Innermost Aspirations

a month gone by

2012-02-04T01:20:00.002-06:00

I have been a horrific blogger as has been pointed out by some sweet friends of mine (you know who you are, ahem!), but living life has just gotten in the way of my posting as often as I would like. So, before I reach the one month mark of not blogging I thought I should get up a post and let you all know what I have been up to!

Those of you who know me well or who read my blog would be able to list things I regularly blog about and it would be similar to something like this::
(Not in order of importance here...)
1. Photography
2. Crafting
3. Family
4. Cooking
5. Reading
6. Friends
So, I shall try to let you know what all I have done in each of these areas...

Photography: I do use my camera every day although my work hours do not permit me to get outside and take as many pictures as I would like as it is dark when I get off. (So, looking forward to spring! Itching to go for a walk and get some nature shots) I am trying to keep up with a P52 project hosted by my3boybarians, you can view what I have submitted on my photography blog. I have a few senior portraits that need to be scheduled but we are waiting on either some more snow or the arrival of an early spring...fingers crossed for either soon!

Crafting: has been limited to
turning my-----

{Thankful Tree} to {Winter Tree}

to...

{Valentine Tree}

Family: my sisters are both back into the swing of college. Brooke is finishing up her final semester, which I can hardly believe. And Lauren is finishing up her first semester. Lauren also started up a blog, so be sure to follow her over at Seek Ye First... With school back in session the girls are constantly going separate ways or busy working on projects. It is nice when we can gather round the living room at the end of the day and discuss and usually laugh about our eventful days...

Cooking:: I really enjoy making new things that I find on Pinterest. One thing that I made for a game night at Jack's was Italian skewers. They were good and I thought them so fun and colorful that I had to take some pictures...after all food makes for great photography subjects! ;)

Reading: I made a list of books to read in 2012, but unfortunately I have not been able to cross one off yet. These are two of the four I am in the middle of:

Does anyone else read more than one book at once?? I suppose if I just tackled one book at a time, I would finish them in a more timely fashion...

Friends: Liz came to IN, not under the best circumstances, but I was glad for the time we had together. She was also thoughtful enough to bring back a special bracelet that I have enjoyed taking my turn with...

{Liz, I love you girl and am praying for you!}

Also, this month I have enjoyed spending some more time and getting to know a certain special young man. (Insert large smiley face here...) Jack hosted a game night and Brooke and I had a great time meeting more of the McDonnell family as well as the Thackers.

I also was glad to have Jack up after we received a significant amount of snow.

And although it was not good for packing, we still had fun as you can see from our snow covered attire! :)

{If you notice Jack is more covered in snow, because I have better aim...} ;)

This past weekend I was able to meet a group (and Jack) in Illinois for some ice skating. I was rather nervous about skating as I have only been twice and the most recent time was 6 1/2 years ago. However, I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to another opportunity to do it again!

And so concludes my busy month of January. Hopefully I will blog again before March comes...:)

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

A Year in Review

2012-01-04T17:50:00.000-06:00

2012...

A new year.

Another blank chapter of life;

one that I must let God write...

Last year was one full of changes and

one where I learned many valuable truths.

Source: tumblr.com via Nicole on Pinterest

That simple phrase could probably sum up 2011 for me.

A pictorial review::

After working at a Wee Care for 3 years the Lord saw fit to lead me into another field...

I have been working at a local insurance agency for 7 months now.

It was a hard change and took me out of my comfort zone.

However the Lord has given me a wonderful boss and a great working environment.

Grandma and Grandpa came up for my baby sister's graduation.

I know, she really is not a baby any more...:)

Our family took an exciting and adventurous vacation out West

where we saw several breathtaking sites!

I also got to visit my best friend and her hubby in CA.

It was an awesome experience and I can't wait to go back again someday!

A couple of months later my other good friend, Tabitha married David and

I had the opportunity to shoot their wedding.

The Lord also brought another huge blessing our way...

He gave us the perfect house; it truly is everything my parents ever dreamed of.

The Lord also saw fit to take my Uncle Jerry home to be with Him.

He had struggled with an illness for several years and we are comforted knowing he is no longer in any pain and has a new body.

And then most recently the Lord brought a new set of friends into my life-

some fellow bloggers

They are great fun to be around!

Especially this guy :)

(But that I will save for later!)

I hope you all have a great New Years and I am certain that 2012 will be full with changes, but one thing I have learned is that:

Source: rocksinmydryer.typepad.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Happy 2012!

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

Cherry Crunch

2011-12-31T20:46:00.000-06:00

This recipe is one that has been passed down from my Grandma and her sister.

It is such a simple one to make, but quite delicious!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spread cherry pie filling in a 9X13 pan.

Follow with crushed pineapple.

Melt two sticks of margarine.

Sprinkle a yellow cake mix on top of pie fillings and swirl into it with a fork

Pour melted margarine in with it and continue swirling the cake mix in with the fruit.

Chop 1/2 cup of walnuts.

Sprinkle walnuts on top of cake mixture.

Bake for 60 minutes.

Best served right out of the oven with some vanilla ice cream.

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T20:38:00.003-06:00

It is so hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone and the year 2012 is right around the corner.

God has been so good to my family this year -

we saw many answers to prayer,

and He blessed us beyond measure.

My cup runneth over.

Many of our Christmas traditions were skipped due to Christmas falling on a Sunday.

However, spending Christmas morning in church and celebrating the birth of our Savior with other Christians proved very memorable.

It was a joy looking out from the choir loft at all the visitors who had chosen to come to church.

Preacher brought a wonderful sermon on the greatest gift ever given to mankind...

the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I hope you all had a blessed holiday, for truly this is the most wonderful time of the year!!

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

Merry Christmas Eve!!

2011-12-24T18:54:00.000-06:00

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

A Family Affair

2011-12-21T22:02:00.000-06:00

Baking Christmas Goodies:

Always a fun affair!

We have compiled a list of our favorites.

Peanut Butter Balls always at the top!

The whole family pitches in and in no time we have made 5 dozen of each.

We give away most to friends,

but always make enough for us to keep a few ourselves.

Holiday baking complete!

Now, we just need some snow!!

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

It's her day!!

2011-12-20T08:34:00.004-06:00

December 20, 2011.

A special day for this lovely young lady -

Today she marries her best friend.

She will be missed by several.

But in her marriage,

we know that we have not lost a friend-

instead we have gained another.

Congratulations, Michelle -

I hope your day is as beautiful as you!

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

Thanksgiving Recap

2011-12-09T07:01:00.001-06:00

So, seeing as we got our first snowfall this morning,

[insert squeals of sheer delight]

I figured it was high time I gave a recap on my Thanksgiving...

We spent the day with family friends and some other young people from the church and college.

