The AJBs & Me

Welcome to the New Year (just a little late)

Posted on January 9, 2015 by ajbsandme

I’ve been busy this new year and am just now getting around to posting here. Fortunately for me, some of my busy status has involved my camera. So I’ll share a few photos along with a few update facts. Hope you enjoy.Spent the morning of the first day of the year on the Gallatin River – cold but beautiful!

Looking to a year of growth in professional life for both Andy and I – he as an attorney, me as a photographer. This starting to identify myself as a photographer is hard – I envision a full schedule and a fully developed business is necessary, but the fact is those things will not come until first I identify myself as a photographer. Sometimes I struggle to get things in the right order, but I’m working on it!

My “one little word” for this year is Photography. Yep, trying to fully integrate this identity. Plus, it just brings me great joy! I have so many photography project ideas and I’m (well, really, Andy and I) am/are working on a way to get me the time to implement those ideas.

J has started back to karate team practice with a big goal/dream of going to nationals again this year. His skills I think will qualify him. What he really will be challenged by is raising the funds to get to the actual event, which is all the way in Florida, and he can’t go alone. We placed the responsibility on him for that, and he’s thinking through what that might look like. But right now he’s a bit distracted by the pending “final exams” which he will take for the first time in less than 10 days. He’s growing into so much so quickly!

That is it for the updates today. Hope to be back again soon!

Categories: Andy, Blessings, Daily life, Family photographer, Gallatin River, J, Karate, Montana, Montana weather, My Backyard, One Little Word, Outdoors, Photography, snow, Winter | Tags: Karate, Montana, Outdoors, Photography | 1 Comment

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Posted on December 25, 2014 by ajbsandme

We got the star on the tree – Aunt Elizabeth knows it was missing for a long time. It was set (poorly, but set) last night after 9 p.m.

But we never got the nativities sorted beyond the flash mob status. A reflection of some of the unique characteristics of this particular season – good season but always on the go!

Even Miss Sophie needs a bit of a nap after all the rushing around.

Papa needs a nap because he got up early and plowed away the new fallen snow for us and the neighbors (Merry Christmas neighbors), and he went for a run – all before we were opening gifts at the crack of dawn. Get rested up Papa we still have a movie to catch!

The goggles and flannel shirt are new, helmet is old. But this seems to be the chosen attire for the day – threatening to go to Unbroken wearing this later this afternoon. We’ll see. I bet he selects this outfit instead:

New jacket is from Grandma and Grandpa – thank you! He’s in love and I love the idea that I’ll be able to spot him on the ice flow or the ski hill. He’s wearing it right now (flannel shirt under, helmet and goggles still on) while listening to music by Lecrae.

All this colorful fun to celebrate the best gift in history – birth of Jesus. Can’t forget that without that best gift we just wouldn’t be the same – not the same at all!

Categories: Andy, Blessings, Christmas, Daily life, Faith, Family Fun, J, kids, snow, Thankful to God, Winter | 3 Comments

Posted on November 20, 2014 by ajbsandme

My gratitude book/list is almost full – don’t worry, I’m already shopping for the next volume. Giving thanks is such a meaningful and productive part of my life, I don’t think I’ll ever stop. So, here is where I am this week:

3716. Unexpected afternoon off with J.

3717. Seeing ice climbers up on the ice falls in Hyalite Canyon – inspiring and encouraging.

3718. Super nice ice climber who returned J’s dropped wallet at some significant effort.

3719. Encouraging developments around photography business.

3720. Working with nice people at MCS fundraiser dinner.

3721. J finding connections with classmates getting easier.

3722. Quick check-in with Holly

3723. Getting lots of photos processed

3724. Inspiration for some photo projects.

3725. Good discussion at Bible Study

3726. Americana chicken laid a blue egg after two months off for molting – a beautiful blue egg!

3727. Ann Voskamp on the importance of Jesus’ family tree

3728. Arrison sleeping at my feet.

3729. Good mango for breakfast two days in a row!

3730. Warmer weather – supposed to be 40 degrees today!

3731. Needed reschedule granted

3732. Andy’s kindness/generous heart for J and I

3733. Good friends all around!

3734. No wreck when swerving to avoid sudden obstacle in the road – and J impressed with my crisis driving.

Categories: Autumn, Barns, Blessings, chickens, Daily life, Faith, Fall, gratitude, Montana, Montana weather, Multitude on Mondays, Outdoors, Photography, snow, Thankful to God | 1 Comment

MY HUSBAND DOES SALVAGE ART

Posted on November 17, 2014 by ajbsandme

Not only is my husband a great attorney (if you ever need a criminal defense attorney in Montana or California, he’s your guy, but I hope you don’t need a criminal defense attorney), he also took up salvage art. I don’t know if “salvage art” is a real term, but I’m going with it because it is the best way to describe this emerging talent.

He found this red and white door in the dumpster at our office (thus the term salvage art) and brought it home. I was thrilled and began to ponder how we could use such a simple but cool item around the house. Next thing I know, he’s tied it to the aspen trees with a piece of old dryer vent tubing.

And there you have it. My husband is a salvage artist. I sometimes wonder what our neighbors think of us… but that is a whole other post someday.

Categories: Andy, Art, Daily life, doors, Outdoors, Photography, salvage art, snow, the house | Tags: doors, Salvage Art | 3 Comments

LOVE LIVING RURAL!

Posted on November 16, 2014 by ajbsandme

Photos from a drive around my neighborhood yesterday morning – cold and clear!

Poor cows must be very cold – wearing a blanket of snow doesn’t sound very warm to me.

