It's all in the proof

If I had all the money in the world, and decided to take up something just because, it honestly would be farming.  I know, weird, but true.  I want to be able to "live off the land."  Now,  completely realistically..."living off the land" has got to look pretty.  I mean, it totally does in my mind's eye.  Aside from the fact that it's just plain healthier (and that is definitely a goal of mine), I just have this romantisized view of living simply.  So, clearly, I'm not talking about eating any weird little creatures that are found out in the woods, but I am entirely fine with getting a little dirt under these pretty little painted nails. 
Now, hand in hand with living off the land (in my mind) is making bread.  Makes sense, right?  So, I'm obsessed.  Literally. obsessed.  I could honestly make bread at any time of the day or night (I actually have) just because the interest strikes me.  Now, when I started making it several years ago, I'd just throw it in my cute little yellow kitchen aid, proof, form, bake, etc.  Now, I find myself excited to knead by hand.  I read somewhere that you can almost feel the dough come to life, and as crazy as that sounds, it's true...and totally addicting to me.  So, I am over and over trying this recipe and that recipe, tweaking this, eliminating that, trying to find my perfect bread dough.  I want to buy up different kinds of bread flour, pretty little pans, and a milk glass rolling pin.  I often have to talk myself out of all the things I need to order to properly make this or that.  It's a sickness.

 these pans I just ordered!  so excited!!  Want to try some cast iron, too...told ya'...sickness!

and, this!  Have I mentioned that I love vintage milk glass?!

and, I need this little babies to get better and better!

 

Almost forgot...aside from the dough becoming alive in my hands, my favorite part is after the dough has proofed and doubled in size, I absolutely love punching it down to form.  The dough is airy, and warm, and it just makes you feel like you've really accomplished something.  Okay, so nevermind about my last two favorite parts...my all time favorite part...fresh, warm bread, and BUTTER...lot's of butter!

 

Okay, I need to stop talking about bread, it's making me want to make some, actually eat some, and I have promised myself I would lay off (at least lay somewhat off) the carbs. 

 

How about Pinterest, folks?  Yep, I did it!!  I am now on Pinterest, and starting to get the hang of it!  I still have so many things and ideas to pin, but I can officially say that I "pin."

 

Looking forward to this weekend.  I should say that I'm looking forward to having my taxes finished up!  Any fun plans happening out there???  Don't forget daylight savings time!

 

 

c

 

 

p.s. thanks for listening to me rambling about bread! :)

 

this...that...and a whole lot of in between...

Wow!  It has been several weeks!  Definitely been enjoying some down time with my family.  We took a trip to Orlando, to Disney World, with the kids.  We drove!  And...can I say that my kids exceeded (in a very good way) all of my terrible, horrible, no good, very bad thoughts about driving almost 3,000 miles in a car with children.  I will say that I lost count how many times we heard the infamous, "Are we there?" question, but seriously, they were absolutely incredible!  Funny to think about a "road trip" these days.  When I was there age, a road trip mean hours upon hours in a car, with little to no entertainment, other than my other siblings.  Okay, so we had books to read...I mean those old fashioned paperback books, remember those?  And crayons and paper...which meant endless games of hangman and tic-tac-toe.  I'm pretty sure at one point my sisters and I even got pretty good at origami.  So, these days we're packing portable dvd/cd players, leap pads, etc., gotta' love advances in technology, right?  Somehow, though, I wish that books, and good ol' game of hangman was enough. 
Disney World!  We had an absolute blast!  And, let me tell you, as an almost 35 year old adult, I'm pretty sure my shock and awe was every bit as big as my childrens.  The place is just incredibly never ending, and incredible!  We loved it.  However, we bought a 4 day pass, and my 6 and 3 year olds were "Mickey-ed" out by day 3.  So, we took the rest of our time and relaxed by the pool or at the beach.  And, those poolside and beach days will be the ones that I will for sure remember.  Watching them see and play in the ocean for the first time...ahhhh, love! 
So, I am without doubt, a southern girl at heart.  In the almost 7 years since I have had my children I haven't been more south than the southern border of Minnesota.  Ugh, I know!  And, let me tell ya'...I'm sure there will be plenty of critics out there, and you know, I don't care.  There is just something a little special about the South.  Maybe it's just in my blood, or better yet in my heart, but it definitely calls to me.  Without looking back, I felt as though I could have come back to Wisconsin, packed up my house, and headed South.  There is a shabby genteel-ness about the South, from their buildings, to their manners, their speech, and oh my! oh my! their food!  Now, to get me talking about good Southern food, well, I could fill up an entire blog post and then some.  But, suffice it to say that I believe cheese and grits should be a staple food, right along side real butter!
So, back to reality meant coming home to a blizzard...literally!  It was almost an 80 degree temp difference.  Once we were back it seemed like it was one sickness after another.  My son's recurring strep and ear infections, followed recently by my daughter's case of pneumonia!  My thoughts...I've gone from practicing law, to being a stay at home mom/daycare provider, and photographer...why not add a medical profession.  In a small town let me tell ya' how hard it is to find a medical provider who is truly committed to you and your family!  I have run the gammit of  clinics and doctors, and am hoping that I have finally hit a good stride as far as doctors go.  So, in my near future I will be visiting with an audiologist and an ENT, allow with follow up xrays for my daughter's pneumonia.  I am more than certain this year has resulted in more doctors visits than my daughter is old--times two!
As for my little business...ready to get started in full swing here in about a month.  It will definitely be an interesting year.  As much as my little business has grown my husbands has and is as well, so praying that we will be able to properly balance our time together.

