I'm stealing/borrowing this idea from my friend, Annie. She does Thursday's 13 every week. This is my first time but since today is Thursday the 13th, I felt it was appropriate!
This is in no particular order, just as thought came to me...
13. Bryant's 2nd grade teacher. She is AWESOME! We prayed that he'd have the right teacher and I'm certain she was Hand-picked for Bry! She is so fun but very articulate and firm. She is such a rare balance in a teacher. Usually they're very discipline oriented or fun oriented- she's the perfect blend of both!
12. The instructor for my photography class. He has such a unique approach to photography and the business side of things. It's been a good class to shake up my way of thinking on some things!
11. My girl, Delainey who reminds me not to take myself too seriously. She helps me to see the beauty in simple things and just enjoy each day that I've been given. I love her attitude like when I say, "We're going to buy groceries". She responds, "YAY!" Anything and everything is fun for DJ. I love that!
10. Ted and Karen, the hosts of our small group on Monday nights. I have no idea how they have their house cleaned and presentable, with 3 young children week after week. As inspiring as that is, the thing that really inspires me is their desire to open their home and honor God in such a sacrificial way.
9. My baby, Elle who shows me daily what unconditional love is really about. She thinks I am cool whether I'm wearing name brand or still in my old p.j.'s. She thinks I'm beautiful even before I've fixed my hair or put on make-up. She thinks I'm wonderful just as plain old me. And she thinks it's fun just to ride around on my hip without any additional entertainment. How cool is that?
8. My old friend, Angie who is strong and courageous and just moved to SC a few months ago. She inspires me because she is really having a hard time adjusting to living here. As we all know, moving to a different state with a modest income is HARD! I admire her because she is staying optimistic and continues to trust God even when so many things are scary and unclear. I can't wait to see things work out for her and I know they will.
7. My friend, Amanda, who I know from the Grand Canyon. She is my age, mother of two, very active and fit. Last November her heart stopped and her husband (a paramedic) had to bring her back. She inspires me because even though she has been through SO much in the last year, she stays focused and optimistic. She never feels sorry for herself or dwells on how hard it's been for her and her family. She is an amazing mom and woman. She sets a high standard and I continually use her as an example of the kind of woman I want to be.
6. Jim and June Warren, who are by far the coolest old people I have ever met. I've never known people in their 80's who are so with it and easy to talk to. They remind me of a couple in their 30's or 40's- in more ways than one. Jim and June inspire me in so many ways and have influenced our marriage hugely. They and are such a great example of staying in love through the years. Also, they inspire me to stay in touch with younger generations, no matter how old I am.
5. My friend, Annie , who I think is just wired with a servant's heart. She'll probably get mad at me for putting this on here because she wouldn't ever want any public credit, but too bad. She has been helping me with my girls so I can go to photography class and I continually overhear her offering to help others. Last week she made dinner for us when Caleb was out of town. Yesterday I heard her offer to watch a pregnant friend's little boy because they are moving into a new home. Tomorrow she's making a meal for a mutual friend who's son is in the hospital. Is that an example of a generous person or what? I want to give like that!
4. My son, Bryant. He has inspired me lately by his optimism and child-like faith. As we were waiting for the bus this morning, he said, "I think I hear the bus coming Mom. Will you pray for me before I go?" If he only knew how amazing he is! I love that kid so much!
3. My parents. Both of their pictures are in the dictionary, in case you didn't know. My dad's is under the word(s) "Hard Worker" and my mom's is under the word "Perseverance". I admire them and the attitude they have, especially when they're against all odds. They inspire me to press on in the toughest times!
2. My man, Caleb. What an example of a person with a good heart and good will towards others. I love so many things about Caleb, but his tenderness towards others has really impacted me lately. I love that he has such a soft spot for people who are hurting and doesn't ever want to a source of hurt for anyone. I love that he's man enough to tear up when he's moved by something. And I love that he will talk to anyone and treat them as his equal regardless of their social status, handicap or anything else.
