Photos and family

This afternoon I was creating a special photo book for my niece who turns 7 next week.  As I looked back over the photos from her year at age 6, I was reminded of how much fun I have had watching her grow.  A few tears came to my eyes. . .not sure why. . .but I am glad I have had this time living here and experiencing life as "aunt Holly".  

I am sad that my nieces and nephews are aging. . .why can't they just stay in that cute innocent age between 2-5?!!  You know, the time when they say the funniest things, pronounce things funny.  I'm glad I have a few things recorded!  :)

Nick used to call me "aunt Hi"

Quin and I had the "snuggy buggies" and I called him "kitty witty"  

Peyton went through a hitting phase where she hit me everytime she saw me (good thing that's over!!!)

Lexi used to call me "alla" and then "all-e", now finally "Holly".  I love her hugs where she just throws her arms around my legs and doesn't let go!  (she's still in that cute innocent age!!).

If I NEVER become a parent, I will be glad to have experienced this part of life with my family. 

As for photos, I think I can never have too many!  When I was little I used to complain when dad would take photos of us.  Now I look forward to seeing them and wish I had more.  Time to put the scanner to use and scan away!!!  

I can't wait to get this book back from being printed.  I only hope my expectations are met of quality printing!!  Guess I'll find out soon enough! 

The Brain. . .

I am fascinated this morning by the power of the brain.  Over a year ago I heard a lady, Arlene Taylor, speak about this topic.   Today I've been checking out her website.   I'll have to look through my stuff to find the notes I took. . .very interesting.  I remember a breathing exercise she had us do - amazing what more oxygen can do for the body, especially the brain!!  Wonder how often I actually am depriving myself of feeling better by not breathing deeper.  

When I was at LLU one of my required classes was Marriage and Family.  Out of all the classes I took in college I think it is one that was the most valuable and memorable for me.  I remember a story the teacher told one day about this lady who gets home from work, notices the gate is open to her apartment complex, has one of her grocery bags break and food falls out everywhere, stranger appears out of nowhere, helps her take things to her apartment. . .etc.  The whole time through her experience, her brain is giving her clues that first things are not normal, then become more strange, and finally she knows she is unsafe. . .and it goes on.  

This story has stuck with me for a long time.  (I could give you more details if you really want to know but since this is my blog, don't feel like typing it out!).  It reminds me to pay attention.  The brain is more powerful than I give credit at times. . .now if I would just listen to what it tells me!!!  :)

I'm looking forward to reading more. . .want to be a faster reader as my book list just keeps getting bigger!!  There is training for this, so I hear!  And I have a couple books about the brain. . .can't wait to be fascinated!

Blogging. . .

Blogging. . .what is this really?  A chance to see more into the way my thoughts flow?  A chance to express what's going on?  A chance for me to let my thoughts flow. . .I like this.