Thursday, December 31, 2009

Christmas!

Snow on Christmas Eve just in time!!
We got a Wii!!! . . .
With the Eads . . .
In Abilene with the Straders . . .
"For unto us is born this day . . . a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

Monday, November 23, 2009

Thanksgiving - Camping!

Our first time in our "new" camper (again, thank you Lord; and thank you John and Bibby!)! We camped in Dinosaur Valley State Park with Greg's family. We set up our camper and slept in it but didn't use it much for anything else since the Eads had their trailer.

The weather couldn't have been more beautiful! What a fantastic time we had hiking, looking at dino tracks, crossing the river barefoot, star-gazing, eating s'mores and Andy's special campfire cobbler!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Halloween . . .

. . . or as we like to call it, All-Saints Day. Here's our characters:

Gracie even won "Honorable Mention" at her school's carnival!!

Saturday, October 31, 2009

A dream come true!







Our precious friends from church felt led to give us their pop-up camper after we had asked about it 2 different times when they were selling it. We have talked about wanting one for years, but knew it would be way in the future with our financial goals to make first. And then look what the Lord did!!

Thanks John and Bibby! You will be with us on every trip in spirit!

Skating!

I had the priviledge of taking Gracie rollerskating for the first time at a Girl Scout event. It was a blast! I think I had as much fun and she did! We also took her friend Sydney, who showed her the ropes!
Isn't this the cutest! It's a little "walker" for newbies!

HSU!

We love us some HSU Homecoming! It's always a full weekend, with plenty to do. Friday night SING, Saturday morning "Kiddie Korral", afternoon football, and seeing old friends - what could be better! Here's just a taste:
Manaw got the best shots at the "Kiddie Korral" while Momma was at a photo shoot. I'll post those if I remember!

Dove Fall Festival - Award Winner!

My Princess Leia! She won 4th place (Honorable Mention) in her age division! And of course, Yoda makes a great side-kick!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Great blog to share

Ran into this blog from an email from my photography forum. If you can get past feeling like this family MUST be made up and created by a magazine, then you can find lots of great things from which to glean for your own. :)

http://ourhouseofjoyfulnoise.com/OHOJN/

Robin

Saturday, October 3, 2009

A little Saturday afternoon fun . . .

with pinecone bird feeders! Hopefully we'll do more of these types of things, but I'm keeping NO promises!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Wes' First Soccer Game

Wes had his first soccer game ever this past Saturday. Daddy had to work and couldn't be there, but Momma kept him updated play by play via texting. ;) Here are a few shots. By the way, my little guy made 4 goals!! He had moves I'd never seen before! (Which I guess wasn't possible since it was his first game!) We're so proud!




I HAD to share this one - I didn't know it at the time, but this was the team we ended up playing and I couldn't get over the cuteness of this little guy! The hair and the glasses are precious!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Another One Bites the Dust

She finally lost her front tooth at school after Daddy tried to for weeks! Just fell right onto her tongue while working at her desk! Isn't she adorable!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Waste Not or Want Not

I have always been a simpleton. Less is more. Used is better. I go to the nearest resale shop first when looking for things - anything! I told Greg when we were camping that I could just stay there and live that life. You think I'm kidding myself, but it's absolutely true. Do we really NEED all this stuff??

But I love stuff, don't you? I love shopping at junky antique shops. Something you find there was pulled out of a back alley or old farm house and wham - 50 bucks!

Last year we were making twice what we are now. The year before that it was about 3-4 times as much. I can honestly relate to the apostle Paul when he says in Philippians 4:11-12, "for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am in. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity." Now, I haven't yet experienced as humble as Paul or probably as prosperous as Paul, but on a smaller scale I have. And the thing is, through it, I also know what 1 Thess. 5:18 is talking about - "be thankful in all circumstances" because I am so thankful for both sides, especially the side we're on now of not having as much, of stretching every dollar we get, of seeing our savings disappear before our eyes. BUT (there's that "Holy But" some of you have heard me talk about - I would love to share if you haven't), He prepared us for this time in several ways, and in the exact order needed.

First, Dave Ramsey. That's all that really needs to be said. If you have not read The Total Money Makeover by him, it is a must read for all Americans, all spenders, and especially all credit-users. If we hadn't have read his book first and begin applying his principles, there's no telling what kind of mess we'd be in now. Well, we certainly would have a nicer house, more "toys," and fabulous cars, but we'd also have a tiny savings compared to now as well as payments that would have put us under later.