It was negative something or another as I drove around, so most of these are shot out my car window – not the best, but you make do with what you have access to. I just wasn’t ready to be walking.

Did go for a cold cold walk in the afternoon/evening with Andy. We got a later start than intended and that really impacted our experience. Started at 4 degrees, which is cold but okay if dressed properly and moving. By the time we got back to the car it was -8, which is just too cold for me. I was probably kind of whinny. Yeah, so mature of me, I know.

Categories: Autumn, cows, Daily life, Fall, Light, Montana, Montana weather, My Backyard, Outdoors, Photography, snow, Weather, Winter | 2 Comments

CHILLY MORNING TO BE SO GRATEFUL

Posted on November 12, 2014 by ajbsandme

All of todays photos are from the hike I took on Sunday afternoon just before the polar vortex hit. As it is -20 ish as I type, I’m thinking my timing was pretty great. I’d love to get back up Cottonwood Canyon with my camera and document the changes over the past three days, but . . . I’m just not crazy enough to do that in this frigid weather.

So instead I’ll focus on being grateful and maybe if I’m lucky I’ll go for an indoor walk at the mall.

I do have much to be thankful for and a loving and caring God who provides so very much. These details are absolute assurance to me that he loves and cares for me specifically – how else would all these blessings come into my life?

3676. Live in housesitter so we can take a trip and the animals will be cared for

3677. Dinner and photos share with Brett and Roberta

3678. Safe travels to and from Cody with no car issues.

3679. Beauty of two different parts of Yellowstone seen on weekend travels through the park.

3680. Sharing time with the Becker clan.

3681. Good meaty discussion with J in the car as we travel.

3682. Arriving home to a clean house.

3683. Beautiful sun drenched morning photographing Julia

3684. Walking and talking with Elizabeth on the phone.

3685. Beautiful fall weather

3686. J’s grades holding steady where he wants them.

3687. Phone call with Daniel and Stacy

3688. Danielle likes youth group.

3689. Freedom for a client who sat in jail a long time before justice came his way.

3690. Strength shown by Miss M. in a difficult situation.

3691. Chance to learn more about photography.

3692. Great inspiring blog post by Ann Voskamp

3693. Homemade apple sauce for breakfast.

3694. Friendships in the school community

3695. 20 young chickens for free

3696. Unexpected evening home watching game 7 as a family – and the Giants won making my boy so happy!\

3697. Beautiful sunsets several days in a row.

3698. Tank’s ability to help find missing little chickens

3699. Looking forward to Advent

3700. Variety of little chickens and how much Tank loves them.

3701. Success in court for dear friends.

3702. Referral of a new case that highlights Andy’s skills and faith.

3703. Supportive phone calls from friends on a down day.

3704. Second visit with the Becker clan – this time at our house.

3705. New cases to replace those that are wrapping up.

3706. Honesty/transparency character of the folks in our Bible Study group

3707. Warm clothes to wear as the weather turns.

3708. Fun watching the chickens around the yard.

3709. Great positive feedback from teachers at parent teacher conferences.

3710. Misty sunrise

3711. Chickens surviving in bitter cold

3712. Hike up Cottonwood Canyon before the snow flies.

3713. Paul not injured in an accident sliding off the ice.

3714. Having enough to get bills paid without stress.

3715. Significant progress on over coming debt burden

Categories: Autumn, berries, Blessings, chickens, Cottonwood Canyon, Daily life, Extended Family, Faith, Fall, Fall leaves, gratitude, Hiking, Multitude on Mondays, Outdoors, Photography, Thankful to God, Weather | Tags: Autumn, Blessings, Chickens, Fall, fall colors, Give Thanks, Giving Thanks, Gratitude, Hiking, Leaves, Montana, Outdoors, Photography, Thankful to God, Thanks to God | Leave a comment

DEVELOPING POLAR VORTEX . . .

Posted on November 10, 2014 by ajbsandme

As expected, woke up to snow this morning and temps in the single digits. Poor baby chickens aren’t going to know what hit them! Should be even colder tomorrow.

Not that it would be all that interesting to you, but this morning did inspire me to replace my missing marmot hat. I loved that hat. I searched for it for days to no avail. So a trip to REI brought a new favorite into my life. If I get the nerve maybe I’ll do a selfie and show you the new acquisition later this week.

I was able to get these photos just barely. Literally there was only about 20 minutes of break through sunshine. I noticed it developing as I was coming down the high way from the bus stop for J, and I wished I had my camera with me to pull over and capture the magic. But I didn’t, so prayed for it to last long enough to get home, run into the house, grab the camera and head out to the back (south) end of our property to capture the rays playing off the neighbor’s out buildings.

You know it is going to be a good day when such an adventure actually works out!

This last photo was taken from a few feet off my back deck, and just caught the tail end of the light. A few minutes later the sky was socked in again and little wispy flakes were falling. But it was beautiful while it lasted!

Categories: Autumn, Barns, Blessings, chickens, Daily life, Fall, Light, Montana, Montana weather, My Backyard, Outdoors, Photography, snow, Weather, Winter | 1 Comment

SUNRISE OF THE WEEK

Posted on November 8, 2014 by ajbsandme

My friend/second cousin Hannah and I are sharing a favorite sunrise or sunset from each week. This is mine for the first week of November. So sorry Hannah that I’m a day late in getting it up.

Categories: Daily life, Fall, Montana, Montana weather, My Backyard, Outdoors, Photography, Sunrise | Leave a comment

WELCOME NOVEMBER!

Posted on November 3, 2014 by ajbsandme

The first day of November was marked by winter storm warnings. It got windy (thus the leaves flying around in the photo) and there was some moisture spit on us, but big winter storm never materialized.