The table decor, in my opinion, is almost as important as the food,

and Mrs. Hughes outdid herself.

I opted for Pumpkin Spice Coffee as opposed to the Pumpkin Pie,

and it was delish! :)

The kitchen clean up crew::

Mr. Hughes and his stories that always make us laugh!

Game time!!

Pigs:

Foosball:

Imaginiff:

A great Thanksgiving full of great food and a time well spent with friends!

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2011-11-23T20:35:00.001-06:00

For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food, for love and friends,

For everything thy goodness sends.

For flowers that bloom about our feet,

For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet,

For song of bird, and hum of bee,

For all things fair we hear or see,

Father in heaven we thank thee.

~Emerson

{Photography credit to Photography by Jack}

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

a look back

2011-11-16T10:06:00.001-06:00

I was going through some old photos from my highschool days

and came across some pictures of the "foursome."

From 7th-12th grade we were the inseparable crew.

We were all so very different.

Different goals, different plans, different ideals...

But that's what made our friendship so special...

At my 16th birthday party we all sat down and individually compiled a list of what we were looking for in a future mate. After all, college was just two years away and we wanted to put this down on paper! :)

I hung on to them through the years and was able to give Theresa hers when she was married in 2010.

Tabitha was married in August, but amongst all the wedding activities I entirely forgot about this piece of paper.

Until yesterday...

As I read through her list, I suddenly felt nostalgic.

I could see us all giggling on the couch as we made out these ideals.

I contemplated on her list and found myself comparing it with her hubby-David.

I could feel the tears welling up as I discovered what I had not known as a 16 year old.

God will give you your match

Tabitha's list pretty much sums of David.

He was her ideal as a 16 year old and she didn't even know it!

Today I am missing her; missing the foursome of high school days past,

however I am so very happy that God gave her the desires of her heart by putting David in her life.

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

Thankful Tree

2011-11-05T14:01:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving is probably my absolute favorite holiday.

I love the story of the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving,

and I love to count my blessings.

When you stop a moment to do that, you realize how much you

truly have.

So, I decided to make a thankful tree for my family to contribute to every day::

I collected some twigs and stuck them in a mason jar.

I added some ribbon I already had and used my cricut to cut out circles from fallish paper then hung them from the branches...

By Thanksgiving we should have a tree full of blessings!

{This idea was adapted from my pinterest board}

See the original that I pinned from here.

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

DIY headboard

2011-11-01T07:40:00.000-05:00

A project in pictures::

Recently we moved; and in doing so my sister and I ended up switching beds.

Since hers - which was now mine - was without a headboard I decided to make one.

I found this ugly thing at a local furniture consignment store.

And I covered it first with this batting.

And then proceeded with the material on top.

My mom and I tucked and folded the material tight around the headboard and secured with hot glue.

{this is the lazy man's way of sewing and speaking from experience works wonders!}

Then I had my first attempts at making rosettes...

Presenting the finished product!!

I absolutely love it!

And the great thing about it is I can always pull apart and recover with a different fabric if I want.

This was definitely my favorite project of the month.

Visit Traci's to see more diy ideas!

{Linking up here}

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

On this day...

2011-10-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

twenty-four years ago, Elizabeth Jane was born.

We were friends from the start.

Here we are at my 5th birthday party...

elementary days our friendship consisted in writing letters...

As you can see above we even had our very own club complete with a secret language and handshake.

Now as to what the letters JFS stand for...that dies with us. :)

We shared a love for American Girl and were so excited when they opened a store in Chicago.

Her parents took us to the spend the day there and we had a blast!

We were a crazy group;

and Liz was someone I knew would always make me laugh.

When we entered junior high our friendship was full of ups and downs.

We hung with different groups and did not spend time in each other's company much.

However in college that changed when I was on the bus route with her.

We spent many a Saturday visits and Sunday shuttle drives together.

It was then that we picked up where we left off.

Our friendship resumed as if it had never missed a beat.

I discovered that Liz was a sincere sweet girl and she still could make me laugh.

We made so many memories and in those two years I made a forever friend.

I do not doubt that the Lord brought her back into my life.

You see all my close friends had moved out of state but she was here.

Here to listen and to laugh.

When she asked me to stand along side her on her special day, I was honored.

She married a great guy who is perfect for her and they moved

all the way to California!!

But, you know what?

Despite our distance we remain constant.

She is a faithful, loyal-true-blue friend...

This summer I was able to visit her, and I had a wonderful time

in her beautiful state.

And somehow, despite how old I get she still manages to bring out my crazy side! :)

So on her birthday, I just wanted to share with all what a truly wonderful friend she is.

I wish I could spend the day celebrating with her.

Liz,

I just want to wish you a very happy 24th birthday and let you know that I count you among one of my greatest blessings. If I could I would fly out there this very minute to help make your day special. I miss you lots and want to let you know that Sunday pickups are just not the same. No one else wants to stop at Luke's gas station for chocolate donuts and mountain dew...;) I miss us giggling like school girls one moment then reminiscing and tearing up in another. I look forward to being reunited soon!

Happy, happy birthday friend.

Love you!

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

and yet another pasta dish...

2011-10-29T12:17:00.001-05:00

I have this addiction to pasta.

When I was deciding what to make for dinner the other day, all of my ideas were pasta.

So I decided to try something new from my pinterest board;

something called Crispy Chicken with Creamy Italian Sauce and Bowtie Pasta.

(Kind of complex, I know, therefore I have renamed it::

Italian Manna) :)

Ingredients::

{serves 6}

3 chicken breasts
5 C corn flakes
3/4 C flour
1/2 t salt
1/2 C milk
6 T olive oil
1 12 oz package of bowtie pasta

Sauce::

1 10 oz Philadelphia cooking cream (Italian Cheese & Herb flavor)
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 C chicken broth
1/2 C milk
fresh parsley

Crush the corn flakes into crumbs and put in a loaf or pie pan.

Add the salt to the flour and put into another pan.

Place the milk in a separate pan.

Split the chicken breasts into two

Pound the chicken flat with a meat mallet.

Dredge the chicken in flour

Lay the chicken on a plate and put in the freezer.

Let sit for 5-10 min.

Prepare the pasta

Remove the chicken from the freezer and dredge each piece in milk and then into the corn flake crumbs.

Lay the chicken in the hot oil.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cook both sides until golden brown,

then let sit on medium heat for 7 minutes.

When the chicken is cooked through remove and place on a plate.

Cover with tin foil.

Into the skillet pour your chicken broth, cooking cream, cream of chicken and milk.

Whisk the sauce until it is warm and bubbly.

Approximately 3-5 minutes.

Slice your chicken into strips

and serve over cooked pasta and sauce.

