Okay, please let me brag on my kids for a little. I know...I know, but can you indulge me a bit. We had a great weekend at the beach. It was one of those trips that I wasn't really looking all that forward to, but once we got there it was great. My kids were so much fun.
We didn't even hit the beach once, Chris' Aunt Janet (the one with the beach house) was up in the mountains, so instead we spent our days at the pool. The pool is easier on Chris, not having to navigate the sand and he enjoys it more, so we all had a great time.
Makaley is now swimming entire lengths of pools underwater. It's so much fun to watch your children take huge leaps in their abilities...you know? She is also growing more and more fond of books. We read quite a bit over the weekend. We've always read to our children, but Makaley really hasn't been all the interested...she likes to make up stories to the pictures of books rather than read the story written. But I enjoyed reading to her and seeing how eager she was to find out more about the story. Makaley also ate shrimp for the first time and loved it. (that's my girl) One of her favorite things to do at Poppy's is to play his keyboard using the micraphone and playing the ramancia (harmonica). She pretends she's leading worship. I went upstairs and she had the micraphone in one hand and her other hand raised.
Micah brought home his "friday folder" which had all the tests that they have had over the last 2 weeks of school ...all in all about 10 papers. All with 100% on them...with the exception of one that had 98%. I couldn't be prouder. He so enjoys learning...we were at church on Sunday and on the power point screen the background was clouds and he tugs on my shirt and says "mom, those are cirus clouds" he proceeded to explain to me the water cycle. Yes, I had to tell him in the middle of worship that I wanted to hear all about this, but he needed to concentrate on worship.
Micah went golfing with Poppy...played 5 holes. Really is doing great. Makaley was of course bummed that she couldn't go, but she and I planned a special time crafting.
We of course had a big seafood bake with crabs and shrimp. Such yummy food.
Both kids didn't want to leave their grandparents. They had so much fun with them. I'm so thankful for my in laws...so thankful.
My kids are growing up...I look at these pictures and I can see how much they have changed just in a year. I'm so proud of who they are. So proud to be their mom, so thankful that God gave them to us, don't want them to grow up, but excited to see what how God is going to use them.
I hope you all had a very fun and relaxing weekend. I'm thankful that Gustav wasn't nearly as bad as they had thought. I'm thankful that people took the warnings seriously. To my friend Liz, who just moved back to New Oleans this summer, after having to leave during Katrina...I hope you all are safe...I've been thinking about you a lot these past couple days. I can't imagine what goes through your mind.
Blessings!
My photographer friend Emily (whose work I love) clued me into this new photo blog. I'm so excited about it, but it's been a bear to format. Thankfully, my darling husband has been willing to work on it, since I seem otherwise swamped. Hopefully by next week we'll have it up and running.
I've been a busy bee working on my holiday collection. Here are a few more cards. I'm trying to give a wide variety so that there's something there for everyone. Whether you like classical and traditional or modern or whimsy.
I got an e-mail asking if you can order cards using your own pictures. Yes, but there will be a $25 processing fee along with the cost of the cards.
I am giving a 20% off the card order if you book a session
So lots of good stuff!
Here are a few baby session pictures...what a cutie
We are off to the beach for the holiday weekend. Excited to spend some time with the family. Not sure how many more beach trips are in our future...so want to take full advantage and get some much needed R&R in before our CRAZY fall!
Blessings!
I'm excited to present a few of my Holiday Card Collection
Cheer Card 4x6
Holday Damask 5x7
Merry & Bright 5x5
Happy Thursday!
I wanted to share something that the Lord has been tugging at my heart about.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 NIV
I remember taking my son, Micah, to a place that he wanted to go. It was hot, I was cranky, and I began to feel frustrated. Feeling quite the martyr, I was just about to remind Micah how lucky he was to have a mother like me to bring him to a place like this. But before the words escaped from my mouth...I heard a father belittling his son and jumping all over him. I watched as the joy left that little boy. Just then the Holy Spirit gently stopped me. Was that what I really wanted to say? Would those words make Micah feel “lucky” or would they make him feel guilty?
Instead of uttering my initial thought, I wrapped my arms around my precious young son and said, “Micah, I am so lucky to have a son like you that I can bring to a place like this!”
With those words, a broad spread across his precious face, and I was thankful then for the time that we had together.
Now, who was encouraged? Actually, we both were.
Perhaps you have some old tapes from your past that you tend to replay with your own children or your spouse. Did your mother make comments that caused you to feel guilty or as if you were indebted to her for the care she gave you? Perhaps she still does. Many moms could be travel agents for guilt trips. Is that how you want to be remembered?
I had success with my words that day, but not every day has been a banner day. I have used my words to tear down instead of build up. I have failed many times both with my children and my husband. I find myself thinking about this day over and over as I know that when things get stressful I'm less cautious about my words. Think about it, think about how you can use what you say to build up those around you.
Okay, that's my little lesson today :O)
Here are few new products.
Mommy Calling Cards.
These are fun cards for mom's to hand out at play dates, in birthday invitations, in Christmas cards...holiday ones on the way.
These are the exact size of a buisness card and are printed on glossy cardstock paper.
Order time takes about 1 week
Minimum order --50
I had planned on posting first thing this morning, but things have been so hectic.
