This place matters to me.  Really, from the day I nervously wrote my first post, nearly two years ago, I have made it a priority to come here and just talk.  This venue has opened up my world in ways I never would have imagined when my Chatter began.  Certainly, I am not one of […]

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  • The Ohiyohs - March 26, 2012 - 12:23 pm

    Summer,
    Kendra mentioned your blog in an email. I enjoy reading your thoughts, but I love looking at the pictures. I remember you saying that you learning to take pictures too. Did you read a book/take a class or anything structured like? Or do you just snap away? I have a nice camera, but haven't taken the time to learn how to really use it. I would appreciate any suggestions. (It is a Nikon digital SLR.) Thanks… and keep blogging.
    -Erin (Ediger) Yoh… from Bluffton 🙂ReplyCancel

  • ally, zane, avery and nola - March 26, 2012 - 12:27 pm

    oh man. that quote. i need to blow it up, print it out and slap it on every wall in my house lately!

    🙂 thank you.ReplyCancel

  • Sassytimes - March 26, 2012 - 2:11 pm

    What a great reminder for a Monday. I need that quote following me around sometimes. Okay, all the time. 😉ReplyCancel

  • Marcie - March 27, 2012 - 12:39 am

    "Because really, I want these memories captured in more than photographs. I want them captured in my heart." Well said. Such a good thought for this day of craziness for me. I appreciate your words. Thank you.ReplyCancel

  • lisa - March 29, 2012 - 6:38 pm

    Just love how you convey all my thoughts with your words…

    LOVE the photo of Meadow standing in that cute yellow jumper!!! 🙂
    Just wanna snuggle her! Great shots- as always! 🙂

    I am printing out this quote…
    just perfect.ReplyCancel

 Once again, Story People say it much better than I ever could. . . Some days I wonder how my kids will turn out, but most of the time I’m just figuring out how to survive them right now.  -Story People Hang with me, okay?  I shall return next week.

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  • Sassytimes - March 23, 2012 - 8:03 pm

    Oh, friend…I get it. My goal each day is to survive. So far, so good.

    Hang in there and enjoy your weekend!ReplyCancel

  • Adopted Aunt - March 23, 2012 - 9:38 pm

    No worries, we are all just trying to survive most days! No matter the age we are! I just miss your beautiful thought provoking words! Is Chanelles hair short or pulled backReplyCancel

. . . to be quiet. The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God.  Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, […]

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  • Kat - March 21, 2012 - 4:09 pm

    what a perfect quote! needed that 🙂 and gorgeous pic.ReplyCancel

  • Sassytimes - March 22, 2012 - 1:29 pm

    Love that photo.ReplyCancel

  • lisa - March 23, 2012 - 1:37 pm

    you are AMAZING!! great job photographer!! 🙂ReplyCancel

You can’t plan nights like tonight.  You could try, but it just wouldn’t have the same feel.  I was just finishing the last of the dinner dishes and preparing to issue my nightly okay-kids-time-to-clean-up-living-room-get-p.j.’s-on-brush-teeth-and-go-to-bed instructions when I heard the ding, ding, ding of a text message.  I looked down at my phone and saw a […]

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  • Adopted Aunt - March 20, 2012 - 9:43 pm

    Proud of you!! for just letting the moment take place!! So often I think those are the perfect memories, not the ones, I plan and plan and they don't quite fit what I wanted but the ones that I just let happen:) Love the Joy on their faces. Should have had Meadow's feet in the water:)

    Great worm Mom!!!!ReplyCancel

  • kate • one more thing - March 21, 2012 - 1:14 pm

    So much fun!

    I can completely relate to how easy it is and almost instinctive to just say "no – it's time for bed" instead of giving in.

    I need to give in more. Thank you for the inspiration this morning… I needed it!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - March 22, 2012 - 1:47 am

    Wow…how beautiful! Those are some precious moments you, Charlie, and Chanelle will remember. The rainbow is breath-taking! Thanks for the reminder to "stop and smell the roses!"
    Love – MarieReplyCancel

  • Marcie - March 25, 2012 - 5:30 pm

    Spontneous – something I wish I was a bit more. The few times I let my hair down and just go with it,such great memories are made. Thanks for the reminder, and for the pictures.ReplyCancel

Not long ago a friend asked me, how long do you spend writing your blog posts?  Fifteen minutes?  Ouch.  Um, well.  Not quite fifteen minutes. . . I attempted to avoid the question because, truthfully, I spend way longer than that.  Way, way longer.  In all honesty, on most nights I’m not sure what I’m […]

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  • Sassytimes - March 16, 2012 - 1:41 pm

    "God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers"

    We all have a plan…we think we 'know' what it is, but more often than not, it's something completely opposite. And yet, just as special.

    You were meant to be a mom…and an amazing inspirational writer.ReplyCancel

  • Adopted Aunt - March 16, 2012 - 3:06 pm

    I love your words and pics. Yes, what we may think we want or need may not be what God has in mind for us. And his way is always better. So glad you are not looking at the mountains but the ducks instead! Your family is a blessing to many.ReplyCancel

  • Ky • twopretzels.com - March 19, 2012 - 10:16 pm

    I grinned the entire time I read this.

    I get it.

    "Ten years later, I see the mountains of Colorado have nothing on the ducks of Ohio. "

    Awesome.ReplyCancel

  • Yes Jesus Loves me - March 22, 2012 - 1:19 am

    Beautiful as usual. 🙂ReplyCancel

  • jackie - July 9, 2014 - 3:05 pm

    Summer I am so glad that your ten year plan was not the plan that God had planned for your family:) It is wonderful to have you all here:) This is really silly but where is that fav spot?ReplyCancel