2011 Favorites–December

I’m finally getting to my December favorites.  All of the other month’s posts were done at the same time and were scheduled to post on on specific days but the December post never got done because I got so far behind on my editing.  Now that we’re a few weeks into January and Christmas is all put away, it was kind of fun to go back and relive the fun memories we were able to enjoy during the month of December.  I didn’t choose December’s favorites based on their technical greatness – although I did throw in a few “pretties” – most of the ones I chose were picked because they remind me of the special things we did together as a family during the advent season.

1.  Katelyn looking so cute in her holiday t-shirt and pigtails

2.  My parents at the Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas Around the World tree exhibit

3.  A “pretty” from the indoor conservatory

4.  Hanging orchids

5.  Christmas berries

6.  I loved the color on this particular tree

7.  Holiday poinsettias

8.  Pretty light flare from the garland on my banister

9.  Annual Christmas cookie baking day with my mom

10.  Cookies, cookies, cookies

11.  A splash of color in our otherwise colorless, winter woods

12.  Katelyn’s gift to Andrew (it was fun to watch the kids really get into buying and giving gifts to each other this year)

13.  An annual tradition … Christmas Eve fondue

14.  Christmas morning

15.  It was the year of the Nerf gun (even Daddy got one!)

16.  The sweetest Christmas elf

17.  The Christmas centerpiece on our dining room table

18.  Playing in the snow

19.  Our ginormous snowman

20.  Joel and his sweet Grandma

21.  Celebrating Andrew’s 14th birthday

22.  My parent’s Christmas tree

23.  Katelyn’s Christmas choir concert at school

24.  Enjoying the scenery through the mirror on my van

25.  Our tree on Christmas Eve

26.  Daddy agreeing to let Katelyn paint his nails while on a lunch break from work (she and her cousin set up a nail salon in our living room during Christmas break)

27.  A drive through a Christmas light display

Whew!  I didn’t realize I had chosen so many for the month of December.  If you’ve stuck with me till the end, you deserve a prize!

Thanks, again, to those of you who journeyed with me throughout the year!  I can’t wait to see what 2012 brings in regards to this little hobby of mine!

1/52

The beginning of a new year is a great time to start a photography challenge.  Initially I didn’t think I wanted to take part in any of the challenges I’ve seen sponsored at various photo blogs, however, I’ve been a little frustrated with my photography lately and decided that maybe I could use a little inspiration.

The first challenge is something I’m doing on my own - I’ve taken a photo a day this past week and am purposefully working on my perspective … getting down low or shooting from above … basically just trying to see my subject from a different perspective.

Then yesterday I came across a Project 52 – take one photo a week for a year – at Paint the Moon, which sounded interesting and do-able.  Most of the photo challenges I’ve come across for 2012 have themes.  I’m typically not a theme lover when it comes to photo challenges because I feel too confined.  However, the Paint the Moon challenge was different in that there were a couple of themes to choose from … one that was more open to the photographer’s interpretation and another that could be taken more literally.  And the really cool part about this particular photo site was that they also are sponsoring a challenge for kids! 

So I decided to give it a try and was able to enlist the kids to be a part of the kid’s challenge as well.  I’m not going to commit to post every one of my pictures from the challenge, however, I will start by sharing this week’s capture…

The two themes for this week were “all natural” and “sharing.”  I think it’s pretty obvious which one I chose, although I do have an idea for the “sharing” theme as well that I’m going to try and capture this weekend.

I’m hoping that this challenge will push me to learn and I’m excited to be doing it with my kiddos.  The themes for their first week are “pets” or “metal.”  Andrew is helping Joel work on his truck this morning out at his brother’s shop so he took the camera with him, hoping to find some good shots that involve metal.  I can’t wait to see what he came up with!  Hopefully I can share some of their captures throughout the year as well!

If you’re interested in more photo inspiration, you can visit the challenge’s flickr site here.

2011 Favorites–November

Wow!  Only one more month to go and we’ve come to the end of 2011!  Time sure flies when you’re having fun.  Ha!  Seriously though, thanks for walking this journey with me.  I never really know who visits my blog, but I truly thank those of you who do.

These November shots represent the last days of fall as well as the ushering in of winter.  Some you may have seen already and hopefully a few you have not.  Either way, please enjoy these favorites from the month of November…

Again, I thank you for stopping by … I hope you’ll stop by and take a peak at my December favorites as well!  Have a blessed day!

Celebrating a completed goal!

Two of our three kids have been sick this week so we’ve been cooped up in the house a little more than normal.  I’m starting to go a little stir crazy and so are they!

On the bright side, however, are the lovely flowers my hubby brought me yesterday.  They were in honor of a goal that I successfully completed this week … reading through the entire Bible in a year!  Yay!  I loved it so much that I started reading it again this morning.  If you’re interested in joining me, YouVersion has lots of reading plans to choose from.  Last year I did the Blended plan and this year, I’m going to try the Reading God's Story:  One-Year Chronological Plan.  I’m looking forward to seeing what God has for me in His Word this year!

This or That Thursday

2011 Favorites–October

I’m simply going to let the pictures do the talking today!  May I present my October favorites…

2011 Favorites–September

I came across this quote today and could totally relate …

“I think a photography class should be a requirement in all educational programs because it makes you see the world rather than just look at it.”  -Author Unknown

Photography has taught me to see.

And appreciate.

I will always be grateful.

My September favorites…

Jesus Calling: January 1, 2012

 

Come to Me with a teachable spirit, eager to be changed.  A close walk with Me is a life of continual newness.  Do not cling to old ways as you step into a new year.  Instead, seek My Face with an open mind, knowing that your journey with Me involves being transformed by the renewing of your mind.  As you focus your thoughts on Me, be aware that I am fully attentive to you.  I see you with a steady eye, because My attention span is infinite.  I know and understand you completely; My thoughts embrace you in everlasting Love.  I also know the plans I have for you:  plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Give yourself fully to this adventure of increasing attentiveness to My Presence.

Romans 12:2; Jeremiah 29:11

Jesus Calling:  January 1

What better way to start the New Year then by coming before the Lord with a teachable spirit and a willingness to rest in His presence?  I can’t wait to see God’s plans for my life and for those that I love unfold before us in His perfect timing!

Happy New Year!