Several years ago I participated in a lifestyle photography Project 52. Each week, a theme was presented and the photographers involved would capture and share an image from their life that they felt represented the given theme. It was a lot of fun, but about 10 weeks into the project life got a little hectic and I couldn't keep up. Turns out, around week 30, the photographer running the whole thing got caught up in the chaos of life as well and the entire project fell apart. 

As I was thinking about things I wanted to focus on for this new year, one thought that came to mind is that I really wanted to get back to taking pictures for me. I use to be so good at using my "big camera" to record snapshots of our lives. And then, I would even blog them! Cue gasp. I've obviously been really bad at this lately and I'm ready to make it a priority again. I love looking through old blog posts and remembering the little moments that have since slipped my mind. And the kiddos love looking at old posts too. They love seeing when they were younger and hearing funny stories about themselves. It's time to give our family blog new life! And part of that will be starting (and finishing!) my own Project 52. I gathered a list of words I liked, randomized them and they are now my themes for the upcoming year. My plan is to post the week's photo each Sunday evening, with the exception of a few weekends that we will be out of town. 

This week's theme was Simplicity. I found it a little bit comical that this was the theme that popped up first on my random list as it is a word that has been on my mind a lot lately. Life seems anything but simple these days- adjusting to having two kiddos in school has been a challenge. Two different teachers with two different teaching styles, two sets of homework, two social lives, getting two children to cooperate and get out the door each morning. It's been fun... and anything but simple. Then there is Bruce's job. He has been given so many amazing opportunities at work lately, to test for different positions and help with different committees. All wonderful things, but it makes his schedule anything but simple. And of course we can't forget my many endeavors- photography, painting pegs, teaching preschool... but then there is this little guy. The owner of these sweet baby toes. He is a good reminder of the importance of simplicity, of slowing down and savoring the moments and not letting them rush by. I swear, I spent the first six weeks of his life sitting on the couch, not daring to put him down. I knew that the moment I set him down, I would blink and he'd be all grown up. And it's kind of happening! He'll be six months old this week and he thinks he is such a big boy! Where has the time gone? 

I am far from perfect when it comes to balancing life and cutting out the unnecessary clutter, but my little Shark Bait is helping me to get better. The first 10 days of 2016 have been good ones as I have tried to focus on the simple things that matter the most- getting down on the floor and playing with my kiddos, dance parties in the kitchen when I should be making dinner or emptying the dishwasher, tubby time two times a day because Man Cub can't get enough of playing in the bathtub, extra snuggles with Shark Bait or reading the girls a story even though it is way past bedtime. I've made a commitment to myself to not take on extra projects or become involved in things that will pull me away from my home and family. I know this will be hard for me as I hate saying no and I like to stay busy, but I know that this is for the best. My family will be blessed and I will be as well.

So there you have it- a monologue about simplicity that is anything but simple! Just know that I am trying and that these sweet baby toes currently serve as my reminder to make life as uncomplicated as I can and to relish in the most simple pleasures that each day offers. 

Shark Bait | Five Months Old

I've fallen a bit behind on life again... the holidays got really crazy, but now all that hoopla has died down and I'm so ready to get caught up on our blog and housework and other projects... like Shark Bait's monthly photos. Ü I have been good at taking the photos... just not as quick to edit them and add text. 

So here is Shark Bait at five months old. He's been five months old for about three weeks now, so expect to see his six month photo here shortly. Assuming I can get myself back on track! I can't believe it's been almost six months since he arrived... I am so incredibly grateful to have him in our family. He brings so much joy to our home and I truly feel blessed to be his mom. 

Happy 6th Birthday Beebs!

Happy 6th birthday Sweet Beebs!!

Your 6th year has been an exciting one! So much has happened and you have grown up so much. In March, we went to Hawaii where you desperately wanted to swim with dolphins and learn to snorkel. You were so nervous about both things, but you didn't let your nerves stop you. You took a deep breath, held tight to mom or dad's hand and tried something new. And it was amazing. I love watching you become more adventurous. 

