Campfires

It's very late, but I am reading another book that has an excerpt I want to share..because growing up with campfires was an important part of the shaping of my heart and mind. The experiences around the campfire, whether at a spot in the woods but mostly in our own backyard, gave me conversations and insight that until tonight, I never really thought about. I still love to sit out in the backyard around a fire at my parents' home. We had this saying, my parents, brother, and I, when we sat around the fire in the beginning of the evening that we were just waiting around for it to get dark..like something wonderful would happen, or the night wouldn't start until the campfire would be beautifully bright.

Anyways, here is what Romancing Your Child's Heart, by Monte Swan, says:

A campfire almost demands narration and response from those sitting around it. Everyone has a story, as the circle of light and warmth draws us in out of the darkness. We feel far from the distractions of our urgent world. We are also not on a stage- expected to perform. We are just here, now, together. Campfires magically create a senseof camaraderie and the community in the people encircling the fire, from children to adults, providing a setting where the deepest communication can occur, not merely through words, but intuitively, through feelings- the connector of human hearts.


I just love that part. And, more importantly, I love my dad for yet another gift he gave me- a connection to him and my mother through one of the most simplest, yet complicated, thing from God - a campfire.

Moving...closer

I bet it is safe to say now that my brother, Bill, and his family (Lisa, and their daughter, Abby who is Ella's age) are moving from Columbus area to Medina, or roundabouts. We are very happy for them as this is answered prayer. Ella is very excited that her precious Cousin Abby will be much closer. She wants her to sleepover here so bad. Ella asks me every day!

A Mixed Up Parade

The other day, probably a week ago, Ella walked around the neighborhood, along with daddy and Buddy, in her one piece swimsuit and light up snow boots. Oh HOW I wish I had gotten a picture of that. The last few days have been nice with Rich off. Yesterday and the day before Ella and I got to swim (Buddy does not like too...at least he refuses to enter into any kind of cool water). I also bargain shopped at the Gap, for .97 tops and pants, and 1.97 shoes. And, got some cute in style items for myself at the thrift store that are the 40/s 50s and nautical styles that seem to be in. Including a CABI tshirt! That's unheard of, at east to me! I love shopping and it gives me a sense of accomplishment *not entitlement, though* and it's kind of a mini/cheap hobby. At least, I have to make it that way, especially when it comes to kids' clothing.

Last week, our praise band finished the vocal contributions to our first cd. There's four of us, and we only went two times to do 12 songs. The other instruments have to add there part. We have a couple of things in the fall and winter scheduled as far as Rich and I's own music performances, and with that, we hope (note, I said hope) to start on our long thought out Christmas CD. While we are in the "recording mode" I hope we can do it this year finally. Between the two of us, we have 4 original songs, and of course, have many others to choose from. It would be exciting!

Tonight, the kids find themselves dwelling in the story of fireflies. They love them and want to keep them. I remember very well wanting to keep my lightning bugs, also. The tough things that childhood entails.

The book I am reading, called THE MOMMY MANUAL, is like my second Bible. I purchased it at an outlet store nearby, on sale, too, and it has been well worthwhile. It has helped me take a step back or two, even, and try to get more on my children's level. Asking yourself questions...how does she like to sit and work at her writing, what sets her off in a meltdown, would it help if she turned her paper a little more to the left so she could write better, does she feel accepted and needed in her own environment, does she feel important...do I belittle her attempts (by the way..yes I do and that makes me feel bad...she's so precious, but my darling girl does have some balance and grace issues), can I encourage her more, give her more of a childlike environment (put pictures up at her eye level, make sure she has her own working space, but still private)..well I could go on but I'll wait to write more another day.

Comments Please

Okay, so I know who reads this (for the most part)..and my blog is sooo commentless lately, I feel like not writing anymore. Oh well! Please write if you can (ahem, dad, mom, jen..etc.!!).

Victoria is back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A dream come true!!! I was yelling and jumping up and down when I retrieved my notice from the mail. This is my alltime favorite magazine. NOTHING is better than this in the magazine world. It has everything. Yeah!!

