to the beach!!

 yesterday, as I was watching it rain…again…I was reminded of the time we went to the beach!  It seems like it was FOREVER ago since it has rained nearly EVERY day since we returned!! I remember complaining a few times at the beach because the kids were up at the crack of dawn, or they were fighting or crying, and now I realize how silly that was to complain at all!  We were at the beach for Pete’s sake!

 We did have the best time while we were there. We took a 4 hour chartered fishing trip! The first 20 minutes were awesome, the next 3.5 hours were a nauseated purgatory, and the last 3 minutes getting off at the dock were pure bliss! Walker got to catch a King Mackerel which he still talks about almost every day!  

This was the first year we have been to the beach that neither of the kids SCREAMED when a grain of sand touched their skin. They both LOVED the pool and did take a few trips to the ocean (slightly against their will)

We got to enjoy some awesome seafood dinners, plenty of sun, sand and time with each other.  

Now I just want to go back…no complaining this time…promise!

Growing and Changing

This post is more for me to look back on than anything. To mark a memory of my family. To remember Walker growing and changing, learning and loving. 

In the last few weeks I have really watched Walker grow. I think he's gotten taller, stronger, a little thicker and just looks more and more like a young boy every day. 

In just a few short weeks I have watched him learn to swim, grow a little more protective over his sister, show interest in reading and he has even started saying his "L's". It's like I knew he wouldn't go on forever saying words like, yook, yibary, yuv, yizard and Marnee, but I'm not sure I was quite ready for the change!  He started with a few words and the "L's" just keep growing. Tonight he called his sister "marLee" and it literally out a knot in my throat. What's wrong with me!!!

He's been brave lately, super inquisitive, and eager to learn new things. He even goes to the counter at Moe's and asks for more chips all by himself. 

He's been more loving to his sister, doesn't want to see her hurt, crying, or upset at all. He consoles her and advocates for her all the time. He's her spokesman for most things. 

He took on the challenge to swim and was like a little fish. I watched his lips quiver to fight back the tears when he was tired but he was so strong and brave. He made me so very proud. He stayed with it until the very end and completed all the tasks that Mrs. Nan gave him. 

He told me today that he was a leader and that he would hold the door opened for me (even though it was automatic). He was THRILLED over every book he picked out and told the librarian he was going to learn to read today...so she taught him to read the word "up"

Tonight I listened to him tell Aaron at bedtime that he loved God, Jesus, mama, daddy and Marlee and it just warmed my heart.  He asked me to rock him with Marlee and so there at the end of a long day I rocked both of my babies and thanked Jesus for the grace to make it through a other day and for the blessing of my children. 

There are A LOT of days that I don't think I'll survive raising these kids. They are wild, disobedient. They pitch fits, hit, throw and scream. They make dinner seem like purgatory and both have very strong wills. However like a good friend told me today, they are teaching me to be more like Jesus. Because I MUST be more like him to be their mama. 

Some people ask what do you hope most for your children. Years ago I would have answered that they would be kind, compassionate, loving, hard working...and so forth and so on. But Aaron taught me something different. He (and I) desire most that our children don't know a day without Christ. That there wouldn't be a day that they don't remember walking with him.  

So thankful for these gifts and the opportunity to come alongside them as they grow!

Interrupting a blog hiatus with randomness

You can follow my blog through BlogLovin' here

That's right, I have been so enjoying everyone else's blogs lately that I haven't even felt the need to update mine!  Until I was looking over some treasures that I recently scored at a 'barn sale' and thought it might be worth a post.

I dropped by a barn sale this Saturday and did a little digging.  I was kid-free and had some extra time - just enough time to find a few little items.  I pieced up 2 sweet crates (one completely full of old mason jar lids), a mirror (not pictured), a solid wood desk, an old scale, a giant mason jar, one child's chair, a scale, an old mounted notepad and a sugar tin.  all for $30!! I couldn't believe it.  And you know what's even crazier than that, I was going to throw away the old zinc and porcelain ball jar lids because I had no idea what to do with them, but instead i listed them on ebay…and they are selling.  For a lot more than I paid for them.  And that just sweetens the deal!

