At least she looks warm.....
Friday, February 29, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
From the Heart of an American Soldier
This is our friend, SFC Alan Cotton. He is serving his third month of a twelve month tour in Iraq, where he is training Iraqi soldiers. I told him I wanted to do a little blurb about him on my blog and asked him if we wouldn't mind sending me a few Alan words of wisdom that he might like to share with the world. I asked him because he is one of those people that inspire me. He is a Dad of two gorgeous little girls, Allee and Jenna, and the husband of my dear friend Stacy, who I admire as much. They live just outside of Austin Texas, which seems light years away from us here in New Hampshire, though not as far away as Iraq is I suppose!
So, Alan obliged my request and gave me this tidbit of inspiration and a short lesson in simple mathematics. (Well, maybe not simple.) Here you go...
"Dear Alli,
I have thought for a few days about what information I have to share with other people. And the truth is I have nothing to offer... other then myself! (Doesn't this sound familiar?) In fact I'm not sure if I'm the right one at all.
For starters Proverbs 27:17 always makes me want to be a better person, Christian, soldier, man, father and husband. I share this verse as often as I can, not by my words but by my actions. Most importantly I have found that for this verse to fully work on you the person you must have at least three people in your life. This will ensure you become the best person GOD wants you to be.
First, everyone needs someone that they look up to in life. When you communicate with this one person they always give you something profound and new to work on. This one person is never short on words and gives the best advice both directly and indirectly to you. There counsel is always spot on. For me it is my Pastor Paul Kemp. Thank you Paul.
Secondly, you need someone that you are equal to in life. This person can be your best friend, your spouse, anyone that you can share ideas and thoughts with. This one person also doesn't have any problem telling you how bad your ideas really are and that your "great ideas" are weak at best. For me this person changes frequently, however most of the time it is my wife Stacy Cotton. Since I have been deployed my equal to has been Captain Joe Hess. As far as my great ideas go.... well they won't work unless ' I ' do.
Lastly, you need to find someone to mentor. Someone that perhaps looks up to you as a role model or someone you seek out to make better. My children fall into this category. I sought my own daughters out to mentor because I love them and I don't want them to make the same mistakes I have made. Allee and Jenna was just a starting point. My daughters will be someone whom I chose to mentor daily not as a daddy or a father. It's more like being a "Christian Tour Guide" for life and it's expectations life has on us as people. The real testament of who God wants you to be is a when someone seeks you out. You know the, "ONE." ....we don't have time for. The one you see clearly needs helps. The one who is hurting or in need. It has been my experiance that this person will come to you when you least expect it.
Here are some simple rules that apply to your three people when challenged. They are also rules in life that just simply work. "If you tell the truth you'll never have to remember anything." Mark Twain. I lie the loudest when I lie to myself. At one point in my life I lived as though the 10 commandments were multiple choice. Be thankful for how you grew up, even if it wasn't the most pleasant experiance. Get over yourself! Life isn't about looking back or waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain. "You learn more from your failures then any single success." Senior Drill Sergeant Cotton. During a difficult time in my life, Stacy got a Hallmark Card that stated, "Those who achieve success are those who have a dream and make it come true." Perhaps, I didn't reach my own personal goal and the hurt of my own failure defined my true character. The second part to that is, if I want my dreams to come true, I mustn't over sleep. The quality of my life depends on the quality of my thoughts. (Alli's emphasis- I couldn't resist- this is just SO true!!!)
Finally, the key is to listen to other people. You'll find your three people and they will multiply. But really focus on your, THREE. I like to think of them as the three wise men. My three people have mulipled a few times just because of some of the jobs I have done in the Army. Here is some simple math that proves my scientific theory why you need to at least three people in your life to become better. 3+3= 6 Six, the age of my youngest daughter Jenna. She has 5 letters in her name. 5+3= 8 Eight, the amount of sleep doctors recommend we have in one night. 8+3= 11 Eleven, the age of my oldest daughter Allee who just placed second in a science fair in Austin Texas. 11x3= 33 Just a random number to most people, even to me! BUT, if you subtract three from thirty three twice you get the number 27. Now remember the number 27. And then if you divided 27 by 3 you would get 9. At age nine I found myself in some very bad situations that caused me to pray. 9+3= 12 The number twelve. What a wonderful number! In fact my family loves it because when 12 months are up I can return home from Iraq. 12+3= 15 Most soldiers are on a 15 month deployment and I find if very difficult to find the right words to share with them, mainly because I am on a 12 month deployment. When you add three to fifteen you get 18 every single time. 15+3= 18, 15+3= 18, 15+3= 18. And I'm not real sure why?
