"The more makeup a woman wears, the more she's tryin' to hide. Makeup can hide alot of evil" -Phil

Oh, duck dynasty, will I ever get tired of watching you?? I think the quote for my title is so funny. Phil is so awesome. Well... We had finished all the seasons of DD in about a week.. John stopped watching sons of guns... Sooooo.. now we are on a Beverly Hillbillies marathon at night. Next is Leave it to Beaver. Oh yes. I said it. I loved that show. But it takes 2nd place to I love Lucy.
 
Enough rambling. I made a zucchini bread tonight, since my banana bread came out so yummy last week. Well, needless to say, I put wayyyy too much batter into the bread pan, because everything seeped up, and baked out and over the pan, making it a big smelly mess. The bread itself looks fine, but I've lost my appetite for it now, since it totally smells like I burned down the kitchen. I've been warned though under threat by the husband, that if I throw the bread away, ( like I usually do a day or two later) there will be big consequences to pay. Yikes.

Well.. I was going to do a process of my baby bird robins growing up. I am sad to say, that I will no longer be taking photos of the birds growing up. Last night at work, I went to check on my beloved birds, and I saw that the nest was completely halved open- from the bad storm. I peered inside, and there was only 1 of the 4 birds in the nest. My heart started pounding, and I started praying hard.. I dropped to my knees to start looking for the birds under the bush. I found one.. He was lying on his back breathing, and barely alive. I felt so horrible, and started tearing up. As gently as I could- with both parent's angrily chirping at me, I put the poor thing back in the nest. I found 2 of the 4 also, in the same condition.I started worrying about the 4th baby, but I did end finding him! He was under a rock trying to stay dry. He saw me and started chirping angrily at me. Seemed to me he was saying, "EY! Why'd ya take so long to find me?! I did call the Tamarack Wildlife Rehabilitation center, and they eventually returned my call, praise God. The woman ended up telling me to get a basket, and put the nest inside of the basket. The parents did want all the babies in the nest, and there is no way they are able to pick their babies up. Also, the rehab woman told me it was just fine to pick up the birds, the parents will NOT abandon their young. Birds have a very poor sense of smell anyways. Anyways, Savannah and I prayed for the birds last night, and went to check on them this morning, and sadly we had to bury the 2 that didn't look well the previous night. The other birds were hopping around out of the branches though.

I am currently trying to sweet talk the husband into getting a dog. Preferably a great dane. I love them! They are clumsy, big and loveable. It seems like they are super good with kids too, which is exactly what I want! John seems to be winning this battle though. Don't tell him I said that....He did say that once we get a house- which seems like it WILL be happening sooner than later, that he would get me a dog! Tehe!

I actually found this park through pacyber today, and it looked super interesting. It's called the Living Treasures Animal Park. Has anybody heard of it before? I guess it's somewhere down by New Castle.
Animal Park 
I'm hoping we can get down there sometime soon. I know the kids would love it!
Okay, well that's it for now. Movie marathon time with hubby.

Our crazy beautiful life

I have been reading a book lately..It's called "A busy woman's guide to prayer." It's amazing to say the least. It really puts things into perspective. Last night when I was praying, God laid on my heart to pray for a prayer partner. I started thinking about it, and it makes so much sense.. I know what I want... To be a prayer warrior. To grow closer to God through my "conversation" with him. To have my faith increased. I feel like I want to be held accountable for making sure my busy-ness doesn't drown out my prayer life, and be able to pray for another individual, her needs, and for her family. I am confident that God will show me the right person.

Savannah is so close to her schooling being done, she can almost taste it. She is ready to be done for the summer for sure. It's been a rough year for her education wise to say the least. We are praying, and have are pretty sure what school God wants her to attend this fall. It's been pretty overwhelming for her with school lately, it's so hard for her to focus on school with the baby and Emmett always right by her. We took a break yesterday from school to go outside, and get out some much needed energy. I set up the slip n slide for the kiddos, they love it so much. The water wasn't coating the plastic sheet, so I was gonna get some oil... *smacks head* not a good idea.. Another brilliant idea popped into my head.. DISH SOAP! Heck yeas! It worked amazing. I even modeled for Savannah and Emmett, on the proper sliding. In my clothes. It sucked to be drenched fully clothed, but the excitement on their faces, and the giggles from the kids made it so worth it.. We had so much fun. I figured it was the perfect way to start the summer off right. Including feeling like I was going off the deep end, and giving my boy a mohawk.. lol He loves it, and thought it was awesome, so I guess it will stay for the time being! While we were outside yesterday, we were being harassed by a bald faced hornet, as well as other bees. I got my fly swatter, and bee spray. The mission went well. No one got stung. We were able to bring down the bald faced hornet, and look at it up close,(I've never seen one close up before) we looked up facts about it as well! Too cool!

