Wash, D.C.

Very often when we have visitors we take a trip down to Washington, D.C. It's a fav place of ours to tour around! We also tend to pick the HOTTEST days of the summer to go down there and this time...we took ALL the cherubs...need I say more?? Here are some more shots ~

Heading out early...we all look pretty happy eh?! ;D

On the metro...

The veeeery loooooong walk down to see...

this, the Lincoln Memorial...

This is what the cherubs looked like half way down that looooong path...

To see Abraham Lincoln...

it's always impressive to stand there and look up...

just funny!!

This is a really neat WWII Memorial...

What in heaven's name are those people doing in the water??!!!

I don't know them...even if it was 5,000 degrees that day! :D

And I DEFINITELY don't know this kid...or where in the world his mother was!!!!

This was very cool!!

The Washington Monument...we had been up there before but our friends hadn't.

Someone walked up to them and GAVE them 3 tickets so they could go on up!!!

Ooooh, and look who we saw at the eatery in Union Station...wonders never cease!

Late for School

Even though I am ridiculously late with this post...I had to do it just to document that yes, my cherubs DID begin school this August!! We had a very rough start to school with Chloe-girl and honestly, we are still not yet back to normal. BUT this first day of school was good and I'm posting these sweet picts to remember that fact...

Alex started 3rd grade...

Chloe started 1st grade...

My life, my heart...

With all the neighborhood kids at our bus stop...

(don't ask me what's wrong with the poor girl on the far left)

Watching and waiting...

Alex's best friend, Christopher...goofy boys!

Day of Thanks

Natural History

Also while our English friends were here, we enjoyed a very HOT but lovely day in Wash, D.C.! For the first time, we took all our cherubs with us and BOY that was an adventure for sure!! Everyone had a great time and we made lots of fun memories...these were taken at the Museum of Natural History ~

Motherland

This summer before school began, our dear friends from England came over for a visit!!

We had a BLAST together...sooo sad when they had to leave.

So neat to see our kids become good friends.

It's totally our turn to head over to the Motherland and visit them

but we'll have to save our pennies! ;)

Chloe with Annabella...

Silly Abraham...

Amy with Bella...

Abraham being a ham!!

Chloe...part girl part fish!

My sis, Erinn with Abraham...

Chloe, Bella and Alex...

I just LOVE this shot ~ tired but happy waterlogged cherubs...

All of us together...they are gonna hate me for this pict but it's soo fun!! :D

(Little Evangeline is the cutie-pie on the right in pink!)

Little Bubba

This summer my nephew, Abraham was over our house playing...he's soo stinkin' cute I had to capture some picts of him sporting his little mohawk (courtesy of his father)!!

I just looooove being an Auntie!!! ;D

Family

In October we had an awesome visit from Joel's family for a week...it just wasn't long enough!! We celebrated Christmas together early and had a beautiful day for some family photos ~

Joel's sister, Sarah and her husband Derek with their son, Silas (our first time loving on him!)

They are missionaries in Indonesia and are heading back next year...

Joel's parents, John and Dian with ALL the grandchildren...look at their big smiles!!

Joel's brother, Nate with his wife Rachel and their girls, Aislinn and Aibrean...

The cousins (minus Silas who was staying warm inside)...

The Schmidt Family, together for the first time in a loooong time...

They looove their new cousin!!! :D

And us...one of my favs in a while!!!

Inspiration

Living With Amputation: Gracie Rosenberger's Story

After a devastating car crash left this young woman's legs severely damaged, she decided to have them amputated. Losing two limbs, it turned out,

helped her gain an entirely new perspective on life.

By Gracie Rosenberger

WebMD the Magazine - Feature Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD

"In 1983, I fell asleep while driving and slammed into a concrete abutment. The only memory I have of the wreck was seeing both of my legs pushed over my right shoulder. The damage was catastrophic: My ankles were pulverized, every bone from the waist down was broken (one surgeon counted nearly 200 fractures), and several of my organs were damaged.

After lying in a coma for three weeks, I awoke to a new life of constant pain, loss, and brutal challenges. I was only 17 years old. I felt terrified, heartbroken, and overwhelmed.

Following dozens of surgeries, as well as physical therapy, I learned to walk again. After getting married, I defied the odds and brought two wonderful sons into the world. I used a cane for a while, but as time went on, it became too painful to bear weight on my legs, and I started using a scooter.

