Shabby Baby Model Search

Why is Paige James a "Picture Princess"? This is a hard question because I really don't like to brag about my children's appearance and I have always felt that the greatest beauty one can bestow is in the heart. So here we go...First, I am a picture lover and Paige has been the best princess to practice on. Most five year olds can not change expressions or poses very easily, but Paige will put on whatever face I ask her to. Her mild manner, amazing eyes, and gorgeous hair is what makes her pictures stand out. I love the Shabby Apple clothing line and would love to see my princess in them. The dress that Paige and I picked out for her is the VINEYARD http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-82-vineyard.aspx little girls and girls dresses from shabby baby. So fellow bloggers...go check out these adorable dresses...they have them for you too :) And Good Luck Paige!

Farm Life

7 years ago I can honestly say I was not thrilled about living in Milford. It was new, different, and not an easy adjustment. However, here I am now and could not imagine life anywhere else. I have tried to think of what else Ben and I could do, or where else we would live, and I can't even come up with something comparable let alone better. I have heard talks about being rich, not monetary, but instead a life fullfilled with love, and countless blessings. I would have to say that we are rich. Here is a picture of the farm right before harvest. I take for granted this place I call home, but I love what it provides for my family.

Anyone need some uplifting words? lol

Last week I was able to attend my first dental convention. Was I excited or what...something I love and a getaway to boot. The luncheon was good, but the best part was the speaker. This was my first experience with John Bytheway (I guess he speaks at schools in Utah), and he left a lasting impression on my heart. He compared life to a strenuous hike he accomplished as a young boy scout. The most important part of the hike is what you put in your pack. You will have to bear with me...there is a reason why I am not a motivational speaker lol. Anyway...if you carry regrets, sorrow, guilt, you know the stuff that weighs on your heart, then the journey is much harder. So use the power of repentance, the unconditional love of our Savior, accept the things we cannot change, and find joy in the journey. Are you ready for the kicker...the easiest way to lighten your load, is to lighten someone elses. So...so for others what you know lightens your own load. Man I am feeling uplifted all over again. The next concept really is the icing on the cake. Sometimes we get so caught up in what others have and all the worldly ways start to affect who we are and what we want. "If you are nothing without it, then you will be nothing with it" Seriously...does that make you rethink so much? It does me. I also want to share this quote I heard in a financial class. I love it...so true. "We are constantly spending money we don't have, on things we don't need, to impress people we don't like." Wait a minute, we love everyone :) Well I guess I will go and reevaluate myself for the rest of the day!

Just wanted to share...

I have been crying for the last hour and I decided that I wanted to share this story with others. First, I need to say that I take for granted my children so much. I don't seem to thoroughly appreciate every hug, every kiss, every silly thing they say, and most importantly their life here with me. I honestly can't imagine what I would be without them. I knew the moment that they were placed in my arms there was something so powerful and meaningful to me. It was a love that I had never felt before. There are still times that I find myself lost in the moment thinking about the Plan of Happiness. I can't believe I went so long without truly knowing my purpose here on earth. I don't know how to express myself sometimes, but I wish I could just magically put these feelings into others hearts, so they could for one second feel the peace and love that I now feel. I will never be perfect, but that is Ok. I am learning every day, and I pray for help to strengthen the weaknesses that I have daily. Back to the story, I want everyone to go and read about this couple's trial...be prepared to cry...ALOT! I wish I could take some of their sorrow away. http://themcclenahans.blogspot.com/

Just Another Moment w/Jesse James

I informed Jesse yesterday that he is no longer to climb in the tub with mom. He was quite upset and asked why. I told him that big boys do not take baths with their moms, so he quicky replied "I don't want to grow up"! He proceeds to remove his clothing and I was meaning strict business, so I said "No"...again! He wasn't about to stop at that, he is not one to walk away without winning the fight, so he yelled "And I don't want to be a farmer!" I was trying to not give him a reaction because that is what he was looking for, but I was laughing so hard on the inside. Then came his last attempt to make me mad, "And I am not going to church anymore either!" Life is exciting and entertaining with little ones.

Can I say PIMP...really?

Every time we get Jesse ready for church or to actually go somewhere besides the sand pit in the back, endless mud everywhere on the farm, or just to veg in his undies we always tell him that he looks pimp. Whether this is a good thing or not (our awesome parenting skills that I have mentioned previously) it has become the lingo around here. If he likes what I am wearing he tells me that my shirt is pimp. It is quite funny! So anyway, here is my son looking pretty PIMP!

Jensen the guinne pig (spelling ????) you get the idea

I have been on a steady uphill climb trying to gather as much knowledge and experience as I can. Due to the extreme cold weather, most people do not want pictures right now, which has given me more time to play (in Photoshop of course). I did my first newborn session and I am so happy with the results. My tiny room barely fit the group that came to assist, but it got the job done. Anyway my website is finally up and live and I need to new upload my pictures, but there are a few out there @ http://www.picturethisframethat.com/ Here is my latest of Jensen...I was practicing on black and white with a tad bit of color (sepia) and sharpening the eyes. I love the end result.

Happy Birthday Babe!!

Ben turned 29 on the 29th. I can't believe that he was only 19 when we met. Looking back, I never imagined that I would be preparing to go to the temple with Ben and our three children. We are still the same people that we were back then, but instead we decided to take a different path. The path that we have chosen is definitely not the easy route. I took the easy way out way to many times, and found out that you can only bury so much into your heart before it can't take it anymore. I am not sure why I feel like sharing so much right now, but for some reason I do. During the weakest moment in my life...some will never have to experience the pain that I felt in my heart about two years ago. I literally lost myself somewhere along the way. Always trying to find something better or an escape from reality, I finally hit bottom. Every time I had challenges, I would run from the consequences, instead of facing them. I was ready to walk away from one of the greatest blessings in my life. I was in a dark, lonely place and could see no way out on my own. A man came to visit me during this time and what he told me changed my life. He said that there was one and only one man that could help me and his hand was reaching out waiting for me to grab it. Words could never the express the feelings that I then experienced when I reached out. The missionaries started to come and teach Ben and I the lessons. They brought a spirit so strong into our home that we could never deny. I truly believe that there is a time for each person on this earth to hear the gospel and only they will know when that is. This was our time to grow and become the people that we were sent here to be. We have learned so much and I will forever be grateful for the forgiving heart that my husband has. He really is amazing and I look forward to eternity with my family.