Clifford Family shoot

Fly on over to my photography website and check out this "SUPER" family!

How to have the AbunDant LIfe!

Read this today, and it gave me new energy to serve others!

Unless the way we live draws us closer to our Heavenly Father and to our fellowmen, there will be an enormous emptiness in our lives. It is frightening for me to see, for instance, how the life-style of so many today causes them to disengage from their families and their friends and their peers toward a heedless pursuit of pleasure or materialism. So often loyalty to family, to community, and to country is pushed aside in favor of other pursuits, which are wrongly thought to be productive of happiness when, in fact, selfishness is so often the pursuit of questionable pleasure which passes so quickly. One of the differences between true joy and mere pleasure is that certain pleasures are realized only at the cost of someone else's pain. Joy, on the other hand, springs out of selflessness and service, and it benefits rather than hurts others.

Service to others deepens and sweetens life. Not only do we "find" ourselves in terms of acknowledging divine guidance in our lives, but the more we serve our fellowmen in appropriate ways, the more substance there is to our souls. We become more significant individuals as we serve others. We become more substantive as we serve others-indeed, it is easier to "find" ourselves because there is so much more of us to find! - (Spencer W. Kimball)

Josh & Dyan

If you want to see more of their temple photo shoot, I put like 50 on a blog site for them to see and pick what they want printed for their reception. click here

So Much Fun!

So, I did it! I survived my first wedding photo shoot tonight. It was so fun, and tiring. The wedding is this Saturday. Can't wait to share all the pics. Thank you to all of you who encouraged me to do this!

BOSTON

I loved the mix of old architecture with the new. This is the old state house above. On the balcony there, the constitution was read for the first time.
this is the oldest church in the U.S. built in the 1700s. Benjamin Franklin was baptized in this church. I loved the chandalier. There was a good feeling in this church. People were actually reverent went they went in. You could feel that good things had happened here.
ok, so not exactly a church or historic monument, but I thought this bar's name was pretty funny and clever!
This is the famous swan pond on Boston Common. I just loved all the old trees. So beautiful!

Isn't this a cool door? It was located on Beacon Hill.
Us following the trail of freedom. Boston is the most walkable city I have ever been in. So clean and everywhere so picturesque. Starting at Boston Common there is a red line that you can follow through the city (a walking tour) that takes you to many historic sites. Very cool. We were walking it with a group of amish teenagers. You can see a couple in front of us. They were such a stark contrast to the immodestly dressed people all around us. Very refreshing. I love their culture.
Ok so the thing most common on the trail of freedom is dunkin donuts. It really became a joke with us. We couldn't get over how many there were. Seriously on every corner. So we had to stop and try a "boston" creme donut of course.
All over there are these spooky and cool old graveyards. You just don't see anything like this out west.
We went on a tour called a "duck tour". You ride in these old world war II jeep/boats. They showed us around the streets and then you went into the Charles river. Kinda cool. We also drove up to Salem and along the coast all the way up to Gloucester. Very Cape Coddish. Didn't take my camera. Can you believe that! While I loved Boston and it is really a very unique and beautiful city, cities still aren't my favorite. Where's the beach! It did remind me of Italy in parts. Just the smells and the open markets took me back. We hung out in little Italy where there are 110 italian restaurants. We had some yummy food. I bought some Panna, and Beschamel sauce from an Italian salumeria. I am excited to use them. I am guilty to admit that I spent alot of time in my hotel room laying in bed and reading Harry Potter. Isn't that horrible or "oorreeble" as Fleur would say. ha. We could have used that time to go to plymouth. I did see "old iron sides" though. Coming up are fun pictures from my trip to my sister Glor's house. We did a family photo shoot too. Very midwest with the red barn. fun fun.

Well I'm off!

