I smell like campfire, and I like it. I wish I could go back in time and tell my 12 year old self that. See, we just got home from spending a beautiful (like, seriously beautiful!) October day at Vogel State Park — or as my kids call it, VogelTANZ State Park. We did nothing but sit around a campfire pit with friends, eat, and play in the creek and dirt. The campfire part was especially nice. You don’t realize you smell like campfire until you are away from it, so as we got home this evening and put the kids to bed I caught a wiff of myself and the first thing I thought was, “I smell like BACON”! Why? Because when I was 12 years old I spent a day, similar to this very day, hanging out with friends around a campfire. Then I headed to youth group at my church where a boy (who I happened to have a major crush on at the time) told me with a look of disgust on his face, “You smell like bacon!” I was of course crushed because no girl wants to smell like bacon! That, my friends, was my first memory of feeling completely insecure around a boy. Now 20 years later…yes, 20 years later, that memory was the first thing to come to mind when I smelled the campfire smoke on my skin tonight. It is amazing how words have so much power! Even (or especially?) words spoken by a zitty-faced 12 year old boy! So let’s give that old insecurity a good laugh and put it to rest! No, self, I don’t smell like bacon. I smell like a campfire — and I like it. It reminds me of the beautiful day I just had and brings back lots of memories of childhood summers sitting around the fire with my family and at camp. I just so happen to like smelling like a campfire!

Thanks for letting me “air out” (yes, pun intended!) that old memory, folks. I feel a little more free now that I have gotten that out in the open.

Tell me I’m not the only one who has funny (random?!) memories like this? My brain full of them!!

If I could bottle up some of life’s sweet moments, this would be one of them…

Sic em’! woof woof woof woof woof….

Because my work on Passion 2012 has picked up and I need a little more work time during the week, Nash and Evyn get to go to a Mother’s Morning Out program one morning a week at a local church. It’s hardly “school”, but it is the first structured classroom experience either of them have had (outside of sunday school)…so I just HAD to capture their “first day of school” picture for memory sake….

Excited. Beyond excited.

This child is always dancing around and making funny songs and faces...just like this.

These little people are growing up WAY too fast. Sigh.

We are squeezing the last drops out of summer around here!!  We just returned from yet another trip to the beach!! So blessed!! I can’t believe we have been able to go to the beach 3 times this summer. My heart is full!! I haven’t been to the ocean this much in a summer since my college days working at Barefoot RV in Myrtle Beach as a Summershiner! Oh the memories!!  Our first time to the beach this summer the kids didn’t like it (especially Evyn!)…the second time they were warming up to it, but it was so very hot (never going to the Gulf in July again!)…the third time was just right (Amazing!)! Except for our little run in with Tropical Storm Lee the first couple days, the weather worked itself out the rest of the week was PERFECTION. Nice breeze, cool mornings, warm afternoons, clear skies, crystal clear water, powder white sand. Ahhhhhh! Can I go back please???!!

It was a joy to spend the week with Mimi and Pop Pop! Such a sweet blessing that they shared the week with our crazy crew! Here are a few pictures from our final summer adventure along the beaches of 30A in Florida (I left my camera at home so I have limited pictures to share! Oh well…memories are better in the mind than what can be captured with a camera anyway!)

Hello Tropical Storm Lee....I've never seen such huge waves on the Gulf!!!

Thanks to Tropical Storm Lee our entertainment the first few days at the beach was jumping in puddles.

Happy Mama...

Daddy + Nash = silliness

We are not a photogenic family. I've accepted that.

Yep, that's more like it.

Meyer is always happy...well, almost always.

Meyer enjoyed the beach...and eating sand.

Pop Pop and Nash...

wind blown hair is a good look on Nash...

Our "jungle" walk to the beach...

She knows she's cool.

Another shot of Evyn's "scarf sari"...I think this look is so IN this season! (and the topless mermaid in the background should consider getting one herself! A little modesty miss mermaid!)

Wow. I just finished reading the 3 book Mark of the Lion Series by Francine Rivers.

