Our little family spent all of last week in the northwest. Going on an Alaskan cruise has been on our bucket list for quite a number of years and we finally did it. Loved it so much. And now we’re getting back into the groove of life. I haven’t even uploaded pictures from the dSLR yet. But I do have a handful of pictures taken on my iPhone that are pretty nifty and definitely worth sharing.
Today is the ” visual yumminess” I spoke of earlier. I’m sharing some panoramic views from our travels. These were all created the same way:
3. Enhanced (color, border, etc.) with Camera+ app
As you can tell, I have so much fun taking pictures on my iPhone, just like many of you. It’s for sure one of my absolute favorite toys. Actually, it’s more than that. As a documenter of life, I consider it an essential accessory in my world.
AutoStitch, Camera+, and Instagram are my top 3 favorite photography apps at the moment. Enough babbling. On to the visuals.
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Seattle. As seen from the Space Needle.
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Mendenhall Glacier. Juneau, Alaska.
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Glacier Bay.
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Near Skagway, Alaska? Maybe? I can’t remember, to be honest.
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Misty Fjords.
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As seen from our balcony on the cruise ship.
This last picture was shot around 10 pm. Being that far north, the sun sets very, very late. Dusk is unbelievably gorgeous in Alaska. All of what we saw of Alaska is just gorgeous. Like – really, completely, totally gorgeous. We are so grateful for the opportunity to see that beautiful corner in this gigantic world.
I will likely share more pictures from our trip. I’ll definitely be posting some on facebook + twitter for a little while.
To wrap up this week’s series of photos from our recent trip back east, I wanted to share a few last snapshots. Our visits to Washington D.C. and Amish Country were quick. The majority of our time was spent with family. They are why we traveled there.
Before we dive into these photos, I wanted to add something: My purpose in sharing pictures from our trip is not about our trip. My intention is to share with you how I document, with hopes that you will find even a tiny bit of inspiration in documenting your own. As you know, I focus a lot on documenting the everyday. This week’s focus on my blog happen to come from a vacation perspective. But you’ll notice in today’s photos that while we were on vacation, these are all very much “everyday” type of photos.
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Watching my nephews play soccer has been on my bucket list for a while and I’m thrilled that we finally got to see them in action. I ended up taking a LOT of pictures for them. I like to pictures and that’s great. But I really love to take pictures FOR people. I guess you could say it’s part of my “love language”. It is a gift that I can share with others. And the cutest thing? They actually really enjoyed that I was taking pictures and told me so. They’re teenage boys! What a score in my validation book.
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Food, food, food. And yes, probably too much of it. It was so fun to share meals with family in their homes.
Apparently my Mom’s favorite new thing to make is whoopie pies. It’s a new-to-me food group. And watch out — the woman knows how to mass-produce treats.
Of course she made plenty of her classic chocolate chip cookies. I may or may not have eaten 57 of them.
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We went on a really nice, long walk through a new community in our little town. The kids went on a tractor ride through my parents’ property. We swam. We had slumber parties. We played. We relaxed.
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The kids had serious cousin bonding time. And bonding with grandparents. It was a wonderful time of reconnection. Grandma and Claire especially because Claire has such a fascination for all the knick-knacky things that my mom has everywhere.
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The kids are particularly fond of Grandma’s Amish clock that sings every hour. Okay, so she has like SIX singing clocks. Hilarious. I love how Claire was trying to pick Crew up to see the moving parts on the clock.
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Isn’t she so beautiful? This is my great Aunt Eva and I love her so much. David and I haven’t had living grandparents for quite a number of years but Aunt Eva is like a grandma to me and I treasure the time we had to catch up. She is 93 years of age and has the softest hands on the planet.
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We stopped by my brother’s architectural/engineering firm. With my camera around my neck, I took a load of pictures around his office. Again, for the love of sharing pictures.
We also got to see one of his projects which is underway and looking awesome. He oozes talent.
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My other brother in Maryland is an optometrist and the BEST at that. I know I’m biased but seriously — he’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet and really passionate about what he does. Plus, he let our kids take a peek through the equipment. (Photo taken on my iPhone with poor lighting but hey — that’s alright.)
