...
I typically do not slow down enough to write or read for pleasure on a regular basis but one thing I do is capture life's moments through the lens of a camera. This isn't something I claim to be good at. In fact, photographer doesn't even come to mind when I think of who I am. What does come to mind is I'm the one with the camera journeying through life as a wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend.
....

Saturday

6.30.12 - Lightening Bug Lantern

Watching Jalen at the cottage pure joy for me.
My childhood memories of the
cottage were relived through Jalen.

Jalen and Becca (my oldest cousin's youngest) bonded
and Jalen loved every minute of the exploring.

Friday

6.29.12 - Priceless Memories

Jalen took me on a kayak ride...wow, he is growing up!


Thursday

6.28.12 - Sweezey Lake Monster #2

Day 2 of vacation and Jalen is starting to give 
Derk tips on how to catch the big ones.

Wednesday

6.27.12 - Sweezey Lake Monster

Check out that grin on our fisherman!
Day 1 at Sweezey lake a Jalen catches a 12.5'' bass.

Tuesday

6.26.12 - Could We Fit Anything More?

Good thing we have a mini van!
Natural consequences are happening in the
far back...check out that look on Jalen's face.

Monday

6.25.12 - Lucky Bums!

Slightly jealous that I'm heading to work and leaving this!

Sunday

Friday

6.22.12 - One Of Many Pictures

Derk and Jalen take daily drives to see the progress. 

Thursday

Wednesday

6.20.12 - Lucy Lu

We're starting to really like this furry friend!

Monday

6.18.12 - Perfect Day to Fly High

Everyone loved it except Lauren...
she isn't much of a beach lover at this age.

Sunday

6.17.12 - Fearless Wonder

One would have never guessed that a week 
ago he was afraid of the deep end.

Friday

6.15.12 - Date Night With Our Monkeys

In an effort to get a nice picture of the boys on "Date Night"
 they decided to be goofballs and so I just went with it.

Thursday

6.14.12 - Man It's Bright at Gap

Ty man found his way to a little fun at Gap.

Wednesday

6.13.12 - Baseball Camp...

...with the Varsity Baseball Team.  
Jalen was on cloud nine!

Tuesday

6.12.12 - Surprise!!!

The boys surprised me by cleaning the play room today!

Monday

6.11.12 - Wishing She Was Big Enough

Lauren loves watching her brothers play outside.
The only thing she would love more is if she was
big enough to play outside with them.

Sunday

6.10.12 - Honk, Honk!

What sound does your nose make?
Lauren has this game down pat!

Saturday

6.9.12 - School's Out For The Summer

 A little splish splash followed by some family
style minute to win it relays.

Friday

6.8.12 - So Proud of You Jamie Lynn

Derk's youngest sister graduates and now has a full
time job as a medical assistant at a doctors office.

Thursday

6.7.12 - First Homemade Bow

SUCCESS!
I actually finished a craft night project -
another success!

Wednesday

6.6.12 - Does the Apple Fall Far...

...from the tree? 
Not in this family...for the love of the blower!

Tuesday

6.5.12 - Ty...RAMA

All of a sudden Tyler decided he was going to take Jalen out
and that is exactly what he did.  Jalen played along
like a good big brother should. 

Monday

6.4.12 - Perfect Picture

With digital camera we have the luxury of snapping 
picture until you capture just the right shot.  

BUT, what is the right shot?  

So many picture just do not make the cut and 
in the process of not making the cut sometimes you 
loose what had me take the picture in the first place.
The middle picture would have "made the cut" but it just
doesn't capture the excitement and fun Ty was having 
that nudged me to grab the camera.  Therefore 
I just had to keep them all!

Sunday

6.3.12 - We're Trying...

 
...to have more pictures taken of just the two of us.
We found that we are great at grabbing the camera
and taking pictures of the kids, one of us with the 
kids or even a family picture but not all that great
at getting pictures of just the two of us.  
Here's one for the books! 

The picture is really from Saturday night but I already had 
a pictures for my Saturday post so I cheated a little by posting it for 
Sunday...oh well, could be worse!

Saturday

6.2.12 - Strawberries 2012

DeLange u-pick is open.  Jalen and I picked $47 worth of
strawberries.  I've heard the warm weather that hit in March
has hurt so many of the farmers.  We are so blessed to live 
in an area where we have access to so many different farms 
to pick our own fruits and vegetables.  Next up...blueberries!