30 to 30 wrap up

hey all!

Sorry it has taken me so long to report back on my big day! I've been trying to finish up the prizes, and it's taken a bit longer than expected!

I got a lot of very positive comments on my posts. To be honest, after about 10 days or so, I thought you guys would be sick of hearing from me. And in case any of you actually thought I was that dedicated to write every single day, I totally started writing those back in November. My goal was to have them all done before the series even started. I did NOT make that - my favorite post of all (day #30) was written the day before my birthday. In other words, I deliver on time, but need to start months in advance!

Biggest thing I learned - goal wise: I really stink at keeping track of things. I only had seven goals. I made myself a little chart so I could check of each day when the goal was completed. I think I managed to pick up a pencil and mark something like, 12 of the days or something. But I actually worked on most of my goals every single day!

Quick run down of my goals:

• Water. I rarely made my 100 oz goal. But almost always made the 72 mark. And my body craves more water now, which is always a good thing.
• Waking up at 6:00. I'd say an 80% success rate. My body is used it the time now, and it's easier to still do this.
• Scriptures: about a 98% success. I missed a day or two, but I'm in a much better place spiritually now!
• Exercise: about a 90% success. I've been very happy with how well I've been sticking to exercise. I lost 4 lbs the first two weeks, and then gained 2.5 back when I got a nasty cold. But it's coming of again!
• Getting ready: Huge improvement here! Before, I waited to get myself ready until the dirty work was done - exercise, cleaning, etc. But I was using that as an excuse to not get ready. I can mop the floor in jeans just as well as pjs. While I still don't always make the 10:00 mark, more often than not, I'm ready for my day about 9:30.
• Indexing: I did more than 400 names!
• Scrapbook: I managed to finish 'Lil's first book, and I've got 5 months done on Buddy's.

It's amazing what having a real goal - that I really work on - with a concrete deadline has done for me. I love where I'm at so much more now than where I was before.

Now the fun stuff - PRIZES!!!

I finally decided on 3. The "grand" prize is a love of books. Second place is a love of crafts. Third is a love of chocolate. (you can't tell in the pictures, but I put everyone else's name in a big bowl and my kids picked them out. Nice and random!)

The Grand Prize goes to the person with the most comments (I told you to comment lots!) Which is : Grandma Nelson!!!! Yeah Mom! You win:

The new Josi Kilpack book! It came right in the middle of my series, so I thought it would be a good prize to throw in there.

Second Place: A love of crafts (random pick) goes to:And you win:

inspired by here

This cute plate I whipped up with my silhouette. (actually, this was one of the most frustrating things I've made in a long time. I'll explain a bit more when I do a vinyl tutorial next week.)
Hooray you!

Third place:(another random pick) Love of chocolate goes to:
You win an Oreo Truffle kit (a $5 Walmart card to buy yourself some oreos and cream cheese, the recipe, and a bar of Aldi chocolate to dip them in) Of course, you can do what ever you want with the gift card, but I REALLY recommend doing the recipe! (Mommy J, please email me a mailing address!)

Thanks for playing along with me. It's been a great ride!

#1: hubby

Once upon a time, a young girl had the most awesomest college class schedule. Then she realized she still needed one more English class to graduate. Not wanting to mess up her amazing schedule, she picked a once a week night class.

Two days before the class began, a young man was reviewing his schedule. To his dismay, the jet propulsion class had changed time, and he now needed one English class to graduate. He looked at the options, and picked the only qualified class with an opening - which just happened to be a once a week night class.

The first night of class arrived. They happened to sit next to each other. Both were struck with the other's thoughtful comments and insights.

He asked her out.

She said yes.

They fell love and got married.

But that was not the end of the story.

That was the beginning.



Together they started off on a grand adventure called "life". They became parents. They grew and changed.



And stayed together.

When he would ask why she loved him, she'd reply "because you're worth it." And he believed her.



When she was a crazy person who over scheduled herself and thought absolutely everything was important and stressed over the stupidest little things, he held her and helped her realize what was really important. And she calmed down.

And today, on her 30th birthday, she remembers her favorite thing of all. Her Hubby. And all the goodness he brings. His strengths and weaknesses - which become strengths - and loves and silliness. All those things she fell in love with, and those that she had to learn to love.

