NapTime MomTog

Making Love Last | Part 1

Sarah Halstead — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 05:00:33 +0000

We have been doing a marriage series at Church. It is called Making Love Last. They play this cute little video each week before the service and it is hilarious. You should watch it.

How do you make love last?

Most people think that love should come naturally. That you don’t have to work at it. It would be like someone saying, “Don’t you think that photography should come naturally? That you just pick up a camera and take amazing photos.” No, it comes with work and practice. That is how love works. You have to work to make love last. It does not come easy or naturally.Even if you think you are compatible with your spouse, you really are not. You and your spouse are actually spiritually broken by Satan, both are self-centered. {We will go more into this in Part 2.} I came to an epiphany about being self-centered in Part 2. I can not wait to share that part.

Basically the first week the pastor talked about the “big secret” to making love last. You can listen to the full sermon here. It comes from Ephesians 5:32.

This starts to unwrap the mystery of marriage. The “big secret” is to love your husband/wife as Jesus loved the church. What exactly does that mean?

It seizes to be less about what I want/need and becomes more of what Kenny wants/needs. Do for your spouse what Jesus did for you and the rest will come. Wow is all I can say.

Will you continue this series with me and make your love last?

The Paper Mama | Spotlight

Sarah Halstead — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 02:50:56 +0000

The Paper Mama was one of the first blogs I found when I really got into blogging back in 2010. Her daughter is just a little bit older then Carsyn and I have enjoyed watching her grow up. You can learn more about her and her sweet little family here.

I love seeing her photos and all the crafty stuff she shares. There is always something new going on over there.

Chelsea also has an Etsy Shop where she sells her Art. She is amazingly talented. So make sure you check it out.

You can also find the lovely Chelsea on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Blog Lovin’.

21 Months | WW# 27

Sarah Halstead — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 23:00:47 +0000

Carsyn turned 21 months on Saturday.

This post is going to be anything but wordless today. Ha ha.

I can not believe in 3 short months my sweet baby boy will be 2 years old. When Dustyn was this age I was 6 months pregnant with Carsyn. I didn’t have a care in the world and had no idea there was something wrong with Carsyn.

Stats:

Weight 22lbs
Height 29 1/2 inches
Wearing some 12 and some 18 month clothes
Size 3 diapers
One nap in the afternoon, about 3 hours.

I am so very thankful that he is growing and gaining weight. We need him to keep on growing so that he can get a gait trainer/walker. I will be so happy when that day happens. I am ready for him to start being a little more independent. Feels like I have had a 5/6 month old for a year and a half. At least he is cute though.

What’s New:

Sitting up is getting better.
He has been using his pointy finger more. Especially on the iPod. Can not wait to get him an iPad.
He loves putting his fingers and hands in his mouth.
Still loving Curious George 2.
Loves pulling things out of baskets and bowls.
Loves playing in food and making a mess
Enjoys playing with play doh.
New sounds, baa, moo, maa, buu.
He just started seeing a new speech therapist. She loves using iPads for speech. Another reason I want one.

I am so thankful for the joy that he brings to me and everyone around him. Hope this post brought a smile to your face and gave you a little joy. I know he makes me smile every day. Hope you all have a lovely Wednesday.

Tutorial Tuesday | Wallpaper Background

Sarah Halstead — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:00:02 +0000

First of all I want to wish every one a Happy Valentine’s Day! Hope you have a great day with your sweetie. Kenny brought me home Subway and flowers last night. It was a nice surprise. I did make some cookies for Dustyn and his classmates and teachers. I will share photos of them on another day.

Welcome to Tutorial Tuesday! Ashley Sisk of Ramblings and Photos and I will be bringing you a new challenge every week, to stretch your shooting and editing skills. I want to thank Branson of My Reflection of Something for all her help in getting us started, but she has decided to take a break. I was so honored that she asked me to take her place. The thinking behind Tutorial Tuesday was always to be an opportunity to share what we’re learning as a community. We are really hoping to see more guest tutorials and less of Ashley and I writing brand new ones.

This week I want to introduce you to our first guest writer, Jill Wellington of This is Life…Through My Lens’
I am a portrait photographer in Michigan and always consider myself a work in progress. I learn something new during every photo session. I also gain a ton of knowledge from other wonderful photographers who share tips and tricks on blogs like this.That’s why I was thrilled when Ashley asked me to write up a guest blog post. I have a fun, creative technique for you to try. Recently, I photographed a precious newborn girl named Emma Rose.

No, I didn’t re-wallpaper the wall behind her between shots…HECK NO! It was hard enough getting her to sleep. In fact, there was NO WALLPAPER on that wall. It’s not even a wall…it’s white paper.

To read more about Jill and her wonderful tutorial on how to turn a white background into a beautiful wallpaper head over to Ashley’s Blog. Thanks Jill for showing us your steps.

Here is my before and after.

I followed the tutorial for the most part but I dragged the wallpaper onto the photo and used a layer mask to delete it off of Dustyn. The only thing I didn’t like about using an eraser like Jill talked about was that it isn’t easy to undo. I like using layer masks because if you mess up you can just change the brush to white and go back over the part you messed up.

Can you guess what Dustyn’s 4th Birthday Party is going to be? I have a TON of Angry Birds Birthday Party ideas and products coming. I can not wait to share them. They will be posted the first week of March.

Linking up: Sweet Shot, 52 Weeks of Happiness and Communal Global

Ready to join in the fun? Here’s how to do it:

1. Visit THIS TUTORIAL.

2. Choose your favorite shot (or more!) to share with us.

3. Don’t forget to grab the button for your post!

4. Link up between now and next Monday.

PS: If you have any photography or editing suggestions, please don’t hesitate to let Ashley or myself know! We would love to feature your tutorial.

Project 366 Rewind {Week #6}

Sarah Halstead — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:00:50 +0000

Welcome to the 6th week of Project 366 Rewind. I am so glad you are joining us. This weeks theme was Recharge to give you some ideas and to keep you motivated, but you do not have to follow the theme. To see the full list of guidelines or if you want to link your blog up to the main linky that will run all year head over here.

The Details

Post your week in pictures on Mondays. They can be in the form of a collage or separate.
Including the weekly prompts is optional.
Our button must be present in your post.
Please visit some other blogs, and leave some love and encouragement.
Submit the URL of your blog post or Flickr entries, not your home page.

Before we get to my photos this week, I wanted to announce the winner of a camera strap from Gina’s Shop, Stylish Beach Bum. It is Amanda with this great splashing in puddles shot. I loved this one so much. Congratulations Amanda!

February’s prize is going to be a $25 Gift Certificate from Amy Cornwell. Make sure you pick out your favorite photo and include it in your post on February 27th.

If you are wondering where I got my Project Life Digital Kit, you can check them out over on Jessica Sprague’s site.

Here are the Upcoming Prompts:

February 20th ~ Favorite Feature

February 27th ~ Love

March 5th ~ Soul

March 12th ~ Healthy Choices