People ARE Good!

So I got home from the school (my first time out in a week) and my neighbor came over to give me these.  The florist dropped them off at his house for safe keeping.  And I opened the card and it was from Melissa.  Girl, I miss you and thank you so much! Melissa lives in Texas now, but she has and continues to be an amazing friend. She is a talker and so am I.  We just clicked when we met.  We spent 2 hours on the front porch totally engrossed in each other's stories. She read about my accident in the pool and called a florist here and ordered flowers for me along with a Get Well card. So thoughtful!

 Needless to say it worried my neighbor who works at the dermatology office where my cancer was discovered almost 4 years ago.  But once I told him what was up, he told me to call him if I needed anything.  It's nice to have good friends and good neighbors.

Old Bed, New Bed

My son just got a new bed, actually it's his Dad's childhood bed.  He's really excited about it because there is plenty of room underneath.  There is even enough room to hide away his toy basket.  Today I put a sheet across the front.  He loves the tent. We don't have TV so once in a while we let them use the laptop.  Here they are totally engrossed in an episode of Desperate Landscapes. They are definitely my children!

I photographed this without flash, window light only, F 4.0, 1/40, and 1250 ISO.

"Stupid Things"

I have these important thoughts in my head but I'm not sure I can get them out properly with all the meds, but I feel it's important that I try. We all do 'stupid things' and I can just hear my kids say BUSTED just by saying that word.  My Dad was in the Army and that was a phrase we heard often while growing up. My Dad worked hard to teach me to 'Think things through' first - he had his work cut out for him.

My point is this, every day each of us do something we shouldn't.  Sometimes there are consequences and sometimes we scrape by without anyone getting hurt.  Sometimes these things happen because we disobey rules or laws.   Sometimes we are not doing anything wrong and bad things happen to us.  Sometimes we just get carried away with excitement and things go wrong, big and little.  I've done plenty of stupid things in my life and that makes me feel very humble at this moment.  We need others to be willing to forgive our misdeeds just as much as we need to forgive others.

I keep thinking about the young man that hit me in the pool and what he must be going through right now and I'm sad for him, not angry at him.   I certainly learned something from this experience.  I was reminded once again how fragile life is. I was reminded how we are judged on the things that we do, think, and say, regardless of anyone else.  This is just one of those things that happen in life because we are human and weak.  And I have been filled with an emotional comfort despite the physical pain and my heart is full of love.

The only thing I have felt is frustration from trying to to get my physical body back in shape over the past 3 years and 2 months of remission from cancer and facing so many set backs instead of triumphs.  I have had to realize that maybe my plan is different from His plan for me.  I'll keep trying to figure it out until I can't anymore.

I will admit that I am scared to get back in the pool but I don't want to quit swimming.  It's the only exercise I can do without being completely exhausted for days. I have a friend that volunteered to come swim with me.  And I might just get in and walk the width of the pool in the shallow end the first time or two. And maybe when I'm up to it I will try water aerobics so I don't have to put my vulnerable head in the water.

Kaleena, thanks for watching my son so I could sleep while my husband was at work today.  I know it's not easy to add another bouncing boy into your day.  I slept until noon.

I better go, but I had to get these thoughts out of my mind and written down. I can hardly see the computer screen.  I have patchy and blurry vision but it's slowly getting better.

It's not even funny anymore

Yep, that's me, this past Tuesday night.  Some of you have seen this on facebook but I know that I have followers that are not yet facebook friends.  

So I was swimming laps, trying to whip my bad attitude and my body into shape. I'd been in a bad mood for 2 days.  It takes at least 30 laps before I begin to feel it loose its grip on me.  I was going for 35.  I'd been the only person in that lane the entire time I was swimming. Halfway through lap 34 and without warning I felt an explosion on the top of my head and come out my ears and shoulders.  I curled up my legs and my arms just hung there.  I heard a lot of yelling and 'oh no' and 'I'm so sorry' being repeated.  The air was knocked out of me. A very large and tall guy in his late 20s or early 30s dove backwards off the bulk head into my lane. His head hit my head.  How many pounds of pressure was that equal to? I felt someone carrying me in the water and I finally yelled at him to get me out of the pool, sit me on the side.  He had blood running down the side of his face and neck - all his thankfully. His head split open he hit me so hard.