And she finds herself very blessed indeed.

#2: temples

source

Have you ever had a massage? That feeling of your back adjusting, relaxing, that all is right and whole? I feel that when I go to the temple. I can physically feel the worldly weight leaving my shoulders as I forget about the daily grind of life and change my focus to the eternities. My spiritual spine adjusts itself as the muscles let their tension dissipate.

I love the joy found inside. Everyone you meet has a smile on their face. You are accepted, no matter what your circumstances are, just for being there.

I am so lucky for the opportunity to attend and worship in such an amazingly beautiful, peaceful place!

Book Review: Lady in Waiting

A few months ago, I received a copy of Lady in Waiting, by Susan Meissner to review. In all honesty, I finished the book 5 weeks ago, but never got around to writing a review. So now I've read it twice, and you'll get a more detailed experience!

Basic plot summary:
Jane manages an antiques store. Her husband is living in a different state, and she's lost as to why he left or what to do about it. One day she finds a very old ring in the binding of a Protestant prayer book. The original owner turns out to be Lady Jane Grey. The book follows two stories, one of the modern Jane and her quest for enlightenment and reconnecting with her husband, and one of the historical figure of Jane Grey, who was Queen of England for only 9 days. (remember, this is a FICTION book, not a fact book. Jane Grey was real, but the story of the ring is not!)


My thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The passing of the story back and forth was just suspenseful enough to make me want more, without driving me crazy with breaking off the story line. I especially loved letters at the end, plausibly tracing the ring.

This is how Christian fiction should be. No one is preachy. No one is blatant in their oblations. Just everyday people, living their lives, full of faith, and standing true to their convictions.

The pace of the novel is slower - think of the movie Sabrina instead of Princess Bride. I loved the introspection and growth the two Janes show. Either story is capable of standing on it's own, but entwined together, they produce something magical. The author does such an astounding job at imagery, symbolism, and foreshadowing. (and yes, I'm feeling rather happy using words I haven't even thought of since 11th grade English!) The way the stories unfold - through despair, grief, and finally triumphant understanding - is inspiring. This is what good literature is all about!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever wondered "what if", who has ever made a choice, or who has ever wanted to test their own convictions.

*I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#3: my 3 kids

Almost 6* years ago, I landed my dream job. I became a Stay-at-Home Mom.

I don't want to go on about how hard my job is. I don't want to go on about how phenomenallywondermous** my job is. Suffice it to say, it IS hard, and it IS wondermous.

ze bebe pics(in age order)

I love my job. My kids make me happier than almost anything. I hate the fights, but love the kisses. I hate the messes, but love the giggles. I love the way the help me to grow. I love the way they teach me.

ze current pics

I just love 'em!


*yes, I know that Girly-Lou turned 6 in November. But I worked for until June that year, so I can't count it until I stopped working, got it? **Yes, I know that word is spelled wrong. Actually, I think it's spelled right, it's just a made up word. Just go with it, ok?

#4: reading

I may have mentioned before (about 23856 times) that I like to read. Really, really, really, REALLY like to read.

I enjoy learning new skills and facts. I appreciate a well constructed sentence. But more than anything, it's the story. I want to forget my problems and escape into a world unlike my own. I want to discover new ideas about myself by reading others. I want a touch of magic. I want to rediscover old story friends in new dressings.

My favorite are retellings of Fairy Tales. Wildwood Dancing, The Princess and the Hound, Snow White and Rose Red - I love the new worlds, and new issues, and new thoughts these stories present to me.

*I'm always looking for new good books. Anyone have some recommendations for me? Even if you think I've read it, chime in. I'd love ya forever!

#5: The Scriptures

Have you ever had a perfect moment of clarity? A moment where something touched you so strongly you couldn't contain it within yourself? A time when with your mortal understanding, you gained a glimpse of something divine?

Remember that feeling. How often does it accompany reading the words of God? How often do you treasure doctrine, feast and come away filled?

My favorite scripture changes depending on my mood. Here are my two favorite today:

Doctrine and Covenants 84:88
And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.