I used my giant mason jar for some homemade laundry detergent.  Since I left my container at the farm this christmas, I have been a slacker using liquid detergent, and have really missed the homemade concoction.  It's not my recipe but one that can be found all over the internet!  

bar of fels naptha(grated) 

cup of oxy-clean

cup of baking soda washing powders

cup of borax

(1tablespoon per load)

I've also been booking some more photo sessions, that's been a lot of fun.  I have 2 newborn sessions this weekend and a one-year birthday party coming up!  I've even got a few families inquiring about the Fall which I can't believe!!  If you've liked or shared my Facebook page, thank you, if you haven't, go on over and check it out!  

The kiddos are both sick you might have seen that on instagram.  Something about summer colds and sinus infections.  Walker is swimming like a little fish - I seriously can't believe that he's swimming.  Marlee is more like a brick at swim lessons so we have discontinued those until a later date.  That sweet girl loves the pool - on HER own terms!  Mrs. Nan said she's "strong-willed", I haven't a clue where she gets it from ;)

So that's my random post - there are 13,000 other thoughts on my mind but I've got pictures to edit.  And YouTube videos to watch about picture editing, and one final swim lesson to attend...

An Incredible Opportunity!

You can follow my blog through BlogLovin' here!

When I lived in Locust Grove, I was looking for ways to get involved with other moms in the area.  I googled the closest MOPS group, filled out the contact form and within a few hours, someone contacted me back.  Her name was Tate, she was super helpful, welcoming and made it very easy to come visit!  Tate was the MOPS leader that year, and I also learned that she was a photographer.  After getting to know her a little more, friending her on Facebook and seeing her AMAZING work, we scheduled a family photo session with her.  Tate was so fun to work with, she was great with Walker and the pictures turned out better than I could have ever hoped.  

I have always admired Tate for her faith, her grace and her work (Taken by Tate).  I don't think she's ever posted a picture that wasn't absolutely amazing!  She is a bit of a "photographer idol" for me:)  So when she asked me to assist her for a wedding I was SHOCKED!  I could not believe that I might have the opportunity to see Tate work, learn from her and spend the day with her doing what she's passionate about!  

I had my typical nervous/anxiety dreams the night before, this time it was that we were supposed to perform a play at the wedding and I didn't know any of my lines!  Who performs plays at weddings anyways!?!?  Last time it was that I left my camera at home and had to shoot the entire wedding with my phone!

I wasn't even planning on taking any photos, I was just prepared to soak it all in, carry the clipboard, gather people for pics and straighten the dress.  I did get the chance to snap some pictures though!  I posted a few of my favorites on facebook here.  if you "like" my facebook photography page you can see some of the other sessions I've done recently too!

Melinda and Zach were so fun to work with.  They were truly a precious couple in every way!  When you see these pictures I have to tell you that the Bride made almost every detail that you see.  I have never seen so much time and effort poured into a wedding, and it was all so very Christ-centered.  I looked around thinking I had walked into a Pinterest showroom, it was that awesome!

Thank you to each of you have supported me in so many ways so far.  Through booking me, through a referral, liking my photos or through a simple text on a big day that reminds me that you're praying for me.  You'll never know how much each affirmation means to me!  

Michele

Dacula Memorial Day Parade - 2013

Quick post on the Dacula Memorial Day Parade!  

It was SO much fun!

My blogless friend, Ashley, invited us to join them at the parade this year and I am so glad we did.  The kids had a ball and it was a great day to remember all we have to be thankful for!  These are some pics below to summarize the morning!  After the parade we went for pizza and a swim.  Can't beat that!

The rest of our parade photos can be seen here!