Novel Photographie....

After a year of posting on this blog, I'm sad to say that I will no longer be posting on here... You can now follow me at my new photoblog by clicking the photo below

Also, I've started a Facebook fan page... mostly to kick myself into gear and keep myself motivated. So, click on the button below to become a facebook fan of Novel Photographie

See you in web-land!

A "little" announcement....

No, I'm not pregnant! BUT, as many of you know, I'm in the process of going "public" with the photography "thing". I've had several requests for family photographs, weddings, etc. (not quite ready for the wedding thing.) But because I was so new to it, I wasn't charging. Well, I've decided it's time to stop doing it for free and take the plunge. I have a million ideas and plans running through my brain. I've still got alot to learn, but I hope that I will always CONTINUE to grow and learn more things. The plan for now, is to start slowly (read, not go into debt over the whole thing), while not compromising on my "style and vision". That being said, I've decided to merge my personal blog with a new Photo blog (because I LOVE reading photo-blogs). Not that this blog wasn't always about the pictures anyway ha ha!

I've chosen the name Novel Photographie because I love old books and I love a picture that tells a story. AND I quite simply like the sound of it:) So, hopefully sometime within the next few months (when my husband makes his gallant return)... I'll be all ready to go. In the meantime, you can follow me here -- just click on the picture below (and bookmark the site for future reference):

I've merged this blog with the other. Don't expect anything flashy for now (remember, we're not breaking the bank). I don't plan to change the way I do my blog. I know I like to read a little of the personal, mixed with the professional. I'll keep it that way. I'm a little nervous, but I really love this opportunity that I'm being led to. So, here's to a new venture for the new year (gulp). Thanks for the support and prayers!

Favorites...

I've taken so many pictures over the past year and as we are heading into a new one, I've decided to start posting a few of my favorites. So, today -- I'm starting with these. We took these when I attempted to get photos of some of the family and these two were my favorite from that day.

I'll post more later. Ciao, for now!

What? I don't post enough pictures?

Just a little joke. Well, I just got these blog-it boards and was playing around with them. What better way to bombard you all with more pictures of my children? Muah ah ah!!!

Admittedly, a little hickish with the missing tooth and whatnot! Not to mention the Confederate belt buckle.... but what better way to showcase his true persona?

And Sean, the hat was ALL his idea -- don't blame me!

I thought she mastered the, "pretend I'm not taking your picture" pose quite perfectly. Har har!

Totally getting into it at this point.

And... a little Christmas, before Christmas. That would be my spoiled daughter with yet another stuffed animal.

Sorry, couldn't help it... these were too cute to NOT post!! :) I love these two!

One of my favorite things...

One of my favorite books to read with the kids is The Jesus Storybook Bible -- Every Story Whispers His NAME. If you have children and you don't have this book -- GET IT! You will not be disappointed. In fact, it's been my favorite gift of late to hand out at baby showers. I love the way it weaves the whole Bible as one, never-ending story! Because that's what it is... every story literally points us to Christ. This book does such a wonderful job of correlating the beginning with the end. Because, you can't separate the Old Testament from the New -- they tell the SAME story!! I love telling the kids about that.

Anyway, I was so excited to stumble upon the author's blog, where you can watch clips of the book. I had to share a clip because I know some kids that would like to see these (ahem, Livingstone):

Behind the Scenes from Jonathan Michael on Vimeo.

Random thoughts from my children... and even more random photos (don't say you weren't warned)

So, how do you respond to some of the questions your children have? I always try to be honest with my kids and not sugar-coat things. Of course, I have to leave some things out because of their age. Recently, though, they have come up with some stumpers, quite honestly. Although, I'm glad they aren't duds -- but that they are thinking and pondering!

Lee: "What is birth control?" Ummmm... Why did I teach you to read? JK This, after the shiny, new Planned Parenthood in our hometown, was ever so thoughtful as to advertise during a CHILDREN'S Movie at the theater!! Really? Is it necessary?! I was so utterly irritated! I'll have this conversation with my kids when I deem necessary. I don't want to have it at the movie theater when they are 7 years old, thank you very much! When I told him what it was (the children's version, of course) he said, "well, isn't God in control?" I'll not elaborate on that... other than to say, the day the Government defunds Planned Parenthood, will be a happy day, in my opinion. Millions of our tax dollars, people, millions... look it up! Not to mention, the most deceiving name -- they have NOTHING to do with planning parenthood! Moving right along...

Here's my son hacking a tree in the woods. People, this blog is totally random tonight, I tell you!

Louisa: "If Barrack BoBama (how she pronounces his name) is a Christian, why does he think it's okay to do abortion? You can't do that! He's weird." A favorite Louisa line. People, I'm not making this up! I have witnesses!

Louisa: "Mommy, could Daddy die where he is?" This just tugged at my heart. I had to be honest with her and tell her, yes. But that any of us could, where WE are. We've been talking at length about how safety is of the Lord and that EVERYTHING we have comes from Him. I've reminded them about Job. Children really have a capacity to understand more than some people give them credit for. They amaze me! I've said it before and I'll say it again -- I'm thankful that Sean and I have started talking about these things with them early and often.

Then just as quickly they can cut to something totally random (gee, I wonder where they get that from?) "Mommy, this car is really messy! You should clean it while we're at school." The NOIVE! Or, my personal favorite, "Mommy, can you get me Sarah Palin's new book? I want to read some stuff about politics!" Lee knows of my love/hate of politics. I guess he was trying to win some points:-)

More than anything, though -- I'm glad that I'm the one they are talking to about these things. That's the way it should be. I don't know what God has in store for them. They could sail through life without a problem in the world. I don't know. More than likely, though -- they will face some struggles and I want them to be spiritually prepared. Too often we shield our children from the hardships of life. Yes, there are certain things they don't need to know. But I want them to know that with God, we can face any problem. That He works ALL things to His glory! And that He uses us to do it. We may not feel like He's there all the time -- but He is.

Tonight before they fell asleep, Lee and Louisa were talking about what they wanted to be when they grow up. Lee said to me, "I wonder what God has planned for me?" I almost cried, it was the sweetest thing. And just what this Mother wanted to hear!

Ps. 78:4-7 We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord , and his might, and the wonders that he has done. He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children,so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;

Oh, and for the record -- Lee wants to be a magician/hockey player and Louisa wants to be an ice skater!

all photos brought to you by the trusty Lensbaby.

Eating, Drinking, and relaxing... (and a few Wii competitions thrown in)

That about sums it all up!