Happy to Be Sleep Deprived!

Yesterday morning we got up bright and early, it wasn't easy. I am most definitely not a morning person in the least, so getting up anytime before 8 is hard for me. I have to say though that it was completely worth it!
I hopped out of my warm bed thinking I could always take a nap later and that this was important. I went and grabbed clothes for the kids and dressed them while they lay in bed not wanting to get up (with the exception of Gia). Finally coaxed Steve out of bed, he got dressed we grabbed a couple nutrigrain bars for all of us, jumped in the car and headed to the church.
We met up with about another 245 that had also put aside their desires to stay in bed a little longer on a Saturday morning to come be a part of second Saturday.
From the church we headed to a park here in Albuquerque to serve food to the homeless. It was such a wake up call and I really wish I would have brought my camera. Seeing so many people there, made so many things that I had worried about this past week seem so insignificant. One of our friends Amber got out of her car with some blankets she had bought to hand out and was immediately approached by some people asking if they could have them. It broke my heart.

Amber and I made I don't know how many peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for sack lunches, while our husbands and kids served the warm meals that had been prepared. I wish I could have taken a picture of all these adults serving food and these three kids barely tall enough to see over the pans on the table, with gloves on too big for their little hands asking people if they wanted some corn bread and handing it out. They didn't ever complain that they were bored or ask to go home. I was so glad that we had decided to come and serve as a family. I would give up sleep for this any day.
I think we are going to continue to head down to the park a couple Saturdays a month to help out. I want my kids to grow up knowing how blessed we are by the simple things that we all too often take for granted everyday like a warm bed and a choice of cereal for breakfast.
I desire to have a servants heart, to continually serve those around me and in my life. To not get wrapped up in the selfish and greed that has become such a stronghold in this country. It is so easy to get hooked on keeping up with the Joneses, to want the latest stuff, bigger houses, with closets the size of a bedroom, cars that have better sound systems than movie theaters, purses that cost more than some people make in a year.
Last night at church Todd's message spoke a lot about serving. It was inspiring as always. Check out the podcast it should be up tomorrow or Tuesday.

http://sagebrushcommunity.com/

My Photography Blog!

Okay so I finally got my photography blog and will now just be using this as a personal blog.

Here is the link to the new blog.

http://mariahaysphotography.blogspot.com/

August Rush!

Wow I cannot believe that August is already here! This summer really has flown by, we have had lots of fun and I'm so ready for the fall. It is seriously one of my favorite times of year, leaves changing (although we don't see much of that here in New Mexico!), pumpkin carving, hot cocoa and apple cider, warm soups and stews with home made bread, and the smell of cinnamon apples or pumpkin candles burning in the house, Yum! Just talking about it makes me wish it was here already.


Oh and the I have started planning Steve's 30th birthday party! Would love any fabulous theme ideas!! Was thinking of doing the 90's, it will be super fun!!

I will have my photography blog up hopefully by the beginning of next week. My sessions for September and August are really starting to fill up so email me soon if you want to book one and I will have some mini session info coming soon!!

My friend cindy tagged me and I must list 6 quirks and then I will tag some others and leave you with a goofy face from Miss Gianna!

1. I like to eat pickles with a straw at the movie theater (I know that sounds totally weird and I'm not sure why I do it, but I always have and I love it!)

2. I'm obsessed with kissing my children I swear they are the most kissed and squeezed children on the earth, I just can't get enough of them (well maybe some days I feel like I can)

3. I talk to God on a regular basis throughout the day mostly praying for more patience :)!

4. I sing constantly while cooking, cleaning, in the car, in the shower, blow drying my hair, (ask Steve our household is like a 24 hour musical we are always singing, Ava seems to have picked up this quirk as well)

5. I love crafty things and have the tendency to start projects but have trouble finishing them.

6. I have been told I have a mirror face that I make when I'm trying on clothes (in fact I think it was caught on camera once!)

Okay so there are my quirks.

I will tag

My friends and fellow mamas Megan and Erica

Three fellow fab photographers I met at a workshop Rachel Leah and Ellen

One of my Best Friends ever,Beth

These are the rules...

- Link the person who tagged you
- Mention the rules on your blog
- Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours
- Tag 6 fellow bloggers by linking them
- Leave a comment on each of the tagged bloggers blogs letting them know they have been tagged.


Miss Goofy face Gianna