The Galyean Battalion

Growing Up

2011-08-09T17:15:00.000-04:00

My babies are growing up........

Something happens when a child learns to tie his shoes......

Call it responsibility -

a new-found freedom -

I don't know.

All I do know is that my children are growing up on me.

And..... it's a blessing to have a part in that.

The Chess King

2011-03-31T22:50:00.000-04:00

A really cute 5 year old.....

who inevitably wants to play chess EVERYday.

Jonathan and Jamye

2010-09-21T23:20:00.006-04:00

Sunday was such an incredible treat for me.

I had the pleasure of following around a beautiful bride for the better part of the day.

Jamye was such a sweet lady to be around. Her disposition was always filled with a beautiful smile and she has such a gentle, easy-going turn with everyone she comes in contact with. Must be why Jonathan surprised her with a little wedding gift early in the day.

Nicely done, Jonathan.

It is so refreshing to see a couple so undeniably taken with each other.

Who knew Cape Fear Botanical Gardens were even around, let alone so pristine and beautiful?

The infamous "dip kiss".....

I don't recall ever having the guys to pack such a photo session punch.

What a hoot to work with.

I mean, really..... who would think up a pyramid and have such fun posing?

And, what about a football team of groomsmen?

Jayme - a country gal at heart, looked at home on a Massey Ferguson parked right smack in front of a tobacco barn.

Thanks, Jayme and Jonathan.

You filled my day with many smiles and warm fuzzies.

May the rest of you days be filled with giving each other more of the same.

LITTLE MUMMY

2010-09-16T12:13:00.003-04:00

Yep, this is what happens when you study Ancient Egypt with your children.....

and then go to Walmart at the end of summer when they are already getting Halloween costumes lined up in the lawn and garden center.

This little stinker got the biggest kick out of scaring the daylights out of his mother. Not only did he come into the schoolroom while I was vacuuming, but then commenced to chase me outside - all the while holding those little brown arms out towards me, never breaking the hint of a smile, and never taking his chinquipin eyes off of me.

Ah, but then he turned around, and after taking in a good view of his rear, I realized that I was dealing only with a "mummy-wanna-be", dressed in Scooby-Doo underwear.

Whew!! That was a relief.

Haley

2010-09-06T17:37:00.005-04:00

Haley- a senior at Harrell's Christian Academy.

We met for the first time the day of her senior shoot.

Immediately I discovered that Haley is a very special lady with lots of talent,

especially in modeling.

I hardly had to do a thing except press the shutter.

She wants to be a lawyer, but I think she's model quality.

Pretty inside and pretty outside.

Great qualities for both a lawyer AND a model.

Congratulations, Haley.

May God bless you each step of the way.

Candace and Jared

2010-08-30T18:55:00.008-04:00

There are some people who are a part of your life for a time, then seem to disappear for a while, but when you are reunited with those people it's just as if no time has ever lapsed.

That's how it is with the sweet family I got to celebrate with this past weekend.

The Stroupe/Edwards Family has long been some of my most favorite people in the whole world. And I got to hang out with them just about the whole weekend as their youngest daughter, Candace got married.

Not only did she and Jared invite me to capture their day, but they enjoyed their gorgeous mountain wedding day at one of my most all-time favorite places in the entire universe:

Mars Hill College!!!

Barry and I both attended Mars Hill, but that's not the kicker.

We got married and I promised that man of mine an awful lot of things (albeit almost 20 years ago) at Broyhill Chapel on the campus of MHC - the same exact place where Candace and Jared shared vows.
Isn't the chapel just gorgeous? ~sigh~ By the way, it's awfully hard to take pictures with tears streaming down your face. The camera slips, slides, gets all salty, and provides a large distraction between "clicks" and "sniffling".
And, of course, the family holds a special place in my heart because their passions so clearly mirror mine: adoption.
Yannick is brother to Sarah and Lucy, all from Liberia.
They, along with Jessica and Hannah, are all cousins of the bride.
Their mom and dad? Well, let's just say that Dan and Jackie are the type of friends that everyone should have.

Poor Bill, father of the bride, was if for quite a surprise when, as he gave his youngest daughter "away", the song, "I Loved Her First" began streaming through the chapel (courtesy of Dan and his unbelievable musical talent). See why my camera is still coated with salt???
And, of course, Katie was delighted to actually see someone with curly hair just like her own, be able to control it on their wedding day.
Honestly, how many brides to you know that can simply finger curl a couple of locks and be ready to walk down the aisle???

And, every bride should have a little energy boost of Red #40 jello before they say their vows. Nice idea, Debra.

And, of course, the wedding day wouldn't be right without a couple of smoochey photos, would it?

Congratulations, Candace and Jared.

I can't tell you what a joy and pleasure it was to share in your special day.

Win????? Pleeeeaaaaasssseeee??????

2010-08-21T21:55:00.002-04:00

I love learning from other photographers. As a matter of fact, I could spend the better part of a day perusing tips, ideas, and just generally snooping on other photographers websites, blogs, and even old-fashioned books. I recently bought a book full of nothing but photographs of Latin America. Yes, I was somewhat disappointed to find only 2 pictures of Guatemala, but oh so thrilled to find hundreds of pics of a beautiful land that I love, blown to 11x14, all bound in a hard cover book, ready for me to ponder over and over and over. Anyway, that aside, I entered a little contest to win a book written solely for the purpose of sharing photographic techniques, tips, post-processing, etc.... I'm so excited!!! Take a peek here to see this dynamic little gem for yourself.....

http://www.mcpactions.com/blog/2010/08/19/contest-win-the-nitty-gritty-photography-e-book/

Aaron Ray and Michelle

2010-07-31T22:56:00.007-04:00

A few weeks ago, I had a double-whammy treat:

A gorgeous wedding to shoot with the very folks who bought our house in the mountains AND a trip to the aforementioned mountains!!!!

Aaron Ray and Michelle are two of the most organized folks I have EVER met!!

Their wedding was perfectly thought out and incredibly clever in all aspects.

After a sweet sleepover night with all of her TEN (yes, you read that right!!) bridesmaids, Michelle had plenty of help getting ready to walk down the aisle....

She had plenty of help getting to and fro in a gorgeous, but very heavy, wedding dress.
And, can you say UNBELIEVABLE scenery????

Mother-Daughter moments on your wedding day are some you NEVER forget.

Nor do you forget those that have helped to make you who you are....

who have helped to make you the object of someone else's affections.

And when that someone plans a surprise with only you in mind, it's sure to knock your socks off.... Guess what? This is one of those surprises!!!!

SURPRISE, Michelle!!!!!

Your fella really pulled out the big guns to get these shots for you ~

enjoy.....

I had absolutely NO idea this place existed, even though it's less than 6 or 7 miles from the house we built. It's called the "natural dam", and I was in utter amazement when we pulled up to a clearing in the woods and my eyes beheld such beauty.

Aaron Ray had worked it out so that ALL the guys could meet at this really cool spot, shed their shoes, roll up their fancy britches, and get a little wet.

Just so ya know Aaron, she's gonna love that you went the extra mile for her.

Keep it up....

Yes, there are LOTS more photos.....

Yes, they are just as sweet and unforgettable as the few above....

but, No.... there are no more to view tonight.

You'll just have to come back to see me again to see some more!!!

Congratulations, Michelle and Aaron Ray.

Enjoy what God has given you -

it's apparent He had each of you in mind for the other when He started.

Kelly and Pete

2010-06-25T21:59:00.004-04:00

What a treat beach weddings are! I mean, who gets PAID to go to the beach and frolic with the best party on the sand? Well, that was the case recently for me when I traveled to Ocean Isle to capture some great memories for Kelly and Pete. The weather couldn't have been more beautiful, although the beach police gave me alittle heads up before the ceremony, "Be careful.... heat index is supposed to be 115 today.....". Yeah, he was right. How can someone still be so beautiful in weather like that??? Well, that was Kelly. She never once broke from the gorgeous bride and Pete was thrilled to be at her side the whole time!!! Hope you guys enjoy a sneak peek into their sweet day.... more to come.

Best of wishes to them both as they start their lives together!! Congratulations!

BLOG PARTY!

2010-06-11T19:13:00.003-04:00

My daughter, Katie, is having a blog party over at her blog (www.basketballer4him.blogspot.com) for her 100th post. She is giving away a necklace and everything! So go on over there to check it out! :) Here are the questions I answered for the blog party:

1) What is your blogger name? Michelle

2) What is your age? Are you serious???? I'm not answering that kind of question!

3) Do you have any more blogs other than this one? If so, what are their links? Naaaa. I can't even keep up with this one half the time!

4) What is you favorite band/singer? Hmmmm. OK, don't laugh. Nat King Cole. Mel Torme. Harry Connick, Jr.

5) Do you play any instruments? If so, what are they? Yeah, I play a few here and there.

6) What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Chocolate Chip Mint.

7) What is your favorite brand of DOUGHNUTS? Krispy Kreme

8)What is your favorite flower? Zinnias and Orchids

9) Do you have any siblings and how many? Do they have blogs and what are the links? 1 Brother, 2 sisters.

10) How many pairs of shoes do you have? Do flipflops count???

11)What is one of your favorite hobbies? photography

12) Do you like to fold socks? ewwww. That's why I had children.

13) What is one of your favorite Bible verses? "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Almighty shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and fortress, my God, in Him will I trust." Ps. 91:1-2

14) What is the first thing that come to mind when you read the words 'COLD FEET'?
snuggling up next to the man that doesn't care a bit if I rub my horrendously cold feet on his warm legs in the middle of the winter.... : )

15) What is your favorite Disney movie? Jungle Book

16) Do you like horror movies? does Scooby Doo count?

17) What is your favorite cleaning product? what's cleaning?

18) What are some of your favorite books? Bible, obviously. Just about anything Karen Kingsbury or Frank Peretti.