1. My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm realizing over and over again that He really desires a relationship with me and even though it makes no sense at all, He sees me as valuable and precious. He wants me to love Him with all my heart, my mind, soul & strength. How often I worship the gift and not the Giver. "This stuff competes for the allegiance I owe only to the Giver of all good things." -Rich Mullins
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Lifetime of Learning...
I just completed week 2 of my second photography class at Charleston's Center for Photography. This class is great but a little intimidating because it's all about having your work critiqued by the instructor as well as the rest of the students in class. My first assignment went very well with a lot of great feedback (whew). In trying to grow myself into a better photographer, I've been getting out some of my old stuff that I photographed in prior years and critiquing myself. Thankfully, I'm my toughest critic because I'd die of humiliation if my class were as hard on me as I am on myself.
As I was looking at some of my older work I saw some really great stuff and then I saw some stuff I wish I'd never shot. In a way I guess that's good because I can see that I'm making progress. I sometimes would see a shot and realize my composition was all wrong or my exposure was not right. I would cringe and think "why didn't I see that?" With some images that I once thought were pretty good, I'm now throwing in the trash.
Life can be like that too. Sometimes when I think back to seasons in my life (some not too long ago), I cringe and think, "why didn't I see that?" or "why did I say that". I wonder why I acted in a certain way or lacked the wisdom and knowledge to handle myself better in a situation. Sometimes it's hard to look back and I don't think it's productive to do too often because we should continue to look forward and press on. Occasionally, I do think it can be useful to look back though, to learn from our selves and our own history. I sometimes think how I'd like to handle things if I got a "Do-over".
I'm so thankful that God doesn't require perfection from us. I would miss the mark every time. I'm also so glad He lets us learn and loves us enough to keep teaching us and refining us. I can't go back and re shoot all the great photographs I missed in years past or go undo all the wrong things I've done, but I can look for new opportunities with a better understanding of what I want to accomplish. Thank you God for allowing me to look back but not requiring me to.
As I was looking at some of my older work I saw some really great stuff and then I saw some stuff I wish I'd never shot. In a way I guess that's good because I can see that I'm making progress. I sometimes would see a shot and realize my composition was all wrong or my exposure was not right. I would cringe and think "why didn't I see that?" With some images that I once thought were pretty good, I'm now throwing in the trash.
Life can be like that too. Sometimes when I think back to seasons in my life (some not too long ago), I cringe and think, "why didn't I see that?" or "why did I say that". I wonder why I acted in a certain way or lacked the wisdom and knowledge to handle myself better in a situation. Sometimes it's hard to look back and I don't think it's productive to do too often because we should continue to look forward and press on. Occasionally, I do think it can be useful to look back though, to learn from our selves and our own history. I sometimes think how I'd like to handle things if I got a "Do-over".
I'm so thankful that God doesn't require perfection from us. I would miss the mark every time. I'm also so glad He lets us learn and loves us enough to keep teaching us and refining us. I can't go back and re shoot all the great photographs I missed in years past or go undo all the wrong things I've done, but I can look for new opportunities with a better understanding of what I want to accomplish. Thank you God for allowing me to look back but not requiring me to.
Friday, August 24, 2007
They keep us grinning
...the kids that is. They definitely keep us on our toes, but without a doubt, they give us a good laugh every single day. I say this often to friends who aren't sure if they want kids or who are getting ready to have a baby: "Parenting is the hardest job I've ever had but it is by far the most rewarding!"
Bry started 2nd grade this week at his new school and it's going very well. We are very pleased with his teacher. Our neighborhood was rezoned to a different school which at first seemed like one more unneeded change in his ever-changing world, but it has turned out to be a good thing. He bolts off the bus everyday with his wild blonde curls and a huge smile stretched across his tired face. After having him home all summer, by 2:00 I am missing that little Lego maniac!
