Story of Now

Balance

2012-02-11T10:44:00.002-06:00

In my birthday post of 2011 I wrote about
finding balance between all my various
roles and parts of myself. I wrote
about spending less time on
wasteful activities.

I am beginning to find that balance.

I spend less time on facebook.
I still go on facebook but I am not
constantly thinking "oh, I need to post
this picture or say this" etc. I don't
feel attached to facebook. Now when
I take pictures I just think about
documenting the present moment and
not whether I need to show it to the world.
It is a good relationship to have
with facebook because before I was
a little crazy.

During Liberty's nap time I used to just waste time
on the computer. Now I have been organizing,
creating, making baby food or cleaning.
I used to think I had to accomplish a huge project all at once.
I am seeing that even 10 minutes of sketching, brainstorming or
organizing helps me to feel a balance within.

My new motto "I've got 10 minutes what can I do?"
or however much time I do have.

It would have been useful to know this kind of
balance before having a baby because I wasted
a lot of time before Liberty arrived.
Amazing how Liberty brought so much
perspective into my life. She has helped
me to look at what really matters in life.
Having balance within has helped me to
be present.
Wonderful!!

Winter Escape

2012-02-04T20:01:00.000-06:00

On my way home from work this morning I noticed

the magical scenery around me. I hoped it would stay that way until I got home.

When I got home baby was sleeping with dadda on the couch, so I escaped outside with my macro lens. The hoar frost reminded me of little feathers...lovely!

How I dream...

2012-01-11T19:50:00.000-06:00

Source: suziebeezie.tumblr.com via Krista on Pinterest

How I dream of a craft room like this!

Clean and organized. A spot that belongs to just crafting.

A spot where I can just jump right in even if I only have

ten minutes to spare.

I will create space just for crafting very soon.

Only thing I would add is an easel, so I could

paint standing up if I wanted.

Dream. Dream. Dream.

Make true. Make true. Make true!

Dear Daughter Part 3

2012-01-02T12:51:00.001-06:00

Dear Daughter-

You reach a place in my heart that I never

knew existed, until there was you.

You fill my life with such joyful abundance!

Every night as you fall asleep in my arms

I get teary eyed and thank God

for you.

I thank God for you everyday!

Love, Mom

It's that time of year!

2011-12-28T08:34:00.001-06:00

It's that time of year where I reflect on the past one

and make goals for the next one.

It's not because of the New Year but because it's my birthday.

This year I have been so blessed! I have gone through many

changes this year, probably more than any other year.

From being pregnant, to giving birth,

to managing on little sleep, to being needed every hour

of every day.

It has been a transition from pregnancy to motherhood,

from married to married with children,

from tons of creative time to little creative time,

from doubt in myself to confidence,

from anticipation to pure joy!

Yesterday was my birthday.

In the morning Matt made eggs, like he has for the past 4 months,

but this time we had mimosa's.

We celebrated me, we celebrated Liberty, we celebrated life!

I spent the afternoon playing and cuddling with Liberty.

Watching her wondrously look at the world puts

things into perspective. She reminds me

that life really is exciting!

Last evening, Matt took me out to Olive Garden for

some much needed adult time!

It is amazing what a couple hours of adult conversation

does for me; it's refreshing and I am blessed with a

great husband!

So, this year I will continue to find a balance within myself

between work, being a mom, being a wife, and

being creative.

I look forward to adventures with Liberty as she begins

to be mobile. I look forward to the continuous journey of

marriage and parenthood with Matt.

I vow to cook more, spend less time

on wasteful activities, and have more playdates with friends!

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Dear Daughter part 2

2011-12-02T06:46:00.001-06:00

Dear Daughter-

May you always be grateful for everything,

whether it be the things you have,

the abilities you possess,

or the opportunities you've been given.

I hope you see the good even in

difficult situations.

May your heart overflow with gratefullness

and joy!

Love, Mom

Grateful!

2011-11-22T17:38:00.006-06:00

This time last year, I was grateful to have a break from morning sickness and really enjoy Thanksgiving dinner.

This year, I am grateful to have my baby girl in my arms and have a wonderful husband to parent with.

Dear daughter...

2011-11-11T08:09:00.006-06:00

Dear daughter,

May you always greet the person in the mirror with a smile.

Be gentle with her.

Be proud of her.

Encourage her to follow her dreams and her heart.

Forgive her when she makes mistakes.

Love, Mom

Curly tails!

2011-11-03T07:31:00.007-05:00

This little girl is going to be turning two in a week or so.

You may remember her from her 18 month pics and 3 month pics.

I am really amazed at how much of a difference 6 months makes.

Don't you just love her curly pigtails!
We started the session outside! She loved playing in the leaves , hugging trees, and jumping around!

Her and her momma! So beautiful!

Then we went inside. Her mom had a vintage

dress for her and then surprised her with the tea set!!

Good baby

2011-10-26T15:55:00.004-05:00

Sometimes I stop and look at Liberty and think "This is my life. Wow. How did I get so lucky." You know how people will ask "Is she/he a good baby?" I mean does anyone really say no? Well, Liberty is a wonderful baby. I feel so blessed. She is 4 months and 1 week. She smiles and squeals and giggles and melts my heart every time. She makes this really breathy excited sound when she is anticipating something. Motherhood has been a very enlightening journey so far and we are only 4 months in!!

Lasting Love

2011-10-22T20:27:00.006-05:00

I had the pleasure of meeting up with this family on Friday.

This couple has been married for 40 years and they were

celebrating by having a family photo with their two daughters, son-in-law

and two grandchildren.

I am always inspired by lasting love.

Just think how many peoples lives have been changed because of their love!

It really is amazing if you stop and think about it.

There are 4 people in the picture who wouldn't

have been possible without their love.

The ripples will go on forever!

Thank you "M" family for letting me be a part of your

celebration weekend!

My little pumpkin!

