Things are a changin'!

I am finally doing it! I am combining my two blogs. From now on my photography blog will serve the purpose of both personal and photography updates. This is in preparation for the unveiling of my photography website that I hope to have up and running in the next week. This is so very exciting! So, I will no longer be posting at this site. You can now see what the "crazy ives" are up to as well as my new photography shoots HERE!!

The Economy Got yoU down?

the best (and most important) things in life are free! Here are my top ten.

1. Bike rides with my kids in this gorgeous weather. I have been riding (ok, two times) to school with Rachel in the morning. So much fun, and total bonding time together.

2. YOGA! If you haven't discovered the joy of yoga, come on over and I will introduce it to you. If you can't afford to get a massage, this is just as good. After doing yoga you will have that same feeling of well being, and relaxation as after a massage.

3. If you still must have a massage. Train your kids in the practice. (or husband, but kids are sometimes more willing. ha ha.) I remember when I was pregnant with Lizzie and I gave each of my four little ones some lotion and a limb of mine to massage. Someone came to the door asking Jacob to play and I could hear him saying, "I can't right now, I have to massage my mom." He was 7 years old. Can you imagine that kid relaying that explanation to his mom. "Oh, Jacob can't play right now he is massaging his mom." I was cracking up. As a result my kids are seriously skilled. Especially in foot, hand, and scalp massages. Which are my favorites.

4. Playing a game with your kids. Lately we are into apples to apples and Jacob who is home sick right now is begging me to play backgammon with him. Which leads me to number four. What I am doing now instead of playing with him....

4. Blogging (or journaling). It's free and so much fun. Benefits being... to keep in contact with loved ones, for your posterity, and to relive the goodness in your life.

5. Cozying up with a good book. Ask to borrow one from a friend, or visit your public library. Although the library is never free for me due to my insane ability to amass large amounts of late fees. For a small amount of money you can sip a cup of cocoa while reading.

6. Talking with your kids individually. Take them aside one by one. ( Promise everyone they will get their turn and they will let you do this). Just talk about life with them. Their hopes and dreams. What is important to them. The trials in their life. You will another side of your child and love them all the more.

7. Kissing and hugging your kids. I like to do this while reading them a book, or watching a cozy movie. What is a cozy movie you ask? Some of our are music man, sound of music, any old disney movie that brings back memories from watching it as a kid (cozying with mom). Right now Jacob is home sick (and while waiting for me to play backgammon) is watching jungle book. Yesterday it was Fox and the Hound. For Rachel and I it is pride and prejudice, emma, wives and daughters, jane eyre, sense and sensibility, etc. Again, Free. (come borrow from me.)

8. My favorite of course is alone time with Dave. Talking, and well.... you know. free, free, free. Oh thank the heavens, it's free. Gloriously free free free. Oh.... sorry, I am forgetting myself.

9. Long showers. I realize water costs money, but humor me. Long showers have saved my marriage many times, comforted me in times of sickness, and relaxed me in times of stress. Instead of going to my closet to pray, I go to my shower. Haven't you heard the song, "ere you left your bathroom this morning. Did you think to pray? " Ha. I know, I know. My jokes are very stupid. Ask anyone.

10. And number 10! Service. Of every kind. Nothing brings more joy in this life than service. Whether to your family or a friend. A smile or a kind word is service. A thank you note is always appreciated. Making a hot meal for my family at the end of the day. Showering my husband with affection when he gets home. Doing laundry. Encouraging a friend. Lending a hand to someone in need. Helping out at your child's school. Or a million other things. IT IS ALL FREE! I try to consciously help someone every day, and I am always looking for new opportunities. So call me if you need me. I'm available for FREE!!!

So there are some ideas. Now I want to hear yours. I need to add to my list! Please share!

Let Freedom Ring!

While who I voted for didn't win, it sure was an exciting day. As I walked in my city library to vote, I really felt grateful to live in a nation where we are all able to vote. How awesome that all of our voices can be heard. I thought McCain's speech was gracious and moving. And while I don't agree with Obama on so many issues, I do think it amazingly wonderful to have a black president. It does say a great deal about how far our nation has come. It just makes me so dang sad that people really don't think that abortion is a big deal. How can you be Christian and think it is OK? Anyway, it definitely was a historic night. The silver lining was that both props 8 & 102 passed!

oops!

I totally messed up my blog template creating a new header. That is what happens when I try to do things on my own, but I am too tired to figure it out tonight.