I sat there gasping for air. People were rushing around me.  I started to cry and I couldn't hold my head up.  They had me lay on my back and covered me with warm towels.  Then a neck brace. Then they started up the hose with the warm water. I was in pain and in shock and shaking terribly.  They called my husband.  We also tried my paramedic neighbors because I didn't want to go in an ambulance if I didn't have to.  When Tyler got there, they called 911.

My daughter's PE coach was there and some of her friends from church.  It was comforting to be surrounded by women close to my age. They kept asking me questions like my name, address, phone number.  I knew what it was but then I'd forget that I'd said it and ask if I had told them already.  Pretty soon my husband was there.  Then the sheriff, then the ambulance.  They  placed the backboard under me and it was freezing cold.  I squealed. After all, I was in a wet swim suit.  And it was my brand new poly suit and I was determined to make sure no one cut it off of me.  

I went to the ER in the ambulance. The medic knew my Dad from Life Flight. There was a huge crowd of doctors and nurses waiting for me. I was worried about my neck and they were worried about bleeding in the brain.  So I had a CT scan right away form the top of my head to the base of my ribs.  They said it was fine (relief) but that I had soft tissue damage which would be better seen in an MRI in 4 or 5 days. So we just have to wait and see how I'm doing when I reach the 5 day mark.

I think Wednesday was worse than Tuesday pain wise.  And I've been taking it very easy today. I was finally able to eat today.  Last night my parents came up to see me.  Then later our new Bishopric came over.  Yesterday the scoutmaster called my husband to find out how I was.  He said it was one of  his leaders that had hurt me and he was so worried about me that he didn't sleep all night.  The lifeguard was worried too and his mom, who runs the pool and coaches the swim teams, called me last night and left a message.  Amber, thanks for doing my daughter's hair for school.  Grandpa and Grandma, thanks for keeping my children overnight.

It's been crazy and it hurts a lot.  I am really lucky apparently but since this is my 3rd time being strapped to a backboard and 4 ambulance ride and having done the whole chemo and radiation thing too, this is really getting old. I just wonder how a little person like myself has survived so many crazy ordeals. Such a miracle. Anyway, enough for today.  I'm pretty nauseated and better crawl back in bed. I can't hold my head up with out support for very long. And if this post doesn't make much sense or if I've left anything important out, blame the pain meds and muscle relaxers.

Valentine assembly during FHE

This past weekend I designed my son's Valentine.  He is in preschool and I'm sure there are plenty of mom's who have come up with amazing ideas (for Christmas one mom knitted hats for all 14 kids). But my son loves to have me draw frogs for him and so this was an easy choice, although I did add kissy lips for this version of the frog. I've had great fun using my new Adobe Illustrator skills.  

Anyway, my daughter needed to add the names of all the students in her class and sign her name.  So that's just what we did during Family Home Evening last night after the lesson. My daughter liked it so much that she asked for a girl-y version of the frog, or rather Toad, valentine. She's on a pink Lily Pad. And last of all we glued the crunch chocolate hearts to each Valentine - I got out my grandma's old hot glue gun. 

[no fingers were injured in the creation of these valentines]

To start out FHE we used this month's Friend magazine and the kids assembled a puzzle.  My daughter surprised me when I asked her, "What was Heavenly Father's greatest gift to us?".  She quoted the scripture in John 3:16 almost word for word. That was before we put the puzzle together and it just happened that was also the scripture on the bottom right corner of the puzzle.

