March 6, 2013

I Am Learning

I am learning to be loving. We are called to love and this is not always easy. In fact, most of the time it is painfully hard. But I am learning that this is a high calling and something we can all be a part of.

I am learning that my insecurities are silly--people are not paying attention to what I am doing, saying, wearing, etc. They are more preoccupied with what they are doing, saying, wearing, etc. 

I am learning that a smile goes a long way.

I am learning how to communicate with my husband. We thought we had it down...then this little person came into our lives and now we are learning every day that we are far from being communication experts. Thank God for grace.

To tie into the last mentioned, I am learning patience. Whew.

I am learning to say no. That is a tough one. Especially when you want to say yes but you have learned the tough way that sometimes saying no speaks more about your character than saying yes.

I am learning that our son is going to keep growing and enjoying the present is the best thing I can do--not mourn the days passed or look forward to tomorrow.

I am learning to let things go--or as some would say, I am learning to "pick my battles". I think this will go a long way...

I am learning every day that our God is BIG. And I am small. 

I am learning to listen. Not every conversation has to involve two voices and not every conversation calls for advice. 

And to end on a fun note, I am learning to garden! These little tomato, lettuce, and cilantro plants are my going to be providing some yummy meals this summer. 
Are you a gardener? Any tips for this new, hopefully green, thumb?

What are some lessons you are learning? 

March 5, 2013

Chico, California Portrait Photographer:: Graduate Marlene

Okay, this girl has got to share her beauty secrets with the rest of us! Marlene is so beautiful and it was great going around town with her while she strutted her stuff. Marlene is graduating from Chico State with a degree in Psychology--hoping to get into a Graduate program at San Jose State in the Fall. 

We got into talking about traveling abroad and she spent a semester in Madrid, Spain. Although when she told me where, she said it with that sexy Spanish accent so I had to ask again:). Ohhh...Madrid, Spain. Gotcha!

Enjoy these photos of this gorgeous lady. Thank you Marlene for being so great!
 Marlene's tattoo represents someone who is very special to her--someone she lost too soon.

 Marlene is a part of one of the largest Multicultural Sororities at Chico State--had to represent her letters.
 Isn't she just adorable? I had so much fun with you, Marlene!

March 4, 2013

Chico, California Portrait Photographer:: Marlene Sneak Peek

Chico is having some beautiful weather--the trees are blooming and Spring is on it's way! I got to get out and photograph Marlene this weekend as we celebrated her graduating from Chico State! Just a little sneak peek at our time spent together. I stayed up way too late last night just loving looking through her photos. More to come soon!
Check out our facebook page if you missed the beautiful peek at her photos yesterday! "Like" our page to see more!

March 1, 2013

Five on Friday

Well this week was freakishly busy. Not sure if that sentence even makes sense but whatever--my brain is done.
One.
Had a breakdown early this week. Realized after crying to Travis for about 30 minutes that it didn't really stem from my busy schedule. The tears started as I had this realization that our son is growing up really quickly. I am savoring every day but it just doesn't feel like enough sometimes. I calmed down, gave my baby extra snuggles, and enjoyed the next day even more. Travis is a great listener.

Two.
We read this article and really resonate with it. Like I try to say on here often, I try to be real with struggles and triumphs--with the good and the bad. I try not to "fakebook" but it is hard. Of course we want to share our "unicorn, rainbows, and flowery" moments but we are doing ourselves and our friends a disservice when that is all we share.

Three.
We are gardening this Spring. Ah! I am so excited about this because I just put my little sprouting tomatoes and lettuce plants in their little pots. We plan on building the raised bed in a few weeks. I sent Travis a picture of the little sprouters today--embarassing. 

Four.
Finally took all of the videos and photos off of my phone to back them up. I kept having to delete to make room for more stuff so it was time. Feels good but we used to look through the photos of the day in bed at night before drifting off to sleep. Guess I have to make new memories to watch!

Five.
This is how we wake up almost every morning. I'm not joking. We are seriously in love. Little man sleeps phenomenally and then wakes up with smiles. Travis tells me not to go in there because he wants to be the one to see his smiles first thing in the morning. Brody is blessed to have such a great daddy in his life.
Have a great weekend! It is supposed to be awesome weather so maybe we will see you at the park:)