So, I finally got myself a little point and shoot camera so I don't feel the need to break my back by carrying my big camera everywhere!  Yay!
Now, some pics of our little trip:

 

 

Heading south!

Steak n Shake!!

 First day...Animal Kingdom

 p.s. this was Jude's favorite part...riding the tram

 

2nd day

 riding the ferry over

 Jude "driving" a race car

 haha!  Gaston was so in character!  We loved him!

an evening stroll at our resort

 poolside!

a look at the condo

 Epcot!

 my son is obsessed with outerpace (as he would say it!)

 

on our way home!

 

Okay!  I did it! Finally updated my blog! I have all intentions of becoming a regular again once my season is in full swing!  

 

 

 

It's all in a name

Here's a little fact about me...I choose many things based on how drawn I am to their names or titles.  I am notorious for doing this when choosing paints, plants, wines, ice cream, fabrics, artwork, recently breed of chickens, sunglass (yes, this is true!), any kind of scents (particularly scentsy type scents)...okay, you get the drift.   A tireless past-time of mine is cook books.  I read (seriously read page by page) cook books.  I'm obsessed!  So, again, I choose based on their titles.  Over Christmas I saw the cutest little book titled Easy as Pie...about pies!  It was all done up with the cutest little 40's theme, and I was sold!  I honestly didn't even look through it!  Thankfully it is FULL of all American favorite pies.  But, my favorite part is feeling like I could have just pulled this off a dusty shelf in my grandma's kitchen! 
So, to reiterate, if I were wise, I'd at least scroll through to make sure that I can put them to use for my family.  And, in my defense I do (for the most part)!  HOWEVER, sometimes I'm so consummed and enthralled with the title, that I just can't help but buy it, despite the fact that it has little to no recipes I know my family would enjoy.  Entirely absurd; a fact I am fully aware of, and doesn't seem to bother me...again, completely ridiculous!
So, to make sense of where I am going with this, we are planning this "road trip" with the kids to Disney world the first part of February.  I need some reading material, right?!  I mean, I have stocked up on things for the kids to do while driving the 24+ hours to Orlando...I need something to keep my sanity, too, right?!  So, what else it to be expected than a little book shopping.  And, I couldn't decide which title I was most excited about, so I got them all:

The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook

My Berlin Kitchen: A love story (with recipes)

The Farm: Rustic Recipes for a Year of Incredible Food

A Country Cooks Kitchen: American Style Icon

A Homemade Life: Stories and Recipes from My Kitchen Table



 

I will say that I can't wait to get my hands on these!  It makes spring time that much closer for me because I will undoubtedly begin to seriously plan my garden for the year (for which I have some big plans...however, I have big plans each year, and because  my husband is usually gone from dawn until past sundown in the spring and summer I find myself responsible for many of my plans.  Well, let's just say if I was physically a little stronger, I'd have a lot done around here!)  To me, half the fun is in the planning! 

