Day 57 {Touch}

February 26th, 2014

Babies touch the world with love


Sleeping children are my favorite. They are just so peaceful and carefree. I think they sleep better because they have nothing to worry about. They don't know what's going on in the world, and they have nothing to do tomorrow or things they should have done today. There aren't any fears or concerns clouding their minds, they can just sleep. I wish I could sleep like that.

Day 56 {Rewind}

February 25th, 2014

Went by so fast, oh so sweet


Sometimes I wish we could travel back through time. Not because I want to change anything but, I would love to relive some moments and enjoy full days all over again making every second count. I'm guilty of not always living in the now and always looking for something more. I guess being ambitious isn't a bad thing but, it's at the end of weekends like these where I wish so much I could turn back time and live in the now and re-enjoy every second of it.

Day 55 {Loss}

Conner let me cut his hair tonight...I promise he's not bald...he really had this much hair that needed to go

February 24th, 2014

Loss


Whenever you lose something that was a part of you it's tough. Be it your friend, family member, pet, or even inanimate things like run out of your favorite perfume or loose a bracelet. Loss is a part of life but, not one of the more fun parts. Little children often fear getting their haircut because they can't quiet grasp the concept that their hair will grow back and what is cut off is not gone forever. I do not think that we should all morn the loss of our hair but, I do think that in the rush of the world we sometimes forget to morn things, not spend days, but it is okay to be upset for that which you have lost.

Day 54 {View}

February 23rd, 2014

Point of View


Life is all about your point of view. You can be a glass half full or half empty person but, at the end of the day your point of view mostly just effects you. There is always bad to be found, in every situation if you dig deep enough you will find it. I could sit here and complain that the truck window is dirty, it's -15  degrees outside, I am tired, and I am bored out of my mind. But, what good does it do to find the bad? It certainly doesn't made the bad go away, rather it exemplifies it. Instead I could focus on that I'm inside a nice truck, the heater is running, and I can be grateful for where I am and who I am with. Your point of view can make a world of difference on the kind of person you are, and find a positive point of view and people will want to be around you and share the same point of view.

Day 53 {Reflection}

Glacier National Park

February 22nd, 2014

"The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection" ~Thomas Paine


It always amazes me how much more we can see when we look back and reflect on past events. There is always a hindsight bias, something we should have, could have, would have done differently. Sometimes I think we forget, though, that we can't change the past. We can only reflect on it and learn from it so that history doesn't repeat itself. And sometimes I think the reflection is just as important in the learning experience as the original experience was.

Day 52 {Attention}

We picked up Hunter from school today so he could come play with us for a little while.

February 21st, 2014

Attention


What captures your attention? Television? Sports? Concerts? Cooking? There is something that captivates each of us, we all have a weakness for one thing or another. And isn't it great that we can all enjoy different things? These kids love the television, if it's on their eyes will be drawn to it. I love taking pictures, if I have a camera in my hand I can zone the rest of the world out and for a moment I don't notice anything else except what I can see in my lens. I think it's important to have something that you can always turn to and know that it will bring you happiness.

Day 51 {Happy}

February 20th, 2014

What makes you happy?


Are you happy with the little things in life or do you seek more extravagant things to find happiness? Do you smile just because you're here to live another day? Are you thankful when things are good? It is so easy to complain when things aren't going your way. When you have a stressful day and your stuck in traffic, you fail a test, have a fight with a friend: everything just seems to be against you. But, if you take a step back you'll see it's just one day, it's a bad day, maybe even a bad week or month but, it's not a bad life. You're here and you're breathing, find happiness in the life's little pleasures. Someone has it worse than you, be grateful for what you have and don't wish for anything more.

Day 50 {Smell}

February 19th, 2014

Smell the roses

I'm slightly obsessed, I'm aware that it's an odd obsession, with this glade commercial, http://www.ispot.tv/ad/72gE/glade-best-feelings. "No one says to wake up and touch, or see, or taste, or hear the roses. They say to wake up and smell the roses, because scent makes us feel like nothing else can." It's just so true. Smells can relax you, make you anxious, and they can bring back memories and take you to another time or place or remind you of a person. It's amazing how much one smell can trigger.

