just moved...

I am so sorry that my blog has been left alone for so long.  We just moved, and though we live no more than a few miles from town, we are not able to get Internet yet. 

Things have been really busy.  The house we just moved into has a lot more problems than we had thought at first.  We have already had a new roof put on,  several nights with water leaking from different pipes,  mice galore (they are gone now),  and painted several rooms, not to mention one hundred other things that have had to be done.  Every single day something different breaks!  Through it all, God has been teaching us valuable lessons for the heart.  It has made us learn how to work together as a team and trust God when things seem impossible.  God has blessed us with such great friends and family.  On the first big moving day we had 13 people help and many others have come since to paint, install dishwashers, fix leaks, strip wallpaper, perpair meals, and much more.  We are so thankful for all the work our wonderful friends and family have put into helping us.

I will be posting pictures as soon as possible as well as my promised "joyfulness" post.  :)  We would greatly appreciate your prayers.

Lydia Joy

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."

Joyfulness

 "Joy is the echo of God's life within us!" 

 Joseph Marmion

Sorry there haven't been many posts lately,  we have been really busy getting ready to move.  Thank's for your patience!  ~ Lydia 

P.S. Stay tuned for more thoughts on joyfulness!  

morning frost

texas twist (hair tutorial)

Doing a Texas twist is very similar to a french braid, only you use two pieces of hair instead of three.  

First, split hair all the way down from the forehead to the neck.  Take two small bunches of hair from near the face and twist them around each other once so the top bunch is on the bottom, and the bottom on the top(picture 1). 

 Add another small bunch of hair to the bottom bunch and twist to the top.  Keep adding small amounts of hair to the bunches as you work your way down the side of the head. (Pictures 2 and 3)  Once you finish using all the hair on one side, you will want to secure the bunch so it doesn't come untwisted while you do the other side of the head.  If you are doing your own hair you may want to get someone to hold it for you, if you are doing it for someone else, have them hold it. (picture 3)

 Once you have finished both sides, twist the two bunches together and secure with a hair tie. (Picture 4)

Here are a few ideas of what to do with the pony tail ~

• Braid it.
• Curl it. (a curling iron or sponge rollers work well)
• Leave the pony tail.
• Add flowers, ribbon, or a bow.
• You can also do a Texas twist all the way around and have a pony tail over your shoulder as I did in the pictures below.

There are a few other ways I have used a Texas twist which take a little more explanation, I will post on them some other time.  It is such a simple style once you do it a few times, plus you can do so many different things with it. Be creative! Let me know what you come up with, I'd love to hear!

 I would like to say "thank you" to my older sister Haley for taking all the pictures for me!

Quote

Snuggle in God's arms. When you are hurting, when you feel lonely, left out - let Him cradle you, comfort you, reassure you, of His all - sufficient power and love.

--Kay Arthur

fruit

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Colossians 1:10

Thankfulness for Fall

Fall is absolutely gorgeous!  I love all seasons, but fall is one of the best times of year.  The smell of fresh cool air, sounds of falling leaves, color..lots of it! witnessing plans and goals, and the millionth portrait session of the year with my favorite four year old! 

Sunshine after rain

He is like the light of morning at sunrise

on a cloudless morning,

like the brightness after rain

that brings grass from the earth.’

2 Samuel 23:4

Tree Frog Pic

Tree frogs are such amazing little things! I love to take closeups of anything, but I must say, tree frogs are fascinating photo subjects!  I love the way this little guy's eye is the same camouflage as his body. 

a birds eye view

Last week I went on my first airplane ride!  I loved it!  Mom scheduled a time for us and some of our friends to go on a "Young Eagles" flight.  I was happy to see that some of my pictures turned out, inspite of the clouds. 

 "Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; they sing among the branches."

Psalm 104:12

portraits {Haley}

Last week I took some portraits of Haley, the first portraits I have taken with my new camera.  Enjoy ~ 

Haley is such a beautiful and encouraging sister.  I have so many wonderful memories of playing, working, and laughing together!