totally random tuesday

How funny is this hat? And the fact that he looks like he is a cone head while wearing it? This makes me laugh. :)



Caroline wanted to be sure I snapped a photo of her showcasing her mad hula hoopin' skills for Uncle John. When I told her he wouldn't see it until we mailed him a real honest-to-goodness picture, she said, "well, that's fine. I can still go a lot longer than he can." Oh, sweet girl. I'm pretty sure he'll have some mad new skills to show you the next time we see him too.



Life can be so hard when you're four years old, can't it?



Sadly, it's getting dark by about 5pm these days. I still love that late afternoon light and the long shadows, even if I have to really hustle outside to capture its insane beauty just a few more times before the snow flies.





Sometimes I feel like I'm only standing at the edge of all that He has for me. Today I was reminded again that I am chosen. Loved. Cherished. Beautiful. Of sound mind. Marvelous. A daughter of the King. And not because of anything I've done but only because of who He is. Good stuff.

today

today I am...

loving the song "a thousand years" by christina perri.

baking cornbread for the stuffing i will make tomorrow. yum.

battling a sinus infection. i forgot how yucky this feels.

missing my brother.

looking forward to out-of-town company this weekend.

feeling hopeful that God will relieve the anxiety and worry for one of my kiddos.

feeling uninspired in the photo department.

grateful for my many blessings.

posting a photo with myself in it. yikes!! that never happens. but izzie snapped this photo and it's so me - my long hoodie, leggings, no make-up, kissing my babies. she did alright. ;)

mmmm....cookies.....

Fall and baking go hand-in-hand around here. Chocolate chip cookies with peanut butter chips AND milk chocolate chips? Yes, please. John Boy's chubby little hands trying to swipe cookie dough off my cookie sheet? Yes, please. The smell of fresh baked cookies floating through my house and cookie crumbs all over John Boy's face? Absolutely. Go bake yourself a batch with your favorite little person - you'll be so glad you did. :)

Do you see my little swiper in the background?! Love it.

leaning in

This is my favorite time of year. The crisp air, the changing colors and the anticipation of the holidays and family. I find myself picking up my camera daily - as a way to lean in to fall and to my family; into the season and into a deeper, more meaningful relationship with my heavenly Father.

Camera in hand, I am finding a peace and rest that I so long for and seek right now. Photography is such a journey and a process for me and, as the days go by, I'm am finding it to be so much more than that. I will be ever thankful for this passion and the ways in which it is transforming me.

"Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again." ~Joseph Campbell

He alone is my refuge

*All images SOOC.

psalm 91 (nlt)

1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.

9 If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”

Halloween

Let me start off by saying that Halloween is not my holiday. It just isn't. I don't get all the skeletons, gore and scary stuff. I don't dress up and costume parties are definitely not my thing. I can never think of anything funny or original. That being said, I had a blast last night with my kids. The weather was mild (blizzard of '91, anyone??), the kids were totally excited to trick-or-treat, and Jack was so much fun to have along this year. He waddled along behind the girls, wanting to ring doorbells and collect treats. He would smile his sheepish little smile and laugh and say "tee tee!" and the girls were so sweet with him and wanting to include him in all the fun. So adorable and definitely a Halloween I'll remember for years to come.