Garnish with parsley.

Enjoy!

Bon Appetit.

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

My kind of day

2011-10-27T07:04:00.001-05:00

Once upon two days ago, there was a mother and daughter who ventured to a place they had never been before...

It was always a special treat to spend time together, but today was extra special because they were going to a store they had only dreamed about.

Upon entering, they were almost overwhelmed.

They were asked if they wanted FREE breakfast.

FREE breakfast was something they had never heard of it, so they jumped at this opportunity!

They slowly made their way around the showcase section taking in each tiny little detail.

Living room set ups, kitchens, and even miniature bathrooms were on display!

The mother - being the supreme interior decorator - was completely in heaven and the daughter - she was wishing she had a house of her own to decorate.

After getting ideas from the showcase they made their way down to the warehouse, where the shopping began!

It was all there::

Dishes,

frames {of every size and color},

plants & greenery,

and bolts of fabric too!

This place had it all;

a dream come true!

When there cart was all full and the money all spent,

they excitedly made their way to checkout...

They began talking and making plans for the next time they would visit this amazing place.

As they left they turned to get a last glimpse,

but then were on their way, anxious to put to use the items they had bought!

IKEA - a dream come true...

Have you ever been?? :)

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

"booed"

2011-10-23T15:28:00.001-05:00

I came home the other day and noticed this in the window...

My parents had come home earlier to discover a bag full of goodies with a ghost stapled to it

and these instructions inside.

OF COURSE, I got excited about this!!

(I was a PreSchool teacher for 3 years and I miss the excuse to act like a child...)

So we got two treat bags together and yesterday my mom and snuck around the neighborhood trying to find a house without a ghost in it's window.

It was a fun Halloween gesture and I am already looking forward to Thanksgiving...

perhaps there will be Turkey treat bags??? :)

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

Delicous Autumn!

2011-10-17T23:01:00.005-05:00

{Last week my family and I took an afternoon walk on the trails at Chellberg Farm. I had been longing to get some autumn photos so I was quite delighted that the whole family wanted to come a long.}

Why Autumn is my Favorite Season::

Crisp mornings
Sipping hot tea all day

Leaves fluttering on my windshield
Stews and soups

Scarfs and boots
Harvest moons

Pumpkin rolls & Carrot Cake
Crunchy leaves

Fall mums
The pumpkin patch

Cozy sweaters
Curling up with a good book

Counting my blessings
More time with family

Fresh apple cider
Fall decor

Nature walks
Caramel apples

October gave a party;

The leaves by hundreds came -

The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,

And leaves of every name.

The Sunshine spread a carpet,

And everything was grand,

Miss Weather led the dancing,

Professor Wind the band.

~George Cooper

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

Dessert for breakfast?

2011-10-08T13:53:00.000-05:00

Eating this breakfast treat is a delicious way to jumpstart a morning!

I stumbled across Paula Deen's gorilla bread on Pinterest.

You can blame my lack of blogging on pinterest; it has become a slight addiction of mine. :)

I have gotten several crafting, decorating, and cooking ideas from there and I

have had the pleasure of trying dozens of things out, you can view my boards here.

Ingredients:

1/2 c of sugar

1 T of cinnamon

1 stick of butter

1 c of brown sugar

8 oz pkg of cream cheese

2 - 12 oz cans of refrigerated biscuits

1 1/2 c of coarsely chopped walnuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.

Spray bundt pan with cooking spray.

Mix the sugar and cinnamon.

In a small sauce pan, melt the butter and brown sugar over low heat. Set aside.

Cut the cream cheese into 20 equal cubes.

Press the biscuits out with your fingers and sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture on it and then place a cream cheese cube in the center wrapping and sealing the dough around the cream cheese.

Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the walnuts onto the bottom of the bundt pan.

Place half of the prepared biscuits into the pan and then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, pour half of the butter mixture, and sprinkle with walnuts.

Layer the remaining biscuits and follow with cinnamon sugar, butter and walnuts.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Cool, then place a plate on top of the bundt pan and invert.

Enjoy with a large glass of milk!!

Bon apetit! :)

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

Where thou art -

2011-10-02T22:17:00.001-05:00

that - is home.

~Emily Dickinson

My newest addition to my key ring:

And the lovely house that we now call home:

Home, the spot of earth supremely blest,

a dear sweeter spot than all the rest.

~Robert Montgomery

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

Proud to share a part in...

2011-09-19T22:57:00.000-05:00

Customize a picture slideshow

My church is halfway through our annual fall campaign and we have seen the Lord's hand of blessing. I am so very proud to share a small part in the big work God is doing through my church.

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

BIG news::

2011-09-10T21:47:00.002-05:00

It all started two weeks ago...

I attended 4 consecutive days of classes - a total of 32 hours of listening

to the same instructor talk about Property & Casualty Insurance.

I learned a lot, and came away with two quotes from my entertaining mentor:

You can't unscramble scrambled eggs.

Good, better, best.

Never let it rest.

Til your good gets better,

and

your better gets best.

Anyways...

I poured over books,

listened to over 10 hours of audio reviews,

studied every spare waking moment...

{I am not stretching the truth one little bit-

my family can vouch for me}

And last Saturday it paid off when I took the 160 question, 3 hour exam and passed by 4 points!

I was soooo pumped; I could hardly contain my excitement.

The next step was to apply for my resident producer license,

which I received this past Thursday.

{I WILL be framing that up in my room! :)}

Now I can dive into these two books that I have been saving to reward myself! ;)

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

looking back...

2011-09-08T07:25:00.003-05:00

Then::

{September 8, 1999}

Now::

{September 8, 2011}

Happy Birthday to the first man I ever fell in love with.

The guy who I still go to for advice.

The man who knows a little bit about everything-

Who taught me how to ride a bike,

fry an over-easy egg (or as we called it dip-dip egg)

cut in and tape before painting,

wax a car,

shoot hoops,

how to see the best in others,

and live to please God.

I love you, Daddy!

~your little girl

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

A furniture makeover!!

2011-09-03T21:38:00.001-05:00

I have been in search of a desk for some time now.

I did not want just any desk;

I wanted one that I (and when I say I what I really mean is my Dad) could refinish.

I had seen one at a local furniture consignment shop and drooled over it, but the price was just a little higher than what I wanted to pay and the owner insisted that they would never go any lower since it was an antique piece and worth much more than the sticker price.

I went into this store several times over the past three months and the desk was always there and then one day I noticed it had been reduced and that on top of that all furniture was 20% off!! The owner told me that obviously this desk was meant for me!

And so - I was sold on it. :)

The first thing we did was remove the hardware and spray paint it nickel-colored.

The drawers were painted black...

