I'm tappin in

I am tappin into my inner photographer and artsy side today. I have been trying (ok- not really) to get these scrapbooks done for 2 girls I have had in my group for 4 yrs. I got all the pics printed in b&w so that I could combine several on a pg and go with a color schemme. I made the albums (they are 8.5x5.5) Much harder to scrap that size with multiple pics that I really had thought through--- but it's working. Not much room for fun embellies but it's all good.

I also spent tons of time yesterday with photo shop (love it!) and worked on editing some pics from the weekend. Here are some more-- I have to kidnap (not really) K sometime and get some of her.

Hope you all have a great weekend. I will be around here! :)

ck

sometimes I wish...

Sometimes I wish I had a Digi Rebel XT (ok- all the time I wish that- In case anyone wants to buy me one) but other times I am glad I have a digi camera and photo shop. :) This is what I put together from the weekend. I think I like how it turned out.

weekend update

Ok- so I know it's thursday and I am just now puting up stuff from this past weekend. I didn't get the pics I was hoping for-- K was a sad baby all weekend and E was determined that since she was cold at the beach she needed to wear the hood on her hoodie!!! :) Here are some shots.

Deleted pictures


These are completely unedited-- I hope to do some work in photoshop tonight. I have been completely unmotivated to do much-- I just want a job-- and keep looking and looking and nothing-- I didn't get any at OU - not even an interview-- which is soooooo frustrating to me- they were basic jobs--GRRR-- I am just so bummed. I spend 5 hours today driving around applying for jobs, looking for jobs, etc. I know God will do something-- I am just not patient enough. I was reminded how much I love Jeremy Camp the other day (thanks Nic- they are on thier way). And this song struck me...

Lay down my Pride
Every single word I say
You know it before I speak
You know every thought the deepest part of me
You draw me closer than I see
Your presence is every thing I need to be the child that you've created me to be
I'm ready now to see it your way

I lay down my pride
My desires my demise
I'm ready now to see it your way
I'm done I'm through ignoring you
Now it's true
I'm kneeling at the cross of your grace
Lay down my pride

I was faced with passing time but I knew the choice was mine
To finally come to you and give you all control
I've wandered miles to find my way and then you revealed this simple faith
I know that you can see the secrets of my soul

The cross
The blood you shed for me
Your back was ripped and bruised so I can know your love
I kneel I bow to you my King

I lay down my pride
My desires my demise
I'm ready now to see it your way
I'm done I'm through ignoring you
Now it's true
I'm kneeling at the cross of your grace
Lay down my pride

I don't think of myself as a prideful person but I am learning that there are many times when I think I know what's best-- and I have to instead accept God's plan (which in this case is different than mine). I know that's the best thing-- but it's the unknown that gets me all the time.

Prayin for my pride to vanish and to have faith like a child.
Ck

All new and ready to go!

I feel like a new person! Ever get a haircut and feel like it changes things so much that you just feel great!? That's how this is! I just had the girl cut my hair (which I can never seem to get the same cut twice even when I want it) She did a great job. I will have pics from this weekend to post when I come back.


Wish me luck with the kiddos! I can't wait! Friends, beach, sunshine, a camera, kids- what more can I ask for (ok- a job would be good too & if Ry could be there too- but the weekend is gonna be great!)

I won't be on til I get back-
M- I will enjoy the sunshine and Lake MI for you
E- We will talk tonight!

Be prayin for Ry while he takes the PCATS tomorrow! I know you will do great baby!

Have a great weekend everyone!

ck (I think I am getting closer and closer to being me again!)

so excited!

Ok-- so I am pretty pumped. Why?-- well...
1) I feel like there are some good job prospects out there that I am qualified for (but don't have interviews at yet) . I don't really know- it's kind of one of those random senses of peace... you know that kind you wish you could fabricate. I believe it's all going to work out!

2) I am now going to be nannying for my nieces 1 day and 1 night a week. They are paying me and so that is encouraging too!

3) I am going to my favorite place this weekend. Grand Rapids & Holland. I am going with my Bro and his family while they are at a conference so I can watch the girls. I bought them these cutie outfits and am going to do a photo shoot with them at Holland State Park (thanks nic). It will be a surprise for Heidi's Bday. I was debating to go to Holland or Grand Haven-- but I know some photo spots in Holland and nic pointed out that the GH beach is so crowded. Ellie isnt' the biggest fan of pic right now-- but we are going to have a fun day at Erin's pool then I figure we can drive out there and I can bribe her with ice cream at captain sundaes if she cooperates (is that bad)!? Anyway I am supper pumped! They both are soo cute and I get to see erin and well it's just gonna be a blast!

On another note: Ryan has been working tons! His class is almost done soon-- so that will be good that it will seem to free up some time! He has his PCATS (like MCATS only for pharmacy school) on Saturday! Those will be tough- but he is an awesome test taker- me I would bomb.

So here is to some hopefull jobs-- some temp employment with the girls-- and an awesome weekend and fun pictures!

E- we have to get some cute ones too-- I will bring my tripod!

I will be sure and share any updates!

ck

standing in the storm.

Today I think God is reminding me that I can stand in the storm-- but there are blue skies ahead. I was sitting in my living room as it got darker and the storm rolled in.... I thought I want to go sit in the rain--- that's just how I am feeling. As I sat on my porch barefoot- wearing capris and a sweatshirt-- It's not pouring - just raining steady small drops. I hear the wind-- it reminds me that God's there (don't know why- but wind has always reminded me of that). As my feet are getting wet and I am getting colder- but finding calmness in the wind- I look over to my left and see nothing but blue skies. It was like God was reminding me that while I am standing in this storm right now-- he has great things in store. That's just what I needed to hear today when I was feeling very discouraged and fearful about the future.

I read this awesome excerpt from a book today. The part is called the Invitation and it just spoke to the honesty and authenticity I am searching for in life. The parts in bold are the ones that spoke the loudest to me in my place right now. I hope it challenges you and speaks to you as it did to me.

The Invitation

It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living.
I want to know what you ache for
and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.

It doesn’t interest me how old you are.
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool
for love
for your dream
for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon…
I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow
if you have been opened by life’s betrayals
or have become shrivelled and closed
from fear of further pain. (this one really challenged me)

I want to know if you can sit with pain
mine or your own
without moving to hide it
or fade it
or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy
mine or your own
if you can dance with wildness
and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes
without cautioning us to
be careful
be realistic
remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn’t interest me if the story you are telling me
is true.
I want to know if you can
disappoint another
to be true to yourself.
If you can bear the accusation of betrayal
and not betray your own soul.
If you can be faithless
and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see Beauty
even when it is not pretty
every day.
And if you can source your own life
from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure
yours and mine
and still stand at the edge of the lake
and shout to the silver of the full moon,
“Yes.”

It doesn’t interest me
to know where you live or how much money you have.
I want to know if you can get up
after the night of grief and despair
weary and bruised to the bone
and do what needs to be done
to feed the children.

It doesn’t interest me who you know
or how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand
in the centre of the fire
with me
and not shrink back.

It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom
you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you
from the inside
when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone
with yourself
and if you truly like the company you keep
in the empty moments.