Week Three of Project 52: Inspiration

Week three of "Project 52," take a picture a week for one year! Each week there is a theme posted that you can use or you can just take a picture that represents your week and explain why. It's a way to grow, document the year, and collaborate with a wonderful group of photographers! If you would like to join us you can check out the information here. Sarah, at My Four Hens Photography, is heading it up. Here is the link to the flickr group if you would like to jump in on the fun! 

Here is the link to my flickr project! 

inspiration

week 3

I think this week was so hard for me because I am inspired by so many things, narrowing it down became difficult and trying to capture that in one frame was also challenging.

When I think of inspiration a phrase comes to mind, “success through adversity.”

There are so many things in this life that inspire us to keep going and make it through the challenges, to succeed even though times are tough. For me inspiration comes through being challenged, the big and the small trials. Inspiration is the breath that gives us strength to overcome.

A form of inspiration for me is music; it defines my day, my memories, and my seasons in life.

We are going through a challenging time right now in our family but this image embodies inspiration to me. My family, all together, full of joy, dancing around the living room while daddy plays music! 

Dating All the Men in My Life

To say it's been busy around the Wilt house would be an understatement. There are some days that go by so fast I can't even recall what took place, and most of the time, I don't even know what day it is. "Wait! What? It's already Thursday?" 

"Mom, I really want to go on a date with you," these are the words I have been hearing from my little guys mouth for the last month... I know the sweetest thing ever! If I had to choose one word to sum up my Jonathan it would be the word, "sweet"... he's a ball of sugary goodness.  Most of the time he will end his sentences to me with, "Thank you my sweetie mom, you're so beautiful." He melts my heart daily.  

The excuses are stopping, the priorities are being shifted and it's happening...date days with all the kids... and Jonathan is up first! These moments are so precious and so important to us. Each kid needs that individual time where they are the only one I listen to and it's all about them.  

Our house is so loud, so busy, and most of time everyone is screaming for attention...literally. One-on-one time allows them to have a voice and helps them know that they're special...that they're significant...that they're loved. And for me it's so important to not let these years slip by without really knowing the in's and out's of my children. I want to know everything about them. It might sound weird to ask, but do I really know everything about them? They are changing and growing so fast...I don't want to miss who they really are at this time in their life. 

Dates don't need to be elaborate, expensive or an all-day thing. Keep it simple and do it more often...that's what I'm shooting for! 

Love ya Buddy!

Confessions: I Should Do These More Often

It’s snowing beautifully outside; makes me want to curl up, drink a warm beverage and read! Or abandon all responsibilities and go skiing! But it’s Wednesday and I have a crazy amount of to-do’s that desperately need to be checked off. I would get to the end of my day and feel very guilty and most likely very cranky that I took the lazy road. So instead of letting the temptation take over making a weekend out of a weekday, I’m going to get my big girl pants on and get my butt moving!

First, I have a few confessions. I ate frosting from the left over container in my fridge last night. Vanilla. I was having a crazy sweet tooth craving and it was the only thing in our “we are eating healthy now that it’s January” house. And I ate it with my finger; if you’re going to do it you might as well live it up...I am a total closet eater!

I ate the frosting while watching The Bachelor. Yes, I watch The Bachelor. I am such a sucker for a love story and I guess I don’t care what form it comes in. If you are anything like me you daydream about this scene and sometimes call yourself Baby!

One more…I pretended not to hear Erik calling me while I was relaxing in the bath last night. He went around the whole house and happened to check the bathroom last, "Huh, what, were you calling me?"

I challenge you to attack your list today. Blast "The Time Of My Life" kick your heels up and getter done!

You can attack the rest of that frosting tonight on your date with Patrick and Jennifer; after such an accomplished day you'll deserve it!

Tornados, Goals and Laughter

Every year it's the same. The holidays come and go, New Year's Eve is celebrated, then Jan 1st comes and I immediately go into overdrive. My OCD kicks in and nothing can stop the madness; Erik calls it my "tornado mode."  I love the holidays and part of that is what happens to me after they are over. My lists come out, my routines are back and life is once again as it should be. The house is clean and in order, the kids are bathed and in bed on time, and there is this amazing peace residing in my little world. The treadmill comes out of hibernation, the cookies are replaced by broccoli, and there is an overwhelming feeling of new beginnings.


I have lots of goals, ideas, and dreams for 2012! I have a feeling it's going to be a great year! 

I have started a new project, it's called "Project 52." Take a picture a week! There is a theme posted that you can use or you can just take a picture that represents your week and explain why. It's a way to grow, document the year, and collaborate with a wonderful group of photographers! If you would like to join us you can check out the information here. Sarah, at My Four Hens Photography, is heading it up. Here is the link to the flickr group if you would like to jump in on the fun! 

This week's theme:

Resolution

Being a mom to four precious, rambunctious, spirited lovelies requires my day to be consumed with being the referee, the counselor, the nurse, the one that is making sure everyone is in line; sometimes I forget to laugh. I want to remember throughout my day in 2012 to laugh with my kids more often! 

As a photographer I want to step out of my comfort zone. I want to master shooting wide open and I want to take pictures that make me happy even though they might not be technically correct or perfect! I am so drawn to imperfect images, they are by far my favorite. This year, my goal is to look at things with a fresh, unique perspective!

Sweet Ella has a very contagious laugh. When you hear it you can't help but join in. This was a gorgeous day at the park where everyone was getting along and the laughter was rampant. For me, this image captures the joy of that day perfectly!

It's All About Christmas

I had the plan to finish out my "month of Martha" in the kitchen. I'd find some awesome recipes and then bring them to life by strapping on my apron! I will say that my menu sounded delicious and the pictures on the recipes looked spectacular, but something went wrong in the execution process. It wasn't a complete disaster because everything we made was devoured, but if Martha had been invited to Christmas dinner at the Wilt's house I would have called her and told her that everyone had come down with typhoid.

