Sugar and Spice....

....and everything nice, that's what little girls are made of! So I have learned that to be not so true, but I love my girls, however they are....sweet or sour. In any case, I came across this book the other day, that I know I have probably shared with some of you over the last few years, but since so many of my friends have little girls, I thought it would be blog-worthy to share this book with you. I found it after hearing the author (Robin Jones Gunn) speak at a Winter Youth Retreat. The book is called "Gentle Passages", a small book comprised of ways the author herself and other mom's of girls have ushered their daughters into womanhood intentionally with God's love and grace. It's a tear jerker....at least it is for me....but has some great ideas to get you thinking of how you will raise your little girl to be holy and righteous in a world that prey's on girls and women.

For the love of photography

Chris and I have been enjoying our camera, and learning more about how to use it to it's full potential, and in the process have taken some nice shots over the summer....here are some of my favorite ones, enjoy!

An answer to prayer

I wanted to update you all on the prayer request I blogged about a couple months ago. I had asked for prayer for my sister's boyfriend, Jay, and his situation with the VA. In short...he was misdiagnosed by the medical staff while he was serving in the Navy, and has had complications ever since. It has been a rough road for him, and at first was denied any help from the VA, but recently he re-appealed them for help, and was granted VA benefits for life, plus retroactive payments for past medical bills. Needless to say, he and my sister are ecstatic. Thank you for praying. God is good!

Worship

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-NOZU2iPA8

Okay, for some reason Blogger wasn't letting me publish this video striaght to my blog...but just click on it, and you will be grateful for progression in worship music.

A visit from the Nezbedas!

Summer and I hosted a "BeautiControl" party for Tina, who is selling their product and this picture shows three sexy ladies wearing a really glorious lip mask, that leaves your lips silky smooth...pretty amazing!
One of my favorite days was spending some time with my best buddies...it is pretty seldom that we are all together in one spot at one time.
Tina really does love our kiddos like an auntie would, and also spoils them as an auntie would. And they love her back just as much.
Ella got some one-on-one time with Auntie Tina!

Our monkey

Annabelle has proved to be a strong determined little girl....but we have been pretty impressed with her these days as she has been hungry for learning new things, and conquers whatever she puts her mind to. Her accomplishments this summer have included: beginning to read, conquering the monkey bars (going one way, and turning while still hanging, and going back), climbing a pole, and riding her bike without training wheels. There have been multiple bumps and bruises along the way, but she is willing to sacrifice her body.....the mark of an athlete!

Love and Marriage

Jon and Meagan tied the knot Saturday, August 23rd, at an elegant and beautiful ceremony at the Portland Art Museum, with an amazing reception afterwards. We had a blast celebrating and seeing old friends. We know Jon waited so patiently for "that girl" and we all wondered if she ever existed, then we met Meagan and we knew, she was that girl! We're so happy for them both. They, with their parents created such a beautiful day!