19) Do you like traditional book or eReaders? Well, if I had time to see, I'd let you know.

20)Do you play any sports? If so, what? Yeah - it's called "Mom"

21) Have you ever heard of Karen Kingsbury? (If not you should really read one of her books! You will be hooked! :P) see #18

22) Swords or arrows? Swords

23) Fiction or Non-fiction? Depends.

24) What is your favorite college team? basketball-VA Tech.

25) What is your favorite subject in school? Grammar and History

I AM A BEAUTIFUL BOOGER, uh, I MEAN "BLOGGER"!

2010-05-09T19:00:00.002-04:00

My loving teenage daughter, who is oh-so-bloggerish, has awarded me this most wonderful award. And, so in good faith and participation (and mainly because she will hound me until I do it), I am playing. Here goes:

THE RULES:
1) Thank the person who has so prestigiously awarded you.
"Oh, my dear eldest daughter, upon whom God has graciously blessed you with corkscrews emitting from your scalp, I do hereby express great gratitude....." http://www.basketballer4him.blogspot.com/
OK.... that's done.

2) Copy the award and paste it to your blog. Already done.

3) Tell the general public and whoever reads your blog 7 interesting things about yourself:
* When I was about 5 years old, I commenced to stick black electrician's tape up my nose, get it stuck, and be paraded around the doctor's office before being thrown into stark terror by a pair of 5-feet long pliers being crammed up my nasal cavity (OK.... so I threw in a little exaggeration just for good measure, but you get the point ~ it was devastating).
* I was once known as a rather talkative youngster (hard to believe, I know [tee-hee], but so was the case, especially in 7th grade science).
* I married my french horn tutor (bwahahahahaha!!!).
* I absolutely adore English grammar (much to my children's/student's chagrin!!!).
* I think I could live in another country in a heartbeat.
* I miss my mother (especially today- it's Mother's Day!!). : )
* The one and only time I had a pedicure (hey- I'm a homeschool mom who has neither the time nor the money to spend on extravagant feet), the odd little man who scrubbed all the dead skin off my was amazed that I had what seemed to be alligator skin on my heels (uh, yeah, I DID just share that on the web! And, no I'm NOT ashamed - I'm a barefoot freak!!!).

4) Tag (award) 3 wonderful bloggers.
Ok... here goes:
Charlotte at http://www.cmcphersonphotography.blogspot.com/
Michelle at http://www.doublewidedreamer.blogspot.com/
Tara at http://www.eastandwestkids.blogspot.com/

5) Contact your nominations and let them know they've won.... done. : )

Ok.... so more pics later to come. Stay tuned!

BRENT AND LYDIA'S SWEET EXPECTATION.....

2010-03-16T23:24:00.004-04:00

Brent and Lydia are one of my favorite couples.....
Lydia for her sweet personality and the way she handles my little one at Cubbies on Sunday night, and Brent for his country accent and easy way of kidding around.
Boy! Are they in for a treat once little Cooper gets here!

Isn't she lovely?

The cute pup is "Thimble".

Blessings to you both.... OOPS ~ I meant three.

BACK TO NORMAL LIFE AT THE GALYEAN HOME....

2010-03-04T23:38:00.009-05:00

The above photo is fake, faux, staged......

Alas, after our Christmas vacation (of which I have still yet to post some wonderful photos), we immediately began our school schedule for the Spring semester.

So, I took a few photos to commemorate the occassion.

As you can see from the above photo, the two girls tried to host a revolt by wearing their robes over their clothes, which I insisted they put on in the stead of those flannel pjs they came to know so well over the break.

Then, after gathering around the table for our first round of lessons, I said, "Alright, guys. Look excited about LEARNING!!!". Above is what I got.

Then.... seconds after that photo, I got the true side of life:

A little grumpy at rising early to study the Ancient Mayan culture?????

Bored, but resigned to the astounding attributes of learning..... yeah, right.

And this... no this is not fake, faux, or staged. Ah.... my lover of learning.

At this point, I think we were into some form of mathematics.... pre-algebra, maybe?

Ummmmmmm ~ diagramming prepositional phrases with adverbial clauses at this point.

Right before lunch, I think.......

So, the days have passed since our first day back at the grindstone, and everyone seems to have adjusted.

Now, our attention is turned to Ancient Greece and the making of a makeshift Trojan Horse.

That's right. A Trojan Horse out of an already used moving box, a toy Wal-mart grocery cart, and -you guessed it- duct tape!

Oh, there's more where this came from.....

Science Experiments, Puppets of Greek mythology made from toilet paper rolls, etc.....

But, that'll have to come another day. Be on the lookout, though.

It could be pretty interesting.

SIGH...... there's just nothing else I can do but, SIGH

2009-12-14T10:40:00.003-05:00

Does this need any explanation? Any definition of what's going on here? Any complete and total divulging of what's occuring not only in the photo, but in my heart?!?!?!?

Too bad the pic is digital ~ you're missing the reaction of tears with photographic paper. Well, not all of them are sad tears- we're blessed that she is healthy enough and intelligent enough and mature enough to be sitting in that seat..... not to mention that she just looks plain cute.

Permit this week..... ya'll better be praying that this mama doesn't just go into some sort of denial-fit right in the DMV office.

2009-12-10T23:12:00.008-05:00

What's up in my neck of the woods? Well, actually just that!!!!! I HAVE WOODS!!!!! Yay!

We found out rather abruptly that we had to move in lightning-speed-fashion. I mean to say that we found out on a Thursday that we had to move. And on the following Thursday, we were MOVING. Imagine it: a family of SIX with no family near and a husband who works 2 jobs, moving ALL their stuff. Yeah, gets me winded just thinking about it. But, God blessed us with a phenomenal home-and I do mean HOME, not just a house. Something is different about this place than the previous 2 places we have lived in the last 16 months (yep-right again: We've moved THREE times in the last 16 months!!!). It feels like home. Now, don't get me wrong, I think I'm a mountain girl through and through, but for the last 16 months, it felt as if we had been on an incredibly long vacation with obligations and duties. We still have those obligations and duties, but there is something cozy, sweet, and just downright likable about our new place. It has four bedrooms--that's definitely a plus. Joe and Ben are still sharing a room (and Bar and I, but I figured that was a given) but the girls each have their own room. They were elated. It has a nice living room complete with fireplace (not that we need it down here....), a nice kitchen, a dining room that fits our gargantuan table, a HUGE schoolroom that houses ALL our books (AAAAAHHHHH! The sweet reality of knowing you don't have to eat spaghetti on top of that algebra book for lack of room!!!!), a Taylor outside furnace that burns wood and heats the house (in other words, there is basically NO heating bill!!!) and...... are you ready for this, my mountain friends.....?????

A POOL!

Yep, not just any ol' pool either- in INGROUND pool! There are woods behind the house complete with deer and lots of beavers, who just happen to build all kinds of dams in the creek that leads to a POND!!!!! So, yeah, it's great. It's unbelievable. The rent is cheaper (Barry is on cloud 9) and we have a monster of an attic in which to store our various array of stuff and junk.

But, all that aside, that's not what makes this house feel like home. There was just a different feel about this home. Like it was safe. Full of goodness. Honest. And that's where the HOME part fits in. The owners of the home had prayed and prayed and prayed in this home. It was worshipped in. It was the place their children learned of the goodness of my Lord. And you can feel it.

So, back to what's been going on. The move-obviously. Two birthdays--Katie is now 15 and Joe is now 11. A gazillion photo shoots (although I can certainly use more--keep 'em coming!!!), a crash where I lost much of my digital photo apparatus. Christmas parties. Organizing a Christmas Coffee House at our church. Practicing with about five different groups to minister at the Coffee House. And.... silly me. I added in making homemade Christmas cards to that list this year. My children have been making Christmas cards like maniacs. I try to be frugal, but in my efforts, have had a tendency to add expense to my sanity while exuding expense from my pocketbook.

Alas, it's a joyful season and I'm enjoying every moment with my sweet little ones. I can still say that, right? They aren't so little anymore, but they'll always be mine and they'll always need a tenderness that only I can give them.... so, in my book that makes them my sweet little ones. Yeah, feeling a little sappy tonight~~ Jackie found the big box of home videos during the move, and as most of you know, she is a sucker for a good home video. So, we've been watching and remembering good times with our mountain friends and family. Times when KT was 2 and already swimming in the deep end of the pool by herself. Times when Jackie was 6 and praying for God to "heal all the sick people, except the ones who are mean" (yes, that's what she said). Times when my big boy Joseph could crawl up in my then-tiny lap and say prayers. Times before Benjamin graced our family with his presence. Times when my Mama was alive, laughing, making silly faces, and loving my kids (yeah-I know she's alive now, laughing, making silly faces, and loving someone's kids..... but I can't SEE her doing it). Add that to seeing your big 15 year old daughter (the one who was aforementioned as the 2 year old swimming prodigy) drive right by you in the student driver car in an intersection (she never even saw me!), listening to Christmas carols, spending sweet card-making time with my kids, and having a warm, sleepy 4-year old blessing crawl up in my lap after his afternoon nap just cause "he wanted to"...... and well, you just have a very sappy, very sentimental mother on your hands.

Anyway, I digress. Check below for some of what's been going on at the NEW Galyean Battalion Barrack......

(hey, speaking of which--- email me privately for our new address. I'm needing some Christmas cards to show up in that mailbox at the end of the driveway!)

Having a good time dodging the stunt pilot while photographing his family at the local airport (yep, these are CHRISTmas card designs)......

Tromping around through the hayfields, finding beautiful things to click on.....

(although some weren't sooo happy about my "clicking" on them!!!)

Setting up beautiful on-location photo sessions with gorgeous families....

Constructing a Christmas setting at one of the local shops and photographing sweet children til my heart's content.......

Designing storyboards for Christmas gifts.

