Brandon and Jennifer: Picture Day

Picture Day

The twins are 7 days old today... I was so excited to take their pictures! I borrowed Katie's nice camera and took their pictures on the dresser and in my bedroom...

Paisley Ann in her tutu...

I was hoping they would be asleep while I took these so I could mold them into a position I wanted, but no such luck.

Emmy hated lying on the dresser without being swaddled in a blanket... she cried and cried. Then Mary came over and once she entered the room, Emmy stopped crying.

Emmy Lou in her tutu...

Then I took their picture together using the fresh flowers from a bouquet we received from Brandon's friends at Les Schwab Tires. Taking pictures seriously took all day! Every noise they heard, they'd jump, and Paisley's leg would kick Emmy below and mess up all the flowers I carefully placed around them. lol... I swear I'll never do this again! But I'm happy with how they turned out in the end. :)

This is their birth announcement I mailed out

Sept 5, 2011

My Favorite Ensign Quotes

"I have found that implementing these five patterns-going to a private place to pray, kneeling, praying vocally, expressing gratitude, and praying for others-has helped me to pause and ponder on what I say in my prayers and has made the experience more meaningful. The Book of Mormon teaches other patterns of prayer as well, including being consistent and giving sufficient time to prayer and meditation. The Savior's prayers in the Book of Mormon include all of these five patterns."

-Patterns of Prayer in the Book of Mormon, October Ensign 2012

My thoughts: I want to make my own prayers more meaningful lately. As I read these patterns I could see what my prayers lacked. When I was pregnant it was very uncomfortable to kneel and pray, so I got in the habit of not kneeling. As President Thomas S. Monson stated, "Kneel to pray." I will follow his counsel and kneel to pray. I know praying vocally will help also.

"First on your "to do" list, put the word prayer. Most of the time, your prayers will be silent. You can think a prayer. You can always have a direct line of communication with your Father in Heaven. Do not allow the adversary to convince you that no one is listening on the other end. Your prayers are always heard. You are never alone!"

-How to Survive in Enemy Territory, October Ensign 2012

My thoughts: Half way through my day, I often realize that I haven't said a prayer yet. I'm so busy with kids and household chores that its hard to find quiet alone time to pause and kneel for a prayer. For some reason I've thought that that's what I must do for my prayers to be heard. I loved reading this quote by President Packer to set me straight! I can think a prayer and they will always be heard.