Destiny LeSueur's Blog

Camping in AF Canyon

2011-08-21T10:08:00.001-07:00

We decided to go camping with some friends of ours who go camping all the time. This was our first time as a family roughing it in a tent in the woods! We were pretty excited. Right before we left, my friend asked if we were ok with driving on a dirt road. We didn't realize what we were getting ourselves into. It was a little worse than just a dirt road. It took an hour driving 3mph over big rocks and near cliffs which really scared Destiny. She made it though, she just had to keep her eyes closed. Here's a picture of the road but it was actually a lot worse than the picture shows.

We finally got to the spot and it was really beautiful. The ground was really wet but still pretty.

We tried doing a little fishing but didn't have any luck. So we had a back up plan.

The kids had a blast. Maddie had fun getting dirty. And they liked being able to run around and be loud.

The next morning we got up and thought we would try fishing again. I got lucky and caught one on my first cast. The kids thought it was pretty cool.

Then as we were packing things up so we could go on a hike and go to a lake to do some more fishing, Lyndon fell into the camp fire! He was running with Becca and tripped over a rock and his left knee fell onto red hot coals. It was pretty bad. There was a clean stream that we camped next to so we raced him over to the stream and got him in. Cold water really isn't the best on a burn but it's all we had.

Lyndon was really tough as we pulled some of the burned skin off his leg. We decided to pass on the hike and get Lyndon home. By the time we got out of AF Canyon his pain was gone. His knee still looks pretty nasty but it hasn't slowed him down much. He is still running around. When we got home and looked at our car we couldn't believe how dirty it was. We said never again would we take our car on this "dirt road."

Overall we had fun. When I asked Lyndon that night if he had fun he said he had so much fun and wants to do it again. Maybe just a different spot with a little bit better fire pit though.

- Posted from my iPhone

Skydiving!

2011-07-24T14:10:00.001-07:00

Destiny talked me into going skydiving for my 30th birthday. It was such a blast. I can't wait to do it again. The only problem was that we did a lot of spinning on the way down and I got a little sick. Good thing I didn't have much food in me or I would've lost it for sure.

Oh, can't forget to mention that Destiny went to go get us food and ended up hitting a deer with my car! I was a little upset but glad that her and the kids were ok. Hopefully we'll be able to get the car in the shop this week to get it all fixed.

- Posted from my iPhone

Lyndon Is A Pro!

2011-07-17T19:27:00.001-07:00

Lyndon was able to get a new bike from his Uncle JT! Turns out he's got a little of his old man in him. He picked it up right away! Now he's a pro. I think we'll have him mountain biking in no time.

He hit Kizco a little right here and was still able to keep going. Kizco's face looks worse than it really was.

- Posted from my iPhone

Family Bowling

2011-07-17T14:16:00.001-07:00

Its usually pretty hard to get Destiny to go bowling cause it's not really her favorite thing to do. But we thought pizza and bowling would be fun for the kids. Turned out to be tons of fun! The kids had a blast.

I was able to catch Lyndon giving Maddie a high five after she almost got a strike! I love that they are best buds and that Lyndon is so good to Maddie.

- Posted from my iPhone

Dad's Helper Again

2011-07-17T14:06:00.001-07:00

I don't know what it is, but this little girls loves to help with everything! Sometimes its helpful and other times not so helpful. But this time she was being very helpful.

Guess I worked her a little too hard cause she crashed pretty fast on the couch.

- Posted from my iPhone

Dad's Little Helper

2011-05-30T19:10:00.001-07:00

I had to run around town this morning to get a few things done. Good thing I had my little helper with me. It probably took me twice as long to get everything done but I loved every minute of it! First off she had to make sure she was dressed right. Had to be in a dress with her princess shoes on. Too bad it was 50 degrees outside so she had to wear her jacket. She really doesn't care how cold it is, as long as she is in a dress she is happy.

She really wanted these glasses. I have the hardest time telling her no. I was strong this time, but at the grocery store she got a Cinderella pez dispenser and some princess fruit snacks. She can't resist anything with a princess on it and I can't resist when she gives me the look and says "please please please!"

- Posted from my iPhone

Hanging Out At The Mall

2011-05-19T08:46:00.001-07:00

We needed to kill some time so we decided to go to the mall and let the kids run around and get some energy out. It's amazing how much energy they have. I'd love to have half their energy! They had fun though, that's all that matters.

We did end up going in some stores. Maddie really liked this hat and said we could get it for me or Lyndon. She really wanted a kitty watch but we couldn't find one. Maybe next time.

- Posted from my iPhone

Lyndon's Preschool Concert

2011-05-17T18:17:00.001-07:00

Well, school is winding down for Lynzo and his preschool put on a pretty good show for us. It's amazing all the things he has learned this school year. He knows his numbers, letters, math and he is even doing really good with reading! Sometimes I think he is too smart for his own good.
Here are some pics from his performance.

And then afterwards we went to Golden Spoon for some frozen yogurt. The kids didn't mind too much!

We are very proud of Lyndon and look forward to being apart of all his accomplishments!

- Posted from my iPhone

Day 2 At The Expo

2011-05-15T12:47:00.001-07:00

By Saturday the kids were getting pretty comfortable around the expo. I have to admit, there was a lot of cool stuff there. All the stuff I brought home is proof of that. The second day was better than the first but it still wasn't that good. So we made the best of it and had fun!

She hopped in and put the helmet on and was ready to go!

Lyndon had a lot of fun too!

- Posted from my iPhone

The Outdoor Expo

2011-05-13T13:59:00.001-07:00

At the Outdoor Expo for work and I was able to spend some time with the fam. They were loving everything.

She loved this dog!

She was asking me if we could PLEASE keep this dog.

Lyndon was loving the rock wall. He didn't do too bad being in flip flops.

Here's a quick shot of our booth. My parents had a booth by ours for their new OnlyProtein products so it was nice to be able to harass them every now and then.

- Posted from my iPhone

The DOG Wash!

2011-05-09T09:22:00.001-07:00

So there is a car wash behind my office that also has a dog wash! This is the coolest thing ever. All you do is put in some quarters and select which options you want and you're set. Kizco was pretty nervous. She's not always a huge fan of getting a bath. She did good until it came time to dry her off. Overall though it was so much easier doing it at the dog wash instead of trying to do it at home. I'm sure she'll get use to it.

This is her keeping her distance from me. She usually gets a little bugged afterwards but it doesn't last long.

She's still a little pissed but I don't care. She is so clean and fluffy!

The Next David Beckham!

2011-05-08T09:38:00.001-07:00

Well, David Beckham might be going a little too far, but my little buddy scored the first goal of his game on Saturday! He has sure improved since his first game. His first game he played freeze tag with one of his teammates. Now he has his eye on the ball and scoring goals! That's my boy!

- Posted from my iPhone

The BEST "Pick Me Up"

2011-05-06T15:57:00.001-07:00

Had a rough week this week and a long day today. But when I come home and see this face it somehow makes everything ok.

- Posted from my iPhone

Maddie's First REAL Haircut

2011-05-05T12:25:00.000-07:00

Finally time for trim. Between Destiny and the hairdresser they wanted to cut her hair short! There was no way I was going to let that happen. I love her hair and wasn't too excited about cutting it. He only cut a little off so I was ok. She was so good. She was like a statue! We told her we were going to make her look like a princess and that was all she needed to hear.