Autumn in June

Variety

Horsing Around

Oh what a cheesy title but creating this simple storyboard was a great stress reliever. Being a mom to two young children is sometimes rough and today was one of those days, especially this evening. Looking back at previous photos, well, actually any photographs, always helps me put things back in perspective. This time flies, and I need to do my best no matter what...these children are certainly precious, and especially in God's sight.

So sad

The story about the missing and now found pregnant woman, near here, in Canton OH, just is so awful and troublesome. My neighbor told me tonight she had worked with her, and her father, a few years back. I pray for that little son of hers that is left, probably traumatized for a long time with what he had seen.

Ella's Grandpa Field Trips....are the greatest!

Grandpa and his bestest pal, Ella, took two field trips together this week. One, the first, which was on Wednesday, they did by themselves. Grandpa took Ella to an elementary teacher's science experiment day, where lots of kids, including Ella's ages, did, well, scientific experiments.

Goggles.

Silly puddy.

and my personal favorite,

slime.

She had a great time, and I know she is probably wanting to now become a chemist like her papa. The other teachers there commented she seemed older than 4, and was so well behaved. Well, put a feather in my hat...yeah!

Saturday was the next field trip, and Philip and Mema went to. This trip was at Beaver Creek, with involvement with my parents' church, Williamsport Chapel.

Horse and buggy rides.

Horshoes.

Sack races.

Lots of new friends.

The kids spent the night, then, Saturday night, and went back the next morning for church. Of course, the time they spent with their grandparents, and with some new friend and old fashioned activities was wonderful.

Two members of our church did special music at my parents' church today...neither Rich nor I could attend as Rich had to work this weekend, and I had the offertory. Another lady and I sang and old old song, called It's my desire. I found out my late grandma Duvall like that song, too. Next week, Marti, another alto just like me, we're going to do Goodbye Will Never Come, another oldie. We have had so much fun getting together and singing, harmonizing, and all that. She's so easy going, and fun to sing with..can't beat that!

Our guest speaker was a dynamic one I've heard before, at our church and at ONC..Dave Kahut, ( not sure about the spelling there). If there is any chance for you to hear him speak, do it. I can promise you that it will change how you think about your life. He speaks to churches and schools all around..his "organization" is called Talk is Cheap. I was very humbled when he told me after the service that my music is annoited (piano playing)..I hear that and it throws me off somewhat. Even more, another comment took my by suprise...someone told me he thought the speaker today himself was going to go up to the altar due to my piano. It makes me think that I really need to make sure WHY I am playing the piano at my church in the first place. And, that answer, is a personal one, but it is the one God wants me to have. I am continuosly blessed with music, but it can be taken away at any moment. That's for sure.

One more thing to post that would be noteworthy. I went to a new doctor for my thyroid, depression, fibromyalgia, etc. etc....Wednesday I traveled over an hour (by myself, a shock!) to Greenville, PA and there, was given a special gift.

A little box that was unwrapped, layer by layer, ribbon by ribbon, throughout the time of my appointment, and that finally unveiled my gift that day.

Hope.

Extreme, valuable hope to me that I do not have to live exhausted and in pain the rest of my life. No one, unless they have experienced JUST what I have, would ever know how that hope touched me. Just as I would never know how to identify with other's troubles and difficulties. But, just knowing that someone can help you, and with knowledge that this person/doctor/care giver truly cares to get you better, AND, even more, knows the Lord, is a blessing. A little more joy has carried me over the past few days, over the fatigue and pain. I am confident, now, that God WILL complete his work in me, no matter what the outcome of my health.

A Little Girl's Leaf

From today at a park...a friend's little girl, about one and a half years old.

It's one of my favorite photographs, now, I know!

My Niece, Sydney

She is all dressed up in dance costumes..and tonight was her recital. She's just precious!

I can't keep things straight at all!

This week has flown by, and has been so busy. Today was the first day since I don't know when where I stayed home the ENTIRE day, but then, even if I could have gone somewhere, I couldn't have...Philip had up to a 102 temperature today, and since last night, has had a temp, bad cough, and some sniffles. I really feel bad for the little guy. Hopefully this will lift from him soon.

