Wednesday, December 22

Wednesdays Full of Wisdom..Today.

Today was a long day. I did a lot of Christmas cooking and even though I somehow managed to ruin a lot of White Chocolate..my friend and I did manage to make a lot of yummy treats for the holidays. It was long day, but a good day.

My last post stated that I was in a rut, so as I was thinking about posting Wednesdays full of Wisdom I wasn't sure what to even write. I'm not sure whats going on in my heart, and honestly...I'm not sure where God has me right now. I confessed to my husband tonight that I have been pretty emotional this week and I was sorry for that. There are a few things that have happened that could explain for a few of these up and down emotions but mostly its just me, being me...
I tend to worry, a lot. Its a shameful secret that is really no secret at all.
I was listening to Casting Crowns tonight and as one of my favorite songs started to play I knew what God was trying to tell me.
The song talks about not sleeping through the lessons God is trying to teach you because you might miss them.
As I sit here in this rut called life, maybe its because God has something new for me.
I haven't been happy with my photography, so its time to start pushing..but its also time to relax.
Do I hope to become an actual photographer some day...yes, its my dream.
But, I also love  taking pictures. So if every single shot isn't perfect, but it captures a moment I want to remember, than that picture is perfect.
This past weekend we had our first Christmas party with my Dad's family.
It was wonderful. It was the first big family gathering Kevin was at and I loved having my husbandthere to share it with me. It felt so normal having him there, how did I make it 20 years without him?
I took a few shots, they weren't perfect, but they were special.
I will remember that night, and I will be thankful for it.



So as we come close to Christmas, I want to remember that life isn't about being perfect, but just being the best I can. I want to celebrate my Jesus with no worries, and with no stress.
God does have plans for me and my life, and if I'm not sleeping my way through life, then maybe..just maybe I will be blessed enough to see His will unfold for my life.

Can you really imagine friends, imagine that night..Mary and Joseph sitting together, staring at this baby boy that would change everything for everyone forever. Can you imagine the Wise Men, what they must have thought? What were they feeling that night? Tears actually fill my eyes as I even begin to think of that night, the absolute beauty that was in that manger.


Lord, I want to bring an offering of Worship to you this Christmas season, please receive the honor that you are due.






The not so real meaning of Christmas, but a fun part of it.
:)




 I sure love those faces.....


 She cracks me up.....

My husband might have had more fun with the toys then the "little" boys did.
:)
I will admit I was so smitten to watch my man play with my cousins, it was so sweet.
[Someday, he is going to be an incredible daddy]


I will probably not post again till after Christmas.

Merry Christmas and have a blessed new year.
Laugh constantly, and fill your houses with as many smiles as possible.
I know our precious Savior will be with you all.

Tuesday, December 21

Rut.

I am in a rut.

I won't be taking classes next semester, I completely ruined my blog yesterday (hence the ugly background), and after taking a 6 week class in photography I don't feel any better.


I guess that mean its time for change. In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy my first Christmas with my husband, having my brother home on leave, and soaking up as much laughter and joy this holiday season as ever.

I'll worry about the small stuff later.

Wednesday, December 15

Winter.





My fingers are frozen, my nose is rosy red, 
and my toes are tingly but
oh how I love winter in Wisconsin.

Monday, December 6

Christmas is near.


















Lights on the tree.
Pine needles all over my house.
Peppermint Coffee/and tea.
Manger scenes at every other door.
Presents wrapped.
Christmas Tunes.
Salvation Army ringing their bells.


Christmas must be near, I can see the cheer everywhere I look. :)

Tuesday, November 30

We must always Cherish.

I had the strangest thing happen to me today.
So strange I thought it best to share.

