There are a few photography bloggers that I follow who have posts every now and again defining the things in their lives that they love. I think this is awesome. I really enjoy seeing the things that make their hearts skip a beat...even if it's just a new found favorite - dark roast coffee. That's what makes us who we are. Everyone has a billion blessings in their lives that go unnoticed...I want to remind myself of the ones in my life. So, every Thursday (if I can keep on top of it) look for a post underlining some of the big and little things that I love. Since one of the big things that I love is photography, most of my posts will be in that form. So let's get started...Real Simple Magazine: This magazine is simply amazing. I love the creativity that drives the whole magazine, and that each and every article is written with the intention of making some area in my life easier or more organized. Plus the recipes are always super yummy.
SweetTart Chicks, Ducks, and Bunnies: Oh man. So delicious. For some reason these SweetTart tasties are more delicious than the rest. We always look for these right after Valentines Day. It's one of our first signs that spring is right around the corner. Y.U.M.
"Funny, Mommy": There are few things that warm my heart as much as hearing my sweet daughter giggle, followed by "funny, Mommy". For some reason she has decided recently, that if she thinks something is funny, she must identify it as such. It's just darn cute. It doesn't bother me either, that she is usually saying that I am funny. A little truth never hurt anyone.
Wacom Pen Tablet: This thing makes my life so much easier. It is amazing how much more control you can have over what you are doing on the computer when you can manipulate it with a pen. Super Awesome.
Flowers from hubby: Gotta love the flowers for no reason from my incredible husband. That guy is just too good to me. After 5 years of being together, he still takes the time to let me know that he adores me. He makes it so darn easy to like him. And remember, ladies, you'll never be able to truly love your husband, unless you like him too.
New things on the Horizon: That's right folks, we put the house back on the market. We took it off in November so we could enjoy the holidays without having to worry about any open houses. We feel change on the horizon, and are looking forward to seeing what God has planned for our future!
First Green of Spring: You know what I'm talking about. The first sunny day after a couple of good rain storms, when you look outside and notice that everything has a beautiful green glow. The thing that makes you cross your fingers in the hope that Spring may be here to stay. Delightful.
OK. So I may have gone a little bit overboard on my "loves" today. Can you blame me? There are just too many things to love. It's a good problem to have.
Geez. Blogging must not be my thing.
All is well in the Fantasma family. Keeping busy with our little business, little church, and little girl. Not much going on besides all that!
Our biggest thing right now is plugging through photography and design work. It has been such a blessing that things have picked up. It has really helped our family financially to have a bit more steady income. If anyone needs Christmas cards, let us know!! We are excited to offer custom cards again this year. Postcards are a great way to save money on postage and still have an awesome greeting for your friends and family! If you want to keep up to date with our most recent stuff check us out on the Fantasma Imagery fan page or visit our website at www.fantasmaimagery.com
Our church, the Avenue, has been going through a sermon series lately called "When Life Dumps On You". It has been amazing going through the life of Job and how his sufferings relate to ours...and even more how his reactions and attitudes to suffering relate to ours. You should check it out at www.walktheavenue.com.
Sweet little Elliana is awesome too. She is now almost 14 months old and I can't believe it. I keep having these flashback moments where I see her sleeping in her little swing or laying propped up on pillows smiling at her Daddy. Now she's just walking around telling us all about everything she sees. I'm amazed at how many words she says...and how well I can understand her. She has developed this gentle, quiet personality, loving to just sit on the couch and read quietly with her stuffed animals even if a big ruckus is going on around her. She's just a little tiny thing too, at only the 10th percentile for height and weight at her age. I think that just adds to her dainty cuteness. I think she's the cutest thing to ever grace this earth, but I'm not biased at all.
Life is good.
Posted in
Elliana,
family,
FI Promotions,
the Avenue
Yesterday Brian and I returned from a whirlwind trip to St. Louis with a bunch of friends for a benefit run/walk for colon cancer...which was super fun despite the horrible cold wind and rain...which turned to snow on the way home of course. For those of you who don't know our awesome friends Mike and Danielle Burgess, whom I have mentioned many times in this blog, Danielle was diagnosed with colon cancer when she was 17 and has since triumphed over it and is now a survivor of over 8 years. We are not big into athletics so when we decided to do this thing it was totally in support of Danielle, and for a fun relaxing weekend away. God likes to surprise you with new outlooks on things though when you are not expecting it.
One of the major things that I got out of this trip is how truly incredible Mike and Danielle are. For starters, Danielle is quite possibly the strongest woman I know. She has been through so much in her lifetime and to have the amazing personality and outlook on life that she has is inspiring. She is that gal who, even though she is going through a tough time herself, asks how your day is going and how she can pray for you. During the walk I saw many people who were walking in memory of someone who had passed away from colon cancer. Since we weren't around when she was actually sick, it's easy to take advantage of the fact that she is a miracle. If it hadn't been for God's sovereignty and creating her for the purpose of..how do you say...awesomeness!...we wouldn't have had the opportunity to be blessed by her. It is overwhelming. At one point after the race when we were all standing around in the pouring rain I had to go give her a huge hug just out of pure joy that I have gotten to know her and be her friend. I'm proud of who she is, that I can be her friend, and that she is handling the crazy life that has been handed to her with such grace. I couldn't imagine life without her.
Then there is Mikey. Anyone can look at him and see that he is a fun guy. He's enthusiastic about life and always the life of the party. There is so much more behind that. Yesterday, Mike finished the run before Danielle did. He ran across the finish line soaking wet and freezing cold, put his arms up in victory, and then immediately turned back into the crowd to finish the race with his beautiful bride. He could have stood with us to be shielded from the wind by an umbrella and rested after that long run..but no..he wanted to offer her encouragement, push her to be the best she could be, and be by her side when she finished. When I think about the strength that he has had to have it amazes me. He sat by her side watching her recover from this horrible sickness, but I have never heard him utter a word of complaint. Just imagine being a young man in his late teens whose girlfriend was just diagnosed with cancer. There are a lot of boys that would have run away at the prospect of having to deal with that at such a young age. Not Mike. Any bystander can tell that he loves that woman beyond what he can even know. If she is uncomfortable or in pain he is always always immediately trying to make her more comfortable, putting his own needs on the back burner until she is taken care of. What a guy.
Brian and I have been blessed beyond measure to be friends with two such incredible people. Their love for each other and zeal to live life to the fullest has not only made our life more exciting but more rewarding. Over the past couple years we have enjoyed being involved in the Avenue with them, partying, playing fun games, going on mini-trips, and just hanging out with them and chatting the night away. This year won't be all fun and games, with Danielle needing to have more of her colon removed due to more polyps developing, but we'll be right by their side. They are as good as a part of our family and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Posted in
friends
