Monthly Photo Challenge: September!

September was by far our busiest month of 2014 (hence the two week delay). Besides the beautiful, daily chaos of loving on our toddler, Steve started (and is loving!) his new job, my photography business has been hoppin' (Yay!), and WE BOUGHT OUR FIRST HOUSE :) :)

A month brimming with transition- and feeling so overwhelmingly blessed.

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Clark 'helping' with the packing 

Embracing one of the final warm evenings of summer <3

I recently discovered my LOVE for newborn photography. And my love for purchasing awesome textured blankets for those newborn sessions? Pretty sure they're driving my husband crazy..

After one of my sessions Clark climbed into the chair and self posed himself. I simply said 'squirrel' and this happened. Some of my favorite EVER photos of my beauty boy <3

This month marked our 4 year anniversary! Steve had back to school night on our actual anniversary but we still had a sweet night :) 

And a big shout out to Ryan & Amanda for babysitting C so we could go out for what was seriously the BEST date we've had in a long, long time!

 Hiding in the Cabinets :) My lil goofball 

 Steve picking me up from a photo shoot in our super-cool mini van:
present day chivalry <3

(Out of focus on Purpose ;)

SOLD!!!

We have the keys!! Little man playing on OUR deck ;) 

And the glorious first meal in our home: lasagna on moving boxes :) What a fun memory!

 Clark kept unpacking my Pink dogs. 

And is still all about them. 

Um, but... those are mommy's! lol

 Off on an adventure! Seriously love this photo <3

 I posted this on Facebook but it's so true: This house started to feel like home as soon as I unpacked my mugs. 

Somebody is a tea addict. 

Also coffee. 

And sometimes cocoa. 

You can keep your cider

 I took this on the last day of summer. And the red and green made me excited for Christmas. I have a problem.

 Our last night driving to our apartment and it being our home...

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And finally, the picture I'm in: closing day!! So excited for this next adventure! 

And if you're wondering- Steve insisted on simultaneously carrying Clark and I across the threshold :)

This past month I read through the book of Hosea along with the free, online study She Reads Truth. It was amazingly challenging and encouraging. I felt as if it the Bible study was written for me. I highly recommend shereadstruth.com  Go check it out, seriously!

The verses we were challenged to memorize were

"His going is as sure as the dawn. 

He will come to us as the showers,

 as the spring rain that waters the earth."

Hosea 6:3

"By the help of your God, Return"

Hosea 12:6

I've loved meditating on the Lord's mercy, on His steadfast nature, His constant love for us . He provides mercy despite our faithlessness. And He even provides us with the strength to lay down our idols... and return <3

Lots of Love,

Jessi

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Monthly Photo Challenge: August!

August was busy and beautiful. 

I was honored to volunteer at a baby shower hosted by Operation Shower, an organization who loves on pregnant mamas-to-be whose husbands are deployed. I didn't even bring my camera to that because I knew I'd want to focus all my attention on the moms. But, if you're interested in seeing some pictures of the gorgeous shower, you can check it out here. 

We spent lots of quality time with family. After a great visit to see Steve's parents near Chautauqua Lake we were still able to sneak one last summer visit to Lake George. 

Another August highlight was 'stealing' my nephew the day and taking the two boys to the zoo, the park and on a picnic. They're kinda my favorite ;)

Steve was busy with new teacher orientation and job training for his new Physics teaching job. He's really been enjoying it so far!

And probably the most exciting August development is.... we bought a house! Yay!! :) We don't move in for a few more weeks but I promise one of our 'September memories' will include a picture ;)

Here are a few of our other precious August memories!

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Ohhh my love for silhouettes knows no bounds <3 I adore them!

Poppi and Clark at the races in Saratoga. One of our favorite summer locales. 

Clark just adores the horses :)

*Sigh* Oh, Lake George- how I love you. 

A BIG first. Well, at least to this crazy mama. ;) Clarky got his first haircut!

Here's the last look at his luscious locks...er.... nappy craziness

During his haircut :) Haircuts for Peanuts was just amazing with Clark. I highly recommend them. Clark was completely content watching Veggietales while eating animal crackers- They thought of everything :) 

The finished look: My BIG boy! <3

Another peaceful moment by the lake. I swear my heart is happiest in the Adirondacks <3 

Clark's become the self-appointed flower waterer. And he's actually really quite good at it!

Probably one of my favorite spontaneous photo shoots. Clark and my nephew, as well as my BIL and SIL playing with two HUGE balloons in their awesome backyard. I just love these :)

I finally got to spend some time with my cousin, Val, and her boyfriend, Dave! We went for drinks at the insanely beautiful Sagamore hotel on Lake George. It is just a stunning location. One of my faves. Here's Val looking like a windswept model <3

And here are the lovebirds <3 We were laughing because doesn't the background almost look Hawaiian?? Haha maybe I'm just dreaming ;)

This is the first month Clark's been really into coloring... and dumping out the crayons...

