McFadden Family Adventures

Living in Love: a book review

2012-01-23T14:36:00.000-08:00

I guess it's kinda like this, you choose love. It doesn't just happen. Living in Love helps you choose and feel love for your partner, daily. Reading this book is like sitting down and talking with an old friend about marriage. James and Betty Robinson do an amazing job of bringing truth to the table without making you fell like you are being preached at. My favorite part of this book was the section on baggage that we bring to any committed relationship. It's amazing the things you find out about yourself when you read someone elses story.If you want a book that gives you secret tips and tricks to make you fall in love and stay in love with your spouse, this is the book for you.

An Interview

2011-11-30T07:43:00.001-08:00

An Interview with Mark Cuban

There are many mommies out there that dream of creating their own business but haven't a clue where to start. What advice do you have for them?

Find something you love to do, can do on your own and doesn’t require any more capital than you can afford to lose personally. The most valuable asset you have is your time, talents and ability to communicate. Focus on those strengths and what you can do rather than what you can’t do.

There are many young moms who are just beginning their lives and can relate to you when you said you were sharing a small apartment with 6 people and sleeping on the floor. How can someone keep their eye on the prize when they’re living on Ramen noodles?

Who cares how you are living today? I loved every minute of living in that dump. The low rent and utilities and eating Mac n’ Cheese all the time allowed me to afford the startup of my business. Instead of paying myself much, I could put it in to my business.

One part in your book I loved and my heart sank at is when your fiance lost your $7500 ring. What's your advice for those moms out there who are distracted by a relationship? How do you balance a real life with your dreams?

I never was able to balance. Each person has to make their own decisions. But remember, your competitors aren’t sitting by idly waiting for you to have a nice dinner with your significant other. They are trying to kick your ass. So choose wisely.

You encourage entrepreneurs not to hire a public relations firm, Mark. How did you get the word out about your eBook? I tweeted, posted on Facebook, [used] Google Plus and responded to emails. Nothing more.

Where can we get a copy of your eBook, How to Win at the Sport of Business? Anywhere eBooks are sold: Amazon, BN.com, and sites that support independent bookstores too.

Thank you Mark, I am sure that my readers are more than excited to get their hands on your book.

until next time. . .

I Heart Faces: Tickled Pink

2011-10-16T21:26:00.000-07:00

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness, I Heart Faces is sponsoring a "pink" photo challenge. Although I do not have a touching survivor story for you, I do have a pretty cute little face to share. She is the future and we must endeavor to stop breast cancer for her. Now please, head on over to I Heart Faces and show your support for breast cancer awareness!

{The Adventures of Smitty} An Interview

2011-10-16T20:48:00.000-07:00

Please welcome Anne Deskins to the blog today! I am excited to get to know her, and I hope you all are too!

Hello Anna-

Your children's book, The Adventures of Smitty looks magically. Tell us about it.

It's the story of a magical island of little creatures called Smilies and the mischievous little main character, Smitty. He's such a naughty boy. Haha! All the moms and kids I've shared it with have been giving me such a wonderful reaction. I cannot believe it. I have to tell you how excited I am to finally have a life-long dream come true. Writing The Adventures of Smitty was really about finding a story that I would want to read to my children at night. It has to be exciting but not scary so that my two daughters can go to sleep. Basically, I was looking for that perfect blend to read to my kids at night and decided, "Why not try writing my own?"

We've had a lot of changes in our life recently, so I want to make sure that when I put my daughters to sleep that they feel safe. I have short chapters because I know how busy we moms are but if you can just sacrifice 5 minutes at night reading to your kids, it makes a world of difference. Your kids will never forget it. And although we're running around the whirlwind of life, our kids grow up so fast, and that time that we'd rather finish watching what happened in our favorite soap opera instead of reading to our kids will never come again. I hope that The Adventures of Smitty and books like it help moms do exactly that.

And it's only 99 cents this week. That's what I love about it. Now, You are recently divorced. How have you been able to continue writing when going through such a change?

Yes, it is by far one of the most challenging points in my life. To see a marriage you thought would last forever to not last forever was difficult for the two of us. I really learned a lot about myself and most importantly, it's brought me closer to my daughters. I think that's what really motivated me to finish this children's book no matter what. When you're going through changes in your life like this, you need something to hold on to. There's a part of you that wants to prove that you can make it, that you will be a success even if it's not with the partner you originally imagined building a life with. I had to keep writing, for my kids. I want to show them that they have to keep strong, no matter what.

We as women, as moms really need to stick together to support each other and our dreams. We're living in an age when I think we're finally realizing, although we want love, the men in our life aren't the answer to everything. We have to stand up on our own two feet and keep going. True love will happen, but until then, we have to keep moving forward. Our children depend on us and we depend on us.

In addition to being a children's book author, you're also a small business owner. How do you juggle taking care of two daughters and at the same time running a business?

Yes, I am a fashion designer and have a retail store. Any type of creativity is what I'm passionate about. That's why writing The Adventures of Smitty was so important to me. Let me tell you, running a small business in today's economy isn't easy especially when raising two girls at the same time. But somehow, it seems someone's watching over me because my dreams are coming true no matter what. To have that many moms glowing about my children's book, means so much to me. And I know my girls are proud.

When do you ever have time to write?

You mean, in between laundry, running a business, chasing my girls around the house, cleaning the house, and flying back and forth fromMiami to New York? Haha? That's one thing I've learned, when you really want to do something, you find a way. Things fall into place if you just go for it and that's what I want to encourage all the moms who are reading this right now. Whatever your goal is, you can do it. Don't let the challenges in your personal life stop you from going for your dreams. Just go for it and it's almost magical how things fall into place.

Where can we get a copy of "The Adventures of Smitty"?

Right now, it's available online by going to: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94655 You can also visit my website:http://www.AnnaDeskins.com where you can read more about my writing process, my recommendations for other books and my own adventures in Mommyhood.

I'm so grateful for your support and the support I'm getting from so many wonderful moms who dream of writing children's books one day too. Writing The Adventures of Smitty has been such an emotional experience for me, a true journey as I was going through so many changes while writing it. It's truly been a blessing in my life. It, along with my daughters, and that guy upstairs have really pulled me through a challenging time.

Thanks for the interview, Anna. And let's go out and support a fellow mom by getting a copy of The Adventures of Smitty today. I know I will!

The on thing no on ever tells you about sex. . .

2011-06-11T19:45:00.000-07:00

The on thing no on ever tells you about sex. . . In What are you Waiting for? Dannah Gresh gets down to brass tacks about how our culture has made a deprave thing out of something God designed to be beautiful. She discusses the hottest topics of most teens in the 21st century, masturbation, lesbianism, and how far is too far. This book is a wonderful insight into God's love for us, and His divine plan for the marriage bed. I highly recommend that if you have a teenage daughter, you run out right now and not only buy What are you Waiting for? but also And the Bride Wore White.

