this is our happily ever after

Smith Kids (sneak peek)

So I took these photos after I took the photos of Miss D....bigger kids are so much easier to photograph than little ones who just aren't very interested in looking and smiling at the camera! 

The Gump Family (sneak peek)

This adorable little family attends our church and I was thrilled to take photographs of them and their newest addition.  Isn't she beautiful! 

my personal fave

Miss D

Last Saturday I had the opportunity to offer free photo sessions for friends, family, and people I didn't even know.  This little doll is the granddaughter of someone who works with someone who works with Brian.  Is that as clear as mud? 

Actually it's a funny story---Brian let his executive assistant and other coworkers know that I was offering free photo sessions.  Several of these people signed up and then told other people within the company, people who Brian didn't know.  His exec assistant forwarded my blog address to another exec assistant in a different department.  She began reading my blog and recognized Brian as they were passing each other in a stairwell a few weeks ago.  She stops him and says "You're Angela Moore's husband!!!"  at Dow, over 50 miles away, where I've only been once, he is referred to as my husband!!!  Not Brian Moore, Process Safety Delivery Leader for the entire plant, not as a chemical engineer, or an Aggie....nope....he's referred to as Angela Moore's husband!  I got the biggest kick out of that...he, well took it in stride and it only confirmed his opinion that I'm famous everywhere I go.  Seriously, whatever!!!!  I just place my life out there for everyone to read about...for better or worse!

So here are some favorite shots of Miss D

Happy Thanksgiving

The thankfulness in my heart is bubbling over today....I could write an enormous blog post about everything I'm thankful for, but I'm most thankful that God keeps His promises. No matter where you are, how empty or full you feel, how burdened or light your heart feels this Thanksgiving....know that HE makes everything perfect in His perfect time!  His blessings are much, much, much more than we could ask or imagine! 

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Verse

I've read this verse several times in the past few weeks and then our Pastor's wife used it in her sermon on Sunday (don't freak out...she's an ordained minister and only preaches about once a year!)   I felt like I needed to create a printable and frame it as a reminder to be thankful in all circumstances.  Maybe you're dreading the holidays because of the death of a loved one, maybe you are dealing with a sickness or the sickness of a loved one, maybe you deepest, heartfelt prayers seem to be unheard and unanswered.  Regardless, God wants us to be thankful in ALL circumstances...we don't have to be thankful for the circumstances, just in them.  Thankful that He is God no matter what is going on in our lives.  Thankful that He is constantly working out the details of our lives in order to accomplish His perfect purpose for us.  Thankful that we can rest in Him during the storms of life.  

I think you should be able to right click the image, save it, and then print it as a 4x6

and yes, this is only the second time I've used a digital element.  I'm so behind in the times!!!

 

Thanksgiving Ideas

Here are some great Thanksgiving kid ideas, recipes, etc that I've found while surfing the web and while spending way too much time on Pinterest.  I've added links and photos from each blog. 

Placemat for Kids

 

Easy Centerpiece

Thanksgiving Printables

Pumpkin Praline Trifle

Squash Casserole

Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Brussel Sprouts with Pancetta

Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole

Bobby's Pumpkin Bread Pudding (from PW when she won the throwdown with Bobby Flay himself)

Dear Karsten (7 months old)

Dear Karsten---

We spent your 7 month birthday in Illinois with Kiki and Grandpa, so Mommy is a bit late on writing this letter to you.  Your personality is really beginning to take shape.  You LOVE people and now recognize friends and family members.  Even after not seeing Kiki for 6 weeks you were ecstatic when you saw her at the airport...and I'm pretty confident you stole her heart forever!  You smile at just about everyone and are delighted when someone engages you.  You are beginning to discover that you have a will and let us know when something isn't going your way.  If we take something away from you, usually because you're trying to put it in your mouth, you get angry for about 5 seconds and then can be redirected.  Smiling is your favorite thing to do and when you smile your eyes smile too.  You are so charming. 

You are determined to begin crawling and work at it as often as we'll let you.  You are getting stronger and stronger.. soon enough you'll get all of the movements coordinated and be off!  We're spending a lot more time in your playroom and you are becoming very interested in playing with your toys and things that aren't your toys.  You are very curious and love to feel different textures.  When Mommy and Daddy can't watch you closely you have time in your playpen or jumperoo.  You still enjoy your jumper, but you don't like to be stuck in one place, so it doesn't last as long as it used to.  You're content to watch Baby Einstein in your jumper, but then get bored and want out.  You love to sit up and see what's going on, but you can't quite get back to the sitting position from lying down.  You are also learning to pull up on things like boxes and your parents! 

You are now eating a combination of foods and you love vegetables!!!  Mommy had plans to make your food, but she's found that it's so easy to purchase healthy, organic baby food that you like.  You're learning how to drink out of a sippy cup and are beginning to enjoy it.  You still love your bottle and have one about 4-5 times per day along with your 3 meals.  Somedays you want more than normal, somedays less.  We just roll with it and try to make eating a positive experience that will continue into the toddler years.

This past month you were really sick for the first time.  It was the first time Mommy wasn't able to comfort you and she was devastated.  You also took your first trip to Colorado this month and you continue being a great traveler. 

You love both Mommy and Daddy, but you have different expectations of both of us.  You tend to be more independent when you're just with Mommy because you know that she has things to do, but when Daddy comes home you expect intense interaction and playtime.  You love being tossed around, zooming about the house playing jet pilot, and having Daddy's undivided attention.  You come to Momma for comfort, quiet, and structure....of course, you and Mommy have lots of adventures together as well.  You are great when we run errands are love sitting up in the cart looking around the store. 

Little Bug, you are more than Mommy and Daddy ever dreamed of.  We knew that we would adore and love the child that God brought to us, but you truly are perfect for our family.  Your joy for life is contagious and it's impossible to be in a bad mood around you.  We love you so much, forever and ever!

Love,

Mommy (and Daddy)

 

spicy pinto beans

I love a big pot of bean soup in the Fall and Winter and I also love Borracho Beans.  This is kind of a combination of the two.  It was delicious and simple.  You just need a few hours at home, but once you've got it on the stove it's pretty much hands off. 

Click here to print the pdf Download Spicy Pinto Beans

Ingredients:

1 lb dry pinto beans

½ lb bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces

1 T. ground cumin

1 T. Southwest Seasoning

1or 2 jalapeños, cut in half and sliced

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 T. salt

1 tsp. ground black pepper

 

Rinse the dried beans in cool water, picking through them to toss out any debris.  Pour beans into a soup pot and cover with 2-3 inches of water.  Add raw bacon, cumin, and southwest seasoning.  Bring to a boil, then reduce and cover.  Simmer (don’t boil) for 2 hours.  Beans should have a thick broth, not too soupy.  Add in jalapenos, red pepper, salt and pepper.  Cover and simmer for another hour.  Check for seasoning and serve with cornbread. 

 

**If the broth is evaporating too quickly just add another cup of water and continue simmering**

the sheeley family (sneak peek)

These precious parents have taken in two of their nieces and already have two children of their own.  It was my pleasure to capture both fun and tender moments. 

kate and emma (sneak peek)