Day 49 {Shoot}

February 18th, 2014

Shoot for the moon; even if you miss you'll land amoung the stars

I firmly believe that we should bloom where we are planted, and make the most of every situation, no matter how tough it may be. But, that being said, I also think that there will be times in our lives where you have to make the choice to take a risk. Because, if you simply sit around and wait for something to happen, it won’t. Our lives on earth only last so long, there’s no time for procrastination. Make a goal and go for it, in your own way. Do what works for you and go at your own pace, just because something works flawlessly for someone else doesn’t mean it will work for you. If you live your life to please others, you will never be happy. Whatever your dream may be, give it a try and even if you don’t arrive at the end point you were hoping to, you still learned from it all and are stronger and have lived a little more because of it.

Day 48 {Arachnophobia}

February 17th, 2014

Arachnophobia

I'd say that most people would not make the choice to go to a pet store and play with a tarantula. And although personally I don't find them frightening in pet form, I respect those who do not wish to hold them or be around them. We all have our little quirks, things we love and things we hate. When it comes to animals there aren't really any that I wouldn't like to surround myself with, but some people hate the idea of animals altogether. Everyone is different, and like and dislike different things; it doesn't mean you are good or bad or better or worse than anyone else. 

Day 47 {Sweet}

New recipe we tried tonight. Pie crust, cookie cutters, and dove chocolates.

February 16th, 2014

Sweet tooth

We all have a weakness, an addiction, something we just will always fall for. Be it a television show, sleep, food, or puppies. I am a sucker for anything sweet: candy, cakes, cookies, you name it I will eat it. I don't "have to have it" but, given the opportunity I will likely eat it. I wouldn't say that it's a problem, if I struggled with my weight it may be a problem but, I don't. But, I know that refined sugar and processed treats aren't healthy for me. Which gets me thinking, where do we draw the line and decide that enough is enough? How do we decipher whether what we are doing is right or wrong and where the line in the sand should be?

Day 46 {Anticipation}

The anticipation of a 3-point shot.

February 15th, 2014

“Well," said Pooh, "what I like best," and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn't know what it was called.” 
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Anticipation can have a negative connotation or a positive one. Anticipation means waiting for something, or looking forward to it happening and often it means you are excited. We anticipate a lot of things: consequences, test results, phone calls. Excited for a meal, or someone's return home. Anxious for hospital test results. But, in any sport anticipation of points is positive: goals and touchdowns. Sometimes the anticipation, like in the case of Winnie-the-Pooh, is the best part of the situation. We get so excited for something to happen that we forget to enjoy it when it's happening.

Day 45 {Love}

February 14th, 2014

Sometimes love is war but, sometimes you win

“Sometimes love is a white flag, sometimes love is standing tall. Sometimes love is a feather; sometimes a cannon ball but, it’s worth fighting for. Baby, sometimes love is war.”

On this day of love I can’t help but think about all the love that surrounds me. I have people willing to help me get across the country, people willing to find me a job out here and people who just want to make sure that I have everything I need and am happy with where I am. I am so unbelievably grateful for all of the people that I have in my life and from valentine’s goody bag this morning and valentine’s packages in the mail I realize how much love is surrounding me and how much everyone is willing to do for me. Love comes in so many different ways and really makes a world of a difference.

Day 44 {Cream}

We've decided 25 cent ice cream cones are the best.

February 13th, 2014

Ice Cream

Who doesn't love a good ole' chocolate ice cream cone? Cold on your tongue, sticky on your face, creamy as it starts to melt in your mouth, and messy on your hand as it starts to drip. It's a simple joy with so many ways to describe it. You eat it, quick so it doesn't melt, and then it's gone. A short-lived but unforgettable enjoyment.

