That Ike, he's a mean guy!

I think I'm the last person in my town with a blog to post pictures from our weekend festival. Believe me, I have them! I will play catch up tomorrow.

For tonight I just want to send out a prayer request for all those affected by Ike. I was a bit bent out of shape because we have a good 1/2" (or more) of water covering our basement floor, plus at least that much in our "dry storage" area. We have a leak in our living room ceiling as well. You can hear it running like a nice little babbling brook in the basement. So I was a tad grumpy because I live in the midwest, not anywhere near a coast!

My wonderful Mama and Sister in law were here for the weekend. They returned home to Ohio this afternoon, just missing a killer Ike spin off, this is Ohio people! They had 3 to 4 hours of 55-70 mile an hour winds. Several people in Southwest Ohio and Kentucky were killed this afternoon due to falling trees. My mom said their town looks like a war zone. My sister in law's car was sitting in mom's driveway while they were out of town. It was covered in tree when they got home. The windshield is crushed and things are bent, totally not drivable. There are a million people without power in Ohio and Kentucky. Kentucky has been declared a in state of emergency. Mom is not expecting power for at least three days. Some reports I read said it could be a week. There are no working gas stations and no open restaurants or grocery stores at the moment. Hopefully these things will be open soon.

My little brother in special services has been on standby to go to Texas, but is now on standby to go to Chicago. The flooding in Illinois is pretty heavy.

So, I now feel really bad for whining about my little basement stream. I know there are a lot of Texas bloggers out there who haven't posted for a while and my prayers are with them and their families too!

My praise for today is very simple, we are all safe and sound. The chaos here kept Mom and Carly from leaving for a bit, keeping them from driving in the windstorm in Ohio. This is such a blessing! I'm also grateful for my power being on, because the thought of entertaining three kids with no power for several days does not sound fun! So all of you out there who can't read this, I hope you can feel the prayers headed your way! Love you!

62 years, random ramblings of a daughter...

Today would have been my Dad's 62nd birthday. He's been gone a little over 5 months. I tried to sit down and journal. I know that I will write something profound someday about he and I. for the last couple weeks I've felt something brewing and thought today would be the day. I took the boys, my tea, and my journal outside in the beautiful fall air and the warm sun. I took pictures of the boys. I wrote about the weather, the boys, and then tried to write about my dad. I mostly just rambled, I write memories that popped into my head, moments of weird connections, random thoughts. I thought I'd share something from my journal with you, but I'm not sure I wrote anything you'd understand other than "I miss him."

I sorted through memories of him climbing in bed beside me the night I had my first migraine and was terrified, the warmth of the red hot water bottle I used to use for ear aches, the way he took me out and bought me a recliner after my ectopic pregnancy because I could not sleep laying flat after the laparotomy, about how he stood up at my wedding as I turned around to leave to kiss me, about the hugs when I'd go home after I'd moved out of state. My Dad was not overly affectionate with me, but there were moments that stood out. I thought and I cried. I thought about how I'm not sending him pistachios or tootsie pops because I can't come up with any better ideas for his birthday. See....rambles, just rambles, memories of a man I miss. A Man I wish I could watch sitting on the back deck with my teenage boys talking football.

When I got the mail this afternoon there was of course a beautiful note from my mom and these pictures...

This is a picture of him at his 32nd birthday party. I bet he was fun to hang out with. I wish I could remember him at my age. It would be nice to sit down with him at thirty two and talk to him like a grown up, but after seeing this picture I'm not sure exactly how grown up he was!!

I made it through the day pretty well till Mike innocently mentioned that he needed to call his Dad tonight. I looked at him funny and asked why? He said just because he hadn't talked to him for a while. I started crying. I just felt like a 4 year old in my head saying "It's not fair!"

So my praise in all of this is that today was the day my dad was born. If he had not come into this world September 10, 1946, this blog and all of it's contributors would not be in existence and you would have to have found something else to do with your last 5 minutes! =)

Random thoughts and Praises...

As much as I love this girl, I loathe this instrument. Who decided 4th graders should play the recorders? Or maybe, who decided they should practice them at home? Why did they tell us it was only 4th grade and now in the 5th grade there is a random recorder performance? She says this is the last one, hallelujah!!! The pitch of this beauty rivals the pitch of little Finny's screech. Imagine the joy of both sounds at once...delightful, isn't it? Make you want to stop by for a cup of tea?
Now imagine the joy bursting through my soul when this child picked it up. The neighbors even came out laughing. they seemed thrilled that their children were past the recorder phase, imagine that!

On the subject of this child, he again cried when dropped off at preschool this morning. He tells me he had a great time, lots of fun. He also told me he will cry again on Thursday, sigh... According to a random expression of feelings at dinner tonight, "I hate school! I just really hate school! The toys are good, the teachers are good, the kids are good, it's not so bad. I just really hate it." Any parenting tips on this one??
I love that this one lets me follow him around with the camera and isn't hiding from me today! It's rare I get a willing participant for a photo shoot. It was a beautiful day for it!!

