July 18, 2012

iLife

Here's a look into my life from last week. Truth be told, I'm obsessed with instagram. I know, I know, I'm late to jump on the bandwagon. But, I've jumped alright. I've leaped. I'm like a kid bouncing on a trampoline while also on a pogo stick (do you think that's possible?).  I sometimes go slightly overboard with taking photos with my camera; but now, I go way overboard taking photos on my iphone. Oh boy...  It's just so much fun to document life and have instant editing options. Besides that, it's much more discrete (and lighter) than carrying my big SLR camera and snapping away. Love it! 

Anyways, these are a week old (I've got a whole new batch, don't you worry). I'm pretty sure people that follow me both on my blog and on instagram may wonder, "when does this girl ever work?" All she does is play, craft, take pictures, cook, etc. Well my friendly followers, I promise I work full time every week and I promise I have lots other happenings in my life that I don't publicize. I'll have to do a post on a typical schedule, as I often receive questions about a RN's schedule. Taking photos helps me open my eyes and see the every day beauty around me in a different way. On my drive to work or while I'm running errands, or on a walk, or making dinner, I see things and think, "hmmm, that would make a nice picture. That sure is pretty." Then I snap a pic and look back on it later and am reminded of that moment or that view, etc. 

 

 I have been very busy with visitors! Friends, family, you name it! I have so enjoyed showing friends the city of Portland as well as our home. Not to mention catching up! This gal in the owl hat (Lynsey) has spent the last year in Myanmar. I could not have been more excited to see her and hear how her last year has been.

Happy Wednesday! 

I love seeing other's "everyday beauty" as well! 
My instagram name is jennagracer. 


July 16, 2012

1st Anniversary! You're the bees knees babe...

Get ready for an overwhelming number of photos... 

That's right, today is our 1st wedding anniversary!

Happy anniversary love! Though we are states apart and unable to celebrate together (sad face), I can still share that this has been the most loving, wonderful, beautiful, fun, and amazing year, and I'm pretty sure it only gets better...
  

via

 The number of nicknames I have for this guy is ridiculous... maybe someday I'll share some :)
Okay, I might have gone a little overboard on the pics.... 
Love you babe. Can't wait to celebrate when you get back!

July 12, 2012

overflows my heart


The power of God's living Word sometimes overwhelms me with emotion and deephearted thankfulness. It's difficult to put into words, but I am brought to tears (happy tears) at the thought of this life and what is to come in eternity. I am brought to tears when I am reminded of God's provision for mine and Andrew's life. The bounding love and blessings He has given us brings me ever closer because I know we are not deserving of anything. Yet He gives. He floods. He overflows my heart. Even in 'difficult' times, He comforts, He provides, and He draws me near. 

My line of work makes me realize all the more how truly blessed we are. Yet I still complain. I still feel like we don't have or do enough. How selfish I often am! Yet still, He loves me. Still he provides... I am challenged to be less selfish and more selfless and be guided by my heavenly father's loving example.

I rejoice. 
____________
You make known to me the path of life; 
in your presence there is fullness of joy; 
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
... 
Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices. 
Psalm 16:9&11
______________


PS- Happy Birthday to my dear friend, Sam! Love you! 

July 11, 2012

Baby Blake | Newborn

Welcome to the world sweet baby Blake! 
I enjoyed photographing this little guy and catching up with his Mama, Shaunna (you may remember her from the maternity shoot). He's such a cutie! With a daddy who loves to hunt, this little guy doesn't have much choice but to love it as well when he gets older. I can just see Blake running around in his boots and cammo trying to be like Daddy. He's truly precious and it was so much fun getting to photograph him! 



Baby Jackson | Newborn

Meet baby Jackson! He graced this world with his presence (very quickly might I add) just a couple short weeks ago. What a JOY he is already. Photographing him was a bit of an experiment, and a fun one at that. With nearly every blanket pooped or peed on, we had our fair share of laughs! This new mama and daddy couldn't be happier, more proud parents. Their extreme love for this little one is simply amazing. Congrats Heather & Colin!