And my son picked up the camera this morning while I was working on getting some inspiration for a project for about 10 minutes.  The sheets for all 3 beds are in the dryer at this very moment waiting for me.  To be honest, I didn't really find anything in print that wasn't already floating around in my head.  Now I just need to get it all down on paper.  I did get one class outline drawn up. Now I just have to get the other 3, possibly 4 done. And I'm going swimming tonight, which is why my hair is in a clip. 35 to 40 laps...

Families Are Forever

Last week was an interesting week for our family and today has been a rough one for me.  My Dad's Uncle Don, the last of the siblings on his mother's side passed away.  In fact Don was the last Aunt or Uncle on either side. He was such a hard worker, told wonderful stories, and carried deeply for others.  He will be missed.  And we are looking forward to a joyful reunion on the other side when that time comes.  

And my Mom's Uncle Al passed away.  This is a photo of me with him about 11 years ago while I was serving in the Washington D.C. North Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His son got married to a girl who I had gone on splits with in my first area. He gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek in the waiting room in the temple and my Japanese companion about passed out.  The last time I saw Uncle Al was in the San Diego Temple in June 2009 - 7 months ago.  He lived long enough to see his brother, my grandpa, go to the temple to be sealed to grandma for time and all eternity. I am grateful that is the last place I saw him.

And I wish I had a photo of the last one.  Bruce Evans.  I went to his funeral today.  He was a big part of my Dad's life.  He was such a spiritual guide to my father, such an example.  We met Bruce while living in Panama.  At the time he was in the Intelligence division.  He used to sing all the parts to different Operas at get togethers until at least half of us little kids spit ice cream out of our noses. I sat and listened as Bruce and my Dad taught the missionary discussions to Vicki Bishop (a helicopter pilot who worked with my Dad) and her daughter Patti (who was 9 and I was 8) so that they could get baptized. When we moved to Dugway, my Dad kind of talked Bruce's family into moving there too, big homes for his big family, oh and by the way Bruce is supposed to be bishop there too.  He was now a JAG officer.  And guess what, 6 months later Bruce was called as Bishop and my Dad was called as 1st Counselor.  My family wouldn't be what it is today without Bruce's influence.  To his sweet wife Connie and his 11 children, we love you.  Thanks for sharing him with us.  And thank you for moving to Dugway. May your lives continue to be blessed.  The last time I saw my Dad cry the way he did today was when I was diagnosed with cancer, but I also saw him laugh and smile today too.  So many good memories...

Anyway, I will definitely need some time to process all of this.  I didn't cry until today and I didn't realize I needed to until now. Pretty soon I'll be back to my old self, as soon as I figure out what I can do to help those who have lost those they love. My parents fly out tonight for Uncle Al's funeral.  I appreciate those who watched my son today so I could go.  I know that families are forever and that there is a loving God who has made it possible for us to be together again.

The fog was getting to us...

so we decided to have some crazy indoor fun while big sister was off at school.  It's icy cold outside and the dense fog is kinda dreary. But inside our house, well that's another story.

I am allergic to wheat and so play dough is out of the question.  Here we have Moon Sand.  You can't roll it but you can mold it.  My son received the dino kit for Christmas. And I make my children keep it on cookie sheets to contain the mess. A few days ago he and his sister brought all the sand molds upstairs.  (It's cold and they don't like to play in the basement during the winter so the toys slowly find their way out of the toy closet and upstairs.)  Anyway, we have a Mater and Sebastian mold along with 4 turtles, 3 dinos & bones, and a rock mound mold.  

And then because I already had the camera out, he asked for photos of him tossing his baseball. It's one of those foam types for indoor use.

And then there is this bike that Grandma and Great Grandma got him for Christmas. He told me all about it and turned the handle bars and said something about how cool it looks from the side.

And then I suggested that he jump on his bed. I got a big, "WHAT?!" from him.  We read 'No More Monkey's Jumping on the Bed' often around here.  I told him that it would be okay for photos but only when mommy was there with a camera ready.  Sometimes you just have to mix things up. He had a blast.  I have a whole series of him that I'm dying to make into a scrapbook page - which I might get to do with my sister here for the weekend.  This one is my favorite. Up, Up, and Away!

