We will be brave

Last weekend, Hipstamatic, my favorite camera app, offered up two lens and three film types for FREEEEE!!!! I gobbled them up and took some photos using the lens/film combos. What I didn't realize was the film came with verbiage sprayed at the bottom of the frame.

I took this shot of my brother who flew out from Mississsippi to visit over the weekend. This was taken right before my Pop picked up Vic to take him to the airport. I posted the picture to FB which then created a slew of comments as friends and family thought something was wrong since the verbiage read "We will be brave".

Thankfully, all is good in our household. Thank you dear brother for spending a long weekend with your big sis. I love you LOTS!!! And I miss you already.

That's What its all About!

We needed a little Christmas, right the very moment, before the days and the feeling slipped away. Every day since Thanksgiving we would talk about taking the ornaments out. Every day would pass without a single ornament or decoration making their appearance.

Christmas in the Eyes of a a Child

I began to fear that we would never get it started. But we did and it makes me so happy!

Not Exactly the Breakfast of Champions

Not exactly the breakfast of champions, but pretty darn good to the taste anyway!

Aunt Sally filled in for mom as she enjoys her R & R up north. She did a stand up job spoiling me with a hearty, scrumptious breakfast, even after a few falls that Aunt Sally endured while watching over me. It was nice to have some space between mom and me and it made me appreciate everything she does for me even more.

A Little Fun Time

Watching these two together warmed my heart. I don't know who was cuter...my auntie or my little princess. I would say, it was pretty close to a tie!

All Over It

I found this handy-dandy app that enables users to quickly and easily add text to photos. I love that I can decide the font, pt size, placement, kerning and leading, as well as, add graphics.  It's been fun playing around with it. Not only that, it takes me out of my comfort zone.

God had Other Plans

There was a time I doubted I would ever make it here again. God had other plans.

I'm so glad he did.

The Moments I Live For

She's the daughter of my Bestest and I love that there is a connection between my baby girl and her's.

These are the moments that I live for.

The Perfect End

It's rare to have her home at a night hour when I'm still awake on a Friday.

Spending the last hours of the day watching Captain Phillips together was the perfect end to a good day. The movie…two thumbs up!

Family

She's a good auntie…

He's stinking cute.

2013/272 I Have Hope

It's been too long since these two have spent any quality time together. Just six-weeks apart, for many years it was if they were brother and sister instead of cousins. Then time, distance, and life got in the way so when the doorbell rang last night and he stepped through the door, I wasn't sure where they would pick up.

From the moment she came down the stairs, the light-hearted banter began. The conversation made me laugh. Since he is the son of the sister I so dearly love, it's my heart desire that these two are as close as we are.

After last night, I have hope.

2013/24-27 Catching Up

I went up to my room on Thursday around 6:30pm intending to rest for an hour. I didn't get out of bed until 6:40am the next morning. Had it not been a work day, I likely would have stayed in bed even longer.

Friday, was spent with my head down busy with work. Just as the weather channel predicted, there were rain clouds and grey skies, but I wasn't going to let those things get me down. Not when Matt and family were going to be visiting for the weekend. They couldn't come soon enough.

It was a wonderful evening watching the little ones play and catching up with the kids.

The rain clouds continued Saturday morning and by early afternoon we decided to take the kids out to give them a change of scenery. Who knew that the Disney store could be such a wonderful diversion?

After a few hours at the mall, it was time for the kids to take a nap which was the perfect opportunity to take Ashley to my favorite coffee house, Dripp. Loved spending some one-on-one time with her.

After church and a nap this morning, Brie and I took a impromptu trip to Fashion Island. We didn't arrive until right after 5pm which was quite lovely. Being that it was late in the evening and rather cold there were few crowds. The best part was just spending some quality time with my baby girl.

What a wonderful weekend it was.

I Followed the Sun

Drove out to the desert today to visit Matt, Ashley and the grand babies. An added bonus was the sight of blue skies and sunshine.

While we couldn't stay as long as we would have liked because Brie had work, the time we spent there was as good as it gets.

It was so much fun, watching Maximus playing with his birthday presents.

Little Aurora had so much fun hanging out with her Auntie.

It felt good to hold her which was much easier than last time I saw her.

We enjoyed a good lunch at Red Robin.

Followed by a quick walk at The River enjoying the sun, taking some pictures and eating ice cream.

Before we knew it, it was time to leave. As we made our way to the freeway, Brie shared with me how much she enjoyed the day.

I knew exactly what she meant.

Like a Kid in a Candy Shop

I took Monday afternoon off, thinking we would be watching our Maximus. I decided to still take the afternoon, but instead Brie and I went back-to-school shopping.

She hit the jackpot.

I was proud of the fact that she had her own money from her first job.

I could not believe that we were shopping for college clothes! It was okay that my job was to sit and wait, but I was happy that she still asks for my opinion.

Of course, I stopped to take a few photos.

But most importantly was that we laughed, talked and just enjoyed our time together.

Giving Kisses

Got to see my little babies this weekend.

It was heaven.

It was so cute to see Maximus give his little sister some loving.

The plan was for me to take Maximus for a few days. He wasn't feeling 100%, but we were willing to take the chance, especially since he was happy and peppy while I was at Matt & Ash's.

The drive home was gorgeous.

Alas, Maximus wasn't feeling good the next morning which added to a bit of homesickness was too much for the little guy.

I ended up taking him back two days early which made us sad, but I knew he needed his mommy. On the plus side, it allowed my mom the chance to see Matt & Ash's new house and hold her great granddaughter.

Retrospect

It was a good day, from start to finish.

Made good time out the door.

The sky was extra beautiful.

I could see and feel the glory of God all around.

I wasn't even nervous about my pending doctor appointment and I finally drove up to this building that is always reflecting light for a close up.

And stopped on the way in to take a photo of the sight that greets me when I first walk into our office.

The view from my office gave me hope.

She looked bored so I had to stop to take her picture and then give her some loving.

A delish dinner after the doctor appointment.

And beautiful skies on the way home to end the evening.

God is good. All the time!

Instead of Following the Sun...

Twice I intended to head out with camera in hand and see what could inspire me. Instead I stayed home and baked cookies.

It was all worth it though, because it was time spent with her.

New Beginnings

The last few days have been filled with celebrations. Brie graduating from high school and Matt & Ashley adding to their little family. It's been fun, but exhausting.

This is the little guy unaware that his life is about to change (for the better).

More love to come.

Our Newest Arrival

We've been blessed to have a new batch of babies in the family. We were able to visit with this little lady on Friday.

Saturday

It was a wonderful day.

Enough said.