Toys, Toys, Toys

I have never ever really been a spender. I love to save up for stuff, I think, but I never actually spend it on something fun. I have three Wal-Mart giftcards in my wallet, but I'm afraid of not spending them on the right thing. Seriously, I have money issues. It's not that I worry that there won't be enough, I just think I feel better the longer I hang onto it.

When it comes to big purchases, the phrase "Just Do It" comes to mind. I hem and haw and waffle back and forth and never do it, and then end up regretting not making the purchase. So when the state income tax refund check came in, I could think of about eighty million ways that we could spend it reasonably (new carpet, savings/investments to name a few). But we knew that the best way we could spend that money was on a camera. Michael has somehow managed to take some really beautiful pictures of Phoebe in her first three months, but most of them are grainy and lacking. I want to have gorgeous memories of all of our babies and our family, but I don't want to pay someone else to have them. So Michael found a great deal on a Nikon D70s (that's a digital cadillac, folks), and bought it that day.

I was afraid I'd have major buyer's remorse, and thinking about the price tag, I really kind of did. But then the camera got here. And in the first 100 pictures taken, at least 40 were frameable, and they're the best 40 pictures we've ever taken. I'm so stinkin' excited!

Michael has the day off today, so he's spending his morning learning how to use this bad boy. He already knows several modes, the best light, the best focus, everything. I'm hoping for a workshop this afternoon! What a fun way to celebrate an Independence Day!

And speaking of the fourth, I truly do thank the Lord today for our freedom. What rich blessings we have as a country! In the midst of all of the bad news, we live in a remarkable place. I am so grateful for those who have sacrificed much for our independence. May God continue to bless America.