My 100th post

I just realized after loading pictures for a new recipe I tried the other day, that post was going to be my 100th post on this blog.  I know to many people that fact might not mean much but for me, it feels like an accomplishment.  My interest in this blog has definitely waxed and waned but in the end I feel such excitement in my soul when I get to take pictures of food, try new recipes, and be creative.

In honor of my 100th post (and basically the one year anniversary of this blog which was started September 13, 2012), I am going to post some of my favorite photos from the last year instead of a new recipe.  I did not know that I would get such joy from taking photographs of friends, food, and just plain ol' objects when I started this thing. Thanks to all of you for being so encouraging along this continued process and for being a part of this blogging adventure with me!  I hope you have enjoyed (and will continue to enjoy) the ride!

Labor Day Weekend Fun

This past weekend Matt and I were able to head a little south of Atlanta to visit with part of my family.  It was such a relaxing time of taking life slow and doing things that are just fun to do.  We read a lot of magazines, talked about future plans, ate a lot of cupcakes, and watched a lot of TV.  All the fun things you crave to do while on a short weekend vacation.

My sweet mother and sister went on a walk with me last night around the neighborhood.  They allowed me to use themselves and their dogs as models as I practiced my photography.  These photos are some of the results of that walk.  I am trying to work on my lighting skills and see how the sun affects the contrast and shadows.  I had a lot of fun playing around with these pictures.

I don't quite know why I love the very top picture I have placed on today's post.  As I continue to look at it, I think it might be the stark blackness of Pippi's fur against the gray of the concrete mixed with the orange/brown of the leaves and pine needles.  I don't really know why I am so drawn to it especially because it is out of focus.  I just think it is very interesting.  Anyway, thanks for allowing me to share part of my weekend.  I hope you had a relaxing one too!

 

 

From April to August

Where in the world did the time go?  How did this year go from April to August already?  

Life is going by much too quickly.

This summer has held many excitements for our home.  I switched jobs within the hospital that I work.  Matt finished his sixth year of teaching elementary school and completed his first year of graduate studies. And we got to travel!! We visited with friends in Hilton Head over the Memorial Day weekend, flew up to Ohio for our nephew's 6th birthday in June, went on an adventure to Iceland, and spent time with family and friends on the many weekends in between.

We have had a blessed summer.  No other word would be able to describe it.  We are beyond thankful for each moment and memory that was made during these last couple months.  As we embark into the fall and into the holidays, I hope to be able to share even more about the adventures that are going on in our household.  I hope you will join me in the fun!

beautiful yellow tulips from my sweet, sweet husband

the most attractive couple i know

this smile lights up my day

downtown in reykjavik, iceland

these dandelions seemed to go on for miles and miles

a little boy following in the footsteps of his fisherman father

beautiful, peaceful iceland

Sweet Spring Weekend Trip

This past weekend Matt and I got to meet up with our sweet friends in Nashville, Tennessee.  This has become a slight ritual since everyone has started moving all over the US for jobs, family, and just some good ol' fashion change of scenery.  The weekend was beautiful with bright blue skies and lots of smiling faces.  I think it is safe to say everyone who was able to come had a really good time.  For those whose schedule wouldn't allow them to come for this weekend of fun, next time you better be there! (This includes Audrey, Steve, Sarah, and Karl respectively. You all were very missed.)

our kind and generous hostess

the girls having much needed girl time

my favorite addiction

mary's method for ripening pears

Sweet Baby E

Some of our sweet friends were recently blessed with the birth of their second daughter.  They asked me if I wouldn't mind taking some newborn pictures of their little girl.  I had never done this before and had no idea what I was doing but was totally willing to give it a try.

Before beginning the photo session, I told my friend that I was just in charge of taking the pictures.  I would let her do all the posing of the baby.  I definitely didn't want to break her 6-day-old child in my very first ever newborn photo shoot.  That would be horrible!  Nearly impossible but still horrible.  It would probably ruin any reputation I was trying to build as a newborn baby photographer.  Take that back. It would definitely ruin any reputation I was trying to establish.

Below are some of the results of the shoot.  As you can see, the baby is not broken but is completely healthy and beyond beautiful.

I loved getting to do this for my friend.  I had so much fun getting to spend time with her, her husband, her friend from out of town, her oldest daughter, and now her newest daughter!  It was such a blessing and a wonderful way to spend a Friday afternoon.  Enjoy!

Working on my Discipline

I am quickly learning I am not very good at being disciplined in multiple areas of my life at once.  I really wish I were.  This revelation has occurred to me recently because I just began "training" for a 5K.  I put the word "training" in quotes because I don't actually have a training schedule.  I googled "how to run a 5K in 6 weeks" and multiple training plans popped up for me.  However after looking them over, I just about hated every one of them.  My current jogging regimen has consisted of jogging slowly every other day or so.  It seems to be working for me and I can see a very slight decrease in my time.  I will take that.  Wish me luck on March 23rd!  If my "training" actually worked, I might just be the next Jillian Michaels.

Anyway with this high correlation between the lack of blog posts and my recent increased attempts at jogging slowly for this 5K, I need to apologize.  My blog posting has clearly gone down substantially in the last 4-5 weeks.  I promise that although I have not been blogging consistently, I have been cooking. Maybe one day I will be disciplined in two areas of my life at the same time...

This past weekend I was able to train for my 5K in the magical land of Hilton Head.  If you have been there, you know how relaxing this place is.  It is filled with old people, quaint little seafood restaurants, and more miniature golf places than you could ever imagine.  Although this recent trip just included Matt and myself, our friend group has developed a wonderful tradition of visiting Hilton Head at least one weekend a year.  We all look forward to reading, hitting golf balls off of a nearby green, relaxing by the pool, laying on the beach, and just catching up with each other throughout the weekend.  It is just a wonderful time!  Below are some of the photos from me and Matt's recent trip.  Our friends weren't able to make it to this trip but we look forward to the next visit which will hopefully include all of them!