I thought this was cute

The boys and I were sitting reading books this morning. We were reading O Say Can You Say, by Dr. Seuss. Near the end there is a little diddy that talks about what you want to be when you grow up. It goes something like this:
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A cop in a cop's cap?
A cupcake cook in a cupcakes cook's cap?
A fat flapjack flapper in a flat flapjack hat?
Or perhaps you are one of those choosy chaps who likes cooky captains caps?


Then we had a little conversation that went like this:
Ewan: I want to be a fireman when I grow up.
Mommy: That is great! Isaac, what do you want to be when you grow up?
Isaac: CAKE!
Ewan and Mommy look at each other and laugh.
Ewan: Isaac, you can't be cake when you grow up! Maybe you can be a fireman with me when you grow up.
Mommy: Isaac, what do you think? Do you want to be a fireman with your brother when you grow up?
Isaac: Yeah!

Ewan is so good at inviting others along to join in the fun he is having. It warms my heart that he thinks about his brother and wants to be side by side having adventures together. I think it is every little boys dream at some point to be a fireman. Can you blame them though?

Sooooo Tired

Sorry it has been so long since I posted! The reason is: I am exhausted.

I am tired of being tired. I nap when the boys do but I usually spend the afternoon in a fog. It seems like napping maybe making me more tired in the afternoon but I feel like I will pass out if I don't get some sleep.

I started having more nausea and vomiting at 9 weeks. I am 11 weeks now and the nausea/vomiting is getting more intense. I was eating more often to curb the nausea but it doesn't really matter if I eat or not. Meals (with a good amount of protein) seem to be the only thing that keeps the nausea away for a couple of hours. One of the worst things is when one of the kids wakes up at night and I have to go check on someone. I get back to bed with my head swimming in nausea. It usually takes me at least 1 hour (last night 1.5) to get back to sleep because all I want to do is puke. I don't want to get back out of bed because it is warm and cozy so I just "think" the nausea away. It really sucks. Jon is really good about checking on the kiddos if they wake up at night but he doesn't always hear it first. And it seems right that he shouldn't have to get up EVERY time.

Sadly, I have gained 3-4 lbs already. Thankfully my clothes still fit fine. A lot of my pants were a little loose anyway. I was hoping not to start gaining any until after the 1st trimester. Because I have been so tired, I am not doing as much activity, plus I am eating more, plus I am sleeping more. Not really a good combo to keep off extra pounds. I can't wait to start exercising again (right now it makes me pukey--but if I am going to puke all day anyway then maybe I should do it anyway.) Actually, I am worried that it would make me MORE tired--but perhaps it would give me more energy. I am too scared to try it now.

I don't remember being this tired with the boys BUT it has been almost 3 years since I was in the first trimester with Isaac so it's kind of fuzzy. I am hoping and praying that the
nausea/vomiting is short lived and that I start getting my energy back soon. I really think this will be the last pregnancy. I know I always forget what it is like but I don't think I can do this again!

We have several projects to do to get the house ready to sell and it is much more difficult to have energy to play with the boys and work on house projects. The house officially goes up on February 12th. Hopefully all the work will get done and I will be feeling more energetic.

I am going to go crash on the couch and stare nonsensically at the tv before heading off to bed.

Awesome Husband!

I went to our church's women's retreat this weekend. It was a one night deal at a hotel about 30 minutes away from our house. I think I will write more about the retreat later but I wanted to brag about my incredible husband for a minute...

Here are some things I am thankful for:

1. Husband encouraged me to go to the retreat.

2. Husband made phone calls after the deadline passed to make sure I could still go because he wanted to bless me with some time with God.

3. Husband happily made the boys dinner and put them to bed on Friday night.

4. Husband worked hard ALL day playing with the boys and fixing their meals.

5. Husband topped it off by catching up on laundry (something that has been at the bottom of the list since pregnancy tiredness showed up), vacuuming the house, and putting things in their place.

Why is it so sexy when husbands do wonderful things like that? I know some of you may argue about this but I think I have the best husband ever!

What kind of (non-sexual) stuff do you find sexy in your mate?

Is This Normal?

I think I have mentioned before that my children like music. They both are however, some of the pickiest music listeners. They are usually very hesitant to try new music but once forced usually are won over by their parent's great taste in tunes.