I was standing at the bathroom sink about to wash up one of my residents for the day.
I went for the closet, grabbing a new bar of soap. 
Suddenly as I unwrapped the soon to be slippery soap the scent overwhelmed me and I
was stopped in my tracks.
What was it?
Why did that scent of that soap SMELL so familiar?
It took me minutes to finally figure it out.
Grandma Faye and Granddaddy.
That is what that strange smell coming from the bubbly sink reminded me of.
You see, for some odd reason I was suddenly a little girl standing in my great grandparents bathroom and 
that is the scent I remember.
Dial soap.
They must have used it because I could so vividly remember that smell so many years ago.
That lead me into a long train of memories with my two sweet great grandparents.
It mostly reminded me of Grandma Faye though.
Her smile, her touch, the way she laughed as her family entered the room, or the giggles that would spew out of her when her grandchildren did something funny.
I was very little, and my memories are faint and few, but they are there.
I remember her crippled body kneeling on the ground to play with L and I.
I remember how she use to let us go in the back room and play with the toys.
She had a smile that always made me happy.
It's funny how I was so little, but her memory is forever imprinted on my heart.

I loved her so much, and can remember that her death was one of the first "real" losses I had suffered or felt.
I still remember sitting at her funeral, not really understanding..but so deeply hurting.
I can still see the tears in the eyes of my family members as we said our goodbyes.

What a memory, and what a moment I had today standing in the bathroom at work.

I can't wait to see her again one day, and grasp on her hand as we always use to do.

Sunday, November 28

I can't Wait...




I haven't had much time to blog lately.
So I figured tonight would be a good night to do so.
My husband is working on a car, the house is quiet, and my Sugar Plum Spice
Tea is so yummy to my tummy.

I've been working on homework all afternoon.
I can't wait to be done with this semester.

My house is very dirty.
I can't wait to have enough time to clean it.
I realize I'm sitting on my blog instead of cleaning but I did pick it up some this morning.
(so that counts, Right?)

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
I worked in the morning and then Kj and I headed to his parents house for the day.
We ate a delicious meal cooked my my Mother in law, played games, watched some football,
made Turkey cookies, laughed a WHOLE bunch, and had an amazing day.
It was my first Thanksgiving without my mom..and it was a little weird. I missed my family but
am so thankful to be blessed with awesome in laws. I honestly love them, and we all have so much fun together.
Kj makes everyone laugh, which most wouldn't guess from him...but get him around his family and he really lights up the room. I love watching him with his family, he keeps everyone smiling.
I can't wait for the next family gathering.



Christmas is coming..
I can not wait....

What are you looking forward to this Christmas Season?
Last year..KJ was in Kuwait. My heart missed him so..but not this year..this year he is with ME!
We are so looking forward to putting up a tree, and putting up a few small decorations.
I bought a few at Hobby Lobby on Black Friday.
I love them.

















Sunday, November 21

Sunday.



This picture makes me happy. I love fall, I love Wisconsin, I love that this captures them all.


Happy Thanksgiving Week to you all, count your blessings.

Wednesday, November 17

Wednesdays Full of Wisdom..Thankful.

This entire month I have posted something on facebook that I am thankful for. What a great reminder it has been.

Each day I sit down and think of something to thank God for..I love it. Then I think about that thing or person all day and continue to pray about it.

Today was Learning.
As frustrating as school is most days, I truly am thankful that God has given me the ability to learn. And not only in school, but in everyday things, work and life. What would this world be like if we couldn't learn.

These past couple of months I have had to learn how to cook, plan meals, clean an apartment, take care of my husband, be a wife, the anatomy of the human body, how to do better at my job, fax orders to Doctors without sounding like an idiot, drive a stick shift, bake pumpkin break

Friday, November 12

Yes..shutterfly!

I couldn't help myself...I am sure everyone is getting sick of reading about Shutterfly but come on..its an amazing deal! I was just telling KJ last week how this being our first Christmas together I would love to send out some cute Christmas cards. Then I logged online to read that Shutterfly was offering this amazing deal! 50 FREE Christmas Cards!!!! Read more about it Here.

They have SO many amazing deals and specials and I love all of their stuff. I have used them before and have never been disappointed!
Please, head on over and check out some of their great stuff. Pretty Christmas cards, awesome Calendars, and even canvas art! I can't wait to get some sent out! There are SO many beautiful options so please, please, please! GO check it out! :)

Tuesday, November 9

Love.











I love this family. And was so happy to capture some moments.

Friday, November 5

Good day.