You are in Kindergarten now and loving every minute of it. Today is the final day of Christmas break and you have mentioned many times that you are so excited to go back to school tomorrow and see your teacher and your friends. It makes me happy that you are loving school so much, especially as you were a little nervous about going to Kindergarten. But you have a great teacher and wonderful friends and you love learning. You already know how to read so many words and you love to count and add and subtract. You really are blossoming in Kindergarten.

You are also blossoming at home. You are a big helper to mom, especially when it comes to taking care of Shark Bait. You were in the hospital room when he was born and the two of you instantly developed a special bond. You are so good at comforting him when he is upset and helping to keep him happy while I do things like make dinner or help Man Cub. Shark Bait absolutely adores you and you adore him.

You and Man Cub continue to be a dynamic duo. You play together so well, but know just how to rile each other. You are an excellent big sister to both your little brothers. 

As always, you love to play and have such an active imagination. While you still enjoy your Little People and Barbies, American Girl dolls have become your new love. It is strange and bittersweet to watch you transition to "big girl toys". For so many years, your Little People and "darbies" have been your world! You have spent hours and hours concocting elaborate adventures for your little toys. Now, you spend hours and hours dressing your doll Kit and playing house and church with her. And when you are not playing with Kit, I can almost always find you drawing, making some kind of craft or playing with your sticker books. Sunshine is usually your playmate of choice, but you also enjoy having a few of your friends from church come over to play. You are very much a social butterfly and you are well liked by all who know you. 

You have a really sweet testimony of the gospel and an incredible faith in the power of prayer. Just a few weeks ago we were at the park and you wanted so desperately to climb up a scary part of the play structure. Daddy was going to help you climb but you decided  you did not want to do it and ran off to play. A few minutes later you came back, told us you were going to climb it and you did it. No hesitation at all. When you got to the top you shouted hooray then turned and told us that you had said a prayer to help you not be scared and it worked. You weren't scared and you did it. My heart about burst as you told us. You say such amazing prayers and I know without a doubt that Heavenly Father is listening and answering you.

You are such a special little girl and such a blessing in our family. You are a little clown and love to make us all laugh. You make a point to ask us about our favourite part of the day each night at dinner, and more often than not, when it is your turn to share, your favourite part of the day included spending time with all of us. You make us feel so loved. 

Enjoy being six baby girl! May it be your most amazing year yet! We love you so much.

Love always, 

Mommy and Daddy 

Merry (Late!) Christmas!

Shark Bait | Four Months

So, Shark Bait has been four months old for awhile now... in fact, he is just a week away from being five months old. Obviously, I've fallen quite far behind on our blog yet again. I did manage to remember to take his four month photo, I just never got around to posting it, so here it is! Isn't he adorable? He really is the happiest, most smiley baby around. We sure do love this little man. 

Heaven on Earth

I love November 16! Today marks 5 years in our dream home (and it's become even more dreamy in the five years since we bought it!) and 1 year since my other favourite place was dedicated. I feel like it is so fitting that these two places share an anniversary as the Bible dictionary teaches that "[The temple] is the most holy of any place of worship on the earth. Only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness." I am so grateful for these amazing buildings and the blessing that each is in my life.

Temple Photo found here

Happy Halloween!

I know I'm a day late, but our Halloween festivities went late into the night and by the time we got home, the last thing I wanted to do was upload photos. We had a great Halloween. Good food with friends, fun costumes and of course, the wee ones brought home gobs of candy.

We went with a Toy Story theme this year. Beebs and Man Cub happened to have Jessie and Woody costumes that fit them at the same time. We borrowed a Buzz costume from some friends for Bruce to wear and the Disney Store had an adorable alien onesie that was perfect for Shark Bait. That just left Sunshine and I... after a lot of debating, we finally decided on Buttercup the Unicorn (from Toy Story 3) for Sunshine and I threw together a penguin costume making me Weezy (from Toy Story 2). This was our first family theme since 2010! For Man Cub's first Halloween all the kiddos coordinated, but Bruce and I haven't dressed up for Halloween in five years! We both enjoyed joining in on the fun this year and the wee ones are already discussing what we can all dress up as next year.