04/30/09

Let me start off this post by saying I am a bit shocked. lol This afternoon we started cleaning the house since we are off to the Zoo tomorrow and I know we will be majorly tired when we get home. I had all intentions of getting in the house and "knocking out" my part of the cleaning but when I got home, my body hit the wall and I needed some "quiet" for a few moments. I told Mikayla to clean our bathroom and Wesley to clean theirs. They both started cleaning. After my moments of totally passing out on the couch, I was going to get up and start vacuuming and Mikayla comes in to tell me that she was going to do it, she WANTED TO DO IT and for me to just keep sitting.

Did I hear that right?

Yep... my girl vacuumed for me! Now, as I inspected later I saw that it wasn't vacuumed with the intensity that I usually vacuum, but I was not going to say that to her! Coming from Mikayla, my "not-so-happy-when-it-comes-to-cleaning" girl, I knew this was a big deal! She was also seeing something that needed to be done and choosing to help on her own! GROWTH! Thank you, Lord, for helping me see that the day in/day out consistent expectations Steve and I do with the kiddos is worth every moment! Her vacuuming enabled me to finally fold some clothes that had been in the laundry basket for a week. lol

As I said yesterday, I gave the devotions for the teachers in meeting this morning. Why is it I can stand in front of kids all day long and never get nervous, but you tell me I am going to give a devotion to my peers and I get all cotton-mouthed and shakin' in my boots!

I have put my thoughts about what my devotion was centered around on my blog before. I realize some of this may be a "repeat", but I know that it is always good to hear (or, in this case, read) things again to refresh our thoughts. I created this photo rememberance for the teachers and gave each of them one towards the end of my speaking. You can click on it to see it larger and read the verse better. :)


Psalm 46:10 was the verse on which I based my devotion. "Be still and know that I am God."

When I photographed the teapot/teacup pictures last fall they made me reflect on having a quiet moment by myself and even a quiet moment with a friend. With the words from that verse, I was thinking of how that relates to a quiet time with the Lord. Time to be still and really get to know the Lord! He is our FRIEND, after all!

At this time of year, life is so crazy for the teachers with the end of school. We are doing the Lord's work but so often we neglect that quiet time because our mind is racing or we are just so "busy" that once we have a quiet moment we can't hold our eyes open!

In the past year the Lord has brought this verse in front of me so many times that I knew I needed to listen! I have read it in devotions, heard songs about it, and heard sermons dealing with it. Throughout the year I have been reminded that the Lord is an ever-present friend but if I do not take the time to be still I will not really get to know Him!

This is a synopsis of what I wrote a couple of months ago:

I have a walk with the Lord... a journey of learning and discovering Who He is through reading His Word, listening to His "still small voice"... and growing in that. This is just like learning about a friend. If I am the same as I was a year ago... six months ago... a week ago... then I am not discovering God. Throughout this "journey" or "time to be still" I never have to fear that the Lord will leave me. He is there every step of the way.... even every "cup of tea I pour!"

Here are some verses that have spoken to me about the love of God and have become some favorites:

Deuteronomy 33:27a - The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms:

Psalms 32:7 - Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.

I wanted to give the teachers a chance to be STILL and know God this morning. We all have had a rough week with the deaths we have experienced. I just didn't realize how God's timing with my devotion would be so needed. Again, He knew and that is all that mattered!

I created a Powerpoint (love doing these things!) that had my photographs on each slide and the words to "Be Still My Soul" throughout the presentation. I told the ladies to imagine they are sitting by a huge picture window, drinking their tea, being still and looking out on God's Creation. I cut off the lights and played the song while showing the PP. (I wish I could somehow post it on here but the music is not "attached" to the PP... haven't learned how to do that yet. If I ever figure that out I'll have to share!)

Here are the words to the song. I just really wish you all could listen to it. It is beautiful. As you read the words I hope you take the time to "be still... and know God."

Be still my soul
The Lord is on your side
Bear patiently
The cross of grief or pain
Leave to thy God
To order and provide
In every change
He faithful will remain.