Monday I realized I lost my license. Tuesday I went and got a new one. That same day, I went to the mall to pick up something and when I unloaded my children and bag from the stroller, I saw a wallet I did not buy. Oh dear, it wasn't me who put that there. So, back from the car into the mall we went. I asked both kids, but neither were clear about it. I really don't know who, and at this point, it's not worth caring about. Both got good talking too, because I really think they did not grasp that complete concept yet...because the next day, I lost my keys at the Green in Canfield after a photoshoot there. So I thought. As my parents rescued us on their way to eat, my sister in law and I talked, and then later, she called again while we were still out and said that she got my keys (don't ask me how she got into my car). Really, I am so extremely thankful my car got broken into LOL. She found the keys very hidden, and even though I popped the stroller open a couple of times, they were there. I think she felt bad for me, as we were there taking dance costume photos of her daughter and her friend.

Tuesday night we also had a guest- Ella's almost 6 year old friend, Natalie. She is so sweet, but wow, she just was no quiet like I am used to at church. She was the total opposite but still as sweet and good. Ella and her had lots of fun.

I have another photoshoot hopefully Saturday, as the past Saturday fell apart. Then, it's Father's Day Sunday. That is a GREAT day, in my book. I have had presents FOREVER to give to the men in the family and can't WAIT to give them (though small as they are) the gifts.

Ella's room is coming together, as we have her summer stuff in her little dresser. Now, to fix up Buddy's closet some more!

I have been so busy with things, this and that, that posting blogs haven't been on my mind. I'll probably try to just post photographs for awhile until a cute kid story comes up. My brain and body are tired from the week.

Ella's Preschool Program and Picnic

Just a few from her little end of year show. Clearly not the best photos. I was on my knees in dirt, and my legs hurt so bad, so these are not clear at all. Oh well!

Good Food

The crock pot cooked great chicken for us today, and good thing, too, because our friend, Joe, spent the entire day with us, after church. I comment on the chicken because it was the tastiest we've even eaten. I'll have to do the crock pot thing more often. I forget about using that. We also had our handpicked strawberries and shortcake that I made, too. I could eat that combination all day if it was in the house. Good thing I gave the last huge biscuit away to my dad when he stopped by. That would've been my 4th biscuit, no kidding!

On to better things, Ella went to bed right before 7 tonight. I think the guys wore her out.

Yesterday, Rich's friend, Dave, and Rich, too, worked on our yard, and there is now great, dark mulch all around. It looks so nice. And, we finally have a little white fence around our mini garden. We have no more room left to plant anything else, but somehow we got to plant the single watermelon plant my dad dropped off earlier this week. Now, we are really not watermelon eaters, but Philip sure likes it!

Yesterday was not a good day for the most part. I suppose you could say I had a panic attack while up in Youngstown by myself being lost and not knowing how to get an alternate route to my destination for a photoshoot, because roads were closed due to the trees being down from the bad thunderstorm we had. I never have gone in that area before by myself, and I do not like driving where I don't know where I am going, that's for sure. Then, throw me an obstacle while you're at it, and I really meltdown. The morning was emotionally rough, too, I think because of being tired (fibro) and that just added. I couldn't talk on the phone, because I was crying so hard. Well, to shorten the story, I did get home and the photoshoot was rescheduled, not due to me, either, but because our destination was actually closed/off limits for people. I really felt I wasted all that time. It's about 45 minutes for me to get up there, and that's a lot of mileage. Anyways, the next time will work better, but Rich says to me, not to go up there by myself. It seems so silly to be stressed about driving, but I really am. I grew up being like that, too. My dad helped me get to places, tagged along, etc., a lot of times to help me be calm and less insecure. Rich has learned that I need that too. I wish I could be more independent with that, but I'm not. I suppose I'll have to avoid any circumstances like that again, because it is too stressful.