Their first favorite is Veggie Tales, or "Bob", if you will. I know almost every word to every song ever made and I mostly enjoy listening to The Veggie Tales gang singing "O, Where Is My Hairbrush" 7 out of 10 car rides. Believe me though, sometimes I am tuned out on another planet when I can't take another round of "Silly Songs with Larry".

The other favorite of my children is Johnny Cash. It all started about a year ago when I saw the movie, Walk The Line. If you haven't seen it, please go and see it! I became a huge Johnny Cash fan and bought a few CDs. Well, I think I actually bought about 4 or 5--okay maybe 6 in about 2.5 months. What can I say, I had some Christmas cash! I could NOT stop listening to Johnny Cash. Every day, all day long the music played. Mostly old stuff--although Jon had a CD of some newer Cash music. I don't know what it was about Johnny Cash's music but it just hit my soul in a way that I have never been able to put my finger on. Perhaps it has something to do with getting in touch with my darker side. I like the novel songs--A Boy Named Sue, One Piece at a Time. I like the more spiritual songs too. The only songs that I usually skip past are the patriotic ones. (That is a whole other post!)

Two days ago we were all in the car and Isaac says, "I want to listen to Johnny Cash". Now, he is 2 years and 3 months old. He has been requesting Johnny Cash for about 6-8 months already. It started off as "Cash" when he got buckled into the carseat but as his language has developed he is becoming more specific. In the car two days ago the sentence that followed the one above was, "I want to listen to Ring of Fire". A first time request for that specific song. Usually it is for Jackson. In 20 or 30 years Isaac will probably think of Johnny Cash as comfort music because it will take him back to some significant developmental time in his life.

We do listen to other music in the car other than Bob and Johnny Cash but it is usually with a fuss beforehand. Sometimes the request is for John Mayer. They finally like The Fray and they like "Jesus music". I worry though that somehow I have somehow misguided their God-Orientation because of my own obsession with Johnny Cash. Perhaps they should have been listening to more worship music and gotten the words and truth of Christ in their hearts.

I am past my listening to Johnny Cash all day, every day and am choosing to be a better listener to how God might be speaking to me by choosing worship music more frequently in the car.

Is it normal for a 2 year old to request specific songs from Johnny Cash?

As a side note, here is an interesting phenomenon. When we had the Honda Element rental while the Civic was being fixed, the kids would listen to ANY music I wanted to listen to without complaining. I could even listen to the radio (gasp--a normal forbidden fruit). Why you ask? Because they associate THEIR favorite music in the cars we regularly drive in. If we are in someone else's car, a strange car, it doesn't matter and they listen to whatever is on without question. I think we went wrong when we continually gave into requests to listen to what they wanted. We love our children and thought it was a great way to show them our love by letting them pick. I think we bent too far in their direction and yes, I admit, sometimes we would rather give into listening to "Bob" again rather than choose a battle where one of the two babes would throw a fit. I do think we are buckling up more and telling them, "You don't always get to listen to what you want to listen to" and "Mommy and Daddy are going to pick something now and you can pick something later" and "How 'bout we just turn off the music and talk". I know, I know, WE are the parents, WE call the shots. I think it took us a while to realize that we had accidentally created two music monster moguls.

Pregnancy Cravings

So far this pregnancy I have had a major craving for beans. I think I have eaten about 10ish cans of beans in 2 weeks. Be thankful you don't live with me! I don't know why in the world I have craved beans so bad--but black beans and refried beans have been like a little slice of heaven for me.

We usually have breakfast for dinner once a week (it is cheap and easy--not to mention delicious). The other night I ate scrambled eggs topped with saurkraut and tobasco sauce. Sounds terribly disgusting, right? It hit the spot. I have never eaten that together before so I definitely give credit to the pregnancy for that one.

Spicy foods have also been at the top of the list. If I didn't have little mouths to feed I think most of our dinner choices would have some spicy kick to them. I add some to my own plate when I think about it.

Announcing......

That is the back of Isaac's head. He is announcing that he will now be a big brother. He will now be the middle child. Part of his personality will now be affected by the fact that he will no longer be the baby. He will still be one of my precious babies but he won't be "THE" baby.