Be still my soul
Thy best, thy heavenly friend
Through stormy ways
Leads to a joyful end.

Be still my soul
The waves and winds still know
Still know
His voice who ruled them
While he dwelt below.

Medley part of "What a Friend We Have in Jesus"
Oh, what peace we often forfeit
Oh what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.

Be still my soul....

04/29/09

This guy is saying "What are you lookin' at???" He looks as if he is barely hanging on. That is what all of the teachers at school look like about now. lol


This Friday we are going to the Zoo with the second grades and it will be the first time for Wesley and Mikayla. Not only am I excited about their first time going, but I am also excited for photo ops. With everything going on the last couple of weeks I haven't had time to wander around and photograph. I am needing that!

I'm doing devotions for the teachers tomorrow in meeting. Pray that my thoughts come clearly and the Lord will be glorified! I'll try to share tomorrow what I shared with them.

Off to AWANA. :)

04/28/09

With all that happened this past weekend I never showed some pics from my photo session. It was a wonderful time and it helped get my mind off of everything else. I love these people... they made me laugh so much. The last picture is an "outtake"... one of many. LOL There was a carpenter bee around and you can tell who was not so fond of it. hee hee Click on that last one to get the full effect of laughter!

04/27/09

More grass.


Forgive me for continuing in this sad thought process. I just need to get some things out.

Today was difficult. The Lord got me through it and I know it only came from Him. I was dreading today, actually. I knew I had to be "everything" for my students when all I really wanted to do was go some place quiet, think, and cry about what all has happened. I have been so shocked over the loss of my student and the parent that I honestly haven't had time to cry. I have felt as if my mouth has hung open all weekend like it would when you are totally surprised and don't know what to say. I know that the Lord gave me a pep in my step and had my day run so smoothly that it could only come from Him. He allowed everything to fall in place and for that I am grateful.

I went to the funeral home to see both families early this evening. When I read in the paper yesterday that both families would see visitors at the same funeral home at the same time I couldn't believe it, but I was so glad it worked out that way. I knew I needed to go to the parent from school first because it involved so many people from school. I just prayed that the Lord would work it out for me to be able to see the other family as well.... and He did.

It was so good to be there for the family of the parent who passed away. There were so many from school who poured through those doors. What a blessing to know she was so loved and thought of that people came to support her family through this difficult time.

When I saw the parents of my former student it was as if those years melted away and we were back to talking about how he used to be. I shared that I was so thankful I had the opportunity to see him a year or so ago and that I'll cherish that moment always. I was so glad the Lord allowed me to see them both!

With both families whose loved ones life ended so tragically, there was a peace that only God could give. They KNEW people were praying for them and KNEW God was the One Who was lifting them up. Only God can give such peace at a time like this.

It became real tonight, though. I finally have had the time to cry. These were not circumstances of a long illness or a long life filled with much. These were two individuals whose lives were cut short by our standards here on earth, but were not a surprise at all to God. I have had to constantly remind myself that it is God Who is on the throne and He sees ALL. My friend Amy put it so well in her comment to me yesterday about my photo. She said that we only see part of life in focus just like only part of my plant was in focus in the photo. But God sees it as we see it with our eyes... clear and focused on all parts.

I felt my words were so inadequate to what I felt in my heart towards those two families. All I could think of was that life is so short. We don't know what tomorrow may bring and we need to make the most of each day that the Lord gives to us.

James 4:14
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

04/26/09

New growth on our hydrangea. New life just keeps coming around here.

I was going to write about some things I learned today. I was going to do a lot of things, but they never happened. I am still struggling a bit with the deaths I have heard of recently. It is hard for me to wrap my mind around it. Knowing how I feel I can only imagine how the families are feeling!!

Since my words are few today, I'll share this verse and close. God has not forgotten those who suffer. He is seeing the whole picture and we have to continue to trust.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

04/25/09

Forsythia for your viewing pleasure.


We survived the sleepover. The kids were all SO good. They all got along really well and other than not falling asleep which we anticipated, it was a great time. Now, that said, them going to bed around midnight and then up and running again by 6:00 was a bit hard, but they were all back at home before lunchtime and we all took a nap this afternoon! HA! (Including Isabelle and Sampson!!!)