Uh-mazing.

I think I am about 10 years behind the times on learning about these books, but I am so glad I finally picked the first book off my night stand and read it (it’s been sitting there for 3 years!)! I could not put it down. Literally. I read the first book in 2 days and the second book in less than 24 hours! Needless to say, the laundry and the house work got neglected but my heart fed. They are fictional books…a love story…but the truth of Jesus is woven throughout the entire story. Even though it is fictional book, the Truth in the story really challenged me spiritually. I wasn’t expecting that when I began reading!

So, if you have time (or even if you don’t) and need a good book, check out the Mark of the Lion series (especially the first two books: Voice in the Wind and Echo in the Darkness). I hope you love them as much as I have!

Anyone else out there a big fan of The Mark of Lion books?? What are some other great books I should read? You know, in my spare time…

Anyone else out there addicted to Pinterest? I was obsessed for about 2 weeks but, thankfully my infatuation has died down a bit over the past few weeks and I am not as tempted to “pin” away all my free time. If you don’t know what Pinterest is, it’s an online bulletin board where you can post pictures/ideas/recipes/anything you like from any website and it keeps it all organized for you. It’s all about your style, finding cool things other people are doing and “pinning” them to one of your boards. It’s a brilliant concept…and really fun! ANYWAY…it hit me after 2 weeks of “pinning” really cool stuff that other people are doing, that, “why am I just sitting on my butt, starring at my computer screen and looking at all the cool ideas other people are doing? I’m cool (not really, but I was just giving myself a pep talk trying to convince myself that I was cool). I should DO something cool.”

So I set out to create some cool decor for my real world.

I needed something special in Meyer’s room and so I created this (i think it looks better in real life, but i could not get my camera to cooperate)…

I created this mobile over her crib made with branches I found outside. I cut and glued assorted shades of green leaves onto the tips of the branches then hung paper flowers from Hobby Lobby from the limbs. It looks really adorable and I was so pleased with how it turned out.

I have a thing for branches. I love love love how they look inside a house. I love repurposing something that most people look at as trash and work into my home decor style. Branches are part of my style. I could have a whole Pinterest page just dedicated with branch decor.

My box + branches...this has been used in every house for the past 8 years! My husband always makes me throw away the branches when we move...but then I always make him go hunt for some new ones when we arrive at our new house. He loves that.

Nothing is more homey to me than a branch wreath. Love the simplicity of it.

So that’s a little snapshot of “my style”! Whatcha think?

Tropical storm Lee is putting a damper on our getaway to the beach, but we are safe and keeping dry, so I have not place to complain. We managed to get out of the house today and went to lunch about 30 minutes away from where we are staying. Just as we are entering the restaurant, Evyn informs me she has to “make some waters”. That means she’s gotta go peepee, folks. Of course I scooped her up as quickly as I could and checked out the surroundings for the nearest potty. But it was too late. I knew immediately when I picked her up that she had in fact already, “made the waters”. Sigh.

Of course she was wearing a one piece number so there was no way to just replace the bottoms and get on with life. And, of course I didn’t have another outfit for her in the car. AND, of course I didn’t have ANY clothing in the car, period. All I had was scarf. Mimi and I looked in a few stores for a kid size t-shirt, but with no luck. The scarf was going to have to do. A few twists and a tie and, “tada” you have yourself a little sari dress…

As I carried Evyn into the restaurant to meet up with the rest of the family I wanted to bust out laughing, but didn’t want her to feel self conscience. She looked hilarious…and absolutely beautiful all at the same time. She has that essence (and confidence!) about her that she can literally put on ANYTHING and look gorgeous. Even her mom’s scarf!

That was my Monday Macgyger Moment…

We had so much fun celebrating Nash’s 4th birthday! I can not believe what a big guy he has become this past year. So many great milestones! Each day he become more and more like a little man. He is amazing and so full of life, silliness, joy, and passion!!

Here are a few pics from Nash’s little Birthday Bash…

decorating and getting ready for the party!