{ NOTE } If it’s been a while since you took your camera to work or photographed a loved one at work, you can find some inspiration here and here.
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Remember that big brush pile I showed you in Monday’s post? Yeah, that’s gone now. As tradition has it, we had a bonfire in my parents’ backyard.
As you can tell, we are so grateful we were able to go on this family trip. I am so grateful for family connections. Not so much for humidity, but for the time we were able to spend with some of the people we love the absolute most. And I’m grateful for photography that allows me to capture these memories. And I’m grateful for Project Life because it’s so not overwhelming adding a few favorites to our family’s yearbook, which I’ll be doing this weekend. ; )
We visited Washington D.C. a week ago today. Spent a full day there. On a sweltering hot & humid day. I remember humidity. I lived in this climate for 17 years + 4 more when we lived in Cleveland. It’s not hard to forget. But man — coming from the desert into that wet air on a nearly 100-degree day? Super awesome.
Not.
After we got through the initial shock (in other words, the whining) and found some air-conditioning, it really was a great day. We caught the morning train right in Brunswick. (Did I ever tell you that my hometown high school mascot is the Brunswick Railroaders?) Once we were in the city, the Metro got us to the Mall and then it was on foot from there.
We were in really, really good company. Lots of people were there to see the Lincoln Memorial. Hot + humid … andcrowded? Plus whining kiddos? We were off to an … entertaining start.
This is part of the beautiful WWII memorial.
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Of course the Washington Monument is beautiful, particularly as it is surrounded by U.S. flags. But this also became our first landmark of air-conditioning! So now we love it even more.
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These views are from the top of the Washington Monument.
Inside the Smithsonian – National Museum of Natural History.
We live in the desert. The desert is our home. I have grown to love the desert with its unique beauty, contrasted landscape, practically no natural disasters (unless you consider extreme heat to be a disaster), and the Winter weather is right up our ally.
But I grew up in Maryland. All that farmland, rolling hills, the Appalacian mountains … that’s my home too. Visiting the place that has my roots in its soil is always therapeutic and refreshing. And then I’m always ready to come back to our home in Arizona.
Our little family just spent a week back east. Some of you know my parents just spent two years serving a mission in Finland. They’re back home now. So we went to spend time with them and our other family there (I have a couple brothers and their families in Maryland also).
I’m very much in travel-recovery mode this week. My inboxes are overflowing, not to mention the laundry and my to-do list. But first things first. My pictures are uploaded and organized. Of course. Here’s a little look at beautiful Maryland, according to my camera lens.
You’ll notice a theme: Green, green, green.
All of the above photographs are from around my parents’ property. The place where I grew up. The clovers, the ivy, the honeysuckles … so very much a part of my childhood. That brush pile? You’ll see that again later this week when I share pictures of the bonfire.
Looking into the backyard where nieces and nephews played for hours (at my brother’s home).
The motion in this shot is evidence of snapping this picture from the car as we drove into Brunswick — my hometown. Every time we drive through this area my nose is practically glued to the window. I never seem to tire of the sites. It is simply beautiful.
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As I get back into the routine of everyday life this week, I’ll be sharing more pictures from our trip back east. Expect a lot of visual, and very few words. Stay tuned for pictures from Washington D.C., Amish Country, and more. I hope you’re off to a really great start this week. If you watch and listen carefully, you’ll notice a lot of blessings in store for you.
Many of you know that (almost) every day I share a picture-of-the-day idea { POTD Idea } on facebook + twitter. If you aren’t on facebook or twitter, you can still see these ideas on the right side of my blog, where my very up-to-date facebook feed is visible to anyone and everyone.
The purpose? To inspire you in your quest to document everyday life.
The source of inspiration?You. Sometimes I share one of my own personal pictures, but most of the pictures I share come from readers like you. People who enjoy taking pictures. Experienced photographers, novice photographers. Some are teens. Some are elderly. Many are somewhere in between.
