my love is a light

I look at these images...and listen to this song...and I can almost feel my heart bursting out of my chest.

I haven't been shooting much lately...but what I have been capturing is so me, and images I'm really proud to say are mine.

Quiet your heart
It’s just a dream
Go back to sleep

I’ll be right here
I’ll stay awake as long as you need me
To slay all the dragons
And keep out the monsters
I’m watching over you

My love is a light
Driving away all of your fear
So don’t be afraid
Remember I made a promise to keep you safe

You’ll have your own battles to fight
When you are older
You’ll find yourself frozen inside
But always remember

If you feel alone
Facing the giants
And you don’t know
What to do

My love is a light
Driving away all of your fear
So don’t be afraid
Remember I made a promise to keep you safe

Keep You Safe
JJ Heller

first day of school {2012}

Today, I put not just one of my precious girls on a bus, but two. They were ready to begin second grade and kindergarten, ready for routine, ready to see old friends and meet new ones. I am ready for the school year routine, ready for fall traditions and spending some one-on-one time with my boy.

I am not ready to say good-bye to my girls for the day. I'm not ready for alarm clocks and nagging morning rituals to make the bus on time. I am not ready to let them go. I miss them during the day and I know Jack will too. I miss not knowing the details of their days and the spontaneous leg hugs and snuggles throughout the day. I know this is part of growing up, letting go, training them up in the way they should go. I know that with each passing year I am preparing them to leave the nest, to fly on their own.

We are praying for and anticipating great years for both girls. I can't wait to see how they change and grow.

ten

Ten years ago today I got married. I took solemn vows before my family, my friends and my God.I vowed to love, to honor and to cherish. And to submit.

I vowed in sickness and health, for richer and for poorer, in good times and in bad. I really hadn’t the faintest idea about any of those things because neither of us had been sick, we weren’t richer or poorer and the “bad” times hadn’t really been too tough.

Three houses, a cross-country move and back, career changes, three children and ten years have taught me much about all of those things. I think if I were taking my marriage vows today I would take them a lot more seriously. We were so young and so in love that all of those things seemed impossible or part of a distant future.

It has not always been easy. We spent our twenties figuring out who were were as individuals and as part of a marriage, together. We made conscious choices along the way to grow up together, seeking the Lord and one another first. During the darkest months of my entire life, he held my hand, held me whole.

It hasn’t always been easy, but it has never been complicated. I know that if I look to my left, he will be there. Reassuring, encouraging, challenging and cheering me on all the way. He is the steady, earthly rock that keeps me anchored, makes me laugh and loves me well. More than I deserve.

Along with my children, he is surely the greatest blessing the Lord has given me in this life. Here's to the next ten, Mr. M.

Linked 52: Defeat

Our boy loves to mow.
Phase One.





Phase Two. Negotiations for street mowing begin.
He is two. He loves to push the limits and test his boundaries. Mowing in the street is not allowed.




Phase Three. Defeat.
Sorry, Pal. Rules is rules. (My mother, the English teacher, is going to love that last one.)



If you have some time, share some love with my friends who may be linking up this week.
Michelle, Heather, Jenn, Heather. Rhonda, Tracey, Stacey, Andrea, Jessica, Amanda, Sarah, Janet, Lesli, Carla, Lena, Rose, Naomi, Tracy, Heidi, Kristin, Veronica,Amy,
Liza, and Jean

if we were sharing a cup of coffee together...

I would be adding half-and-half and sugar.

I would still be in my jammie pants, hair in a ponytail. Glasses.

Sitting on my deck, taking in a beautiful morning.

Letting my kiddos watch Wild Kratts, silently praying that they will leave each other alone for just 10 more minutes. I am not really a morning person.

We may not really be talking much, just enjoying the quiet and the first part of the day together.

I would be thinking about how quickly things will change in just a few more weeks when I am putting TWO of my precious babies on the school bus for their first days of school. And how I'm not really sure how I feel about that yet.

I would be praying for our day, praying for you, praying for my kids, my sweet husband and my brother. Praying for the special soul that waits on him. Praying for guidance and clear direction and to be able to lay hold to all that He has for me.

And then I would step inside, step into my day as Mama and tickle the crazy outta this little love.

"Wanna have a staring contest?"

Linked 52: Water

This iPhone image was taken almost two weeks ago now but I've found myself coming back to it. Peaceful. Reminds me of a very happy weekend with my family.

Linkin' up again this week with some friends. Check 'em out.
Michelle, Heather, Jenn, Heather. Rhonda, Tracey, Stacey, Andrea, Jessica, Amanda, Sarah, Janet, Lesli, Carla, Lena, Rose, Naomi, Tracy, Heidi, Kristin, Veronica,Amy,