{Love at Last Sight} a book review

2011-05-26T14:27:00.001-07:00

Even if your marriage is not currently in termoil, it is always in harms way. There are so many outside influences that can change the way that you feel about your spouse at any given moment. "Love at Last Sight" is a daily devotional designed to keep your mind and heart focused on God and the relationship with your spouce. The sole purpose of the book is to aide you in loving your spouse for who they are, not who you think they should be.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

Marriage is Work: A review of Love and War Devotional for Couples

2011-03-05T08:34:00.001-08:00

The Love and War Devotional for Couples by John and Stasi Eldrege is simply amazing. The book starts out with "We probably ought to just start here: marriage is fabulously hard." Any married couple and appreciate and agree with these words whether they are newly married or have been for decades.

Marriage is work; plain and simple.

This devotional is broken down into 18 weeks, 5 days per each week. Each day gives a scripture, application, and prayer. At the end of each week there is an exercises designed to stimulate conversation which will in turn inspire closer intimacy with your spouse, there by improving your marriage.

The nice thing about this devotional is it's doable for any couple. Short daily texts with real life application.

John and Stassi Eldredge are not afraid to touch on the difficult issues. Emphasizing the fact that we can not look to each other for love and fulfillment which we can only attain from Christ. These powerful opinions are broken down into short devotionals that easily fit into any schedule. Pick up this devotional, go through it with your spouse. I promise you it will not disappoint, and you never know, you just might learn something about them you didn't know before.

A perfect compliment to their book Love and War or by itself this devotional is a promising help to any marriage.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

Eight Months

2011-02-20T07:51:00.001-08:00

A lot can happen in eight months. In the last eight months we have had a lot of exciting things going on. Babies grow up way too fast around here. Little Peanut is 8 months old. Can you believe that?

Two weeks ago Little Peanut would have needed the boppy behind him:

Now he can sit up unassisted. He’s still a little wobbly so I stay close, but I don’t have to prop him up anymore.

He changes so much everyday. Just yesterday he was only able to roll over on direction. Today, he is scooting himself all over the living room.

He wasn’t baby babbling much last week, this week, he babbles up a storm.

The more he grows, the fonder I grow of him. He is such a happy little man. Full of wonder and amazement. He loves his brothers. He wants to do everything with them. I can already tell he will be following them around in no time.

This little man who is eight months old is why I have been absent from the bloggy world. I spend all my spare time with him. I’m completely smitten. I hope you can all forgive me.

I Heart Faces: Wonder

2011-01-24T08:02:00.001-08:00

Wow it’s been a long time since I have entered an I heart faces challenge. I have not had a lot of time to spend with my camera in the last few months. We are building a house and homeschooling Little Fire Chief, working part-time, and running a successful photography business. Sorry I Heart Faces, but duty called.

I decided that this weeks challenge was the best one to get me back in gear. Peanut is 7 months old and full of wonder. I captured him looking up at me from his car seat just yesterday. His eyes full of wonder.

Head over to I Heart Faces to see more beautiful photos of wonder.

Everything Christmas: A Book Review

2011-01-22T12:03:00.001-08:00

Everything Christmas by David Bordon is an advent calendar in a book. Our family enjoyed reading the stories, poems, songs and history in this book. We read a story every evening in the month of December leading up to Christmas. This will be a family tradition for years to come. I highly recommend this book to any family. Christmas is such a magical time for families. It is especially magical for families with children. The days leading up to Christmas are filled with wonder and awe.

It is very important to our family to recognize Christ's birth while also celebrating His coming return. Reading stories from Everyday Christmas helped us to accomplish that goal this year and will continue to do so for years and years to come.This book would also make a great Christmas present!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

Photo Story Friday: Philo Apple Farm

2010-11-12T09:36:00.001-08:00

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

I had the great pleasure of shooting a maternity session for a friend on Wednesday. We decided to take a trip to the Philo Apple Farm in Philo,California. God smiled on us with a beautiful sunny fall day. The colors were unimaginable. I won’t describe them, I’ll let you see for yourself. Here are my favorite shots from our excursion. Please click on the View Full Album link to see all the photos.

View Full Album

Head on over to Better in Bulk and show us what you’ve been doing this week.

Sisters

2010-10-28T19:59:00.001-07:00

I had the privilege of photographing three beautiful young ladies this week. Here are a couple from our shoot.

I also have been busily editing wedding photos. more on that in another post.

We Picture {this} Natural Frames

2010-10-19T21:31:00.001-07:00

I Heart Faces: Constructive Feedback Friday

2010-10-08T08:21:00.001-07:00

I Heart Faces is taking a break from Fix-It Friday this week instead hosting a special Constructive Feedback Friday for those of us who would like to fix up one of our own photos and get advice on how to make it look even better!

So here it goes.

I just love this photo of the girls but it’s leaving something to be desired. Can you help me?

{Love that Shot} Faces

2010-09-30T09:22:00.001-07:00

I found a new link-up that I want to start participating in. Love your Shot Link-Up is a blog hop that allows photographers to share their photos. The link-up is live every Thursday and runs until Monday. Ordinarily there is no theme, but occasionally there is a guest judge and theme. This weeks theme is “Show Us Your Favorite Faces” and guess who is guest judging?!? You guessed it I Heart Faces!

So today, I’m sharing a photo that I took during a family session this week. This little cutie stole my heart, and I’m sure she will steal yours too!

This photo was taken with my Nikon D90 at a focal length of 40 mm, F4.2, shutter speed 1/1500, and ISO 320 in raw format. I recently starting shoot with back button focus. It has helped my photography immensely. It helps me keep the focus on my clients face and be able to recompose. I recommend finding out how to do this on your camera.

Seriously head over to Love Your Shot and participate this week. Angie and Amy would be most grateful!

My Father’s Day Shutterfly Experience

2010-09-26T22:29:00.001-07:00

Shutterfly sent me a promotion for 10 free holiday post cards and they gave me three to giveaway to all of you. keep reading to find out how you can win one.

I don’t know if you noticed lately but I love photos. I love looking at photos. I love taking photos. I dream about photos. I just love photos THAT much. It is very important to me when I print photos to hang on my wall or put into one of my scrapbook albums that they are the best quality they can be.

I recently purchased a photo book for my step-father from Shutterfly. It was filled from cover to cover with photos of he and his grandsons. It was fairly inexpensive and the quality was amazing. The book is leather-bound, the colors are beautiful and it looked exactly the way I thought it would while I was designing it online.

I’m looking forward to purchasing some Christmas Photo Cards from Shutteryfly this holiday season. In fact we have a family session set up for Tuesday afternoon for this very purpose.

Shutterfly offers many different products to share or display your precious memories. They carry Birthday Invitations, Thank You Cards, party invitations, and many many other things.

