Decorate Your Soul »

{This and That}

April 19, 2012 – 8:23 am

- I’ve been thinking a lot about this here blog lately. I miss it, I miss the people that I grew relationships with due to having this blog. I miss documenting our stories. I don’t miss the time it takes to get the photos ready for the blog. Typepad was much more friendly than this guy here.

-Last weekend was the Disney Dance Classic at Disneyland. Our older girls have been a part of a special class practicing since November for this. They had SO MUCH fun, Andy and I on the other hand were all but dying as we stood and waited in lines for two days. We’ve had enough Disney for at least four years (can you say, Grinch!).

-We have a very excited 6-going-on-7-year-old this week. Ashleigh is overjoyed to be celebrating her birthday. This is a non-party year, so she has plans to take a special friend on a special outing sometime this month. Her actually birthday day is another friend’s party day, so she opted to go to that instead of have her own day. What a big decision for such a little girl!

-Andy and I will be running in the Santa Ynez 1/2 Marathon in about 4 weeks. My training was going splendid until about 3 weeks ago when life got too busy. Boo. I’m hoping I can get some long runs in there soon!

-I had puppy fever a few weeks ago, and some nice friends reminded me how much work puppies are.

-Do you ever have a shoe itch (that is, to buy new shoes), but you’re not sure what you want/need? That’s me this week. And I can see Andy rolling his eyes right now.

-What’s up with all the Pei Wei’s closing? That’s one of our favorite restaurants. Boo on your Pei Wei people. Boo.

-I gave my 3 months notice the other day. I’ll be done taking pictures for other people after July. It has become more and more difficult to share quality family time together on weekends, and it became clear to me that this season is coming to a close. I read a blog post awhile on my friend Angela’s blog and it so clearly speaks to me and honestly, helped me see that this was an area I was struggling with. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read it, too. Here is a link.

-And with that, I’ll share two yummy recipes I’ve made this past week: Creamy Chicken and Tomato Soup ( a super delicious recipe by my friend Carrie!) and Tomato Basil Quinoa Salad. I haven’t made any new desserts recently, so let me know if you have one to share!

-Happy Thursday!

By Susie | Posted in Uncategorized | 8 comments Hide Comments | add a comment

elizabeth -

!!!!
That’s what I have to say about that. Big decisions are so hard to make… it’s interesting, though, because I have been carefully and gradually adding more work as my next season approaches (when Bridget begins kindergarten this fall). It has definitely felt like a season change, too, but one that is going in a different direction. I hope you are able to reconcile your photography talent with a schedule that works better for you… there are other directions to point that camera that don’t involve weekends. xo
Jill J -

I miss your blogging too. I love all your posts:) But I definitely understand the time it takes!
Thank you for sharing your friend’s post on the changing seasons. I wish you the very best! Family time is so precious. And you will certainly flourish in anything you choose to do in the future, you just have that spirit about you.
Sandra -

Susie, this was exactly what I needed in my life this morning. Thank you for sharing your friend’s link. It was beautiful and it spoke to me as well.
Marie Taylor -

Oh sadness, yet as I look at my schedule in the next few weeks with nothing but anxiety, I understand. There will be Saturdays coming up that I won’t see my family at all. I too hope you can find another way to share your talent, cause you are amazing!
Urban Wife -

Thanks for pointing us to your friend’s post about changing seasons. It was very helpful and refreshing to read. I commend you for taking that step, although I’m sure you’ll find a way to keep snapping photos! Family time definitely means a lot and your girls will look back at their childhood someday (I did!) and be grateful that their Mommy/Daddy were always present.
Good luck on your 1/2 – would love to know about your experience, as I’m trying to not talk myself out of training for one this year.
Mary Jo -

You still have a lucky family who will benefit from your amazing photography skills
And you never know. The seasons are always changing and you may find your way back to it someday. Or not
Anel -

Sad to see that you are stepping away from taking other peoples pictures. I know that those people that where lucky enough to have had you as their photographer are very fortunate.
I understand you on the Disney burnout. I can’t imagine being there on a weekend for 2 days straight. On the other had we have Knott’s passes this year, so let me know if you ever want to make a Knotts date with the girls.
Dessert…go to my Pinterest page and make the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cupcakes. These were a hit with all of my family this Easter. Matt loved them even without the frosting.
Reina -

An encouragement and praise; in all that the Lord is leading! I so enjoy your blog, having a peak inside the thoughts that run through your mind…laughing inside at how it’s so similar to my own (I hear ya on the shoe itch! Love ya, Susie! And a Happy Birthday to Ashleigh!