His new sibling is slated to arrive late August. The new baby will be 4 years younger than Ewan and almost 3 years younger than Isaac. Wow. That will be soooo different than having a toddler who is 14 months old in addition to a newborn! We are having faith that the new baby will not be a preemie like his brother and I will be doing some extra things during this pregnancy to hopefully prevent pre-term labor (I will probably write more about that later)--although I will gladly welcome another painless natural labor like I had with Isaac! Bring it on!

It took us longer to get pregnant this time than it did with the boys (not that we were purposely trying to be fruitful with Isaac :)) but we trusted God's timing for another baby. There are a lot of details out there that we don't have answers to right now--like how will all the insurance work since we will be leaving InterVarsity sometime this summer and hopefully/probably getting on Pennsylvania's state insurance (how does THAT work!), which practice will I join for a birth team when we arrive to Pittsburgh, how in the world will I finagle 3 kids while Jon goes plunging into his first full semester in seminary? How will I do this without the support of our family who lives nearby now? Yes, if I think about all those things together it does get a little overwhelming but I know that God will help our family adjust to the new baby and all the circumstances that come along with it. He will provide friends that will become like family. He will work out our finances and provide all that our family needs. You can start praying now for all those details!

We told my mom and stepdad and Jon's parents with the t-shirt today. We were planning on telling my dad, stepmom and all the rest of their family yesterday after church but we ran into a hiccup. I didn't remember EXACTLY how to get to my stepbrother's house but I had the address and knew the general area. We planned on stopping by for a bit after church to see everyone but we couldn't find the house. Jon suggested I call them and ask for better directions. Okay, but where was my purse? Zoinks! It was under the pew at church. That is the ONLY time I have ever left my purse under the pew. We had to turn around and go get my purse and then we didn't have time to go back to my stepbrother's house because 2 boys needed their beauty sleep. It would have been the first time since all the grandkids for that family would have been together so we really wanted to be there.

So Dad, when you read this, we planned on telling you guys in the same way and we wanted you to see what you would have gotten. The plan was for someone to take off Isaac's jacket and then someone would notice what his shirt said. Ta-da!

So far the tiredness has been my biggest symptom of pregnancy. I have had to take a nap pretty regularly during the day while the boys are sleeping. I seem to yawn all the time. I am hoping that no morning sickness rears its ugly head this pregnancy although I realize the chances of that are pretty slim since I had it bad with the boys. There is always a first!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends! Merry Christmas!

What Kids Remember...

This morning Ewan found a breastpump shield in the drawer that has all the sippie cup lids, straws, kiddie spoons etc. "Mommy did you use this when you fed Isaac from your tummy?", he asked so sweetly. At first I didn't understand him and he had to repeat it a few times...
Mommy: What was that Ewan?
Ewan: Did you use this to get milk from your tummy for Isaac?
Mommy: Ooooohhhhh (me realizing what he was asking), yes I did, honey.
Ewan: Okay, thanks!

I didn't bother to correct him. I figure he has plenty of time to figure out that milk doesn't come from mommy's tummy. Giggle, Giggle.

Shout Out

I want to give a shout out to my awesome husband who finished his marathon today. He has worked hard for about 4 months to prepare for the White Rock Marathon. He finished in about 4 hours 25 minutes. The time might need to be adjusted a little bit--if it is I will let you know.

I arrived at the finish line about 30 minutes before he ran across. I stood in the bleachers scanning every runner's face searching for my precious husband. I finally saw him and shouted, "JON PARKER! JON PARKER! YOU DID IT!" and my eyes filled with tears--so did his. I bounced off the bleachers so I could go find him after he got his medal and finisher's shirt. I am so proud of him. He did a great job! Go husband!

***Jon's official time was 4:19*** Pretty good for a first time marathoner!!!!

Beevis and Butthead Moment with "The Baby Jesus"

*** I recommend watching this until 3 minutes since the rest has some PG-13 content in it and doesn't apply to this post.

I was listening to Karyn Ward share about 10 ways to share Jesus with others this Christmas (see post below)and she opened by mentioning that we often hear and talk about the baby Jesus during this time of the year. I immediately flashed to this scene from Talledaga Nights. I know totally immature, right? Come on, you know you have Beevis and Butthead moments at immature stuff too!

I do think this scene could be used for a sermon though--in many different ways! What sermon topic would you use this clip in?