2011-10-19T15:08:00.003-05:00

Pumpkin is one of her nicknames, so I just had to get her picture in this outfit yesterday.

She is going to be 4 months tomorrow. 4 months!

The time goes by fast and yet it seems like it was a long time ago that we left the hospital to bring her home. Funny how that is. I think it's because life is so much more fulfilling now. It's like experiencing the beautiful world for the first time!

Love you forever Grandma!

2011-10-07T07:21:00.007-05:00

My grandma passed away last Saturday at the age of 94.

Here is what I said at her "Celebration of Life" service.

Although it was sad that grandma got Alzheimer's and that it took much of her motivation away, I was fortunate to spend more time with her. Over the last two and a half years, I spent nearly every Tuesday helping to care for her. I called them " Tuesdays with Grandma." Much of the time we'd share the same conversation week after week and yet they were infused with her humor. And even though she didn't know what day it was, she knew my name and still showed she cared. While I was pregnant she'd remind me to be careful and not lift too much. I will always remember her quirky humor and the way that she effortlessly took care of everyone. I imagine Grandpa is smooching her up in heaven and that she is very happy being with her Karlie again.

I was so blessed to have her for so long!

Working Mother

2011-09-19T15:25:00.007-05:00

I mean, every mother is a working mother but I am referring to the work away from my baby.

I returned to work last Wednesday night. I had anticipated the day for 12 weeks. Preparing. Wondering. And in the last week, crying. I knew she would be fine; my husband, mom and mother-in-law surely could care for her. I had feelings of sadness because I knew I might not see the first time she met certain milestones. I knew I would miss her terribly. I didn't, however, expect it to feel completely unnatural. I thought to myself "mothers are not meant to be away from their children for such long periods of time." The toughest part was realizing a whole day went by and i didn't get to play or snuggle. I survived and took comfort in knowing that she was creating deep bonds with her dad and grandparents. Now, my time with her is even more special!

Young gentlemen

2011-09-13T19:17:00.008-05:00

I first photographed these twin boys when they were twelve, and now they are seniors.

Time really flies.

These two are very different and yet they both have huge hearts.

Their momma raised them to be such fine young gentlemen.

I have no doubt that they will be successful at whatever they do!!

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Butterflies bring smiles and tears

2011-09-07T14:28:00.003-05:00

For a few weeks now, Liberty will look at the ceiling and smile when I am changing her, or so I thought. I realized yesterday that she is actually looking at the butterflies behind her.

When I realized it, it made me cry because of this post from last July when I was trying to get pregnant after having a miscarriage.

The hope that I felt when that butterfly landed on me last summer carried me through and now I have a beautiful reminder everyday!

Everyday in a sing-song way!

2011-09-05T15:45:00.004-05:00

It seems that since I have become a mother, everyday tasks are no longer boring.

When I am doing laundry, I will say "Okay, here is a t-shirt and we fold it in half and then in half again and we put it in the pile." "Okay, here are daddy's jeans and they hang right here...oh and here is another pair...boy, daddy has alot of jeans." " And this shirt hangs right here and that shirt goes there."

All in a sing- song voice.

And she actually enjoys it.

Maybe she'll never think laundry is boring! I will hope for that!

Photo Greeting Cards

2011-09-01T21:10:00.005-05:00

All of my greeting cards come as framed photos.

So you are getting an actual picture printed on photographic paper!

Greeting cards measure 5x7 and come with matching envelopes.

Perfect!

2011-08-24T14:57:00.004-05:00

This afternoon, Liberty and I laid on our backs in one of my favorite spots in the yard.

The weather was perfect....warm and breezy.

Our view was beautiful. All the leaves were glimmering and fluttering!

I am pretty sure she thought it was magical.

She was kicking and moving her arms all around.
I think she barely even knew I was there.

But I am so glad I was.

It was perfect!

Through your eyes...

2011-08-22T21:04:00.003-05:00

Through your eyes the whole world is new.

Shadows and light. Colors and shapes.

An array of sounds.

It is so fun to see the world through your eyes

and rediscover how beautiful the simple things

in life are.
I am so blessed!

Sweet Liberty 5 weeks!

2011-07-26T08:02:00.004-05:00

My sweet girl is 5 weeks already. It really is amazing how much she has changed since she was born. She has started making more sounds....oooh's and ahh's. It is so fun! I put her in her crib and on the wall there are bright colored circles and she'll just look at them and talk.

She loves to be on her changing table.

She loves to be held up over the shoulder.

She loves listening to baby bach in her bouncy seat.

She is very curious, always looking around with eyebrows raised!

First smile to be caught on camera! Just completely melts my heart!

My precious girl!

2011-07-01T16:57:00.008-05:00

A story unfolds itself according to God's plan. My plan and God's plan were different when it came to the birth of June bug, which to our delight was a girl we proudly named Liberty. The one thing that God and I both planned for was a healthy baby. When she arrived I was so relieved and happy that she was beautiful and healthy and at that moment that is all that mattered! She arrived safely!!! She's a girl!!! I am so lucky to be her momma! I am so blessed to have the wonderful support of my husband! My life has been forever changed for the better. She is 3 weeks now and has grown so much already. It truly is amazing to watch her change before my eyes. I am so in love! We are blessed!!!!!

Hold on tight, we're almost there!

2011-06-06T23:00:00.004-05:00

39 weeks

My little june bug-

We are almost there! It could be any day now that you arrive. I will do my

best to wait patiently. I get so excited sometimes. I just cannot wait

to hold you and kiss you and see what you look like and see if

you are a boy or a girl and smell you and snuggle you and tell you

sweet things! Daddy and I started watching a documentary tonight

about baby development in the first year of life...so interesting!

We are ever amazed by this journey and it has barely even started!

Hold on tight, your going to be on the outside soon.

Little Beauty!

2011-05-18T22:57:00.007-05:00

I feel so fortunate to be able to capture the spirit of children.

