here are your answers in one super duper long post

Answers to some of your questions. Here it goes:

Q: Are your daughters' names really True, Brave, and Soul?
A: Yes, they are indeed. No joke. The first two actually didn't have a name until after they were born. Brave was home 4 days before she was actually given a name. Here is a quick story on their names...

True is because she is our true miracle. Medically speaking, Ben has a condition that isn't supposed to allow us to have children. He even had surgery to try and get it fixed, but I was sitting in the doctor's office with him when we were both told that it didn't work and that the chances of having children naturally didn't look good. I cried, but I loved him and a year later we got married. Thus, when we did, we didn't worry about any birth control, cause well we had the most natural form (or so we thought), but God does miracles today and we were pregnant one month later. Now, we a total of three miracles! Or maybe, Ben was just testing me to see how much I really loved him! Hmm...

Brave's full name is Brave Noëlle. Brave cause our prayer for her is that she is Brave for the gospel and Noëlle means Christmas, which is Christ. Christ is the gospel. There you have it. Brave choice I know, but we love it. There is also a children's book called Ruby Lu, Brave and True, so it couldn't have been more perfect!

Soul, well you know that story already. And yes, the grandparents were highly opposed to both names True and Brave at first, but when Soul came around, they were already used to our naming habits!

Q: How do you take good family pictures or pictures of just the two of you?

A: We use a gorilla pod, which is just about the best thing ever. We are a bit particular in our picture taking, so we don't really ask strangers to do it (no offense strangers), so the gorilla pod is the best thing ever! I think we bought ours from amazon here. We put it on, get the camera in place, set the timer and I run in!

I don't have any professional photography skills as I just like to take pictures, but I wrote an article once for online magazine Sekund and I give some tips on how to capture some good pictures here.

Q: What type of camera do you use?

A: I use a Nikon d40, which is really old school now compared to some of the models out there, but I love it. I really would like to upgrade to this, but gotta save more pennies! If you look on the right side bar of my blog (right under followers), you will see the list of all the camera (and sewing) equipment that I use.

Q: What lens do you use the most?

A: I use my 18-200mm VR lens pretty much all the time.

Q: What program do you use to make your "slice of life" videos?

A: I use imovie on a Mac. I love mac and imovie is so so easy to use. When I was a teacher, my class learned how to make videos, so I learned the basics then and kinda just guess my way along the way now. It really takes me no more than 30 minutes to make a video, the hard part (and longest part) is finding a song.

Q: Where do you store all your craft stuff and all the things you make?

A: I am pretty lucky that I have my own studio area in our house, but it is such a mess and not organized. That is why you don't see pictures of it often. Once it is, I will share. I need more shelves, which is on my to-do list!

Q: What highchair do you use as I see Soul is sitting right up to your dining table?

A: We use a Stokke high chair, which is just about the best thing ever! It does cost a bit more, but it isn't a pain to clean and she is involved right at the dinner table. I am so glad we tossed the traditional one out and decided to get the Stokke instead.

Q: What is Ben's profession?

A: Ben is a registered dietitian and he works as a health educator for a local hospital. Healthy eating is very important to our family. You have to practice what you preach, right? Rest assured though, I am so normal and have a really bad sweet tooth. It is just all about moderation. I keep telling him he must start a blog.

Q: What does a typical day for you look like?

A: I wrote down my day for Design for Mankind's dallies several months back. See it here.

Q: When do you find time to craft?

A: All the girls take naps between 1-4pm daily. Well, most times at least 2 out of 3 are napping, so this is my time to get things done.

Q: Where are your sneakers from (this picture)?

A: They are really old, but I rarely wear sneaker type shoes, so they are in the best condition ever. I got these shoes 8 years ago when I was studying in London and they are a brand called Shelly's. I love Shelly's, so wish I could get them here!

Hope this answered most of your questions that you have sent me on either comments or via email. If you have anymore, leave them here. I know there are a few others like what types of gifts do I give for Christmas or favorite blog reads, I will answer those questions in a post of its own.

Also, thank you for your encouragement and thoughts regarding a fourth. It is really nice to read the wisdom from those who have gone before me (and even those who haven't) in this arena. That's why it is nice to have friends here in this space, we all learn and teach each other. We need to pray diligently about God's will for us, but I must say I am very encouraged by all of you!

The weekend is upon us and after being cooped up at home for a week, I can't wait to get out! Anyone got any fun plans? Please do share!

Thanks friends!!! xoxo