Advent

Advent is my favorite time of the year. I love Christmas--not because of all the gifts I get--but because it is such a great reminder of the arrival of our Savior. I love all the hymns we sing and I love being part of an Anglican church during this time of year.

This past Sunday was the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is a time similar to Lent where you can reflect about what is coming-the arrival of Jesus. It is full of anticipation expecation and I love it. If you want to know more about advent read this.

At church on Sunday, a woman shared her testimony of how God answered her prayer for her brother who was addicted to meth. At the end of her testimony she spoke with astounding poignancy that we at our best are limited. We are limited in our resources, our ability to love, our ability to forgive, our ability to help--BUT God is UNlimited in HIS resources, his ability to love, forgive, help, heal, restore. I have been reflecting on that this week during Advent. The birth of Christ brought hope and fulfillment of God's promises to his people. So, are you needing healing, hope, joy, forgiveness, need to forgive someone, love, need help loving someone? Remember that God is UNlimited in his resources and can provide all you need.

At my mom's group today our speaker, Karyn Ward, shared 10 ways we can share Jesus with others this Christmas getting in touch with the real meaning of Christmas (it won't $$cost$$ near as much):
1. The gift of Truth (John 8:32)

2. The gift of Time
She pointed out something that struck me. As women, we often pat ourselves on the back for being better multi-taskers than men. Sometimes the result can be wonderful because we can accomplish thing faster. Sometimes the cost can be that we don't allow anyone to get ALL of us. I was immediately convicted about multi-tasking while I parent. Trying to take care of laundry while I play dinosaurs with Ewan. True, I am doing 2 things at the same time but my son is only getting part of me. He is probably more aware of that than I think. So, I am committing to check myself for making better use of my time and not giving my husband and children only PART of ME.

3. The gift of Compassion
Got a family member you are about to spend time with that needs some compassion? Yes, it can cost you some emotional energy but it is a great way to share Jesus with your family members--or sales representatives while you shop!

4. The gift of Prayer (James 5:17, Matthew 7:7)

5. The gift of Honor (1Timothy 5:17)
Make a point of honoring your parents, grandparents, elders, in-laws this Christmas. It can be harder than it sounds if you have rocky in-law relationships. I am thankful that I don't have that issue! My in-laws are wonderful and I love them so much! My mother-in-law has taught me a lot about being a mom to boys and I want to be a mother-in-law just like her. She should write a book about it!

6. The gift of Hospitality
Open your home and welcome others--it doesn't matter if you don't have a perfectly decorated house or not.

7. The gift of Encouragement (Ephesians 4:29)
Our words can be an encouragement to others. Take that time and make that phone call, or answer that phone call. Take someone out to coffee who is struggling and be an encourager to them.

8. The gift of Charity (Matthew 25:34-40)

9. The gift of Forgiveness
Restore relationships. Forgive others as you have been forgiven.

10. The gift of Love

Considering a Hospital Childbirth Class?

I love reading blogs. Midwife, doula, labor and delivery nurses, you name it. I have learned a ton from them. I just happened upon this blog, The Life and Times of a Labor Nurse, who made a post about why hospital childbirth classes are actually not very helpful teaching women about "normal" childbirth. The hospital birth teachers are under pressure to teach what and how the doctors prefer when it comed to managed labors--which most of the times includes numerous interventions that interfere with a peaceful, hands off labor experience (continuous fetal monitoring, for example). Here is the link to her post. I recommend you read it. She said it better than I could myself and since she IS a L&D nurse and teaches hospital birth classes she is qualified to speak with authority.

If you are having a hospital birth then it can be helpful to take the class as a supplement to your childbirth education so you can know what to expect when you show up at the hospital. I recommend to anyone to take a private childbirth class from an independent teacher who won't just teach you about hospital policies, but will teach you about normal birth and will focus a majority of the time on educating you about your choices, informed consent, and coping strategies for birth. There are so many different birth classes to choose from so I suggest looking into a couple and pick one that suits your needs. The Bradley Method®, BabyBodyBirth, Birthing from Within, Hypnobabies, Waterbirth are just a couple that are worth looking into--of course my favorite is The Bradley Method® (big smiles).

The Arctic Blast

We got a little arctic storm here yesterday. The sky threw out some snow and a lot of sleet but it made the houses look pretty and the boys got a taste of what cold weather is like. We walked home from "coffee talk" (the weekly get together/play date with 4 other moms in the neighborhood) in the snow/sleet. At first Ewan and Isaac were very excited about it but once they started feeling the sleet hitting their face they were pretty turned off to the idea and started crying.