From their playfulness, to their seriousness, to their tender little hearts.

A childs beauty never ceases!

A few short weeks...

2011-05-17T21:07:00.007-05:00

36 weeks

Dear little June bug-

We are almost there!

We finally got your room painted and daddy started putting

together your crib that we got from auntie Heather. We also put together your stroller and practiced folding and unfolding it. Daddy was being so funny (you'll realize he is like that a lot!)You continue to move and shake and amaze us every day.

I find myself being so excited I could almost burst at times!

Me and daddy got maternity pictures done around the land here last week...yay,

pictures of the two of us!

You are our little (BIG) blessing.

Just a few short weeks and you will be in our arms.

Nearing motherhood...

2011-05-09T10:36:00.004-05:00

I hope to be as good of a mom as my mother has been to me.

I hope my child knows that they can come to me with anything and that

I will be there for them no matter what.

I hope that I can teach values through simple lessons and modeling.

I hope that I am generous and patient with them always.

I hope to give them the freedom to play without constraint so they can discover their dreams.

And I hope that my arms and shoulders are as comfortable as my moms too.

Thanks Mom!!

Cuties in Spring!

2011-05-08T16:41:00.008-05:00

This little boy turned 3 at the end of March and we have been waiting for a nice day to get pictures outside. The day he turned 3, his little sister turne 6 months! SO, finally last Wednesday they came for picture. I just love these two...they happen to belong to my dear friend Emily.

He is such a big boy now...we were playing between trees!

Just look at those eyes and those cheeks!!

Seriously adorable!

Emily bought this bench at a garage sale last year...score.

So sweet!

It looks like he is telling her a secret! I edited this one a little

different; I like the old time feel! While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.

Soon...

2011-05-05T23:40:00.002-05:00

Our bodies will separate and you will rely on me to listen

to your cues for what you need. Baby, I will do my best

to give you what you need and be attentive to your cues.

I will hold you and love you and give you all that I am!

Love is...

2011-04-28T20:44:00.001-05:00

Share love. Spread love. Be love!

Crafting for little June Bug!

2011-04-26T22:05:00.008-05:00

Well, I must say that I love crafting and having a baby on the way has me exploring new crafts. I search for cute baby items and bookmark them. I am not someone who takes a tutorial or recipe or much of anything and follows it exactly. I am always making tweeks; sometimes it turns out and sometimes my way might be the long way. It is just the way my brain works I guess!

This is a baby soft block, tutorial found here. If you didn't know already, I am in love with owls. I found this material at SR Harris Fabric Outlet, where all regular priced fabric is 50% off....love that! This block is so soft and squishy and is about 5 inches tall.
Then I found a cute tutorial for a stuffed owl, and I just had to try it. As I said before I don't really follow the directions, so you can see how different mine looks...kinda cute but I think hers is cuter. I think littl June Bug will like it anyhow!

I have also been wanting to decorate some wooden blocks. I ordered some 2 inch pine cubes from here, that I plan to make ABC blocks with. But in the meantime I had some cedar blocks that I decided to practice with. I crafted one block with two sides using different pretty paper, two sides with kitty stickers and two sides just painted green. Last, I applied Mod Podge over the entire block. I am excited to do the ABC blocks!

There are quite a few tutorials for wooden blocks, I found one here and here.

I sewed a receiving blanket when I first bought the owl material a few months ago. Since I didn't have a baby around, I used the sock monkey as a model!

Happy crafting!!

Crafty baby items!

2011-04-21T10:15:00.004-05:00

I want to make some baby items! I have already made a couple of receiving blankets and a baby soft block.

These items are next:

wooden baby blocks - so many possibilities!

stuffed owl - goes along with my owl obsession!

Plus, I have some owl material that one of my friends wrapped a gift with, and I will have to come up with a project for that.

Do you have any crafty ideas? Please share!

Preparing for you!

2011-04-19T10:34:00.004-05:00

32 weeks

Dear little June Bug-

Everyday we talk to you and interact with you. We talk about how excited we

are to meet you, hold you, kiss you, snuggle you, play with you...

We talk about how our lives are going to change and what we need to do to

prepare ourselves. We've been taking birthing classes and preparing for your

arrival. It will be the beginning of your life outside of the womb. The bonding that

you and I and daddy have had will only be made stronger!

Everyone has their guesses about whether you are a boy or a girl,

but only God knows for sure. This whole experience is just amazing.

One of the things I look forward to most is seeing Matt be a daddy. I hold

this image of him interacting with you and it just melts my heart.

I am so excited to show you all the beautiful things in the world and

also to learn things from you that I do not know.

We love you.

Showered with love!

2011-04-11T09:45:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, my friends threw me a baby shower. It was so much fun and everyone

was so generous. We are so blessed and feel so loved!!

Cannot wait to meet our little june bug! I look forward to seeing the baby in all the

cute outfits and playing and snuggling!

I just imagine how incredible it is going to be the first time

I hold my sweet little june bug and Matt is right next to me adoring...

ahhhhh, just a beautiful feeling!

First step in achieving...

2011-04-03T19:05:00.003-05:00

On April 2, I celebrated my 10 years of having quit smoking.!

I remember when I had tried to quit before and it was always a struggle. I always thought of it as something I SHOULD do. "I SHOULD quit, it is bad for me." What was different the last time, when I was finally successful, was I WANTED to quit and believed it was possible. I knew I wanted to quit more than I wanted to continue. Oh, how I enjoyed blowing smoke rings and having cigarettes with my friends but I knew quitting was what I really wanted.

I remember struggling with "what do I do with my hands." So, I started painting. I painted whenever I had free time. I painted just to keep busy and it worked. I also struggled with "how do I drive my car without having a cigarette?" So, I started chewing more gum and eating cinnamon Altoids. That probably lasted a few months and then I was over it.

