Pregancy Perks

So, because of popular consent (or dissent...Nicolette :) I have decided its probably time to post again.  I also thought it might be good to post on of those pregnancy pictures where I show off the o'l belly.  I have to admit that even though its hard, being pregnant has its pluses.

Here is the short list:
1.  Being able to eat whatever you want.
2.  Husband attention. (:
3.  Thick luxurious hair (which as I've heard lasts only till baby comes, then falls out to baldness....love it while it lasts!)
4.  Nesting--this may come as a surprise, but its so nice to WANT to clean....
5.  Feeling the baby--have to say, this is my favorite! 







Baby Boy Murray

So, I lately, Baby has taken a liking to his daddy....

Every time Ben puts his hand on my tummy, the baby will move so that he can touch where Ben's hand is at.  Unfailingly this happens.  We tried having someone else put their hand while Ben's was on my stomach--The baby moved and only hit Ben.  Then we tried Ben moving his hand around.  Baby moves, then kicks.  It has been pretty funny do (except in the middle of the night when Ben puts his hand on me and wakes me up because Baby is kicking...I have to remind Ben that I'm not a punching bag...). 

My favorite photos from this Year

Photos from Swan Valley 

These are some of my favorite photos from this past year. Ben and I have been enjoying a gift from my Dad--a nice camera and lens.  We have been experimenting with pretty things :)  

In Israel 

The Old City Jerusalem 

On the Door to the Garden Tomb 

Two women praying in the Garden 

The Garden Tomb 

A little Palestinian Boy

Swan Valley Horses

Grandpa's Hands 

Ben and Tyson 

Ben's Photos of Swan Valley Falls 

Yellowstone! 

Swan Valley at the Ranch 

A whisper of butterflies

Today I'm grateful for people.

The last few weeks I've been contemplating how we are all so alike...Mostly how we all have a sense of divinity within us.  I have noticed that when I look at people, thinking of them as beings who share the same characteristics as Deity, I see something in them that is so beautiful, it is breathtaking.  I see eyes, hands, mouths--all that are so beyond the mundane.
Its like looking into a cool, deep lake that mirrors something once forgotten, but remembered...only to be whisked away--leaving you with the whisper of heaven floating just beyond your finger tips.

This short film reminds me of that which was once forgotten.

http://thebutterflycircus.com/short-film/

Anew beginning

Unfortunately: So yeah. It's been like a year and a half since I wrote on my blog (Ok, so I might be exaggerating a bit).
Fortunately: I am now posting something.

Unfortunately: You all missed out on my life in the last year and a half.
Fortunately: My life isn't over yet!

See you on the other Side of Tomorrow!

The Dechutes River

Dechutes Oregon!

This weekend Ben and I went to Maupin, Oregon and went down the Dechutes River. We were planning on going, but not until Saturday morning--Friday evening at 9:30 he turns to me and says, "do you want to go tonight and go camping? " So, we drove to the John Day campsite and slept in the car on an air mattress! We had such a great time. Rob Mackley joined us in Maupin and rode the river with us. He is great to have on the river...I had my little sit-on-top kayak (not really meant for Class III or Class IV rapids, but I made it through). Ben did great on his whitewater canoe--he always gets looks and comments from people--"are you really going to go down in that thing?" He just smiles and explains that it is meant for whitewater. He looks like a big banana going down a slope of vanilla Ice cream. The best part is when he "boofs" off of a wave, which is when you allow the boat to ride the wave to the top and then fly off like a skier off of a jump.

Ben also got a water-proof camera for his birthday so we can take it on our water trips without fear of it getting wet. Here are a few pictures from our trip.

Enjoy!

Ben's New Canoe

I know this is going backwards a bit, but about a month ago Ben got a beautiful new Whitewater Canoe. I have to admit I was a bit nervous, but it has been the source (and will continue to be) of many fun outings. I didn't know if I would like it, but after getting used to how she works in the water, I love playing with her....I don't know that I will ever get as good as Ben, but hopefully I can hold my own in some class three white water (thats my goal)