Me | The Paper Mama's Self Portrait Challenge

The Paper Mama is having a self portrait contest where a participant will win an Instax mini 8 camera!  I love challenges and thought I'd play along!  This contest isn't based on photo quality, it's completely random, so I decided to post a picture of me from Saturday night that I snapped after getting ready for an all-girls Valentines party (recap post to come!).

So here I am, plus 10 random facts about me...

1. I am 30 years old, but most days I feel 16.
2. I don't have any kids, but I've nannied, babysat and worked with youth organizations since I was 12... so in my heart I've had many children and love them all as my own.
3. My niece is the number 1 person on this planet that I would do anything for.  There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about and pray for her.  I can't wait to see her turn this world on its edge as she accomplishes many a great thing.
4. I have completed a full marathon, a few halves, a century bike ride, hiked the Grand Canyon and want to train for a triathlon next.
5. I had no idea how easy it was to love until I let my guard down.  It is the scariest thing in the world, and completely worth it.
6. I could go the rest of my life without ever having another beer, cocktail or glass of wine, but take away my coffee and I just might kill you.
7. Although not the most attractive ensemble in the world, I could wear yoga pants and a hoodie every day.  Most comfortable outfit ever.
8. I was born in Southern Washington and raised on a chicken farm until the age of 12.  My family then moved to Idaho where we owned a dairy heifer ranch.  My family still lives in Idaho, but I moved back to Portland this past summer.  I miss them very much, but for many reasons, it was the best leap of faith I have ever taken.
9. Having been raised a farm kid, I know the meaning of hard work, and do not take it for granted.
10. I am a photographer and am blessed to see light and shadow and love everywhere.

Want to play along?  Head on over to the Paper Mama and link up!

One Amazing Kid and the Leader He is Becoming | Adventures in Nannyland

I'm a proud nanny these days.

The boy I work with (lovingly referred to as "The Kid" online for his protection) is becoming quite the empathetic and loving soul.  I quickly recognized him as both when I started working with him last summer, and with gentle reinforcement and praise he's showing it proudly more often.  Let me explain with a conversation I shared with the Facebook world last night...

The Kid: some of my friends were really rude today to a girl in my class.
Me: oh? What happened?
The Kid: well she likes a boy but he doesn't like her, so he made up a girlfriend to make her feel bad, then told everyone in class about it and laughed behind her back.
Me: did you laugh?
The Kid: no. I told him he was being a jerk and the best thing he could do was just be honest with her. Then I told her what he was doing and suggested she not like him anymore.
Me: I'm proud of you kid. Sounds like you handled the situation perfectly. That shows good character.
The Kid: yeah, being a good person is the right thing to do.

We discussed it further over dinner, and he chose to text the boy (who happens to be one of his closest friends) and suggested he apologize to the girl.  This was his own idea and he was nervous about the outcome and possible backlash from his friend.  Not five minutes later a reply came through that simply read, "You're right, I'll apologize tomorrow."

I'm so very proud of how The Kid chose to handle this situation.  I smiled at him and asked if he realized what a great leader he is.  He shook his head and said that didn't matter and he wasn't doing it to be a leader, he just doesn't think it's right for someone to be the butt of a joke.
I smiled and said, "and that's why you are a great leader."

Wordless Wednesday | Two Headed Monster

Currently I Am...

ENJOYING time with good friends, and enjoying the fruits of their labors.



PLANNING a trip to Boise that includes photo shoots, picking up some of my furniture, and introducing my family and friends to a good friend of mine.

SPENDING lots of time with cute kiddos.



LEARNING to let go.  It's tougher than I expected.

REMEMBERING that life is pretty damn amazing.

January 2013 in an Instagram

Coffee chats and new favorite shops

New phone and Siri fun

Trip to the coast and found The Goonies

Lots of gym time with gorgeous views

Puppy fever

Word nerd love

Random hearts everywhere

Lost 5 lbs!

January was a great month with lots of exciting discoveries and new adventures embarked upon.  It was a month of firsts, and even a month of a couple lasts.  It was a great way to start off the year, and I look forward to what the rest of 2013 has in store to teach me.

How was YOUR January?  

Did you post a recap?  Share the link in the comments so I can read all about it!