Ribbonless Praises...

Praises...

I learned so much from going to the photography critique. Just walking around as the judge talked about other's work, even before I asked her about my own was so rich. Once we got to mine I could have almost critiqued them myself! You may have noticed I've "fixed" the header picture. Critique was, great picture but it's flat, it needs to be bumped in contrast so that there are true blacks and almost whites, so that the eye is drawn to a focal point. Funny, one little tweak and it makes a huge difference. Her favorite of mine was the city street. She said there were two things separating it from being a great shot to an amazing shot. A little cropping to move the lamp post to a different place and if I had had just enough difference in angle (bent down more) to make the lamp post with the flag on it pop up above the building line. Now have you learned something? I also learned that maybe I should have entered more unique things. There were some incredibly gorgeous photographs, but the ones that one, would not have really been the ones I'd have picked, they were much more artsy. I think I would have had a better chance if I'd have entered this one I took of the Hobby Lobby Ceiling!

I didn't get one of the three ribbons, but that really wasn't my quest. Not to say that each time they pulled up a print my heart didn't beat so loudly I surely thought that the people around me must hear it! I'm not sure if this was excitement or fear of having to stand up and be recognized if I did get a ribbon! The judge turned out to be a woman I had just read a little about online the night before when looking for area classes. Hmmm...maybe that was a clue that I need lessons!

I spent sometime with my camera manual this afternoon and learned a few new tricks. It'll be a long time before I get all the way through that thing! I'm a visual learned. Manuals are almost torture for me!

My neighbors did not call DCFS when my boys shed all their clothes after getting them wet and instead of rushing them inside I just started taking pictures.

I have one baby who is continuing to listen to me. I asked Finn if he was ready to snuggle for nap, he shook his little head no while he played. I told him he had one more minute and then I walked out of the room. Sure enough that guy was climbing on my lap not two minutes later all ready for nap! I'm loving this...but I slightly afraid of how long it may or may not last!

My favorite moment of today... We slept in, all of us, so I guess my second favorite moment was waking up at 8 am and not hearing any noise. So, we didn't make it to church. I was slightly bummed about this, only because a friend was singing and I like hearing her. I figured if everyone was sleeping and it was one of the last Sundays before our Sunday morning commitments kick in for the year that we should take advantage of it. The kids finally got up and started rambling around, climbing in and out of our bed. Then the day really started when Lily and Dax started arguing. Dax went running to his room and laid on the floor under a blanket. Finn took off running out of our room. He rushed in beside Dax, laid down, and wrapped his arms around his neck. He laid there and hugged him until Dax stopped crying. He even put his two fingers together and put them in Dax's mouth, which is what he does when he's upset and can't find his binky. It was so sweet!

To keep me from getting a big head about the extreme listening and empathetic behavior of my youngest, he got really ticked off about something in his dinner and slapped the food bowl right out of my hand in a rage. Lets just say, this didn't make me a happy momma. It did make the Dog a happy dog, though.

7 minutes to spare...

At exactly 3:53 I climbed back in my van after dropping my entry's off at our local festival's art show.

I have to admit, I got all teary eyed. I completed this. It would have been more like me to have thought this was a great idea, stressed out, asked everyone I knew for their opinion, and then somehow sabotaged myself. There were a few close moments, but my patient husband made sure I didn't quit. It ended up requiring 2 trips in 24 hours to Hobby Lobby with all three kids and the man did not even waiver. (For your future reference, two stores within 15 minutes from my house have completely different pricing systems!) He hung wire, he drilled hangers, he cleaned glass. You've got no choice but to love a guy who works so hard to make sure you don't cause yourself to fail! My sweet friends who have listened to my endless insecurities and rambling, have continued to gently encourage me, (or print out last minute Hobby Lobby coupons!) thank you!

Mike hung each picture on the wall after it was framed and took a picture of the picture. I'm not exactly sure why he did this, but I thought it was cute and it made me feel like they were "real art".

Honestly, I don't care what any judges say, I dropped them off with 7 minutes to spare, so in my mind I won!

Rocketships, Sunsets, and Praises...

It's amazing what little boys can do with a toy kitchen! Logically, you'd think, cook! Maybe even use it as a tool bench or something creative like that, right? Not my guys! I walked into the family room this morning to find Ole Chef Tony and his kitchen looking like this...

Dax looks at me and says "Our wheels are stuck on our rocket ship and they have holes in them" Hmmm...so the kitchen has now become a "rocket ship?" I asked for a demonstration, and this is what they showed me...

Ingenious I say! You notice Finn's extreme agitation? That is cause he wanted to be captain.