Off to my sister Gloria's in Illinois for her birthday. I will be there until next wed. Than I am off again. This time with Dave to Boston for a radiology conference aka vacation. It's good to be me this week. I am sure to come back with lots of fun stories and pictures! Fun fun. Just for an update. I didn't go to the gym all week, but I didn't have any desserts. I didn't scrapbook one page every day but one day I did quite a few. I spent many days loving and serving others (Lindsay I will help you pack any time to get to rock your baby again) which made me very happy. I edited one photo shoot. But sorry Clifford family, I will have to do yours when I get home. All the laundry is done, and the house clean (ok so I had some help with that). I made many delicious meals, in fact 9 just today for a dinner group that I am in. Now all I have left to do is pack and get up at 4am. Yikes. How does this always happen? I can sleep on the plane right? I better because I know Gloria is going to be ready to go go go nonstop. Although I do plan to spend time sitting by their pond in their backyard reading Harry Potter books 6 & 7. Well, I will leave you with one more scrapbook page that I did that one day I scrapbooked. I love it! I guess maybe the pictures on it should be of me!

Heather's Nice News (HNN)

I have always wanted there to be a news program that wasn't all about the horrible things that people have done, but all of the wonderful things that people are doing. Celebrating the good! So I am going to start one. It is called HNN. And Tonight's top story is........

Giving and generous family move to Prescott!

We are very sorry to have to say goodbye to Lindsey and Ryan Lowry family. Their kindness, excitement for life, and service to others will be missed by local Surprisians. They will especially be remembered for taking a local family out on a hot summer morning (a holiday no less) to help them learn to rappel. With no thought for himself, Ryan Lowry awoke on said holiday at 5am and scouted out a good location and set up all of the equipment. The family lazily awoke hours later and headed out with the Gardners and their super fun and wonderful parents (I think that is where their son Ryan got it). We were rewarded with homemade cinnamon rolls by the lovely Toni Lyn Gardner, and fresh cut fruit. Only the best when they do things for others.The group than hiked in the desert and up this hill to begin their adventure. Ryan, and all his family with no thought for themselves, cheerfully helped everyone learn, and rappel down the steep cliff. All were cheered on no matter how slow they went.

Toni and Ryan's parents who just open up their hearts to everyone and are so enthusiastic!Rachel, and all of the girls looked so cute! I was so proud of them for being so brave!

Yes, I tastefully cut out my backside. It wouldn't be appropriate for headline news!

Here is the man of the day coming down facing forward, and running down the cliff. Thanks Ryan for all of your hard work, and giving of your time so that we could have a special day. We will miss your family. But don't worry we will come up and visit. Isn't there a river we have to rappel down into? smile. We wish you and your sweet family the best of luck! Your family is really an example of finding true joy in bringing happiness to others. We are trying to be just like you Gardner clan! So glad you are our friends.

Cate & Lizzie-So Happy Together (ba-bum-bum bum)

There is a special something that happens when these two girls get together. Their eyes take on a glow of mischieviousness and joy mixed. I know that look. It is the look when I get together with my sisters. It's the look like you have a secret that only the two of you know. How cool to see that happen with our kids. When they are together they enter into their own little world where no one else is invited, and have non stop activities that they need to do. I love this picture above. Cate's love for Lizzie is almost worshipful. She will do anything that Lizzie does. Kelly tells me that all she needs to do to get Cate to wear something is to say that it was Lizzie's. Lizzie of course loves this level of admiration, and not having a younger sister, she really soaks it up. Here are a few pics from our trip to Cate's house this summer. Love em!

Here they are snuggled up in Kelly's bed. Notice all of the movies stacked up between them. That was their "to do" list.
In this pic they had just taken a marathon long bath in the big jet tub. They laughed and played for hours. This is when they got out and came into kelly's craft room. Lizzie exclaimed,"that was the best bath I have ever taken!"
this is how we usually find them. In dress up, hinding in some corner doing make-up or nails. Heaven! Kelly and I were off in our own corner. And while I am at it let me show you another group off in their own corner that I found when I took this picture.
I took it through the window of my Dad's house (that Kelly is living in). How cool to capture the moment of another set of cousins hanging out. These are the pictures that really are precious to me! This is a story that I want to remember always. oooh, how I love photography. ok that's all

The Incredibles! (i mean the swainstons)

We had alot of fun being silly! See, it wasn't so bad Tyler

More pictures on my photography site. Check it!

HIL

Here is just a teaser Hilary. I know you are dying to see your pictures, but it does take alot of time and I am a busy woman you know. ha. You are killin me with the green blue eyes! Gorgeous!

