Katey, Kyle, Titus + sweet baby girl bump | Maternity

This lovely couple is expecting an adored little girl next month. Katey and Kyle, and now their dog, Titus, (especially Katey) love Portland's Salt & Straw Ice Cream. We changed our photoshoot location last minute to make this fun outing happen. And, fun it was. I think you can tell from these photos how much these two adore each other and this darling baby. Such a joy to photograph them and I seriously cannot wait to meet this sweet little girl.

Our friend, McKenzie, was right along side as an amazing assistant. Goodness, I love that girl. So thankful she was a part of this photoshoot and was such a huge help.

 

 

Baby Reid

Here are some sweet little captured faces of 3-day old Baby Reid (my nephew). While mommy (my big sis) took a little shower break, I stole this little guy for a very quick mini photoshoot. I'm in love with his funny expressions and hand motions. So precious. Love you darling baby. 

((From a few weeks ago))

Wildflower Weeds

She bought a bag of wildflower seeds. 

How lovely would that be, thought she?

In the back yard mini plot,

it was the perfect spot.

The timing was just right,

 and the day bright.

Much thought and preparation had been done;

A long journey, she just had begun.

The seeds were planted with care.

Every which way, seeds here and seeds there.

She watered each day;

she yelped for joy when the sun shone a ray.

Green sprouted and grew,

This was it! She just knew.

It felt right, it looked right.

The path was still light. 

Weeks passed by. There were storms and rainy days.

But all with a purpose. The rains helped in many ways. 

Good signs and more growth but no flowers for this lady.

Why oh why she wondered, just weeds and not one daisy. 

Another month passed,
The time was going by so fast.

The skies were dark, the sun hid.

Many rains fell and the garden undid.
Many tears and pouted faces,
Her husband saddened, and embraces.

She raked out the weeds and tended the soil. 

She mourned and rested.
Her hard work felt wasted.

But this is life;
The coming and going;
The living and dying.
All in God's hands she knows,
In his perfect timing, He will give a rose.

With new soil and open arms, she's done her part.

Here lies her longing heart...

_________

This poem has far greater meaning that I'll some day share about. For now, this is my story. 

little weekend joys - iLife

An entire Friday and Saturday off without plans? Perfect! I filled it with family time and sun... too much sun as you can see from my silly sunburn. So thankful to be living near family during this time in our lives. Andrew was accepted into schools across the country that were his top choices. But, in the end, we chose to stay near home and enjoy this time with family while we have it. Knowing that we'll be away for at least 7 years following Andrew's schooling (with the Air Force), we both decided to take advantage of being near. I'm so thankful. And, his school has turned out to be the perfect program for him. 

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11

***

 Photos from the Portland Rose Festival (supporting Andrew's cousin, Jonathan, & his marching band) & a great day with little Isaac.

Growing

 Much is growing here. In many ways. The plants are sprouting up like crazy; the tomatoes are getting close (much further along than in this photo from a week ago). Andrew takes his Step 1 licensing board exam this coming weekend and then transitions into solely the clinical setting for the next 2 years. My mental list is growing with all of the things I want to accomplish this summer. Yet, everything is just the same. Our house is still not fully unpacked and settled, there are still always loads of laundry to do, weeds to pull, walks to be had, little Isaac to spend time with,  friends to grab coffee with... Life.

The squirrels still love my bird feeder more than any birds do. I still love what I do at work, yet get worn out and tired at the same time. I have yet to finish looming DIY projects... but things are growing. Life continues. Rolling with it...loving it.

A month of prayer

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 

Proverbs 31:12

Marriage to God's chosen husband is quite possibly one of the greatest gifts. I am called to be a loving wife, an affirming partner, a best friend, a prayer warrior. For this month, I am committing to focused prayer for my husband. Each day- a different prayer. Each day, intentional time set apart in prayer only for him. 

I found this example of a month full of prayers for your husband. I might use this as a starting point. Join along if you like! I challenge you to pray for your husband, your fiance, significant other, a certain friend... Prayer is powerful. 

(( 31 days found at http://www.truewoman.com/?id=366))

Day 1
Pray that your husband will grow spiritually and consider his accountability before the Lord. Pray that he will guard his heart by developing spiritual disciplines—Bible reading and study, prayer, meditation, scripture memorization, etc. (2 Peter 3:18; Prov. 4:23)

Day 2
Pray that your husband’s relationship with God and His Word will bear fruit in his life. Pray that he will be a man of wisdom and understanding, fearing the Lord. (Prov. 3:7, 9:10; Ps. 112:1)

Day 3
Pray that your husband will be humble and quick to agree with God about his sin. Pray that his heart will be tender toward the voice of the Lord. (Ps. 51:2-4; Micah 6:8)

Day 4
Pray that your husband will grow in leadership skills in your relationship—protecting and providing for you. Pray that he will lead you wisely and love you sacrificially, so that God will be glorified in your marriage. (Eph. 5:25-29; Col. 3:19)

Day 5
Pray that your husband will be faithful to his wedding vows. Pray that he will have a desire to cultivate your relationship as a sign of his loyalty and commitment to you, and as a picture of Christ’s love for the Church. (Prov. 20:6; Gen. 2:24)

Day 6
Pray that your husband will love righteousness and hate wickedness, especially the evils of the culture. Pray that he will recognize and avoid wickedness in his own life, and if necessary, take a clear, strong stand against evil. (Prov. 27:12; John 17:15; 1 Cor. 10:12-13)