Psalms 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God

What are your favorite moments with scripture?

#6: chocolate

How appropriate on Valentine's day that my favorite would be chocolate!

Mmmmmmm chocolate. Is there anything more perfect? Nope. Not really!

Think about it. Is there any dessert that couldn't be made better with a garnish of deliciousness? To be completely honest, any dessert without chocolate isn't really dessert in my book! When I'm splurging, I want it to be good.

I'm not big into dark chocolate - give me milk all the way. But, I'd rather have good chocolate than cheap waxy stuff. I love Aldi's bars, not so much into regular hershey's. (symphony on the other hand . . . and let's not forget Cadbury too!)

In honor of the holiday and subject at hand, I thought I'd list some of my favorite chocolate recipes!*


Brownies
Adapted from Lion House Desserts

1 pound margarine
1 ½ cup cocoa
4 cups sugar
9 eggs (really!)
4 cups flour

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a large jelly roll pan and set aside. In large saucepan, melt margarine and cocoa over low heat. Pour into large bowl with sugar and mix until creamy. Add eggs and mix well. Stir in flour. Pour into pan. Bake for 25-30 min.


Oatmeal Fudge Bars
Adapted from Lion House Desserts

1 cup margarine
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
2 ½ cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 ½ cups oats

14 oz sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup margarine
12 oz semi sweet chocolate chips
2 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350. Grease 9x13 inch pan. In large brown cream margarine and brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. In separate bowl mix flour, soda and salt. Add to creamed mixture.

In heavy sauce pan mix sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips and margarine and heat just until melted. Stir in vanilla.

Spread 3/4 of dough into pan. Spread with chocolate mixture. Drop remaining dough on top bay spoonfuls. Bake for 25 min. Cool, and cut into bars. Makes 36.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Bars

1 cup butter, melted
2 cups peanut butter
1 lb powdered sugar
chocolate chips
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

Mix above ingredients together. Pat into 9x13 pan. Cover with chocolate chips. Bake in 350 oven til chocolate melts. Cool at room temperature. Cut into squares. Do not refrigerate.

Cookie Dough Truffles

½ cup butter, softened
2 cup flour
¾ cup packed brown sugar
1 Tbsp vanilla
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
½ cup chopped walnuts
½ cup chocolate chips
1 ½ lbs dipping chocolate

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour, milk and vanilla. Mix well. Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts. Shape into 1 inch balls. Lace on waxed paper lined baking sheets. Loosely cover and refrigerate 1-2 hours until firm. Dip into melted dipping chocolate. Refrigerate until firm, about 15 min. Store in refrigerator.



*so I found out how to post not-my-own recipes in such a way to not worry about copy rights. So here's that doughnut ball recipe I talked about a couple of months ago as a bonus!

Doughnut Balls
Adapted from Lion House Desserts

2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups sour cream
2 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups oil for frying
1 cup powdered sugar.

Dump everything (except oil and powdered sugar) in a large bowl and stir it up (it's going to be really soft and sticky.) Heat your oil - make sure it's not too hot. Drop by the tablespoon full into the oil. It should take 3-5 min to cook. Turn them over at least once. Drain on paper towels. When all the balls are fried, pour powdered sugar into a big ziplock. Add 3 or 4 balls and shaka-shaka-shaka!

#7; friends

As a tween, I dreamed of having a "bosom friend" (I may or may not have been SERIOUSLY obsessed with LM Montgomery for several years!). But I never did. In fact, I despaired because I didn't have that glorious bond with one other female.

It wasn't until after I was married that I realized why. I have lots of friends. LOTS. I make friends easily. But if your circle of friends numbers in the dozens, it's a bit tricky to get that tight with just one person.

I now have people that I count as friends living in a dozen different states. Some I've known as long as I've been alive. Some I met just a few months ago. But everywhere I've been, every where I've lived, I've been able to find some very good friends.

I love making new friends. I love finding like minded people to play with. I love my crafting friends. I love my cooking friends. I love my reading friends, my same-stage-of-life friends, my not-even-close-to-stage-of-life friends. I love my bloggy friends. (yup, that's you!)