I haven't had time to get up all my Halloween pictures. I had a photo shoot this morning and Saturday that I can't wait to share. But lets just say...Joe did not disappoint. He was in all his glory on Halloween night. Here is a teaser up above. More to come.

I have had so much on my mind (don't we all). As all my concerns were rolling around in my mind the other morning a distinct thought came to my mind. The words of this scripture-"Trust in the the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and He shall direct thy paths." I really have been making myself crazy trying to figure out everything in life on my own. And than I think, "Duh! Have you even asked Heavenly Father for help?" I know that He will open up my eyes to new thoughts and ideas that I hadn't thought of previously. And give me the peace that I need. If I seek His help and guidance, He will lead me along. I won't know everything that the future will bring, but I can have peace that He will be there and will direct my paths if I seek Him out. I already know all of this. I just get busy and forget sometimes.

So tomorrow is election day. I made it without my prop 102 sign being stolen or vandalized. Ha Ha. I think it will pass with no problem in Arizona. Hopefully all the campaigning in California will pay off.

If you happen to be undecided in your vote tomorrow, check out my brother in law's blog. His past two posts are very entertaining as usual.

Are you ready for tomorrow night?

Remember how I wrote about the awesome cemetery in Quincy, IL where my sister lives. You can tell that we grew up in Southern California when one of the spots you take your sister when she visits is a cool old cemetery that you like. It reminded us both of the haunted mansion at Disneyland. There just isn't anything like this in So. Cal. Nothing old and shall I say romantically spooky. We drove around and picked out our favorite headstones. I was so glad I had my camera with me. I have been wanting to show you them and now that All Hallows eve is at our door - I thought the time appropriate.

I love this one.

Gloria's favorite is this house, always has to have the biggest and best. ha ha.

ooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. (in my best ghost voice).

one more of my favorite.

ahhh, Edgar and Edith. How sweet. You can get great name ideas.

Tomorrow I will be posting my festive neighbor Joe's Halloween decor. Remember last year? Is it possible to get more gruesome? The answer is yes!!!!

WE are carving pumpkins tonight. I try to get Dave to do it every year. I am one of those people who hates the mess. What a spoil sport I am. The weather is so incredible right now we can do it outside and I won't mind so much! OOH, maybe we can build a fire out back. It should be down to 70 degrees by tonight. ha ha.

law family.

check out this cute family.

has it really been a week?

I have been busy having fun with my sister Gloria and nephew Dallen. They came out for Leah's baptism. They flew back to Illinois this morning and we are so sad. Here are some of the highlights.There was alot of this going on. The kids actually swam in the pool everyday. Which is freezing by Arizona standards. Brrr. Glor and I stuck to the hot tub. I had Gloria read "Goose Girl" by Shannon Hale. If you haven't read it, come and borrow it from me. It is so good. Than of course you need to read the sequels, "Enna Burning", and "River Secrets." They are written by the same author as "Princess Academy." If you haven't read that then you have alot of catching up to do. They are all written for young adults. That's me. smile.I was reading (and still am) the third book in the Eragon saga "Brisinger." Again youth books, and thoroughly delightful. I highly recommend them.

Rebecca was so excited for Gloria to be able to go to her horseback riding lesson. It was at 6:30a.m. I stayed in bed, thank-you.

Friday night was the ward "trunk-or-treat" which is always so much fun. It is as much fun for me to dress up as the kids. At the last second I threw on my wedding dress and told Dave to find something for Frankenstein and I went as his beautiful bride. And no, my wedding dress doesn't still fit. It was hanging open in the back. ha.

A family pic from Leah's baptism day. It was so simple and beautiful. I just can't get over how strong the spirit is at baptisms. It strengthens my testimony every time I attend one. And of course, Leah was glowing.

So cool that Leah was able to get baptized on the same day as her good friend Devon. What special girls they are.

Before Gloria could leave, I had to edit Austin's (her oldest son) senior pictures. Remember, I had to cancel my trip out there to do them. So I had her look at Brianna Graham's website for ideas. She had the most awesome boy senior photo shoot that I knew Austin could pull off. HE is under the featured seniors (Dayton). Didn't Gloria do amazing? I will take some credit since I am her photography instructor. But this she did without me even there! woo-hoo! This was so fun that I think I will offer this service to just edit a photo that you have. The cost will be $25 per image. Here are the before and afters.

If you are interested you can e-mail me your pictures at heatherives@yahoo.com.

funny faces. funny stories.

