Changes.

Corn Crib and Barn on our property :)

It has been impossible to really put into words how I have felt this past year.  There have been so many ups and some downs- but through both, so many changes.  When Craig lost his job in October of 2012, I was certain that it wasn't going to take long for Mr. C to find a new job.  Through every week and eventually months, I realized that this wasn't going to be a short process.  It took four months for both of us to realize that our dream of staying in New England may come to an end.  It took that long for us to grasp that Craig needed to look for a job in other areas. 

So he did.  He was offered a job in April.  We were open for moving and open for this job to work out - but we just weren't feeling good about it.  Everything should have made us jump at the offer; but after prayer and a trip to the temple, we were both certain and comfortable about turning the offer down.  It was so agonizing.  The experience helped me come to terms with moving and leaving our home.  I knew I could do it and do it with a good attitude!  It also showed me that even when we think we know what we want, it may not always be the best for us.  Two months later, Craig received an offer from a different company - which he did accept.

It's been two and half months since he moved to Missouri to start his new job.  While I am here in New England keeping our beautiful house beautiful and ready for a buyer!  There is little movement in our area, but I am crossing my fingers and praying a lot.  I know there must be a family, just like ours, who dreams of living in New England and wants our home - they just don't know it yet!

We took two weeks to check out our new area and are really getting excited about it.  We feel blessed that Craig is working, blessed to know that Heavenly Father is looking out for us and knows what we need, and blessed to know that so many people are praying for us.  Thank you!  

Snow.

Craig is in photo number one sporting his very stylish snow suit!  He's handsome and ready to snow blow the massive snowfall that we received in last weeks Nor Easter. Just the day before I was dreaming of spring and enjoying the lovely ground beneath my feet - the next morning we woke to thirty inches of snow.  We rode the storm safely and enjoyed lots and lots and lots of family!

Taking you to photo number two, you see my smiling happy children enjoying the snow!  What you don't see is the crying that took place minutes after the photo because Hawk's hands (little guy on the right) were too cold.  Poor guy just can't enjoy the outdoors in weather minus 70 degrees - yet who can blame him?

Frosty the snowman in photo number three, was the result of an earlier snow storm more around Christmas time. My twin boys would wake-up looking for Frosty every morning and sing to him.  The poor guy melted around the New Year and hasn't returned.

While I love walking on ground covered in grass and leaves, I enjoy those moments after a snowstorm when the snow is untouched.  The snow is still light and fluffy and just gorgeous.  In photo number four, I've made my footprints in the snow and looked back to see the sun glistening brightly on the snow making tree shadows. 

Until next time my friends!

Michelle :)

Snow Day Shape Photos!

My favorite type of snow has been falling from the skies today.  The kind that falls in big snowflakes, covering bare trees and landscaping the area with fantastic white on every limb!  It's peaceful and a reminder of why I love it here in New England. 

This photo was taken simply by punch a whole in this paper.... 

Putting the paper up to the lens and focusing the object within the shape like this....

I edited the photo into picasaweb using the "creative kit" edits and the HDR-ish photo edit button under "effects"  Simple and fun!  Let me know if you try it - I would love to see your photos!