The planned menu; my pinterest pins.

                                                                       Source: thehungrymouse.com via Linsey on Pinterest

                                                                              Source: weheartit.com via Linsey on Pinterest

                                                                              Source: foodgawker.com via Linsey on Pinterest

     Source: bakingbites.com via Linsey on Pinterest

We overcooked the prime rib, but it was still delicious; we just drenched it in au jus!

The strawberries didn't turn out at all, they looked nothing like the picture. Mine looked more like I tried making them blindfolded, but they are in the freezer and I will continue to give them to the kids for snacks!

The potatoes ended up becoming chips because we tried frying them instead of baking them like the recipe called for. The cooking process wasn't long enough to completely cook the potato, but the chips were great!

The lemon bars didn't cook long enough so they were too soft and were a bit too tart, but the platter was empty and the last one was fought over. 

Matty's cookies for Santa were a hit, but then again they did come from a tube!!

A few Christmas highlights!

"What About Bob" on Christmas Eve. Um, it's funny, isn't that the only reason you need for the qualifications of a good Christmas Eve movie?

What I love most about Christmas is spending the entire day doing nothing but hanging out with those we love most; nothing else on the agenda but to eat, play, veg and love! 

Toys, what toys? Boxes are way more fun!

The night ended with the girls quietly playing Monopoly,

the boys beating the snot out of each other,

and Luke the guard dog making sure everyone was accounted for!

I think I'm retiring, being Martha is flipping exhausting. I am sure she will surface from time-to-time, but keeping it up consistently is just not my cup of tea! 

Martha Learns About Aperture

I took a personality test online this week. It's so interesting to understand the "why" behind how you function as a person. It can help in all areas of life to understand why we do the things we do and how it meshes with those around us. After I took the test I clicked on the description for my results. There at the top was a list of celebrities that also have the same personality type, guess who was listed? Martha Stewart...I just knew we had something in common!

I wonder if Martha has any photography skills? Well if she doesn't, I bet you anything, she would be one of those that picks up a camera and immediately starts shooting in manual. She would tell you exactly where to stand to illuminate your facial features perfectly and she would have an instant knowledge of Photoshop. 

But, if for some reason she doesn't have any photography skills, I would love to give her a lesson! We could trade services. She could teach me how to properly use a glue gun without burning the flesh off of my fingertips and I could teach her all about aperture and shutter speed...all while we sip on freshly brewed sun tea garnished with raspberries and mint! After swapping skill sets we would take a stroll in the garden and eventually find ourselves swinging on a hammock together in the sunshine. There would be a light breeze swaying the trees and we would chat the afternoon away uncovering all the things we have in common! 

Hmmm, I wouldn't be surprised if this leads to some weird dreams tonight.

Every year we do family pics...it's tradition...it's just what we do. It's pure torture. Erik put it perfectly, "it's the most stressful thing and yet we have to act like we are having the time of our lives!" 

My pin from pinterest and my inspiration for our family shoot!

                                                        Source: infinitebeginningx.tumblr.com via Linsey on Pinterest

I will just say this, it is really hard to accomplish an imperfect perfect picture! Two "photoshoots in the freezing cold later" and this is what we got. I'm happy! Remind me next year to do our family pictures while it's still warm out! 

Our card for 2011

Merry Christmas!

A few outtakes!

Waiting for mom to set up the shot, everyone was just about over it!

Trying to lighten up the mood with some dancing after some crankiness started to surface.

Martha Month: Five Finger Snowman and My New Man Mac Jr.

My post is very late this week because my computer finally gave up it's last breath after two years of diligent service. I don't blame the old man, his work conditions were less than civilized; loads of overtime, loud work environment that probably made him go deaf far before his time and the disorganized chaos that surrounded him is enough to make anyone loose their mind.  It was time to let the old guy retire. At first I was angry at him, but now Mac's little bro is gracing my presence and oh man, he's hot!  I can definitely say this transition hasn't been the least bit difficult. No hard feelings, rest in peace old man Mac...don't worry about me, Mac Jr. is doin a fine job! 


I have to give a big shout out to my friend Chris who gave new life to my computer! I am so thankful for your awesome geekiness, without it I would still be cursing and crying my way through the work day! Seriously, thank you!


Week two of my "Month of Martha" takes us to these adorable ornaments. Every year we buy the kids an ornament to add to our collection. It was the perfect opportunity to get my crafty pants on and find an ornament we could make and save some money doing it. Though cute, Hallmark ornaments for four kids can break the bank! 

My find and pin from pinterest

                                                                             Source: littlebitfunky.com via Linsey on Pinterest

What you will need:


- glass ornaments (I found these on 1/2 off day at the thrift store. I paid $3.00 for 16 ornaments, score!)
- white craft paint (I already had this, but it's .99 at the craft store)
- paint brush
- sharpie markers 
- egg carton for drying
- ribbon 

Paint the hands.

Place the ornament in the palm of their hand and have them wrap their fingers around it, keeping them spread apart. I helped a little by pressing some fingers. 

Let them dry.

Add all the snowman details, so fun watching them come to life!

Add names and the year.

What I love about this craft is they look cute no matter how perfect or imperfect the 
handprints are. 

I thought I would really get my "Martha" on and take it to the next level with a bow! Oh yeah, in the voice of Gay Focker, "watcha think a that!"

So easy, cheap and adorable! I am going to use the rest of the left over ornaments for Abby's birthday party! I'm really excited about finally being "that" mom that does something cool that makes all the other moms go, "oooo, ahhhh", and it becomes the hot conversation topic at next weeks play date!"