like Christmas every day

winner!

2012-01-27T10:38:00.001-06:00

Our judges were a little divided this week, but have agreed on this week’s winner!

July 2008
http://kumiankka1.blogspot.com/2012/01/july-2008.html

Congratulations to Jouko for winning two weeks in a row!

Honorable Mention

Thanks for joining the fun everyone. Tell your friends and link up next week.

Want to know what it’s all about? Have more questions than answers? Click here to read all about our Black and White Photo Contest.

black and white Wednesday - Roo Roo and Aunt S.

2012-01-25T00:01:00.000-06:00

New Year’s Day weekend, Aunt S. and Roo Roo came to our house and spent the weekend. We went to the Boardwalk in Shreveport and had a great time.

Here are some of those shots (sorry it is so late posting them) but I have been a little busy.

I guess since the kids were little they have called Aunt S.’s husband Uncle Roo Roo. (Well not so much anymore since they are grown, but the name stuck.) I don’t really know where it came from either.

They are the sweetest couple. . . they got married when they were teenagers and look! Still holding hands. I love it!!

PHOTO CONTEST!!

Well, we had so much fun last week, I thought maybe we could make this a weekly thing to choose a winner for this little blog hop. So submit your black and white shots and a judge (chosen from the people at my office) will choose their favorite shot.

Be sure to link up your favorite black and white shots this week. For more information about the “rules” of Black and White Wednesdays, click the menu option or click HERE.

ABC and ABC Family line up

2012-01-24T10:08:00.001-06:00

Okay, first of all . . . I rarely watch TV. I listen to it while doing other things. I have a little A.D.D. and can’t really sit still. I crochet, or play games on my iPad (or phone) while others in my house enjoy TV.

While at the movies a few weeks ago, I was introduced to ABC Famly’s new line-up. I especially DO NOT watch ABC . . . . not a fan. Okay?

But every show previewed at the movie theater had LIES as the premise of the show. EVERY single one!

Two of the shows had “Lying or Liars” in the name. Pretty Little Liars and The Lying Game.

Jane by Design – a girl “pretends” to be something she is not.

Switched at Birth – these two girls lives are based on lies.

Not to mention all the episodes based on lies on other shows like Desperate Housewives,

But the worst show preview I saw was for “Revenge”. This whole show is based on this woman getting revenge for her father’s death.

We tend to gravitate toward Discover ID channel or TLC and lately just enjoy some Big Bang Theory re-runs on TBS.

I would love to say that none of this bothers me. But it really does. AND to top it off, these shows were mainly on ABC Family. I guess I shouldn’t really complain, I am doing what I should and NOT WATCHING. . . yeah we don’t even listen to this network at our house.

But I just couldn’t help but wonder what they are thinking the producers of these shows. What do you think? Do you watch TV?

before and after

2012-01-23T09:03:00.001-06:00

This post brought to you in part by

and

Hoarders: Buried Alive

Technically, I guess that is true. I have been reorganizing my “WHOLE HOUSE” due to that marathon of Hoarders: Buried Alive . . . and pinterest has some great organizing ideas.

Like this one!

http://pinterest.com/pin/199073245998304719/

My variation is a little different, but pinterest is for IDEAS not to duplicate the photos we see.

So over the years, it is a well-known fact at our house that when you rearrange wires, you put the unused ones in the “cord box” that is in the downstairs closet.

AND . . . after years of this practice, this is what you get!

The “snake pit” before.

Now. Thanks to Hoarders: Buried Alive, all the outdated unused cords are trash! Thanks to pinterest, the ones we are keeping are manageable. Nicely tucked into repurposed CD holders or zip-tied into neat little rolls.

The office is 75% finished as of this weekend! Hooray! I’ll post pictures when it is complete. All the old computer equipment, phone charges etc. that were not being used, are trashed! The only thing that remains is the stuff we use or will use soon. Very productive Saturday morning.

B&W - Photo Challenge Winner!

2012-01-20T10:42:00.001-06:00

That’s right . . . our judges have made their final decision and remarkably it was unanimous!

The winner of this week’s first photo challenge is . . .

Snowy Path
http://kumiankka1.blogspot.com/2012/01/snowy-path.html

Congratulations Jouko! Great photo! Jouko, and his wife and daughter live in Finland! How cool would it be to have THIS much snow?

Honorable Mentions

Journey with Joy

and

Crinkle Photography

Thanks to all you wonderful photographers out there who entered. Be sure to tell your friends and enter again next week!

black and white Wednesdays - winter (Photo Contest)

2012-01-18T00:01:00.000-06:00

Well, here in the sub-tropical climate of southern Arkansas. . . . it’s not very cold yet. The high Monday was in the 70’s again. So I can’t say that I am stuck inside due to snow, or any of the other exciting tales that go with having snow.

But I am feeling the winter blahs.

Staying inside a lot and trying to stay busy with my reorganizing tasks. I have done my kitchen, my laundry room and my downstairs bedroom closet (that has all the wrapping paper in it). So I’m coming along. I have my cd holders to do the cords that are in that bin . . . still putting that one off. Maybe tonight.

Here are some shots I took this weekend.

It looks wintry . . . just not snowy.

The sky was so amazing. Even though I had to lay down in a ditch for some of these shots I think it was worth it.

. . . and for the black and white of the week!

PHOTO CONTEST!!
I think maybe we will make this a contest, as long as no one gets their panties ruffled. I won’t be the judge so I won’t be biased to some of my favorite bloggers. But I will post the winning shot and email you a little “trophy” button for your blog.

How does that sound?

Great?

Right?

Be sure to link up your favorite black and white shots this week. For more information about the “rules” of Black and White Wednesdays, click the menu option or click HERE.

let’s have a photo contest

2012-01-16T09:47:00.001-06:00

On Wednesday during our regular Black and White Wednesday blog hop . . .let’s make it fun and make it a photo contest.

Black and White shots only for the contest. You can post others with it, but our judge will only consider the black and white ones for the contest.

Tell your friends so we can have a lot of fun!

Come back on Wednesday morning to link up your best black and white shot of the week. Be sure to check out all the “rules” on the menu option at the top of the blog.

Are we breaking up?

2012-01-13T08:49:00.001-06:00

Have you ever asked your spouse (or GF/BF) this question?

Are we breaking up?

The relationship you have with your husband or wife is completely and totally none of my business but I was just wondering.

More than this have you ever had the “DTR” or the “define the relationship” discussion with your partner? I think when I was younger we were more likely to ask “Are we breaking up?” than to ask someone to “define the relationship”. Different times I guess.

DTR discussion is when a person asks their BF/GF where the relationship is going. You know, are we going to stop dating other people and be exclusive to each other. Or are we going to get engaged one day? Or are we headed to marriage? Some kind of discussion like that . . . this tells both parties exactly where they think their relationship is headed.

I compared it to a BF/GF relationship to our students. If you made the decision to “go out” or to move from the “talking” stage to actually being in a relationship . . . and then you never texted, or called, or hung out with that person, would they KNOW they were in a relationship with you? Or what if you only told that other person things to do every time you saw them?

In our lesson from “not a fan” from Kyle Idleman’s book by the same name, we heard about “DTR”. I had never heard about it before, but it made me think about my own relationship with Jesus Christ and where it was progressively. Was I further along than when I first became a Christian all those years ago?

If I am being totally honest with all of you. . .I had quiet time, seriously. But it had turned into a “honey do” list. Here are all the things I want You to work on, Jesus, and while you are out healing these people and softening the hearts of these people, and rearranging the circumstances for those people . . . I’ll be over here doing my own thing. Making my own plans and living my own life and we’ll get back together same time tomorrow and I’ll give you a new list a things to do.

(*sad*)

It was a hard lesson to hear.

Here’s the point. . . . if you were face to face with Jesus, would He ask you this question . . . “Are we breaking up?”

In relationships, we sometimes become distant, non-responsive to our significant other. We argue, slam doors, storm off in a rage. Many times it’s because we don’t get our way. We are babies.

After you walked down that aisle and made that conscious decision to follow Jesus . . . did you think you were done?

Or . . . do you know that you should be communicating with Jesus Christ and you are just being a baby? Have you stormed off because YOU didn’t get YOUR way?

This is what the Bible says:

"I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You're not cold, you're not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You're stale. You're stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, 'I'm rich, I've got it made, I need nothing from anyone,' oblivious that in fact you're a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless.

"Here's what I want you to do: Buy your gold from me, gold that's been through the refiner's fire. Then you'll be rich. Buy your clothes from me, clothes designed in Heaven. You've gone around half-naked long enough. And buy medicine for your eyes from me so you can see, really see.

"The people I love, I call to account—prod and correct and guide so that they'll live at their best. Up on your feet, then! About face! Run after God!

"Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I'll come right in and sit down to supper with you. Conquerors will sit alongside me at the head table, just as I, having conquered, took the place of honor at the side of my Father. That's my gift to the conquerors!

"Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches."
Revelation 3:15-22 (MSG)

The really cool thing . . . the thing that gets me every time, is that He does know me inside out and He still loves me, and wants to be in a relationship with me.

He is standing waiting for YOU to open the door. You can turn around and run after Jesus right now.

black and white Wednesdays - long exposure fun

2012-01-11T00:01:00.000-06:00

I had some fun this past weekend with Reese’s and her BF. They are such great sports. Once again pinterest had us jumping through hoops. LOL!

We saw this cool shot where a wedding couple was surrounded by sparking pixie dust. . . just so cool. So we tried to duplicate the IDEA, not the photograph. (Sometimes we get too carried away trying to make something look like pinterest but we are working on using the IDEA of it and not the actual thing.)
Here is our version:

Pretty sweet right?

TRUTH: It did take FOUR BOXES of sparklers before we came up with this shot.
TRUTH: I did photoshop it a little to clean up the sparkler trails I didn’t want.
TRUTH: Reese’s and her BF are very good sports!
I did have my camera set on a tripod, with a long exposure. And yes, I did run behind them with a lit sparkler and tried to spell (backwards). I did not photoshop in the words or the sparkler trails. Reese’s and her BF did have to stand very still while I was running around them.
So here is the black and white version you are looking for today!