Today was one of those days you love.

Lazy day at home, but with much accomplished.

Kj got a day off, which was much needed. In fact, it was an answered prayer. We have both been overwhelmed lately, and feeling a little down each night. It's been tough, but we have both been praying and today was just what we needed. God is so faithful, and I'm so thankful for the love He spills over His children.

The apartment is clean, and I was able to enjoy every minute with my husband. He makes me so happy. Can you believe it's been 3 months already? I feel like it was just yesterday he was headed to Kuwait and I was waiting anxiously by my computer for each and every email.


Now it's time to get ready for a fun-filled weekend with a 9 month old. My friend is dropping off her little girl so her and the hubby can get away for the weekend. He just returned from a 7 month deployment from Afghanistan and it will be so nice for them to spend some time together. Kj and I are also looking forward to having a baby all weekend. :)


I'm hoping to add some pictures soon, darn internet connection is SO slow. :)

Have a great weekend. Enjoy every moment.

Monday, November 1

Busy?

That does not begin to describe how I've been feeling.


What's in store for this week?

Sloppy Joes
Visit from friends and Chicken Alfredo
Trip to my parents
Laundry
Lunch date with a friend
(Hopefully) Photo shoot with the cousins
Canceled class (grin)
Work
And the start of a weekend with a 8 month old.


I also am starting my Thankful List.

Today, I'm thankful for a finished power point presentation....

What are you thankful for?

Monday, October 25

My Job.

Lately things have been so busy. And I've been struggling with these questions..

What is my job?

How can I serve Christ better? Who is Christ to me?

Am I Growing in my walk with God?

OR Am I playing it safe?

Am I living out the Truth of God's Word,
Am I just staying where it's comfortable.

I know God is not done with me, my marriage, or my future.
How can I make those things better?
How can I ensure that I am living the life He has intended?
What am I doing to move ahead, step outside the box and really SERVE God.


The most important one of all..


Is my heart completely His?
I know the answer to that, and I know what I believe, what I want, and who I want to be.
It's getting there and constantly seems to be the daily struggle.

I know Christ is calling out and demanding more of me..but how can I figure this crazy world out.

I know God won't relent until He has it all, my heart MUST be His.
He is that seal upon my heart, guiding me, leading me, and teaching me how to love...

His love is as strong as death, nothing can quench this thrist, I long to know Him, seek His face, and know His truths.

I want Christ to be the fire that drives me, I want His promises to be the ones that guide me, and build me into the woman I am so trying to be.

The problem is, lately...
I haven't been trying.

I feel like I've been so overwhelmed with my worldly issues that I haven't been trying.
I am in neutral. My husband, homework, computer, apartment, job, and daily activities have come first.
I haven't been giving God my whole heart, or time.
And it stops now.

I need to be better, for Kevin..for my family, for me, and for my Creator.
He derserves all the glory and honor. He derserves it all.


This is why I write, to help clear my head and heart so I can see whats important.

I've been reading my past blogs and it has been a great reminder of what God has been doing in my life over the the last year.

His grace and faithfulness has been overwhelming. I don't know where I would be without His Word.

So this is me, saying that I will do better..I have too.

My husband deserves it, he needs more of me.

My God deserves it, He needs more of me.




 

Thursday, October 14

Pure and Perfect

I
These last couple of days have been some I will remember forever. Maybe I'm being over emotional, maybe I'm just a big fat baby, but I truly don't care. Watching my brother graduate Basic training, walk around base as a trained American Soldier and being reunited after 10 weeks was an experience I will always hold dear. Words can't describe the pride of I feel for him, my family, and my Country. I am so honored to live in a Country where men and women give up their lives to protect my freedom. I am humbled by their sacrifices, and this weekend I was reminded just how blessed I am to live in the United States of America.



It's been very common knowledge that I love taking photos. In fact, its very rare that you see me without my camera in hand. I simply can't help it, anytime I don't have it I'm always scared I might miss something.






