Christmas Came and Went

Christmas Eve we had our traditional watching of "Ernest Saves Christmas" and our family "camp out" in the living room. Eryn was really into eating the popcorn and feel asleep fast so Santa could come!

Eryn woke up and went right for the stuffed animals and learned the word Bear in a hurray!

She just wanted to do the puzzles more than play with anything else. Between puzzles and singing she's a busy little girl.

She helped Daddy unwrap his presents too!

Grandma Crawford made an apron for Eryn to wear when we are making cookies and for her tea parties.

I can't believe that Santa would torture Mommy and Daddy with a talking Elmo, but he did... and she LOVES HIM!

Merry Christmas!

I just wanted to send out a Merry Christmas to everyone! Even though treats and presents are a BIG part of our celebrations now it's always good to remember the real reason for the season. We are celebrating our Savior's birth into this world and the beginning of his divine mission. He came to Earth, lived as a perfect example for each of us, took on the sins of everyone and was crucified, and then He came back to life! He lives still and is still there for each of us. Knowing that he did all of that is gift enough for me. -VAL

Our 100th Post

Really? Has it been that many all ready? WOW!

Today was a busy day with a lot to do and even more than should have been done that there just wasn't time for. In all of the hustle and bustle of this busy Saturday I found myself roaming around the mall anxiously looking for something to buy for Mike for Christmas. While out and about I noticed the mall Santa visiting the jewelry counter at Macey's. That was good for a laugh and a few strange looks from fellow shoppers.

I did find myself taking a couple of pictures that were pretty interesting. I was amazed at how the snow could sit so gently on top of the spinney spruce needles and brought nearly to tears at really looking at the statue of Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus. Both are things that I had seen many times before, but seemed to matter more today.

Fort Bragg Begins

My youngest brother Sam moved into Fort Bragg today. There he will live for about 6 weeks or so and continue his airborne training. Jumping out of planes, blowing stuff up, and many many drills will be only the start of all of the fun he will be having in his final preparation before Iraq.

Yesterday, he left home to begin his many legged flight down to North Carolina. I spoke to him many times while he was stuck in airports and trying to avoid the many civilians who approach him regularly to thank him for his service. He's always loved what he does, but never wants to take credit or praise for it. I also spoke with my to two very emotional parents who are a little overwhelmed with the pride that fills their hearts and the fear that also lingers in their nightmares.

Eryn just discovered a Sharpie, so I'm done for now!

Busy, but Happy!

I've been really busy with a lot of different things lately, but I'm so happy to be busy! It's strange. I really feel like I'm accomplishing something when I have a million and one things on my list to do for the day!


Lately I have spent some time reflecting on things, reading, taking a bunch of pictures, talking with people, getting to know people, and even going to (yes, and I will even admit that I LIKED IT) a church dinner with only women!

There are more pictures of this crazy family on my photography blog too!

Busy Weekend

On Friday I took my Sister-In-Law's Bridal Pictures. They turned out really well, but you all will have to wait for just a little bit to see some of them while I decide which ones I really liked and want to display.

Later on that night we managed to see 2 of the 3 large traffic accidents which involved fatalities (in the great state of Utah) on our journey to my Brother-In-Law's house. There we hung out and celebrated my niece's 3rd birthday. I took some cute pictures of her (Those all ready made it to my http://www.photographybyvalerie.blogspot.com/ blog!).

We went to their church Christmas party with them. It was pretty good. The standard ham, potatoes, and a ton of desserts definitely made my list. The entertainment left a little something to be desired for me though... They had this group of 3 kids who sang cowboy/country/yodeling/Christmas music. It was a little rough. I kept hearing it in my head all night like the sound track to "Oh Brother Where Art Thou?" only much worse... They were trying hard and the crowd seemed to tolerate and even like it from time to time. Eryn clapped along and even did some dancing!

We did manage to make it through the long busy weekend. 1 down and 3 more crazy weekends to come this month!

Pictures for Practically Nothing!

I have been pretty busy taking pictures recently and will be for this month with Bridals, birthday pictures for my niece, and a family wedding... BUT, I am trying to squeeze in more people to take pictures of for the holidays! I'm looking for families, just children, just couples, or even your fluffy friends. I am trying out a few new things and it's difficult to be too creative with 1 small child who's patience grow thinner by the day.

I'd love to make money doing photography, but to make money you have to have great pictures to show off. So, I am offering to do pictures for practically nothing! If any of you can help me or know any family or friends who might like to take advantage of this feel free to give me a call or leave a number or an email to reach you at!