The result? Whether you’re documenting life with a picture every day or just want ideas for taking pictures you hadn’t already thought to take, thousands of people are being inspired. Many thanks to all who have submitted their ideas and allowed me to share them.
Want to share? I would love to see your POTD Idea(s)! And I might even select your photo as one that I share with the masses on facebook + twitter. So don’t be shy. Email one of your very best photographs (or two) to submissions@beckyhiggins.com. Cute pictures of your kids are nice but please keep in mind that I’m looking for inspiring ideas to document everyday life.
Here are a few of my own recents to get your wheels spinning.
I do not walk around the house barefoot. I’m usually wearing these because they’re THAT comfortable. Do you have a favorite pair of shoes? Or do you have “house slippers” or the pair of shoes always by the door that you slip on to get the mail? What about a favorite pair that belong to your spouse or child?
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Claire’s letter to a cousin. Including a message in her exact words. Capture your child’s current style of art. And if they’re too young to write, do it for them. Word for word so you can “hear” their voice in the written word.
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Unloading groceries from the store – including a major stocking up on (not-so-healthy) cereals. Next time you’re at the store, snap a picture of your shopping card (love phone cameras!) or get a snapshot of all your groceries as you get them unloaded and put away. I promise we don’t eat cereal all day.
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What’s for dinner. Whether it’s a tried & true classic in your family or trying something new. In this case, it’s a new-to-us recipe for Mexican Chicken Salad, which you can find HERE.
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This is such a classic reminder of Crew’s little 2-year-old personality, which includes his obsession with putting the lens cap on the lens when I attempt to take his pictures.
How do you capture the personalities of loved ones?
The other day I was having some early morning snuggles with our toddler. It was commonplace. Typical. Routine. And completely full of JOY, as many “typical” or “routine” things in our life are. In an instant it hit me that I really didn’t have any pictures of this interaction. But how could I? Who would take the picture? (David’s usually gone for work well before the kids wake up.)
So I asked Porter to grab the camera, hold it steady and just snap away as I continued to tickle and snuggle with Crew. This is what he got.
Later when I uploaded Porter’s pictures, I found magic. He did it. He captured a moment and he did it beautifully. He was able to record a slice of my role as a mama. Even his composition was impressive. The result? I now have a couple pictures that have become favorites of Crew and me together.
So this got me thinking.
Of course it got me thinking.
I am so caught up in my own role as a family historian and documenter of life, that I have not really focused on instilling this in our kids yet. Granted our oldest is only 8, but still. Now is a good time. Right?
Porter writes in his journal occasionally. Love that. The kids create art on a daily basis. Love that. Now I want them to learn how to take pictures. I want them to learn that through taking pictures, they are not only documenting life but they will be more tuned into their blessings. They know about Mom’s love for taking pictures. They know the term “picture of the day”. They suggest ideas for what should be the POTD sometimes. They love looking at our Project Life books.
Now it’s their turn. I am so getting them on-board this Summer. They’re young. I’ll keep it basic. But I’m definitely excited to mentor them in photography, teaching them a little about light and composition and for sure editing. They’ll probably love that part the most.
We’re always trying to teach our children how to cultivate a good life. Now they’re going to learn how to record it. Now that is magic.
Documenting life is a blessing. Anyone who takes pictures, writes in a journal, scrapbooks, or records life in any form knows how rich the experience can be — both the act of documenting, as well as being able to go back and look at what has been recorded.
And for many, documenting life has taken on a whole new level of significance. I know many of you have used Project Life to record the journey through difficult times. Like Karin.
In her own words: Really It all began December 1, 2010. My beautiful little boy was diagnosed with leukemia and our world turned upside down. We spend 45 hellish days in the hospital getting Elijah healthy enough to come home. Once we got home I didn’t recognize my little boy and I really felt like things were happening and changing so fast. So on January 14, 2011 I decided that I was going to start taking a picture a day of Elijah to document his year in treatment for leukemia. I wanted to be able to look back at this time through treatment and be able to show him that we lived a life with joy despite the circumstances. I wanted him to be able to look back at his treatment years from now and see that we lived life to the fullest and didn’t let life keep kicking us while we were down. Quickly I realized that I didn’t just want that for Elijah. I also wanted his baby sister Aliyah to see her life was lived and loved through all of this. So I started taking pictures and looked for an album to put the pictures in and write a little story about their day. I knew I didn’t have time to make them a scrapbook.