People have always asked me why I love taking pictures, which is so hard to answer...usually my answer involves, "Oh, its so fun" or something lame like that. I have never really been able to put into words. After going through my pictures of this reunion I can finally describe why I love photography. And let me tell you, it has nothing to do with fancy equiptment, perfect lighting, crisp photos, beautiful backgrounds, or how badly you want that "perfect" shot. All those things are great..(and things I still strive to have) but you see, it has to do with whats going on behind the lens. These are the moments my heart rejoices in. The moments we all strive to capture.

In these precious and perfect moments you remember what is important, what really matters. It's about what's happening within those moments that you cry and thank God for everything you have. Raw, pure, beautiful, life. Moments in time that only love and  pure selflessness create...this is what we long for, hope for, and strive to have. This is what you work towards and long to have. These moments are what make this life worth living for, worth fighting for, worth making.


Once and awhile just as my finger snaps that shot it happens, I capture life.













Thank you God for giving me those moments, 
but more importantly thank you for giving me
the people that make them great.


Monday, October 11

Love is in the air.

This past weekend I had the honor of not only attending a sweet friends marriage but she asks me to capture all the beautiful moments. I was so nervous. As soon as I had my Cannon in hand though all those nerves turned to excitement. I love taking pictures..I love weddings...this was the perfect day.



Many more to come soon. :)

Friday, October 8

I've been tagged!

Vennessa over at My Crazy Blessed Life tagged me! I am WAY too busy to play the entire game but I thought it was so sweet of her for thinking of me so I will be answering the questions!


1. What is the one thing you can not live without?

This question is hard for me, because there are many things that would literally make life impossible to live without but when you think of it long term and us all going to Heaven, well then..the only thing I can't live without is Jesus.
( But..yes, I'll say it.. I would probably have a mild heart attack without my makeup.) :)


2.What is your favorite childhood story?

Well, I have many stories I absolutely love but one of my favorites is when my best friend and I took the gold fish out of our tank and then told me my mom " We only wanted to pet it"

3. What advice would you give to others that you live by?

Stay off of hwy 41 during construction season..really folks, its NUTS.

4. What is your favorite Christmas song/carol?

I LOVE Christmas songs, in fact..I would probably play them year round if people didn't look at me like I had lost my marbles. I would have to say that my favorite is O Holy Night.

5. What traditions would you like to pass on to your child/ren?

There are many things that KJ and I have talked about doing with our children someday. One tradition for sure I would love to carry is the "Blessing Jar" You see, every we did this in my family for a short time and it was SO amazing. At the start of Jan. you put a jar somewhere visible in your house. The entire family secretly writes down their "blessings" and puts them into a jar. On Thanksgiving morning you all sit around and take turns pulling out blessings and reading them.
It is truly an amazing way to realize just how blessed you are
.

6. Cat or Dog Lover?

Dog.  :)

7. What is your Favorite thing to do to relax?
That is easy, take a nice long bubble bath. :) KJ always knows when I'm a little stressed because I grab a book, some music and I hide away in the bath tub. It always does this girl SO MUCH GOOD.
8. What goal would you like to accomplish that you haven't done yet?
This is the hardest question yet...I have SO many goals I would love to accomplish. I guess the one that always lingers in the back of my mind is the Breast Cancer Susan G. Komen 60 mile, 3 day walk. Breast cancer awareness is very important to me and one day I would love to walk for the cause.

Thanks for letting me play along Venessa and thinking of me! :)



Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Wednesday, October 6

What I'm loving Wednesday...

I'm loving sitting on the couch at my parents house waiting for clothes to dry. It's SUCH a blessing being able to not PAY for my laundry this week.

I'm loving this beautiful fall weather. Watching God's handiwork as the leaves turn colors.

I'm loving that I got a little extra sleep this morning, I've been SO tired lately.

I'm loving that even though its only been a day, I'm missing my hubby so much.

I'm loving that today I received a new lens for my camera, and this weekend I get to capture the precious moments at my friends wedding.

I'm loving that God has been tugging at my heart lately, I need to listen to Him SO much more.

Most of all, today I'm loving that this time next week I will be with my brother. He has been gone for 3 months at basic training and next Thursday he graduates.

I'm loving my God is so good.

