Hope Farm Housewife

I have been venturing into the world of photo styling. It usually involves props, themes, arranging poses, moving furniture or anything that evokes originaityl and uniqueness in a photo. I have been working with a friend, Sarah .I first met Sarah at my sisters bridal session where I showed up with some chairs in my trunk- to use as props. It went something like this “ Hi, Im Cyle,  Bethany’s Sis, “Hi I’m Sarah, nice to meet you”.  Well, I have a chair I thought would be cool for a pic” . Ok- “That’s great lets put it in the road”  walla! You may have seen it in one of her adds.

I guess I kind of helped style that pic. The story unfolds to me packing vintage suitcases full of props and a journal of sketched ideas on paper and shared  over coffee. Then the styling collaboration of my cd cover. Then the fashion shoot two months ago. – and- Now. Its’ official. Sarah and I have dreaming up some mock shoots to showcase certain themes, ideas and most of all – TO TELL A PHOTO STORY! We have been brainstorming story lines and then executing the plan.

Last month I was reading the Golden  Isles Magazine when I saw a write up about a guy who had 33 acres of farmland in Brunswick. NO WAY- you might think! People do that in Brunswick?- that’s what I was thinking. Yes, they do. They live off of the land. Killing chickens and all. Our wheels started turning and before we knew it we were creating a pilgrim and Indian living off the land- thankful for the bounty photo story. Here is a pic from the photo field trip but for more click here to see Sarah’s account of the day.

I had a blast with this.  I was gathering everything I could think of that looked indian-esque or pilgrim -esque.  We came  up with the outfits out of our closets!

I admit it felt like I was playing dress up. When we were at the farm I lost track of the outside world. Suddenly I was completely immersed in the idea of a pilgrim and indian sharing bounty on this thriving land.   I often say to Shannon ” let’s pretend” … he always raises his brow a bit and laughs. I know that statement is juvenile in and of itself but there is so much liberty  in it.. so much fun… SO. MUCH DREAMING… now I just say, let’s dream that…….

What are you dreaming about? Sometimes “pretending” can get you out of your circumstances and off of the drudgery of what situations you find yourself in. My kids and I pretend every day. Try it.  It’s fun!

Mother- in – law.  It’s crazy how  nuptial agreements can inherit another set of parents, these elders we call in- laws. It’s even crazier to see the bonds develop between this other set of parents. My mother- in- law seemed to be extremely different from me at the time-six years ago.

Fast forward to present. We can talk for hours. She is quite the organic, do- it- yourself kind of women. She loves a good bargain, can bake like nobody’s business, sew, garden, grow flowers, uphoster furniture and more. She is extremely creative and resourceful- a women after my own heart. Her sewing skills have made my most treasured possessions of my childrens keepsake collection!

When Kenimer and Tucker asked to be Mario and Luigi for Halloween, I went straight to Wal- mart only to  walk straight out in disgust over the plastic cheap 30 dollar costumes. A phone call to my mother in law and an e-mailed pic of Mario and Luigi produced the most authentic costumes within days-and they were super cute!.

Halloween 2010 definitely goes down as a favorite. Partially because of the amazing costumes and the sheer excitement my boys exuded over wearing these characters. Great costumes – yes, but I discount the quality fellowship at our pastors home along with some dear friends. The neighborhood is called the commons and let me tell ya, it’s  Halloween times 1,000. It’s common knowledge that the Commons are the place to be. Those residents do not play and EVERYONE participates.

So back to my mother in law, every time I compliment her about sewing she says “ oh, if only I could sew like my sister”. I find this hilarious because I have not tackled sewing yet- it’s on the list for this year!- But my sister is quite the seamstress.  So, if I ever receive a compliment about my sewing I will probably say “ Oh if only I could sew like my sister”.Thus- The mother and law and I have a lot in common!

I am thankful that relationships and people have the ability to change and adapt. I am also grateful that my limited perception of people is often wrong, I am frequently blown away by what I discover in people and find my assessments to be none but true.