Ten ON Tuesday!

March 27, 2012 – 8:18 am

1. I had a lovely weekend away in San Diego with some ladies from the EOSC (Spouses’ Club). We ate a lot of great food, met for some 2012-2013 planning, took a ferry, visited the tide pools and crossed the Coronado Bridge more times than I care to in one weekend.

2. Every time I visit San Diego, in whatever capacity, I am reminded of our 3 years that we lived there and how wonderful the city is. It’s fun to visit- but it really was a great place to LIVE in, too. I had some fun taking some nature shots out on the beach. I kid here, but this is my $1,200 bokeh shot.

3. I love photography.

4. Andy took the girls hiking this weekend to Devil’s Punch Bowl (about an hour south of Edwards). While there, his iPhone attempted suicide and landed into the stream. The guy got lucky because it dried out and IT STILL WORKS!

5. We tried a new (to us) restaurant in Rosamond ( a town 20 minutes west of where we live). It was one of those miscommunications where I thought we were having leftovers and he only planed lunch leftovers. Anyway, we keep giving the little town restaurants a try near here and lemme tell you- the food either really stinks or our expectations are just too high.

6. I’m in bridal shower planning mode for my younger sister. It is SO. FUN! And, bonus, I think new shoes may be involved.

7. I am contemplating not doing Easter baskets for the girls this year. I feel like there is this weird expectation for small gifts for this holiday when in reality it should be and is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. If you have any ideas on how to avoid the baskets and celebrate Him by service to others, please share or link me up to a good idea.

8. I decided that for my birthday this year, I’d like to go on a sailboat. I have to conquer my fear of the ocean! Or hot air ballooning! Which one?

9. Left on a friend’s blog today: The 34-year-old self is so thankful I didn’t get that barbed wire fence around my 18-year-old self arm.

10. Off to Bible Study (we’re in the Book of Psalms this semester!)- be blessed today, my friends!

By Susie | Posted in Ten on Tuesday | 6 comments Hide Comments | add a comment

Sandi Svoboda -

What if instead of you giving the girls Easter baskets, you guys could create three baskets of stuff to take to a hospital or nursing home? I know you’re kinda in the middle of NOwhere – LOL! The girls could share God’s love to others in a fun way!
Urban Wife -

$1,200 bokeh? Yikes! What a lovely photograph.
Sailboating is fun! But a hot air balloon…that could be gorgeous but there’s no ocean involved…unless they take you over an ocean.
Susie -

That’s a great idea, Sandi! Thanks for your input!
Sheri -

Love your scarf in the top photo
Mary Jo -

Enjoyed reading these today.
Rethinking the Easter Basket as well.
But maybe changing it up a bit so it is more in keeping with what the holiday is about.
Reina -

LOVE LOVE that photo! We do the resurrection eggs and use it to share the gospel with family and cousins. We don’t put together Easter baskets for our kiddos, but that doesn’t mean they don’t receive them from grandma and grandpa. This year, we are hoping to incorporate a new Easter tradition.

That House on the Corner and a Little Perspective

March 15, 2012 – 8:09 pm

There is a house on the corner that is not too far from here that I have noticed on many occasions.

It sits between a heavy traffic main street and right next to the freeway off ramp. Not an ideal location, I’m sure.

From the naked eye, it is nothing special to look at on the outside. The siding has paint chipped away, the wood exterior is rough, the chain link fence exposes the yard- front and back. There is dirt blanketing the ground and a tattered skeleton of a trampoline where children jump and play.

It’s a small little house that sits on the corner in a rather busy area… I pass by thinking, if only there was more privacy. Less noise. Perhaps, even, a bigger house.

But I know a family lives there. I see them playing outside all the time- the dad pushes his baby on the frail swing and on another occasion, I have seen him throw this same child up into the air with delight framing his face. The mother peeks through the back window- looking on as she tends to whatever- no doubt with love and care that the rest of us do as we prepare meals, clean floors and take care of home things. I imagine her tender hands serving her family, oblivious to her surroundings, only her child and husband in sight. Perhaps thankful to have a home. A car. A yard. A roof to cover herself from the desert heat and wind.

