Frame A Day Project

Beginning in January, I started a project called frame a day.  Basically you take one picture a day to document your life over the course of the year.  I use an app on my phone to take and store the pictures.  January and February I did alright, but didn't manage to remember to take a picture everyday.  In March, I accomplished the task and have a picture for everyday of the month, but I wasn't sure how to get them off my phone. 

So, finally this morning I played around with a couple of different apps on my phone and discovered how I can put the pictures in frames, add text, and transfer them from my phone to the computer.

Here is Last Week

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.  And be thankful."

Colossians 3:15

What Happens When....

Your older brother leaves the scissors he used for his class project out.....

and your mom is occupied with laundry?

You start the day looking like this

And end the day looking like this.

"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.  He cares for those who trust in him.

Nahum 1:7

Just so we can remember

This is what he looked like before our trip to the barber shop!

You Are My Joy

Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.

I say to the Lord, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing."

I say of the holy people who are in the land, "They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight."

Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.  I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods or take up their names on my lips.

Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.

I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.

I keep my eyes always on the Lord.  With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,

because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.

You make known to me the path of life; you fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 16

http://youtu.be/19al5jG-_pc

Kate singing twinkle twinkle little star

Daddy's Helper

This past weekend, Brett was working on finishing up a project in our mud room.  Having a large family means we have lots of shoes, book bags, and coats that all need a proper home.

In our house, working on projects also means having lots of little helpers to work along side of you.

Brett understands the importance of spending time with our kids.  Even when we have work to get accomplished, he is patient with them, allowing them to explore and learn by working beside him.

After all, it doesn't really matter what we are doing as long as our children feel valued and loved.

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Ephesians 2:10



Celebrate Good Times

After an usually full day of activities, we finally got to celebrate Jake's birthday last night.

Unfortunately, we were minus one party goer!  Caroline was already asleep by the time our party began.

We are almost getting to the age where all the candles don't fit on the cake anymore!

Make a wish!

Almost...one candle left burning.

God, Thank you for the opportunity to celebrate another year and to look forward to the many new opportunities Jake will encounter this year.  May we always remember that he is your son first.  We ask for your wisdom in raising him this year and when we encounter tough situations that we will turn to you first rather than making unwise decisions.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

James 1:5

Happy Birthday Jake

Fourteen years ago today, Dad, I and Nana were anxiously awaiting your arrival at Prince William Hospital in Manassas, Virginia.  We wondered who you would look like and what being a parent would be like.  Your arrival at 7:20 pm during Wheel of Fortune changed our life.  Being the first grandchild on either side of the family and the first nephew meant the entire family was smitten with you from the moment of your birth.

You have been animated, determined, full of spirit, strong-willed, smart, eager, and sensitive from the get go.  You are a typical first born.

It is hard to believe that you can be 14 years old already.  Your are ready to enter high school next year and looking forward to playing football.

You are definitely your "father's son."  You want his approval above anyone else.  My prayer for you this year is that you will be strong and courageous in your character and actions.  That you would be generous with your time and talents and willing to share.  That you would show humility toward others.  That you will experience contentment in every situation and that your life would overflow with thankfulness.  Most importantly, I pray that you would ask and seek wisdom from God; that you would commit all your decisions to prayer; and that you would be bold in your passion for God.

Happy 14th Birthday Jake

We love you!

"May integrity and uprightness protect me,

because my hope, Lord, is in you."

Psalm 25:21

Two for Tea

Here the girls are getting ready for an afternoon tea party.

I hope that these two girls will grow up to be great friends.  There is nothing better than the bond of sisters.  Sure there will be bumps along the road as they grow into beautiful teenagers and young woman, but no one understands you better than your sisters.

"Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice."

Proverbs 27:9

Our Younger Years

Last night, my sister-in-law emailed us some pictures of our family taken over 10 years ago.  I can't believe how "young" we were!  It was a fun trip down memory lane remembering what is was like to be a family of 4.



"If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment."

Job 36:11

Is It Summer Yet?

With the recent time change and the warm weather, yesterday it was over 80 degrees in Georgia, it is hard to bring the kids inside after dinner.

Caroline is enjoying the freedom of wandering around outside and discovering everything for the first time!

Looks like this will be another summer of following behind a toddler.

Kate is busy picking every flower off the bushes and making collections.

and demanding in "Kate fashion" to go higher on the swing.

Andrew is pretty much into everything!  He is as hands-on and curious as they come.

He flies up and down the driveway on his very loved big wheel.

Matt has stepped into his new role....baseball player.

Emily has learned to cartwheel.

Jake and Nick enjoy pick-up games of baseball and basketball with their neighborhood friends.

"Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

Colossians 3:12-14