I hope that you will head over to Shutterfly and check it out.

To enter the giveaway to receive a promo code, simply write your own review of Shutterfly on your blog and come back here and give me the link in the comments below. I will randomly choose three winners.

*I received free products from shutterfly.com for posting this review.

I Heart Faces: Smirk

2010-09-20T14:49:00.001-07:00

The theme over at I Heart Faces this week is Smirk. A smirk refers to a smile evoking insolence, scorn, or offensive smugness. Check out these brothers!

I mean if those are smirks, I don’t know what is!

Head over to I Heart Faces and see all the other beautiful entries, and maybe even enter one of your own.

Sweet Shot Tuesdays

2010-09-14T20:59:00.001-07:00

This will be my first time linking up with Sweet Shot Tuesdays. I’m excited to start a journey to better photography.

This past weekend I had the privilege of photographing a Quinceanera for a beautiful young girl. I had never been invited to one before, so being asked to photograph one was a real treat. I have a couple of favorites from the Mass I would like to share with you.

I was honored to be part of this wonderfully religious ceremony. I will be sharing more photos from the day throughout the week. Please feel free to offer up constructive criticism, I really do appreciate it.

What have you been photographing lately?

I Heart Faces: Vroom Vroom

2010-09-13T20:33:00.001-07:00

Every year on Labor Day weekend our small ~~logging~~ town celebrates Paul Bunyan Days. In patriotic holiday fashion we also have a parade. The Shriners Clowns and Keystone Cops always participate. This particular photo is of the Keystone Cops. I just love parades, but more than that, I love people who support our local children and give back to the community!

We Picture {this} Laughter

2010-09-08T01:05:00.001-07:00

click on the button above to participate in this months challenge!

{You Capture} Outside

2010-08-26T12:18:00.001-07:00

I could hardly wait for this weeks theme over at I should be folding laundry You Capture. Outdoors. Who doesn’t love the outdoors? We had some beautiful weather here the last two days. we were loving the 75* heat. Climbing trees, skinning knees, and having an all around great time.

Mr. Moo usually have dirt and scrapes and scratches on his knees from playing outside. If there is a pile of dirt anywhere this kid finds it and is in it instantaneously.

Outside light is the best for photographing babies. The Peanut was loving laying on his blanket in the sunshine. Mommy was loving the yummy natural light to photograph her beautiful baby in.

As for Little Fire Chief, well, he’s too fast to capture when he’s playing outside.

Have you been taking photos outdoors this week? Please share with us over at I should be folding laundry.

{54,55,56/365} Soccer Practice

2010-08-24T22:38:00.001-07:00

Little Fire Chief is playing Soccer again this season. He started practice two weeks ago. His coaches are two ladies that I have known a very long time. They are GREAT!!

I mean check him out. Who is this kid? Last year he wouldn’t have had that stance waiting in the goal area! I am very happy with his progress, and he is too.

Mr. Moo wants terribly to be out there playing with him. Yes, that’s him watching intently as Little Fire Chief practices.

As for Peanut, well, he just lays around and smiles at mommy while the big boys play.

I would love to hear what you have all been up to!

Welcome Baby

2010-08-24T19:36:00.001-07:00

I am so blessed to have such a talented friend. Nichole of ONELife Photography helped us capture some of the sweetest memories we will ever experience in our lifetime.

I want to share some of those memories with you today since I have not yet done so.

Thanks Nichole for being there to welcome our little Peanut into the world and giving us the wonderful gift of lasting memories.

I Heart Faces: Beach Fun

2010-08-24T10:18:00.001-07:00

I had the privilege of shooting some maternity photos for a wonderful family a couple of months ago. We decided on some beach photos around sunset. Here is one of my favorites from the shoot which also happens to correspond with the theme over at I Heart Faces this week.

Head on over to I Heart Faces and share in the Beach Fun!

{50,51,53/365} Two

2010-08-21T18:17:00.001-07:00

Two Years old and full of spunk! Mr. Moo is such a fun loving little boy. He wants to be just like his big brother, but yet, is so different. The sweatshirt that he is wearing is Little Fire Chiefs. He was thrilled to be wearing it.

2 Months Old. Peanut is discovering more and more each day. He finally can put his thumb in his mouth voluntarily!

What have you been capturing?

{We Picture This}Flowers

2010-08-20T00:22:00.001-07:00

This was a fun shoot with a couple of friends of mine. I just love the sunflowers!

{44,45,46,47,48,49/365} Playing Catch Up

2010-08-19T23:52:00.001-07:00

Wow where does the time go? I’ve been super busy taking care of baby, running Little Fire Chief to soccer practice, shooting family sessions, eating in beautiful restaurants (Le Petite Rive), and photographing my first wedding. I’ve been taking photos but have had barely anytime to edit them. So here are a few to catch up.

These first two are from our favorite restaurant. Le Petite Rive is just beautiful and the owners are fantastic! They serve water out of the wine bottles pictured above and. The sorbet that is pictured was mango, YUM!

These next three are from a recent family session with some friends of mine. The C Family was so much fun to photograph! Look at their beautiful baby boy!! He is a month older than Little Peanut.

and just so you all don’t scream at me, here’s one of Little Peanut (well sorta anyway) playing in his bouncer. The giraffe is his favorite. He has an elephant hanging on there too.

Well it was fun catching up. I will try to be more consistent. I can’t promise anything though. Being a mom of three is hard work.

Firsts

2010-08-14T22:13:00.001-07:00

I was hired to shoot my very first wedding, and it was (F-U-N) Fun!! I cant wait to share more but here are two I’d like you all to see. . .

love is amazing!

38,39,40,41,42,43/365

2010-08-12T09:33:00.001-07:00

I have been a very busy photographer the last few days. As some of you already know, I am in the process of building a portfolio in hopes of opening a legitimate photo business soon.

I am looking forward to shooting my very first wedding this coming Saturday. I put together a Facebook business page and the same day it was up, a very nice couple called and asked what my wedding pricing was. I was not even going to venture into the wedding realm until I had done some Child, Family, and Maternity sessions, but I guess we should just jump in with both feet right?

Allow me to share a few from a recent (portfolio building) family session.

The M Family was a lot of fun to photograph. The kids are beautiful. Mom and Dad are amazing. Just a good wholesome family. Thanks guys for a great session!

I Heart Faces: Surprise

2010-08-09T21:27:00.001-07:00

If this doesn’t say surprise, I don’t know what does!

Head over to I Heart Faces for some very cool surprises this week.

37,38,39,40,41,42/365

2010-08-06T23:13:00.001-07:00

A couple of Little Peanut. He’s 7 weeks old. Can you believe he’s already 7 weeks old? Time just slips away doesn’t it?

Hubby wanted to get in on the 365 fun and took some photos of plants in the back yard. Check out his work!

