Quiet Moment

This is just one of those moments that you want to remember. A moment in Time-- sinks into your heart as you try to capture the feeling that you have at that very second the camera will capture the shot. The water is rushing behind you- the kids are playing around in the banks of the River. The fall leaves are brillant colors and you sit... trying to make your mind remember everything. Here we are today-- Mother and Daughter. Her favorite moments right now are with mommy- that will not last long, but I'm happy to share them while I can. She is pure joy in my life -- nothing else.

MOMENTS OF BEAUTY

These amazing shots allow us to step fully into Fall Weather. The beauty of nature is breathtaking and serene with each new Season. I can't help but stare in delight at these incredible scenes- making me fully aware of God's Creative Flare! The fact that he paints such diverse colors just for our enjoyment- or creating a spider that weaves beauty into his regular web of life. Capturing these -- brings me joy and delight. Sharing them even more...

It's the small things each morning that we have to work not to miss. The big things jump out and demand our attention, but the tiny moments could easily slip by unnoticed if you are not careful. Take this spider web-- I just happened to see it on my way out one morning and the sun was hitting it just right... the shot was captured and now we have it forever to remind us to watch for small joys and beautiful moments. Don't rush so much that you cannot smile at the songbird, drink in the sunshine on a fall morning, or breath deeply the crisp air that preceeds winter weather. There is beauty all around us-- even with a heavy heart, the song of a bluebird is sweet- the sun is warm on your cheek- and the air is there to breath, bringing new life to each moment. SMILE at someone today!

This was a great day- Delaney and I love the ocean breezes! Perfect weather for Baby and I! :)

Storm at the Beach

There is nothing like the awesome power of thunder and lightning at the beach. I am so happy to report that I watched a powerful thunder storm last night. Thunder shook the building and lightning bolts lit up the sky. I sat out on the porch with my coffee and enjoyed every minute of it!! I LOVE STORMS! It just makes me think about how small we are in the scope of God's Incredible Universe. I got some pictures as the storm rolled in-- none of the lightning- it was too much for my small camera to capture.

July - Here ... then gone!

What happened to the lazy days of summer? Popsicles on the porch and sitting by the pool! I guess this was not that kind of summer for me- mostly because i don't have a pool this summer!! :) however, there has been some occasional popsicles on the porch! My flowers are stuggling for life- the summer sun was a little to hot for the varieties that i chose this year. We have been so busy... but with what? The days slip by without notice- Time comes and goes like a summer breeze- never stopping, but not loud enough for anyone to stop and take notice. I watch my kids and wish i had the "carefree child mind" - no worries, no hassles except a little sibling rivalry. I am Thankful for God's blessing of health for my children and heart sick for those in tragedy while I think of those in prayer. We have been througt the ringer the last couple years- or has it been a decade? Each Fire brings a new appreciation for RAIN! Life is hard in so many ways- but I've learned to trust- I don't try to control... have i let it all go? learned to believe more? somehow life is more enjoyable now. Each day brings new hope, although- not to take lightly the dark water we have passed through... we grow, embracing the strength wev'e gained and trust we have learned to put in the Almighty. As I watch my children play and laugh- I am grateful-- for just that, the days i can sit and watch them play and laugh!!!

Boys, Boys, boys

Summer is a time for fun and friends. In this case it is cousins! We love spending time with our cousins and summer allows us hours of play with no busy schedules to check into. So glad to have some of our family close where we can make these kinds of memories!! These time will be burned into our minds with happy thoughts forever. Fun days of swimming and laughter- popsicles and play!

Morning Chariot ride

 

 

I ca

The sun is out- the breeze is perfect and I'm thrilled to say that i took my baby for a ride in her chariot today. The sun was almost gleaming on the leaves with the dew drops from morning still evaporating slowly. I breathed deeply and the smell of Honysuckle and Cofederate Jasmine flooded my scenses! I am so amazed by how sweet the air is this time of year-- you can hardly see the small flowers in the woods, but they smell so sweet it makes you want to seek them out! I always want to plant it-- but always forget until this time of year. It was a perfect ride this morning!