And there you have it.... my life over the past several weeks.

Look out coastal buddies: I'm beginning to get a real feel for the weather and good friendships we've discovered and are now already cherishing....

And mountain peeps: You better look out, cause when we come to visit shortly, I may just tackle each of you and let you know how much you're missed and how grateful I am to have you in my life...

GETTING REACQUAINTED WITH A DEAR FRIEND....

2009-11-18T14:10:00.003-05:00

In October I had the sweet opportunity to entertain some very special people from my childhood days.

Lynn and her family made the trek from her home 2 hours away for a portrait session and for a little visiting time. What a wonderful treat it was to share together and and to see our children interacting.

Here's a sneak peek at their gorgeous family:

Where in the world is Carmen..... uhhh, I mean Michelle Galyean?

2009-11-03T00:16:00.004-05:00

RIGHT HERE!!!

Since July, there have been 2 computer crashes, an external hard drive crash, a few weddings, thousands of portrait shots, the beginning of school for a mother of: 1 highschooler, 1 middleschooler, 1 elementary schooler, and 1 preschooler~ALL of whom are homeschooled, and just LIFE in general. So, to get us back on an amiable foothold, I am posting a little slideshow of some recent work.

Meet Molly- quite possibly the world's most adorable little girl:

VIRGINIA STATE BAPTIST MUSIC AND ARTS CAMP

2009-07-21T22:52:00.006-04:00

This past week was filled with fun, excitement, and hard work.

Our family traveled back to the mountains, specifically Lynchburg, Virginia, for a little quality time with our friends and our Lord.

THE VIRGINIA BAPTIST MISSIONS MUSIC AND ARTS CAMP AT EAGLE EYRIE

Over 375 folks came together to worship our Saviour and learn about making music.

There were strings.

Potential photographers.

Friends.

Incredibly talented musicians.

Band (and a really handsome band director - a.k.a. "my husband")

Breaks from all the practice.

Beautiful worship.

Goals to achieve.

African drumming to master.

Praying.

Babies learning to swim.

Laughing mothers.

Prepared swimmers.

Time to relax.

Undeniable praise.

Fine musicianship.

Best buddies.

And oh, so much more.

As the camp photographer, I got to see much of all those things and each one was so beautiful.

But, I will be the first to admit:

This was the most tiring and demanding photo job I have ever tackled.

Each day we would head back to the lodge and most of the time, I don't even remember how I got there. I would recall falling over into the bed, then not even stirring til the alarm clock said it was time to get back up, help fix food for 25 people, and do it all over again.

Now is the FUN part: editing all 856 photos that were taken.

WHEW!

Thanks for the opportunity, Charlotte!

It was an unforgettable week.

HEATHER AND JON LIVE AT HILTON HEAD

2009-07-06T22:49:00.003-04:00

Formal congratulations are in order for

Jon and Heather.

They made it official last week during an absolutely gorgeous wedding at

Hilton Head Island, SC.

Fortunately, Barry and I were invited to bring the whole gang.

Not only did we get to frolic with many dear friends from the mountains, but we also got to have a fine romp in the surf.

When we finally settled down for some work, a lifetime of waiting for that one special person began unfolding before our eyes.

Heather made one of the most gorgeous brides I have ever seen.

And she has some very sweet little girls following in her footsteps....

I was simply amazed at the amount of detail that Heather and Jon had poured into this moment in their lives. Each small thing meant something and they all worked together to achieve an atmosphere that was almost heavenly.

Yes, those are their real rings and yes, they are in the Atlantic Ocean. Now, before you go all crazy on me (like Katie did), I hung onto them and even had a spotter to help watch for the all-dreaded wave surge.

Aren't they beautiful?

Best wishes, and more importantly, sincere prayers sent your way

Jon and Heather.

May God be the center of your marriage now and forever.

Congratulations.

MOON OVER WHITE LAKE

2009-06-25T12:31:00.004-04:00

I finally got a chance to step out on our porch and freeze some time on digital film for you. This is what we see just about every night as we look over White Lake.

So, when can we expect a visit?

BEN IS 4!

2009-05-30T09:17:00.005-04:00

Ben had a birthday last month, and in all of our activities I'm just now getting some birthday pics up.

What a stinker..........

And yes, he is still sucking that thumb.

We're working on it, but I love the fact that he can soothe himself, so I'm not pushing it too hard.

And the blanket? Well, a certain little guy from the mountains gave that to him (it was his previously) when he came home from Guatemala. I've cut it up a few times, just to make it a little smaller and in hopes of getting him to give it up a little at a time, but I declare it is so darn cute when he sticks that little finger in the hole of one corner and then pops the thumb from the other hand in his mouth.

These are times I'm sure I'll cherish forever.

Hopefully there will be photos from his beach party to view sometime soon.....

THROUGH MY SISTER'S EYES

2009-05-29T15:23:00.008-04:00

My sister and my neice came to visit a few weeks ago. While here, we played around a little with photos, but not nearly like she wanted to. So, she left me a few that she took to mess with and send to her. Here's what she sees when she looks through the lens of her very nice Nikon.

Red Buds

A brand new grandson, Cyrus

This is my sister, known affectionately to her grandson as "Abby" (short for Abuelita) and her husband, Ronnie ("Grandaddy").

Isn't Cyrus a cutie?

Proud parents, Chris and Hollie

A little sight-seeing on Wilmington's Waterway downtown

Wrightsville Beach

Grandaddy babysitting

Little Cyrus

STORYBOARDS

2009-05-20T09:27:00.002-04:00

Remember how I told you about a month and a half ago I had something nifty up my sleeve? Well, here they are: Storyboards.

They come in a huge variety of sizes and are definitely client-friendly, as each client can pick which photos they like best, add text, pick border color, etc...

They are definitely designer-friendly as I just LOVE doing some digital layout.....

These are only a few, but plan on seeing more.....

Keep an eye on the "Client Proofing" section of my website under "Storyboards".

That's where they'll be listed.

JON and HEATHER

2009-05-19T11:32:00.005-04:00

Barry and I had the awesome priveledge a few weeks ago to provide some engagment shots for a friend of ours.

Heather has been so sweet to our family for several years. She has helped them learn sign language and we enjoyed worshiping with her at church.

She and Jon have a July wedding planned and we are so excited.

We traveled to Orton Plantation in Wilmington for a few pics.....

Here's a sneak peek of a few of my favorites.

Jon and Heather:

You guys were so fun to work with! We can't wait until the wedding......

25 YEARS OF LOVE

2009-05-11T23:03:00.004-04:00

I had the very sweet opportunity this evening to photograph not an engagement, not a wedding, but some ANNIVERSARY photos.

DeWitt and Ruth have been married for 25 years and their children are hosting a very special surprise for them this weekend.

The photos are a part of this surprise.

I just love how they still kid around and make each other laugh 25 years and 4 kids later.

What a blessing it is to see two folks still so totally taken with each other and committed to putting God first.

Afterall, that's what got 'em through the first 25.

Best wishes, Ruth and Dewitt, for another blissful 25.

Thanks so much for letting us share in your happiness!

PHOTO CONTEST

2009-05-07T17:02:00.005-04:00

A good friend of mine from college, Tim, came down a few weeks ago with his wife Chrystal to have a few shots done of their 4 gorgeous children.

After receiving my permission they've entered a photo I took of their twins into a baby photo contest. They win a HUGE gift card to Macy's if they receive enough votes ~ and if that isn't enough motivation, it really helps to advertise our business and encourage my self-esteem.

Please take a minute to click the link and vote for #31. Kendall and Khloe S. (make sure their name is beside the number).

Vote for Kendall and Khloe

Below is the photo they chose to use, just in case you don't have enough time to flip through the 307 applicant photos..... : )

SPELLING

2009-05-06T20:35:00.003-04:00

I have been absolutely up to my eyeballs in photos and post-processing (no pun intended).

However, life has still been going on at the same buckle-your-seatbelt-speed at the house with schooling, getting ready for a field trip to Cincinatti, visitations from family and friends, and all the regular stuff in between.

Today, Jackie and Joe did their spelling outside just so I could have some peace and quiet in the house for a few minutes. They enjoyed it, so I'm thinking that school may happen much more outside of these lilac walls (those of you who've been to the house know what I mean)....

This is exactly what TOO much spelling can do to a person ~ chalk or no chalk.

Keep an eye out... lots of photo peeks to come in the next few days:

Heather and Jon's Engagement Session

Marshall's Visit

Barry on the Tube in the Lake

FAVORITES

2009-04-27T21:57:00.016-04:00

WARNING:

If you don't like perusing through someone else's photos,

this probably isn't the post for you.

Below are my favorites from the Open House photo sessions we had a few weeks ago.

I hope you enjoy viewing them and seeing the personalities of each person as much as I enjoyed shooting them.

Over 2000 photos.

That's what I shot the weekend of our Open House. It has taken me this long to post-process them for viewing for my new clients (which, by the way, are completely, totally, and inspiringly wonderful).

If you want to see more (that might make you a glutton for punishment), check out www.galyeansgallery.com and click on "online ordering".

Now, my thoughts and attention turn to getting an engagement session up, Benjamin's fourth birthday, and the White Lake Water Festival. Barry has secured us a booth and we are so excited about the advertisement this will give us.

On another note, but still thinking of "favorites".......

I think most of you were aware that KT was chosen for an internship position with a magazine/publishing company a while back. Her first assignment was to write a 20-page paper on, "What Christians Can Do to Get God Back Into the Media".

TWENTY pages? Yep. But guess what???? Her paper turned out to be 27 pages. Wow.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from her paper..... (I'm so proud).

"Did you know that the average American watches eight hours and eleven minutes of television per DAY? So, the next time you are sitting down watching that screen and a commercial comes on, why don’t you hit the mute button and instead of listening to a woman’s voice list side effects for some medicine, pray for our country?"