On Wednesday, Bryant got off the bus and informed me, "The girl on the bus that was being a bully, she pinched my armpit! She said she knows where everyone lives and we can't get away from her. She also said she wants to get a nose ring, so she is DEFINITELY not the girl for me." Later I asked Bryant if he thought she was "the girl for him" before she mentioned her desire for the nasal decor. He replied, "No, but I'm pretty sure she thought I was the boy for her."
Just a little while ago I overheard Delainey having a pretend conversation on her Barbie cell phone. This is what I heard...
"Hi Casey, I'm sorry I missed your e-mail....unt-uh, no I haven't seen Dora..." It just cracks me up how she gets lost in her world of imagination. She's getting a little sassy lately, which isn't fun to deal with but my hope is that it will pass quickly. Overall, she's a delight. She is such a vibrant little thing and optimism is the biggest part of her thought process, which I love! Everyday is an adventure in the life of this 3 year old! What she lacks in size (often still in 18 month and 2T clothes!) she does more than make up for in her love for everyday life. The things we could learn from that kind of outlook!
It's hard to even picture Elle being sassy or anything but perfect at this point. But experience tells me I couldn't be further from reality if I buy into that train of thought. I'm sure by this time next year, she'll be picking fights with her older sibbling like the little chihuahua who picked on the big doberman. As much as I'd like to think differently, I'm certain she'll even talk back a time or two. As for now, we're enjoying the blissfulness of a sweet and precious little crawler who thinks her parents and her sibblings are the greatest people in the whole wide world.
We are immeasurably blessed!
Bry started 2nd grade this week at his new school and it's going very well. We are very pleased with his teacher. Our neighborhood was rezoned to a different school which at first seemed like one more unneeded change in his ever-changing world, but it has turned out to be a good thing. He bolts off the bus everyday with his wild blonde curls and a huge smile stretched across his tired face. After having him home all summer, by 2:00 I am missing that little Lego maniac!
On Wednesday, Bryant got off the bus and informed me, "The girl on the bus that was being a bully, she pinched my armpit! She said she knows where everyone lives and we can't get away from her. She also said she wants to get a nose ring, so she is DEFINITELY not the girl for me." Later I asked Bryant if he thought she was "the girl for him" before she mentioned her desire for the nasal decor. He replied, "No, but I'm pretty sure she thought I was the boy for her."
Just a little while ago I overheard Delainey having a pretend conversation on her Barbie cell phone. This is what I heard...
"Hi Casey, I'm sorry I missed your e-mail....unt-uh, no I haven't seen Dora..." It just cracks me up how she gets lost in her world of imagination. She's getting a little sassy lately, which isn't fun to deal with but my hope is that it will pass quickly. Overall, she's a delight. She is such a vibrant little thing and optimism is the biggest part of her thought process, which I love! Everyday is an adventure in the life of this 3 year old! What she lacks in size (often still in 18 month and 2T clothes!) she does more than make up for in her love for everyday life. The things we could learn from that kind of outlook!
It's hard to even picture Elle being sassy or anything but perfect at this point. But experience tells me I couldn't be further from reality if I buy into that train of thought. I'm sure by this time next year, she'll be picking fights with her older sibbling like the little chihuahua who picked on the big doberman. As much as I'd like to think differently, I'm certain she'll even talk back a time or two. As for now, we're enjoying the blissfulness of a sweet and precious little crawler who thinks her parents and her sibblings are the greatest people in the whole wide world.
We are immeasurably blessed!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Have you seen this man?
There is a very odd guy who pops up from time to time around our house. If you see him lurking around the neighborhood, I recommend calling the cops. He seems harmless but there is a cheesy way about him that makes me a little uneasy. He claims to be looking for his gold chain and disco shoes. Please let me know if you have any info on this weirdo.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Sweet Surprises
We returned safe and sound from a GREAT trip to Arizona! We were able to visit all of my extended family at my Grandma's 75th birthday party. That was a huge success with over 125 people there to celebrate her life and the legacy she has built. We celebrated at the beautiful San Marcos hotel in Chandler's historic district. It was great to see so many loved ones in one place. Being 2,000 miles away can make you value time with family far more than being in the same state.
