healing.

June was a rough month. With reminders around every corner of what wasn't going to be, it was not an easy month to get through. But July brought healing. Reminders of miracles and reasons to trust from a God that loves me. This particular night (pictured below) was a huge part of that healing. The healing didn't come from the lantern but in a little boy earnestly closing his eyes and asking Jesus to let him see His face. The healing didn't come from the images taken that night but from the nearness of God and grace He pours out on us. I had no intention of ever sharing these images but they are such a strong reminder of God's grace, love and faithfulness that I thought them too good not to share. Life will never be perfect this side of heaven but God's grace and love for us is never-ending and we can trust in that.

(Thank you to my lovely friend Sara at Like a Fox Photography for joining us and capturing these special images.)

hello, des moines!

I had to head downtown for some shots for a little project and I drug my boys along. Since I was taking my camera anyway, I finally took some shots of my boys. Unfortunately, B prefers my cell phone camera. To see him really ham it up, check him out on instagram. :) 

Don't mind the shorts change on B (we thought he peed his pants in the car; as it turns out he actually just poured all his water bottle into his lap and whined about being thirsty until we made it to our next stop). (Also, somewhat unrelated but completely mortifying..... we stopped for a sandwich while on our little adventure. When I was walking in I noticed a lady sitting outside on the curb with several (not shopping) bags of 'stuff.' I said, 'are you hungry ma'am? would you like to grab a sandwich with us?' to which HE responded, 'I'm waiting for my wife.' I'm not sure what was more mortifying.... thinking he was homeless or thinking he was a she. You can officially be embarrassed to be seen in public with me now. I was (am) completely mortified over the deal and probably wont ever offer to help another stranger again. Rusty on the other hand got a great laugh out of the deal.) (In my defense... who sits outside to wait when it's 100+ degrees out?!?) Oy.