Sunday, June 30, 2013

Saturday, June 29, 2013

{ialsolovechocolate} Lancaster County Love

April 1, 2013.  On my way to "Roots"  Ahhh... Amish Country.

Saturday Sing Along Songs- "Help Me Find It" by Sidewalk Prophets

Last Sunday, Fred, another Kim, and I had the pleasure of singing  "Help Me Find It" by Sidewalk Prophets, during our Sunday morning worship time. 

We had a unique start, with Fred needing to re-tune his guitar, on "stage".  Then someone forgot how the song started (no sheet music, just words and chords) and hoped that another someone would remember, when he started... and then well... that other someone sort of forgot how it started too!  Thankfully, the other Kim began her solo verse PERFECTLY and brought it all together!  Oh, the joys of a live performance, after two rehearsals and three days of knowing a song!  It's always exciting, that much I can say!!

Praise be to God, that in spite of some minor instrumental mix ups, the message was not muddled!

"Help Me Find It"


I don’t know where to go from here
It all used to seem so clear
I’m finding I can’t do this on my own

I don’t know where to go from here
As long as I know that You are near
I’m done fighting
I’m finally letting go

I will trust in You
You’ve never failed before
I will trust in You

[Chorus:]
If there’s a road I should walk
Help me find it
If I need to be still
Give me peace for the moment
Whatever Your will
Whatever Your will
Can you help me find it
Can you help me find it

I’m giving You fear and You give faith
I giving you doubt
You give me grace
For every step I’ve never been alone

Even when it hurts, You’ll have Your way
Even in the valley I will say
With every breath
You’ve never let me go

I will wait for You
You’ve never failed before
I will wait for You

[Chorus]

I lift my empty hands (come fill me up again)
Have Your way my King (I give my all to You)
I lift my eyes again (Was blind but now I see)
‘Cause You are all I need

[Chorus]




Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Do Hard Things. Then Eat Oatmeal.

Near the end of the school year, Cman (age 14) said to me "I'm reading a book, and I'm wondering if you would be willing to read it too, so you know where I'm coming from."

You know it's going to be good, when the foreward is written by Chuck Norris.


"Sure!"  I said.

He then went on to say, "The book is called Do Hard Things.  It talks about how society believes that teenagers are lazy and irresponsible and that we should live up to a higher level of expectation.  So, I'd like to take on more responsibility, this summer."

?!?!?!

Inwardly, I shouted "HALLELUJAH!!!" and did a "Praise Jesus!!" dance.

Outwardly, I simply said "OK."


And thus began our summer of doing hard things.

Our Summer Projects List

Our Daily To-Do List

Garden work is a daily task.  (compost area shown)

We built a mini stone wall, together.  :)  (I love me some stone walls.)
 We started organizing a pantry.  (Yay!!)


 He cleaned out the refrigerator, for the first time, ever.

And he helped carry food to the attic, then waited without complaint, in the 90+ degree heat, while I photographed the shot, below.


Blueberry Topped Baked Oatmeal w/Quinoa & Coconut Milk



And those are only a few of the things he's done!

Cman's work ethic has increased and the complaining has decreased.   And might I add, what a swell time for this to happen!  He's man-sized now, so he is truly a BIG help to us.  Thank you, Alex & Brett (and Chuck) for such a perfectly timed message!  And thank you Cman, for rising WELL above our expectations!

For all you foodies, the recipe for the Oatmeal/Quinoa dish can be found here.  I substituted blueberries, omitted the coconut and added walnuts.  Oh, and we lightly whipped the leftover coconut milk (with a wee bit o' raw sugar) and poured it over the top.  It was fantastic!!




Thursday, June 13, 2013

A Downtown Lancaster Family Shoot!

There are some families that you just click with (pun intended).

This would be one of them.  :)

The last few shoots were in the country, so we thought we would mix things up and head into Lancaster City.

The photos pop, due to some GREAT clothing choices, by the mama.  Greens and oranges- perfect!!  I love me some color, in the city!

The style of our session was very laid back.  I had a few key spots in mind, but in between those spots, we stopped and snapped, when inspiration struck!  Then to put the icing on the cake, we ended at a charming cafe, for some snacks and beverages.  Now, that's MY kind of photo shoot!

Call me crazy, but I love this shot.

The kids love their nanny!

My "shadow selfie" shot, where I look more like Gru, than a lady.  haha












Chestnut Hill Cafe.  Check em out on Facebook, too!





Ahh!  I SO adore her face!!




A very special happy birthday, to this little one!  <3

Monday, June 3, 2013

When it all comes together...

Wow.  Wow.  Wow.

I'm still sort of glowing from this shoot.

Dana, the GORGEOUS mama was incredibly easy to work with (again).   Her enthusiasm for our shoots is hilarious!  She's just downright giddy! 

Here are a few of my favorite shots.  To view more, visit this Facebook album.


The hat and dress!!  Perfection!  <3

One of the many candid moments.  LOVE!



"And then I was like..."  Don't you wish you knew what babies were trying to say!!  haha


Dana {mama shown here} MADE the baby's outfit!  Again... wow!



SUCH a sweetie!!

hehe  Photobombing!!



Sunbursts + gorgeous family + rams = happiness for me!!



Thank you Dana and family for such a memorable and beautiful session!