Day 43 {Cold}

Pretending that it was summer today, and not freezing, swimming at the gym. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFatVn1hP3o

February 12th, 2014

The hot and cold are both so intense, put them together it just makes sense

Olaf, the cute little animated snowman in Disney's Frozen, sings this song about summer and how he can't wait to experience summer and the heat, beach, and flowers that come with it. It's a funny little song you should definitely give a listen. But, it kind of makes me think about how similar we all are to Olaf. We live in a world full of mystery and things we don't entirely understand. Yet, even though we don't know much about certain things, we still want them and want to experience them, even if they could bring us danger.

Day 42 {Fierce}

February 11th, 2014

Though she be but little she is fierce ~ William Shakespear

Sometimes you have to take a step back and realize that no matter what is going on and no matter how small you might feel, you’re not. Because no matter how big the problem seems it can always be fixed. And no matter how little and insignificant you feel, you’re underestimating yourself. You have a purpose and are seen and heard. Give yourself a little credit and do the best you can. You may be little but, you’re fierce and you can do anything you put your mind to.

Day 41 {Entertain}

My entertainment today, at least for a little while, was braiding this little guy's hair

February 10th, 2014

Entertainment

In a world of tablets, television, phones, video games, and computers it’s easy to keep yourself entertained. But, all of the technology entertainment is a blessing and a curse. Our entertainment doesn’t really involve other people anymore. Some people never touch board games; there are kids who will never play a sport. Isn’t it amazing how much entertainment has changed? When I was in kindergarten neither of my parents even had a cell phone, and now most kindergartners know how to operate an iPhone better than their parents. Rather than coloring and painting a piece of paper they color on the iPad. It’s just a different generation. 

Day 39 {Mountain}

February 8th, 2014

That mountain you’ve been climbing is just a grain of sand

At one point in time or another, all of us will struggle with something. And sometimes it will feel like we’ve got the world on our shoulders and we will wonder how much more we can take and what more we can do. But, it’s the times when we are struggling the most that we most need to keep going. You have to make it through the storm to see the rainbow. And when the hard part is over you’ll be able to see the good and see that, at your weakest moment, you found strength. 

Day 38 {Imitation}

When any phone rings, and sometimes even just randomly, she will put her hang up to her ear and say "hi"

February 7th, 2014

The world is full of imitation

Isn’t it amazing how much of our world is made of imitation? There are so many knockoff and pirated items. There are movies, music, jackets, purses, software, electronics, and even money. In China, you have to be careful about the eggs that you purchase as some are fake and inedible.  It’s depressing to me how dishonest the world has become and the extent people will go to in order to deceive and profit from it. I read an article talking about people going into Walmart, purchasing an iPad and then putting a fake weighted paper replica into the box and returning it. All I could think is that it is so upsetting that people would go that far and hurt others to help themselves. The world has bred people to be selfish and dishonest and others see that it works for one person and then imitate it for themselves. It’s frustrating.

Day 37 {Keys}

February 6th, 2014

Keys come in all varieties

The keys on a keyboard each have a different, unique pitch associated with them. And when you play them together you can create a beautiful melody. Most of us don’t have the opportunity to listen to the sound of piano keys playing everyday but, we are all exposed to a different type of key. Each and every lock in the world is a little bit different and they each have their own specific key, and although that is not the one and only key that will fit in the lock, it is the only one that will turn it. I think keys, whether they are the keys of the piano or the keys to a home, are kind of like people, they are all different and open different things, or hold different pitches but, in a way they are all similar; unique but not entirely alone.

Day 36 {Memories}

February 5th, 2014

Childhood memories

Isn’t it amazing how little things can jog your memory and take you back to another place and another time? A smell, a song, an old shirt or pair of jeans, a piece of jewelry, a food item. Most of us probably had mac and cheese growing up. My dad talks about how he remembers eating it with cut up little pieces of hot dogs. Conner, talks about how he always tried to eat the whole box and didn’t succeed until college. Whenever I make it though I think about some of the first times I ever made it and how my dad taught me all of his little tricks and debating with him whether to mix it all together in a bowl for easier clean up, or in the pot. And then it makes me laugh because our memory is funny in the way that it pulls certain things out and leaves others behind, and sometimes it’s the good and sometimes it’s the bad.