This trip to Arizona was very emotional for me. I think it forced me to face the fact that I am very homesick and how much a I dearly love the west. I think I've convinced myself each time we've moved why this new place is better than the last. While there are so many wonderful things here in South Carolina (good school system for the kids, great programs for the kids, photography opportunities for me, classes, business opportunities... to name a few), I really miss my parents terribly. I don't like to use the word "hate", but I can honestly say there are times I HATE being so far away. I've also wondered about our journey and whether parts of it were necessary or not. I think mostly just wanting to see God's hand at work and some kind of reassurance from Him.
So as we packed up and headed back to the beautiful East coast, I was so full of conflicting emotions. So sad to leave some of the people I love the most. But optimistic and excited about Bryant's new school year and my photography business that is begining to blossom. I'm looking forward to taking more classes and minor things like landscaping our yard, but there are some strong heart strings that keep pulling my thoughts back to Arizona. I was feeling torn.
As we headed home on the long plane flight I sat wondering why went to Grand Canyon, only to leave Arizona again and now I'm homesick. What a fickle person I am. God must look at me as a problem child sometimes! I guess my only consolation is that He has us in mind and He wouldn't lead us anywhere without being with us each step of the way and having a plan. I trust He has a plan for our lives and it's a good one. (Jeremiah 29:11)
I came home to a very full inbox of e-mails. I began sorting through and found a very surprising e-mail from a sweet girl that I knew from Grand Canyon. I had never gotten an e-mail from her before and wondered how she got my address. She and I went through a short phase of writing letters after she moved off to college. She had fallen into a time in her life shadowed by rebellion and drugs. Her mom was in my women's Bible study group and I can't tell you how many times she pleaded with tears running down her cheeks for prayer for her beautiful young daughter. I had such a burden for this young lady maybe because I could feel her mom's pain and maybe because she reminded me a little of myself at that age. Last I heard from this girl, she was asking God a lot of questions and had some hurt and anger towards Christianity in general. Here's a small section of the e-mail I got from her:
"In the midst of my frustrating search (for a cd), I came upon a shoebox that I had stuffed letters and cards in and that's when I came across a letter you had sent me almost two years ago. It all came together and tears welled up in my eyes. I could hardly believe that I would forget about the short time we wrote letters back and forth. When I read the letter I realized how much God has worked on me since then, and I hadn't even realized how far I have come. Around March I renewed my faith in Christ and since then, He has been hard at work. I was re-baptized on June 16 this summer. The last two or three days I've been asking God to reveal more of Himself to me, I have been wanting to see more and know more of Him. And it's funny how He just pops up like a jack-in-the-box and says yeah, hi, told you I was here for you. Surprises are always fun. In your letter you said "God can open our eyes immensely when we give Him a bit of our time and attention" and I have been learning this more and more and more since I gave my life back to Christ.
Overall, I wanted to thank you for taking the time to write me and pray for me. I will honestly tell you that at the time, I appreciated your efforts but rejected the thoughts you had to offer me...now I just want you to know that this letter has impacted me more than you know. God used you in my life and I didn't even know it until 2 years after I received this letter. Thanks for the love, I could still feel the love in the words you wrote when i read the letter today and that means so much. And you quoted Jeremiah 29:11 a couple times...this verse has been a guiding and encouraging light on my path to seeking the Lord."
