August 29, 2011

Hurricane Irene

I'd been hearing about the massive storm that was headed our way for about a week...


We were told at work to make sure we had TONS of batteries, lots of water and canned goods. And so we did. 


But, all we got was rain. A lot of rain, mind you. But just rain. 


It's been hard to imagine all the damage, injuries and deaths that happened further south or further east. Mostly because... we had more tree damage in a regular thunderstorm back in July.









This was all the collateral from the storm in our neck of the woods... granted, it was windy enough that I had to close the umbrella to keep it from blowing away. 

August 27, 2011

Operation Restoration

Growing up, I was never good at sports. I could dance... and I did dance. For 12 years I danced. I also combined that with a three day per week workout with my dad and brother at the local YMCA. I absolutely HATED working out, though. I thought it was boring. Only slightly less boring than watching a goldfish swim around it's bowl for the 20th time. But, I was strong and fit, so I kept doing it. 
 And then college happened. Funny how when your brain us utterly consumed with study, suddenly your body forgets that it needs toning and conditioning. It's all about studying. All about making the grade, and not about staying healthy. 

 While I was in college, my health plummeted. I definitely got the "freshman 15" ... and a bit more. I wanted to be healthy, but could never find the time. I wasn't getting credit for keeping myself in shape (unlike other people I know), so it just didn't happen. 
 Until recently. 
It was then that I decided enough was enough. I was sick of feeling "bleh," looking bleh, barely being able to carry my backpack across campus, and definitely missed what little muscle I'd used to have. Then Abby asked me if I wanted to join a kickboxing class with her. Kickboxing? Me? Seriously? *insert laughing hysterically  here * 
Okay fine, I'll go to one class. Just one. It will be good for a laugh. 
 But... then we both got hooked. We both had so much fun, loved the instructor, and were actually learning how to defend ourselves... not to mention got a FABULOUS workout in the process. 
Operation restoration was a go. 
Over the past 8 weeks, I have seen pretty awesome changes. Suddenly, I feel better, can breathe better, am stronger and can see what a muscle actually looks like again! For the first time, I actually LOVE working out. The girl who used to hate the fitness room is now seriously considering becoming a fitness instructor... Talk about weird. 
Still a long way to go 'til things are back to "normal," but progress is progress. 
And yes, that would be me sparring with a black belt. :-) 

**all photo credit goes to Nick, who was awesome to come to class and cheer us on last week. 

August 24, 2011

Food Arrangement

 



It's a very simple thing... but amazing what a difference it can make. 

August 16, 2011

What Children Teach Me

It's always fun taking pictures of little ones.  
They have this aura of innocence and joy.    
But are always accompanied with a HUGE does of character. They teach me to stay happy - to laugh at the crazy times and not sweat the small stuff. 
They also teach me that life is just one big modeling session. ;-) We can look up at the camera of life and smile, knowing that the photographer thinks we're beautiful and loves all our little quirks. 
It always "gets me" when I'm doing a session for friends and their children, though...
When suddenly, people you've grown up with are married with children... 
And you can see elements of each parent in the child. You see the love exhibited by the parents. Nothing could sever the love between them. When they fall down or things don't go their way, the first person the little one runs to is one of the parents. They run seeking comfort and help, knowing all too well that it will be given to them. 
It's quite the experience and a bit of a wake up call.  
When we remember that each of is us loved as much and more... by an all greater Father. We are His children... and He is just as available to us; and far more able to assist us in our times of need and hurt. When all we need is a hug... where better to look than in the arms of Abba. 

August 12, 2011

The New Kid

This is Maverick. He's the new kid in the barn.  

He's a three year old Thoroughbred/Belgian cross.  
Treat time! 
He's a people horse. And extremely curious.  



We like him.

August 10, 2011

Books


I am a sucker for antique books.  
Especially when those books have anything to do with the Bible.  
 
This particular book is Gracy's.  
It's a Bible dictionary from the 1800s.  
It's binding is nearly gone and pages are literally falling out... but isn't it beautiful? 
Seriously, look at that detailing!   
*sigh * they don't make books like they used to anymore... 

August 6, 2011

In the Spotlight

It was dark. Really dark. But there was a spotlight. And it gave me an idea.
  
 B'gail was compliant enough to help me with said idea. Still going to work on it to really perfect the art, but it worked well for a first try. 

August 4, 2011

Happy Birthday, Abby!

Today, is an amazing day. It's my sister in law's 25th birthday. She is pretty much amazing and I love her. 

Through the years that I've had the privilege to know her, she has made constant and deliberate efforts to become my friend. She was my friend long before my brother made her his bride


We spend face time together at least three times a week (usually much more!) and have many more gtalk conversations in between. Her fun spirit has brought SUCH an element of joy into our lives and honestly, I could never have asked for better. 

 
 Dearest Abby, 
I am so blessed that you are a part of my family. The way you make Nick smile, have poured yourself out into each and every one of us, the way you worship and lay it all out before the Lord, the way you can't help but get excited over almost anything "horse," the way we have to smile at each other while sparring together in kickboxing class, the countless pieces of advice you've given me, and the time and energy you've invested in loving, supporting, encouraging, and having fun with us.... each of these has meant the world to me, and it only scratches the surface. 
You're beautiful, both externally as well as deep down in  your princess soul. I love you!