Haven't seen these parts in a while

I haven't been here in a long while...aside from some a couple posts here and there.

I am on a break from school right now. I handed everything in a couple days ago, but today was my first official day off from the daily mental grind.

I wish I had written down all my blog posts ideas I've had over the last couple weeks, but I didn't.

I am looking forward to learning more about photography on my break and getting my resume all ready (not that I am looking forward to that part....)

Summer has been fun so far! I flew out to Ohio for two days to help my sister drive out here for two weeks.

Ohio morning

We took some family pictures while she was here

Sisters and Their Shepherds

Whole Fam

Girls
Me and Ben

I also shot up to Maine for a quick weekend. I ended up having to do school work up there, but it was still great!
In Maine, I finally got to see my college roomie who I had not seen since being in her wedding over a year ago!
Been spending lots of time with this girl while doing school work. She won't let me out of her sight!
Had a pedicure done by a guy who JUST returned from Iraq....???
and have seen some BEAUTIFUL sunsets!

Do share what YOU have been doing!

Raw(e) Flower Style

I LOVE this week's theme! I could post 52 pictures (see this post), but this one is still one of my FAVS! I took it YEARS ago and about three cameras ago!

Check out Sami's blog for more entries!

ps. hoping to return to the blog world when final exams are behind me!

tribute to bryan

MY FAV below!

Some of the beautiful flowers from the funeral

heavy heart

This has been happening too much lately. Getting phone calls with bad news.



I got a call from my mom tonight. One of her friend's son (brother of my close friend) was killed in a motocyle accident today. Just like that and he is dead. He has a 17 year old daughter who is a total daddy's girl. He had his life together and now he is gone. Just like that.



Please pray for Brian's family. They are so broken.



My first reply to the Lord was "I just don't get it". I don't. I don't understand the Lord's ways, but I still have to trust.

Brian's mom was a single mom for most of her three kids' lives. She lives about 18 hours away from where Brian lived, but she is on her way up here tonight and will be staying with us, along with her daughter who will be traveling tomorrow. Please pray for traveling mercies and for comfort for this sweet family.

The Facebook Status

Oh you know the ones....

Going to get coffee

Coffee was great

Think it's time to shower after my coffee

Decided to go for a walk before my shower

Time for lunch. Turkey with swiss on rye.

Lunch was delicious. I should make that more often

Going to do a little work around the yard

I hate yard work

Saw a hummingbird while weeding

Going to work on my sewing project.

Accomplished a lot on my sewing. Wait until you see pictures...

(post pics 5 minutes later)

Thinking about what to make for dinner.

I decided to go with chicken

Hubby is home, time to eat.

Dinner was delicious

Watching CSI with hubby.

What a good episode.

Time for bed. Goodnight.

And repeat in the am.....

Sometimes it's better to leave some of the details out....

I'm just sayin'.......

Beach Morning

Close to home....

I have a hard time listening to bad news. My stomach drops before I even hear the details. I can just hear it in the tone of voice. I got a call from a good friend last week. Her son's best friend had hit a deer with his motorcycle and crushed his brain stem. He was wearing a helmet and because of that, his family was given time to say good-bye. He was a good kid. I didn't know him too well, but he was the best friend of someone who is like family to me.

I sat in church last Sunday and couldn't help but feel so broken for the family who sat two rows in front of me. I had just found out their mom (who was once my choir director) was battling cancer and had to be hospitalized for a month to receive large, intense doses of chemotherapy. She is in a room where everything going in must be sterilized. She had to miss her daughter's college graduation and her son's high school graduation.

I admit, I will often avoid reading the "medical blogs". I am more than willing to pray, but sometimes I get so caught up in them and have a very difficult time emotionally when following their journeys. Information like that overtakes me and I can't function. It often paralyzes me.

The two situations I mentioned above have hit close to home. They have given me perspective and allowed me to see and understand just a little bit more of what some people have to go through.

I believe the Lord has given me a heart for those who are hurting. To come alongside them and mourn with them. I think, in part, that is why I decided to be a Human Service major.

But....most of the time, I think the pain is just too much.

But then I have to remind myself that I don't have to carry the pain. I just have to take it to the cross and lay it at His feet.