Unwritten

I've officially been "blogging" for a year now.  I feel like I say all the time that I cannot believe how fast time is flying, but it's crazy how the last year has blown by!  As I flipped back through some old posts, I was amazed to see how much has happened and all that has changed.  Some of the biggies...

A year ago...

• JNS was applying to schools (what a journey!)
• The only little ones in my life were my two nieces (Hadley & Reese....often the subjects of my blogging)
• I felt apprehensive about turning 26  (some get this feeling when they turn 30, but for some reason grasping 26 was a weird hurdle for me)
• Mully was a mess!  Chewing and gnawing on everything in our house.  :)

Today....

• JNS is in school at Emory!
• More little ones have arrived and more are on the way (Sweet Daye back in April, Baby Krissel due in November, Avery Ruthven due in January...) and we started volunteering in the Nursery/Pre-school at church each Sunday (oh, how I have grown to love all the little 2's)
• I have actually enjoyed this age and am excited to turn 27 :)
• So, Mulligan is still a mess ;) but he certainly has grown out of many of his puppy tendencies.  Thank goodness this includes chewing! 

I decided to update the blog on this first-year milestone.  Both in appearance and objective, I felt it could use a makeover.  My goal was to keep it simple, easy to read, and generally focused on my pursuit of photography; however, I also wanted to be more diligent about staying true to the title and mission of the blog.  Rejoice Every Day.

This title spurred from a journal entry I had written a few years ago while I was sorting through thoughts on purpose & God's plan for my life.  Could my purpose relate to my job?  Could it have to do with being a wife, mom, daughter, sister or friend?  Should I be volunteering somewhere?  What on Earth (literally) is my purpose?  I never reached a conclusion, but I'm pretty sure I wasn't supposed to....we can have many purposes throughout our lives and God's plan for us isn't usually just limited to one thing.   The one thing I continually came across was scripture that emphasized joy.  Short and sweet, the specific one below is what I noted as a clear reminder to find the good, focus on the positive, and really seek true joy.

"Be joyful always" 1 Thes. 5:16

Although the future of this blog is unwritten for now, hopefully when looking back another year from now it will reflect a collection of photos and thoughts on things that bring me joy and shine a little happiness into each day.  I hope you enjoy!

52 Pix - Week 37

Grandmother gave all the great-grandkids these cute little outfits with their monograms and everyone decided we needed a picture with all of them in it!

Getting this picture was going to be difficult...
 the kids were tired,
there were 10 adults trying to get their attention to smile,
they just wanted to play, laugh, do their own thing.
And honestly, I think the fact that they weren't paying any attention to us or the camera made this shot perfect.

I love all these little ones....

52 Pix - Week 36

Our little guy has been such a good pal to me during all of JNS's studying.  He's usually not a snuggler, but I swear dogs know when you're sad or lonely....he has been actually choosing to come lay beside me and resting his head on my knee or at my feet.  Melts. My. Heart.

When we were at the lake last weekend, he could not have been a happier pup!  He was with his pals, Doc & Jack, and he had the water (which is absolutely his heaven on earth).  We could throw his duck in the water 1000 times and he'd jump after it every time. 

The OC

Chesley gave Friday an 11 on the 11-Alive Wiz-o-meter, and he was right on target...what a beautiful day!

 JNS and I decided it was the perfect night to eat outside, so we made our way over to Six Feet Under near Grant Park.  We requested to sit on their rooftop patio and thankfully, there was a wait so we strolled through Oakland Cemetary.   We made our first visit to this historic Atlanta site a few years ago for a "field trip" for one of my photography classes...I hope we don't wait several years to make another stroll through the OC.

 For those that haven't been there - make it a point to go this fall.  It's more like a garden than a typical cemetary....you won't be disappointed!

52 Pix - Week 35

Oh Hadley.

Is she a ham or what?

She had a big birthday recently - She's three!  I can hardly believe it...  She has been into "posing" lately and it is absolutely HILARIOUS.  She does this little chin to the shoulder thing, looking coy....I love it.

On a related note, her birthday party was a hit with the little ones....

A pinata filled with candy....

and a visit from the neighbor's horse, Lucky!

Sic 'em!

Football season is upon us and there is one special dog who is especially excited to cheer on his fellow "dawgs" this year.  He may not look as cute as this fan, but they both look pretty good in red.  ;)

Go Dawgs!!

52 Pix - Week 34

This week's picture opportunity came from the cute little town of Blue Ridge, GA.  We went there a few weekends ago and had a great time enjoying the scenery and the town.  I bet it's beautiful in the fall!