Aren’t they just breath taking? I didn’t know he had such raw talent. *Swoon*

{35,36,37/365} Vintage

2010-08-02T14:10:00.001-07:00

I have been having a lot of fun turning some photos that we took down by the train tracks into old time looking photos. Here are three that I especially love!

The boys just love the Skunk Train. We go look at it almost every day with daddy. I just happened to have my brand-spanking-new Nikon 70-300 mm lens with me while I was watching them run to the train this week. It’s a beautiful father-son ritual.

I Heart Faces: Random Acts of Kindness

2010-08-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

It’s Angie and Amy’s week off at I Heart Faces. This is a week instead of a judged photo challenge, there is an opportunity for us to come together as a photography community and share how we give back to our community with our photos.

I believe that every true gift that we have, whether it be the gift of the written word, song, artistry, or photography, etc comes from God. As a Christian I am called to Go and take the word of God to all nations. I would one day like to use my photography for that purpose. But for now, I tote my camera to church functions and use it to help capture memories with my church family.

Last week was our Vacation Bible School. I toted my camera along in hopes of capturing special moments between our little ones and God, and the fun that they all had learning of His special gifts.

Father’s Day this year I was lead to offer my services to the kids in our church for a fathers’ day present for their dads. I had so much fun taking photos of the little ones and I think they had fun too.

I Heart Faces is featuring a very cool charity on their site this week. Please visit The Littlest Heroes Project by clicking on the link below.

How are you giving back to your community? please come share your story in photos with us at I heart faces!

{32,33,34/365} Friends

2010-07-26T15:43:00.001-07:00

I had the pleasure of doing a photo session with a friend of mine and her two boys. I am also going to be photographing her wedding in October. I can’t wait!! Here are my three top faves from the session last night. Please click on the photos to enlarge them if you so desire.

If you or someone you know lives in Mendocino County and is interested in a photo shoot, please have them email me at photosbychelsi@gmail.com .

29,30,31/365

2010-07-22T21:20:00.001-07:00

Some things have been growing at our house! I thought I should give you a chance to see them. Here they are:

Plums

AND

Peanuts

P.S. did you notice the watermark on the first plum photo? that’s my new business logo. I’ll be telling you more about the process a little later.

You Capture: Black & White

2010-07-22T12:12:00.001-07:00

Black & White photos are my favorite. I have taken quite a few photos of Little Peanut this week. Most of which I have converted to black and white.

These ones are my favorite! What have you been capturing this week? Head over to I should be folding laundry and show us your black & white photos.

27,28/365

2010-07-20T12:47:00.001-07:00

I have two new loves in photography:

One is my new Shey [B] slip cover.

The other, my new Nikon D90. Tomorrow I will post some shots from my new best friend!

I Heart Faces: Over My Head

2010-07-19T13:32:00.001-07:00

I Heart Faces theme this week is anything that is over your head. They say the sky is the limit. Nothing better than a couple of love birds on a train right?

Head over to I Heart Faces and join in the fun this week.

25,26/365

2010-07-17T08:53:00.001-07:00

I must admit I didn’t take these today or yesterday, but have been waiting to edit them and show them to all of you. We took a ride on the Skunk Train the other day with the boys. Saying they enjoyed themselves would be an under statement.

Little Fire Chief reading on the train.

Mr. Moo was so tuckered out on the way home that he just couldn’t keep his eyes open anymore. The Train Singer lulled him to sleep with a rendition of Clementine.

These little people are truly blessings aren’t they? Being a mommy is definitely hard work, but the immense joy that children bring makes it all worth it.

GMYBS: Runaway Train

2010-07-16T08:40:00.001-07:00

Last Friday (yeah I know it wasn’t this week), I took some photos for a friend of mine Nichole from Onelife Photography. She and her husband needed new photos of them for their walls, so I agreed to help them out. She took some beautiful photos of Little Peanut for us in the hospital and also my maternity photos. I couldn’t wait to return the favor.

I would like to think that Love is a runaway train when it experienced by married people. unfortunately in today's society true love is hard to find. The love expressed by this couple is truly refreshing.

These train cars sit on the back of the Skunk Train property. They are absolutely the coolest things I have ever seen. It is such a treasure trove of texture and beauty back there.

Just beyond the train depot is the Guest House Museum. We took a few photos on the lawn. I especially like the way these few turned out.

Meet Holly, we just had to have photos of the family pet. She is too adorable for words. Full of spunk and personality.

Last but not least, my favorite from the entire shoot.

Now please head over to Better in Bulk to show us what you have been photographing this week.

P.S. You can find my photography blog here.

{22,23,24/365}Firsts

2010-07-15T16:17:00.001-07:00

Little Peanut will be a month old in two days. I took these photos to document that.

Mr. Moo had his first haircut today. I wanted photos of him sitting in the chair. No such luck. He screamed the entire time, however, here is a photo of his curly locks.

Maybe next time he’ll let me take a picture.

20,21/365

2010-07-11T19:04:00.001-07:00

We have been out and about the last two days. I will be sharing a bit about the fun we have been having a bit later. But for now. . .

I had some fun the other day taking photos of some friends. Here are my favorites from the shoot.

This was a ton of fun. I’ll post more a little later.

{18,19/365} Ears

2010-07-07T19:47:00.001-07:00

I really couldn’t decide which one I liked better today, so here are two photos that I took of Peanut.

While you’re here, how do you like the watermark?

{17/365}2.5 Weeks Old

2010-07-06T16:09:00.001-07:00

At 2.5 weeks old, Peanut is weighing in at 7lbs 4 oz. Yes folks that’s right, he’s gained a whole pound in two weeks. His pediatrician said that he is happy, healthy, and perfect. We definitely think she is right.

Blessings

Healthy Babies

Freedom

A successful Family Session on July 4th

Grandparents

{13,14,15,16/365} G Family Sneak Peak

2010-07-05T13:53:00.001-07:00

I had a fabulous time with the G Family yesterday. They are expecting a baby boy in August and I could not be more excited for them. I have chosen a couple of my favorites to share with you all!

I had a ton of fun with you all, thank you again for allowing me to capture your memories!

11,12/365

2010-07-04T08:53:00.001-07:00

I have been super busy with children the last few days. Hubby has been trying to finish up his last clinical hours for his paramedic while he’s off on paternity leave. Handling three children isn’t so hard, until of course, baby wants to eat. Then life gets a little hectic. However, I do have two photos for you that I took downtown during the street fair.

This first one is a photo of one of the benches Hubby built for the downtown project.

I couldn’t take a photo of the bench without also taking a photo of the beautiful planter box behind it.

We picture {this}Water

2010-07-03T07:48:00.001-07:00

I’m very excited for this month’s theme over at We picture {this}! It just so happens that my little boys were playing in water the other day and I caught some pretty fun shots.

