Sunday, June 27, 2010

Sunday swimming











Friday, June 25, 2010

Brayton Taylor

Emily and I have been friends since the third grade, we grew up together and since childhood have stayed good friends.  Her youngest son, Brayton, turns one in a few days.  I took his "1 year old" photos, and BOY is he a cutie!  Here is a sample of his cuteness:











HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY BRAYTON!!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Another wedding!

This past weekend I got the chance to shoot another wedding-what a blast!  We had beautiful weather, and the bride and groom couldn't have been more adorable (and can I just add, I wouldn't mind being adopted by the bride's family......I've never felt so welcomed!!).  Here are a few preview pictures from our shoot!











For more pictures, check out my flickr:

Friday, June 18, 2010

Reminiscing

I don't know what it is about today that is making me remember so many little details about the day I gave birth. Maybe it's because I realize that in 7 short weeks, I will have a 1 year old.  Maybe it's because as I drive by the hospital I can't help but look in the window where I spent 22 long hours laboring.  Maybe it's because tomorrow I get the pleasure of meeting our friend Andy's wife who is due with their first baby in a few weeks.  Whatever the reason, I have been reminiscent all day long.  I'm remembering what it felt like the moment we pulled into the hospital parking lot ("Finally we are here, that 5 minute car ride felt like hours!").  I'm remembering telling the nurse during my contractions that I would much rather be eating pie then doubled over in pain (it had been hours at that point, delirium had set in).  I'm remembering what my daughter's face looked like the moment I first laid eyes on her (she was pretty pissed, but oh so cute).  I'm remembering talking to my mom for the first time after I gave birth (that conversation is a bit hazy, I was really out of it). I'm remembering our first moments completely alone together, as Ingrid looked up at me and locked eyes in a dead stare for several minutes (bliss). I'm remembering all the long, hard, wonderful days that would follow in our first weeks together.  Whatever the reason for my reminiscence today, one thing is true: I will NEVER forget that day!


WARNING: In the weeks ahead as I am thinking about my Ingrid Nightingale's birthday there might, but most definitely will be some increasingly sappy posts.  You have been warned.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Purity Codes

An excerpt from Garry Wills, What Jesus Meant (New York: Penguin, 2006), 34-35 has been well publicized in recent years.  I loved it the first time I heard it, and last night came across it again:

(On discussing the Hebrews practices and rules given in the often times confusing "purity codes" found through out Leviticus and other books of the Bible)

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Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's law.  I have learned a great deal from you, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can.  When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination--end of debate.  I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God's laws and how to follow them.

1.  Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations.  A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexican but not Canadians.  Can you clarify?  Why can't I own Canadians?

2.  I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7.  In this day and age, what do you think would be fair price for her?

3.  I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev. 15:19-42).  The problem is: how do I tell?  I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

4.  When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor to the Lord (Lev. 1:9).  The problem is my neighbors.  They claim the odor is not pleasing to them.  Should I smite them?

5.  I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath.  Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death.  Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?

6.  A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 11:10),  it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality.  I don't agree.  Can you settle this?  Are there degree's of abomination?

7.  Leviticus 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight.  I have to admit that I wear reading glasses.  Does my vision have to be 20/20 or is there some wiggle room?

8.  Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Leviticus 19:27.  How should they die?

9.  I know from Leviticus 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10.  My uncle has a farm.  He violates Leviticus 19:19 by planting two different crops in  the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of threat (cotton-polyester blend).  He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot.  Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them (Lev. 24:10-16)?  Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws (Leviticus 20:14)?

I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I am confident you can help.  Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.



Sunday, June 13, 2010

Andre & Tuesday

Before my sweet Ingrid was born I was a recreational picture taker.  However, her existence has sent me into the world of a patholgical picture taker!  Ever little glance, every smile, every frown-I feel the need to capture it all on film.  That's the heart of a parents I guess (Thank God for digital cameras)!  It has turned into a little hobby for me.  This weekend I shot a wedding as the assistant photographer to my good friend and photographer Ruth.  I had the fun job of capturing all the candid photo's, what a blast (and really, how hard could it be to photograph a couple this gorgeous)!  I would love for this little hobby to turn into a bigger hobby!  Looking ahead, I get to shoot a friends son's "1 year pictures" (wait....does that sound violent??), as well as some engagement photos, and another possible wedding in August.  

A few of my favorites...









Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Yeah, I guess we have to let the artsy fartsies in too (quote from Pastor)

My newest love: framing antique fabrics!  I am not a painter, I can't draw-but I can cut fabric, and hang it on my walls!  I had this beautiful antique scrap fabric that I have just been waiting to use.  I've never had the "perfect" project for it, until now.  Next up: find antique "quilted" fabric to frame for above our bed.  So fun!