And then he needed a little break because jumping on a bed is hard work apparently.

How can I not feel happy inside when my little boy smiles at me after a morning like this.

Just call me Forgetful...

Check out more photos from the bridal fair HERE! The hexagonal cake was my favorite.

Booth

So I am just catching up with chores and photography client orders since the bridal fair.  We received so many compliments on our booth.  Everyone else had a simple table with a black cloth to display their products.  I had fun and so did Tyler.  I love working with my husband!

Friendship

I am alive... I know some of you were wondering. I had a photography client call me for a disc for photos from 4 years ago and she was surprised I answered the phone.  I think she thought, at first, that I had passed away and must have been Tyler's new wife so she asked how I was feeling these days in a way that made it sound like she wasn't sure who she was talking to.  And I gladly told her I was in remission.

Anyway, life is busy crazy these days.  But when we help others we often get that little boost and ability to complete all that is before us. Sometimes friends ask us for help, and by helping, we are in turn receiving help.

That's how this project happened.  I have a friend, a mission companion.  In fact, we were companions twice.  And she is in charge of the Adoption Academy this weekend where she lives.  When she thought of what to put on the cover, she asked me immediately.  I was very busy but said yes.  In fact, I had a booth at a bridal fair today (the same day as the academy) and since it was our first bridal fair since who knows when, we had to make a lot of preparations.  So on the way back from getting my hair (it had been 5 months - yikes) and nails done I snapped a photo of this tree that I thought would fit her vision for the cover of the binders for the adoptive parents.  And then I added the quote she had picked out.  And then my heart was filled with comfort.  That quote was just what I needed. Things will work out for us too ...  we booked one wedding that I am really looking forward to. Hopefully more will come soon!

Now if we could get some clean air and see the sun again, I'd breath a lot easier! that's not fog behind that tree, it's a nasty thing called inversion or smog - thanks to cows and car exhaust apparently.

Know anyone getting married who needs wedding photography?

I haven't posted since Christmas!  We've been very busy getting ready for this Bridal show.  I promise to post more about us after the 16th but we could use your help. Please pass this along to your friends and family. If you want to know what the other two specials are - just email me and I'll tell you.

5 Reasons to Join Us at the Canterbury Place

1.       Admission is free with registration

2.    They will be serving hors d’Oeurves and dessert

3.      They will be having a wedding dress fashion show at 2:00pm

4.       They will have many great giveaways

5. Tyler took the photographs in their advertisements and because we are their preferred photographer, you'll get a free 5x5 inch parent album that is a duplicate of the Bride's when you book your event there and book us as your photographer.

(You get to choose to keep that little album in your purse to share it with your friends or give it to your parents)

We have two other amazing offers for that day only.  I'll share what they are the day before.  There will be a few other photographers there and I don't want to share our Bridal Show Only specials with my competition until Friday January 15th when it's too late! But believe me you don't want to miss it and you can sign up and make your deposit as long as your wedding falls within the next 2 years.

Be prepared to fill out a contract that day and deposits must be made within 7 days to qualify for our Bridal Show specials.  You can do this in person if you are coming to the show or via email and phone if you can't.  Just make sure to contact us on January 16th by 8 p.m. to qualify at 435.245.3436 - If I don't answer, please leave a message and we'll get back to you. Remember you must fill out the contract that day! Can't wait to see you there...

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday to the love of my life and wonderful mother of our two sweet children.  I will love and cherish you always.  I found this poem that describes my feelings as I'm not good at expressing with words.

Love you forever!!!

Tyler


True love is a sacred flame
That burns eternally,
And none can dim its special glow
Or change its destiny.
True love speaks in tender tones
And hears with gentle ear,
True love gives with open heart
And true love conquers fear.
True love makes no harsh demands
It neither rules nor binds,
And true love holds with gentle hands
The hearts that it entwines.