Day 7
Pray that your husband will safeguard his heart against inappropriate relationships with the opposite sex. Pray that his heart will be pure and undivided in his commitment to you. (Prov. 6:23-24, 26; Rom. 13:14)

Day 8
Pray that your husband will work hard to provide for your family, to the best of his ability. Pray that the character qualities necessary for a successful career and ministry will be a growing part of his character—persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational skills, positive relationships with people, determination, etc. (Rom. 12:11; 1 Cor. 15:58)

Day 9
Pray that your husband handle finances wisely, will have discernment concerning budgeting and investments, and will be a good steward of his money in regard to giving to the Lord’s work. Pray that money will not become a source of discord in your family. (Prov. 23:4-5; Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:5)

Day 10
Pray that your husband will cultivate strong integrity, and not compromise his convictions. Pray that his testimony will be genuine, that he will be honest in his business dealings, and will never do anything that he needs to hide from others. (Prov. 20:7; 1 Tim. 1:5, 3:7; Eph. 6:10-12)

Day 11
Pray that your husband will have a humble, teachable spirit and a servant’s heart before the Lord. Pray that he will listen to God and desire to do His will. (Prov. 15:33; Eph. 6:6)

Day 12
Pray that your husband will yield his sexual drive to the Lord and practice self control. Pray that your sexual intimacy together will be fresh, positive, and a reflection of selfless love. (Prov. 5:15, 18; 1 Cor. 7:3; Song of Solomon 7:10)

Day 13
Pray that your husband use practical skills to build your family and make wise decisions for your welfare. Pray that he will serve unselfishly. (Gal. 5:13; Phil. 2:3-4)

Day 14
Pray that your husband will speak words that build you and your family, and reflect a heart of love. Pray that he will not use filthy language. (Prov. 18:21; Eph. 4:29)

Day 15
Pray that your husband will choose his friends wisely. Pray that God will bring him men who will encourage his accountability before God, and will not lead him into sin. (Prov. 13:20; Prov. 27:17)

Day 16
Pray that your husband will choose healthy, God-honoring activities. Pray that he will not live in bondage to any questionable habits or hobbies, but that he will experience freedom in holiness as he yields to the Spirit’s control. (1 Cor. 6:12, 10:31; 2 Tim. 2:4)

Day 17
Pray that your husband will enjoy his manliness as he patterns his life after Christ and strong men in the faith. Pray for his physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual strength. (Eph. 3:16; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 Cor. 10:11)

Day 18
Pray that your husband will have an eternal perspective—living in light of eternity. Pray that he will reject materialism and temporal values and put God first in his life. (Matt. 6:33; Deut. 6:5; Eph. 5:16; Ps. 90:12)

Day 19
Pray that your husband will be patient and a man of peace. Pray that he will not give in to anger, but will allow the Holy Spirit to control his responses. (Rom. 14:19; Ps. 34:14)

Day 20
Pray that your husband will yield his mind and thoughts to the Lord. Pray that he will not entertain immoral or impure thoughts, and that he will resist the temptation to indulge in pornography. (Prov. 27:12; 2 Cor. 10:5)

Day 21
Pray that your husband will learn how to relax in the Lord and, in his greatest times of stress, find joy and peace in his relationship with God. Pray that he will submit his schedule to the Lord. (Neh. 8:10; Prov. 17:22; Ps. 16:11)

Day 22
Pray that your husband will practice forgiveness in your relationship and with others. Pray that he will recognize any roots of bitterness, and yield any resentment and unforgiving attitudes to the Lord. (Eph. 4:32; Heb. 12:15)

Day 23
Pray that your husband will be a good father—disciplining his children wisely and loving them unconditionally. If he is not a father, pray that he will find a young man to mentor in the things of the Lord. (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21; 2 Tim. 2:1-2)

Day 24
Pray that your husband will have a balanced life—that he will balance work and play. Pray that he will fear God, but also gain favor with people he knows at work and church. (Luke 2:52; Prov. 13:15)

Day 25
Pray that your husband will be courageous in his stand against evil and injustice, and that he will stand for the truth. Pray that he will protect you and your family from Satan’s attacks. (Ps. 31:24; Eph. 6:13; Ps. 27:14)

Day 26
Pray that your husband will discover and live his God-given purpose. Pray that he will offer all his dreams to the Lord, and pursue only those goals that will bring God glory and count for eternity. (Jer. 29:11; 1 Cor. 10:31)

Day 27
Pray that your husband will understand the importance of taking care of his body—the temple of the Holy Spirit—for the glory of God. Pray that he will practice self-control by making wise food choices, and get sufficient exercise to stay healthy. (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 6:19-20, 9:27)

Day 28
Pray that your husband will be a man of prayer. Pray that he will seek and pursue God in purposeful quiet times. (1 Thess. 5:17; Luke 22:46; James 5:16)

Day 29
Pray that your husband will surrender his time and talents to the Lord. Pray that his spiritual gifts will be manifest in his career, at church, and in your home. (Eph. 5:15-16; 1 Cor. 12:4, 7)

Day 30
Pray that your husband will serve God and others with pure motives. Pray that he will obey the Lord from his heart, and glorify Him in everything. (1 Cor. 10:13; John 7:17-18; Col. 3:23-24)

Day 31
Pray that your husband will recognize the lies of the Enemy in his life. Pray that his attitudes and actions will be guided by the truth as he brings his thoughts into captivity to the Word of God. (John 8:44; 2 Cor. 10:4-5)