John and I ended up both having our neuropathic appointments yesterday as well..Basically, it is a natural way( herbs,supplements, vitamins, minerals) to deal with health issues, instead of putting on a "bandaide" using medicine for issues. It was John's first time going.. It was nuts to see how much he had going on, and the root problems behind his issues. 
What is a zyto scan 

It is really neat to see why I am not losing this baby weight- my adrenal gland, and thyroid gland it just completely out of wack from having kids. 

June is Father's day month, and our anniversary too..Not as busy as May, thankfully. I've thought long and hard about it, and happily settled on homemade gifts for hubby for daddy's day, and the wedding anniversary. I figure more sentimental, and made with love.. This is the Father's day gifts..

 

I am thinking too cute. Hopefully  he will like it.. I had to buy poster board big enough to put four handprints, and footprints on.. Hahaha. Hopefully they will all fit, and it'll work! The anniversary gift is basically a compilation of things that are special to us. Photos, places-maps, poems, vows etc.. =)

 

God's gift to me yesterday...

So John and I discovered a robin's nest, and guess what?! 3 baby birds were in there! It was so precious. Totally tugged on my heart strings. I tried getting a decent photo of them.. I didn't want to scare them, or upset the momma bird, but after multiple shots, I finally got a few decent pictures. It was so precious seeing the mom and dad bird bringing worms to the babies, and working together, and being so protective. Sounds lame, but my eyes got a bit watery. I do believe that it was a gift from God to me- being able to see his creation. Here are the photos..

 

Behind the lens photography pricing

I have been getting alot of calls lately for photography sessions, so I figured it was time to jot some info on here, to make it easier for my clients.

I have been taking photos on and off since 2008. I work primarily with my  trusty sidekick- my beloved Nikon D3200. I have a few different lenses that I use for sessions.

What type of photography sessions do you offer? 

I mainly specialize in these areas

• Newborn
• Family
• Maternity
• Senior
• Engagement/Anniversary
• Beach portraits
• Birthday parties
• Wedding/Baby showers
• Graduation ceremonies/parties
• Corporate functions 
• Head shots for business photos(Realtors, attorneys, models,etc.)
• If you are interested in having a wedding/reception done by Behind the lens, please feel free to contact me for an appointment to discuss pricing & info

Where can I have my photo session done?

I can come to your home, and photograph your session in the comfort of your own home. This works well for newborn photos. I can also meet you at an outdoor location, such as: the beach, railroad tracks, open fields, historic, or romantic scenery, or a location you desire. I also will attend birthday parties, anniversary, or graduation parties, wedding, or baby showers, or any other special occasion that you would like captured!

How much do you charge?

My baseline price for any session listed above is as follows;

• 1/2 hour photo session- $100.00
• 1 hour photo session-    $ 150.00 
• I charge $25.00 extra to travel farther than 10 miles out of Meadville. 

My pricing is based on time and expertise for your session. For your session, I require  you sign a consent to photograph form, basically giving me permission to take your photo, and use the photos I take for advertising and business purposes and giving you permission to print, and reproduce the images I provide you on a cd. I ask that the photos you receive from Behind the Lens not be altered, or cropped in any way.

What should be worn for the photo shoot?

For family shoots- coordinating the outfits works best! Avoid clothing with large logos or wording. This will distract the main point of the photograph- You! Solid colors work well, and denim or khaki's are excellent for outdoor shoots.

What can I expect to get back from my session?

Please allow approximately 1-2 weeks to get your photos on a cd back to you, so proper editing, and perfection can be achieved. 

For a half hour session you will receive about 8-10 different photos/poses on a cd.
For an hour session you will receive about 12-20 photos/poses on a cd.    

I want a session! How do I contact you to schedule photo shoot?

Please contact me via email @ behindthelensphotog@yahoo.com, or call/text me @ 814-374-2502, to ensure I am available on the day you desire. For outdoor locations, I suggest early morning, or late afternoon appointments to obtain the best lighting!


Behind the lens photography- Capturing moments, preserving memories

 

 

Blink- and it's gone!