The girls being silly and awaiting the arrival of our little guests...

Nash is still not a fan of being the center of attention in a crowd...so "Happy Birthday" song is probably his least favorite part of a party. Poor guy wanted to run and hide in his room. I even had to blow out his candles for him.

Instead of a traditional cake, we did "decorate your own brownie". The kids loved it! The parents all thanked me for giving their kids an overdose of sugar at 10am!

The big birthday surprise...Nash's first big boy bike!!! He was beyond thrilled!!!

One more picture of Nash from our family celebration earlier in the week. Again, not enjoying the "Happy Birthday" song...but a chocolate lava brownie and a new favorite toy: magnifying glass, makes it tolerable.

It’s a happy day! Meyer is crawling all over the place! Scoot baby scoot! 

Everyone is very happy and giving Meyer lots of encouragement…

She’s such a sweetie pie! Before I know it she will be getting teeth and then off to college! Soaking in and enjoying these precious moments!

Bad hair day, that is. Nah, Evyn just decided to do her own hair and thought it looked pretty good. She is a princess afterall…or so she reminds me daily! I have to agree.

Four years ago today, Bryson and I began our greatest and most ambitious adventure: PARENTING. Little did we know it would be the most amazing, challenging, exciting, exhausting, rewarding, incredible, and humbling experience of our lives.Nash Allen Vogeltanz, you made us parents and better people! Oh how we love and adore you.

Happy birthday to our precious firstborn!

For a girl who loves to travel ’round the globe, this video makes me SMILE!!

What does a trip around the world look like in 1 minute? Check out this video and see for yourself! 3 guys traveled around the globe and creatively pieced together their adventure into this 1 minute video. Awesome!

If you could hop on a plane anywhere, where would you go today?

Is it just me, or does our sweet little butter bean (Meyer, that is!) look a little like her mama? Yep, that’s me and my older sister and brother when I was about 10 months old. What do you think?

I am a “remember-er”. I love to reminisce. I like to think about how far we have come and dream about where we will go. I’m the same when it comes to my children. I love to retell stories about them when they were ity bity. I like to look back at old pictures and see how much they have changed. I love celebrating the past because it serves as fuel and a catalyst for the future.

I snapped a picture of Evyn the other day and instantly I was transported back almost 2 years ago when I first saw her picture on my computer screen when she was referred to us. She stood there with her little bubble gum tongue poking through her lips and she looked exactly like I remembered her looking the first time I laid eyes on her. It made me laugh outloud. I couldn’t help to see in the moment how far we have come! I am overwhelmed by how much the Lord has done in my heart, in our family, and in our little girl over the past year and half of having her home and in our arms. I want to celebrate that and PRAISE GOD for His faithfulness.

I am madly in love with my daughter and can not even imagine our family without her in it! She and I have bonded to a new level in the past 6 months. It has been amazing! I can’t even put words around it, but I am so grateful for the work the Lord has done to continue to unite her heart and mine. She is such a sweetheart and I am seeing such kindness coming from her heart. She is still a firecracker….passionate and opinionated, but I love that about her and I’m amazed as I watch her learning (as much as a 2 year old can) to work through her emotions. It is precious! And she has such a sense of humor!! I am just so encouraged today and want to celebrate all God has done! Can’t wait to see what He will do next…

How has God provided for you in the past year? Take a moment to celebrate and remember, for He is faithful!  

