Monthly Photo Project – September

This is the last month that the photo challenge will include some sort of self-portrait, and it’s just crazy to think about!!! I was tempted to try to set up another “real” self-portrait with the tripod & good lighting, but then something started happening, and I just knew that’s what I wanted this month’s photo to be – even it means they aren’t the prettiest/most perfect of photos.

Peanut has been so sweet with “Baby Sister” and wants to touch or kiss my baby bump a lot. Recently, she often decides that after we read her a book, it’s then her turn to “read” it to the baby. She turns the book toward my bump teacher-style so that her little sister can see the pages, and it’s just about the cutest thing ever. The “reading” really ends up being her just saying what’s on the page – usually accompanied by her pointing to the book and then tapping her hand on my belly to make sure Baby Sister is paying attention.

It’s also usually accompanied by my heart swelling to the point it might burst.

Nacogdoches photographer self portrait of daughter and baby bump for monthly photo project

Aaand it’s the point and pat move… LOVE that you can see the paint evidence of a school-day art project on Peanut’s hand in the one on the right. It’s those little things that get so easily forgotten, but the days of finger paint art projects will soon be gone for her, and I’m glad to have the memory of these days frozen in time.

Nacogdoches photographer self portrait of daughter and baby bump for monthly photo projectNacogdoches photographer self portrait of daughter and baby bump for monthly photo projectNacogdoches photographer self portrait of daughter and baby bump for monthly photo project

Peanut, I can’t wait to see you officially become a big sister in the next few weeks!! You’re doing a great job of it so far.

You can find the first installment of the monthly photo project here:

The Yearly Bucket List – Year 1 Recap

Nacogdoches photographer's yearly bucket list project

Well a year has come and gone, and another birthday is here! I didn’t cross every item off the list (missed it by 3 1/2), but I’m happy with how the first round of this personal project turned out! Some of the items that didn’t get done will probably make an appearance on future Yearly Bucket Lists. Before I move into the next list though, I want to take a second to look back on the moments this list has created this year…

  • Go camping.
  • Write & mail hand-written “love letters” to important people in my life. Done – July
  • Read at least 4 books – two recommended to me by loved ones, at least one non-fiction, and one just for fun. Done

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Nacogdoches photographer hosts wine tasting party and completes an item on her Yearly Bucket List

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  • Print more of my photography for our house. Done – July 24th
  • Have a picnic. (This should have been a simple one to cross off the list, but waiting until it’s 1,000 degrees outside wasn’t a good idea… this will definitely make it’s appearance on a later list, I’m sure!)
  • Go on a weekend getaway with Max. Done – December 20th-21st

Nacogdoches photographer celebrating her birthday in Houston, Tx

Nacogdoches photographer celebrating her birthday in Houston, Tx

  • Run two 5k races. (I apparently should have gotten on this one early in the year because pregnancy symptoms sure did make sure I wasn’t running much!)
  • Try a sewing project (something other than pillows or burp cloths). Done x 2 (4th of July dress for Peanut & curtains for her play kitchen)

Nacogdoches photographer photos of dress on toddler, completing an item on yearly bucket list

  • Plant hydrangeas in our yard. (This one was kind of done – we planted lots of plants and plenty of flowers, but the flower bed that the hydrangeas will go in needs a major overhaul, so we didn’t get hydrangeas in this year.) 
  • Re-finish or re-purpose a flea market or antique mall find. Done – July 22nd (I’ll share some photos of this project soon!)
  • Give gifts to 2 or 3 people, “just because.” Done x3
  • Go to a museum. Done – USS Lexington, March 18th 

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Nacogdoches photographer self portrait maternity shot for yearly bucket list

  • Keep a happiness journal everyday for at least a month. Done – October (Journal updates hereherehere and here)

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While it was fun to cross things off the list and all, I truly enjoyed this because of it’s ability to make me remember to enjoy little things. To take time to play. Take time to be appreciative. Take time with the people I love. Take time to challenge myself to step out of my normal day-to-day and try something new. Take time to really live life. It’s helped me to remember to focus on my word of the year – balance.

What have been your favorite bucket list items? What has been a way you’ve made time for living life? 

Web Gems – Round 9

Nacogdoches Photographer compiles great finds from around the internet

Alright, this round is alllllll kinds of random. But I don’t mind it!

 

  • So this has been EVERYWHERE… but it’s too good to not share here too.
  • I have heard some speculation about this being a not-so-good thing, but regardless, I am excited. I will most definitely be adding this to my reading list!

HarperLee

  • LOVE this. Such a great way to look at the Lenten season.

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  • I wish they would have just kept on going with this segment! Too funny.