I haven't wrote in a few days. It's been uber busy! Let me start with Wednesday....

May 8th-
For a few days, Savannah hasn't acted right. She has complained of her belly hurting. She also has been saying how she has had a difficult time going #2. So I was pumping her with fruits and veggies, and some powdered meds that we have for constipation. It was definitely working, but she was still saying that the belly hurt. She acted un-Savannah like when she was doing school.. I felt her forehead. Poor baby had a fever.. Fever of 104.4. YIKES. Okay, time for dr. appointment. Got her into the doctor, and checked out, and was told to get to the E.R cause the area she had pain was over the appendix. I went into this with the mind set-my kiddo is constipated. The end. I had an entire list of things to get done at home, since it was my day off. So I start freaking out, call John and tell him to get his butt to the hospital. We get her checked in, and back into her room.. Long story into a nutshell, she had a bunch of tests done, and dr ended coming into our room after 3.5 hours saying she was constipated.. Ooohhhkay then. Better safe than sorry, but I was kinda miffed that my daughter had to endure all those tests for nothing. She was actually screaming so hard when she got her bloodwork done, that the blood vessels around her eyes popped. =( I felt so bad for her. She was screaming and bawling when they were doing it, saying, "Mommy! Why did you lie to me?! You said I wouldn't have to get a shot!!!" Poor thing. I had to explain that shots, and bloodwork were two different things. Anyways, yes, my baby girl is doing much better, and we have the situation taken care of! Praise Jesus, she didn't have anything wrong with her. God is so good! <3

May 9th-
I am now 26 years old. Holy guacamole. I really feel old. I've had to say it since Thursday, and it feels so weird, and almost..foreign to say.. Anyways, it was a regular morning, and afternoon, and I had to work in the evening. Savannah and Emmett were so sweet saying Happy Birthday, and giving me hugs and kisses. It was so priceless to me. I love my kids. They are so amazing. Well, John came to the church to get the kids, and took me by the hand out to the car, and gave me my presents. I loved them. He is just so amazing. He gave me a huge water thermos type cup. It's huge! I drink so much water, it was perfect! In the cup was a bottle of my favorite wine, and 4 packets of chia seeds! He had arranged it just so, to make it look like a flower. How sweet! He also had a small rectangular package wrapped up. I unwrapped it, thinking it was another willow tree, so my willow tree angel collection.What was inside threw me for a loop. It was a  new lens for my camera!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHH! It was so exciting. He gave me beautiful card that made me bawl like a baby, and proceeded to tell me that he had called and gotten permission to help me work, so he could take me out for dinner. We went up to Erie to Aoyama. It was the perfect birthday! I love my husband. He is so good to me. He also took us to Pymatuning on Friday and we were able to go fishing for a few hours, before the storm came in.  It was so wonderful and refreshing. I love my little family, and being out on the lake, relaxing, and spending time together. We even saw a bald eagle!

 May 11-
I know you've probably wondered what happened over the weekend. This was totally just a last minute thing. I was talking on the phone to my parents about my Grandma- who hasn't been in good health lately. I felt God put on my heart to go up to Michigan for the weekend to surprise grandma for Mother's day. I talked to John about it, and asked his opinion. I told him it wasn't a big deal if we didn't go. He said we should go.So, I worked Saturday night, got finished, we got all packed up, and left for Michigan @ 10:30 at night. We arrived at 4 in the morning at mom and dad's house. Man, it was a long drive.. Kyrie was so fussy, and tired. So were we! lol. Anyways, to say the least it was the best Mother's day I had ever had. Mom, Dad, John and the kids and I were able to go to Grandma's and bring her dinner, and help around the house a bit, and it meant alot to her, as well as me! Anyway's, we got home this evening. So glad to be back home, and that the drive is over. BLAH! I'm so thankful though, that we were able to see and spend time with family, and even see a few old friends!


Tomorrow will be my baby's 1st birthday! I just cannot believe how quickly the past year has come, and gone.  I'm so excited to get photos of her, and the cake, and opening the presents! 
Happy Birthday, my baby Belle!

Why do we allow ourselves to be blindsided?

First off, I am stating right now, if you don't like bluntly stated thoughts, and thoughts about what our government does to us, you should probably exit this blog.

