Compare & Collage

I'm a record keeper.  You know those baby books that most people stop filling out after a few months?  Yeah, I meticulously fill it out from start to finish.  I enjoy records and looking back in time at how my kid have grown and changed. 

Another way I like to keep records is through photographs.  

Y'all already know that I'm a fan of the rock wall at the park near our house.  Just look at how my sweeties have changed over the past few years.

********************************************

On another note, I'm crazy over a good collage.  Here's my latest FB cover:

********************************************

Y'all come back tomorrow for What You Wish Wednesday and share a recent post with us!  

summer pics

I've said time and time again that I'm no photographer.  I enjoy taking pics of my sweeties and growing in my understanding of the camera and editing process.  It's no easy task to get three kiddos to smile (naturally) and look at the camera all at the same time.  In fact, it's nearly impossible.  After each session, I race home (exhausted) and begin looking through the 400+ shots. Most often, I end up with four-six decent photos.  Every once in a while, I'll have a truly wonderful shot.

Today, I'm sharing the pics from our latest photog session...

Come back each day this week.  I already have my posts scheduled and ready to go!

Wedding Shenanigans & WYWW No. 12

Welcome to What You Wish Wednesday! Happy WED-nes-day!!!  Today, I WISH to share with you the lovely wedding we attended this weekend.  Some friends of ours joined in holy matrimony and it was and honor to play a small role in their special day... I handled the bouquets, boutonnieres, and a few other details for the happy couple's big day.  I was thrilled to serve them!

 Aren't these boutonnieres adorable?

 The hydrangeas, baby's breath, and burlap/lace ribbon were stunning together.

 Oh yeah...my sweeties were the flower girls and they did an awesome job!!

pre-wedding practicing

The wedding was outdoors and it was the perfect temp...in TEXAS...in AUGUST...Can you believe it!?

the girls and the beautiful bride The reception...

Graham officiated the ceremony, but lost the tie and cut loose afterwards. :)

 a little father-daughter dancin'

I just love weddings!!  I'm happy for our friends and so excited to be able to watch as the Lord works in and through their marriage to grow them in godliness and point them and others to Him.

************************************************

On to the party...

Here are the details:

• Share a recent post from your blog. 
• Include the WYWW button and/or a visible link-back to this post.  
• Follow one or all of the hostesses: Leslie, Stasia, Nikki, and Melissa
• Check out a few of the shared links.
• By submitting a link, you are giving me authorization to feature your post.  If your post is featured, I will include a picture and a link to your site to share the love!

from formal to cozy: mantel transformation

I've never been a huge fan of our fireplace mantel.  Something has always been off, but I could never quite put my finger on it.  The other day, I was looking at it and it donned on me...I'm drawn to things that are more casual and natural, but our mantel piece is super formal.  

BEFORE

In order for my mantel to be de-formalized (is that a word?), I had to change the finish and remove the scrolly thing.

 Oh...why not?  I put the scrolly thing on one of my picture frames.  Yes? No?

 After my fireplace was sanded and primed, I painted it with left over paint from my kitchen cabinet redo.  When the paint dried, I lightly brushed some walnut stain onto the mantel.  Next, I took a t-shirt rag and rubbed the tiles with the stain.  Then, I used the t-shirt rag and rubbed the mantel to blend the brush strokes.

One day, I'd love to have a stone fireplace with wooden mantel piece like this...

I suppose this little fix could pacify me until the day we can remodel.

Linking up:  It's Overflowing

GREAT People Visit

My precious Gran and Papaw have been visiting us this week and I'm so thankful for their safe travels and our wonderful time together...

 Gran with her GREATS!
Gran fixed Joy's hair--first little ponytail and sticking straight up! :)

 Joy loved Gran's necklace.

I love this picture--some of my favorite people in the world crammed onto one couch.

Thanks for the cute dresses, Gran.

What an absolute treat to have my grandparents visit.  We had the best time and I miss them already!!! Praying them home to Alabama.