At the beginning of my math problem I jumped from six to five. Discounting the multiple of three theme. And if your a math geniuses you caught that when I counted out how many letters that are in my daughters name which is five that I didn't use the number six. I like knowing that it only takes one to change things. In fact you can also subtract one from eighteen you'll get seventeen every time. Now remember the number 17. The truth of the matter is... it does only take, "ONE." The one person who died on the cross for my sin. The one person I chose to write to and email to tonight. The one person in fact is YOU. You are that one person that can make a difference in someone's life.
Back to the two numbers I asked you to remember. Twenty Seven and Seventeen. (27:17) And if you were listening, I stated that my favorite verse in the Bible is Proverbs 27:17. When I am in prayer I always ask, "GOD, I want you to be more inside of me then of myself." It is never too late to become the one with God. Be the ONE God has made you to be. Isn't it funny that is only takes one.
Alli, Thank you for reminding me that I am a Christian.
Alan Cotton"
Alan, You rock!
Thank you for this, I love you, Man! :)
Feel free to leave Alan any words of thanks for his sacrifice for freedom and the spread of democracy.
So, Alan obliged my request and gave me this tidbit of inspiration and a short lesson in simple mathematics. (Well, maybe not simple.) Here you go...
"Dear Alli,
I have thought for a few days about what information I have to share with other people. And the truth is I have nothing to offer... other then myself! (Doesn't this sound familiar?) In fact I'm not sure if I'm the right one at all.
For starters Proverbs 27:17 always makes me want to be a better person, Christian, soldier, man, father and husband. I share this verse as often as I can, not by my words but by my actions. Most importantly I have found that for this verse to fully work on you the person you must have at least three people in your life. This will ensure you become the best person GOD wants you to be.
First, everyone needs someone that they look up to in life. When you communicate with this one person they always give you something profound and new to work on. This one person is never short on words and gives the best advice both directly and indirectly to you. There counsel is always spot on. For me it is my Pastor Paul Kemp. Thank you Paul.
Secondly, you need someone that you are equal to in life. This person can be your best friend, your spouse, anyone that you can share ideas and thoughts with. This one person also doesn't have any problem telling you how bad your ideas really are and that your "great ideas" are weak at best. For me this person changes frequently, however most of the time it is my wife Stacy Cotton. Since I have been deployed my equal to has been Captain Joe Hess. As far as my great ideas go.... well they won't work unless ' I ' do.
Lastly, you need to find someone to mentor. Someone that perhaps looks up to you as a role model or someone you seek out to make better. My children fall into this category. I sought my own daughters out to mentor because I love them and I don't want them to make the same mistakes I have made. Allee and Jenna was just a starting point. My daughters will be someone whom I chose to mentor daily not as a daddy or a father. It's more like being a "Christian Tour Guide" for life and it's expectations life has on us as people. The real testament of who God wants you to be is a when someone seeks you out. You know the, "ONE." ....we don't have time for. The one you see clearly needs helps. The one who is hurting or in need. It has been my experiance that this person will come to you when you least expect it.
Here are some simple rules that apply to your three people when challenged. They are also rules in life that just simply work. "If you tell the truth you'll never have to remember anything." Mark Twain. I lie the loudest when I lie to myself. At one point in my life I lived as though the 10 commandments were multiple choice. Be thankful for how you grew up, even if it wasn't the most pleasant experiance. Get over yourself! Life isn't about looking back or waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain. "You learn more from your failures then any single success." Senior Drill Sergeant Cotton. During a difficult time in my life, Stacy got a Hallmark Card that stated, "Those who achieve success are those who have a dream and make it come true." Perhaps, I didn't reach my own personal goal and the hurt of my own failure defined my true character. The second part to that is, if I want my dreams to come true, I mustn't over sleep. The quality of my life depends on the quality of my thoughts. (Alli's emphasis- I couldn't resist- this is just SO true!!!)
