Guest Blogger-

^{Galatians 6:9} Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

It’s so easy during any given day (or hour!) to become weary as moms.  Did you ever feel sunk before your feet even hit the floor in the morning?  Have you known the reality of failure?  Been there.  Two kids into this parenting gig and I thought we were doin’ ok.  Yes, there were the sleepless nights.  One out of the two guys was a little intense, if you know what I mean.  The other never wanted to sleep unless there was flesh next to him, namely MY flesh.  But really, all in all we were doing ok.  Then God blessed us with number three.  Little did we know at the time, He was just really preparing us for number four child!  That third guy though, I should have known what was coming during labor when he pretty much REFUSED to be born!  Stubborn with a mile-high S was that sweet boy.  My character was tested daily as we were all crammed into a small two bedroom apartment in the middle of the inner-city of Chicago while my husband was in Bible college.

As a mom, have you ever just wanted to throw a big screamin’ temper-tantrum?  Or maybe like me, you haven’t just wanted to, but have DONE so … numerous times.  Only to feel defeated afterward, not to mention the wasted energy that could have been used to actually cook dinner or wipe yet another dirty bottom.  Last time I looked there wasn’t a long line of people waiting in line to cheer me on with this mothering gig.  No, instead there is a long line of dishes strung across the counters, piles of laundry pretty much every direction you look, spills, unpaid bills, marked up furniture, wet diapers (and don’t forget the stinky ones) and NOISE! … definitely can’t forget the NOISE!  How’s a mom even to concentrate and THINK, for crying out loud?

Yet LITERALLY!!!, before you know it … my three sons are now all towering over me and God has brought along two sweet-with-a-mix-of-spunk daughters into the mix.  The oldest is firmly rooted and full of dreams, waiting to receive an acceptance to Bible college.  The middle one is a jack-of-all-trades guy who can do anything from fixing a toilet to hushing a fussy babe, not to mention COOK!  The third (who now and then puts this momma over the edge) has found his voice and the rhythm of drums and loves teaching his little sisters about Jesus.  As I reflect on the last 17 years of mothering I can’t help but think of Galatians 6:9.  Fellow moms ….. let us NOT become WEARY in doing good … for at the proper time we WILL … we WILL …. reap a harvest if we do not give up!

Shelly Roberts

Blog: http://encouragingfamily.blogspot.com/

Hello My Crazy Adoption Blog Readers! My name is Chelsey; I am a mother of soon-to-be three who has been passionate about all things photography for as long as I can remember. You can find out more about our adoption story here: http://ethiopianalaskanfamily.blogspot.com/ and more about the business side of this mama here: http://machcphotography.com/
I am the owner & photographer of MachC Photography and today I am bringing you tips on photographing your children in the snow! Now, in case you have yet to click on those links, we reside in Fairbanks, Alaska. Yes, ALASKA.  So if there is one thing we know, it’s snow! *wink, wink*

Grab a cup of coffee – or hot chocolate – sit back & read up on some tips for photographing your children in the snow. No matter where you live, letting them play in the snow – and capturing those moments ‘on film‘ is a part of childhood that none of us can afford to miss!

I received a question in recent weeks that asked, “how do you get more interesting photos of your kids in the snow? I put my point and shoot camera in my pocket and go out with the kids and the only thing that seems to change from year to year is their snowsuits. I just see a whole lot of white snow!”

It’s true isn’t it! Many years, we spend up to 6 months or more in the snow! (I know our Southern friends are cringing right about now ha!) We usually get snow that sticks sometime early October and then well, it’s often ‘here‘ until sometime in April. So taking advantage of snow opportunities with your little ones is an important way to document their life. It’s a part of our everyday world.

Here I’ve compiled some tips & tricks for getting better shots of your kids this snow season. Enjoy!

1. It may seem like a simple starter but dress appropriately! That means you too mom. When I went out to capture my kids in the snow for these examples, I dressed just as they did & wore snow pants, a good winter coat, gloves, a hat and boots (these ones good for up to -30 below). Yes, it will be more cumbersome to run around & take snapshots with all your winter gear on, but it means you will be warmer & happier – which is an important element to the kids having fun as well. Happy mama = happy kids = happy shots!

2. Keep in mind that snow is very reflective. Even on overcast days, you may find yourself squinting when it’s too bright. For the professional photographers among us, snow can reflect up to 80-90% or more when it’s fresh (and wet!). Be mindful of this when you are photographing your children – give them sunglasses or (for more fun & interesting pictures!) snowboarding goggles – if you aren’t sure how or where to move them to a spot where they aren’t squinting, this is the next best thing!