"Even today’s kid’s shows are going down the drain! We have shows like Hannah Montana, SpongeBob Square Pants, and iCarly. Please, if anybody knows, tell me the real point of these shows! We let our children sit in front of a big box that has a screen and some wires and watch “harmless” shows that teach them morals like: You need to have a boyfriend/girlfriend to be socially accepted; you should kiss your boyfriend/girlfriend as soon as possible; you need to have a cell phone; you need to be in style; you need to be this! You need to be that! You should be anybody BUT yourself! And then we wonder why America’s youth is so messed up!"

SQUEAKY CLEAN

2009-04-06T18:39:00.002-04:00

Since I am incredibly taken with post-processing a gazillion photos from our Open House, I just thought I'd post a few bathtime photos to make you smile.

Nothing like a little cutie in the tub ~ especially when he lets you play with his hair.

KT'S BIRD

2009-04-04T22:56:00.001-04:00

While at the beach with a few friends this past week, KT focused her lens on this pretty bird sitting in the marsh.

Talented, isn't she?

I'VE BEEN PLAYING...

2009-04-02T21:33:00.004-04:00

OK.... Gotta admit: I love playing with photos....
And in honor of our Open House tomorrow and Saturday, I have been playing around a little more than usual. I like the idea of storyboards, blogboards, etc... and I'm thinking of offering them. What do you think?

(BTW, click on the image and you can see it full size.)

OUR TIPPER

2009-03-28T15:24:00.004-04:00

For the last several years, KT has consistently been the jumper on each of her basketball teams.

I can't deny it: She LOVES it.

Yeah, it's only a few seconds.

Yeah, it takes a lot of practice.

Yeah, everyone is looking at YOU.

But that doesn't matter. What matters is doing your best in each situation given you.

The photo above is at NCHEAC State Basketball Tournament in Greensboro a few weeks ago. KT is the girl on the right in white and the other girl?

Well, that's Ashley: one of KT's BEST friends.

My girls had very mixed emotions about the tournament. They were thrilled to be going, but sad because two of the teams we were to play were very near and dear to our hearts from the mountains. When KT realized she'd have to jump against Ashley, she was aghast.

Basketball is about more than who is the best, though. And both of those girls showed that. They played hard. They played mean. They played fair.

And at the end, they hugged and were ready to go on with the next thing God had on their plate.

Good job KT, Ashley, Jackie, Emily, Cassidy, and all the others who are near and dear to me. You made me proud.

AT HOME IN NC

2009-03-27T12:23:00.004-04:00

Two posts in two days! WOW! I'm on a roll!

I wanted to post something that my Daddy sent me, via e-mail. It is so true, rather you live in the beautiful Blue Ridge, or on the amazing East Coast. BTW, I think Michelle over at Doublewide Dreamer will love this.

ENJOY!

THINGS I LEARNED IN NORTH CAROLINA....

1) A possum is a flat animal that sleeps in the middle of the road.

2) There are 5,000 types of snakes and 4,998 of them live in NC.

3) There are 10,000 types of spiders, and all 10,000 of them live in NC.

4) If it grows, it'll stick ya. If it crawls, it'll bite cha.

5) "Onced" and "Twiced" are words.

6) It is not a shopping cart, it's a buggy.

7) "Jaw-P?" means, "Did y'all go to the bathroom?"

8) People actually grow and eat okra.

9) "Fixinto" is one word.

10) There is no such thing as lunch. There is only dinner and then there is supper.

11) Iced tea is appropriate for all meals, and you start drinking it when you're two. We do like a little tea with our sugar.

12) Backwards and forwards means, "I know everythin' about you."

13) The word "jeet" is actually a phrase meaning, "Did you eat ?"

14) You don't have to wear a watch, because it doesn't matter what time it is. You work until you're done or it's too dark to see.

15) You don't PUSH buttons, you MASH em.

16) You measure distance in minutes.

17) You switch from heat to A/C in the same day.

18) All the festivals across the state are named after a fruit, vegetable, grain, insect or animal.

19) You know what a "Dawg" is.

20) You carry jumper cables in your car - for your own car.

21) You only own five spices: salt, pepper, Texas Pete , Tabasco and ketchup.

22) The local papers cover national and international news on one page,but require 6 pages for local gossip and high school football.

23) You think that the first day of deer season is a national holiday.

24) You find 100 degrees "a bit warm."

25) You know all four seasons: Almost summer, summer, still summer, and Christmas.

26) Going to Walmart is a favorite past time known as "goin' Walmartin" or "off to Wally World."

27) You describe the first cool snap (below 70 degrees) as good hog killin' weather.

28) Fried catfish is the other white meat.

29) We don't need no dang Driver's Ed.. If our mama says we can drive, we can drive, dag-nabbit.

30) You understand these jokes.

A SPONTANEOUS PHOTO FEAST

2009-03-26T22:13:00.006-04:00

Are you ready for a gazillion photos?

Barry surprised us all with a very spontaneous day off last week. We went to several places, all just for fun. The following are several photos from that day. I was feeling creative tonight, so I post processed these and then decided to share them. Tomorrow will be spent uploading more recent photos to the website for client viewing..... but for now, just a little photo fun.

One of our stops was at Moore's Creek Battlefield, not far from the house.

Moore's Creek claims to be one of the turning point victories for the Patriots during the Revolutionary War. We had a great time learning about so many historical things. And, being the homeschool family we are, we didn't waste an opportunity for "class". The kids all earned a patch for their Jr. Ranger profile. It wasn't all that easy in that they had to write a small essay and find a truckload of answers scattered over the WHOLE park.

Lizards are all over place down here.

And just about everywhere you look, you can see brackish water and Cypress knees.

This is the bridge (rebuilt, of course) where the Loyalists found their demise. The Patriots has set up a decoy camp on this side of the bridge and the Loyalists thought it just deserted. However, when they crossed the bridge (which had been covered with grease after having been half taken apart), they discovered something very different: The Patriots were hiding behind some mounds they had built themselves.

To their surprise, "Americans" had two very devastating weapons:

1) The Swivel Gun

and

2) a nasty cannon.

While the older three wore themselves out hunting answers, Ben seized every opportunity to hideout with his "gun" and shoot the Loyalists (which happened to be mommy with her camera).
We also enjoyed some time at Lake Waccamaw. There is "swamp" all around the lake, and that's where we found some very interesting critters that are simply not seen in the mountains. By the way, NO, I did NOT have a telephoto lens. We were that close to the things!!!!
This one was the biggest one we saw and he looked about 5 feet long. He seemed to be enjoying just chillin' with the cooters (yeah, that's what they call turtles down here, too).

But, yeah, the cooters are pretty cute ~ even if they are ALL OVER!

The following photo will probably only interest a select few. You know who you are.

; )

Next, we headed to Fort Caswell at Oak Island. The Baptists have a camp there. It was a neat place, too. This is the light house there. It is located right beside of the Coast Guard.

I couldn't decide which photo from our excursion would make the cut as my favorite. Turns out I have TWO.

See below.....

(1)

(2)

We ended our spontanaeity with a special dinner at THE GIANT CRAB in Myrtle Beach. Boy! Were the kids surprised. They'd never been to a gigantinormous seafood buffet before, let alone seen their Daddy eat mussels and oysters (well, I hadn't seen that part either). I think that was a once-in-a-lifetime event for all of us ~ even HIM!

Oh, and just about the best news I can think of to post:

SPRING IS HERE!!!!

A PHOTO OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU

2009-03-25T15:42:00.005-04:00

I am seriously hoping to hear from of our "Flat Land Followers" as we have finally gotten time enough to introduce our business to Eastern North Carolina. Presenting:

OPEN HOUSE

On-location photo sessions for families, children, couples, and even pets

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY * APRIL 3-4
ON WHITE LAKE AT TURTLE COVE

WHAT DOES THE PACKAGE INCLUDE?
*Sitting Fee* *Post-processing *
*Protected Internet Viewing and Client Ordering*
*1-8x10, 2-5x7, 8-wallets (may be more than 1 pose)*
$30
Additional products available at additional cost

TO SCHEDULE or for MORE INFORMATION:

CALL : Michelle Galyean * 910.247.6113 * 336.363.4180

www.galyeansgallery.com www.galyeanbattalion.blogspot.com

JACKIE IS 12

2009-03-11T22:25:00.006-04:00

Well, I've discovered that time doesn't wait on anyone....

especially my kids.

Jackie turned 12 on Monday, so we took advantage of the warm weather, the white sand, some clear water, and a new dress for her birthday shoot.

She likes to try to look SASSY!

And I just couldn't resist a little play with color.....

"Everybody clap your hands....."

(For those of you who despise most of today's music, that is some sort of silly song that Jackie is constantly singing and clapping to..... hence the following photo where she was actually doing the motions and I happened to still have the camera available).

And here she was trying to catwalk on the boardwalk.....

Are you getting a feel for her personality by now???

Believe it or not, she does have a soft side......

OUR LATEST...

2009-03-11T14:04:00.004-04:00

Our girls' homeschool basketball team made it to the North Carolinians for Home Education Athletics Association STATE Tourney a couple of weeks ago.

We were so proud and our girls were very excited.

Obviously, we had to "go all out" and put our vehicular war paint on. See below for a few pregame pics. There will be more coming soon....

And the lastest excitement with the Galyean Battalion involved some very important birthday company.

Papaw and Miss Deane made it down for both mine and Jackie's birthday. We did lots of fun things ~mostly involving food~ to celebrate Jackie's 12th and my uhhhh.... well, er..... well, my birthday, too. There will be more pics of that up sometime soon, too.

Can you tell that Ben was more than overjoyed to see his Papaw???

MR. FASHION

2009-02-23T09:36:00.003-05:00

Ben got a new shirt over the weekend. He HAD to wear it to church yesterday.