P.S. click on the picture. It's even better bigger!

No more desserts for awhile!

O.K. Petra maloy has given me a serious workout regime and diet to follow. So I can just kiss all these yummy desserts that I have been eating goodbye until 15 pounds say goodbye. Speaking of desserts the one pictured above I must tell you about. My sister in law's sister (did you follow that?) Made this on pioneer day (more pictures to follow another time on that event). It was unbelieveable. Buttermilk pie and then she made two sauces you could put on it and homemade whipped cream. Of course I needed to try both sauces. One was strawberry and the other a mixed berry. I watched her make them with fresh fruit. Really so yummy. I haven't gotten the recipe yet, but I will share it when I do. Anyway, tonight as I was eating dinner I commented to the Maloys( by the way weren't their talks today in church great?!) who were over for dinner that I felt like I was eating my last supper. So I loaded up. Helped myself to a big piece of chocolate truffle cake and just had some of the yummiest cookies ever that Leilani brought over for our Relief Society Presidency meeting (we missed you AMie). I think maybe something is wrong with me because since I have been Relief Society President since March 2006, i have gone through 2 counselors and a secretary. Yes, that is right. Everyone has been replaced except me. Hmmm... concerning. Really it is just that the primary needed them more than me I guess, at least I hope. Whenever I see these three sisters now I have to hug them because I love and miss them. It really is such a bonding experience serving together. Working to help others. What an opportunity. So tonight we ( the all new but me presidency) had a meeting, and we laughed and talked for 3 1/2 hours (and ate incredible cookies. Ask Leilani for the recipe. They melt in your mouth and I am sure straight down to your thighs. But I am still going to eat another one before I go to bed. You know the diet starts tomorrow right?!!! ha, don't tell Petra. So thanks Leilani, Amy, and Christine. I love you ladies, thanks for being examples of all things good and right in this world.

I just went and checked on my kids and as always I have to try and find Lizzie in what creative space that she invented to sleep in for the night. Tonight I found her in the pack and play. Yes she is almost six and still fit in it. What a nut. oooh just for fun I will share a picture of how cozy and cute she looked in her pajamies saying goodbye to me saturday morning. I was off to do a photo shoot so I whipped out my camera and took a few pictures. Isn't she so yummy still, even at six? Speaking of photo shoots. I did two on Saturday and can't wait to share, but you know I have hours of editing before I can. Also, some exciting news. I committed (after much deliberation) to do a wedding. Remember "the engaged abbotts" from my photography website. I am looking forward to it. Especially doing just the bride and groom shots the week before the wedding. I think it will be so fun, and no pressure of the wedding day. WEll, I am off to eat my cookie and hit the sack. Night.

P.S. Remember Brandon Klippel was doing his first catering job? Well, it was this weekend and they loved his food. He even got a $100 tip from one of the guests! Way to go Brandon! I told you he was good. Dave thinks it is because he was wearing a chef jacket that he convinced him that he needed to buy and wear. ha

Funny True Story!

Ok here's the deal. I am addicted to paradise bakery. It has been one of the best things about living in Arizona, and they just built one literally down the street. So needless to say Dave and I have been there about 4 times in the past week. So Dave and I ran into Target tonight to get some things and ran into Natalie and Ryan. All it took was Ryan saying how he tried one of their lemon cookies and it was so good. Right then and there I knew I needed to have one. After laughing for an hour in the aisle with them (you guys are so fun!!!!), we excused ourselves, made our purchases and booked it over to paradise bakery. People sweeping inside wasn't a good sign, but I was not to be deterred. We parked and walked up. As we did, a guy who worked there (Antonio the baker, come to find out) was walking out with a drink and a paradise bakery bag. I asked, "are they closed." With a look of understanding he let me know they closed at nine (20 minutes before). I said, "that's ok I will just take what you have there in the bag (with a smile and a laugh). He said, "really you can have some, I have like a lifetime supply, I am a baker here." I replied with a half hearted no, that's ok, but then I just had to ask what he had in that bag. Chocolate chippers he said happily. oooohhh I joyfully said with a hop and a clapping hands. (I know you can see that in your mind Christine, I love a good treaty). I caved I couldn't resist. I expected him to hand me one, but he gave me the whole dang bag. I didn't want to be rude and look in I just thanked him profusely, told him he did a very good deed, shook his hand, asked his name, and said I would be back in to see him soon! I jumped back in the car a happy girl. When I got home I opened the bag and found two quiches and about 5 dozen cookies. A jackpot! So the lesson of this my friends is... never be afraid to ask, and be sure to smile smile smile, people respond well to enthusiasm and appreciation. Thanks Antonio!!! I will definitely ask Heavenly Father to send some goodness your way for your generosity to a middle aged woman having a chocolate craving. I am off to get a glass of milk and enjoy the spoils. I think I have convinced Dave to watch "The man from Snowy River" with me. I know gals, it's a good night.