Finally, the key is to listen to other people. You'll find your three people and they will multiply. But really focus on your, THREE. I like to think of them as the three wise men. My three people have mulipled a few times just because of some of the jobs I have done in the Army. Here is some simple math that proves my scientific theory why you need to at least three people in your life to become better. 3+3= 6 Six, the age of my youngest daughter Jenna. She has 5 letters in her name. 5+3= 8 Eight, the amount of sleep doctors recommend we have in one night. 8+3= 11 Eleven, the age of my oldest daughter Allee who just placed second in a science fair in Austin Texas. 11x3= 33 Just a random number to most people, even to me! BUT, if you subtract three from thirty three twice you get the number 27. Now remember the number 27. And then if you divided 27 by 3 you would get 9. At age nine I found myself in some very bad situations that caused me to pray. 9+3= 12 The number twelve. What a wonderful number! In fact my family loves it because when 12 months are up I can return home from Iraq. 12+3= 15 Most soldiers are on a 15 month deployment and I find if very difficult to find the right words to share with them, mainly because I am on a 12 month deployment. When you add three to fifteen you get 18 every single time. 15+3= 18, 15+3= 18, 15+3= 18. And I'm not real sure why?
At the beginning of my math problem I jumped from six to five. Discounting the multiple of three theme. And if your a math geniuses you caught that when I counted out how many letters that are in my daughters name which is five that I didn't use the number six. I like knowing that it only takes one to change things. In fact you can also subtract one from eighteen you'll get seventeen every time. Now remember the number 17. The truth of the matter is... it does only take, "ONE." The one person who died on the cross for my sin. The one person I chose to write to and email to tonight. The one person in fact is YOU. You are that one person that can make a difference in someone's life.
Back to the two numbers I asked you to remember. Twenty Seven and Seventeen. (27:17) And if you were listening, I stated that my favorite verse in the Bible is Proverbs 27:17. When I am in prayer I always ask, "GOD, I want you to be more inside of me then of myself." It is never too late to become the one with God. Be the ONE God has made you to be. Isn't it funny that is only takes one.
Alli, Thank you for reminding me that I am a Christian.
Alan Cotton"
Alan, You rock!
Thank you for this, I love you, Man! :)
Feel free to leave Alan any words of thanks for his sacrifice for freedom and the spread of democracy.
Friday, February 22, 2008
I Have a Crush...
Yup, How could you NOT have a crush on this handsome little guy? Look at those lashes and his sweet little half smile!! What a cutie!! As if his good looks weren't enough, he is also quite charming, can follow directions perfectly, and is a most delightful little soul.
He is the big brother of 7 week old twins, a girl and a boy. He has a lot of work ahead of him, all of the teaching, sticking up for, and picking on that he will do with his teeny brother and sister. I am sure he is up for it though!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
I am a photographer...what a surprise....
I don’t know when it happened exactly, the first time I could say that without feeling like I was lying to the world. It came on suddenly, the realization that I had become something. It feels like sweet relief to know that I won’t leave this world without a tag, without an identity of some sort. And the very best part is this: the pure, unencumbered, undeniable joy that comes from knowing that I have something to give, something to offer to the world. You know what the funny part is- I had that something all along - the main ingredient- ME.
Yup, Meeeee. So in realizing that my gift to my dear hubby, my kiddos, my friends, my family, and even my clients is ME, I figured I needed to start working a little more on making ME the ME that God intended. Now THAT seems like one overwhelming task. Luckily I have God’s promise that I can do all things through Him, (thank you, God,) or I would be in big trouble. BIG trouble.
So I thought I would share every so often some of the things that God is showing me, like all the “stuff” in my head that I believe, like “I am a failure and always will be.” See, we’ve worked through that one a bit, making some headway. I can see that I am not a failure as a photographer, though on some days I might FEEL like a failure. I usually feel like the biggest loser when it comes to my weight, and I mean biggest loser in the worst way, not like the tv show way. I still have seen no success in this department. Suddenly though, I am learning to be thankful for the challenge. It will make me rely on God’s strength, it will make me seek His Face, and expect Him to keep me going. That’s a good thing. Unfortunately in this fallen world, the challenges are what make us better.
And hey, gratitude is better than chocolate.
My new SP, what fun this was (that's a joke)
I wanted something fun and funky. For all you action junkies out there, I used Ren's "Julie's Curse" for this one and added some texture from Feature Pics (I'll get the link for this later)
Yup, Meeeee. So in realizing that my gift to my dear hubby, my kiddos, my friends, my family, and even my clients is ME, I figured I needed to start working a little more on making ME the ME that God intended. Now THAT seems like one overwhelming task. Luckily I have God’s promise that I can do all things through Him, (thank you, God,) or I would be in big trouble. BIG trouble.