As if this encouraging e-mail wasn't enough, I received another unexpected e-mail from a dear lady who also was in Bible study with me at GC. She often would ask for prayer for her mom who was in a nursing home and who became a believer at the age of 87 (never give up, right?). It was a painful road for my friend Dianna who was so thankful that her mom excepted the Lord, but still wanted her mom to see God's goodness, trust Him and grow in His ways. This is hard enough for those of us who trust the Lord at a young age, not to mention someone closing in on 90! Dianna and I have kept in touch here and there since I moved. Everytime I think of Dianna, I can't help but to think about her mom and I've been compelled to pray for her because I know she is so dear to Dianna. Here's part of another amazing e-mail that waited for me in my inbox:
"Our three days with mom was a precious time and the hardest thing was to leave mom last Thursday believing I would likely not see her again this side of heaven. Mom's physical decline went very quick and hospice did a good job keeping her at a comfortable level and with alertness until the last few days. When I called mom Saturday a.m. the caregivers told me that mom was not responding to them at all and that was the first day she didn't accept water or food. They put the phone to mom's ear and I told her we were all thinking of her and loved her. Later in the afternoon, I FELT led to call her and read Psalm 23 to her and again the caregivers told me she hadn't been responding to them. I explained I still wanted to read to her and they put the phone to her ear. I very carefully read the Psalm verses, The Lord is my Shepherd...........and told her I loved her and waited for the caregiver to speak to me before saying goodbye...I heard mom breathing and trying to speak......The caregiver explained that mom's eyes were opened and she was hearing me and the caregiver encouraged me to continue to talk to mom, so of course I said OK! Then I prayed with mom thanking the Lord for so many things including the love that surrounded her at that moment in her senior home and our family, our own forgiveness and the healing and good memories I was left with. I then prayed for God to send angels into her room to escort her away to heaven with a new heavenly body when she was ready to go, with no more worries......... Then I heard the caregivers repeating mom's name over and over and I knew something was happening. They came back on the phone to tell me while I was praying with mom, they thought she took her last breaths and passed away -- -- and she did. What a beautiful gift that though I was miles away, God brought us together with spontaneous prayer by phone and mom breathed her last breath on earth. My prayer had been that God would take mom in her sleep peacefully BUT God had a better plan to include me and the caregivers that had grown to love her. What a witness it was. There are other "God things" that came to pass in those last days and I am truly in AWE of how God does work things together for those of us who love Him! For now, know God has answered prayers beyond belief with mom's salvation at age 87 (2 yrs ago) and my faith is only strengthened in spite of the hard road we traveled together. I am at peace and mom's wishes were to be cremated and scattered at sea (as my step dad was) and we will gather as a family in the future at some point. For now, it is well with my soul!! and moms too!!!"
I have been in such a time of wondering if I am totally missing the boat when it comes to God's direction. Sometimes I wonder why on earth we've had to move so much. Did we hear Him incorrectly? Have we made any connections that meant anything to anyone? Then I got these e-mails and although I don't have all the answers, I can see God at work. That is better than answered questions to me! I was so encouraged by these e-mails because I could clearly see God working in the lives of people I had the humbling priviledge to pray specifically for. These two e-mails revealed to me that when we are willing, God will use us. We may not see fruit for years, but God hears our prayers. It has encouraged me to keep praying for the ones I love so much. May we never give up on the hope we have in Christ!
"The LORD directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives."
Psalm 37:23 NLT
This trip to Arizona was very emotional for me. I think it forced me to face the fact that I am very homesick and how much a I dearly love the west. I think I've convinced myself each time we've moved why this new place is better than the last. While there are so many wonderful things here in South Carolina (good school system for the kids, great programs for the kids, photography opportunities for me, classes, business opportunities... to name a few), I really miss my parents terribly. I don't like to use the word "hate", but I can honestly say there are times I HATE being so far away. I've also wondered about our journey and whether parts of it were necessary or not. I think mostly just wanting to see God's hand at work and some kind of reassurance from Him.
So as we packed up and headed back to the beautiful East coast, I was so full of conflicting emotions. So sad to leave some of the people I love the most. But optimistic and excited about Bryant's new school year and my photography business that is begining to blossom. I'm looking forward to taking more classes and minor things like landscaping our yard, but there are some strong heart strings that keep pulling my thoughts back to Arizona. I was feeling torn.