I learn so much from my friends. I find inspiration in their trials. They help me figure out my distresses. They enlighten me with their tips, and words, and crafts, and love.

Thanks for being my friend!

#8: affirmation

In the attempt to get a really good definition of affirmation, I googled it. Don't do that. There's a not very happy site with that word first. After some digging, I came up with this site, which states that affirmation is the "confirmation or ratification of the truth or validity of a prior judgment, decision, etc."

Hmm. Not quite what I was going for. However, if you click on over to the thesaurus portion of the site, the second entry is for acceptance.

That's what I want. To me affirmation is feeling like others don't' think I'm a babbling idiot. That I could make a difference in someone's life. That someone else can relate to my experiences, take them into their heart, and make it their own.

Occasionally, I go back and re-read my old posts - what an amazing skill this blogging creates. I'm pretty darn great sometimes in this thing. I can be funny. I can be profound. I can be crafty. I can be babbling - just enough to keep me from thinking I'm really cool! Don't think I'm getting a big head hear; I do know how stupid I sound sometimes. But when I write, when you read, and then you write back to me . . . that feeling of interconnectedness. That sense of awe, of not being alone.

That's what I'm talking about.



*And I totally get the prize for longest word use today - 18 letters!

#9: Learning a New Skill

One of the best things in life is learning something new. I loved school. (ok. let's be honest. I loved learning. The cramming for tests/writing boring papers/stupid parking rules not so much!) I love finding out new things, gaining new talents, finding new passions. I remember the first time I ever baked a loaf of bread. I had been married for 3 years, and decided I wanted to try something new. I loved it. We have homemade bread/rolls/bread bowls around here about once a week.

Since I started this blog, I've gained skills in:

• crocheting
• painting (furniture and walls here people! Painting art is a whole 'nother ball a' wax!)
• carpentry
• machine quilting
• sewing a doll
  
• lots of scrap booking skills too!

I love the learning phase - finding sources, gathering tips, that stuff. I love the actual doing part - chopping wood, slicing fabric, pouring paint. but most of all, I love the sense of accomplishment when it's done. When you can stand back and say "hey, I did that!", and then walk past it every day and fall in love with it all over again!

What skills have you learned lately?

#10: a really good night's sleep

Is there anything better than waking up from a solid night in dreamland? That glorious feeling of your bed softly cocooning you as you let your cares slip away. The sensation of your head cradled on your pillow, that drowsy sensation falling upon you. And then in the morning, as you reverse it all - coming back out of that peaceful land. Mmmmmm. Now that's what I'm talking about!

Of course, it's not exactly something common around these parts. Our mattress has been dieing for about 3 years now. I still have little ones who frequently need caring for. There is a giant street light streaming through our windows (which only have cracked mini-blinds for coverage).

But still - what is better than a good night's sleep!

#11: Extended family

Hubby's family

There is nothing better than family. I love spending time with my little family of 5. I love the giggles, the smiles, the wonderful times. But I also love my extended family.

I love my sisters. I've got a lot (six actually, plus one brother). I love the crafts, the happy tears, the stories we share when we're together. I love the joy and comfort that surrounds our adventures.

I love my in-laws. I love how welcomed I feel when I'm around them. I love the laughs and inside jokes we have. I love that they've taught me how to be ruthless when we play games. I love the teasing, the new experiences, and the different insights they provide.

I love Hubby's Grandpa. My own grandparents passed away when I was very young. I love the short chance I've had to get to know a grandfather in my life. I know he won't be around much longer, but I treasure the time I've been able to spend with him.

I love my nieces and nephews. I grew up with them, more like cousins than an aunt. The silly plays, the tickles, the games, the smiles. And now, as they marry and start their own families, I love reading their own words at finding joy.

I love Hubby's aunts and uncles. What a variety apparent there! From the most gullible people I've ever met, to the sillies, sarcastic individuals - it's always an adventure to get together with them!

Who do you love to be with?

#12: the wind

*have you ever tried to find a picture of wind. Not exactly an easy task!

The wind makes me happy. It invigorates me. It fills me with contentment, joy, excitement.

Have you ever spent the afternoon running through a windswept field? Or flying kites with a strong warm wind blowing? To feel the air buffeting around me, sweeping my hair away, filling my heart and lungs with motion.