Deciding to Amputate

But some things just can't be fixed, and the damage to my feet and ankles led me to a horrifying but inevitable decision: I had my right leg amputated in 1991 and the left amputated in 1995. Although it was the correct decision medically, when I pulled the sheets back and saw what was left of my legs, I wondered, "How can I live like this?"

I took that despair and rammed it into a passion to live large. Stepping into the world of high-tech prosthetic limbs, I not only learned to walk, but learned to snow ski -- on advanced slopes. More important, letting go of my legs allowed me to step into an amazing life journey.

Pushing for Better Prosthetics

In 2003, I began speaking and performing at events at military bases around the country. In 2005, my husband, Peter, and I established the nonprofit Standing With Hope to help amputees in developing countries. We launched the program in Ghana, West Africa, where many people are amputees. There, amputation is the first resort in a medical crisis, not the last, yet few can afford the price of good prosthetics. Today anyone in Ghana, from members of parliament to people who live in the streets, can get a state-of-the-art prosthetic device. (My policy is to not put a limb on anyone that I'm not willing to wear myself.) We also train local technicians to make prosthetics for their own people. We trained a team in Togo this fall.

I have endured 71 operations and still live with extreme pain, but I now know there is life on the other side of amputation. Some things in our lives can become so badly damaged that it literally cripples us to keep them. In my case, letting go of my legs allowed me to get where I am today, living an active life full of meaning and purpose...

Just because you're missing some parts doesn't change who you are.

In fact, it may bring out who you truly are."

see Gracie's website for more of her story...

These days

She's the ray of sunshine in the midst of a whole lot of clouds and rain...

Child Survival Program

Visit Compassion's blog to find out MORE on how you can help!!

CD Giveaway

The first time I heard the song by Jonny Diaz, 'More Beautiful You', I loved it. I could only think of my 6 year old little girl who is growing up faster and faster every day. I also thought, that must be how God thinks of me too! I can never be more loved by Him if I tried. How amazing is that?!

Jonny Diaz' sound is unique, very light with alot of acoustic guitar background...like a great mix of Jack Johnson, Jeremy Camp with a sprinkle of SCC. The lyrics are very personal and deep, some of my favs from the cd are 'Waiting Room' and 'Nashville'.

I was pretty excited to be contacted about reviewing Jonny Diaz's "More Beautiful You" cd this week...even more when they said I could give FIVE of the cds away! Y'all have 2 weeks to enter to win a copy of 'More Beautiful You'...just leave a comment on this post!

If you haven't heard of him or any of his songs yet ~ check out the YouTube link below, read his bio here or view his personal website here.

Our Princess

Two sisters in our church came up with the brilliant idea of holding a Princess Dance Camp each summer for our young girls. Last year was the first year and Chloe loved it! This year she was thrilled they were doing it again...she loved every.minute.of.it of course. The sisters do a wonderful job of teaching the girls sweet little dances as well as lessons about God and how they are Princesses ~ Children of the King. :) And crafts?...oh yes, they got to do crafts too! Such a fun week for the girls ending with a wonderful little recital.

"Let Your Light Shine"

perfectly fitting for our own family's Sunshine!! :D

Sunday Grace

We Have Not Forgotten.

* I am reposting this from 10/08 when my mom, sister and I took a trip to NYC for my birthday. These pictures are very small captures of the depth of emotion that overwhelms you of what happened on 9/11 when you stand there looking at this giant hole in the skyline. There aren't enough words to describe that sadness or righteous anger over the wrong done that day. *

_______

Our first stop on our second day in NYC was spot where the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center once stood...Ground Zero. I am sure that everyone remembers where they were on the day of 9/11. I remember where I was, what I was doing and how I felt as I watched the tv in horror as the greatest tragedy in my lifetime unfolded before my eyes.

There is really no way to prepare yourself for this sight. We could not help but be overcome with emotion as we thought of the many that were taken from us in such a horrific way. We were also overcome with the good that people are capable of when they come together as one to serve others. We were simply overcome.

And so we say to those who lost their lives, to those who gave their lives and to those who try to continue on in their absence...we will not forget, no we will always remember!