Some of you know that God has revealed alot of stuff to John and I in the past year. Everything from John learning the TRUTH of being a freemason- about one world order,the illuminati and preparing for the antichrist. Praise Jesus that we were revealed the truth about this. God has showed us all about secular, and even some "christian" music.  The occultic symbolism and meaning behind it all. How occultic signs are in so many things in our everyday world. Let's take Beyonce's occultic ritual at the Superbowl, Rihanna- "The illuminati princess" Many celebrities, or artists, saying they have an alter ego- demonic possession. If you are interested, do the research on biblical views on things such as this.. Let's not forget good ole Disney. Disney has so many occultic, and satanic symbolisms, sexual and hidden messages in the movies to brain wash children! Let's take a look at the first thing we see in a Disney movie... Shall we?
Occult Symbolism 
More symbolism 

Or hey, while I am at it, let's talk the supposed "peace symbol".
Also known as the Cross of Nero. Many people are not aware of the origins of this symbol or how it became to symbolize peace. This is the cross of Nero, a broken and inverted cross, enclosed in a circle which represents Nero's vision. Nero believed that there would be world peace without Christianity, thousands of Christians were martyred under the rule of Nero. 

"Throughout the last 2,000 years this symbol has designated hatred of Christians. Nero, who despised Christians, crucified the Apostle Peter on a cross head downward. This hideous event resembled the Teutonic cross and became a popular pagan insignia of the day. Thereafter, this sign became known as the 'Neronic cross.'

"The symbol's origin in history proves it to be the visual mystic character for 'Aum' (the split 'Y'). This is the sacred word to the Hindu. Chanting 'Aum' is supposed to help awaken 'the serpent power of Brahma' at the base of the human spine. Occultist Albert Pike also identifies this symbol as mystical in his book on Freemasonry Morals and Dogma.

The peace symbol (also called the "broken cross," "crow's foot," "witch's foot," "Nero Cross," "sign of the 'broken Jew,'" and the "symbol of the 'anti-Christ''') is actually a cross with the arms broken. It also signifies the "gesture of despair," and the "death of man.''

-Taken from http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Wicca%20&%20Witchcraft/peace_sign.htm

Peace symbol History

It's heartbreaking to go into stores, and browse for clothing, gifts, etc.. and see this symbol EVERYWHERE. The last time I went and shopped for clothes for my children, I can't count how many time I saw this occultic symbol. 

My goal in this life is a few main things. To be a godly person, a wife, and mother. I want to sheild my children from the filth(Satan) that CONSTANTLY trying to seep it's way in. I want my kiddos to grow up knowing the true Savior- Jesus Christ, to live their lives for him in everyway.

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

—Galatians 5:19-21

Us born again believers, we are gold to our Father God. We are gold that goes through a refining process. We go through the fire to get refined, little by little to grow to be more like Jesus! As we learn more and more about the trials, or even the "small" things we have learned, as we grow, God shares things with us, so we can "weed" out the "bad weeds" in our lives.  The more refined we become, the more we know, and the more we grow!

My main reason for this post tonight is about vaccines. I was told horrible things about the vaccines before, and researched it for myself, but  it really didn't go much further. Tonight I was reading on one of our regular Christian news sites we go onto, I saw a post about vaccines. I felt prompted to click on the article so I did.

Here it is;
National Vaccine Information 
Vaccine info 

I'm not sure about you, but after reading this, it really makes me think twice about getting my children vaccinated. Some of you know, that I won't even allow the Dr. to come near my family for a "flu" shot. I'll end with this. If the government isn't looking out for us, or our children, I think we should be doing the research to make sure we are looking out for our children.

Also another wonderful link to read:
Vaccination liberation 

“When the people fear the government there is tyranny, when the government fears the people there is liberty.”

― Thomas Jefferson

Red Velvet Cake balls!

Alright, well after a week-ish of putting it off, I am finally making those red velvet cake balls! Hooray! 

The chores are did, the youngin's  are in bed- with the exception of Miss Bannah boo. She is my helper today. I'm praying for self control as I make these tasty little morsels. They look divine. 