I hope you guys have a great week!

Be sure to link up your favorite black and white shots this week. For more information about the “rules” of Black and White Wednesdays, click the menu option or click HERE.

before and after - friends

2012-01-10T08:23:00.001-06:00

(I didn’t take the above pictures, but I did change it to b&w for her. She purchased the complete CD from this photographer with the rights.)

My wonderful friend M. and her family just got back from spending her Christmas break in Florida. They came to our house last night to watch the BCS Championship game because they are huge LSU fans, and we are anti-LSU I thought it would be a really fun night. But it was a little disappointing, but at least Alabama won!!

Here is a family portrait she gave me to “fix” for her. Their poor daughter was cut out of the shot and I did what I could to piece her back together. What do you think?

not a fan

2012-01-08T09:30:00.000-06:00

I have said this exact phrase multiple times for various reasons. Once I even said it for the jolly roger symbol on pirate ships. You know the skull and crossbones? It’s a very popular symbol among Harley riders and I always try to avoid “the bone” when purchasing gear for riding. I’m just not a fan of “the bone”.

There are other reasons I have said, “not a fan” as well. Surprisingly, none of them have been about a sports team. I supposed if you are a fan of a particular sports fan it would be more efficient to say you were a fan of that team instead of saying you are “not a fan” of EVERY OTHER TEAM out there. So that is not one of the reasons.

I have also said “not a fan” when referring to a particular kind of food (granted not many times) but for example, Burger King. At least in our little town, it is not good. It’s always dirty and the food is less than passable, so I usually skip it when I am here in town. If someone suggests it for lunch, I might say, “oooo . . . not a fan” and just leave it at that.

More recently, I have said “not a fan” when I really meant to say, “no offense but I don’t like the thing YOU like”. You know the situation . . . your friend is going on and on about spaghetti-ohs or Captain crunch, and their enthusiasm is a little over the top . . . sometimes I respond with . . . “not a fan”. LOL!

But, seriously, this morning we are starting a new study of the book, Not A Fan by Kyle Idleman. We will see how it goes and clue you guys in on all the wonderful progress.

So far I have watched the first lesson on the DVD for our class and it really does hit you in the stomach with the very first lesson. Kyle Idleman asks some really tough questions like, “How would you define your relationship with Jesus Christ?” and “Are there areas of your life where Jesus is not allowed?”

I had explored the possibility that Jesus did not have access to some areas of my life before. Especially growing up as a teenager our youth director was always reminding us that Jesus was in the backseat of that car with us. So I had thought about this question before. But I don’t think I had ever asked myself to define my relationship with Jesus Christ before. Is this relationship one-sided, being that Jesus does all the “loving” and I come to Him when I need to feel loved but never give of myself? Like I said . . . tough first lesson.

Let me know if you have read this books and your thoughts.

Cotton Bowl People!

2012-01-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

Oh yeah! That’s right! I am headed to the Cotton Bowl to watch the Razorbacks in Texas Stadium! Hello? Can you say excited?

First of all (and please don’t delete me because of this) but I hate the Dallas Cowboys. So the only way I would be able to see the most awesome high-tech stadium in the world would be on television, because why on earth would I ever go there. . . . except to see the RAZORBACKS!

Second of all the tickets were FREE!

Our sales rep from AT&T got us 2 FREE tickets so of course we are going! Unbelievable . . . .out of the blue . . . which equals God in my book! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

So that is why I am not online. I hope I get some AWESOME pictures while we are there.

I have NEVER EVER called the hogs in real life before! I am so excited to get to do this. It’s kind of a big deal in Arkansas to CALL THE HOGS. I mean seriously, fathers teach their sons when they are still in the womb to CALL THE HOGS!

It’s going to be on ESPN so look for me! LOL! I’m sure I won’t be on television, but I’ll be there just the same!

Go Hogs Go!

black and white Wednesdays - 2011 Revisited

2012-01-04T07:53:00.001-06:00

Well this isn't all of the black and whites from 2011, but some of MY favorites.

Be sure to link up your favorite black and white shots this week. For more information about the “rules” of Black and White Wednesdays, click the menu option or click HERE.

What’s New for 2012

2012-01-02T09:01:00.001-06:00

Well, I have no diet plans, no resolutions, no bucket lists . . . the only large scale project is reorganizing my house. This project shouldn’t take all year, but it will take more than one day.
Aunt S. and Roo Roo came down for the weekend, and New Year’s Eve Bit O Honey and Jolly Rancher brought the kids over and we played with them for a little while, until they had to leave to go to J.R.’s sister’s house for her party. We stayed up until midnight playing Apples to Apples and then when midnight came Santa and I kissed like we have done every year since we got together.
Awwww!

New Year's Day we spent in Shreveport shopping and goofing around. Reese’s and T. were with us and Skittles and Kisses met up with us in the afternoon. I had a lot of fun. I think they did too!
70% Target Christmas items was the best sale. Two 60 X 120 oblong tablecloths for 4.95 each. Christmas cards for 2.10 per box. Roo Roo got 3 extension cords for $2.99 each. A lot of great deals.
We came home and played board games and laughed until after midnight.

If the old wives’ tale is true . . . “Whatever you spend New Year’s Day doing is what you will do most of the year. . .”

Wow, I am going to have a fun year. Hanging out with family, shopping and laughing.
Gotta get back to work on the reorg project.
Don’t forget to enter to win a hand-made scarf, contest ends at midnight tonight. I will announce the winner tomorrow morning and contact you by email if you won!

New Year Giveaway

2011-12-31T23:00:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year Everyone. . . . or at least Happy New Year on the east coast!

It's a brand new year and time for our New Year Giveaway. So don't forget to enter and tell your friends to stop by and enter too.

You can win a handmade scarf personalized with ONE word (or name). You must complete the mandatory entry, but there are a couple of additional entries available as well.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

. . . get set . . .

2011-12-30T00:16:00.000-06:00

Sooooo. . . .

while I am busy reorganizing and rethinking how each and every corner of my "overstuffed" house is going to be transformed . . .

I need to remind you again of the fabulous giveaway for tomorrow night. Don't forget to come back after the ball drops and enter to win a great hand made scarf! For all those cold winter days coming up this year. You will need to stay warm.

I promise I will post some fabulous Christmas highlights tomorrow, they are exporting as we "speak". Then you can see what we all look like EARLY in the morning. . . Reese's couldn't sleep this year . . . she just had to see what Santa left for her. LOL!

There is more to life than simply winning giveaways and blogging. I hope that all you wonderful readers out there have better things to do on New Year's Eve than to see on-line and enter contests. That is why the giveaway is open until January 2, 2012 at midnight. So you have plenty of time to recover from all that partying Saturday night!

Get Ready . . .

2011-12-29T09:41:00.000-06:00

I have been on Pinterest . . . and neglecting all you wonderful readers. Man, I didn't expect it to be so dang addicting. Did you?

One of the things I saw on Pinterest that I am definitely doing is this!! I know, right? I have an entire Rubbermaid bin full of a tangled mess of cables that I don't even know what half of them are for . . . but this way they will be accessible and organized and not like a snake's nest.

I am so geared up to re-organize my house!

That's just one of the things . . . it didn't help that I watched almost a whole marathon of Hoarders - Buried Alive, while we were off from work. That show makes me want to throw things away for sure.

I started looking at my book shelves and realizing that I didn't have any more room for movies. We are HUGE movie fans (we have over 800 DVD's and BluRay's). So finding a place for all of them is a challenge.

Santa suggested that we box them up and if you wanted to watch one, you could just go to that box and get the movie you wanted. However, I realized we pull and watch movies from this library quite often. So instead I decided to get rid of all the books (covered in dust) on my shelves to make room for the movies.

The books are not being accessed, as I said they were all covered with dust. What with the iPad, Santa reads and downloads to it instead of pulling the actual books. So I dumped them all out of the shelves and got rid of them.

(*gasp*)

(*whispers* she's a book burner)

I didn't burn them.

Come on people. I did trash some of the really stupid ones . . .like Joel Olstein and Kevin Trudeau . . . I'm not passing garbage on to my friends. . . how cruel?

The good ones ie: Santa's entire Stephen King library, we donated to one of the girls in the office. She loves to read, but more importantly her mother is on dialysis and likes to read while she has to wait for her treatments. So most of them are going to a very good cause.

More to come on my progress as this will be an ongoing project. . . are you reorganizing after Christmas? I would love to hear your tips and tricks.

black and white Wednesdays - what day is it? Oh no!

2011-12-28T07:45:00.001-06:00

It has been a strange week at work for me with an unexpected day off on Monday and payroll moved to Tuesday. Today is Wednesday and I didn’t forget all you wonderful readers out there. . . but I admit I am late. I normally write all my posts Monday after payroll is finished, but not this week, and for that I apologize.

Please don’t give up on my little blog hop. I am working on a cool new “B&W” button for the new year and I think we are going to see even more awesome black and white shots . . . especially with winter and snow approaching.

So here we go. . .

I may have posted this shot before, but I keep coming back to it. It’s just a deserted street in Alabama on our way home from Aunt Y.’s funeral. Kind of the way it feels after all the excitement of Christmas is over.

Be sure to link up your favorite black and white shots this week. For more information about the “rules” of Black and White Wednesdays, click the menu option or click HERE.

Scarfs or scarves?

2011-12-27T09:02:00.000-06:00

How do you make a scarf plural? Make more than one! LOL!

Don't forget to come back Saturday night after the ball drops in New York to enter to win a handmade scarf personalized with your own one word (or name).

AND check out the beautiful . . . ONE OF A KIND . . . scarf I made for Reese's yesterday!

I took these with my iphone last night before I went to bed, sorry they are a little grainy. What do you think? Cute huh?

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T07:00:00.000-06:00

Good morning! Merry Christmas to all of you out there on-line today! I am quite sure that I am busy today. But I couldn’t let all my wonderful readers down and not have a Christmas post today!

Here are some lovely Christmas shots from the weekend when we went to the Natchitoches, LA Christmas Festival of Lights.