 

Okay, for some reason I am not being allowed to post any photos to this post????  Weird.  I have so many pics to update, but I will save that for another day, apparently.  Instead, with all this talk of cookbooks, here is a recipe that my family loved.  Was asked for the recipe from a friend, so thought I'd just post it here--includes my input or substitutions: 

Spicy White Chili

2 c chopped onions

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 TBS olive oil

1 4/5 oz. can died green chiles

3 tsp chili powder

1 tsp dried oregano, crushed

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

3 15 oz cans white kidney beans, rinsed and drained

**(often called cannellini bean, these can also be interchanged with great northern bean or navy bean)

2 14.5 oz cans chicken broth

5 cups cooked turkey or chicken *(I used about 4 chicken breasts cooked, then cubed)

4 oz Monterey Jack cheese with jalepeno peppers, shredded

1. In a Dutch oven cook onions and garlic in hot oil over meduim-high heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until tender.  Stir in green chiles, chili powder, oregan, and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute.  Mash one can of the beans. Add all the beans and broth to ingredients in Dutch oven. Bring to simmering.  Cook, covered, for 10 minutes.

2. Stir in the turkey (chicken); cook about 10 minutes, until heated. Stir in cheese until melted.

 

**I am so not a calorie counting, low fat kind of gal, so of course when served I topped with a dollop of sour cream, more cheese, and a shake of paprika! YUM!!

2013 awaits...

The year 2012:

• Started 2012 out by documenting the birth of twins!
• 14 weddings
• 29 seniors
• families, babies, family reunions, family vacations, birthday, pets = too many to count
• first mini sessions. ever.
• 2 beauty pageants
• thousands of miles on my vehicle...bought a new vehicle
• 2 babies from previous brides' and grooms'
• a 50 year anniversary session
• Memories marked, friends made = immeasurable

As you all know, I am absurdly sentimental.  That makes my job even better.  For at every family/baby session I remember my own family and babies.  At every wedding I imagine the day I married my best friend.  Being a wife and mom makes these memories even more meaningful to me...I can't get through the father-daughter and mother-son dance without seeing my own family one day.  I love having parents along during senior sessions.  To hear them recollect memories, and tell me how quickly it goes by...being able to watch them watching their now high school senior makes me excited for that time (and a little sad that it really does happen all too fast).  One of my most memorable was a 50 year anniversary session!  Seriously, I just loved it, and imagined my husband and I wanting to document the same thing.  So cute!!

 

I am beyond humbled to be considered a "professional."  It's not a profession, it's a passion.  I have had no training, attended not a single conference.  And, when you live in a small town and begin a "business" where there may already be another "professional" (or two)...things tend to get a bit dramatic (I think that's a good word)...and I remember my husband just telling me to follow my heart, to do what I do, not what anyone else is doing or had done.  By the way...my husband is my biggest fan EVER! So, my priorities have remained the same...my family first! (That is why I quit my day job--not to start a photography business or any other business...just to be with my family).  I keep my nose on my own face, and out of what others may be saying or doing, and I just do.  Whether that means 14 weddings or none at all, I am blessed beyond what I deserve. I believe that God has His hand on each person and family that I have been privileged to serve; and I'm thankful for his omniscient leading.

 

In the year 2012, my family celebrated a 7 year wedding anniversary, a 6 yr old and a 3 year old birthday (along with 33 and 34 year birthdays!)!  We have skinned knees, bruised shins and chins, picked and eaten bushels of fresh berries together, rode in airplanes, gone swimming in rivers and lakes, learned how to do cartwheels, ridden horses, planted gardens, and said a tearful goodbye at our first school bus stop when our daughter started school.  I started attending a Bible study with some great girls (sort of a big step for me because I really dislike how groups easily become clicky--so not a "clicky" girl!) that I can now call friends; also thought I had lost a friend, but made her back again.

Was fortunate to be able to hold my grandma's hand as she was welcomed into life eternal.  We put our house up for sale = HUGE step for me (sentimentality gets me every time!).  Most of all I have grown, and learned lessons about myself, about others, and about the wonderful mystery of salvation in Jesus Christ.   

It is just crazy that about 4 years ago I was working a normal 9-5 job, with not even an idea that I would one day be working at home doing something that I am absolutely in love with. It is truly wonderful and crazy how God has worked these things out beyond my wildest imagination. He has made every desire of my heart known, and regardless of what is to come in 2013, I know that He is my solid rock, my resting place, my true joy. 

A quote that has been etched on my heart and mind carries me into 2013...

 

Another opportunity of ministry awaits you.  Shake the dust off those feet and move on.

 

happy new year!