How's that for a crazy favorite? I don't know why I love the wind so much. But I love that sensation of movement washing over me.

That might be why I love The Goose Girl so much!

#13: Modern Medicine

Raise your hand if you should be dead.

Or blind.

Or lame.

My hand is sure up there.

100 years ago, the average life expectancy was about 48. If you had 4 kids, there was a 50-50 chance one would die before age 5. And by the time you were 21, half of the population had already lost a parent. source (ok, I have no idea how accurate it is, but the numbers sound right to me!)

I would have died in childbirth. My two little sisters would have died in infancy. Another sister would be blind. My husband would have died as a teenager. Girly-lou would have likely been one of those minuscule graves.

I remember discussing childbirth while sitting at a table with 8 other women. 5 of us would have died without modern medicine.

I didn't because my condition is easily solved now. Thousands of other people are also alive because of the miracle of medical knowledge. Now that's something to be grateful for!

#14: a really good joke

So this is a bit of a tricky one, 'cause now you're all expecting something funny. And funny on demand is not a skill I've developed.

But I love to laugh. I love to hear my kids giggle. I love finding something new, something fresh, something funny.

And anything can be funny if you're with great people. I learned this on a date once. We bought a bag of laughy taffy. Then the four of us would take turns reading off the jokes. The trick to it, is to make yourself laugh after each one. After a few minutes, you no longer have to force yourself!

My favorite laughy taffy jokes: What do you call 100 rabbits walking backwards? a receding HARE line!

(hahahahahahahahaha!)

How do pirates know that they are pirates?

They think, therefore they ARRRR!!!!!

(hahahahhah!)

That's all I've got. Have you got any good jokes for me?

#15: dishwashers. And washer/dryers.

This is kind of along the same lines as the indoor plumbing one. But there are many MANY days I'm happy I was not born 200 years ago.

I did not have a dishwasher for the first 3 years we were married. My mom didn't have one until she was in her 40's. The daily, constant demand of dishes is so draining. Espeically when you are big and pregnant and have to bend around that giant ball of a stomach. One of my goals in life is to never live somewhere without a dishwasher again!

Laundry belongs in the same category. I've lived without a dryer. Twice, actually, for a combined total of about 2 years. It's anoying, but doable. The washer, on the other hand, is not. Line drying takes time, but little effort. Hand washing is a nightmarish prospect!

So I am very, VERY grateful for my modern appliances!

#16: My House

Buying a house is an awesome (scary) thing. You now OWN property. (ok, so the bank owes it. But someday it will be yours). You are responsible. You don't have to ask anyone else for permission. You can do WHATEVER you WANT to it!!!

And I am. I rearrange furniture. Scrape walls. Slap up paint. Tear down paneling. Someday, I'm going to gut the bathroom. I can bang holes where ever I want to. I can plant whatever I want outside.

I love having my own place. Full of my family. Full of my memories. Full of my hard work.

I know this isn't our forever home. But I want my home to feel . . . homey. I want to make this dwelling the best it can possibly be. And it's lots of fun too!

#17: Hot Chocolate

Is there anything better than curling up with a steaming mug of hot chocolate and a great book when the wind is howling outside?

I don't think so. I love a good cup of hot chocolate. I sometimes make my own. Sometimes I use whatever I can. But a good steaming cup can make the whole day better.

Anyone have an AMAZING cocoa recipe for me to try?

#18: My Coffee Table

I have never lived in a house with a coffee table - not growing up, not in my first apartment, not in the 7 years since then. This didn't really bug me until we moved into this house. Now I actually had more than one room to decorate! My kids had space to move around! And I seriously wanted that pulled together feel the right table can give a room. But I was a bit picky. Glass was forbidden. Sharp corners were unacceptable. No stupid features. And it had to be super affordable. I was very open to the idea of fixing one up, but there just were not any tables in my price range that filled the bill.

A few months ago, I was looking at a consignment store and saw the most perfectest coffee table ever. It was a bit more than my desired price, but it was PERFECT. As in, I wouldn't need to spend a nickel fixing it up to my standards. And it was adorably shabby chic, which is so perfect with little ones!