I had never been before, and if you ever have the chance to go . . .don’t miss it! This is the house where they filmed the movie Steel Magnolias.

Front street was covered in lights.

There were snow machines on top of the street lights so it looked like it was snowing. It was about 55 degrees that night, but how cool is this that it looks like it’s snowing?

The absolute entire river was lined with Christmas lights. You can see the reflection in the water, which makes it look like DOUBLE the lights!

It was truly amazing!

AND

THEN

the fireworks show started!!

. . .as if the lights weren’t enough! There was a 20 minute fireworks display that would be the envy of any July 4th celebration!

Truly spectacular!

Merry Christmas everyone!

May your family be blessed and feel the warmth of God’s love today and for the New Year!

Hang your stockings and say your prayers

2011-12-24T15:00:00.000-06:00

It’s Christmas Eve, and we have a tradition at our house. Ever since our kiddos were small they have begged to open ONE gift on Christmas Eve. And while in the beginning we would let them open one small gift, it eventually became the tradition to open . . . .

Christmas pajamas! (This is from last year!)

So every Christmas Eve we would bake cookies for Santa, and prepare our “notes” to leave out. Then watch A Christmas Story. Then open ONE gift which was always Christmas pajamas. After everyone had their bath, they would don their new pjs and off to be they would go. . . to dream of sugar plums . . . yeah right!

To stay up all night and not get a bit of sleep because they were too excited!

The “notes” were very elaborate and would have very specific instructions. Maybe while we are off for Christmas break I’ll find one to scan in so you can see.

Santa was required to sign the document each year, so the signatures could be compared. LOL!

One year they even left a digital camera and asked Santa to take a picture of himself, as proof that he really was there. And, of course, Christmas morning there he was on the camera!

So what about your house? Do you have a Christmas Eve tradition?

Now that Skittles and Reese’s are grown, we have continued the Christmas pajama tradition, and even though many of the other traditions have faded away, like the notes for Santa. One thing remains long after the Christmas decorations and traditions have been put away. . .

Jesus

Saying prayers today for your families to all have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year. May each of you know the true meaning of Christmas this year and not only invite Jesus into your life but dedicate your life to following His holy example. If you want to know more about Jesus click here!

Merry Christmas!

Springhill – Christmas on Main

2011-12-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

A little while ago I was able to go to Springhill, Louisiana and photograph their Christmas on Main celebration. Unfortunately, it rained all day and they had to move the festivities inside. But I got some pictures and they had a really great turn out considering the rain.

Here are some of my favorites from that night.

Their band played some wonderful Christmas music.

There was a live nativity.

They even had a hand bell concert.

Even though all the decorations had to be moved indoors, it was still a great evening.

Don’t forget to come back on New Year’s Eve after the ball drops in New York City and enter to win a handmade scarf!

North Pole News 2011

2011-12-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

North Pole News 2011

show off your shot

2011-12-22T13:39:00.001-06:00

Okay this was unplanned. . . but here is one of my fav's from this past weekend. . .more to come soon I promise!

We went to The Christmas Festival of Lights in Nachitoches, Louisiana and it was AMAZING!!

Christmas Program

2011-12-22T08:00:00.000-06:00

I had an opportunity last weekend to photograph our children’s program at our church. It was so very cute. Our children’s minister and her husband are both very talented as they created this entire program themselves. So instead of seeing a “canned” children’s Christmas program, our members and their families got to witness something original.

Here are a few of my favorite shots from that night.

Hope you are having a wonderful Christmas season.

The story was all about some girls who were accidentally left in a toy store after closing and the toys all came to life. The preschoolers were the live nativity as the girls explained Jesus to the toys. Absolutely adorable.

Aren’t these costumes absolutely priceless? I love it. Such creativity!

black and white Wednesdays - Santa’s Nice List

2011-12-21T00:01:00.000-06:00

Last weekend was full of photos and still God allowed me to get so many things crossed off my list. When I remember to let Him be in charge, I have an amazing amount of time to get things done.

This little cutie is definitely on Santa’s NICE LIST.

Be sure to link up your favorite black and white shots this week. For more information about the “rules” of Black and White Wednesdays, click the menu option or click HERE.

New Year Giveaway

2011-12-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

You all know that I do not do giveaways. . . at least not on regular basis. But since I have won so many wonderful things this year, I thought I should "Pay it Forward" and do my own giveaway.

New year and the first giveaway of the year.

Be sure to tell your friends and come back on New Year's Day at midnight EST to enter. Right after the ball drops in New York City you can enter.

Enter using Rafflecopter between January 1-2, 2012. You can win a handmade scarf to keep you warm this winter. (Sorry to my friends in Canada . . .US only.)

Winner announced January 3, 2012!

Last year I gave away a Valentine's Day scarf. This year maybe more people could use a scarf to brave the winter wind, so I decided to offer a beautiful handmade scarf and I will personalize it with whatever word (or name) you would like. Isn't this cute?

Well, maybe you won't want to tell your friends . . . so you can win the prize for yourself.

Monday Music Moves Me

2011-12-19T08:37:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas!

Check out all the great Christmas music at my friend Xmas Dolly's blog.

bucket list

2011-12-16T00:01:00.000-06:00

Well, I was recently on Pinterest . . . yeah . . .I’m always on Pinterest.

Anyway . . .
I saw this website: http://perfectbucketlist.tumblr.com/
AND
I
started thinking. . .
this is kind of dumb for a bucket list. . .

I’ve done a lot of things on this list already. . .

First few things I saw:

Have a baby. DID THAT! (4 times)

Be called Mommy. DID THAT!

Be present at a birth. DID THAT!

Be a good parent. OKAY? DO YOU NEED A PIN FOR THAT?

Then I clicked on some of the other categories. . .
Own a pearl necklace. DID THAT!
Own a Mustang. DID THAT!
Own a Nikon. DID THAT!
Own an iPod. DID THAT!
Own a Harley Davidson. DID THAT!

Wow . . . I own a lot of things on THIS person’s list.
This website/tumblr account has a lot to do with purchasing things, and this being the Christmas of less IS more . . . I’m not sure how many of those things are bucket list worthy.
Then I hit. . . .
Own a collection of high-end makeup. SCRATCH (nope, not interested)
Own something by Betsey Johnson. SCRATCH (who?)
Own a pair of superhero underwear. SCRATCH and DOUBLE –SCRATCH (nope)

So what about REAL bucket things, like:

Take my kids on an amazing vacation. DID THAT!

Throw a pool party. DID THAT!

Work in an ice cream shop. DID THAT!

Okay?

So I’ve done a lot of things on THIS person’s list already.

But what about MY list?
It’s definitely something to think about. . .
Honestly?
If I died tomorrow I would be with my Jesus and I would have all I ever needed or wanted.
While I am here . . .

I want to love more people.

I want to see more good in people.

I want to dress up and go out.

I want to stay in my pajamas and stay in.

I want to cry . . .

. . . and laugh till I cry.

I want to take some amazing pictures . . .

and then I want to take even more amazing pictures.

but . . .

a real bucket list . . .

I’ll get back to you on that one!

While you are waiting you can check out my blogger friends’ list and see her progress too! CLICK HERE

winner

2011-12-15T00:01:00.000-06:00

Remember the “Winner Winner Chicken Dinner” post? Well, I got my Starbucks giveaway Wednesday with the sweetest card from O Mom!

Thanks for the great gift and the sweetness all wrapped in this prize.

Isn’t this adorable? A travel mug, Starbucks coffee beans and mascara! I love it!
Merry Christmas to Mrs. Claus, right?

black and white Wednesdays - leaf fight!

2011-12-14T00:01:00.000-06:00

This weekend was a lot of fun. At the end of this wonderful family photo shoot, we decided the kids could go crazy.

Okay, get ready . . .

get set . . .

GO!

YAY!

Be sure to link up your favorite black and white shots this week. For more information about the “rules” of Black and White Wednesdays, click the menu option or click HERE.

I heart faces - furry faces

2011-12-12T08:08:00.001-06:00

I love this shot of Mr. Frodo. And just so you know. . . we don’t have snow here. This was from earlier in the year when we had the snow day. Mr. Frodo played and ran in the snow all day.

He looks pretty intense in this one, like he’s scanning the horizon for something. LOL!

Mr. Frodo is the last one of our dogs. Our Carin terrier Chip was attacked and killed by some neighborhood dogs a few years back. Our buff cocker spaniel Pippen died of parvo even before that. A few weeks ago, Reese’s was devastated when she came home and couldn’t find him anywhere. She searched and searched in the dark all night long.

T. and she had flashlights and car headlights scanning the ditches and the yard for any sign of him.

Mr. Frodo has slept with Reese’s practically since we brought him home. Going on 8 years old, that is a big chunk of her life.

When they couldn’t find him she cried herself to sleep. When we came home her boyfriend, T. was sitting at the kitchen table, and just pointed to the couch. He looked so sad for her.

We got up the next morning and I was going to call the vets and the shelters to make sure if someone brought him in they would know he was lost.

I called and the lady that answered the phone didn’t even let me finish my question.

“Is your dog black with a white chest?”

I said, “Yes.”

“I have two phone numbers for you to call someone found your dog.”

I was so excited. . . but then I thought,

“black with white on his chest . . . that could be any dog and not just my dog.”

I called the numbers and when the man answered the phone and told me Mr. Frodo was in his kitchen eating treats with his dog . . .

I just bawled.

It was such a relief.

We picked him up and just kept thanking our neighbor. Reese’s got out of class and flew to the house to see him.

I was amazed when I found out where he was in comparison to our house. He was over 2 miles from home, and across a major highway.

I was shocked because he’s never left home before. And after 8 years, I never expected anything like this.

It is good to know there are still kind people in the world who will do the right thing. Thanking God and our neighbor this Christmas season!

credit card - taking sides

2011-12-10T00:01:00.000-06:00

I know I am going to make some of you mad. . . but that’s okay. Before you get roped in by the “catchy” headline. . . this is not a story about Christmas shopping and bills.

It’s about a horse.

Photo from Justice for Credit Card facebook page, see link below.