Trying to hold still. She did really good.

This was the final product. And she thought she looked just like a princess! She sure does to me!

Its Great Being A Dad!

2011-05-04T08:43:00.000-07:00

For some reason, these kids love it when we watch movies together. I guess I don't mind it too much either.

Spending Time At The Beach

2011-05-03T22:41:00.001-07:00

Maddie hates when she has wet feet and get sand on them. She was not happy about that!

We had to drag Lyndon from the water. He loves the beach! I don't blame him.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Trip to California

2011-05-03T22:06:00.001-07:00

Gordon here. Since Destiny isn't blogging anymore I thought I would give it a try.

Thursday morning we got up early and headed for California! It was so nice to head to warmer weather. We were mostly excited for out trip to Disneyland! It was Destiny and Maddie's first time to the happiest place on earth. We thought that Maddie would be scared of the Disney characters but she loved them. Lyndon loved going on all the roller coasters and after every ride said "Lets do that again!" It was so nice to get away as a family for a little vacation. The kids are already asking when were going back. Hopefully soon!

Lyndon’s FIVE

2011-03-01T17:50:00.000-08:00

Well, he’s been five since December but we really feel like braving the snow for pics (although I am sure there are lots of fun shots you can do, it hasn’t seemed worth freezing my fingers off for!) And then I couldn’t remember my sign-in info for the blog... thanks to fb that is how neglected my blog has become. So, my apologies for the delay.

We had a lot of fun shooting these. Someday I hope he gives me a real smile, not this goofy grin, but that’s just who he is!

I am so sad my focus was off in these two (I need a new lens) but it still captures ‘him.’

He kind of cracks me up!

I think he cracks himself up too.

Love the little lip bite, and of course always looking somewhere else. There was no one else or anything else around, this kid just can’t seem to focus. But he is full of energy and very creative and I love it!

Well lookie here, almost a real smile, ahh.

The balloons were super fun.

That’s one giant mailbox.

And that concludes this session. I am thinking I need to get back into photography more... we’ll see!

Payson Canyon in the Fall

2010-10-21T22:33:00.000-07:00

Such a cute fun couple. Thanks for letting me do y'alls pics! It was a blast!!!

Sweet Baby

2010-09-17T12:25:00.000-07:00

I got to take a few pics of my new nephew.... I am so lucky to live so close to at least one of my sisters.

Christine's Shower

2010-09-17T12:11:00.001-07:00

So, I figure I should get the shower pics up before I post the newborn pics! I am so glad we were able to throw Christine and Sean a party to celebrate their having a baby. And how fun that their guy friends came too... they probably didn't really want me taking pictures of them decorating onesies, but they actually made some of the cutest ones!

I really didn't get very many good pics... I guess I was too busy. It's a bummer I didn't take each person's pic with their creation. Hopefully Christine will get some of Brody wearing them!

And I am really sad we didn't get pics of Sean's Trivia game. We asked him new Dad and birthing partner questions and he nailed them! I made him a "smarty candy necklace" for being such a smarty!

Next we played the Sweet Mess game... that's where you melt a candy bar in a diaper and try and they try and guess which one it is.

Like I said, not a lot of pics but it was a lot of fun I think! Thanks everyone that came!!!

M's Birthday Session

2010-08-06T22:14:00.001-07:00

There are like 100 (so I apologize, but this is as much as I could narrow down!) of these beautiful pics of our precious Madelyn in this tutu dress I made for her birthday. It was so much fun to go out just the two of us for this shoot.

I assumed once the dress came off that meant the shoot was over, but I just kept on shooting. I couldn't resist!

And for you Grammies (she has 6 including the greats) who still want more, you can see them ALL here (there are 3 pages.)

Madelyn's Family Birthday Dinner

2010-08-03T20:34:00.001-07:00

(Video of Maddie on the saddle at Texas Roadhouse,

our favorite place for obvious reasons.

It is appropriate, she is a Texan after all!)

That's right, we have a 2 year old in the house again!

I can't believe how much she has changed. What a joy she is to all of us.

We ALL SCREAM... for ICE CREAM!!!

The bottle Madelyn is holding is for the baby she got...

Maddie's teething (isn't she suppose to have all her teeth by now?)

so she's chewing on stuff a lot.

Oh, and her hair kind of looks cut, but it's not. It's just in a ponytail... looks kind of cute short. Don't tell Gordon I may be getting an idea (:

Glowing Cont.

2010-08-01T22:35:00.001-07:00

Could she BE any more beautiful...

I should also add that she deserves a prize for her strength and selflessness. She has hypermesis (sp?) and has only been to the hospital once (for fluid, due to a bug) because of her determination to take care of her little unborn bundle of joy (I'm not sure she would call it joy yet, but it will be!) I wish you could see in these pics how proud her husband, Sean, is of her for all she has been through and for her decision to deliver naturally with a midwife. Myself I think it is sad that we, women wanting to birth naturally, meet so much opposition. But it's the best decision I ever made as a woman for me and my baby and all I can say is, "You go girl!"

Preview | Glowing

2010-07-25T20:50:00.001-07:00

We did my sister's maternity shoot this weekend and got sooo many great shots I can't choose my favorites! She is so funny. She thinks she's huge (35 weeks) HA! Gordon said it looks like she has a Mickey Mouse under there!!! Anyway, I always say she is so pretty she should be a model and it still holds true. Christine you are GORGEOUS! (sorry we live so far apart Brittny... you are gorgeous too!!!)

Kid's Room

2010-07-13T16:49:00.001-07:00

Maddie moved out of her crib several months ago and I am just getting around to uploading these pics! One night she fought going to bed (not like her) so Gordon took out her mattress, put it on the floor, and she went right to sleep!

So we made a bed for her under Lyndon's loft bed and she loves it, they have more space now and the added bonus is that I don't worry about her falling off!

Lessons

2010-05-25T09:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a very interesting day. It was like the Lord was trying to teach me some lessons that I am not sure I fully grasp yet. First, I woke up to snow, which is frustrating when you don't particularly like snow and it's the end of May already. But the weird thing was how beautiful the afternoon was. While I wasn't pulling out my shorts the sun came out and melted the snow and the sky was pretty clear for where we live. I know I appreciated the sun that much more in contrast to what I woke up to. Then, while shopping at Walmart I happened to be in the right place at the right time to help a man having a seizure. A lot of people were scared, especially his Mom, so I held his head and tried to keep everyone calm. I will probably never forget his eyes. Waking up on the floor is very disorienting, I know from experience. Anyway, the paramedics finally got there and I went back to shopping. The thing is, before this happened I was ecstatic about going through a grocery store without the kids and then my perspective was totally changed and all I wanted to do was get done and get home to my family.
Take from that what you will but I have been feeling a need for more gratitude in my life and I feel like I was helped along my quest for that yesterday and I am very grateful for that (;

Beautiful Teen (Draper Alta Senior)

2010-04-28T08:22:00.000-07:00

My Silly Girl

2010-04-13T14:20:00.000-07:00

I found this hat at the grocery store for $5, way cheaper than all the boutiques.

I told her I got her a hat this morning while I was getting her dressed

and she was so excited, she has actually been keeping it on.