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

CAUTION: read at your own risk

Okay, so I feel as though I need to give some sort of initial warning...like they do in movies, such as, "There were no animals harmed in the filming of this movie" ... my version: no children's hearts, lives, imaginations are harmed by not believing in Santa."
All right, there you go...read further at your own risk! :)  Each year I struggle with this concept.  Not the concept that this fictional fat man in a red suit called santa rules this time of year (ok, ok...maybe it is this...just a bit (: ), but the concept that as a parent if you choose to teach your children that Santa is a fictional character (btw parents...he really is fictional!) you are made to feel as though you, or your children shouldn't express your personal beliefs.  Now, before I delve further into this topic, I will tell you this, at the root of my struggle is this, the idea that in this day and age "TOLERANCE" and acceptance have become the norm...UNLESS your beliefs don't follow the mainstream.  Don't misunderstand me, I am tolerant in the fact that I am a person who uses discretion; I want to be sensitive to others around me; I strive to be sincere and not judgmental.  All that I am asking for in return is the same respect for myself and my family's beliefs. 
So, each year this "santa" thing comes up in my house...and each year...gotta' be honest, I dig my heals in just a bit more.  I have been asked on multiple occasions to tell my children not to tell someone else's children that santa isn't real.  Again, I hate to break it to ya' parents...HE ISN'T REAL!  And honestly, it's completely amazing to me how far some parents will go to make sure that their children don't find out the truth!  Now, if you don't know me, you may be inclined to think that my children are sitting in a dark home, void of imagination, love, and wonder.  Ha!  If you do know me, you also know that protecting and ensuring the innocence and wonder of childhood is a huge priority to me for my children.  I can assure you...the magic of Christmas is just as alive in the hearts of my children as it is in yours! :)
I choose to give my children a solid foundation of truth.  I choose to show my children the wonder of the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of my Savior, Jesus Christ.  Again, if you choose not to believe in this man Jesus, I respect that you choose not to (however, at least history can show that He truly did exist as a human being...just sayin').  I choose to show them the wonderful mystery he brought to us that day.  I choose to unfold this GIFT that will stay with them throughout their earthly lives, and beyond.  We, as a family enjoy watching all of the movies and reading the books telling about this jolly man who travels at the speed of light, etc. etc. etc.  It is fun!  But he can not compete with the real deal.  He can not take the place of the TRUE meaning of this season for myself and my family.
I will teach my children to love others, to be respectful of others, to use their discretion in all situations (to the best of a 6 year old and 3 year olds capabilities).  I, however, will not teach my children that their light should be hidden.  I will not teach my children that the beliefs that we hold dear to us in our household shouldn't be spoken of.  I will not allow my children to feel as though they have done something wrong simply because they know the TRUTH.  Perhaps you think it petty of me to hold such a tough stance on such an innocent topic.  I don't believe it is innocent.  It's a building block for me and my children.  It's the baby steps in showing them that your personal beliefs are valued, and should be respected.
On a very serious note, I struggle daily with the recent tragedies in Connecticut particulary that upon them has been forced an unspeakable tragedy at the most wonderful time of year.  I pray for each of the family members left behind by name.  My initial reaction was pure devastation, like the rest of the country, that this could happen at any time of the year...but, why at Christmas time, God?  The other morning while praying, I felt a huge relief as all of a sudden I felt that this season of love, giving, and hope can surround these families.  My Saviour, the true message of love, hope, and sacrificial giving was GIFTED to the world...that is what I celebrate.  I pray these families are loved and comforted by THE COMFORTER.  What man has meant for evil, God will use for good....in that will I put my faith and trust.  (p.s. this post was written a few days ago...and again, for fear of perhaps offending someone I hesitated to push publish.  But, then through a facebook message a friend of mine mentioned the story of Joseph--man meant their deeds for evil, but God meant it for good.  I had to push the botton!  Thank you to that friend! )
I truly wish each of you a Merry Christmas!  I am blessed beyond measure this year in business, and particularly family~I can not express the gratitude that I have for the many blessings of this season, & this year.  So, until next year...be safe, happy, and blessed, from me and mine to you and all of yours!

my WISH LIST

my WISH LIST

(i.e. things I'm really hoping to be

able to do this Christmas season)