My mom put the kiddies pool down at the bottom of their play set slide, Little Fire Chief had a blast!

Mr. Moo wasted no time getting in either. Ahhh sweet summertime!

{10/365} Admiration

2010-06-30T08:45:00.001-07:00

All my boys admiring our newest addition. Life is wonderful, at least for the moment.

Blessings

Adoption Finalization Day

Supportive Friends and Family

Hubby is home ALL DAY

Plans to ride the Skunk Train this week

9/365

2010-06-29T15:30:00.001-07:00

Nothing better on a warm sunny day than a kiddy pool and a slide!

I Heart Faces: Pets Only

2010-06-28T09:56:00.001-07:00

It’s Pets Week over at I Heart Faces, but any old animal will do. I just love this goose. In the town of Mendocino there is a pond. In that pond there are many geese. This one screams unique to me. Doesn’t it to you?

Please head on over to I Heart Faces to see all the other beautifully unique animals this week.

{6,7,8/365} Baby

2010-06-28T08:51:00.001-07:00

Peanut had a well-baby check last Tuesday. The pediatrician said he looks healthy, happy, and well-fed. He weighed in at 6 lbs. 5 0z. just 4.5 oz less than birth weight. He is eating every 4 hours and sleeps fairly well at night. He has started smiling, not sure if it’s voluntary, but he seems to like his mommy an awful lot.

Daily Blessings

Consistent Sunny and Warm Days

One-on-One time with Little Fire Chief (went to see Toy Story 3 in 3D)

Snuggles from all of my boys

Supportive and loving church ~~friends~~ family

5/365

2010-06-25T18:18:00.001-07:00

You know that it is summertime in the McFadden household when the grill is turned up and the sweet aroma of cilantro and tomatoes wafts in the sliding glass door. Yummy!

Daily Blessings

Mr. Moo politely asking to go outside (to pee).

Sunshine

Slipping into my pre-pregnancy CK Jeans

Tiny Baby Feet

Fresh Salsa and Chicken Fajitas

Tree Climbing

Give Me Your Best Shot

2010-06-25T13:29:00.001-07:00

I have some spare time today so I thought I would participate in Lolli’s Give Me Your Best Shot.

Can you guess what we made?

What have you been doing this week? Head over to Better in Bulk and show us!

{3,4/365} Pwetzels and Apple Pie

2010-06-24T13:14:00.001-07:00

This morning Hubby was cutting up Pineapple to put into a smoothie. Mr. Moo had a taste and immediately came to tell me

“apple pie, good mommy”.

Do you mean Pineapple sweetie?

“Yeah Pinewapple!”

Not only has Mr. Moo discovered “apple pie” this week, but his other favorite snack is" “Pwetzels”. We had oatmeal, pineapple, watermelon, smoothie, and Pwetzels for breakfast this morning.

He was a pretty happy boy.

Blessings

Peanut {one week old}, only wakes once at night.

Sunny Summer Days

Time with Hubby

McFadden Photography getting up and running

{2/365}

2010-06-22T17:01:00.001-07:00

Today’s photo was hard to choose, so many good things came from today. I think my favorite by far though has to be of Little Fire Chief reading to Mr. Moo. What a good big brother he is!

Daily Blessings

a good well-baby checkup

boys playing well together indoors most of the day

Baby sleeping until almost 9 AM

{1/365}

2010-06-21T15:18:00.001-07:00

My 365 Project starts today. Along with a photo a day, I will be posting some daily blessings. I think it is important to maintain a good attitude through everything. Finding the tiny daily blessings in each day helps to keep your chin up and remember that God is in control and it is only by His mercy and grace that life exists for each one of us.

Daily Blessings:

Hubby is home!

Warm weather for boys to play in.

8 hours of sleep (interrupted every 4 hours of course).

New Addition

2010-06-20T20:52:00.001-07:00

I know that you have all been waiting on bated breath for an update. So without further ado, please give a warm welcome to James Troy. All photos watermarked in this post were taken by my good friend Nichole. It was such a blessing to have her there recording our precious memories for us.

Peanut was born on June 17 2010, weighing 6 lbs 10.6 oz, measuring 19 inches long.He is a happy and healthy little man. We love him dearly and are feel so privileged to have him.

Mr. Moo and Little Fire Chief are adjusting to the change very nicely and love their new brother dearly.

We are blessed beyond measure.

Up next, I am starting a 365 project.

Hiatus

2010-06-16T13:21:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone. I will be taking a hiatus from blogging for a while. We are due to be induced tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM. I anticipate that we will have Peanut sometime tomorrow afternoon. I will definitely get on here long enough to post some photos but that will probably be all for a while. I want to make sure that Little Fire Chief and Mr. Moo have lots of time to bond with Peanut and that we have plenty of adjustment period to go around. Plus, Hubby will be home for seven (yes I said 7) weeks and I want to spend as much time with him as possible. I might participate in an I Heart Faces contest here and there, and may post some photos from time to time, but for now, this is ~~goodbye~~ See Ya Soon!

Over my hiatus I will be working with someone to update my blog and there will be a photography blog added. I am working on building my portfolio and then will set up a legitimate business within the next few months. I can not wait to see what our futures have in store for us.

See you soon!

I Heart Faces: Babies

2010-06-15T07:41:00.001-07:00

I can’t tell you how much I love photographing babies! I’ve only had the opportunity to photography mine and two others, but what an honor! Here’s another photo from one of my recent Father’s Day shoots. I hope you enjoy it.

Please head over to I Heart Faces and check out all the other baby love this week.

PS. We will be welcoming Peanut into the world on Thursday! Woohoo!

GMYBS: Portraits

2010-06-10T19:17:00.001-07:00

I had so much fun the other day shooting some more Father’s Day portraits. Here are few from the mini-session.

This one’s my favorite from the day. This little guy is just a sweetie.

Who doesn’t love a baby in a tree?

aren’t those eyes just amazing?

These boys were so much fun to photograph. They were eating the “silly faces time” up!

What have you been photographing lately? Share with us over at Better in Bulk today!

You Capture: Fun

2010-06-10T11:05:00.001-07:00

I will admit that I took these photos Saturday, and thought they don’t portray people having fun, I had fun taking them.

I took Mr. Moo the Ukiah Airport Air Show. We saw planes, helicopters, and fire trucks!

Helicopters are fun right?

What about bi-planes?

Oh okay, Fire Trucks are more fun you say?

Oh, you wanted to see Mr. Moo? He was so overwhelmed, but all we have heard about for 4 days now is, Helicopters and Airplanes.

Here’s some real fun, Mr. Moo’s Grandma brought a container of Lady Bugs for him to release. He was pretty excited about getting to hold all these lovelies.

Did you have fun this week? Head over to I should be folding laundry and join in the photo fun.