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So I found a simple album that was just picture slots and got one for each child. The problem? There was no place to journal. It left me cutting out little note cards and trying to fit the days journaling around the picture. Quite frankly, the end result was awful. But — that was what was available. Then my sister-in-law heard about my project and asked if I was using Project Life because she had just found out about it and ordered herself an Amber kit. I quickly looked it up and it was exactly what I had been wanting. I was sold and so I ordered a Amber kit for Aliyah and a Turquoise kit for Elijah. As soon as it arrived I copied everything I had already put into the cheap albums into the new kits and I loved the results! This was exactly what I had been looking for.
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Now I have 17 completed weeks in their albums and daily filling each new day. I am in love with your kits and don’t think I will be stopping at the end of this year. By keeping up with the journaling and photo processing every day I have found an amazing thing. My experience of life has changed. There are days that my experience says it was a terrible, horrible, no-good day with nothing redeeming at all. Then I go up to my loft office and process the day’s pictures and write the kids’ journal entries. Not one day in the 118 days of photos I have taken, has my kids’ overall experience been a total bad day. Sure, there are bad moments and hardships – especially in treating cancer – but my kids are thriving and still happy despite all we have given up. I see their joy and realize that the day wasn’t as bad as I experienced it and so I can go to bed each night in peace.
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I have seen my children’s amazing spirit and it has saved me from the darkness I feared when my son was diagnosed. Having Project Life has helped me to really live life with my children and see each day with honesty and hope. I believe whole-heartedly I would have given up on the albums long ago if it wasn’t for the simple brilliance of the Project Life system. Thank You for giving our family the gift of amazing albums as well as a changed outlook. While I am sure many people do not have as big of a push as we did to preserve our history I feel as though I would have greatly benefitted from the fresh eyes daily journaling and photos doing Project Life has given me. The time I spend each night on their albums is so centering it has just become part of my daily routine much like lunch. So again thank you.
August 2010. It was back to school for the kids and the start of a new project that I volunteered to take on for two classrooms — Porter’s 2nd grade class and Claire’s preschool class.
I call these Personal Yearbooks. The idea of course, is to help students document their school life, introduce the youngsters to scrapbooking and personal history, and have fun while doing it. Each month I photographed every single kid. I edited those pictures, printed those pictures, prepared the supplies, and went back in to guide the students in putting their pages together. It’s a monthly ritual.
Many of you have done the same thing.
So here we are. May 2011.The end of the school year. The books are complete. All 43 of them. Each is unique and specific to that child, filled with his or her handwriting, stories, art, and imagination.
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{ a few pages from Porter’s book }
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{ a few pages from Claire’s book }
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As I reflect on this year of doing this project month after month, I thought I’d share a few bits of advice to those (parents or teachers) who may want to do this next school year. Full details can be found here (you’ll see it there on the right side along with lots of other free downloads.)
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{ advice }
1. You don’t have to do it alone. You could alternate with another parent, month by month. Or one of your could be the photographer who also prints the pictures and the other person could be the one who prepares the supplies and goes in to scrapbook with the kids each month. My friend Keri did all the photography and prepared all the supplies but then she let the teacher actually do the pages with the kids each month. However you go about it, consider sharing the load so you don’t burn out.
2. Consider doing the bulk of preparation at the beginning. I’m talking about all of the printing, paper-cutting, and any other prep work. I often found myself doing last-minute stuff as I rushed out the door to get to the school. Always so much going on. Had I had everything already prepped and organized, I would have been a lot more relaxed about the project.
3. Involve your child. One thing I’m glad I did and would definitely recommend, is to involve your own child(ren) in the behind-the-scenes process. Porter and Claire helped me with sorting, matching pictures with folders (they know who’s who in their classes a whole lot better than I do), and things like that. They love it. It’s a family affair. And they learn to appreciate volunteer work a little more.