She's copying Lyndon with the silly cheek face, too cute!

Update: Gordon does not exactly like the last pic because he thinks she has attitude, but I just love documenting her beautiful full cheeks and lips. It's a way more serious face than we usually get from her but for some reason it's perfect to me :)

Back in the swing of things

2010-04-09T21:12:00.000-07:00

It is so good to be taking photos of people again. I am just doing stuff for friends and family until our life slows down a bit, but it does make me happy.

This sweet couple was suppose to do their engagements next weekend but we did them last minute because she is getting temporary paralysis on one side of her face and we don't know how long it will last.

I am sure it will be fine in time for bridals and we may even do another shoot where she can actually smile at the camera. I think these are precious though!

Love New Bedding

2010-04-07T10:34:00.001-07:00

Gordon washed our bedspread and the batting all bunched up in the bottom (I don't know why, all the time I washed it it was fine) but we never had a complete bedding set anyway so I was very excited to head out to Target, after the kids went down (shopping without kids is bliss,) and pick out this...

Don't you just love my models!

This is the first time we have had king size pillows on our king size bed (for some reason I could never bring myself to spend the extra $4-5) but it makes a big difference. Love it!
Oh, and this is out first time having a head or footboard. We really feel like adults now... how old are we? Ya, I guess we can start acting like adults :)

Easter

2010-04-06T09:42:00.000-07:00

We had uhhh, well, interesting Easter this year.

Utah has not gotten the memo that it is Spring yet, I was terribly ill with a stomach bug and we had plans to go to Park City for their egg hunt with my sister but she also got sick and had to go to the hospital early that morning!

So, ya it was crazy. But Gordon came through and scrambled to put this together and I made him put the kids in their "Easter Clothes" so I could take pics. I don't think they knew anything of the crazy ordeal :)

Oh, and this is our basement incase you are wondering... we are still renting and the landlord just finished it recently. Don't ask me where he got the weird carpet from, it's heavy duty commercial stuff, but the kids love running around down there.

Cuties

2010-03-18T11:03:00.000-07:00

These kids are changing and growing everyday, sorry I haven't post much this long winter. I really prefer shooting outdoors and it's no fun in the cold. But we should be getting into some really nice weather soon I hear so there should be lots of posts to come!

Jordan River Temple

2010-03-15T15:31:00.000-07:00

My favorite temple used to be the San Diego Temple, it's so amazingly beautiful, but the Jordan River Temple has been my favorite since I first went there almost 7 years ago. I think anyone who even stands on the grounds of this Temple will feel something special. So, it was fun to get out and take some photos of it. I hope to be adding many many more temples to this collection now that I live in Utah.

The Fall

2010-01-25T11:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday in Sunday school the lesson was on the fall of Adam. The teacher asked what was important to us about this event and I got shy and didn't participate and now I feel the need to express my thoughts... so naturally I turn to our blog!

That one moment that Adam partook of the fruit was a symbol of our accepting Heavenly Father's plan to come here and be tested. It is so important to me because I know that this life was not forced on me. I choose to come. This "test" is not just some prerequisite; He didn't say you have to go suffer and prove yourselves before you can come back and live with me. He gave us an option, He asked if we wanted to become like Him and then presented His plan. This plan was put into action by Adam, for all of us!

I could go on and on, this is one of my favorite topics. But I'll end there for now... I would love to know what you think.

He did it!

2010-01-20T20:28:00.000-08:00

Lyndon has been working on his name. I can take no credit for this at all. The most I have done is write his name for him so he could trace it. (Not that I didn't want to help, but he takes no help from me! -- I am sure I don't know where he gets that from, I was always a very good student, right Mom!)

Anyway, I am very impressed, and don't you love the little stick man. Too cute. It's amazing to me that Lyndon won't be starting kindergarten this year, (he just turned 4 a month ago) but we are planning on getting him in a preschool instead (never thought I would do the pre-k thing but I think he needs it.)

'09 Birthdays

2009-12-29T22:49:00.000-08:00

In classic procrastinating style... I keep forgetting to post these birthday pics from all of our birthdays this year! I'm just glad I got these up before the year is officially over :)

Lyndon turned 4 this past week and we had his pirate party a couple weeks early. It was fun. They walked the plank and played pin the pirate on the treasure and then they collected their loot from the pirate cave!

Maddie liked the pirate cave!

Wade shows us a pirate says, "ARRRRR."

And I thought Christine would like this next one, tee hee!

Our Princess turned 1 in AUGUST!

Gordon turned 28 in JULY!

Our First Christmas

2009-12-29T21:09:00.000-08:00

I say it was our first Christmas because it was the first time we were home and opened presents just our little family. And what a great year for it to be our first time! I couldn't believe I had two little ones that I was watching open their presents. I kept thinking, "How did this happen?" I have been so blessed and Christmas was wonderful. It's an exciting thing to watch your family grow from 2 to 3 and now 4. I am so glad Lyndon and Maddie love each other the way they do and I am so proud of all my husband has accomplished this year.

I was not the photographer for this morning, so here's the videos Gordon took.

Just kidding... I can't get them to post. I'll have Gordon see what I'm doing wrong and we'll try and get them up!

Four Years!

2009-12-15T20:22:00.001-08:00

Remember the super cute photos of Maddie when she turned one a few months ago? Well, silly me, I thought I could wrangle some out of Lyndon for his b-day! Not so much. I got a total of ten frames...

This one's pretty cute, but not quite the portrait I wanted.

Oh, yes, gotta have the tongue out...

...nice...

... for three pictures!

Again, cute but not really the portrait I wanted.

I guess this will have to do because this is next pic pretty much means...

we're done.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SWEET BOY, LYNDON!

(he may not look like it in these photos, but he really is... my sweet boy)

Perhaps we will try again some other time, and maybe he'll even let me do his hair. (I figured let's not push it since he already agreed to the shoot, and I guess it didn't matter in the end.)

No Greater Story

2009-12-01T21:45:00.000-08:00

Tonight I had the privilege of singing at our RS dinner. I don't know how to put into words but music is such a huge part of who I am and my life and it doesn't seem like Christmas to me if I don't get to sing, so it was really nice of them to ask. My accompanist and I picked this song last night and this is a recording of our rehearsal earlier today!

Sorry it's kind of hard to hear the words, so here they are:

No greater story ever told than of that night so long ago.

Alleluia, Alleluia. The night the Child was born.

Transcendent peace and heavenly light embraced the world that holy night.

Alleluia, Alleluia. The night the Child was born.

Triumphant choirs of angels praised the Son of God.

No greater story than of that night the King was born.

A world now bruised with doubt and fear, some say the story is not clear.

Look to heaven, Alleluia. Oh praise Him! Alleluia. The gift of Christmas hope lives on.

Halloween

2009-11-02T07:37:00.000-08:00

We had a great Halloween. We spent it with Gordon's family in Payson. Lyndon was Wolverine and Maddie was a Princess! Oh, and Gordon was a Whoopie Cushion for his Clinic's party so Lyndon wanted him to wear his costume too and I forgot mine!

Family Picture Wall

2009-10-20T11:48:00.001-07:00

I found this cool wall display idea from Carrie Scruggs Photography blog and I just took my sil's family pics this weekend so I tried them out in here. So cute!

