Category Archives: Photography

Pinterest Class, Starbucks, and Thrifty Chic

This year I think we acquired new Christmas decor from three different places – Sarah’s homeschool co-op Pinterest class, Starbucks, and a local Facebook “for sale” page.

Sarah is so talented!

Sarah is so talented!

I love that our co-op offers such a diverse collection of classes. I am NOT artistic, so it’s a treat when Sarah or David can benefit from the other talented moms. Sarah made several beautiful things this past semester in her Pinterest class.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

For some reason, I decided to splurge and treat myself to several mini Starbucks ornaments this year. I had a few from previous years, and couldn’t resist buying one or two throughout the month of December. I kept them in their little box until late December – still not sure if I was keeping them for myself or giving them as gifts. Heh heh. Then I stumbled on a small golden ornament tree for sale on our local Facebook page.

Filled with ornaments!

Filled with ornaments!

There’s room for a few more ornaments. Next year??

A tree in front of a tree.

A tree in front of a tree.

I even hung them on this little tree IN their boxes. Toward the end of the month a sweet friend gave me two more ornaments I was missing, and Sarah looked at me knowingly.

“Mom, you’re not going to give these away. You think they’re too much fun. Just take them out of their boxes and enjoy the coffee tree.”

Sigh, when your kids know you so well, what can you do??

My artist - working on our chalkboard pantry door.

My artist – working on our chalkboard pantry door.

Over the month I did quite a bit of odds and ends shopping on the FB site. I picked up a tree, some garland, several ornaments, fleece pj’s, decorated mason jars for candles, and so on.

This garland was perfect over.  Took down the curtains, wound lights into the greenery and hung them in the living room.

This garland was perfect over. Took down the curtains, wound lights into the greenery and hung them in the living room.

Our master bedroom is big enough for it’s own tree. I hung all the ornaments on it that I haven’t used in years – memory ones from our first year of marriage, themed ornaments that just didn’t fit on the main tree, childhood creations. I even put lights over the window and around the room. Tim works from home several days a week. Our room became one of our favorite Christmas spots of the season.

Christmas tree decorating in process.

Christmas tree decorating in process.

Of course, putting Christmas decorations AWAY is never as much fun as taking them out – the END of the season is always bitter sweet (kids going back to college, Tim off to work, homeschooling and ministry responsibilities returning). Going through our Project 365 pictures, blogging about the big and small moments of our days, and smiling over it all, helps to keep me thankful and aware of all our abundant blessings.

Project 365 Days 341, 342 and 344 (Dec 7, 8 and 10)
Kathy

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When Family Meets Family

[Guest Blogger - College Sophomore, Rachel]

I had been talking about my family for weeks. They were coming to Jackson for Josh’s wedding which was going to be held a few minutes away from Union. I had to appropriately prep my friends for their arrival, so I passed around pictures, recited names and ages, and frantically waved my hands in excitement at any mention of parents or siblings. My friends soon learned my siblings’ names and their stories; they even knew the names of our two cats. (Who would not be present at the wedding, but were important nonetheless.)

In turn I couldn’t wait to introduce my family to all my friends attending the wedding and to show them Union, my home away from home.

Our first photo as friends!

Our first photo as friends!

In the weeks leading up to winter break, my roommate Karis and I discussed our post final/pre wedding plans. Her parents had generously volunteered to let me stay with them until I was able to move into the hotel with my family. It was so hard to believe that my best friend in college had never met my family. We had already been through so much together; it felt like we had known each other for most of our lives.

Trips with this girl are my favorite

Trips with this girl are my favorite

I got off the phone the night of the 13th, the night before my mom, Michelle (her bff), and Mamie were to arrive. “Was that mom?” Karis asked, sticking her head out of her room curiously. I loved that she was already accepting my family as hers.

I already adored her family after spending Spring break with them last semester, so of course I was thrilled for her to finally meet mine.

The second Karis got off of work, she rushed over to where my three “parents” and I were waiting. The first moments were filled with “hellos” and hugs and wide grins. The five of us then waltzed off to dinner where Karis made a hilarious first impression. We all laughed so hard I think they considered asking us to leave. A successful first night indeed!

bffs

bffs

(A few days later of course I also dragged my three jet lagged siblings out of their beds to meet her, but that’s a story for another day.)

Family! (Only missing Michelle)

Family! (Only missing Michelle)

Union has become my home away from home, and those there have become my family. I am so very grateful.