As an onlooker, I can’t help but peek in as I drive by that corner, hoping they are safe from the traffic that nears their home. I say a quick prayer for this family, optimistic that whatever the situation, they are thankful for what they do have. And as I turn back once more, I smile and think of the day when I first noticed the dad and child playing near dinnertime in the backyard- with the desert sunset guiding my eyes to their glorious union. It may not be a beautiful house, but I imagine all sorts of defining moments will heavily outweigh the proximity they encounter to the road. They have each other. And probably, so much more.

Later, I reflect on my own life in our own quiet corner of the desert, and I think, it is so much more than I deserve. And I am humbled.

By Susie | Posted in Uncategorized | 11 comments Hide Comments | add a comment

Sandra -

Wow, I love this post Susie…It sure makes you think.
Brooke -

Thank God for grace & mercy!!
Alecia -

Much to be grateful for…
Amy -

Beautiful post, Susie. Thank you!
Jenn B -

Beautifully written! Great reflection.
Mary Jo -

I just think you are so amazingly beautiful
Reina -

A Godstop moment for sure! Praising Him!
Urban Wife -

Definitely well written! “It is always more than we deserve” ~ love that, Susie. Have a blessed weekend.
Robin Kirklin -

Yes. I reflect on that daily, as I look at my husband’s dimples smiling at me, or listen to him laugh wildly at something I said. I have been given so much…much more than I deserve.
Marie Taylor -

Beautiful. We really are blessed…
Deanna B. -

Amen!

{12 on the 12th}: March Edition

March 15, 2012 – 2:34 pm

mosaic169a8f28e98c4a459452a3372487e0bd384ae2c7 Picture Walk (l-r, top to bottom):

1. Annabelle and Theresa joined me here for a nine-month-old session- taking her first year portraits is making time speed by!

2. #marchphotooftheday on Instagram: Forks

3. Some Thrift Store volunteers got together for Julie’s birthday celebration at BeX- it was excellent. The food… and the company!

4. My daily visit to the Commissary- or at least it seems.

5. Our drive home (I’m actually not driving and taking pictures)- we were dropping off our carpooler.

6. The gum ball machine that sits outside- wait for it- Starbucks. The girls weren’t with me, but if they were, they would have asked for a gum ball. I had a double tall mocha with whip (no bubblegum).

7. Me blowdrying my hair- remembering that it’s 12 on the 12th day (these pictures are terribly out of order!) (tell me how to fix that bighugelabs!).

8. The girls with their piano teacher- Mrs. Lori. Our Monday appointment

9. We upgraded the girls from plastic to glass this weekend- and to tell which glass is which for that day- we sometimes put a post-it underneath it. Here’s Lauren’s lemonade glass (and name tag).

10. Getting our lentils ready for soup night! If you’re interested, here is the recipe we used, it was really good!

11. Lauren just looked so grown-up in her boots and dress- I caught this one in the afternoon while she was looking for post-it notes. Slow down, Time!

12. My sweet Silas- he and his sister are always fixing new places to sit and relax.

Note on this project: I am finding a nice balance between using my iPhone and my camera to capture these 12 X 12 shots, it’s nice to not feel like every capture has to be a perfect shot and that iPhone photos can capture the everyday important things, too.

By Susie | Posted in {12on the 12th} 2012 | 2 comments Hide Comments | add a comment

Anny -

I was just thinking about upgrading the boys to glass, too! I feel a little better knowing that your youngest is the age of my oldest. I guess I have a little time.
Sheri -

nice!

Crafty Mama Monday

March 12, 2012 – 3:49 pm

Another Monday! I wanted to share a couple more crafty projects we made with some play date friends recently. Two weeks ago, we made these cute paper monkey puppets- I saw them on the front of a Paper Source catalog that arrived in Spring 2011 and kept the magazine in my junk drawer until finally (FINALLY!) we got to make them. How about a little french inspired monkey (don’t you love his béret and mustache?! Yep, me, too!). Here’s Lauren showing off her puppet with our little friend Aubree:

While my sewing machine is getting dusty, our construction paper is not! This past week, Lauren’s friend Maddie joined us for a play date and we got busy making more rainbows! Inspired by this project on pinterest (I know, I should be paid for how many times I plug that share site!), the girls made a slightly different version of a rainbow falling into a pot o’ gold!

I just love their little names on the front with oversized print!

Happy Monday, happy crafting!

By Susie | Posted in Crafty | 1 comments Hide Comments | add a comment

Kerry -

LOVE it! We are completely copying you right this very moment! Thanks for the fun idea.

