It Is Done!

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Triathlon 2008

I swam...

I biked...

I ran...

I relaxed!

(That's pretty much it in a nutshell!)

My Big News

Well, you have probably noticed that I've been a little "MIA" in blogworld lately. Aside from training from my upcoming triathlon (this weekend), co-hosting my sister-in-law's baby shower bash, having yet another garage sale, working on homeschool curriculum and helping my husband with a big church project... I've opened up a photography business!

I've always loved portrait photography and decided that it would be a great 'from-home' business. Although I jested a while back about the title, Captured by an Angel, -it has actually stuck as the company name! I have decided that as much as I love doing this and enjoy the extra income, my dedication as wife and mother must come first...so if I start to slack in those areas, I've got to kick it in gear! I want to continue to be honoring first and foremost to Christ and right now that means balance in my priorities.

I had my first photo shoot three weeks ago and have been busy ever since! I'm excited and overwhelmed as my calendar is already filling up! Here are a few pictures that I did for a family a couple of weeks ago... Enjoy! (Can you tell I love black & white pics?)

My Little Swimmers (And Father's Day)

We had such a wonderful father's day weekend! On Saturday we all went out fishing again until the late hours of the night... On Sunday we had the opportunity to go to my parent's home and swim! The boys did great and we had such a nice time relaxing with daddy and grandpa!

The boys sit on the hot tub while we wait for daddy to come and jump in the pool with us!

The boys and daddy in the pool... don't you just love how deflated that raft is around youngest?

All wrapped up after lots of pool time!

Seriously- I didn't ask them to pose like homeboys, but the sun was really bright and I think oldest was a little agitated. *grin*

Youngest enjoyed riding on daddy more than anything else! And- how cute are those Elmo floaties?

Had to get a picture of this one! Oldest was constantly diving head first into Grandpa's 'treasure' chest of water paraphernalia. I just missed his feet sticking straight up in the air!

My man's got SKILLS! :)

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

I'll Be Back

Here Comes the Bride

"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another God lives in us and His love is made complete in us." 1 John 4:12

Congratulations Heather & Steven!

The Rehearsal

"This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice in it!"

My oldest son is a ring bearer in a friend's wedding today! Here is a shot of him and his cousin (flower girl) as well as little brother and another flower girl. It's going to be a wild day!

Just as they were about to go down the aisle, his cousin whispered to him and said, "I'm a little nervous, okay?". He took her by the arm to comfort her and lead her down the aisle! So cute!

Traffic jam. Halfway down the aisle. 10 minutes later we got going again! :)

A concerned flower girl stops to 're-load' her basket of flowers. Others stop to help as well.

Bride and groom on their way down after being pronounced!

Of Bubby's, Bubbles, and Backyard Camp-outs

"Behold, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."

Psalm 127:3

It's 4pm on a warm spring afternoon. Do you know where your children are? Of course! Camping out in the back yard with my couch pillows!

Taking a "smile" (as youngest calls it) ob my two favorite 'bubby's' from the back porch steps.

Little one chasing after bubbles in the backyard.


Little one still chasing bubbles in the backyard. I never want these times to end...

TRI Update

My triathlon is exactly one month from today! I have not been training as much as I should have at all. I've chalked it up to a complete and absolute lack of personal discipline. I encouraged a friend to do this along with me (from my running club) and she's been super busy and unable to train with me on our 'assigned' days. So, instead of just going on my own (like I have for other races in the past), I've opted to stay home or do something else. Bad Angelena!

Last night I went to our local gym for about three hours and busted it out! I jumped on the stationary bike for 5 miles of 100+ RPM; ran to the locker room and changed into my running shorts and ran laps on the indoor track (approx 2.5 miles) and then ran back to the locker room (it's all about quick transitions, you understand) to throw on my suit and do laps. I must have looked absolutely ridiculous (and apparently on the edge of drowning) because the lifeguard kept leaning forward as if he was getting ready for a rescue. All in all it was a good night.

I have to admit that I feel very prepared for the run (only 2 miles) , somewhat prepared for the biking portion (only 12 miles) , and absolutely scared out of my whits about the swim. I think I can make the 1/4 mile without too many problems (I hope!), but the 'open water' issue has me cringing!

When we have vacationed to the ocean- I DON'T go into the water. Never past my ankles and even that is pushing my boundaries. I like to SEE where I am going. I like to know that large fish (aka: sharks) aren't going to feast on my flesh. You understand, right? The picture above is likened to the water I'll be swimming in. Eechk! What if it's freezing cold? What if I get confused and swim the wrong way? What if a giant duck attacks me!?

Truly, I'm looking forward to the race. It'll be good to tackle my fears and push my limits. I think that the reason I've done a lot of these races is because of the mental boundaries that can be crossed. In the past, I've been a person that opts out of doing things or going places because of that 'fear of the unknown'. I'm constantly reminded that 'God has not given me a spirit of fear, but rather power, love and a sound mind' to deal with any circumstance that comes my way.

So, you big algae infested lake-just watch out! Here I come! :)

Thank You

The One That Got Away

This past weekend our family went fishing off a lake about 45 minutes from our house. We have some dear friends who live off the lake and spent our time on their dock. My husband loves to fish (as do I), but rarely finds the time to do so. It was such a relaxing weekend with the boys!

I have to brag about the 'one that got away'. I caught a really BIG bass (biggest one of my life so far), but didn't get a picture. Granted, it wasn't big enough to swallow Jonah, but I was proud of it! So, I'll just have to describe it for you... approx 18 inches long and a good 7+ pounds. Unfortunately, he got away before we could get the picture! All told, I think we brought in about 20 fish between us...it was a slow night, but we had a great time!



I had to pose with something! This is a little catfish I caught around 11pm that night.

Oldest and his catch! He was a little trooper!

Waiting patiently on the dock...

My parents came out and surprised us our second day out and stayed into the night. It was nice to have them there!

Daddy and the boys early afternoon getting all the hooks baited.

Little one waiting for his "big catch"!

We had such great weather this weekend! Daddy helps oldest with some pointers...

Daddy and his catfish. We sure had quite a time getting the hooks out of 'em! Mean little fish!

The Chat

My neighbor pulled me aside yesterday to inform me of a conversation that she and my oldest son had a few days ago.

Our Awana program at our church ended for the summer about two weeks ago. My son has been really missing his friends and teachers...

He told Miss B. (our neighbor) in a very matter-of-fact way, "Yep, they had to just shut Awana down; I guess everybody got tired of praising the Lord. "

The Birthday Party

A little brotherly help with gift opening.


Some great friends sport the party hats for a quick kodak moment. Well, they were great friends...not so sure since I posted the pic. :)


My sister-in-law and and neice; go girl- it's outta there!


Enjoying Lego's on the back patio after the party.


E. & M. posing for my camera! We had so many cuties at the party!


Grandpa W. and the kiddos out in the overflow party area; aka: the garage.


My oldest and his cake; carrot cake that was fabulous!



Opening one of the gifts- a baseball bat...How did they know?!




This is my adorable neice, M. Isn't she precious? And- she gives just about the best hugs you can find on this side of the Mississippi. :)