Something new...

New edit

Old edit

I am trying a new photo program (well, actually one I was always afraid to use- it's so complicated-- but I have had it a while)... so please be patient with me and whatever pictures end up here. I made some adjustments on one of 'M's skateboard pictures-- let me know how ya like it...

The top picture is with the "new" program- the bottom is the editing I have been doing. Can you tell the difference?? Is it better to you? Is it worth the effort that it takes- it takes about 3 times longer at this point- because I am still learning the buttons! And I know I still have some playing to do to smooth it out some-- Let me know!!

I know it has been a week since I have posted- so sorry to you "stalkers" out there!=) But I have been taking a crash course in this software-- reading like for hours and experimenting half the night-- just for you! I am hoping to get a few more editing tools under my belt! That is a really fun part for- me sooo time consuming!!

Keep on the look out- I have a wedding this weekend and LOTS of appointments coming up-- so this site will be pretty busy!

Comment for me and let me know what you like- and nicely let me know what you don't like=) Just sign in as anonymous, then sign your name after your comment- and it is actually quite easy!

*** If you know anyone that wants a spring appointment-- tell them to please contact me now-- I am booked pretty far in advance right now. Email or call =)

Guess who is turning 9!!!

I can not believe that my little man is turning 9!!! Time really does fly by!!! We were married 6 years before he came along-- I have no idea what we did with all that free time! =) Now we are "kid chasers"-- like the rest of you parents out there!

I am so proud of this little guy!! He is so smart and sweet- and just hilarious! He has the quirkiest little personality ever!! He has no self esteem issues- he doesn't care what everyone else is doing- he is doing what HE wants to do! He cracks me up!!

He has a strong faith in God and was actually saved and baptized at just 6 years old. He says the sweetest, most heartfelt prayers and is really learning to trust in God to help him with his decisions and how to live his life. It is an awesome process to witness. I thank God for this wonderful privilege and for helping me with this responsibility.

For his birthday he wanted a rip stick. When we got to the store to buy it, he couldn't even get up on it. In these pictures a whole 10 minutes later, he is really riding it! Wow!! He picks things up FAST!! Today (that was yesterday) he is riding and even turning on it. I won't even touch that thing- I value all of my body parts-- and you KNOW I'd be the 1st with another broken bone!!

Happy Birthday, M--- thanks for being you and making me the proudest Mom in the world!!!

Student of the Year!!

Introducing our overall PARISH student of the year!!! We are so excited!!! This is the young man that you have seen in several of my blogs (his little brother was in the Christmas blog). He is like a nephew to me. So I am extremely proud- although not at all surpised!

He will now go on to the regional competition, and hopefully state! I have faith in him that that is defintiely probable!! He has truly grown into an outstanding young man. He is so talented in so many areas. God has truly blessed him - and he gives Him the glory for it. That it was truly makes him worthy.

So- best of luck 'Big C'-- I know you can take this all the way! But remember to keep your eyes on the ONE who created you and your feet planted firmly in His word! I love you!

Promise of Joy:
My son, be wise and make my heart glad.
Proverbs 27:11a

One week later,,,

Do you see that little heart in the center of his foot?? I think he is wishing us a happy Valentine's Day!!! I thought that was so unique!

Here is that same sweet baby! Isn't he even more beautiful, if possible?? I went to their house after school one day and just took a few shots. He was sleeping so peacefully-- then I woke him up and made him mad, mad! So most of these pictures are from inside his little cradle-- taken between the slats-- and I am so glad I did this since the rest of the time wasn't much fun for him. But I will clarify and tell you he is a very good baby-- but woke up with a little tummy ache- it broke my heart!!

So I told his Mom that is no problem- it gives me an excuse to go back again soon and do it again!!! He is just so squeezable!! =)

Promise of Joy:
"These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." ~ Jesus
John 15:11

It is awesome to think that Jesus had such little time on this Earth- yet took the time to be concerned for OUR joy. And I just have to say- a baby brings such joy to me. =)

Sweetest Moments

These pictures are of a brand new beautiful baby boy!! He is only 6 hours old and is just PERFECT!! I was honored to get to feed him and rock him on this visit. I sucked in all that sweet baby smell and recalled the sweet times with my precious babies- wasn't that yesterday?? Actually- holding this baby made me feel like it was eons ago since I had one of my own!

The lighting was so very low and terrible in that dim hospital room at night, so I had to just do the best I could. I really need that external flash I have had my eye on- but just haven't broken down and bought. =)

But I thought these pictures were so sweet. I taught this little guys older sister- and she has actually been in this blog before- but it has been a long time ago now. She is just a doll and we forged a very tight bond in that year of first grade. I have never had a child take to me quite like her- she will always be so incredibly special to me- so of course this little brother goes in there by proxy!! I just love this family dearly and thank God for working it out to put us together-- and it was all Him-- and that is another story! =) That year He even placed their sweet grandparents at our church. He is awesome!

Promise of Joy:
For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of Him.
1 Samuel 1:27

This is way up there on my list of favorite verses! I can not help but use it when I think of new babies. Just a birth all by itself is a true miracle of God. The intricate process of mind boggling. And that is only the physical make up. I can not even imagine the complexities of this one baby's spiritual make up! I believe that God created us for one purpose: to serve Him. If we are not doing this, then we can not be the person God created us to be.
This child has definitely been prayed for by many people. I will continue to pray for him and that God will bless him in every way and keep him close to him to live the life he was created for- just as I pray for my own 2!
We are so glad you are here, baby 'L' - safe and sound!

Yellow Belt

You are going to have to forgive the quality of most of these pictures. I did not want to distract them with my flash- so I took them all without a flash, and VERY low lighting. I just wanted to give you the idea! =)

Our little man just got his first "color belt" in karate! We are so proud of him! He really has not been taking very long, but because of his hard work, he got extra stripes along the way. He has taken to this like a fish to water. He took gymnastics a while back and made the competition team- but because they did not have a boys competition coach, they could not let him compete. Well, he didn't see the point in that. So, when a friend of ours told us about this karate class, we went that very night. We have really enjoyed it! We see his gymnastics skills come in handy, too! He can do the splits and kick really high. He is one fast little guy!

He has great instructors. One of his teachers was getting black belt today- the one at the bottom with him. Man- it is really involved and intense. I learned a lot today! They have an excellent spirit of honor and comeraderie. I am proud to be a part of this program.

For my verse today, I am using the motto from this karate school:
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Phillipians 4:13

Thank God for men who will step up to be leaders and show our children the real way to become men!

His head instructor and the owner is in the top picture with him, tying on his new belt. He is a Godly man, and wonderful leader. He has been a great example and so caring. He always prays before we leave the class and prays that these guys will have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. I love that these large, tough men, humble themselves to be involved in the lives of these children. There were several other black belts there that I was equally impressed with.

If you are local and want to learn more about this program, just email me and I will give you more information. =)