My dad stripped and refinished the top of the desk:

In order to not take away from the intricate details we taped it off and painted the rest of the desk black.

It took a couple of coats before it was just right...

My dad did an amazing job;

he is awesome! :)

I LOVE MY DESK!!

And this is what I parted with::

I have had this desk since 6th grade; it was a bittersweet moment...

But, then when I walked back inside and saw this beaut;

I couldn't help but smile! :)

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

just as i had imagined...

2011-08-22T20:37:00.003-05:00

Every little girl dreams of one day wearing a white dress, marrying her Prince Charming, and riding off into the sunset...

As far back as I can remember, Tabitha has been a part of my life. Reaching into my deepest memories, I see us playing house and discussing our wedding plans. I never knew what I wanted, but Tabitha - she did. The color would be pink and she would wear a tiara. We would giggle and imagine who our Prince Charming would be and what if he ended up being one of the little boys we grew up with??? Eww...gross!

This past Friday, however I watched my best friend marry a young man that we grew up along side. A young man, whom I would have arguments and debates during lunch hours, so imagine my surprise when she informed me as a senior in high school that she liked him. It soon became obvious come our college years that David was her match...her Prince Charming.

Their courtship had its up and downs but through it all, Tabitha never wavered and knew in her heart that he was the one for her. I was so very proud to not only share a part in their wedding day, but also be their photographer and Tabitha's personal attendant!

I was able to accompany her to the salon while she was done up like Cinderella...

I helped her with the finishing touches of putting on her jewelry:

I spent the entire day photographing my best friend's fairy tale dream come true;

and I can honestly say it was one of the happiest days of my life.

They were a couple so in love and such a joy to shoot!

I love you both and I enjoyed every minute of your happily ever after.

{More of their wedding will be posted within the next few days on my photography blog}

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

Setting up house!

2011-08-06T21:40:00.002-05:00

Over the last few days I was able to spend some time with one of my best friends, Tab

who will be getting married in just 13 days!

I drove up to MI where I was able to help her get her apartment decorated and in order.

We had so much fun, staying up late, moving furniture, hanging pictures, painting, and grocery shopping.

Tab is my oldest friend.

My mom and her mom were best friends prior to either of our births,

so it was only natural that we inherited their closeness with each other.

I remember playing house with our barbies and her brother's GIJoes for hours on end,

and dreaming of someday having our own house.

Well, her day has come and her little nest is just perfect and I know she will make a wonderful housewife!

Her future sister-in-law, Susan has been a huge help, and we had alot of fun with her.

We painted the master bedroom green, but were not able to get it all set up...

Tab will be conquering that project this week!

I love her kitchen!

We could have sat in there for hours just soaking it all in...:)

Her living room is so very homey...

And although you cannot tell from this picture her bathroom colors are blue and yellow...

Michigan colors, OF COURSE! :)

So glad I was able to make the trip,

I had a memory filled two days!

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

Something to ponder

2011-08-03T22:20:00.000-05:00

Do not pray for easy lives!

Pray to be strong men.

Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers.

Pray for powers equal to your tasks.

Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle,

but you shall be a miracle.

~Phillips Brooks

Greatness comes not by having a mossy path made for you

through the meadows, but by being sent to hew out a roadway

by your own hands.

I read that excerpt today and it really caused me to just sit and ponder.

How many times have I been envious of others who seem to live a bed of roses.

To me it seems as if everything in life has been handed to them.

I am truly happy for them, but sometimes I wonder...

Why can't my life be like that?

I am not saying this to complain about my life, because I love life...

God is truly so very good to me.

However after reading this I was convicted of listening to the Devil

and feeling sorry for myself at times.

Convicted of wishing for things that are not necessarily bad,

but are not what God would have for me at this time in life.

And then it hit me...

The reason God does not give me a life of miracles and perfection is because He is working the miracle through me, rather than around me.

I do not want others to wish for my life, but rather to wish for my faith.

I want to live so that others see the miracle living in me.

The easy life does not lead to greatness of character.

And so I prayed today - not for a bed of roses but rather

the character to rise to whatever God may bring may way.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and I -

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

~Robert Frost

{Pictures taken in Napa, CA}

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

For when you are bored:

2011-07-28T21:38:00.000-05:00

...AND feeling crafty!

So this is my third edition of a crafting post, and I hope you get a small fraction of the enjoyment looking at my diy crafts as I did in making them. Yesterday I had the day off and I decided to finally get around to doing some projects I had seen via the blog-o-sphere.

Let me start off by saying I have a small addiction to frames. Every time I happen to pass the local resale shop when they are open (which is a rarity) I find myself drawn inside to the back of the store where they have frames of all sorts and sizes. Doesn't matter how ugly they are, if they are cheap I buy them, big or small I collect them all! ;)

Anyways, I have had quite the collection growing under my bed and I finally found use for 6 of them:

#1 Magnetic Chalk Board Frame

via this crafty chic's tutorial here

Cost:

Sheet metal: $2.50

Paint: $.65

Frame: $2

#2 Dry Erase Frame

via the same crafty chic here

Cost:

Thrifted frame: $1

Paint&Paper on hand

#3 Letter art

Did you know Hobby Lobby sells single letters?

And for you photographers out there, how fun would it be to do this yourself?

(I think I could use the challenge...)

Cost:

4 letters @ $1.99 ea.

Thrifted Frame: $2

Grey Mat matte made from a poster board

#4 Scripture Picture framed

I printed this picture I took on TYB IS., GA and put a favorite verse of mine on it.

Before:

After:

Cost:

Thrifted Frame: $2

Picture printed at home and matte made with scrapbook paper

#5 Earring Display

I have so many earrings and I only wear dangles, so this was a perfect way to display them!

Tutorial found here

Cost:

Frame: on hand

Picture wire: $1.97

#6 Pinwheels

I know this has nothing to do with frames but I adored the idea of having a bouquet of pinwheels. (Don't judge me; I am a kid at heart) :)

Tutorial found via Lisa Leanord here

My sister, Lauren came home from work and I helped her make her own chalkboard frame & pinwheels to match her room!

Aren't they adorable? :)

So, what are you waiting for?

Get crafting! :)

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

How do people make it through life...

2011-07-18T20:24:00.000-05:00

without a sister to share it with?

Couldn't ask for a better set of sisters!

Brooke Emily

my little 4-point-0 :)

Lauren Ashley
the sanguine sibling

Nicole Elizabeth

aka Me

The best thing about having sisters...

...is that I always have friends.

Thanks for the fun evening, girls, and for putting up with all the picture taking despite the pesky mosquitoes!

I love you and I want you both to know I think you are the greatest blessing in my life.

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

God's will

2011-07-07T12:38:00.000-05:00

Growing up at Fairhaven, I have heard one point pounded by my Preacher - "Find God's will and do it." So much so that the college alumni had a rock engraved with those exact words.

