What can you do with an old hat and a stick found in the front yard.....make some pretty cute photos!!

She is all that and fabulous to boot!

Faith Growing

I've learned a lot in the last few months!  I've been as surprised as I've ever been by many things....in good ways and in bad ways.  One thing I've known to be true and have experienced first hand is this....God is always there.  He never surprises me, because if I really trust Him; I know His intentions are good.  I wish I was more faithful in so many circumstances that have occurred lately. I'll be honest, I've struggled; but He has brought me back to the place I need to be.  I've wanted to yell, and shake the truth out of people.  I've wanted to hug those hurting, and I've wanted to know WHY?  But I haven't.  I've whispered His name, and have felt the peace only He can provide.  I don't know how things will go, but I know that He will be in the middle.  My Bryna told me a story yesterday...There is a boy in her class at school who is scared of going to church. He told B that he went to a funeral at a church when he was little, and it scared him. Yesterday he overheard B and another classmate talking about church, and he shared this information then. Then an amazing thing happened. He began asking them about church and Jesus. B and the other classmate told him all about Jesus. He asked them how to pray and what to pray for. B said, "you can pray for/about anything, but you always need to remember to say thank you"! B said the boy then asked Jesus into his heart and asked for her and the other classmate to pray for him! AMEN! Kids are so amazing and honest in their faith. They don't put restrictions on God and His good! I hope to be like that when I grow up!  It's easy for me to see that I have a lot of growing to do in my faith.  Thank you God for never leaving me!

Mother's Day 2013

Mother's Day is one of the best days of the year!  I love being celebrated, pampered, loved on a little extra, fed good food, allowed the privilege of doing whatever I choose.  But mostly I love it, because of what it stands for....being mom to these wonderful blessings!  I can barely remember life before them, and I like it that way!!

Defeated

It's been a hard day.  Something happened yesterday that I thought would make me feel better, but it didn't.  I feel defeated, hurt and as betrayed as I can ever remember.  I have to claim defeat to a beast that cannot be tamed.  I am ready to give up, and that is what I will do.  Nothing will change, no matter what horrible things occur, so it is time to let them just happen and pray for the safety of all of those impacted.  I simply cannot protect anyone any longer!  I hope they keep fighting, but honestly I think it is in vain.  Nobody will listen...nobody cares....nobody gives a second thought to the dangers involved.  It's been a hard day.

Strength

I walked in, sat down, and became overwhelmed with sadness, got up and headed out, then....my sweet Bryna walked in.  I said, "What are you doing here?  I thought you were going to church with dad?"  She said, "He said I could come with you if you were staying."  I said, "I was just about to head home, but I will stay if you want to stay."  So we held hands and walked back to the pew.  A few minutes later, Bryna was shaking a miraca, dancing and singing along....as best she could, since the words were in Spanish.  I sat and wiped away tears and asked God to take away my sadness.  During worship, the singing, sermon, etc.; I still felt overwhelmed by sadness.  It wasn't until I went to take communion and Pastor Armando prayed over me that I felt it lifted and felt the strength that God provides.  When I returned to my seat, B-Nut leaned over and said...."Thank you for staying!"  I knew it was all God's doing....her coming in and asking me to stay....so that I would feel His strength.  I'm thankful that He sent her.

BRIDALS SNEAKY PEEK!

So this is the bride....I can't reveal too much yet....I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise!  And let me tell you when you see her, you will lose your breath and find yourself gasping at her beauty!  Believe me I know....I took the photos....and I find myself doing that as I look at each one.  I left her bridal session, as I do most all bridals, feeling very full and happy! One of the best things about being a photographer is the emotion and personal relationships you witness during the shoot.  Bridals are so special, because there is so much going on between mother and daughter.  Being a mother....of 4 girls....I see myself in those mothers.  The ones who fuss over their daughter's dress, hair, etc.  The ones who make sure they don't get their dress dirty, and that their necklace is facing the right way, the ones who have that one certain shot they really want me to capture, the ones who stand back and stare at their little girls with eyes shining full of love and joy.  It makes my heart so happy to see.... although it is behind the scenes...it's simply a wonderful experience.  I can't explain it.

Rescue

I have been suffering from paranoia lately....
I'll be so thankful when that feeling subsides.  I find myself whispering things like, "Nothing will take my joy!"  and simply "Jesus!"  And I feel Him right there, right then!  Thank YOU dear sweet Savior for rescuing me week by week, day by day, minute by minute!

WALKING IS BORING unless you walk with J!

Today I was walking....walking laps around the track.  That's one good thing about being unemployed....I have time to exercise  aka walk!  I don't really enjoy walking around the track alone, because it's boring.  But still I walk.  I was walking along at a fast steady pace, and I could hear someone coming up beside me in the "running" lane.  As he approached, I could hear him talking in a loud whisper.  At first I thought he might be talking to someone, but as he passed; I knew he wasn't.  Well that's not completely true...he was talking to someone...he was talking to himself.  I do it ALL THE TIME!  When he ran past me whispering, I immediately understood.  I recognized this young man from church (we will call him J), and I knew that he had autism.  I also knew that he was doing something my boy does all the time....talking himself into or out of something.  Cal has learned to cope with many things by talking himself through it.  Each time J ran by, I could hear him whispering.  And then the best thing happened....the thing that made my boring walking the greatest part of my day.  I was approaching the area where you get off the track if you need to rest or are finished.  As I approached that area, I saw some folks sitting down taking a break; and I could hear J coming up on my left side....talking to himself.  As he got closer to me, his talking got more enthusiastic.  Then....he passed me and as he approached the exit area of the track, he threw his arms in the air and began pumping his fists in victory.  The folks who were taking a break began to applaud for him, and J never stopped running....he ran down off the track and down the stairs.  I would imagine he ran all the way to his car, and me....I grinned from ear to ear; and I felt joy in my heart for J!

I did an impromptu photo shoot yesterday with my kids in the bluebonnets for advertising.  At one point, I asked Addi to take a picture of me and Cal.  She was able to capture this image, and I ADORE IT!   I adore the emotion she captured.....it's real and pure and the feeling of joy in our hearts!  

Confirmation for Drew!

Confirmation Sunday!

efinition of CONFIRMATION

1

: an act or process of confirming: as

a (1) : a Christian rite conferring the gift of the Holy Spirit and among Protestants full church membership (2) : a ceremony especially of Reform Judaism confirming youths in their faith

 Drew's confirmation mentor Ms. Dawn!

Confirmation Sunday for my smack dab in the middle child....Drew Michelle Payne!  

She made the decision to join the church and build her relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Two of her closest friends who were confirmed as well.

 We are proud of our girl and her faith!  She is an amazing witness to those around her.  

 Pastor Cindy saying the blessing over Drew.

 Our youth pastor Jenny....who led Drew through confirmation!

Our children's pastor Nathan who has taught Drew so much about Jesus!

Light It Up Blue!!

It's Light It Up Blue Day today.....the day for autism awareness.  For our family, every day is a day for autism awareness; but we use today to help make others aware.  We want to make them aware of the struggles, the cost, the hurt, but also of the blessings and the things that make us so grateful.  For the last many years, Addi has done a fundraiser for Autism Speaks in honor of Callahan.  Above is her video for this year's fundraiser....A Walkathon....which we will hold on May 11th!!  We would love for you to join us and walk, or if you would just like to make a donation online; that would be much appreciated.  You can click the link http://events.autismspeaks.org/tributes/callahan to get to the donation page!  Thank you for all of your support and love!  We are blessed!!  Make sure you scroll down and mute the blog music to hear the video music!