One Word for 2014

The last day of the year has a tendency to make most people think about how the last year went and more than that, puts a focus on the year ahead.  Lists are usually made, tons of blog posts about what we're going to change, maybe what we regret, what we're most grateful for, so on and so on.  I personally know I've done all of the above and more, only to find myself making the same list.  

So after some blog perusing and some talking with my other half I decided that I would pick one word that would encompass my whole list.  Also, encourage and remind me of the changes that I and we as a family want to see.  Now I didn't think of this one word idea on my own, Krystle a blogger that I follow and admire posted about her one word & I was immediately inspired.  You can check out her post here.  Also, there's a whole One Word movement that you can check out at One Word 365.

So what's my one word, right?  Well after looking over the things I want to change and accomplish this year and talking to J about what he sees for us and some things we're doing together I think the word PEACE is perfect in 2014!  

This really cool and totally free "1 Word" 

template came from Only a Breath

I desire to experience more peace in all areas of my life.   More peace in our family life & in raising our very active boys, in our marriage and our relationships, in our finances, and in how I/we approach a healthier lifestyle. The more peace I have in my own life the more I'm able to share it with others.  There's love and freedom in walking in peace.  That's what I want for us as a family & individually.  It's going to good!  

So what's your One Word?  What word inspires and encourages you as this old year comes to a close? I hope this New Year you have peace and prosperity in all areas of your own life.   Be blessed & Happy New Year!

A Beautiful Vue: Our Heart

This photo was  taken by a friend and local photographer.  She's been taking the twins photos since they were very little.  She took these right before Christmas & I love it because it captures our heart as a family. This pose was her creative idea!  It's been a beautiful Christmas Season and I'm grateful for the many amazing blessings, especially these precious boys and my best friend.  A "Beautiful Vue" for sure!

Twinsie Tuesday: I don't know How You do It?!

Being a mother of twins I have heard the statement "I don't know how you do it!" many times.  I was thinking about it today after a challenging morning and I thought, "You know I don't know how I do it"  either!  Someone please cue the violins!  With every new stage comes new challenges and sometimes I don't always feel up for it!  I'm in a season in my life where I've been overcoming doubts in how I handle being a mother and wife.  It feels like it's been a looooong season.  But recently I had an encounter that has helped me change my thinking.  During praise & worship at our church I had an experience that reminded me that it's only through the awesome power of Jesus that I am able to overcome these seasons.  Because I'm a joint heir with Christ and a new creation I am designed to overcome...to succeed!  It doesn't mean I will have perfect days or perfect relationships or be a perfect person, but it does mean that every time I choose to be thankful, to walk in love and be kind to others, starting with my family first,  I will get past the feelings and doubts in challenging seasons.  That's how I do it...don't think on the challenge think on the prize!

What's the prize in my case... a happy, healthy,  all around prosperous family who loves the Lord, each other, and other people!  If that's what I want then that's what I have to show them how to be.  Finding strength in the one who has overcome it all!  Choosing life in my words, my thoughts, and my actions...that's how I do it!  And I will have plenty of opportunities to practice...even now an egg is laying cracked on the kitchen floor by curious little boys who don't enjoy their nap time.  Good stuff! 

A Beautiful Vue

Tru's first day of school this year will take place at a homeschool co-op here in town.  He was so excited!  We're still homeschooling, but being apart of the co-op partners us with great teachers and helps us stay on task, gives a little more structure, and is allowing us to adjust to some great new opportunities on the horizon!  He goes 3 days a week for about 5 hours and we do school the rest of the time at home.  This first week was amazing!  Tru loves his teacher, we all have made some new friends, and feel so blessed to be apart.  Definitely  a beautiful vue!

Book Review: Capturing Everyday Life by Jane Goodrich

I love taking pictures of my boys.  I have hundreds right now piling up in my phone that I need to print.  I like to catch them in the middle of just being sweet funny little boys.  Playing in the yard, rolling around their trucks and cars, or maybe just maybe one where showing a little love to one another.  More often than not I find myself just missing the moment and a lot of times I find my pictures are blurry and not anywhere near what I want them to be.  So when I got the chance to review Jane Goodrich's book I jumped on it!

Capturing Every Day Life by Jane Goodrich is a great book for parents who love doing just what the title says getting pictures of everyday life.  She has put together this book in an easy to understand kind of way.  The book says it best under the title "the no-nonsense, cheese-free, read-while-they-nap, easy-as-pie guide to taking top-notch, world-class photos of your kids".  The book is true to it's statement.  I was able to get through it in a couple of evenings after I put the twins down for bed.

The book is broken into 6 easy to read parts.  She covers choosing the right camera for your family, working with light, composition, how to pick the best time and places for your pictures, advanced techniques, working with your kids, and tips on how to photograph ages from infant to teens.  Also, she covers troubleshooting tips and FAQ's.  Each part was fun and informative filled with beautiful pictures that Jane has taken.  Her parts on composition helped me understand how to get more creative with my photos and after reading the part on working with light I really want to upgrade past our little point & shoot camera.  She covers the difference between a point & shoot camera and a prosumer+ camera.  Which  before reading her book I really didn't know the name for either, duh right.  She made it is easy for me to understand the benefits of each and that we don't have to break the budget to get a good camera that can keep up with our busy crew.  This book is a wellspring of information when it comes to getting really good shots of your kids.  The part that breaks down tips by age was probably my favorite.  I read over the infant and baby tips and wished I had this book about 8 years ago when Tru was born.

Capturing Everyday Life is I think a must have for every family with children.  It was an easy read because Jane Goodrich writes so well and her passion for photography was on every page.  You can tell she loves what she does!  She made every section understandable and didn't talk over the head of amateur like myself.  Her book encourages parents to get creative with their photos and gives good advice on how to get them.  This will be a book that I go back to time and again.  It would make a great gift for new parents, because as I said before we really could've used it when our first little one came along.  She inspired me to get better photos of my boys and how important a good photo is at helping preserve these precious memories.  I can't wait to give some of her tips a try!

For more information on Capturing Everyday Life by Jane Goodrich visit her here.  Her website is just a great as her book!  And if you're interested in getting her book it's on Amazon.

*I received this book free to review from the author. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Pinterest Inspiration

The other day I found a saying on Pinterest and I really liked it.  It said, "Together is our favorite place to be" and thought that's a perfect family statement.  It describes exactly how we feel about our family.  So on a Saturday J was home I made a quick kid free trip into Michael's to get a few supplies.  Having a coupon in hand I think I spent under $10 on everything.  It's a real treat to go into a store and come out without breaking a sweat from lugging 3 very wiggly children in and out with me.  I even walked the down some of the aisles and browsed a minute...it was great!  So, after a couple days of deciding what to do and not wanting to mess up a blank canvas I just dove in.  I used acrylic paints in blue, buttermilk, black, and holiday red.  

 I'm not in love with all my lettering.  I did it all free hand. I've been researching Pinterest on the how to's of lettering.  I know there's a way that I can do it and it look cleaner.  I'm always interested in what works for others, so if you have any advice let me know.  But there are things I really do like about it. I like the colors and I like that I have a piece of art that didn't blow the budget.  And for my first one I'm pleased and one thing I did like is how much I enjoyed painting and creating it.  

A Beautiful Vue: Making Memories

Father & son cooking together.  We've been making homemade pizza about every other weekend together.  It's been a family affair and we all enjoy it! J will even toss the dough in the air like a professional.  In this beautiful vue he's letting this little guy help get the dough ready.  Good times and great memories!