3. Speaking of squinting! Pay attention to where the sun is, if your child can’t keep their eyes open because it’s too bright, move them to the shady side of the house or yard. Even behind a tree will work. If you can’t look at your kiddo without squinting, they aren’t going to be able to look at you without squinting!

4. Don’t forget to let them run & play! The best expressions come from genuine enjoyment. (Hint: choose the ‘Sports’ mode on your point & shoot to try & freeze that action shot!)

5. Think about adding in other elements. Birch trees are abundant up here – so why not plop your kids down on a fallen branch or sit next to one for perspective. Trees are great for that! Imagine if you took a picture of your child each winter, in front of that same tree – year after year you’ll see changes in both the tree & your child … some that may be so subtle you won’t even notice until they are both 18!

6. On the flip side of the coin, I do love me some wide open spaces to give the right perspective too! Nothing is better for showing ‘how little they once were’ than a snapshot that takes in the whole scene.

7. While we went out & shot these close to the noon hour, shooting earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon will work more in your favor. Make sure to pack lots of snacks (I sure did!) and take time to go inside & warm up, if need be.

8. Cold kids are cranky kids & we can’t have that! (For us, we were near a local ski spot that had an indoor ‘warm up’ room – so naturally, we took a break to use it!)

9. Think about perspective while you’re out there – shoot high, shoot low; stand on a tree stump or the bumper of your truck – it gives a whole new perspective AND often gets your kid’s attention because they are watching you do something you don’t normally do – climb on things!

10. If your own backyard is too small or too cluttered, think about taking your kids to another location where they can safely explore & enjoy the great outdoors. The key is to let them have fun, being themselves. Whether that’s playing & laughing or exploring & digging for dinosaur bones only you know what your child loves best … let them explore their passions outside in the snow too! The most enjoyable memories you’ll ever have with them are the ones you capture in your heart, while having fun.

*To see more images from this original post, please click on the link here: http://machcphotography.com/2010/11/tips-for-photographing-your-children-in-the-snow/

–
Chelsey Burglin Mach
MachC Photography | Owner, Photographer
http://machcphotography.com/
Become a part of the MachC Network |

You asked and I delivered!!  Thanks for all your emails begging for Simply Love tees for Christmas presents.  I have new tees in stock and want to offer them to you for the next 48 hours!!  I’m re-opening up my crazy store just for YOU!!!!!!  Click on the Store button located top right side column and gooooo shopping!!!  I will mail all the tees on Thursday 12/16 just in time for Santa.  Merry Christmas bloggy friends!!

**LAST 48 HR. SIMPLY LOVE SALE**

Are you gearing up for another snowy week in your neck of the woods? My daughter, Hannah loves making custom T shirts- and this one caught her eye.  Mommy DIY tip:  this is a craft that needs minimal help, but its a fun way to sit and watch munching on cookies and hot cocoa together.  If you have a fun wintry craft, please share your idea or link in the comments.

Instructions

1. Use a permanent marker to draw a thick-lined snowflake template on the paper, or download ours here.
2. Place the template over the cardboard and slip both inside the shirt, centering them behind the upper front of the garment. You should be able to see the template through the shirt.
3. Using a thin line of tacky glue (about 1/4-inch wide), trace the snowflake design onto the shirt. Let it dry for 10 minutes, then fill in any gaps with additional glue. Let the glue dry completely, until it is transparent (approximately 3 hours).
4. Dip the sponge brush in the paint and dab around the snowflake, completely covering the surrounding area. Use less paint toward the outer edge of the design. Let the paint dry overnight.
5. Soak the tee in warm water for about 10 minutes or until the glue softens. Peel off the glue and let the shirt dry, then follow the package instructions to set the fabric paint.

Family Fun Crafts & Photos.

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I love finding awesome activities for Mommy DIY.  Here are 11 crazy ways to make a turkey gobble with your kids this Thanksgiving holiday.  Click on the links and have some turkey fun!!  Bloggy friends, what is your favorite thing to do at Thanksgiving with your kids?

1.  Bakerella’s Turkey Pops.

2.  15 Different Ways to Make Turkey Cookies.

