Easter Sunday

Today is a beautiful Sabbath Day and I'm so very thankful for the wonderful reminder of what my Savior has done for me.  Regardless of the cold and chilly day outside, my heart is filled with warmth, light and the spirit of God.  I'm so very blessed to have the knowledge of my Savior and my Heavenly Father's plan for me.  I'm so blessed to know that I am loved so much that Jesus would die for me.  I'm so blessed to have the knowledge of the resurrection, to know that I will aways be with my family as long as I choose to follow my Savior's example and the commandments placed before me to guide me. 

I think often that if it were not for my parents raising me properly in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I would not be who I am today.  I don't know where I would be, but without the gospel I know that I would be less happy with my life.  Then I think about my grandparents and all they did to raise both of my parents rightly in the gospel, and what they've done for me and my family as well.  Three of my four grandparents have passes on, but I feel them on a daily basis as I remember their faces, what they taught me over the years and how they helped shape me into the woman, daughter, and mother I am today.  I remember the example they were (and are) to me everyday of how I should grow to be. 

Sometimes, when I'm discouraged, I can feel their presence as they smile down on me, prompting me to continue trying.  I know they are with my Heavenly Father and Savior, that they are helping to guide me each day.  I know my Heavenly Father and Savior are there, guiding me and loving me always. 

There is so much that could be said about the love of our Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ, but I'll end with this:  I know my Father in Heaven loves me, as does my brother and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I know that if they didn't love me, they wouldn't have gone through so much pain to prepare a way for me.  I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true and that I am truly a blessed woman to have it in my life.  I know that one day I can and will be able to return to live in Heaven again and that I will always have my family to be with me.  I know this to be true. 

Just remember, when life is rough, remember who is smiling down on you, helping you find your way.  Is it a family member who loves you dearly or a close friend?  The answer is YES,  Our Father and Brother are with us, helping and loving us always. 

Just remember.

Day Six: Loud

(ISO 800, 1/640, f/4)



(ISO 800, 1/500, f/3.5)

Day Five: Quiet

(ISO 800, 1/5, f/3.4)

(ISO 800, 1/25, f/4)



Day Four: Out

(ISO 200, 1/800, f/4.5)

(ISO 400, 1/160, f/5)



Day Three: In

(ISO 800, 1/25, f/3.4)

I spent a TON of today trying to figure out how to take pictures inside using the manual settings and no flash. These are the ones I came up with... and let me tell you, I have PLENTY more that don't look nearly as good. Who thought taking pictures could be so frustrating! Oh, and we have hardly any naturally lighting in our entire apartment.... making things quite difficult.

Yes... there are more pictures of Kenya, but she actually decided to hold still for me so that's why.

Day Two: New

(ISO 800, 1/3, f/3.4)



This is one of Ian's new cars from his birthday. I was having fun experimenting.

Photography: Day One: OLD

My friend had a link on her blog to a free online photo class and though I'm late, I'm so into it!!! I'm loving figuring out how to use my camera on manual and I think I'm actually getting the hang out it. Hey, I might even be getting some good pictures. So here's what lessons we've had so far.

(ISO 80, 1/250, f/4)

I really don't have many old things in my apartment to choose from right now considering most things are packed, but I have this old music box that was my grandmothers and was given to me after she passed away. It's absolutely beautiful in my opinion so I hope this picture does it justice.

(ISO 500, 1/60, f/4)

I also think of Ian's trains when I think of old, just because I think he's had them forever! He loves them and they are well played with.

To My Handsome Boy...

...On His 4th Birthday!!!

I know that I'm actually 3 days late for his birthday, but the weekend was insane!  So here is my tribute to the cutest little man I know!!

Ian,

You are a fun little dude.  Your dad and I would be missing out on a lot if we didn't have you around.  :)  You are so bright and silly, fun and smart, and such a wonderful big brother and son. You amaze us on a daily basis! 

 I can't believe that it was 4 years ago that we brought you into our lives.  It was such an exciting time and you were our first great adventure into parenting.  When you were born, they had to rush you off to help you get breathing better and I wasn't able to see or know what was going on for 2 hours.  It drove me nuts!!  Your daddy followed you around making sure that the doctors took great care of you and finally you were brought back to me healthy and happy.  I was so relieved.  You were prefect and precious in every way. 

You've grown fast, and now you are 4 and I can't believe that time has just flown by.  You are such an intelligent little guy and show me every day how much you know.  I love hearing your stories and comments and most of the time they make us all laugh.  You know your numbers really well, most of your alphabet, colors and shapes and it amazes me!  You love to learn, but not sit down with me to learn.  You'd rather learn on the go or from others, which cracks me up. :)  But you are a quick learner regardless and I'm positive you'll absolutely love school come this fall! 

You are very much into puzzles these days and it's quite surprising how quickly you finish large puzzles.  Each puzzle has an age range on it, but you tend to want to do puzzles that are beyond your age range.  You love the challenge and finish them in good time.  You are so patient with it and sometimes will sit and work on a puzzle for hours on end.  It's fun to watch you get excited about finishing one.   



Being a typical boy with your best bud, GaVen!

You also love trains and solving the problem of how to put it together.  You've come up with some pretty intricate tracks and you and your sister will play for hours with it.  I love watching your interactions with your sister and seeing how much you love her.  You take such good care of her and I am so proud of you for it.  I can see you both in high school with you being the protective older brother watching out for your little sister and it makes me happy, just don't go too far with it. :)  But watch out, cause Kenya can hold her own against you too. :) 

Ian, you're my goofy, wonderful, intelligent little boy and I am so blessed to have you in my life.  Our family would not be the same with out your adorable smiling face and I'm so excited to see what the years will bring.  Just don't grow up too fast on me, I'll miss the little you too much.  :) 

I love you tons my little man!!

Love,

Mom