Yikes..My First Wedding...

Hello there everyone! :) Okay, last weekend I had the honor of working with a fellow photographer friend of mine, Christi Nelson of Rawsii.com. Check out her site, she's awesome. I had contacted her about being able to shoot at one of her weddings for some experience and to see if I wanted to go down the avenue of "wedding photographer". :) Well needless to say, I had a blast! But oh my, what a lot of hard work. Seriously, the photographer never stops the entire day. But I can see why some photographers would choose to do this kind of work. It was really exciting to be part of such a special day. The bride and groom's names are Jessica and Aaron and I really appreciate them letting me join in on all the fun. And hey, the filet mignon wasn't bad either. lol Thanks Christi, looking forward to working with you again!

Now mind you, I was the third shooter there that day and I didn't have to worry about doing any of the posing.......which took the stress off of me and allowed me to just shoot and have fun!

This was where the wedding was held. I really enjoyed getting shots of this beautiful mansion.

One of my favorite shots of the day. :) I think I may just look into this wedding side of photography......we'll see. :)

A New and Pretty Face...

Okay, it's been too long since I've blogged last....my loyal blog readers. :) But, I've been busy. :) I hope everyone had a safe and happy Memorial Day today. I hope you enjoyed your families, good food and good conversation. We went to the Parade here in Mishawaka.....it's been going on for over 50 years. I love that. I love parades. I love the patriotism you feel as you watch American Vets proudly walk down the street....waving and saluting at other vets and supporters. I'm so thankful for the men and women that have chosen to serve...and give their lives to protect me and my family. My own two Marines are constantly on my mind and in my prayers. Oh yes, as a Marine Mom....I fully appreciated and understand. But back to the pics, this is Brianna. She's the daughter of some old friends of ours that we haven't seen in a very, very long time. She just went and grew up on me. :) She's lovely. And Brianna, remember, the Lord has a special plan for your life......looking forward to spending more time with you. Love you sweetheart.

Isn't she lovely?

In the Shadow of the O' Rugged Cross...

I've had some disappointments this week.....some trials, some events I wish just didn't exist. Yes it's true blog readers, sometimes things just don't work out the way that I want them to. :) It's true. I know, unheard of, huh? Sometimes life just makes you want to stay in bed, pull the covers all the way up and say......"Is it really worth all the trouble?"

The truth of the matter is.......is that Satan is busy doing his job. And yes, he's good at what he does. He's a pro......been doing it for decades. But it seems like to me that whenever God starts to move in my life.......here comes trouble. Something pulls me this way......and something else starts pulling me the other way. The Word of God says that a man's heart is evil and deceitfully wicked. That's what it says. And because I know this truth....I never follow the old heathen saying....."Just follow your heart." Hmmm, no......I choose to follow Jesus. Some of us are caught up in sin because of our own choices. Satan has nothing to do with it. It's not always easy to do what's right. The flesh and spirit battle against each other every day. Daily, we must choose to take up our O' Rugged Cross and follow Christ.

But you know what? It is worth all the trouble. God is love. He's merciful and at the same time, Just. And He's holy. I know nothing else in this world that is holy.....just Him.

You see, I'm a sinner. Imperfect, guilty, hopeless.....sinner. But because of what Jesus did for me.....up on the hill called Calvery. Calvery.....He chose me. He chose you. It takes my breath away when I contemplate exactly what He accomplished that day. You nor I will ever, ever know anyone in our lives that would do for us, what He did. Ever. Be honest. That is just how much He loves us. Love. That's what He is.

Jesus..........He's the answer to all our problems. He's the true meaning of life. And He has never, ever let me down. Ever. People do....and they always will. That's where we get ourselves in trouble....when we put a person in the center of our lives. Another human being is not capable of fulfilling all of our needs. Only God can.

So this day....I choose to take up my O' Rugged Cross......and follow Jesus down the path of righteousness. What road are you traveling?

Drivers Ed.....

I'm not sure when it happened. But it did. My little boy grew up. This is Joey. He's actually our second child....kinda stuck in the middle....the quiet one. :) Unless you get him mad. :) Then you'll hear from him. When he was a baby and would become frustrated or upset, he would SCREAM at the top of his lungs. No seriously, SCREAM. I wanted no more children after him. He almost ruined it for his younger brother and sister. But thankfully, he grew out of that. Now if my husband and I can get two words out of him, we become like estactic little teenage girls who just got to see Elvis Presley for the first time. No seriously. We get that excited. We so love him dearly. :) But now, he's taking drivers ed. Yep, he's driving me around town. Sometimes it's not so pretty. I can feel the gray hair growing in thicker. But, I just snap on my seatbelt, say a little prayer......and away we go! It's loads of fun. If you haven't experienced this yet with your child........you're in for a treat! I have two down...........and two more to go!

My FAVORITE all-time picture of him. :) He's so cute!

Love this one. :)

And this is me.........................that's how I roll. :)