Day 35 {Deception}

Waiting at the "stop bus"

February 4th, 2014

Deception

Besides the snow, which is here to stay until it gets really warm for a week straight, the weather outside looks nice and sunny; surprisingly sunny in fact considering that Montana's sunny winter days are few in number. But, with wind chill it was -22 degrees Fahrenheit when I took this picture. It's kind of  captivating sometimes to think about how easy it is for the world to deceive us, not just the weather but everywhere. Sure, it's easy to think it's a nice day because the sun is shining. But, it's also easy to think that that woman on the magazine is what all women should look like. And it's easy to think the same about clothing and language choices and other worldly indulgences. At the end of the day though, the world just winds up to be deceiving and you have to decide where you stand on everything, everyday.

Day 34 {Days}

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ihOCgdarFg

February 3rd, 2014

Measuring days in the spaces between our goodbyes ~Sam Tsui

This weekend came to a close way too quickly. Missing someone hurts, it’s a real feeling that just makes days seem longer and everything feel lonely. A 10 hour drive is just too far. This guy right here makes my world a much happier place. He is willing to do anything to see me smile and keep me optimistic. About a year and a half ago we figured out that life was better together and I love every minute I get to spend with him. He’s the peanut butter to my jelly and the sun to my shine. I couldn’t do it without him and he makes me want to be the best person I can be. He’s my everything and I love him to pieces. I’ll see you in a little while, babe.

Day 33 {We}

February 2nd, 2014

We

Tonight, the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks came together to play a game of football. But, it wasn’t just any football game. It was the event of the year. 111.5 Million people watched this football game, making it the most-watched broadcast ever. It wasn’t just too teams coming together, it was everyone coming together. All over the country people came together, gathered with their friends and family in a common cause and enjoyed food, drinks, and company of others. The 2014 Super Bowl wasn’t the best football game ever, and the final score wasn’t a close one and there weren’t any extremely suspenseful moments. But, it united the nation. We all sat down and watched it together and together we watched as technology united us (http://youtube.be/TCuPT-chaio), a puppy and a horse became the best of friends (http://youtu.be/uQB7QRyF4p4), and saw an eligible bachelor cow (http://youtu.be/dOMrA-BGuLY). It was a few hours where millions and millions came together, regardless of life choices, and regardless of skin color, ancestry, or religion; we all became one unit of 111.5 million people. 

Day 32 {Snake}

February 1st, 2014

Slither like a snake

Lately, I have just been drawn to the meaning of words and how we can say something but, depending on the context it could mean something entirely different. Snakes are sneaky little creatures. They are found on every continent on Earth, except Antarctica. Some live in water, sand, dirt, you name it. Humans, typically tend to be afraid of them. Something about legless, slithering, carnivorous, possibly poisonous little creatures puts fear in people, who would have guessed? And then there are people in our lives, who are humans and nothing else, but we call them snakes. They are the sneaky people, who portray themselves as your ally and then turn out to be your enemy and will not stand for you when it counts.  I guess we should try and rid our lives of both types of snakes, unless you like the slithery kind.

Day 31 {Small}

Hot chocolate and a gluten free muffin. Yum :)

January 31st, 2014

Everybody dies famous in a small town


I love this little town. Everywhere I go, although I don't really know people, it seems like everyone knows everyone. With a population just over six thousand it's really the size of some high schools, and even half the size of high schools in some areas. In a small town you suddenly don't feel so small, you're not just another person among millions, you are part of a community and a group of people who consider a few stop lights "downtown" and who will extend a helping hand in any way they can.

