Scrapbooking ~ page 1

David, playing in Jeannie & Papa's big sandbox, summer of '05.

I have always loved to scrapbook, and so I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite pictures from years past. I don't have much time this morning (there is quite a lot of yard to mow!), but here are a few that I came across and thought you might like to see. It's a start anyway.

Jenny, also summer of '05.

David and Cassia on a trip to the St. Louis Zoo, not sure what year.

David, a couple years ago... This is what happens to cute little guys with much-older big sisters.

Photogenic Baby

Isn't life precious?

Children of God

God sent His Son... that we might receive the full rights of sons. So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. ~ Galatians 4:4,5,7

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! ~ 1 John 3:1

God Moves in a Mysterious Way

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

~ William Cowper

But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.
~ Psalm 131:2,3

The Master is becoming my All. I am experiencing His great love anew! He is the Keeper of my heart, the Lover of my soul; I am His, and He is mine. Oh glory, joy, peace, and rest - I have found my place in the Father's loving embrace! Safe in the arms of my Lord, content to wait and be still, surrendered to His touch, my heart is quietly rejoicing, "Dear Shepherd, I want Thy will."

A Morning With the Little Ones

Three of my four young charges (John was napping, like a good boy).

Jenny said that I shouldn't put this on here, since "It's awful." David combed his hair all by himself this morning.

I think he looks rather dashing... and a whole lot older than his four years.

The Dandelion - #1

#2

#3

"Someday I'm gonna be big and strong like Josh, and Dad, and Mark!"

Showin' off for big sis.

A lovely young maiden among the wildflowers.

Just because.

They're pretty sweet girlies.

They remind me of poor little orphans in a third-world country, playing in the dirt. David said they were making sand art. I love babysitting...

Evening Farm Walk

To me, dirt roads are one of the most wonderful things about living in the country.

Brandon, can you tell me what these are called? They were all along the roadside near our mailbox.

The sunset had such a beautiful affect on these trees in the cattle field across from our house.

One of the most peaceful sunsets I've seen in a long time.

Notice I'm starting to get my summer freckles back. If I could, I would wish them all away... but they sure are a small price to pay for getting to be a farm girl.

His beauty is seen in all He has made!

Awesome...

Can anyone think of something better to say about this one?

I'd better not hear any complaining that I never put pictures of myself on here!

Mama's Daylilies.

A farm child.

Aunt Livia was out for a stroll with Carrick and Cassia last evening. Only Cassia got to be in this picture, because Mommy and Baby were so far behind.

Holly has to be tied to her stake while the kitties eat so that she can't steal their dinner, and she's usually not too happy about it. At least she smiled for the picture!

I'm thinking about entering this one in the fair this year. What do you think?

Sisters in Heart

This summer for our mini vacation with Grandma Jeannie, we three "big girls" got to go to Branson. We spent two wonderful days goofing around in the car, swimming, riding go-carts, enjoying the Showboat Branson Belle, and - of course! - shopping. The Lord is so good to have given me a loving grandma and two amazing girl cousins to spend time with like this.

Introducing my first (first, only because she was born first after me) beautiful sister, Alyssa Jean.

Presenting my second beautiful sister, Clara Ainsley.

And here I am, Ashley Louise.

We three together.