Summer is here ... well officially that is. The rain feels more like fall, but I'm not complaining. School is out and I love it ... having the kiddos home, playing, laughing ... I love the sweetness. I love the chaos.

Sitting here in a quiet moment (I can hear Bub and Pie playing a game together in the living room. A sound I love to hear.) thinking about the last week, I decided to write down a few of my thoughts ... at least for a moment.

Bub was gone all of last week at a music camp. It was a week of guitar playing, song writing, learning to play in a band, and a final performance at the end of the week by each band at a local concert venue. Wow! It was a great week and experience for Bub.

Speaking of experience, Bub went with a youth group to serve a mission for a day and feed the homeless. He wasn't sure what to expect and to be honest I'm not even sure he wanted to go.  But he did ... and he left with a whole new outlook. Simply other people and situations, what he has and how at times he takes those things for granted.

But don't we all all at times. I do. It was an eye opening experience for Bub. One that he came away from feeling both good and bad about. Sad for the life some people endure. Grateful for what he has. And wanting to go back and do it again.

So many things going on at all at once. All the quietness and carefree-ness of summer (such as the moment right now) mixed with the fullness of work, activities and  household duties, makes for an interesting balance. When I try to control the flow of things, that balance always seems to get out of whack. And I do try to control ...

Even in the simple things if I give up all control and give it to the Lord (still a lesson I'm learning), life seems to take care of itself in a balanced, peaceful fashion. In a fashion that is right, a the path that the Lord has for each of us.

I have been a photographer for about 12 years now. I cut way back when Pie was just a little one. Bub was 5 and starting kindergarten. His first 5 years were spent growing up in my first studio.  When Pie was born it was all too much. I cut way back and worked from home here and there. My goal was to jump back in Pie reached kindergarten. And when the time approached I started to try and control, control, control. Control how that was going to be. It took a long time but finally I gave up control and have given my prayers to God.

In 2 years I now have a studio again, working consistantly (especially this time of year), and it's even gone beyond. I am now free lancing for a magazine, as well as shooting for a clothing line.

God has given me beyond ... in both family and work ...

Ok, quiet time over.  :)

Peace ...