Joseph "spiked" his hair yesterday morning. Ben HAD to have his hair spiked for church.

Ben looked really cute. I HAD to take a picture. : )

Katie and Jackie got a new basketball over the weekend. It is made (sort of) out of a tire. It's really neat because it's made for outdoor use so that you don't wear the tread off of your "good" basketball. Well, oops, that's already been done. But, they really like the new ball anyway!

My boys taking their bikes for a spin.....

And this last photo is for Deane. Thanks for the cinnamon raisin bread, Miss Deane.

It got Ben's seal of approval!

I told you I wasn't going to post, but....

2009-02-10T08:12:00.005-05:00

I just couldn't help it!!!!

Check out the new logo:

Thanks go out to Heidi at The Meridian Agency and Kim W. from Sparta, NC.

You girls are the BEST and I dearly love you both.

HIATUS

2009-02-08T22:30:00.003-05:00

I am contemplating a blog-hiatus. Now, before some of you go all crazy on me, let me explain......

I have not updated my Galyean's Gallery website since our move. Did you hear that?

SINCE OUR MOVE!!!!!!!

I know that we've been "busy", but that thing has got to get updated. So, in the midst of schooling the kids (which has been somewhat more slack than I'd like to admit), running to and fro for basketball in Fayetteville, getting in gear with our new church, and throwing myself at the mercy of my fit/nutrition-savvy neice, Lizzie, many things just have been put on hold. The website was one of the items that fell to the bottom of the list.

So, I have made myself a promise that I am going to give myself a little time for priorities in the next few weeks. Basketball will wind up with a trip to the NC State Finals in a few more practices, we're getting used to new responsibilities at the church, and the diet is in gear. So, time to turn to the website. I've got lots of new shots to upload and a little redesign is in order. I think I'm even going to put a hiatus on my facebook, too. That things takes up too much of my time!!!! So, maybe in a few weeks, you can check back in to find a new post and some new pictures. Otherwise, just assume that I'm editing away and filling my children's heads full of facts (most of which I hope will not be useless and my efforts futile!).

ENLIGHTENED

2009-02-01T17:37:00.004-05:00

And enlightened by a three-year-old, nonetheless!

Yep. It's all too true.

Benjamin completely and totally cleared up an age-old question for me a few days ago.

He and I were on our way to the grocery store together. You know ~ a little mommy/son bonding time. He prompted this little outing himself by just being plain ol' difficult all morning. It wasn't anything big. Just the typical three-year-old whining. But, it was getting increasingly difficult for the older three to get their lessons done on this particular morning. The cupboards were getting bare, so a little trip, just he and I (it is great having a child old enough to babysit ~a.k.a. "Live-in Babysitter"), sounded like a nice way for the others to get their work done.

However, the whining didn't end. And what I mean by whining is this:

"Mommy? Mommy? Mommy!!!!! Mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy?

MOMMY????????".

It didn't matter how I answered him, it was that little, annoying voice that every mother hears from time to time. Finally, I just couldn't take it anymore.

"Benjamin!!!! That's enough! QUIT WHINING!"

His response? Here comes the enlightenment.......

"But, Mommy..... I YIKE (like) YINING (whining)!"

THAT'S MY KING! -turn off sidebar music and jack up the sound!

2009-01-26T23:17:00.003-05:00

I trust this video clip encourages you as much as it does me.

I heard it for the first time about a year ago and just about got up and had me a good, old-fashioned shouting fit right there.....

Every now and then I'll sit down and watch it just for encouragement.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME ------

2009-01-24T22:17:00.004-05:00

'SADER BASKETBALL?

Well, technically, it's not Crusader Basketball.

But it was WITH the Fayetteville Homeschool Crusaders.

We had a "road trip" to Methodist College today to see some ladies' college bball.

Half time proved to be very entertaining as they had a little contest for the coaches who had brought their teams. It was a freethrow contest, and our homeschool coaches definitely made stage presence on the court as they were among the very best. Our Boys Varsity coach won the contest and the prize, too!

The photo below shows Coach Shanon getting ready to swish.....She is our JV Girls Coach, as well as an avid photographer.

Coach Josh helps Shanon out and attends Methodist College himself.

And this big fella is Coach Bill. He is the MS Girls coach, which means he gets to spend an awful lot of time with my two girls.
He and Jackie share a very special bond that she is proud of:
Both claim the same day in March as their birthdays.

I think anyone would recogize these two heads (especially one curly head) from the back without their names blasting out their identity from the rear.

Here are a few actions shots from the game, taken by KT.

Methodist Monarchs pretty much laid an old-fashioned "whoopin'" on the Mary Baldwin Fighting Squirrels (no, I did NOT make that up ~ that is really their name!).

But, everyone had very good sportsmanship, which really impressed me.

We took the girls to see the Virginia Tech Hokies last season. I think they, as well as myself and Bar, may just be getting this college basketball in our blood. Uh oh.

2009-01-23T10:43:00.001-05:00

I have a friend who knows what sort of humor makes me burst out laughing right in front of my computer screen. Thanks for the laugh, Kim C.

P is for........

2009-01-22T10:50:00.004-05:00

today's POST.

Amy, over at Hi, I'm Amy! gave me the letter, "P" to have a little fun with.

The object of this game, appropriately named "Alphabet Super Game", is to find 10 of your favorite things that start with the letter that your blogger (bloggess?) assigns you. So here we go:

1. Photography

Duh?!?!?! Does that surprise anyone? Although I wonder if it counts in phoenetics since "ph" is a phonogram for the "f" sound. Photography is so much fun, it's hard to count as "work" when I'm shooting. I'm just so thankful that God has given me this opportunity.....boy! I wish I could see things through the eye of my lens like I see them with the 2 lenses that he implanted in me.

2. Papas
My daddy definitely set an example for me in the line of what it means to be a "Papa". So, I have a pretty tough cut to make when it comes to this. The folks that measure up, well.... let's see. That would be my own Papa Jack, my kids' Papa Barry, and ummmmmmmm.... uh.........well, obviously my Heavenly Papa. He set the example. I just love how Papas interact with their kids. With their girls, they are sweet, gentle (well, most of the time), and so protective. With their boys, they are instructive, playful, and eventually "one of the guys".

3. Presents
Who doesn't like getting a present from time to time? I love 'em! I don't know if that's my "Love Language" or not, but it thrills me to get an unexpected gift - especially if it is wrapped oh-so-nice (no Daddy, I'm not talking about comic wrapping paper!). I like the bows, the curling ribbon, and beautiful paper. I almost like it better than what's inside. OOPS. I probably shouldn't have let that out. Now all I'll receive will be pretty EMPTY boxes.

4. Piano
After taking lessons most of my young life, just in the last 3-4 years have I truly begun to enjoy playing the piano. I like reading music, but have a real affection for just playing around with chords. I like adding my own flair and interpretation and had a really fun time, both spiritually speaking, when Barry and I played with Exitup. I guess that's one of the things I miss most about living in on the Parkway. Anyway, yeah - add piano that list.

5. Peanut Butter
Granted, now may not be the best time to be enjoying peanut butter in any sort of manner. But, that doesn't stop me from loving it. Peanut butter and banana sandwiches, Reese's Cups, Honeycrust, Grilled Peanut butter sandwiches (heavenly!), and on and on and on..... I love it ALL!

6. Parts of Speech
Yeah, nerdy. I can't help it. I have been so made fun of for loving Grammar. My kids think I'm the Grammar Queen, and they despise it. I love paragraphs, punctuation, participles, prepositions, ...... shall I go on? I didn't think so.

7. Pens
Specifically, colored ZIG pens. I was labeled anal-retentive in college for always color-coding my notes (especially in Humanities - that class was so confusing!). I continually carried around about 10 different colored pens so that I was always prepared. Believe it or not, those pens saved my rear on more than one occassion during a test (I could recall what my study notes looked like due to the colorful pages).

8. Paid
What a wonderful word. Need I explain more?

9. Paleontology Archeology
Where did that come from? I am absolutely thrilled with Creation Scientists and apologetics. I find it incredibly interesting, spiritual, and almost breath-taking when I realize how wonderful God created us, our world, and then He gives us little dibbles of proof scattered here and there all over the place.

10. My Peanuts
I know that I already mentioned peanut butter, but I'm speaking of another type of Peanut: KT Peanut, Jackie Peanut, Joseph Peanut, and Benjamin Peanut (maybe even Barry Peanut). They are the joy in my step and the smile on my face (and sometimes the burr in my fur)..... But, I love them all and am so thankful for them.

Now, if you think you'd like to participate, please send me a quick note, and I'll send you a letter.

THIS IS JUST WRONG

2009-01-20T14:43:00.012-05:00

Snow at White Lake.....

that's just "wrong".

It makes my brain hurt!

;o )

We ended up with about 2 inches, although it's still been snowing intermittently all day.

Below is the small stream (well, really it's a small SWAMP) that runs right behind our little house.

Usually, it's just a really yucky green algae color, but somehow the snow created a little magical fairy land in the swamp's reflection.

The kids were unbelievably excited about the snow.

I don't know if it was because it reminded them of home in the mountains, or if they just needed a break. Either way, Ben woke up with sweet excitement just exhuberating all over the place. He was jumping up and down and cutting flips in our bed.

So, we took a break from the math and spelling, and trekked outside for a little playtime.

The older ones showed Ben how to make a snow angel. He was all for it until his mittens came apart from his coat. He just isn't too good at being a good sport when he's cold.

Joseph ended up being completely and totally soaked by the snow in his sweatpants.

No, we don't have any snowbibs. They were all too small for the kids when we moved, so we ditched them. And, well... we didn't think we'd need any down here.

Uh, we were wrong.

The snow really makes our street look completely different.

I have to admit, I prefer the warm look to the cold, white look.