Ten on Tuesday

March 6, 2012 – 5:39 pm

1. In December, I had some highlights put in my hair. It was FUN! and NEW! and looked way COOL! But after awhile, my hair was just feeling unhealthy… so I’m back to all brunette and it’s really nice to feel like me again.

2. Wait! What if I want red in my hair in late September? Don’t make me commit to one color!

3. My new MacBook arrived a couple of weeks ago and it’s awesome, except the part where I can’t figure put why the blutooth mouse and keyboard aren’t working with it today. Hmph. I sometimes wish there was an inkling of tech gadget nerd in me.

4. It’s like really, really windy outside today. Dust storms and gravel kicking up and everything- the only thing we need is the rain to make it a hurricane (well, only 60 mph winds, so, no).

5. I have hosting #2 of 4 workshops this spring on Saturday to help people get to know their DSLR cameras off “auto” mode. One friend told me how “freeing” it is to know what to do on other modes- and then I saw her pictures. IMPRESSive. No really.

6. I went on a crazy cleaning spree this past weekend and our garage looks all organized again- it’s really nice to walk through the garage and not trip on bikes! Chalk! Buckets!

7. I keep trying to eat healthier, and can make it to dinner. Then 8pm hits and I always go and grab cookies. True story. How to break this habit?

8. And yes, not buying cookies would be a good start.

9. Andy and I are training for the Santa Ynez 1/2 Marathon in May. Here’s a first: I’m training under “intermediate” and not “beginner.” What does that mean? My longer runs are not in 8 weeks, they are like this week. So far my left knee is holding up like she’s, well, 34

10. Andy’s mom sent us a whoopee pie kit from Williams-Sonoma last month and we finally got around to making them. Lemme tell you- YUM! Thank you, Robin!

untitled (10 of 1)

By Susie | Posted in Ten on Tuesday | 2 comments Hide Comments | add a comment

cindy -

I just banished ALL deep fried foods from my diet. I just woke up and realized that my heart isn’t getting any younger and I love fries WAY.TOO.MUCH! Someday I may be able to have a healthy balance, but we have had to break up for the time being. I guess I’m saying is that I feel your pain. It’s so hard to kick unhealthy habits. Maybe do cookies one or two nights a week? That way you can tell yourself that you only have to wait one more day for a cookie.
Urban Wife -

What a gorgeous picture of some delicious looking dessert!

My highlights went by the wayside as soon as 1) I realized just how much upkeep they are (I’m naturally dark brown…) and 2) how badly they were treating my hair. It’s been over a year since I last did anything and my poor hair is still recovering.

Good luck with your 1/2 training! It’s getting me all excited for tri season.

p.s. On cookies: I have a weakness for them but what I do is taste test 1 or 2 and then give the rest to my hubby to take to work. Giving away the sweets, works for me!

The Daily Grind

March 5, 2012 – 12:47 pm

I pulled out my camera last week just for me. I noticed Sarah is almost as tall as me (no kidding!) and the older girls’ teeth are moving in and the only one left with a mouthful of baby ones is Lauren- but even she has a wiggly one (sniff).

All that to say- my girls are growing so quickly, and I’m forgetting to capture this magical time of 5, 6, and 8 because my photo catalog is not seeing much of this phase these days.

This is a typical afternoon for us- the older girls get home, have a quick snack and get going on their homework. They typically have 2-3 pages a day, a good mix os math, reading comprehension and some spelling. They are all happy to do it, which delights my heart, and even Lauren has requested to be apart of the action.

untitled (3 of 8)

Sarah experienced a fall to the face last week, as well as a tetherball in her face the next day. I didn’t want to tell her that she had a black eye, but she did. Luckily, no one gave her any grief about it.

untitled (1 of 8) And this one… “Mommy, can we do homework now?” right after she comes home from morning preschool. Or after lunch. Or on weekends. Girl’s got the “I want to read” itch. I love it!

untitled (4 of 8) untitled (5 of 8) untitled (6 of 8) These days will pass all too quickly, I just want to remember the common homework table where I can actually help all three at once and they actually WANT to be there with me.

