to name her Sha’niquah, Shaq for short, but the rest of us weren't having it. We talked about Charly, Dotty, Jo Jo, Boo, Mimi, Betsy (that’s what I really wanted), but we eventually settled on Lola.



We spent the rest of the evening at PetSmart buying the store out with dog stuff -- let’s just say we were not prepared to bring a puppy home. By the time we got home it was after 9pm -- Adam and I fell into bed. It had been a very long, but exciting day for everyone.



I hardly got any sleep that first night, and the several nights after, as we both began to figure each other out. The once intimidated, unsure puppy we brought home Thursday night has now turned more playful. By Sunday she was finally more comfortable with us and began to show us her true colors. Lucky for me she almost slept through the night last night. :)

Have you ever had a puppy? We have, but I am definitely out of practice. I've been looking online for help, there is so much out there it's hard to know what is best, so if any of you have any training advice or links to websites/videos that have worked for you I would be greatly appreciate. Thanks!

Happy Wednesday!!

everything

Due to the fact that my trip to Las Vegas was mainly a working trip for Adam I found myself alone for the majority of the day. At first it was a welcome break, but then as the days continued it was another reminder to me that I don't like being alone. Although it is always nice to get a break from the everyday, the everyday is everything I want.

I love my life.

12of12 | February | Vegas addition

01. Morning view from Treasure Island
02. Getting to sleep in on a Tuesday = great way to start the day :)
03. Adam was gone early, working, so I spent most of my morning in the room reading, exercising, etc.
04. Then I went for a walk down the strip before we met for lunch...
05. at BLT Burger in the Mirage -- totally hit the spot.
06. Adam needs at least 76% to pass his test and they sat us at table 76. I told him it was a good sign.
07. Spent some time walking and shopping
08. Adam studying
09. Togetherness while he worked
10. Couldn't resist some sweet
11. Night life
12. Light show from our the 22nd floor

Despite the fact that Adam is working and I spent most of my day alone, it was so nice to spend this 12th in Vegas to soak up a little of the sun and warmer weather. The high was about 55 degrees today, so not ideal, but it felt great. I guess when you're comparing it to 18 degrees anything is better.

I hope you all had a great 12th as well. Make sure to share it with the rest of us. :)

On the road + 12of12 reminder

Adam's been traveling so much, and is continuing to do so next week, so when I found out he was driving to vegas i decided to hitch a ride and go along. I thought a little sunshine and some warmer weather would do me good. So grateful for friends that made the next few days away possible.

Anyway, onto the business of the day. Just wanted to remind you all tomorrow is the 12th. Get your camera of choice ready, I'll be using my phone, and enjoy seeing your day.

See you back here!

goodbye january | glist

There's really no good way to say it so I'm just going to lay it out there...

January sucks!

I tell my girls, "nice girls don't say suck", but this just seems one of those times where it's absolutely necessary. This was a hard January, but then again, I can't remember a January that didn't feel like this.

For starter I'm just coming off a wonderful holiday and being swept into the new year, with let's face it, a whole lot of questions about whats next, where to, clouding my judgement. It's not that I'm sad, more there's a heaviness in the air I just can get rid of -- of course the ominous grey skies and smoggy atmosphere are not help at all.

Sigh!

It's interesting how I've been feeling and then recognize that 3 times I have been, in one way or another, reminded to be grateful -- too look for the good. It came on the radio, in the form of a traditional letter, and in my inbox. I think maybe someone is trying to help ease my January blah -- and just in time for February.



G | list
I'm grateful project life is helping me, even more, to live in the present.
I'm grateful for a good night rest. I actually woke up rested this morning.
I'm grateful for the weekend.
I'm grateful for possibilities.
I'm grateful for second chances.
I'm grateful for time with friends -- and needed phone conversations.
I'm grateful for workshopping ideas.
I'm grateful for the ability to go outside without a heavy coat on.
I'm grateful for the sun.
I'm grateful it's February 1.

As frightening as it seems sometimes, I am grateful to be open and vulnerable -- anything is possible in twenty thirteen.

light | 04/52

I watch this little guy on Tuesdays and must say, his sweet calming spirit has the ability to add so much light, not only to my day, but to the girls as well.