Next, Greg's second job as a "Right-of-Way" agent working for my cousin; better known as a "land man" in the oil and gas industry. Now there's an industry that makes money they don't know what to do with! We are so thankful for that time because we were able to pay off debt, stabilize our mortgage situation, get rid of a truck payment, pay cash for a car, and save like we've never saved before - and we have always been savers! And YES - I said cash for a car and YES it is possible and YES you can do it too and YES the car has run fine with ABSOLUTELY NO problems for almost 2 years. That's where one's faith and trust in the Lord to bring about change and stability in your finances come in. This is all within a matter of about 18 months.

And now we're actually making less than we ever have in our entire marriage. But the Lord directs our path and orders our steps. So that brings us to now. To wasting not. To learning that Americans are wasters. Sorry - it's true. There's still grace, but let's evaluate ourselves. Our situation has led to me having to re-evaluate myself. You don't mind spending money on better gifts for the kids' friends birthdays or on another pair of jeans at full price or on eating out 5 times a week when you won't notice it in the checking account. But when you will . . . you notice everything.

So what have I done? Here's my list. It may seem small to you, but when you're the one in the house who budgets the paycheck, pays the bills, goes to the grocery store, buys the gifts, pays for the sports and preschool, etc, etc, etc (and believe me, there's a LOT of etc.!), then nothing is too small to take into account. Here's a sampling:

* Not only have I started using the grocery ads and trying to only buy what's on sale, I also get coupons and use them to buy in bulk.

*My kids eat PB&J sandwiches everyday just about. I was getting onto my husband the other day as I was watching him make them each one and was appalled at how much of both the peanut butter and the jelly he was slathering on the bread! He didn't see the big deal. I'd refer him to the above paragraph listing my jobs. I know he'd agree. If he was the one making them everyday I'm pretty sure we'd be going through both 3 times as often.

* I have to buy Gracie a new wardrobe every time a new season hits and she's grown. I always, and always have, hit the resale stores first. And I NEVER buy full price of anything - EVER. Someone is always having a sale. I spent $130 on her back-to-school clothes this year. Guess what I got? 2 pair of jeans, a couple of shirts and a pair of shoes? Nope; try 15 pants/skirts, 20 shirts, and 3 pair of hardly worn boots. Is it really that important that your child be the cutest dressed in the latest styles? I'm sorry, I think the question is more, is it more important that your child have on brand names? Is it worth taking money away from family vacations, your church, or being able to give a struggling single mom a gift card? . . . Really?

Oh, and by the way, that $130 also included a shirt and pair of jeans for Mommy. :) (Old Navy and American Eagle, if you must know.)

*Is there really nothing in your pantry or fridge for dinner? Nothing? Are we lazy or what? Are we gluttons or what? Vegetable night. Beans & rice night. Breakfast for dinner night. All-the-leftovers-put-together night. Every-man-for-himself night. I-had-a-big-lunch-so-I-don't-need-much night. Be creative! And STOP GOING OUT TO EAT ALL THE TIME! (I'm talking to myself here. ;} ) You'd be lucky to eat one meal a day in some parts of the world.

There are probably many more I could list, but those are what come to mind. This year - it's a smaller Christmas. We can get Wes a goldfish and Gracie a rabbit and probably spend under $10 for the animals and the stuff! AND we'd be the coolest parents ever! Cheaper, but not cheaper-looking birthday gifts for the kids' friends. Continuing the grocery ads, continuing the grocery coupons, continuing the resale shopping . . .

Please send other ideas my way! I'm looking to create some inexpensive, easy-to-make Christmas gifts - any ideas?

Less is more.

Who's with me?

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Fresh!

Aaaahhhhh . . . doesn't it feel good when things are just different? A chair is moved. A fresh coat of paint. Different pictures on the wall. I do this often and it makes my whole outlook improve, just by moving things around. Or getting rid of them.

And so I finally freshened up my blog! What do you think? I (with Greg, my new assistant's, help) took the kids' annual pictures - finally - this past weekend. I always take them in the summer, and so I made it by about 6 hours. The first day of school was the following day.