As usual, click to enlarge!

Happy Harvest

2009-10-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

So I'm a little late! These are at my Uncle Dave's farm in ID (over a month ago, I believe.) I guess you could say we're just a tad busy around here. But how fun is this!

Um WOW!

2009-09-26T14:18:00.000-07:00

To all my LDS friends and family with kids or callings in primary I just downloaded the outline for next year and WOW! Can I tell you how excited I am? Probably not just from a blog post but you can download it here and see for yourself, if you haven't already, and you will know what I mean. It's tremendous. It makes me really excited to have a children of my own in this "day and age," as they say. No more doom and gloom people. We have the tools to empower our youth!

(image 'borrowed' from Sugardoodle.net)

Told You

2009-09-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

I just had to share some more of my uncle's fam... oh, and don't worry, this isn't even the end.

Don't they look like some kind of hip rock band! My Uncle is pretty mean at karaoke.

This could be an engagement pic they still look so cute and in love!

Baby "R"

2009-09-19T14:42:00.000-07:00

Original Post:

This little guy was not exactly in the mood for pics today, but I think we got some good ones . . .

when he wasn't looking!

Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-08T22:22:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun in Idaho this weekend!

This is just the beginning.

I don't have the time to edit all the great shots I got YET.

Here's Maddie with some wheat.

I took some family pics for my Aunt and Uncle's family... it was a blast. We got so many good ones, I am sure I will be posting a lot more of these.

Here's just a taste, totally random, it's gonna take a while to get all 100 done!

A faded version of the other one.

I also did my cousin's senior pics. He's a natural in front of the camera, so fun!

Last Texas Family Session...

2009-09-08T22:15:00.001-07:00

How appropriate is this location with this cowboy family as my last shoot in Texas! We almost got rained out, in fact the power went out and is was still raining a bit when we started... but luckily enough, you know the saying in Texas, "if you don't like the weather wait ten minutes, it'll change!"

Thanks Toni for participating in the session giveaway! Hope you like the pics :)

Last Texas Wedding...

2009-09-08T21:54:00.000-07:00

Happiness

2009-08-29T20:41:00.000-07:00

“For the love of God and my Sisters (so charitable toward me) I take care to appear happy and especially to be so.” St. Therese

Reading this I realize I let life's worries get me a bit down when I am so blessed and have much to be happy for. So I think I need to let my gratitude shine through a bit more and then maybe my worries won't seem like such a big deal after all!

(Warning: I haven't blogged in so long I am afraid this is going to be a more disjointed post than usual!)

Moving is hard, but we are getting settled in now, and we have so many gracious family members here in Utah that have helped us every step of the way. HUGE blessing! We couldn't have done it without them :)

Gordon is living his dream, having his own chiropractic office. It has happened fast, we never saw it happening as quickly as it did. Oh how we pray that it will be successful, and deep down we know it will be, but you know... the days are long and the years are short! I wish with all my hearth that I could make it as glamorous for him as he dreamt it would be when he was a kid, but I know that the reward will be that much greater if he puts in his own blood and sweat. In the mean time I have to remind myself that the best way I can support him is to take care of things at home first and then help him at the office as I can (which sounds easy in theory, but is hard when you have the motivation I was born with! Deep down I know I can do sooo much more than wash pans -or whatever it is us wives and mothers do, but my job is important... our kids are important!)

My Dad is a year in remission now (woot-woot!) That was a scary storm and now that those waters have settled it seems we have moved on to a completely different storm, one that I am sure will prove exciting and lead to a wonderful ending but all the same a bit strenuous at times.

I am anxious to see how my photography is going to fit into all of these changes now. It was more than a hobby in Texas, we counted on the extra income to save us all the time. Right now if I had the extra time the extra cash would be really helpful but eventually the practice will provide for our needs and I wonder if I will be able to justify the time I spend on it. As it is right now I have 4 shoots to post from the last couple weeks in Texas!

The kids have adjusted amazingly well. I don't know why I expected anything different, they are so resilient. Once we got into our own place it was only a matter of days (Lyndon had to re-test our boundaries a bit at first) and then business as usual. Maddie still is not walking, even though I tell her all the time that she can totally do it. She is a cautious one! I think I may have found a preschool for Lyndon, fingers crossed. I used to be against the thought of sending him off (EVER) but his personality I am realizing more and more would really benefit from it. You gotta do what's best for them, even if you'd rather keep them all to yourself forever!

Well, I gotta get off to bed, but it is so good to do the things your used to doing and I look forward to posting more regularly (with pics) like I was so don't forget about me.

AND, BE HAPPY!

LeSueur Family Pictures

2009-08-07T06:21:00.000-07:00

We had our family pics done one last time in Texas. Click on this pic to see some more of this photographer's awesome captures from the session!

I was very impressed considering we have two of the hardest ages, 1 and 3 (the later being a rambunctious boy to boot!)

Look who's ONE!

2009-08-04T20:42:00.000-07:00

You've had a Birthday,

shout hurray!

We want to sing to you today.

ONE YEAR older and wiser too!

Happy Birthday,

TO YOU!

We had a BLAST throwing Maddie her first birthday party at my parent's house, more of those pics to come, so cute.

I know I have been neglecting my blog but I think we are ready to

make an official announcement

((((drumroll please))))

we are moving to Draper Utah.....

in one week!

Pioneer Day Singing Time

2009-07-27T21:04:00.000-07:00

Update: Gordon just sent me this pic from his phone. Sneaky :)

Original Message: Yesterday's singing time was a success! All the hard work I put into having a little extra special pioneer trek payed off and I was very happy. I wish I had brought my camera, but I forgot. Here is the outline. I put a bunch of ideas together from all over and made it fit this years theme.

Jr Primary Opening:

We are going on a trek to Zion, What is the first thing we need to do? We need to get use to pulling and pushing a handcart!

Sing, The Oxcart p. 219, while pushing and pulling

To start, pass out baby food jars with cream to make butter and gather on floor in circle:

1. "Child of God Canyon"

a. Question

b. Sing, I am a Child of God p. 1, even tempo, shake fast or slow!

2. “Baptism Creek”

a. Question

b. Sing, Baptism p. 100, while passing ‘under’ creek!

3. "Eternal Family Mountain"

a. Question

b. Sing, My Eternal Family, the harder we shake the higher we climb!

4. "How Firm Cove"

a. Fun To Do, 3 verses (Jr. Primary) or Question (Sr. Primary)

b. Sing, How Firm a Foundation Hymn #85, shake with beat!

5. “Seek the Lord Peak”

a. Question

b. Sing, Seek The Lord Early p. 108, lead the music with emphasis to shake jars!

6. "Forever-Family Meadow"

a. Question

b. Sing, Families Can Be Together Forever p. 188, shaking high and low as notes get higher and lower!

For the setup, I made posters with a covered wagon for each stop and hung a strip of fabric with two cards tied to it. One card had the question (changed out different ones for Sr and Jr) and the other told us what to sing accompanied by an action, listed above. These I taped to the back of chairs placed all the way around the room ending at the table with rolls to go with our butter. For the stop "Baptism Creek" I used a table and had them go under like they were going under the waters of baptism. The butter making was the biggest hit though!