4. Stock up. If you have a stash of patterned papers and other paper crafting or scrapbooking supplies, set some things aside for this project if you’re considering ever doing this. Even though I don’t do much “traditional/decorative” scrapbooking anymore, I am so glad I have always hung on to some supplies. That stuff always comes in handy when it comes to projects with the kids especially.
5. Plan themes in advance. At the beginning of the school year, brainstorm with the teacher and come up with a list of themes you want to be sure to cover for the project. This will help you feel organized, as opposed to trying to think of a new idea each month. For example, here are some POTM (picture-of-the-month) themes we did this year: first day of school, my body system (a specific learning unit), gratitude, class holiday party, reading, field day, field trip, my teacher, recess, the library …
6. Don’t pose every picture. Obviously a child’s smile is priceless and we want to capture that. I also encourage you to mix it up. Take some of the pictures candidly and not always posed with the child looking & smiling at the camera. Catch them in the act of doing what it is that they do at school.
7. Details in writing. Whether the students are doing their own writing on the pages or you or the teacher are writing what the kids say (as it was with our little preschool class) … dig for a little more information. When you ask, “What’s your favorite thing about lunch time?” … follow up with “Why?” or “Tell me more.” This is where the flavor in their personality can really shine through their words.
8. Do it. Even though this year was a bit of a challenge for me personally to keep up with 2 classes worth of Personal Yearbooks, I am so glad I did. Obviously it’s always great to volunteer in the kids’ classes and be involved with their school. But also — these books very well could be the only form of memory-keeping some of these kids will have at this age.
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I learned a lot this year. I’m going to do things a little differently next year. Yes, I plan to continue the tradition. But — no more late nights cramming in last-minute preparations that look like this:
Here’s to teaching kids while they’re young, that documenting life is awesome.
I spent a whirlwind Friday zipping up to Salt Lake City for a television appearance. My alarm went off at 3:15 am and I was back at home, snuggling with my kids by 7:15 pm. Here are some glimpses of my not-so-ordinary day. As much as I love the everyday and the ordinary and the mundane … I for sure appreciate the fact that the “big stuff” in life very much plays a part in making up our life experience as well.
Friday was kind of “big stuff” for me. I haven’t done any tv anything since … I can’t remember, honestly. It’s been years. So my tummy was filled with butterflies. But my soul was filled with calm. I was participating in something that honored and celebrated motherhood. Anyone who reveres that sacred role has my attention. I felt grateful to have the opportunity to talk about motherhood and documenting life. Two of my greatest passions.
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Night before: Scrummaged through my closet and found something to wear. Shirt from Target, cardigan from DownEast Basics, belt is Wet Seal, skinny jeans are Cello Jeans, necklace was … umm … shoot. I totally can’t remember where I picked that up but I know it was while traveling. I just can’t remember where. For sure I texted pictures to my friend Jen for approval.
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Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix. Applied my makeup, start to finish, just minutes before boarding the plane.
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Show time! This cutie girl right here? Michelle is Studio 5′s executive producer and she is sharp. Darling. Organized. Warm. Personable. And … the one who invited me to be a part of the show.
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A couple on-air shots, thanks to my cute family in the audience with cameras in hand the whole time. On the left, I’m part of a panel discussion about the “little things” that mothers do that go a long way, even if we don’t think they matter much at the time. On the right, I’m sharing some ideas on suggestions of things moms would want to keep for their kids. Great studio audience, by the way! Glad some of you could come!
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Darin and Brooke are the hosts of Studio 5. Genuinely kind people. Really. And I about died when I learned that Brooke is only 27 years old! She’s too cute for words and single. I’m just saying. Somebody set the girl up on some dates! She’s a catch!
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Some personal friends & family were able to carve a chunk of time from their day to be there. So super grateful for them and for others who sent me texts + emails showing their support.
1. Lori Whitlock! As in, my graphic designer behind our products. Yay!
2. Sydney, Jen, Morgan — friends from our years in Cleveland who now live in Utah.
3. Kevin (as in … you love him for answering your tech questions here on my blog) and Lauren, my sister-in-law. Love them. Yes, that’s an iPad in his hand.
