Psalm 32:8

When Tyler was three, I started learning the value of teaching him to memorize scripture.  I could go on and on about what an amazing gift this practice has been ... for me!

Of course, it is for him in the long run because it will equip his mind and heart with lifelong truth (the young mind never forgets words planted in it so early on).   But for me, it has helped me to memorize verses too which I had never done before.  It also has been a huge parenting help for me (we use the fruits of the spirit to help Tyler decide if his choices are in line with God's).

If you have ever had the inclination to teach your children verses, please try it!  They learn them so quickly, and they take pride in it.

I decided to teach Gavin his first one now that he is two.  It is the most darling thing.  It's really hard to understand him, but you can sure get the gist of it :).

"I will teach you the way you should go."  Psalm 32:8

Don't think the video works on iPhones ... only computers.  

But OH those summer nights

I LOVE summer.

I can't get enough of it.  I love fall for the air crispness and the decor (for those of you who know me .. FALL FAIRY, :) yay).  Other than Christmas, I pretty much hate winter.  I like the idea of spring, but the reality of that season in Portland is really just rain, drear, and teasers until the sun finally comes out after July 4.

But summer.  Oh summer!!!  You are warm, you are bright, you are fun.  Having kids has made me love you even more.  We can eat outside, make messes outside, run outside, and so much more.

What has made this summer even better is all of the water!  We joined Club Sport in April and have NEVER LOOKED BACK.  The club is amazing.  The workout classes kick even these P90X 1&2 grads' tooshies.  The childcare is wonderful.  The free valet parking is so convenient.  Most importantly, the amenities make even just a normal trip to the gym make you feel like you are on vacation.  We have used the pool a ton when we have been in town.  I know that this winter is going to be so much more bearable just because we have the club as a refuge from the rain.  I can sweat during a workout and then go in the spa or sauna.  Workout + spa/sauna + kids world = 2 hours a day of mommy being WARM instead of freezing, which I really think will do wonders for a cold soul.

That's a tangent.  Sorry.  I promise I don't get paid for plugging the club; I just seriously love it.  Anyhow, we have done so much swimming this summer that my kids are sprouting gils.  It's what I remember about summer as a kid ... getting in the pool as soon as the sun was starting to warm up the air and staying in until the last ray of light.

This summer, we have swam at the club, at Black Butte Ranch, at Juniper Aquatic Center in Bend, Prineville Reservoir, and in Flathead lake in Montana.  Vacation or home, my kids just adore water, and we have had the very best summer with a pinnacle of cute wet kiddos huddled in towels to the very end of the the days warmth (one more slide PLEASE mommy!).

We took SOOOOOOOOOOooooooo many photos on vacation (and none at the club, which is funny because we were there the most).  Anyhow, we took so many that I only feel like I can post one sect.  Here are some Black Butte pool pics.

Happy end-of-summer!!!

I'm not a huge fan of aviators, but I really love making fun faces in them :-)  Here's a fun edit-job to play up the photographer.

This was HILARIOUS!!!!!!  Mike's legs + Kayla's upper half = So many laughs!!! We could not get enough!!!!

Chad & Kristin

Kristin asked me to help her take a photo for her Save the Date announcement.  She didn't have the budget to pay for professional photos, and her expectations were super low (she just wanted one good photo), so I agreed to do it.

Normally, I will never take photos for people because I don't like the pressure of someone else wanting my photography to look good.  I love the art of photography and know what I like, but it is so subjective.  My goal in becoming better with my camera is to even more clearly capture the beauty I see in my own life ... I would never ever ever ever ever want to do it professionally.   I am a nurse, that is my true calling.  But, since I have never been much of a successful crafter, photography has become a quality way for me to express what little artistic creativity I have and document my family's lives.

Since Kristin is basically family, I agreed to do my best.  Even still, so much pressure, eek.  I'm thankful that we got some cute shots, and she is really pleased with them.  AGAIN ... please please please don't compare these to ANYTHING professional ... the goal was just to snap a photo for the Save the Date ;).  We definitely achieved that.

Aren't they the most beautiful couple!?!   I absolutely can't wait to go to their wedding in Puerta Vallarta next May!  Congratulations Chad & Kristin!!!

Here are several of my favorites.
~ Jessica

PS ... it was so sweet to watch Kristin look at all of her photos for the first time because she kept saying how handsome Chad is.  I loved it.  Chad, you are one lucky guy!

We had fun being a little silly :)