Day 30 {Red}

Sometimes he lets me take pretty great pictures of him

January 30th, 2014

Red is a color


Red. Red is only one word and one syllable but, there is much more than one interpretation of "red."  On the electromagnetic spectrum it is the color of light between 620 and 740 nm. The color of tomatoes, strawberries, and blood. We associate the color red with anger, love, passion, communism, China, Christmas, and fire. It's one of the "primary colors." In English, it's an adjective. For only being one little, three letter, word isn't it sort of amazing that so much spirals off of it and goes into it?

Day 29 {White}

Eating snow...the only reason snow even exists

January 29th, 2014

Where does the white go when the snow melts? -Hugh Kieffer


Snow will always be a wonder to me. White, fluffy particles of frozen water fall from the sky and gather all over the ground. Snowflakes are sticky enough to stick to trees, cold enough to frostbite fingers, and yet wet enough to turn to water. In places like Atlanta, snow is a dangerous thing as temperatures drop and it turns to ice on the road ways. But here, where everyone is prepared for winter's rain, you can just enjoy it.

Day 28 {Glance}

January 28th, 2014

In just a little glance you can see so much


I have always liked the saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words" because I entirely agree. A picture only captures a split second of time but, if you capture the right second, you get to see it over and over again. It's just amazes me how that split second glance can show you so much. A quick click of the lens and you can see it forever and there is a story to be told from just one quick shot.

Day 27 {Clutter}

Cleaning out closets ends in finding all sorts of treasures

January 27th, 2014

Cleaning out the clutter


It's a new year. Time to say, "out with the old, and in with the new." Sometimes I think we can measure the year in our cleaning sprees, whether it be literally cleaning or just figuratively. We clean during the month of January, we make new year's resolutions to tidy up our lives, actions, and our homes. Then, in late March, as the snow is melting we go through a phase of spring cleaning; we evaluate how well or poorly we have worked toward completing our goals for the new year, and with the spring time weather outside we choose to brighten up our home. And the cleaning cycle continues, in June for summer, September for school, and late November as the holiday season begins. Constantly, we clean out the clutter in our lives because we are always working towards something better.

Day 26 {Loyal}

Bailey. Sunday afternoon snuggles

January 26th, 2014

Loyal as a dog


I adore dogs. They are always there to greet you and only want to please you and be by your side. They are such loyal, loving creatures. No matter what mood you are in, or the type of day you've had, they will still gladly curl up and watch television with you; they're happy to just be with you. If only humans were like dogs and could just love everyone. There would be no disputes over skin color, hair style, or language; everyone would see each other the same.

Day 25 {Heart}

January 25th, 2014

Dead Hearts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQT2HVfxJu4


I love all the little things this world has to offer, the tiny simple joys. It doesn't take much to impress me. Finding little hearts just makes me smile. And I think that the little things are what matter. Smiling at a stranger, taking time out of your day for someone else, a quick text or phone call. I mean a heart in my ice cream cone made my day, why not make an effort to make someone else's day?

Day 24 {Washing}

January 24th, 2014

Washing Machine


When something brings you happiness, you crave approval and you look for someone else to enjoy it too. We all have our funny little quirks and things that just make us light up. For me it's probably snow, or cooking something new, I love to cook. But, for this little guy it's laundry and what he is watching spin around and around is not the "washer" but the "washing machine" and he will tell you when the water is coming and when there will be bubbles and when it will spin back and forth and he will make sure your full attention is on the laundry cycle. He wants to feel like his favorite thing is liked by all and eagerly teaches his little sister the ways of the laundry.

Day 23 {Frozen}

Freezing bubbles in the freezer because the wind was too rough outside

January 23rd, 2014

Frozen Bubbles


Bubbles are an incredible childhood pass time. They are soapy wonders that drift through the air in all sorts of patterns and then they pop, or you pop them, and just as quickly as they were created they seem to disappear. There is so much in life that is just there for a little while and then it's gone. Every day brings something new and things and people always come in and out of our lives. I think that's what I love about photography, you can capture a small moment and keep it forever; the moment doesn't have to end.