I don't remember when I stopped thinking about smoking but I know I dreamt about it all the time. What I know for sure is that it was a huge thing in my life to accomplish. I know that once I quit, I truly felt I could do anything.

There is great power in believing in yourself and achieving the things you dream of!

Quote cards 2

2011-04-01T18:38:00.004-05:00

I made up some more quote cards for you to share or keep for yourself! http://visualessence.zenfolio.com/kindcards1_2.pdf

If you want to share them, please link back to this post and not directly to the PDF, thanks!

Enjoy!

Unity

2011-03-29T19:40:00.009-05:00

Quite a few years ago I had written something down about how to practice unity and I kept it in my planner and looked at it from time to time. It went like this:

Use the phrase "just like me" to signify your unity with others. Whenever you find yourself making an assessment of another person, whether you are saying something critical or something complimentary, right after you think or say it, add the statement "just like me."

Unity refers to living in harmony with other people. It means working for a common cause with those around the globe who know that when one person gains, all gain, and when one fails, all fail. We are crafting unity when we build communities. Unity enhances harmony and solidarity. Unity balances/counters loneliness and individuality.

I knew that when I had written down the practice there were other spiritual practices on the site that I got it from. I could not remember the site, so the other day I googled "to practice unity" and voila the site! If you are interested in more spiritual practices go to Spirituality and Practice. On the right hand side you will see a whole list. This is where I got the information for this post.

I just really love this site. It is spiritual but not geared toward one religion. As my spiritual journey continues to unfold, I feel that religion (Catholic) has given me a great foundation for connecting and yet is not the only truth.

Feel free to share your thoughts!

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Make something, make mistakes

2011-03-28T10:13:00.006-05:00

Source: ffffound.com via Krista on Pinterest

How true it is! I often sit down to write or draw and find myself not wanting to start because I get afraid that the picture will be ugly or I will spell something wrong.

What if someone sees this?

I can tell you that when I do allow myself to just go with the flow and let my hand do the work without my thinking getting in the way, something magical happens.

I feel in tune. I feel creative. I feel a spiritual connection. I feel like me.

....a year later!

2011-03-23T21:57:00.005-05:00

It was a year ago that we suffered the loss of a baby with an early miscarriage.

A year ago, my husband held me tight as we cried and felt our dream slip away and

wondered what the future would hold.

Now, my husband holds me as we feel our baby move inside me. We hold

eachother and talk about the baby's arrival and dream of all the days that

will follow.

We feel truly blessed for this journey and all that God has provided us.

I am 28 weeks pregnant...the start of the last trimester!!

Yesterday, Matt and I went to my ultrasound appointment and the tech

surprised us by doing a 3d ultrasound. So, so amazing. Look at our

little june bugs lips, cheeks...nose. Awww...we are in love!!

P.S. I will have to get some pics of Matt and I together with my baby bump real soon!

Promise yourself...

2011-03-20T20:59:00.005-05:00

Christian D. Larson believed that people have tremendous latent powers, which could be harnessed for success with the proper attitude. Here is one of his works which was originally in his book "Your forces and how to use them." This writing is the optimist creed.

I just love this and wanted to share.

Quote cards

2011-03-14T21:19:00.005-05:00

I have always had a thing with words. I am attracted to them. The way they are spoken and arranged. The way that someones words can stick with me for years just the way they said it. I love famous words and uplifting quotes. I have written down and bookmarked quote after quote. Sometimes I search for just the right one. Yes, a little obsessed!

So, I thought I'd share some quote cards with you. I keep these in my purse. Sometimes I pick a random one to read. Sometimes I leave one behind for someone to find.

Print them out, keep them for yourself or spread them around. I print mine on bright white cardstock. http://visualessence.zenfolio.com/kindcards2.pdf

If you want to share them, please link back to this post and not directly to the PDF.

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

This body...

2011-03-10T14:10:00.003-06:00

25 weeks here, 26 1/2 weeks nowThis body isn't mine anymore.

It has been taken over for a greater purpose.

A purpose that I have dreamt about my whole life.

Baby, every time I feel you move, I think about what you are up to in there.

I think about the way you will wiggle and giggle when you arrive.

I think about how much hair you have and whether you have my curved pinkies.

I wonder if you are going to have your daddy's beautiful eyes and his generous spirit.

I wonder if you'll think we are goofy or geeky.

I wonder if you'll ever realize how much we loved you before we even met you.

I gladly share my body with you and hope you stay comfortable because

we got a little ways to go.

Interest Pinterest

2011-03-08T13:09:00.003-06:00

Well, I recently joined http://pinterest.com/ and let me tell you it is pretty addicting. So many neat, inspiring things all in one place!

I just wanted to share a few things that I've pinned.

I just love this quote and the way it is artistically expressed here.

Source: etsy.com via Krista on Pinterest

This little play grocery store brings back memories of childhood and how wonderful it was to be lost in imagination for hours!

Source: google.com via Krista on Pinterest

And this tree, with it's long shadow and gnarly branches....just beautiful!

Source: yayeveryday.com via Krista on Pinterest

So, I am having fun!!

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Dream Big!

2011-02-28T18:42:00.003-06:00

Sometimes the only thing keeping you from your dreams, is you. Give into your dreams. Let them be dreams. Try not talking yourself out them before you even give them a chance. I think we often tell ourselves why they won't work, when we should be sitting back and imagining what it'd be like if they did. What would it feel like if they came true? Go ahead, dream big!!

It's a beautiful thing!

2011-02-27T10:26:00.004-06:00

Love is a beautiful thing. The more you feel it, give it, and accept it, the more it grows. So today, give love and receive love. The answer to life is LOVE!

Chi Chi gets a treat

2011-02-21T19:09:00.005-06:00

This is our cat Chi Chi. He gets pretty squeaky sometimes, especially when it's treat time. Every evening, and sometimes in the morning, Matt gives him a treat and this is how it goes.