Sneak Peek | Hot July Wedding

2009-07-27T09:42:00.000-07:00

This is REALLY just a PEEK

Are anxious to see more ... Me too, I haven't even loaded all the pics to my computer yet :)

Moving

2009-07-22T20:52:00.000-07:00

Update: Here it is...

Right about when she came up and over his back is when it really started getting to me, although I was not sure exactly why yet. Then later Mia Michaels talked about how people battling cancer are really concerned about how their loved ones around them are doing. That was so true with my Dad. It is a wonderful memory I have from that time. I called him all the time to see how he was doing and usually he didn't have a lot of energy to be on the phone but he always checked on how I was doing. I remember him actually asking me how I was doing emotionally... I did a double take to see if I heard correctly, we usually don't talk like that. Then he would act like me having the baby was a big deal, compared to what his body was going through I laughed and told him women do it everyday, it was no big deal. That perspective I believe really helped the process I was going through helping make the birth so beautiful. I was drawing on his strength.

Original message: Yes, we do have some 'moving' news but there are still loose ends so I'll hold off on that for now. Right now I want to tell you about the very moving dance on SYTYCD tonight.

I am not very good at talking about things or writing about them (as you see here on my blog, post after post.) But my emotions run deep and watch out flood gates when they did the dance about cancer. It was beautiful and made me appreciate my Dad and his battle that much more. It could not have been more perfect and I can't believe I was crying long after it was over.

I don't know if I can watch the dance again but if I find it posted somewhere I will add it because everyone should see it.

Twins

2009-07-21T21:11:00.000-07:00

This one is from a 'mini-session' I did at the last wedding!

Couldn't resist cute TWINS.

Good Deal!

2009-07-18T09:46:00.000-07:00

How much do I love good deals... I live for them! I am a coupon-er and love getting all my toiletries for FREE! Free is always best in my book but close to free can be good too. Like in this case. I try and avoid Wal-mart for the most part but sometimes it is darn right convenient and on this trip I was especially pleased. I found a little shelf with Lyndon size clothes all for ONE DOLLAR each! I literally doubled his wardrobe for 8 bucks, now that's a steal of a deal.

Another Sneak Peak | Kristi's Bridals

2009-07-14T16:58:00.000-07:00

Sooo, much more where these came from! But here's a little preview, I know you are probably dying to know if it was really worth getting up so blasted EARLY!!!! Well, I think they're beautiful, but you tell me ;)

Sneak Peak | Yvette and Ruben

2009-07-12T19:18:00.000-07:00

Love the Las Colinas Canals!

This was my first Catholic wedding; it was beautiful.

I think this picture is so "them."

It was a pleasure to be a part of this sweet-loving couple's union!

Killer-Shoes!!!

Baby Food

2009-07-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

Well, Maddy still has no teeth so baby food is the easiest thing to feed her. Which is fine really because Beech-Nut just came out with

a new H OM E S T Y L E line that she loves! I stocked up on salmon and turkey dinners and squash and zucchini and pears and blueberries.

What's really great about it is that what's on the bottle is actually what's in the bottle! Nothing extra that you don't know or can't pronounce, just whole food (and water.)
Oh, and of course I like the price and the fact that I can send in my POP (proofs of purchase) for even more discount. I cut them off before I put them in my cupboard with an exacto-knife (sp?) Wal-la!

Well, the wedding this morning went well and now I'm off to the reception. It's gonna be a long night but should be lots of fun!

Superstar

2009-07-09T15:26:00.000-07:00

What is it about sunglasses that make you look like a superstar?!

Just look at Madelyn workin' it already :)

Anyway, I have a very talented friend who has been doing these cool pics with overlays lately so I thought I would try...

What do you think?

Did I get any of these right Melissa?

Recognizing His Hand

2009-07-08T09:58:00.000-07:00

Update: I was thinking it would be nice to read others experiences, so as an after thought late last night I decided I would invite you to write about your experiences on you blog and link them back here so we can all read! Simply write your own post on your blog, link back within your post to my blog, and sign up with MckLinky below. Or you can always just leave a comment like usual.

Original: How often do we think,"that was a close one" or "what luck!" Passing things off as coincidence, without stopping to recognize who's hand is really weaving these disguised blessings in each of our lives.

During testimony meeting a member of our bishopric posed his belief that not much happens in this life by chance. I have felt this way pretty much my whole life... everything has a meaning and purpose. As is my habit, I am often caught in awe as I witness ways the Lord blesses me on a daily basis, in ways that may see trivial to some.

For instance, yesterday Lyndon did not eat his breakfast and wanted to go back home and eat 20 minutes after we got to the pool! A nice woman next to us, with two little ones of her own, overheard our dilemma and offered to share some fries with him. A small gesture that totally saved the day! Coincidence, hmmmm, depends on how you look at it.

Sometimes these hidden blessings are a bit larger scale, but still take a grateful heart to spot. On the way home from the pool I was pulled out at an intersection to turn left at a green light. When the light turned yellow, being in an untypical leisurely mood, I rolled back instead of turning; even though traffic laws state I could have/should have turned. As I got back behind the line to wait for the next green light a van came plowing out of no where through the now very ORANGE light. At first I thought, "good-grief he's going awfully fast!" Then a moment later the thought arouse that I could have been in that intersection right as that van was.

Some might call it luck, but they would be remiss. God is everywhere. He loves us, and He is with us in all that matters, the big and the small. You just have to look for Him.

Happy 4th!

2009-07-03T13:32:00.001-07:00

Incase I forget to post tomorrow...

That means my baby is going to be a YEAR old next month. How in the world did that happen? Oh how I wish, like many others I'm sure, that I could freeze time. But, nothing gold can stay, so I try and remember to enjoy our time now.

Roller Skating

2009-07-02T13:23:00.000-07:00

While we were in San Antonio we went to the roller skating rink where I used to go growing up; fun adding new memories to old ones. It was Lyndon's first time... he fell alot, hopefully I can get him to go again!!!!

Sneak Peak | Joy and Matt's Fiesta

2009-06-29T12:00:00.001-07:00

The Newlyweds

The Groom's Cake

The "Fiesta" Cake. Does this say party or what!?

Lots of fun for the kids too!

There's your sneak peak of my friend's reception this past weekend at Tomatillos in San Antonio. It was so much fun!

Memorable FHE | Eph 6

2009-06-23T16:08:00.000-07:00

You have to love teaching Eph 6 to your kids... I mean it starts out, ¹Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. You can't go wrong with that! And then it gets better, especially if you are a three and a half year old boy with an imagination like my little Lyndon.

Yes, it was a very memorable FHE that continued on this morning. He loved having the 'armor' taped on, and I loved having an alternative to spiderman games. I really don't like how he acts when he's been watching spiderman, so I had to put an end to that (not that there is anything really wrong with spiderman, it's how Lyndon chooses to act when he's too 'into' him) and we have been searching for a new 'super hero' to replace him. One that promotes kindness, thank you very much!

Last weeks FHE was on Samuel the Lamanite, which he was kind of luke warm about. Later on he remembered Daniel and we had fun acting that out (I'm the king who tells him not to pray and then he runs off to his room to pray and I then have to throw him in the lion's den, it's pretty cute.) Anyway, this was an even bigger hit!
So before lunch I thought I would quiz him, see how much he actually retained about what each piece meant. Four out of six, not bad, I'll take it.
He's not a perfect angel by any means (let's just say I have my hands full) but I AM very proud of him.