Later today I had a photo shoot and had one of the BEST times with them. They were hilarious. If I work on the pictures and get them done "in time" I may show one on here tomorrow.

The parent I posted about yesterday did pass away last night. My heart is heavy for the family because it was so unexpected. My prayers are with them.

Off to finish recuperating from the sleepover... :)

04/24/09

This is a tulip that was about to lose its petals. It made me think of a lily. I thought it was interesting looking so I photographed it, of course.


Today has been a hard day.

I found out this morning that one of my former students killed himself yesterday. I taught him eleven years ago. He left our school after Middle School and I saw him a year and a half or so ago at the restaurant where he was working. It was so wonderful to catch up with him. He said he was going to come back to school to visit and he shared with me his plans after he graduated from high school last May. Apparently something went terribly wrong in his life. He recently had made some bad choices in life and was in a bit of trouble. It saddens me to think that life became so bad for him that he didn't think he could keep going. My heart breaks knowing that just a short eleven years ago I taught him and now he is gone. I have been praying for his parents and sibling today. I can't imagine what they are feeling.

Not long after I found out about my former student, we received word that one of our parents at school was on life support because of complications from a surgery. She wasn't expected to live.
I just saw her at church this past Sunday! My heart just broke again... it made me want to just go in a corner and shed the tears that were welling up in my soul. The thing I kept thinking was that the Lord knows and sees the whole picture and we have to trust Him through it all.

On a lighter note, right now I have seven 8/9 year olds in my house (including our two) to celebrate Wesley and Mikayla's birthday with a SLEEPOVER! It is the first one they've had like this so we are all experiencing "new ground." lol I recall some 30 years ago having the same kinds of birthday parties and the "torture" my parents endured. So... it is the least I can do for my own two. Let's just hope they don't decide to stay up until 3:00 in the morning and then decide to go outside and not tell me. I did that when I was about their age with all of my friends who spent the night. We followed Daddy out to the barn and helped him get up the cows for the morning milking. You can imagine the shock my mother felt when she got up to check on us in the middle of the night and we were all gone.... Needless to say we all got in BIG trouble and then were grounded from each others birthday parties in the near future. lol I think I'll just bolt all of the doors shut and throw on some alarms or something....

04/23/09

More beautiful tulips. They don't last long so it is wonderful to capture them. The ones at school are now gone. The second picture is a favorite.


Cleaned today. We've got more birthday celebrating to do tomorrow.

Off to do more homework with the kiddos and eat some supper.

04/22/09

Maple leaves just beginning to come out....


Mikayla has been reminding me the last few days that today is hers and Wesley's "Spiritual Birthday." Three years ago today they both asked Jesus into their hearts. On one hand I cannot believe it has already been three years... on the other, I can see how far they have come in learning to trust the Lord. What a blessing to know my babies know where they are going!

I was so sleepy today... I nodded during Spanish class which is in my room at the time!!! I was trying to grade some papers. A student came up to me and "scared me" out of my nodding moment. I had to act like I was just concentrating... yeah, that was it, I was just concentrating. It is amazing how much you have to cover up when you teach. hee hee At least all of my words came out normally today and there was no "Mrs. Fowler" make up words. One of my parents at school made up one the other day... "Distractilize" - it means to majorly distract someone from focusing on what is before them. I think it is a good one... in fact, I think I am very distractilized at this moment because I am not doing what I SHOULD be doing.

Off to get ready for church!

04/21/09

Cherry blossoms.... I think I like the horizontal of the first 2 shots best.... What do you think?



Today one of my students came in to school and shared with me that he had led two of his neighbor friends to the Lord yesterday evening!! He's a little missionary! I told him he was doing exactly what the Lord had said before He went back to Heaven.... preach the gospel to every creature. He was beaming!!! That really blessed my day!

04/20/09

Swimming along for a Monday... along with this Canada Goose!


