day 11: hero

todays picture is of someone who I would call one of my "heros"
my dear mom - joy esther klassen

my mom is one of my heros for a number of reasons
she has taught me to always have time for family, and she models this
she has taught me not to take life too seriously, but to take my faith very seriously
she has taught me to be flexible and to look for the fun in life
she has taught me to use my gifts and abilities, and how to encourage that in others as well

she has started her own business (sugar-n-spice daycare with poppa) and also showed wisdom in knowing when to leave that career (not an easy choice after 25+ years somewhere!)
she worked and served as a pastor, and was an example of a pastor who leads by example and values relationship and encouragement, as well as a firm understanding in the bible and a solid relationship with Jesus.

she makes time and space to listen for God on a daily basis and isn't afraid to share that with others
she is bold in her faith but gentle in her approach

she has taught me how to host a good get together and how to make a home feel cozy and inviting

she has shown me what it is like to really follow God's leading - selling their family home, leaving a job, using all their finances toward what they feel God is calling them (and our family) to

she has shown me how to be real with my emotions - laughing and crying freely
she is a mentor, a friend, a faith partner, a mom, a granny, a sister, a daughter and much more!

she has shown me how to still show your husband that you love him, even after being married for 34 years.

she has taught me how to forgive and how to continually work at being gracious.

she is my mom and I want to be like her and love her so much!!

day 10: black & white

todays picture was an easy choice. yesterday I went to sunnyside with josh & leah and their boys to take some family pictures of them, and today I had time to go through them all and "edit" them as much as needed (not much, they are such an easy family to photograph!!)

this picture is one of my favorites, josh & roger. I love seeing my brother as a dad, he is a natural. and roger is probably the worlds happiest baby, and it is always wonderful to be around him!

here is a link to my photography blog if you want to see any others from yesterday.

also - happy birthday to my wonderful friend Jo! I hope Luke & Jameson are spoiling you with love!

day 9: what I do most weekends

What do I do most weekends? Well, in the summer we try to get to the cabin as often as we can, so.. most weekends! this summer has been a bit more full that other ones, but whenever we have had the chance, we make the short drive out to the lake and settle in for a relaxing weekend. 

we love going to the lake to spend time with family, to relax, to read, to go for walks and to go on the water! Michael loves being in the water, swimming, boating and especially wake boarding. I'm not a huge fan of wakeboarding (i can get up, get in and out of the wake - most times - but I would never be one to do "jumps" or "tricks" and in all honesty, I'd much rather sit in the boat and watch!) I love taking pictures of Michael and seeing him accomplish new tricks on the water. 

So most weekends in the summer, we try to get out to the lake for moments like these!

day 8: at night

i wish i had a really nice night time picture
a picture of a summer bonfire
a sky full of stars
a walk around our neighbourhood
something like that!
but, apparently I'm too busy enjoying those things to stop and take a picture (and I'm really ok with that!)

so here is a picture of what its like around here most evenings.
we have 2 of the snuggliest cats, and when michael & I are in for the evening, relaxing, chatting, watching tv or whatever, the cats love to hunker down with us and fall asleep. they like to be where we are, and often they get very comfortable, and fall asleep in some funny positions! but quite typically, most nights the cats are just sprawled out as much as possible.

so.. here is what the nights around here look like.

day 7: natural

todays picture is "natural"
and what is natural for me? well, a few things come to mind!

I have always been a natural baker. I find it relaxing and fun to create in the kitchen (both baking and cooking, but baking it always tastier in my opinion). The mess doesn't bother me, and I love seeing all these random ingredients turn into a warm & delicious product.
another thing that is natural for me - being an auntie!! I love being an auntie to 3 sweet boys - jay, everett & roger. I love hanging out with the boys and hearing ev say things like, "oh auntie, you want to cuddle?" and i love watching rogie laugh and learning new skills.
so, what else could be the perfect picture today than these two -
spending some time with one of my favorite nephews - everett, while the two of us bake up some tasty concoction.

This is natural!