Surprisingly Good Films

My husband I were both surprised by the charm of these truly must see films.
If it hadn't been for one local newspaper reviewer I probably wouldn't have given "Lars" a chance
Netfilx recommended Miss Potter.
I'm grateful to both, for I found these films so cheering and delightful.
My dears if you have not already, you simply must see them.

http://www.larsandtherealgirl-themovie.com/
http://www.misspotter-themovie.com/

God Bless America

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task. This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

....Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

A Civil Rights Journey Video

I loved this video and I wanted to share with all of you.

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/index.php?cl=11608851

What a sweet and beautiful day this is.

He Had A Dream.....

Do you think even his wildest dreams held this?

President Barack Obama

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

I'm Grateful For This Day

I grateful for what it stands for and that it has come to be a day of service.
I'm grateful for the difference Martin Luther King Jr made and all he taught us.
I really liked this cartoon
I thought this was great and very enlightening:
http://www.hulu.com/the-legacy-of-mlk

I Adore Her Company

It is so nice to get to spend my days with someone so wonderful.

She is the best companion for window shopping, museum visiting, and adventure.

Oh how happy I feel when she is near.

She fills my days and heart with laughter.

She really is a joy monger. ;)

I am truly blessed.

Does everyone know about this?

I do portrait photography. I even have a blog about it. (although it's still a work in progress) Also I haven't uploaded all of the photos I've taken over the years to this blog, but I just thought you all should know that it's something I do.
I think my favorite photography is maternity, but I enjoy it all.

New Years Journal Post

On the crisp and beautiful morning of January 1, 2003 I started a tradition. I had stayed up all night, outside, to see the dawn and before retiring I wrote a journal entry. This year, as a mom, sleeping sounded way better than staying up to see the dawn. I woke up in time to see a ribbon of purple and pink on the horizon, but then returned to our snugly family bed. I played with my daughter and watched movies all day with my sweetheart. I decided to let the tradition wait and enjoy the time with them. After enjoying the time with my spouse and daughter immensely I should really get back to writing this post, 2008 was an interesting year....

• I was at a friend's unassisted birth, that was a life changing and breathtaking experience.


• I was able to attend my first real doula birth. What an honor that was, Carrie is such an incredible and strong woman.


• Eve had her first birthday.


• Eve learned to walk, talk, and eat.


• Eve has gotten more and more fun this year and very affectionate.


• I ended things with my parents and brother once and for all, hooray!


• We celebrated our 6th year of marriage with fun family getaways to Park City & Manti.


• School is going great for Chris and he just landed a great local internship.


• My doula studies are coming along nicely and I have two clients due this Winter.


• The three of us shared an a amazing Halloween (Park City Haunted Inn), a sweet Thanksgiving, and a perfect Christmas.


• Witnessed Change come to America with my friends and family.


• We bought a new car. (We still need to take it on a road trip.)


• One of the portraits I took has been in the media.


• This has been a year of sweet friendships. From my birthday surprise party and playgroup to game nights, long talks, one fabulous New Years Eve. I am grateful to have so many amazing and good hearted people in my life.

My hopes and goals for the new year are:

• Become very good at Balloon animals and hats.


• Increase my Doula work.


• Take a real vacation outside of Utah.


• Make even more great friends.


• See the good in others.


• Food preservation.


• Read the The Five Love Languages, The Soft-Spoken Parent, Legacy of the Heart.


• Improve my scripture study habits.


• Become more involved in good works in my community.


• Be a more compassionate wife and a more patient mother.


• Make my home more beautiful.


• Increase my temple attendance.


• Have greater love for those around me.
• Become a certified doula.
• Become better at forgiveness and learn how to let go.


• By the end of 2009, feel like I've made a difference.