I feel so behind after my episode last week and the event at school this past weekend. I have some serious catching up to do in a lot of areas!

Last night we were talking about Heaven when I did devotions with the kids. Mikayla said she is excited about going there but not ready to go just YET. She said she wanted to live to be over 100... even 1,000!! I shared with her that no one in recorded history had ever done that. Methusaleh was the oldest known at 969 years and that was a LONG time ago. :) Wesley just quietly sat over beside her and then said that he'd like to live to over a hundred or something... but not too old because then he'd probably have cancer or something.

The minds of little kids still amuse and amaze me. We don't know how long we'll live, but we can know WHO does!

Psalm 90:12
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

04/19/09

Isaiah 55:10-13
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
So shall my word be that geoth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

04/18/09

You will have to click on this picture to get the full effect. That is a bunch of turtles sitting on a log. They were so fun to watch last week when I took the kids to the park!


Whew.. what a week. Yesterday and today we worked on and had "Super Saturday" at our school. It is a fundraiser carnival event and there is lots to do! We helped with set up last night and then I was up by 4:00 this morning to get ready to go back. We didn't leave school until 5:45 or so this evening.

I am exhausted but the Lord truly blessed the day! Off to crash on the couch. I probably will not stay awake very long!

04/15/09

Bright red tulips to enjoy!



I am feeling a little better today. Just taking it a day at a time.... :)

04/15/09

Some grass for your viewing pleasure.


Well, my last two days have been interesting. I had to go to the ER around 1:30 Tuesday morning because I was having a "gallbladder attack" without a gallbladder!! I have had some tests done and still have more to go to determine what exactly is my problem. I don't have anything life-threatening or majorly serious, but apparently it is something that is quite annoying. I won't bore you with the details. Just pray that the doctor's can pinpoint exactly what it is. I am not one that likes to do the "woe is me" thing but knew some of you out there knew I had an interesting morning/day yesterday. I'm just trusting that the Lord will take care of it all.

Off to "recline" for a bit before church tonight.

04/14/09

Here is another horse from that day with my Daddy. They were so cute. Mikayla enjoyed being near them.

It has been a VERY interesting last 24 hours and I'm just going to leave it at that for now. lol Hope you have had a very blessed day!!

04/13/09

Here is a little foal from the clinic where my Dad works. It was hiding behind its mother. Last week during our break we went on a couple of hauls with Dad one day so I was able to capture these horses.... for Mikayla. :) I actually used "layers" on this photo (for my PS user friends) so tell me what you think. Can you even SEE the texture I added? lol.. This is all so new to me so I am learning.


It was back to school today. It wasn't a bad day considering I had to get back up at 5:00 am!

You know... it is really bad when you covet your children's Reese's eggs from their Easter baskets. Thankfully, my lovely Mikayla felt sorry for her mother and let her have one. It is a good thing I try to stay away from those types of things because I have major issues if I ate all of the things I would LOVE to eat....

Here are a few of those addictions I have had throughout my life:

Hostess Ho-Ho's
I could eat a whole box of 10 at one sitting when I was little!!!! These were a childhood favorite... and, technically, they still are but I have to resist.

Double Stuff Oreos
Oh, goodness.. just take them away from me now...

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
Well... you already read above that this addiction hasn't gone away.

Hershey Kisses
I used to eat so many of these because they were small and think I was "OK"... it wasn't until 3 years ago when one of my best friends, who also works with me at school, had to take my bag away from me and hide them because I had eaten so many!!!

Snickers Bars
These were my college friend. I ate these things most everyday at the 10:00 hour in the morning. (Where I went to college the 10:00 hour was always "open" for clubs and such on M, W, F so we commuters would all go hang out together in the "Cate Center" and I would have my pick me up.)

For now, that is all my memory is bringing up as these were my strongest. One thing.... my Mom used to have to HIDE these items from me (especially the Ho-Ho's and Oreos) because I would eat so many.

Guess which one of my children inherited this same issue? I'll give you a hint... farming wants to be the occupation of this child. lol

04/12/09

Matthew 28: 5-6
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Happy Easter everyone! Christ the Lord is risen today... Hallelujah!! Through His Resurrection we can have eternal life because not only did He give His life for us, but also He rose victorious from the grave!