Owls

2011-02-16T15:32:00.004-06:00

I have been so fascinated by owls lately. I have drawn them, bought owl bookends and fabric, browsed online for owl related items etc. I love them! I think it all started when I was taking a walk through the apple orchard last September and came upon this lovely acorn. I thought it looked like a pair of owl eyes. So, I kept it on top of another acorn at my desk. Yes, I think that is where my love started.

Now, I have started to envision a babies room that doesn't technically have a theme but I would love to have owls be a part of it. So today, I made a template for a larger owl and a baby owl and cut out 3 owls from paper that I had. I am not totally sold on the patterns on the paper but I like the basic idea. I think I will be putting them on a branch and then into a frame. But this is just the beginning of my idea so we will see how it develops.

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Movin' and Shakin'

2011-02-15T22:25:00.006-06:00

I am 23 weeks along now and I have really started to feel my little june bug moving. It is the strangest yet most amazing feeling!! There really is a little person in me, growing and developing. Baby will have a unique personality all of it's own. Wow! The whole process is just amazing. Last Friday, Matt and I were sitting on the couch and I felt a strong movement and knew it was likely to be followed by another. I put Matt's hand on my belly and he got to feel the baby move too. The look on his face was pure heaven. Such a sweet moment!

Nature called me

2011-02-05T20:20:00.003-06:00

Nature called me this morning. We had a long conversation on my way home from work. We talked through the fog and nature told me I needed to get out and take pictures. Nature told me today was the perfect winter day because the temperatures were bearable and God had dusted the trees with a beautiful frost. I gladly went with natures wishes!

If ever there was a time...

2011-01-28T23:12:00.004-06:00

If ever there was a time to say "I love you", now is the time.
If ever there was a time to squeeze in an extra hug, now is the time.
If ever there was a time to make peace, now is the time.
If ever there was a time to stop saying "I don't have the time", now is the time.
If ever there was a time to steal another kiss, now is the time.
If ever there was a time to make that phone call, now is the time.
If ever there was a time to follow your heart, now is the time.
If ever there was a time to count your blessings, now is the time.

We do not know when our time or anothers time will end. We have this moment and nothing else is promised. While we are here, we must remember to be true to our hearts and make time for the important things. Make time for the important people. Make time for love.

Many prayers to those suffering this week; especially to some friends who lost their 8 month old daughter, to another friend whose mother is not doing well and to my cousin who continues to battle lung cancer.

Love will never be wasted.

The Frog

2011-01-27T17:39:00.002-06:00

I adore this story. There is something very powerful in the words we express and the ones we listen to. Just imagine the world we can create around us and for ourselves if we continue uplifting people and if we refuse to listen to the negative comments people tell us.

Go on, spread a little joy and encouragement. It'll feel great!

Loving the journey

2011-01-19T19:56:00.005-06:00

18 1/2 weeks here

I am loving this journey of being pregnant.
It is so fun to have a growing belly.
It is really sweet to hear Matt talk to the baby.
I am enjoying eating salads and ice cream.
I love thinking about what the baby will look like and what their personality will be.
I enjoy dreaming about what we will teach baby and what we will learn from baby.

It hasn't all been easy. There has definately been sickness, pain and crazy dreams. But it is so worth the miracle!

So excited for the rest of the journey!

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Sweet dreams 2010, hello 2011

2011-01-01T10:07:00.004-06:00

Dear 2010-

I will never forget you.

It was with you that I spent some glorious, memorable last days with my Grandpa and endured the pain of losing someone dear for the first time. I cherish the 29 years I had with Grandpa but do find myself wishing there were more and wishing I would've listened to more stories and asked more questions.

It was with you that I learned I was pregnant and then shortly after what it was like to lose that dream. I hurt often and kept hope always and 6 months later you blessed me with another pregnancy. I am carrying this blessed baby with me into 2011.

It was with you that I organized a fundraising event for Free Arts Minnesota. The people that were brought into my life to make the event successful will never be forgotten and the ripples that were made, I will never fully see. I truly believe it may only take one person to have an idea but it takes a community to bring it into fruition.

It was with you that I experienced many precious moments during my Tuesdays with Grandma. From her witty comments to her lovely singing. I will forever hold in my heart the sweet moments of my aging grandma.

It was with you that I came to realize how much the support of my husband means during the trials and celebrations of life. I now understand how much he is a part of me and the way he gives to me helps me to be who I am.

To you, I'd like to say sweet dreams. I cannot say goodbye because you will be waking in my mind over and over throughout the years. I will never forget or take for granted all the lessons you taught me my dear 2010.

Hello 2011-

I welcome you with open arms.
I look forward to welcoming my first baby this year in June and what a true blessing that will be!
I want to continue to develop my talents and use them in ways to serve others.
I'd like to expand my fine art photography business.
I want to find new ways to inspire and spread kindness.
I want to be a better listener and communicator.
I want to love more deeply.
I look forward to all the opportunity and love of this new year.

What a trip!

2010-12-31T10:59:00.005-06:00

Yesterday around 3pm I started having some severe pain in my upper abdomen and in my back. I went to the ER with my hubby and my mom. They did a bunch of lab work, an Ultrasound, gave me some Dilaudid for the pain and we were out in 5 hours.

So, the good news is that baby is doing wonderful! Growing like a champ! I am 16 1/2 weeks pregnant and wasn't due to have an ultrasound until 20weeks. This was a huge blessing to see that all is well with baby.

As for mama, they think I am just a little constipated. Who knew it would cause that much pain! I guess since there is a baby making cozy in my belly the other organs get a little scrunched.

My biggest blessing: little june bugs first picture =)

Baby, you are my miracle!

And the story grows...