First off, you can either make your own red velvet or just simply buy a box of red velvet. ( I made some homemade red velvet a few weeks ago- John did't eat it fast enough. I threw it away. He was pretty upset with me- if you want the homemade recipe message me. I'll get it to you. It has coffee in it!) For right now, we are going with the good ole cake box mix. Maybe next time, right? ;-)

Follow the directions on the back of the box.  Grease up the pan, throw the batter in there.. Have a batter war with your daughter, and try calmly to explain to her that she can't lick all the batter. After you have successfully managed to pry the cake batter out of her hands, throw the pan in the oven... with the batter of course! I even put some vanilla in the batter. ( I put vanilla in almost every everything)

Let it cook, take it out. Let the cake completely cool before you do anything with it. After it's cooled, put it in a large bowl, crumble cake with fingers until completely broken up. You will need cream cheese frosting. Slap that entire can of frosting on the cake, and mix it up. Get wax paper out, and put the paper on cookie sheets. You can either use a small ice cream scoop, or your hands to form the cake into small balls. After you've done all this, you're going to put the cookie sheets with the cake balls into the fridge, for a good few hours. If you're impatient like me, and want it done quicker you can put them in the freezer.

Afterward, you'll want to get your chocolate bark, or chocolate chips- like I am using, and melt them in a sauce pan over low heat. Make sure you have a fresh piece of long wax paper.  Pick up each cake ball and place one at a time in the pot of melted chocolate. Spoon chocolate over the cake ball and turn until chocolate thoroughly coats the cake ball. Slap them babies onto the wax paper to dry If chocolate begins to thicken, place the pot back on a low heat and stir until chocolate has melted and proceed dipping cake balls into the chocolate. Allow cake balls to set for several hours until hard to the touch. Also after you have coated the cake balls in chocolate you can add sprinkles, if your heart desires! 

Recipe calls for-
Red Velvet Cake Balls
1 box red velvet cake mix (cook as directed on box for 13 X 9 cake)
1 can cream cheese frosting (16 oz.)
1 package chocolate bark  or chocolate chips
wax paper 

My unbirthday

Is it entirely possible to just stop having birthdays? I have given this alot of thought, and firmly decided I would just stay 25, and not have any more birthdays. hehe. I'm kind of hoping my husband will realize that I have decided not to have a birthday anymore, and May 9 will come, and go and nothing will be celebrated. Pshhh, yeah right. Pretty sure that entire paragraph sounds pretty retarded. hahaha. 

Kyrie's 1st birthday is a few days after mine, and I've been giving her birthday gifts alot of thought, and knowing me, I like the sentimental gifts, instead of toys, which she will outgrow within 6 months.. Anyways, my long tedious thoughts for her gifts have came out to-nothing... I can't think of any good gifts for her! It's so frustrating. I did do her photo book, but I'm at a loss when it comes to good birthday gifts. BLAHHH. Any ideas? I think I am going to do a birthday photo shoot for her for sure on her birthday...No other ideas right now. Throw em at me, please!

I think a few of my favorite books of the bible, are Romans- Paul is so blunt, it really makes ya think. Galations, the Corinthians, and James. I think those are the books where I have spent the most time. John and I read in Matthew a few days ago. Matthew chapters 5-7. I think it doesn't really matter how many times you've read a passage. I feel I always learn something new, or look at a verse a different way. It's amazing. I really would have loved to be there when Jesus went up to the mountainside to talk to the crowd in chapter 5-7. It's just so captivating. Isn't Jesus amazing? Everything he did, or said. Just..wow.

I am going to be making those red velvet cake balls today. I'm pretty stoked. Savannah is going to help me=) I've been on a MAJOR fruit and veggie kick lately, but I'm definitely going to try one cake ball.  Yesterday, I stocked the house up with tons of fruits and veggies, and I can see lately-especially in the past few weeks that there is a definite change in me- with the change in diet, and with the supplements I've been taking. Definite weight loss. Nothing major, but it's slowly coming off. Which is good. Cause I definitely want to lose the mommy weight the healthy way, and keep it off. It's amazing when you radically change your diet how you crave the fruits and veggies, and when you do eat something unhealthy, how...Odd, and I guess gross it tastes! 

This weekend I'm on a mission! Few different rummage sales this weekend. I'm praying to get good winter stuff for the kiddos for a good price!

 

I want to challenge you

I had seen something on pinterest that peaked my interest. It almost kind of blew me away. I have a bleeding heart for those who need help, whether its people or animals. I have wanted to do something to help people in need and spread the message of Jesus Christ, but wasn't sure how to go about it. Before I go any further, let me share what the Lord spoke to me a few days ago.

James 2:14-17-¹⁴ What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? ¹⁵ Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. ¹⁶ If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? ¹⁷ In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

 

 
Let me say this really hit home. I saw a pin on pinterest about blessing bags. I thought it was such a wonderful idea. The bags can consist of almost anything.

