Lyla Bryanne

One of my closest friends recently became a grandmother for the second time in June. They graciously humored and allowed me to take some photos at the hospital to brush up on my photography skills.

I have to say I enjoy those newborn babies! So precious in every way!

Here are a few of my favorites from our "shoot."

Great-grandma's hand...

Sweet big brother...

Giving Gramma kisses...

Congratulations, guys! Love you all so much!!

Baby Cora

If you would, pray for this family as they grieve the loss of their precious baby, Cora. You can read their story here as well as leave them a note of encouragement.

"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him..."

Psalm 103:11

David Crowder, Craftiness, and Babies!

Last night Da Hubby and I took our oldest son, Daylor to go see David Crowder in concert. He received tickets for his birthday. Just two words - Awe-Some! We had a blast and had great seats so we all had an amazing night worshipping together just the three of us and about 1000 others! It's such a blessing to see Daylor growing up desiring to please God and already making a commitment to following the path that has been portioned to him by his Maker. I love watching my kids worship! Really there is nothing more to me exciting than that!


I love this picture because I love the silhouettes of the hands raised up. (Goosebumps!) Wow, if worship is this good here, can you imagine what it will be like when we are right there before the Father? Can't wait!

Also, recently I joined a "craft circle" with a bunch of friends. I used to be crafty before my kids came, but since then I have just not had time to do anything. My friend Jennifer invited me to come one night and I have been hooked ever since! These are a couple of the things I have made so far. It's so much better when you have friends to chat around with while making stuff!

This was my first project and was so much fun. I wish I had made the letters of "grateful" in black so that you could see them better. Ya craft, ya learn!

I really like the way this turned out, but let me say it was a BOOGER to do! Not so much hard, but time consuming. All the leaves are cut from various types of paper and take FOREVER to cut out. However, I do have a new BFF. Glue guns - they are ubber-awesome!! You can glue ANYTHING with a glue gun...including your fingers. (Did I mention they are hot? )

Jenn totally wins the award for Crafty-Queen as she found all these ideas and has a million more she is doing. I just copied. She does have some fun (and cheap) stuff on her blog to do, so you should go check it out!

Speaking of Jennifer, she and David are at the hospital today having their new baby boy, Charlie. Just wanted you guys to know we are praying for you and that we are looking forward to meeting the little dude!!

(This is Jennifer's picture that I stole from her blog, but since I took this picture of them, it's technically not stealing, is it?)

Heroes

Heroes. What does that word mean exactly? Webster defines the word "hero" as "a man who is noted for his special achievements." Is that really true, though? Do we really celebrate the bravery and integrity of our Heroes of today? Are they really "noted" and recognized for their valor and self-denial? Or, do we choose to conveniently forget the sacrifices they make and carelessly live in a world in which they have helped make possible for us?

We all have Heroes in our lives. Some come in the shape of a friend who is there right when we need them. Some are complete strangers, but one act of kindness on their part totally changes the course of our lives forever. Some vocationally have chosen to live the life of a Hero and willfully run into burning buildings or face uncertain dangers on the raw streets of America. Some go on to tell their grandchildren and great-grandchildren their amazing stories and some, more than some, lose their lives protecting their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Our dear friend pictured above has been overseas for the past several months risking his life to help preserve our way of life here. He would never say he is a Hero. My kids would beg to differ. He sent some amazing pictures home of a recent event that took place where he is stationed. I wanted to share them with you, not to glorify war or death, but to ask you to remember. They need to know we haven't forgotten. They are all heroes. They are OUR Heroes.

"They died together trying to save the other one from overwhelming odds and effective rpg and machine gun fire. Of the nine that died 8 died at the observation post. There were three guys there when the attack started. They died trying to reinforce and rescue their brothers. They knew that their brothers were getting killed and wounded and they still ran into the gunfire. All these guys believed that they were here doing the right thing. Doing a job that their country asked them to do. I don't believe that given the choice that any of them would have been anywhere else that day. When it gets right down to it, they don't fight for America (although they love their country). They fought for each other. Ultimately, they won and the attack was repelled. These are amazing men. So young but at the same time there is age and hardness that their peers at home don't have. They had the memorial service on Sunday. It was humbling to be there. It is humbling to be here with them." - Written by my friend above, another Hero.