2010-12-10T09:41:00.004-06:00

Matt and I have been together nearly nine years and married for two. We've always known that we wanted to have a family, actually a big family. In June 2011, we will be welcoming our first baby. Ah, a sweet little June Bug. After going through a miscarriage in March to the ups and downs of trying to get pregnant again to hearing the baby's heartbeat for the first time, we feel truly blessed!!

So very Thankful!

2010-11-24T11:30:00.004-06:00

I am thankful for my husband and his generosity, patience and affection.
I am thankful for my family who are always supportive and loving.
I am thankful for my friends who are caring and empathetic.
I am thankful for strangers who smile and open doors.

I am thankful when my grandma sings. I am thankful for a warm place to sleep.
I am thankful for my health. I am thankful for the everyday miracles that happen.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Amazing talent of Pilobolus

2010-11-11T19:06:00.001-06:00

This dance group is so amazing! Their talent is completely refreshing...LOVE it!

Claira and her brother

2010-10-19T09:02:00.004-05:00

Meet baby Claira, just 2 weeks old. So precious!
I think her big brother totally adores her even if he pretends not to sometimes!!

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

The joy in everyday!

2010-10-18T17:55:00.004-05:00

Find the joy in everyday!

On the verge

2010-10-15T09:37:00.003-05:00

Do you ever feel like you are on the verge of greatness? Do you ever feel like in the next moment you are going to have the BEST idea ever?

I must say that I feel this way very often. It often comes to me when I am driving. I feel wonderful feelings and happiness. I feel like my ideas could really help someone or change something. I feel that my ideas could be the answer to what people are searching for. It really is a strange thing to think, because honestly I am just an average person.

So, I never actually get to that point where I think "this IS it." But I feel like I am constantly or should I say quite frequently, "on the verge" of an idea that could potentially change the world. Wow!

I'll let you know if I ever get to THE idea. And please let me know in the comments if you ever feel that way or if you think I'm crazy or if you just want to say something.

Hope you have a fantastic day!

To dream, is to live

2010-10-11T09:26:00.003-05:00

Keep your dreams alive!

All in the family

2010-10-08T10:08:00.005-05:00

These families came last Saturday, which happened to be a beautiful autumn day.

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Believe

2010-10-07T19:48:00.005-05:00

As that Byrds song goes, to everything there is a season.

I believe that everything has a purpose. I believe that out of every bad situation, at least one good thing comes out of it. I believe that faith and hope do carry you through. I believe that talking about how it should be and how it really is when you are going through it are two different things. I believe that envisioning your dreams and believing in them will help them to come true. I believe that honesty with yourself and others helps to build bridges of understanding. I believe that we are all connected; every living and non-living thing. I believe the world is mostly beautiful. I believe in the power of love.

Awakening

2010-10-01T20:52:00.002-05:00

Lately, I've been feeling chaotic in my head. I've felt on edge and emotional. I've been short with people and just not feeling myself. I have felt disgusted, like I am being someone that isn't me. I've tried to figure it out but keep running circles. Then last night when I was at work, taking care of brave, young, courageous patients...I thought...."dang, I've been having a "poor me" kind of attitude. Immediately when I pinpointed it, I started to make sense of many things. I feel that something is awakening in me. I am going through a change. Change can often be uncomfortable. For now, I am living with the questions themselves. What's next? Who am I? Where am I going? What do I really want?

Inching my way!

2010-09-20T11:43:00.002-05:00

I won't get to where I want to be if I pretend to have it all together.
I will not achieve my full potential if I don't admit my fears.

Today, I had a great conversation with my mom about some of my fears and anxieties with being a nurse. These are things that I have dealt with for all 7 years that I have been a nurse. Things that I was afraid to admit to myself. Things that I was afraid to admit outloud for fear that I would look stupid. Through her active listening, I found that alot of my fears stem from a lack of confidence in myself. I think this is where much of my fear comes from. It is the thing that keeps me from flourishing. I felt a huge release when I finally got down to it and admitted outloud what was going on inside of me.

Today is a new day. I will inch my way towards my dreams!

Wabi-Sabi

2010-09-11T20:59:00.006-05:00

Last Tuesday I went to the library. I was browsing through some books and saw a spine that read Wabi-Sabi. I picked it up; it was a brown book with a faded tattered leaf in the background. The title was "Wabi-Sabi: for Artists, Designers, Poets and Philosophers."
Thinking of myself as all of those things at one point or another, I knew I needed to bring this book home with me. I read this intriguing book in three days. The term Wabi-Sabi is a Japanese word.

"It celebrates cracks and crevices and all the other marks that time, weather and loving use leave behind." Robyn Griggs Lawrence

While this is a new word for me, I feel that I have had an appreciation for the natural process of aging and weathering for quite some time. I find beauty in the imperfect, the wear and tear, the rust, the aging person and things that are often overlooked.

For the love of sports!

2010-09-08T12:23:00.006-05:00

Drew and his family came last Saturday for some Senior pictures and for an updated family picture. Drew loves sports. He plays football, basketball and baseball and enjoys watching sports too! He got to watch the Yankees in New York...how cool!!
The majority of his pictures were taken in jerseys.

There is always that required picture for Mom though and he wore the dress shirt well!
And the whole family in their home team apparel...love it!

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Be U

2010-09-03T09:28:00.006-05:00

I remember before I met my wonderful husband, I felt like I had to be somebody different for a guy to love me. I felt like I just wasn't that interesting, beautiful, smart or worthy. I tried to be things that just weren't me. I absolutely fell for every guy that I ever dated, and I always got dumped and was heart broken every time...except for the last time. See, I took some educational classes that focused on transformation. I learned how to be okay with me. I didn't need a guy to make me happy. I felt worthy just being me. So when that last guy dumped me, I shrugged my shoulders and moved on. I knew he wasn't "the one" anyway. Being okay with being dumped was a completely new experience for me. It created the space for me to meet my wonderful husband because I knew I was okay just being who I was. It was okay to be alone. With Matt, I did not have to pretend to be anyone else. Relationships should be simple. Yes, they do come with challenges and challenges make the unity stronger. However, it shouldn't be a struggle to be together. I am fortunate for figuring that out and for having my amazing husband. I thank God quietly almost everyday for him!