I'm excited about the blog, about how I am keeping up with others' blogs through RSS feed, and about what this school year holds! I am also thankful the Lord is bringing me into who I really am as a photographer. My style is changing, as it will as I continue on this journey and the trends change, and I love how it's progressing! A lot more fun, a lot more creative, a lot more freedom. It's easier for me because it reflects what I'm comfortable with. But it is all for the praise of His glory. I want to never take that for granted.

Life is good. And I hope that I can say that no matter the circumstances (i.e. Monday, Aug 24th >:P). I'm not quite sure I passed that test, so I may be up for another one soon. :)

Our family Bible verse this month sums it up well:
"Be joyful always, pray continually,
give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thess. 5:16-18

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

My Big First Grader

and my day that wouldn't end.

Well, just to finish the story, yesterday did get worse, unfortunately. And it just wouldn't end soon enough. Why, you ask? Please, let me tell you; because you just can't make this stuff up!

After picking Gracie up we headed for an after-school treat at Sonic for half -price drink happy hour (2-4 in case you're wondering!). I then needed to get to the bank because I also had discovered, embarassingly, that I was overdrawn and needed to cover myself. As I am sitting at the ATM, having already put my card in the machine and looking at my list of last transactions, the ATM sucked up my card - gone! Are you kidding me?!

So back I went, out of the ATM line to pull into the teller line to see about getting my card back. And then WHAM! You know those big yellow metal poles? Yeah. . . . you know, they are made to keep cars from hitting things, so why don't they pad them??? So now I have a huge yellow scrape down the back passenger side of my car.
I was in complete awe of my day. I would have gone to bed right when we returned home to get the day over with but then remembered Wes had his first soccer practice . . .

The kids finally hit their pillows about 8:15 and me about 9:30. Today I have woken up a new woman because by the end of Monday, I was getting on my own nerves!

So on to my Gracie-girl . . . here are a few pics of her first day of school . . .
Notice the flowers & card for her teacher . . . And here we are rushing down the street toward school, which is still several blocks away!In front of the school - notice what's now missing?In the classroom trying to get over not having our flowers & card. :(Yes, it's fake and looks very painful!
But I'm happy to report that here she is at the end of the day -
smiling and bouncing out to meet us!


Monday, August 24, 2009

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

The Good:
*Gracie was SO EXCITED about starting first grade today!
*We had a wonderful morning at home getting ready and being ready way earlier than needed.
*We had time to take lots of pictures and laugh and talk before she went to school.
*We are within walking distance from Gracie's school.
*We made it to school on time - actually early.
*Her principal made an extra effort in making her feel special today.
*I was able to visit with moms I hadn't seen in a while at the "BooHoo" breakfast.
*I had the privilege of going on a "Prayer Walk" around the school with other Dove moms.
*I have a bike to ride.
*I am able to be in my house and be on the computer.
*I now have a phone that works - and with the same phone number.
*I have a church directory with phone numbers of friends and church family.
*My son is in good spirits and hasn't asked yet if we can go get Gracie from school.
*My husband has a job and we both have cars that work still - as of today anyway.

The Bad:
*Greg took my car keys to work with him. We realized this as we were loading into the car to go to our first day of first grade.
*We quickly had to walk to school, hoping not to be late; cameras in hand.
*We realized after arriving at school that we had left the flowers and the card Gracie made for her teacher back home in the car.
*Gracie had a meltdown which she never fully recovered from before getting to her classroom and Mommy having to leave.
*Mommy rode her bike - and Wes his scooter - back to school (after thankfully being dropped off first by another mom) to give Gracie the flowers/card in order to give to her teacher.
*I now have to inconvenience someone to take me to Lewisville in order to get my car keys.
*I have no phone numbers in my new phone. An inconvenience, but not an impossibility to find them.

The Ugly:
*Mommy trying to convince Gracie that everything was OK . . . telling her to straighten up . . . making her smile regardless in the first-day pictures . . .
*Knowing there was nothing I could do to make her feel better. Only Daddy can work that magic and he was at work.
*Telling Wes to stop crying the 3-4 times he had meltdowns on the scooter on the way back up to the school.
*Mommy riding a bike.