Doing God's will has never been something difficult for me. I grew up at Fairhaven and it was only natural that I attended the college on campus, which I believe to be the best Christian college in the nation. As a girl growing up at Fairhaven the chronological events are usually, go to college, graduate college, get married and ride off into the sunset. (maybe that is exaggerated a little;)

And that is exactly how my life was going up until the end of my sophomore year.

Suddenly I knew nothing of what my future held and it was something I struggled with for the next two years through college.

Here is where I would like to insert that were it not for godly Christian parents I would still be struggling with this concept. I am so very thankful that I have parents who encourage me to study God's Word and find His will myself. I am so thankful for my mother's notes to me that say,

God has a divine will for your life~isn't it wonderful to KNOW that you are in His will and He is going to bless you? It is like opening a gift from God!

It is notes like this that I keep in my Bible and refer to often for encouragement.

This past May, it had been two years since my college graduation.

The majority of my classmates have married, or are teaching in Christian schools, or are serving in some other church. It is only through God's strength that I do not question Him or doubt His will.

I have been offered a few teaching jobs but none of them even required prayer.

I visited or would speak to my Preacher and I knew that God would not have me go there.

However, recently a teaching position opened up at a great Christian school in California.

I began to pray if God would have that position be offered to me and if so that I would know very clearly that that was where I should be. Nothing scares me more than not being in the center of God's will, and this was not a small matter.

My visit to see Liz was already planned and as God would have it I was interviewed at the school where my best friend teaches. The school was great, the church was wonderful, and the people there were so friendly. PLUS, my best friend lives there!!!! How much better could it get??

If I was not a Christian, I would have taken the job then and there!

After all, it sounded like a dream come true!

However I knew this was a very serious matter and that making a decision based on what I wanted would end up in disaster. So, I came home and talked it over with my family and we began to pray.

Three weeks passed and not only was my family praying that God would give me peace in the decision I should make but also my church family. In that time countless people would come tell me they were praying for me, something I will be eternally grateful for.

About two weeks ago, I knew my answer. Or should I say God's answer...

It was not the easy route.

I would love to teach,

to have my own class,

to live on my own,

to experience a new place,

to teach to the class room next to my best friend...

But it was not God's will.

That I was certain.

And so God's will for me is to stay at my home church.

I don't know why and I don't know what the future holds.

Does God want me to teach?

Will I stay in the same town my whole life?

Will God bring my soul-mate here?

All these questions have run through my head, but this I know - that God's place for me now is to continue at Fairhaven, serving on the bus route, helping in a 5-6 grade girls Sunday School, singing in the choir...I have found God's will and I will do it.

God has led me to an Insurance Agency where I have been working for one month now.

I love learning new things and going outside my comfort zone.

I still do not know what tomorrow holds, but I will take it one day at a time

after all the future is God's gift to me...

New Blog

2011-07-07T07:30:00.000-05:00

Announcement::

Since I take way too many pictures and don't want to post them all here, I have decided to start up a new blog where I will do just that! So, that way I can continue to write here but still share pictures without feeling like I need to write a post with them.

Those of you who like photography are welcome to follow me over at Serendipity - Images!

Hope to see you there!

PS I know I am way overdue for a post; one is in progress, I promise...:)

James & Michelle

2011-06-29T18:22:00.001-05:00

Last week I was able to shoot an engagement photo session for a young lady that I grew up with, graduated high school with, sat through the same college English classes, and graduated from college with.

After college she moved to California where she taught 3-4 grade at Bethel Christian Academy for two years. She is a very fun, sweet, and beautiful Christian lady, both inside and out and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know here fiance more during this photo session.

I could definitely see their love for each other;
in their laughter, looks, and teasing.

To read more about Michelle, go to Liz's blog...

she wrote an entire post on their friendship.

I was so thrilled when Michelle asked me to do their pics, because I had been saving this local spot (Riley's Railhouse) for someone special!

We ended the shoot at one of my favorite spots in Chesterton - Chellberg Farms.

By this time it was drizzling, but James and Michelle braved the elements and kept smiling!

James & Michelle,

Thank you so much for letting me take part in documenting the memories of this special day; I truly enjoyed every minute of it!

I celebrate...

2011-06-26T05:59:00.001-05:00

my sister

linking up here

Dear Brooke,

I want to wish you a happy 21st birthday. I am proud of the young lady you have become and I am so blessed to be called your sister. I love you with all of my heart and I thank God every day for the extra time He has given me at home with my family. Times like the above where we can grab my camera and act silly, laughing at ourselves... And then there are other times when we have heart-to-hearts and I realize what a godly young woman you truly are and I know that someday a young man will see just that and sweep you off your feet. You are giving and devoted to the work of God, and there have been many times that I wonder if I am a good enough example for you. I love listening to you sing off key and hearing you practice your speeches. I love how excited you get about eating and how stressed you get about upcoming papers and tests. Words cannot even begin to express what you mean to me, and I know I have told you this before, but I want you to know that not only do I count myself blessed to call you my sister, but also my best friend.

Happy 21st!

Yellowstone National Park

2011-06-20T20:00:00.001-05:00

I have not participated in Mosaic Monday in SUCH a long time, but

seeing as I came back from vacation with around 1,000 pics I think I will have

enough pictures to do mosaics for the next year!

So, I give you::

Yellowstone National Park

A tad bit frigid...

not what we were expecting,

but beautiful nonetheless.

We saw wildlife, geysers, and waterfalls.

God's creation on display:

this was one of my favorite shots from the day:

something about it seemed so mysteriously and tragically romantic.

(excuse the poet that is trapped inside me...;)

We spent a good 8 hours enjoying this scenic drive!

View more mosaics here!

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-18T19:24:00.001-05:00

Most fathers and mothers pray for a son.

Someone to carry on the family name and work alongside the father.

My daddy never got a son...instead he was blessed with three daughters! :)

What many people fail to realize is the special bond between Fathers and daughters.

For it is a girl's daddy whom other men will always be judged by.

A Father is the standard which the girl will look for in a future husband.

I am so grateful that God has given me godly Father.

A man who leads our family by example.

A man who works so hard, yet takes time to be with his family.

Daddy,

I love you so very much and I wish you a great Father's Day,

on this day and forever!

Julian & Liz

2011-06-16T23:06:00.000-05:00

So...my trip to Cali.

I am still editing pictures but I wanted share a couple of my favorites from a mini shoot I was able to do for Julian and Liz. The location is Monterey, California and my subjects were my best friend and her husband.

They compliment each other in every way.

He laughs at her jokes...and every girl wants a guy who thinks she is funny.