Did you know the word "Easter" is only mentioned ONE time in the Bible? Here is the verse:

Acts 12:4
And when he (King Herod) had apprehended him (Peter... disciple of Jesus), he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

Maybe that is something you knew and maybe it is something new. :)

Here is the third verse to "Crown Him with Many Crowns" so fitting for today!!!

Crown Him the Lord of life,
Who triumphed o'er the grave,
Who rose victorious to the strife,
For those He came to save.
His glories now we sing,
Who died and rose on high.
Who died eternal life to bring,
And lives that death may die.

04/11/09

I must say that I do not think I have ever sung this song, but when looking for words today I thought they fit this time so well. It was written by Samuel Wesley, Sr. - the father of John and Charles Wesley. This is the only known surviving hymn from him as their house burned down and all of his devotional poetry and hymns were lost. Enjoy!

Behold the Savior of Mankind

Behold the Savior of mankind
Nailed to the shameful tree!
How vast the love that Him inclined
To bleed and die for thee!

Hark, how He groans, while nature shakes,
And earth's strong pillars bend!
The temple's veil in sunder breaks;
The solid marbles rend.

'Tis done! the precious ransom paid!
"Receive my soul!" He cries;
See where He bows His sacred head!
He bows His head and dies!

But soon He'll break death's envious chain,
and in full glory shine;
O Lamb of God, was ever pain,
Was ever love, like thine?

04/10/09

I chose this tulip today because it is red. Red symbolizes the blood that flowed from my Savior's body to cover my sin on this day some 2,000 years ago.

It is Good Friday.

This morning in my devotions I read about why it is called Good Friday. Most people would think it should be called "Sad Friday" or something of that nature. Truly, I have never thought of it in that way because I know without this Friday... and this coming Sunday... my sins would not be covered. Because of what Jesus did for me on the cross, it is GOOD!

I think back to a devotion I read a couple of weeks ago. Since Pilate is the one who "officially" declared that Jesus be crucified on this day so long ago, I thought it was fitting to ponder this today on "Good Friday."

John 19:5
Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!

Pilate wanted to evade the responsibility of trying and sentencing Jesus. But instead of honestly refusing to have anything to do with His condemnation, Pilate sought by evasion simply to get clear of the case. He could not do it, however; for each time Jesus came back and stood before him waiting for his decision.

One of Pilate's questions a little later than this was, "What shall I do with Jesus?" - a question he was compelled to answer in the end. Jesus stands before every human soul, as He stood before Pilate, demanding reception or rejection, and every one of us must answer this same question. The question may be postponed, but we cannot get it off our hands. We may send Jesus away, be presently we find Him back, standing again at our door. Every soul must sit in judgment on Christ, and give a decision.

Look on a little. Here we see Pilate on the judgment-seat, and Jesus standing before him to be judged. "Knowest Thou not that I have power to crucify Thee, and power to release Thee?" Awful power for any man to hold! The scene closed, and Jesus went to His cross. Pilate soon fell into disgrace, and in a few years committed suicide. When he stood before the throne of the Divine Judge, into whose eyes did the poor guilty Roman look? Ah, what a reversal there was! Once Pilate was judge, and Jesus stood at the bar; now Jesus is judge, and Pilate is before Him.

Jesus stands now before sinners, meek and lowly, asking to be received; but the scene will soon be changed for those who reject Him - they will be hurried away into eternity, and the Judge before whose bar they shall find themselves will be the same One who stood so long, patient and loving, waiting to save them.

- J. R. Miller

04/09/09

A tulip I captured at school.... it was beautiful.

Thirty years ago today I accepted Christ as my Savior while in the second grade. What a road and journey it has been becoming more like Him these last thirty years. I have come so far, but know I have farther to go! How fitting this anniversary is right before Easter. :)

04/08/09

Pine cones... male and female, just so you know. We are seeing a lot of pine pollen these days. Most people think that is what causes them allergies, but it is the pollen you don't always see, the pollen for hardwoods, that cause people so many issues. Here are a couple of shots of them. :)


I have heard this before, but this past Sunday our pastor told the story again. I honestly do not know if it is true, but it has a great message nonetheless.