Guilty. I admit it. I’m a Justin Bieber fan. Don’t judge. You know you’ve found yourself humming along to his addicting poppy tunes. Two months ago I didn’t even know who the kid was really. Sure, I had heard his name and seen some stuff about him, but wasn’t overly impressed. But then it happened. It happened when Netflix delivered “Never Say Never” to our doorstep and within the first 15 minutes we were wooed by the adorable Justin Bieber. (Why “Never Say Never” came to our house, is another story in itself!). We have the fever. Yes, even Bryson. I guess we are what you call, Beliebers! This is ridiculous, I know that. But have you seen the movie?? It’s adorable. I love this kid’s heart! (Or at least how they portray him in the movie.) I love his mom and her passion for Jesus and love for her son. Mostly I love how Justin openly talks about his love Jesus. He seems genuine and authentic. Granted, Justin is a 17-year old kid who is bound to make tons of mistakes for the entire world to see and criticize (Example A: slow down on your relationship with Selena Gomez, Romeo!), but I hope that as becomes an adult, he will continue to grow in his walk with Christ. What an incredible platform he has to stand on and share Truth! Just this morning I came across this article about Justin’s faith and how during an acceptance speech at the Teen Choice Awards He told the audience that  ”Jesus loves everyone of you”….it’s an interesting read if you are a “belieber” or just curious about this pop culture phenomenom. Check it out:

JUSTINBIEBER ARTICLE

That’s your pop culture lesson for the day, class. Don’t hold it against me if you can’t stand the kid. Just keeping it real!  

Nash’s birthday is just around the corner (he is currently asking for a pirate + bike + pirate themed birthday party…not sure how to pull that one off?!), but before we can move forward in celebrating his B’day I found a few pictures from Evyn’s birthday celebration in June with her Mimi and Pop Pop that I forgot to post, so…here ya go…

Come on Daddy, it's present time!!!!

Um, I'm not so sure about this?!

Mimi and Pop Pop...Oh how we love thee!

Oh, this IS fun afterall!! So much better out of the box! And look...she's SMILING and I caught it on film!!!! That's my girl!!

Party foul. Water in the face.

Pops to the rescue. They adore each other...and share the same birthday!!

Cake!

Happy Birthday (again!) Evyn Olivia!

Growing up my mom made many of the dresses my sisters and I wore. It was a treat when my grandmother would take us shopping and buy us a “store bought dress” as I called them. I know I sound like I grew up in the early 1900′s but I’m talking the mid 80′s, people! Easter dresses (some may or may not have had pantalooms! what?!) to PROM dresses, my mom made them all. My sweet mom would try to get us girls to help her cut out the patterns and watch as she pieced the dresses together, but I was never interested in paying attention or learning the trade. Oh, if I could go back in time and PAY ATTENTION! I wish I could sew! I’m a smart girl and I like to think I am crafty, so I could probably figure out a pattern, but it honestly overwhelms me and if it’s true that “time is money”….I think I should just let someone else who feels called to sew, sew. ANYWAY, when my mom was down for a visit I was telling her about the adorable southern simple dresses all the little girls wear and look what she whipped up for my little beauties…

Adorable, right!? Homemade dresses for my girls now top my list of FAVORITE things! Evyn was in a sweet mood and felt super pretty in her dress so she humored me with a few photos…

"enough with the pictures mom."

The dresses turned out SEW cute (ha!), I am inspired to give it a go myself and make a few more dresses for the girls! I’ll keep you posted on how it turns out! (or if it doesn’t turn out. Now, that would make a good blog post!)

School is starting already? Seriously?! Remember the days when summer was three months long and you didn’t even think about going back to school until the first week of September!? How the times have changed! Sorry kids, you are so missing out on the good old days of summer.  I’m grateful my littles have a few more years before they spread their wings and fly off to school, but the kids of Atlanta will be starting back bright and early on Monday morning. Our church collected/donated more than 500 backpacks filled with school supplies for the neighborhood school. Today, families from the neighborhood were invited to stop by the church and pick a backpack. It was such a fun and tangible way to serve the community! We loved getting to meet our beautiful neighbors! Nash and Evyn enjoyed hanging out at church all morning, meeting the people, and helping “organize” the backpacks. And I LOVED having my kids be a part of helping and serving. I so want it to be weaved into who they are…that GIVING, LOVING, + SERVING is part of life. It is a joy. It’s an honor. It’s fun. It’s who they are because of who Christ is.

"The Container" where all the backpacks were piled to pass out to kids!

Nash was too excited to stand still for a pic!! He was dancing like that all morning!