Just practicing his creativity, right??

And, of course, the 'me' picture. This was literally the only picture of me this month- so it's good that I loved the back drop ;) 

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Focused on James 4:7-8a this month:

Submit yourselves therefore to God. 

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

My devotional challenged me to "View trials as exercises designed to develop my 'trust muscles'." And when I do start to feel afraid to "affirm my trust in [God]- speaking out loud if circumstances permit" 

This coming month I'm working on talking out loud with God throughout my day. (Even if Clarky thinks I'm crazy ;)) Because I know I personally stay on target with my thoughts, and feel closer to the Lord, when I converse with Him often. Praying this month that I draw nearer to God while resisting the devil. (hmmm does that sound familiar??)  

Lots of Love,

Jessi

Monthly Photo Challenge: July!

July was a busy, wonderful month. We spent three fantastic weeks with my cousin Charlotte who was visiting from France. Every day was such fun and our time together flew by! However, Clark and I were missing Steve who was away for three weeks for job training and National Guard AT. We kept busy by visiting and being visited by so many people that we love. I only took my camera out a few days this month because we were SO busy! Here are a few of my sweet July memories (unfortunately most remain trapped in my iPhone lol) 

Just a taste of sweet, sweet summertime! 

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"I want adventure in the great wide somewhere,

I want it more than I can stand.

And for once it might be Grand

To have someone understand

I want so much more than they have planned" <3

Classic Carefree Summer Morning :)

Waiting for the 4th of July Fireworks

Two of my favorites spent the week with us and volunteered at our church's VBS.

 Absolutely love these two!

Roadtrip to Philly for Becky's Monster baby shower! Can't wait to meet baby Judah!

 Impromptu Mini Shoot with Cha Cha. Such a beauty! 

First Ice Cream Sunday = Bliss :)

  Mimi's bees have been busy. Over 50 pounds of honey in one shot!! 

Peekaboo or camera shy? You decide ;) 

 Simply amazing! Lake Pleasant. One of my favorite places on this planet <3

Playing with Auntie Claire. And having a perfect day.

Favorite <3

When Charlotte's here there are crafts galore. Constant creation. I love it.

Running around Valley Forge, PA while Charlotte listened to the tour guide. 

Commemorating the day she learned who George Washington was. And that there were Frenchmen involved in the Revolutionary War. Equally important. ;) 

Epic water wars :) 

And as always, at least one photo that I am in :)

My little man 

What a blondie <3

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Focusing this month on Psalm 51:10

Create in me a Clean Heart, O God

And Renew a Right Spirit Within Me

Lots of Love,

Jessi

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Monthly Photo Challenge: June!

June was busy, warm and wonderful! Our days were filled with play-dates, lots of day trips (splash parks, farms, canal walks), and a fun trip to visit Steve's family in Mayville. This month I decided to live in the moment and not worry about capturing moments- so we are a little light on photos this month. But I'm itching for some photo fun so you'll probably be inundated in July. ;) 

Happy Summer! Go out and soak up some sunshine!!

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Favorite of my little love <3

 Cousin Lovin <3 Too sweet!

 And these are probably my favorite funny pictures of Clark to date. I can't not crack up! His new thing is making faces to try to get us to laugh- and I love it! And, yup, his hair is in a Ninja Ponytail :)

Real life- unposed snuggling. Love those stinky little tootsies <3

Probably the most kissed baby on the planet. But seriously..

I was actually just testing the light in this image but when I came across it again I couldn't help but love that this was a true little snapshot into our real life. <3

Steve looked soooo handsome- but resisted modeling it up for me!?
Pshhh too bad his coy look is still adorable :)

There's a storm a-comin' in Rochester!! Lots and lots of thunderstorms this month. But that just means snuggly cuddle days inside :)

Didn't share this image on Father's Day- love, love, love them <3

Yerp- riding a zebra bareback is unfortunately his new favorite thing..

Adventures in parenting...

And the one I'm in- celebrating our dear friends' wedding with the love of my life <3

I also wanted to share a short excerpt from my devotional Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

"Remember that you live in a fallen world: an abnormal world tainted by sin. Much frustration and failure result from your seeking perfection in this life. There is nothing perfect in this world except Me. This is why closeness with Me satisfies deep yearnings and fills you with joy. I have planted a longing for perfection in every human heart. This is a good desire, which I alone can fulfill."

I often struggle with seeking 'perfection' in my everyday instead of seeking out God's perfect way for my life. When I feel overwhelmed by the world's impossible call to attain 'perfection' I've been mindfully trying to remember to turn to Him. This was a challenging, yet encouraging excerpt that I've been meditating on this month. I hope it encourages your heart as well!

Lots of Love,

Jessi

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