Breathing

I guess when you go through hardship and grief, your body responds with physical signals. This whole week when I've been grieving over the anniversary of Bradey's death and Burial, I have been nautious and exhaustion filled every day- I leaned heavily on my Savior for strength to be a kind mother to my children and a decent person to the family. It was tiring- I just wanted sleep, but today is new-- I spent some time planting over the weekend which is always very thereputic for me. I bought a few beautiful flowers that resemble life in its full beauty, and i planted tenderly the plants that will bring me some peaceful moments in the summer months. There is something about growing beautiful things that gives solace to a hurting heart. I encourage anyone who reads my thoughts to plant a pot of beauty somewhere you can see it every day. Don't let your days be dark by choice- put things around you that take away from the dark moments! I am sitting on my porch -- just breathing... as i make an effort to step back into the regular days that lie in wait for me. A mother, a wife, a friend, and a daughter-- i am these, and my place lies empty when I choose to hide. I will always grieve my son, but I will choose life -- even in the midst of the valley of death. So, with deep breaths and teary eyes, I step ahead- God in His mighty Strength will send His Wind for me to take a breath of comfort as i step into my life again.

Thoughts on Sorrow

Today is BRADEY JOSHEB MARKIS? 2nd birthday. If he was alive today he would be running with his brothers and smiling a big toothy grin. His golden little locks bouncing as he ran and tried to keep up. He looked like Bailey when he was born, so I see him as a balancing effect on the brothers. So many things I wonder, so many thoughts fill my head?now I will wait to experience the rest in Heaven. Bradey is safe as in the arms of the Angels as he learns and grows in the light of Heaven. I hope to dream of his adventures there. ?There is no better place for a boy to be!?. In my time here on Earth?The Father has given me a Rainbow to ease my intense sorrow and torn heart? her name is Delaney Isabelle (?Noble Challenger? for the warrior princess she was born to be, and ?Gods Bountiful Gift? for the joy she brings to our hearts). We will never understand the fathers plan, but only rest in the assurance that He is in control and regaurdless of the pain we must bear-- God's Word is true and His promises never fail. Grab hold of the Hope that you will gain Peace -- though NOT always understanding if you ask Him. I am searching too- "the peace that passes all understanding" to be mine on a daily basis. I can breathe-- for now that is enough

The color Green

I think it is amazing the feeling that is brought forth by the color of spring green. Looking out my Kitchen window today I notice that the trees are so bright they almost glow in the soft afternoon sun. the breeze was warm today- the spring weather was beautiful! I went and looked at flowers, but chose to wait to buy- thinking that there are so many choices I might need to decide what kind of space I want to make first! I love creating an outdoor space with indoor comfort- meaning, a space outside where I can relax and enjoy some peaceful moments. Just a few weeks ago all was bare from winter with just a few buds peeking out-- now, all is lush and filled with leaves! the color of the leaves reminds me of the smell of mint in the air-- that fresh, purely summer fragrance that is just spicy enough to engage your senses, but leaves you feeling refreshed by the scent that lingers. The breeze moves this beautiful canvas outside my window-- almost calling me out with a promise of warmth and freshness. I will answer the call and find a magic moment to drink in the sunshine.

I am amazed by how a day at the Beach can de-compress you. The sound of the ocean... waves crashing, seagulls with a chirp, the wind as it moves through the long grasses- it just fills your head and wisks away all the cares of the week. There may be a hundred people out there, but you don't hear the sound of their voices-- all you hear is the ocean. It never over-powers your senses like synthetic sounds do-- it is always the perfect volume to route out the "world noise" and leave you feeling peacful and give you that sense of rest. Thank you God for Days at the Beach!

A New Morning

Last night we recieved a Winter Storm. The house was a buzz with excitment as the kids prepared for a snow storm. It is a rare thing here in the south and we are excited to have the change of weather. I am always amazed how different the world looks under a blanket of snow! Everything looks new. Everything is beautiful-- trees that previously looked rather bleak and barren, now look as if they are hiding a secret under thier garment of sparkling white. Birds fly happily around and light with song on branches that then dust the ground with sparkles. Everything seems new-- it gives you an interesting thought as you start on the same kind of day that other days have been. Is it really this easy to start fresh-- the worls is restarting with a new coat and look- why can't we? Attitude being everything... this is very possible. It is really your prespective that changes-- not the world around you!