4. I literally wouldn’t be where I am without these people. My parents, of course. Yay that they just happened to be in Utah! And that’s Lisa Bearnson there in the middle — familiar to many of you. She was the one who believed in my talent and took a risk at hiring a 21-year-old who was just crazy-passionate about scrapbooking. Because of her, I was led to many professional opportunities that I never, ever dreamed would be a part of my life. I was tickled pink that she could come.
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Aaaannnd we’re back on-board.
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Goodbye beautiful Salt Lake City, with your snow-capped mountains in May.
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Hello again, beautiful Grand Canyon that I love to fly over.
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As I found myself staring out the window like I always do on a flight, I held the iPhone out in front of me to snap a picture. Why? Because this is so me. I am such a sucker for arial views. I find it completely fascinating to see lakes and rivers and mountains and farms and little towns and big cities … from straight above. It always makes me feel and think very reflectively. I always have a renewed sense of appreciation for God’s creations.
And so for that reason, this picture says a lot about me.
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I encourage you to do something similar. Get yourself in your documenting of life. You are, after all, a part of your life. And your life — ordinary or extraordinary as it may seem right now — is completely worth documenting.
Okay, first of all — I have 2 winners to announce from this week’s giveaways! The winner of Laura Vanderbeek’s Photo First Aid online class is Lisa Walton in Perth Australia. The winner of Creating Keepsakes’ newest Creative Spaces special issue is Brenda in Houston, Texas. Congratulations, ladies! Lisa, email laurav@reneepearson.com and Brenda, email projectlife@beckyhiggins.com with your shipping address and I’ll give that information to CK so they can ship you a little package.
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{ tv segments }
This week I had a little fun on tv, thanks to the invitation by KSL’s Studio 5 producers. Watch for Monday’s post when I share more about that day. Lots of fun pictures.
First, here’s a quick little Skype conversation I had with the hosts Brooke & Darin on Tuesday to promote the live event that was coming a few days later.
And as for that live event, you can check out the whole show HERE on Studio 5′s site. If you wanted to just check out my segments …
1. panel discussion about the little things mothers do is around 13:00 to 21:00.
2. 5 things I think mothers should keep for their children is around 25:00 – 32:00.
NOTE: That part when I mention that I share a picture-of-the-day idea just about every day on Twitter? So sorry, my sweet and supportive facebook peeps. Totally didn’t mean to leave you out. I share the very same POTD ideas on both facebook + twitter. Just in case you didn’t know that. And if you’re not already following me on facebook or twitter — you should. It’s an extension of the sharing I do here on my blog.
I think the whole show is fun to watch but if your time is limited, that’s understandable. I do recommend for every mother to watch the segment by Matt, Studio 5′s relationship coach. That’s at about 36:00 – 44:00. Seriously, this guy is fun. And he reminds us of things we should hear. Really, the whole show was just great. I so appreciated the opportunity to be a part of something that honors, reveres, and celebrates motherhood.
Thank you KSL, for focusing on what really does matter most.
I just got back from spending a few days in the beautiful state of Utah. I went to Women’s Conference at BYU – my alma mater. The experience was truly remarkable. I seriously could fill my blog schedule for weeks with everything I gained from going.
But today I’m just going to share a handful of snapshots from the trip. All taken with my iPhone. I left the “real” camera home. Some of these are edited with the Instagram app (the square images) and some with the Camera+ app — my two current faves. I find it incredibly fun to snap a picture like this …
… and turn it into this with about 30 seconds … right there on my iPhone:
Anywho … I’m having fun with the photo editing apps. Actually, it’s safe to say that most of my POTD’s for Project Life lately have been taken with my iPhone.
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BYU sits at the base of gorgeous, humongous mountains.
Spring was in full bloom. There were many areas that were just downright fragrant. Walking around was like someone slapping a perma-grin on my face. All I wanted to do was stand and inhale.