Look, I even caught him helping vacuum yesterday, he does pretty well on the floors (he is very pleased when he takes care of his job!)
My kids teach me so much. Every challenge we face I am sent to my knees or the scriptures or both, and it makes me a better person!

Here are the links I used so you can 'put on the armor of God' with your kids!

Most of the armor is from here.

CTR Shield here.

Cooler helmet here.

Have you checked your spine lately?

2009-06-22T12:47:00.001-07:00

I just thought I'd give a little update on my dear husband's career these days. He is now working for a clinic just down the road, Plano Injury Rehab. He is one of two treating docs there and is liking it a lot. Many of you have inquired about chiropractic care with him before but he did not take insurance.... now he does! So stop on by anytime, the office is really nice and they offer soooo much more than just adjustments!

Here he is at a screening he did at a local grocery store. He was there for 4 hrs on a Saturday and it went really well. He's got such a great personality who wouldn't want to talk to him!
Me and the kids were there for a bit. They had this coke display I set Madelyn on and it actually helped draw peoples attention! They stopped to see the cute kids and stayed to listen to the cute chiropractor!!!

Here is my try at making this look like an 'old' coke ad. Needs work, maybe darker shadows?

Winner

2009-06-22T12:38:00.000-07:00

Contest closed Thursday but due to illness I am just getting around to posting the winner.

TONI, you are the winner! I will email you so we can setup your session.

Of course I think everyone who reads my blog is a winner, (and Lynn, sorry, you had a 50/50 shot and I appreciate you entering!) better luck next time. As soon as I figure this facebook thing out I think I will have a contest to do with that and then once I finally get a 'real' website up I'll probably do one with that too. So, y'all come back, you don't want to miss it!

Splish~Splash

2009-06-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

I love tub pics and I thought I was never going to get any of just Madelyn because Lyndon comes running, clothes flying, anytime he hears the tub or shower going! To be honest I am not sure where he was this time, but I am sure happy I got these precious shots.

The girl loves her bubble bath!

C o N t E s T u P d A t E . . . . . .
I have received lots of comments about TWITTER.... if you don't tweet no worries I will make that one optional, so go ahead and enter!

But, just so you know, twitter is not another facebook. It is kind of like a group IM (you remember IMing from back in the day right) Anyway, 'tweets' are just a fun way of getting out little announcements to anyone who wants to follow you.

I have a MAC so I use the program twitterific which displays my 'tweets' in a small box on the side of my screen. I can reply to others right there or send out my own tweet right from my desktop. You can also use your cell phone so it's like group texting.

I haven't been doing it very long but so far I think it's pretty cool. Why not give it a try if you feel adventurous!

Not Me! Monday

2009-06-15T09:57:00.000-07:00

This is suppose to be therapeutic right! All right then, in that case, I did not totally unload all my stress and frustration on my husband on our way home from church yesterday (he did not partly deserve it,) but being the sweet man he is, had I actually acted like a beast he would have forgiven me after my pathetic peace offering of some delicious fresh cut watermelon.

Looking back it occurs to me that I did not drink two fridge packs of Dr. Pepper this past week, remember I am married to a chiropractor so I would never drink anything but pure alkaline water!

Now this last one would have been great to get a picture of, but Lyndon had a friend over last week, they mostly played in the sprinkler, and I did not let them pee in the yard because they both had to go at the same time. And I did not get a little chuckle watching the two of them side by side seeing who could reach the fence because I would never condone such behavior much less find humor in it!!!

Here are some pics that have nothing to do with not me! Monday

because picture-less posts are bor-ring.

Little Lyndon and I went out bargain shopping because he desperately needed new church clothes. I was impressed, we got the whole outfit for

a little over $10 thanks to Old Navy and the local thrift store.

He is very pleased as well. In fact whenever we are home I am not surprised anymore to find him either in his spiderman pj's or his 'new' church clothes!

Yes, I could eat him up!

Now, for some news some of you have been waiting for...

We actually do not have a winner for the photo shoot.

No one has completed all five steps,

So I have decided to open it up again until Thursday.

Anyone in the Dallas area can enter for a FREE session (5 digital negatives included on cd) with me.

Here again are the 5 steps to enter:

just leaving a comment (nothing special, let me know you are interested so I can start tracking your progress)
blog about it (then leave a comment that you blogged about it, w/ the url to your blog)
follow me on twitter & tweet about it
put my button on your sidebar
email 3 friends about this (CC me into your email, destinyphotography@gmail.com)

Sound the Alarm

2009-06-13T14:23:00.000-07:00

We're FIRED-UP for fun

We went to the Plano Fire Station to end our week of fun, and it was great.

I highly recommend taking the tour for anyone with little kids.

Lyndon wanted to know how everything worked and looking at these pics you can see on his face he thought this was for real.

Fire fighter Steve was so nice and let Lyndon see and touch everything!

Maddie just sat and looked pretty, though she really didn't ever look at the camera for me.

The helmet probably weighs as much as he does!

Side Note: Speaking of alarms, the contest for a free photo session is down to the wire now, just a fee hours. I saw some of you have done some of the steps but as far as I know no one has completed them all!

I will announce the winner Monday (I try to refrain from blogging on Sundays.)

2 more days

2009-06-11T17:49:00.001-07:00

I hope you guys are excited about the giveaway.

Make sure you have completed all five steps for entering in the contest below, please!

Contest| $200 Giveaway

2009-06-09T15:03:00.000-07:00

Contest begins right now. ((((drum-roll))))

A winner (selected via Random.org) will get an on-location (Dallas area) portrait session with ME! (includes a free disc with 5 images.)

This giveaway, worth $200, could be yours.
Why? Because I love you all!

Maybe you are expecting and want to capture the joyous moment your bundle arrives...

Maybe you're over due for a family picture (because you were waiting for someone who can do it the fun relaxed way!)

Whatever you have in mind I'm sure it will be lots of fun!

Now, for the nitty gritty...

Entries earned by:

just leaving a comment
blog about it (then leave a comment that you blogged about it, w/ the url to your blog)
follow me on twitter & tweet about it
put my button on your sidebar
email 3 friends about this (CC me into your email, destinyphotography@gmail.com)

Contest ends Saturday, June 13th. GOOD LUCK!

Not Me!

2009-06-08T15:53:00.001-07:00

This week (or any other week) I did not shamelessly photoshop 'play-group-wounds' from my son's face before posting them to my blog! I never allow any harm to come to my kids anyway so why would I need to?

FYI: This is what my pics look like SOOC,

kind of like posting a pic of yourself {not me, may I remind you} without make-up!

And, I also did not take Lyndon to Krispy Kream as free entertainment, because I am married to a chiropractor and we eat healthy food ALL the time. But if you ask Lyndon I am sure he will tell you it was worth it :)

Who knew there was a national doughnut day anyway?!? Thank you tightwad momma.

This blog carnival was created by MckMama.

THANKS FOR READING!

New Hair Do

2009-06-06T13:47:00.001-07:00

I love little Lyndon's expression in these.

He was so serious the whole time it was his turn...

Then when it was time to do Daddy's he loved it!

And of course I had to get them out back for their 'close-ups.'

They're so silly...

