First Day of Autumn

Summer is over--at least as far as the seasons go. The days are still very warm here in South Texas...but the cooler nights do suggest that fall just might be around the next corner.

As fall approaches I am eagerly anticipating our upcoming fall vacation. I am hoping to see colors so vibrant and abundant back in the Ozarks that I have missed for 10 years. I do love Texas, but every fall I long for the wonderful colors I was accustomed to seeing back home. I look forward with excitement to seeing some of my favorite places bathed in oranges, reds, yellows.

I can't wait to see this place, one of my favorite places in the Ozarks, alive with bright colors!

My First Glimpse of Our Grandbaby

I had the privilege of going with Heather to her first sonogram today. I was touched to have been asked to go. The technician pointed to a screen on the wall where I could view the images of the sonagram or she said I could just look at her screen over her shoulder. I found myself glancing back and forth between the two, and over to watch Heather's face as she watched as well.

As I watched the screen a tiny image appeared within a dark space. I expected the image to appear more kidney-bean shaped or alien in appearance but instead what I saw made my eyes fill with tears. Heather and I both exclaimed "awwww...." in unison as her baby filled the screen.

There on the screen appeared an image the shape of a tiny baby. I could make out the head, arms, legs and even the place where an ear will grow. The technician was able to see fingers and toes but those I could not see. Imagine my wonder as I watched and the baby woke and began to move. The arms were moving about and the legs were kicking! Oh wow I did not expect to see that! I was completely smitten with the images I was seeing on the screen. The baby quickly settled down again and the technician said it's already asleep again. Then its whole body seemed to jump at once, but only once. It was almost amusing to see and that we were told was a hiccup. Heather and I laughed together and another "awwww" moment.  Within seconds the baby was awake and moving again and the technician explained her/his hand movements were almost as if she/he was swiping at his/her face.

This is a day I want to brand forever in my memory. Today created even more excitement for the new baby that will soon arrive. The due date is near April 2, 2012. Oh the fun ahead as we plan and prepare for this tiny new addition to our family! Thank you Heather for sharing such a special sweet moment of your pregnancy!

Jeremiah 1:5

Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you, before you were born I set you apart;

Tubing the Comal

One summer activity our family enjoys is tubing along the Comal. It's usually very crowded but we enjoy it anyway. We always go with friends and we all float along together and chat as we let the water move us downriver. The water is pretty slow moving most of the way and it's very relaxing.

We decided weeks ago to take the day off work on Heather's birthday and go tubing. We thought it was likely not to be crowded and it's an activity we can all enjoy and is very inexpensive. As the day approached some things changed and Heather was scheduled to work late in the afternoon so we decided we'd still float and we'd make it an early float trip.

This early in Heather's pregnancy meant Heather woke feeling horrible, sick, and pretty irritable. We decided to go anyway in hopes her mood and morning sickness would improve.


Our wonderful friend Kendra was able to join us as well. She hesitated to join us, not wanting to intrude on family time. I told her she was silly, that she IS family. :)




Heather's boyfriend Phillip was able to join us as well. Although he's been tubing before this was his first trip on the Comal:


Kendra heading toward the first tube chute:



And away she goes!


My turn:




Heather was right behind me!



Marty chillin' on the river:




Heather and Kendra enjoying our relaxing morning:



Might have to replace my hat soon. It's getting pretty battered!



There were so few tubers on the river even the ducks were enjoying the water:

Majesty

Psalm 93

The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty;

the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength;

indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.

Your throne was established long ago;

you are from all eternity.

The seas have lifted up, LORD,

the seas have lifted up their voice;

the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.

Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,

mightier than the breakers of the sea—

the LORD on high is mighty.

Your statutes, LORD, stand firm;

holiness adorns your house

for endless days.

 

Life's Memories

I'm still adjusting to the news that we'll have a grandchild in April. This week I purchased my first gift for the new baby, and there's a story behind the gift.

When I was born my paternal grandmother gave my parents a baby book for me. It's not like any other baby book I've ever seen. It has pages to record school days, every childhood birthday, teen years, marriage, my anniversaries (all the way to my silver anniversary), and my great grandchildren.

When Heather was born I wanted a book like mine for her. All I could find in stores were baby books that were for the first year of baby's life or first 5 years. I did not have a computer or internet access then so my only options for shopping were the nearby stores.

I was in school for advertising design when I was pregnant with Heather, the same age my daughter is now. I had a lot of art supplies and tons of tracing paper, marker paper, etc. I decided to make Heather's baby book. The secretary on the farm where Marty worked came by one evening and taught me how to make the decorative cloth covered photo albums. I made one for Heather with lots of pink and lots of lace with her help. Within the pages I put traced copies of the pages of my baby book so I could keep a record for Heather similar to the one my mom kept for me.


from a page in my book:

Heather's first photo in her book:

My first photo in my book:

from mine:

from Heather's:

from mine:

from Heather's:

This week I decided to search for the book online in hopes it is still being published. I found the printer here and have ordered the baby book as my first gift for my grandchild. I an anxiously awaiting its arrival in hopes that it is just like my book and Heather's. I've written my grandmother a letter letting her know the legacy she began with my book continues with my grandchild.

Burgess Family Portraits

Last week I had the privelege of photographing one of my favorite families! I gave them several location ideas and they chose to take them at the river in Gruene, TX. This family loves the outdoors, especially where water is invoved so this location is perfect for them! Their oldest daughter just left to return to college and it's the first time this family will be so far from her. They wanted new family photos before she left.

20 Years together and obviously still so much in love

Father and daughter

Mother and son

brother and sister

Erica, may you have a blessed year in college! You will be missed by us all!

Tube Time!

Our great friends John and Kendra and family have recently moved back to Texas and we are THRILLED to have them nearby again!!! Summer is quickly slipping by but we all took a break from weekend chores and they took a break from unpacking and getting settled to meet at our favorite place on the river. By the looks of it, it must also be a favorite place for many many people!




Kendra:



John:



Erica:



Me:


Marty:




John & Kendra:




How I've missed my friends while they were stationed in Maryland!
Kendra and me:



My hunny and me:



The river was PACKED but still so fun!



There was much splashing...






...and even an attempt to stand up in my tube! Tada!




We are enjoying having such good friends closer to us again and look forward to making many more memories together!

Welcome home John and Kendra! We ♥ You!!!

Blessed Saturday

Matthew 18:1-3

The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven

1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

 

Matthew 28:19

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

My Future

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

I ♥ Faces: Water

One of the best parts about summer for most kids is CAMP! My husband and I recently took the teens from our church to Highland Lakes for Journey Youth Camp. Of course their favorite part of that camp is the BANANA BOAT!

I had a hard time deciding which photo to use for the I ♥ Faces: Water Challenge. They are preparing for take off!

This week over at I ♥ Faces the theme/challenge is "water." Head over there to check it out.