Lately

So lately I have been playing with some fun picture apps on my fancy smartypants phone. 

I am going to share with you how I got the above picture to look this way without leaving the comfort of my couch and hot cocoa.

I actually used a couple few apps to make this magic happen.

First, I used an app called Snapseed to get the vintage drama effect.

 Then, I edited the picture with an app called PS Express. I used the 'reduce noise' option because the picture was very pixel-y thanks to the mirror camera on the iPhone.

Next I used an app called Rhonna Design to put the words and details on the picture.

It's actually quite user friendly and quick. You can create a hipster masterpiece in the matter of a minute and some quick thumb maneuvering.  

I just found this app today and I was so excited about it I wanted to share it. 

All of the apps are free (of course, that's my style). However, in the PS Express app you have to purchase the Reduce Noise option. Kinda ridiculous, but it makes me happy with my pictures so I think it was worth it. 

P.S. Another thing that is really exciting is that Jesus loves you! 

(Just thought you would like to know.) 

So anyways, those are some fun photo editing apps if you have the itch to spruce up your pics. 

Enjoy!

September? Where did summer go?

My parent's backyard over the 4th of July Holiday.

Summer flew by this year!  Or was it just that I was too preoccupied to notice?
Avery has kept every day interesting.  From squeals to giggles, this little girl has enough energy to make every day feel like a party. 

I jokingly mentioned to my husband that I needed a full time job to afford all the clothes I want to buy. And he said something very refreshing and eye opening. He made a comment saying that I do have a full time job, I just don't get paid money for working.  But I get paid with smiles, laughs,& priceless moments that are a gift just for me from Avery. Moments that can never be reproduced or shared, moments that shape my soul.
I have never felt more like myself than I do now being a mother. I have come into a whole new freedom that I could never have any other way.

We weren't planning to get pregnant and have a baby while going to college.  That's not the ideal financial situation, no money coming in and a LOT of money going out.  However, God had better plans.  I honestly don't think I would have survived living the same way for yet another two years, just waiting until we could start a family.  And now that we have Avery I almost wish we would have started a family sooner. The joy and freedom and life that I've discovered is like nothing else and I sure wouldn't mind having started sooner.  But God's timing IS perfect!  And it is fascinating to me how God has provided every single one of our needs (and MANY wants) seamlessly along the journey.  I have no fear of financial dismay or material insufficiency.  Not because I am stupid, unaware of reality, or careless, but because I have faith.  I trust God and have confidence without any doubts that He loves us and knows how to take care of us. He has blessed us in so many ways all of these years.  And I feel so honored that He has blessed us with a beautiful and happy baby girl.  She is perfect in every way and it brings a smile to the very core of my being when I see those little big eyes look at my face and light up. 

And there she is, her little grunts in the baby monitor.  That little voice that fills my heart with happiness anytime I hear it. Yes, I want her to sleep, but her voice is an astounding comfort that my little world is ok and normal.  I was created to be her mother, and hopefully a mother to maybe a brother or sister of hers. 

Thanks for reading to this point. I adore how every person is so different.  And how different people make up unique families.  And the unique solutions to each family's issues.  When did we start thinking that different is wrong and not just, well, different?  

The more I read about parents and babies the more I realize you need to find your parenting style and family style and commit to it. There's no uniform solution for any kind of issue with any person in any area of your life.  I wonder where the idea started that there should be one thing that always should work for everyone. 

Hmmm... that certainly doesn't make sense to me.  I really didn't intent on sharing jumbled thoughts tonight. 
But thanks for reading and you are welcome to continue the conversation.  Yes, I have conversations with myself in my head.  Who doesn't?