3.  Thanksgiving Turkey Luminarias craft.

4.  Colorful Turkey caddy fun.

5.  Yummy Turkey Sundaes.

6.  Gobbling Good Cupcakes.

7.  Feather Foliage Craft.

8.  Teeny Turkeys Appetizer.

9.  Put on a happy snood game.

10.  Thankful Turkey craft.

11. Rice Crispy Gobblers.

My family is coming to town for Thanksgiving and we have some fun crafts planned for the kids.  Zoie and Annie will love making these adorable glowbirds with help from their big sisters.  If each cousin makes a glowbird- we’ll have a table full of the crazy gobblers glowing bright for Thanksgiving dinner.

Create a flock of these bright votive holders: they’re a great project for kids and, filled with battery-operated tea lights, a luminous addition to your table.

Materials

• Hot glue
• Glue gun
• 1 1/4-inch wooden doll head (available at craft stores)
• Small glass bubble votive holder (ours is 4 inches wide by 3 1/2 inches high)
• Brush

• Mod Podge
• Tissue paper
• Scissors
• Tacky glue
• Beads

Instructions

1. Apply a dab of hot glue from a glue gun to the wooden doll head. Then adhere the head to the votive holder.
2. Brush Mod Podge over the head and body, then cover them with overlapping tissue paper scraps. Apply another Mod Podge layer and let it dry for at least 45 minutes.
3. To make the tail feathers, cut 9- by 2-inch strips of tissue paper, bend each in half without creasing it, then twist the ends together. Use a dollop of tacky glue to attach each feather to the body.
4. Cut a beak from a double layer of yellow tissue and affix it with tacky glue. Add two beads for eyes. Cut a long oval of red tissue, twist one end, and affix it as a wattle. Allow the turkey to dry.

Look for more fun Thanksgiving crafts on My Crazy Adoption Blog on Monday … 11 ways to make a turkey gobble!

Help… the winter has caused Zoie’s curly hair to be extra dry.  What is your favorite leave in conditioner or creme to keep things soft all day?  Leave your suggestions in the comments.  Thank you moms!

I’m sooo not a hair care professional, but I learn a lot about Zoie’s curls and coils reading Happy Girl Hair Blog.   This crazy hair guru blogger mentions co-washing in many posts, but I had no idea what she meant, so Mr. Awesome googled it last week.  I was surprised to learn I had been doing it all along and it’s really good for Zoie’s hair.  I thought it would be fun to have a little hair competition and find out what your favorite products are for curls, swirls, straight, thick, frizzy or wavy hair.  God gave all our darlings a unique crown of beauty!  I love mom’s advice about hair care.  I want to always be open to stretch and grow… just like sweet Zoie’s curly hair!

Zoie’s hair in the morning- dry, mushed up curls.

It’s a good Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Day.

Here’s what I found out about co-washing… I do this weekly on Zoie’s hair.

What is Co-washing? Co-washing hair means to “use conditioner instead of shampoo to wash hair. One would think that skipping the shampoo step when washing hair would leave it dirty, but the truth is that there is a small amount of detergent in hair conditioner.”

How do You Co-Wash Hair: To co-wash hair, you would “wet your hair in the same way as you do before you wash it with shampoo. Then you need to massage a liberal amount of conditioner into the scalp. Massage the scalp for several minutes. Next, you would put a plastic cap on your hair and take your shower while you let the conditioner sit. Finally, rinse out the conditioner thoroughly.”

What kind of conditioner do you use?

I juggle these 3 conditioners on Zoie’s hair- co-washing weekly, that make her curls soft and bouncy and smell beautiful.  You can purchase the products right here on My Crazy Adoption Boutique (right side bar column) or click here-

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3. 

Here are four reason why I love co-washing Zoie’s hair:

• Keeps Princess Z’s hair moisturized.
• Keeps her scalp clean.
• I can clean her hair all week without drying out her curls.
• Helps retain her growth by keeping hair moisturized.

I never brush Zoie’s curly hair when it’s dry- always moisturize with products before brushing or detangling.

I keep a wonderful supply of different hair products that I simply love.  Breeze through My Crazy Adoption Boutique and purchase a few of my favorite things.

I simply love these Jojoba oils:

Zoie’s curls freshly co-washed and adorable in box braids & poofy pigtails!!  I rinsed out all the conditioner thoroughly and put jojoba oil and organic shea butter leave-in conditioner (I am just learning how to braid Zoie’s hair) but went a little crazy and put too much in for the photo… oops!

I have bloggy friends that have adopted all over the world… what hair products do you love & why and what country did you adopt from ? I have soooo much to learn- a life long student of Zoie’s beautiful hair.