Day 22 {Tracks}

January 22nd, 2014

Follow in my tracks


"Sam went out to help his father gather wood for the fire. It was winter and the snow was very deep. Sam and his father each took an armload of wood and started back toward their home. It was hard for Sam to walk in the deep snow with his heavy load. Sam’s father told Sam to walk in the footprints that he left in the snow. It was much easier for Sam to walk when he followed his father’s footsteps.

This little primary story is one I like a lot. I love when there is fresh snow on the ground and you can walk through it and look back and see just where you stepped. Walking to class last semester is was always kind of interesting to try and figure out the types of shoes that made which tracks in the snow. Wouldn't it be nice if we had literal tracks to follow throughout life showing us where to step and which way we should go?

Day 21 {Routine}

View from the bus stop

January 21st, 2014

Stuck in our routine

It's the same thing day in and day out. The world becomes so used to their life and their routine. But, drive a different way home from work, go somewhere you haven't been in a while, go see an old friend, and suddenly you've broken the routine. Sometimes all you need is a change of scenery to raise your spirits and realize that life isn't always just the same old routine and it goes so fast.

Day 20 {Rails}

Sunset in Montana. Breath in all that open space.

January 20th, 2014

Roads and rails under their feet


If you sit back and think about, it doesn't take long to realize that everyone in the world live entirely different lives. Some people don't get out much, they live in their town in their bubble. There are teachers, pilots, truck drivers, real estate agents. Some people like to run, swim, ski, play soccer or basketball. There are people who walk miles for water, drive hours to the nearest town. You can live in cities, suburbs, small towns. There are forests, mountains, rivers, lakes, oceans, and deserts. Some people live in huts with dirt floors and others in mansions with marble counter tops. I've always liked Jason Aldean's song "Fly Over States" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1GZzucDMlQ). It says "who'd want to live down there in the middle of nowhere." I hear that line and it makes me think that some of those people living in what some of us would call the middle of nowhere, probably wonder why anyone would want to live in a city.

Day 19 {Moments}

January 19^th, 2014

Little Moments

Riding shot gun in his truck, holding his hand, bowling, ice cream, football, smiles, trying to take a picture of the beautiful moon and failing miserably. I love every moment I am lucky enough to spend with my amazing boyfriend and it may have only a little more than a day but it was all of the little moments that made it so great. When you can go a month without seeing each other and instantly pick up right where you left off without missing a beat, you know it’s real. It’s the things that seem small and insignificant that mean the most and that I hold on to.

Day 18 {Hustle}

Sunrise at the train station in Whitefish, Montana.

January 18^th, 2014

Hustle and Bustle

We live in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Alarm clock, shower, get dressed, breakfast, work, lunch, dinner, driving, traveling, running. Some days just feel repetitive, the same routine. You don’t stop and notice the little things anymore, like the moon on the west side of town in the early morning. We live in a world where we walk around on our phones, texting, calling, staying in touch, putting us out of touch with those around us. Sometimes it’s just nice to slow it down and enjoy a little bit of life, the sunrise, a long train drive through Glacier National Park and clear across Montana. Slow down the hustle, dare to go somewhere without cell service, or without your phone, just take a step back from it all and take it all in.

Day 17 {Up}

January 17^th, 2014

Up, Up, and Away

You can blow it up with your mouth or with helium, they’re fun to hit back and forth, you can carry it around on the string, kick it like a soccer ball, sit on it and pop it. But, the best part of a balloon is watching it float away. You can let go and watch it float to the ceiling or let go outside and watch the wind take it and carry it away. The latter was our choice of entertainment today and I’ve never seen so much excitement. It’s like letting go of something you’ve been hanging on to too long. It’s amazing to watch it just disappear.  

Day 16 {Friends}

Sometimes he likes to teach her his devious ways...banging on the fireplace was the choice today.

