Focus

Looking to create softness and sparkle I took these pictures out of focus. I like them so much better than those shot in perfect focus. This is not to say that having a sharp focus isn't generally a good thing, but now and then you have to be willing to make adjustments to get the shot you want.

With the new year comes a sense of resolution to regain focus and improve our lives. For some reason I'm resisting the usual desire to make a lengthy list of goals. I guess right now I just feel like I need to focus on following God's plan for me, instead of telling him where I think I should be in the next 12 months. He knows my dreams, hopes, and desires... and he has a plan for me. I feel inspired to just be still for a while, and let him lead me. So, this New Years my focus isn't on the usual list of things to do, but in aligning my will with that of my Father in Heaven. I'm hoping the picture at the end of the year will be in good focus, but not without a bit of sparkle and charm.

With Love,
L

A New Normal

When you're little, everything about Christmas is magical. Then you start to grow up and things change, (grandparents pass away, family members move/marry, etc.) but you find a "new normal," and learn to love it too. A few years pass and it's time to change again. I guess I'm just in that stage of adjusting to a "new normal." The holidays weren't bad, just different. It's interesting to realize that when I was little and Christmas was magical to me, it may have still be evolving into a "new normal" for my parents. I realized this year that Christmas is always going to be changing a bit. We can hold on to our memories, but not every tradition can stay the same. Families grow, life carries on, and things change. Hallmark said it best this year, "Traditions are not for keeping, they are for keeping us together." Danny and I are creating some of our own traditions now, and doing our best to combine those that we grew up with into a way that works best for us.

Growing up and adjusting to new traditions isn't always easy. Even still, we had a truly wonderful Christmas. Maybe a little of the childhood magic was missing, but the grown up Spirit of Christmas was purer than ever before. My heart was turned to the Savior, and in the end, that's what Christmas is really about.

With Love,
L

Life From the Passenger Seat

Just another shot from the passenger seat. When sitting in the passenger seat I'm often lost in my thoughts. I just look out the window and think. (Poor Danny, I'm not the most exciting traveling companion.) Something about seeing the world rapidly passing by makes me contemplate life's happenings. I've been a bit lost in my thoughts lately. I guess I'm always more sentimental around the holidays. It's a thoughtful time of year, a thoughtful time of life.

L

Festive

Just a pretty Christmas picture today. Can't wait to be able to share some of the things I've been working on soon. Things are turning out really cute... will I be done on time?! We shall see.

L

Faux Fireplace

My dad got us this darling little fireplace grate. He was worried Santa wouldn't find us if we didn't have somewhere to hang our stockings;) I've always wished we had a fireplace, so this called for a little decorating magic. We laid out a few extra tiles left over from the remodel and put some firewood and Christmas lights in a rod iron dish drainer. The garland and stockings were just the finishing touches to make our faux fireplace complete!

I'm still busy wrapping up last minute Christmas projects and presents. (Wrapping up= finishing, not actually ready to wrap the presents yet...) The countdown to Christmas is rapidly winding down. 


L

Life Right Now

Obviously my last few posts have been a bit down. While part of me is so embarrassed for putting my feelings out there like that, this is my life right now. While I'm striving to keep a positive outlook, pretending that I feel well doesn't help matters. I'm trying to find a balance between accepting things as they are and continuing to find joy, even in hard times.

My doctor suspects that I have Lupus, but no firm diagnosis has been made. I've been referred to my mom's rheumatologist and am hoping he can help provide some answers. 

This week I have lots of Christmas projects that I hope to complete. I'm feeling much stronger than last week, but I know how one busy day can set me back. I so hope to feel well and fully enjoy time with family this week of Christmas! Yesterday at church I was reminded of my theme for 2011: "There is HOPE smiling brightly before us." I am so grateful for my Savior who offers me hope and peace even in these challenging times.

With Hope,
L

From the Passenger Seat

One photo, edited four ways. Took this out the window while Danny was driving. I like shots from the passenger seat... you never quite know what you are going to get. I especially like the wispy field in the foreground. I like the second one best, I think.

By the way, my test results weren't very helpful. Not much else I feel like saying about that right now.

L

Becky

Just a few quick photos I took last week of my gorgeous cousin Becky. She's more like a sister than a cousin though, it isn't a complete family get-together if she isn't there! Mauri and Lincoln just adore her too! If Mauri "accidentally" calls anyone on a cellphone... it is always Becky. I think she does it on purpose because Becky is just so fun:) I love these pictures!! Doesn't she look beautiful?! Becky is one of the greatest people I know! I look up to her so so much. There is really nothing she can't do! Remember the darling owl pillow she whipped up for Mauri's birthday...and the dresses and capes she made for the little girls at Steph's wedding?! Incredible. She is so talented, fun, creative, and kind. She has such a giving heart and always looks for opportunities to help others. Simply put, Becky is AMAZING! She looked just stunning and I loved the outfit she chose to coordinate with the location. How darling is that teal pom pom scarf?! I love it!! Way to work it Becky!