Brandon Klippel-Chef Extraordinaire

What is he making you ask. I will tell you. The most incredible appetizer. He still has to add the grilled chicken and freshly shaved parmigiano cheese. We were fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to be taste testers in preparation for his first catering job. He had multiple samples of drinks, soup, potatoes, steak with different sauces and we had to give our opinion of which we liked better and why, how it could be improved etc. It was a fabulous experience, and I am telling you now that you had better book with him before he gets too famous for all of us. He really has a gift. He created most of the recipes himself, and they all kept us oohing and ahhing (and asking for more!) So I am very excited for him to start this new business endeavor. YOU are AWesoME BRAnDon!!! I am going to come up with some reason for you to cook for us again. Seriously better than any restaurant. Thank you Thank you for the honor of being a taste tester. WE are always available. smile

guilt free scrapbooking, is there such a thing?

Ok. so the kids are back in school, and it is quiet around here, and I have this lucious creative space, and 10 years worth of supplies I never use! So guess what, I am making it a priority to scrapbook and not feel guilty about it! I just have such a hard time thinking that I could or should be helping someone instead of cutting and glueing things. It seems so frivolous and silly when compared to visiting someone who is lonely or needs help. The key for me is to find a balance. I try to do service, scripture study, exercise, cleaning, time with kids, time with hubby, and a little fun time for me every day. It is just so easy to keep going with the fun time when you are all by yourself all day. ha ha. I know Dave is so jealous and wishes he were home with me. He says I am in early retirement. I tell him I am just management now. So anyway, my goal is one or two pages a day. Here are some of the few I have done lately. I am way into textured rick rack lately, I love it! I also love to use fabric, paint, and chip board letters. So hope you enjoy these. I will try to keep sharing.
this one below is one of my alltime favorite. I love simple simple and great colors. And of course I am so loving ric rack right now!!!!! 2 page layout the first above the second below

CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU GLOR IN ONLY ONE MORE WEEK! DO YOU HAVE ANY BIG PLANS!! WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO? I AM SURE YOU WILL MAKE ME PLAY TENNIS. i BETTER GO PRACTICE! HA HA

Our big night out in downtown Phoenix

Some things you just miss out on when you live in the suburbs. This guy was cracking me up. As we walked to the Chase Fields stadium for the Diamond backs game (THey won yeah!) he was just totally rockin out. I can't say it was great music, but he sure looked good. Don't you think?
An Indoor baseball stadium? Air conditioned? I've never seen such a thing. It still had all of the excitement, with the sounds of the game, bright lights, and smells. It was exciting. It has been awhile for me since I have been to a baseball game. Thanks to the Chowdury's who invited us! It was suite! As in we watched from a suite. Very cool. I just liked having a private clean bathroom close by. You know there are five of us girls.

My Favorite things!

Here is one of them. Hanging out talking on the bed with my family. This is at Kelly's after Nicole got there. All of my girls, my two sisters, and niece Kelsie. We have so much fun together. Just looking at this picture makes me happy, and sad that we don't all live closer. Lizzie is wearing Nicole's glasses and saying that she is a scientist. What would I do without all of these awesome women/girls in my life? I don't even want to think about it! I bet my Mom misses this, but I know she is close by (in heaven) and enjoying us. They better have a big bed up in heaven for all of us. ooohhhh girl time!!! Can't wait. Anywho, feeling blessed that I have the funniest, smartest, and coolest family ever. Yah me!! (clapping hands like the girl on suite life of zack and cody)