If you are not in Magnolia, Arkansas or not some how associated on facebook to this story . . . like over EIGHT THOUSAND users on-line now are, you may not have heard this story.

A 19 year old student at Southern Arkansas University was arrested for allegedly orchestrating the theft of FIVE championship horses from the SAU Rodeo team stables in November. The thieves transported the horses across state lines and subsequently a horse named “Credit Card” was shot in the head and killed.

Affadavit of Probable Cause

So . . . .

yeah . . . .

I know this next part is going to make some of you mad.

But I am NOT on the side of the horse.

(*gasps*)

(*whispers*) I think someone should shoot HER in the head.

Now, while I type these things . . . much worse is being said on facebook about this girl.

This 19 year old girl, while she should be punished . . .no doubt. . . is still a person. Isn’t she?

My heart goes out to Credit Card’s owner and to the SAU Rodeo Team members (people) who are affected by these events.

I happen to believe PEOPLE outrank animals. . . I can feel the number of followers going down. That’s okay. You can stop following me. It’s still the way I feel.

In America we have put animals “opinions” and “rights” (whatever that is) above our own. How did this happen?

I blame Disney!!

Just kidding. . . I don’t know how it happened, I just know that people think more highly of their pets than they do many of their own family members.

Maybe that’s why the divorce rate is so high in the United States.

I post this only because of the humungous, crazy, in-my-face every day hype and outcry . . .

JUSTICE FOR CREDIT CARD

Credit Card Memorial T-Shirts

They Hang Horse Thieves Don’t They?

Yes. . . I know. I think these people have really gone too far. The comments are what really got me

and

well, honestly I just had to rant a little about it.

While I realize animal cruelty is a horrible thing. . . I cannot say that I believe she should be hanged!! or shot!!!

(She is facing 20 years on each count.)

Really?

A large majority of this “facebook mob” didn’t even know Credit Card (or the SAU Rodeo Team, for that matter) existed before this girl was arrested. Their knee-jerk reaction is fueled by harsh comments and rumors.

^1-2 Jesus went across to Mount Olives, but he was soon back in the Temple again. Swarms of people came to him. He sat down and taught them. ^3-6The religion scholars and Pharisees led in a woman who had been caught in an act of adultery. They stood her in plain sight of everyone and said, "Teacher, this woman was caught red-handed in the act of adultery. Moses, in the Law, gives orders to stone such persons. What do you say?" They were trying to trap him into saying something incriminating so they could bring charges against him.

^6-8Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger in the dirt. They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and said, "The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone." Bending down again, he wrote some more in the dirt.

^9-10Hearing that, they walked away, one after another, beginning with the oldest. The woman was left alone. Jesus stood up and spoke to her. "Woman, where are they? Does no one condemn you?"

¹¹"No one, Master."

"Neither do I," said Jesus. "Go on your way. From now on, don't sin." John 8:1-10 (The Message)

Jesus would forgive her. We should love and forgive like Jesus. He is our example.

Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner!

2011-12-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

Okay, I know it’s corny, but I won not just one but TWO giveaways this month! Can you believe it?
I really can’t . . . but I’ll take it.
First I won coffee and mascara from O Mom, at From Home Straight to High School! If you don’t know O Mom, it may be because she hasn’t been blogging much lately, but I miss her, and when I saw she was doing a giveaway, I had to enter. Thanks so much!!
Second, I won a digital scrapbook software from www.MyMemories.com and Pam at Empty Nest! I am so excited! After I downloaded it I had to try it out . . .

This one page took about 15 minutes. Mainly, because I didn’t know where all the buttons were and what they all did. This software steps you through what to do and is soo easy. It will probably be faster once I learn how everything works.
What do you think? Pretty cool right?

. . . .AND!!!! My photo won . . . Favorite Photo of the Week!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66950072@N04/6097156711/

Half the Sky

2011-12-08T08:38:00.001-06:00

Lisa at The Long Road to China (and back) is doing 12 days of Giveaways to benefit orphans in China. If you donate, you can win a cute little ruffle skirt today. Click the logo above to find out how to enter her giveaway. If you choose to donate, simply use her "CLICK TO DONATE" button below and you will be directed to the Half The Sky donation page that was set up for this event. Your donations are going directly to Half The Sky, which is a non profit organization that makes a difference in the lives of many children that reside in orphanages throughout China. Thank you!

before and after - Christmas on the Square

2011-12-08T00:01:00.000-06:00

Yes, in our small town, we have a “square” with our county courthouse sitting in the center, and shops and restaurants surrounding the courthouse square.

This year, as in many years past, there is a huge lighted Christmas tree as well as other Christmas decorations on the lawn of the courthouse.

Here is my BEFORE shot. . . see my great photographer’s uniform? LOL!

Here is the AFTER shot . . . no more photographer in the shot. I think it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

If you missed meeting my guest blogger Ana . . . you can click here to view her recent guest blog post. You should really check out her great blog and photography challenges.

in flight movie

2011-12-07T12:52:00.001-06:00

in flight movie, a photo by mrsclaus2333 on Flickr.

Isn't this an amazing picture?

black and white Wednesdays - book lover

2011-12-07T00:01:00.000-06:00

Last weekend I was only able to do one photo session due to the ALL DAY rain event on Sunday . . . sorry B. Maybe when B. gets back from his mission trip to Peru we can find a weekend to do his session. H.’s shoot was a lot of fun even though it was a little windy and cloudy, I think we got some great shots.

Here are some of my favorites!

H. is a senior this year and is one of the students in our youth group, 4:12.

H. is also an accomplished vocalist and a member of our high school choir as well as our praise team at our church.

Don’t you just love her eyes?

Be sure to link up your favorite black and white shots this week. For more information about the “rules” of Black and White Wednesdays, click the menu option or click HERE.

A Letter and a GIVEAWAY from wonderland

2011-12-06T00:01:00.000-06:00

hello everyone,

Mrs.Claus left me one ticket to the North Pole and invited me to make myself comfortable around here today, because I've a Christmas wish that you all can help me achieve and she is definitely Mrs.Claus (if you had a doubt). take a cup of hot chocolate and stay for a little while.
so, first things first, my name is Ana and I blog in 'wonderland' (I'm a sort of fairy around there). I'm also a hobbyist photographer and my Christmas wish is to have one hundred Followers (Google Friends Connect) through December 25th. I will tell you a little bit about my story but please remember to visit my blog and click on the blue button that says 'Join this site' under 'Wonderful Friends' it will be worthy. I've a giveaway waiting for you there today. I chose one of my favourite prints, size 12x8, and one lucky friend will get it (you've to go there to see it).

you must be asking what is so worthy to see in my blog to Follow it, one thing is certain you will get to know me and I'm funny. I blog every day. mainly photographs I take. beautiful things like the print I'm giving away.
every Wednesday I also publish a photo challenge named 'Earth Wonders'. each week there is a new theme and you can see them all here (tomorrow's theme is: Flowers). on Sunday everyone is invited to vote their favourite photo and the winner gets to be featured on my facebook page, that has over 240 readers.
'Earth Wonders' also have a flickr group where you're all invited to share the wonders of our planet in no particular order. every week some of those photographs are featured on the blog and added to my Pinterest board.

I've to admit I feel really blessed by this awesome lady who simply lend me her blog to introduce myself to all of you. I've other projects and another photo challenge but that would be to much information for someone who is going to start Following me and will get all the news as they come along. right? anyway, as promised, here is a little bit about my story. I've two sister and a niece I adore. I was a journalist for twelve years but am retired since 2010 due to health issues. I published a poetry book in 2009 (and also planted an orange tree). don't have children of my own but live with four cats that are the laugh of my days. they're so cute and funny. if you're a dogs lover not to worry I love them too, I only live on a tiny flat (lack of room for a bigger pet). I'm not sure if my english is funny because I'm portuguese. english is not my birth language, I only learned it in school. but if it's funny, at least I made you smile. I hope.

happy holidays to all
~ Ana

guest blogger - wonderland

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000-06:00

Be sure to tune in tomorrow to meet my guest blogger, Ana Eugénio.

I really need to take some time to get caught up on laundry . . . Christmas decorating and of course, photo editing so I am taking a break from blogging. . . but you will LOVE Ana! So come back tomorrow and check it out. Also don't forget to click on her GFC so she can get more followers!

While I sit here (Sunday afternoon . . . photo shoot rained out) . . . listening to Christmas carols while I edit photos. . . I am reminded of how blessed I am and I thank God for . . . enough.

I have enough. . . so you don't have to get me a present this Christmas.

I have enough tears to remind me how to be joyful.

I have enough rain to appreciate the sunny days.

I have enough sickness to appreciate when I am well.

I have enough lonliness to appreciate good friends and good times.

But also . . .

I have enough clothes to be warm (and decent).

I have enough food to be filled (and fat).

I have enough toys to occupy my time.

I have enough house to keep me dry and safe.

I have enough vehicles to get me where I want to go.

I have enough family and friends to keep me company.

I have Jesus . . . enough said.

Your Story / Week 3

2011-12-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

Link up and check out more great stories at Aspire.

You can share your story over at Hannah’s blog, Aspire. It’s not all about the ratings or the numbers . .. it’s about telling your story. So check it out, you’ll be glad you found a new place to call home.

I had asked some of you wonderful readers for prayer a few weeks ago and I am still asking for prayers. But I think I can tell you a little bit about what is going on.

but . . .

at Santa’s company we had some layoffs.

(2010 Christmas Party RIS Gang)
If you are a new reader, Santa has a small computer software company. THIS is the whole crew at last year’s Christmas party. I am in the front row crouching down with our beautiful grand-daughter Starburst!

It is such a horrible thing to have to tell someone that you can’t keep them. I would much rather fire someone (which I hate to do) than to let someone go.

But with all the store closings, it was bound to affect us sooner or later, it was just later for us.

The amazing part was one of our longest employees volunteered to go.

(R. and her husband from last year’s Christmas party)

How awesome is that?

As much as Santa tried to convince her we could let someone else go instead, she insisted and it really did help our situation out.

It doesn’t make it any easier though.

