Claire and Cecelia turn 1

It's hard to believe a year can pass so quickly, isn't it? My hubby and I just marked our first anniversary, and not long after these twin cuties turned one. You might remember this photo from their newborn pics last year:




These girls continue to each become more and more her own little person - it's so fun to see their growth in a year! Such cuties they are...

Love... and hiking.

I have incredible friends, and these two are certainly no exception.

After praying and dreaming and planning, J & N quit their jobs, packed up all their belongings, and set out to conquer the Appalachian Trail for three months. They've been hiking for a little over a week now, carrying on their backs only day-to-day needs. Listening to them talk and plan for this adventure, and now getting to read their blog updates, has been more than inspiring.

I am so, so proud to know them and support them... via blog comments and random Skype calls. They encounter obstacles with light hearts, humor and, most importantly, trust that God has their best in mind.














And here I raise my cup of (Dunn Bros) coffee to you, sweet friends: May you continue to see and hear all that He speaks to you - whether through rocky paths, perpetual rain, or sweet warm sun. Can't wait to celebrate your journey when you return!

I left my sock in Lake Superior.

I recently ventured to Grand Marais, MN (if you've never been there, really - you must go). My soul was soothed, as usual, by listening to the Lake Superior waves crash relentlessly into the shore. Much to my delight, the afternoon I arrived it was beautiful (do not reference above image - that was from Sunday, when it was the craziest waves I'd ever seen).

I trekked out to Artist's Point and found the perfect spot to sit and relish in the shining sun. It was so warm that I decided to take off my Toms and socks (if you know me, this isn't surprising for me to enjoy my barefooted-ness) and placed them beside me on the ledge. All was right in the world.

So... I sat. Pondered. Soaked up that sunshine. Then my feet got cold (I attribute that to the clouds starting to cover up the sun... but it could have just as well been that 40-degree lake I was sitting next to...). So I reached for my socks. As my hand grabbed for my rolled up sock, the sock actually started to tumble away from me slowly. My better judgment kept me from lunging after the rogue sock (as the thought of dashing my head upon those beautiful rocks didn't appeal to me in that moment, cold feet or not). I watched it roll, slowly, off the edge of the rock face. I paused to listen for the faint splash below... yep, it had made it into the water.

And did you know that socks don't float? Yep. Not at all.

My work on another blog...

So I was beyond thrilled to find out that one of my August 2010 weddings had been published on another blog. This couple was simply adorable. I will also note that I bonded with the groom over the smell of freshly-cut alfalfa (and you think I'm joking...).

Thanks to the Magnet Street blog for featuring my work! Check out my work on their blog here, or head over to my portfolio site for a partial review of Kara and Abel's August wedding.