By Susie | Posted in Ashleigh, Lauren, Sarah | 6 comments Hide Comments | add a comment

Urban Wife -

What a huge box of crayons!
Mary Jo -

You know, you made me think.
I have been pretty lax with the camera lately.
We just don’t have a lot of photos so far for 2012.
Guess I need to change that
Your girls are so beautiful!
fancy nancy -

Can’t wait to see them on sunday
Sheri -

Very nice photos
Jenn B -

Love this. TIme does pass quickly and I love that you are cherishing yours.
Reina -

My girls just wanted to say “hi” to your girls! Love the pictures; the girls are growing so quickly!

Crafty Mama Monday

March 5, 2012 – 12:25 pm

Lauren and I are doing well keeping up with some kid crafts here at home while her sisters are busy at school. Last week, we made a rainbow out of a half paper plate and some cotton balls – I would link you up to the original source, but I’m being lazy and I didn’t bookmark it. So, our variation is here (easy! fast! fun! festive!):

untitled (8 of 8) Crafts are always more fun when friends are over for play dates!

untitled (9 of 1)

I have rainbow fever, watch out!

By Susie | Posted in Crafty, Lauren | 2 comments Hide Comments | add a comment

Urban Wife -

Cute idea!
j.j. -

I LOVE those rainbows!

Leap Day 2012

February 29, 2012 – 11:58 pm

A friend that knew of my participation with the jumping project years ago asked me early this morning how many people I would get to leap for me. I hadn’t thought about it, but then I though- GAME ON! I had to work up the courage to ask some strangers to leap for me, but once I told them about the Leap Day challenge, they were usually game. Most everyone. It was SO much fun! I wish I had more time today to scout out fun and interesting spots on base to get people to leap at, alas, the daily routine had to do! I was really proud of everyone that was willing to momentarily levitate on this once-every-four-year day! Such good sports!

mosaic8ab8bebcd54bb6acd2d4bfdfbb318649821aa8f1

By Susie | Posted in Adventures | 5 comments Hide Comments | add a comment

Marie Taylor -

I LOVE this and it totally made me smile
Urban Wife -

What an absolutely fun idea! I may need to steal it for 2016.
Missy -

This started my day today and made me so happy! My favorites are the guys and the starbucks employee and the dance studio ones…and…and…oh well I love them all!
Alecia -

Such a fun idea! I need to remember it for the next one!
Reina -

Love your ballerina leap, Susie!

{12 on the 12th}: February Edition

February 13, 2012 – 1:13 pm

mosaic859b5c60d4be727ff5ed7ff0e22b099727da951e Take 12 pictures on the 12th of each month:

(l-r, top to bottom):

1. Early morning run to the Commissary- I saw two other crazies like myself trying to get it all in before church!

2. Our Sunday morning routine- hanging out on the sofa, drinking coffee, getting a news fix, and well, checking email.

3. I am saddened by the news of Whitney Houston’s passing this weekend- what little girl from the 80s didn’t (try to) belt out her songs? “I believe the children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way…” Her beautiful voice will not soon be forgotten.

4. OOh, ooh- our new tent arrived on Friday and Andy set it up on the 12th- the girls are beyond excited for the extra space! T-3 weeks until camping season begins!

5. A shot of the colorful stain glass windows from our chapel where we attend the Changepoint service.

6. Lunch with the Cook Family! Such a gift they are!

7. Kids on parade!

8. A very sweet corner of our home decorated for the sweetest holiday- thank you, Carol for my blocks XOXO.

9. Ashleigh working on her Valentines for her classmates.

10. Strawberry margarita from the Golden Cantina- we are still on the hunt for a really good Mexican food restaurant in the area, though!

11. Rice krispies made into hearts for Lauren’s preschool party today. So fun to make- why do I only do this once a year?

12. A little late night sewing- I’m finishing up the curtain panels for our room. Yea!

By Susie | Posted in {12on the 12th} 2012 | 5 comments Hide Comments | add a comment

Katherine -

What bright and lovely photos!
Missy -

I love your collage! Valentine blocks are the best!
stacy -

Fun!! I likey!! I want a strawberry rita stat!!!
Marie -

Oh how I love your happy shelf!!!
Reina -

Happy Valentine’s Day! Love the updates with the photos. I felt the same about Whitney; so sad.

Decorate Your Soul

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{This and That}

Ten ON Tuesday!

That House on the Corner and a Little Perspective

{12 on the 12th}: March Edition

Crafty Mama Monday

Ten on Tuesday

The Daily Grind

Crafty Mama Monday

Leap Day 2012

{12 on the 12th}: February Edition

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