PS. I had an OB appointment on Tuesday. We are scheduled to be induced on Thursday Morning. Next weeks You Capture may just have photos of Little Peanut.

I Heart Faces: Play

2010-06-06T21:46:00.001-07:00

The theme over at I Heart Faces this week is Play. There isn’t ever a dull moment when Mr. Moo is outside. This photo was taken at the Point Cabrillo Light Station in Caspar, CA. I did a little photo shoot for some of the children that we attend church with. The goal was to capture memories for their daddies for Father’s Day. I think that Hubby will love this one of Mr. Moo as it really shows his beautiful personality.

Won’t you play along with us? Head over to I Heart Faces and join in the playful fun!

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no. . .

2010-06-04T13:11:00.001-07:00

It’s Cal-Fire Air Attack! Yes, we are headed out of town tomorrow to see some seriously cool airplanes and helicopters. My boys are going to go nuts for daddy’s planes and helicopters tomorrow. It’s too bad daddy doesn’t get to go, he will be working.

The boys have no idea we are heading to watch Cal-Fire in action. These are some photos of the planes that I took last year.

We arrived too late to see any demonstrations last year, hoping to see these babies in action this time! The boys will L-O-V-E it!

What are your weekend plans?

We Picture {this}: Dads

2010-06-03T15:01:00.001-07:00

I couldn’t resist entering these photos for We Picture This’ June Theme. Hubby is such a great sport. We recently attended a church picnic for Memorial Day.

The rope that you see hubby being tied up with was supposed to be for a tug-a-war challenge. The little boys got restless, so hubby suggested they try to tie him up with the rope. He’s definitely our favorite daddy.

Do you have a favorite daddy moment to share this month? Click on the banner at the top of this post to share with us.

Service

2010-05-30T08:25:00.001-07:00

I pledge allegiance to the flag of The United States of American and to the republic to which it stands. One Nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

That’s exactly what Memorial Day is all about. Thanking God for the men and women who bravely serve our country with honor so that we can experience the privilege of liberty and justice.

Let us not get wrapped up in all the BBQs, camping, and three day weekend. Let us remember these brave and selfless people who have served us so well.

Thank a soldier, hug a military wife, and pray for their families.

How do you honor our Military men and women?

Happy Memorial Day.

I Heart Faces: Yellow

2010-05-23T19:00:00.001-07:00

Just a few weeks ago I wrote about going over to hang out with hubby at work. You can see more photos of that visit here. If it weren’t for the fact that Little Fire Chief was wearing the brightest yellow shirt you have ever seen on that day, I would not have an entry for this week’s challenge over at I Heart Faces. So here it is, my mellow yellow photo:

Head over to I heart faces to see all the mellow yellow fun!

I Heart Faces: Fix it Friday

2010-05-21T09:27:00.001-07:00

I’m participating in I Heart Faces’ Fix-it Friday today. This photo was submitted by a participant of their many photo challenges. She said that she had been doing a 365 challenge and this was one taken as all of the natural light went away for the day. This is the before:

I lightened it up a bit, Pioneer Woman’s Cooler Action, cropped it a bit, and changed it to black and white in Photoshop Elements 8. Here’s what it came out looking like when I was all done:

On a personal and exciting note, I am going to be upgrading from a Nikon D40 to a Nikon D90 soon. It’s long overdue and I am also shooting my very first wedding in October. While I’m nervous, I think I have a lot of time to get tips and tricks from all of you wonderful photographers in the I Heart Faces Network. That’s my exciting news for the day. I think we might even have the D90 before Peanut arrives. Oh yeah and I got a new Blackberry that has a camera on it, my old one didn’t. I’m happy that I finally have a camera that will go everywhere with me. Even if it is just a poor quality one.

Hope you all are having a wonderful week.

You Capture: DOF

2010-05-19T21:04:00.001-07:00

Depth of Field if you weren’t quite sure what DOF stood for. I had the pleasure of capturing some faces over the last week

along with some cute feet.

Doesn’t it just scream “Tickle Tickle”?

I really don’t know what kind of botanical this is, but love the color. It almost reminds me of an Indian Paint Brush, but I don’t think that’s it.

Roses, what woman seriously doesn’t like roses?

Well that’s all for this week. Please head over to I should be folding laundry and show us what you captured this week.

I Heart Faces: Flowers

2010-05-16T15:52:00.001-07:00

Having boys, I don’t have many opportunities to take photos of faces and flowers. However, in April my sister-in-law got married. I have some photos of her holding her flowers. I had a really hard time deciding which one I liked the best but kept coming back to the same photo. I just can’t help but love the umbrella as well as the flowers in this shot.

She made the most beautiful bride didn’t she? She took everyone’s breath away, and was amazingly fun to photograph. Now please, by all means, head over to I heart faces to see what else is in bloom this week.

I heart faces: Fix-it-Friday

2010-05-14T13:54:00.001-07:00

This little boy is so precious. I just had to bring out the baby blue eyes in this photo.

Check out my fix:

Head over to I Heart Faces and play along with us today!

GMYBS: Natural Light

2010-05-13T16:03:00.001-07:00

Oh how I love natural light! So glad that the Grammie Diaries is co-hosting Give Me Your Best Shot this week and has challenged us to use natural light. Why? Well see for yourself!

We played and took photos out at Point Cabrillo Light Station yesterday. It was a ton of fun. Little Munchkins from our church were all out there having a good time and preparing photos for their father’s for Father’s Day.

You couldn’t get a photo like this with flash. Just look at those eyes! Learning to shoot in natural light can be a challenge, but once you get the hang of it, you won’t want to shoot in anything else.

Have you been shooting in natural light this week? Head over to Better in Bulk and share your beautiful photos with us all!

You Capture: Yellow

2010-05-13T08:12:00.001-07:00

Meet Jack. He’s our Yellow Lab.

He’s a really good dog.

Not many dogs would tolerate being teased by a two year old very well, but Jack doesn’t mind.

He’s just happy to be here.

Joy

2010-05-12T23:56:00.001-07:00

Boys are a joy!

Especially when allowed to frolic in the tall grass.

Also while learning to be a big boy and drink out of a juice pouch all by themselves.

I think Boys are a Joy most all of the time. Don’t you?

I love it here

2010-05-12T07:50:00.001-07:00

Evenings like this remind me how much I love my hometown. I mean, where else can you see sunsets such as these over beautiful coastlines? It really doesn’t get much better!

Happy Wednesday.

I Heart Faces: Fix-it-Friday

2010-05-07T08:34:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful little girl! I was happy to edit.

Here’s the original:

After some editing in Elements 8.0:

Head over to I heart faces to show us your editing genius!

You Capture: Spring AGAIN

2010-05-05T20:50:00.001-07:00

Tuesday was spent burning brush up at a family friend’s ranch. It was sunny and warm.

The flames were amazing.

