update on work and Christmas

I only have a couple of orders left to send out, and I have about 8 more dvd slideshows to make for clients. Then...walah I will be done. The light is getting brighter. Soon I hope to work on my Jesus mission. I must get the Christmas pics photographed. I hope tomorrow works for that. I'll have to see. All in God's time.
I'm looking forward to going to the Holton Adult Foster Care Home on Christmas. Jerry and I do this each year, and it is such a treat for us. They appreciate any love, attention or gifts they get. What a joy to be with brothers and sisters like that. I made a slide show of last years christmas party for them to watch. I know they will be so excited to see themselves on tv. Then we will pass out gifts, and sing some songs, eat some goodies, and visit for a while. That is when Christmas is most real to me. How about any of you? When is Christmas most real for you?

HO!HO!HO! It's Snow, Snow SNOW!

This is our picnic table!

This is our table yesterday... It's fun watching it grow...and I mean grow...I cana't wait to show you all the snow from today and tonite...I'll try to take a few more pics in the morning and post them. Ahhhh to be a kid again!

I can't remember a time when I saw so much snow! Here are a few pics from yesterday. I will be taking more tomorrow morning. We got quite a bit more snow today, and tonite. Just heard a weather report that said expect another snow storm with about 5-10inches of additional snow. it must be getting close to 4 feet!! Pure amazement and beauty!

Ready, Set.....

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Zion crawling!

Man that little guy can move now. Have to watch him all the time, when he is set down on the floor!! He is such a joy to watch grow up. I love to hear him laugh, he is very ticklish around the neck area. Today opa and I picked up a crib, mattress, highchair, crib sheets, security blanky, &winnie the pooh mobile for his crib. He has needed a crib for a while now, and I'm so happy to know he has one now. We got a great deal on the crib through Craigs list. I love that site!
Jerry had his colonoscopy this morning...he went through the experience like a champ. The worse part was the I.V. I thank God this is over now.. Although I'm sure we will hear more butt jokes. The Dr. found a small polyp that he will be testing...results we be found out within a few weeks.

Time to decorate the tree

We started decorating the tree, and in no time Zion fell asleep. We are sure he was dreaming of sugar plums... Much like his daddy, he just wasn't into the whole tree decorating thing.

I asked Jerry to take this picture WHILE we were putting on the ornaments. It's posed can you tell? I just wanted an action shot.

Amanda and Claudia making memories!

Here it is less than a week away from Christmas and I decide it's finally time to decorate the tree. Jerry and I set up the tree a few days ago and put lites on..and decorated the house a bit. Tonite, Amanda and I hung the decorations. Josh went to his home (basement) to play his favorite computer game...while Jerry played his comp. game too in his little cubby in the living room. Amanda and I had some good laughs, and I was able to share some memories of the ornaments on the tree that the kids made. It was fun going back in time for a visit. I really loved being a mom. (still do.) And now the joy of being OMA is awesome!

Here are a few pics of Amanda, Zion and I decorating the tree.

Can't sleep

I felt Jesus calling me to the sofa to spend some special time with Him. (I got out of bed in the middle of the night) I began reading in the book of Luke. His Word makes my heart pound quickly. While reading it tonite I felt like I was looking for a lost treasure. Each word just etched into my heart. I love Jesus so much, and have so much to learn! I felt so empowered after reading tonite (morning) I just want to tell everyone the Good News! I think I would even share with Buddy if he were sitting here with me. I am so amazed that He really loves me, it is so very hard for me to take that in. He chose to forgive humankind while they were yet sinners! He chose us! He loves this sinner. WHOA!! How can I hold this wonderful truth inside? Why would I even try. I can't wait for Friday. The Lord willing I will be starting the mission I believe God has called me to. I will talk more on that at a later time. Lets just say that I really feel like doing this will bring Glory to God, and since we are called to glorify Him...
I'm all for that! Gotta get some sleep for now. God Loves You...if you question that check out the Bible, and spend some time in prayer.

Luke 10:41-42
Martha, Martha, the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

The count down

Only a few weeks before I put my professional season of life behind me. Soon I will be a full time mom (to Buddy) and a bit for Josh and Amanda even though they are married. I love cooking meals for them. They don't seem to mind this either...go figure. I'm so glad that I have been granted time with Joshua. I have prayed many years for what I am experiencing now with him. I still pinch myself. I love him so much and I see the work of God and medicine in him. Never give up hope. I am a firm believer in tough love, and prayer. Our prodical is back. He is an amazing young man. I'll also be available for my other children, grandchildren, family, friends, and God. I miss them all!

