Brandon and Jennifer: Summer's Photo Shoot

Summer's Photo Shoot

My niece Summer (Oh gosh! My GREAT niece, Summer...) is 1 month old today. Samantha came over so we could try to get some cute pictures of Summer for her birth announcements. Sam brought over a basket and some flowers.

Summer isn't sleeping in this one, she actually just blinked and it turned out so sweet.

Summer wasn't happy for a lot of the time. She wanted Sam to hold her, but when she'd play an audio of running water on her phone it seemed to help and I was able to snap some pictures of her not crying. :)

I love LOVE this one! This is a pot I have in my living room. She fit snug in there playing the part of a single flower... and I'm surprised it didn't tip over! She sat there solid and sleeping soundly in it. We had no problem keeping her asleep in this pot.

Summer is so cute. Sam and I were both so happy we got a few good shots that will hopefully turn out cute on some announcements! I'm so glad Sam let me take the photos for her... it was a lot of fun!

Feb 17, 2012

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.