Photographer in Training...

In case you didn't know, I have a photographer in training here at my house!  Since using Nana's camera at our last trip to Mobile, Katie has been a regular little shutter-bug.  Recently, she accompanied me to a portrait session with her new little camera in tow.  She filled up her entire memory card within the hour {I guess she's going to need the 16 GB memory card like Mommy!}. 

Here's a look into her viewfinder...

I love seeing her perspective through her pictures.  I never know what I'll find when I "empty" her card.  But it's always exciting to see how my little photographer in training is progressing!  I think she does a great job for a 4 year old!!  I was still cutting off heads {kindof important to keep} around the age of 10!!  ;-)  I love my little shutter-bug!!

Katie's Kindergarten Graduation

I know this post is LONG overdue...it's been crazy lately.

Katie was so excited to have many of her friends and family at her graduation, especially her Nana and Pawpaw, who drove from Mobile to spend the weekend with us!

Austin and Nana before the graduation started.

Austin & Pawpaw before the graduation started.

Some of the decorations for the graduates.

Katie's display board over-viewing her kindergarten year.

During the ceremony, the graduates did two special songs -- "Who let the letters out?" (sounds like "Who Let the Dogs Out") and "One Small Voice" (their sweet, sentimental song).  They all did a fantastic job on their songs!

"Who let the letters out?"

Austin was singing "One Small Voice" right along with the graduates...Katie practiced with him for several weeks prior to graduation.  They both loved this song.

"One Small Voice"

As a homeschooling mom, there are many great privileges I have teaching my children.  One privilege was, as her teacher, to be able to present Katie with her kindergarten diploma for all of her hard work this past year.  Such a special moment for a mom just beginning her homeschooling journey.

Katie receiving her diploma.

Katie's proud of her diploma.  I'm proud of her hard work!

Mommy & Katie

After the graduation ceremony, Katie was surprised and excited to see her flowers, bear, cards, and gifts. 

We are both looking forward to moving forward with our homeschooling lessons soon, after a much needed summer break!  :-)  Congratulations, Katie!  We're so proud of you!!

Paint Night

I recently attended an "Adult Paint Night" with my Mom and sister at Hartselle Art Studio & Gallery, and had a blast!  Honestly, I think I could do that at least once a month...for fun a little adult conversation, fun, and de-stressing!  Ms. Michele does a FANTASTIC job with this!!

Here is my painting of a guitar from our paint night...

We all painted the same picture, but all came out with a slightly different "view" of it.  I love that...lots of great artsy guitars :-)  Be sure to check out HASG for more adult paint nights!  It's only $30, and that includes dinner, supplies, and a masterpiece done by YOU!!  SUCH fun!

Time with God for Fathers - A Book Review

I was recently given the opportunity from Booksneeze.com to review Time with God for Fathers by Jack Countryman.  This is a small hardback devotional book especially for fathers.  I think it's well made and would be a great gift book for any father!  I let my husband read this book to be able to write the best, most honest review, since I am not a father. 

My husband has greatly enjoyed this devotional book.  It is not meant to read all in one sitting, but a short section day by day.  This is great for a father on the go.  Even 5-10 minutes would give you enough time to read this devotion each day.  However, I must say that though this devotional definitely touches on subjects that families and dad's deal with this day in age, it is not an indepth study on any one topic.  I would suggest using this devotional as the start of a daily devotional, coupled with reading God's word. 

I think this would definitely be a great book for any father!  If you're looking for a neat Father's Day idea, here it is!

Transforming Prayer - A Book Review

I was given the opportunity by Bethany House Publishing to read and review Transforming Prayer by Daniel Henderson.  My first thoughts were skeptical of yet "another" book about prayer...not that we don't need them, but how different would this one be compared to all of the others, and could it really help me to see things in a different way, thereby changing my prayer life as I know it.  So, as skeptical as I may have been, I picked up the book and began to read.  It is not a read it in one day type of book.  Honestly, I'm STILL reading the book...and may read it again when I finish.  But I read it slowly, not because it's boring, but because it's something that takes time to soak in and think on. 

There have been so many times in this book that I've found myself nodding in agreement of the testimony given...the way we often think of prayer and why (like an emergency go to list when things aren't peachy), etc., and nodding more when a deeper challenge of what God intended for communication with Him to be. 

I would recommend this book to anyone looking to go deeper in their prayer life/communication with God.  Though some points are probably well-known to many believers, I think we could all walk away from this book challenged, encouraged, and ready to go a step deeper in our relationship with our awesome God.

I was given this book to review from Bethany House and received no compensation for my review.  The above opinions are my own.  A positive review was not requested or required.

Wordless {WORD-Y} Wednesday

I know I'm soooo far behind on blogging...I KNOW I owe you a look at Katie's kindergarten graduation...I know.  I'm working on getting our internet fixed {again} and hope to have it up and running again this weekend so I can play catch up on here.  Until then...

Take a look at these curls :-)

Is he not the cutest thing you've ever seen??  He's growing into such a boy now...loving dirt, bugs, swords, guns, and super heroes.  I just {love} that little boy...