We've loved having him around.

project life | first three weeks

The year project life had it's big start I wanted to give it a go. I was excited to be able to document our everyday life this way, but also felt realistic about the amount of time I would be able to spend on it. It just seemed like the perfect solution. Unfortunately the kits sold were at a very limited quantity so I never did get one and my desire sort of fizzled out -- (for some reason when I don't start at the beginning I have a hard time jumping in in the middle). So I found 12of12 and started doing that project.

At the end of 2010 I decided to give project life another chance. I purchased Becky Higgins kit and had every intention of diving in. I can't be sure what happened, but the box sat in my room for nearly two years -- yes I looked at the box, unopened mind you, for two years. It always haunted me, but somehow I was able to put it out of my head and stopped seeing it every time I walked in my studio.

Fast forward to the end of 2012. I started getting excited again about working on this project. I have loved 12of12 and will continue to participate in it, but last year I lost so many stories just by failing to write them down that I was determined to have something to help me get back on track. So I grabbed the box, whipped off the dust, and pulled out my kit. Admittedly I wasn't in love with the kit as I must have been when I bought it originally so I sold many of the pieces, but was able to use the binder and plastic sleeves. I also purchased the seafoam addition that suited my style and the direction I wanted to go this year. 

I am three weeks in and loving it. I can't believe I waited so long to do it. I suppose I didn't want to start a project I knew I wouldn't' finish and so I always hesitated, but I feel like I've missed out these four years. It's easy and simple and by scheduling time every week to put the weekly page together I am staying on top of it. What I'm saying is it's very doable. 

Right now I am keeping track of our week with a medium size moleskin graph journal. That way I can even play with the layout ahead of time when I know the photos and/or words I want to include. Also I'm having Adam help me as well. When he's out with the girls one on one like he was Saturday I asked him to take some shots of their time together or when he's out of town, which it seems he will be quite a bit I will put it in our week. 

Have you heard about project life?

Are you doing it?

week one | 01-05 January




6x12 insert of a blog post


I am also including Bella's instagram photos as well.

week two | 06-12 January






I chose to included my 12of12 with an insert. I wanted to keep the photos square so I added the journaling at the bottom.




week three | 13-19 January

missing the one photos of adam and megan. just need to print it.

light | 3/52

I brought my camera to church to take some photos of the primary children for a mural they are working on. While waiting I saw a mirror, and well, I couldn't help take the shot. When I got home and looked through my images I stopped on this one -- I didn't realize I had captured the painting of Christ with the little children along side my reflection. It made me smile, I love that painting, and then the song I Am a Child of God played through my head.



It's one of the very first songs I remember learning as a little girl and singing, not only in church, but with my family at home. Years later I sang it to my girls when I would put them down to sleep or when they were scared to calm their fears. It's still to this day a very comforting song to me. It brings light when darkness threatens to cloud my spirit, reminding me that I am and will never be alone in this vast world of growing uncertainty. I have no doubt who I am, where I came from, and where I want to be -- this alone brings peace beyond measure to my life.


Below is my favorite verse of the song. Go here to read more and/or listen to the song.

I am a child of God.
Rich blessings are in store;
If I but learn to do his will,
I'll live with him once more.

Chorus
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.

first attempt

One of my wants this year is to learn Adobe Illustrator. Ouch! I know. The program is a beast, but I am determined. I've tried playing around with it in the past, but got so frustrated I decided Photoshop would have to suffice.

Until now.

As you know, I've been very interested in graphic design. I'm tired of just dreaming about it and really want to push further, which unfortunately means getting uncomfortable. The more I looked into my ultimate goal, my own designs, the more I want to use the tools in Illustrator that will make the creations easier and quicker.

After 2 weeks of playing in the program, believe it or not, I am picking up on it rather quickly, but I'm not the only one. Megan has been watching me and finally asked if she could take a turn. I taught her some of the basics and this is what she created.

Titled: Kitty with Leg Warmers



This is her first attempt.

Adam and I have both recognized lately, not only how much her artistic eye and skills are growing, but how often she spends her time with paper and pen in hand. We should have known her attention to detail would have been expressed this way. All her school work comes home with doodles all over it. I hope she keeps this up.

Can't wait to see where she goes as she evolves.