My continued joy :)

My sister has been an incredible blessing for me in MANY ways.  We are pretty much opposites.  She calls me the "feeler" of the family (she being the "non-feeler" of course).  She is the computer whiz, I being the computer dork.  She is classy and refined, I prefer a bling-a-licious style myself.  She calls me her country mouse, as she is my city mouse.  From sharing a room as young girls to sharing lots of giggles as adults reminiscing about being young girls sharing a room :) we've had loads of fun.  We are sisters and we love each other dearly.

One of the many blessings we share is our children.  Her two are VERY close in age to my younger two.  Andrew and Kaylee are best buds, Emily and Ashlyn.... well they are Emily and Ashlyn :D  Their personalities are very similar.  They both think they are the one that is right, lol!  It's pretty awesome to be able to swap kids and have cousins that close.  It a beautiful thing to see them grow up together and grow even closer with every passing year.

Since I have started my interest in photography, I have been blessed to capture my nieces for my sis.  She's very gracious to let me practice on her kids, teehee.  Either to grace the walls of her gorgeous home, or for their Christmas cards, we get to play several times a year.  It's kinda cool to see how things change every time.  They grow and I grow :)

My sis has a pic of each of them on her upstairs hallway that I took of each of them with my point-n-shoot (before the REAL camera, lol)!  I was looking at them over the holiday and was almost embarrassed knowing all the things I had done "wrong" or didn't know I was doing "wrong".  I stated something to that fact and she lovingly guffawed and reassured me that she absolutely loves those pictures.  Thank God for sisters!

While we visited for Thanksgiving, I got to take a moment and grab a few shots of her girls for this years Christmas card.  Here's wishing each of you a wonderful next couple of weeks and wonderful visits with family.  Cherish them, forever!

Artichoke hearts and a cute little pair of red shoes...

These two simple items may not drum up the word "hope" for you but for some, they are the pure essence of it.

My Friday's consist of several things.  Getting up at the crack of dawn, well, shortly there after  (this is a miracle for those that truly know me).  Getting two children dressed, fed, lunches made, books together, water bottles filled,  myself dressed, hopefully fed and out the door.  We are part of a home school group called "HEART Club", Home Educators Activities for Righteous Training.  It is full of wonderful women that love the Lord and allow Him to use them anyway He can.

HEART Club consists of multiple hours in which we have PE, two class hours and now an optional "outdoor" class, graciously offered by the place sponsoring us this year, Camp Peniel.  It's a wonderful Christian camp in a BEAUTIFUL location in the hill country.  It's farther away from home (meaning I have to rise and shine much earlier) but sooo worth it.  It was by God's design and purpose we had to change locations.  I complained inwardly at first, I mean let's be honest, who wants to get up that early?!?  But now.... NO complaints outta this momma!

One of the things that was introduced last year was a class for the moms :)  Normally we are in a room, either as the teacher or a helper.  Now during one of the class hours we get the chance to be edified and blessed.  This Friday was no exception.

It can get heavy sometimes.  We mom's carry many loads and  it's wonderful to have someone come along side you and offer aide.  This class is exactly that.  Individual women, same heart, sharing Jesus and carrying each others burdens.

This particular Friday was going to be a light-hearted time.  We played the "Un-game".  It's not a competition, just answering questions and learning about one another.  One of the ladies read her question and in thinking and hearing her response, I knew immediately I had to blog about this.  Her question read, "I know God loves me because_________________."  As she answered each woman around the circle was able to share as well.  One sweet friend mentioned something that I'm sure many of us have experienced but must continually be reminded of.

There was a time in this woman's life where things were so difficult that they couldn't afford groceries.  It's a hard place to be.  A very humbling place to be.  She loved artichoke hearts and spotted them on the grocery aisle shelf.  She was with her mother-in-law (who was lovingly purchasing groceries for them) when she stopped and made a profound statement.  "One day, my pantry will be full of those little jars."  We all know, when you can't buy milk, eggs and bread, you DON'T purchase luxury items like artichoke hearts.

The next day she came home to find a bag of groceries on the kitchen table.  Within the contents of that package, she discovered a jar of these delicacies.  She questioned her husband about the possibility of her mother-in-law having dropped them off.  He stated that someone from the church had brought the bag by and left it for them.  God gave her a glimpse of hope.  A moment in time where He reached down, put His arms around her and said, "I love you, and I care about you more than you know".  It's those moments when we realize that if He cares enough to give us a jar of artichoke hearts, why would He not care about the bigger things?

For some of us, it's artichoke hearts, for some it's the $5 you find at the bottom of an old purse.  For some, it's finding a pair of cute little red shoes that fit like a glove after searching and searching and not being able to find a single pair anywhere.  It's also when you find those cute little red shoes at a thrift store for only $2 and then remember that you have a credit at said store and they are yours... free of charge.

"If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Luke 11:13