Simply Craig

One of the best pieces of photography advice I've ever received came from a friend who simply said, "Take at least one picture every day, and you'll be surprised how much you learn." It sounded almost too simple. But after practicing it for the past few months... I can honestly say she was right. Carrying my camera with me each day has taught me to see the world differently. Instead of waiting for special occasions, I've started noticing the beauty in ordinary moments—the little expressions, the changing light, and the everyday memories that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. I've learned so much just by making it a habit to capture one photograph each day. Today's "photo of the day" came easy. A friend asked if I would watch her little boy while she was out of town, and of course I said yes. We've thoroughly enjoyed having a baby in the house again. I introduced him to the train, and we've been best buddies ever since. The only downsid...

Kindergarten is right around the corner. That means new friends, a new teacher, a backpack just her size... and one last hurdle before she can officially begin. Those dreaded, mandatory kindergarten shots. Every child knows exactly what the word  "shots"  means. My brave little Brit tried so hard to be tough. She carried that worry with her all day, doing her best to hold back the tears she knew were waiting. Poor thing. Of course, our first stop inside the doctor's office was her favorite place... A mouthful of candy has a funny way of distracting a little girl...for at least a few minutes. As the appointment drew closer, I could see the nervousness written all over her face. Then, just as he always seems to do... Daddy arrived. He sat beside her as the nurse prepared the shot. Brit wrapped her tiny fingers tightly around one of Daddy's, squeezing it with all her might. She was determined to be brave. But the very moment the needle pierced her skin... Every ounce of ...

The ground is starting to warm up, the days are growing longer, and all the signs are pointing to one thing... It's time to plant another garden. Yes, I said  another . Last year's garden definitely wasn't what you'd call a  victory garden. I blamed the fancy drip system that faithfully overwatered and drowned nearly everything we planted. This year, I'm putting my trust in the old-fashioned watering method...me. I'm ready for homegrown tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fresh vegetables picked right off the vine instead of forgotten in the refrigerator until they're no longer fresh. There's just something satisfying about walking outside, gathering what you need for dinner, and knowing it came from your own backyard. If you're not planting a garden this year, don't feel bad. If all goes well... I'll share. As I planted each tiny seedling, I couldn't help but notice how much gardening resembles life. Every plant competes for the same things—w...

Saturday afternoon marked our first boating trip of the season as we launched onto the cool waters of Roosevelt Lake with good friends. The warm sunshine, desert scenery, and endless blue water made it the perfect day to soak up a little vitamin D and start working on that summer tan. After all, every girl knows that a little sunshine makes your eyes sparkle brighter and your teeth look whiter. As for me... At the moment I have white skin and tanned teeth, and summer is quickly approaching. YIKES! While the girls on the boat were dreaming about sunshine and relaxation, the guys had an entirely different plan. Before long they were unloading wakeboards, bindings, ropes, life jackets, and handles, eagerly preparing for their first ride of the season. Then came the part I couldn't understand. Without hesitation, they jumped into the  69-degree  water and happily strapped their feet into their wakeboards. Meanwhile... The girls screamed every time a splash of that freezing water l...

Happy 15th Anniversary, B.T.C.!   Without further delay... let me fill you in on our anniversary getaway. We flew to California on Thursday afternoon, checked into our room, stepped out onto the balcony... and this was our view. I was beyond thrilled. There is something about the ocean that speaks peace to my soul. It has a way of slowing life down and reminding me to simply breathe. Honestly... I could have stayed  F O R E V E R. We decided to splurge a little and spend an afternoon being pampered at the Montage Resort Spa. It was a wonderful reminder that every now and then it's okay to slow down and take care of yourself. We spent time relaxing by the pool, soaking in the beautiful surroundings, and enjoying every minute of being together. But my favorite part? Watching the sunset from the balcony of our room. The colors, the sound of the waves, the cool evening breeze... It was breathtaking. What a perfect way to celebrate fifteen wonderful years together. Just when I thou...