As we headed home on the long plane flight I sat wondering why went to Grand Canyon, only to leave Arizona again and now I'm homesick. What a fickle person I am. God must look at me as a problem child sometimes! I guess my only consolation is that He has us in mind and He wouldn't lead us anywhere without being with us each step of the way and having a plan. I trust He has a plan for our lives and it's a good one. (Jeremiah 29:11)
I came home to a very full inbox of e-mails. I began sorting through and found a very surprising e-mail from a sweet girl that I knew from Grand Canyon. I had never gotten an e-mail from her before and wondered how she got my address. She and I went through a short phase of writing letters after she moved off to college. She had fallen into a time in her life shadowed by rebellion and drugs. Her mom was in my women's Bible study group and I can't tell you how many times she pleaded with tears running down her cheeks for prayer for her beautiful young daughter. I had such a burden for this young lady maybe because I could feel her mom's pain and maybe because she reminded me a little of myself at that age. Last I heard from this girl, she was asking God a lot of questions and had some hurt and anger towards Christianity in general. Here's a small section of the e-mail I got from her:
"In the midst of my frustrating search (for a cd), I came upon a shoebox that I had stuffed letters and cards in and that's when I came across a letter you had sent me almost two years ago. It all came together and tears welled up in my eyes. I could hardly believe that I would forget about the short time we wrote letters back and forth. When I read the letter I realized how much God has worked on me since then, and I hadn't even realized how far I have come. Around March I renewed my faith in Christ and since then, He has been hard at work. I was re-baptized on June 16 this summer. The last two or three days I've been asking God to reveal more of Himself to me, I have been wanting to see more and know more of Him. And it's funny how He just pops up like a jack-in-the-box and says yeah, hi, told you I was here for you. Surprises are always fun. In your letter you said "God can open our eyes immensely when we give Him a bit of our time and attention" and I have been learning this more and more and more since I gave my life back to Christ.
Overall, I wanted to thank you for taking the time to write me and pray for me. I will honestly tell you that at the time, I appreciated your efforts but rejected the thoughts you had to offer me...now I just want you to know that this letter has impacted me more than you know. God used you in my life and I didn't even know it until 2 years after I received this letter. Thanks for the love, I could still feel the love in the words you wrote when i read the letter today and that means so much. And you quoted Jeremiah 29:11 a couple times...this verse has been a guiding and encouraging light on my path to seeking the Lord."
As if this encouraging e-mail wasn't enough, I received another unexpected e-mail from a dear lady who also was in Bible study with me at GC. She often would ask for prayer for her mom who was in a nursing home and who became a believer at the age of 87 (never give up, right?). It was a painful road for my friend Dianna who was so thankful that her mom excepted the Lord, but still wanted her mom to see God's goodness, trust Him and grow in His ways. This is hard enough for those of us who trust the Lord at a young age, not to mention someone closing in on 90! Dianna and I have kept in touch here and there since I moved. Everytime I think of Dianna, I can't help but to think about her mom and I've been compelled to pray for her because I know she is so dear to Dianna. Here's part of another amazing e-mail that waited for me in my inbox:
"Our three days with mom was a precious time and the hardest thing was to leave mom last Thursday believing I would likely not see her again this side of heaven. Mom's physical decline went very quick and hospice did a good job keeping her at a comfortable level and with alertness until the last few days. When I called mom Saturday a.m. the caregivers told me that mom was not responding to them at all and that was the first day she didn't accept water or food. They put the phone to mom's ear and I told her we were all thinking of her and loved her. Later in the afternoon, I FELT led to call her and read Psalm 23 to her and again the caregivers told me she hadn't been responding to them. I explained I still wanted to read to her and they put the phone to her ear. I very carefully read the Psalm verses, The Lord is my Shepherd...........and told her I loved her and waited for the caregiver to speak to me before