But it was more than I could spend that day. I have NEVER been so tempted to whip out my charge card for something! I went home and talked to Hubby about it. He agreed that if there was enough from the next pay check we could go look for it.

10 days later, we headed out. I was sure I was going to be disappointed and it would be sold. But instead I did a rather skillful happy dance!

I love the feel it adds to my room. I love having a place to stick my feet when I read with my kids. I love not having my water knocked over every time I put it down. 'Lil loves having something else to crawl through. The older kids love having a better place to play board games.

This table makes me happy every time I look at it.

Crafty Crafty part 3

This one has been crazy to get done! But after 60 bajillion trips to the store, dozens of setbacks, and several glue gun burns, I'm ready to post!

A couple of years ago I saw this birthday calendar at my nieces' place. I love the idea of having all my family's birthdays in one place. And this was such an adorable idea. I filed the idea away, and have been looking for the right frame since. I finally found one.

Supplies:
a big frame. The opening on mine measures 19.5 x 9.5 You want a frame that is decidedly longer one direction.
Jute. A LOT of jute. I needed about 100 feet for this.
Mini clothespins (1 3/4 inches long). I found mine at joanns.
Ribbon, about 4 yards worth.
1/4 yard cute fabric
Full sheet clear address labels (like these ones)

Start off with your frame. Take out the glass and whatever old picture is inside. Save the cardboard back for later. Use some needle nose pliers to pull out all the little tabby things that hold it all together.

Now get ready to wrap! Ok, so you could just paint it. Or leave it the way it is. But I wanted something different. Start with the corners. It took some figuring out, but his is the way that worked for me. Cut 6 or 7 -3inch strands. Glue onto the left side of the corner and let the ends hang out over the end of the frame - like this.Shoot. Blogger won't turn the picture the right way. But you get the idea, right?
Now take 6 or 7 more 3 inch strands. Glue them the opposite way and also let them hang out over the end.
Fold the strands over to the back and glue down. One side:

And then the other:
Trim up the ends so it looks all neat.


Repeat for the other 3 corners.
Now take your jute, get cozy with a good movie and start wrapping. I tied a loop with a knot to start out, and just patiently wrapped up the whole thing.

Whew! We made it! Now take the cardboard back and cover it with your cute fabric. DON'T cut your cardboard smaller. It will fit. (not that I'd know that from experience or anything!)


Grab your ribbon, and cut 12 pieces your needed length (just hold it up to your frame and measure it.)

Ready to work your 7th grade algebra class? Measure the length of your frame. Divide this by 13. Cut a scrap of cardboard (or something else stiff) EXACTLY this width. Mark (on the BACK!!) 12 dots along the back of your frame. *if you measure wrong, grab a different color of marker from your kid's stash and try it again. I only had 4 colors on mine!

Repeat on the bottom of the frame. (Still on the BACK, right?)

Grab your glue gun. Squirt a dab on each dot and stick your ribbon on.
Pulling VERRRRRRY tight, repeat on the other end.

The tighter you pull it, the better it will lay later.

Glue your fabric covered cardboard onto the frame. Cut about an 18 inch piece of ribbon and sew it onto your frame. Do not try to use your glue gun. There is a distinct chance that the glue will give out, make the frame fall, break your clothespins, and rip the month ribbons off too. (Not that I'd know anything about that either . . .!)

I used my favorite word processing program to type up my words. The name of the font is My Own Topher. The months are size 24, "Cake Time!" is size 52, and the names are size 9. Make sure you print it out on regular paper first to check for sizing. Then print it out on your full sheet labels. Cut them out, stick them on the appropriate place, and step back to enjoy your craftiness!




Cost breakdown
Frame: $3
Jute: $1.50
Ribbon: $4
Fabric: $1
Clothes pins: $2.50
Labels: 10 for $12, so $1.20

TOTAL: $13.20

#19: that perfect shot:

#19: that perfect shot: the one that makes your children look like angels


- or devils depending on what you wanted.

Having your camerea out at the right time,

with the right angle,

with the right glint.

I am a total amateur at photography. But every once and a while, I get a shot that makes it all worth while.