Photo Shoot: Part 1 and Todays Plans

I spoke with my mom the other day and she complained that she didn't have any current professional photos of the kids and none at all of Andrew (professional, that is...) Those who know me, know how much I hate forking over even the $5.88 walmart price for photos that I, most often, don't even like. ESPECIALLY since I am a photo freak the rest of the time. SO-I promised her I would take a few uncluttered shots for her picture frames.

I had the kids all in matching clothes and was ready to have at it, when the phone rang. Then we had to go shopping and by the time we got back, daylight had nearly passed and dusk was settling in. Since I don't have any special lighting and my digital does VERY poorly without pristine light conditions, the photo shoot was put off after just a few shots.

Today is Bible study and after that, I have a meeting to go to for church stuff. So, we will be coming home nearing dusk again today. I plan on doing the *real* photo shoot tomorrow but I wanted to share some of this cutie pie today. I don't know that I will send my mom this one, but it was the best one I took yesterday. It's a shame they won't be in their matching duds, though.

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Has anyone ever made from scratch baked beans before? I made some for supper last night-and Matt raved about them but I must say, the beans were still a bit *tough* for my liking. I soaked the dry beans for TWO nights and cooked them for SIX hours-both WELL over the recommended time frames. Matt would be happy with them just as they were, but I would like them softer. Any suggestions?

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The last few days I have heard about several different families who are going through some very major and very serious marital (familial) struggles, most of which have been long standing and are just coming to a climax. Each family has different issues but each stems from the same root problem. It pains me to see the anguish that can be caused by a callous and selfish spouse, espeically those that claim themselves to be Christians. Coincidentally, the sermon series our pastor is preaching on currently is on divorce. How I wish my dear friends could hear the words he preaches. How I wish I DIDN'T have to hear these words and about these situations. I don't like to be reminded that all is NOT well in the world, that for MANY, life is just a pain they go through day by day.

To see these struggles first hand, one must step back and evaluate their own lives. First of all, my body is brought low in humble thankfulness for the gift of a healthy and strong marriage. That God would bless me with such a man as Matt, is beyond a gift-it is a treasure. Secondly, and much less enjoyably, such objectiveness brings about some introspection. Do I give in to the temptations of these sins, even on a minute level? For truly, these sins are made large through a hardening of heart, yet even on a small level, they are still despicable.

My head is brought low constantly, in fervent prayer for these families and I fear, will be so for a long time to come.

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I hate to leave this post on such a dark and depressing note, but my time on this techno box is up. I will say this. The Lord will protect His sheep and nothing is outside of His will. With prayer and wisdom, those who struggle will one day be free from such pains and until then, the Lord, if sought, is the great Comforter and Sustainer.