This SUNDAY

Daniel Prayed...come to Williamsport Chapel for a special performance by Ruthe Snyder, Rick and Joyce Jackson, and Amy and Rich Russell.

Also, hear a wonderful sermon by William Snyder.

Rich Russell shall be playing his banjo for offertory, maybe harmonica, as well.

For more details, contact me!

I shot in R.A.W. for the first time

But, only a few photos. And they were slightly out of focus anyways LOL Oh well! It was neat to see what that entails. I think I'll change over. So, a few of my senior pics were in raw, the rest just in jpeg as always, but they turned out really nice. We went to Poland Woods and then the Poland Library (a great place to take photos!!!!). It was a superb day on Tuesday for all of that.

CS3 is on sale through a link I have for $299!!!!!!!!! That's 50% off original price...I have to talk to my husband again about this. It's too good of a deal to pass up. TRULY to good of a deal!!!!!

Odds and Ends

I love finding odds and ends at thrift stores, but especially vintage stuff. I am now collecting old ribbon, and old childrens books, especially if they have the classic vintage look to the illustrations. I am trying to find a style to drawing children. I am close, but need more inspiration!

Also, here are odds and ends photos...I haven't shared photos in forever, so I am going to post a few tonight!

The Pancake Breakfast Pictures

I am excited that my grandparents are again hooked up with the computer and email, too! I helped Gram work some things out this morning with her computer, and was so happy to help her out.

So, knowing that they can now see my blog, I am excited too! Here are some photographs they would enjoy, I know.

Fall Movies

I found a link that showed various movies coming up in the fall.

I love westerns, and this is one that I probably would go see. Jesse James Movie, with Brad Pitt.

And, this one, another western. Yipee! With Russell Crowe and Christian Bale.

Totally not a western, but looks cute...Enchanted.

I think this looks intriguing...The Kite Runner.

It's hard to figure out movies. So, please don't take MY word that these will be good. I am just interested.

VOte Vote Vote for me!

My pics, that is. If you want to know which ones I took, guess! LOL! Here is the contest at my friend's blog.

Today, the kids and I had an absolutely delightful pancake breakfast at my grandparents' house. Then, we had a fun time at a birthday party! I have lots of photos to unload and mess around with...from a senior photoshoot and also some pregnant friends of mine looking great in all their glory!

Note To Self

Bring Cytomel with me everywhere.

I forgot to take it midday, well, actually I didn't forget, I just didn't have my bottle! Or, even a single pill!

Therefore, I am a zombi right now, and have been since 5 pm.

On another note, this was disturbing to me as I just love archaeological sites. Honestly, had I not put becoming a wife and mother as my main goal in life, I probably would've pursued this as the emphasis in my career- archaeology (as well as journalism and photography LOL). But, the way I am made up by God, that just wasn't to be so. I am glad everything seems to be okay with the site.

Tomorrow is part 2, probably, of my second senior shoot. We need more photos of some different outfits the senior wants. That's fine with me...I love taking photos, and she is so sweet. Later is my much loved Bible Study with Jennifer. By the way, the kids and I went to a suprise party for Jennifer and Justin, as they reached a special birthday. As it was said at the park...it was more of a playdate for the kids. Always for the kids!

I am so very tired. I wish to do some scrapbooking or drawing (I am doodling stuff lately). We also have a movie to watch, Rich and I. I don't think I'll get to both..maybe not any of it.

This week is so busy. Tomorrow..besides what I said already, we are to see Katie and Autumn again.

Tuesday is a pancake breakfast at my Grandparents followed immediately by a little boy's party from church.

Wednesday: Rich's day off, a Chic-Fil-A free breakfast playdate (the last week was free but I ended up spending 7 or 8 dollars, go figure), and the orientation meeting for Ella's preschool class.

Thursdsay, I know there is something but I can't put my finger on it. OH..appointment for Ella. You know, she turned 4 in April and I am FINALLY now getting her in for her 4 year appointment! Yikes!

Friday is the garage sale, which has been postponed three weekends in a row due to weather, at my mother in laws. There's several of us girls with stuff there so that's where the kids and I will be most of the day.

Saturday, I am getting something done with my hair and immediately going to Autumn's first birthday party.

Sunday, church at my parents' church, with friends accompanying us. We may go to the Great Trail Festival that day, too, but who knows.

Rich is off the weekend but works Labor Day. Phoeeeyyyy. We would've all gone to the Grea Trail that day, him, my dad, the kids, and I. Oh well.

I am sure this is not overwhelming to anybody but me.

Favoritism

Is favoritism bad? I sure hope not, because I have some favorite babies, that's for sure! And I spent the whole afternoon with one of them- Autumn Grace. The kids and I even babysat while my friend Katie mowed the lawn for her overworked husband.

I also think that if you make iced tea JUST for me when I come, you may be a favorite friend, too. LOL Katie made tea just for me! Just kidding...no one has to make iced tea for me to be a favorite friend because you are all my favorite friends!

A magazine ad contained pretty cool news for scrapbookers...a new tool that just adds stitched borders and lines in a variety of patterns with a click of a button and a steady hand and wrist. I can't wait to find, and buy, one! Or, them!

There's really not too much else to say. It's hot, there's always work to do, friends to see, chores to do, tea to drink, and catch a nap here and there.

Art has been on my mind lately, and I have accomplished some projects, and have a few started. I am thankful to be creative again.

A wonderful friend of mine is going to participate in a walk for mental health, and she said she will be walking for ME! I was very humbled and felt so treasured. What a sweet gesture.

Some Painted Prints

These are really intriguing. Now, some aren't my style, but I really like the way she creates these little children. It's so unique! I wish I could do this!

Accomplishments

I am wearing jeans that means it's cooler here. And that's a good thing, except of course for the flood warnings around here.