I am still feeling all different emotions over this whole thing.

Relief that the financial situation is better. . . .

sadness that my friend isn’t down the hall anymore . . .

anxiety for the future . . .

bitterness at the economy. . . .

all rolled up into what will probably be a future ulcer.

Things were already weird because Starburst quit to stay at home with Jar, and I miss seeing her every day. But when you work with someone for more than 15 years, and you see that person every work day, it’s hard when they are not there anymore.

Skittles and Reese’s started picking up the slack in between college classes . . . which is also weird.

Today (actually last week, since this is Saturday’s post) Santa announced no Christmas party this year.

It is very sad.

Our Christmas parties have been the highlight of the year. We play games to win fabulous prizes . . . like a big screen TV or a Wii game console. FABULOUS prizes. We eat and . . . well I guess we “used to” eat and play games for prizes and everyone got a prize, some were better than others. But no one went home empty handed.

Not the run-of-the-mill Christmas ham office gift and same old office party every year. Santa always had just as much fun shopping for these prizes and coming up with new games as our crew did playing and winning!

While Santa has started working on a new business venture I feel myself having some of the “I-don’t-cares” creeping in. He is optimistic for the future, and has turned it over to God to handle the details . . .

well. . . .

I know I have to trust that God’s timing is ALWAYS perfect, it’s always doubt and fear that rise to the surface and rear their ugly heads.

So yes, I am still trusting God . . . I will never stop . . . but I can’t help but feel all these mixed emotions.

I want to be able to tell you the “praise story” that goes with this one . . .

because

it’s

going

blow

you

all

away

. . . we just aren’t there yet.

So yes, please keep praying . . . and thanks for reading.

Martha? Is that you?

2011-12-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

Okay, my sister-in-love is the Martha Stewart of our family. Last Thanksgiving I helped her decorate a little bit for Christmas before we had to leave to go back home.

Tablescape

My wonderful sister-in-love!

This year I took some fall pictures of all her wonderful decorations. She is so talented!

We thought about taking some family pictures again this year, but the weather did not cooperate. Cloudy and rainy the whole weekend, (except for Black Friday). So I just took pictures inside. Happy Friday!! Busy weekends full of photo sessions!

Merry Christmas!

yellow room

2011-12-01T06:00:00.000-06:00

My SIL’s yellow room, is probably my favorite room in her house. . . well, I love her whole house, but just check out the cool stuff in this room.

This dresser and the old toys in the room.

Family Circle 5 cents.

This just reminds me of “grandma’s house”. A warm invitation to snuggle on a cold day.

Keepin' Company Thursday is hosted by Terra, at Heck of a Bunch and Traci66. I hope you find lots of new blogs to follow and get lots of new followers. Heck of a Bunch and Traci66 will follow back. Just let us know you are following us by clicking on the button above and leaving Keepin' Company Thursday a comment please leave us your blog address. Join in the hop, by adding your linked post to the fun below!

black and white - sprinkles

2011-11-30T06:00:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving was so relaxing this year. It was sort of bitter-sweet. But my ray of sunshine, was . . . my great niece . . . Sprinkles.

Isn’t she adorable?

One evening while the “grown-ups” were playing Rook downstairs, Sprinkles and I, the “kids” were playing in the yellow room. Sprinkles said this was her room.

Of course, this is her Mamaw’s house, but she explained that all the toys were hers and the bed was hers.

It wasn’t time to go to sleep, we were just playing.

Okay, okay. . . here is the one you have been waiting for . . . the black and white. It IS Black and White Wednesday you know? Aren’t they cute though?

Be sure to link up your favorite black and white shots this week. For more information about the “rules” of Black and White Wednesdays, click the menu option or click HERE.

. . . food

2011-11-29T08:50:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving isn’t ALL about the food, but I did take a lot of pictures of the food . . . I know you are probably tired of turkey, but check out these pictures.

Our Thanksgiving was really relaxing this year. It was cloudy, then cold, then rainy and when we left they got SNOW!

I even made Chicken and Dumplings for Thanksgiving dinner. First time I have ever made them for Thanksgiving. They all said they liked them. But it was kind of short notice to make them, when one of the other sisters had to work and couldn’t bring them. I used the Bisquik recipe and fried the chicken, instead of boiling it. . . I know I’m weird, but they tasted good. I also added some Cream of Chicken soup to make some extra gravy, but they were still a little dry from sitting in the crock pot so long.

It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without turkey and green bean casserole.

I told you that this year’s shopping trip was different, but the whole Thanksgiving was different too. We weren’t all rushing around trying to buy all the latest and greatest things like in year’s past. We played games and just sat around doing nothing, which was the best way to spend time with family. Still thanking God for family, food and fun.

Be sure to tune in tomorrow and by introduced to my great niece . . .Sprinkles!

My Story - Week 2 - The REAL Santa

2011-11-26T17:00:00.000-06:00

It's not all about ratings or followers over here at Like Christmas Every Day. Check out more great stories at Aspire. Hannah has such a great idea and all of us have a story to tell, so you should check it out.

Santa? Is that you?

Yesterday, was the big Shop-O-Rama at my sister-in-law's house. My sister-in-laws, niece and daughter all went to North Arkansas for Thanksgiving, and ever since I have been in this family we have gone shopping the day after Thanksgiving. We used to hit the 6:00 a.m. sale . . . then we used to hit 5:00 a.m. sales. . . then we used to hit the 4:00 a.m. sales. . . .

Last year we didn't hit the early sale, but there were plenty of other deals to choose from all day long. So getting up at our regular 4:00 a.m. and getting to the stores around 5:30 a.m. was still okay. There were plenty of deals to still be had and plenty of shoppers around.

This year Wal*Mart started at 10 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. for their EARLY sales. We did NOT go to Wal*Mart at 12:00 a.m.

When we got up at 4:00 a.m. to drive an hour away to go shopping, we were late.

It was eerie.

We drove into the parking lot to find about 10 cars . . . and no line. There was literally NO ONE there.

One of the great things about Black Friday shopping for me, has been dressing up in my Christmas shirt and reindeer antlers and telling busy shoppers, "Merry Christmas!" Spreading holiday cheer the very first day of the season. Seeing little kids' eyes light up when they sit in Santa's lap. Watching them wave to Santa's reindeer . . . it always put me in the Christmas spirit.

There was no one to tell.

The aisles were empty, as well as the shelves.

We went right through the checkout without waiting. We went to the mall and there were a few more people, but nothing like the mad-house we were used to in years past. We had our picture made with Santa like every year, and decided we needed to get lunch because we would probably have to wait in line for an hour.

We walked across the mall parking lot to Olive Garden, and there were some people there, but there was NO LINE! It was 12:10 p.m. and we walked right in and got a table for 7!! We had a wonderful lunch . . .(unlimited soup and salad and breadsticks . . .mmmm).

It was really weird.

As you know, our lead reindeer passed away just a few weeks ago, and it was already going to be a different experience without her to lead the prancing through the mall. But I never expected THIS.

This morning as I watch the news, I am shocked at the number of deaths and injuries and craziness that was involved. Some people in NYC actually LOOTED a Hollister store. They just stole the merchandise. The great deals weren't good enough . . .these people just took the stuff.

I have an awful feeling that Black Friday is going to be banned and our tradition of Shop-O-Rama will really be a thing of the past.

The thing that put me in the Christmas spirit was Santa! The mall Santa!

He was AMAZING! I don't think I have ever said/typed that sentence in my life. This Santa had a real beard and was

just

like

the

real

Santa!

This man was so genuine . . . I thought it might be Santa.

He took time to talk to each child BEFORE he asked if they would sit in his lap. Therefore, no tears.

When we took our group picture. He took extra time to make sure we were all in the picture and smiling, and was so patient with all of us. It was AMAZING!

I was standing in the mall later that day and waiting on some of our reindeer to come out of the restroom. Santa was going on break and was walking toward us. I couldn't help but watch to see what he would do. He stopped and talked to each child and hugged them on his way to the restroom.

Amazed I watched each child smile and wave as he left them.

I promise I have never experienced anything like this in 20+ years of Black Friday Shopping. But this Black Friday at the Turtle Creek Mall in Jonesboro, AR I saw the true spirit of Christmas, at least for a little while.

proverbs 31 wife

2011-11-26T07:00:00.000-06:00

I still struggle with being a “proverbs 31” kind of wife. If you have never read Proverbs 31 I encourage you to take a look.

Proverbs 31:10-31

I read the Proverbs 31 Ministries Daily Devotion, well not daily but I do follow it. You can too, just click on the button on the side bar to access this wonderful daily devotional website.

The one I read Tuesday morning was really powerful.

I have always been an advocate of women being submissive to their husbands. But this particular post by Renee Swope really nailed it. The things that she thought were helping were actually making things worse.

I still believe that you should “let” your husband lead. LET him. Not like, “Fine then, you’ll see I was right all along and then I’ll tell you I told you so.” kind of “let” him. But honestly, trust your husband to make those decisions for your family.

If he makes a mistake, he will realize it soon enough, without you nagging him about it. Support him, pick him back up if he makes a mistake and love him. That’s what we who are wives are called to do.

Read Renee’s Blog here on ways to pray for your husband.

Happy Black Friday Everyone!

2011-11-25T00:01:00.000-06:00

I am no doubt dressed in my official reindeer uniform (like Reese’s from a couple of years ago) and ~~terrorizing~~ visiting Jonesboro, AR! Shopping from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. tonight, at least that’s the plan.

Hope you are not sitting in front of your computer until later tonight. I know you are out there kickin’ butt and takin’ deals!! You can review some of the deals we are hopefully taking advantage of out there in the trenches RIGHT NOW!!

Otherwise, if you don’t get to read this until Friday night, you can get a jump on the Cyber Monday deals coming up after the weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T08:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for many things this year. Thankful for Jesus and grace, Santa and the helpers, family, friends and for all of you wonderful bloggers who inspire me to take more pictures and type away about them. Hope you are all having a wonderful Turkey Day!

Check out the things that make me thankful this year.

