Embrace the camera: M.W and J

A few days ago we went to the park and took some family pictures. We had a really good time, but towards the end of our little photo shoot I stood up from a sitting position too fast and aggravated an already strained lower back. I've been dealing with a lower back issue for about four months and decided that ignoring the problem might fix it. Wrong! The next few days were a combination of pain and self pity. I'm no good at taking help from others, its something I've struggled with my whole life. I've struggled with attitude of: if I want something done right then I have to do it myself. Wrong again! I know this attitude is like 100% contrary to Jesus, but I guess this is another reason why I need more of Him.

So I found myself laying on the couch trying to rest, but instead I began wallowing in pity. I started thinking that this back issue is just one of the many issues that have been making our lives so difficult. Four months ago my MIL suffered a ruptured aneurysm, and we almost lost her. You'd think that her miraculous and rather quick recovery would have helped me to be thankful, but instead I chose to focus on the negative side of things. I've chosen to focus on the negative circumstances surrounding us, and have failed to understand two things.

I was reading a blog just yesterday and it hit me, I've been focusing on the circumstances in our lives that I either can't change or that I think are unfair. There is nothing I can do about most of these circumstance, but there is something I can do about the attitude with which I face them. I think the quote from Martha Washington says it best: 

I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition. 

As much as I want to be in control and to do things myself so they get done "right" this only leads me to the couch to lay for a while feeling sorry for myself. I wish I could just turn on the switch of happy and cheerful but I know this is a process. A journey if you will. I don't think that what Martha meant when she said happy and cheerful was that you ignore the circumstance and act happy, but rather you accept the situation, see how you can persevere, and not let despair take over. You face those circumsance with full awareness of the joy that life is and how no situation is ever permanent. A journey that for me has Jesus in the center. I think that Jesus gives us the strength to get through the difficult times and even when things are really, really bad there is always a bit of joy if only our attitude doesn't blind us. 

So today I choose to face life with happiness and a cheery disposition even if things seem hard and unfair. Because I don't have to do things myself for them to turn out right.

Let's embrace the joy and happyness around us, and also the camera!

Family Pictures 2012

Since before Little Mama was born I've always known I wanted to do annual family photos. Since our finances don't allow for us to hire a professional I've had to get creative! 

This is us last year:

(photo by Cammie Toloui)

Here we are now:

As I mentioned, we had to get creative this year with our family pictures. I purchased a tripod and a remote (the remote ended up not being compatible with my camera so it went back), but the tripod was great. Running back and forth to press the timer button (add to that the timer only takes one photo at a time) made for a challenging time, but who cares? We had fun and got some good shots. 

Little Mama was very cooperative, most of the time!

Undoubtedly my favorite season for photos has to be fall. Its hard to beat all the beautiful colors and the mild weather!

Mr. M. always looking so handsome!

One place I've been particularly interested in taking photos at is the Yakima Electric Railway Museum. I don't know the history of this place, since its only open on Saturdays or something. We were driving by one saturday and we saw a trolly with passangers. Maybe one of these Saturdays we will go and tour the place. 

(all belly!)

We may not have been able to hire a professional but we definitely captured some amazing moments.

Half Birthdays!

Last week Little Mama turned 18 months. I'm already planning her 2nd birthday! That's not an exaggeration! Ok maybe a little. Mr. M. and I agreed we would not throw anything big since we kind of went all out on her 1st. It will be something small for close friends and family, but it will be fun none the less. 

Little Mama,
You are growing up so fast. I've said this before: I was excited for you to start talking and doing "bigger" girl things, but honestly I wasn't ready. Namely those little tantrums that have been surging all the time often! But honestly now, you are such a confident, determined little lady. You are creative and make me laugh. Your little kisses melt my heart, and your tricks, well, I'm catching on. When you say "Caca" and we quickly run you to the bathroom only to realize you just wanted to get off the high chair or out of bed. You got us good, but like I said, we are catching on. You are growing into such a lovely person, I love you so much.

Mamita

Embrace the Camera: Leaves are Falling!

We recently took a trip to Oregon to see our friends and family. We got to spend two days playing, relaxing, and eating lots of yummy sweets! 

Up until this year I hadn't realized how much I love fall. I might dare say its my favorite season. I think my slow realization may be due to the many soggy, cold days spent in the Northwest. Being away from the constant rain has allowed me to enjoy the changing colors, the crisp air, and the yummy autumn treats. 

Playing in the leaves has been a favorite activity and before the frigid cold hits we are going to spend as much time outside as we can.