Don't have to DREAM...

...when you can just look out the window and enjoy a VERY white Christmas!

While we are bummed about not being able to go out and see and celebrate with family, we are SO enjoying being snowed in, baking cookies, watching movies together, laughing together, and opening and playing with presents. On days like this I realize anew that these are the golden years of our family. All our children under one roof, everyone healthy, and so many blessings to enjoy. Mostly, the ONE most important blessing to be thankful for today.

Wishing you all a very safe and happy CHRISTmas.

I am sitting at my desk working...

...and heard a news report just now on the radio. The US cargo ship Maersk Alabama has just arrived at its destination in Kenya, but without it's captain, Richard Phillips, who is being held hostage by pirates. The reporter was describing that the crew were in the port but still on the ship. In response to a question about captain Richard Phillips shouted up by someone on the shore, one of the crew shouted "THAT MAN SAVED OUR LIVES!!"

What overwhelming gratitude this crew must feel!

I am always humbled and inspired by stories of people who put themselves at grave risk for the survival of others. Would I be courageous enough to do the same in a similar situation?

This weekend I, along with Christians worldwide, am remembering and celebrating Jesus Christ's ultimate sacrifice for mankind. I want to take a moment and say with gratitude and joy: "THAT MAN (Jesus Christ) SAVED MY LIFE!!!!"

As the years go on, I am increasingly amazed and thankful about this, realizing more and more that I am so very far from deserving such rescuing.

For a while, I have been meaning to mention a blog Peace Within Reach that is authored by my brother in law Fred. Fred has a heart for serving struggling people in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He is ministry director at Center of Hope there. In order to reach anyone else who may be seeking peace in their lives, he has started this blog recently. I encourage you to click on the link and check it out if you feel so led.

Wishing you a blessed and joyful Easter...

Vanessa

Thankful today.

Jesus paid it all
All to him I owe
Sin had left its crimson stain
HE washed it white as snow!

We sang this during communion this morning and I dared not end the day without posting up this picture of our front yard, taken today, APRIL 5!

I just put the kids to bed 15 minutes ago...

...when suddenly I hear a stampede of footsteps coming down the stairs: "Mom! Look at the beautiful rainbow!" It was way more beautiful and vibrant than I can capture in this image, but I wanted to share this sunset rainbow with you anyway. A good reminder to me...God keeps His promises!

I just wanted to say...

...Happy Father's Day, Eric! I can't imagine a better Dad for our children or a better leader for our family! I love you!

Finally....

....spring is here! It seems to have been just the longest, coldest, snowiest winter, and I could not be more delighted that the grass is green, and there are BLOSSOMS EVERYWHERE! The pops of color are such a welcome touch of beauty! I had to snap a few pictures and thought I'd share them with you.

Our apple tree

A lilac bush we saw while down town for Tulip Festival (more on that later.)

A closeup of one of those trees that has "purple branches" in the spring. What are these trees called? I would love to plant one!

Elsie oooohing and ahhhing over the apple blossoms

Happy May Day!

Our birthday girl...

...chose spaghetti for her birthday supper. Eric remembered to pull out the "you are special today" plate. Can you tell Elsie enjoys being the official center of attention?

We had dance pictures that night, so after returning home I snapped a couple of Elsie in her costume.


I thought this note from Isaac was so sweet! He loves her "sooooooooooo mutch" and is going to give her something "pirpel" (purple and pink are her favorite colors) for her birthday!

A Happy Valentine's Day!

A popsicle stick puzzle...


What a day! I got home from bringing the kids to school only to find my driveway blocked by a 4 foot snow bank created by the snow plow! I had to park on the road, and headed to the house in search of boots, mittens, scarf and snow shovel...

Shortly after clearing somewhat of a path (good thing for four wheel drive) and getting inside, onto the yard comes our friend Jay who owns http://www.scgroundeffects.com with a beautiful flower arrangement from my dear Husband! Way to melt my heart!! As I was standing there in the kitchen no makeup, still unshowered, hair matted down from the stocking cap, nose red and running from the cold with this beautiful arrangement of flowers in front of me I was reminded of God's amazing and undeserved love for me. SO far from being good enough to earn it, but yet a recipient of His amazing love in Christ...

The kids got out of school at 11am because of the weather, so it's been a fun day at home with them. I think we'll watch a movie all together after supper.

I wish you a great Valentine's day too. Hope it's filled with hugs, love notes, and/or CHOCOLATE!!!!


A valentine made out of two construction paper hands...

Blu Eyes

It's been forever since I have made an entry on here-wow. Just thought I'd let you know that I have been focusing hard on getting caught up on all my print orders and editing this past week! If you're waiting on me for something, it will be coming soon!

I have also been busy working on my website. I purchased a really neat website template from a company called Bludomain. I am hoping to be able to do online proofing on my site, as well as online ordering through a shopping cart on the site.

Anyway, Bludomain has an interesting blog that I often read. There is lots of info for professional photographers as well as fun other stuff. I entered a picture of Isaac in a "blu eyes" contest and that image was one of four selected out of five hundred or so to be in the photo contest!

If you go to Bludomain.com and click on "photo contest" you can see the picture and vote for me! If you are in the market for a website template you should also definitely check them out!

The winner gets any pair of Nike shoes!

Stay tuned for more posts in the near future. I have several sessions I can't wait to tell you about!

Angel Food Cake and Strawberries

Isaac had outpatient surgery today. The anesthetist said he was very brave and did as well as most adults do. We are so proud of him, and thankful to God that the procedure went well!

Yesterday Grandma Sanneke came over to wish him well and she let him pick out a favorite dessert that she would bring him after the surgery. He picked angel food cake with strawberries (my favorite too-good choice Isaac!)

As you can see he was well enough to enjoy the dessert, and to make funny faces for the camera!