saying goodbye...I heard mom breathing and trying to speak......The caregiver explained that mom's eyes were opened and she was hearing me and the caregiver encouraged me to continue to talk to mom, so of course I said OK! Then I prayed with mom thanking the Lord for so many things including the love that surrounded her at that moment in her senior home and our family, our own forgiveness and the healing and good memories I was left with. I then prayed for God to send angels into her room to escort her away to heaven with a new heavenly body when she was ready to go, with no more worries......... Then I heard the caregivers repeating mom's name over and over and I knew something was happening. They came back on the phone to tell me while I was praying with mom, they thought she took her last breaths and passed away -- -- and she did. What a beautiful gift that though I was miles away, God brought us together with spontaneous prayer by phone and mom breathed her last breath on earth. My prayer had been that God would take mom in her sleep peacefully BUT God had a better plan to include me and the caregivers that had grown to love her. What a witness it was. There are other "God things" that came to pass in those last days and I am truly in AWE of how God does work things together for those of us who love Him! For now, know God has answered prayers beyond belief with mom's salvation at age 87 (2 yrs ago) and my faith is only strengthened in spite of the hard road we traveled together. I am at peace and mom's wishes were to be cremated and scattered at sea (as my step dad was) and we will gather as a family in the future at some point. For now, it is well with my soul!! and moms too!!!"
I have been in such a time of wondering if I am totally missing the boat when it comes to God's direction. Sometimes I wonder why on earth we've had to move so much. Did we hear Him incorrectly? Have we made any connections that meant anything to anyone? Then I got these e-mails and although I don't have all the answers, I can see God at work. That is better than answered questions to me! I was so encouraged by these e-mails because I could clearly see God working in the lives of people I had the humbling priviledge to pray specifically for. These two e-mails revealed to me that when we are willing, God will use us. We may not see fruit for years, but God hears our prayers. It has encouraged me to keep praying for the ones I love so much. May we never give up on the hope we have in Christ!
"The LORD directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives."
Psalm 37:23 NLT
Monday, July 30, 2007
Something to think on...
I stumbled upon this quote and it spoke volumes to me, so I wanted to share it on our blog:
"All of us are called to a place we have not been. Our lives were always intended to be journeys into the unknown. The invitation is both personal and mystical. No one else may fully understand what you are being called to. You may not even fully understand. The path you must walk may appear to others as strange or unreasonable, but you know there's more going on than meets the eye." -Erwin Mcmanus
"All of us are called to a place we have not been. Our lives were always intended to be journeys into the unknown. The invitation is both personal and mystical. No one else may fully understand what you are being called to. You may not even fully understand. The path you must walk may appear to others as strange or unreasonable, but you know there's more going on than meets the eye." -Erwin Mcmanus
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Fun Summer So Far
Our Michigan trip was a blast this year. The kids had such an amazing time playing with their cousins, swimming and taking very few baths over the course of 10 days. I think the kids will look back on that trip with some terrific memories.
The day we traveled to Michigan was a little rough. This was our first time flying with 3 children. Our 3 hour layover in Atlanta turned into 5 hours when our flight was delayed. That was a little challenging, but the kids did better than I would have expected. They were so excited to be going to Granny and Pop's house that they stayed on their best behavior. Thankfully, the trip home was much easier and faster.
Once we got there, it was non-stop activity. Family get-togethers, photo shoots, and friends to see were all on the agenda. I had 6 photo shoots lined up during our time there, which kept me hopping. Busy, busy, busy. We had a huge family reunion on the 4th of July and family Olympics, which was a great time of "friendly competition" with fun games that involved things like beach towels, pool noodles and water balloon launchers. Our team took 3rd out of about a dozen teams. We were pretty pleased about that.