And then … it dropped 20 degrees overnight. And snowed. For real. But honestly, I loved this just as much. We’re heading into a very hot Summer here in Arizona so I was totally soaking in the coldness.
There are awesome exhibits at the BYU Museum of Art right now. This book sculpture is comprised of approximately 80,000 pounds of books. Are you kidding me? It’s one of the coolest things I’ve seen. Loved it. And I love the art of Carl Bloch, which is the main exhibit there now.
Yes, there was shopping. I’m pretty sure this was the favorite spot. If you’re ever in the Provo area … so. much. fun. stuff! Truly a load of eye candy and plenty of things to tempt the shopper side of anyone. It’s Cherry Lane Boutique on University Ave.
Finally, on a closing note … I just have to say that the BYU Creamery truly has the best mint brownies. I haven’t sunk my teeth into one of those in forever! They still make them the very same way they did when I was in college 15 years ago. And guess what!? I googled it and found that BYU actually shares the recipe online! That’s just super cool.
Now I have to get back on the healthy train. Darn it.
Highlight: I’m pretty sure this was the happiest group of 8-year-olds on the planet for a few hours. Watching them play and learn and interact and enjoy this place was pure delight.
Survival: Um. Being squished between 2 boys on the bus, even though there was plenty of room to spread out? And it was 95 degrees? Not my most favorite thing. But I’m soaking in this brief stage of still being a “cool mom” before I’m no longer viewed as cool in any way. Plus — the 3 of us worked well together as we played Words With Friends. We exercised our brains and had fun.
Inspired by: This place is full of creativity. Just look at what they’ve done with CDs and utensils and shoes! And pool noodles! A whole forest of noodles for the kids to run through? They couldn’t get enough.
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For those of you who still have questions about the digital Project Life, tomorrow’s post will cover some digital Q&A based on your comments/questions in recent posts. This has been a particularly busy week of nearly non-stop, go-go-go, hardly-any-time-at-the-computer. Please know I haven’t forgotten about you. Thank you for remembering that while I certainly work hard on my business/blog/products … I also work hard as a mother and in service to my church and community.
Yesterday after school Claire handed me this white flower that she had picked for me. She does this often. There’s no question she’s a sweetheart. And a girly-girl. Flowers and rainbows and dress-up? Check.
And then she unloaded her backpack and her pockets and out came the rocks and sticks she collected from the day. She does this often as well. Tough and adventurous and strong? Check.
As I helped Claire move her newfound treasures to join the rest of her collection in the backyard, I couldn’t help but notice the flower, there among the sticks and the rocks … and how this grouping so poignantly reminds me of her.
It’s the little things that speak volumes about someone’s personality. It’s the little things that remind us of the phases our kids go through. It’s the little things that often leave the biggest impressions on our heart of how blessed we are.
Today, photograph something that is about the little things.
The purpose of this video is to share inspiration. It’s not to review any technical specifics. Just sharing a couple ways that I have personally used Digital Project Life as a time-saving solution in my efforts to record our family memories. More information about the digital offering can be found here, including loads of FAQs and an instructional video for those who are brand-new to Digital Project Life.
I am seriously so pumped about the books I have made for our family. So quick. So easy. So rewarding to have these done! I have some loose ends I’m wrapping up with our 2009 and 2010 family yearbooks where we have used the week-at-a-glance template to showcase our POTDs (pictures of the day) from the past two years. And I continue with that format in 2011 and am loving it. L-O-V-I-N-G it.
We have some very special friends - the Fuchs ("fewks") family - that are adjusting to a "new normal" with their special-needs daughter who had a terrible accident and is now confined to a wheelchair. You can read all about it HERE
For the benefit of Claire's family - and also for the benefit of many generous sponsors - I opened my blog for advertising for one month only! This is temporary + the ads will run February 1 - 29, 2012. 100% of the ad fees have gone directly to Claire's family.
Because of the nature of this fundraiser and the need to keep the entire process very, very simple - we are not taking any more sponsors at this time. Anyone who wants to reach out to the Fuchs family with a note of encouragement, or a letter in the mail, or even a cash donation, can find that information HERE
