Friday, April 23, 2010

Soles4Souls

Life is hard isn't it? It doesn't always have a happy ending like the movies try to fool us with. It is simply just not always easy or fair for that matter. But so often times I can get caught up in my difficulties and struggles and feel like it is the end of the world until I am reminded of how blessed I truly am. How I have never really known hunger. How I have always had a roof over my head and clothes to wear. I am reminded that someone always has it worse, much worse.
Sometimes when I step back from my world I feel so ridiculous even embarrassed for even worrying about such selfish things. Let's be honest, I could go on for days listing the ridiculous things we can worry about. And even though I strive to be a better person making a difference in this world; I can get caught up in all this. So when an opportunity presents itself to have less of me and more of helping others I am moved to take action. Moved to actually get out there and do something that can really make a difference and spread the love of Christ. Sometimes these opportunities are right under our noses. Maybe a lonely loved one needs your comfort or a hurting friend needs a shoulder to cry on and then sometimes opportunities present themselves to help out a complete stranger. Helping our loved ones comes easy but I challenge you to open your hearts to complete strangers and make a difference in their lives. You will be surprised at how much it ends up making a difference in your life!

Recently I came across this amazing charity and wanted to spread the word about them and how we can play a part in helping with this great cause. Check out this brief video below about Soles4Souls.
Be sure to check out their website and ALL they are doing. I promise you will be moved by this and hopefully want to take action.



It starts with one pair of soles. Join me in taking a step toward helping another soul.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Happy Birthday to a Special Someone!!

People come in and out of your life but sometimes your paths cross with a very special person. A person you know is special right from the start. A person you know that has sooo much to offer this world. Sara is just that kind of person. I know God had our paths cross intentionally and for that I am thankful. Amazed really. Amazed at His master plan for our lives.

Sara is taking on photography with an amazing amount of passion at her age. I am so honored to be mentoring her through these major life decisions as she approaches her senior year in High School. A little bit of guidance, encouragement, and belief in another can do miracles. If I could help her make at least one less mistake than I did then I know we are on the right path. I am excited to see what is around the corner for Sara.

Look out world here she comes! Today we celebrate her seventeenth birthday. Happy, Happy Birthday Sara. We love you.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

MCP Actions & Jessica Claire

Check out this amazing contest here by Jodi Friedman's MCP Actions and featuring Jessica Claire's Shootsac lens bags.

The photography business is so blessed to have such fabulous people like Jodi and Jessica. Thank you both for your willingness to share your talents and for this awesome give away!
I have had a Shootsac Lens Bag since 2007 and I love it. I cannot imagine shooting without it. I am hoping to win this contest for my dear friend Sara who is a Junior in High School and is already rocking the photography world with her talents. I have been saving up to get her a Shootsac for her graduation. It would be even sweeter if I could win it for her!
Sara this ones for you.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Tax Day

I am a procrastinator and so is Tony. We work better under pressure. It's just the way things are around here. So needless to say we here at Forever Keep Photography were scrambling around trying to meet the dreaded tax deadline and trying at all costs to avoid the line at the Post Office. To our surprise there was nobody in line at all. I was shocked! Fortunately for us we must be the only procrastinators out there.
Here is a photo of what the boys were doing while we were finishing getting it all put together. Apparently doing our taxes wears us all out.On a brighter note Free Starbucks coffee all day today when you bring in your own cup. I am more of a tea drinker myself but thought I would spread the love. If only they were offering free Apple Chai Infusions. Now that is a line I would be willing to stand in.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

DIY: Cricut Machine Signs

I am going to start featuring a new series called DIY. I am constantly doing projects both personally and for my business. So I thought it would be fun to share some of them.
Let me start of by introducing you to the Cricut Machine. "Cricut" meet the world. World meet the "Cricut". If you haven't heard about this most awesome machine ever then check it out here.Tony got me this machine with several cartridges and a cool storage bag for our first Christmas together back in 2006. He sure won me over that afternoon. He went to a lot of trouble to get it and I have to say he completely melted my heart. Every time I use it I think of him which is just an added bonus. It is funny how an inanimate object can put such a big smile on my face.

I got this DIY project idea when I looked around our laundry room and saw that it was in need of a facelift. Nothing too fancy but just something to liven things up a bit and get things organized. I decided to help keep me motivated in staying on top of the endless piles I would make cute little signs for each of the baskets I use to sort our laundry.
I chose a colorful polka dot 12x12 paper for the base of my signs and cut it into thirds. Then I punched 2 holes on each end for the ribbon. I then chose a solid matching cardstock which I used to cut out the letters in the Cricut Machine. I cut out letters on my Storybook Cartridge to spell "whites", "towels" and "darks".Then I used foam square adhesives to create a 3D look on the signs. Then I ran the ribbon through the 2 holes I punched out earlier on the sides and tied them to the baskets.Then I finally hung up all my cute laundry room antique decorations that have been sitting in a box adding to the clutter. The project only took me 45 minutes from start to finish including hanging up the decorations. The before and after made it look like a completely new room. Stayed tuned for my next project. I am working on a DIY Headboard project and my brothers wedding invitations. If you have any DIY projects you liked to share I would love to hear about them.