HAPPY SATURDAY :)

Prayer | Rising Above

2009-06-05T15:26:00.000-07:00

Prayer helps us transcend the stormy times. It gives us a glimpse of that blue sky that we cannot see from our earthly vantage point, and it reveals to us another vista—a glorious spiritual horizon filled with hope and the assurance of the bright blessings the Lord has promised to those who love and follow Him.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Prayer and the Blue Horizon,” Liahona, Jun 2009, 2–5

We have been hitting a bit of 'turbulence' as we are trying to make changes to meet some of our goals. These changes have been put into motion a great deal by prayer. You know the old saying, "be careful what you pray for."

(Plus, I am never good in situations where I am not in control.) SO I went looking for inspiration to calm my anxious nerves. The first place I went was lds.org and this month's Home Teaching message from the Ensign. It helped me a great deal, so I sat my family down for an impromptu lesson about Prayer and the Blue Horizon by President Uchtdorf.

I started by handing Lyndon a toy airplane and explained what happened to make it fly. Then I read from the message about "Lift" and "Prayer" and how Pres. Uchtdorf parallels them so beautifully.

In order to get an airplane off the ground, you must create lift. In aerodynamics, lift happens when air passes over the wings of an airplane in such a way that the pressure underneath the wing is greater than the pressure above the wing. When the upward lift exceeds the downward pull of gravity, the plane rises from the ground and achieves flight.
In a similar way, we can create lift in our spiritual life. When the force that is pushing us heavenward is greater than the temptations and distress that drag us downward, we can ascend and soar into the realm of the Spirit.

Then I placed these cards on a shelf above Lyndon and asked him if he could see them, he said no and I suggested Gordon lift him up so he could.

Then I read on about "A New Vista" where he says,

Daily simple, sincere, and mighty prayers lift our lives to a higher spiritual altitude. In our prayers we praise God, give thanks to Him, confess weaknesses, petition needs, and express deep devotion to our Heavenly Father. As we make this spiritual effort in the name of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer, we are endowed with increased inspiration, revelation, and righteousness, which bring the brightness of heaven into our lives.

We needed that brightness to clear up some of our confusion and I am so thankful for this message.

Crazy for Beech-Nut

2009-06-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

I love the Beech-nut label offer. I collected my 48 proofs of purchase and I'll

...get four coupons for $1.00 off any 10 Beech-Nut^®items.

New Neon Swimsuits

2009-06-01T17:46:00.000-07:00

I won't be able to miss these two at the pool

Not Me Mondays

2009-06-01T13:17:00.000-07:00

How exciting, my first Not Me! Let the therapy begin...

I am a very protective mother and never let my toddler on the internet to watch Spidey Dances on YouTube!

I also would not ever let said toddler wear Lightning McQueen socks to church. (That one was actually kind of funny, they didn't even match, he had picked one Mater and one Lightning to wear and I figured you gotta choose your battles right!?) Wish I had the pic of it, but someone accidently deleted it. Not me, I am never that absent minded!

This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blogto read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Sisters Part 2

2009-05-30T18:20:00.000-07:00

Part 1 was last year when I met this adorable family for my first shoot with them. I was shocked when I saw how big these two girls have gotten, I knew I would be, a year is a long time with little ones! I am so glad they called for a follow up session.

Thanks guys, it was great seeing you!

Missing Maddie

2009-05-30T09:21:00.000-07:00

We can't wait for Madelyn and Gordon to get home... can you imagine being parted from this sweetheart for 5 days!!!! I know she is gonna be so spoiled when she gets back but I am still gonna smother he in kisses.

I have to admit though, Lyndon and I have had a lot of fun just the two of us (and I can't believe how much I get done and how rested I am.)

Today we did crafts, which I am so glad he's into, it's great. I am tempted to say he has a natural ability, he does have a lot of artistic people in his family, but I have to watch myself and make sure I emphasize that if he WORKS HARD and PRACTICES then he could be really great someday.

My reasoning behind this is two part. First of all (I can't believe I am admitting this... here it goes...) I was a quitter my whole life. If I couldn't do something fabulously the first time, I quit. Obviously not something I want my kids to copy, and as you can see from my photography am learning perseverance and have a new found determination! Secondly, I think we have a huge entitlement issue in society these days, and I am hoping I can steer my kids away from that.... so there you go, my tangent for the day :)

Sorry these pics are backwards order. Here he is water painting while I work on a poster for Singing time tomorrow.

The other paintings on the fridge are past finger paint projects... this was his first time with water colors.

A little artistic expression of my own; Gordon hates when I blow out the skin tones, but sometimes I think it's cool.

Lyndon's Request

2009-05-29T14:54:00.000-07:00

Sprayground and Wings it is....

Another amazing day with my super cool son; I can't get enough of him. And I am so grateful for this blog that allows me to savor all these moments!

(FYI: photos taken with my 50mm, wide open)

Downtown Dallas| The House and Fountain Place

2009-05-27T16:53:00.001-07:00

Wondering how I got Lyndon to look at the camera and smile on top of that? I learned a new trick, I told him he didn't have to smile, and what'da know.... look at that cute little grin :)

We had so much fun!

Oh, and the reason we were down there, here's some from the engagement shoot.

Be Still and Know That I Am God

2009-05-25T17:56:00.000-07:00

"We get nearer to the Lord through music than perhaps through any other thing except prayer."

-- President J. Reuben Clark Jr., in Conference Report, Oct. 1936, 111

"The singing of our sacred hymns, written by the servants of God, has a powerful effect in converting people to the principles of the Gospel, and in promoting peace and spiritual growth."

-- President Heber J. Grant, Improvement Era, Sept. 1940, 522

I LOVE HYMNS, there is a wonderful spirit brought by them like nothing else, and I also like doing pieces that are new. This is both, it is one I prepared to sing in church yesterday in fact. You may not have heard it because it is not in green hymnal, it came from an Ensign several years ago and we added a few embellishments.
Of course there are more vocal errors than I can count on two hands, uh they make me cringe (I really wish I had more quiet time to work on things like this) but if you don't pay attention to them you get the feeling of this beautiful hymn. Hope you enjoy it.

First link

all work and no play

2009-05-24T16:30:00.000-07:00

Well, some might argue that my work IS play, but here's what I was 'working' on last weekend. Such a beautiful young couple. I had a really fun engagement session yesterday, can't wait to share those :)

With al the beautiful weather we have been playing outdoors a lot! Here we were at a park (Did I mention I love Texas, I don't know how many places have such great parks everywhere you turn.) Here is Maddie sporting her new hat I got her after Michelle sent me this link of Dr. Mercola's.

And quick, here is Lyndon sporting his new hat too... now you see him, now you don't! (I Don't know how I caught this one, he's usually so good at evading me!)
AND NOW FOR SOME BIG NEWS: Madelyn has hair, enough for this cute little clippie, yippee!

Watching

2009-05-21T15:16:00.000-07:00

Maddie looked so beautiful sitting in our backyard yesterday. She loves to watch Lyndon play. You would think she would be anxious to get up and go have fun WITH him, but she is perfectly content for now, watching.

Plano HS Senior

2009-05-20T11:46:00.000-07:00

Gordon and the kids met up with me after the session and I caught this cute shot as we were heading back to the car.

