A leprechaun visited our house last night for the first time. Gabe and David had a hay day waking up to find his sneeky little tricks. Among other things there was green milk, green orange juice, tipped over chairs, green kisses on the face, and a few tricks that I didn't even see myself. A bowl in the library and a stool in the living room, hummm.....

This stuff might as well be real gold. Not that I bought it of course, it was the leprechaun, but if I had bought it two days before St. Patrick's day it would have cost her over $6/ pound. Needless to say, the boys didn't get that many.

Can you see the clover?

Yeah, I don't think the boys did either,

they just saw the chocolate.

A mirror decoration left by our green little visitor

And some green leprechaun tinkle to round it out. I don't think they've flushed that toilet yet.

Twinners

Between the braces and new bangs we could be sisters. We're not though, this is Zach's 12 year old niece Megan. Hard to tell us apart eh? The only hint that I'm 27 and not 13 is the fine lines on my forehead. Don't zoom in too much people. I'm even blessed with a teenage complexion- i.e. I still get zits. That doesn't seem fair- zits and wrinkles at the same time. Must be my youthful personality. We'll just call them laugh lines, that sounds better than wrinkles.

Head Shot

I set up to take my first head shot on Saturday and I needed some test material. These were my willing, albeit wiggly, helpers.

What's in a Name?

(This isn't me, I just took this picture of someone else)

I have this notion that I want to start a little side photography business and I'm debating on the name. Faithful blog followers, I need your help. Choosing menu items at a restaurant was never my strong point. This indecisive girl would greatly appreciate some assistance.

Top Choices In no particular order:

Hutchins Photography

Alana Hutchins Photography

Beautiful Mountain Photography

(a play on the Mountains and Temples here)

Bel Monte Photography

Bella Montaña Photography

Photos by Alana

Or if you you have some other great idea I'd love to hear it.

One Nice Thing

Last week we talked about love at home and family prayer in Relief Society. One lady made the comment that in her family they all say one nice thing about the person who is giving the nightly prayer. I thought this sounded like a great tradition so we've been trying it out. So far, so good. Previously the boys liked to give the prayers but now it makes it an extra special time. They get to hear positive things about themselves or think of something positive about another person. A tradition worth starting in your home too?

(Totally unrelated pictures of Gabe at his swimming lessons)

(Gabe can officially not sink for about 5 seconds in the pool while he flounders around in a forward motion. We'll keep practicing)

Baby Shower

This is one of the ladies I visit teach. Her husband is serving overseas right now so she is trying to do the single mom thing with her two girls. Its hard since she's been pregnant and exhausted. She's a trooper though and she's scheduled to go into the hospital this week for delivery. (That's an apt name for it, Delivered from your captivator. ) Her husband won't even be able to meet the little tyke until she's about 8 months old. Since its not her first girl, the event was more of a diaper/meal shower. Turned out well I thought. After making 45 cupcakes and a batch of cinnamon rolls I was fairly breathing in the confection today but there are worse things to have than a sugary kitchen. Other people brought more healthful things like fruit and vegetables to share.

Her two girls and another sweet baby that came to the shower

This is what she has to look forward to after 9 long months of waiting. God bless her. I know I'll be volunteering to baby sit whenever I can.

Under Construction

My kids like to play dress up. This kid's no different. Ain't he tough looking in his boot and hard hat? A few facial scratches for effect.

Favorite quote of the day that's going on my wall some time:

"God authors our lives with Love

He illustrates them with Children"