I caught Jackson trying to catch snowflakes on his tongue.

Barry, Jackie, Joseph, and I took a walk down the Lake while KT and Ben jumped on the trampoline in the snow.

Cypress trees covered with Spanish moss and snow is a really neat thing to behold.

God's beauty is so amazing, especially when He shows you a new combination of things you've seen many times, just not together.

And, how many times have you seen a palm tree covered in snow?

We snuck into our neighbor's yard to grab this shot!

The school officials called school off yesterday before the first flake even began falling. Bar and I were both amazed! The weather-guys hit it right on, though. So, there were a few kids scattered here and there on our street doing what kids do best on a day like today:

PLAYING.

This little guy was enjoying some fun on his new 4-wheeler.

The temperature has already dropped a vast amount and icicles are starting to form everywhere, so I even wonder about school tomorrow. Everyone down here is really enjoying the snow. They say it hasn't done anything like this in a few years, so it's a real treat for them. It's not too bad for us either, I don't suppose. It's kinda like having the best of both ends of North Carolina.

PUBLISHED!

2009-01-15T22:27:00.003-05:00

Lots of exciting things happening in the Galyean household over the last day or two.

My friend and photography mentor, Charlotte, emailed yesterday with phenomenal news:

The JoyBells (our kids' handbell choir from Galax, Va.) made national news! After making it into the local news last summer, they have expanded their horizon with an appearance in "Overtones!", the official publication of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers. Katie is on the front cover (see the really cute teen in yellow-orange above!) with several of our mountain friends.

And, as an additional perk, a couple photos of mine have made it in the publication (thanks to dear, sweet Ms. Charlotte - a.k.a. "Minister of Fun"). Check out the publication here.

I'm so excited, thrilled, appreciative, and happy.

Look out National Geographic, here I come!

TAG, YOU'RE IT......

2009-01-15T08:07:00.004-05:00

I was tagged by Michelle at Doublewide Dreamer ..... These things are just so fun, I LOVE being tagged. OK, I digress...... the "rules" for this tag are as follows:

1. Go to the 4th folder in wherever you keep your photos.

2. Pick the 4th pic in that folder.

3. Post it and tell a little about it.

4. Pick 4 other folks to tag.

So here goes:

This photo was taken on May 6, 2008.
I was at the home of one of my best friends. The kicker is: she wasn't there.
She was in the hospital delivering her 5th little girl.
Kim blessed me with the opportunity to serve her and her husband by helping out with the remaining 4 girls, then ages 13, 10, 5, and 2.
We had just finished supper and found ourselves looking out the front window at an unbelievable sunset. KT began running frantically around, looking for the camera. She is the author of this photo, and I guess you can see why I'm not at all scared to hand over the precious equipment to my teenager. She is GOOD!
Anyway, Kim delivered beautiful little Adeline in the wee hours of the morning. We were all scared for a while though as the delivery turned nasty for a bit. Obviously, all are fine now and it seems like some sort of dream, in a way. But, God gave us this awesome sunset I think just to remind us that He is still has it all under control, that He is God of the whole universe, and that He loves us..... enough to just send us "goodies" from time to time - just because He loves us.

So, that's my story from my fourth folder, fourth photo.
Tag - you're it:
Charlotte at UndertheC.
Katie at PlayingforHim
Tara at OurRedThreadJourney
Amy at SevenMoores,couldtherebeonemore?

THE BEGINNING OF THE FESTIVITIES

2009-01-10T23:37:00.005-05:00

It all began with the sacred

BIRTHDAY BOLOGNA.....

Yes, I'm all too ashamed to admit that Barry did NOT get a birthday cake from me this year for his birthday. As a matter of fact, we had laxed our vegetarian diet and even had bologna in the house. But, alas, bologna was about it. So, we created a new tradition - THE SACRED BIRTHDAY BOLOGNA.

Hey - don't knock it: It works! ; o )

After the blowing out of the candle and some serious wish-making, the kids gave their daddy his birthday whoopin'. Atleast they tried. Here Barry looks a little ganged up on and in dire straits.

But the story changed soon enough as all were lying around, exhausted and Barry had Joe in some sort of arm-twistie-grip-you-can't-move-ha-ha.

Next came the Christmas baking.

Benjamin just insisted, "I hot, Mommy. I hot. Gotta take my shuht off. Pwease?"

I think they cooperated. It looks questionable, though.

The results:

Pecan Pie

Ol' Kate Balls

Chex Mix

We always open our new Christmas ornaments on Christmas Eve.

This year:

Katie received a sewing machine ornament.

Joe got a house ornament.

Jackie got yet another fairy.

Ben got a soccer ball.

Barry got a treble clef with EBHS colored ribbon.

And I got a piano ornament.

We try to pick ornaments that commemorate the previous year's happenings.

And then our Christmas festivies really took a big leap as we put out the stockings and climbed into bed on Christmas Eve.

Yeah, the "big man in red" came.

Tune in later to see the goods.

BACK AT IT...WITH A LITTLE BREAK

2009-01-10T22:13:00.005-05:00

Well, after months - literally: MONTHS - of moving around resettling, reshuffling, finding things, losing them, and finding them again, we are finally schooling again.

I have a few weeks of lessons laid out. Now, let's see if we can stay on schedule.

The photo below was actually at our "old" house here in Etown. There I had a school room. Here at White Lake, I have a school "closet". The closets in this house are very deep, so one of them houses our books, audios, books, crafts, and did I mention books? We are in and out of that one closet a gazillion times a day, but I think it will work for us.

Ben is majoring in playdough.

He is taking time out to include some extracurricular activities like spelling his name.

All by himself and holding the pen the right way, too!

Joseph has impeccable penmanship. This is a paper he was writing on the Nile River and it's occupants. Doesn't it look nice?

I wonder if the fact that I don't have many pictures of the girls schooling means anything? Hmmmmm..... those of you who know KT realize she typically has some sort of book attached to various body parts. As for Jackie, we have added piano to school for her this year, and she has really taken to it.

We also have P.E. class for those of you who wonder if my homeschooled children are well-rounded. ~wink~

We were all outside today in shorts and sleeveless shirts. Ben rode his "big boy" bicycle, KT and I walked the bassett, Jackie walked with Ben, and then Joe and Ben had some trampoline time.

There were other fitness efforts going on at our house today as well.

The new Wii Fit has been quite a hit, but things seem to be turning violent as I caught both of my daughters secretly videotaping me hoola-hooping on the Wii (and it was from the REAR!). NOT a pretty sight! If you can get a visual, try to picture me on this little white board, wildly swinging my hips rather unproportionately, sweat dripping off of my face (it really was), and crying up to the top of my lungs that death was imminent and pending.... Yeah, that was me. They even caught me collapsing in a heap on the floor afterwards, panting like a wild dog. But just you wait..... this Mama knows all about payback.

~evil grin and a mischievious snicker~

YOU JUST NEVER KNOW....

2009-01-07T23:04:00.006-05:00

.....how you are going to affect someone.

For instance, back in the day (my days at Mars Hill College, aka "MHC"), I had the opportunity to meet many different folks from many different areas. It was all fun, especially the "jello-snorting" that we music majors were notorious for (that's another story all together!!), but sometimes I came across some really great people that would forever be etched in my mind. Such is the case with Michelle (great name, I know!). Michelle was an elementary ed. major who played in the band. She was great fun - probably one of the very first people that pop into my mind when I think of fun college days. With her, there was ALWAYS a laugh and her country-as-cornbread ways would steal your heart in a minute. Recently I reconnected with Michelle via Facebook. We exchanged emails, blogs, etc.... She, like me, is the mother to a beautiful son who grew in her heart rather than under it. She had the opportunity to read my post "My Favorite Necklace" from several weeks back. I was unbelievably pleased when she asked if she could incorporate it into her Wednesday night women's Bible study. See below for the scoop from a very sincere email I just received:

Michelle,
First of all, let me thank you for letting me borrow your blog. You have no idea how much God used you to uplift 22 women of our church tonight!We had a great turn-out and tonight was my night to do the "lesson".
I told them about us going to college together, and that I always felt you were full of The Holy Spirit and could see Jesus in you. I was raised right, but like a lot of people, I didn't act like I should have during my college years. Secretly, you were always one of the people I could look at and see Christ daily. I now want to thank you for never waivering and always seeming to show Christ to others by your daily example.
With that being said, and I really felt like I needed to tell you that, tonight was great.
I could barely read through your devotional without losing it. I read yours, word for word, and then added personal stories to it. By the time I finished, there wasn't a dry eye in the room.
After reading and talking about the scripture and your blog, I then handed each lady a strip of paper and asked her to write down what her most prized "bead" was that her parents or grandparents had given her. As they wrote, I shared mine: "Laughing beats crying." No matter what trials we go through, my family was always good at finding humor in everything. My mammaw still says, "We might as well laugh--it sure does beat crying." One by one, each lady shared a little bit about her "bead" as I taped them all together to make a paper necklace. At the end, I told each person that they'll never look at a necklace the same way again. I also said that when they remember their beads every now and then, to ask God to give them the strength and wisdom to give their children beads that they too will remember as they're older.Thanks again Michelle! Isn't it awesome to see how God uses us to help others?
Here are a few pictures from tonight.

#1. Our group with our necklace, minus ME (takin' the picture!)

#2. Flashing the "I LOVE YOU" sign to thank God for you and your blog that so deeply touched us and to tell you that we love you!

(This is my favorite photo!!! Isn't it wonderful to have so many "long-saved (not LOST!) sisters that you will one day meet, person to person!?!?!?)

#3. Our "BEADS"

Thanks again Michelle! You ROCK!

Michelle H.

www.doublewidedreamer.blogspot.com

So, my point is that you never really know who is watching, who is listening, who God might just put in your path for "such a time as this", only to be blessed years later.