So I thought I would share every so often some of the things that God is showing me, like all the “stuff” in my head that I believe, like “I am a failure and always will be.” See, we’ve worked through that one a bit, making some headway. I can see that I am not a failure as a photographer, though on some days I might FEEL like a failure. I usually feel like the biggest loser when it comes to my weight, and I mean biggest loser in the worst way, not like the tv show way. I still have seen no success in this department. Suddenly though, I am learning to be thankful for the challenge. It will make me rely on God’s strength, it will make me seek His Face, and expect Him to keep me going. That’s a good thing. Unfortunately in this fallen world, the challenges are what make us better.
And hey, gratitude is better than chocolate.
My new SP, what fun this was (that's a joke)
I wanted something fun and funky. For all you action junkies out there, I used Ren's "Julie's Curse" for this one and added some texture from Feature Pics (I'll get the link for this later)
Monday, February 18, 2008
Quote of the Day
"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and Man."
This quote is by King Solomon, found in Proverbs 3: 3-4. King Solomon has been widely regarded as one of the richest and wisest men to ever have walked this earth. Definitely a guy to listen to! He once asked God for wisdom to build his kingdom, not riches, but wisdom, and God blessed his selfless request. You can read that story in 1Kings 3 and 4. VERY cool story.
Have a beautiful icy day!!!
Friday, February 15, 2008
First Annual Picture of the Year WINNER!!!!!!!!!!!!
A HUGE Congratulations to the B-L Family for their big win in the first ever Picture of the Year Contest!! They earned 281 votes out of a total 979!! Wow!! That's a lot of voting going on!
I've had a blast with this, and I hope you all have had one too. It was fun to watch those votes pour in day after day and I could hardly wait to see the final outcome, especially since it was neck and neck there with Sweet Cheeks until the very end!!!
Congrats to everyone!
If you would like to leave a comment for the B-L Family, you can do so by clicking the comments link at the bottom of this post.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
My Girls and other Tidbits for a Valentines Thursday
My Girls decided they wanted to dress up and play model last night, so we did! Aren't they so elegant and lovely? Well....sort of..... My friend Laura Stetser pointed out how fun it will be to share this last gem with her boyfriend someday! LOL!!
Today is the last day for the vote.."Sweet Cheeks" and "I am a Dreamer" are running neck and neck! How fun is this???!!!???
Have I told you about The Pixel Chicks blog? Check us out, we are ten women photographers from all over the world. I feel extremely priveleged to be considered one of them. Have a browse around some of their websites.
A quote for today by George Sheehan: “Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be”
Have a LOVEly Valentines Day!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
"Fireman's Daughters" Sneak Peek
These girls rock! I am so impressed with them- we shot in an open bay of the firehouse yesterday when it was only 15 degrees and they did not complain once! And look at these fun shots... they were made to be models! Great job girls, your Dad is going to LOVE these!!!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Quote of the Day
Okay so maybe I won't be submitting a quote EVERY day, but I will try to get one in once in awhile. I love quotes. They inspire me, push me, drive me to be better than I am. This one is one that I am thinking of having made into wall writing for my exercise room. It is by Og Mandino.
(Whenever I post a quote I wil try to give you some background on the author. It makes a difference who says what, I think. )
"I am here for a purpose and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, not to shrink to a grain of sand. Henceforth will I apply ALL my efforts to become the highest mountain of all and I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy."
Love that! Have a great day, and keep voting on those Photos of the Year!!!
This is little "C"- he was having a bright idea when I snapped this shot of him at his session last month.
(Whenever I post a quote I wil try to give you some background on the author. It makes a difference who says what, I think. )
"I am here for a purpose and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, not to shrink to a grain of sand. Henceforth will I apply ALL my efforts to become the highest mountain of all and I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy."
Love that! Have a great day, and keep voting on those Photos of the Year!!!
This is little "C"- he was having a bright idea when I snapped this shot of him at his session last month.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Happy Birthday Baby Girl!
My first born is EIGHT today! I blinked, she grew up....
Here she is EARLY this morning, opening her presents.
She got to "bedazzle" herself for the occassion with some Hannah Montana bling!
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