That lasted for about three minutes followed by some sort of unexplained tantrum. Who took my sweet baby and brought me this toddler??



Praises...

Dax went to school Thursday even though he told us he would not on Wednesday night. As we walked down the stairs to his classroom he looked at me a with a puzzled look and said, "I told you, I'm not going to play at school today." I left him with a smile, a kiss, and an I love you. He fell to the floor crying saying he was not going to stay. Sigh...I thought it was all going so well!
I returned to a happy guy who seemed to have a good day, and so far, he's going back Tuesday.

A husband who picked up pictures for me tonight on his way home and then willingly took us all to Hobby Lobby and dinner, even stopping the vehicle to allow me to take some pictures along the way!

The sunset tonight! It was incredible!

Simple Grace. This morning started out with me all frazzled, yelling at my peeps. About 9:30 I sat down with my Chai Tea, my Bible, and Him. His grace and peace alone let me get off that couch with a softer, kinder attitude and continue the day with patience and joy.

My little Finn who hears me even when the others don't or tune me out. I asked Dax three times to go grab the new bag of Diapers. Next thing I know here comes Finn with the diapers and a smile. I asked Dax to pick up his trash and toss it in the trash. I hear the lid banging around and see Finn trying to throw it away. H is always tuned in. Lily argues everything, Dax pretends he's completely deaf. Does this mean, maybe, just maybe I have one that can not only hear my voice but even comprehend the words I say?? If this continues it would only be a bit of a miracle! I know, it's probably just a stage, but I'm grateful for it while it lasts!

Help!!

***Update*** First, thank you for your help! I think 8 comments was my record, although most of you, dear ones, are not first time commenters, with the exception of my darling husband who finally graced me with a comment. Someday I'm going to force you other lurkers out of hiding! =).

So, some of you asked about a theme. That would make it easier, wouldn't it? No...no theme. After prayerful consideration and I believe a direct quote from God that said, "Get over yourself, this is for My glory" I sent the order in for the Raindrop Reflections and Hidden Joys (names subject to change!) Bottom line, they are getting printed, this is simply an act of God in and of itself. Beyond this, they are being printed in sizes beyond 4x6, and I will venture to Hobby Lobby tonight and purchase frames (I'm trying not to choke!) Good thing frames are 50% off this week! I really have no quest to win, only to follow His direction against my own protests and fears. I think this will be a great learning experience!

If you're wondering why I chose those two, it's pretty simple. Last Friday when I realized this photography contest was happening the first and only shot that came to my mind was the rain picture. I thought the turn in date was last week so I called Mike at work to see if he thought I could get it printed in a few hours. He reminded me of the date and I knew I had a week to decide. This probably made things harder. When I prayed I was reminded of the one picture that made me want to enter in the first place and knew that was the one. (Not to mention it also got the most votes.) The Hidden Joy one has a story hidden in it and it felt like it needed to be printed sooner than the others. And now that you think I'm a completely crazy women (like you didn't before!) who's pictures "speak" to her, I'm going to go tend to my little guys!

I am asking all of my long lost friends and family to come out of the background and join those who already know how to use the "post a comment" button and help me!

If you are a regular around here or you know me in the real world, you know that I got a camera for Christmas that I haven't really put down much. This has allowed me to "play" almost like a little child! It's time for me to do something with this, or so my husband tells me. So I'm contemplating entering a local photography contest. Which leads me to my phobia, it has nothing to do with winning, because this is solely about actually making choices and printing something(s). Mmmhhmm, that's where you come in. Choices are hard for me! Mike, Lily, and I looked long and hard tonight and here are some of our favorites....

Tell me which three are your favorites??

Just a note, although the contest is local it will be judged most likely by photography professors. I'm not sure if my semester of high school photography will begin to hold up, but at least it's a baby step!

Best Buds Seeking Hidden Joy
Pollination

Raindrop Reflections

The names are slightly lame and are subject to change. I'll even take suggestions!

Thank you!!

**Celebrity Blog Visit**

If I didn't like Christian artist, Aaron Shust, before going to his concert, which I did, I would have really liked him after seeing him live. But now, I must say he has quickly become my favorite Christian artist! How? You ask...

Great question! After seeing Aaron in concert I decided to see if he had a blog. This is what good bloggers do, right? In fact, he does! So, like a good blogger I left a comment, because he absolutely deserved a big thank you for the amazing evening he played a big part in Sunday night.

Now, here is where I feel a little guilty. You know, my post about that concert, the one where I post his image without his permission and swipe his music off Youtube. Well, Mr. Shust popped on in to the Finding Joy blog. He spent a bit of time here and rather than filing some suit for Mommy music smuggling and lack of proper image concent he left a couple of comments!