I am in North Arkansas visiting Santa’s family, but I have THIS lovely post for you to enjoy!

before and after - cemetery
I have been dying to go to the cemetery . . . now come on people that’s funny. Seriously, I have been wanting to go to the cemetery ever since we passed by at sunset when we were taking one of Santa’s deer to Starburst and Charms to be processed. It was so gorgeous with the headstones silhouetted against the sunset. I have been talking about it for weeks.
So, I finally got to go.
Reese’s and T. went with me, I didn’t go by myself.

What do you think? I have so many more, but I just had to share this one with you. Isn’t this cool?

black and white Wednesdays - Alabama

2011-11-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

Well, I can’t say I had fun in Alabama. But I was able to capture some pictures to bring back home.

On our way to Alabama, Saturday morning (at the butt-crack of dawn as we say in our house). These are the African beads that hang from my rear-view mirror.

When we got to Alabama it was warm. Some of the trees had lost almost all of their leaves and it was very windy.

This is probably one of my favorites from this weekend. The sunset was amazing, and this oak tree just framed the shot so well.

Sunday night, on the way home, I was playing with my camera and was able to capture this shot. On flickr there has been some wonderful comments on this shot. I posted it in a “bright” themed photo challenge, seems strange since it’s night. . . but it just screams light and bright to me.

Be sure to link up your favorite black and white shots this week. For more information about the “rules” of Black and White Wednesdays, click the menu option or click HERE.

cookies

2011-11-22T09:11:00.001-06:00

http://www.smuckers.com/Recipes/Details.aspx?recipeID=4194

I saw this on pinterest and thought I would try it out. This is the new cookie for this year’s Thanksgiving cookie-thon! It’s an Angel Food cake mix and strawberry jam mixed together with some mini chocolate chips thrown in. They are kind of marshmallow-y in texture, but they are fruity and tasty. I am switching to the regular jam instead of the sugar free kind to see what happens. I’ll let you know how they turn out.

Chocolate Crinkles are always a favorite.

These little chocolaty bites just melt in your mouth. Mmmmm!

Added to the list this year are Oatmeal Scotchies and of course, my famous Chocolate Chip, which is the famous Nestle’ Toll House recipe but I use MILK chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet and I use pecans for the chopped nuts. They disappear pretty quick! I also have a “kitchen sink” cookie, which is a chocolate chip cookie base, but with a variety of different chips all mixed together.

(Yeah, I know these shots are from the last cookie-thon. But I am posting this in advance . . . I’m a busy girl this time of year.)

Gotcha Day

2011-11-21T10:10:00.000-06:00

I don't guess I have ever written about "Gotcha Day" on here before. But I am pretty sure that I have told you about my sister and her husband adopting both their daughters from China.
“Gotcha Day” is the day they celebrate when the ladies at the orphanage brought the babies into the room and my sister got to hold her for the very first time ever.

This was the picture my sister got when they found out H. was going to be in our family . . . and . . . .

. . . this was from their “modeling” session (LOL!) this year. Isn’t she absolutely gorgeous?
H. is the youngest, of the two daughters they adopted both from China. Such attitude! She is such a sweet girl. Each year, as I see her grow and change I thank God that she is in our family.
I remember the emails my sister would send with little bits of information. A picture. A deadline for this form or that interview. It was all so exciting! Then the day came for them to bring her home from China.

The sweetest story I have about H. is out of the blue one day she went up to my sister and said, “Do you remember Aunt S.?” (that’s me) and my sister said, “Yes.” H. said, “I miss her. We need to see her again.” She is such a sweetie.

Just wanted to say, "Happy Gotcha Day!" I love you H!!! Can’t imagine life without you.

thanking God BEFORE

2011-11-20T07:13:00.001-06:00

Have you ever thanked God in advance of receiving whatever it was you were asking Him for?

Whoa!

Right? Honestly, I don't think I have ever done that. I have trusted enough to say, whatever happens Lord, I am good with it. Whichever way You want this situation to play out, I will worship You, or however things turn out I know You are in control.

I did not just "say" the words, I felt them. I truly believed those things I said. But to thank God . . . . truly thank Him . . . BEFORE you received it. Now that's faith.

For my class this morning, I read a story* about a mother who thanked God that her son was going to become a Christian so faithfully that she bought him a Bible even though her son told her point blank, "I only want to play football even if it means I will go to hell."

He didn't want God. She even asked the pastor to save some time for her son's testimony during the next week's service, because she believed so much that her son would become a Christian. That night when he did accept Jesus, and he came home and told his mother, she said, "I know I've been telling you this for 3 weeks."

Many years ago . . .long before I thought about blogging, I was in a situation where I really wanted a particular outcome. I prayed that I would not get MY way, but that whatever was the BEST way . . . that is what God would allow to happen. I wanted desperately for my two oldest girls to move from Florida and come and live in Arkansas with me. But as I prayed, I asked not that they could come and live with us, but that God could show me the very best way and I would be thankful for it.

I went to court twice, once when I got divorced (when I actually lost them) and the second time when Lollipop was in 6th grade. Both times I was disappointed because they were not coming home with me. But I believed with all my heart that God's plan was the best. I saw how upset Lollipop was when they told her she would have to testify against her father, and well I didn't want her to be hurt.

But God was faithful to me, and in just two short years, He gave me a miracle. The BEST possible way for them to come and live with me. We were in Florida for a trade show, and planned to take the girls (and all the kiddos) to Disney World, since we were already down there. Then bring them to Arkansas for their summer vacation with us. Out of the blue (which I think is ALWAYS God) their Dad signed over custody to me . . . on the spot. No court date, no lawyers . . . he just signed the papers. We already had a van to load their stuff, we already were in Florida, we had already planned for them to come home with us. . . it WAS perfect.

That's how God works! Even though I have this miraculous testimony to share with all of you . . . I still struggle with being thankful. But especially with being thankful in advance!

How easy is it for us to be thankful for the things we can see and touch? How much more faith do you need to thank God for the things He hasn't given you yet?
*Vital Character ~ Thankfulness copyright 2005 LifeWay Press written by Caroline Waina.

Five Question Friday

2011-11-19T06:00:00.000-06:00

I know it's Saturday! Don't you think I know it's Saturday? I'm just late! Plus I had already posted a "thankful" post for yesterday. Link up anyway you still have time!

1. Do you have a go to song that always puts you in a good mood?

Hanson (yeah I know) ~ Thinking 'Bout Somethin'
Every time!! THIS song makes me want to DANCE, and I DON'T DANCE!! LOL!!!

I have this as a ringtone on my phone, for "unknown" callers which makes Reese's laugh every time, you know? "I've been thinkin bout something. .. other than you." Now that's funny.

2. Are you a real Christmas tree kinda person or do you go with a real fake one?I have always had a fake Christmas tree . . . growing up we had real ones until our tree caught on fire and partially burned our house. I was in 7th grade and I will never forget running out of the house in the cold knowing that all our Christmas presents were under that tree and were on fire.

3. What are you thankful for?

So many things, life, Jesus, Santa, the helpers, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friend and warm oatmeal on a cold morning. An easy inside sit-down job. Sight, hearing, fingers to type! Photography! Light and color. So many things, so many too many to list!

4. Which fashion fad from the past do you wish you could wear today?

I really want to rock out some white go-go boots and a multi-colored mini dress you know like Goldie Hawn back in the day as the Sock It To Me girl . . . but alas . . . no one would appreciate it. You would have to have the confidence that goes with wearing that outfit, but I could do it . . .. if it wasn't so out-dated.

5. Do you wait until the "low fuel" light comes on before you fill up the gas tank?I do! However, Santa does not allow that to happen (if he drives my car) he never lets the gas tank get that low. His famous saying is . . . "It takes just as much money to drive with it full as it does with it near empty."

thankful

2011-11-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

So this month I have been participating in a “gratitude project” flickr group, where we post pictures (we have taken) of the things for which we are thankful.
There was a facebook status circulating that read, “If the only things you had when you woke up were the things you thanked God for the night before, would you have anything?”
I copied that . . . and it really stuck in my head. I started thanking God for all kinds of things I normally take for granted.

One of those things was my washer and dryer. I am so blessed to have these wonderful appliances that I don’t have to schlep (sp?) out to the laundry mat, or borrow a friend’s machines. Or? Wash by hand. . . .whatever that is?

I also share these wonderful laundry machines with anyone who comes to my house. ie: college kids, overnight guests, or the occasional swimmer in the summer.
I am thankful for a lot of things and this is only one, or I guess technically TWO. How many times are some of the things we take for granted not only the ones we forget to thank God for, but the ones with which we are most selfish?

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1

Partly Sunny + Partly Cloudy = clounny?

2011-11-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

I snapped this photo on my way to Springhill, LA a few weeks ago. I was riding in Santa's truck going about 60mph too. How cool is that? God paints such a wonderful world, sometimes I think He is changing it every day just for me.

This photo was featured on earth wonders as their favourite of the week. Check out earth wonders blog for all the great photos.

black and white Wednesdays - Reese’s

2011-11-16T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today is Reese’s birthday, so Black and White Wednesday is all about Reese’s. This is one of my favorite pictures of her. Scoping for deer in our backyard. She looks so serious at 8 or 9 years old, doesn’t she?

Now she’s grown up. T. and Reese’s from their summer photo shoot.

Ever since Reese’s was in Kindergarten she has talked about being a vet when she grows up. I didn’t think it would last, but now that she is at Southern Arkansas University in the Pre-Vet program I guess I can say that it has been her mission to become a vet one day. I always told her that when she has a clinic one day I am going to have this picture framed and hang it in the waiting room of her vet's office so everyone can see how dedicated she is.

Happy Birthday Reese’s! LYPH!!

Be sure to link up your favorite black and white shots of the week.

Click here to read all the mumbo jumbo rules and stuff about Black and White Wednesdays!

And tell your friends. . . the more the merrier!

engaged - outtakes

2011-11-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

So if you have been following along . . .uh . . .you can see I took A LOT of engagement pictures of Skittles and Kisses.