This morning I made a mini snowman and the boys had a blast throwing snowballs at the neighbors next door. I think they would have stayed outside longer but I was worried about their precious mittenless hands. Isaac kept giggling anytime someone threw snow or clapped a snowball kersplat with their hands. I love that sound! (of Isaac laughing, of course)



Here are some picture highlights:

Made with dead daisy buds and fresh rosemary

Coming home from "Coffee Talk"

Throwing snowballs at mommy

In case you are wondering, the Honda Element is a rental car. The Hybrid is in the shop because Jon got in a fender bender the day before Thanksgiving. It is a fun little car to drive too! If you know anyone who is really tall, like 6'5" looking for a new car this car might work for them. It has lots of head room and is very roomy on the inside.

My First Post On Birth Stuff

I haven't written much about birth on my blog yet. I have been unsure about where to start but I know that I want to include it in my blog. I love reading other blogs on birth and I have learned quite a bit from other midwives and doulas. I also know that many of my friends have had such different experiences in birth and have chosen things differently than I would have and I don't ever want my friends to think I am judging them or cause any tension in my friendships. So with that said, I do want to speak freely about my thoughts and opinions AND I want to honor and protect my friendships with you all. If something comes up I promise to leave out names and specifics so no one else will know who I am referring to (unless you are good friends with other readers of this blog in which case that can't be helped).

I was just telling a friend yesterday that I don't think I will ever go back to the Obstetric/medical model form of prenatal care. The OB that caught Ewan was a fabulous doctor who preferred low intervention birth, didn't try scare tactics to get me to do what HE wanted, and trusted that birth was a normal event and not a disaster waiting to happen. OB's like this are hard to find--but when the word gets out on the street about them women who value the same things come running. For my pregnancy with Isaac I really wanted to try midwifery prenatal care. The midwives I went to were absolutely FABULOUS and I liked all of them. Not all midwives practice the midwifery model of care--some are "med-wives" and are very interventionist oriented as well. In fact there is a midwife in the Dallas area that frequently uses cytotec/misoprostol to induce labor. I would never go to her practice because of that. Cytotec is an off-label use of a drug that has caused uterine rupture, maternal and fetal death.

I am currently getting my well-woman care from the Allen Birthing Center midwives. I was hoping to have our next baby there but since we aren't pregnant yet and will be moving to Pittsburgh this summer it isn't possible.

The first OB I had with Ewan fit the typical model of medical care I have come to expect from most OBs. As Jon and I began to learn about birth and what options we had during labor we started asking our OB questions. We didn't like the answers. Conversations went something like this:

Me: I would prefer not to have an IV during labor so I can move around freely.
Dr. Castellanos: That is not an option.
Me: Is it okay if I eat and drink during labor?
Dr. Castellanos: No.
Me: Why?
Dr. Castellanos: Because you will just throw it all up.
Me internally: That is not an answer and isn't it a sign of transition when women throw up anyway? That just means the baby will be here soon.
Me: What about episiotomies? How often do you perform them?
Dr. Castellanos: It is better to have an episiotomy than a tear---wouldn't you rather have a straight cut than a jagged tear? Women with episiotomies don't have bladder problems later in life.
Me: Mmhmm. (Internally-has this guy read ANY research?)
Jon and I on the way home: He's fired!

That was just the tip of the iceberg--after several conversations with him we realized that he was not going to provide an environment where we could be left alone to labor and do what we wanted. I was beginning to feel anxious about going into labor with him as my doctor and I knew that that could effect my labor so I wanted out. We switched to Dr. Kuhl and never looked back. Sure, I worried that Dr. C. would be offended and I felt guilty about leaving. Looking back I think it was silly for me to feel guilty about leaving. I hired him to work for ME--and he wasn't meeting my standard of care. I don't think he ever blinked an eye about it. I didn't want to go into my labor kicking and screaming about how I wanted to do things.

As a Bradley teacher, I want my students to have doctors who are supportive of their needs and values during labor. I want my friends to experience the same thing too!

