enjoying the process » loving the journey, not just the destination

For some reason I have been taking TONS of photos lately! James got a new camera and some of the following photos are from that… so maybe they don’t look as, um, er, uh… “clean” as, say, some of my other photos. It’s so funny. You put one of those point and shoot tiny cameras in my hands and it’s as if I’ve never taken a photograph in my life. Our friend Jason said on the 4th of July as I was holding said “tiny camera”, “Hey Emily, what’s with the ghetto camera?”  funny.
well, let’s get going. Shall we?

Keagan officially LOVES his playgym. He bats at the toys and grabs them. He’s actually managed to put his hand inside of the little ring attached to the zebra. Genius. He’s Genius!

Canyon can swim across the pool- thanks to Auntie Mary and her incredible swim lessons:)

On the 4th, we took a walk with our RC cars. It was such a BEAUTIFUL morning! We went to Starbucks and had breakfast together. The boys played “war” with their new Star Wars cards from Aunt Aymee. THank you Aymee- they don’t leave home without these cards!

We’ve been going on the boat A LOT lately. This is James baptizing Keagan in the lake (just kidding:)
It was Keagan’s first trip on the boat, though! He loved it.

We spent the 4th of July with friends. And the 5th of July was spent with those same friends. We all get along so well … the wives and husbands are ALL good friends (rare) and our kids love to play together. We’ve been with this same group (our Bible Study) since we started going to FCC 6 1/2 years ago! They have become our family. We love them so much.
The Beautiful Hartung Family
Keagan and Gavin are about 6 weeks apart. Aren’t they cute?

This is our annual photo of Cade and Isabel. I think we have one almost every year from 2002- 2008! I should pull them all out and do a scrapbook page!

The Jameses have the BEST backyard! Swingset, trampoline, pool, make-shift slip-n-slide… you name it!

We all went to the beach on Saturday! Maybe I’ll post more pix later. I have to make breakfast… they are all asking for waffles.
Next week- the kitchen remodel begins! Can’t wait!

I LOVE this easy way to scrapbook a month’s worth of memories! Thanks to Jessica Sprague.

“The heart of the righteous studies how to answer” Proverbs 15:28

“The heart of the wise teaches his mouth and adds learning to his lips” Proverbs 16:23

“A soft answer turns away wrath.” Proverbs 15:1

“Sweetness of the lips increases persuasiveness” Proverbs 16:21

“It is not enough for us to choose the right words. We must say the right words in a tone that is appropriate.” Lou Priolo from the Heart of Anger

Lord, may my words and my voice be pleasing to you today. May I speak kindly to my children in a self controlled tone of voice. May I point them to the cross of Christ and remind them (as I remind myself) of all that you have done for us. May I have discipline and self control. May I NOT speak rapidly or multiply words. Help me to DELIGHT in my children- they are a gift from you. Help me to delight in the things they delight in..enjoying every precious moment we have together. Thank you for my family. They are a treasure. I pray that they will know you and love you, serve you and honor you all the days of their lives. Amen.

Once a month my hair is perfectly straight. Only once a month. Mirna (who does my hair) is a magician when it comes to styling my hair. If I could afford it, I would hire her to do my hair everyday. Until then, I’ll enjoy it once a month 🙂

Have a great weekend everyone!