-Anonymous

Happy New Year!

I just wanted to say Happy New Year to all of you and share this fun little card.  Even though my birthday is next week, I promise I didn't make it for myself. I made a version of this for our Primary. I'm the Secretary to the Primary President who along with the teachers takes care of everything for the children age 18 months to 11 in our ward at Church - about 70 children.

Simply click on the image and download it or print from there.  It's 4x5 inches (4 will fit on an 8x10) and 300 dpi.  You can use it as a gift tag or a card. Let me know what you think.  I'm new at this stuff.  In fact, I can start my Adobe Illustrator class tomorrow! I also designed a 5x7 fold over card.  Just head on over to my VanderbeekImages.com Photography Blog to get those. And don't forget about our facebook fan contest.  You can enter if you are already a fan or not.

25 photos 'til Christmas - Day 25

I think this photo says it all. The Reason for the season.

25 photos 'til Christmas - Day 24

Christmas Eve

We were told that Christmas Eve at Temple Square is pretty slow. Uhm, maybe BEFORE the lights come on.  Anyway, we ran down to Temple Square to enjoy the lights and the many Nativity scenes.  Then we headed back to my parent's house and loaded up the car and got a quick bite to eat.  My Dad got off work (we were worried because we heard a helicopter fly over about the time he should have been leaving the hospital - guess the other pilot got there on time).  We arrived home to a chilly 14 degrees.  We baked cookies, went through our nightly routine, and got the kids in bed.  We talked with my parents for a while and then placed all of the gifts under the tree.  Most of the presents were from my parents this year, the rest from Great Grandpa and Grandma.  The best gift for me was the magic of the lights, spending time with my family, and giving gifts that I made.  That night my husband and I could hardly sleep we were so excited to see our children and their reaction the next morning.

25 photos 'til Christmas - Day 23

Grandma S loves to  make candy trains with the grandkids for Family Home Evening.  This year my daughter made her own all by herself.  My son sat next to me and made a few decisions, ate a few m&m's, and then it was off to play.

This is my daughter's train:

I'm think she left the wrapper on a few pieces of candy so that she can consume them on Christmas day.

This is my son's candy train, the one he let me decorate for him.

To photograph these I set them on the table about 12 feet from the tree.  Then I used the 12-24mm lens set at 24mm and put the focus on the chocolate Santa. I used aperture priority and set the ISO at 400 because it was cloudy and dim even with the blinds open.

25 photos 'til Christmas - Day 22

I can hardly believe that Christmas is almost here.  Each year moves faster and faster. Here is the other critter on this set of ornaments and you can really see how cracked it is.  I almost didn't put it on here. But this is a part of who we are and there will be a different photo to see tomorrow.

Today was a nice slow day for a change.  My son slept over at Grandma's last night and after I got my daughter off to school, I snuggled in for a little nap.  Then it was time to wrap presents; wash, dry, fold, and put the laundry away; make beds; pick up clutter; work on client gifts; and get ready for the bridal fair. My daughter went to play with her cousins after school.  I made some super cute calendars for some of my clients.  And then it was off to the salon.  I dropped the calendars off at the printer.  Then Pam did my nails and we talked over the new brochure I'll be making for her along with new names for salon services and prices, etc.   Then it was back to the printer to get my calendars and primary class name door hangers I had laminated.  Across the street I flew like a flash ... to pick up 24 - 4x6 photos from the grocery store. Then it was time to head home. My dinner was ready and waiting - thanks babe! It's been a long time since I had any downtime and it sure felt good.  I got so much done without feeling all crazy busy. Thanks to Aunt A and Grandma S for giving me the day off.  I feel so rejuvenated.

My daughter added some new coloring pages to her blog. Go check it out and please leave her a comment.  She's anxious to hear what others think of her work.