I actually cooked and make a delicious dish. I usually don't like eating what I make. Not all the time, at least. But tonight the chicken breasts, with homegrown tomatoes, a special seasoning from Tastefully Simple, and provolone cheese, and a little extra water, baked slowly turned out great. Even my kids loved it. It also had two sliced sweet potatoes in it.

Philip had an early nap..and that is a GREAT accomplishment!

My husband is home safe and sound. That's always a blessing.

It was inspiring to her...

And she wrote a story from my prompt. It's beautiful! Hope you all read it!

Attic Memories

A few weeks ago I brought home treasures of my childhood. Many, well, I have to admit, MOST of the treasures, were books. My dad and I share an avid love for books. My years of parenthood haven't brought as much book reading for myself, or buying, but the love is still there.

Two books in particular bring back so many past, wonderful thoughts and feelings.

The Tanglewood's Secret and Treasures of the Snow, both by Patricia M. St. John.

The latter I heard last year on the radio as a show, and it was superb. Although the first link to this book is for the movie, I never saw it. Now, I will certainly be looking for it. This one, too, is my favorite of her books. It is about forgiveness...a special kitten and a special little boy, and two older children that need to forgive and be at peace. I just tear up thinking about it. I am so glad I was a pack rat growing up and that my parents so wonderfully and willingly let me keep my childhood in boxes, just waiting to be given to my kids.

Some other things in those boxes: Barbies, a bead loom, Sylvanian Families, all my miniatures, my old high school JV jacket (what in the WORLD am I supposed to do with THAT now?), books from the 1800s, and lots of spellers. Oh, and some diaries I kept as a girl. Ahem, one entry is so funny. One day I say I love this boy. The next this other boy. Another day, well, another boy.

And then..

The next entry is I hate all boys! LOL! So typical of kids!

I read one entry that talked about an elementary teacher I had, who was a favorite, Mrs. Mills. She attends my church, so I'll have to show her. She'll get a kick out of it.

I will slip this little note in this entry, too. I have a devotional blog set up here if you would like to visit.

A little mommy quiz

According to this, I'm a smarty pants mom. LOL!

Three Cheers

For Bulldozers, Scooters, and Pudding.

These are a few of the kids' favorite things these days. I love the timeless treasures of childhood.

The Main Thing That Mattered Most To Me Today

A prayer of mine was answered Saturday, and even more so today. It's utterly delightful to know that someone you care about was prompted in her heart to come to church again, after a long period of absence...and then get into a group fellowship even more. I am so glad, and just amazed at how God works in our lives. Other people had been praying for this and look at what happened.

A dynamic demonstration of the power of prayer.

I must be crazy

To actually click on over a hundred and fifty pages of handmade tags.

But, I certainly enjoyed myself. I found some great inspiration, and here is one example, for what I want to do in presenting my final photographs to clients.

Also, I created a template of sorts for the final presentation folder. I needed something that was lightweight, not too much to it, but enough for sturdiness and protection. I need to adjust the creation a bit, but it was exciting to see something professional come about. It even has ribbon and embossing on it.

A Little Bit About the Trip

The kids truly enjoyed the trains and railroad experiences. They loved the hotel- the room and especially the pool. Philip really did well this time swimming. They loved having spending money for souvenirs, and Rich and I had fun helping them pick out train stuff. Ella loves painting and stamping with me, and since I brought a stash of scrapbooking with us on our mini trip, she did just that...painted and stamped. She's quite the little artist. I am proud of her.

Philip was a bit more sensitive on this trip, but I think he was out of sorts since he was in an unfamiliar place. He was so sweet though, of course. His little voice and laugh makes my heartache in a GOOD way.

I have a few silly photos of Ella but I have so much other stuff do this is it for the night. She makes me smile.

Hmmmm Who Did I Take This Picture For?

If you're name is Kimmy, it's for you! And only Kimmy will find out exactly WHERE I took this. It was on our mini vacation this week, I'll tell everyone else that. Autographed by Jimmy himself...

In Broad Daylight

Today, At the mall, while my kids and I were eating lunch, and while my friend Beth, and her sweet children were going to the other end of the mall to pick up their lunch.....

A woman yelled.

People stood up.

I stood up and looked out the food court area doors and saw a man hightailing it down one of the rows in the parking lot.

Just a minute later to find out that man stole the woman's purse.

Yikes! Right there where I was with my young children, a crime happened and nobody could stop it. In broad daylight. Makes me think of where I really want to be with my kids.

BUT, our playdate was wonderful, and Beth is such a great friend. It was definitely a highlight to meet and then to go to a craft store together. Fun!

Manikatort

Rich's name for a horse that had a baby named Cider (Ella's favorite name for every toy she has, especially horse). But as he began this story, tears errupted. For some reason, Manikatort having a baby named Cider is upsetting to Ella.

Not really sure why, but I think, and this is my mother's intuition, that it is the name Manikatort.

Rich made dinner tonight and painted Ella's fingernails for her this morning. He took the kids around the block twice: this morning for ice cream at the little store and then around with their bikes this evening. He let me nap for three hours. He also gave me my blessing as I went to an antique and craft fair with his mother this morning. And, he made a note from Buddy saying thank you for the little tricylce I found this morning for him, just perfect, finally, for him to peddle. He also cleaned up the dishes. And loved me like he always does.

Our County Fair Show

PLEASE excuse the take-outs...my focus was bad, these are all non post processed....a little "raw" for the blog, but quite enjoyable!!! We had a blast. Enjoy!

County Fair Photo Show

Zzzz

credits: floral paper, fuzzy heart, and shooting star by Angie Briggs; fushia paper, wish stars, star strip, and red swirl by Aja Abney, Home Sweet Home Alphabet by MissVivi.