My husband and I have talked about listening to the whisper of the Holy Spirit. It’s that little voice telling us what He wants us to do. Sometimes I miss it. Maybe I’m too busy to sit and listen. Maybe I’m too nervous or scared to listen. Maybe I’m afraid to reach out. In that case He might have to speak a little louder…reminding me what He wants me to do. I think He was doing that recently with me.
Last year, I decided that I wanted to reach out more to others through writing and cards. Just a little reminder that someone was thinking about them. I’ve had rough times when family or a friend has sent me a card or a little note. A simple reminder that she cared and was thinking of me. It meant a lot to me. So I started out all excited about my card writing venture. I did okay for a couple of weeks and then like other projects I’ve started…I fizzled. Life got busy, I didn’t know what to say, didn’t take the time to sit down and write…excuses, excuses.
Over the Christmas break, we took an 11 hour road trip to Florida. I couldn’t really get into the book I brought, couldn’t find any good radio stations, and my iPod battery was dead. Bummer. So I thought I’d catch up on some emails and browse the net on my phone. What should come in but a message inviting me to try a sample pack of inspirational cards from DaySpring. I was so excited! Yes, I think it was Him whispering a little louder to continue reaching out to others through card writing.
(in)spired deals
I received the So True All Occasion Assortment and Thank You cards. They are so beautiful and the messages are perfect. When I saw them, I knew one of the thank you cards would be perfect for a special teacher. She has instilled in my children a sense of adventure and love for learning and I wanted her to know how much I appreciate all she does!
Now I have a pretty basket full of cards on my desk to remind me to reach out to others. I’ve realized it’s not so much the words I say but the fact that I took the time to just let someone know I was thinking about them. How will you reach out to others this week?
Although DaySpring gave me the free product to review, all opinions stated are my own.
I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season filled with special memories! See you next year! 
Yes, I know it’s now Monday but I made these on Friday so that counts, right?!
Our annual neighborhood cookie exchange is coming up this week and I can’t wait! It’s alway so fun to see what everyone makes and to come home with a variety of yummy Christmas goodies! I always have a hard time deciding what to make. I usually don’t make the same cookies twice…just because I find so many I want to try! This year I did go back to an old favorite. These decadent cookies are full of chocolate and minty goodness…two of my favorite things! You can find the recipe here: Chunky Peppermint Fudge Cookies I made smaller cookies so I could get more out of one batch…just make sure you adjust the baking time. I also found creme de menthe baking chips in a bag so that saved all the unwrapping and chopping. Oh…and I added about a cup of mint chips. Yes, I love mint!
Enjoy and Merry Christmas!
It really is a small world! I originally met Rachael through one of the preschools that I photograph. When I arrived for our session, she noticed my license tag and asked where I went to college. Well…come to find out we are both from the same area in Florida, went to Florida State (go Noles! ) and met our husbands in college! Too funny!
We had a gorgeous afternoon and were able to catch some of the beautiful fall color before all the leaves are gone! Thanks Rachael and family for putting up with some of my silly games! I hope you enjoy your sneak peek and I will be in touch very soon!
You know when you become a mom and you keep meeting up with the same moms at various activities? Well that’s the case here. Lara and I first met several years ago when our boys played flag football together. Then we ran into each other at the dance studio where our daughters take dance. And Lara is also a teacher at one of the preschool where I do fall portraits. It’s a small world! (A small town anyway. ) Recently, I had the pleasure of getting together with Lara and the rest of her lovely family for some fall portraits. The gorgeous weather along with beautiful golden light and the colors of fall made for some awesome family portraits! Plus add in a super cute four-legged furry friend and you have even more fun! (I couldn’t resist a little peek here. Is she cute or what? ) Here’s a little look at our morning together…
October 31, 2011 Posted in Kiddos
You can see the ornament that is available here: preschool ornament. If you have questions please let me know!
I’m a little late on this sneak peek but better late than never, right? Miss {K} and I had fun exploring Fredericksburg a few weekends ago. As I was editing, I just loved these two images. When we started talking about wearing some school colors I knew this spot with the grungy orange would be awesome! I also love her eyes in the black and white close-up. Don’t they look gorgeous? Mom and {K}…your proofs are almost ready and I will be in touch very soon! 
I know when I meet up with my friend Danielle and her family that it’s going to be an afternoon full of laughs…and this time was no exception! Danielle was my first friend when we moved to Virginia. And her little guy was my daughter’s first preschool friend. I remember sitting next to her at preschool orientation. I loved her haircut and had to ask where she got her hair done. You know how it is when you move somewhere new…gotta find out where to get the hair done! Come on…priorities right?! Well her family has grown up a bit since those days so it was time to capture some new family portraits. Here’s a little peek at our day… Thanks Chamberlin family for a fun afternoon!
This is what happens after you ask everyone to jump up and act goofy! (With a little flare from the sun behind the building.)
And this is what happens when you are “adjusting a setting on the camera.” I love his big gap-toothed grin!
I have photographed this family a couple of times before and when mom called for senior pictures I was so excited! Meet Miss {J}…isn’t she beautiful? And she has such a sweet personality to match. We had a great time Saturday morning exploring downtown Fredericksburg. (Despite the wind! A windy day does not make for an easy time with the hair but we made it work!) {J} and her mom wanted to capture some of the fall color as well so I suggested a quick stop at Chatham Manor. I am SO glad we did! One of my favorites from the day was taken there in a spot that mom found and I am so glad she suggested it! Here’s a little peek at our morning together. {J} and mom…I’ll be in touch very soon when your preview is ready! 
by Paige
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