But today was a brighter day, and tomorrow Ella has a whole day at our church of Vacation Bible School. If someone hadn't mentioned it in our church service today, she wouldn't be going. I forgot!!!!!! I have to keep Philip with me, no nursery for non-adult helpers that day, which I think is a real bummer (urghhh), so I will meet with my friend, Katie, again. We met Friday for her little girl's pictures. I took my kids. Just because I knew she wouldn't care, she's my friend.

Never again will I take my kids when I have to "work." Even if it's a wonderful friend. It's impossible. I knew I'd have trouble. But when you're in a large outdoor environment, kids travel fast.

Yesterday, when I calmed down from being upset in Ytown, I actually went to get some specialty iced tea and then ended up getting a dress. Rich said it is a "happy dress." Now, that comment is original and endearing for us. When we were engaged, I wore this bright dress that Rich called my happy dress, because I looked so happy/joyful in it. It was so sweet of an idea. So, he saw me in this dress today, from Target, and said it was my happy dress again. Awwwww. Funny thing, though, when church was done I saw someone wearing the same dress! She probably figured that out before I did, because I was up on the platform doing the music, and didn't see her until later. Well, good thing she left, honestly..I think I would've felt really funny about it. Just a pet peave of mine. At my old church, I had this outfit I was going to wear, and then saw this lady wearing the same thing, so my outfit went to Goodwill.

Speaking of Goodwill, we have Ella's dresser in her room, and she absolutely loves it. She especially is enjoying "decorating" the top. Yesterday I also went to Once Again Kids, found some CUUUUUTTEEE stuff for the kids, clothing wise, got a big, free sparkly frog for Philip, and then found a gorgeous canopy to hand from the ceiling for under $8. Can't wait to put it in Ella's room, though, I have a feeling I'll have to place the long tulle and ribbons up somehow during the day so they don't get torn. Ella says its her pa-naw-ca or something like this. I guess "canopy" is a new foreign word for her.

Beginnings

Today is the beginning of a new summer for us. Ella enjoyed her picnic today, with her preschool friends. They said the Pledge and ABC's. They also sang an endearing song about green and speckled frogs. My grandparents attended, and I truly don't know what I would've done if they hadn't been there. They helped out so much. And, I know they loved the program and enjoyed it with all their hearts.

I am thinking of using another logo (not like I have quite come up with one for my business name of Close To Home Photography quite yet) called Imagine Imagery. This would encompass photographs that have a certain look about them and go beyond my regular CTH work. Pretend. Ethereal. Fairyland. Airy. Basically, more processes I go through after I take certain photographs to get this look. And more creativity as I take the photographs themselves. More time spent, basically. Here is an example of what I am talking about.

These photographs would only come as wall portrait sizes, backed and luster coated. And, small storyboards of 3 photographs. I suppose this is a "specialty" venue in the works here.

I can say I am so blessed, relieved, in awe, speechless, floored that FINALLY the creativity that I have wanted to use for YEARS has blossomed into this photography avenue, and has continued to be a ministry to others, and a healing process for myself, and a small monetary blessing for my family.

Right after Ella was born, my sister in law, Lisa, and I created the business called Embellish, because we created sewing products, elegant crafts, scrapbooking pages, home interior accents, scrapbooking elements...all embellished with the things we love= vintage lace, ribbon, fabric, buttons..we were so imaginative and inspired. And looking forward to doing business. We had a couple of open houses and was set up at a florist's craft show.

However.

That didn't go so well. It just didn't click with people around us and we decided, especially since we lived several hours apart, we would quit this endeavor.

On to something else...I became a Close To My Heart consultant, and stayed one for a year. The last party I had I didn't even go to. I was too sick with Philip, as I was pregnant with him at the time, and I coudn't even go for fear of having to use the hostess's bathroom and embarrasing myself due to my nausea.

So, my lack of creativity at this time and loss of energy decided the ending factor to this.

I also placed some scrapbooking related products, basically "embellished" journals, cards, etc., into a couple of shoppes, but it just got to be too taxing and slow. This area we live in is not good for stuff like this. I've been told what we created was classy, and unique. I think people like country crafts more around here..not that there is anything wrong with that, but it's just different.