We also had a surprise 40th anniversary "Deck Building Party" for Caleb's parents while we were there. Jaime and Molly were in charge of keeping the parents distracted. We got up bright and early (that should have been their first clue that we were up to something) and took Caleb's parents along with our children to the zoo for a few hours. From there we sent the grandparents off to watch a movie with the kids. In the meantime, Caleb and his brothers, along with about 5 other guys (one who is a friend of the family and a professional builder) worked diligently to build a deck on the back of their parents' house. I was a little skeptical that it could be done in 6 hours, but I'm happy to say I was wrong. The deck looked awesome by the time Caleb's parents got home. Shortly after, lots of family, friends and neighbors arrived and we had a big party with lots of food and fun on the new deck.
We're having a great summer. It's been much more fun-filled than I anticipated. I've been steadily busy with photography work averaging about 1 photo shoot a week. This week we've been remodeling our sun room into a more workable office space. I will post some pictures soon of our new home office space when it's completed. I'm also doing an aerobics class called Body and Soul and I love it! My biggest challenge this summer is trying to keep the kids busy during the day since it's so hot outside. Today I took them to Chick Fil'A to the play place to get them out of the house. (Feel free to leave a comment on any ideas to keep them happy during these brutal summer months.)
Next we will venture to Arizona to see my family for about 10 days. We can't wait! We'll get to see a ton of my extended family on that trip too because we're getting together for my grandma's 75th Birthday celebration.
We'll come home and then it will be time for Bryant to start 2nd grade. Can you believe that? It seems like the pages are just flying off the calendar. We'll just keep soaking up the sun and enjoying the fun of summer because it will be over before we know it.
The day we traveled to Michigan was a little rough. This was our first time flying with 3 children. Our 3 hour layover in Atlanta turned into 5 hours when our flight was delayed. That was a little challenging, but the kids did better than I would have expected. They were so excited to be going to Granny and Pop's house that they stayed on their best behavior. Thankfully, the trip home was much easier and faster.
Once we got there, it was non-stop activity. Family get-togethers, photo shoots, and friends to see were all on the agenda. I had 6 photo shoots lined up during our time there, which kept me hopping. Busy, busy, busy. We had a huge family reunion on the 4th of July and family Olympics, which was a great time of "friendly competition" with fun games that involved things like beach towels, pool noodles and water balloon launchers. Our team took 3rd out of about a dozen teams. We were pretty pleased about that.
We also had a surprise 40th anniversary "Deck Building Party" for Caleb's parents while we were there. Jaime and Molly were in charge of keeping the parents distracted. We got up bright and early (that should have been their first clue that we were up to something) and took Caleb's parents along with our children to the zoo for a few hours. From there we sent the grandparents off to watch a movie with the kids. In the meantime, Caleb and his brothers, along with about 5 other guys (one who is a friend of the family and a professional builder) worked diligently to build a deck on the back of their parents' house. I was a little skeptical that it could be done in 6 hours, but I'm happy to say I was wrong. The deck looked awesome by the time Caleb's parents got home. Shortly after, lots of family, friends and neighbors arrived and we had a big party with lots of food and fun on the new deck.
We're having a great summer. It's been much more fun-filled than I anticipated. I've been steadily busy with photography work averaging about 1 photo shoot a week. This week we've been remodeling our sun room into a more workable office space. I will post some pictures soon of our new home office space when it's completed. I'm also doing an aerobics class called Body and Soul and I love it! My biggest challenge this summer is trying to keep the kids busy during the day since it's so hot outside. Today I took them to Chick Fil'A to the play place to get them out of the house. (Feel free to leave a comment on any ideas to keep them happy during these brutal summer months.)
Next we will venture to Arizona to see my family for about 10 days. We can't wait! We'll get to see a ton of my extended family on that trip too because we're getting together for my grandma's 75th Birthday celebration.
We'll come home and then it will be time for Bryant to start 2nd grade. Can you believe that? It seems like the pages are just flying off the calendar. We'll just keep soaking up the sun and enjoying the fun of summer because it will be over before we know it.
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