Today we will be heading out to my sister Liz's home in Lowell. I can't wait to get together with family. I could cry right now just thinking of it. I miss everyone so much. In order for me to feel balanced I need to be a part of their lives. I love the laughter, conversation, and love that fills the room when we are all together. I still wish my dad could be here. There is a hole he left behind, but I also see so much of him in each of us. Different qualities surface. Hans has dad's laugh and temper. Mike has dad's compassion, and enjoyment of family, Fred has dad's walk,
Caroline has dad's responsibility, I have my dad's goofiness, and Liz carries dad's love for sports, and discipline. (of course all the boys do too) The thing my dad taught us the most was dedication. He loved his family and at any cost, emotionally, or financially he kept us together. He loved and feared God...He was a strong man and a gentleman. He taught me how to ride the storms of life. When ever I was struggling he always had a way of making my problems seem small. Sometimes he didn't say a thing after I would share stuff with him...even in his silence there was instruction. Even to this day when I feel sorry for myself I sometimes reflect back on how my dad raised 6 kids. I don't remember him ever feeling sorry for himself. He just loved us. I miss cutting his hair, and fingernails and toenails. I would also give him back massages. He loved that!!! I'm sure he did looking back at it now. Touch is so important for all of us. And my love language is touch. (I would probably emotionally die with out it.) I'm so glad I have a husband who loves to hug me anytime anywhere. Well, in memory of my dad...I am so grateful for a father who loved me, cared for me, and was always available for me. Thanks to God for awesome papa's!

One more order done

Yes...One more photo order is done. That leaves me with 22 I think. Should be done by Christmas. I think of the all the time. I am daring to dream again. I love it.
I just ate 2 cheese sandwiches, and felt like I ate nothing. This feels like a dangerous eating evening. I best stay away from the kitchen. DANGER! DANGER! I better take some time to be with God to see what is eating away at me.
These next few days I have nothing in my books but artwork, so I'm hoping to get a lot done...
I'm looking forward to spending time with Charly & Aydan this weekend. Only 4 days away. I miss them so much. I also miss Luke and Gavin! Please pray for Gavin, Ashley and Cody. Still have not heard from Ashley. (several months) Also pray for my poor memory. I think both positive stress and neg stress can take a toll on your memory. Regardless, this really bothers me. An example is that I took my rings off to clean them, and couldn't remember which hand my diamond went on. (So I just guessed) Later a friend at church pointed out to me that my wedding ring was on the wrong finger. ) It's that kind of stuff.
Well, I'm going to get a little more work done, then off to bed. Take a moment to pray for at least one person right now. Nothing more powerful we can do with our time. Pray for the lost.

Blueberries

On Mark Unrath's birthday we went to South Haven, and we were looking at some pictures, he commented on wishing he had a picture of blueberries, after we saw one. So I thought, "Oh that could be fun to do." So here are a few a took this summer. His friend makes blueberry wine, that's why I put some in a wine glass. These are low res..if anyone especially Mark wants one, then I will send you a higher resolution.

Smile if you like potato salad!

YUMMM... There is just something about potato salad that makes me feel happy. This is the kind the I had growing up. Maybe it's the associated memories. I made this for Ryan's Grad party.

One Proud Opa

I love this picture! Nothing in this world compares to being an Opa and Oma. This is Zion at almost 4 months. He can already sit up...a bit wobbly but he does it. He is so alert and loves to smile and loves to snuggle. Thank you Lord for our Grandchildren!

Some favs from a photo session

This senior is planning on going into youth ministry. His name is Chris. Please pray for him and his calling. He was a riot to photograph! I really liked his pics.

Josh and Amanda getting married!

November 28th is the big day for Josh and Amanda. The day after Thanksgiving. It will be a busy time filled with family! YES! Mindy's at Thankgsgiving...next day Wedding. Life is good!

I am so happy for them. I really think they will have a great marriage. I love spending time with them. Amanda is a beautiful compliment to our family. She is spunky, funny, loving...everything I would love to have if I were able to hand pick a daughter. I don't think of her as a daughter in-law...but rather a daughter. She's cemented in my heart. I still laugh when I remember how I used to feel about her. I won't let you know more than that, lets just say we are all just growing and learning. I am soooo blessed!