L

Lights at Temple Square

I finally felt up to editing the photos I took last weekend. Seeing the lights at Temple Square in Salt Lake City is a MUST every year. Such a beautiful and lovely display! Perhaps I'll muster up the energy to print them and put them in my December album. Falling further and further behind. Such is life.

I can't believe it was almost two years ago that Danny proposed to me right there in the North Visitors Center at Temple Square. I remember walking into the ladies room and happily telling a complete stranger that I had just gotten engaged. She didn't care. Not a bit. Oh well. I did! So grateful for my Danny! Still trying to come up with the perfect gift for him... running out of time and homebound till I get over this illness. Can we rewind a couple of weeks?

PS: No word yet from my doctor. Still waiting.

With Love,
L

Thank You...

Just a pretty picture and a sincere thank you to all of you dear friends and family for your words of encouragement and love. They truly uplift me and make me feel so loved. Still waiting. Still praying. Still hoping for some answers here.

With Hope,
L

Waiting for Answers

Many years ago during a difficult trial I found myself scribbling out my thoughts in a spiral notebook. The words came, "afraid of getting answers that I don't want to hear, so I stand still." My heart already knew the answer to my specific pleading was, "No. Not this time. Not yet." When I was finally ready to accept the answer, I recieved a gentle, "No, Lynley. Not yet." I look back on that answer with so much gratitude, though at the time it was a heartwrenching struggle.

While I would love to post a Daily December page and pretend that life is simply full of crafts and holiday cheer, I don't have the energy to do that today. I'm just not feeling too well. Despite my best efforts to do it all, my body just doesn't keep up. Waiting once again for more test results. Hoping that for once they will lead to answers. I feel like I am getting closer to an answer, but if not... I can accept that too.  I'm really trying to have faith and hope here. 

With Hope,
L

Christmas Card

Today I designed a little Christmas card to send to friends and family. We bought cute little winter hats to take pictures in, but time is getting scarce, and if we waited till we got pictures taken, we probably wouldn't end up having time to send out cards...so I decided to use an old engagement photo. Better an old photo than no card at all, right? Right. Now to track down addresses... Wish me luck in actually getting these babies printed and in the mail!

Hello Dolly

It's been a while since I indulged in some puppy love photos. Oh I just love that little face so much!! Miss Dolly is quite interested in helping us decorate for Christmas and insists on wearing her holiday sweater, though it's a bit snug. She especially likes to stand on top of the couch, lean as far as she can reach towards the bookshelf, and peek in the her stocking to see if Santa's left her anything yet...

Today I'm busy working on too many projects-- Sewing, crafting, photographing, editing, and scrapbooking our December. More December Daily pages and some Christmas creations to share soon!!

With Love,
L

December Daily: And the Countdown Begins

Once upon a December 2010, I started a December Daily album. I made all of the base pages and only managed to scrapbook about 3 days. Life kinda had some unexpected shifts at the time. It's been a sad little incomplete album on my shelf, taunting me all year long. Well, I decided to try again. With last years base pages in hand, I'm ready to document our December 2011.

I've already made a few tweaks to the the cover, although I still think it needs a little work... I'll post pictures soon;) Funny how much my style has changed over the last year! I'm scrapbooking more and more like myself again--(not so stuck in the old CTMH style anymore... which makes me happy! I feel more free and creative as an artist and ready to get back into the hobby that love so much.) Anyhow, I'm adding in more pink, teal, and silver to the album pages that were formerly a traditional red and green color scheme--much more fun and prettier to look at right?! Right.

Looking forward to documenting the little happy bits of our December! Hope you'll enjoy a glimpse!

L

Gardner Village

My first job was at a quaint little boutique called Thru the Grapevine. I loved getting to help set up the holiday displays at such a fancy shop. Though I am rarely willing to pay boutique prices, I can ALWAYS afford to WINDOW SHOP and get inspiration! One of my favorite places to visit is Gardner Village in West Valley, Utah. It has so many charming little shops full of beautiful home decor items. Danny had never been before, so we went and wandered around the other evening. I loved seeing the holiday displays and soaking in all of the inspiration! It's a very Lynley, very happy place!

Now I'm really getting excited to dress up our home for the holidays! Can't wait to share some of the cute projects I've been up to soon!

With Love,
L