Monday, October 4

Today I had an exam...all on our bodies "tissues" I passed with no problem ( I was freaking out) and then sat through a 3 hour lecture on our bodies "bones". This class is rough...but I truly am learning so much.

Lately, I've been intrigued by the smallest things. Like, watching birds fly..I mean, I know we see it every.single.day but really..it is incredible how they just soar around like they own the place.
And, what about the trees turning colors, how they came up with the scents of flavored lip glosses, really..the "blueberry" scent doesn't smell like a blueberry?
How horses know that getting in that big trailer means they are leaving ( it took us over an hour to get my horse in the trailer last night)
Or..have you ever thought about fish, cars, airplanes? All of these random things are constantly popping into my head. They are things we see or deal with everyday but when you stop to actually think about it I get so shocked. It really is amazing how the world functions everyday, but yet we hardly take the time to think about it.

I am now going to blow up a bunch of balloons to throw all of my house, clean, and eagerly await the arrival of the birthday boy so we can hop in the car and go pick up my mom from the airport. I am actually looking forward to the trip to MKE..just me and KJ for over an hour..together.


*Happy Monday Everyone!
*

No time

I really have no time. Today is my {amazing} husbands birthday and I hardly have any time to do anything special.

Work. Homework. Classes. Exams...

That is my life.


Oh well... no matter how busy I get I can still choose to be in love with my life, and let me tell you....

It's a pretty great one.



Happy Birthday Kevin..I can't imagine my world without you.

Monday, September 27

[Mini] Vacation




This past weekend Kj, my father in law and I traveled to Kansas. The boys spent the day at a Diesel drag racing event and I had the chance to visit my sweet friend Kayla.
Her and her husband just moved and I was so excited to see the life they are starting.
Let me tell you, it was
beautiful.

God has big plans for that little family of 3 and I can't wait to watch it unfold.


Her friendship is one I cherish and even with the miles between us, I know I can always count on her.
She is truly beautiful inside and out..and I loved being able to spend some time together.
I only got the day with her and her wonderful family but I loved every minute of it. I'm only adding a few shots but we had a great weekend and it only reminded me of how much I love her.
And miss her....



Kansas storm...
The girls were almost peeing their pants.




I couldn't go without posting a picture of her adorable 7 month old son, Levi. This little guy has a piece of my heart and I have been so blessed to know him. I soaked him up while I was there and look forward to someday, visiting again.

Monday, September 20

October is soon approaching.

This year it means more then ever..Breast cancer has entered my family once again.
And it never gets easier.
My Grandma is a Breast Cancer survivor, and pretty soon my aunt will be too.
Thank you God for your love and grace that has walked with us through this time.







Before you even blink,
Breast cancer can enter your family.
It might change us, but it doesn't have to define us.
















I'm glad God gave you to be my family,
I can't imagine where I would be without you.
I'm so glad I don't have too...













To all those who have suffered, our suffering, or have even lost a loved one to Breast cancer...
My heart and prayers are with you.



A big shout out to Nicole Owens for all her work.
She makes beautiful pieces and I'm honored to be wearing one of them.

Sunday, September 19

Take a Walk...with me.

Take a walk with me has kind of become a tradition.
About every month I try to take a walk, and think about all of you as I take hundreds of shots all around.
I pray, think, smile and soak up as much as I can as my finger constantly snaps away. I love every moment of it.
It's one of my most favorite things in life..simply walking.
Yesterday was a beautiful fall day with the perfect breeze, gorgeous sunlight, and amazing lighting for pictures.
I was in a great mood and couldn't think of anything else I would
rather do then take my Cannon for a walk.

It was also my friend Tricia's 21st birthday party so I threw one of her in there. We did a
masquerade themed party and she looked amazing.







I hope you all got a little time this weekend to enjoy life..it really does go by so quickly and as I was walking and talking with God yesterday I realized how much of this week I've wasted by rushing around.
I probably missed so many precious moment that God blessed me with.
Yesterday He revealed some of His most amazing creation, and I'm so thankful my eyes were open to see it.

His love is so outstanding, I love being His child.