Pictures of myself (Gag me with a spoon)

Anyone else hate to have their picture taken? I love taking pictures, but hate pictures of myself. I figured I couldn't ask others to pose for me if I myself didn't like to have my picture taken. I had my husband take these for me. I set up all the settings, he'd take a picture, then I would run and see if it turned out alright. I'm starting my own photography business and needed some pictures of myself for my new photography blog http://livilanephotography.blogspot.com/.

I don't think I've had any pictures by myself since my wedding seven years ago. Then I was pregnant for an eternity. Those years of being pregnant are now a blur. After each pregnancy I told myself I'd lose the 55 lbs (or 60-65 whatever) I gained. Then I'd get pregnant again. Now the blur is starting to clear and I've aged and my body has carried four children. In my mind, I should be getting back to the way I was when I got married. Right?

How wrong I am! I feel like God is teaching me to be happy with myself. To see past my own crow's feet. (I had no idea I had crow's feet until I looked at these pictures.) God gifted me with my children and I need to be proud of the body and face motherhood has given me. Yes, that's right, I said face. Anyone Else's nose shaped different after having kids?

Now that I can see past my own disfigurements (I know that's a strong word, but if you could see the hangy down thing that my stomach has become, you would agree) I can hopefully see other people in a new light, too. Free photography tip: Got big hips? Hide them by throwing a few kids in front of them.

I'm not saying that I won't try to stop losing weight, I will. I do find comfort in liking myself despite my chubby cheeks. Losing weight will be healthy instead of being so destructive to myself esteem. Did you know I saved all the clothes I could fit into before I got pregnant with Laney? Talk about torture! Those clothes will probably never fit me again and I'm totally ok with that.

(All these pictures are black and white because I've realized my teeth are yellow. I'm blaming the coffee addiction.)

Thank you and Good Night!

Love Yourself

My friend Gina's beautiful daughter H...

Dear Heather, thanks for squeezing your son into his 6 month overalls for me!

 

Busy Week

I've had a busy week this week.  My best friend, Kayla came for a visit, I had my first MOPS steering team meeting, I had a high school friend come over for brunch and I had three photo shoots this week.  I'm used to being busy with the girls, but not busy with the girls plus other things.

This family is a friend of mine from MOPS.  They are a family of six, and we are going to do family photos  at a later date, but for this day we just did the little kids.  Sometimes it's easier to break it up, especially with little kids.  This is six month old J and 2 year old twins, A and E.  Gina your kids are so cute and I can't wait to take your older daughter's picture's and family pictures.  

Raindrops on Roses and whiskers on kittens....

These are a few of my favorite things.....

When the dog bites.....

When the bee stings....

When I'm feeling sad.....

I simply remember my favorite things....

And then I don't feel so bad.

My babies, my husband, and raindrops on roses are a few of my favorite things.

(Lyrics courtesy of SOUND OF MUSIC)

Pictures, because I don't have any more room on my walls

I was playing with my new remote control for my camera.

Note to self:  Make sure the remote is not in the picture and subjects aren't playing video games.

Oooh.  Don't you remember taking these kinds of pictures when you were first dating or married.  I wonder if he would make me take this down if he knew I put it on my blog:)  He was to engrossed in the video game to know that I was taking a picture with my nifty remote.

My kids do this all the time.  They stare at the neighbor kids while they are playing.  We need higher fences.  Neighbors will you please invite my kids over to play?  They only want to jump on your trampoline!

Sisterly love!

This one is a little out of focus and the lighting is off, but I still wanted to share it.

Love this one of Laney.  She is so photogenic.

My sweet Addy Mae.  I can't stop taking her picture.  I want her to stay this age forever.

"Your dog is muy, muy, muy bad.  Mucho naughty!"  That's what she was saying on the pretend phone.  I'm not making this stuff up.   This red head has a really awesome talent.  She can recite lines from a movie, even if she has only heard it once.  She pretends she can't hear me, but I've got your number Livi.  

Photos taken recently that I haven't been able to post

Fascinated with the ducks walking on the ice.


Addison in her new Christmas outfit.


Addison at the aquarium. Looking at the jellyfish.


Cousins at the aquarium.

The grandkids (except Aidan)


The Staples girls with Mima and Papa on Christmas.


Our Christmas card photo.


Another family picture. With the Longhorns hat again!