A whole bunch of randomness going on that I need to get out of my head!

Intentional Parenting
This week is Vacation Bible School at church and this year Hunter is old enough to attend.  I’m volunteering, my mom is volunteering, Taylor is volunteering, and all 3 littles are attending.

My mom and I are helping with registration and then random administrative things that need to be done throughout the kids time there.  So we end up seeing the girls as they’re walking from class-to-activity, etc.

Yesterday as we were there, I started thinking about what a blessing it is for the girls to be able to see not only their mother and older sister, but also their “granny” giving back to the church and the Lord’s work.  Even though they may not realize what that means right now or even give it a second thought for that matter, my prayer is that someday they’ll think back on these times and mirror them for their own children.

I also got to thinking that it’s in these moments, that intentional parenting comes into play.  I could easily just drop the kids off and get a few hours to myself … especially in these last couple of hectic days!  But intentional parenting also means creating teachable moments that are silent and possibly filed away for the future.  Intentional parenting is sometimes doing, not talking.

I’m a mom that loves to be surrounded by my girls.  When one of them is gone, or we do an outing or vacation without them {sometimes the teen is visiting her dad}, I feel like a piece of me is missing.

I was filled with great joy seeing my girls at VBS praising God, making friends and just knowing I was under one roof with them growing closer to the Lord.

Best Teacher Award
Wynter went on a playdate with her Kindergarten teacher yesterday.  We have been so blessed to have this teacher in our lives!  Piper had the privilege of having the same experience with her two years ago and Wynter felt SO incredibly special to be able to do the same thing.  Thank you, thank you, thank you Mrs. Steig for being such an incredible influence in my girls lives!

Photography Honor
I’m a member of the National Association of Professional Child Photographers {NAPCP}.  It’s a great organization and resource for the community of photographers.  They feature some amazing photographers that I respect and admire.  So when they contacted me last week asking if I would guest post … um, yeah … I was a bit giddy over that one!

They really enjoyed this post and asked if I’d feature it on their blog.  Crazy!  Anyway … it should be popping up in a few days at the NAPCP site … you know, if you care to watch for it! ;)

MODsquad Book Club
In working with the MODsquad team, we talked about what we would like to post about, who would do what, etc, etc.  All that logistical stuff.  Well … we wanted to have a book club and knew our first book would be “Bringing Up Girls” from Dr. Dobson.  The question was asked, “who wanted to lead the discussion and post on it?”  I said I’d never done it before, but would be willing to give it a go.  And then promptly forgot that I’d volunteered.  Ah, but fortunately, that Google Doc we keep our notes on had it recorded for all to see!

So the next time we talked, I was reminded that I had a little project on my hands.  Anyway.

I started reading the book and started writing a post.  I had no idea what I was doing, but trusted the Lord to give me the words and touch hearts of the mom’s who needed it and also encourage them to get the {incredible!!} book and read it for themselves.

So anyway.  I posted my post, all the while fretting over whether it was the right kind of book club “discussion.”  And now I’m in the middle of writing my next post and praying that it’s going in the right direction.

And what pops into my inbox … right when I need it?  An incredible, encouraging email from someone that works for Dr. Dobson and forwards any news, PR, etc. that’s written about Dr. Dobson.  Here’s a piece of the note, “I don’t typically give him blog material but thought your “BUG” review was especially good, and felt that he might appreciate seeing it.  Well he did – very much so.  He told me your review was “wonderfully gratifying” and asked me to facilitate contact with you on his behalf.”

Once again … I’m in awe of our Father and how He knows what we need, right when we need it.  We just need to trust in Him, follow His leading … and know it’s all being done for His greater purpose.  Love it!!

Procrastination and A Long List of To-Do’s
And so here I am my friends.  We’re leaving in a few short hours for out of town.  I have yet to pack … anyone!  And a mile long to-do list.  I’m stressing a tad, but know it’ll all work out.  What gets done, gets done.  What doesn’t, doesn’t.  At least that’s what I’m telling myself!

Praying a wonderful Wednesday for you all!

:: subscribe to {tsj} photography ::