Chris misplaced our only debit card (which is a real hassel at 6:00 in the morning if you need gas)
Makaley had night terrors last night and ended up sleeping in our bed which meant no sleep for this Momma. I actally have scratches on me from her writhing. I hate night terrors. I'm not sure if they have gotten worse becuase she's more tired and sleeping deeper due to school
Since watching the Olympics, I've been really burndend to pray for China and the persecuted church.
I was so blessed by a friend last night who called to tell me that she is trying to figure out a way to come see me (from Indiana) to help me pack. That's friendship.
I'm trying to get things ready for a couple of vendor fairs and art shows that I'm entering. Not really becuase I want to win, but mostly just for the publicity.
Makaley was so excited to have homework last night. When she was through she asked for more.
Still trying to work on my new photo blog (which I've stuck Chris with) I consider myself pretty computer literate, but I just can't seem to figure it out.
This morning as Micah was heading out the door he was concentrating on getting his toy and not his book bag. At the same time he was fussing becuase I wasn't taking him to school. I said "Micah, your toy is not the most important thing" his response was "Mommy you are...You are the most important thing" It just touched my heart.
I hope to post all my holiday information (custom cards, packages, special gifts, etc) next week.
Am putting a shout out to "couples" I really want to build this part of my portfolio, so if you are couple (Man and woman please) and want a really good deal on a session or photos please send me an e-mail or leave me a comment.
I have to say, I'm loving Makaley's new hair cut. I've always loved long hair on little girls...but the short bob looks so much better on that cute face. I think it's becuase it just frames those chubby cheeks.
I did head shots for a friend of mine. Seeing as I've never really done "head shots" persay, I I thought they came out pretty good. You can check out all Carrie has done at Carrie's site
Ever have one of those mornings when nothing seems to go right? Where everyone you encounter is in a funk? Well that is my morning.
I had left my car at church yesterday so I needed to get there before the rush of students so trying to get both kids, a husband and myself all out the door after a weekend was not an easy task.
Makaley awoke with the thought that she needed a brand new lunch box, never mind that she has one that she picked out, but she has decided that she wanted the cinderella one that she saw yesterday. So after I informed her that she wasn't getting it, she decided that she didn't want breakfast or to go to school. YIPEE!
Micah did okay, but his mind was on other things and getting him to focus on eating and getting dressed was a task in itself.
Then I remembered that the pest control people were coming today for their regular scheduled thing. My house is crazy. I have boxes everywhere!
Makaley finally came around and said "mommy, I'm sorry for my attitude, do you forgive me?"
It was just one of those mornings, but the kids made it to school with everything they needed.
We had a pretty uneventful weekend. Headed to Burlington to look at some houses...only really liked one, but I'm not sure it's big enough. We loved the back yard including the inground pool...and Makaley immediately said "I want this one" But I think we will keep looking. It definately is a buyers market and for us that's a good thing.
I packed the scrap/craft room...what a task. I'm selling most of my stampin up stamps...I'll will try to list them tomorrow, but I have over 60 sets...so if anyone wants any, let me know.
I wanted to give a big shout out to my friend Lisa, who plays in the band at church with me. She is part of another band that opened for Kenny Chesney on Friday night. How exciting for her. She's been on the radio this past week and their band South Station just won the battle of the bands and could win a trip to Nashville...so proud of you Lisa, I know God has big things in store for you.
Have a blessed day
Just a few pictures from what I've been up to lately. Loving my job!!!
my dates for the fall are filling up quickly. If you are at all interested in booking a holiday session with me, please drop me an e-mail so we can get you penciled in.
last night was so productive. The kids and I celebrated Happy Haircuts...where they get haircuts and then a special dinner with mommy. It's a fun time. I love how they cut Makaley's hair...so I'll have to get some pictures up for you this weekend.
Then I sorted through clothes. Boxed up two boxes for my sis of clothes for her girls. Boxed up two for my friend Tina for her little boy and Chris is taking 3 huge black trash bags to Goodwill. In addition boxed up 2 boxes of winter stuff for us and 1 large trash bag for our garage sale. Accomplished all of this while watching reruns of Gilmore Girls (which I love) and the olympics. Went to bed feeling very productive. Awoke this morning early, got the kids lunches packed before they were even up. Had a smooth morning which was so nice.
Hope everyone has a great weekend.
My days have been so busy latley that blogging just hasn't happend until late in the afternoon. I know there are some of you who regulary read my blog in the morning with a cup of joe...for this I'm sorry that I'm disappointing you. I hope that once my new blog is in place that things will return to the morning posting
Thankful...I'm so thankful today.
Thankful for a fun band practice last night. It really energizes me.
Thankful for the life lessons I'm learning. I feel so dry!
Thankful that I don't have to do to Florida...that my dad and sis thought it was okay for me not to go. I hope that they have a successful meeting with the realtor and that they don't get too wet
thankful that my kids are adjusting well to being back at school Micah particurlarly is enjoying it. He's memorized the books of the Bible...I'm just in awe that he has done that.
Thankful that Makaley loves school and that it's not a battle for us in the mornings
Thankful that I found the $16 thermos for the kids and that they have worked like a champ. Micah is actually eating lunch!!! yea for thermos and chicken noodle soup
Thankful that all the documents from the new job and stuff look good and that the closer we get, the more peace we both have
Thankful for labor day weekend when we can spend a weekend at the beach together as a family
Thankful for the purging mindset that the Lord has given me for this season...It feels so good to not have to "pack" so much stuff
Thankful that things are busy on the photography front
Thankful for lunch date I got with my dear one!
Thankful for happy haircuts today for everyone!
Blessings,
