the progression...

web cam fun...

thought of the day from Vanessa Walrath

Clouds change gracefully, smoothly, whirling and reaching, quietly becoming. It isn't slow, but it certainly isn't quick, requiring the observer's stillness, slowed breathing, patience. I forget to wait for clouds.

I move quickly, desperately, hoping if I cram enough in, or think I'm busy, I won't have to be quiet and feel the void in my soul. I think somehow that Christians shouldn't ache.

But when clouds change, some break apart, slowly disintegrating as they reach toward an unseen goal. Painfully, quietly, beautifully slow.

I don't want to live there. I don't understand the ache, don't want to allow the gentle breakdown, would rather be excessively busy or tremendously slothful so as to avoid the quiet truth: I'm breaking apart and it hurts.

My future as so many dreams, ideals, and plans does not make sense any more. And I'm gently coming undone. And my dreams and visions and thoughts of myself are whirling slowly, gracefully out of reach even as I am moving, being moved, toward an Unseen Goal at a snail-like, cloud-like pace.

But I have a small inkling, just a nudge, a tiny conviction, really, that the change is good. To be a single, solitary, naked soul, precariously aware of her short-comings, stripped of her defining accolades and visions, is to be a soul aching for and painfully in need of Something Other. And perhaps that's just what I need to be.

more wedding bliss

It's summer... and it seems our weekends are now filled with Weddings - mostly going to them, but this past weekend I had the privilege of helping Andrew shoot one. He is amazing... his work is amazing... and I was so excited to get to help. Here's a small peek -

Cousins... meeting for the first time

Andrew's cousin Matt & he have some interesting parallels in their lives... they were born only 6mos apart to the day... got married a week a part... each had their first baby two days a part (both girls)... their wive's sisters got married on the same day - and the list seems to go on everytime we turn around. And while minorly creepy - it's amazing. These pics are just a few of Matt and Lisa's beautiful daughter Bethany meeting her cousin Ailey for the first time. (if you want to see more pics of the event they're on Ailey's website web.mac.com/andrewandemilysmith)


the switch...

man, those men are real cute with those babies! (right Lisa! : ) )

It was great to finally get the girls together... and how fun to see such different personalities in two very cute little girls! We
loved getting to see you guys!

all hail the Queen and the sort of Queen

My rediculously funny sisters decided this past weekend to enter the Miss Bedford pagents... And being the beautiful girls they are... Cassidy walked away as the runner up in the Miss Bedford Junior competition - and Hilary walked away with the title of MIss Bedford... yes, crown and all. Congrats girls and know I think you're just as beautiful on the inside as you are on the out! Love you...

isn't she a cutie!

growing up so much.... I'd like to keep her small sometimes - and yet it's extremely exciting to see her grow. I imagine every parent has felt this way.

beautiful pics from a beautiful day!

"The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor." -Anon.

I'm trying desperatly to be excellent in all I do these days... maybe it's me trying to make up for 9 mos of sick pregnant woman woe... or maybe I'm just trying to overcome the balance of being a mom and working 40 hours a week... I just know I've been recently reminded that it's this excellence that God calls me to in all areas of life - whether I feel like it or not. I'm clinging to the fact that God gives us the ness. strength to do ALL He's asked.