Butterfly inspiration

2010-08-29T14:46:00.003-05:00

I have been seeing so many butterflies this summer. I think I've had a bit of an obsession with them or maybe we've just been drawn to eachother this summer. Yesterday, I had one land on me and it stayed there for awhile even as I was walking. One of the ladies at the party said it was good luck. I'll take it. I finished up a painting this week and decoupaged a butterfly on it. I like it. For me, it represents hope and transformation, which has been a big theme for me these past several months.

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Fleeting moments

2010-08-24T16:16:00.002-05:00

Dear Butterfly-

You remind me...that moments are fleeting, yet significant... that beauty is in the smallest details... that life itself is a dance...and that God is working in mysterious ways every day. I want to thank you dearest butterfly for the reminders you bring!

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Follow up

2010-08-22T13:12:00.004-05:00

This is a follow up post to this post.

So, I would like to say that I have been eating Oatmeal almost every morning for breakfast since March and have been eating Yogurt once in awhile but still have to eat it slowly in order not to gag.

This feels like a pretty huge accomplishment for me and I like it because both are healthy. I will continue to try things that I have disliked in the past because now I know, taste buds or texture toleration can change!!

Live. Eat. Laugh.

Shake that funky feeling

2010-08-19T09:45:00.004-05:00

Most days I am a happy person. I tend to look on the sunny side of things and some people think that is how I am ALL the time. It is not true. Last Friday was one of those not-so-sunny days. I was questioning everything and not liking much. It was a funk and I couldn't just shake it off with good music. I sat at Caribou with a yummy caramel highrise, a notebook and a pen. I first wrote down the things that I want to do, then I wrote down what was missing from my life. This did not help. It made me feel worse. Then I thought "Oh, I'll write down all the good things I have going!" Immediately when I started writing, I could feel my face loosen up and a smile emerge from the inside. My body felt lighter. My mood was changed for the rest of the day. You know, my "good" list was much longer than my "what's missing" list. So yeah, that whole "attitude of gratitude" thing really does work!!

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Boys of Summer

2010-08-16T22:07:00.003-05:00

This is the third time I have taken pictures of these brothers. They usually start out pretty serious and towards the end of the session I get lots of goofy faces. It makes it really fun!!

Dear boys, never let your young hearts grow old.

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Shine on!

2010-08-12T22:08:00.003-05:00

Keeping dreams alive

2010-08-03T17:56:00.003-05:00

To keep my dreams alive, I must constantly remind myself what they are. I must keep them in front of me and tell myself that what I am doing, and what is happening has purpose. The little things I do, are important.

Raising children. That is important to Matt and I. It is our dream to have a big family. I need to keep that dream in front of me, instead of dwelling on the miscarriage.

We want to build a pole barn for our businesses. I must remind myself the opportunity that will provide us, instead of focusing on the fact that it isn't done yet.

Sometimes, it is easy for me to get off course. I get stuck in survival mode and forget my purpose. I get caught in simply just doing my duties. But having just got back from a week of vacation in Ely, I feel refreshed. Priorities are realigned. Dreams are renewed.

Blissfully Married

2010-07-21T19:55:00.004-05:00

These two got married last September in Vegas. They got a package deal that included a photographer and they decided they wanted some more pictures. On Sunday we met up at the Como Park Conservatory. We had to work quickly as the photography permit was only for 30 minutes. I don't "do" Weddings at this time but was delighted to work with this couple on their portraits.

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Salad spinner could save lives!

2010-07-20T15:54:00.003-05:00

I read this article yesterday and was very impressed. If someone can take a salad spinner and make it into a device that can identify anemia without expensive technology, what other possibilities are out there. Wow, way to go girls. Way to take a simple project and turn it into something that will change lives!

Believe it can be done. When you believe something can be done, really believe, your mind will find the ways to do it. Believing a solution paves way to solution. David Joseph Schwartz

Curly haired boy

2010-07-17T13:54:00.004-05:00

This curly haired boy loved exploring the trails at our place. He was excited to go on more and more trails! In between exploring, we got some great pictures. He is going to be 4 next week.

Life is an adventure!

Reassuring touch

2010-07-16T09:30:00.002-05:00

Like the gentle hand of God reassuring me that everything is just as it should be, a butterfly landed on my right knee three times yesterday.

If We Hold On Together

2010-07-11T12:50:00.008-05:00

If We Hold on Together

By Diana Ross

Don't lose your way
With each passing day
You've come so far
Don't throw it away
Live believing
Dreams are for weaving
Wonders are waiting to start
Live your story
Faith, hope & glory
Hold to the truth in your heart

If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
Where clouds roll by
For you and I

Souls in the wind
Must learn how to bend
Seek out a star
Hold on to the end
Valley, mountain
There is a fountain
Washes our tears all away
Words are swaying
Someone is praying
Please let us come home to stay

If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
Where clouds roll by
For you and I

When we are out there in the dark
We'll dream about the sun
In the dark we'll feel the light
Warm our hearts, everyone

If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
As high as souls can fly
The clouds roll by
For you and I

Dog, Cat, Rat

2010-07-09T21:39:00.002-05:00

This makes me smile!

Live Now

2010-07-09T09:44:00.003-05:00

And my soul whispered quietly, " Live now! Do not wait for circumstance to begin doing what you love. Give attention to your dreams and believe in them. Be who you are and be here now."

Garden Love

2010-07-07T20:35:00.007-05:00

Our first garden! We've got cucumbers, peppers, radishes, sweet peas, carrots, onions, spinach, lettuce and tomatoes....and we did have radishes but we gobbled them up already!