Jason wanted some artsy and his mom wanted some traditional, it was fun finding something in between for everyone.

A face only a mother could love!

2009-05-09T10:47:00.000-07:00

When I saw this funny capture I just had to share it right away. I love this toothless grin!

What I've been up to...

2009-05-07T17:55:00.000-07:00

The past week or so I have had two weddings and a bride... you can see more on my photography blog!

Seriously, you gotta see more of this beautiful bride...

9 months- today!

2009-05-03T17:55:00.000-07:00

We made it, 9 whole months. This is when Gordon and I think things really start getting good! She is so much fun. I love to watch her and Lyndon interact, it's precious (well, for the most part.) I feel so blessed to have been sent these two wonderful children.

Choo, Choo - All Aboard!!!!

2009-04-24T14:29:00.000-07:00

Lyndon saw me editing some pictures from the weekend and decided he wanted his pictures taken at the train too! I jumped all over that!!!
So I packed up the kids and I am so happy with the shots we got. Of course Lyndon didn't actually look at the camera very much but I know I will treasure these forever!

One Wild Weekend

2009-04-22T18:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, this was a very busy weekend. It all started when Gordon left for San Antonio to get his colonoscopy. Everything checked out fine.

Meanwhile we had our program of the Ten Virgins for Stake RS Conference. I was Malka, I tried to take a snap shot of myself with the point and shoot at 6am... not the best but you get the idea.

I can't tell you how wonderful it was to be a part of this. The spirit was so strong, I am so grateful for the gospel and the RS. It is amazing the power of dedicated righteous women!
That afternoon I had an engagement session, which was lots of fun. We almost thought the weather wasn't going to cooperate, it had been stormy for a couple days but cleared up just in time!

Then that night we had to say goodbye to our dear friends, the Angleseys. Craig graduated from Parker Saturday, congrats again, and they are going back home. They were our first friends we made when we moved here 5 years ago. We will miss them!

Sunday Lyndon gave a talk in primary... soooo stinkin' cute. We tried to get him to do it again, so we could record it, for FHE (not the same.) He did it perfect on Sunday, I was so proud of him.

Oh, and I was called as the Primary chorister and this was my first Sunday. Very exhausting, but I know I will enjoy it. It will be great. I love the kids already! Here's a cool primary blog I got from my aunt's blog...
So, ya, it was a bit crazy but it keeps life interesting!

Easter Fun!

2009-04-12T18:11:00.000-07:00

We have never done the whole Easter bunny and egg hunt thing at our house yet, we just weren't that into it but we knew Lyndon would be. So Gordon and I decided to start our own family tradition and did it on Saturday. The 'bunny' left the basket of goodies in the backyard and hid the eggs. It was really fun and I thought it was nice not to distract from the sacredness of Easter Sunday. This video is long, you'll probably want to FF to the end!

Today we were surprised at Lyndon's own report after church that he had not been good. I asked him why he got in trouble and he said, "They said Jesus died!" I could just picture my little 3 year old being very distraught by this and arguing to the point of getting in trouble (remind you of anyone, hmmm.) Anyway, I felt so bad that I did not include this detail in our conversations at home about Easter. I mean, cut me some slack, this is my first kid, I don't know what is age appropriate or exactly what all his little mind can grasp. I thought I did a good job explaining how Jesus lived a perfect life and then he made it possible for us to return to live with Heavenly Father and live forever together..., I just kind of skipped the dying part. Well, I won't make that mistake again. We had a good discussion about it in the car and I think he feels much better. But I do love the fact that he listens in church and cares about Jesus, he obviously knows He is important. In fact when he prays he asks that Jesus will be happy with him and asks to see him. It's very cute, but I have got to do a better job of teaching him the whole gospel and not second guess what he will understand or not so these confusions don't happen again!

And I will add to that my testimony that He died for us, to save us from our sins, and that He lives again. Because of his sacrifice we can live with our families forever through our Heavenly Father's great plan. Amen.

Happy Easter!

Parable of the Ten Virgins

2009-04-09T21:09:00.001-07:00

I am really excited about our stake woman's conference next week. They are doing the parable of the ten virgins and I am going to be Malka. When they asked me to do it I thought it was going to be a little solo with a little narration... but it is actually a full out production with scenery and costumes, it's going to be really powerful I think.
One of the ladies tonight pointed out that in the pictures the five foolish virgins are obvious, but in the presentation we are doing they really are more subtle than that. It's just little things holding them back. Take my character for example, she is flattered and admires her lamp very much but never uses it or lights it, just takes it out to display for others.
Bringing this parable to life like this, especially after the amazing General Conference we just had, it's really made me think about where I am and where I need to be. I think it is probably true that whenever you think you are doing alright you probably need to be working harder, and any one of us could be caught off guard in the last hour without any oil. I can only imagine how desperate that would feel, but I also think about how it might feel to have your friend or sister come to you asking for oil... let's just say my heart has been softened, I've been touched and if you get a chance to come I know it will touch your heart too.

Madelyn is 8 months!

2009-04-08T08:42:00.001-07:00

Here is a funny picture of her in her walker eating another teething 'cookie.'
She is a lot of fun, she loves to roll around on the floor and is more and more interested in what we are doing, especially when we are eating. I have discovered that she loves the water more and more. She doesn't even close her eyes when she goes under water (in the tub, still too cold for the pool!) Lyndon can splash and play with her all he wants she never even flinches. She sleeps like her Daddy, on her side with her neck stretched out. Her favorite toys are an old cell phone, an old credit card and plastic keys! We couldn't ask for a better baby :)

Need a Vacation!

2009-04-03T12:36:00.000-07:00

I have an itch to travel and airfare is so cheap right now I thought I'd give a little shout out to see who loves me the most. ;) j/k

What I was thinking was with the tickets costing around $200 to fly just about anywhere, I could come visit anyone who thinks they could set up a couple shoots for me to do while I am there! Not looking to make money, just break even for the trip so I can come see some of you!!!!

If you think it is a good idea call me or email me.

Love You!

Anne and Billy

2009-03-22T19:46:00.000-07:00

This wedding was so much fun, the weather was beautiful and I loved the venues.
I thought this was cute, the groom sticking his head out (probably wondering if it was ever going to start since it ran a little late.)

I loved this adorable image of the bride and her new daughter :) and doesn't their son have the best smile... I could take their pics all day long!

And check out this awesome groom's cake. Pretty fun!

For more CUTE pics from this wedding visit my new public photography blog.

Today

2009-03-18T20:09:00.000-07:00

Today Maddie was sitting in her chair so sweetly while I worked on the computer, I had to get a picture. While I was getting out the camera Lyndon got in the chair too (poor girl will never have anything all her own like Lyndon did, she will always have to share it with him... any thoughts on that, I'm the oldest so I was the one honing in.) Oh, and Lyndon rushed in from the bathroom and apparently didn't have time to put his shorts back on, sorry.

First Wedding of '09

2009-03-16T14:40:00.001-07:00

Yum, Yum.. Cookies!!!

2009-03-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

Madelyn loved her first teething 'cookie' they are so gross but I love these messy pictures... for anyone interested, here's a link to Lyndon's first Messy Cookie.

I don't know why Lyndon looks like he is hurt when he says cheese for the camera, but he got a cookie too, and of course needed his picture taken too.