Gallon size Ziplock bags
items to go in the bags, such as:
chap stick
packages of tissues
toothbrush and toothpaste
comb
soap
trail mix
granola bars
crackers
pack of gum
band aids, maybe some tylenol,
hand wipes, razor, cough drops, water
you could also put in a warm pair of socks, coins for a phone call, or food item, and maybe a gift card to starbucks or McDonalds.

Something that I really felt should be put in the bag is a gospel tract, and a small bible.. You are blessing people with these bags, but I feel like the ultimate blessing would be a message of the love of the Savior.

I am putting this in a blog for two reasons.   1- to be accountable for myself. I've wanted to do these blessing bags for almost a month now, and with the hectic busy schedule, I haven't had the time yet to get to the store to get the items for it. *shame on me* I will be doing it this week. And #2- to challenge you to do the same. You may be blessing other people with these blessing bags, but in actuality, its also you who are being blessed, by being used of God!

 

I took this photo from the interwebs, but it is a good idea of what it looks like.

 

Heaven in a truffle

My goal this week............

Red Velvet cake balls 

"Mommy, Thomas eats coal!"

I am in the process of doing a "spring clean," if you will, on our computer. I am throwing all the stuff that we no longer need onto the external. This is about a year too late, but hey- at least it's getting done. Its over 100Gb of crap! Ahhhhh!

And if you're wondering, yes we did make it home safely, praise God =) There was a horrible accident in Cleveland that slowed us down, but at least we are home. I need to throw some photos of our weekend vacation on here. It was absolutely awesome. We all loved it, and had an amazing time! The kids behaved amazingly. Emmett's face when he saw Thomas for the first time was PRICELESS. He was absolutely awestruck! And yes, indeed I did get a snapshot of his expression. After our ride on Thomas, we found a nice shaded grassy area, and relaxed, and had some snacks, and Emmett found a piece of coal on the ground, so we told him what it was, and that is what Thomas eats.....*Smacks head* Yes. We regretted telling him that, because since we told him, he say said "MOMMY, THOMAS EATS THIS, DADDY, THOMAS EATS COAL!!!!! MOMMY! GUESS WHAT THOMAS EATS?!?" 1,568,279,348,163 times. lol 

Soooooo.. about those food choices.. I didn't make very good healthy decisions on the trip. It sucks. Everything healthy is either expensive, or for lack of a better word- nonexistent in convenient stores, or fast food. So you can bet you know what I'll be doing for the next two weeks. Eating fruits and veggies, and pounding my chia seeds!

My Kyrie Belle will be ONE year old soon =( Isn't that horribly depressing?! You so much as blink, and the time is gone. It just seems as if yesterday she was born. Some of you might know, that I had wanted to start a tradition with the kiddos. Something special for either Christmas, or their birthdays, that we could hold onto for them. I had an idea for Bannah, and did start it, but hadn't started one for Kyrie or the boys. boo. I felt a few weeks ago something splendid come into my brain, and it would be sentimental, and you guys know what a sucker I am for sentimental stuff. I've made photobooks before for John, and a few other people, but I decided that  I am going to make a photobook each year for the kids for their birthday. So far I got Emmy's and Kyrie's done, but nothing for Mason, or Bannah.. 

Actually, I think that I will post the books that I've made to share =)
Emmett's photo book 

Kyrie's photo book 

The way  I see it, is when they are older, they will have these photo books from when they were children, and be able to look at them, kind of like a keepsake. Better than toys to have when they're older, in my opinion =)

<3 My babies<3

  

Growing process

I shouldn't be on this right now. As I'm writing this, I'm being continually pelted with question after question from the lips of my little children.

We are headed for a small weekend trip this weekend. We are all pretty stoked! Kid's are excited about seeing Thomas the train, going to Cabela's and going swimming. I'm pretty jazzed too, my thoughts, although are more consumed in making sure I rely on God to eat right while we are gone. My chia seeds have definitely helped me. I love them =) But it's more praying, and leaning on God to make sure I'm eating right. I got the kiddos some snacks for the trip today, and got myself some bananas. Oh yes, I am indeed proud of myself.

My daily bible verse on my phone for the day is; Proverbs 20:22." Do not say I will repay evil ; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you." I think this this verse can be applied to a number of areas in my life. Waiting for the Lord, for him to deliver you. This is something that I definitely need help with. Waiting on Jesus for everything. Those of you that know me, know that I am a mover and a shaker. lol I like things done. I need to remember that I am not my own. I need to trust God, and have faith he will work out everything for his glory!