Albert Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn't find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets. It wasn't there, so he looked in his briefcase but couldn't find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn't find it. The conductor said, "Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket. Don't worry about it." Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket. The conductor rushed back and said, "Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don't worry, I know who you are....No problem. You don't need a ticket. I'm sure you bought one." Einstein looked at him and said, "Young man, I, too, know who I am. What I don't know is where I'm going!"

I know who I am and I know where I am going. Thanks to my Savior Jesus Christ I have a ticket for Heaven because I accepted Him as my Savior.

Do you know where YOU are going?

04/07/09

Cherry Blossoms ....

It has felt like winter instead of spring today. I have missed the sun. I am hoping it will come back out tomorrow. I figured these pictures would brighten up the day. :)

04/06/09

I thought I would show some of the pics from Wesley and Mikayla's birthday and then a couple of their nine year pics. I took them yesterday to Duke Gardens for their pics. It was the only day this week where I saw it wasn't going to rain or be cold! It worked out really well, though. Glad I saw all of the beauty of that place... I have never been there before. Wesley was the perfect "model".... Mikayla, well... not so much. LOL

Opening up their Wii... it was a priceless capture

Mikayla Girl... Duke Gardens

Wesley my "poser"

I still can't believe how old they are now....

04/05/09

Some maple seeds for your picture today. :)


We sang a lot about the cross today at church. So fitting as this is the beginning of Passion Week. One of my devotions last week spoke to me a lot and then today we had a solo on this very thing. I hope you enjoy this and, again, use it to prepare your heart for Resurrection Day!

John 19:17
And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

"Take up Thy Cross"
J. R. Miller

At first there was no one to help Jesus to bear His cross; though fainting from loss of rest and from the gashing and laceration of His body by the scourge, and still more from the untold anguish through which He had been passing, He yet had to carry His cross for Himself until nature gave way. Yet we must remember that while Jesus had to bear the cross unaided, it really was not for Himself that He bore it, but for us. He endured the shame and pain, and staggered beneath the awful burden, that He might set us free from the burden of sin's curse. The Baptist (John the Baptist) said, when Jesus passed by Him at the beginning of His ministry, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!" We may say the same words as we see Jesus bearing His cross. That is what He is doing. It was not the mere wood that was so heavy; the real load which Jesus bore that day was the mountain of our sins. It was this that made Him faint and sink down by the way, and that wrung from Him such cries and tears in Gethsemane and on Calvary.

A little later He sank down under the burden, and then the officers compelled a passer-by to help Him. After that the scene was this - Jesus and Simon of Cyrene together carrying the cross, Jesus in advance carrying the heavy end, and Simon coming behind bearing the lighter end. Here again the picture is very suggestive in two ways: - We must share the cross with Christ before we can be saved: that is, we must accept our place with Him under the cross and follow Him. Then we can turn the picture another way, and we see Jesus helping His people to bear their crosses. Every cross we have to bear, His shoulder is also beneath it, and He always bears the heavy end of it. No believer ought to be unable to bear any cross with Jesus. No load that He shares should crush us.

04/04/09

Here are some things about ME.... got it from one of my friend's blogs. Play along if you'd like!

I AM happy and thankful for what God has given me

I AM NOT good with cooking on a grill, cooking without a recipe or, well, sometimes cooking in general

I KNOW that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior!

I THINK I would like a slower paced life

I DON'T THINK you should pay a lot for clothes

I WANT a Canon 40D

I HAVE two children, two cats, two dogs, two fish... but just ONE husband. :)

I LIKE to scrapbook... but am finding it is becoming more and more difficult to do

I DISLIKE a whining and complaining spirit, ungratefulness

I HATE the way this world gets further from the Way, the Truth and the Life

I DREAM in color

I FEAR cancer or anything else that can suddenly take my family/friends

I'M ANNOYED by children that do not obey their parents!

