And So It Came | Traci Shupert Photography

And so it came...the snow. We dismissed school early today due to the arrival of the snow and wind, so I had some bonus time to spend with my camera when I got home. I think my neighbors might believe I'm that crazy lady who is always bringing random things outside, laying on the ground, and taking pictures. I guess that's what happens when you don't have any children to take outside for photo ops. Winter is not my favorite season, but I would have to concede that it sure is beautiful as those crystal flakes shimmer down to earth.

For I Know the Plans | Personal

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD.
--Jeremiah 29: 11-14

Saturday I had the privilege of attending my dear friend's wedding to a wonderful man. My friend had a journey through the valley of the shadow, but she allowed her faith in God to be her guiding light through that dark valley. Many people grow bitter and jaded after experiencing what she experienced, but she ran to God and made the choice to grow and be refined by the fire. Walking beside my friend during the valley and journey back out has served as another reason why I believe in God and his plans for our lives.

I enjoy capturing the detail shots, and I helped myself to a few during the wedding. Her flowers were gorgeous!

I Love My Mommy | Traci Shupert Photography

Today at school we were checking in with the first graders to see how they are doing with letters, sounds, and sight words. I brought a student to my room that I normally don't work with. Before we got started, he had a few questions for me. This is how the conversation went:

Student: Do you and your husband have any kids.
Me: No.
Student: Why?
Me: Well, my husband and I are not ready to have kids yet. (I'm thinking - Geez! Even the kids are giving me a hard time about not having kids!)
Student: I think you should have kids.
Me: Why?
Student: Because I love my mommy.

That may be the most compelling reason to have kids I've heard yet. Because I love my mommy too!

Taking Flight | Traci Shupert Photography

My husband has his private pilot's license, so Sunday afternoon we just had to take advantage of the unseasonable November weather (before Winter rears it's ugly head). We were hanging out with our niece - you know - the one you see all the time here on the blog. :) She asked if she could go flying, too. How could we refuse her new toothless smile?! Once in the air, we flew around the Goshen area. She particularly enjoyed seeing her school and her playground that looked so miniature from the air. By the way, I think it is super cool that my husband is a pilot. You can tell him I said that, too!

Photo + Cake = Yumminess

Today is my niece's birthday! When we did her photo session about a month ago (click here to see it), her mom knew that she wanted to use one of the photos for her birthday cake. So, I thought it would be fun to use a picture with balloons for the cake. After all, birthdays = balloons. She then took an 8 x 10 print to the bakery at Martin's, and they worked their edible magic! I thought it was a fun idea for a fun cake! Happy birthday to my sweet, sweet niece! I {heart} you!

1st Day of School | Personal

Friday was my niece's very first day of kindergarten. Unfortunately, I was not able to see her get on the bus because it was my first day of school, too. But I did get to spend some time with her before the bus came. Many emotions were swirling about as we anxiously waited. My niece was filled with excitement - grinning from ear to ear! For me, it was more bittersweet. I was excited for her to experience the joy of learning, but apprehensive at the same time. Questions dodged in and out of my mind. Will the other kids be nice to her? Will her teacher create a learning environment that meets her needs (along with all the other kids)? Will she be O.K.?

Nearly six years ago, I had the privilege of being by my sister's side as my niece came into this world. As I'm writing this and thinking about how quickly six years pass, my screen is blurred from the liquid emotion coming to my eyes. I pray fervently for the Lord's protection and guidance over her as she goes to school and begins a new phase of life. I pray for teachers and students everywhere for a year of learning that defies test scores and state and federal mandates. For a year where students' learning is the motivation for everything that is done. Best wishes for a great school year!

Damask

I was so excited today when our friendly mailman rang our doorbell to hand me the package that contained this lovely damask camera bag I've been waiting for. Now I don't have to lug around my boring black one that I've had since purchasing my DSLR. {Love it!}

Baby Shower

I had the honor of hosting a baby shower for one of my friends. We finished our basement remodel with 2 days to spare, and was very thankful for that. There were about 19 ladies who came to celebrate (plus another new baby). I took some maternity pics for my friend, and I used one of them for a little gift for the guests (which you can see in the last picture).

Blue

My niece was excited about finding this robin's egg that had been abandoned by its mother. I just love that color (I nearly painted my basement that color)!

My Spring Break

I didn't travel anywhere over my spring break, but I did get to enjoy one of my favorite pasttimes...shopping. I went to Michigan City with a friend (not the most ideal weather day to go to an outdoor shopping outlet - it had snowed the night before), and found these fabulous red shoes. Later, I picked up this adorable flutterby plate. Not sure what I'm going to do with the plate, but I love it!