I’m not a pyromaniac by any means, but boy did I have fun taking photos of flames.

While hubby worked hard burning brush,

Mr. Moo had other plans.

Dirty face and all, he went out hunting for bugs.

Beetles to be exact.

I doesn’t get more springy than this. Head over to I should be folding laundry to participate in You Capture. The theme this week is SPRING.

This is why

2010-05-03T14:35:00.001-07:00

I love my husband,

and my boys.

This is why,

I love my life!

How did you spend the Lord’s Day yesterday?

Blogging for Books: Radical

2010-05-03T13:01:00.001-07:00

Is salvation a choice or is it pre-determined? Is following Jesus easy? Is it comfortable?

In David Platt’s book Radical the author challenges his readers to consider that people have manipulated the gospel of Christ to fit their culture.

In the first chapter of Radical, David Platt shows us what Christ really told His disciples of following Him. He shows us a story at the end of Luke 9. I encourage you to read it. He basically maps out what Jesus told his followers they must do to follow him. None of what he asked them was comfortable. As Christians we have been called to follow Jesus. no where in the bible does it say that following him is easy or comfortable. David Platt does an excellent job of mapping this out. Through his experiences in foreign lands he reveals what true Christianity is all about.

I encourage you all to take a look at this book. Here you will find the download for the firs chapter. Please read it! You can also request a free copy of The Radical Question here.

Multnomah has also generously given me a copy to giveaway. If you are interested in receiving my giveaway copy, leave a comment below and I will chose one of you to mail it to.

Both review and giveaway copies of Radical and The Radical Question provided by: WaterBrook

GMYBS: Joy Ride

2010-04-30T13:51:00.001-07:00

Our God is an awesome God he Reigns

from heaven above with wisdom,

power and love,

our God is an Awesome God.

I took a joy ride this morning. I went to Westport. I didn’t drive there for any particular reason. I just wanted to visit the Mendocino Coastline. I usually don’t carry my camera with me in the suburban, but for some reason it was with me today. I managed to capture some photos along the way while Christian snoozed in the backseat.

My favorite part of the drive to Westport is this tree tunnel. This photo really doesn’t do it justice. I wish that I could have stopped in the middle of the road and shot straight up at the trees. For fear of being run over, I decided against it.

Some days I can’t believe how blessed I am to live in a place that I am surrounded by so much natural beauty. Our God really is awesome isn’t He?

Can you believe I live here? I know the weather isn’t always the greatest, but look at the view!

It just doesn’t get better than this!

What have you been photographing this week? Please share over at Better in Bulk!

Honored

2010-04-30T08:20:00.001-07:00

How did that happen? Remember when I told you all that I had taken a photo walk in Mendocino CA? The moss photo that I took. . .was featured in a photography community!

I recently started entering my photos into the Tamron Photo Contest on the I Heart Faces Network. Well, it’s one of the featured photos today in the photos section of the network! This is definitely an accomplishment for me. I’m very excited. Even if I don’t win the contest, I am honored to have been featured in this community of such artistic and beautiful photographers. Thanks I Heart Faces!

Twos

2010-04-29T15:03:00.001-07:00

Are they really all that terrible?

I mean, does Mr. Moo really look that terrible to you?

I don’t think so.

You Capture: Spring

2010-04-29T08:06:00.000-07:00

What does spring mean for the McFadden Family? It means so many things, let us show you.

It means flowers.

It means birds.

It means umbrellas.

It means sunshine.

It means trips to the park.

What does spring mean for you?

Head over to I should be folding laundry and share you photos of spring.

Showers of Blessings

2010-04-25T21:20:00.001-07:00

My friends and family are the best. I know what your thinking: everyone thinks that about their friends and family. Well I can say it honestly. My friends and family are the best. One friend in particular put a lot of time and energy into planning a beautiful shower for Peanut and I. She had a few helpers, but most of the work was done on her own. It was amazing. Don’t take my word for it though, check out the photos below:

Every guest who brought a package of diapers to the shower was entered in a drawing for a door prize. Check out the diaper cake, Nichole (the host) made it herself.

If you haven’t guessed already it was a fire truck theme. Can’t have baby boys without fire trucks. Just ask Hubby. The tables had fire trucks on them with balloon bouquets attached.

We made Thank You water bottles (labels courtesy of Bean Sprout Studio) for guests.

Build your own Curry Chicken Salad and Salmon Salad Sandwiches, Fresh Veggies, Fruit Salad, and sweet treats were on the menu.

Along with beautiful beverages.

To top it all off, a wonderfully perfect Cake made by Kerryjane.

No baby shower would be complete without games. Especially the clothes pin game. You know the one where you can’t say baby or someone takes your clothes pin?

There were gifts. Peanut and I really didn’t need anything since this is our third boy and we have saved all of our baby clothes. The gifts that we received were very special to me.

some handmade by family members,

some off my baby registry,

and some that guests just thought would be nice for us to have.

Our family is truly blessed to have such wonderful people to surround us with love. Thank you everyone who helped make our shower wonderful, you are all very special to us.

See, don’t I have the best friends and family?

Side Note: The weather was awesome, I prayed all month for no rain. God is good isn’t he?

I Heart Faces: Smile

2010-04-25T20:47:00.001-07:00

Smiles are the theme this week. Smiles are the theme most days around here, but I couldn’t find a single photo that I loved more than one I shot at my sister-in-law’s wedding. My husband was the officiate of the ceremony as he is an ordained Baptist minister. The photo that I am entering this week emanates the joy that he felt in joining not just two hearts, but the hearts of his sister and his soon to be brother-in-law together. Every wedding should have such joy and love in the air. It really was a magical day for not only the bride and groom, but for the people who shared it with them.

Smiles are contagious aren’t they? Want to give everyone a reason to smile? Head over to I Heart Faces and share your smiles with us all!

Baby Shower Time

2010-04-24T07:53:00.001-07:00

Today, I will be celebrating with friends and family the upcoming arrival of Peanut. It’s going to be a ton of fun and absolutely beautiful. I will post lots of photos later, but here’s a sneak peak at the theme and colors*.

Well I better go get ready for the big day. Children must be fed breakfast at least before I leave them with hubby.

*Names, addresses, and phone numbers removed to protect the host and guests.

GMYBS: spring

2010-04-23T07:54:00.001-07:00

On the joys of spring time. Flowers are blooming, birds are singing, babies are being born. It’s an amazing season. I am having so much fun with my camera right now. I hope you are too.

Cherry Blossoms are amazing aren’t they? I just love spring. I hope you do too, because my shots this week are all springy.

and a little bit of moss hanging from an oak.

I just love the colors that spring brings too.

What have you been capturing this week? Head over to Better in Bulk to show us your best shots.

Next week I will share photos of my baby shower. It’s tomorrow.

