Katherine Marie

Since I started blogging the motto I have tried to live by is…

“TAKE PICTURES THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY!”

There are so many photographs that fall into the “need to take” or feel “obligated to take”  catogory. I’ve come to a place where I have stopped taking those pictures.  I want to focus on the JOY behind the image as much as the final result.

Ansel Adams once said, “A good photograph is one that fully expresses what one feels.”

It sure feels good to enjoy the simple joys of FALL.

 It sure feels good to be imperfect, loved, and free to take whatever pictures makes me smile!

 It sure feels good to live and photograph a world in which I get to see God’s miracles unfold daily.

This was her first taste of snow in 2011.  Happiness!

…

 The last colors of FALL!  Happiness!

I’m so thankful God has allowed me to express a small slice of my happiness here, with you.

Wishing you mountains of HAPPY pictures!

xoxoxoxo!

Isn’t Autumn a beautiful example of how God loves to surprise us?  HIS pallet seems to burst with a glorious new shade every moment during fall.  I am always surprised by fall colors.  I am always blown away with the beauty that He has painted for us to enjoy!

From our leaf hunt yesterday:

I love this writing from Max Lucado,

“Hope is not what you expect; it is what you would never dream.  It is a wild, improbable tale with a pinch-me-I’m dreaming ending.  Hope is not a granted wish or a favor performed; no it is far greater than that.  It is a zany, unpredictable dependence on a God who loves to surprise us out of our socks and be there to in the flesh to see our reaction.”  (Grace for the Moment, Volume II, Page 87)

Fall really does feel like a pinch-me-I’m-dreaming season.  I am so thankful we live a area with so much color and wonder!

 I pray wherever you may be that God is bringing you lots of beautiful surprises!   

xoxoxoxoxo

[Blessing Bag]

Kind readers, friends and family— would you like to help me celebrate my birthday this month?? 

You know I need all the help I can get! 

 Instead of sending a birthday card or gift how ’bout you whip up a BLESSING BAG for someone in need?!  Idea via Kids With a Vision— HERE!  ”Blessing Bags” are small emergency kits that might offer a bit of help to someone in need.  You can give your bag to a homeless person on the street or donate it to a local homeless shelter, church or food pantry.  

Last week I asked the kiddos if they would help me make 40 blessing bags to help ring in my 40th this month!  We set up a little family style assembly line and filled gallon sized zip lock bags with our hygiene and food items.  I really can’t imagine a more lovely birthday treat!  Some of our bags were child friendly and others were geared for homeless adults.

Blessing Bag Filler Ideas (for adults)

Mini Cereal Boxes

Deodorant

Hand Sanitizer/Soap

Shampoo

Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Floss

Granola Bars/Energy Bars

Wet Wipes

Pen & Small Note Pad

Breakfast Cookie

Gift Cards (Starbucks)

Tissue

Lotion/Sunscreen

Chocolate

Note of Encouragement

Peanut/Almond Packs

Crackers

For kid friendly bags you might consider including stickers, toys, arts & crafts supplies, kiddo shampoo, bubbles, and other little treats!  I found that full size items from “dollar” stores were sometimes less expensive than trail size items at traditional stores.

xoxoxoxoxoxo,

A soon to be 40 year old!

       

Three sweet things:

1.  Candy-on-the-cob!  The best thing about living in Cornville, USA. I have never tasted anything like it.

2.  This little man!  No joke, he begged me to take his picture after dinner last night.  You don’t have to ask this mama twice.

3.  A Free Veggies on the side of the road.  Kindness everywhere!!!  I love the way they spelled veggies.

 

 

xoxoxoxoxo!

We made a BLUE-WITHOUT-YOU version of our SUNSHINE-IN-A-BOX to send to big brother.  He has been gone for most of the summer and we miss him immensely!

 You know how much I love sending a little love in the mail.  These are so easy to put together and the kiddos love hunting for color-coded goodies to make their care package extra special.  I hope our boxes are as fun to receive as they are to make!

xoxoxoxoxox!!

that make me SMILE!

 

1.  Antique Baby Dolls

2.  My Monster I-Pad Cover

3.  Gathering Girly Things for Emerson’s Bday

4.  Kiddo Stationary

5.  BINGO!

 

 Hope your day is filled with lots of simple things that make you smile!