As tradition continues my husband and I drew a word right before our family Thanksgiving. These words have been prayed over and are to be prayerfully considered by the recipient of each word.

I drew RESTORATION Shannon drew THANKFULNESS

As we close the year we are reflecting on the past 12 months. I find myself stuck in the disappointments and personal struggles. The more I mull over them the more distance I feel from the Lord. Last night as the whole house was asleep, I felt a tug at my heart- that seemed to say this.

You and Shannon come together and ask me to RESTORE your heart with THANKFULNESS.

RESTORATION through THANKFULNESS.

Join me on a journey as I blog each weekday and highlight this wonderful and beautiful life I am privledged to live. A life of freedom and Grace.

Celebrate your Life

8 weeks ago I had a birthday. I forgot all about it until I was browsing through iphoto. I saw the progression of the day through my lens. I decided to collage my day in photos!

I got up early to try to catch the sunset and practice shooting manually. I was a little late and it was quite bright already. It was still breathtaking. I am so thankful for this beautiful place I call home.

We have a new birthday tradition which involves eating Dunkin Donuts on the morning of any family members Birthday. No one complains. The last photo is of the kids cradling their beanie babies in their shirts. You would think Mountain climber and Mountain lion were two more kids of ours. I regularly wash them because my kids try to feed them food. The beanies are not allowed near the dinner table.

I had lunch with my parents and sister at a new restaurant. My sister made me this lovely necklace out of cloth. I love this pic of me talking with my daddy.

The day smelled beautiful thanks to my husband and a dear friend who brought flowers.The evening concluded with a date at my favorite restaurant… with my favorite man! oh- and a visit with some dear friends!

I made a birthday list this year which consisted of 33 things I want to accomplish before I turn 34 !  It was a special day and I did indeed celebrate my life!

Oh. My. Goodness. I had a serious picture panic attack last week. serious. I . Tell. You.

When Kenimer was a little over two years old, we had family pictures taken at Goulds Inlet.  I was pregnant with Tucker so the main focus was to get a two year pic of Kenimer. We managed some fun family shots and a great pic of Kenimer! I had a 16 by 20 canvas framed and it is hanging in my dining room.

That precious little white jon-jon was put aside and I always planned to photograph Tucker when he was two at the beach frolicking in the water in that same outfit.  I was gonna do it last December ( when he turned 2). but it was a bit cold. Then it became March and warmed up but we were entirely too concerned with getting C.D. photos and family pics for other purposes.  Then Tucker decided he hated the camera for a few months. The seasons turned and last week while cleaning out Tucker’s closet I panicked to find the white jon-jon. I double panicked when I realized he would be three in two weeks.

However-The stars did indeed  all line up…

1.  We were able to get pictures this past Saturday. Never mind that he will be three in two weeks.

2. I was thankful for a summer day in November ( 80ish degrees that is!)

3. I must pay honorable mention to my sewing skills and the ability to move the buttons down on the jon-jon two inches

so it would fit him!

When I saw a sneak peek at these pics, it truly brought tears to my eyes. My baby is growing up. Long gone are the days of Jon jons- ! These pics really captured who Tucker is; full of life, extremely happy and always smiling and giggling.

So, without further ado please check out the outstanding work of Mrs. Sarah Deshaw

I can remember October days when I had a room full of kindergartners in my care and I often imagined what it would be like to have my own….  One thing I did every year with the class is buy a pumpkin or two and we would get all the ” goo” out.  Since Shannon andI have been married we’ve had pumpkins, toasted the seeds,  and enjoyed a jack o lantern the week of Halloween every year !

This October did not pass without emptying the pumpkin of all the “goo”, separating the seeds, drying them and smelling the tasty treats toasting while Dad and the boys carved the pumpkin. This year I tried out a new recipe using worchestershire sauce, salt, pepper and butter.  They turned out really great!

Kenimer was extrememly intent while carving. Tucker on the other hand just wanted to turn the oven light on and watch the seeds cook! I bathed the boys and they ate every last toasty pumpkin seed while watching the jack o lantern through the window!