Well, interestingly enough, the Lord tried His hardest to prepare me. I was in the chapter "Future Grace vs. Impatience" by John Piper. My favorite quote from the chapter that I actually read to Greg last night,
"The key to patience . . . is faith in future grace - the sovereign grace of God to turn the unplanned place and the unplanned pace into the happiest ending imaginable."
Not sure that there will be a "happiest ending imaginable," but, hey, we serve a mighty God!
He also has been bringing the following verse to my attention several times in the last week and a half; 4 times to be exact:
"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good."
Gen. 50:20
This is sorta what I would consider a small-scale version of what this verse could be applied to, but applicable still the same.
It's interesting. It sounds so vain and so American to say this, but it's like he's stripping me of all my conveniences lately. The phone . . . now the car . . . the house being turned upside down in order to fix the storm damage. There's a lesson in here somewhere.
Patience.
Sacrifice.
Surrender.
Grace.
Mercy.
Guess it's time to stop and meditate on it all while I have the time and nowhere I can go (although believe me there are places I need to go!).
I thank Him for His lovingkindness, His sovereignty, His patience with me when mine is not to be found, His reminders of what's most important, the people and places He's placed in my life - at the right times.
I will stop trying and figuring this situation and trust. After all, that's what I've been trying to teach others lately anyway. Guess He wanted to make sure I truly understood what that meant. I never have trouble trusting Him in the big things - so far. It's the little things such as today where I forget Him. Thank you Lord for reminding me of your ever-faithful presence in our lives.
I'll save the pictures of today for another post . . . thanks for listening - whoever!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

The Kissing Hand

Twas the night before school . . . and all through the house, all the kids were stirring because they were so excited about a new school year!
So it didn't rhyme, whatever! Anyway, We were FINALLY able to slow our weekend down about 5:00 p.m. this evening to enjoy a little peace before gearing up for a new year of first grade for Gracie tomorrow. . . . And in September it will be Wes going into Pre-K!

We read The Kissing Hand together before bedtime. I guess that will also be our tradition. Although I wonder how long that will last with her . . .maybe 4th grade? 3rd? We'll see, maybe she'll always want it read to her! A mom can dream, can't she?! Thankfully Greg read it because I always cry - of course! I have already been emotional for about a week . . . at first not really understanding why until "Meet the Teacher" crept up. ugh.

Us moms always start remembering the times they were a baby during this time of year. As I was holding her tightly as we were giving goodnight hugs & kisses, I was looking around the room remembering that just 5 years ago this month we moved into this house and this was her playroom. Wes was still being knit in my womb and she was toddling about, quietly reading books or listening to JoJo's Circus on CD. We would spend every morning snuggled up on the couch, sippy cup in hand watching JoJo and Goliath. I remember mourning that as my due date for Wes approached. I knew it would disappear quickly with a new baby in the house; and it did.

So now I have to stop myself from all the crazy busyness of life that we each think are so necessary and realize that just as quickly as those baby days have passed, so will these days of school. Especially these days of elementary school when she WANTS and PLEADS for me to spend time with her every second. Someday, some day she will want more time with friends, or in her room alone, or needing to do homework, or on her phone . . . ugh.

But I hope to instill some traditions and an openness in our relationship that even when she's at the age of "Mom, you're so stupid!" that we'll have just as many times of togetherness. It will be different. But as she grows, it will be even more important that we have them. Teaching her what it's like to grow into a godly, Christ-following young woman. It's a delicate process. A process I must prepare myself for now. To be waiting. Watching. Looking for opportunities as she grows to share thoughts without giving advice or demands; or creating any level of unnecessary expectations.

One thing is all that matters. Well, two. And if all she hears, if all she follows are these words from Jesus, then I need not worry,

"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your mind, and with all your soul, and with all your strength.' And the second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Mark 12:30

Oh, my Gracie-girl. I love you so much. You are strong. You are smart. You are loving - when you want to be. :) And you are hilarious! I love, love, love you! I AM so proud of you! XXOO

Friday, August 21, 2009

Girls Day!

Gracie and I had our 2nd annual girls day the week before school. First was breakfast at Corner Bakery - no McD's for us! Then we window shopped around Southlake Town Square. And finally the much-anticipated Sweet & Sassy visit for a mini-manicure! As she sat down for her polish she said, "The is the best place in the whole world!" Gotta love it - what a cutie!

