Mother and Daughter

I love this photo of Beth and Julia. It is good to see them both sitting, looking at ease. Being a Mom to three children aged 16 months, 3 years and 7 years is definitely a full time job. There isn't much time to sit. And Julia is not one to sit still for long. I wish I had been there to count the minutes, or perhaps just seconds she sat in the chair.

We've been so concerned lately for friends and relatives in Texas and then Florida. This is the first day in a while I haven't been thinking almost constantly about those states and the people caught up in the scene. We are happy now that our son and grandson and many friends made it through without too much hassle. Yet there are those, like our daughters in laws, who have quite a bit of damage, which will not be easily remedied.

Lord, we pray all those who are cleaning up after the storm either for themselves or for others will be strengthened.

Where's Caleb? Looking for Waldo

I have to admit, that I have more fun making some layouts than others. This is one of those. 

Many pictures do not lend themselves to interesting layouts. A couple of reasons are, they can be more serious subjects, or beautiful, which lead to layouts that emphasize the photo, more than anything else.

This picture of Caleb in a book store is perfect for 'going a little wild' with the layout. Caleb is quite at home in a book store. This day, he had found Waldo. The store provided this clever photo opportunity.

Back to the news. There are still people I know who stayed in Florida, from whom I am still waiting to hear. It is consoling that the storm wasn't anywhere near as bad as predicted. However there is still a lot of damage. Chelle reported that her inlays in St Augustine have quite a bit of water damage and they had just finished all the repairs and replacements from the last hurricane that hit there. But at least they are all safe. 

I'm anxious to hear from my cousin. I understand that power is out in many areas, which can  prohibit contacting those outside the area.

Just keep praying. Clean up will not happen overnight. It will be a long haul.

It's a New Look for Mason

This look is not entirely new for Mason. When he was younger, he  sported shorter hair than he has had the past few years. It seems it would be much more comfortable out of his eyes. It sure looks neater.   (You look great, Mason.)   This should be a good year.

Meanwhile, South East of Mason's family today lies Florida where most of its citizens have either evacuated the state or are in shelters. Mason's grandparents, his uncles and cousins live there and have followed suit. He has one uncle who is a police officer who must remain there through the storm. Thank God for policemen, who risk their lives for the safety of others.

We have relatives and friends in both categories... some have left and some are sheltered. It is good to have them out of harm's way...at least they should be safe now. We are still praying though, not only that they will be safe, but their friends will be as well and their property will not have much damage, preferably none.

While the storm should hit Florida tomorrow, Texas is busy putting their lives back together.

Praying God will take mercy on us all.

Out of Character

He is definitely out of character here. You probably wouldn't recognize him, if I did not tell you his name. This is our smiling athlete. I'm not  sure where he got that shirt, but he is acting the part.
He should be an actor. If I didn't know better, I would believe that shirt.

Good job, Caleb.

Praying for all those in Texas who are trying to reclaim their  lives and those in Florida who are preparing for Irma in one way or another...especially our close friend who with her sister are trying to get our of it's path without running out of gas. Praying they find a safe place to spend the nights.

Also praying for our son and my cousin who live there and have decided to stay.

Gymnastics

Very good for an active girl...gymnastics. Ava, like her mother before her, has taken up gymnastics.

I will have to make and post a layout of her mother Brittanie soon. She can still show her skills.

It is really good for children to be active. It is more difficult these days, since it is not always safe for kids to play outdoors like they used to while their mothers were busy indoors. There are other things taking their attention as well, like TV and video games. We are glad to see Ava enjoy herself like this.

Please pray for the families in Texas as they try to reclaim their lives and for those in Florida, where many are evacuating their homes now.  

Lily Lake

Yesterday, I posted a layout about a senior guide at Lily Lake  in the Rocky Mountain National Park...tonight I'm posting related layouts. One has everyone in the car ready for the trip and one of Lily Lake itself

Labor Day Letter

Caleb, Oliver and Julia had cousins visiting from Ohio. John had to work, but Beth, Sarah and Michael took the kids... including their own two, Katy and Patrick, up to the mountains...to Rocky Mountain National Park.  This is one of the people they met at Lily Lake. He was a very interesting old fellow, who had lived near Lily Lake since he was nine years old.

That was in July.   Today is Labor Day.  That gives you some idea how behind I am with my scrapbooking. 

In my inbox this morning, I found this letter from Jim Chilton, a friend of my husband...and of myself, of course. I've copied it in its entirety because it is so well written:

"Labor Day was established to celebrate the advances brought on by the Labor Movement in America.  Labor unions were born in a climate of adverse conditions for laborers.  Before the Labor Movement, there was a huge child labor problem, very poor working conditions where literally thousands of workers died, and virtually no rights or protection for those who worked by the hour.  The first Labor Day celebration was in New York in 1882 led by a machinist union.  By 1884, Labor Day became an official holiday.

        Labor Day also marks the end of summer and a time of rest from our labors.  How do you define rest?  Sitting in a recliner in front of your television?  Being up North in a cabin next to a beautiful lake?  Biking, hiking, or water skiing?  The New Testament definition of the word “rest” simply means to be “refreshed” even as you work.

        Children understand this concept.  They play until they drop, but the activity is refreshing to them.  Playing hard all day is never a burden to them.  We shouldn’t be childish, but maybe we should be more childlike.

        Jesus’ take on rest is found at Matthew 11:28-30, “Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burnout out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.  I’ll show you how to take real rest.  Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.  Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (The Message).

        The Jews were a tired and frustrated people, not unlike our culture today.  Daily life was hard enough, but those rascal Pharisee, made it even harder with their demands.  People were not satisfied with their lives and much less with their religion.  Jesus came along and gave the people a new perspective of God’s Word and how to live it.  People were refreshed.  Today, stress from every direction is impeding our ability to rest.  Jesus offers a sustaining peace that enables us to avoid being crushed or driven to despair.  The Bible is still the same.  Life is still difficult, but Jesus provides a new way to see self and God’s Word will new eyes."

Thank you, Jim. We appreciate your ability to teach.