Predictable life

Tomorrow is my last photo shoot. I have many mixed emotions about this. I have been so exhausted from all the hours of work, and thought that by the time I do my last shoot I would be jumping for joy. I guess it's just now hitting me that this chapter (book) in my life will soon be over. Selleck Photography is done. It has been such a predictable part of my life. When people would ask what are you doing this week? I'd respond..."Working" This Month...Working! This year Working! Long hours...16 hour days. I wake up grab a cup of coffee, turn on my computer, begin to work..then a few hours into the morning I hop in the shower..then set up studio, photograph the senior, come back download images, crop, color correct and delete images...go to bed. Wake up and it's the same thing...... I still have about 2 months of artwork left. But at least my shooting time is done. My goal is to be done by Christmas. It's so hard for me to imagine having a life, because as I've said earlier...my life is pretty predictable.
My life has been pretty safe and uneventful in this career I've built around myself. What I mean by safe is...not a lot of conflicts. When you don't communicate with people your chances of conflict are greatly decreased. I like that part of my life. I hate conflict, and yet at the same time I speak my mind. Go figure. And what I mean about uneventful is that I do the same thing every day.
A few weeks ago when I went to my holton home on Sunday, it felt sooo good. I visited several people and had a wonderful time. I'd like to talk about my time with Walt. Walt is a man from our community, his son goes to our church...Walt is Catholic, and about 80-85 years old. I have permission to just walk in anytime and visit. Walt's wife died last year. I got to visit margaret a few times before she went to be with the Lord. What a beautiful person. I gave her foot rubs and sang hymns to her while her spirit was preparing for departure. What a spiritual experience that was. So glad I was able to meet her on this side of Heaven, and look forward to seeing her again. Well, when I went to Walts home, we had a bit of small talk and then he shared with me how much he missed going to the cemetary to visit margarets grave site, and that his son told him that she really isn't there, and that her spirit is in heaven. I then proceded to ask him if he wanted to go right now...that is unless he has something better to do. His face said it all. So off we went. I kidnapped Walt from his home. I informed his son that I had him and we were going to the cemetary. All was fine with him, so off we went. We got to the cemetary, and neither Walt or I could remember where her plot was. We drove around in about 5 or 6 circles. I then called Mike, Walt's son for directions, and he led us there verbally. I stopped my van in front of her plot. At this time we were experiencing hail, thunder and lightning. I put Walt's window down so he could look out the window and see his wife stone. I then went to the grave stone and cleaned off all the leaves and noticed that someone left 2 (ceramic?)cardinals next to the stone. (Margaret loved cardinals) One of the cardinals had been blown away and over, so I picked it up and moved it back to the other cardinal . Walt just
watched. I then went to his window and took his hands and we prayed. I said when he was ready we could go. He sat there a minute, and then said he was ready, and that next time when we go he'll remember where her plot was. I then asked him if he was hungry. He said he sure was but that he forgot his pocketbook. I said, "That's ok..this ones on me, you get the next one." We went to the Feedmill, and had soup and crackers. We had a great time together. I know that I was so much more blessed than he was. God has given me a heart for Walt. I love laughing with him, talking with him, hearing stories of his childhood, etc... I thank the Lord for Walt.
When I think of being done with work...I think of all the unpredictable things I can do. Jerry calls me a butterfly...and thinks I need to stay very flexible to do what God calls me to do daily. I agree. I love to walk in the Spirit. There is so much adventure there. It's still hard for me to imagine a life like that. I've worked since I was 13, and raised 5 kids...I'm now facing a door that says, "Be free to fly my daughter...Love God" OOOOH the thought of that brings tears to my eyes. Freedom to be with our kids/grandkids.. family...friends...church... Off to bed for now, God Bless anyone reading this.

Great time with Mindy and Luke

We haven't seen the Richmonds in a very long time. Mindy called and suggested we meet half way for a visit. because so much time has gone by since our last visit. So we met at Krispy Kreme. How convenient. I had a pumpkin spice, and a great cup of coffee. While eating our donuts, Opa and Lukester had a great time playing a peek-a-boo game. Opa would turn his head away from Lukester then quickly turn toward him and make a silly face. I wish I had his laugh on audio. It was absolutely adorable! The pictures indicates the fun time they had. After sharing donuts together, we went to the mall. I took Luke for a walk, and suggested that Mindy and her dad go spend some time together. I know how important that relationship is. I wish I still had my dad here to talk to, and to laugh with. He provided so much love to me. I know he's in heaven basking in God's Glory. I just miss him. It was my dad's birthday when we spent time with Mindy and Luke. Great way to spend it. After the mall, we went to Meijer...picked up a few needed items, then we parted our ways with hugs and a few tears. All in all, we enjoyed our time together, and the Lord willing much more time ahead.

Ayden is here!

I'm so excited to announce Ayden Micheal Unrath is born. He is so beautiful! And Mama and

daddy are doing great. Check out some of these pics!