They are easy-going and very comfortable around each other.

He adores her, it's plain to see.

That mushy love stuff...they got it. ;)

They can be serious too; Julian is a good listener and great advice giver.

Liz...this picture shows her personality all too well, lol

It was so much fun snapping pictures of Liz and Julian just being themselves.

Later that afternoon we road along Pebble Beach Drive, stopping to overlook the scenic views and snapping some more pictures.

I am very thankful Julian put up with my trigger finger!

It was so much fun taking pictures of a couple very much in love!

Julian & Liz,

I had a wonderful time visiting you guys. You are so much fun to be around and I look forward to my next visit. Thanks for letting me take your pictures and for helping me create so many wonderful memories. You are both great friends!

Love,

God meant it unto good...

2011-06-12T15:02:00.002-05:00

{Monterey, CA}

God meant it unto good - O blest assurance,

Falling like sunshine all across life's way,

Touching with Heaven's gold earth's darkest storm clouds,

Bringing fresh peace and comfort day by day.

God meant it unto good for thee, beloved,

The God of Joseph is the same today;

His love permits afflictions strange and bitter,

His hand is guiding through the unknown way.

The Lord, who sees the end from the beginning,

Hath purposes for thee of love untold.

Then place thy hand in His and follow fearless,

Till thou the riches of His grace behold.

Freda Hanbury Allen

[excert from Streams in the Desert]

Goodbye, Pre-school...

2011-06-09T22:21:00.000-05:00

Tuesday ended 3 1/2 years of working at a Pre-School.

It was the longest I had ever worked at one place, and it was a place that held many many memories.

I will never forget the first time I walked into Wee Care. I wondered how I would ever learn all the kids' names and I wondered if working 40 hours a week with them would prove too stressful.

Well, over the last few years I watched kids come into my room from the two's room and then saw them get onto the school bus for their first day of school. I developed relationships with several of the kids and felt almost as though I was parenting.

I hope that I was able to influence these children as much as they influenced me. They truly molded me into the person I have become. The memories I made are ones I will always carry with me in my heart.

a favorite passage:

2011-06-05T15:50:00.000-05:00

I am back from a two-week long vacation, and have over 800 pictures to show for it!! :)

I chose one of my absolute favorite passages and used it on a picture taken

at Grand Tetons National Park.

Browse here for more scripture pictures...

Happenings in Cali!

2011-06-02T01:36:00.000-05:00

Well, my visit to California is half-way over,

and I have taken way too many pictures

and had way too much fun!

I was able to spend last week surrounded by the

beauty of the Tetons and this week I am seeing places

like:

1. Monterey

Spending time with Liz & Julian

{always full of excitement :)}

2. Pebble Beach Drive

3. Napa

{Culinary School}

I was able to open the eyes of my California friend

to all the palm trees around her,

that she never knew were there...

A quick, "Hello!"

2011-05-25T22:20:00.000-05:00

{Just because I promised several of my loyal readers back home

that I would past some pictures while vacationing out West}

Greetings from Driggs, Idaho!

Our temporary two week residence...

My window view when I awoke...

Grand Tetons completely surrounding us!

Walking a trail and enjoying the views!

[unedited pictures uploaded here...:)]

Will check in later, I am too busy soaking in the wonder and beauty

of the majestic Tetons.

HIS timing:

2011-05-21T21:31:00.001-05:00

Spring is finally here, everything is green, and the flowers are abloom!

I love spring!

A couple of weeks ago it seemed as though it would never come...

Sometimes, I feel the same way about things in my life.

It is one of my biggest struggles...doubt and impatience.

You would think I would learn, but time after time I find myself impatiently questioning God.

Wanting to take matters in my own hands and solve my own problems.

Instead of letting the Lord make things beautiful in His timing.

Faith is letting go and letting God.

True faith drops its letter in the post office box,

and lets it go. Distrust holds onto a corner of it,

and wonders that the answer never comes.

True faith hands its case over to God, and then He works.

"Commit thy way unto the Lord, trust also in him,

and he shall bring it to pass." (Ps. 37: 5)

Faith is the evidence of things not seen.

When I go for walks, with just my camera,

and God, I am reminded...

that just as God brings Spring in his timing,

so he will work out all my life's loose ends-

in HIS timing.

Of graduations past...

2011-05-20T16:45:00.002-05:00

It has been a very busy and eventful week...

Last night my baby sister graduated from high school.

Six years ago yesterday I graduated from high school...

I can remember the day like yesterday and all the emotions

I felt. I was so excited yet so afraid to leave high school,

where I had been the top dog and enter the big scary world of

COLLEGE!

{may 19th, 2005}

{my high school graduating class}

Growing up in a small private school made me very

close with my classmates. My senior year was filled with

several great memories, but that night six years ago, I knew

that never again when I have those high school days back.

But, life went on. And as a matter of fact, college life was even better!!

I made some new friends and before I knew it my little sis, Brooke was graduating

from high school and would be joining me for the one semester I had

left in college!

{Brooke & Tim- a little boy whom she babysits

and whom this past semester I have been able to tutor}

{may 15th, 2008}

{my 8th grade English students}&

{my 9th grade Keyboarding students}

My senior year flew by and before I knew it,

I had finished my student teaching, and was gearing

up for college graduation!

{fun college friends}

During dress rehearsal I managed to get my own ovation

when I tripped up the stairs, landing flat on my face!!

At least I got that out of my system before the real thing! :)

{the original '05 alma matter}

It was a bittersweet evening...

saying, "Goodbye" and wondering, "What next?"

{may 14th, 2009}

The next year went quickly and I was offered a couple teaching positions

in Christian schools, but God did not give me complete peace about

any of them.

Instead He allowed me to stay at home and watch yet another graduation

of Liz- a sweet young lady who had recently became very close to me.

{may 20th, 2010}

And now we have come to 2011 and the youngest

LaBate girl is now a high school graduate...

Wow, where have the years gone?

My sanguine, bubbly sister is about to enter COLLEGE!

And although, I do not miss it, I wish I could experience it again with her...

{Lauren and her childhood best friend who came all the way

from Utah to share a part in this special day...}

{Grandparents came from Texas}

{may 19th, 2011}

Well, the celebration is not over quite yet...

Two open houses to go! :)

{more pics to follow}

real joy

2011-05-15T22:45:00.000-05:00

I am hungry...

2011-05-14T14:49:00.000-05:00

so, I thought I would write about the meal my sisters and I made

for Mother's Day per request::

Fettuccine with Vegetables & Prosciutto

{ingredients} {4 servings}

[8 oz. fettuccine broken

1 lb. bias sliced asparagus into 1 1/2"

1 T. oil

4 chopped Roma tomatoes

3 oz. prosciutto cut in thin strips

1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese

*optional: Alfredo sauce of choosing*]

Cook fettuccine, drain, and keep warm.