Also, I worked at a scrapbooking store for a few months, doing classes, but was told I couldn't do that anymore after I became a CTMH consultant. Really, I don't miss being a consultant. I am sooo not the business type. I dislike the whole concept of recruitment to grow your business and having to follow so many rules. I don't like "selling" my product in the ways I were suggested to do so. I like the freedom of doing my own thing, and being my own boss, letting the creative juices flow as the Lord provides. It's amazing that God has brought me here to this point as more faces are being placed in front of my camera than I ever dreamed. I pray that it continues to be like this...work to do, but not terribly busy. My family is so important to me and nothing should ever get in the way of prioritizing them first.

The heartache, disappointment, and utter dismay over lacking the creative spirit to do my own scrapbooking is being replaced with the joy of producing my own beautiful photographs.

Here is one more of a shoot the other day in the park.

My heart is pounding

Is it buyers remorse? Or just trying to settle in with the fact that I FINALLY found a dresser for either Buddy or Ella for $20???? Has to be painted probably, and a few knicks here and there, but Goodwill 40% off coupons work wonders!!!! It appears to be more of a "buffet" stand, but I will adapt it promptly for a dresser. I also found Shabby Chic baskets, three of them, for only a few dollars each. Shabby Chic is a brand found at Target, and these baskets would be about $20 retail there. It is a wonderful, delightful brand of products...and a blessing to find them at this store. I saw them there yesterday but came home, not sure IF I should purchase them and use my coupon for some other things I saw there..THANKFULLY, I didn't use it yesterday but came home to mull it over. Today, this piece of furniture was there. Yesterday it was not. That is a God thing, completely.

Now, my parents will continue to save the day this week AGAIN by bringing their vehicle up this way so we can transport it to our house. Our cars are too small. Not that it is big, it isn't. I think it'll be perfect for one of the childrens' bedrooms.

Another good thing- a sister in law of mine called me a few hours ago to request photographs of her children, and possibly, more than likely, of a few of her daughter's ballet classmates. We'll be going to a garden, and I am so excited. I am very thankful, too, that I changed my website recently. I need to talk myself into a flash, Winklet one, but I am nervous, for some reason!

Beautiful Day

A walk in the woods was healing thing for me to do. The kids are behaving, and their great grandparents just brought us yogurt, crackers, and soft pretzels. They actually saved the day for me, so I don't have to run to the store for those things, myself. I feel brighter and have a tad less pain today too..a good thing. A friend of mine is going through an ordeal..she told me yesterday she feels like she's been run over by a truck. Oh, how many times have I said that to Rich, or my mom, due to the fibro. So, I told her, I understand..I need to tell her, though, call me to complain anytime or to have someone completely empathize with you. I know that helps, just to have a shoulder to lean on, and knowing you are not alone in how you feel.

Today is Ella's last day of preschool this year. I think I may take her to find a My Little Pony blanket somewhere after school, with Philip, of course. Something for a last day of school treat. Making a tradition, here!

News from the Russell Mini Garden..we have sprouts. Yeah! And my flowers are still alive. A small wonder.

Rich and I watched Deja Vu, starring Denzel Washington. We recommend it.

I don't recommend the third installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean saga, though. I do recommend Spider Man, like I said before. Kimmy and I went to see the Pirates movie, and I think I can say for sure, that we weren't completely impressed.

Something else I will recommend: Angela Hunt's THE NOTE. It is a wonderfully written story about a columnist who uncovers the truth from a note supposedly written from a victim in a horrible plane crash. Twists at the end. I really loved it!

Oh What a Cutie at 1 years of age

This is from the first of THREE photoshoots this week. Yeah! Isn't she sweet? This looks nice in color as well, but here's just a simple black and white conversion. I have a photoshoot with one of my favorite babies, Autumn, and then another with a little baby boy at the end of the week. Busy Busy Busy. Especially when you are not feeling up to much..and your husband is sick..and your kids are still fighting something. Luckily, my parents took the kids for a few hours tonight. It was very refreshing to have several hours to ourselves.