I CRAVE chocolate, chocolate.... time to be quiet and think

I USUALLY stay on a schedule

I SEARCH for bargains

I HIDE presents in places that sometimes I forget

I WONDER what Wesley and Mikayla will be like when they grow up and what I'll be as a grandparent!

I REGRET that we came home early from our honeymoon (don't get me started and don't laugh)

I LOVE Jesus Christ, my precious Steve, Wesley and Mikayla, my family and friends

I CAN do all things through Christ Who strengthens me

I CAN'T worry about tomorrow

I TRY to keep my house clean

I ENJOY photography, being with my family, movie nights, visiting other places, looking at God's Creation

I DON'T CARE about sports... lol

I ALWAYS tell my family I love them, tell Steve thank you for all he helps me with (and how much I love him), have a routine

I NEVER need to say "never"... I learned that when I said I would never drive a minivan and guess what I've been driving now for 9 years?

I'D RATHER make beautiful photographs

I RELY on the Lord daily

I BELIEVE my future is in God's Hands

I DANCE with my family sometimes.... it can be hilarious

I SING or hum songs often.... unfortunately, I don't always know the words so I make them up

I ARGUE hardly ever.... I've learned it takes more to understand the other person than to always think of yourself and when you do that, the arguing doesn't happen very often.

I WRITE things on sticky notes and have them everywhere. I am very visual and need those reminders

I WIN rarely

I LOSE my red pens on my desk in the middle of a day... it can get a bit frenzied

I WISH I could travel more places

I LISTEN to a lot of children speak my name daily

I DON'T UNDERSTAND this country's economic issues

I'M SCARED of critters... all shapes and sizes

I FORGET not a lot of things.... I have to help Steve remember a lot so I can't forget. lol

I AM HAPPY because the Lord is with me and I am BLESSED

04/03/09

Our cherry tree has been so pretty this year. I was able to capture this full shot before the wind blew all of the blooms off of it. Now the green leaves are beginning to overtake it so I was glad I took it last weekend.

We are off to celebrate the kiddos birthday tonight since we couldn't on Wednesday night because of church. Their birthday will be celebrated all month, it seems! They are having their "friend sleepover" party at the end of the month. I mentally can't go there right now, though... lol

I am officially on Easter/Spring break! We have worked on the house all afternoon and gotten a lot of cleaning done. That makes my break seem even sweeter because I will not be always seeing a mess in my view!!!

04/02/09

Tulip Tree blossoms....


I don't have a lot of time today.... Have to get myself ready to photograph some teens going to our Junior/Senior at school. Then, I have to rush back home and go to the Broadway play Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with Kevin!! Tomorrow is Friday and the beginning of my Easter Break!! YEEEHAWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!

04/01/09

Nine years ago today..... One at 5:46pm and one at 6:30pm...

I just can't believe my April Fool's "babies" are nine years old. I have had some moments, I must admit. It seems NINE has hit me hard and I am not quite sure why. Maybe it is because I know this is the last year for them to have a single digit for their age. I just look at them sometimes and wonder where in the world time has gone.

They were SO excited. I have sung to them many, many times today. I put candles in their oatmeal at breakfast, too. lol It was a FUN day for them both as many people wished them a Happy Birthday and they received many calls. They finally got a Wii. (We are not gaming people .... sorry Sal and Casey.... but we don't mind them having a Wii because they are active while playing.) They were BEYOND excited. I'll have to share that picture later... lol

I cherish my babies.... who will ALWAYS be my babies... and am thankful to the Lord for all He has done for them. They have been healthy and are doing wonderfully.

Here are some "flashback" pictures as I remembered today. All of the "old" ones were taken the day after they were born.

DO NOT laugh at my loveliness.... On top of having mega short hair, I was in shock and had not had a lot of sleep at this point. lol

Precious little Wesley

"Babydoll" Mikayla

Taken today between the times of their births (Wesley 5:46 and Mikayla 6:30 pm)

I am so blessed. My Mommy moments are emotional.... Cherish the days.