Meanwhile in large skillet cook and stir asparagus in hot oil for about

4 minutes or until nearly tender.

Add tomatoes and prosciutto.

Cook about 2 minutes or until heated through.

Add to fettuccine, stir gently. Add optional 1/2 jar

of Alfredo sauce.

Sprinkle with Parmesan and season with salt and pepper.

Are you hungry yet? :)

Puffs of cotton

2011-05-10T05:20:00.001-05:00

The sun is shining, the skies are blue, birds are singing, and signs of new life are all around!

I just want to drink in every ray of sunlight and be enveloped by the blue skies

and fluffy clouds...

It is amazing how circumstances, like the weather, have such an effect on people.

Suddenly I feel a renewed energy to be outside, I feel a spring in my step, and

I could almost just burst out in song! :)

Hello, Spring!

{life is good & warm sun textures applied}

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T06:01:00.000-05:00

Little Women

2011-05-05T17:06:00.000-05:00

We bear our souls and tell the most appalling of secrets. [Amy]

He's dull as powder, Meg. Can't you at least marry someone amusing? [Jo]

Do you love Laurie more than you love me? [Amy] Don't be silly! I could never love anyone more than I love my sisters. [Jo]

You don't need scores of suitors, you need only one...if he's the right one. [Amy]

I know I shall be homesick for you...even in heaven. [Beth]

Louisa May Alcott's Little Women is a beloved classic. To my sisters and I it was like reading a page from our own lives. Of course, our Father was not off at war, nor did we call our Mom, Marmee (actually Lauren does), but it was a book about sisters. Sisters who were alot like all of us. Just last night I was reminded of squabbles we would get into over who was more like what character from this classic. Of course no one wanted to be Beth, after all who wants to be the melancholy, sweet one, who dies prematurely...:) Lauren is without a doubt exactly like Amy. She is ornery and when she was younger knew just how to get on my nerves just as Amy did Jo's. She is dramatic and sanguine and I can just picture Lauren having to have those limes! And of course, Brooke would have been the sweet Meg who would have given her hard earned money to let her. I, on the other hand would have been very much against it as was Jo. Nicole, Brooke, and Lauren...little women very similar to the March sisters. I remember trying to imitate the scene where Jo is eating an orange from Mr. Bair while writing her manuscript. I would sit at my desk, trying to peal the orange while trying not to get the juices on my homework, wondering all the while how Jo did it... My sisters and I would even put on our productions, not near as good as the March's, but we sure would try. And, oh how we longed for a neighbor like Laurie! :) There is the fighting and yelling at times, but when disaster strikes us LaBate girls can stand shoulder to shoulder and hold our own, just as Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy did. I love having a sister and being a sister, it truly is one of God's greatest gifts!

Photo Contest

2011-05-04T21:33:00.001-05:00

I couldn't refrain from linking up two of my favorite portraits I have taken within the last year for a portrait contest held by Polka Dot. Go here and view some other great photos!

Cowboy

My best friend

{this blog was never intended to be a
photography blog, but I feel it is being
overcome by my pictures. thinking about
starting another one to keep my hobby
separate from my journaling...thoughts?}

How much do I love thee,

2011-05-04T05:23:00.000-05:00

let me count the ways:

1. Her gorgeous deep alto voice.

2. Her creative artistic ability to hand-make cards.

3. Her generous spirit.

4. Her talent of sleeping through tornadoes, earthquakes, and alarm clocks!

5. Her shiny chestnut locks.

6. Her long slender fingers to play the piano gracefully.

7. Her loud mouth and jubilant exultations which she graces our household with.

8. One word: hypochondriac! :)

9. Her deep love for breads

10. Our same taste in books. Sharing a good read with her.

11. Her quick-witted and dry humor.

12. Her deep green, mesmerizing eyes,

13. Her simple style and lack of jewelry.

14. Her coordination of throwing and catching a football.

15. Dad's biggest helper...best mower ever!

16. Her soft moldable heart.

17. Her friendly, bubbly personality.

18. Being not only my sister, but a best friend!

Happy 18th Birthday, Lauren!

I love you my littlest sis, and I hope you have a great day.

Anxious to see what this next year will bring for you! :)

Scripture Picture

2011-05-03T06:15:00.001-05:00

I have been toying with this idea in my head for some time now and so I finally decided to give it a try...

I thoroughly enjoy taking nature pictures and whenever I look back on them I am reminded of our God who has created such a beautiful world for us to appreciate.

And so I am working on adding scripture verses to some of my photos and then printing them off and getting them framed and matted. I figure they would make nice gifts; what do you think?

Linking up to:

&amp

Busy-ness

2011-04-30T20:13:00.002-05:00

This week just ended one of the busiest weeks of the entire year, but also one of the most productive.

It started off with Easter...

And also the beginning of my church's annual Preaching Conference, an event

that takes place every last week in April.

We had services starting Sunday that led into Thursday with special speakers

from all over the world...quite literally! (This year we had Dr. Cloud from Nepal)

On Monday, I was able to attend my second Sustainer's Banquet for Fairhaven Baptist College.

(I attended my first one as a senior in college)

The food was absolutely delicious and although I did not bring my camera along, I can

distinctively remember how delicious and moist the Parmesan chicken was (that might I add

was prepped for cooking by Chef Mi Papa) and how I ate the best wildfire chicken salad ever.

And the desert...wow! A piece of strawberry heaven! :)

I was excited to be attending with my parents but then a little disappointed to find out I had

not been seated at their table. However I got to sit with a bunch of older, mature, and

so much fun ladies! I enjoyed their company thoroughly and was so glad that

I was able to fellowship with people I normally do not get to!

The rest of the week was a whirlwind of special services, amazing messages,

nursery chaos, an alumni breakfast and reuniting of old college friends!

After staying up late and getting up early, Friday served as a great day to have off!

Brooke and I used the day to drive over to Orland Park, where we did some shopping

(mainly for my littlest sister's b-day) and had a great time just hanging out!

Potbelly's + Starbuck's Vanilla Bean Frapp + Charming Charlies + Archivers = GREAT day! :)

{PS: Be sure to head over here to enter a great giveaway and a chance

to win something from my etsy!}

Flashbulb Moment!

2011-04-26T23:14:00.005-05:00

This past Saturday I had the opportunity to attend my first photography workshop hosted by Jack. The flashbulb event was held in Chicago and we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. After a week of rainy, cold weather, I was getting alittle worried, but the sun shone brightly and temperatures were in the 60's! Jack is a great photographer, and I enjoyed learning from him and observing his style of shooting.

