My Second Photo Shoot

So about two weeks after I took Lydia's pictures we ventured out with the children to a nearby park to take there school pictures.  I completely dislike the pictures that they take at school, so I usually only order those if it's either their first or last year of school at the particular school they are in.  Then I get their picture taken by someone else.  This year with the new camera I opted to do it myself.  This photo shoot turned out much better.  I really can see the difference lighting makes, and as I don't have the money for a great flash or reflective mattes (or whatever they are called)  I have to learn to work with the light nature gives me.  I am learning so much about lighting and how it effects pictures.  Here are a few of the pictures I took:

My first photo shoot

At the beginning of last year we got a new camera that takes great pictures.  And one of the reasons we bought the camera was to do more of our own photography.  I know only a little bit about taking pictures, but I thought it would be a good challenge for me and help me to learn something I have wanted to learn about.  I have no plans of doing this as a profession or such.  More of a learning hobby that I hope to delve into as time permits.  Anyway as I wanted some pictures of Lydia to send out with a baptism announcement I took my first attempt.  Here is a look at a few of them: 

The Greatest Service Project Ever!

This past Sunday I went with our youth group at church to help at the Utah State Developmental Center's church service.  I always love going to church with these special people.  The Developmental Center is a living place that cares for adult individuals with moderate to severe mental disabilities.  This is the third year I have gone.  Each year one of the leaders that coordinate this activity talks to us about the specialness of these individuals.  These people are already saved on their membership record's it says--unaccountable in the spot where it usually lists if they are baptized or not. 
So as I was sitting in chapel with these celestial beings I came to the realization that they came to earth to help other individuals work out their own salvation, by giving them a chance to be like the Savior and show unconditional love.  I like to imagine that they said "I love so-and-so very much and I want them to succeed on earth so I am willing to come down to earth in a body that would require full-time care, and require great effort, if that will help so-and-so be saved.  There truly is a unique and powerful spirit around these great people.  I think these celestial beings are part of the greatest service project ever!

Rebekah Turns 12!

Last Monday, my sweet Rebekah turned 12!  What a big birthday that was for her.  She had a wonderful day.  Although I will say I spent most of it putting her present together--a desk.  She's a sweet girl and has grown up so beautiful in body and spirit.

Rock Canyon

In September we had an FHE for Ryan's birthday up Rock Canyon in Provo.  When we were dating Ryan anId I would always go up to Rock Canyon and talk about our future together, so this place has a special spot in our hearts.  Ryan's favorite time to go up the canyon is in the fall so it seemed to be the best time.  Joshua was still recovering from his bout of pneumonia, so we took it easy.  Anyway here are the highlights of this little jaunt in pictures. 

 Acorns were everywhere and the kids had fun collecting them as well as the rocks.

 Sarah especially liked this acorn with three tops

 Fall colors.  I love fall in the mountains!

 Off we go on our "hike".

 Lydia in a dried up river bed.

 Yea, I know she's almost as tall as me!  How time flies!

 Matthias on the bridge we found. 

 What was Lydia looking at?  There were a group of drummers sitting on a big rock just drumming the night away on their hand drums.  It was actually really cool sounding.  Before we knew who was having the drum circle Sarah was really worried that there were "real" indians in the canyon.

I am always amazed at how grand and beautiful God's creations are!  Besides a few bumps this was a great family night!