Haven't done this is a while

I been so busy tackling summer with the kids, that this blog has been suffering. I am here today though, and I have decided to hit you with some random things to be happy about.



Doing the right thing even when no one is looking.
(*we watched the movie The Box last night, totally a trip, almost too far out for me.)




The quiet in a church before the bride says "I do"



kindergartners on their first trip to the library




and tumbling children on the beach





much love,

~j

Pic of the Week

A mother's treasure is her daughter

~Catherine Pulsifer

It's true indeed. ♥♥♥

~j

Bev+Louis {Engagement 2010}

Beverly and I have been friends for quite some time now. We have been there for each other through many of the ups and downs that life tends to bring. Well for all the time that I have known her, and some time before that, Bev has been waiting for, and believing for "Mr. Right" to show up. Unfortunately for her, and him, Mr. Right has been MIA. Then one day she met a man named Louis... We found out that not only was he Mr. Right, but he was also Mr. Right on time. Louis came along and filled a space made just for him, that no one else could have fit. I am so happy for my girl, and it was more than an honor to be able to document her and Louis' love. I wish I could have done the wedding pics, but it's kinda hard when you are a bridesmaid too (that was another honor bestowed upon me by Bev.)

Beverly, you know I love you girl, and even though Mr. Louis came along and filled a special space for you I hope you know I will always be there for you...as I know you will be for me. Congratulations to you and Louis!

God Bless,

♥ j

We've Moved!

I just wanted to make this official, so as of right now, I am officially letting everyone know that we have moved to California. If you don't know, now ya know. Me, my family, the dog and this business are now located in sunny southern California. If you live in Colorado I am no longer able to take your pictures (unless of course you pay for my air fare and get me there, then I would be more than happy to oblige) If you live in Long Beach or any of the surrounding areas I am now available for purchase....my services that is. ; )
I am starting from scratch y'all, every person is going to be brand new. It's a little unnerving, but I think I am up for the challenge. So if you know somebody that knows somebody that may need a pic or two, throw them my way. Or better yet, throw yourself my way first, that way you can tell all your people how cool I really am. Just kidding. But really my contact info can be found at the bottom of this page....Until next time.

With God's Blessings,

The Renvilles ♥

Introspection into life

I am from here. This is where my life began. The hospital holds my records and original vital statistics.

You never really know what you got until you get what you want. I miss Colorado.

The streets aren't the same. The faces and places I used to know are all different now. New faces take their places in the forefront of my mind.

I like it here don't get me wrong, I have always wanted to return and live here, having been gone longer than having not. But living here is definitely different than that yearly one week vacation I would faithfully take. Instead of seeing all of the pretty things that make time away fun, I am immersed within the daily things that aren't so shiny and bright.

It's ok though. Because even though I miss all the things from back there that I thought wouldn't cross my mind twice, I have begun looking forward to all the things that are beginning to be. With each new visit I am claiming the grocery store to be mine. With each new "good morning" the neighbors are mine too. I delight in learning the street patterns, and buildings of it's make up.

As afternoon turns in to evening, and I hear the ice cream man on a bike jingle his bell down my street for the hundredth time today, I am enlightened. My home here has meaning. I am ok with the new me. I am ok with all that this new place entails.

My sadness and longing for what was suddenly dissipates. In that single moment God has merged my childhood beginnings-here, with the intermediate middles-there, and I realize that this has always been my home. The place where I began, where pen met paper in the story of my life. My mother's mother roamed these streets. The whisper of my grandfather is around every corner.

There is a place for me here. I can make my mark without being swallowed up amongst the masses.

I finally realize, I am just...and always have been...returning home.

Much love

~j

Randomness

I hope you had a good weekend. I didn't do a whole lot with mine. Actually on Saturday I was locked up in a dungeon strewn with barbies, lipgloss and brightly colored clothing more commonly known as "the girls room," cleaning and purging all that is not making the trek with us to California. Yeah, it took me at least two hours, with a lunch break in between to get that room completely clean. I know, I know if my children had maintained this room daily, or if I had been more diligent with them then I would not have lost those two hours of my Saturday. But that's OK, some battles are just not worth fighting for everyday. And most of the time I just close their door so I don't have to see the mess...That is until my 3rd child gets lost in the debris again, somehow mistaken for a toy, and I have to put on gloves, socks and shoes to jump in and find him...Ahhh, the joys of parenthood.



Happy Random Monday. Things to be happy about today:

Taking three day weekends in the summer

Jumping into bed with a good book

The order of colors in a Life-Savers candy roll

Window seats

and Pink spring flowers

love + peace

j

Newborn Peace

I don't know what it is, but newborn babies have a special power. Actually, let me clarify, sleeping newborn babies have a special power. It's like they bring a peace with them that is so tangible you can almost taste it. And even though I may not know what power they hold, one thing I do know is that they are blessed, and they carry with them a presence that could only come from God. Hey, wait a minute, maybe that is it... maybe because newborn babies are so new, so fresh from the Lord, that they still carry His presence and His peace with them, so that when they finally make their appearance on earth, His qualities are still lingering on them like a fragrance no person could ever deny...Sounds possible to me... God, You are so good...

Having said all that about sleepy newborns, I was more than blessed to spend a little time in my newest cousin's precious heavenly aura.

Welcome to the world little Sophia, and thank you for bringing a little bit of heaven with you.

Much love,

j