College is hard, and having someone alongside you to grow with is vital. Karis, thank you for being my roommate, thank you for standing beside me, for growing with me, and for being someone I can tell everything to. Thank you for understanding how much I love to yell, thank you for encouraging me, and thank you for always laughing at my jokes. Thank you for being forgiving and kind, thank you for accepting me for who I am, but still pushing me to be better. Thank you for being my best friend.
P.S. (I still love you more than coffee.)

xoxo

Project 365 – Day 348 (Dec 14)
Rachel

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Christmas Brunch

One of my favorite events of the year is the women’s Christmas luncheon. Our simple gymnasium is transformed into a winter wonderland, with incredible table displays and beautifully dressed women. Each year we gather to sing Christmas carols, eat delicious food, laugh and visit, and listen to a special message. I had the sweet opportunity to speak in 2009. It was a humbling, joyful honor.

This year, because of the blessings and growth in our church, the annual celebration became not one, but two events – a brunch in the morning and a tea in the afternoon. Both affairs were lovely! Tricia Knack, our speaker, shared some of her story of New Beginnings. As usual, the men served the meal and catered to our needs for hot coffee, water, and seconds on the yummy brunch treats.

My colorful table this year - Tim was our private server!

My colorful table this year – missed getting a picture of Tim as our waiter.

Michelle helped me find the gorgeous silver chargers and place holders. I LOVED my bright, jewel toned table theme. Makes me smile!

Our annual Christmas bff picture.

Our annual Christmas picture.

Love seeing the different tables.

Michelle's table - David was her server.  :)

Michelle’s table – David was her server. :)

Of course, being with some of my favorite friends is the BEST part of the Christmas brunch.

Tricia, Michelle and Beckie

Tricia, Michelle and Beckie

Loved having Trisha at my table this year.

Loved having Trisha at my table this year.

So many different table styles.

Creative AND beautiful!

Creative AND beautiful!

The room was full of smiling faces, sweet friends, neighbors and family members.

Lynn, Panida, Sue and Judy - such wonderful, dear friends.

Lynn, Panida, Sue and Judy – such wonderful, dear friends.

Krystal managed to share the day with her daughter AND her sister.  Blessed!

Krystal managed to share the day with her daughter AND her sister. Blessed!

Stunning

Stunning

LC3′s Christmas Brunch/Tea is always the first Saturday of December. It is a wonderful way to usher in the holiday season. I am so thankful for the women God has placed in my life.

Shari and I went with gold to complement Tricia and Michelle in grey/silver.

Shari and I went with gold to complement Tricia and Michelle in grey/silver.

Project 365 – Day 339 (Dec 5)
Kathy

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What Daniel Found

In July, Daniel received an acceptance letter to Calvary Bible, and in August he and Tim set off for California. Watching the transformation and change that has gone on in Daniel’s life since he left for school has been incredibly moving.

I have seen the Lord grab hold of Daniel and fill him with a new power and passion for the Word.

Prayer has become one of his strengths.

He has faced the real temptations in his life with transparency and honesty, seeking accountability from other godly men.

In September we got a text (and pics) from Daniel.

“Hi Mom. This is a new chapter in my life. I got baptized!!”

DanielBaptism1

DanielBaptism2

DanielBaptism3

DanielBaptism4

DanielBaptism5

My heart rejoices to see Daniel grow in wisdom and maturity. It is clear that he longs to follow God’s leading and call in his life. The school ended it’s year with a banquet of celebration. Although we couldn’t be there to enjoy the final moments, a dear friend who works at the college sent me a picture.

Bethany and Daniel all dressed up.

Bethany and Daniel all dressed up.

Daniel completed his first semester at Calvary successfully. So incredibly proud of him!!! He applied and was accepted to the program in Israel next year, leaving in February. God’s hand is on Daniel, and we are earnestly praying for him as he takes each step.

Project 365 – Day 338 (Dec 4)
Kathy

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Pursuing Christ in Christmas

Celebrate HIM through whom all blessings flow!

Celebrate HIM through whom all blessings flow!

One of my greatest challenges in December is to keep my eyes on Jesus. I am easily distracted with the glitter and glam and fun of the holidays. This year, of course, was even busier/fuller than usual with Joshua’s wedding in Tennessee scheduled for December 18th.

Living a quiet, contemplative life does not come easy to me. My pace is usually more like – last minute, silly, occasionally frenzied, and very full.

We started an Advent family devotion through YouVersion. It was encouraging and meaningful, when we got to it. Many days we were busy with school, church activities, and our own lives to get to the devotion every night.

Grace.

I’m so thankful that God’s grace covers my failures. That His grace is sufficient. That He knows I am weak and slow to learn. That His mercies are new every morning.

I am humbled that He made me, loved me from the beginning to the end, died for me, forgives me, and enables me to walk victoriously after Him.

Seeking Him in the midst of every season and in everything I do.

Project 365 – Day 337 (Dec 3)
Kathy

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