Thanks so much, Michelle, you have blessed me more than I can put into words. Sometimes those blessings are long in the making.

See below of a pic of me and my Daddy. Yeah, he is the one who helped string all those beads on my necklace and bless his heart, he's still working on it!

Check back in a few days for a glimpse of our Christmas celebrations. I've got a gazillion photos to share.....

CHRISTMAS - DUBLIN STYLE!

2008-12-23T00:29:00.004-05:00

Our family has thoroughly enjoyed the CHRISTmas festivities at our new church this year.

It began with a beautiful Hanging of the Green ceremony the first week of December and will culminate this Wednesday when we have our Christmas Eve service (BTW.... Jackie and Barry are singing a duet).

The pictures you see below are from the Christmas cantada that was put on at

Dublin First Baptist.

"Mary" is KT's age and was just lovely.

The choir did a wonderful job and truly lifted up the Name of our Lord before all men.

The choir and our drama teams worked together to put together a wonderful show and a heartfelt ministry.

KT and Jackie have both joined the drama teams and are enjoying making new friends and serving the Lord with them.

The evening after the cantada, KT and Jackie's AWANA group, Trek, put together a live nativity outside of our church. It was so weird to be running around outside barefoot at Christmas time (they couldn't wear their 21st century shoes in their Jerusalem duds). The group acted out the story of Christ's birth while Luke 2 was read. KT was an angel. Then, Jackie concluded the service by singing "Beautiful Star of Bethlehem." It was really beautiful and moving.

And, as a side note, the 22nd is Barry's birthday.

We did a few neat things today like finishing up our shopping, having pancakes, making Christmas goodies (Ol' Kate Balls - Daddy, I bet you will appreciate that one!), wrestling with the kids, and having a Melvin's burger (yep, I ate the meat!).

I hope to post some pics from the day sometime soon, but in the meantime....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BARRY!

I LOVE YOU.

BARRY'S BATSUIT

2008-12-19T15:46:00.003-05:00

A quick little photo for those of you "back home" that simply could not imagine Barry in a choir robe.

He looks quite debonair, doesn't he?

Deep contemplation....

SINGING CAROLS WITH CLASS

2008-12-15T21:49:00.001-05:00

I have a new favorite musical group: STRAIGHT NO CHASER.
Check them out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? BASKETBALL?

2008-12-13T22:29:00.003-05:00

Ben can't decide what sport he wants to play.

SOCCER?

GYMNASTICS (Which, by the way, he performs EVERY night, using our couch as a pommel horse)?

BASEBALL?

OR....

FOOTBALL?

Yeah, he's a little small for a Dolphin right now, but if he's fast enough, it wouldn't matter - would it?

So, he's been practicing by wearing Joseph's Miami jersey (even out in public).

And everyone knows that the girls have been very involved with a new basketball team: The Fayetteville Crusaders.

Kt can be serious trouble under the basket when she takes a mind to.

She is #13 in green below.

Yeah, she made it.

: o )

Below you will see both of my girls (Jackie is #15) getting ready to layout some serious "D" by double-teaming the poor girl with the ball.

I don't think Jackie was strangling this girl, but I wasn't on the court, so I don't really know.

And this last picture is one of the whole Crusader Middle School girls team.

Joseph and I have been going "jogging" together for about 2 weeks now. And, when we don't jog, he is my partner in Tae-bo or pilates. Pretty fun, if I do say so myself.

THIS TEENAGE THING.....

2008-12-13T21:31:00.003-05:00

We are another year into "teenagery".

KT just turned 14.

She is pretty good about getting older, and I know that with your first, every year on their birthday that parents become reflective, nostalgic, etc... But this year it really hit me:

MY BABY WILL HAVE HER PERMIT IN 1 YEAR!!!!!

AHHHHHH!

This is my favorite birthday portrait from this year.

She and I ventured downtown E-town and this one was taken on a whim.

Doesn't KT just make Elizabethtown glow???

We started the day out with cinnamon rolls.

Then, we just had a normal day, with KT playing with her new Nintendo DS and a trip downtown to ask for donations for her basketball team. After her Daddy got home from work, we had her choice of dinner:

*Plain salad

*Fettucine with homemade Alfredo Sauce

*Ginger Green Beans

*Chocolate Birthday Cake

*Edy's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream

Benjamin enjoyed a little wrestling time with his newfound 14 year old sis before cake.

We also made a little time for some birthday portraits.
She certainly doesn't look like my sweet baby Katie anymore.
~~SIGH~~

Joseph had his birthday pictures made at the lake, but KT decided that downtown (see above) and Turtle Cove entrance was a better idea.

So, the photos below are from the entrance to our development.

So, I think that I'll enjoy another year of driving her around everywhere although she has already been asking, "Can I drive..... [out the driveway]/[through the parking lot].....".

Happy Birthday, KT.

I love you bunches.

OUR HOUSE ON THE LAKE

2008-12-13T17:41:00.005-05:00

Everyone from the mountains has been wanting to see our new home on the lake, so I stepped outside right at dusk tonight to snap a few shots.

This is our street, right beside our house. The lake is just beyond the garage with the wreath at the end of the street.

This is the street in the other direction. You will notice the basketball court and tennis court at the end. KT's dream-come-true!
And this is our house. We really like it. Like the house we rented before this one, it is much smaller than our mountain home, but we are really enjoying it.
On one side of us, we have really nice neighbors.
On the other side, we have 2-3 empty wooded lots.

This would be our living room/foyer/dining room/school room.

: o )

You will notice the lavender walls.

Our landlord left his surround sound set up for us to enjoy and if you look closely, you will see Benjamin lying in the floor enjoying Tom and Jerry in surround sound!

This is our yellow kitchen. It is my most favorite part of the house.

I love the color, the countertop, the appliances, and there is a screened-in porch out the door. The open door to the left of the kitchen is the door to my and Barry's bedroom/bathroom.

And here you will find our bedroom, complete with band-director's jacket on the bed post and lemon tree that we don't want frozen (not that it would down here!). The white door leads to our bathroom and you'll notice the wall color is dark gray.

Well, the wall color might be gray, but the ceiling color is purple.

Our bathroom is purple, too but has double sinks and a wonderful tub.

I would have posted pics of the kids rooms, but I was afraid to enter into either one of them for fear of getting my leg bitten off by whatever might be lying in the floor.

KT and Jackie's room is burgundy (which makes for a great Virginia Tech room) - much to Jackie's chagrin. Joe and Ben's room is blue. The laundry room is bright yellow and the kids' bathroom is dark blue.

If anyone had told me the colors of the house before I saw it, I probably wouldn't have even wanted to see it. But, the colors work for us.

Now, we are just waiting for a visit or two from some very missed family members and friends. HINT, HINT!

MY MOST VALUABLE NECKLACE

2008-12-11T12:13:00.003-05:00

Pearls? No.

Gold? No.

Diamonds? Again-no.

An heirloom from my husband's family that he gave me one magical Christmas? uh.... that one was quite far-fetched and imaginative, but no.

So what is my favorite necklace?

Proverbs 1:8 (CEV)

"My child, obey the teaching of your parents and wear their teachings as you would a lovely hat or a pretty necklace."

This was the Scripture that the kids and I read this morning. We are going through the whole book of Proverbs (for the 2nd time), reading 4-5-6 verses at a time, talking through them, and journaling how they apply to where we are now.

This one hit me particularly hard this morning.

I put the date next to each "section" as we read it, and the last time we went over this one was just a little bit before my mother went Home. Little did I know how much I would appreciate it the next time I took it to heart. Somehow it means more this time. And, it reminds me that I simply CANNOT take the time I have with my kids for granted and be slack in training them.

So, as I was thinking about my necklace, many different "jewels" caught my eye.

It took many years for my Mama and Daddy to make my necklace and each part of it is intricate, detailed, and crafted with pride.

LOVE FOR OTHERS - This was a quality that I saw each and everyday in my mom. She ALWAYS put others before herself, even when it caused her more work or pain.

HARD WORK - Following both my parent's example, we learned not to be afraid to get dirty, that being tired meant that you had done something, and we didn't quit til the job was done.

DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME - Oh wow. How many times did I have to wash the whole sink of dishes over because ONE had a microscopic piece of ham stuck to it? Or how many times did I have to pick the whole wheelbarrow of sticks up again because I conveniently left 2 twigs under some leaves? I learned really quick that if I just did it right the first time, I could have saved myself some time, effort, and irritated feelings.

DON'T SAVE THE GOOD STUFF FOR "LATER" - "later" may not ever come. My Mama used to have 2-3 cabinets that were full of beautiful heirloom dishes. She had a whole drawer full of beautiful jewelry that my Daddy had given her. She never got those dishes out that I can remember. And the jewelry? You might see it in a professional portrait, but she never wore it out somewhere. "Good stuff" might even be considered playtime with the kids, a walk by the lake, or even laying in the kitchen floor doubled over with laughter. Before she died, Mama told me not to save the good stuff. Use it!!! It will be a blessing to others and make you smile. Afterall, her "later" has come and gone.

TRUST YOUR DADDY - "Abba, Father". That's what God wants us to call Him. Abba, translated literally, is "Daddy". My relationship with my earthly Daddy is personal, trusting, and not at all formal. I know that I can come to him with anything or any need, even now as a grown woman. I can remember climbing the apple tree in the back yard as a little girl. With the exception of the one time he was in the tree and we raced to get down (remember that, Daddy?), I always knew he would catch me. He would stand at the bottom with his arms out and say, "Jump, Michelle. I'll catch you." And did he? Of course. How much more so will our Abba, Father catch us? protect us? give us good gifts? We just have to TRUST Him.

There are so many other beautiful gems on my necklace. But, these are just a few of the prettiest ones to me. Thanks, Daddy for helping Mama string my necklace. By the way, if you didn't know it.... Barry loves to see me wear my necklace and I'm thinking about taking a few of those beads off to put on my own kids' necklaces.

