Aunt Jaime: A Photo Shoot

I had a fun time taking photos of my aunt several weeks ago. She is going to have a baby girl in just a few more weeks. We all can't wait to meet her. Babies bring joy, excitement, and much expectation.

Just Peachy

 The little crop of peaches from our peach tree. We made delicious peach sauce out of them.(The next best thing to apple sauce)

You may have noticed a few changes around here. I've changed my blog design up a bit. I have very little computer design skills but I like how it's turning out so far. Our summer has been consisting of a lot of organizing, crossing off check lists and as we're learning: A lot of frog eating. My mom's been reading a book about getting things done and being productive and it says eat the ugliest frog first. My sisters and I are working on organizing our room. We've been cleaning and getting rid of things. It's sort of like a jig saw puzzle. If you move something around you have to move something else around. I hope to be putting a few more posts out soon, but for now it might be a little quiet around here. 

 Have you all been enjoying your summer? Have you eaten any frogs?

Quiescent

                    My hair do... Photo credit: my sister. Hair style: my other sister Mags.

How has your summer been? Life here has been filled with unexpected days. Although I wasn't thrilled with the sniffles and coughs that permeated our home last week there is still so much to take in and remember. The last few weeks have been quiet (in their own way) and precious. To name a few things: Baking cookies with my little brothers. Two fun photo sessions. (One with my aunt Jaime and one with my violin teacher's baby boy.) Satisfaction in organizing- from our closet to my desk. Warm blueberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream. Reading good books and being encouraged by sweet friend. Listening to the rain showers every night of the week.


There is an uncertainty of the things to come when summer ends. How will the year unfold? But as we go through the last of summer -and strive not to be discouraged by the expectations of school books- we should remember each blessing that God gives us. Each bright new day that He lets us enjoy is something to praise Him for.

 What have you all been up to this summer? Have you checked off any goals that you set out to accomplish? Have you relished in any special memories with friends and family?




Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
 They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
     Lamentations 3:22-23

Journal writing

  I've found journaling to be a very satisfying pastime. I've kept journals for years. Many are filled with daily happenings, thoughts, study notes, a few song lyrics here and there, doodles and most recently added- to do lists.

My sisters and I like to look back on what I've written and giggle at my countless grammatical and spelling errors from years ago. It's so fun to look back and remember daily events and fond memories. I like to write down small blessings that give me joy. A conversation with my little brother, something new that my baby sister has learned to do, a funny event of the day, even what's made me thankful that day. Looking back reminds me of what I've learned and am learning. If God is teaching me something writing it down helps me internalize what He is revealing to me.

The thing I find the hardest is to make it a habit. It's hard to keep up with a journal and finish it. It's hard especially if you don't like to write. It's not my number one priority, but it does keep me organized and productive in my daily plans and my mind's thoughts. 

Do you journal? If so, what do you like to fill yours' with? 

That's what little girls are made of...

Last week we had a baby shower our Aunt Jaime. She is having a little baby girl in a few months. We are very excited! My mommy is a very creative women. My sisters, my mom and I put our heads together and had a lot of fun making the shower as frilly, girly, and creative as possible.
Here are a few photos of the party...

We had a few baby shower games, food, and gift opening.

Theme: Pink and Yellow

The door decoration.

We made at least one hundred pinwheels that we hung and taped all around.

We bought little vases and carnations for party favors. (My mom's idea.)

So...What have you been up to?

Hello June

Job 36:28 
The clouds pour down their moisture
    and abundant showers fall on mankind.

Rain drops and showers have been reviving each plant in my mom's garden. It's beautiful seeing all the life thrive all around our yard. June is a refreshing month. Not only do the plants grow but I find that I too am growing. Less distractions make for more time to think. But with more time there is more time to waste. Summer is approaching and with it comes more fun things to do. Let us not forget (let me not forget) to lay all our activities before God and constantly be renewing our minds in His word, praising Him, and growing in Him- even through the summer.

Job 37:2-6
²Listen! Listen to the roar of his voice,
    to the rumbling that comes from his mouth.
³ He unleashes his lightning beneath the whole heaven
    and sends it to the ends of the earth.
⁴ After that comes the sound of his roar;
    he thunders with his majestic voice.
When his voice resounds,
    he holds nothing back.
⁵ God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways;
    he does great things beyond our understanding.
⁶ He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’
    and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’

What do you like best about Summer?

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?