A gorgeous blue sky...

in glaring contrast to the two missing towers that once stood in the heart of that vast space that is filled with nothingness now.

Not only the surrounding buildings but the people of New York City and the rest of America bare the scars of that day...

St. Paul's Chapel...a beacon of hope in the midst of fear, sorrow and pain.

Not a stone, window or pillar was damaged.

The old sycamore tree stood in the corner of the church's courtyard...

it took the shrapnel from the explosion, saving the church from harm.

"The Bell of Hope"
"To the greater glory of God and in recognition of the enduring links

between the City of London and the city of New York.

Forged in adversity - September 11, 2001"

The cots where the tireless volunteers would try to rest...

The outpouring of love, prayer and support from people around the globe was incredible!

We will not forget...

We will remember!

Chloe turns 6!!!

Our Chloe girl turned 6...um, well the end of July. Yeah, I know I'm crazy behind but it's been a little busy around this place. Can't miss the chance to show off some of her party picts...

Look at those BIG BLUE EYES!!!! :D

Chloe and her BFF, Sydney...they are too cute!!

There is no gift that speaks more to Chloe's heart that a big fluffy stuffed DOG! :D

She's a 1st grader now...time to Tell Time with hands!

Littlest Pet Shop...if they had these when I was little, yeah I would have collected them too!!

Chloe inherits the love of reading from her Aunt Re Re...

Auntie Rachel and cousin, Aibrean enjoy some yummy pizza!! :D

Two Peas in a Pod...cousins that think they are brother and sister but that's OK! ;)

Gotta love Skee Ball (sp?)...I think the adults had more fun with this than the kids! Ha!!

This was pretty funny to watch...the kids sit back and watch a video of a roller coaster, then the parent can watch their faces in the screen above! Gotta LOVE Chuck E. Cheese!!

Happy 6th Birthday, sweet baby...we are beyond blessed to have you a part of our lives! xoxo

Prayer Request

Hey y'all ~

We've had a rough week in our family...as many of you know, Chloe's prosthesis has broken several times this summer. Last week it broke so they replaced some of the inner components with stronger/heavier ones. She got her leggie back last Wednesday and right away was limping with it. This went on until Friday she was unable to walk in it at all. We took her back to see if the leggie needed adjustment. After 2 hours they were unable to adjust it and Chloe was exhausted. She stayed out of the leggie all weekend but her leg pain increased and she was spiking fevers as well.

So the following Monday we were even more concerned and we took her to the ER @ Johns Hopkins. After a "clear" xray and brief examination, they sent us home saying she was fine. The high fever came back that night and her pain increased even more.

Tuesday I took her in to see her Pediatrician (who I work for) and they tested her for strep (which was neg.) He examined Chloe's leg and immediately sent us for bloodwork and a bone scan at another hospital. The bloodwork came back ok but the bone scan showed the blood pooling right at the bottom of her leg, exactly where she complained of pain. After these results, they admitted her to the hospital with a diagnosis of possible Osteomyelitis (bone infection). Needless to say, Chloe was very upset as were we. The poor thing had to get 2 IVs put in and could not go home!

Chloe was put on super megga strong IV antibiotic right away. Then Wednesday they did more bloodwork which did show the raised levels they were looking for that confirmed their diagnosis. They also did an MRI (which was an absolute nightmare for a girl who is deathly afraid of loud noises and had to stay still for soo long). The MRI showed a possible abscess, this was the last news I was expecting or wanting to hear at this point. However, after examining her leg the Dr. ruled that out - thank the Lord! We were hoping to go home Thursday but Chloe was still complaining of leg pain when her leg was touched.

Yesterday (Friday) she had improved greatly and they released her to go home! She is currently taking Clendomycin (which is ridiculously awful tasting) 3x a day for 20 days. We are praying praying praying that this antibiotic is sufficient to kick the rest of the infection completely without any regressing. We are also praying for courage for Chloe to continue taking this medicine the full course.

She will be out of her prosthesis for at least a week to allow her leg to heal fully. We hope she can return to school since she has missed 6 days already! We just have to work out the details of a wheelchair, etc.

Anyways, we would really appreciate some major Prayer Support right now!! We have def. felt everyone's love and prayers so far and are depending on them for the duration. Thank you so very much!!

Paradise

Alright, it's the last of the last Myrtle Beach vacation pictures...back to reality!