I know I have a problem with being “snappy”. I admit it . . . freely. So here are some outtakes I hope you enjoy!
I told them I wanted this one shot to look like . . . I just happened to see them out for a walk in the woods and I was “sneaking” a shot of them. Then I started thinking, what if someone really DID that.
I started smiling to myself and after I got the ones I wanted I said, “Now imagine that you are walking in the woods and you see this CREEPER taking your picture in the woods!!”

This may be the most fun Skittles has ever had when I was taking his picture. LOL!!!
After that they decided to BE AWKWARD!

They are so goofy! By this time Skittles was tired and ready to be finished.

I just love outtakes! Don’t you? After you see the beautiful pictures, it’s nice to know that they aren’t perfect after all . . . isn’t it??

engaged

2011-11-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

i heart faces - autumn splendor

2011-11-14T00:49:00.001-06:00

This photo was entered into the I Heart Faces photo challenge – www.iheartfaces.com

Steel Magnolias

2011-11-13T20:20:00.001-06:00

Have you seen the movie, Steel Magnolias? I have seen it multiple times and at different stages of MY life I have seen different things in this movie and related to the different characters depending on which stage of my life I was in at the time.

Until this weekend I have never really felt like a "Steel Magnolia" or like a strong woman. I have felt weak, like Shelby. I have felt sad, like M'Lynn. I have felt misunderstood, like Annelle. I have felt disappointed, like Truvy. Strong?

Well . . . not so much.

I had written a post about Aunt Y, last Thursday, because that was the day she died. But this weekend we were in Alabama for the funeral and Aunt Y's son had decided to have all women pall bearers. He asked me if I would be a pall bearer.

I have to tell you I was really shocked. I mean, first of all I had never heard of women pall bearers before in my life. I wasn't prepared for that and I just said, "Sure, no problem."

After I hung up the phone, Santa asked what he wanted and when I told him, I realized maybe I should have asked some questions.

Santa's cousin with Aunt Y and one of my sister-in-laws in the pall bearer group.

Along with me, in the pall bearers group, were 2 sister-in-laws, my niece and Santa's cousin and her daughter. (Her daughter was the little cousin Aunt Y, was holding in the picture from the previous post.) We had the funeral today, and we had to wear boutineers and walk in after everyone else was seated. When we first sat down in that first pew in the chapel, we all held hands and I felt very small. Or really unworthy to be included in this group. I mean I am only related to Aunt Y through marriage. She was Santa's mother's sister. Someone else probably said no and that's why they had to ask me, but still. I felt honored to be included.

Once the first song was over, many of us had to stop holding hands to get out our tissues, that we all had tucked in our pockets before we walked in. The two preachers were both from our families, so there were many times when they got choked up and had to pause before they could continue.

After the service, they played a country song, by Jamey Johnson, "Lead Me Home". Well, I had been holding it together up until that point. They had assigned "alternate" pall bearers (four men) to stand with us in case we couldn't do it. Well, Santa's cousin J. was sitting behind me and when this song started he was singing. He is a really good country singer (from Chicago, who knew right?) and when he was singing in my ear . . . well I lost it. I was crying like a baby. I had been being selfish and hearing him sing about how there will be no more tears where she is I felt sad and guilty that I had only been thinking about myself.

I know in my heart that Aunt Y was not in that chapel with us. The only thing we saw was a shell that she was using temporarily. What we all missed was her spirit. What we all cried over was that her spirit. . . . her caring, loving spirit was no longer with us. So basically, we were all feeling a little sorry for ourselves. Aunt Y is feeling no pain where she is and no disappointments. There are no tears where she is.

After the service, we filed out last because we are the pall bearers. We all lined up 3 by 3 across from each other so we could each pick up the casket to put it in the hearse. While we were standing there waiting for them to bring her out, Santa's cousin looked across at me and says, "She would be so proud of us right now."

We did it.

We all carried her at the cemetery from the hearse to the grave site. She barely weighed anything by the time she died. Even if she had, we were strong enough. The youngest one in the group, Santa's cousin's daughter said,

"She carried us, we can carry her."

Wow, the next generation of "Steel Magnolias".

I have never felt like a strong woman, like I was made of steel. But all of us in that group will forever remember this day and all of us will remember we were strong.

Remembering now all the women at the funeral home. Some with walkers and others with canes. Some carrying babies and some chasing toddlers. Remembering the women ironing the clothes for the service, or making sure all their kids had the "right" clothes. Even while they themselves were hurting, making sure people were comfortable. Making sure visitors had something to drink or eat. Remembering all the women at their church who made food and served all of us. Putting their lives on hold in order to serve us, and to honor Aunt Y.

All

of

us

are

Steel Magnolias.

they met

2011-11-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

Well, I got to do an engagement session with our son and his wonderful fiancé this past weekend.

Skittles and Kisses met in college in their World Lit II class at Southern Arkansas University last year.

I remember when I was in Tulsa that year for Santa’s bowling tournament and the text message read,

“Mom I’m talking to a girl.”

If you are not familiar, this is the pre-dating phrase used, at least in our area, for the stage when you don’t know if you are going out, but you are interested and if you are “talking” it is mutual.

(Yes, I used their real names for their shot.)

They had World Lit II together so Kisses thought it would be cute to bring her Lit book and do something with it for the engagement pictures. I typed up a “paper” and thought that would be a fun way to remember where and how they met (not that they would forget), but it’s the details that make the photograph.

They started “going out” on October 15th and that’s how they became . . . . Skittles & Kisses!

2011-11-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

Click this button to follow me on pinterest.

I started my pinterest account because I saw all these cute ideas for senior pictures and wanted to remember those ideas when I did pictures for students who were going to graduate (not senior adults). Some people are seriously addicted to it, and other people mildly addicted, but one thing is for sure . . . I get a lot of great ideas from looking around on pinterest. If you don’t have an account . . . you should be careful about getting one, it can become habit forming.

However, rarely do the wonderful things I see on pinterest turn out ANYTHING like the picture . . . duh, right?

But I was very pleased with these “phone” shots.

This was really a combination of a lot of ideas I got from pinterest. (not just this one) I am pretty sure that’s what it is for . . . sharing ideas. I follow Pixel Perfect blog, if you don’t you really should she’s a “real” photographer.

little bit . . . more

2011-11-11T06:00:00.000-06:00

When we did the mini session at my house, I really had no idea what to expect. Bit O Honey just said she needed some new pictures because she is 4 months old and she doesn’t look the same. AND since Gigi is willing to do it, well it doesn’t cost anything but an afternoon at my house.

I LOVE this shot! I can’t put my finger on why I do, but it’s my favorite one. Probably because it’s more real and because her little baby hand is holding on to that bottle.
Hope your weekend is grand. . . keep praying.

Aunt Y

2011-11-10T13:21:00.000-06:00

Today is a “sad day” as Kisses would say.

Santa’s Aunt Y, passed away early this morning.

She was such an amazing person, words fail me.

Even though she lived in Alabama which is about 7 hours away, she was such a huge part of our lives.

Thanksgivings

In Alabama . . . Santa is holding baby Skittles on the left, and Aunt Y. is holding another little cousin on the right.

Fourth of July’s

In Arkansas . . . Aunt Y. is the fourth one from the left, and Skittles is the one next to me with the broken arm. The little cousin from above is the girl in the red shorts and white shirt. (Time sure does fly.)

Shop-O-Rama

Aunt Y was the leader of our Shop-O-Rama shopping trips on Black Fridays. One year we were featured on the Jonesboro, AR news because of our reindeer antlers and Aunt Y was spotlighted for “prancing” in the street. At the end of the interview she was shaking her booty for the camera. Always so much fun!

She is the one on the Santa’s right knee, that’s on YOUR left. (Well, not my Santa, but the mall Santa.) This was the last shopping trip I went on with Aunt Y. in 2009. After this the Alzheimer's was too advanced and she didn’t really know us. Last shopping trip in 2010 just wasn’t the same.

Aunt Y was 69 years old when Bit O Honey and Tootsie Pop (they are the ones in the green shirts) went to Alabama with us for Thanksgiving. Aunt Y was out-running these two teenage girls in the mall. I remember Bit O Honey stopping and holding her side at 15 years old. I told her, “She’s 69! You can’t keep up?”

I remember when I went to her house for the first time I realized she was an immaculate house keeper. In fact, there was a degree of clean that was associated with her and her pending arrival. I remember telling our kids, “Those rooms better not just be clean they better be AUNT Y. CLEAN.” They knew that meant spic-and-span!

The girl on the left is Aunt Y and the girl on the right is Santa’s mom. Their brother is in the middle of them. I imagine this is how Aunt Y. looks today in heaven gorgeous as ever!

I miss her and I love her!

before and after - dress

2011-11-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

I know you have seen these kinds of pictures before, but I had to share this one with you, because I am proud of how it turned out. Maybe you won’t be impressed . . . or maybe you will. I like it!

before

after

black and white Wednesdays - Little Black Dress

2011-11-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

Little Bit was at my house Sunday for a mini session. Can you believe she is already 4 months old. She is so stinkin’ pretty!

Technically this isn’t black and white. . . but I’m counting it!

Be sure to link up your black and white photo post.
Click here for all the rules for this blog hop.
Have a blessed day!

special request

2011-11-08T00:33:00.002-06:00

First of all, thank all of you who clicked on "the chair" post. It is now the 2nd highest viewed blog post of all time on my blog. You guys are so awesome!

Special Request:
This is "US" (not USA), it IS an abbreviation, but not THAT abbreviation. This is the abbreviation I use when listing prayer requests. As the girls in our youth group, raise their hands and ask for prayer requests, some of them have unspoken prayer requests. If you are not familiar with "unspoken" prayer requests, I'll give you the skinny. . .

US is for those prayer requests that are either too personal to share, private between you and God or the details of the situation would promote rumors and gossip instead of heartfelt prayers for the person.

Since I teach a girls' Sunday School class, I was noticing an increase in "gossipy" prayer requests and less truly prayerful hearts and decided to introduce my girls to the US prayer request. Which they introduced to the boys when we were all together in youth group. Actually, I don't remember a guy having an unspoken prayer request but I guess that would be something a guy just wouldn't speak. But we ladies have things on our heart and as badly as we don't want to hurt someone by mentioning their situation we truly want to pray for the situation.

