Image by Laura Ketteman

Image by Laura Ketteman

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

What's UP?!!!

I'm still here.  I still dwell among the living.

So, what have I been up to?  LIVING!  That's pretty much what we do around here.  We take one day at a time, getting through the trials and triumphs of a day, and then we move on to the next.  Isn't that what any mommy does?

I suppose my days should seem "less" chaotic since my kiddos are in school during the day, but it hasn't really seemed to work out that way.  Just keeping up with their calendars and helping out three time a week in their classes and making sure homework is complete, chores are done, tummies are filled, and bodies are cleaned and well rested before we start the next day... Well, that's pretty much my life.  I'd love to tell you that I have it all under control and that I run this system smoothly and effortlessly.  Yeah, that's not so much the case.  But we do our best... and who cares if most of us need to run downstairs to our laundry room to find clean clothes?!

In the midst of the craziness we call life, I love it when God gives me a little poke on the shoulder and reminds me to slow down... to enjoy Him... and to remember who created me and why.... that His grace is sufficient .. and my acceptance can only be found in Him.  That's easy to put on the back burner now and again, way more often than I'd like to admit.

It's no secret that this time of year is a favorite for many.  Snapshots can be found all over Facebook and Instagram, of colorful leaves and beautiful landscapes.  Here have been a few of my own... just iphone snapshots.  Nothing can really portray the beauty in the reality of it.  It's only a glimpse... that my God is SO BIG ("so strong and so mighty!  There's nothing my God cannot do!"  Sing it with me now!)  :)






Monday, July 30, 2012

My BFF. :)

I was SO excited to see these shots of my best friend and her gorgeous family when she posted them on Facebook.  

Technology is double-edged sword sometimes.  While I'm SO thankful that we're able to keep in touch so conveniently with it, it also makes it excruciatingly painful to be "SO" close, and yet so far away to ones you love.  These sweet kids are growing right before my eyes, and I miss them all immensely!  Can't wait to see them all again.

ANYWAY...

Isn't it so handy to have photographer friends?  :)  She was visiting her sister in Germany, who happens to have this great photographer friend, so I guess they decided to take advantage!  (Tara Hayes Photography, if you ever happen to be in Germany, and want to schedule a session!  HA!)  I made sure to get permission to post them... so, for any of my own friends who would like to see (actually, for my mom, since she isn't on Facebook), here are the previews that were posted.  ENJOY!  :)























Sunday, July 29, 2012

For My Mommy

My mom has had a rough week.  Really rough.

My brothers and sisters and I get together every couple of months, just the five of us, to have dinner and hang out.  We have fun visiting and laughing and chatting about our childhood.  :)  Well, of course, I usually sneak a couple of pics, but this time I decided to make a "for real" effort to give my mom something to make her smile.  I think it might do the trick.  :)

Love you, Mom!  Hope you enjoy looking at your kiddos' faces!



Sunday, July 15, 2012

First Birthday

I truly don't have words for the fun that we had yesterday.  :)  ... or to describe the overwhelming love I have for this sweet, sweet family.  Yeah, yeah... they happen to actually BE my family, but sincerely, I adore them.  Just take a look, and you'll see why.  :)























Saturday, July 7, 2012

Breite Wedding, #4

I love candids... unposed... all natural.  LOVE them.  I pulled a few to post today, of the receiving line (as well as some other random choices).  I hope you all enjoy them!

















My photo
ilLaurastrations Photography began in Spring of 2009.