Rock the Shot Photo Contest

Rock the Shot is having a photo contest this month. The criteria was to have one or more children and some aspect of fall in the photo. If you get the chance, check out the other entries. They are all so gorgeous!

I entered this one simply because I love it so much. I wanted so bad to have a picture of Henry in a pumpkin this year since he was small enough and I love how he was so curious, looking and touching at the different shaped pumpkins and squash. We really had fun that day and twenty years from now, I'm going to be able to look at this photo and remember that.

As usual I used Lightroom to edit this and really, I just slightly cropped, desaturated a bit and bumped up the exposure.

If you're a photographer and would like to enter, the link is www.rocktheshotforum.com.

Wish me luck!

Three Months Deep

I'm three months deep into being a mommy. I love it. Every minute of it.

I love knowing his cries. I love knowing exactly how to cuddle him when he's tired so he'll go straight to sleep. I love that he knows me over strangers and even prefers me. I love planning for his future and in case you haven't noticed, I love photographing his life.

I'm blessed to be home with him all through the week and although I wish I didn't have to work at all, I know I have it better than the majority of people. I am in constant prayer of thankfulness and praise. Five years ago I never would have imagined that my life would be so full of joy and love. Everyday I have the pleasure of sharing my life and heart with two amazing guys.

Now if we can just add a little girl...

This is Our New Name

'Forgiven, beloved, hidden in Christ, made in the image of the Giver of life, righteous and holy, reborn and remade, accepted and worthy - this is our new name.'

Think of this and be blessed because we are not ONE of these things but ALL of these things.

We are children of a KING, princes and princesses with promises of riches beyond measure.

Rejoice and be glad! The joys of this life are just a snapshot of what is yet to come.

Jesus Freak

I love finding sites that sell based faith apparel. This is one of my favorites: http://www.songear.com

I especially love their long sleeved tee that says 'My love story is purely written by God'. So true! If you are Christian and are looking for faith-based apparel, go check them out. I guarantee you'll find something you love!

From This End

Having a baby can be exhausting. It can be frustrating and tedious and sometimes heart-breaking. But it is also exciting. It is an adventure and most of all, it is rewarding.

If you happen across a stubborn baby like mine, you will find feeding times that take twice as long. (Half hour to eat...half hour to pump.) You will find that blankets and pacifiers find their way into every corner of every room and nap time takes place when it's least convenient.

In the middle of the mess, you will find a happy little boy with one little tooth who is already so spoiled, he won't let his momma out of his sight. You will find coos and laughter that can brighten even the darkest of days and enough love to last a lifetime.

With every day there is something new; new faces and laughter, new joy and excitement. Little milestones are reached and new ones are set. Life takes a brand new meaning and with it, a life-long job of loving, teaching, encouraging and protecting a piece of your heart as it makes a life of it's own.

Another Year Wiser

Tomorrow I turn 24. Quite the accomplishment, don't you think?

It's been quite the year. So many changes. Big changes. I am so thankful for them though.

It has been the scariest year health wise of my life. Cat-scans and ultrasounds, itching and then just not progressing. Pneumonia and surgery. But God brought me through it all. I am healthy again and so is my baby. It's all because of Him.

I have a wonderful life, full of love and promise. I am blessed with a husband who is caring and understanding, a baby that is healthy and growing and a family that I can count on. I have a seat waiting on me at the King's table and a robe of white so soft and warm. I really, truly could not ask for more.

You Are Beautiful My Sweet, Sweet Song

My husband has a friend that's about knee deep in the Christian music world. He used to be in his own band, The Dizmas, who made it pretty well on the west coast but after all the guys got a bit older, they split and went their separate ways. On good terms and for good reasons, of course. He's a drummer.

He played for Superchick for a while and then Beneath the Golden the State. Both times we were blessed enough to receive a call from him while he was in the area, offering us a free concert. We're always more than happy to oblige.

Wednesday night he called and asked us if we'd like to see Third Day the next night. Of course I was all over it and knowing that Tenth Avenue North was playing with them made me even more excited to go. He's now working with Third Day, although he's not in the band but instead working in their headquarters in Nashville.

Honestly, I needed a little bit of time out with Jeremy just to enjoy myself. I haven't been separated from Henry except to work since he was born. I struggle with guilt when I am apart from him. I feel like a mother should be home with their child as much as possible and leaving him to go have fun is hard for me to do, even if it's okay from time to time.

We had a great time really. I always enjoy Christian concerts. Not only do you enjoy the music but there's always a sweet spirit, a moving when the room around you cheers and rejoices in knowing that our Father is King. When the music stops playing and the voices come together in soft worship, you can feel the presence of God as if He's standing beside you. I feel blessed to be included in such amazing grace. God is so good, so loving. It was the very least I could do when I dedicated my life to Him.