So Mrs. Claus has an unspoken prayer request and I want to ask all you wonderful readers out there to pray that God's plan be accomplished in this situation. Since His plan is the perfect plan, we want that to be the outcome. Maybe when the circumstances are not so fresh and the wounds not so open I can share it with you, or maybe not. But I am asking for your prayers if you pray. . . and if you don't pray . . . God misses you. He loves you so much and He only wants you to seek Him and be obedient to His laws. Which are pretty easy . . . Love Him with your whole life, and love your neighbor as yourself.

"Knowing the correct password—saying 'Master, Master,' for instance— isn't going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, 'Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.' And do you know what I am going to say? 'You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don't impress me one bit. You're out of here.' Matthew 7:21-23

the chair

2011-11-04T09:01:00.001-05:00

Disclaimer: Get the tissues out for this one. This is a true story.
I was asked months ago by a sweet young lady who works in my office to take senior pictures of her daughter and niece. I agreed and then we just had to wait until everyone’s schedules matched up. And to be honest, until the weather broke, because when she asked me it was still over 100 degrees every day.
I agreed and in the months between then and now, the girls had been trying to decide what and how they wanted the pictures and what to wear for this photo shoot.
They asked if they could bring a chair with them to the photo shoot and of course, I said they could.

This is such a cool chair, I just love how it matches the autumn colors on this road.

This wasn’t just some cool chair they had found at a garage sale. No, this was their grandfather’s chair. Since these two girls are cousins they each had a special bond to their grandfather who died a little over a year ago.
I guess everyone’s grandfather has “a chair” well this was “his chair” the one he always sat in when he came home from work. The chair where he sat when they climbed up on his lap when they were little. The one they will always associate with “the world’s greatest Poppa”.

How sweet is this, that two teenage girls for their senior pictures would choose to honor their grandfather. I think this shows a lot of character.

Hope you have a blessed weekend! I am booked for this weekend too, so more pictures coming next week. Hope you stop by and check them out.

black and white Wednesdays - woodland fairies

2011-11-02T05:00:00.000-05:00

These shots remind me of that old “hoax” photo of the fairies that someone took in England a long time ago. . . . do you remember? The Cottingley Fairies?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cottingley_Fairies

Okay, well not exactly, but you see what I mean? These are some of the shots from the double senior photo shoot I did Sunday . . . this isn’t even close to all the outfit changes and location changes we did.

I had so much fun! These two gorgeous models are actually related. They are cousins and they are both graduating in May from high school. They decided to take some pictures together too, while we were doing their senior pictures. Fun right?

Plus I got to lay in the middle of the road, for this shot! I don’t usually get to do fun stuff like that, but Sunday I did!!

Be sure to link up your black and white beauties today. Grab a button from the side bar so others will know where you are linking up. The best part is checking out other great black and white shots from other photographers.

Trunk R Treat - 2011

2011-11-01T11:28:00.001-05:00

This year our church had a “Walk Through the Bible” theme for Trunk R Treat and we had a HUGE turnout.

One of the trunks was Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, I thought this was such a cute idea.

Another trunk was David and Goliath . . . David is the little boy on the right that is actually Goliath’s son. How cute is this?

Candy, costumes, bouncy house, balloons, glow-in-the-dark necklaces, puppets and a costume contest . . . so much fun!

This was the favorite costume of the night. The robot was so adorable. She did have a hard time walking around in this suit, but still way to go mom on this one. . . great job!

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the furnace. This was 4:12’s trunk. Our students did such a great job on this fiery furnace. Doesn’t it look like it’s on fire?

The guys in the furnace are not burned, but the soldiers in the flames on the ground are burning. Isn’t that so cool?

They won 1st place for this great trunk! Reese’s helped with the art work even though she is in college now. But all our students did such a great job and really worked hard.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T14:14:00.001-05:00

This year, I told you I am so busy. But here are Santa and I at one of the Halloween parties we went to this year.

Very first year, Santa has dressed up for Halloween. I think maybe next year I will be “Mrs. Claus” for Halloween. How funny would that be? Mrs. Claus as . . . Mrs. Claus.

So what are you being for Halloween?

Happy Halloween Everybody!!!

scavenger hunt Sunday

2011-10-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

I think this is the first time I have linked up for Scavenger Hunt Sunday, so we’ll see how it goes. There are a lot of photos planned for this weekend and I pray God gives me those opportunities so I can share those pictures with you next week.

This week Ashley’s five photo prompts are:

Macro/Close-Up
Found Texture (material, not applied)
Home
Cover
Tree (Kent Weakley Tree)

Macro / Close Up
This teeny little guy was hard to capture, because he blends in so well with his environment, but he is a teeny tiny little baby toad that we saw on our photography walk.

Found Texture

This is one of the “tree at work” trees in our state park. Some of them are marked with signage telling visitors not to disturb the tree as it decays and provides nutrients back to the earth and to the living ecosystem in the park.

Home

This is NOT Mrs. Claus’ home. This was at my friend M’s home over the past weekend. It just seems like “home”, you know? They have this gorgeous deck with hot tub and this chiminea glowing in the night that just says “home” to me.

Cover

Cover my face with my camera? Most of the pictures I have of myself lately are like this one. This isn’t a new shot, but I am super busy this weekend and won’t have a chance to post those pictures until next week.

Tree

So NOT a Kent Weakley tree, but this moss-covered tree caught my eye and jumped into my camera . There were a lot of trees to choose from in our state park, but this one with the sun hitting the moss just right. . . well I had to bring him home.

tgif - relax

2011-10-28T00:01:00.000-05:00

I wish I was relaxing on our friends’ deck all weekend. Busy weekend ahead, God willing. I hope to catch up on some deck sitting weekends soon. Hope your weekend is a great one. I’ll catch all of you up on the Halloween activities next week.

photography walk

2011-10-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

Well, I have read about all kinds of photographers getting together to have a “photography walk”. I have never actually participated in one of these adventures, but I had a different kind of adventure this past weekend.
B. and B. are two students in our youth group at our church and they both love photography. In fact, both of these students have taken award winning photographs that were sent to the Arkansas State Fair. So when I invited them to go on what I call a photography walk, they each agreed.

We met and spent the afternoon at Logoly State Park. So my idea of a "photography walk" was just that, to walk around and take pictures of whatever moved us. There were plenty of things to “shoot” and here are just a few of my favorites.

Ducks

Tree-lined Paths

Lizards

Tiny Baby Toads

I am thankful this morning as I write this post, for God's glorious creations that I can capture in my camera. I am especially thankful for these two students who made a beautiful afternoon more enjoyable for me. They both said they had a lot of fun, and maybe we can do it again.

black and white Wednesdays - farm

2011-10-26T00:01:00.000-05:00

Yeah . . .no we don’t have a farm. We live on a road with a farm, as you may have noticed from all the farm animal posts. I am sure I was not born to be a farm-hand. I do good just to help Santa with the pool duties in the summer and my flower beds. But I love taking pictures when we are walking in the evenings. Soon it will be too dark to take pictures, but for now the sun is just setting when we get home and it’s cool enough to walk without dying.

Be sure to link up this week and share your black and whites with everyone. Grab a button from the side panel and add it to your post, so others will know where you are linking up. Thanks to all of you great photographers out there who join in each week. I love it!!

I ♥ photography

2011-10-25T14:25:00.000-05:00

I guess by now some of you would have already figured out that I love photography. However, I have to give all the credit to God. Because without God's grace I have nothing. I have no life and I have no one and nothing to photograph without Him.

There is no beautiful cloud-dotted sky to capture, no colorful fall leaves painted on autumn trees, no ducks in a pond, no cows in a field (whether covered with flies or not) without God.

I also realize there is no hand to hold a camera, no eye to see through the lens and no legs to walk down a path to find His wonderful creation without God.

I thank Him for equipment and technology which allow me to take you on this tour with me.

So it is to Him I give the glory and not myself. When I capture these moments with my camera, I am only showing you what I am unable to create myself and that is life. These moments, whether smiling faces or God's creation, are not created by me. I am only the tour guide showing you the things He is showing me. See without God, there is nothing.

Thankful every moment for His grace and His blessings in my life.

God made my life complete
      when I placed all the pieces before him.
   When I got my act together,
      he gave me a fresh start.
   Now I'm alert to God's ways;
      I don't take God for granted.
   Every day I review the ways he works;
      I try not to miss a trick.
   I feel put back together,
      and I'm watching my step.
   God rewrote the text of my life
      when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes.
Psalm 18:20-24

I heart faces - let them be little

2011-10-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

This photo was entered into the I Heart Faces photo challenge – www.iheartfaces.com

This is Little Bit from her newborn photo shoot, that I thought was a perfect fit for this photo challenge. This is the one I have hanging in my hallway, I just love how she had to have her little arm out of the swaddling. So precious.

macro Monday

2011-10-24T09:33:00.001-05:00

Head over to Lisa's site to check out the other great shots at ...

before and after–sunset

2011-10-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

A little lightroom and a little photo paint never hurt anyone, huh?

tulsa

2011-10-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

I was so excited about Kisses and Skittles’ announcement that I totally forgot about the pictures I took while I was in Tulsa. I did not take any of my friends or their kids (how did I forget that?).

But I took some pictures on the way there.

Santa paying the toll.

I forget about toll roads until I have to pay a toll, and then I remember. There just aren’t a lot of toll roads in Arkansas. I don’t ever remember seeing any . . . I wonder if that’s a thing?

Oral Roberts University was directly across the street from our hotel.

I know there is a big fat power line pole in this shot, but I love the sign, still lit up because it is the butt-crack of dawn when Santa had to be there to bowl. I wanted to get another picture of this sign at Andy B’s bowling center, but by the time I got back up to the road, there was enough daylight, that the neon had gone out.

This is where we spent Santa’s birthday this year. I had a lot of fun catching up with friends and seeing their kids and how much they have grown. I hope this will be an annual trip so we can meet up and catch up at least once a year.