As I get deeper and deeper in my power of the praying wife & mother books, God is showing me such wonderful verses and things that Stormie has written, to pray over my family including- 1 Samuel 1:27-28-  For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that i made to him. Therefor I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.
Psalm 103:17-18- But from everlasting to everlasting, the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children- with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.

I'm such a worry wort being a mommy. I'm so nervous of things happening to my children. This sentence in the book popped out at me.  If you have fear about anything- take it as a sign to pray, until you feel peace. here is another that spoke to me." We don't want to limit what God can do in our children by clutching them to ourselves and trying to parent them alone. If we're not positive that God is in control of our children's lives, we'll be ruled by fear. And the only way to be surethat God is in control is to surrender our hold and allow Him FULL access to their lives. THe way to that is to live according to His Word and His ways and pray to Him about everything. We can trust God to take care of tour children even better than we can. When we release our children into the Father's hands and acknowledge that he is in control of their lives and ours, both we and our children will have greater  peace." AMEN!! I truly God spoke to me through that paragraph. 

I now have a phone again, having almost a week of being without one. My number is on my facebook, if you need it. I was a bit nervous when we decided to go with a new provider, because they are still a pretty new company, but I definitely haven't had any complaints thus far! 29 bucks a month for unlimited everything is a pretty awesome deal.

I was able to get prints of the kiddo's shoot from Monday done. We have 8*10 prints of all the kids, and then an 8*10 of all of them together. It looks so cute. I have them put in frames, but John hasn't yet got it on the wall. I'll throw a picture up when it's up. We will have it on the same wall as  our handprint family tree frame =)

I'm trying to decide if I should pack right now, or if I should pack when I get home from work.. Also trying to decide what to make for the fam for dinner...... Something easy. Maybe bbq'd drumsticks, and John can make fries. Sounds good.

Okay, I have to put up a few pictures from pinterest, that make me roll everytime I see them. Enjoy =)

 Okay.. That's all.. For now.

I feel seriously like a chicken with it's head cut off alot. I have been thinking for maybe a minimum of 2 years of putting together a blog, to keep all my thoughts in ONE spot. I think it'd be good. Even if no one else reads this.

First off. I want to put down my list of goals, priorities if you will, to accomplish pretty much everyday.

1. Read my bible.
2. Continue putting my prayer journal together- for praying for my kids, and my husband, and prayer requests for others.
3. Finish my books- Power of a praying wife, and power of a praying Mother.
4. Make a conscious effort to watch what I eat every day. 
5. Try to workout 4-5 days out of the week.

 Well, those are the main priorities. I think I have it pretty much in order where they all need to be. There are definitely other goals as well, clean house, making sure family has a meal whenever I have to go to work, developing my photography "business." 

These all seem probable in a normal person's eyes, but in my eyes- everything being accomplished seems nearly impossible to be. I am still homeschooling Savannah, making sure my freshly turned 3 year old doesn't do anything destructively boyish, like throwing barbie dolls down the toilet, coloring on the wall, or getting into the fridge for something, and leaving it open for 20 minutes, as he did this morning. Which isn't destructive, but it's frustrating. lol. Oh, and let's not forget that little baby, who is about to turn 1 in 3 weeks. *wipes tear away*

Now if this is in about two more months-ish, I think all of my goals are definitely more realistic! School will be done for a few months, and that will free up some more time. I'm super excited though, Savannah and I agreed that she join Chef mommy to put together a bunch of meals ahead of time, so all John has to do is pull a freezed gourmet =P meal out and heat it up! VOILA!

I wish I had more time to cook, and do my photographies, but I suppose it'll come in due time. Last night, I was able to make wet burritos for dinner! They were amazing!

 I know, I know. Don't judge. I only ate maybe half of it, and yes I did have a slice of Emmett's cake, and it was delish, I don't have excuses,  but I'd say as long as something is in moderation, and I have a small portion, then it's justifiable. lol. That was lame. But it does make sense.

Oh, and by the way, for those of you who have tried calling/texting me, I have been without a lines of communication since Thursday. My phone went ka-blooey, and I have had problems with net10 since the beginning, so I am going with another provider. I'm hoping I can keep my number the same, but if not, I will def let everyone know the new digits.