On sunday we had our hometeachers over and in the middle of the lesson Leah asked the 17 year old boy and his father when a boy starts his period. Dave replied, "boys aren't very good at punctuation, and Leah you aren't allowed to ask anymore questions." I couldn't stop laughing.

Rachel is having some problems lately with pushing, kicking, hitting, pinching whatever person is near her when she is annoyed. I told her she needed to go and write me a paper on how she was going to stop this. I received this e-mail promptly.

Mom, I would like to start this paper to you by saying I am truly sorry. I know I cannot say it is a reflex for the rest of my life and I am trying to change for real from this day on.
I have a problem with hurting people and I think I will be able to stop by going to sleep earlier, drink a magic potion to not have hormones, and have lots and lots of alone time. Also if I don’t get myself into bad situations then I won’t get mad at everyone and go ballistic. I think I am nocturnal so I will flip my schedule so I can do things at night when I am the most happy. Or possibly I can control myself. But the real problem with me is every time I am with Leah I just freak out and get all mad! She always has some annoying thing to say to me to really grrrrr me ya know?!!!! I really just need to practice not hurting people and choosing to love over attacking!
I could also maybe just whenever I get the urge to hurt someone or something I can just hold back and maybe I can have a punching bag and I will just punch that a lot then not want to punch or kick because I will hurt so bad from getting bruises from trying but not succeeding. All I am trying to say is that I am sorry and will really, really try to do a lot better! (And I love you!)
Sincerely, Rachel Ives

As I was yet again frustrated by something I couldn't do on the computer, I sighed and said, "Oh Lizzie, my life is difficult." She replied, "so is mine, I have to clean my room!"

This evening has been filled with non stop hugs from Jacob as he finally saved his money and got a cell phone. Rebecca took advantage of his mood as well. She is always trying to get Jacob to hug and kiss her on the cheek and dance with her. He obliged her tonight. We gave Jacob a million rules for the cell phone usage and as usual he happily accepted any instruction we gave him happily. TEENAGERS LISTEN UP! If you want your parents to be putty in your hands all you have to do is obey, and be respectful. Just give it a try for a week! You can add in some compliments too. Jacob walked up from behind me at church and said, "oh, I didn't know that was you mom, you look so good." Totally working me, but I'll take it! I guess he could be being truthful since I rarely get done up except for church. He would kn0w me from a mile away in my robe or pajamas. ha.

so proud of this girl

Last night I photographed Rebecca in her happy place. She wanted pictures to put up all over her room. I have tons more to edit, but thought I would share one. Her teacher was freaking out because she is just learning to canter and Rebecca was doing figure eights through the cones cantering cueing the horse just right. Way to go Mary!!!

Sedona-or red rock country (as dave liked to say over and over)

Here we are driving into sedona Friday afternoon. We were too tired to be that impressed. We headed straight to the pool to relax and recover.

Of course, one of my favorite things on a trip is a yummy breakfast. The weather was incredible. We just wanted to sit there all day (still tired, I guess.)But we had a great adventure ahead. A helicopter trip, which is the best way to go when you only have a short time, and are too tired to hike. ha. Are you ready for the view? It was amazing!!

On our flight we were shown many native american ruins. How would you like a condo like this? I'm thinking that is a long climb to get back home to bed at night. Can you see the hieroglyphs?

Back on the ground we drove on over to red rock park.

Where we hiked (slowly walked) along the creek there.
WE realized that we didn't have a backpack so we searched the back of the car (that is never cleaned out) and found one of the girl's bags that they carry their coloring stuff to church in. I thought Dave looked rather styling with it. ha.
red rock country man. ha ha
On our way back to the big city we stopped by at Montezuma's castle. Incredible indian ruins.
Last but not least, we visited one of my favorite national parks. The outlet mall. I finally went to Naartjie (pronounced Narchie). It is a children's store that Natalie K. and Jenn W. kept telling me about. I was overcome and had to leave before I bought the whole store. If you want to have a photo shoot and can't think of outfits to wear, go here. Layered, colorful, comfy,and cute. I loved all the hats, scarves and tights too. Also, Dave had to drag me out of the Gymboree outlet. I have never seen one, and it was amazing. I was thinking I could just buy a doll to dress and carry around. Instead, I bought the cutest stuff for Summer H's baby.

Did you like my new bigger and better pictures? Finally figured it out (or rather dave did). I love that man more each day.