January 16^th, 2014

Siblings are your best friends

No matter the age difference, no matter how much you do or do not get along sometimes, your siblings will always be some of the best friends you can ever have. They will look out for you, protect you, and help you in any way that they can. You might not tell them everything or spill all your deepest secrets but, they’re your family and family doesn’t turn their backs on you when you need them most. These two sometimes go at it but, he’s a great big brother to her and always makes sure she is doing the right thing and is always willing to be silly to make her smile. At the end of the day they’ve always got each other and will always stand up for each other. Those are the relationships you want to hold on to and cherish because those are the relationships that will matter in the end. You can always count on family.

Day 15 {Water}

Bath time :)

January 15th, 2014

It's incredible to me how something that seems so small and insignificant can have so much affect on the world. We have water all around us. 70% of the Earth is made up of water. We can find it everywhere; the clouds, icebergs, lakes, oceans, rivers, and for most of us we can find it in the pipes in our house. And since water is the key to life and is likely the most important thing we have, it's a good thing that for most of us water is easily accessible. But, almost one billion people on the planet are without clean drinking water. And about 50-60% of our bodies are made up of water. No crops would survive without water. There'd be no bathing, no swimming.

Day 14 {Three}

I love the way he holds the paint brush

January 14^th, 2014

Three

Meals are cooked for them; sometimes if they’re lucky they get to help, time is spent playing games and using their imagination, pants aren’t a requirement (except usually in public), their wish is your command. Three year olds have their own sort of routine. Their days are filled with “why?” and “no”, mix matched clothes, tears, naps, boo-boos, shoes on the wrong feet, and man are they busy. But, busy is hard when not much captivates their attention for more than 5 minutes. We found a short term cure today, water color paint. It’s easy to set up, clean up, it’s quiet, and it’s exciting to see on the paper. 30 minutes of this three-year-old’s life was taken care of and he loved it. Oh how I wish my life was as simple as a three year old.

Day 13 {Clouds}

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fH7185u8Ho8

January 13^th, 2014

When you’re young you can fly, but you trip on clouds cause you get too high

I guess I talk a lot about kids. Probably because I spend so much time around them but, they just amaze me. Their innocence, blind following, extreme trust, worry-free, just soaking it all in lifestyle. It’s something I almost envy but also love to watch. Today, as my little three year old friend said "absolutely" when I asked him to go grab something for me, the same way I say it whenever he asks me to do something, that kids are just so impressionable.  When I was little, I mean very little, I would walk around the grocery store and say “hi” to everyone no matter how they looked, dressed, or talked. It would make everyone smile, I didn't know the difference between people they were all just people to me that I should say hello to, even if they dressed differently, had a different skin color or hair style. Somewhere along the line though, those people became people that I put my head down when I walk past to avoid, I was changed. And because I was changed I don't want to change anyone else. I think it’s so important to be a good example for young minds so they take in the good and don’t have to see the bad. You can find negative in everything but why bother? Why live in fear when you can find all the positive and just be happy? I’m not insinuating that we shouldn’t be smart about the people we trust and those we choose to come in contact with but a smile or helping hand isn’t going to hurt anyone and certainly being careful about the way you treat others when little eyes are watching you is SO important. 

Day 12 {Time}

Old scrapbook photo we found while organizing a closet. That little guy in the blue suspenders is my boyfriend, Conner, precious right?

January 12^th, 2014

Time

Most of our lives are measured in time. We have time to do something, we do not have time for something else, we need to remember to make time for this or that, we can look back in time to a moment, a memory. I love old pictures and scrapbooks, it is always incredible to be able to look back at a moment in the past and see who you were and remember places, people, and experiences. We have 24 hours of time a day, which sounds like a lot but we find ourselves running out of time. I saw a link from Facebook about the 37 things that people regret most on their death bed and most of those things are related to time. We all have different aspirations that we want to achieve in this life but, every one in a while it might not be such a bad idea to slow down the time a little and realize what it actually going to matter 40 years from now, sure jobs and money are important but too much seeking after money and not taking the time to see your loved ones or visit an old friend can take a toll when you realize you don’t have that much time left. In a Sunday School class once we were asked to sit for an entire minute in silence, do it with a timer running and you'll see how long it really feels and maybe spend each minute a little more wisely.

