Posts

Mother and Daughter

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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

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I believe this to be the first of many rock words I create. Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Stand tall

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Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

I feel you

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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

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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" follo...

A precious gift!

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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

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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

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

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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

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!

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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.

So long, farewell 2009

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2009 was definately an interesting year. There was alot of uncertainty with people being sick or going through big life changes. There was compromise. There was love and laughter and tears. A few life lessons were learned: With every heartache there is a blessing. Big blessings come in small packages. Wonder is not only a characteristic of a child. You never know when the last goodbye is, so it is best to embrace the moment. Even though someone does not appear to be who they were because of dementia, glimpses of recognition and deep love remain. Marriage is a work of art. New life continues to emerge. Sometimes change happens gradually and it give us a chance to do what we need to do. Despite what we think we will feel at a given time, if duty calls we don't have time for thinking. There are people that come into our lives simply to challenge us and help us grow. There is always room for joy. Thanks 2009 and Welcome 2010!

I see Kindness

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The other day I was carrying quite a big load of stuff in my arms and I needed to go down the elevator. I was planning just to pry one of my fingers off the load and press the down button for the elevator, in hopes I wouldn't drop anything. I didn't have to. A construction worker was near by and asked if I was going up or down, I indicated I was going down. The worker waited around until the elevator door opened and then asked me what floor, and I said "3 please." I thanked him and as I rode the elevator down I was so happy that man helped me out. He was a stranger. He could have just gone about his business, but he took the time to help me out. Thank you sir!! I was at my Christmas work party the other day and my friend was telling me that her dad baked the cookies she brought. See, her mom recently passed away and she used to bake dozens and dozens of cookies and give them as Christmas gifts. The family thought the whole tradition would end when she passed, but it h...

Validation

I haven't been blogging much, and I am sorry, to myself and anyone that likes to read my blog. I found this video awhile ago. It is long, about 16 minutes, but I very much enjoy it!! What a simple thing it is to validate someone. Compliments are easy. They cost nothing. They feel great to give and receive. At Christmas time, and the whole year through, I hope that I can be a validator wherever I go =) I hope you enjoy the video! Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

I walk along

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The only road I will ever travel on is the one I've paved myself. Sure, other people will post signs but I am the one that chooses which way, how fast, when I need to slow down and when I need to stop at a wayside rest or scenic overlook. I choose whether a bump in the road is going to hold me back or lead to a new way. I don't have to travel the roads that others have paved although some have surely been admirable. This is my road. I decide what type of scenery I'd like to be surrounded by. I decide who I will associate with. I decide how my time will be spent. I decide the type of driver I am going to be. I decide how to fuel and maintain my vehicle. This is my road.

Grandparents

Today, I am thankful for my Grandparents. I have two, still living, still together, still in the same house and both are 92. They live simply. They love deeply. They're encouraging and generous. I am blessed with them. Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

We've only just begun

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Matt and I went to San Diego for our one-year anniversary. We LOVED it. We went to the San Diego Zoo, where the animals just seem happier. We hiked around Torrey Pines State reserve, the views were beautiful. We ate a Waffle breakfast every morning. The Gelato in the Gaslamp district was delicious. The Kolby swapmeet was the hugest flee market I have ever been to. There were moments that have turned into inside jokes, that just make me laugh every time I think of them. We spent time reflecting on our Wedding day and realized how fast time can go. We talked about how fortunate we are to have eachother. We celebrated "us"! I am very blessed to have such a wonderful husband. There were days in my past that I was unsure if I'd ever meet a decent man to marry. He is more than decent. He lights me up and lifts me. He encourages my dreams. He is inspiring and thoughtful. His generosity and care for everyone is a blessing. Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Leaves of Ely

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A few weeks ago my family headed to Northern Minnesota, Ely to be specific. We rented a cabin. We hiked. We kayaked. We played games. We visited the coldest place in the U.S. (Embarrass, MN). It was sunny. It was rainy. And then it even snowed. Here are some leaves under some of the varying weather conditions. Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Amazing Couple!

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This is my good friend Nicole and her wonderful husband Greg. Their beautiful baby will be arriving within the next few weeks. It has not been an ordinary pregnancy for her. She got thrown a curveball. She was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in May and finished up her four rounds of Chemo in the middle of September. It has been quite the journey for her, from first hearing the word "cancer" to facing head-on her fear of Chemo. She has had frequent Ultrasounds, so she gets to see that baby is doing well, which has really been a blessing for her. Greg has also been an amazing husband through all of it, he keeps her laughing with his ever-goofy and loving ways! I am so amazed and humbled by the journey Nicole has been on and the strength she has shown. Whenever I think of her, I am inspired! Doesn't she look GREAT!!! I look forward to meeting your sweet baby!

Possiblity Part 2

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There are times that we find ourselves jealous of what someone else has, whether it be a material thing, a physical attribute, personality trait etc. On the contrary, there are times we despise other people, whether it be for an action they carried out, a physical attribute, a personality trait etc. Walking through life with these feelings toward others only hurts us. In jealousy, we are saying to ourselves " they are better than me" In despisement, we are saying to ourselves " I am better than them" Neither statement has possibility in it. In the previous post, Possibility Part 1 , I talked about awareness. Awareness is where possibility begins. We must be aware of what our thinking is, so that we can move on from jealousy and despisement to a place of understanding, acceptance and possibility. Feelings of jealousy and despisement won't completely go away because, after all, we are human. The point is to be conscious of them and choose to have control over how...