YOU BETTER NOT CRY, I'M TELLIN' YOU WHY....

2008-12-08T00:27:00.007-05:00

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN!!!

Today was a neat day.

Our church had their annual AWANA Store where the kids could spend their "Awana Bucks" (play $$ they've earned for memorizing Scripture). Along with all the hoopla that entailed was the great surprise of having Santa show up for the festivites.

Santa just happens to also be the sound-man at our church! I don't think I've ever seen anyone look more like the magical man I have embedded in my mind than Thomas. He just radiates Christmas joy in his smile and in the hearts of the children he shares Christ's love with.

I have one child in particular that is still very fond of Santa: Jackie.
She just loves the idea, the fairy tale, the general aura of Santa Claus.

And Joseph wasted absolutely no time in telling Santa that he really needs another Nintendo DS game for Christmas.

I really think Santa enjoyed some Curly-KT Sugar, too.

I was so pleased to be able to take pictures of the AWANA kids as they came in to do their "Christmas Shopping". Santa had a great time talking with them and I enjoyed snapping some neat photos of some really beautiful children. Below you'll find some of my favorites.

And, yeah, Santa brought along his LADY on this trip!

And, as an extra bonus, Our new pastor and his family asked me if I would snap a few pics of them for Christmas. This happens to be my favorite, taken right in front of the doors at our church in Dublin. What a beautiful family!

AMOS AND CARA

2008-12-04T08:46:00.009-05:00

Meet Amos and Cara McPherson.

Amos is the son of a dear friend of mine who has been much like a sister to me over the past 6 years. She has taught my children, taught me, and given more to our family than she will probably ever know. Charlotte is definitely one of a kind.

I was ever so humbled when she asked if I would help in capturing this special moment in her family's life.

The day couldn't have been more beautiful for a wedding. The weather was perfect, the location surreal, and the love radiant.

The guys began the processional by lighting torches on either side of the "aisle". The wedding party followed, one at a time....

.....until time for the bride.

Both of her parents escorted her down to meet her husband.

After sharing vows and communion, Amos and Cara DANCED back up the aisle, their happiness overflowing.

Cara comes from an Italian family.

And Amos comes from a mountain family who are spread all the way from California to Virginia to Germany.

Katie was very much pleased to make the aquaintance of Amber, Charlotte's oldest daughter and a baroque violinist in Germany.

Neither Amos or Cara had seen the rings that the other had chosen for them until time to put them on during the ceremony. Amos' held a beautiful inscription from his bride and Cara's was completely designed by Amos and crafted from both family's heirloom jewelry.

I loved Cara's burnt red wedding dress and the casual brown jackets and sweaters that the rest of the party wore.

After some wedding party portraits, some barbeque, and some cheesecake, the newlyweds spent the rest of the evening basking in each other's company and dancing the night away.

Now Cara is back in California, serving her country (she is in the Army) and Amos is studying for his EMT exam. But, rest assured they are counting down the minutes til they can be together again.

Congratulations, Amos and Cara.

Thanks for letting us share in your joy. We pray blessings on you and your families as you begin a new life together, standing on the Rock being joined together in Him.

JOE TURNS DOUBLE-DIGIT....

2008-12-03T23:31:00.005-05:00

December is a very busy month for us.

Not only do we have all the fun that goes along with Christmas, but our family also has 3 birthdays to celebrate.

Our first December birthday belongs to Joseph, who had a very special birthday this year. He turned 10 yesterday. He is now officially DOUBLE DIGITS!!!

His festivities of choice this year were just hanging at the house playing with a new

NINTENDO DS.

Plus, we watched "Get Smart", and had homemade pizza, angel food cake, and fudge royale ice cream. Not a bad menu, eh? It was all Joe's idea.

But, do you know how hard it is to get candles to stick in angel food cake?!?!

Each year I like taking birthday pictures. One advantage to public schooling is the cheesy studio portraits they take each year. It atleast ensures that you have some sort of visual timeline of your children as they grow. However, my homeschooled children have the sweet priviledge of having a photographer for a mother who has consistently taken their yearly birthday photos (they may not word it quite like that.... coming from them it may sound something more like, "Mom is CONSTANTLY snapping that silly camera in our face!"). Anyway, you can see some examples of our portrait session below. We took a little "stroll" down to the lake right at dusk and boy was it nice.

Geez..... three children double-digits now.

Reminds me that I need to enjoy each and everyday with them.

Thanks, Lord, that you have given me time each day to be with them and teach them Your ways.

BTW, as a note to my family, Barry says that Joseph is the spitting image of Mama.

; o )

PLAYING WITH PORTRAITS

2008-11-30T23:32:00.003-05:00

I had a whim to do something fun when we got home from church this afternoon. So, I put the kids (and Barry) in some natural light with a black background and took a few Christmas portraits. Nothing fancy - still in our "church clothes", but just for fun and posterity. They didn't turn out too bad.

KT took this last one of Barry and I.

I had the honor of helping out a dear friend of mine this past Saturday as she married her only son off. I took several photos and hope to post one or two before the week is out.

I WISH I WAS IN THE LAND OF COTTON... LOOK AWAY, LOOK AWAY--

2008-11-21T21:38:00.006-05:00

Meet the Cooley kids, Abbey and Robbie.

I had the priveledge of taking a few portraits of them this afternoon in a local cotton field. Yeah, genius idea, I know. However, as much as I would like for it to be, it wasn't my idea. It was their mother's. She has been a literal life-saver to me since our move. I met their sweet family when we first moved into the first rental home. They were our neighbors. I think everyone remembers what a hard time Joe had with the move and Robbie certainly helped ease his "move-sickness". So, below you'll see a few of my favorites, plus one of the Galyean Gang.

By the way, the cute pooch is "Tooley", Jackson's buddy. : o )

KT is always nosing around in new books. She finally came across a series, "Carolina Sisters", by Michael Phillips, that I absolutely LOVE. It is historical fiction and tells the tale of two Civil War Era girls who happen into each other's paths only to discover that they are biological cousins. No big deal -- except that one is black and the other white. Back then that was an even bigger deal than it is now. Anyway, the girls find themselves alone, with no one. So, they work the cotton fields in order to try make end meet.

I say all of that to say that the whole time I was in the field taking pictures today, I just couldn't get it out of mind what used to transpire in probably the very fields in which I stood. Wow. How far we have come......

"Oh, I wish I was in the land of cotton,

Old times there are not forgotten,

Look away, look away, look away

Dixie Land."

GETTING IN THE SPIRIT

2008-11-20T10:48:00.001-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

BEN'S 3RD GOTCHA DAY

2008-11-17T11:08:00.005-05:00

Turn the sidebar music off!!!

HAPPY THIRD GOTCHA DAY, BENJAMIN!!!

WE LOVE YOU SOOOOOO MUCH!

Below you will find a video that I had been wanting to create for Ben since the day we arrived home. However, with life, a husband, 4 kids, well.... you get the picture. It didn't happen. However, our new pastor, Cameron, invited us to share our testimony and Ben's story yesterday in both services. After using up about 2 boxes of kleenexes, we got through it and it went beautifully. I pray that God will bring his heart of adoption to many people through our little one's profound story. If you want to hear it sometime, email me privately. I have a neat "journal entry" that explains it all and I'll send it to you. Just have some tissue handy. BTW, the video below is pretty long, so give yourself several minutes if you choose to watch it.

A FEW FACTS
*If 7% of the the world’s Christians adopted only 1 parentless child, the world’s orphan problem would be solved.
* If we put all the of the world’s orphans in a single file line, it would wrap around the world 2.5 times.
*There are over 400,000 churches in America, but only 113, 000 children are adopted annually.

WEBSITES TO CHECK OUT
*www.worldorphans.org
*www.hopefororphans.org
*Rick Warren - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zQYA6OgyuM
*John Piper - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgNXQ2CazUg

THE GOOD NEWS:

Romans 8:15 (NASB)--parentheses mine

"For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba (meaning quite literally, "Daddy")! Father!"

BLADEN COUNTY WATERWAYS

2008-11-11T00:11:00.003-05:00

Below you will find a glimpse of the lovely Cape Fear River. We cross this river everyday as we traverse to and from our new home on White Lake. Remember the movie, "Cape Fear"? I think it came out in the nineties? It was based on this river. I guess it would give the Cape Fear a bad name, but it is really a lovely river, complete with locks and all. Really neat!!!

And the next few photos were taken at Jones Lake, also here in Bladen County. My in-laws came to visit about a month ago and while out driving, we happened to stumble across this beautiful place at just the right time to catch a few sunset dream photos. I nearly broke my neck running about all over the place with the camera in hopes of getting a few good ones.

The water on this particular evening was so gorgeous. It was so still that it was just like a mirror.

Cypress trees jut out of the water all around its edges. The water at all the lakes here in Bladen County (with the exception of White Lake, of course) are a dark, murky red/brown. White Lake is perfectly clear as it is spring fed. Its bottom is white sand and it is a virtual dream for anyone who like the water. Since we have moved to White Lake, I find myself wanting to do nothing other than ride around on my bike, soaking in the views, smells, and feel of the Autumn air in Eastern Carolina. Yeah, I think I'm starting to like it here.

JUST FOR FUN......

2008-10-26T15:19:00.001-04:00

ENOUGH SAID.

THAT TIME AGAIN

2008-10-26T15:06:00.003-04:00

Time for what?

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD!!!

This is the first year that Benjamin has been able to have active participation.

I must say, he really enjoyed it. Although, he does insist that his box is going to,

"A little boy like me in Manya-manya."

Too sweet.

Most of you comment that there are never any photos of me on the blog, so Barry has become quite handy with the camera and took a few.

If you aren't familiar with Operation Christmas Child, please click here to find out more:

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/