It really is more exciting than I thought and I think Matt would agree. Seeing something grow from a seed into something edible, it's out of this world cool. It has become a topic of interest and we look forward to seeing the progress every day.

Cucumbers...should be ready soon!

Look at this cute little pepper...resembles an umbrella huh?!

Leaves of the sweet pea plants with a red- banded leafhopper visiting.

Tomatoes!!

Thanks for visiting my garden! I will post updates as the Summer goes on!

On another note, I have decided to simplify my life by going back to just one blog. This blog right here. So, if you are a fan of my Share Kindness Now blog, I won't be blogging over there anymore. Feels good to just be back to one!

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Hope is stronger!

2010-06-23T20:58:00.003-05:00

Hope is stronger than worry and fear.

Springin' into Summer

2010-05-28T10:51:00.004-05:00

Dear blog, I am sorry I have neglected you, I suppose my other blog has been getting more attention lately. Well, I thought I'd drop by and leave some pictures to cheer you up. I know how you enjoy the sunlight and the wonderful colors of nature as much as me.

Your good friend,
Krista

The Mighty Oak

2010-05-13T10:56:00.005-05:00

O Mighty Oak, it is you I look to

with adoring eyes.

It is the way you stand tall through all the seasons,

and face all the changes with strength and resilience.

It is the way you shift and sway,

yet stand firmly where you are.

It is the way you reach for the sun

and get closer every year.

O Mighty Oak,

you are my beacon of hope.

Blissful encounter

2010-04-29T00:49:00.004-05:00

As I took a walk in my backyard tonight, I did not know what I would find.

To my delight, I had a blissful encounter with the sun.

Thank you sun for coming out to play and to shine upon the earth on this lovely day.

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Joyful Family

2010-04-11T11:17:00.005-05:00

This family is joyful and fun and silly and sweet.
We had a fun session on Thursday.

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Beautiful

2010-04-09T00:18:00.003-05:00

She is not yet 15 and already knows who she is.
She is beautiful, inside and out.

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Stairway to Heaven

2010-04-02T20:43:00.003-05:00

Happy Easter!

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Mother and Daughter

2010-03-30T08:54:00.003-05:00

This 4 year old was full of energy! She wanted to run and play and really wasn't interested in getting her picture taken. She did stay still long enough for a couple of really great pictures though.

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Peace Rocks

2010-03-27T11:03:00.001-05:00

I believe this to be the first of many rock words I create.

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Stand tall

2010-03-18T20:44:00.005-05:00

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

I feel you

2010-03-11T21:43:00.003-06:00

I feel you here, between the snowflakes and raindrops.

I feel you in the sun. I see you in the moon.

I feel you in the breeze.

I see you in the shadows and call to you.

The answer comes to my heart and I know you are here.

You are here.

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Grandpa's Girl

2010-02-27T10:07:00.005-06:00

I was always Grandpa's girl.
If there was a lap that I most enjoyed sitting on as a little girl, it was his.
If there was someones hair that I enjoyed playing with most, it was his.
If there was someone who I loved to sit by during UNO, it was him.

I believe Grandpa truly lived every minute of his 92 years. He lived with integrity. He was generous with his love, his knowledge and time. He treated others with respect. He was welcoming and warm and thrived on sharing stories. His laughter could break down any barrier. His memory and attention to detail were more advanced than anyone I've ever known.

The way that he loved Grandma was amazing. Their marriage of 66 years, never lost it's passion. He would greet her with big kisses in the morning, something that I was fortunate enough to witness over this past year. He was so patient and strong, even when things were difficult.

Over the past year or so, his "I love you" turned into "I love you so much" followed by a big kiss. One of my best memories, was just this past December. My dad and I were visiting Grandpa in the hospital and they sang me Happy Birthday a day early. Grandpa really had to work at singing that day, but he did it out of love. He told me that if I continued to conduct my life in the way that I had been, I would surly have many happy years ahead of me. I told him that I hoped to be as big of a blessing to my family as he has been to ours.

Euripides said " When good men die, their goodness does not perish."

So let it be, that we move forward and grow with the goodness of this great man in us everyday.

I love you Grandpa!

A precious gift!

2010-02-14T00:26:00.006-06:00

Babies are a precious gift to the world.
Full of wonder and innocence.

This precious baby girl just turned 3 months. She was so easy to work with!

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Through the weather

2010-02-02T00:04:00.006-06:00

Through the weather I live.
If someone is in need, I pray.
If the sun is shining, I give thanks.
Through the weather I live.

The blue and red are colors from my husbands van.
Shot these through my windshield. I really like how they turned out.

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Busy living

2010-01-27T09:32:00.004-06:00

It has been almost two weeks since I have blogged. Oh where does the time go.
Well, I have been busy with Grandparents, working and planning a fundraising event. I think I will only be getting busier but I do want to keep up this blog...it is important to me.

I love this video. It inspires me!
Here is to you and making your dreams come true!

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Winter Wonderland Portraits

2010-01-14T15:59:00.007-06:00

These two cute sisters came yesterday for their Winter Wonderland Portraits.
It was a perfect winter day and these girls were so much fun!!

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace

New Project

2010-01-13T15:27:00.003-06:00

Today I started a project that I am very excited about.
I interviewed my Grandpa on video and I plan to continue interviewing the people in my life. Being able to have this video of my Grandpa speaking of his life and the things he believes in is very humbling for me. I am fortunate that I am starting to do this and yet I wish I would've started asking about his story much sooner.

If you are interested in interviewing people in your life, check out this website
http://www.storycorps.org/

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Good things in life!

2010-01-02T17:34:00.005-06:00

What will this new year bring?

I am not one for making resolutions, so I am not about to begin.

I do hope, however, to have a year full of the good things in life!

Hugs

Belly laughs

Creative moments

Deep and meaningful relationships

Heart full of love

Here is to a great 2010!

Leave me a comment and tell me what the good things in your life are!

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.