The Back Burner

It's been quiet around here. Life has been taking up much of my time. Recitals are over for the spring, more journaling and list making, photography, more school to finish up and other summer blessings. Blogging has been put on the back burner. But for now that is were it will stay. (Don't worry it won't burn.) My family is enjoying the very close summer. Spring is on it's toes! Less activities and more time to slow down, re-evaluate, and re-plan. Summer is so exciting! Before I go I thought I'd share a verse with y'all.
  
  ^"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."  NIV Colossians 3: 15-17

 This verse is so important to internalize. With all that we do we should do for Christ.
 The scripture by itself is more powerful and profound than anything we could say. =)

What have you all been up to? What's God been teaching you?

Puppy chow

 This stuff is really tasty. Puppy chow is quite a hit at our house.
You can find the recipe by clicking here.
And no, it's not breakfast cereal.

May days: snapshots

April showers bring May flowers. Spring is a beautiful season. It's overflowing with life, green, fresh rain, and time spent outdoors. I am preparing to take portraits for our churches directory in the next few weeks. Preparing gear, testing lighting, and getting ready to gain some needed experience. My sisters and I are still practicing for two more recitals and we're having family over for our Grandpa's birthday. Life's been a growing, learning journey- to say the least. Don't forget to stop and smell the flowers!

 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
 Colossians 2:6-7 NIV

What's your May been like?

Put a pin in it

 Last weekend my family and I went to a hand bell festival. A hand bell festival is when many different hand bell choirs get together and play together-at the same time.
 There were about 25-30 choirs. Every choir practices the same songs and then one main director directs all of the choirs. It was a two day event and my sisters and I had a wonderful time.We stayed in a hotel, ate chick-fil-a two days in a row, laughed with our friends, and played music to the Lord.

Here are a few photos to give you an abstract idea of the event.

 Hand bells were every where in the rehearsal gymnasium. 


During one rehearsal break we did a little touring around the town square...

---What have you been up to?

 Do you know where I got the blog title from? 
I'll give you a hint: It's from a movie- about a dog, a girl, a cat and a hamster. =) 

Happiness

--A sky full of sunshine and a good math grade.

--A potted flower

--A "new" dress from my favorite store. (Where else but good will?)

--A day at the park

Source:Pinterest

--Movie night: Up with Dug the dog

--A photo shoot

--A photo shoot gone wrong!

--Colorful toys

--A baby sister to hug and kiss

--Nature trails


Life's been amazingly joy filled. Each unique blessing contributes and reminds us of how loved we are. Thank God for His sufficient grace. With music lessons, school, tennis, fellowship, we've been scurrying and hurrying every which way. Yet we seemed to always find time to remember the simple precious blessings that shower over our schedule. The bed time prayers, sibling giggles, bear hugs, fort making, and photo shoots. I've been enjoying learning songs that spring recitals bring, reading Jane Eyre, experimenting with manual mode on our camera and trying my hand at a little card making. 


What makes you happy?

Christ is Risen!

Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Lo! the Sun's eclipse is over, Alleluia!
Lo! He sets in blood no more, Alleluia!

Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Alleluia!
Christ hath burst the gates of hell, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia!
Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Hail, the Lord of earth and Heaven, Alleluia!
Praise to Thee by both be given, Alleluia!
Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!
Hail, the resurrection, thou, Alleluia!

King of glory, Soul of bliss, Alleluia!
Everlasting life is this, Alleluia!
Thee to know, Thy power to prove, Alleluia!
Thus to sing and thus to love, Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save, Alleluia!

But the pains that He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation have procured, Alleluia!
Now above the sky He's King, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia!

 Charles Wesley, 1707-1788 (via)

Easter Preparations

                                          >>Hard boiled eggs

                                        >>We used natural egg dye this year!

                                                >> Blown eggs on the door

                                   >>>  Medallions...Inspiration from here

                                                        

                                           >>Blown egg trees

                                                   Medallions & Eggs

We're getting ready to celebrate Easter with both sides of our family. We've been planning, preparing and decorating. Here's a peek of the decorations strewn about our home.