•  Spend uninterrupted time with my husband!  It's been WAY too long!!  When you have children, some things inevitably do get put on the back burner...not to mention finding a babysitter is just a tad bit frustrating.  We usually go out of town for his birthday, which is a week before Christmas, it's really one of THE only times that we get to get away just the two of us the entire year.  I think we have pretty much given up on asking family members, and trying to find someone who knows us and our children well enough to leave them overnight is a bit daunting.  So...my first wish is to find a way to make this happen!!
• Take my kids to Bentleyville!
• Spend several days in a row without logging on, reading, responding, etc to any emails, voicemails, etc.  I without a doubt enjoy photography...but, there is one thing to be said about having someone whose sole job is to do just those things.  I wish I could have such a person!  But, for now I'll settle for taking some time away from all of today's wonderful technology. 
• Getting ALL of my editing done in the next week! 
• Bake cookies I've never made before...starting with Apple Cider Ginger Cookies, Gooey Cinnamon Squares (b/c I LOVE snickerdoodles!), Raspberry Crumble Bars, and Rosemary Thumbprints with Clementine Curd...just to name a few.
• Repaint my kitchen a nice dignified antique white-ish color (to which my husband rolls his eyes)
• Clean thoroughly my house--all those cleaning things that don't never get done, to include, but not limited to cleaning kids carpet in their rooms, baseboards, fans, behind my fridge/washer and dryer, and cleaning out all of my cupboards.  One thing I absolutely hate and love at the same time is going through all of the junk that is collected over a period of time and throwing it out!
• Sitting on the couch with my family to watch a movie!
• not gaining a single pound over the holidays (and after all of my baking!)
• Catching up on some books that I've wanted to read

I'm so sure I have forgotten a few things, but overall...I'm just ready to relax!

Here is the link to the Gooey Cinnamon Squares to which I am 100% positive I could devour all by myself! 

Now to catch up on some pics...

 

Really hoping to update before Christmas...sort of depends on whether or not one of my wishes comes true (bullet #4)

 

c

What's for lunch?

I wish there was some invention that logged my thoughts directly into my blog postings.  Seems like there is always something to write about, unless I'm sitting down to write.  The second I sit down, I'm thinking what in the world do I have to write about?! Children, of course!!  When you have kids, it just seems like the material writes itself--with little to no effort at all.  I could write about how my housework seems to never end; I'm still running behind in my editing; how quickly the holidays are approaching; etc., etc.  However, I realize more and more that these sorts of situations and "feelings" are common to anyone bearing the title MOM.   We definitely have our ups and downs, emotionally, physically, and everything in between.  But, some how we are always so resilient.  Isn't it amazing!?  Piles of laundry. Piles of dishes.  What's for lunch? What's for dinner? Mom, I'm bored.  Mom, can we go somewhere tonight?  Pick up the toys. Pick. up. the. toys! Sweep the floors.  Grocery lists. School lists.  Pick up the toys. Clean up. Pick up......bed time!  Seriously it. never. ends! 
And, lately I have added getting up at 4:30 to work out, and try to get some things done while the house is quiet, and there are no little distractions vying for my attention.    The things we do--we complain about it, wish for some down time, but wouldn't change a thing.
So, speaking about holidays...I LOVE this time of year!  I love making large meals and having everyone seated around a table.  I know that everyone has their "normal" traditions, but honestly it just seems a little off if you have Thanksgiving dinner and don't sit down as a family TOGETHER to eat.  Call me crazy, old fashioned, whatever...but, something just says you should all be together. eating. at the same time.  The same goes for Christmas!  I can't wait to plan meals...make cinnamon rolls with my daughter...it's like a dream come true--never ending food for a solid month!  The only draw back of cooking, and baking 'til my hearts content is the clean up.
And, speaking of clean up!  I need a good house cleaning!  Seriously, adding that to the "mom" list aforementioned.  Recently talking to a friend who has a little cleaning business, and I got to ask...does anyone ever feel like you need to clean up for the cleaning lady?   I'm embarrassed to say there are cupboards that haven't been touched since I moved into my house 4 YEARS ago?!  Yeah.  Gross!
Okay, well apparently this post was all over the map.  And, I am seriously just now being asked "what's for lunch?" It's only 10am! :) Time to wrap this up :)
Catching up on some previews from this summer!  This was such a fun session...awesome family, and awesome location!  Did I mention they brought a chicken...a pet chicken.  Did I further mention that I have a slight obsession with chickens!  I want chickens!!!!

We'll be out of town for Thanksgiving, so I hope everyone has a very happy and safe Thanksgiving!