I Heart Faces: Fix It Friday

2010-04-23T07:39:00.001-07:00

Check out this beautiful snow angel!

Here’s my fix:

Happy Friday all. Head over to I heart faces to join in the editing fun.

You Capture: Sweet

2010-04-22T18:26:00.001-07:00

I went with some friends to a local playground this week. I captured some pretty sweet faces while we were there. One of which was Mr. Moo’s!

Even if he was glaring at me, he still has a pretty sweet face doesn’t he? Then of course there was the beautiful baby boy who went with us. He’s such a cutie pie.

Even snot noses can be sweet. Or at least their mommies think so.

What’s not sweet? I have had the flu for two days now. Yuck! I will be back to blogging as soon as I am feeling better. Until then, join in the photo taking fun at I should be folding laundry.

Dirty

2010-04-19T17:40:00.001-07:00

Boy; a noise with dirt on it

Mr. Moo has been having some fun in the sun. While hubby works on my parent’s patio, Mr. Moo has been busy playing in the sand.

Digging, dumping, sitting,

and of course sliding!

I Heart Faces: Collages

2010-04-19T08:11:00.001-07:00

There’s a collage extravaganza going on at I heart faces this week! Usually if one were to enter more than one photo in their post, they would be disqualified from winning the weeks contest. However, this week, the more photos the better.

As many of you know, I had the privilege of attending my sister-in-law’s wedding a few weeks ago. My collage is of she and her husband on their wedding day.

Head over to I heart faces to see more beautiful collages this week.

GMYBS: Old Things

2010-04-16T12:45:00.001-07:00

Took a photo walk around Mendocino yesterday. I love old rusty things. Here are some I found along the way.

I also found some really cool detail wood work.

A heart shaped hole in the fence.

Head over to Better in Bulk and show us your best shots from this week.

You Capture: Fresh

2010-04-15T07:58:00.001-07:00

Went walking around town yesterday and found the most beautiful fence. It’s not freshly painted, but it’s fresh in my head. I love this fence. I’m so glad I found it to photograph.

I also had an opportunity to go photograph God’s seas a few days ago. Oh how fresh and beautiful they are! Just look at those clouds! Clouds are my most favorite things to photograph. they are never the same twice!

Isn’t He amazing? God, thank you again for beauty that surrounds us.

Do you have any “fresh” photos to share this week? Head over to I should be folding laundry and show us!

Details

2010-04-15T07:47:00.001-07:00

I think details are the most fun thing to photograph! Here are some detail shots from last weekend.

The fountain.

Fabric flowers that my mother-in-law made hanging on the gazebo.

Flower petals to throw at the bride and groom

These lined the walkway.

Beautiful wasn’t it?

Candles on the tables at dinner.

Bridesmaids flowers.

Beauty!

Randomness

2010-04-14T21:46:00.001-07:00

I finally got my 55-200 mm lens back from repairs. It’s been gone since January. I have been missing it very much. I was so glad to have it back that I had to take a few shots.

Isn’t this an amazing building. I just love the color and the texture. Plus, it’s God’s house, so I love it for that reason all by itself.

Railroad Crossing, need I say more?

I found this fence intriguing walking home today. Isn’t it beautiful?

What have you been finding beauty in this week?

Thank You Lord for Milk!

2010-04-14T15:33:00.001-07:00

Heart Burn. Who wants it? No one. Who needs it? No one. Who has it? Me. Pregnancy is never fun for me. Morning sickness, exhaustion, and yuck, heart burn.

The only remedy for heart burn this time around is Milk. A nice creamy glass of milk. When they say it does a body good, I believe them! I know, who takes a photo of you their glass of milk? I do!

I do because it’s the only thing that gets me through the day without heart burn.

Dear Lord. Thank you for Milk!

Weekend Recap #4

2010-04-14T10:07:00.001-07:00

Where there is love there is life. -Mahatma Gandhi

Weddings. Ah, the love that is all around. The bride and groom in love.

Couples in love.

Parents in love with their children.

Did I already say the bride and groom in love?

Love is Beautiful isn’t it?

Thank You God

2010-04-11T21:45:00.001-07:00

Thank you God for beauty! You are so gracious and merciful, I do not deserve the beauty which you have given me to look upon.

I do not deserve to meditate on your oceans.

I do not deserve to view your beautiful sunsets.

I do not deserve to ponder the heavens or gaze upon the clouds. Yet, You allow me these privileges. May I be more mindful of the small things that I take for granted. Thank You Lord for the oceans, sunsets and clouds. I need them, but do not deserve them. You are so gracious to me. Thank you Lord.

I Heart Dessert

2010-04-11T21:00:00.001-07:00

Head on over to I Heart Faces to sample the yummy goodness going on. It’s sure to be an yummy week over there.

Happy Birthday to you Mr. Moo!

2010-04-11T00:59:00.000-07:00

Its hard to believe that it’s been 2 years already. Mr. Moo is such a wonderful little boy. He is a delight to be around. He has to be the most easy going child ever! For example, on my birthday last Thursday (yes, April ~~fools~~ 1st) we drove to Sacramento were up way past bedtime and then I drug him all over Arden Fair Mall shopping, then off to rehearsal dinner for the wedding. We only had one incidence of crankiness all day. He is a trooper and a half. He rarely gives us trouble. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this beautiful boy.

He was never this tiny was he?

Mr. Moo we love you! You have grown to be a beautifully wonderful toddler. Happy 2nd birthday to you!

Weekend Recap #3

2010-04-10T09:05:00.001-07:00

Who doesn’t love a beautiful wedding? I had so much fun taking photos. Hubby officiated so I was somewhat trying to capture his expressions while also including the bride and groom. Talk about fun!

You may have noticed I changed hubby’s photo on my sidebar. I just love this one. Did I mention he is a Baptist minister? Yes that’s right, he rocks the Christian faith! He amazes me in his devotion to God. It’s partly why I fell in love with him. But enough about us, this is about THEM!

This was before the ceremony started. Mike appeared to be somewhat nervous. After all was said and done Hubby said that he was holding back the tears in this photo. He is just the sweetest guy, my sister-in-law is lucky to have him.

I’m going to skip the wedding party entrance and go straight to the bride. Isn’t she stunning? Beautiful if you ask me.

A patiently awaiting groom. You can tell he just loves her. awww!

I love this one of the hubby, and look at Mike’s face, he’s trying so hard not to laugh. They had a very cute ceremony with personal promises. You will see photos of that shortly.

Someone said something funny. ~~There shouldn’t be any laughing in wedding ceremonies, these are serious matters people!!~~ I loved how they lighted things up with laughter.

I was bummed this one came out a little blurry, but they exchanged rings.

And then of course they kissed!

Introducing Mr and Mrs. Shopp. May their love go on forever and ever!

We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day for a more beautiful couple. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and everyone had a great time. It was perfect, really!