Day 11 {Snowman}

Our new, nameless, snowy, friend.

January 11^th, 2014

Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

Before you read this I have two disclaimers:

11. I love snow, I didn’t grow up with much snow so any amount of snow just makes me smile; I love love love it. And going along with the I didn’t grow up with much snow, I missed out on the opportunity to do a lot of fun things in the snow like snowmen, snow forts, skiing…ect.

22. I kind of love the new Disney movie, Frozen. No matter what anyone else says I think it’s adorable and if I’m in a bad mood I’ll just listen to the soundtrack and it’s sure to cheer me up.

Okay, so do you want to build a snowman? Come on let’s go and play. (If you haven't seen the movie and don't want to see a clip from it don't click the link and look up the song without video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azOmSXgKfus)

I asked Hunter if he would build a snowman with me and he must have read through my excitement because he was enthusiastic and couldn’t wait until we had time to build one. After shoveling and cleaning at the church we finally had some free time. But, before we went outside I had to play the “Do you want to build a snowman?” song, look it up if you’ve never heard it, you won’t be disappointed. And then we ventured outside, where the snow was perfect for snowman building, wet and easily packed. Huffing and puffing we rolled our balls of cold moisture around the yard until we had our perfect snowman. It took both of us to lift each ball on top of the previous but, in the end, our snowman was our own wintery masterpiece; complete with a baby carrot nose, a crouton smile, and oreo eyes. It wasn’t as excellent as Frosty, or Olaf, but it was still pretty magical. 

Day 10 {Little}

My little friend, Aaron. I watched him, his brother and two other children up on the mountain today while their parents went snowboarding. 

January 10th, 2014
Little Steps

It takes a lot of courage to try something new but, even once you get past the first time jitters you still have to work hard to succeed. Whether it be walking, singing, skiing; chances are you probably will not succeed your first time. You have to start with little steps and expect that you will wobble, slip, and fall a time or two.  It amazes me how young children start skiing lessons when they live in a ski resort town. At 2 or 3 years old I wouldn’t think that their little brains could figure out the coordination and timing of things that go into keeping yourself up and steady. But, I guess there is something to be said about little children and their trust of others and their fearlessness. They can take little steps and learn faster than most adults could. And in just a lesson or two they are more than willing to share their knowledge of  the “pizza” and “french fry" way of life. (terms used to teach little kids how to speed up/go and slow down, make your skis look like a pizza or a french fries)

Day 9 {Thaw}

Melting ice-sickles, can you see the drops of water? 

January 9th, 2014
Warmer weather

It's been a pretty cold week overall, all over the country really. On Monday even beaches were below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It was warmer here in Montana than Atlanta was a couple days this week. But, today the weather was perfect. Light snow in the morning but it got pretty warm, warm enough that the snow and ice sickles even begun to melt. So, of course since I had the afternoon off I had to go on a walk and take a million, or just like 300, pictures. I am loving the winter weather.  

Day 8 {Inquisitive}

Cooking up some potato pancakes.

January 8th, 2014
Inquisitive

I would love to have the curiosity of a little kid. It's the "let me try" "can I do it by myself?" fearlessness and the curious "why?" "why did the spider die?", that makes kids so great. If we could all keep that innocent openness there wouldn't be so much fear of new things and fear of the consequences. I think a little bit of fear is healthy but, I also think it can sometimes stand in the way of great opportunities that you would never get if you never give anything a try and are never willing to trust and take a chance.

Day 7 {Coke}

Coke Float (a.k.a. lots of sugar)

January 7th, 2014
Coca Cola

It's funny, being up here in the Northwest I get a lot of comments along the lines of "oh, you're from the south do you know about...?" Today it was Coca Cola. Which I never really thought of as a southern thing but, we're teaching my little boys about Coke so they can know all about where Ms. Lauren comes from and that is fine by me because after a long day yesterday and a rough night last night I need it to get me through today.