So now, Aaron has just jumped off the stage and into my blogland community! I love when you realize that even the one at the center of the party is just a normal daddy type guy with a 2 year old and a baby on the way who take baths in hotel bathrooms even against his wife's advice. I am glad to welcome him to Christian Mommy blogland and share him with my huge following, you know my 18 regular readers!

Notice today, I'm linking you back to all his sites...but I'll probably keep swiping my videos off of youtube, because that's just one addiction I don't think I can break!!

Dax Goes To School!

Here he is in front of "the tree" finally he gets to pose in the first day of school spot! He needed to model the back pack...And well, since it took him three whole years of waiting to get the privilege of standing in the first day of school picture spot, Dax felt adequate picture taking time should be taken and he should maybe take some time to sport the shades...Dax is my middle child, I thought no emotions would well up as I drove out of that parking lot! But, alas, I was wrong! He ran into the gate with excitement oozing out of him and there was not even more than a half hearted wave back towards the mama as he was greeted by his buddy Max. No hugs, No kisses. Sniff Sniff

So what did Finn and I do for the two and half hours after I pulled myself together? Good question! I wasn't sure. With an age difference of 22 months between the boys, Finn has not really seen a lot of alone with mom time. We decided on the library ( you know, at 17 months he played an active part in this decision). I took my little puzzle virtuoso and spent 30 minutes doing about a dozen puzzles. He's got skills this boy!

We then moved on to bigger things...
And well, if all else fails, use your teeth! That seems to be Finn's life motto at the moment!

We picked up Dax and met up with his best buddy Max, his sister Maggie, and their Mama, Traci for a first day of school celebration lunch and ice cream fiesta at an outdoor place. It was only 150 ish degrees, but with the breeze and the ice cream it was enjoyable! Finn really got pleasure out of his cone. (yes, there is a cone under there somewhere!)

Here is the whole clan. If you look close you can even see Miss Traci's funny faced reflection in this one! I love how Finn is looking at her like she's a little nuts!

Our guys found some really cool digger doing something really cool! They decided they needed to get a better view so both of them laid down on the side walk to watch. Wonder what passers by on Main Street thought of these two checking out the action?

All I have to say is Mamas of little girls in the 2-4 age range you better watch out! These beautiful little boys might just be knocking on your door some day!

And if the team of Max & Dax can't get them on pure good looks alone, then they will win them over with their incredible sense of humor! Dax said his first day of school was "Really Really Good!!!" And for that I am grateful!!!

A Beautiful End to Summer

Concert Praises...

Last night after hearing it mentioned on our favorite radio station about a million times over the past weeks we decided to head out to their last free concert of the summer...

The boys loved it. They danced and giggled and even though it was way after bedtime when it was over it was so worth staying up late!

I loved being a part of a huge group of people sitting under the stars on an incredibly beautiful Sunday evening singing songs like this...
The crowd was rather big and to me there is something amazing that fills my heart when you get this many people singing "God Songs" as Dax would say.

One thing that was as amazing as the singing was the sky last night. It was one of those sunsets where you can't doubt that God is watching over you, smiling. The funny thing was I tried many many time to capture the beauty with my camera, I mean that seems to be my job lately, right?
Those are nice, but those do not even begin to capture it. It was amazing. The kind of sky that almost echoes with His voice, His Spirit. But, I couldn't get it! On Auto, my camera would not take the picture at all, on no flash, nothing, when I put it on manual I got what looked like a black screen. When I got home I bumped up the brightness full strength and this is what I have...

So, I'm wondering if you had to be there. If maybe this sky was so amazing that it was a bit top secret and you could only really see it's majesty if you were sitting in that field listening to Aaron Shust....hmm, top secret sunsets from God...interesting thought.After the concert ended and we were packing up to head home, they made the announcement that Aaron would be at the merchandise table signing autographs. Lily was pumped. Mike rolled his eyes. Dax and Finn just wondered if there was more food in it for them. Mike and Lily waited in line for 45 minutes. The boys and I watched them tear down the stage, which might just have been Dax's favorite part of the whole night! He insisted I take pictures...Once Mike and Lily made it to the front of the line, the CD's were gone, so Lily had Aaron sign her copy of his Bio.Dax joined them in line at the table. Here is a picture of Dax telling Aaron his name and giving him "five".

It had been a long night for everyone. We were towards the end of the line. I can only imagine how tedious signing auto graphs and posing for pictures must be! I'm sure if it's something you dream of but you don't really do it's seems all glamorous, but I bet if you do it all the time it would get old quick! Aaron looked a little tired but he was great with the kids and they were excited to meet him! (don't you love the belly hanging out here? It was late...he looked put together when me left the house!)

Overall it was an amazing night with my family. Sitting under the starts soaking up an amazing Holy Spirit, while listening to great music, singing, and snuggling my guys! I'd say it was all one big praise! Thank you, Lord!

And on that note, I will leave you with one of my favorite Aaron Shust songs...