I was talking to a friend from church a few weeks ago who shared she was expecting her 3rd baby. Several of us were sitting at a table and I asked her who her OB was. I like to ask around so I know good referrals for students. She proceded to tell our table that her OB was a long drive away--she started going to him pregnant with #1 and working next door to his office. She mentioned that he had made her cry about her weight gain, was kind of mean, and didn't even remember her when she came in pregnant with #2 (I think less than 2 years later). I looked at her shocked and said, "So why don't you switch?". Well, he is nice most of the time and now he does remember me. I asked her how far she lives from the hospital in Allen. "5 minutes", she said. "I know of a great doctor group at Allen Prespy--why don't you try them out? The convenience of being close to home will surely make you think about it--you don't want to have to drive 40 minutes to every appointment, do you?", I said. Okay, I was forthcoming in my opinion about her switching--but it makes sense, right? Being close to home will be great for her other kiddos to come see the new baby, her husband to go back and forth if he needs to and also, she would be getting great care from people who actually like and remember their patients! I don't know if she will make the switch or not but I hope she does. Her hesitancy was that she would feel bad about leaving him. You know what I said--actually a few other women said the same thing at the table--"What?! He works for you honey--if you don't like his care then move on!"

So, my hope is that women don't settle for second best when they can have the kind of prenatal care they desire. Whether or not that is from an OB or a midwife is up to each individual person. I think that women should not have to bargain or beg their doctors for how they want to give birth. This is their birth--your birth--and it will be remembered by each mommy and daddy forever. The doctor/midwife will only remember it for a short time. Women should be able to labor and birth their babies how they want to and receive care from providers who are there to support them through their pregnancy, labor, and birth.

Let's Talk About Accents

I never knew my Dad had an accent until I was in college. I don't know why I never noticed it before then--and I don't really know why I started noticing it when I was in college. Perhaps it was the general eye opening experience that college is.

Anyway, Jon and I have an ongoing joke about how thick my dad's East Texas accent really is. Jon thinks it is as thick as thick can be--imagine the most hillbilly accent you can and that is what Jon thinks my dad sounds like. I hold the opinion that it IS thick but not THAT thick.

We spent Thanksgiving with my dad this year which was wonderful. My dad is rehashing this story from something that happened to him recently and he was saying that ANGIE HAR-MONE was flirting and doing "boy crazy" stuff. He couldn't remember the girl's name he was talking about so he kept saying THAT ANGIE HAR-MONE. I thought he was saying that HAR-MONE was her last name but no, he was actually saying HORMONE. He was calling her Angie Hormone making fun of her hormones! When in the world did his accent get so thick I can't even understand what he is saying?

They did move back to East Texas a few years ago so I think being around all those other southern folk has made him revert back to that thick twang. Now, don't get me wrong--I am NOT saying that Jon is right about the thickness of the accent. I can never concede to that debate--and even if he WAS right (which he isn't) I would never admit it.

Knock, Knock

Ewan: Knock, Knock
Daddy: Who's There?
Ewan: Taco.
Daddy: Taco Who?
Ewan: TACO OLIVE!!!!!

Mommy and Daddy: Hahahahaha, giggle, giggle, giggle. And it was genuine laughter.

Ewan made it up, can you tell?

Anyone Can Comment

I changed the features on my blog so that you don't have to be a registered user to leave a comment. So, Dad, Grandma, Mimi, Mom--and anyone other family members that don't have an account--you can leave a comment now. Enjoy!

The Next Several Posts...

So, the next several posts are throughout one day to show you what a typical day in our lives look like. I hope you enjoy them.

After a Long Morning of Playing....

MY HOUSE LOOKS LIKE THIS!

I am trying to figure out the best way to pick up during the morning. Attention spans don't last long and I an really bad at reminding them to pick up something before they move on to the next thing. I need to start doing that! Any advice?

My Contortionist

Ewan is learning how to be a contortionist. I think I will try to get him an audition for Cirque du Soleil. Sometimes playing with pots and pans are so much more exciting than playing with toys.

Look At That Sunset!

So here we are outside playing in the "fort". A super great find at a garage sale for only $10. Daddy is grilling pork chops and we are all playing in between pork chop flipping. We get some really incredible sunsets at our house. Behind our backyard is a cornfield so we don't have anything to obstruct our view of the horizon. It is really incredible some nights. I have done nothing to alter the pictures and of cours they do absolutly no justice to how beautiful the sunset really is across the sky.