Meet the Teacher

She is SO excited! We met her teacher tonight, Mrs. Cathy. It's funny being on this side of things. For so long, I was the teacher anticipating my students. Now I'm the parent anticipating mychild's teacher. A lot changes once you have children of your own; I would be such a different teacher.
So here are a few pics from the evening of "Meet the Teacher" - many thank sgo to Wes who took it upon himself to do most of the photographing. I think you'll be able to tell whose are whose. :)

(Mrs. Cathy is the one with her back facing us. Why don't I get a picture with her this night?? Oh, well!)OH! And by the way - did you notice the new specks?! Hard to see here, but oh so cute! I'll take a more "professional" pic and post it here soon . . .

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Cousins!

What a great way to end the summer! We had two separate nights each with one set of cousins.

The first night was spent at "Life's a Beach" in HIghland Village (or Flower Mound?) with Mop, Aunt Gigi, Everett, Addison, & Caroline. Great food, fun and sand play! We closed the place down!
The next evening was spent at the Ranger game with UNcle Ross, Aunt Leslie, Maggie, Jay and Katherine! It was a great game until about the 5th inning when they started losing. I'm not sure I've ever been to a winning game live. Oh, well. The fellowship was great!

Monday, August 10, 2009

Camping Trip

I'm finally getting around to showing our camping trip pictures and telling a little about the day-to-day happenings throughout the week.

Monday:

Off to Oklahoma to camp at a little KOA off the highway to shorten the trip up. A good beginning to see how we handled tent set-up and sleeping. Not bad aside from no air mattresses and a late dinner.
Tuesday:

Breakfast in the KOA shop, a little hike around the place - then off to Eureka Springs. Little did we know what lay ahead . . .

A blow-out - tire change on the side of the highway and stopping at a little cash-only Arkansas tire shop. heh,heh . . . When we finally arrived in Eureka, the place we reserved just wasn't up to par, so thanks to the iPhone, we quickly found a state park down the road, found a great RV site with lots of room and set up camp! And THANK GOODNESS for the table mosquito tent; or in our case, fly tent! A bit of a pain to get in and out of, but totally worth it to not be eating with tons of flies every meal! Thanks Nathan and Erika!



Wednesday:

Probably our best day! Morning hiking and cave exploring, afternoon "Big Cat Habitat," and evening of enjoying our camp site.


I wasn't expecting much at the habitat, but when you get to be that close to a tiger, lion, bobcat, and jaguar, it's pretty darn cool! I love these pics of the kids! By the way, it was Daddy's idea to put my poor little guy in front the "Goober's" sign since there wasn't a "Bubba." :) Here's a video of one of the cat's that seemed to maybe be hungrier before all the rest:





Thursday:

This was another fun & really full day. I know we all walked several miles by the end of the day. We started the day at Cosmic Cavern, which is rated as one of America's top 10 caverns. Not only does it have beautiful stalagmites, stalactites, etc, but it has 2 "bottomless" lakes - called such because divers used a radar that detects down to 1000 feet and still did not detect a bottom!
Next was shop-looking and exploring the charming town of Eureka Springs. Lots to see and do. It also included a hike up to the Famous Crescent Hotel, which was well-worth the look. Last, we took the kids to see the Passion Play. It was wonderful (despite some kinda amateur speaking) but you DON'T want to miss the pre-play show of "The Potter's Wheel." Fabulous! Greg's comment, "If anyone could make you feel like you were listening to Jesus, it was him." He drew you in and kept you completely enthralled with his message.
Friday:

The last day was easy-going with a little more time on the road than we expected, but still not time wasted. We found a neat little tourist place on a side-road called"War Eagle Mill" where they still make flours for breads using an old-fashioned water wheel run grind machine.

Then we headed off to find a swimming and fishing area on Beaver Lake. The kids LOVED fishing. Thought it would not be enough action, but I think I was the only one who got bored! Daddy's already taken them to Grapevine Lake since we've been home.

The evening was spent at the campsite - actually the kids' favorite spot out of them all . . . s'mores, glow sticks, playing ball, & picking up the campsite for an early morning departure.

Saturday:
It rained again on the trip home, but cleared up about 3/4 of the way there. The Ozarks were pretty with the clouds hanging low.
If you'd like to see the rest of the pictures, please go to Cunningham Family Photography.