Below is one of my FAV picts from this summer...these 2 are everything to me!! :D

Got to eat some of the BEST Buffalo wings we've had in a loong time!

These beach picts are going to have the best memories attached to them for as long as I will remember...

I flat out bribed the kids (and Joel) to stop at the beach on our way home from dinner for a few shots. They were pretty much OVER all Mom's picture taking at that point. Imagine that!

I found a big plastic barrel garbage can right near where we parked at the beach and to my delight, there was a broken camp chair stuffed inside!

Perfect to prop my camera on top of...

I was hoping hoping hoping that I had enough light and the camera settings right as I hit the camera timer...I knew I only had about 5 secs of patience from my family to get the perfect shots! :D

I love how they turned out!! Def. getting printed and framed for my wall...

Let Love Grow

Beth @ I Should Be Folding Laundry has a fab post about a loving Mom about to adopt 2 children from Uganda! I always get excited about neat things like this, getting behind someone who is doing something GREAT. We support a little guy in Uganda through Compassion so this country is pretty special to our family. Click the button above and go visit Beth's blog too!! :)

Water Bugs

Ripley's Aquarium

A highlight of our MB vacation was the Ripley's Believe It or Not Aquarium...we had never been before and decided this was the year to check it out!! The cherubs were in their glory...

This was awesome, a floor to ceiling wall length aquarium...complete with a DIVER who fed the fish to the delight of the cherubs! :)

The horse-shoe crabs were super cool...Alex was checking them out like mad!

And the sting rays were a FAVORITE...the cherubs even got stuffed sting ray animals to bring home with them!

I could just see Alex as a future marine biologist...he was just soaking it all up!! :D

You Capture.

"Motion"

If ever there was a poster child for MOTION...it's my Chloe.
'Nuff said.

Beach Days

I have such great childhood memories of Myrtle Beach, SC from spending every summer down there that I can remember. And I absolutely love the fact that now my kids are as much in love with MB as I am! :)

This little amusement park is called The Pavilion...it used to be right on the boardwalk and my sister and I would ride these rides every summer. I can still feel the salty breeze on my face as we rode the Sunshine...the Caterpillar and the Pirate Ship! They've since moved The Pavilion from the boardwalk to this big shopping complex. I gotta admit it lost some of its charm...

This is the second year we've gone to Margaritaville, the restaurant. It's a super fun and super beachy place to eat...the kids just love all the "Boat Booths" and fun music!

This year the restaurant had guys on stilts walking around making balloon animals and hats for the kids...and the kids at heart! :D Alex got a Sword made of course...

And Chloe got a Parrot made to sit on her shoulder...

Such a FABULOUS time as a family...

Beach Babes

Yes, we did go on vacation several...ahem, 1 month ago...yes, I am just now posting picts.

Such is the state of things around here, ha!! :D

Myrtle Beach was once again DELIGHTFUL, aahh...I already miss it!

Tamron Giveaway

A Tamron 18-270mm VC

The World’s First and Only 15X Zoom Lens!

(Value $629)

For Canon or Nikon DSLR users.

If you use a different camera, Tamron will substitute an appropriate prize.

Must have a U.S. mailing address to win.

The perfect all-in-one lens, Tamron’s 15X zoom lens features VC, a proprietary anti-shake mechanism that gives you a 4-stop shutter speed advantage for blur-free hand-held shots. Shoot confidently from wide to ultra-tele with Canon and Nikon APS-C DSLRs.

Head over to I ♥ Faces to check out this awesome giveaway!!

Contest Ends THIS Friday, August 7th at 8 pm (Pacific) / 11 pm (Eastern)

Winner will be chosen at random and be announced on Saturday the 8th.

Fourth of July belated

See more over at i ♥ faces!!

Just to satisfy some curiosity about what we've been up to this summer...

I thought this was a really neat part of the parade...can you see what the poster says??

I absolutely LOOVE drumlines!!

Check it out...a female "Uncle Sam". You just don't see that everyday in a small town! :D

Chloe was movin' and groovin' to the music and having a great patriotic time!!

Some say she is a "Mini-Me"...I say she's soooo much more!!

"She's got him wrapped around her finger..."

The one...uno...solo picture Alex would let me take with him in it! It's a FAV. :)