Some portraiture practice::

So glad my sisters were able to come along and model for us!

Jack.

You can view his pictures here.

So glad to have been able to meet Emily, Jack's sister;

she is alot of fun and a great subject!

Jack gave us a few challenges:

A "car" shot

Reflection shots

A food shot

Hancock tower shot

Architectural shot down the Chicago river

Resting after standing in line over an hour to get to the Hancock observatory...

Some well-worth-it shots:

It was a great day full of laughs, good times, new friends, and fun-filled memories!

singing

2011-04-21T16:33:00.004-05:00

Ever since I can remember my Dad has headed up a Nursing Home Ministry in which we hold a service for the elderly on Saturdays. It was when I was a small child that me and my sisters began to develop our singing "skills", we would serenade the senior citizens as they were wheeled into the service. Singing has always been something we all enjoy doing, whether it be in the car, nursing home, or even when attempting to make our own music videos! Here is one of our bests...enjoy!

PS They will be coming out with a CD soon ;)
PSS This was "filmed" approximately 7 years ago, and my sisters will probably be mortified when they see this!

a touch of green

2011-04-19T05:20:00.000-05:00

{textures used: sweettreat, silence, & love}

Weekend Recap

2011-04-18T12:30:00.001-05:00

It was a good and profitable weekend, in which alot was accomplished.

First off was a project on the cricut for my mom::

Got to love vinyl & antique window panes!

Next on the agenda was attending the bi-annual library book sale,

something I look forward to with great anticipation!!

My great finds which totaled $9.50

I really can never have enough classics...

And even though I already have a copy of Great Expectations, I couldn't pass

up another. (I did refrain from buying a third copy of a Tale of Two Cities, even

though it was very hard...) :)

I always like to find new things to do in Pre-school,

so this was a great find for $1-

Enjoyed this book in highschool, and despite not agreeing with Lance

Armstrong's later life choices, I still like this book...

And

then

found
it...

an absolute favorite of mine,

that I literally almost cried with joy when

I found it nestled among the other books!!

A must read for all Reagan-lovers.

The rest of my Saturday was spent cricut cutting

Western objects to decorate my sister

and my buses for our Spring Push Campaign at church...

And then yesterday completed week two of our bus push...

We were a little low number wise, but it was a great day!

Yee-haw! Until next time...

Fix my hair, please...

2011-04-14T22:15:00.000-05:00

Today at work, one of the little girls came up to me and ask me to fix her hair, and, so I did.
But apparently, it was not to her satisfaction, because no sooner had I put it up, I saw her take it down and go up to another teacher and ask them to "Please, DO it RIGHT!"

And so came to me a memory...

I adore being a sister and better yet the eldest...hehehehe ;) (oh the things we can torment the younger ones with!) Not really. Anyways, when my youngest sister was in elementary she would ask me to fix her hair. And, of course, I obliged. It was like playing beauty shop...but even better! Sometimes, I would give her a braid, maybe some pigtails, and for special occasions - ringlets. I thought I made her stunning!

But then one day I passed her in the hall at school. Well, actually I passed her class and glanced among the children for the girl with the best hair-do. I couldn't find her. Instead I spotted a pony-tail. And not even a good one.

I was devastated to learn upon asking Lauren, that most days when she got to school she would just throw her hair up in a pony. Why, oh why would she do that? And so I refused to fix her hair anymore. Except for on occasion when she would plead with her large hazel eyes and pouty mouth...

Now our roles are reversed.

You see, I find myself at loss and unable to fix hair, and so I go to my baby sister (who is not a baby anymore) and ask her to "Please fix my hair?"

No longer is she asking me for braids, but it is I asking her. I miss those days of practicing my lack of hair skills on my little sister, but, I am enjoying these days far more! :)

memories

2011-04-14T05:55:00.000-05:00

You know what I love about a memory?

I love how you could have totally forgotten about something, and then in an instant it comes back to you. It could be a smell, a song, or an object that triggers it.

You remember and you laugh. The people around you are looking at you, wanting you to explain

your sudden laughter. But how can you explain all those feelings that are wrapped up in a memory?

How do you try to relate what that moment meant to you, to someone else?

I love sitting around with my family and reminiscing. Whether it be about a vacation mishap, 911 calls, or things my sisters and I got by with... Whatever it may be, we can sit and laugh for hours. I love those times spent with my family. I love sitting at work with my sister and sharing childhood memories. We will laugh to our hearts content, while our coworkers shake their heads as they have now grown accustom to our frequent outbursts.

And so, I have decided that every Thursday I will include in my blog a memory.

Sometimes it may be comical, other times, be serious.

It has been said:

{Memories are a way of holding onto the things you love,

the things you are,

and the things you never want to lose.}

[to be continued]

fog

2011-04-10T21:12:00.000-05:00

It is better to walk in the dark with God

than to walk alone in the light.

View more mosaics here

Randomness Part 2

2011-04-08T22:47:00.001-05:00

{Back here, I posted Part 1.}

A few of my favorite things in photographs::

Panini Makers! Makes awesome breakfast sandwiches and superb paninis.

Midas; our adorable feline who at times decides to lounge on my bed,

and despite how annoyed I may get, he always makes me smile!

Black and white snow pictures.

But more importantly, NOT seeing snow for awhile...:)

Brooke & Lauren.

I love that God gave me two sisters!

Getting a GREAT deal on ebay!

Mom's homemade pizza; sheer deliciousness.

Are you hungry yet?

Doing Science experiments with my kiddies.

Sometimes, I think I have more fun than they do...:)

And last, but not least, in order of favoritism...

Coffee!

A sleepy town

2011-04-05T19:27:00.000-05:00

The alarm goes off at 4:45 and I groggily stumble out of bed and through

my morning routine, careful to not awaken the rest of the household.

Most days, if not all rushing and hurrying around, but usually grabbing my

camera in hopes of capturing something picture worthy throughout my day.

I jump in my car and make the 10 minute drive to work.

Each morning the view is spectacular and each morning

it is different. My sleepy little town is cloaked in sheer goodness

and glory of heaven. I scramble to grab my camera and some days

I get lucky as I point through the windshield and click...

{warm sun}

Testing Textures

2011-03-30T18:00:00.002-05:00

I recently have been inspired by a friend's blog, Mrs. Murdock.

(you can read here)

She shoots with a Nikon, and although I am partial to Canons,

she produces some great photos. I especially like when she

applies textures to them.

(see here)

So, after coveting after her look, I decided to venture out of my comfort zone.

I watched the tutorial at Kim Klassen's, downloaded some free textures

and made an attempt to make my pictures as vintage as Mrs. Murdock's. :)

It was fun, and I can see myself getting addicted to it!

Thanks for the inspiration, Mrs. Murdock! :)